EP3092686B1 - A connector having a continuity member operable in a radial direction - Google Patents
A connector having a continuity member operable in a radial direction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3092686B1 EP3092686B1 EP15734864.0A EP15734864A EP3092686B1 EP 3092686 B1 EP3092686 B1 EP 3092686B1 EP 15734864 A EP15734864 A EP 15734864A EP 3092686 B1 EP3092686 B1 EP 3092686B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- post
- connector
- coupler
- continuity member
- nut
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/5202—Sealing means between parts of housing or between housing part and a wall, e.g. sealing rings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/03—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
- H01R9/05—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections for coaxial cables
- H01R9/0524—Connection to outer conductor by action of a clamping member, e.g. screw fastening means
Definitions
- Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference.
- Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port.
- EP 2 378 614 describes a coaxial cable connector, which includes a coaxial and radially spaced inner sleeve and outer sleeve, a front end of the inner sleeve having an outer flange and first and second interface sections, a rear end of the inner sleeve having a rearward extending section; a nut having an inner flange at the rear end; and a conductive grounding spring mounted between the first interface section of the inner sleeve and the inner flange of the nut.
- the conductive grounding spring has an inner annular section fitted around the first interface section of the inner sleeve in contact therewith, and multiple plate-like resilient tongue sections extending from an end of the inner annular section and outward bent for mechanically and electrically connecting with the inner flange of the nut.
- the coaxial cable connector can be electrically connected with a threaded interface connector of an electronic device via the nut.
- U.S. 2011/230089 describes a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body a post engageable with the connector body, wherein the post includes a flange, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member having a first end, an opposing second end portion, and an internal lip, a continuity member disposed only axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the coupling member that faces the flange, an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member, and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed.
- U.S. 2011/021072 describes a coaxial cable continuity connector comprising a connector body, a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange having a tapered surface, a nut, wherein the nut includes an internal lip having a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the nut oppositely corresponds to the tapered surface of the post when the nut and post are operably axially located with respect to each other when the coaxial cable continuity connector is assembled, and a continuity member disposed between and contacting the tapered surface of the post and the tapered surface of the nut, so that the continuity member endures a moment resulting from the contact forces of the opposite tapered surfaces, when the continuity connector is assembled.
- a coaxial cable connector configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a conductive insert, a coupling nut, and a washer.
- the coupling nut can include a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface defining a bore for receiving a corresponding coaxial cable connector.
- the conductive insert can include an annular flange at least partially surrounded by the bore.
- the washer can be positioned between the second end portion of the coupling nut and the annular flange, and can be configured to press against at least one of the annular flange and the second end portion of the coupling nut to restrict rotation between the coaxial cable connectors.
- U.S. 2013/0237089 A1 describes a coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to a mating device.
- the connector includes a locknut, a connector body consisting of an inner tube, a body shell, a barrel and a plastic bushing, a multi-contact spring washer, and an O-ring.
- the multi-contact spring washer is mounted on a front neck of the body shell, having three or more equiangularly spaced first contact points kept in contact with an annular rear contact face of the locknut and three or more equiangularly spaced second contact points kept in contact with the annular front stop face of the body shell, ensuring positive grounding and enhancing signal transmission reliability.
- the multi-contact spring washer is configured to increase a contact area between an annular rear contact face of the locknut an annular front stop face of the body shell 22, while the multi-contact spring washer is kept in a position in which it cannot contact an inner tube of the connector.
- the present disclosure provides a connector for a coaxial cable according to claim 1, and a method for connecting said connector assuring electrical grounding continuity through the post and the coupler nut. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description, in which figures 1 to 53 depict examples not in accordance with the present disclosure, while Figures 54-57 , 60-61 depict embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.
- Figs. 1 to 53 depict examples not in accordance with the present disclosure.
- Fig. 1 depicts one example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 100 having an example electrical continuity member 70.
- the coaxial cable connector 100 may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable 10 having a protective outer jacket 12, a conductive grounding shield 14, an interior dielectric 16 and a center conductor 18.
- the coaxial cable 10 may be prepared as embodied in Fig. 1 by removing the protective outer jacket 12 and drawing back the conductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of the interior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the embodied coaxial cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a portion of the center conductor 18.
- the protective outer jacket 12 is intended to protect the various components of the coaxial cable 10 from damage which may result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion. Moreover, the protective outer jacket 12 may serve in some measure to secure the various components of the coaxial cable 10 in a contained cable design that protects the cable 10 from damage related to movement during cable installation.
- the conductive grounding shield 14 may be comprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical ground connection, such as cuprous braided material, aluminum foils, thin metallic elements, or other like structures. Various examples of the shield 14 may be employed to screen unwanted noise. For instance, the shield 14 may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric 16, or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric 16.
- the conductive shield 14 may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a foil layer.
- the dielectric 16 may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials.
- the various materials of which all the various components of the coaxial cable 10 are comprised should have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable 10 to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communication standards, installation methods and/or equipment.
- the radial thickness of the coaxial cable 10, protective outer jacket 12, conductive grounding shield 14, interior dielectric 16 and/or center conductor 18 may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment.
- the connector 100 may also include a coaxial cable interface port 20.
- the coaxial cable interface port 20 includes a conductive receptacle for receiving a portion of a coaxial cable center conductor 18 sufficient to make adequate electrical contact.
- the coaxial cable interface port 20 may further comprise a threaded exterior surface 23. It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxial cable interface port 20 and/or the conductive receptacle of the port 20 may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the threaded exterior surface 23 of the coaxial cable interface port 20 may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment.
- the interface port 20 may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port's 20 operable electrical interface with a connector 100.
- the receptacle of the port 20 should be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum.
- the interface port 20 may be embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cable communications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like.
- an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 100 may further comprise a threaded nut 30, a post 40, a connector body 50, a fastener member 60, a continuity member 70 formed of conductive material, and a connector body sealing member 80, such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of the connector body 50.
- the threaded nut 30 of examples of a coaxial cable connector 100 has a first forward end 31 and opposing second rearward end 32.
- the threaded nut 30 may comprise internal threading 33 extending axially from the edge of first forward end 31 a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with the external threads 23 of a standard coaxial cable interface port 20 (as shown, by way of example, in Fig. 20 ).
- the threaded nut 30 includes an internal lip 34, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the second rearward end 32 of the nut.
- the internal lip 34 includes a surface 35 facing the first forward end 31 of the nut 30.
- the forward facing surface 35 of the lip 34 may be a tapered surface or side facing the first forward end 31 of the nut 30.
- the structural configuration of the nut 30 may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector 100.
- the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the first forward end 31 of a nut 30, when mated with an interface port 20.
- the second rearward end 32, of the nut 30 may extend a significant axial distance to reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of the connector body 50, although the extended portion of the nut 30 need not contact the connector body 50.
- the nut need not be threaded.
- the nut may comprise a coupler commonly used in connecting RCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common coaxial cable connectors having standard coupler interfaces.
- the threaded nut 30 may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the nut 30.
- the nut 30 may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port 20 when a connector 100 is advanced onto the port 20.
- the threaded nut 30 may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials.
- the external surface of the nut 30 may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the nut 30 may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material.
- the threaded nut 30 may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body.
- Manufacture of the threaded nut 30 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- the forward facing surface 35 of the nut 30 faces a flange 44 of the post 40 when operably assembled in a connector 100, so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 40 and the connector body 50, of the connector 100.
- a connector 100 may include a post 40.
- the post 40 comprises a first forward end 41 and an opposing second rearward end 42.
- the post 40 may comprise a flange 44, such as an externally extending annular protrusion, located at the first end 41 of the post 40.
- the flange 44 includes a rearward facing surface 45 that faces the forward facing surface 35 of the nut 30, when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector 100, so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 40 and the connector body 50, of the connector 100.
- the rearward facing surface 45 of flange 44 may be a tapered surface facing the second rearward end 42 of the post 40.
- an example of the post 40 may include a surface feature 47 such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of a connector body 50 to secure axial movement of the post 40 relative to the connector body 50.
- the post need not include such a surface feature 47, and the coaxial cable connector 100 may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain the post 40 in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to the connector body 50.
- the location proximate or near where the connector body is secured relative to the post 40 may include surface features 43, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of the post 40 with respect to the connector body 50.
- the portion of the post 40 that contacts examples of a continuity member 70 may be of a different diameter than a portion of the nut 30 that contacts the connector body 50. Such diameter variance may facilitate assembly processes. For instance, various components having larger or smaller diameters can be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection with each other.
- the post 40 may include a mating edge 46, which may be configured to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding mating edge 26 of an interface port 20 (as shown in exemplary fashion in Fig. 20 ).
- the post 40 should be formed such that portions of a prepared coaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and center conductor 18 (examples shown in Figs.
- the post 40 should be dimensioned, or otherwise sized, such that the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10, around the dielectric 16 and under the protective outer jacket 12 and conductive grounding shield 14. Accordingly, where an example of the post 40 may be inserted into an end of the prepared coaxial cable 10 under the drawn back conductive grounding shield 14, substantial physical and/or electrical contact with the shield 14 may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through the post 40.
- the post 40 should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body.
- the post may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials.
- a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material.
- Manufacture of the post 40 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- Embodiments of a coaxial cable connector may include a connector body 50.
- the connector body 50 may comprise a first end 51 and opposing second end 52.
- the connector body may include a post mounting portion 57 proximate or otherwise near the first end 51 of the body 50, the post mounting portion 57 configured to securely locate the body 50 relative to a portion of the outer surface of post 40, so that the connector body 50 is axially secured with respect to the post 40, in a manner that prevents the two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the connector 100.
- the internal surface of the post mounting portion 57 may include an engagement feature 54 that facilitates the secure location of a continuity member 70 with respect to the connector body 50 and/or the post 40, by physically engaging the continuity member 70 when assembled within the connector 100.
- the engagement feature 54 may simply be an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of the post mounting portion 57.
- other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included to facilitate or possibly assist the positional retention of examples of electrical continuity member 70 with respect to the connector body 50.
- examples of a continuity member 70 may also reside in a secure position with respect to the connector body 50 simply through press-fitting and friction-fitting forces engendered by corresponding tolerances, when the various coaxial cable connector 100 components are operably assembled, or otherwise physically aligned and attached together.
- the connector body 50 may include an outer annular recess 58 located proximate or near the first end 51 of the connector body 50.
- the connector body 50 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55, wherein an inner surface opposing the outer surface 55 may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end 52 is deformably compressed against a received coaxial cable 10 by operation of a fastener member 60.
- the connector body 50 may include an external annular detent 53 located proximate or close to the second end 52 of the connector body 50. Further still, the connector body 50 may include internal surface features 59, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end 52 of the connector body 50 and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and received coaxial cable 10, through tooth-like interaction with the cable.
- the connector body 50 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface 55. Further, the connector body 50 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 50 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- a coaxial cable connector 100 may include a fastener member 60.
- the fastener member 60 may have a first end 61 and opposing second end 62.
- the fastener member 60 may include an internal annular protrusion 63 (see Fig. 20 ) located proximate the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 and configured to mate and achieve purchase with the annular detent 53 on the outer surface 55 of connector body 50 (shown again, by way of example, in Fig. 20 ).
- the fastener member 60 may comprise a central passageway 65 defined between the first end 61 and second end 62 and extending axially through the fastener member 60.
- the central passageway 65 may comprise a ramped surface 66 which may be positioned between a first opening or inner bore 67 having a first diameter positioned proximate with the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 and a second opening or inner bore 68 having a second diameter positioned proximate with the second end 62 of the fastener member 60.
- the ramped surface 66 may act to deformably compress the outer surface 55 of a connector body 50 when the fastener member 60 is operated to secure a coaxial cable 10. For example, the narrowing geometry will compress squeeze against the cable, when the fastener member is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connector body.
- the fastener member 60 may comprise an exterior surface feature 69 positioned proximate with or close to the second end 62 of the fastener member 60.
- the surface feature 69 may facilitate gripping of the fastener member 60 during operation of the connector 100.
- the surface feature 69 is shown as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements.
- the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 may extend an axial distance so that, when the fastener member 60 is compressed into sealing position on the coaxial cable 100, the fastener member 60 touches or resides substantially proximate significantly close to the nut 30.
- the fastener member 60 may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the fastener member 60 may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- the manner in which the coaxial cable connector 100 may be fastened to a received coaxial cable 10 may also be similar to the way a cable is fastened to a common CMP-type connector having an insertable compression sleeve that is pushed into the connector body 50 to squeeze against and secure the cable 10.
- the coaxial cable connector 100 includes an outer connector body 50 having a first end 51 and a second end 52.
- the body 50 at least partially surrounds a tubular inner post 40.
- the tubular inner post 40 has a first end 41 including a flange 44 and a second end 42 configured to mate with a coaxial cable 10 and contact a portion of the outer conductive grounding shield or sheath 14 of the cable 10.
- the connector body 50 is secured relative to a portion of the tubular post 40 proximate or close to the first end 41 of the tubular post 40 and cooperates, or otherwise is functionally located in a radially spaced relationship with the inner post 40 to define an annular chamber with a rear opening.
- a tubular locking compression member may protrude axially into the annular chamber through its rear opening.
- the tubular locking compression member may be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to the connector body 50 to compress into the connector body and retain the cable 10 and may be displaceable or movable axially or in the general direction of the axis of the connector 100 between a first open position (accommodating insertion of the tubular inner post 40 into a prepared cable 10 end to contact the grounding shield 14), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing the cable 10 within the chamber of the connector 100, because the compression sleeve is squeezed into retraining contact with the cable 10 within the connector body 50.
- a coupler or nut 30 at the front end of the inner post 40 serves to attach the connector 100 to an interface port.
- the structural configuration and functional operation of the nut 30 may be similar to the structure and functionality of similar components of a connector 100 described in Figs. 1-20 , and having reference numerals denoted similarly.
- a continuity member 70 is conductive.
- the continuity member may have a first end 71 and an axially opposing second end 72.
- Examples of a continuity member 70 include a post contact portion 77.
- the post contact portion 77 makes physical and electrical contact with the post 40, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is operably assembled, and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through the post 40.
- the post contact portion 77 comprises a substantially cylindrical body that includes an inner dimension corresponding to an outer dimension of a portion of the post 40.
- a continuity member 70 may also include a securing member 75 or a plurality of securing members, such as the tabs 75a-c, which may help to physically secure the continuity member 70 in position with respect to the post 40 and/or the connector body 50.
- the securing member 75 may be resilient and, as such, may be capable of exerting spring-like force on operably adjoining coaxial cable connector 100 components, such as the post 40.
- Examples of a continuity member 70 include a nut contact portion 74.
- the nut contact portion 74 makes physical and electrical contact with the nut 30, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is operably assembled or otherwise put together in a manner that renders the connector 100 functional, and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through the nut 30.
- the nut contact portion 74 may comprise a flange-like element that may be associated with various examples of a continuity member 70.
- various examples of a continuity member 70 may include a through-slit 73. The through-slit 73 extends through the entire continuity member 70.
- various examples of a continuity member 70 may include a flange cutout 76 located on a flange-like nut contact portion 74 of the continuity member 70.
- a continuity member 70 is formed of conductive materials.
- examples of a continuity member 70 may exhibit resiliency, which resiliency may be facilitated by the structural configuration of the continuity member 70 and the material make-up of the continuity member 70.
