FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a connector assembly and to connector parts 5 for such a connector assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical and electrical connector assemblies used outside protected environments - such as outdoors or in factory environment conditions - often have to withstand harsh conditions. As intrusion of moisture and dust into the junction i o region of a connector assembly may have a negative effect on its transmission performance and longevity, proper sealing is essential for connector assemblies used under harsh conditions. Furthermore, intrusion of dust may lead to jamming of the mechanical locking mechanism of a connector assembly and hence hamper the release of connections.

1 5 Over the years, several attempts have been made to seal connector assemblies (respectively cable connections) against undesired environmental influences.

DE20201400231 9 U1 was published 28.03.201 4 on behalf of Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG and shows a boot assembly for a screw- type cable connection. The boot assembly comprises a sealing sleeve which is mounted slidable along a cable. The sealing sleeve is radially encircled by a sliding sleeve which can be moved in axial direction relative to the sealing sleeve between a clamping position and a release position . In the clamping position, the sealing sleeve is radially compressed inwards to a larger extent than it is in the release position . In order to seal a cable connection area, in a first step two connector parts have to be coupled in a conventional way. I n a second step the boot has to be slid over the two connectors and subsequently sealing is induced by bringing the sliding sleeve into the clamping position .

US6429373 B1 was published 06.08.201 2 on behalf of James M . Scrimpshire and Rudolph D. Sullivan and shows a multipurpose flexible cable boot for enclosing trunk and feeder cable connectors. US6429373 B 1 discloses a one- piece flexible cable boot for coaxial cable connectors which comprises a flexible, closely fit external sleeve which has a compressive end for supporting a cable against flexing . As well the boot has a second end which with an inwardly extending seal that is deformable so that it can be screwed or twisted onto the threads or housing of a device to form a watertight seal . As for the boot mentioned above, also this boot requires the actual cable connection to be established in a first step, before it subsequently can be slid over the cable and connector area. Hence the sealing process is temporally separated from the connecting process.

US841 9467 B2 was published on 1 6.04.201 3 on behalf of John Mezzalingua Associates Inc. and discloses a cover for cable connectors that protects cable connectors from environmental degradation. The cover is designed in order to be quickly installed or removed . Therefore the cover comprises an elongated body having cable and connector ends. I n addition it has an interior surface that is adapted to cover at least a portion of a cable. Furthermore the cover comprises several shoulders in order to comply with the outer shape of a connector and an 5 adapter which may be coupled with the cover. In order to obtain a sealed connection, the cover would first be fully slid over a cable that is to be terminated in a connector part, leaving the terminal end of the cable exposed. The cable then has to be terminated and attached to the connector in a conventional manner. Subsequently the cover has to be slid over the connector in order to obtain a i o sealing effect. Hence this type of cover already has to be installed on a cable before the cable is terminated, which may hamper the termination. In addition it can not be applied to cables which already comprise a terminating connector.

While these approaches may offer appropriate solutions for some specific applications, there still remains need for connector assemblies which offer fast 1 5 and user-friendly sealing mechanisms.

SU M MARY OF THE I NVENTION

Several approaches to provide sealing of connector assemblies have established in the market. However in these systems coupling of the connector parts for signal and/or power transmission and establishment of a sealing effect are obtained in 20 separated consequent steps. This may become critical for connections that have to be established under adverse conditions, such as for installations on high antenna masts, where e.g. single-handed operation of connectors are desirable. As well, the systems available usually cannot be used for retrofitting of connector assemblies as they e.g. already have to be mounted before a cable is terminated with a connector part or even require specifically designed connector parts.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved 5 connector assembly which overcomes one or multiple of the aforementioned shortcomings.

A connector assembly according to the invention usually comprises a first connector part and a second connector part suitable - respectively deigned - to be interconnected to the first connector part. The first connector part comprises i o an outer sleeve and a sealing element which is interconnected to the outer sleeve.

