Abstract:
A male coaxial cable connector includes spring with tines and a fastener wherein the spring is housed by the fastener and distal ends of the spring tines are arranged to provide a spring mouth.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,746 filed Dec. 12, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The interface between male and female coaxial connectors requires good contact of the outer shield in order to both pass the RF signals with integrity as well as to not allow outside signals to penetrate the cable. This is solved in a variety of ways with RF coaxial connectors. One method used on such connectors as a BNC is to spring-load the grounding components of male and female side. Another method uses threaded male female interfaces requiring precise tightening to set torque levels to insure proper operation. It has been found to maintain the required RF performance that this threaded method requires both a high level of installation craft sensitivity as well as an environment that will not allow loosening over time due to vibration or temperature changes. The F type coaxial connector is used on consumer available applications where it cannot be assured the user will attempt to meet the tightening requirement. There is thus a need for a screw F-Type male connector that will insure electrical continuity despite a loosened male connector nut. 
     The F-Type male coaxial connectors typically use an inside-threaded front nut to connect a male F-Type connector with a mating outside-threaded female F-Type connector. When tight, the connector maintains a good coaxial cable outer ground/shield connection with the male connector&#39;s ferrule tube/post, outer body, and the female F-Type connector shaft. If the male nut is not fully tightened to the female connector, the ground connection between the cable and the connected device may be intermittent. Current methods to remedy this problem of a loose nut is to apply a spring behind the front tube face to spring the F male inner front tube face against the end face of the female. This method has prior art in the BNC and other spring loaded coaxial connectors. This behind-the-front post spring method has a disadvantage if the cable becomes off-axis due to a loose nut since the expected plane-to-plane interface is skewed and may limit conductivity. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
       FIGS. 2-3  show prior art coaxial cable connectors where springs and lock washers are used behind the ferrule-post face to keep the face connected to a female F-Type connector face.  FIG. 1  shows a different approach which has a continuity spring forward of the front ferrule face with its contact point facing radially inward against the female body but enclosed in a tube extended from the forward part of the ferrule post. (See U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,680 (the “&#39;680” patent) which is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes). 
     In the &#39;680 patent, the approach to resolving the electrical continuity problem without the disadvantage of the spring loaded design extends a sleeve attached to the posts&#39; forward end where an inward connection spring is located. This would electrically connect the spring to the tube via contact with the outer sleeve. The disadvantage to this approach is the need for an expensive, very large outer nut to contain the new internal sleeve. In addition, the F connector tightening tools and industry specifications generally require a standard hex nut with an 11 mm hex-hex dimension which is not possible with this inner sleeve design. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An F-Type male coaxial cable connector includes a tined spring forming a spring mouth for receiving an end of a mating female F-Type connector. 
     In an embodiment, an F-Type male connector is for terminating a coaxial cable and the connector comprises: an electrically conductive spring having a plurality of tines extending from a spring base; the tines arranged such that they encircle an imaginary axis perpendicular to the spring base and passing through a center of the spring base; the spring engaging a coaxial cable connector ferrule; a mouth of the spring located in an imaginary plane defined by distal tips of the spring tines; and, insertion of a mating connector end into the spring mouth operative to lift the spring tines away from the axis and to provide an electric current path extending from a conductive outer surface of the mating connector to a ferrule engaging ground conductor of the coaxial cable. 
     In an embodiment, an F-Type male connector is for terminating a coaxial cable and the connector comprises: a coaxial cable connector ferrule having a cable end and a fastener end; an electrically conductive spring having a plurality of tines extending from a spring base; a fastener housing the spring, the spring and the fastener engaging the fastener end of the ferrule; the fastener and spring concentrically arranged about a central axis; a fastener mouth located at a distal end of the fastener and a spring mouth located adjacent to the fastener mouth, the spring mouth encircled by distal tips of the spring tines; and, insertion of a mating connector end into the spring mouth operative to lift the spring tines away from the central axis and to provide an electric current path extending from a conductive outer surface of the mating connector to a ferrule engaging ground conductor of the coaxial cable. 
