FR2660489A1 - CONNECTOR FOR COAXIAL CABLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector for coaxial cable comprises a first element (A) and a second element (B) able to fit into one another, to establish an electrical connection between the cores (1a) and the ground braids (2a ) of two sections of coaxial cable. A metallic tubular part (18) of one of the elements (B) comprises a latching means (D) while the other element (A) of the connector is provided with a complementary latching means (E) of its own in cooperating with that (D) of said metallic tubular part at the end of the fitting of the two elements of the connector, to ensure an axial connection between these two elements.

Description

CONNECTOR FOR COAXIAL CABLE.

  The invention relates to a connector for a coaxial cable of the type which includes a first element and a second element capable of fitting one into the other to establish an electrical connection between the cores and the earth braids. two sections of coaxial cable, the ends of which are equipped with said connector elements, the first element comprising a projecting central pin, intended to be connected to the core of a first section of coaxial cable, and a tubular metal part concentric with the pin and separate from it

  by an insulating core, this tubular metal part

  the sheet being intended to be connected to the braid of the first section of cable, the second element comprising a central sleeve intended to receive the pin and to be connected to the core of the second section of cable, and a concentric tubular metallic part

  to the socket, from which it is separated by an iso-

  lant, and intended to be connected to the braid of the second section, the two metal tubular parts being adapted to come into contact with one another. The object of the invention is, above all, to provide a connector which meets better than hitherto the various requirements of practice and which, while allowing good contacts to be established, ensures a reliable mechanical connection between the two elements while by remaining of a simple assembly and assembly and

economical manufacturing.

  According to the invention, a connector for coaxial cable of the kind defined above is characterized in that the metallic tubular part of one of the elements comprises a latching means while the other element of the connector is provided with a means complementary snap fit to cooperate with that of said metallic tubular part at the end of fitting of the two elements of the connector, for

  ensure an axial connection between these two elements.

  Preferably, the first locking means is provided at the rear of an area of larger diameter of the metallic tubular part surrounding the insulating core, and is formed by a kind

  collar projecting radially.

  This flange may have a frustoconical surface whose small base faces the end of the element remote from the cable section, while the flange has a face located in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the element

on the side of the cable section.

  The complementary latching means is advantageously provided on an envelope, or sheath, of insulating material, in particular of plastic material, surrounding the tubular metallic part of the element.

  corresponding to the connector, this envelope

  running axially beyond said metal part and having inward radial projections adapted to snap behind the

  said collar, at the end of fitting.

  The complementary latching means can be provided at the end of longitudinal tabs separated from each other in the peripheral direction, in particular by slots, and provided in

  end of the envelope of insulating material.

  Elastic tongues oriented in the longitudinal direction and having a convexity facing the axis of the element are advantageously provided on the internal wall of that of the tubular metal parts in which the other tubular part

metal comes to engage.

  As a variant, these tongues can turn their convexity towards the outside and be provided on the outside surface of that of the metallic tubular parts which engages in the other part.

tubular metal.

  The metallic tubular part of the second connector element can extend axially beyond the end of the socket and comprise, beyond the insulating core, a first means

  while the first element of the con-

  nector has an insulating core which projects axially beyond the corresponding metallic tubular part and which comprises, on its periphery, an additional latching means The first latching means can be formed by a shoulder, located at swelling or narrowing of the metallic tubular part of the second element, while the complementary snap-on means is advantageously formed by a shoulder or a groove provided on the extension of the

insulating core.

  The insulating jacket of an element of the connector

  tor may have a curvilinear triangular shape to

  the interior of which is engaged the tubular part

  the corresponding metallic area, this part

  metal being deformed so as to match the over-

  inner face of the casing, lugs projecting axially being provided at the end of this casing to ensure snap-fastening on the other element of the connector.