- a continuity member 70 may be formed, shaped, fashioned, or otherwise manufactured via any operable process that will render a workable component, wherein the manufacturing processes utilized to make the continuity member may vary depending on the structural configuration of the continuity member.
- a continuity member 70 having a through-slit 73 may be formed from a sheet of material that may be stamped and then bent into an operable shape that allows the continuity member 70 to function as it was intended.
- the stamping may accommodate various operable features of the continuity member 70.
- the securing member 75 such as tabs 75a-c, may be cut during the stamping process.
- the flange cutout 76 may also be rendered during a stamping process.
- features of the continuity member 70 may be provided to mechanically interlock or interleave, or otherwise operably physically engage complimentary and corresponding features of examples of a nut 30, complimentary and corresponding features of examples of a post 40, and/or complimentary and corresponding features of emb examples odiments of a connector body 50.
- the flange cutout 76 may help facilitate bending that may be necessary to form a flange-like nut contact member 74.
- examples of a continuity member 70 need not have a flange cutout 76.
- examples of a continuity member 70 need also not have a through-slit 73. Such examples may be formed via other manufacturing methods. Those in the art should appreciate that manufacture of examples of a continuity member 70 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, coining, tapping, drilling, bending, rolling, forming, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- Figs. 5 - 7 depict perspective cut-away views of portions of examples, not in accordance with the present disclosure, of coaxial cable connectors 100 having an electrical continuity member 70, as assembled, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- Fig. 6 depicts a coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with the present disclosure 100 having a shortened nut 30a, wherein the second rearward end 32a of the nut 30a does not extend as far as the second rearward end 32 of nut 30 depicted in Fig. 5 .
- Fig. 6 depicts a coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with the present disclosure 100 having a shortened nut 30a, wherein the second rearward end 32a of the nut 30a does not extend as far as the second rearward end 32 of nut 30 depicted in Fig. 5 .
- FIG. 7 depicts a coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with the present disclosure 100 including an electrical continuity member 70 that does not touch the connector body 50, because the connector body 50 includes an internal detent 56 that, when assembled, ensures a physical gap between the continuity member 70 and the connector body 50.
- a continuity member 70 may be positioned around an external surface of the post 40 during assembly, while the post 40 is axially inserted into position with respect to the nut 30.
- the continuity member 70 should have an inner diameter sufficient to allow it to move up a substantial length of the post body 40 until it contacts a portion of the post 40 proximate the flange 44 at the first end 41 of the post 40.
- the continuity member 70 should be configured and positioned so that, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, the continuity member 70 resides rearward a second end portion 37 of the nut 30, wherein the second end portion 37 starts at a side 35 of the lip 34 of the nut facing the first end 31 of the nut 30 and extends rearward to the second end 32 of the nut 30.
- the location or the continuity member 70 within a connector 100 relative to the second end portion 37 of the nut being disposed axially rearward of a surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut 30 that faces the flange 44 of the post 40.
- the second end portion 37 of the nut 30 extends from the second rearward end 32 of the nut 30 to the axial location of the nut 30 that corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 35 of the internal lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is also nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. Accordingly, the first end portion 38 of the nut 30 extends from the first end 31 of the nut 30 to that same point of the forward facing side 35 of the lip 34 that faces the first forward end 31 of the nut 30 that is nearest the second end 32 of the nut 30. For convenience, dashed line 39 shown in Fig.
- the continuity member 70 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces 35 and 45 of the lip 34 of the nut 30 and the flange 44 of the post 40. Rather, the continuity member 70 contacts the nut 30 at a location rearward and other than on the side 35 of the lip 34 of the nut 30 that faces the flange 44 of the post 40, at a location only pertinent to and within the second end 37 portion of the nut 30.
- a body sealing member 80 such as an O-ring, may be located proximate the second end portion 37 of the nut 30 in front of the internal lip 34 of the nut 30, so that the sealing member 80 may compressibly rest or be squeezed between the nut 30 and the connector body 50.
- the body sealing member 80 may fit snugly over the portion of the body 50 corresponding to the annular recess 58 proximate the first end 51 of the body 50.
- a body sealing member 80 may be structured and operably assembled with a coaxial cable connector 100 to prevent contact between the nut 30 and the connector body 50.
- a coaxial cable connector 100 may have axially secured components.
- the body 50 may obtain a physical fit with respect to the continuity member 70 and portions of the post 40, thereby securing those components together both axially and rotationally.
- This fit may be engendered through press-fitting and/or friction-fitting forces, and/or the fit may be facilitated through structures which physically interfere with each other in axial and/or rotational configurations.
- Keyed features or interlocking structures on any of the post 40, the connector body 50, and/or the continuity member 70 may also help to retain the components with respect to each other.
- the connector body 50 may include an engagement feature 54, such as an internal ridge that may engage the securing member(s) 75, such as tabs 75a-c, to foster a configuration wherein the physical structures, once assembled, interfere with each other to prevent axial movement with respect to each other.
- the same securing structure(s) 75, or other structures may be employed to help facilitate prevention of rotational movement of the component parts with respect to each other.
- the flange 44 of the post 40 and the internal lip 34 of the nut 30 work to restrict axial movement of those two components with respect to each other toward each other once the lip 34 has contacted the flange 44.
- the assembled configuration should not prevent rotational movement of the nut 30 with respect to the other coaxial cable connector 100 components.
- the fastener member 60 when assembled, the fastener member 60 may be secured to a portion of the body 50 so that the fastener member 60 may have some slidable axial freedom with respect to the body 50, thereby permitting operable attachment of a coaxial cable 10.
- the continuity member 70 when examples of a coaxial cable connector 100 are assembled, the continuity member 70 is disposed at the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, so that the continuity member 70 physically and electrically contacts both the nut 30 and the post 40, thereby extending ground continuity between the components.
- Figs. 8 - 19 depict various continuity member examples 170 - 670 and show how those examples are secured within coaxial cable connector 100 examples, when assembled.
- continuity members may vary in shape and functionality. However, all continuity members have at least a conductive portion and all reside rearward of the forward facing surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut 30 and rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30 of each coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with the present disclosure 100 into which they are assembled.
- a continuity member 170 may have multiple flange cutouts 176a-c.
- a continuity member 270 includes a nut contact portion 274 configured to reside radially between the nut 30 and the post 40 rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, so as to be rearward of the forward facing surface 35 of the internal lip 34 of the nut.
- a continuity member 370 is shaped in a manner kind of like a top hat, wherein the nut contact portion 374 contacts a portion of the nut 30 radially between the nut 30 and the connector body 50.
- a continuity member 470 resides primarily radially between the innermost part of the lip 34 of nut 30 and the post 40, within the second end portion 37 of the nut 30.
- a continuity member 570 includes a post contact portion 577, wherein only a radially inner edge of the continuity member 570, as assembled, contacts the post 40.
- a continuity member 670 includes a post contact portion that resides radially between the lip 34 of the nut 30 and the post 40, rearward the start of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30.
- a coaxial cable connector 100 is depicted in a mated position on an interface port 20.
- the coaxial cable connector 100 is fully tightened onto the interface port 20 so that the mating edge 26 of the interface port 20 contacts the mating edge 46 of the post 40 of the coaxial cable connector 100.
- Such a fully tightened configuration provides optimal grounding performance of the coaxial cable connector 100.
- the continuity member 70 maintains an electrical ground path between the mating port 20 and the outer conductive shield (ground 14) of cable 10.
- the ground path extends from the interface port 20 to the nut 30, to the continuity member 70, to the post 40, to the conductive grounding shield 14.
- this continuous grounding path provides operable functionality of the coaxial cable connector 100 allowing it to work as it was intended even when the connector 100 is not fully tightened.
- Fig. 21-23 depict cut-away, exploded, perspective views of an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 100 having still even another example of an electrical continuity member 770, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the continuity member 770 does not reside in the first end portion 38 of the nut 30. Rather, portions of the continuity member 770 that contact the nut 30 and the post 40, such as the nut contacting portion(s) 774 and the post contacting portion 777, reside rearward the start (beginning at forward facing surface 35) of the second end portion 37 of the nut 30, like all other examples of continuity members.
- the continuity member 770 includes a larger diameter portion 778 that receives a portion of a connector body 50, when the coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled.
- the continuity member 770 has a sleeve-like configuration and may be press-fit onto the received portion of the connector body 50.
- the fastener member 60a may include an axially extended first end 61.
- the first end 61 of the fastener member 60 may extend an axial distance so that, when the fastener member 60a is compressed into sealing position on the coaxial cable 100 (not shown, but readily comprehensible by those of ordinary skill in the art), the fastener member 60a touches or otherwise resides substantially proximate or very near the nut 30. This touching, or otherwise close contact between the nut 30 and the fastener member 60 coupled with the in-between or sandwiched location of the continuity member 770 may facilitate enhanced prevention of RF ingress and/or ingress of other environmental contaminants into the coaxial cable connector 100 at or near the second end 32 of the nut 30.
- the continuity member 770 and the associated connector body 50 may be press-fit onto the post 40, so that the post contact portion 777 of the continuity member 770 and the post mounting portion 57 of the connector body 50 are axially and rotationally secured to the post 40.
- the nut contacting portion(s) 774 of the continuity member 770 are depicted as resilient members, such as flexible fingers, that extend to resiliently engage the nut 30. This resiliency of the nut contact portions 774 may facilitate enhanced contact with the nut 30 when the nut 30 moves during operation of the coaxial cable connector 100, because the nut contact portions 774 may flex and retain constant physical and electrical contact with the nut 30, thereby ensuring continuity of a grounding path extending through the nut 30.
- Figs. 24 - 25 depict perspective views of another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 100 having a continuity member 770.
- the post 40 may include a surface feature 47, such as a lip extending from a connector body engagement portion 49 having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a continuity member engagement portion 48.
- the surface feature lip 47 along with the variably-diametered continuity member and connector body engagement portions 48 and 49, may facilitate efficient assembly of the connector 100 by permitting various component portions having various structural configurations and material properties to move into secure location, both radially and axially, with respect to one another.
- Fig. 26 depicts an isometric view of still further even another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of an electrical continuity member 870, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the continuity member 870 may be similar in structure to the continuity member 770, in that it is also sleeve-like and extends about a portion of connector body 50 and resides between the nut 30 and the connector body 50 when the coaxial cable connector 100 is assembled.
- the continuity member 870 includes an unbroken flange-like nut contact portion 874 at the first end 871 of the continuity member 870.
- the flange-like nut contact portion 874 may be resilient and include several functional properties that are very similar to the properties of the finger-like nut contact portion(s) 774 of the continuity member 770. Accordingly, the continuity member 870 may efficiently extend electrical continuity through the nut 30.
- an electrical continuity member 970 is depicted in several views, and is also shown as included in a further example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 900.
- the electrical continuity member 970 has a first end 971 and a second end 972.
- the first end 971 of the electrical continuity member 970 may include one or more flexible portions 979.
- the continuity member 970 may include multiple flexible portions 979, each of the flexible portions 979 being equidistantly arranged so that in perspective view the continuity member 970 looks somewhat daisy-like.
- a continuity member 970 may only need one flexible portion 979 and associated not contact portion 974 to obtain electrical continuity for the connector 900.
- Each flexible portion 979 may associate with a nut contact portion 974 of the continuity member 970.
- the nut contact portion 974 is configured to engage a surface of the nut 930, wherein the surface of the nut 930 that is engaged by the nut contact portion 974 resides rearward the forward facing surface 935 of nut 930 and the start of the second end portion 937 of the nut 930.
- a post contact portion 977 may physically and electrically contact the post 940.
- the electrical continuity member 970 may optionally include a through-slit 973, which through-slit 973 may facilitate various processes for manufacturing the member 970, such as those described in like manner above. Moreover, a continuity member 970 with a through-slit 973 may also be associated with different assembly processes and/or operability than a corresponding electrical continuity member 970 that does not include a through-slit.
- an electrical continuity member 970 should maintain electrical contact with both the post 940 and the nut 930, as the nut 930 operably moves rotationally about an axis with respect to the rest of the coaxial cable connector 900 components, such as the post 940, the connector body 950 and the fastener member 960.
- a continuous electrical shield may extend from the outer grounding sheath 14 of the cable 10, through the post 940 and the electrical continuity member 970 to the nut or coupler 930, which coupler 930 ultimately may be fastened to an interface port (see, for example port 20 of Fig. 1 ), thereby completing a grounding path from the cable 10 through the port 20.
- a sealing member 980 may be operably positioned between the nut 930, the post 940, and the connector body 950, so as to keep environmental contaminants from entering within the connector 900, and to further retain proper component placement and prevent ingress of environmental noise into the signals being communicated through the cable 10 as attached to the connector 900.
- the design of various examples of the coaxial cable connector 900 includes elemental component configuration wherein the nut 930 does not (and even can not) contact the body 950.
- Figs. 33-38 depict yet another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of an electrical continuity member 1070.
- the electrical continuity member 1070 is operably included, to help facilitate electrical continuity in an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 1000 having multiple component features, such as a coupling nut 1030, an inner post 1040, a connector body 1050, and a sealing member 1080, along with other like features, wherein such component features are, for the purposes of description herein, structured similarly to corresponding structures (referenced numerically in a similar manner) of other coaxial cable connector examples previously discussed herein above, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the electrical continuity member 1070 has a first end 1071 and opposing second end 1072, and includes at least one flexible portion 1079 associated with a nut contact portion 1074.
- the nut contact portion 1074 may include a nut contact tab 1078.
- an example of an electrical continuity member 1070 may include multiple flexible portions 1079a-b associated with corresponding nut contact portions 1074a-b.
- the nut contact portions 1074a-b may include respective corresponding nut contact tabs 1078a-b.
- Each of the multiple flexible portions 1079a-b, nut contact portions 1074a-b, and nut contact tabs 1078a-b may be located so as to be oppositely radially symmetrical about a central axis of the electrical continuity member 1070.
- a post contact portion 1077 may be formed having an axial length, so as to facilitate axial lengthwise engagement with the post 1040, when assembled in a coaxial cable connector 1000.
- the flexible portions 1079a-b may be pseudo-coaxially curved arm members extending in yin/yang like fashion around the electrical continuity member 1070.
- Each of the flexible portions 1079a-b may independently bend and flex with respect to the rest of the continuity member 1070. For example, as depicted in Figs. 35 and 36 , the flexible portions 1079a-b of the continuity member are bent upwards in a direction towards the first end 1071 of the continuity member 1070.
- a continuity member 1070 may only need one flexible portion 1079 to efficiently obtain electrical continuity for a connector 1000.
- electrical continuity member examples 1070 When operably assembled within an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 1000, electrical continuity member examples 1070 utilize a bent configuration of the flexible portions 1079a-b, so that the nut contact tabs 1078a-b associated with the nut contact portions 1074a-b of the continuity member 1070 make physical and electrical contact with a surface of the nut 1030, wherein the contacted surface of the nut 1030 resides rearward of the forward facing surface 1035 of the inward lip 1034 of nut 1030, and rearward of the start (at surface 1035) of the second end portion 1037 of the nut 1030.
- dashed line 1039 (similar, for example, to dashed line 39 shown in Fig.