     In some embodiments, the electrical continuity problem is solved by providing an inward facing spring mounted within an annular groove in the F-Type male nut. This spring maintains electrical and mechanical contact with the female F-Type outer body, the F-Type nut, and front facing ferrule post tube. The invention provides an F-Type interconnection system and/or method and may be used on the front interconnect section of most F-Type connectors despite its method of attaching the connector to the coaxial cable. The invention provides for RF and DC continuity between the female F-Type body and coaxial cable ground sheath via a conductive spring between said F-Type female body and F-Type male ferrule tube which is connected to the coaxial cable shield. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures, incorporated herein and forming part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention. 
         FIGS. 1-3  show prior art connectors. 
         FIG. 4  shows a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-C  shows a mated connector and springs. 
         FIG. 7  shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A , B show assemblies of the connector of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11A , B show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limiting examples of certain embodiments of the invention. For example, other embodiments of the disclosed device may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosed inventions. 
     In the present invention, a male F-Type connector includes a spring. In various embodiments, the spring has spring tines and in various embodiments the spring provides for a continuous electrical ground circuit between the male connector and a mated female connector. 
       FIG. 4  shows a male F-Type connector complete with a spring  400 . As shown in a connector cross-section  404 , a connector centerline x-x extends along a length of the connector and lies in a plane defining the illustrated connector cross-section. And, as shown in an end view  402  taken from a connector mating end  415 , a connector fastener mouth  414  provides an entryway for receiving a mating female connector (not shown). 
     The connector includes a fastener  412  and a connector body  420  that are coupled together by a central, electrically conductive inner ferrule  418  having a ferrule shank  497 . A nut annular rim  417  encircles the ferrule and an adjacent body annular rim  421  encircles the ferrule, the nut rotatably engaging the ferrule. 
     A central passageway of the ferrule  432  extends between a ferrule exit within the fastener  425  and an opposed ferrule entrance (not shown). A ferrule exit end projection  426  has a peripheral surface  427 , encircles the ferrule exit, and defines a ferrule exit face  429 . Adjoining the ferrule exit end projection is a ferrule shoulder  428 . 
     Within the fastener  412  is a location for placing an electrically conductive spring such as a spring made from a spring steel or another suitable material. In various embodiments, a spring such as a bent tine spring  493  is located in a fastener cavity such as an annular fastener cavity  452  bounded by a radial outer wall  456  and forward and rear sidewalls  450 ,  454 . A spring mouth  446  is for receiving a female F-Type connector threaded end via a nearby fastener mouth  414 . In some embodiments, the fastener mouth is threaded  416 . 
     Bent tine spring embodiments include those with tine mouth portions  442  joined at an angle with tine base portions  444  forming an inwardly projecting tine region  460 . The tine base joins the tine mouth portion with an annular tine rim  448  defining a circular tine neck  443 . Entry of the female threaded end (not shown) into the spring via the spring mouth  446  results in contact with the inwardly projecting tine regions and lifts the tines toward the cavity radial outer wall  456 . 
     As can be seen, the spring neck  443  encircles the ferrule projection  426  and provides a means for locating and/or fixing the spring  493  within the fastener  412 . In various embodiments, the spring neck is in intimate contact with the ferrule projection. For example, in some embodiments there is an interference fit between a circular spring neck and an inserted ferrule projection. In some embodiments, there is a weldment conductively interconnecting the spring and the ferrule  418 . And, in some embodiments, the spring neck has inwardly directed contacts, such as pointed projections, designed to enhance electrical contact. 
       FIG. 5  shows a male F-Type connector complete with a spring  500 . As shown in a connector cross-section  504 , a connector centerline x-x extends along a length of the connector and lies in a plane defining the illustrated connector cross-section. And, as shown in an end view  502  taken from a connector mating end  415 , a connector fastener mouth  414  provides an entryway for receiving a mating female connector (not shown). 
     The connector includes a fastener  412  and a connector body  420  that are coupled together by a central, electrically conductive inner ferrule  418 . A nut annular rim  417  encircles the ferrule and an adjacent body annular rim  421  encircles the ferrule, and the nut rotatably engages the ferrule. 
     A central passageway of the ferrule  432  extends between a ferrule exit within the fastener  425  and an opposed ferrule entrance (not shown). A ferrule exit end projection  426  adjoins a ferrule shoulder  428  and has a radial slot  462  encircling the ferrule exit and adjacent to the ferrule shoulder. The ferrule exit end projection has a ferrule exit face  429 . 