The sealing element comprises a sealing lip and the second connector part comprises a sealing surface. In a mounted position, respectively when the first connector part is interconnected with the second connector part, the sealing lip interacts with the sealing surface. This interaction normally causes a sealing effect

1 5 which prevents moisture and dust from entering the connector assembly, as is explained in more detail below. Thus the components responsible for proper electrical and/or optical and/or mechanical interconnection can efficiently be protected from undesired environmental impacts.

Good results may be achieved if the connector assembly is of a coaxial type. 20 Hence the first and second connector parts may be coaxial connectors connected to coaxial cables, circuit boards or other components. Good results may be obtained if the connector assembly is a straight connector assembly. However, for some purposes the connector assembly may also be an angled connector assembly. I n contrast to most of the systems known from the prior art, the present invention can be used with both these types of connector 5 assemblies.

A highly user-friendly type of a connector assembly may be obtained if the outer sleeve is an unlocking element (actuating sleeve) of a push-pull-connector. Push- pull-connectors are known from the prior art and are connectors that allow to plug together and detach a coupled connection rapidly without any screwing i o operation. They usually comprise an outer actuating sleeve which can be shifted in axial direction relative to the other components of the connector assembly, implementing an unlocking mechanism. Hence the first and second connector parts may be interconnected and disconnected fast and easily by axial manipulation of the outer sleeve, as will be explained in detail below. Particularly

1 5 user-friendly connector assemblies may be obtained if a type I EC 61 1 69-54 connector is used as a first connector part. However the invention is not limited to such types of connectors and hence easily operable connector assemblies can also be obtained if other types are applied .

Within the context of the present invention, "axial direction" usually refers to the 20 plugging/connecting direction of the connector assembly, whereas "radial direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the plugging/connecting direction. In a variation of the invention, the outer sleeve is a coupling nut. The coupling nut may be part of screw type connector or a bayonet nut type connector. Hence the invention may also be used for these types of connectors.

In particular good sealing characteristics may be obtained if the second connector part comprises a housing with a circumferential sealing surface. Hence a uniform sealing effect can be obtained over the whole area where the sealing lip interacts with the sealing surface. Consequently particularly good watertightness can be achieved.

Good results may be obtained if a circumferential sealing surface is arranged in radial and/or axial direction, as will be shown in detail below. However, radial and axial sealing is not limited to embodiments with circumferential sealing surfaces but may also be used, insofar as technically possible and expedient, with other types of sealing surfaces. Sealing characteristics may also be improved if the sealing surface comprises a shoulder. Such a shoulder may e.g . be used in order to obtain axial sealing with respect to the sealing lip as the shoulder region may provide a sealing surface that is arranged in axial direction.

Alternatively or in addition, a sealing element may comprise multiple sealing lips which interact with one or multiple sealing surfaces that is/are arranged in radial and/or axial direction on the second connector part. Hence the sealing surface may e.g. comprise multiple shoulders, which may interact with one or multiple sealing lips arranged at the outer sleeve. For some applications, the sealing surface may be arranged at a distance A from an end section of a housing of the second connector part, as will be described in detail below. Thus also other components can be arranged on an outer surface of the housing of the second connector part, but still be protected from environmental influences. In a variation of this aspect of the invention a thread is arranged between the sealing surface and the end section of a housing of the second connector part. Hence the sealing element may be used in order to shield the thread from environmental influences.

For some applications and connector geometries, good sealing characteristics may be obtained if the sealing lip defines a circular opening with diameter D when non-deformed (non-loaded) to receive the second connector part at least partially. In a variation of the invention the sealing surface has an (outer) cylindrical circumferential shape with a diameter of more than D. Hence a minimum contact pressure between the sealing lip (that are at least partially directed inwards) and the sealing surface (which are at least partially directed outwards) can be achieved, leading to a predefined minimum sealing effect. This will be explained in further details below.

Alternatively or in addition, the sealing surface is arranged in axial direction and the sealing lip is arranged such that an axial force is applied on the sealing lip by the sealing surface when the first and second connector parts are interconnected . Thus a defined contact pressure in axial direction between the sealing lip and the sealing surface can be obtained, as will be described in detail below. For some applications, the sealing element may be attached to the outer sleeve. Hence the sealing element may be interconnected with the outer sleeve by means of an adhesive or positive locking or a non-positive connection. I n a variation of the invention, the sealing element may be integrally formed with the outer sleeve.