- the continuity member 1070 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces of the lip 1034 of the nut 1030 and the flange 1044 of the post 1040. Rather, the electrical continuity member 1070 contacts the nut 1030 at a rearward location other than on the forward facing side of the lip 1034 of the nut 1030 that faces the flange 1044 of the post 1040, at a location only pertinent to the second end 1037 portion of the nut 1030.
- Figs. 39-42 depict various views of another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a coaxial cable connector 1100 having an electrical continuity member 1170, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- Examples of an electrical continuity member such as example 1170, or any of the other examples 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670, 770, 870, 970, 1070, 1270 and other like embodiments, may utilize materials that may enhance conductive ability.
- continuity member embodiments be comprised of conductive material
- continuity members may optionally be comprised of alloys, such as cuprous alloys formulated to have excellent resilience and conductivity.
- part geometries, or the dimensions of component parts of a connector 1100 and the way various component elements are assembled together in coaxial cable connector 1100 examples may also be designed to enhance the performance of electrical continuity members.
- Such part geometries of various component elements of coaxial cable connector embodiments may be constructed to minimize stress existent on components during operation of the coaxial cable connector, but still maintain adequate contact force, while also minimizing contact friction, but still supporting a wide range of manufacturing tolerances in mating component parts of embodiments of electrical continuity coaxial cable connectors.
- an electrical continuity member 1170 may comprise a simple continuous band, which, when assembled within examples of a coaxial cable connector 1100, encircles a portion of the post 1140, and is in turn surrounded by the second end portion 1137 of the nut 1130.
- the band-like continuity member 1170 resides rearward a second end portion 1137 of the nut that starts at a side 1135 of the lip 1134 of the nut 1130 facing the first end 1131 of the nut 1130 and extends rearward to the second end 1132 of the nut.
- the simple band-like examples of an electrical continuity member 1170 is thin enough that it occupies an annular space between the second end portion 1137 of the nut 1130 and the post 1140, without causing the post 1140 and nut 1130 to bind when rotationally moved with respect to one another.
- the nut 1130 is free to rotate, and has some freedom for slidable axial movement, with respect to the connector body 1150.
- the band-like example of an electrical continuity member 1170 can make contact with both the nut 1130 and the post 1140, because it is not perfectly circular (see, for example, Fig. 42 depicted the slightly oblong shape of the continuity member 1170).
- This non-circular configuration may maximize the beam length between contact points, significantly reducing stress in the contact between the nut 1130, the post 1140 and the electrical continuity member 1170. Friction may also be significantly reduced because normal force is kept low based on the structural relationship of the components; and there are no edges or other friction enhancing surfaces that could scrape on the nut 1130 or post 1140. Rather, the electrical continuity member 1170 comprises just a smooth tangential-like contact between the component elements of the nut 1130 and the post 1140.
- the two relevant component surfaces of the nut 1130 and the post 1140 that the band-like continuity member 1170 interacts with have varying diameters (a diameter of a radially inward surface of the nut 1130 and a diameter of a radially outward surface of the post 1140) vary in size between provided tolerances, or if the thickness of the band-like continuity member 1170 itself varies, then the band-like continuity member 1170 can simply assume a more or less circular shape to accommodate the variation and still make contact with the nut 1130 and the post 1140.
- the various advantages obtained through the utilization of a band-like continuity member 1170 may also be obtained, where structurally and functionally feasible, by other embodiments of electrical continuity members described herein, in accordance with the objectives and provisions of the present disclosure.
- Figs 43-53 depict different views of another coaxial cable connector 1200, the connector 1200 including various examples of an electrical continuity member 1270.
- the electrical continuity member 1270 in a broad sense, has some physical likeness to a disc having a central circular opening and at least one section being flexibly raised above the plane of the disc; for instance, at least one raised portion 1279 of the continuity member 1270 is prominently distinguishable in the side views of both Fig. 46 and Fig 52 , as being arched above the general plane of the disc, in a direction toward the first end 1271 of the continuity member 1270.
- the electrical continuity member 1270 may include two symmetrically radially opposite flexibly raised portions 1279a-b physically and/or functionally associated with nut contact portions 1274a-b, wherein nut contact portions 1274a-b may each respectively include a nut contact tab 1278a-b.
- the flexibly raised portions 1279a-b arch away from the more generally disc-like portion of the electrical continuity member 1270, the flexibly raised portions (being also associated with nut contact portions 1274a-b) make resilient and consistent physical and electrical contact with a conductive surface of the nut 1230, when operably assembled to obtain electrical continuity in the coaxial cable connector 1200.
- the surface of the nut 1230 that is contacted by the nut contact portion 1274 resides within the second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230.
- the electrical continuity member 1270 may optionally have nut contact tabs 1278a-b, which tabs 1278a-b may enhance the member's 1270 ability to make consistent operable contact with a surface of the nut 1230.
- the tabs 1278a-b comprise a simple bulbous round protrusion extending from the nut contact portion.
- other shapes and geometric design may be utilized to accomplish the advantages obtained through the inclusion of nut contact tabs 1278a-b.
- the opposite side of the tabs 1278a-b may correspond to circular detents or dimples 1278a 1 -b 1 .
- These oppositely structured features 1278a 1 -b 1 may be a result of common manufacturing processes, such as the natural bending of metallic material during a stamping or pressing process possibly utilized to create a nut contact tab 1278.
- an electrical continuity member 1270 examples not in accordance with the present disclosure include a cylindrical section extending axially in a lengthwise direction toward the second end 1272 of the continuity member 1270, the cylindrical section comprising a post contact portion 1277, the post contact portions 1277 configured so as to make axially lengthwise contact with the post 1240.
- the post contact portion 1277 may be utilized for the post contact portion 1277, as long as the electrical continuity member 1270 is provided so as to make consistent physical and electrical contact with the post 1240 when assembled in a coaxial cable connector 1200.
- the continuity member 1270 should be configured and positioned so that, when the coaxial cable connector 1200 is assembled, the continuity member 1270 resides rearward the start of a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230, wherein the second end portion 1237 begins at a side 1235 of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 facing the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 and extends rearward to the second end 1232 of the nut 1230.
- the continuity member 1270 contacts the nut 1230 in a location relative to a second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230.
- the second end portion 1237 of the nut 1230 extends from the second end 1232 of the nut 1230 to the axial location of the nut 1230 that corresponds to the point of the forward facing side 1235 of the internal lip 1234 that faces the first forward end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is also nearest the second rearward end 1232 of the nut 1230. Accordingly, the first end portion 1238 of the nut 1230 extends from the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 to that same point of the side of the lip 1234 that faces the first end 1231 of the nut 1230 that is nearest the second end 1232 of the nut 1230.
- dashed line 1239 depicts the axial point and a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of the first end portion 1238 and the second end portion 1237 of examples of the nut 1230.
- the continuity member 1270 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces 1235 and 1245 of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 and the flange 1244 of the post 40. Rather, the continuity member 1270 contacts the nut 1230 at a location other than on the side of the lip 1234 of the nut 1230 that faces the flange 1244 of the post 1240, at a rearward location only pertinent to the second end 1237 portion of the nut 1230.
- the connector body 1250 may include an internal detent 1256 positioned to help accommodate the operable location of the electrical continuity member 1270 as located between the post 1240, the body 1250, and the nut 1230.
- the connector body 1250 may include a post mounting portion 1257 proximate the first end 1251 of the body 1250, the post mounting portion 1257 configured to securely locate the body 1250 relative to a portion 1247 of the outer surface of post 1240, so that the connector body 1250 is axially secured with respect to the post 1240.
- the nut 1230 as located with respect to the electrical continuity member 1270 and the post 1240, does not touch the body.
- a body sealing member 1280 may be positioned proximate the second end portion of the nut 1230 and snugly around the connector body 1250, so as to form a seal in the space therebetween.
- a first step includes providing a coaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 operable to obtain electrical continuity.
- the provided coaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 includes a connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250 and a post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 operably attached to the connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250, the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 having a flange 44/944/1044/1144/1244.
- the coaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 also includes a nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 axially rotatable with respect to the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 and the connector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250, the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 including an inward lip 34/934/1034/1134/1234.
- the provided coaxial cable connector includes an electrical continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 disposed axially rearward of a surface 35/935/1035/1135/1235 of the internal lip 34/934/1034/1134/1234 of the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 that faces the flange 44/944/1044/1144/1244of the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240.
- a further method step includes securely attaching a coaxial cable 10 to the connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 so that the grounding sheath or shield 14 of the cable electrically contacts the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240.
- the methodology includes extending electrical continuity from the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240 through the continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 to the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230.
- a final method step includes fastening the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 to a conductive interface port 20 to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection, even when the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 is not fully tightened onto the port 20, because only a few threads of the nut onto the port are needed to extend electrical continuity through the nut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 and to the cable shielding 14 via the electrical interface of the continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 and the post 40/940/1040/1140/1240.
- the connector 1300 includes a radially biasing continuity member or element 1301.
- the radially biasing continuity member 1301 can be the continuity element 270, 370 or 470 illustrated in Figs. 10-15 , or the radially biasing continuity member 1301 can be the continuity member 1470, 1570, 1670, 1770 or 1870 described below.
- the radially biasing continuity member 1301 is positioned between the nut or coupler 1330 and the post 1340.
- the continuity member 1301 is subject to little or no axial force, resulting in a relatively simple part design and greater robustness. Also, continuity member 1301 facilitates a relatively low resistance or drag force against the coupler 1330.
- the radially biasing continuity member 1301 is positionable directly in the high-force area between the coupler 1330 and post 1340.
- the continuity member 1370 has: (a) at least one coupler engager or radial biasing section 1378 configured to produce a biasing force radially outward from the axial or longitudinal axis 1302, for example along the radial line 1304; (b) at least one post holder, post engager or post holding section 1379; and (c) an axial load bearer or axial loading bearing section 1377 configured to bear a load or force along the axial or longitudinal axis 1302.
- the coupler engager 1378 is simultaneously engaged with the coupler 1330.
- the post holding section 1379 aids in the engagement of the post 1340 during such simultaneous engagement.
- the axial load bearing section 1377 has no or substantially no resilience or compressibility along the axial axis 1302. Therefore, the axial load bearing section 1377 is configured to withstand relatively high coupler tightening forces without affecting the capability of the continuity member 1370 to establish and maintain radial contact with both the coupler 1330 and the post 1340 independent of whether the coupler 1330 is loose or tight on the port 20.
- This axial load bearing section 1377 enables continuity member 1301 to withstand some amount of axial contact by action of the coupler 1330 and post 1340 which could otherwise damage a smaller, more delicate resilient continuity element.
- the continuity member 1301 may be placed in an area of the connector 1300 which bears the full extent of the tightening force between the coupler 1330 and port 20 or in an area which must accommodate a relatively high amount of axial travel of the coupler 1330 relative to the post 1340 or body 1350 of the connector 1300.
- the continuity member 1301 is also operable to resist damage resulting from frequent use or mishandling.
- the continuity member 1370 has an oval shape with a partial spiral or helical configuration.
- the coaxial cable connector 1300 may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable 10 (as shown in Fig. 1 ) having a protective outer jacket 12, a conductive grounding shield 14, an interior dielectric 16 and a center conductor 18.
- the connector 1300 has the coupler 1330, the post 1340, a connector body 1350 and the continuity member 1301, such as the spiral continuity member 1370 shown in Figs. 54-56 .
- the coupler 1330 of coaxial cable connector 1300 includes an internal or inner lip 1334, such as an annular protrusion, located close to a rearward end 1339 of the coupler 1330.
- the internal lip 1334 includes a surface 1335 facing the forward end 1338 of the coupler 1330.
- the forward facing surface 1335 of the lip 1334 may be perpendicular to the central axis 1302 of the coupler 1330.
- the structural configuration of the coupler 1330 may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of a coaxial cable connector 1300.
- the forward end 1338 of the coupler 1330 may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help inhibit ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the forward end 1338 of the coupler 1330, when mated with an interface port 20.
- an environmental sealing member such as a water-tight seal or other attachable component element
- the rearward end 1339 of the coupler 1330 may extend a significant axial distance to partially surround a portion of the connector body 1350, although the extended portion of the coupler 1330 need not contact the connector body 1350.
- the forward facing surface 1335 of the lip 1334 of the coupler 1330 faces a flange 1344 of the post 1340 when operably assembled in a connector 1300, so as to enable the coupler 1330 to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 1340 and the connector body 1350, of the connector 1300.
- the coupler 1330 is formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through the coupler 1330. Accordingly, the coupler 1330 may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of an interface port 20 when a connector 1300 is advanced onto the port 20.
- the coupler 1330 may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials.
- the external surface of the coupler 1330 may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of the coupler 1330 may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material.
- the coupler 1330 may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body. Manufacture of the coupler 1330 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- the post 1340 has a forward end 1348 and an opposing rearward end 1349. Furthermore, the post 1340 may comprise a flange 1344, such as an externally (or radially outwardly) extending annular protrusion, located at the forward end of the post 1340.
- the flange 1344 includes a rearward facing surface 1345 that faces the lip 1334 of the coupler 1330, when operably assembled in a coaxial cable connector 1300, so as to enable the coupler 1330to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as the post 1340 and the connector body 1350, of the connector 1300.
- the rearward facing surface 1345 of flange 1344 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal or central axis 1302 of the post 1340.
- the post 1340 is conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body.
- the post 1340 may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials.
- a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material.
- Manufacture of the post 1340 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- the connector body 1350 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface. Further, the connector body 1350 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of the connector body 1350 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component.
- the electrical continuity member 1370 exerts a biasing force (such as an inward spring-like force) on the post 1340 at post contact section 1372. This radially inward force is applied against a radially outward facing surface 1384 (or outer surface) of the post 1340.
- the electrical continuity member 1370 also exerts a second biasing force (such as an outward spring-like force) against the radially inward facing surface 1382 of the coupler 1330 at the coupler contact point 1375.
- the coupler 1330 is shown advanced forward along the connector 1300. This axial advancement may result in a force applied against the continuity member 1370, crushing it between the inner lip 1334 and the flange 1344.
- the continuity member 1370 may be formed of a suitable material so as to be axially non-resilient and able to withstand such crushing force.
- the coupler 1330 When the coupler 1330 is so advanced along the axis 1302, this creates a gap 1380 rearward of the coupler 1330. Moving the coupler 1330 rearward allows additional space between the inner lip 1334, the flange 1344 and the continuity member 1370. In such arrangement, the continuity member 1370 may be situated so as to not axially contact either the inner lip 1334 or the flange 1344. However, the continuity member 1370 still has radial contact with the coupler 1330 and the post 1340 establishing (or maintaining) an electrical contact between the coupler 1330 and the post 1340.
- the continuity member 1370 may be placed loosely between the coupler 1330 and the post 1340 enabling greater assembly tolerances. Furthermore, while the inner lip 1334 and the flange 1344 restrict the axial movement of the continuity member 1370, the radially-extending surfaces 1385 and 1387 of the inner lip 1334 and flange 1344, respectively, protect the continuity member 1370 from excess forces in the radial direction. In this way, the surfaces 1385 and 1387 act as stops defining a radial cavity, gap or space 1389 for the continuity member 1370.
- the continuity member 1301 may be a split ring washer.
- the washer may have an irregular shape, asymmetry or eccentricity (or deviation from perfectly circular) such that it contacts both the coupler 1330 and the post 1340 (or body 1350) while leaving unoccupied space 1391 of the cavity 1389.
