Locking and sealing connector

A coaxial cable connector includes a forward outer housing having at least one slot and a rearward threaded portion, the at least one slot configured to receive a corresponding pin of a mating connector; a rear outer housing having a forward threaded portion configured to threadingly engage the rearward threaded portion of the forward outer housing such that the rear outer housing is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the forward outer housing; and an inner body extending through at least a portion of the forward outer housing and the rear outer housing. The inner body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the first position, and the inner body is longitudinally fixed relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the second position.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to termination assemblies for splicing together coaxial cables, and more particularly, to novel and improved BNC connectors which can be utilized for standard as well as high-frequency applications, such as, security cameras to minimize return losses. In some embodiments, the novel and improved BNC connectors are conformable for use under adverse weather conditions while at the same time achieving reduction in return losses.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising a forward outer housing comprising at least one slot and a rearward threaded portion, the at least one slot configured to receive a corresponding pin of a mating connector; a rear outer housing comprising a forward threaded portion configured to threadingly engage the rearward threaded portion of the forward outer housing such that the rear outer housing is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the forward outer housing; and an inner body extending through at least a portion of the forward outer housing and the rear outer housing; wherein the inner body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the first position and wherein the inner body is longitudinally fixed relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the second position.

Another embodiment relates to a coaxial cable connector comprising a forward outer housing comprising a rearward portion; a rear outer housing comprising a forward portion configured to engage the rearward portion of the forward outer housing such that the rear outer housing is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the forward outer housing; an inner body extending through at least a portion of the forward outer housing and the rear outer housing; and a biasing member disposed between the inner body portion and at least one of the forward and rear outer housing members, wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force tending to force the forward outer housing member rearward relative to the inner body portion; wherein the inner body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the first position and wherein the inner body is longitudinally fixed relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the second position.

Another embodiment relates to a BNC style coaxial cable connector comprising a forward outer housing comprising at least one slot and a rearward portion, the at least one slot configured to receive a corresponding pin on a mating connector; a rear outer housing comprising a forward portion configured to engage the rearward portion of the forward outer housing such that the rear outer housing is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the forward outer housing; an inner body extending through at least a portion of the forward outer housing and the rear outer housing; a first resilient sealing member disposed between the rear outer housing and the inner body; and a second resilient sealing member disposed between the front outer housing and the inner body and configured to engage a forward portion of the mating connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a conventional BNC/RGB socket end connector assembly for splicing together mini-coaxial cables C and C′ by use of standard female and male socket extensions M and M′ of a BNC connector N. The connector N includes a barrel B with the bayonet pins P1and P2slidable into the socket portion M′, the latter having a pair of bayonet slots S1and S2. A spring housing46for a compression spring48, which is disposed between end stops31, is mounted in outer spaced surrounding relation to an inner body or ferrule43. Also, an extension43′ of ferrule43surrounds an internal guide or pin carrier40having a tapered central opening41for insertion of the extension tip36of a center conductor20of the cable C.

Each of the coaxial cables C and C′ is correspondingly comprised of a center conductor20which is surrounded by a dielectric insulator22of an electrically non-conductive material, a braided conductor layer24, and an outer jacket26of an electrically non-conductive material. The end of each cable C or C′ is further prepared for assembly by removing a limited length of the outer jacket26and braided conductor24, and another limited length of the insulator layer22is removed to expose an end of center conductor20along with a foil layer, not shown, surrounding center conductor20. The braided conductor layer24is peeled back and away from the insulator22and doubled over to cover the leading end of the jacket26preliminary to insertion of center conductor20into the socket end34.

The cable C′ and its socket end34are inserted into a connector body at the end of the female socket M, and a crimping ring12is advanced over the inner and outer connector sleeves to crimp the end of the cable C′ into position with the leading socket end34extending through the inner insulation portion28to terminate just short of the guide40when the male and female connectors are mated. An outer mounting flange or clamp L is mounted on connector body10with a suitable compression tool, not shown. In a corresponding manner, the cable C at the opposite end is inserted into the opposite end of the male connector M′, and a crimping ring R is advanced over the outer sleeves30and32to crimp the end of cable C into position with the extension tip36extending into the socket end34when the male and female connectors are mated.

The termination assembly ofFIG. 1is illustrated and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,079 issued Feb. 5, 2008 and entitled “Mini-Coaxial Cable Splice Connector Assemblies and Wall Mount Installation Tool Therefor” to Holliday, et al. Another illustrative BNC connector assembly is set forth and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,583, issued Oct. 19, 2004 and entitled “Mini-Coax Cable Connector and Method of Installation” to Holliday, et al. Both of these patents are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Both patents disclose embodiments directed to maintaining proper alignment and centering of the cables C and C′ when advancing into position within a BNC connector, as well as a positive connection to avoid creating an impedance tending to downgrade the signal through the cable and connector. In some embodiments described below, a coaxial cable installation of the type described may be implemented to maintain accurate alignment between the cables in splicing the cables together and/or in resisting axial misalignment between the cables. Some embodiments may reduce unbalanced frequencies. Further embodiments may prevent shorting between the cable layers along with the conductive portions of the connector assembly.

