Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority under relevant portions of 35 U.S.C. §

119 to U.S. Patent Application 62/960,941 , filed January 14, 2020, under relevant portions of 35 U.S.C. § 111 and 37 C.F.R. § 1.51 and 1.53, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to highly reliable compression connectors for RF cables.

Background

[0003] Conventional RF compression connectors include complicated internal clamping mechanisms that enable a connector to be installed in combination with an RF cable in the field. The design of these connectors is driven by the need to perform robust compression of the inner and outer conductors of the RF cable with the connector inner conductor and conductor body, respectively. This is typically performed by a technician using a handheld compression gun. [0004] An alternative to having the compression connector installed in the field is to complete the assembly in a controlled work environment, i.e., a factory setting. An advantage to performing assembly in a factory setting relates to the ability to accurately measure the length and produce a cable having the requisite size. However, a variety of issues add complexity and reduce efficiency during field installation, hence, there still exist opportunities for improvement.

[0005] Consequently, a need exists for a compression RF connector that has a simplified clamp mechanism that is lower in complexity yet results in a highly reliable and robust RF connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a compression RF connector comprising: a connector body, a coaxial cable having inner and outer conductors for transmission of RF signals, and a clamp assembly configured to produce a conductive connection for grounding the outer conductor to the connector body while maintaining a robust mechnical connection between the coaxial cable and the connector body. The clamp assembly includes first and second arcuate segments assembled to circumscribe a terminal end of the coaxial cable and configured to urge the outer conductor into electrical contact with the connector body to facilitate connector grounding. Furthermore, upon assembly, the first and second arcuate segments define a common clamp base, at least one outer barb projects radially outwardly from one of the plurality of arcuate segments and at least one inner barb member projects radially inwardly from one of the plurality of segments. At least one outer and inner barb member of the clamp assembly inhibits separation of the connector body relative to the coaxial cable.

[0007] In another embodiment, the disclosure describes a connector for use in combination with a coaxial cable, the connector comprising a connector body and a clamp assembly configured to connect the connector body to the coaxial cable. The clamp assembly comprises (i) first and second arcuate segments assembled to circumscribe a terminal end of the coaxial cable, (ii) a first end configured to urge the outer conductor into electrical contact with the connector body, and (iii) a second end defining a plurality of retention members projecting radially from each of the the first and second arcuate segments. At least one of the plurality of retentiion members projects radially outwardly to engage an inner surface of the connector body. Furthermore, at least another of the plurality of retention members projects radially inwardly to engage an outer surface of the coaxial cable. The plurality of retention members inhibit separation of the connector body relative to the coaxial cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an exemplary compression connector according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 A is an exploded view of the compression connector including a connector body, a coaxial cable and a split clamp disposed between the connector body and coaxial cable.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken substantially across one portion of the split clamp to view the engagement of an outer barb with the connector body.

[0011] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of portion 2B of FIG. 2A.

[0012] FIG. 2C is a sectional view taken substantially across another portion of the split clamp to view the engagement of an inner barb with an inner jacket of the coaxial cable.

[0013] FIG. 2D is an enlarged view of portion 2D of FIG. 2C.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated perspective view of an assembled split clamp according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3A is an isolated perspective view of a single segment of the split clamp assembly according to the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary RF compression connector 100 according to the disclosure, as installed on an annular coaxial cable 150. The coaxial cable 150 includes an inner conductor 125, concentrically surrounded by an insulator or dielectric core 130; an outer conductor 110; and a cable jacket 115 disposed over the outer surface of the outer conductor 110. The coaxial cable connector 100 includes a split clamp assembly 105, which is disposed within a connector body 120; and between one end of the coaxial cable 150 and a contact cone 122. More specifically, the split clamp assembly 105 is configured to form (i) an inwardly projecting conical flange at a first or forward end 106 and (ii) first and second retention members, barbs or retention shoulders B1 , B2 projecting radially from a second or aft end 108 of the clamp assembly 105. Hereinafter, these terms will be used interchangeably to describe the retention means between the clamp assembly 100 and the connector body 120 and the coaxial cable 150.

[0017] In the described embodiment, a molded thermoplastic strain relief member 160 may be disposed over the coaxial cable 150 and the connector body 120. Furthermore, an O-ring seal 135 may be compressed between the cable jacket 115, strain relief member 160, split clamp assembly 105 and the connector body 120. The coaxial cable 150 may be a ½ inch diameter annular RF cable, although other coaxial cable dimensions are possible and within the scope of the disclosure.

[0018] The first and second retention members B1 , B2 of the split clamp assembly 105 mechanically engage both the connector body 120 and cable jacket 115 of the coaxial cable 150. More specifically, the first and second retention members B1 , B2 alternate about the circumference of the split clamp assembly 105. That is, a first retention member B1 may projects outwardly over a first portion of one of the clamp assembly 105. For example, the first retention member B1 may be disposed in a first and third arcuate segment of the clamp assembly circumference, e.g., between about 0 and 90 degrees and about 180 and 270 degrees of the clamp assembly circumference. The retention member B2 may project inwardly over second and fourth segment of the clamp assembly circumference, e.g., between about 90 and 180 degrees and about 270 and 360 degrees of the clamp assembly circumference.