- the unoccupied space 1391 of the cavity 1389 enables the continuity member 1301 to axially deform during its spring action.
- the continuity member 1370 has a spiral shape.
- the inner part, such as post engager 1379 of the spiral continuity member 1370 grabs the post 1340 while the outer edge, such as coupler engager 1378, pushes against the coupler 1330.
- the spiral continuity member 1370 may have an eccentricity so that the spiral is oblong or based on an oval shape. As such, the continuity member 1370 engages the post 1340 at several points on the outer perimeter of the post 1340 while being disengaged from some of the points on the outer perimeter of the post 1340.
- the continuity member 1370 engages the coupler 1330 at several points on the inner perimeter of the coupler 1330 while being disengaged from some of the points on the inner perimeter of the coupler 1330. For example, two sections 1372 squeeze the post 1340, and two sections 1374 press against the coupler 1330.
- the spiral continuity member 1370 fits within the radial space or gap 1389 between the coupler 1330 and the post 1340. Where the spiral continuity member 1370 contacts the post 1340, such as in sections 1372, the radial gap 1389 separates the coupler engager 1378 of sections 1372 from the coupler 1330. Likewise, where the section 1374 of spiral continuity member 1370 contacts the coupler 1330, the radial space or gap 1389 separates the post engager 1379 from the post 1340.
- the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1470.
- Continuity member 1470 partially encircles the post 1440, and the coupler 1430 encircles the continuity member 1470.
- the continuity member 1470 includes various portions for example, post contacting portion 1473 and coupler contacting portion 1475.
- the post contacting portion 1473 contacts and exerts a force against the outer surface 1484 of the post 1440.
- the post contacting portion 1473 of the continuity member 1470 does not touch the inner or radially facing surface 1482 of the coupler 1430.
- the coupler contacting portion 1475 exerts a force against the inner surface 1482 while not pressing against the outer surface 1484 of the post 1440.
- the continuity element 1301 may be square or rectangular.
- the continuity element 1301 could also be a round wire or some other suitable shape.
- the continuity element 1370 has a non-resilient material, formed in a radially-elastic configuration. As a result, the axial edges 1371 are stiff and resistant to becoming damaged or distorted when subject to high axial forces.
- the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1570.
- the coupler 1530 surrounds the post 1540.
- the continuity member 1570 has an oblong or elliptical shape. At a limited number of points 1502 closer to the center 1501, the continuity member 1570 contacts the post 1540 while at other limited points 1504 farther from the center 1501, the continuity member 1570 contacts the coupler 1530.
- the gaps 1505 provide room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1570 during its spring action.
- the continuity member 1570 may exert a force against the coupler 1530 or the post 1540.
- the continuity member 1570 may apply a radially inward force (or squeezing force) against the outer surface of the post 1540.
- the continuity member 1570 may apply a radially outward force (or pushing force) against the outer surface of the post 1540.
- the continuity member 1301 can suffice for the continuity member 1301, including spirals and rings, but also including oblong; semi-straight-sided polygons and/or shapes that make use of asymmetrical geometries.
- some portion of the continuity member 1301, such as post holding section 1379 of spiral continuity member 1370 contacts the radially facing surface 1382 of the inner connector component (such as the post 1340 or body 1350).
- another portion, such as radial biasing section 1378 of spiral continuity member 1370 contacts the radially facing surface 1482 of the coupler 1330 with some slight or suitable amount of force, tension or stress.
- the continuity member 1301 may be a three dimensional shape, such as an expanding, radial spiral which advances in the axial direction.
- the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1670.
- a coupler 1630 surrounds a post 1640 and the continuity member 1670.
- the continuity member 1670 is a wire which has a bent form of a polygon. The corners 1602 of the polygonal continuity member 1670 press against the coupler 1630 while the walls or edges 1604 squeeze the post 1640. The gaps 1606 provide room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1570 during its spring action.
- the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1770.
- the continuity member 1770 is a ring having an elliptical shape.
- the eccentric formation enables the continuity member 1770 to continue to grip the post 1740 while simultaneously extending to press against the coupler 1730 to provide continuity.
- the inner part of the ring continuity member 1770 grabs the post 1740 while the elliptical shape creates an elliptical bulge part 1704 that pushes against the coupler 1730.
- the ring continuity member 1770 includes ends 1772 and 1774 which may be engaged (such as with pliers) in order to attach or remove the continuity member 1770.
- the walls 1776 contact or engage the post 1740.
- the wall 1778 engages the coupler 1730 while being disengaged from the post 1740.
- the gap 1780 provides room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1770 during its spring action.
- the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1870.
- the continuity member 1301 exerts a force against the body 1850.
- the continuity member 1870 is a ring having an elliptical shape.
- a coupler 1830 surrounds a body 1850 and the continuity member 1870.
- the inner part 1802 of the ring continuity member 1870 grabs the body 1850 while the elliptical bulge part 1804 pushes against the coupler 1830.
- the gap 1806 provides room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1870 during its spring action.
- Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.
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Description
- Broadband communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of broadband communications. Coaxial cables are typically designed so that an electromagnetic field carrying communications signals exists only in the space between inner and outer coaxial conductors of the cables. This allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects without the power losses that occur in other transmission lines, and provides protection of the communications signals from external electromagnetic interference. Connectors for coaxial cables are typically connected onto complementary interface ports to electrically integrate coaxial cables to various electronic devices and cable communication equipment. Connection is often made through rotatable operation of an internally threaded nut of the connector about a corresponding externally threaded interface port. Fully tightening the threaded connection of the coaxial cable connector to the interface port helps to ensure a ground connection between the connector and the corresponding interface port. However, often connectors are not properly tightened or otherwise installed to the interface port and proper electrical mating of the connector with the interface port does not occur. Moreover, typical component elements and structures of common connectors may permit loss of ground and discontinuity of the electromagnetic shielding that is intended to be extended from the cable, through the connector, and to the corresponding coaxial cable interface port. Hence a need exists for an improved connector having structural component elements to improve ground continuity between the coaxial cable, the connector and its various applicable structures, and the coaxial cable connector interface port.
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EP 2 378 614 -
U.S. 2011/230089 describes a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body a post engageable with the connector body, wherein the post includes a flange, a coupling member, axially rotatable with respect to the post and the connector body, the coupling member having a first end, an opposing second end portion, and an internal lip, a continuity member disposed only axially rearward of a surface of the internal lip of the coupling member that faces the flange, an outer sleeve engageable with the coupling member, the sleeve configured to rotate the coupling member, and a compression portion structurally integral with the connector body, wherein the compression portion is configured to break apart from the body when axially compressed. -
U.S. 2011/021072 describes a coaxial cable continuity connector comprising a connector body, a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange having a tapered surface, a nut, wherein the nut includes an internal lip having a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the nut oppositely corresponds to the tapered surface of the post when the nut and post are operably axially located with respect to each other when the coaxial cable continuity connector is assembled, and a continuity member disposed between and contacting the tapered surface of the post and the tapered surface of the nut, so that the continuity member endures a moment resulting from the contact forces of the opposite tapered surfaces, when the continuity connector is assembled. -
U.S. 2012/045933 describes coaxial cable connectors including washers. A coaxial cable connector configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a conductive insert, a coupling nut, and a washer. The coupling nut can include a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface defining a bore for receiving a corresponding coaxial cable connector. The conductive insert can include an annular flange at least partially surrounded by the bore. The washer can be positioned between the second end portion of the coupling nut and the annular flange, and can be configured to press against at least one of the annular flange and the second end portion of the coupling nut to restrict rotation between the coaxial cable connectors. -
U.S. 2013/0237089 A1 describes a coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable to a mating device. The connector includes a locknut, a connector body consisting of an inner tube, a body shell, a barrel and a plastic bushing, a multi-contact spring washer, and an O-ring. The multi-contact spring washer is mounted on a front neck of the body shell, having three or more equiangularly spaced first contact points kept in contact with an annular rear contact face of the locknut and three or more equiangularly spaced second contact points kept in contact with the annular front stop face of the body shell, ensuring positive grounding and enhancing signal transmission reliability. In a particular example, the multi-contact spring washer is configured to increase a contact area between an annular rear contact face of the locknut an annular front stop face of the body shell 22, while the multi-contact spring washer is kept in a position in which it cannot contact an inner tube of the connector. - The present disclosure provides a connector for a coaxial cable according to claim 1, and a method for connecting said connector assuring electrical grounding continuity through the post and the coupler nut. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description, in which
figures 1 to 53 depict examples not in accordance with the present disclosure, whileFigures 54-57 ,60-61 depict embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. -
-
Fig. 1 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of an embodiment of the elements of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 2 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 1 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 3 depicts an isometric view of a variation of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 1 , without a flange cutout, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 4 depicts an isometric view of a variation of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 1 , without a flange cutout or a through-slit, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 5 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of the embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an electrical continuity member ofFig. 1 , as assembled, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 6 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an electrical continuity member and a shortened nut, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 7 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an electrical continuity member that does not touch the connector body, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 8 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 9 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 8 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 10 depicts an isometric view of a further embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 11 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 10 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 12 depicts an isometric view of still another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 13 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 12 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 14 depicts an isometric view of a still further embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 15 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 14 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 16 depicts an isometric view of even another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 17 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 16 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 18 depicts an isometric view of still even a further embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 19 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an assembled embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the electrical continuity member ofFig. 18 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 20 depicts an isometric cut-away view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector including an electrical continuity member and having an attached coaxial cable, the connector mated to an interface port, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 21 depicts an isometric cut-away view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having still even another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 22 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 21 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 23 an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 21 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 24 depicts an isometric cut-away view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 22 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 25 depicts an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 24 , in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 26 depicts an isometric view of still further even another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 27 depicts an isometric view of another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 28 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an electrical continuity depicted inFig 27 , yet comprising a completely annular post contact portion with no through-slit, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 29 depicts an isometric cut-away view of another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector operably having either of the embodiments of the electrical continuity member depicted inFigs. 27 or28 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 30 depicts an isometric cut-away view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable connector ofFig. 29 , wherein a cable is attached to the connector, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 31 depicts a side cross-section view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable connector ofFig. 29 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 32 depicts an isometric cut-away view of the embodiment of a coaxial cable connector ofFig. 29 , wherein a cable is attached to the connector, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 33 depicts an isometric view of yet another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 34 depicts a side view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 33 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 35 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 33 , wherein nut contact portions are bent, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 36 depicts a side view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 33 , wherein nut contact portions are bent, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 37 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of a further embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 33 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 38 depicts a cut-away side view of a portion of the further embodiment of a coaxial cable connector depicted inFig. 37 and having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 33 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 39 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of another embodiment of the elements of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having an embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 40 depicts a side perspective cut-away view of the other embodiment of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 39 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 41 depicts a blown-up side perspective cut-away view of a portion of the other embodiment of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 39 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 42 depicts a front cross-section view, at the location between the first end portion of the nut and the second end portion of the nut, of the other embodiment of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 39 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 43 depicts a front perspective view of yet still another embodiment of an electrical continuity member, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 44 depicts another front perspective view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 45 depicts a front view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 46 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 47 depicts a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 48 depicts an exploded perspective cut-away view of a yet still other embodiment of the coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the yet still other electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 49 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a the yet still other embodiment of a coaxial cable connector depicted inFig. 48 and having the embodiment of the yet still other electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 50 depicts a blown-up perspective cut-away view of a portion of the yet still other embodiment of a coaxial cable connector depicted inFig. 48 and having the embodiment of the yet still other electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 43 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 51 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of an electrical continuity member depicted inFig 43 , yet without nut contact tabs, in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 52 depicts a side view of the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 51 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 53 depicts an isometric cut-away view of a portion of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having the embodiment of the electrical continuity member depicted inFig. 51 , in an example not accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 54 is an isometric, cut-away view of a portion of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector having a continuity member, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 55 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having one embodiment of the continuity member, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 56 is an isometric view of the continuity member ofFig. 55 . -