In some embodiments, a connector is configured to squeeze together elements consisting of an end stop62, split ring64, compression spring68and a second end stop66against lateral or axial movement (see, e.g.,FIG. 5). In some embodiments, a connector is configured to lock a connector body extension10′ and an extension43′ as well as a socket end portion34and an extension tip36against lateral displacement (see, e.g.,FIG. 3). In some embodiments, a connector is configured to lock pins P1, P2axially with respect to slots51, S2(see, e.g.,FIG. 5). In further embodiments, a BNC male connector minimizes end play between internal components and particularly between the conductive members being spliced together. In yet further embodiments, a predetermined gap is established between certain internal components, such as the dielectric layer of the cable and insulator for the conductor pin.

Referring toFIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment, a male BNC connector50includes a forward outer housing52(e.g. a ferrule, etc.) and a rear outer housing58that engages forward outer housing52(e.g., by way of a threaded engagement). An inner body43(e.g., a casing, etc.) extends within at least a portion of forward outer housing52and rear outer housing58. An internal guide or pin carrier40(e.g., a sleeve, disk, etc.) and a washer42are disposed within inner body43. Inner and outer sleeves30,32extend rearward relative to inner body43, and an extension tip36(which receives the cable center conductor) and extension tip guide38are slidable within inner sleeve30to move the cable and extension tip36to a fully seated position (see, e.g.,FIG. 3.) Forward outer housing52includes a pair of axially spaced external shoulders53,54on opposite ends of slots S1, S2. Extension tip guide38includes a forward portion74and a number of external fins or blades73.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a biasing element68(e.g., a coil spring, etc.) is disposed in an annular chamber60formed between inner body43and forward outer housing52. According to an exemplary embodiment, annular chamber60is further formed by forward and rear outer housings52,58and/or inner body43. Within annual chamber60, a first end stop62bears against an internal shoulder on forward outer housing52and is locked into position by a split ring or snap ring64. A second end stop66is positioned in axially spaced relation to end stop62and bears against an external shoulder45on inner body43. Biasing member68(e.g., compression spring) may be mounted under compression between snap ring64and end stop66so as to yieldingly resist threaded advancement of rear outer housing58toward external shoulder54of forward outer housing52until end59of rear outer housing58abuts shoulder45. In some embodiments, biasing element68provides a biasing force tending to force rear outer housing58rearward relative to inner body43.

Referring toFIGS. 2-5, an embodiment of a termination assembly is shown in which like parts to those ofFIG. 1are correspondingly enumerated. The termination assembly comprises BNC connector50. As best seen fromFIG. 3, the exposed end of center conductor20extends into extension tip36of the connector50, and extension tip33of the mating connector terminates just short of the end of a pin carrier40of connector50.

When the connectors are mated, socket end portion34receives extension tip36which projects axially from the leading end of center conductor20of cable C. The leading exposed end of center conductor20of cable C is housed within a guide or sleeve38which extends through washer42and adjacent disk40when cable C is fully seated. Disk40may be of electrically non-conductive material, and central bore41of disk40serves to guide extension tip36in centered relation through connector50when cable C is installed. In some embodiments, sleeve38terminates at a recessed opening at one end of the bore41to guide the sleeve38into centered relation to the connector50when the cable C is installed. The washer42and disk40are mounted in an inner body or cylindrical casing43having a thin-walled extension43′ Inner body43has circumferentially spaced elongated slots44at one end which enable close-fitting engagement between inner body43of connector50and the extension10′ of the mating connector. An end of inner body43has a shoulder16which is affixed to the inner and outer connector sleeves30and32for cable C (see, e.g.,FIG. 4).

In some embodiments, BNC connector50includes ferrule or forward outer housing52in outer surrounding relation to thin-walled extension43′ of inner body43, and axially spaced, external shoulders53and54at opposite ends of a pair of bayonet slots S1and S2on forward outer housing or ferrule52. In some embodiments, forward outer housing52includes an externally threaded thin-walled tubular member56that extends beyond or from shoulder54in outer spaced concentric relation to inner body or casing43. Tubular member56and rear outer housing58axially advance toward each other (e.g., via threading engagement) from the open position (e.g., a first position) shown inFIGS. 3 and 4into the closed position (e.g., a second position) shown inFIG. 5until rear outer housing58bears against external shoulder45of inner body or casing43. In some embodiments, in the open position, the end59of rear outer housing58abuts an external shoulder32′ at one end of the outer connector sleeve32(see, e.g.,FIGS. 4-5).