[0019] In FIGS. 1 - 2D, the retention members B1 , B2 of the clamp assembly 105 mechanically engage the outer conductor 110, cable jacket 115, connector body 120, and O-ring seal 135. More specifically, the clamp assembly 105 is split in two arcuate segments 305a, 305b and joined via stub pins P (see Figs. 1A and 3A) to clamp over the outer surface of the cable jacket 115. The end portion or terminal end of the outer conductor 110 is compressed between the an inwardly projecting flange 106 of the clamp assembly 105 (i.e., at a first or forward end of the clamp assembly 105) and a contact cone 122 disposed in combination with the inner surface of the connector 100. At least one of either the clamp assembly 105 and/or the contact cone 122 is conductive to facilitate grounding of the outer conductor 110 of the coaxial cable 150. That is, a grounding current may pass from the outer conductor 110 into the conductive clamp assembly 105, to the connector body 120 and, finally, to an interface port (not shown). Alternatively, a grounding current may flow from the outer conductor 110, to the conical cone 122, to the connector body 120 and into the interface port.

[0020] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the outwardly projecting retention member B1 engages a counter bore 250 formed along the inner surface of connector body 120. The split clamp assembly 105 is press fit over the coaxial cable 150 such that the outer retention member B1 engages the counter bore 250, thereby preventing reverse translation of the connector body 120 relative to the coaxial cable 150. That is, the outwardly projecting retention member B1 inhibits the separation of the connector body 120 from the coaxial cable 150.

[0021] Whereas a first cross sectional view is depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B and is taken between a first and third arcuate section of the clamp assembly circumference, FIGS. 2C and 2D depict a second cross-sectional view taken about ninety degrees (90°) from the first cross sectional view or taken through a second and fourth arcuate section of the clamp assembly circumference. Therein, the inwardly projecting retention member B2 engages the outer jacket 115 of the coaxial cable 150 to, once again, prevent reverse translation of the connector body 120 relative to the coaxial cable 150.

[0022] In FIG. 3, an isolated perspective view of an assembled split clamp assembly 105 includes at least two arcuate segments 305a and 305b. FIG. 3A, on the other hand, depicts an isolated perspective view of a single one of the arcuate segments 305a, 305b. As illustrated, the two arcuate segments 305a and 305b are joined along a plane 330 where a pair of stub pins P, each oriented orthogonally relative to the plane 330, are integrally molded with each of the segments 305a, 305b. Each stub pin P engages an aperture (not shown) formed in a mating portion of the adjacent arcuate segment 305a or 305b. Each of the arcuate segments 305a. 305b may be slotted to reduce the radial stiffness of each segment, thus allowing a small degree of flexibility. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp assembly 105 defines four slots 310, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coaxial cable 150, which divide the clamp assembly 105 into the plurality of flexible arcuate segments. The slots 310 enable a small degree of radial displacement such that each of the first and second retention members B1 , B2 may engage at least one of the connector body counter bore 250 or the outer jacket 115 of the coaxial cable 150. That is, the slots

310 provide for sufficient flexibility of the clamp assembly 105 so that it is sufficiently flexible to enable the outer retention member B1 to snap into counter bore 250 within the connector body 120. Further, the slots 310 should be large enough to prevent interference between first and second arcuate segments 305a, 305b during connector installation.

[0023] As discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the inwardly and outwardly projecting retention members B1 , B2 may alternate from one quadrant to an adjacent quadrant, or from a first portion of the clamp assembly circumference to another portion of the clamp assembly circumference. It should be appreciated that additional slots may be added to divide the clamp assembly 105 into more than four alternating segments. For example, six (6) slots 310 may divide the clamp assembly 105 into sixty degree (60°) segments and eight (8) slots 310 may divide the clamp assembly 105 into forty-five degree (45°) segments.

[0024] When combined, the first and second segments 305a, 305b may define a common clamp base 315 and the inwardly and outwardly projecting retention members B1 , B2 may have an equal radial extent. In the context used herein, the “radial extent” means the dimension that the retention members B1 , B2 project radially from the clamp base, i.e., whether the retention members B1 , B2 project inwardly or outwardly. When the radial extents are equal, the ratio from one to another inwardly and outwardly projecting retention member is : 1 : 1. It should be appreciated that variations are contemplated and within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] In the described embodiment, the ratio from one to another inwardly and outwardly projecting retention member is 1.75:1. That is, the radial extent of an inwardly projecting retention member B2 may have a radial extent of 1 .75 relative to the outwardly projecting retention member B1.

[0026] The clamp assembly 105 may be composed of an unfilled engineering grade thermoplastic, such as Polyetherimide (Ultem 1000), or Polyetherketone, however, it will be appreciated that other materials may be employed. Alternatively, the clamp may be fabricated from a fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic impregnated polymer to provide quasi-isotropic strength properties.

[0027] Accordingly, when connector 100 is press fit over the coaxial cable 150, the outer retention members B1 of the arcuate segments 305a engage with the connector body to prevent separation. Similarly, the inner retention member B2 of the arcuate segments 305b of clamp assembly 105 engage the cable jacket 115 of coaxial cable 150, so as to keep the connector/cable assembly fixed while the connector is compressed by a compression mechanism.

[0028] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second arcuate segments 305a, 305b do not alternate. In this case, the first and second arcuate segments 305a, 305b may be adjacent to each other. In another embodiment, there may be only one arcuate segment that has outer and inner barbs or retention members B1 , B2 on the same arcuate segment.

[0029] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0030] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.