Fig. 57 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having a different embodiment of the continuity member, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 58 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having an exemplary embodiment of the continuity member, not in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 59 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having yet another embodiment of the continuity member, not in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 60 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having still another embodiment of the continuity member, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 61 is a cross sectional view of the coaxial cable connector ofFig. 54 , taken substantially along line A-A, having another embodiment of the continuity member, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Figs. 1 to 53 depict examples not in accordance with the present disclosure. - As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
- Referring to the drawings,
Fig. 1 depicts one example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 100 having an exampleelectrical continuity member 70. Thecoaxial cable connector 100 may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to acoaxial cable 10 having a protectiveouter jacket 12, aconductive grounding shield 14, aninterior dielectric 16 and acenter conductor 18. Thecoaxial cable 10 may be prepared as embodied inFig. 1 by removing the protectiveouter jacket 12 and drawing back theconductive grounding shield 14 to expose a portion of theinterior dielectric 16. Further preparation of the embodiedcoaxial cable 10 may include stripping the dielectric 16 to expose a portion of thecenter conductor 18. The protectiveouter jacket 12 is intended to protect the various components of thecoaxial cable 10 from damage which may result from exposure to dirt or moisture and from corrosion. Moreover, the protectiveouter jacket 12 may serve in some measure to secure the various components of thecoaxial cable 10 in a contained cable design that protects thecable 10 from damage related to movement during cable installation. Theconductive grounding shield 14 may be comprised of conductive materials suitable for providing an electrical ground connection, such as cuprous braided material, aluminum foils, thin metallic elements, or other like structures. Various examples of theshield 14 may be employed to screen unwanted noise. For instance, theshield 14 may comprise a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric 16, or several conductive strands formed in a continuous braid around the dielectric 16. Combinations of foil and/or braided strands may be utilized wherein theconductive shield 14 may comprise a foil layer, then a braided layer, and then a foil layer. Those in the art will appreciate that various layer combinations may be implemented in order for theconductive grounding shield 14 to effectuate an electromagnetic buffer helping to prevent ingress of environmental noise that may disrupt broadband communications. The dielectric 16 may be comprised of materials suitable for electrical insulation, such as plastic foam material, paper materials, rubber-like polymers, or other functional insulating materials. It should be noted that the various materials of which all the various components of thecoaxial cable 10 are comprised should have some degree of elasticity allowing thecable 10 to flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband communication standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It should further be recognized that the radial thickness of thecoaxial cable 10, protectiveouter jacket 12,conductive grounding shield 14,interior dielectric 16 and/orcenter conductor 18 may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. - Referring further to
Fig. 1 , theconnector 100 may also include a coaxialcable interface port 20. The coaxialcable interface port 20 includes a conductive receptacle for receiving a portion of a coaxialcable center conductor 18 sufficient to make adequate electrical contact. The coaxialcable interface port 20 may further comprise a threadedexterior surface 23. It should be recognized that the radial thickness and/or the length of the coaxialcable interface port 20 and/or the conductive receptacle of theport 20 may vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Moreover, the pitch and height of threads which may be formed upon the threadedexterior surface 23 of the coaxialcable interface port 20 may also vary based upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband communication standards and/or equipment. Furthermore, it should be noted that theinterface port 20 may be formed of a single conductive material, multiple conductive materials, or may be configured with both conductive and non-conductive materials corresponding to the port's 20 operable electrical interface with aconnector 100. However, the receptacle of theport 20 should be formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, like brass, copper, or aluminum. Further still, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that theinterface port 20 may be embodied by a connective interface component of a coaxial cable communications device, a television, a modem, a computer port, a network receiver, or other communications modifying devices such as a signal splitter, a cable line extender, a cable network module and/or the like. - Referring still further to
Fig. 1 , an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 100 may further comprise a threadednut 30, apost 40, aconnector body 50, afastener member 60, acontinuity member 70 formed of conductive material, and a connectorbody sealing member 80, such as, for example, a body O-ring configured to fit around a portion of theconnector body 50. - The threaded
nut 30 of examples of acoaxial cable connector 100 has a firstforward end 31 and opposing secondrearward end 32. The threadednut 30 may compriseinternal threading 33 extending axially from the edge of firstforward end 31 a distance sufficient to provide operably effective threadable contact with theexternal threads 23 of a standard coaxial cable interface port 20 (as shown, by way of example, inFig. 20 ). The threadednut 30 includes aninternal lip 34, such as an annular protrusion, located proximate the secondrearward end 32 of the nut. Theinternal lip 34 includes asurface 35 facing the firstforward end 31 of thenut 30. Theforward facing surface 35 of thelip 34 may be a tapered surface or side facing the firstforward end 31 of thenut 30. The structural configuration of thenut 30 may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of acoaxial cable connector 100. For instance, the firstforward end 31 of thenut 30 may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features, etc., which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help prevent ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at the firstforward end 31 of anut 30, when mated with aninterface port 20. Moreover, the secondrearward end 32, of thenut 30 may extend a significant axial distance to reside radially extent, or otherwise partially surround, a portion of theconnector body 50, although the extended portion of thenut 30 need not contact theconnector body 50. Those in the art should appreciate that the nut need not be threaded. Moreover, the nut may comprise a coupler commonly used in connecting RCA-type, or BNC-type connectors, or other common coaxial cable connectors having standard coupler interfaces. The threadednut 30 may be formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through thenut 30. Accordingly, thenut 30 may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of aninterface port 20 when aconnector 100 is advanced onto theport 20. In addition, the threadednut 30 may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of thenut 30 may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of thenut 30 may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. The threadednut 30 may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body. Manufacture of the threadednut 30 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. Theforward facing surface 35 of thenut 30 faces aflange 44 of thepost 40 when operably assembled in aconnector 100, so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as thepost 40 and theconnector body 50, of theconnector 100. - Referring still to
Fig. 1 , an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of aconnector 100 may include apost 40. Thepost 40 comprises a firstforward end 41 and an opposing second rearward end 42. Furthermore, thepost 40 may comprise aflange 44, such as an externally extending annular protrusion, located at thefirst end 41 of thepost 40. Theflange 44 includes a rearward facingsurface 45 that faces theforward facing surface 35 of thenut 30, when operably assembled in acoaxial cable connector 100, so as to allow the nut to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as thepost 40 and theconnector body 50, of theconnector 100. The rearward facingsurface 45 offlange 44 may be a tapered surface facing the second rearward end 42 of thepost 40. Further still, an example of thepost 40 may include asurface feature 47 such as a lip or protrusion that may engage a portion of aconnector body 50 to secure axial movement of thepost 40 relative to theconnector body 50. However, the post need not include such asurface feature 47, and thecoaxial cable connector 100 may rely on press-fitting and friction-fitting forces and/or other component structures having features and geometries to help retain thepost 40 in secure location both axially and rotationally relative to theconnector body 50. The location proximate or near where the connector body is secured relative to thepost 40 may include surface features 43, such as ridges, grooves, protrusions, or knurling, which may enhance the secure attachment and locating of thepost 40 with respect to theconnector body 50. Moreover, the portion of thepost 40 that contacts examples of acontinuity member 70 may be of a different diameter than a portion of thenut 30 that contacts theconnector body 50. Such diameter variance may facilitate assembly processes. For instance, various components having larger or smaller diameters can be readily press-fit or otherwise secured into connection with each other. Additionally, thepost 40 may include amating edge 46, which may be configured to make physical and electrical contact with acorresponding mating edge 26 of an interface port 20 (as shown in exemplary fashion inFig. 20 ). Thepost 40 should be formed such that portions of a preparedcoaxial cable 10 including the dielectric 16 and center conductor 18 (examples shown inFigs. 1 and20 ) may pass axially into the second end 42 and/or through a portion of the tube-like body of thepost 40. Moreover, thepost 40 should be dimensioned, or otherwise sized, such that thepost 40 may be inserted into an end of the preparedcoaxial cable 10, around the dielectric 16 and under the protectiveouter jacket 12 andconductive grounding shield 14. Accordingly, where an example of thepost 40 may be inserted into an end of the preparedcoaxial cable 10 under the drawn backconductive grounding shield 14, substantial physical and/or electrical contact with theshield 14 may be accomplished thereby facilitating grounding through thepost 40. Thepost 40 should be conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In addition, the post may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture of thepost 40 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - Embodiments of a coaxial cable connector, such as
connector 100, may include aconnector body 50. Theconnector body 50 may comprise afirst end 51 and opposing second end 52. Moreover, the connector body may include apost mounting portion 57 proximate or otherwise near thefirst end 51 of thebody 50, thepost mounting portion 57 configured to securely locate thebody 50 relative to a portion of the outer surface ofpost 40, so that theconnector body 50 is axially secured with respect to thepost 40, in a manner that prevents the two components from moving with respect to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of theconnector 100. The internal surface of thepost mounting portion 57 may include anengagement feature 54 that facilitates the secure location of acontinuity member 70 with respect to theconnector body 50 and/or thepost 40, by physically engaging thecontinuity member 70 when assembled within theconnector 100. Theengagement feature 54 may simply be an annular detent or ridge having a different diameter than the rest of thepost mounting portion 57. However other features such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, slots, holes, keyways, bumps, nubs, dimples, crests, rims, or other like structural features may be included to facilitate or possibly assist the positional retention of examples ofelectrical continuity member 70 with respect to theconnector body 50. Nevertheless, examples of acontinuity member 70 may also reside in a secure position with respect to theconnector body 50 simply through press-fitting and friction-fitting forces engendered by corresponding tolerances, when the variouscoaxial cable connector 100 components are operably assembled, or otherwise physically aligned and attached together. In addition, theconnector body 50 may include an outerannular recess 58 located proximate or near thefirst end 51 of theconnector body 50. Furthermore, theconnector body 50 may include a semi-rigid, yet compliantouter surface 55, wherein an inner surface opposing theouter surface 55 may be configured to form an annular seal when the second end 52 is deformably compressed against a receivedcoaxial cable 10 by operation of afastener member 60. Theconnector body 50 may include an externalannular detent 53 located proximate or close to the second end 52 of theconnector body 50. Further still, theconnector body 50 may include internal surface features 59, such as annular serrations formed near or proximate the internal surface of the second end 52 of theconnector body 50 and configured to enhance frictional restraint and gripping of an inserted and receivedcoaxial cable 10, through tooth-like interaction with the cable. Theconnector body 50 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliantouter surface 55. Further, theconnector body 50 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of theconnector body 50 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - With further reference to
Fig. 1 , examples, not in accordance with the present disclosure, of acoaxial cable connector 100 may include afastener member 60. Thefastener member 60 may have afirst end 61 and opposingsecond end 62. In addition, thefastener member 60 may include an internal annular protrusion 63 (seeFig. 20 ) located proximate thefirst end 61 of thefastener member 60 and configured to mate and achieve purchase with theannular detent 53 on theouter surface 55 of connector body 50 (shown again, by way of example, inFig. 20 ). Moreover, thefastener member 60 may comprise acentral passageway 65 defined between thefirst end 61 andsecond end 62 and extending axially through thefastener member 60. Thecentral passageway 65 may comprise a ramped surface 66 which may be positioned between a first opening orinner bore 67 having a first diameter positioned proximate with thefirst end 61 of thefastener member 60 and a second opening orinner bore 68 having a second diameter positioned proximate with thesecond end 62 of thefastener member 60. The ramped surface 66 may act to deformably compress theouter surface 55 of aconnector body 50 when thefastener member 60 is operated to secure acoaxial cable 10. For example, the narrowing geometry will compress squeeze against the cable, when the fastener member is compressed into a tight and secured position on the connector body. Additionally, thefastener member 60 may comprise an exterior surface feature 69 positioned proximate with or close to thesecond end 62 of thefastener member 60. The surface feature 69 may facilitate gripping of thefastener member 60 during operation of theconnector 100. Although the surface feature 69 is shown as an annular detent, it may have various shapes and sizes such as a ridge, notch, protrusion, knurling, or other friction or gripping type arrangements. Thefirst end 61 of thefastener member 60 may extend an axial distance so that, when thefastener member 60 is compressed into sealing position on thecoaxial cable 100, thefastener member 60 touches or resides substantially proximate significantly close to thenut 30. It should be recognized, by those skilled in the requisite art, that thefastener member 60 may be formed of rigid materials such as metals, hard plastics, polymers, composites and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, thefastener member 60 may be manufactured via casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - The manner in which the
coaxial cable connector 100 may be fastened to a received coaxial cable 10 (such as shown, by way of example, inFig. 20 ) may also be similar to the way a cable is fastened to a common CMP-type connector having an insertable compression sleeve that is pushed into theconnector body 50 to squeeze against and secure thecable 10. Thecoaxial cable connector 100 includes anouter connector body 50 having afirst end 51 and a second end 52. Thebody 50 at least partially surrounds a tubularinner post 40. The tubularinner post 40 has afirst end 41 including aflange 44 and a second end 42 configured to mate with acoaxial cable 10 and contact a portion of the outer conductive grounding shield orsheath 14 of thecable 10. Theconnector body 50 is secured relative to a portion of thetubular post 40 proximate or close to thefirst end 41 of thetubular post 40 and cooperates, or otherwise is functionally located in a radially spaced relationship with theinner post 40 to define an annular chamber with a rear opening. A tubular locking compression member may protrude axially into the annular chamber through its rear opening. The tubular locking compression member may be slidably coupled or otherwise movably affixed to theconnector body 50 to compress into the connector body and retain thecable 10 and may be displaceable or movable axially or in the general direction of the axis of theconnector 100 between a first open position (accommodating insertion of the tubularinner post 40 into aprepared cable 10 end to contact the grounding shield 14), and a second clamped position compressibly fixing thecable 10 within the chamber of theconnector 100, because the compression sleeve is squeezed into retraining contact with thecable 10 within theconnector body 50. A coupler ornut 30 at the front end of theinner post 40 serves to attach theconnector 100 to an interface port. In a CMP-type connector having an insertable compression sleeve, the structural configuration and functional operation of thenut 30 may be similar to the structure and functionality of similar components of aconnector 100 described inFigs. 1-20 , and having reference numerals denoted similarly. - Turning now to
Figs. 2-4 , variations of an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of anelectrical continuity member 70 are depicted. Acontinuity member 70 is conductive. The continuity member may have afirst end 71 and an axially opposingsecond end 72. Examples of acontinuity member 70 include apost contact portion 77. Thepost contact portion 77 makes physical and electrical contact with thepost 40, when thecoaxial cable connector 100 is operably assembled, and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through thepost 40. As depicted inFigs. 2-4 , thepost contact portion 77 comprises a substantially cylindrical body that includes an inner dimension corresponding to an outer dimension of a portion of thepost 40. Acontinuity member 70 may also include a securingmember 75 or a plurality of securing members, such as thetabs 75a-c, which may help to physically secure thecontinuity member 70 in position with respect to thepost 40 and/or theconnector body 50. The securingmember 75 may be resilient and, as such, may be capable of exerting spring-like force on operably adjoiningcoaxial cable connector 100 components, such as thepost 40. Examples of acontinuity member 70 include anut contact portion 74. Thenut contact portion 74 makes physical and electrical contact with thenut 30, when thecoaxial cable connector 100 is operably assembled or otherwise put together in a manner that renders theconnector 100 functional, and helps facilitate the extension of electrical ground continuity through thenut 30. Thenut contact portion 74 may comprise a flange-like element that may be associated with various examples of acontinuity member 70. In addition, as depicted inFigs. 2-3 , various examples of acontinuity member 70 may include a through-slit 73. The through-slit 73 extends through theentire continuity member 70. Furthermore, as depicted inFig. 2 , various examples of acontinuity member 70 may include aflange cutout 76 located on a flange-likenut contact portion 74 of thecontinuity member 70. Acontinuity member 70 is formed of conductive materials. Moreover, examples of acontinuity member 70 may exhibit resiliency, which resiliency may be facilitated by the structural configuration of thecontinuity member 70 and the material make-up of thecontinuity member 70. - Examples, not in accordance with the present disclosure, of a
