GB2544126A

GB2544126A - Connector enclosure

Info

Publication number: GB2544126A
Application number: GB1602636.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crowther Michael
Original assignee: Servelec Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Ovarro Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-15
Filing date: 2016-02-15
Publication date: 2017-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-15
Also published as: GB2544126B8; GB201602636D0; GB2544126B; GB2544126A8

Abstract

A connector enclosure 201 that is suitable for housing an SMA connector (figure 1) comprising a lower section 203 and an upper section 212. The lower section comprises lower section engaging means (309, figure 3A), and a first environmental seal 307 engageable with an apparatus casing. The upper section comprises upper section engaging means 311 complimentary to the lower section engaging means. At least one of the lower section engaging means or the upper section engaging means comprises a second environmental seal (313). When the lower section is engaged with the upper section, the lower section is freely rotatable about a common central axis, the common central axis being common to the lower section and the upper section. Preferably the connector enclosure resists water ingress when submerged is water based fluids. The lower section may comprise an interior complimentary to a connecting element 302 of a SubMinature version A connector 101 locatable within the connector enclosure.

Description

CONNECTOR ENCLOSURE

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a connector enclosure suitable for housing a coaxial cable connector, in particular a connector enclosure for a SubMinature A (SMA) connector.

Background of the Invention [0002] Twisting, coiling, and kinking of cables when connecting one piece of apparatus to another is well known. This phenomenon is caused by the lack of a rotating joint that allows one part to rotate freely relative to another. One known solution for this is to use a connector where the engaging means rotates freely of the rest of the connector. An exemplary connector of this type is the SubMinature version A (SMA) connector 101 (see figure 1). The SMA connector 101 is designed to reliably join a coaxial cable to a receiving apparatus and overcomes the aforesaid issues by comprising a rotatable engaging means 102 that can freely rotate relative to the rest of the connector 103. The rotatable engaging means 102 is typically known in the art as a bulkhead 102. The bulkhead 102 comprises an external topology 105 to allow actuation of the engaging means. 102. This allows the cable 104 to remain static, while the engaging means 102 is rotated to engage the connector 101 with an apparatus or a complementary cable.

[0003] SMA connectors were developed in the 1960’s and have subsequently become ubiquitous and a standard feature on many apparatuses. These connectors are popular in the field of radio applications, particularly for use in aerials, and it is undesirable to modify the connector in order to preserve compatibility.

[0004] Combining this with the ever increasing use of/desire for telemetry, supervisory control, and acquisition of data by companies, there has arisen a need for connectors which can survive and operate efficiently when exposed to increasingly challenging environments such as in sewers, water works, high dust factories, and mines. Remote telemetry units placed in these locations need to be able to withstand dust ingress and potentially water immersion beyond a depth of 1 meter.

[0005] Connectors designed to cope with different grades of environmental exposure are assigned an ingress protection marking according to the British Standard EN60529:1992+A2:2013. The rating IP68 is given to connectors that are able to completely prevent dust ingress and prevent water ingress when submerged at a depth of greater than 1 meter for a given period of time.

[0006] IP68 rated connectors are specialist devices and are often bespoke manufactures requiring redesign for each application. The redesign normally involves adapting the connector to include environmental seals, this hinders compatibility between applications due to the change in the standard connector form and necessitates a different connector for each application. Standard off the shelf connectors without an IP68 rating cannot be converted for use in an environment where an IP68 rated connector is required. Therefore maintenance and repair of remotely located telemetry devices is made more difficult as a repair technician needs to carry spares of each different type of bespoke connector.

[0007] There is a need for a connector enclosure that negates changes to standard connectors, like the SMA, while allowing those same off-the-shelf connectors to be used in harsh environments where equipment requires an IP68 rating.

[0008] This problem is further compounded by the aforesaid twisting problem. Ideally, a connector needs to allow independent rotation of a first part relative to a second part while the engaging means are operating. The SMA connector achieves this by including a freely rotatable bulkhead. However, the SMA connector is not IP68 rated. Therefore a solution which allows off the shelf connectors, such as the SMA, to be used in applications requiring an IP68 rating and preserving the freely-rotating function of such SMA connectors is required.

Summary of the Invention [0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector enclosure suitable for housing an SMA connector comprising: a lower section, and an upper section.

[0010] The lower section comprises lower section engaging means, and a first environmental seal engageable with an apparatus casing; and the upper section comprises upper section engaging means complimentary to the lower section engaging means.

[0011] At least one of the lower section engaging means or the upper section engaging means comprises a second environmental seal; wherein said lower section engaging means and upper section engaging means are configured such that when the lower section is engaged with the upper section, the lower section is freely rotatable about a common central axis, the common central axis being common to the lower section and the upper section.