  According to another possibility, the tubular part

  the metal area of the first connector element extends beyond the pin and the insulating core and comprises, on its outer surface, towards the rear, the first latching means, in particular formed by

  a collar, while the tubular metal part

  the space of the other element of the connector is surrounded by an envelope of insulating material, in particular plastic material, leaving a sufficient radial space for the entry of the metallic tubular part of the first element, provided with elastic contact tabs projecting radially towards the inside, this envelope comprising, towards its open end, the complementary latching means capable of cooperating

with that of the first element.

  The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below in connection with exemplary embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings, but

which are in no way limiting.

  Figure 1 of these drawings is an axial section of two elements of a connector according to

the invention before nesting.

  Figure 2 shows, similarly to Figure 1, the two elements of the connector after interlocking. FIG. 3 is an axial section of another embodiment of the connector according to the invention,

  the two elements being nested.

  Figure 4 is a section along the line

IV-IV, figure 3.

  FIG. 5 illustrates, in axial section through

  tielle, an alternative embodiment of the means

  of the connector of Figure 3.

  Figure 6 is a section along the line

VI-VI, figure 5.

  Figure 7 is an axial section of two elements of a connector according to another mode of

realization, before nesting.

  Figure 8 is a simplified axial section of an alternative embodiment of the first element

connector.

  Figure 9 is a perspective view

  exploded view of the element of figure 8.

  Figures 10 to 12 illustrate, in perspective

  tive, a possible realization of a first element of

connector according to the invention.

  Figure 13, finally, is an axial section of another embodiment of a connector according to

  the invention, the two elements being nested.

  Referring to Figures 1 and 2, we can see a connector for c Coaxial cable comprising a first element A and a second element B suitable for fitting one into the other to establish an electrical connection between the Ames, lb and the ground braids 2 a, 2 b of two sections 3 a, 3 b of coaxial cable whose ends are equipped with said elements A, B. The first element A comprises a pin

  central 4, formed by a cylindrical or dry rod-

  polygonal, inserted in a corresponding housing

  dant provided in an insulating core 5 The stripped end of the âa is wedged between the pin 4 and the wall of the housing provided in the core 5 The pin

  4 projects axially beyond the transverse face.

core end room 5.

  The element A further comprises a tubular metal part 6, concentric with the spindle 4 and kept separated from it by the core 5 A crimping 7 ensures the anchoring of the core 5 in the part 6 which, at the rear of this core, is extended by an appendage 8 of smaller diameter crimped on a stripped end zone of the braid 2 a, which ensures the electrical connection between the tubular part 6 and the ground braid 2 a This appendix 8 is further set on the

  insulating sheath 9 surrounding the ground braid 2 a.

  The metallic tubular part 6 comprises, in the zone situated beyond the core 5, elastic tongues 10 oriented parallel to the axial direction and the longitudinal edges of which are cut out

  in the wall of part 6 These tabs 10 turn-

  have their convexity towards the axis of the spindle 4 and are distributed regularly along the circumference An envelope 11 made of insulating material, in particular of

  plastic, surrounds the tubular part 6 and

  runs axially beyond the end of this par-

  tie 6, to the left according to the representation in FIG. 1 The anchoring of the metal part 6 in the casing 11 can be ensured by punctures such as 12 projecting from the exterior surface of the wall 6 and whose edge turned towards the open end of the part 6 is raised so as to become embedded in the casing 11 and to prevent its receding The casing can be threaded from the rear

over the tubular part 6.

  The casing 11 has, at its front end, on its internal wall, radial projections 13 inwards, of slightly rounded shape and

  regularly distributed over the periphery These sail-

  lies 13 constitute a latching means E complementary to a latching means D provided on

the other connector element B.