5 In a variation of the invention, the sealing element may be overmolded onto or around the outer sleeve. Hence a particularly good mechanical interconnection between the outer sleeve and the sealing element may be obtained, as well as production of the sealing element and assembly of the first connector part may be simplified . Overmolding may lead to positive locking and/or a non-positive i o connection between the sealing element and the sleeve. Alternatively or in addition, the outer sleeve and sealing element may be made using multi- component injection molding. Thus the outer sleeve may e.g . made from a first material with a relatively high elastic modulus, whereas the sealing element may be made from a rubber type material.

1 5 Particularly good shielding from environmental impacts can be obtained if the sealing element is part of a protective cover, as will be explained in further details below. Such a protective cover may at least partially encapsulate the outer sleeve as well as other components of the connector assembly, particularly of the first connector part. A protective cover may also be referred to as a boot. Further

20 protective covers may be present.

In a variation of this aspect of the invention, the protective cover may comprise a flexible region which can be compressed and /or stretched in axial direction of the connector assembly by hand. Hence e.g. a locking and/or unlocking mechanism of the first and/or second connector part may be operated without prior removal of the protective cover as e.g . the outer sleeve which may serve as actuating sleeve can be shifted in axial direction. Alternatively or in addition, the protective 5 may comprise a flexible region which allows torsion of the protective cover. Such a variation of the invention may be advantageous in order to e.g . operate the nut of a bayonet nut coupling.

In one variation of the invention, the protective cover comprises a shrinking tube, such as e.g. a heat-shrinking tubing . Thus, fast and easy mounting of a protective i o cover may be possible. As well as additional environmental shielding can easily be obtained.

Good sealing in particular for screw type and bayonet nut type connectors may be obtained if the first connector part comprises a protective cover which can be moved in axial direction relative to the outer sleeve between a disengaged 1 5 configuration - where the outer sleeve is accessible from outside - and an engaged position - where the protective cover is sealingly interconnected with the outer sleeve and/or the sealing element, as explained in further detail below. In the engaged configuration, such a movable protective cover and the sealing element form together a protective cover that seals the connector assembly.

20 For some purposes the outer sleeve can be actuated by applying an external/outer force on the protective cover. Such a force may be applied by grasping the protective cover with fingers and compressing and applying a force in radial direction (e.g. squeezing the connector assembly) and/or in axial direction (e.g. by shifting part of the protective cover) and/or in circumferential direction (e.g. by twisting part of the protective cover) . Thus for variations of the invention where the outer sleeve is part of a mechanical coupling mechanism, said 5 mechanism may be operated without prior removal of the protective cover. Thus, a user-friendly convenient way of operating a connector assembly can be obtained and even single-handed operation may be achieved.

In order to increase ease-of-use a protective cover may comprises a corrugated outer surface. The protective cover may also have multiple corrugated outer i o surfaces. Hence e.g . operation of a coupling mechanism as well as total grip of a connector part may be increased, in particular when used in wet conditions. I n addition a corrugated outer surfaces, respectively a portion of the protective cover's outer surface being corrugated can be used in order to indicate where a connector assembly has to be held in order to release its mechanical coupling

1 5 mechanism, if present.

Good results may be obtained if the sealing element is made from a rubber type material, in particular a UV resistant rubber material, such as a silicone rubber, a polyurethane rubber or an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber. Thus particularly good sealing may be obtained in an outdoor environment.

20 Depending on the application, the first connector part may be a plug-type connector that may be interconnected with a cable and the second connector part may be a socket-type connector. Such a variation of the invention may e.g. be used in telecommunications, where a signal cable has to be connected to an antenna.

In order to improve sealing, the housing of the second connector part may at least partially be coated with coating. A high sealing competence and favorable manufacturing can be achieved if the coating is at least partially made from a plastic material, hence may be a plastic material coating. In a variation of the invention, the coating is made from a particularly hydrophobic material. Thus a drip-off effect can be achieved and consequently accumulation of water and/or dust on the second connector's surface can be reduced, reducing the risk of intrusion of water into to inner sections of the connector assembly as e.g . driven by capillary effects and/or freeze-thaw cycles of water. Particularly good sealing characteristics may be achieved if the plastic material coating is at least partially made from a rubber type material.