     Within the fastener  412  is a location for placing an electrically conductive spring such as a spring made from a spring steel or another suitable material. In various embodiments, a spring such as a bent tine spring  493  is located in a fastener cavity such as an annular fastener cavity  452  bounded by a radial outer wall  456  and forward and rear sidewalls  450 ,  454 . A spring mouth  446  is for receiving a female F-Type connector threaded end via a nearby fastener mouth  414 . In some embodiments, the fastener mouth is threaded  416 . 
     Bent tine spring embodiments include a tine mouth portion(s)  442  joined at an angle with tine base portions  444  forming an inwardly projecting tine region  460 . The tine base joins the tine mouth portion with an annular tine rim  448  defining a circular tine neck  443 . Entry of the female threaded end (not shown) into the spring via the spring mouth  446  results in contact with the inwardly projecting tine regions and lifts the tines toward the cavity radial outer wall  456 . 
     As can be seen, the spring neck  443  encircles the ferrule projection  463  and is captured within the ferrule slot  462 . The slot provides a means for locating and/or fixing the spring  493  within the fastener  412 . In various embodiments, the spring neck is in intimate contact with a wall(s) of the ferrule slot  466 ,  468 ,  469 . For example, in some embodiments, there is an interference fit between a circular spring neck and wall(s) of the ferrule slot. In some embodiments, there is a weldment conductively interconnecting the spring and the ferrule  418 . And, in some embodiments, the spring neck has inwardly directed contact(s), such as pointed projections (not shown), designed to enhance electrical contact. 
     There are a number of means for forming the ferrule slot  462 . In some embodiments, the ferrule slot is cut in the ferrule. In some embodiments, the ferrule slot is formed by plastic deformation of the ferrule such as plastic deformation of a ferrule projection similar to the ferrule projection  448  of  FIG. 4 . And in some embodiments, the ferrule slot is formed by other means persons of ordinary skill in the art recognize as suitable. 
       FIGS. 6A-C  show a mated connector pair  600  and two springs  493 ,  693 . A male F-Type connector  604  is mated with one end of a female connector such as a splice  602  (as shown). The mated connector pair illustrates operation of the spring in a male F-Type connector like that of  FIG. 4 . Operation is similar in a male F-Type connector like that of  FIG. 5 . 
     In various embodiments, the male F-Type connector  604  has an engaging mouth such as an internally threaded mouth portion  612  for engaging and advancing along an electrically conductive outer surface of a mating conductor such as a splice bearing external metallic threads  616  (as shown). 
     As seen, the female connector end  624  is inserted in the fastener of the male connector  412 . The female connector end is also inserted in the spring  493 ,  693  having tine portion  442 ,  641 ; note details  620 ,  640  illustrate two different spring designs. Detail  620  illustrates a spring design similar to those of  FIGS. 4 and 5  while detail  640  illustrates a different spring design that will be discussed further infra. 
     Insertion of the female connector end  624  into the spring  493  causes the tines of the spring  442 ,  444  (see also  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to be lifted as they press against the female connector end threaded outer surface  616 . An electric current path is thereby completed when the electrically conductive spring electrically couples the conductive splice threads with the electrically conductive ferrule  418 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a compression connector including a spring  700 . Views of a connector cross-section  704  and a connector fastener end view  702  are provided. Similar to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a central ferrule  718  engages a fastener  712  and a connector body  720 . 
     A spring  793  similar to that of  FIGS. 4 and 5  is located in a fastener of a male F-Type connector  712 . A circular spring neck  743  encircles and/or engages a peripheral ferrule surface  727  of a ferrule end projection  726  for locating and/or fixing the spring in the connector. As described above, an inwardly projecting spring tine region  760  provides for contacting an outer surface of an insertable mating connector end (not shown, see for example  FIG. 6 ). 
     The compression connector includes a body  720  engaging the ferrule  718 . Inserted through a compression barrel  780 , the body and barrel have external and internal features respectively such that sliding the barrel toward the ferrule&#39;s distal end causes a portion of the body wall  786  to be pushed in toward the ferrule and in some embodiments to be pushed in toward surface features such as ferrule barbs  788 . In an embodiment, the barrel has an internal chamfer  784  for smoothly engaging and compressing a diametrically enlarged body section  790  via an external ramp on the body  782 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a second compression connector with a spring  800 . As shown in a connector partial cross-section  804 , a connector centerline x-x extends along a length of the connector and lies in a plane defining the illustrated connector cross-section. And, as shown in an end view  802  taken from a connector mating end  815 , a connector fastener mouth  814  provides an entryway for receiving a mating female connector (see similar spring engaging mating female connector in detail  640  of  FIG. 6 ). 