  This second element B comprises a central sleeve 14 intended to receive the spindle 4 The sleeve 14 may comprise two longitudinal slots, suitable for giving elasticity to the two semi-cylindrical parts delimited by these slots 15 La

  socket 14 is mounted in a housing of an iso-

  lant 16 with sufficient radial clearance to allow

  to the parts of this socket 14 to move apart elas-

  tick to receive the spindle 4 The socket 14 is extended by a shank 17 of circular or polygonal section, suitable for wedging, in a housing of the core 16, the stripped end of the core 1b of the section 3b to ensure the electrical connection between this soul

and socket 14.

  A tubular metal part 18, concentrated

  stick to the sleeve 14 from which it is separated by the insulating core 16, covers this core and is extended, on the side of the section 3 b, by a tubular appendage 19 of smaller diameter which is crimped onto the cable 3 b

  and on the stripped end of the ground braid 2 b.

  The external diameter of the metallic tubular part 18 is such that this part can enter part 6 by compressing the tabs 10, which establishes a good electrical contact. The pin 4

enters the socket 14.

  The tubular part 18 comprises, towards the rear, the latching means D formed by a sort of flange 20 which projects radially

  relative to the cylindrical surface of part 18.

  This flange 20 has a frustoconical surface 21 whose small base, connecting to the part 18, is located on the side opposite to the section 3 b On the side of this section, the flange 20 has a wall 22 located in a plane substantially orthogonal to the 'axis of the element B and corresponding to a decrease in diameter. The distance 1 from this wall 22 to the front face of the core 16 is such that at the end of introduction

  of element B in element A, the projections 13 come

  snap behind the flange 20 as

  shown in Figure 2, while a set J, rela-

  tively reduced, remains between the transverse faces

  dirty next to the insulating cores 5, 16 The maximum diameter of the flange 20 is substantially equal to the diameter of the inner cylindrical surface

of envelope 11.

  The envelope or sheath 11 has a certain

  strong elasticity which allows the end provided with projections 13 to expand when the flange passes to snap behind The frustoconical wall 21 constitutes a kind of ramp facilitating the passage of projections 13 during the introduction of the element B

  in element A The envelope 11 can also

  tribute to the recall of the elastic contact tabs to promote their application against the tubular wall 18 The casing 11 further protects the tubular metal wall 16, the thickness of which can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce the cost price

  of this element A and the connector.

  Referring to Figures 3 and 4, we can see another embodiment of the connector according to the invention Identical parts or playing roles similar to parts already described in connection with Figures 1 and 2 are designated either by the same references numeric, either by a reference

  numeric having the digit 1 as the cent digit

  taines and the same unit digit and, if applicable, tens, as in Figures 1 and 2 La

  description of these parts will not be repeated or

will be performed only succinctly.

  The metallic tubular part 118 of the

  second connector element B extends axially-

  lying beyond the end of the sleeve 114 and of the insulating core 116 It comprises, beyond the core 116, a swelling 23 constituting an annular blister on the outer wall of the part 118 and

  an annular recess inside.

  The snap-in means D is formed by the annular shoulder 122 bordering the blister 23

on the far side of the core 116.

  The insulating core 105 of the first element A

  has an extension 24 which projects axially-

  lying beyond the metallic tubular part 106 of this element Part 24 has a flared tapered shape, gradually increasing in diameter away from the tubular part 106 Part 24 is separated into two half-shells by two longitudinal slots 25 diametrically opposite so that the half-shells have a certain elasticity and can be compressed radially inwards. Each half-shell of the protruding part

  24 has a rib 26, substantially semi

  circular, constituting the locking means E

complementary.

  The extension of the metallic tubular part 118 constitutes a sort of mouth into which the element A can be inserted, the two half-shells of the part 24 approaching one another to come snap elastically behind the wall 122 at the end of introduction of element A A clearance j remains between the faces

  transverse opposite the insulating bodies 116, 105.

  The outside diameter of the metallic tubular part 106 of the element A is less than the

  inside diameter of part 118.

  A metal sleeve 27, comprising elastic longitudinal tabs 110, turning their convexity towards the outside, is fixed around the tubular part 106, in particular by crimping. The tabs 110, the longitudinal edges of which are

  cut in the wall of the sleeve 27, provide the con-

electric tact.