The function of threadedly adjustable rear outer housing58can be best appreciated by reference toFIG. 4. When rear outer housing58is loosened, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, mating connector body10and cable C′ are free to undergo lateral displacement or bending in response to a transverse force, such as, represented by the arrow F inFIG. 4. As a result, the socket end portion34of the mating connector which receives extension tip36of connector50will tend to spread or move out of axial alignment and distort the frequencies of the signals transmitted between cables C and C′. Accordingly, when tightened, as shown inFIG. 5, rear outer housing58is operative or configured to facilitate one or more of: squeezing together the elements consisting of the end stop62, split ring64, compression spring68and a second end stop66against lateral or axial movement; locking the connector body extension10′ and extension43′ as well as the socket end portion34and extension tip36against lateral displacement; locking pins P1, P2axially with respect to slots S1, S1; preventing lateral displacement between the thin-walled extension members10′ and43′; and controlling spacing between center guide38and dielectric22of cable C.

A second embodiment is illustrated inFIGS. 6-9wherein like parts to those ofFIGS. 2-5are correspondingly enumerated. In addition to the features outlined in the first embodiment, the second embodiment affords an effective means of sealing a precision BNC connector assembly to avoid exposure to moisture or foreign particles when used under adverse weather conditions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the termination assembly is comprised of a BNC connector70. The exposed end of center conductor20of cable C extends into extension tip36. Extension tip36extends through carrier sleeve38having external fins or blades73, and a leading end74of the carrier sleeve38is reduced to extend through washer42. Extension tip36continues through washer42and guide40.

In the second embodiment, BNC connector70includes a ferrule or forward outer housing72in outer surrounding relation to the extension43′ of the inner body43. In some embodiments, a metal sleeve76(e.g., a tube, cylinder, etc.) extends in press-fit or other secure relation over forward outer housing72, and a thin-walled outer sleeve or overmold78(e.g., a resilient or compressible member or layer, etc.) is provided (e.g., molded, etc.) over sleeve76with external shoulders80and82at opposite ends of the overmold78. In some embodiments, an annular end seal or washer84is affixed to shoulder80of overmold78to serve as a closure between the shoulder80and an external shoulder of a connector body of a mating connector (seeFIG. 8). A space or gap G at the end of connector70communicates with bayonet slots S1and S2in order to permit insertion of bayonet pins P1and P2into the mating connector slots S1and S2prior to attachment of seal84.

As best seen fromFIGS. 7 and 9, rear outer housing58includes a projection61at its free end facing overmold78. When rear outer housing58is in a closed or tightened position, projection61can advance beyond the threaded portions into engagement with shoulder82on the end of overmold78. Simultaneously, end wall58′ of rear outer housing58facing shoulder45advances into the closed position, as shown inFIG. 9, causing projection61to engage shoulder82of overmold78. According to an exemplary embodiment, when rear outer housing58is advanced into the closed position, end wall58′ will engage an O-ring86(e.g., a resilient member) which is adjacent shoulder45so as to make a sealed engagement at a first potential leak point at the juncture of the projection61and shoulder82. A second potential leak point is sealed at the seal86adjacent shoulder45. In further embodiments, another potential leak point is sealed off at the juncture of the end seal84, connector body10and overmold78.

A third embodiment of a termination assembly for use under adverse weather conditions is illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 14according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein like parts are correspondingly enumerated to those of the first embodiment. The components shown inFIGS. 10-14are constructed for use under adverse weather conditions. According to an exemplary embodiment, in addition to or instead of the overmold assembly of the second embodiment, an O-ring seal90(e.g., a resilient member, etc.) is inserted in a groove92between end stop62(e.g., an insulator, etc.) and the end of extension43′ of inner body43. Seal90is sized to engage extension wall10′ of a mating connector and become wedged firmly between the end of the extension wall10′ and extension43′ of inner body43when rear outer housing69is threaded into the closed position shown inFIG. 13. In this way, leak points are sealed off at opposite ends of spring housing60and seal90will effectively accomplish the same sealing ability as the overmold of the second embodiment. For example, any leakage through the entrance to the male socket end would be sealed off by O-ring90.

In some embodiments, an additional sealing member, shown as O-ring or seal79(e.g., a weather seal, a resilient member, etc.), may be provided. Seal79may be disposed on an outer surface of forward outer housing52rearward of shoulder54such that when rear outer housing58is moved to a closed position, seal79provides a seal at the junction between forward outer housing52and rear outer housing58. While seal79is shown as being an O-ring, any suitable seal may be utilized. In some embodiments, seal79may reside in an annular groove, or recess, formed in forward outer housing52.