     The connector includes a fastener  812  and a connector body  820  that are coupled together by a central, electrically conductive inner ferrule  818 . A nut annular inner groove  891  receives a ferrule shoulder  828  and an adjacent body annular rim  821  encircles the ferrule, the nut rotatably engaging the ferrule. 
     A central passageway of the ferrule  832  extends between a ferrule exit within the fastener  825  and an opposed ferrule entrance  893 . A ferrule exit end projection  826  has a peripheral surface  827 , encircles the ferrule exit, and defines a ferrule exit face  829 . Adjoining the ferrule exit end projection is the ferrule shoulder  828 . 
     Partially bounded by the fastener  812  is a location for placing an electrically conductive spring such as a spring made from a spring steel or another suitable material. In various embodiments, a spring such as a bent tine spring  893  is located in a fastener cavity such as a substantially annular fastener cavity  852  bounded by a radial outer fastener wall  856  and a forward fastener wall  850  and a rear surface of the ferrule shoulder  855 . A spring mouth  846  is for receiving a female F-Type connector threaded end via a nearby fastener mouth  814 . In some embodiments, the fastener mouth is threaded  816 . 
     Straight tine spring embodiments include substantially straight tine segments  842  joined with a circular spring neck  843 . Entry of the female threaded end (see detail  640  of  FIG. 6  for female connector mated with similar spring) into the spring via the spring mouth  846  results in contact with the spring tines  842  and lifts the tines toward the cavity radial outer wall  856 . 
     As can be seen, the spring neck  843  encircles the ferrule projection  826  and provides a means for locating and/or fixing the spring  893  within the fastener  812 . In various embodiments, the spring neck is in intimate contact with the ferrule projection. For example, in some embodiments there is an interference fit between a circular spring neck and an inserted ferrule projection. In some embodiments, there is a weldment conductively interconnecting the spring and the ferrule  818 . And, in some embodiments, the spring neck has inwardly directed contacts, such as pointed projections, designed to enhance electrical contact. 
     In various embodiments, the connector body includes one or more of: an external ramp  882 , a barrel internal chamfer  884  for smoothly engaging and compressing a diametrically enlarged body section  890 . And, in various embodiments, a portion of the body wall  886  is pushed in toward the ferrule. In some embodiments the body wall is pushed toward surface features such as ferrule barbs  888 . 
     In an embodiment, the barrel has an internal chamfer  884  for smoothly engaging and compressing a diametrically enlarged body section  890  via an external ramp on the body  882 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show various assemblies and partial assemblies of a compression connector with a spring  900 A,  900 B.  FIG. 9A  shows a fully assembled compression connector  802 ,  804  with a spring  893 .  FIG. 9B  shows partial assemblies. 
     A first partial assembly  991  shows a ferrule  818  with a ferrule exit end projection  826  prior to fitment of a spring  893  via engagement of a spring neck  843  with the ferrule exit end projection  826 . 
     Similarly, a second partial assembly  993  shows the ferrule  818  with the spring  893  engaged with the ferrule exit end projection  826 . 
     Similarly, a third partial assembly  995  shows the ferrule  818  with the spring  893  engaged with the ferrule exit end projection  826 , the body  820  engaged with the ferrule, and the barrel  880  engaging the body. 
     And, a fourth partial assembly  997  shows the fastener  812  engaging the ferrule  818 , the spring  893  engaged with the ferrule exit end projection  826 , the body  820  engaged with the ferrule, and the barrel  880  engaging the body. 
       FIG. 10  shows a third compression connector with a spring  1000 . Presented as a partial cross-section, a connector centerline x-x that extends along a length of the connector. A connector fastener mouth  1014  provides an entryway for receiving a mating female connector (not shown). 