  Thus, according to the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the metal tubular part 106 of the element A is not surrounded by an insulating envelope as

in the case of Figures 1 and 2.

  It should be noted that the housing provided in the insulating body 105 for receiving the pin 104, as visible in FIG. 4, may have a polygonal cross section, square for this particular example, in which the circular section of the pin is housed. 104 to wedge, in a

  angle, the core la of the coaxial cable section 3 a.

  Figures 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of the latching means for a connector similar to that of Figure 3, that is to say in which the metallic tubular part 218 of the

  second element B extends beyond the iso- nucleus

  lant 216 so as to receive the element A. The connector parts of FIGS. 5 and 6 identical or playing roles analogous to parts represented in FIGS. 3 and 4 are designated by numerical references having the same numbers of

  units and tens and including the figure of hundred

  taines is equal to 2 Their description will not be

  resumption or will be carried out only succinctly.

  According to Figures 5 and 6, the latching means D, E are made in a way

  slightly different from that in Figures 3 and 4.

  The snap-fitting means D, provided on the metallic tubular part 218, consist of several notches 223, obtained by localized recess, radially inward, of the metal part 218 The recesses 223 are distributed regularly in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the element B In the example considered, two diametrically opposite recesses 223 are provided, as visible in FIG. 6 The longitudinal section of a recess 223, as visible in FIG. 5, has the shape of an angle , generally acute, turning its apex inward; the wall of the recess 223 facing the open end of the wall 218 has a slope, relative to the axis of the element B, smaller than the wall located on the other side, so as to

facilitate snap-in.

  The complementary latching means E il provided on the extension 224 of the insulating body 205 consist of a clean peripheral groove 226

  to receive the recesses 223 The profile of the sec-

  longitudinal position of the groove 226 substantially matches that of the recess 223. With the connector of FIG. 5, at the end of fitting of the element A in the metallic tubular part 218 of the element B the edge of the groove 226 deforms to cross the recesses 223 then, after crossing, resumes its shape in

  snapping behind the wall of recess 223.

  Extension 224 may be entirely cylindrical and not have indentations

  similar to the notches 25 in FIG. 3.

  Figure 7 illustrates a variant of

  realization of the connector of figures 1 and 2.

  Element B of FIG. 7 is practically identical to that of FIG. 1, with the exception of the flange 320, which, instead of being completely at the rear of the large diameter zone of the part 318, is slightly in front of the narrowing marking the passage from part 318 to appendage 319. The complementary snap-fastening means E are formed by projections 313 forming a spout extending along a circular interior contour of the insulating envelope 311 Longitudinal slots 28 are provided at the end of this envelope 311 to open outward and determine the legs comprising the spouts 313, and having a certain

  elasticity in the radial direction, to cross the col-

  lerette 320 and snap behind.

  The elastic tongues 310, to ensure contact with the part 318, are provided on a metal sleeve 327 engaged with tightening

  the interior of the cylindrical tubular part 306.

  The tongues 310 turn their convexity towards the axis of the element A, the sleeve 310 being in axial abutment against the insulating core 305 The anchoring of the metallic tubular part 306 in the insulating envelope 311 is ensured, for example, by a bead 312 practiced

towards the rear of part 306.

  When the element B is fitted into the element A, the end of the fitting is marked by the snap-fitting of the spouts 313 behind the flange 320. FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of the connector element A of Figure 7 Identical pieces or playing roles analogous to pieces already described above are designated, as in the case of the previous figures, by the same number of units and tens preceded

  with a number of hundreds equal to 4 Their description

  will not be resumed or will only be carried out

cinctement.

  The 411 insulating jacket, made of plastic

  tick, of the metallic tubular part 406 comprises a frustoconical part 29 towards its end remote from the cable section 3 a Two diametrically opposite slots 30 are provided in this frustoconical wall

  to define two half-shells presenting a cer-

  elasticity in the radial direction.