In a variation of the invention the coating also comprises a shoulder, respectively a shoulder region which may be integrally formed with the coating. Such a shoulder can be used in order to improve sealing by interacting with one or multiple shoulders.

Good results can be obtained if a coating is applied using an overmolding process of the housing of the second connector. Thus also additional geometrical features like e.g. shoulders can be easily integrally formed with the coating instead of producing them by a turning process when the housing is made. Thus also standard connector components may be used in order to produce connector assemblies according to the present invention .

In order to improve bonding between the coating and the housing, the housing may comprise one undercut or several undercuts. Thus positive locking between 5 the coating and the housing may be obtained, as will be explained in further detail below.

According to one variation of the invention the sealing surface may at least partially be coated with a plastic material that may be a rubber type material. Thus a particularly good sealing between the sealing lip and the sealing surface may be i o obtained.

In order to improve sealing even more, the first and /or the second connector part may comprise at least one inner seal that prevents intrusion of moisture and/or dust into the connector assembly, as will be explained in further detail below.

In a variation of the invention, the sealing element defines an opening to receive 1 5 the second connector part at least partially, said opening being closed by a detachable lid element. Thus, such a variation of the invention allows protecting a first connector part from moisture and/or dust prior to interconnecting it with second connector part. Alternatively or in addition a detachable lid element may also be arranged at the second connector part. Good results may be obtained if 20 the detachable lid element is integrally formed with the sealing element. For some applications, the detachable lid and the sealing element may be interconnected with a thin film that acts as a predetermined breaking point. Hence such a variation of a cover may easily be at least partially detached from the sealing element prior to interconnecting the first and second connector parts. In order to ease removal of a lid, the lid may comprise a gripping means, such as a strap or a ring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which should not be considered as limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.

Fig . 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of connector assembly;

Fig . 2 schematically shows the connector assembly of Fig. 1 in another view;

Fig . 3 schematically shows cross-section A-A of Fig. 2;

Fig . 4 schematically shows the connector assembly of Figs. 1 -3 in a connected state, part of the assembly being removed for illustrative purposes;

Fig . 5 schematically shows the connector assembly of Fig. 4 in a disconnected state; schematically shows a first embodiment of an outer sleeve with a sealing element; schematically shows a second embodiment of an outer sleeve with a sealing element; shows detail B of Fig. 3 ; schematically shows an embodiment of second connector part attached to the housing of a device; schematically shows the second connector part and housing of Fig . 9 in another view; schematically shows cross-section C-C of Fig. 1 0; schematically shows a second embodiment of a connector assembly in a disconnected state, part of the assembly being removed for illustrative purposes; schematically shows the connector assembly of Fig. 1 2 in a connected state, a protective cover being in a disengaged configuration; schematically shows the connector assembly of Fig. 1 2 in a connected state, a protective cover being in an engaged configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, an 5 embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

Figures 1 -5 and 8 show an embodiment of a connector assembly according to i o the present invention . Figures 1 -4 show the connector assembly in a connected state, where the first and second connector parts are interconnected, whereas Figure 5 shows the connector assembly in a disconnected state. Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of an outer sleeve with a sealing element, whereas Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of an outer sleeve with a sealing element. Figure 8 1 5 shows detail B of Figure 3. Figures 9-1 1 schematically show an embodiment of second connector part attached to the housing of a device. Figures 1 2-14 schematically shows a second embodiment of a connector assembly.