     The connector includes a fastener  1012  and a connector body  1020  with a trailing deformable ring  1023 . An outer shell  1021  encircles the body and is for advancing along the body such that a concave inflection point of the ring  1025  is pushed toward the connector centerline x-x by action of an internal body shoulder  1027 . Ring deformation serves to pinch an outer jacket and grounding sheath of a coaxial cable (not shown for clarity) located between a ferrule  1018  having a ferrule shank  1017  and portions of the deformed ring. A ferrule bore  1032  is for receiving coaxial cable central conductor and surrounding dielectric. 
     The connector fastener  1012  and connector body  1020  are coupled together by the centrally located, electrically conductive ferrule  1018 . A nut inwardly facing annular rim  1074  encircles the ferrule behind a ferrule end flange  1070  and an adjacent body annular rim  1021  encircles the ferrule. The fastener rotatably engages the ferrule. The central passageway of the ferrule  1032  extends between a ferrule exit within the fastener  1035  and an opposed ferrule entrance  1037 . 
     Within the fastener  1012  is a location for placing an electrically conductive spring. In various embodiments, such portion of the fastener is not threaded. Spring materials of construction include electrically conductive materials, for example spring steel or another suitable material. 
     In various embodiments, a spring such as a bent tine spring  1093  is located in a fastener cavity such as an annular fastener cavity  1078  bounded by a radial outer wall  1056  and forward and rear sidewalls  1050 ,  1054 . A spring mouth  1046  is for receiving a female F-Type connector threaded end via a nearby fastener mouth  1014 . In some embodiments, the fastener mouth or a portion of the fastener mouth, or a nearby surface is threaded  1016 . 
     In the embodiment shown, a spring  1093  having bent tines  1041  is used. Bent tine spring embodiments include those with tine mouth portions  1042  joined at an angle with tine intermediate portions  1044  forming a region projecting inwardly toward the connector centerline x-x  1060 . The tine intermediate portion interconnects the tine mouth and a tine transition region  1045 . The tine transition region is located between the tine intermediate region and a tine or spring base  1049 . 
     As can be seen, the spring base  1049  is in the form of an annular rim that is radially inwardly directed. The base surrounds the ferrule  1018  and is located at least partially in a gap  1076  between the ferrule flange  1070  and the fastener rim  1074 . In various embodiments, the spring base provides electrical contact by one or more of mechanical interference and conductive junctions. For example, electrical contact via one or more of an interference fit between the base and the ferrule and a conductive junction such as a weldment between the base and the ferrule. Together with the fastener cavity  1078 , the spring base fixture positions and captures the spring within the fastener. 
     In various embodiments, the spring  1093  aids in providing connector electrical continuity. For example, entry of a female threaded end (not shown) into the spring via the spring mouth  1046  results in contact with the inwardly projecting tine regions  1060  and lifts the tines  1041  toward the cavity radial outer wall  1056 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show various assemblies and partial assemblies of a compression connector with a spring  1100 A,  1100 B. A fully assembled compression connector  1102 ,  1104  includes a spring  1193  and tines  1141 . Passing through the fastener and the connector body  1120  is a ferrule  1118  and slidingly engaged over the body is a compression member  1180 . 
     A first partial assembly  1131  shows a ferrule  1118  and ferrule shank  1183  prior to fitment of a spring  1193 . 
     Similarly, a second partial assembly  1133  shows the ferrule shank  1183  engaging the spring  1193  such that the shank passes through a hole in the spring base  1181  and a spring mouth  1185  encircles the connector central axis x-x. 
     And similarly, a third partial assembly  1135  shows an assembled connector with the spring  1193  located in a space of the fastener interior  1187 . As shown, the ferrule shank passes at least partially through the fastener  1112  and into the body  1120 . 
     In operation, a connector  404 ,  504 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ,  1000 ,  1000 A includes a fastener  412 ,  712 ,  812 ,  1012 ,  1112  and a spring  493 ,  693 ,  793 ,  893 ,  1093 ,  1193  located within the fastener engages a mating female connector (see e.g.  FIG. 6 ) that is inserted in the fastener. Electrically conductive parts including the spring and the ferrule provide an electrical circuit connecting a conductive surface of the mating female conductor to a ground conductor of a coaxial cable (not shown) that encircles and engages the ferrule  418 ,  718 ,  818 ,  1018 ,  1118 . 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,383 filed Jun. 21, 2000 is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes including its description of coaxial cables, ferrules or posts, connector assemblies, and the like. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.