  Two legs 31, diametrically opposite, and arranged at 900 relative to the slots 30, extend parallel to the axial direction from the small base of the frustoconical wall 29 These legs have, at their ends, nozzles 413 projecting radially inward, and constituting the complementary latching means E. The metal tubular part 406 comprises, towards the front, two diametrically opposite longitudinal slots 32 delimiting two tongues 410 whose angular extent, in a plane orthogonal to the axis of element A, is less than 1800 These tabs 410 have a zone which is concave towards the outside and convex towards the inside so as to establish contact with the tubular metal part of the other connector element The end of the tabs 410 comes to bear substantially against the small base of the frustoconical part 29, as visible

in figure 8.

  When element B, similar to that of FIG. 7, is fitted into element A of FIG. 8, the electrical contact for the continuity of the ground braids takes place at the level of the tongues 410, and

  the nozzles 413 snap behind the collar

  lerette of the element B. FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a process for producing a connector element A comprising a plastic casing 511 with a cross-section of curvilinear triangular shape The tubular metal part 506, extended by

  appendix 508 crimped on the cable, has a cylindrical form

  drique of revolution at the start The circular section of this part 506 comes to register in the housing

  curvilinear triangular shape of envelope 511.

  The metallic tubular part 506 is then deformed as shown in FIG. 11, so as to conform to the internal surface of

envelope 511.

  FIG. 12 shows the element A finished, the casing 511 in this FIG. 12 being furthermore shown provided with three longitudinal latching lugs 531 forming the complementary latching means E and extending the wall in the middle of

  each side of the triangular section.

  Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the connector of Figures 1 and 2, variant

  that the plastic envelope iso-

  lante 611 surrounds the metallic tubular part 618 of the element B The internal surface of the casing 611 is spaced radially from the external surface of the part 618 so as to leave a radial space 32

  sufficient for entry and passage of elastic legs-

  610 ticks partially cut in the tubular wall

  the metallic surface 606 of the element A. The first latching means D provided on the element B consists of spouts 613 provided at the end of the legs separated by slots, arranged towards the open end of the envelope 611, of a

similar to Figure 7.

  The complementary latching means E provided on the element A consists of a flange 620 provided towards the rear of the metal part 606 and having, on the side facing the element B, a frustoconical surface and, on the other side, a surface

  steep substantially orthogonal to the axis of the element.

  The assembly of elements A and B of the connector

  tor of FIG. 13 is carried out by engaging the metal part 606 in the casing 611 so that the elastic tongues 610 come to bear against the tubular metal wall 618 The pin 604 enters the socket 614 At the end of fitting , the spouts 613 snap behind the flange 620, a clearance i remaining between the opposite faces of the

insulating blocks 605, 616.

  Whatever the embodiment adopted, with a connector according to the invention, the two elements A and B are assembled by obtaining an indication of the end of the fitting by snap-fastening of the means provided respectively on each element without cause the insulating blocks to be crushed against each other since a clearance j remains

at the end of nesting.

  The axial connection provided by the latching means avoids separation of the elements of the

  connector, notably due to vibrations.

  When an outer insulating envelope is provided, it constitutes mechanical protection and

  can contribute to the recall of the elastic strips of

tact.