[0012] An enclosure in accordance with the first aspect allows off-the-shelf connectors, which are not water or dust proof to be used in situations where an environmental seal is required between the connector and the environment. As the connector enclosure is in two parts, each part may freely rotate relative to one another. This is advantageous where the lower part may rotate with a connector engaging means, but the upper part must remain static in order to prevent twisting of a cable or another connected item.

[0013] In the alternative, the lower section may further comprises a base, wherein, the first environmental seal protrudes proud of the base. This allows the connector enclosure to be applied to an apparatus casing that does not comprise a molded socket to receive the lower section of the connector enclosure. As the connector housing is urged toward the apparatus casing, the first environmental seal abuts against, and then seals the interface between the apparatus casing and the connector enclosure. The seal is made because the first environmental seal projects out from the base. This allows the first environmental seal to contact an apparatus casing.

[0014] Preferably, the connector enclosure is rated to the IP68 standard.

[0015] Advantageously, the connector enclosure resists water ingress when submerged in water based fluids for substantially 4 days at a depth of substantially 4 meters. This allows off-the-shelf connectors which do not have an IP68 rating to be used in harsh environmental conditions as the enclosure encasing the connector prevents dust and water ingress.

[0016] Suitably, the lower section further comprises an interior complimentary to an engaging means of a connector located within the connector enclosure. The connector engaging means may be, for example, a bulkhead equipped with a screw thread. Once the connector is situated within the enclosure, the bulkhead engages with the complimentary lower section interior. As the lower section is rotated the bulkhead rotates as well, while the remainder of the connector remains static.

[0017] Advantageously, upon engaging the connector enclosure with an apparatus, rotation of the lower section actuates the connector engaging means (such as a bulkhead) to engage with the apparatus. This allows the connector to engage with an apparatus simply by rotating the lower section as the bulkhead threads may engage with complementary threads on the apparatus. Upon the connector engaging means engaging with the apparatus the lower section is urged towards the apparatus. The lower section interior that is complementary to an engaging means can abut against a base of the engaging means, such that the lower section advances by the lead (axial advance) of the engaging means per complete turn. In the case of engaging the connecting element with an apparatus, as the screw threads advance axially the lower section travels with the connector engaging means and abuts against the apparatus.

[0018] Preferably, the upper section forms a part of a sealed housing. This allows an off-the-shelf product, such as a stubby aerial, to be completely contained in the connector enclosure. The stubby aerial may not be rated to the IP68 standard, but as it is completely encased in the connector enclosure, once fitted to the apparatus, the aerial may function when submerged at a depth of greater that 1 meter in water for a prolonged period.

[0019] Preferably, the upper section is integrally formed on a lead. If, for example, due to the location of an apparatus in an area where there is lack of reception (such as underground), the upper section of the connector enclosure may be integrally formed on a lead to provide an extension cable or connection to a remotely positioned aerial in a location where reception is available.

[0020] In a further embodiment, once the upper section and the lower section are engaged, the upper section may not be easily disconnected from the lower section. Engaging the upper and lower sections about a connector results in a permanent connection preventing accidental disengagement and increasing the reliability of often remotely placed and inaccessible items of equipment.

[0021] To aid manipulation of the connector housing the lower section may comprise exterior topological features including one from the list: knurling, ridges, and troughs. These features provide a grasping surface to allow the connector to be readily manipulated even in difficult environments where an apparatus may become soiled and slippery.

[0022] In a second aspect, the invention can be provided as a kit of parts comprising at least an upper section and a lower section.

[0023] The lower section comprises lower section engaging means, and a first environmental seal engageable with an apparatus casing; and the upper section comprises upper section engaging means complimentary to the lower section engaging means.

[0024] At least one of the lower section engaging means or the upper section engaging means comprises a second environmental seal; wherein said lower section engaging means and upper section engaging means are configured such that when the lower section is engaged with the upper section, the lower section is freely rotatable about a common central axis, the common central axis being common to the lower section and the upper section.

[0025] This enables one skilled in the art to insert any appropriate off the shelf connector between those two parts and create an environmentally sealed enclosure.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided a connector housed within a connector enclosure in accordance with the first aspect. For example, an SMA connector could be supplied pre-fitted into the aforementioned connector enclosure.

[0027] Other aspects and features are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0028] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art SMA connector and lead;

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 shows a cross section of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments [0029] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0030] The words “comprising/comprises” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one of more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0031] Referring to figures 2 to 4, there is provided a connector enclosure 201 for a connector 101 including but not limited to SMA connectors, F connectors, BNC connectors or other cable connectors.

[0032] The connector enclosure 201 houses the connector 101 and surrounds it. Once the connector 101 is fully engaged with a complementary connector 902, on an apparatus 901 to which the connector 101 is to be connected, ingress of dirt and moisture is prevented due to the fact that the connector enclosure 201 encases the connector 101. While it is to be understood that the connector enclosure 201 houses the connector 101 the enclosure 201 is not mechanically or chemically bonded to the connector 101.