As shown in Figures 1 -5, a connector assembly 1 according to the present invention usually comprises a first connector part 1 0 and a second connector part 20 30. The connector assembly 1 shown is of a coaxial type. In the embodiment shown, the first connector part 1 0 is a plug, whereas the second connector part 30 is a socket. The first connector part 1 0 is connected to a cable 2 which comprises an inner and an outer conductor 3, 4. The second connector part 30 comprises a mounting plate 35 (bulkhead) with bores 36 that can be used e.g . in order to fasten it to the housing of a device (not shown ) . The first connector 1 0 5 shown is a push-pull type connector which comprises an outer sleeve 1 1 arranged as actuating sleeve for a mechanical coupling mechanism. Said mechanical coupling mechanism comprises a locking element 1 4 arranged at the first connector part 1 0 which can interlock with a counter-locking element 3 1 arranged at the second connector part 30. This interlocking can be released by i o shifting the outer sleeve 1 1 in axial direction (negative x-direction) , as indicated by the dotted arrow in Figure 4. I n connected state, a first inner conductor contact 22 of the first connector part 1 0 is in electrical contact with a second inner connector contact 41 of the second connector part 30 and a first outer conductor contact 23 of the first connector part 1 0 is in electrical contact with a

1 5 second outer connector contact 42 of the second connector part 30.

At the outer sleeve 1 1 , a sealing element 1 2 made from a rubber type material is arranged which has on an outer surface corrugations 1 6 which increase grip such that the outer sleeve can easily be manipulated by fingers and thumb by grasping the corrugated surface and shifting it, as explained above.

20 The sealing element 1 2 comprises a sealing lip 1 3 which is arranged to interact with a circumferential sealing surface 32 arranged on the housing 39 of the second connector part 30 when the two connector parts 1 0, 30 are coupled, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8. Hence a sealing effect is achieved, as will be explained in further details below with respect to Figure 8.

In the embodiment of a connector assembly 1 as shown in Figures 1 -6, the sealing element further comprises a proximally aligned end region 1 9 that is directed away from the sealing element 1 2 and which in mounted state is arranged in radial direction between a supportive sleeve 1 7 and a cleading 1 8. Proximal end region 1 9, supportive sleeve 1 7 as well as cleading are made from a rubber type material and braced against one another such that moisture and dust are prevented from entering the connector assembly 1 at this region.

Inside of the first connector part 1 0 a sealing ring 1 5 is arranged which in a coupled state engages with the housing 39 of the second connector part 30, which offers supplementary sealing to prevent moisture of dust from entering into the region where the conductor contacts 22, 23, 41 , 42 are arranged.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the sealing lip 1 3 defines a circular opening 24 suited to receive a part of the second connector 30. I n a non-deformed state (unloaded state) the circular opening has diameter D, as indicated in Figures 6 and 8. The sealing lip 1 3 comprises a radial lip face 20 and an axial lip face 2 1 . Figure 8 schematically illustrates the overlap of the geometry of the sealing lip 1 3 and the one of the housing 39 of the second connector part 30 when the first and second connector parts 1 0, 30 are in a coupled state. As shown, the circular opening 24 of the sealing lip 1 3 has a diameter D which is smaller than the diameter d of a cylindrically shaped part of the sealing surface 32. As the sealing lip 1 3 is made from an elastic material, this causes in reality an increase of the circular opening 24 to a diameter of d, resulting in an area contact with a certain contact force between the radial lip face 20 and the sealing surface 32. Consequently a sealing effect can be obtained. I n addition, the second connector part 30 comprises a shoulder 33 which is arranged such that it overlaps with the geometry of the sealing lip 1 3 , as indicated by the overlapping distance L. Thus when the first and second connector parts 1 0, 30 are coupled, the sealing lip is also strained in axial direction (x-direction), resulting in an area contact with a certain contact force between the axial lip face 2 1 and the shoulder 33. Hence good sealing between the sealing lip 1 3 and the housing 39 of the second connector part 30 can be achieved.

The sealing lip 1 3 of the embodiment shown will typically be made from a rubber type material which allows increasing the diameter D of the circular opening 24 when under load. Hence the sealing lip 1 3 can be shifted over the thread 34 without being damaged.