Claims (6)

  1 connector for coaxial cable comprising a first element (A) and a second element (B) suitable for fitting one into the other, to establish an electrical connection between the cores (la, lb) and the ground braids (2 a, 2 b) of two sections of coaxial cable, the ends of which are equipped with said connector elements, the first element (A) comprising a projecting central pin (4) intended to be connected to the core (la) d '' a first section of   coaxial cable, and a tubular metal part   centered on the spindle and separated from it by an insulating core, this tubular metal part being intended to be connected to the braid of the first section of cable, the second element (B) comprising a central bush (14) intended to receive the spindle and to be connected to the core (lb) of the second section of cable, and a concentric tubular metal part   to the socket from which it is separated by an iso-   lant and intended to be connected to the braid of the second section, the two metallic tubular parts being suitable for coming into contact with each other, characterized in that the metallic tubular part (18; 118; 218; 318; 606) of the one of the elements (B; A) comprises a latching means (D) while the other element (A; B) of the connector is provided with a complementary latching means (E) suitable for cooperating with that (D ) of said metallic tubular part at the end of fitting of the two elements of the connector, to ensure an axial connection between these two elements.   2 connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first latching means (D) is provided at the rear of an area of larger diameter of the metallic tubular part (18; 318; 606) surrounding the core insulator (16; 316; 605) and is formed by a kind of   collar (20; 320; 620) projecting radially-   is lying. 3 connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the collar (20; 320; 620) has a frustoconical surface (21 ,; 321; 621) whose small base faces the end of the element (B; A) remote from the cable section, while the collar has a face (22; 322; 622) located in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the element (B; A) on the side of the cable section. 4 Connector according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that   that the complementary latching means (E) is provided on an envelope (11; 311; 411; 511; 611)   in insulating material, especially in plas-   tick, surrounding the metallic tubular part of the corresponding element of the connector, this envelope extending axially beyond said metallic part (6; 306; 406; 506; 618) and having inward radial projections (13; 313; 413; 513; 613) fit to snap behind the aforesaid collar (20 ; 320; 620) at the end of nesting.   Connector according to claim 4, characterized in that the complementary latching means (E) is provided at the end of longitudinal lugs (31; 531) separated from each other in the peripheral direction and provided at the end of   the envelope (411; 511) of insulating material.   6 Connector according to any one of   previous claims, characterized in that   that elastic tongues (10; 310; 410; 610) oriented in the longitudinal direction and having a convexity facing the axis of the element (A) are provided on the internal wall of that (6; 306; 406; 606 ) tubular metal parts in which   the other metallic tubular part engages.   7 Connector according to any one of   Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that   elastic tongues (110; 210) oriented in the longitudinal direction have an outwardly facing convexity and are provided on the outer surface of that (106; 206) of metallic tubular parts which engages in the other part tubular metal.   8 connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the tubular part (118;   218) of the second connector element (B)   runs axially beyond the end of the sleeve (114 ,; 214) and comprises, beyond the insulating core (116; 216), a first latching means (D), while the first element (A) of the connector has an insulating core (105; 205) which projects axially beyond the corresponding metallic tubular part (106; 206) and which comprises, on its periphery, a complementary latching means (E). 9 connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the first latching means (E) is formed by a shoulder (122;   222), at the level of a swelling (23) or a depression   ment (223), of the metallic tubular part (118; 218) of the second element, while the means   additional snap is formed by a shoulder   ment (26) or a groove (226) provided on the extension   (24; 224) of the insulating core (105; 205).   Connector according to any one of   Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that   the insulating casing (511) of the connector element (A) has a curvilinear triangular shape inside which is engaged the corresponding metallic tubular part (506), this metallic part (506) being deformed so as to match the inner surface of the envelope (511), lugs (531) projecting axially being provided at the end of this envelope to ensure the snap-fastening on the other connector element.   11 Connector according to any one of   Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the   metallic tubular part (606) of the first connector element (A), comprises, on its outer surface, towards the rear, the first latching means (D), in particular formed by a flange (620), while the part tubular metal (618) of the other element (B) of the connector is surrounded by an envelope (611) of insulating material, in particular plastic, leaving a sufficient radial space (32) for the entry of the metallic tubular part ( 606) of the first element, provided with elastic contact tabs (610) projecting radially inwards, this envelope (611) comprising, towards its open end, the complementary latching means (E) adapted to cooperate with that ( 620) of the first element (A).