FIG. 12illustrates in more detail the spacing or gap71between the dielectric22and facing end of center guide38which is another important factor in reducing return losses. For example, gap71may be established on the order of ⅛″ with the leading end of center conductor20being fully inserted into the end of the center guide38. Center guide38is designed with circumferentially spaced fins73which will compress center guide38around center conductor20and effectively wedge in place so as to maintain a constant gap71.

Referring toFIGS. 15-16, a BNC connector94is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Connector94may incorporate any of the features discussed herein with respect to the various BNC connectors illustrated inFIGS. 2-14. In one embodiment, a terminator96(e.g., cover, cap, dust protector, sealing member, etc.) may be coupled to connector94. According to an exemplary embodiment, terminator96is coupled to connector94via a lanyard98.

According to an exemplary embodiment, terminator96may be a generally cylindrical member having a body portion100, one or more pins102, and a textured, or knurled portion104. Body portion100is sized to closely fit within connector94is a manner similar to a typical mating connector, with pins102engaging the corresponding slots on connector94. Textured portion104provides a griping surface to facilitate assembly and disassembly of terminator96and connector94.

Lanyard98may have a first end coupled to connector94(e.g., a rearward portion of the connector) and a second end coupled to terminator96. Lanyard98may take any suitable form, including a polymer or metal material, a band, chain, etc. When connector94is mated with a mating connector, terminator96may be left unterminated but attached to connector94, as shown inFIG. 16(mating connector not shown). When connector94is not mated with a mating connector, terminator96may be coupled to connector94using the standard bayonet pins/slots of BNC connectors. As such, terminator96may provide protection from adverse weather conditions, undesirable contaminants, etc., when connector94is not otherwise mated to a mating connector.

In some embodiments, a coaxial cable connector assembly includes a male connector half including a casing provided with at least one bayonet slot adjacent to one end of said casing, a spring in outer surrounding relation to said casing, and a telescoping enclosure for said spring being axially adjustable to advance said spring from an open position to a closed position; and a female connector half including an annular body in inner concentric relation to said casing, at least one bayonet pin on said body inserted into said slot for slidable movement through said slots whereupon axial adjustment of said spring causes advancement of said pins between an unlocked and locked position at opposite ends of said slots. The spring may be a compression spring.

In some embodiments said male connector half and said female connector half are locked against lateral displacement in response to advancement of said spring into a closed position. A seal may be mounted externally of one end of said male connector half. In some embodiments, the external seal is in the form of an annular sleeve in sealed relation to a said male connector half. The external seal may include O-rings mounted at opposite ends of said enclosure.

In further embodiments, a coaxial cable connector (e.g., connector50) includes a forward outer housing (e.g., forward outer housing52) comprising at least one slot and a rearward threaded portion, the at least one slot configured to receive a corresponding pin of a mating connector; a rear outer housing (e.g., rear outer housing58) comprising a forward threaded portion configured to threadingly engage the rearward threaded portion of the forward outer housing such that the rear outer housing is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the forward outer housing; and an inner body (e.g., inner body43) extending through at least a portion of the forward outer housing and the rear outer housing; wherein the inner body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the first position and wherein the inner body is longitudinally fixed relative to the forward outer housing when the rear outer housing is in the second position.

A basing member (e.g., biasing member68) may be disposed between the inner body and at least one of the forward and rear outer housings, and may provide a biasing force tending to force the forward outer housing rearward relative to the inner body. The inner body may include an annular shoulder (e.g., shoulder45) such that an end portion (e.g., end portion59) of the rear outer housing member is axially spaced apart from the annular shoulder when the rear outer housing is in a first position (e.g., an open, or loosened position), and such that the end portion of the rear outer housing is adjacent or engages the annular shoulder when the rear outer housing is in a second position (e.g., a closed, or tightened position). The end portion may directly engage the annular shoulder, or alternatively, a resilient member (e.g., resilient member86) such as an O-ring may be disposed between the annular shoulder and the end portion such that the resilient member is compressed when the rear outer housing is in the second position.

The forward outer housing and inner body may form an annular space in which a second resilient member (e.g., an o-ring such as o-ring90) may be disposed. The inner body may include an annular groove or recess (e.g., groove92) in which the second resilient member is seated. The resilient member may be configured to engage a forward portion of a mating connector and/or be wedged between the forward outer housing and the inner body.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the connector and related components as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

It is therefore to be understood that while different embodiments are herein set forth and described, various modifications and changes may be made in the specific construction and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments herein illustrated and described and the following claims.