continuity member 70 may be formed, shaped, fashioned, or otherwise manufactured via any operable process that will render a workable component, wherein the manufacturing processes utilized to make the continuity member may vary depending on the structural configuration of the continuity member. For example, acontinuity member 70 having a through-slit 73 may be formed from a sheet of material that may be stamped and then bent into an operable shape that allows thecontinuity member 70 to function as it was intended. The stamping may accommodate various operable features of thecontinuity member 70. For instance, the securingmember 75, such astabs 75a-c, may be cut during the stamping process. Moreover, theflange cutout 76 may also be rendered during a stamping process. Those in the art should appreciate that various other surface features may be provided on thecontinuity member 70 through stamping or by other manufacturing and shaping means. Accordingly, it is contemplated that features of thecontinuity member 70 may be provided to mechanically interlock or interleave, or otherwise operably physically engage complimentary and corresponding features of examples of anut 30, complimentary and corresponding features of examples of apost 40, and/or complimentary and corresponding features of emb examples odiments of aconnector body 50. Theflange cutout 76 may help facilitate bending that may be necessary to form a flange-likenut contact member 74. However, as is depicted inFig. 3 , examples of acontinuity member 70 need not have aflange cutout 76. In addition, as depicted inFig. 4 , examples of acontinuity member 70 need also not have a through-slit 73. Such examples may be formed via other manufacturing methods. Those in the art should appreciate that manufacture of examples of acontinuity member 70 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, coining, tapping, drilling, bending, rolling, forming, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - With continued reference to the drawings,
Figs. 5 - 7 depict perspective cut-away views of portions of examples, not in accordance with the present disclosure, ofcoaxial cable connectors 100 having anelectrical continuity member 70, as assembled, in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular,Fig. 6 depicts a coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with thepresent disclosure 100 having a shortenednut 30a, wherein the secondrearward end 32a of thenut 30a does not extend as far as the secondrearward end 32 ofnut 30 depicted inFig. 5 .Fig. 7 depicts a coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with thepresent disclosure 100 including anelectrical continuity member 70 that does not touch theconnector body 50, because theconnector body 50 includes aninternal detent 56 that, when assembled, ensures a physical gap between thecontinuity member 70 and theconnector body 50. Acontinuity member 70 may be positioned around an external surface of thepost 40 during assembly, while thepost 40 is axially inserted into position with respect to thenut 30. Thecontinuity member 70 should have an inner diameter sufficient to allow it to move up a substantial length of thepost body 40 until it contacts a portion of thepost 40 proximate theflange 44 at thefirst end 41 of thepost 40. - The
continuity member 70 should be configured and positioned so that, when thecoaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, thecontinuity member 70 resides rearward asecond end portion 37 of thenut 30, wherein thesecond end portion 37 starts at aside 35 of thelip 34 of the nut facing thefirst end 31 of thenut 30 and extends rearward to thesecond end 32 of thenut 30. The location or thecontinuity member 70 within aconnector 100 relative to thesecond end portion 37 of the nut being disposed axially rearward of asurface 35 of theinternal lip 34 of thenut 30 that faces theflange 44 of thepost 40. Thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30 extends from the secondrearward end 32 of thenut 30 to the axial location of thenut 30 that corresponds to the point of theforward facing side 35 of theinternal lip 34 that faces the firstforward end 31 of thenut 30 that is also nearest thesecond end 32 of thenut 30. Accordingly, thefirst end portion 38 of thenut 30 extends from thefirst end 31 of thenut 30 to that same point of theforward facing side 35 of thelip 34 that faces the firstforward end 31 of thenut 30 that is nearest thesecond end 32 of thenut 30. For convenience, dashedline 39 shown inFig. 5 , depicts the axial point and a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of thefirst end portion 38 and thesecond end portion 37 of examples of thenut 30. As such, thecontinuity member 70 does not reside between opposingcomplimentary surfaces lip 34 of thenut 30 and theflange 44 of thepost 40. Rather, thecontinuity member 70 contacts thenut 30 at a location rearward and other than on theside 35 of thelip 34 of thenut 30 that faces theflange 44 of thepost 40, at a location only pertinent to and within thesecond end 37 portion of thenut 30. - With further reference to
Figs. 5-7 , abody sealing member 80, such as an O-ring, may be located proximate thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30 in front of theinternal lip 34 of thenut 30, so that the sealingmember 80 may compressibly rest or be squeezed between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50. Thebody sealing member 80 may fit snugly over the portion of thebody 50 corresponding to theannular recess 58 proximate thefirst end 51 of thebody 50. However, those in the art should appreciate that other locations of the sealingmember 80 corresponding to other structural configurations of thenut 30 andbody 50 may be employed to operably provide a physical seal and barrier to ingress of environmental contaminants. For example, abody sealing member 80 may be structured and operably assembled with acoaxial cable connector 100 to prevent contact between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50. - When assembled, as in
Figs. 5-7 , examples, not in accordance with the present disclosure, of acoaxial cable connector 100 may have axially secured components. For example, thebody 50 may obtain a physical fit with respect to thecontinuity member 70 and portions of thepost 40, thereby securing those components together both axially and rotationally. This fit may be engendered through press-fitting and/or friction-fitting forces, and/or the fit may be facilitated through structures which physically interfere with each other in axial and/or rotational configurations. Keyed features or interlocking structures on any of thepost 40, theconnector body 50, and/or thecontinuity member 70, may also help to retain the components with respect to each other. For instance, theconnector body 50 may include anengagement feature 54, such as an internal ridge that may engage the securing member(s) 75, such astabs 75a-c, to foster a configuration wherein the physical structures, once assembled, interfere with each other to prevent axial movement with respect to each other. Moreover, the same securing structure(s) 75, or other structures, may be employed to help facilitate prevention of rotational movement of the component parts with respect to each other. Additionally, theflange 44 of thepost 40 and theinternal lip 34 of thenut 30 work to restrict axial movement of those two components with respect to each other toward each other once thelip 34 has contacted theflange 44. However, the assembled configuration should not prevent rotational movement of thenut 30 with respect to the othercoaxial cable connector 100 components. In addition, when assembled, thefastener member 60 may be secured to a portion of thebody 50 so that thefastener member 60 may have some slidable axial freedom with respect to thebody 50, thereby permitting operable attachment of acoaxial cable 10. Notably, when examples of acoaxial cable connector 100 are assembled, thecontinuity member 70 is disposed at thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30, so that thecontinuity member 70 physically and electrically contacts both thenut 30 and thepost 40, thereby extending ground continuity between the components. - With continued reference to the drawings,
Figs. 8 - 19 depict various continuity member examples 170 - 670 and show how those examples are secured withincoaxial cable connector 100 examples, when assembled. As depicted, continuity members may vary in shape and functionality. However, all continuity members have at least a conductive portion and all reside rearward of theforward facing surface 35 of theinternal lip 34 of thenut 30 and rearward the start of thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30 of each coaxial cable connector example not in accordance with thepresent disclosure 100 into which they are assembled. For example, acontinuity member 170 may havemultiple flange cutouts 176a-c. Acontinuity member 270 includes anut contact portion 274 configured to reside radially between thenut 30 and thepost 40 rearward the start of thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30, so as to be rearward of theforward facing surface 35 of theinternal lip 34 of the nut. Acontinuity member 370 is shaped in a manner kind of like a top hat, wherein thenut contact portion 374 contacts a portion of thenut 30 radially between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50. Acontinuity member 470 resides primarily radially between the innermost part of thelip 34 ofnut 30 and thepost 40, within thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30. In particular, thenut 30 of thecoaxial cable connector 100 havingcontinuity member 470 does not touch theconnector body 50 of that samecoaxial cable connector 100. Acontinuity member 570 includes apost contact portion 577, wherein only a radially inner edge of thecontinuity member 570, as assembled, contacts thepost 40. Acontinuity member 670 includes a post contact portion that resides radially between thelip 34 of thenut 30 and thepost 40, rearward the start of thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30. - Turning now to
Fig. 20 , an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 100 is depicted in a mated position on aninterface port 20. As depicted, thecoaxial cable connector 100 is fully tightened onto theinterface port 20 so that themating edge 26 of theinterface port 20 contacts themating edge 46 of thepost 40 of thecoaxial cable connector 100. Such a fully tightened configuration provides optimal grounding performance of thecoaxial cable connector 100. However, even when thecoaxial connector 100 is only partially installed on theinterface port 20, thecontinuity member 70 maintains an electrical ground path between themating port 20 and the outer conductive shield (ground 14) ofcable 10. The ground path extends from theinterface port 20 to thenut 30, to thecontinuity member 70, to thepost 40, to theconductive grounding shield 14. Thus, this continuous grounding path provides operable functionality of thecoaxial cable connector 100 allowing it to work as it was intended even when theconnector 100 is not fully tightened. - With continued reference to the drawings,
Fig. 21-23 depict cut-away, exploded, perspective views of an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 100 having still even another example of anelectrical continuity member 770, in accordance with the present disclosure. As depicted, thecontinuity member 770 does not reside in thefirst end portion 38 of thenut 30. Rather, portions of thecontinuity member 770 that contact thenut 30 and thepost 40, such as the nut contacting portion(s) 774 and thepost contacting portion 777, reside rearward the start (beginning at forward facing surface 35) of thesecond end portion 37 of thenut 30, like all other examples of continuity members. Thecontinuity member 770, includes alarger diameter portion 778 that receives a portion of aconnector body 50, when thecoaxial cable connector 100 is assembled. In essence, thecontinuity member 770 has a sleeve-like configuration and may be press-fit onto the received portion of theconnector body 50. When thecoaxial cable connector 100 is assembled, thecontinuity member 770 resides between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50, so that there is no contact between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50. Thefastener member 60a may include an axially extendedfirst end 61. Thefirst end 61 of thefastener member 60 may extend an axial distance so that, when thefastener member 60a is compressed into sealing position on the coaxial cable 100 (not shown, but readily comprehensible by those of ordinary skill in the art), thefastener member 60a touches or otherwise resides substantially proximate or very near thenut 30. This touching, or otherwise close contact between thenut 30 and thefastener member 60 coupled with the in-between or sandwiched location of thecontinuity member 770 may facilitate enhanced prevention of RF ingress and/or ingress of other environmental contaminants into thecoaxial cable connector 100 at or near thesecond end 32 of thenut 30. As depicted, thecontinuity member 770 and the associatedconnector body 50 may be press-fit onto thepost 40, so that thepost contact portion 777 of thecontinuity member 770 and thepost mounting portion 57 of theconnector body 50 are axially and rotationally secured to thepost 40. The nut contacting portion(s) 774 of thecontinuity member 770 are depicted as resilient members, such as flexible fingers, that extend to resiliently engage thenut 30. This resiliency of thenut contact portions 774 may facilitate enhanced contact with thenut 30 when thenut 30 moves during operation of thecoaxial cable connector 100, because thenut contact portions 774 may flex and retain constant physical and electrical contact with thenut 30, thereby ensuring continuity of a grounding path extending through thenut 30. - Referring still further to the drawings,
Figs. 24 - 25 depict perspective views of another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 100 having acontinuity member 770. As depicted, thepost 40 may include asurface feature 47, such as a lip extending from a connectorbody engagement portion 49 having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a continuitymember engagement portion 48. Thesurface feature lip 47, along with the variably-diametered continuity member and connectorbody engagement portions connector 100 by permitting various component portions having various structural configurations and material properties to move into secure location, both radially and axially, with respect to one another. - With still further reference to the drawings,
Fig. 26 depicts an isometric view of still further even another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of anelectrical continuity member 870, in accordance with the present disclosure. Thecontinuity member 870 may be similar in structure to thecontinuity member 770, in that it is also sleeve-like and extends about a portion ofconnector body 50 and resides between thenut 30 and theconnector body 50 when thecoaxial cable connector 100 is assembled. However, thecontinuity member 870 includes an unbroken flange-likenut contact portion 874 at thefirst end 871 of thecontinuity member 870. The flange-likenut contact portion 874 may be resilient and include several functional properties that are very similar to the properties of the finger-like nut contact portion(s) 774 of thecontinuity member 770. Accordingly, thecontinuity member 870 may efficiently extend electrical continuity through thenut 30. - With an eye still toward the drawings and with particular respect to
Figs. 27-32 , another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of anelectrical continuity member 970 is depicted in several views, and is also shown as included in a further example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 900. Theelectrical continuity member 970 has afirst end 971 and asecond end 972. Thefirst end 971 of theelectrical continuity member 970 may include one or moreflexible portions 979. For example, thecontinuity member 970 may include multipleflexible portions 979, each of theflexible portions 979 being equidistantly arranged so that in perspective view thecontinuity member 970 looks somewhat daisy-like. However, those knowledgeable in the art should appreciate that acontinuity member 970 may only need oneflexible portion 979 and associated not contactportion 974 to obtain electrical continuity for theconnector 900. Eachflexible portion 979 may associate with anut contact portion 974 of thecontinuity member 970. Thenut contact portion 974 is configured to engage a surface of thenut 930, wherein the surface of thenut 930 that is engaged by thenut contact portion 974 resides rearward theforward facing surface 935 ofnut 930 and the start of thesecond end portion 937 of thenut 930. Apost contact portion 977, may physically and electrically contact thepost 940. Theelectrical continuity member 970 may optionally include a through-slit 973, which through-slit 973 may facilitate various processes for manufacturing themember 970, such as those described in like manner above. Moreover, acontinuity member 970 with a through-slit 973 may also be associated with different assembly processes and/or operability than a correspondingelectrical continuity member 970 that does not include a through-slit. - When in operation, an
electrical continuity member 970 should maintain electrical contact with both thepost 940 and thenut 930, as thenut 930 operably moves rotationally about an axis with respect to the rest of thecoaxial cable connector 900 components, such as thepost 940, theconnector body 950 and thefastener member 960. Thus, when theconnector 900 is fastened with acoaxial cable 10, a continuous electrical shield may extend from theouter grounding sheath 14 of thecable 10, through thepost 940 and theelectrical continuity member 970 to the nut orcoupler 930, which coupler 930 ultimately may be fastened to an interface port (see, forexample port 20 ofFig. 1 ), thereby completing a grounding path from thecable 10 through theport 20. A sealingmember 980 may be operably positioned between thenut 930, thepost 940, and theconnector body 950, so as to keep environmental contaminants from entering within theconnector 900, and to further retain proper component placement and prevent ingress of environmental noise into the signals being communicated through thecable 10 as attached to theconnector 900. Notably, the design of various examples of thecoaxial cable connector 900 includes elemental component configuration wherein thenut 930 does not (and even can not) contact thebody 950. - Turning further to the drawings,
Figs. 33-38 depict yet another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of anelectrical continuity member 1070. Theelectrical continuity member 1070 is operably included, to help facilitate electrical continuity in an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 1000 having multiple component features, such as acoupling nut 1030, aninner post 1040, aconnector body 1050, and a sealingmember 1080, along with other like features, wherein such component features are, for the purposes of description herein, structured similarly to corresponding structures (referenced numerically in a similar manner) of other coaxial cable connector examples previously discussed herein above, in accordance with the present disclosure. Theelectrical continuity member 1070 has afirst end 1071 and opposingsecond end 1072, and includes at least oneflexible portion 1079 associated with anut contact portion 1074. Thenut contact portion 1074 may include anut contact tab 1078. As depicted, an example of anelectrical continuity member 1070 may include multipleflexible portions 1079a-b associated with correspondingnut contact portions 1074a-b. Thenut contact portions 1074a-b may include respective correspondingnut contact tabs 1078a-b. Each of the multipleflexible portions 1079a-b,nut contact portions 1074a-b, andnut contact tabs 1078a-b may be located so as to be oppositely radially symmetrical about a central axis of theelectrical continuity member 1070. Apost contact portion 1077 may be formed having an axial length, so as to facilitate axial lengthwise engagement with thepost 1040, when assembled in acoaxial cable connector 1000. Theflexible portions 1079a-b may be pseudo-coaxially curved arm members extending in yin/yang like fashion around theelectrical continuity member 1070. Each of theflexible portions 1079a-b may independently bend and flex with respect to the rest of thecontinuity member 1070. For example, as depicted inFigs. 35 and36 , theflexible portions 1079a-b of the continuity member are bent upwards in a direction towards thefirst end 1071 of thecontinuity member 1070. Those skilled in the relevant art should appreciate that acontinuity member 1070 may only need oneflexible portion 1079 to efficiently obtain electrical continuity for aconnector 1000. - When operably assembled within an example not in accordance with the present disclosure of a