[0033] The connector enclosure 201 comprises a lower section 203 and an upper section 212.

[0034] The lower section 203 is arranged to receive a bulkhead 102 (or surfaces), of the connector 101. The bulkhead mating surfaces 102 of the connector 101 require manipulation and movement relative to the rest of the connector 101 such as rotation or sliding. The lower section 203 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 204 composed out of any environmentally inert material. This material can be tailored depending on the intended environment for the connector 101 as “inert” is relative to the environmental conditions. The material may suitably be any suitable ceramic, plastic (such as, polytetrafluoroethylene, high density polystyrene, high density polyethylene, or nylon), or a metal (such as stainless steel or aluminium).

[0035] The lower section cylindrical body 204 comprises a cavity 303 to accept a part of a connector 101. The body of the lower section need not necessarily be cylindrical, any alternative exterior shape is suitable. The cavity 303 runs the length of the lower section 203.

[0036] The lower section cavity 303 may comprise an internal topology 304 which is complementary to an external topology 105 of the connector bulkhead 102 such that as the lower section 203 is rotated, the internal topology 304 temporarily and releaseably binds with the external topology 105 of the connector bulkhead 102. In this instance, the connector bulkhead 102 turns with the lower section 203. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that this allows the lower section 203 to serve as a key for the connector bulkhead 102. If the connector bulkhead 102 comprises a thread or bayonet fitting the rotation of the lower section 203 may be used to advance the thread or other appropriate fitting on a receiving and complementary thread 902 or fitting of an apparatus 901. This means that a connector 101 can be pre-housed in the enclosure 201 and then fitted to an apparatus 901 by manipulation of only the lower section 203. A user does not need to fit the connector 101 and then apply the enclosure 201 afterwards.

[0037] The interior of the lower section 203 comprises a lip 306 towards the end of the lower section 203 that faces with an apparatus 901. The connector 101 abuts against the lip 306. The connector 101 cannot freely pass through the lower section 203. Furthermore, the lip 306 prevents insertion of the connector 101 from an apparatus facing side of the lower section 203. The connector 101 must be inserted from an upper section facing side of the lower section 203. The lip 306 may be continuous about an edge of the cavity 303 or consist of one or more discrete tabs arranged about a periphery of the cavity 303.

[0038] Immediately beneath the lip 306 is a sealing means 307 arranged to engage with the apparatus 901 and environmentally seal the connection between the lower section 203 and the apparatus 901. An environmental seal in this instance is relative to the environment in which the connector enclosure 201 is intended for use. Typically, the environmental seal is for preventing ingress of dust and or water, but could provide a hermetic seal to exclude gaseous ingress. As shown by the embodiment of figure 2, the seal may be provided by a fustro-concial protrusion 206 from a base 207 of the lower section 203 provided with a rubber or silicon “0”-ring 208 to abut and seal against the apparatus 901. Alternatively, the sealing means may be any other suitable arrangement, such as a recess to accept a protrusion located on the apparatus 901.

[0039] The combined effect of the lip 306 with the embodiment of the lower section 203 which comprises an internal topology 304 complementary to the connector mating surfaces 102 is that the process of connecting the connector 101 to the apparatus 901 has the secondary effect of urging the lower section 203 towards the apparatus 901 to create an environmental seal. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the lower section 203 advances by the lead (axial advance) of the connector mating surfaces 102 per complete turn.

[0040] In order to assist a user in turning the lower section 203 the exterior of the lower section 203 may be provided with any suitable gripping means 209. This is exemplified in the figures through the use of troughs 210 and peaks 211 which run in the direction of a common central axis 308. Alternatively, the lower section exterior 209 may be made smooth to discourage or prevent tampering with the enclosure 201 by nefarious third parties.

[0041] The lower section 203 further comprises upper section engagement means 309 arranged at an opposite end of the lower section 203 relative to the base 207. The lower section engagement means 309 is arranged to accept complementary upper section engagement means 310 of an upper section 312. Typically, the upper and lower section engagement means is of a plug and socket arrangement. It is immaterial which of the upper or lower sections 203, 212 comprises the plug or socket, although in the embodiments depicted in the figures the upper section 212 comprises a plug 310 and the lower section 203 comprises the socket 309.

[0042] The upper section 212 is arranged to enclose the non-mating sections 802 of the connector 101. The non-mating sections 802 of the connector 101 may need to move independently of the mating surfaces 102 of the connector 101. By way of non-limitative example, the non-mating sections 802 of the connector 101 may need to remain static (due to space restrictions or to prevent kinking or damage to a cable connected to the connector), while the mating surfaces 102 of the connector 101 are manipulated.