Figure 7 shows another variation of a sealing element 1 2 which is attached to an outer sleeve 1 1 of a first connector part 1 0 (not shown) . As shown, the sealing lip 1 3 is integrally formed with the outer sleeve 1 1 , whereas the two are individual components in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

Figures 9 to 1 1 schematically illustrate a second connector part 30 which has a housing 39 that is partially coated with a coating 37 made from a rubber material. The second connector part 30 is mounted connected to the housing 5 of an electronic device (not shown) . As shown in Figure 1 1 , the coating 37 extends over a part of the surface of the mounting plate 35 as well as it covers the sealing surface 32, which improves the sealing effect between the sealing surface 32 and a sealing lid 1 3. The sealing surface 32 is arranged at a distance A from an end 5 section 40 of the housing 39. As well a shoulder 33 is integrally formed in the coating 37 in order to improve the sealing effect. Such types of coatings can produced by overmolding processes. As indicated in Figure 1 1 , the coating 37 extends from the sealing surface 32 over the front face to the side faces of the mounting plate 35, where it is fixed in an undercut groove 38. Between the i o second connector 30 and the housing of a device 5, a gasket 43 is arranged which prevents moisture from entering the second connector assembly through the interstitial space between the mounting plate 35 and the housing of the device 5. When the second connector 30 is mounted onto the housing 5, a part of the coating 37 arranged in the undercut 38 is compressed between the

1 5 mounting plate 35 and the housing 39 which causes a sealing between the mounting plate 35 and the housing 39.

Figures 1 2 to 14 show a second embodiment of a connector assembly 1 where the first and second connector parts 1 0, 30 form a screw type connector. The first connector part 1 0 comprises an outer sleeve 1 1 which has an inner thread that 20 corresponds with an outer thread 34 arranged on the second connector part 30.

Hence the outer sleeve 1 1 serves as a coupling nut. The outer sleeve 1 1 has a hexagonal outer shape, such that it can be engaged with standard tools in order to be fastened and unfastened. Figure 1 2 shows the connector assembly 1 in a disconnected state. As shown, a sealing element 1 2 is interconnected to the outer sleeve 1 1 which comprises a circumferential sealing lip 1 3. In addition, the first connector part 1 0 comprises a protective cover 25 which essentially has a tubular shape and is moveable in axial direction (x-direction ) with respect to the cable 2. When the first and second connector parts 1 0, 30 are interconnected, as shown in Figure 1 3, the outer sleeve 1 1 can be screwed on the outer thread 34 of the second connector part 30, as indicated by the dotted arrow. Hence the outer sleeve 1 1 serves as a coupling nut. In this state, the sealing lip 1 3 sealingly interacts with the sealing surface 32. I n Figure 1 3 the protective cover 25 is shown in a disengaged configuration such that the outer sleeve 1 1 can be easily accessed. In Figure 14, the protective 25 cover has been moved in axial direction (x-direction), as indicated by the dotted arrows, and is now in an engaged configuration, where it is sealingly interconnected with the sealing element 1 2. As e.g. shown in Figure 1 3, a sealing element 1 2 may comprise an outer annular peripheral ridge, which in the engaged configuration interacts with an inner surface of the protective cover 25 in order to improve sealing at the interface between the two of them. Such an annular peripheral ridge is not limited to the embodiment shown. At the same time the protective cover 25 sealingly interacts with the cable 2 and as well as a supportive sleeve 1 7. NUMBERS

1 Connector assembly 25 30 Second connector part

2 Cable 3 1 Counter-locking element

3 I nner conductor 32 Sealing surface

4 Outer conductor 33 Shoulder

5 Housing of a device 34 Thread

6 Screw 30 35 Mounting plate

1 0 First connector part 36 Bore

1 1 Outer sleeve 37 Coating

1 2 Sealing element 38 U ndercut

1 3 Sealing lip 39 Housing of the second

1 4 Locking element 35 connector part

1 5 Sealing ring 40 End section of the housing of

1 6 Corrugations the second part

1 7 Supportive sleeve 41 Second inner conductor

1 8 Cleading contact

1 9 Proximal end region (of th 40 42 Second outer conductor sealing element) contact

20 Radial lip face 43 Gasket

21 Axial lip face D Diameter of the opening

22 First inner conductor contact d Diameter of the sealing

23 First outer conductor contact 45 surface

24 Circular opening L Axial overlap

25 Protective cover A Distance