Connector for coaxial cable with multiple start threads

• US 6,802,738 B1
• Filed: 07/26/1999
• Issued: 10/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Corning Optical Communications RF, LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Corning Gilbert Incorporated (Corning Incorporated)
• Inventors: Henningsen, Jimmy Ciesla
• Primary Examiner(s): Gilman, Alexander
• Application Number:
  US09/359,916
• Time in Patent Office: 1,905 Days
• Field of Search: 439/578, 439/579, 439/580, 439/581, 439/582, 439/583, 439/584, 439/585, 385/78, 385/82
• US Class Current: 439/583
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/0521 Connection to outer conductor by action of a nut
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/053 using contact members penetrating insulation

Abstract

Cable connector for coaxial cable, comprising a bushing (2) for providing an axial displacement of parts (4,5,6,7,8) in the connector, whereby these parts are brought into mechanical and/or electrical engagement with the coaxial cable. The axial displacement is provided by screwing a thread (10) provided on the bushing (2) onto a corresponding thread (9) provided on the main body (1) of the connector. By providing said threads (9,10) as multiple-start threads, the assembly time can be substantially reduced.

Claims

1. A cable connector for terminating the end of a coaxial cable, the coaxial cable including a center conductor, an outer conductor, and an outer jacket, said cable connector comprising:

a. a main body having external threads;

b. an outer bushing including internal threads that threadedly engage the external threads of said main body for securing said outer bushing to said main body;

c. a ferrule disposed within said outer bushing for axial displacement therein, said ferrule having a bore for receiving the end of the coaxial cable, said ferrule including at least one axial slot for allowing said ferrule to be radially compressed for making an electrical connection with the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and for grasping the outer jacket of the of the coaxial cable;

d. an axially displaceable inner bushing disposed within said outer bushing, said inner bushing being axially displaced as the outer bushing threadedly engages said main body of the connector, and wherein said inner bushing, in turn, axially displaces and radially compresses said ferrule as the outer bushing threadedly engages said main body of the connector; and

e. the external threads of said main body and the internal threads of said outer bushing comprising multi-start threads for allowing said outer bushing to be brought to a final mounting position upon said main body with only a relatively small degree of rotation of said bushing to reduce mounting time, wherein;

a. said main body has first and second opposing ends, the first end having a conductive pin extending therefrom for electrical coupling to the center conductor of the coaxial cable, and the second end of said main body having said external threads formed thereon; and

b. said ferrule has first and second opposing ends, said ferrule initially being rotatable within said outer bushing before said outer bushing threadedly engages the main body of the connector, the first end of said ferrule extending into the second end of the main body as said outer bushing is threaded onto said main body, the first end of said ferrule non-rotatably engaging the second end of said main body in locking engagement as said outer bushing is threaded onto said main body, whereby said ferrule and the coaxial cable are prevented from rotating relative to said main body.

2. The cable connector recited by claim 1 and further comprising a first O-ring disposed between said main body and said outer bushing, and a second O-ring disposed between said outer bushing and the coaxial cable for providing a moisture-tight connector.