coaxial cable connector 1000, electrical continuity member examples 1070 utilize a bent configuration of theflexible portions 1079a-b, so that thenut contact tabs 1078a-b associated with thenut contact portions 1074a-b of thecontinuity member 1070 make physical and electrical contact with a surface of thenut 1030, wherein the contacted surface of thenut 1030 resides rearward of the forward facing surface 1035 of theinward lip 1034 ofnut 1030, and rearward of the start (at surface 1035) of thesecond end portion 1037 of thenut 1030. For convenience, dashed line 1039 (similar, for example, to dashedline 39 shown inFig. 5 ) depicts the axial point and a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of thefirst end portion 1038 and thesecond end portion 1037 of examples of thenut 1030. As such, thecontinuity member 1070 does not reside between opposing complimentary surfaces of thelip 1034 of thenut 1030 and theflange 1044 of thepost 1040. Rather, theelectrical continuity member 1070 contacts thenut 1030 at a rearward location other than on the forward facing side of thelip 1034 of thenut 1030 that faces theflange 1044 of thepost 1040, at a location only pertinent to thesecond end 1037 portion of thenut 1030. - Referring still to the drawings,
Figs. 39-42 depict various views of another example not in accordance with the present disclosure of acoaxial cable connector 1100 having anelectrical continuity member 1170, in accordance with the present disclosure. Examples of an electrical continuity member, such as example 1170, or any of the other examples 70, 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670, 770, 870, 970, 1070, 1270 and other like embodiments, may utilize materials that may enhance conductive ability. For instance, while it is critical that continuity member embodiments be comprised of conductive material, it should be appreciated that continuity members may optionally be comprised of alloys, such as cuprous alloys formulated to have excellent resilience and conductivity. In addition, part geometries, or the dimensions of component parts of aconnector 1100 and the way various component elements are assembled together incoaxial cable connector 1100 examples may also be designed to enhance the performance of electrical continuity members. Such part geometries of various component elements of coaxial cable connector embodiments may be constructed to minimize stress existent on components during operation of the coaxial cable connector, but still maintain adequate contact force, while also minimizing contact friction, but still supporting a wide range of manufacturing tolerances in mating component parts of embodiments of electrical continuity coaxial cable connectors. - An example not in accordance with the present disclosure of an
electrical continuity member 1170 may comprise a simple continuous band, which, when assembled within examples of acoaxial cable connector 1100, encircles a portion of thepost 1140, and is in turn surrounded by thesecond end portion 1137 of thenut 1130. The band-like continuity member 1170 resides rearward asecond end portion 1137 of the nut that starts at aside 1135 of thelip 1134 of thenut 1130 facing thefirst end 1131 of thenut 1130 and extends rearward to thesecond end 1132 of the nut. The simple band-like examples of anelectrical continuity member 1170 is thin enough that it occupies an annular space between thesecond end portion 1137 of thenut 1130 and thepost 1140, without causing thepost 1140 andnut 1130 to bind when rotationally moved with respect to one another. Thenut 1130 is free to rotate, and has some freedom for slidable axial movement, with respect to theconnector body 1150. The band-like example of anelectrical continuity member 1170 can make contact with both thenut 1130 and thepost 1140, because it is not perfectly circular (see, for example,Fig. 42 depicted the slightly oblong shape of the continuity member 1170). This non-circular configuration may maximize the beam length between contact points, significantly reducing stress in the contact between thenut 1130, thepost 1140 and theelectrical continuity member 1170. Friction may also be significantly reduced because normal force is kept low based on the structural relationship of the components; and there are no edges or other friction enhancing surfaces that could scrape on thenut 1130 orpost 1140. Rather, theelectrical continuity member 1170 comprises just a smooth tangential-like contact between the component elements of thenut 1130 and thepost 1140. Moreover, if permanent deformation of the oblong band-like continuity member 1170 does occur, it will not significantly reduce the efficacy of the electrical contact, because if, during assembly or during operation,continuity member 1170 is pushed out of the way on one side, then it will only make more substantial contact on the opposite side of theconnector 1100 andcorresponding connector 1100 components. Likewise, if perchance the two relevant component surfaces of thenut 1130 and thepost 1140 that the band-like continuity member 1170 interacts with have varying diameters (a diameter of a radially inward surface of thenut 1130 and a diameter of a radially outward surface of the post 1140) vary in size between provided tolerances, or if the thickness of the band-like continuity member 1170 itself varies, then the band-like continuity member 1170 can simply assume a more or less circular shape to accommodate the variation and still make contact with thenut 1130 and thepost 1140. The various advantages obtained through the utilization of a band-like continuity member 1170 may also be obtained, where structurally and functionally feasible, by other embodiments of electrical continuity members described herein, in accordance with the objectives and provisions of the present disclosure. - Referencing the drawings still further, it is noted that
Figs 43-53 depict different views of anothercoaxial cable connector 1200, theconnector 1200 including various examples of anelectrical continuity member 1270. Theelectrical continuity member 1270, in a broad sense, has some physical likeness to a disc having a central circular opening and at least one section being flexibly raised above the plane of the disc; for instance, at least one raisedportion 1279 of thecontinuity member 1270 is prominently distinguishable in the side views of bothFig. 46 andFig 52 , as being arched above the general plane of the disc, in a direction toward thefirst end 1271 of thecontinuity member 1270. Theelectrical continuity member 1270 may include two symmetrically radially opposite flexibly raisedportions 1279a-b physically and/or functionally associated withnut contact portions 1274a-b, whereinnut contact portions 1274a-b may each respectively include anut contact tab 1278a-b. As the flexibly raisedportions 1279a-b arch away from the more generally disc-like portion of theelectrical continuity member 1270, the flexibly raised portions (being also associated withnut contact portions 1274a-b) make resilient and consistent physical and electrical contact with a conductive surface of thenut 1230, when operably assembled to obtain electrical continuity in thecoaxial cable connector 1200. The surface of thenut 1230 that is contacted by thenut contact portion 1274 resides within thesecond end portion 1237 of thenut 1230. - The
electrical continuity member 1270 may optionally havenut contact tabs 1278a-b, whichtabs 1278a-b may enhance the member's 1270 ability to make consistent operable contact with a surface of thenut 1230. As depicted, thetabs 1278a-b comprise a simple bulbous round protrusion extending from the nut contact portion. However, other shapes and geometric design may be utilized to accomplish the advantages obtained through the inclusion ofnut contact tabs 1278a-b. The opposite side of thetabs 1278a-b may correspond to circular detents ordimples 1278a1-b1. These oppositely structuredfeatures 1278a1-b1 may be a result of common manufacturing processes, such as the natural bending of metallic material during a stamping or pressing process possibly utilized to create anut contact tab 1278. - As depicted, examples not in accordance with the present disclosure of an
electrical continuity member 1270 include a cylindrical section extending axially in a lengthwise direction toward thesecond end 1272 of thecontinuity member 1270, the cylindrical section comprising apost contact portion 1277, thepost contact portions 1277 configured so as to make axially lengthwise contact with thepost 1240. Those skilled in the art should appreciated that other geometric configurations may be utilized for thepost contact portion 1277, as long as theelectrical continuity member 1270 is provided so as to make consistent physical and electrical contact with thepost 1240 when assembled in acoaxial cable connector 1200. - The
continuity member 1270 should be configured and positioned so that, when thecoaxial cable connector 1200 is assembled, thecontinuity member 1270 resides rearward the start of asecond end portion 1237 of thenut 1230, wherein thesecond end portion 1237 begins at aside 1235 of thelip 1234 of thenut 1230 facing thefirst end 1231 of thenut 1230 and extends rearward to thesecond end 1232 of thenut 1230. Thecontinuity member 1270 contacts thenut 1230 in a location relative to asecond end portion 1237 of thenut 1230. Thesecond end portion 1237 of thenut 1230 extends from thesecond end 1232 of thenut 1230 to the axial location of thenut 1230 that corresponds to the point of theforward facing side 1235 of theinternal lip 1234 that faces the firstforward end 1231 of thenut 1230 that is also nearest the secondrearward end 1232 of thenut 1230. Accordingly, thefirst end portion 1238 of thenut 1230 extends from thefirst end 1231 of thenut 1230 to that same point of the side of thelip 1234 that faces thefirst end 1231 of thenut 1230 that is nearest thesecond end 1232 of thenut 1230. For convenience, dashed line 1239 (seeFigs 49-50 , and53 ), depicts the axial point and a relative radial perpendicular plane defining the demarcation of thefirst end portion 1238 and thesecond end portion 1237 of examples of thenut 1230. As such, thecontinuity member 1270 does not reside between opposingcomplimentary surfaces lip 1234 of thenut 1230 and theflange 1244 of thepost 40. Rather, thecontinuity member 1270 contacts thenut 1230 at a location other than on the side of thelip 1234 of thenut 1230 that faces theflange 1244 of thepost 1240, at a rearward location only pertinent to thesecond end 1237 portion of thenut 1230. - Various other component features of a
coaxial cable connector 1200 may be included with aconnector 1200. For example, theconnector body 1250 may include aninternal detent 1256 positioned to help accommodate the operable location of theelectrical continuity member 1270 as located between thepost 1240, thebody 1250, and thenut 1230. Moreover, theconnector body 1250 may include apost mounting portion 1257 proximate thefirst end 1251 of thebody 1250, thepost mounting portion 1257 configured to securely locate thebody 1250 relative to aportion 1247 of the outer surface ofpost 1240, so that theconnector body 1250 is axially secured with respect to thepost 1240. Notably, thenut 1230, as located with respect to theelectrical continuity member 1270 and thepost 1240, does not touch the body. Abody sealing member 1280 may be positioned proximate the second end portion of thenut 1230 and snugly around theconnector body 1250, so as to form a seal in the space therebetween. - With respect to
Figs 1-53 , a method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection is described. A first step includes providing acoaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 operable to obtain electrical continuity. The providedcoaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 includes aconnector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250 and apost 40/940/1040/1140/1240 operably attached to theconnector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250, thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240 having aflange 44/944/1044/1144/1244. Thecoaxial cable connector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 also includes anut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 axially rotatable with respect to thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240 and theconnector body 50/950/1050/1150/1250, thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 including aninward lip 34/934/1034/1134/1234. In addition, the provided coaxial cable connector includes anelectrical continuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 disposed axially rearward of asurface 35/935/1035/1135/1235 of theinternal lip 34/934/1034/1134/1234 of thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 that faces theflange 44/944/1044/1144/1244of thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240. A further method step includes securely attaching acoaxial cable 10 to theconnector 100/900/1000/1100/1200 so that the grounding sheath or shield 14 of the cable electrically contacts thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240. Moreover, the methodology includes extending electrical continuity from thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240 through thecontinuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 to thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230. A final method step includes fastening thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 to aconductive interface port 20 to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection, even when thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 is not fully tightened onto theport 20, because only a few threads of the nut onto the port are needed to extend electrical continuity through thenut 30/930/1030/1130/1230 and to the cable shielding 14 via the electrical interface of thecontinuity member 70/170/270/370/470/570/670/770/870/970/1070/1170/1270 and thepost 40/940/1040/1140/1240. - Referring now to
Figs. 54-60 , in one embodiment theconnector 1300 includes a radially biasing continuity member or element 1301. Depending upon the embodiment, the radially biasing continuity member 1301 can be thecontinuity element Figs. 10-15 , or the radially biasing continuity member 1301 can be the continuity member 1470, 1570, 1670, 1770 or 1870 described below. - In one embodiment, the radially biasing continuity member 1301 is positioned between the nut or
coupler 1330 and thepost 1340. By relying on the radial contact, the continuity member 1301 is subject to little or no axial force, resulting in a relatively simple part design and greater robustness. Also, continuity member 1301 facilitates a relatively low resistance or drag force against thecoupler 1330. - The radially biasing continuity member 1301 is positionable directly in the high-force area between the
coupler 1330 andpost 1340. In one embodiment illustrated inFigs. 54-56 , the continuity member 1370 has: (a) at least one coupler engager orradial biasing section 1378 configured to produce a biasing force radially outward from the axial orlongitudinal axis 1302, for example along theradial line 1304; (b) at least one post holder, post engager orpost holding section 1379; and (c) an axial load bearer or axialloading bearing section 1377 configured to bear a load or force along the axial orlongitudinal axis 1302. When thepost engager 1379 is engaged with thepost 1340, thecoupler engager 1378 is simultaneously engaged with thecoupler 1330. Thepost holding section 1379 aids in the engagement of thepost 1340 during such simultaneous engagement. - In one embodiment, the axial
load bearing section 1377 has no or substantially no resilience or compressibility along theaxial axis 1302. Therefore, the axialload bearing section 1377 is configured to withstand relatively high coupler tightening forces without affecting the capability of the continuity member 1370 to establish and maintain radial contact with both thecoupler 1330 and thepost 1340 independent of whether thecoupler 1330 is loose or tight on theport 20. - This axial
load bearing section 1377 enables continuity member 1301 to withstand some amount of axial contact by action of thecoupler 1330 and post 1340 which could otherwise damage a smaller, more delicate resilient continuity element. The continuity member 1301 may be placed in an area of theconnector 1300 which bears the full extent of the tightening force between thecoupler 1330 andport 20 or in an area which must accommodate a relatively high amount of axial travel of thecoupler 1330 relative to thepost 1340 orbody 1350 of theconnector 1300. The continuity member 1301 is also operable to resist damage resulting from frequent use or mishandling. - In the embodiment shown in
Figs. 54-56 , the continuity member 1370 has an oval shape with a partial spiral or helical configuration. - As illustrated in
Fig. 54 thecoaxial cable connector 1300 may be operably affixed, or otherwise functionally attached, to a coaxial cable 10 (as shown inFig. 1 ) having a protectiveouter jacket 12, aconductive grounding shield 14, aninterior dielectric 16 and acenter conductor 18. Theconnector 1300 has thecoupler 1330, thepost 1340, aconnector body 1350 and the continuity member 1301, such as the spiral continuity member 1370 shown inFigs. 54-56 . - In one embodiment, the
coupler 1330 ofcoaxial cable connector 1300 includes an internal orinner lip 1334, such as an annular protrusion, located close to arearward end 1339 of thecoupler 1330. Theinternal lip 1334 includes asurface 1335 facing theforward end 1338 of thecoupler 1330. Theforward facing surface 1335 of thelip 1334 may be perpendicular to thecentral axis 1302 of thecoupler 1330. The structural configuration of thecoupler 1330 may vary according to differing connector design parameters to accommodate different functionality of acoaxial cable connector 1300. For instance, theforward end 1338 of thecoupler 1330 may include internal and/or external structures such as ridges, grooves, curves, detents, slots, openings, chamfers, or other structural features which may facilitate the operable joining of an environmental sealing member, such a water-tight seal or other attachable component element, that may help inhibit ingress of environmental contaminants, such as moisture, oils, and dirt, at theforward end 1338 of thecoupler 1330, when mated with aninterface port 20. - Also, the
rearward end 1339 of thecoupler 1330 may extend a significant axial distance to partially surround a portion of theconnector body 1350, although the extended portion of thecoupler 1330 need not contact theconnector body 1350. Theforward facing surface 1335 of thelip 1334 of thecoupler 1330 faces aflange 1344 of thepost 1340 when operably assembled in aconnector 1300, so as to enable thecoupler 1330 to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as thepost 1340 and theconnector body 1350, of theconnector 1300. - The
coupler 1330 is formed of conductive materials, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, facilitating grounding through thecoupler 1330. Accordingly, thecoupler 1330 may be configured to extend an electromagnetic buffer by electrically contacting conductive surfaces of aninterface port 20 when aconnector 1300 is advanced onto theport 20. In addition, thecoupler 1330 may be formed of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example the external surface of thecoupler 1330 may be formed of a polymer, while the remainder of thecoupler 1330 may be comprised of a metal or other conductive material. Thecoupler 1330 may be formed of metals or polymers or other materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed nut body. Manufacture of thecoupler 1330 may include casting, extruding, cutting, knurling, turning, tapping, drilling, injection molding, blow molding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - Referring still to
Fig. 54 , thepost 1340 has aforward end 1348 and an opposingrearward end 1349. Furthermore, thepost 1340 may comprise aflange 1344, such as an externally (or radially outwardly) extending annular protrusion, located at the forward end of thepost 1340. Theflange 1344 includes a rearward facingsurface 1345 that faces thelip 1334 of thecoupler 1330, when operably assembled in acoaxial cable connector 1300, so as to enable the coupler 1330to rotate with respect to the other component elements, such as thepost 1340 and theconnector body 1350, of theconnector 1300. The rearward facingsurface 1345 offlange 1344 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal orcentral axis 1302 of thepost 1340. - The
post 1340 is conductive and may be formed of metals or may be formed of other conductive materials that would facilitate a rigidly formed post body. In addition, thepost 1340 may be formed of a combination of both conductive and non-conductive materials. For example, a metal coating or layer may be applied to a polymer of other non-conductive material. Manufacture of thepost 1340 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - The
connector body 1350 may be formed of materials such as plastics, polymers, bendable metals or composite materials that facilitate a semi-rigid, yet compliant outer surface. Further, theconnector body 1350 may be formed of conductive or non-conductive materials or a combination thereof. Manufacture of theconnector body 1350 may include casting, extruding, cutting, turning, drilling, knurling, injection molding, spraying, blow molding, component overmolding, combinations thereof, or other fabrication methods that may provide efficient production of the component. - As shown in
Figs. 54-56 , the electrical continuity member 1370 exerts a biasing force (such as an inward spring-like force) on thepost 1340 atpost contact section 1372. This radially inward force is applied against a radially outward facing surface 1384 (or outer surface) of thepost 1340. The electrical continuity member 1370 also exerts a second biasing force (such as an outward spring-like force) against the radially inward facingsurface 1382 of thecoupler 1330 at the coupler contact point 1375. - The
coupler 1330 is shown advanced forward along theconnector 1300. This axial advancement may result in a force applied against the continuity member 1370, crushing it between theinner lip 1334 and theflange 1344. The continuity member 1370 may be formed of a suitable material so as to be axially non-resilient and able to withstand such crushing force. - When the
coupler 1330 is so advanced along theaxis 1302, this creates agap 1380 rearward of thecoupler 1330. Moving thecoupler 1330 rearward allows additional space between theinner lip 1334, theflange 1344 and the continuity member 1370. In such arrangement, the continuity member 1370 may be situated so as to not axially contact either theinner lip 1334 or theflange 1344. However, the continuity member 1370 still has radial contact with thecoupler 1330 and thepost 1340 establishing (or maintaining) an electrical contact between thecoupler 1330 and thepost 1340. - Additionally, when assembling the
connector 1300, the continuity member 1370 may be placed loosely between thecoupler 1330 and thepost 1340 enabling greater assembly tolerances. Furthermore, while theinner lip 1334 and theflange 1344 restrict the axial movement of the continuity member 1370, the radially-extendingsurfaces inner lip 1334 andflange 1344, respectively, protect the continuity member 1370 from excess forces in the radial direction. In this way, thesurfaces space 1389 for the continuity member 1370. - As illustrated in
Figs. 54-56 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 may be a split ring washer. The washer may have an irregular shape, asymmetry or eccentricity (or deviation from perfectly circular) such that it contacts both thecoupler 1330 and the post 1340 (or body 1350) while leavingunoccupied space 1391 of thecavity 1389. Theunoccupied space 1391 of thecavity 1389 enables the continuity member 1301 to axially deform during its spring action. - In one embodiment illustrated in
Figs. 55-56 , the continuity member 1370 has a spiral shape. The inner part, such aspost engager 1379 of the spiral continuity member 1370, grabs thepost 1340 while the outer edge, such ascoupler engager 1378, pushes against thecoupler 1330. Additionally, the spiral continuity member 1370 may have an eccentricity so that the spiral is oblong or based on an oval shape. As such, the continuity member 1370 engages thepost 1340 at several points on the outer perimeter of thepost 1340 while being disengaged from some of the points on the outer perimeter of thepost 1340. Likewise, the continuity member 1370 engages thecoupler 1330 at several points on the inner perimeter of thecoupler 1330 while being disengaged from some of the points on the inner perimeter of thecoupler 1330. For example, twosections 1372 squeeze thepost 1340, and twosections 1374 press against thecoupler 1330. - The spiral continuity member 1370 fits within the radial space or
gap 1389 between thecoupler 1330 and thepost 1340. Where the spiral continuity member 1370 contacts thepost 1340, such as insections 1372, theradial gap 1389 separates thecoupler engager 1378 ofsections 1372 from thecoupler 1330. Likewise, where thesection 1374 of spiral continuity member 1370 contacts thecoupler 1330, the radial space orgap 1389 separates thepost engager 1379 from thepost 1340. - As illustrated in
Fig. 57 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1470. Continuity member 1470 partially encircles thepost 1440, and thecoupler 1430 encircles the continuity member 1470. The continuity member 1470 includes various portions for example,post contacting portion 1473 andcoupler contacting portion 1475. Thepost contacting portion 1473 contacts and exerts a force against theouter surface 1484 of thepost 1440. In this embodiment, thepost contacting portion 1473 of the continuity member 1470 does not touch the inner or radially facingsurface 1482 of thecoupler 1430. In contrast, thecoupler contacting portion 1475 exerts a force against theinner surface 1482 while not pressing against theouter surface 1484 of thepost 1440. - In further embodiments, the continuity element 1301 may be square or rectangular. The continuity element 1301 could also be a round wire or some other suitable shape. In the embodiment illustrated in
Fig. 56 , the continuity element 1370 has a non-resilient material, formed in a radially-elastic configuration. As a result, theaxial edges 1371 are stiff and resistant to becoming damaged or distorted when subject to high axial forces. - As illustrated in
Fig. 58 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1570. In this view, thecoupler 1530 surrounds thepost 1540. The continuity member 1570 has an oblong or elliptical shape. At a limited number ofpoints 1502 closer to thecenter 1501, the continuity member 1570 contacts thepost 1540 while at other limited points 1504 farther from thecenter 1501, the continuity member 1570 contacts thecoupler 1530. Thegaps 1505 provide room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1570 during its spring action. - At these
contact points coupler 1530 or thepost 1540. For example, the continuity member 1570 may apply a radially inward force (or squeezing force) against the outer surface of thepost 1540. Additionally, the continuity member 1570 may apply a radially outward force (or pushing force) against the outer surface of thepost 1540. - Numerous bent forms can suffice for the continuity member 1301, including spirals and rings, but also including oblong; semi-straight-sided polygons and/or shapes that make use of asymmetrical geometries. Regardless of the specific shape, some portion of the continuity member 1301, such as
post holding section 1379 of spiral continuity member 1370, contacts theradially facing surface 1382 of the inner connector component (such as thepost 1340 or body 1350). Simultaneously, another portion, such asradial biasing section 1378 of spiral continuity member 1370, contacts theradially facing surface 1482 of thecoupler 1330 with some slight or suitable amount of force, tension or stress. Furthermore, the continuity member 1301 may be a three dimensional shape, such as an expanding, radial spiral which advances in the axial direction. - As illustrated in
Fig. 59 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1670. A coupler 1630 surrounds apost 1640 and the continuity member 1670. In this embodiment, the continuity member 1670 is a wire which has a bent form of a polygon. Thecorners 1602 of the polygonal continuity member 1670 press against the coupler 1630 while the walls oredges 1604 squeeze thepost 1640. Thegaps 1606 provide room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1570 during its spring action. - As illustrated in
Fig. 60 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1770. The continuity member 1770 is a ring having an elliptical shape. The eccentric formation enables the continuity member 1770 to continue to grip thepost 1740 while simultaneously extending to press against thecoupler 1730 to provide continuity. The inner part of the ring continuity member 1770 grabs thepost 1740 while the elliptical shape creates anelliptical bulge part 1704 that pushes against thecoupler 1730. The ring continuity member 1770 includesends walls 1776 contact or engage thepost 1740. At the same time, the wall 1778 engages thecoupler 1730 while being disengaged from thepost 1740. Thegap 1780 provides room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1770 during its spring action. - As illustrated in
Fig. 61 , in one embodiment, the continuity member 1301 is continuity member 1870. In this embodiment, the continuity member 1301 exerts a force against thebody 1850. The continuity member 1870 is a ring having an elliptical shape. In this embodiment acoupler 1830 surrounds abody 1850 and the continuity member 1870. Theinner part 1802 of the ring continuity member 1870 grabs thebody 1850 while theelliptical bulge part 1804 pushes against thecoupler 1830. Thegap 1806 provides room for the radial contraction and expansion of the continuity member 1870 during its spring action. - Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.
Claims (14)
- A connector (1300) comprising:a post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) having an outer surface (1384, 1484) and extending along an axis, the post being configured to be inserted into a coaxial cable, the post comprising a first conductive material;a coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) configured to be fastened at a forward end (1338) to a conductive interface port (20), the coupler having an inner surface (1382, 1482) and being, at a rearward end (1339), rotatably attachable to the post, the coupler being configured to receive at least part of the post so that there is a space (1389, 1391) between the inner surface of the coupler and the outer surface (1384, 1484) of the post, the coupler comprising a second conductive material; andan electrical continuity member (1301, 1370, 1470, 1770, 1870) positionable within the space, the electrical continuity member comprising a third conductive material;
characterized in that
the electrical continuity member further comprises a plurality of portions which are radially moveable relative to each other when the electrical continuity member is between the post and the coupler, the plurality of portions comprising:(a) a post engagement portion (1372, 1379, 1473, 1776, 1802) configured to be engaged with the outer surface (1384, 1484) while being disengaged from the inner surface (1382, 1482); and(b) a coupler engagement portion (1374, 1375, 1378, 1475, 1778, 1804) configured to be engaged with the inner surface (1382, 1482) while being disengaged from the outer surface (1384, 1484);wherein
the electrical continuity member (1301, 1370, 1470, 1770, 1870) has an oval shape with a partial spiral or helical configuration, thereby being configured to maintain an electrical connection between the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) and the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) while the post and coupler have different positions relative to each other. - The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical continuity member is configured to: (a) simultaneously exert (i) a first biasing force directed radially inward against the outer surface (1384, 1484) of the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840); and (ii) a second biasing force directed radially outward against the inner surface (1382, 1482) of the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830); and (b) establish an electrical connection between the post and the coupler.
- The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) is configured to move between a non-fully tightened position on an interface port (20) and a fully tightened position on the interface port, the electrical continuity member (1301, 1370, 1470, 1770, 1870) being configured to establish the electrical connection even when the coupler is in the non-fully tightened position.
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) is threaded.
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a sealing member, the forward end (1338) of the coupler (1330) including internal and/or external structures which facilitate the operable joining of the sealing member, the sealing member being configured to provide an environmental seal and including a water-tight seal or an attachable component element configured to inhibit ingress of environmental contaminants at the forward end (1338) of the coupler (1330), when mated with an interface port (20).
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) is configured to axially move between a first axial position relative to the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) and a second axial position relative to the post, the electrical continuity member being configured to establish the electrical connection when the coupler is in the first axial position and when the coupler is in the second axial position, the second axial position corresponding to a fully tightened position on an interface port (20).
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical continuity member is deformable in the radial direction.
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) comprises a flange (1344), the flange comprising an outer surface (1387). - The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler comprises a lip (1334), the lip having the shape of an annular protrusion, the lip comprising an inner surface (1385).
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conductive material includes metals or conductive material configured for facilitating a rigidly formed post body.
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second conductive material includes copper, brass, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys.
- The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third conductive material includes alloys, in particular cuprous alloys.
- A connector system, comprising a coaxial cable connector (1300) according to any one of the preceding claims and a coaxial cable (10) having a grounding shield (14).
- A method of obtaining electrical continuity for a coaxial cable connection, the method comprising:providing a coaxial cable connector (1300) comprising a connector body; a conductive post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) operably attached to the connector body, the post having a flange; a coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830) rotatably attached to the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840) and the connector body, the coupler including an inner lip; and an electrical continuity element (1301, 1370, 1470, 1770, 1870) disposed between the inner lip (1334) and the flange (1344); the connector being configured according to any one of claims 1 to 13;the method further comprising: securely attaching a coaxial cable (10) to the connector so that the grounding shield (14) of the coaxial cable electrically contacts the post (1340, 1440, 1740, 1840);extending electrical continuity from the post through the electrical continuity member (1301, 1370, 1470, 1770, 1870) to the coupler (1330, 1430, 1730, 1830); andfastening the coupler to a conductive interface port (20) to complete the ground path and obtain electrical continuity in the cable connection.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/149,225 US9570845B2 (en) | 2009-05-22 | 2014-01-07 | Connector having a continuity member operable in a radial direction |
PCT/US2015/010431 WO2015105840A1 (en) | 2014-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | A connector having a continuity member operable in a radial direction |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3092686A1 EP3092686A1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
EP3092686A4 EP3092686A4 (en) | 2017-07-26 |
EP3092686B1 true EP3092686B1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
Family
ID=53524299
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15734864.0A Active EP3092686B1 (en) | 2014-01-07 | 2015-01-07 | A connector having a continuity member operable in a radial direction |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3092686B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106134005B (en) |
DK (1) | DK3092686T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1231634A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015105840A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN109599214B (en) * | 2018-12-06 | 2020-12-01 | 昆山兴鸿蒙电子有限公司 | High-temperature-resistant wear-resistant automobile communication and electric control wire |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5653605A (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 1997-08-05 | Woehl; Roger | Locking coupling |
US20130164962A1 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2013-06-27 | Glen David Shaw | Socketed Nut Coaxial Connectors with Radial Grounding Systems for Enhanced Continuity |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8113875B2 (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2012-02-14 | Belden Inc. | Cable connector |
US7824216B2 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-11-02 | John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. | Coaxial cable continuity connector |
US8287320B2 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2012-10-16 | John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. | Coaxial cable connector having electrical continuity member |
US8444445B2 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2013-05-21 | Ppc Broadband, Inc. | Coaxial cable connector having electrical continuity member |
TWM389387U (en) * | 2010-04-13 | 2010-09-21 | Ezconn Corp | Coaxial cable connector |
US8579658B2 (en) * | 2010-08-20 | 2013-11-12 | Timothy L. Youtsey | Coaxial cable connectors with washers for preventing separation of mated connectors |
US8337229B2 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-12-25 | John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc. | Connector having a nut-body continuity element and method of use thereof |
US20130237089A1 (en) | 2012-03-06 | 2013-09-12 | Yueh Chiung Lu | Coaxial cable connector using a multi-contact spring washer |
US8556654B2 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2013-10-15 | Perfectvision Manufacturing, Inc. | Coaxial connector grounding inserts |
-
2015
- 2015-01-07 WO PCT/US2015/010431 patent/WO2015105840A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-01-07 DK DK15734864.0T patent/DK3092686T3/en active
- 2015-01-07 CN CN201580012516.0A patent/CN106134005B/en active Active
- 2015-01-07 EP EP15734864.0A patent/EP3092686B1/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-05-16 HK HK17104914.6A patent/HK1231634A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5653605A (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 1997-08-05 | Woehl; Roger | Locking coupling |
US20130164962A1 (en) * | 2011-12-27 | 2013-06-27 | Glen David Shaw | Socketed Nut Coaxial Connectors with Radial Grounding Systems for Enhanced Continuity |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN106134005A (en) | 2016-11-16 |
CN106134005B (en) | 2022-02-18 |
DK3092686T3 (en) | 2020-09-14 |
HK1231634A1 (en) | 2017-12-22 |
EP3092686A1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
EP3092686A4 (en) | 2017-07-26 |
WO2015105840A1 (en) | 2015-07-16 |
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AU2018206740B2 (en) | Coaxial Cable Connector Having Electrical Continuity Member | |
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