[0043] The upper section 212 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 213 composed out of any environmentally inert material. As with the lower section 203 this material can be tailored depending on the intended environment for the connector 201 as “inert” is relative to the environmental conditions. The material may be any suitable ceramic, plastic (such as polytetrafluoroethylene, high density polystyrene, high density polyethylene, or nylon), or a metal (such as stainless steel or aluminium).

[0044] In order to allow free rotation of the lower section 203 relative to the upper section 212 the engagement means 309, 310 are substantially round or cylindrical in shape. This prevents binding of internal surfaces which would prohibit rotation of the two parts 203, 212. The joint may suitably be any other that achieves at least the same degree of free movement and could be for example, a ball and socket joint.

[0045] In the figures the plug 310 is provided with a recess 311 to accept a ridge 312 of the socket 309 such that when the two parts of the connector enclosure 203, 212 are press fitted together the ridge 312 resides within the recess 311 and prevents disconnection of the two parts 203, 212. This style of connection is known in the art as a “snap-fit” design. In the alternative, the socket 309 may comprise a ridge arranged to snap-fit into a recess provided on the socket 310. If the ridge 312 and recess 311 are sufficiently deep, the snap-fit may be sufficiently stiff so as to make the connection permanent. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a snap-fit may be achieved with other designs other than a ridge or recess. Figure 4 depicts the process and arrangement of the parts as the upper section 212 connector 101 and lower section 203 are fitted together to for the connector enclosure 201.

[0046] Either of the upper section engaging means 310 or the lower section engaging means 309 may comprise an environmental sealing means 313. Here, the upper and lower section environmental sealing means 313 is relative to the environment in which the connector enclosure 201 is intended for use. Typically, the upper and lower section environmental seal 313 is for preventing ingress of dust and or water, but could provide a hermetic seal to exclude gaseous ingress. As shown by the embodiment of figure 3 the seal may be provided by a fustro-concial protrusion 314 from either the upper or lower sections 203, 212 and provided with a rubber or silicon “0”-ring 315 to abut and seal against the complementary section (i.e. if the upper section 212 comprises a O-ring 315 it is arranged to seal against the lower section 203 and vice versa). Alternatively, the sealing means 313 may be any other suitable arrangement, such as a recess to accept a protrusion located in either of the upper or lower sections 212, 213.

[0047] The upper section cylindrical body 213 comprises a cavity 317 to accept a part of a connector 101. The body 213 need not necessarily be cylindrical, any alternative exterior shape is suitable. The cavity 317 is of any suitable dimension to house a connector 101.

[0048] The upper section cavity 317 requires at least one aperture (not shown), in order to allow insertion of the non-mating sections 802 of the connector 101. The at least one upper section cavity aperture is arranged to line up with the lower section cavity 303 about a common central axis 308. The lower section and upper section cavities 303, 317 form a void space that houses the connector 101 in its entirety. Suitably, the void space is designed to match the external dimensions of the connector 101 it is intended to house.

[0049] The upper section cavity 317 may be large enough to encase the non-mating surfaces 802 of the connector 101 and a device 801, connected to it, such as a stub aerial. In this instance, the upper section 212 forms part of a sealed housing and only comprises a single aperture that both allows insertion of the connector 101 and connection to the lower section 203.

[0050] Due to the upper and lower cavities 303, 317 sharing a common central axis 308 a connector 101 housed in the void space remains substantially static as the lower section 203 is rotated relative to the upper section 212.

[0051] With reference to figures 5 and 6, a second embodiment of a connector enclosure is shown. Parts of the connector enclosure 500 may be mechanically or chemically bonded with a cable 502 to which the connector 101 is attached, but the connector 101 itself is separate from the enclosure 500.

[0052] In the upper section 506 of the second embodiment of the connector enclosure 500, a second aperture 501 may be provided to allow a connected element 502 to pass through the upper section 506 to a remotely connected component (by way of non-limitative example, a cable 502 may pass through the second aperture 501 to link the connector to a remotely positioned aerial). In this instance to ensure an environmental seal is maintained, the upper section 506 may be formed as part of (integrally with) a cable 502 (such as a coaxial lead) to ensure environmental ingress is prevented.

[0053] Figure 6 depicts the process and arrangement of the parts as the upper section 506 of the second embodiment of the connector enclosure 500, connector 101 and lower section 503 of the second embodiment of the connector enclosure 500, are fitted together to form the second embodiment of the connector enclosure 500.

[0054] Figure 7 depicts a third aspect of the present invention 700, wherein, the first environmental seal 701 engageable with an apparatus casing 702 of the lower section 703 protrudes proud from the base 704 of the lower section 703. This allows the connector enclosure to abut against a featureless apparatus casing 702 and create an environmental seal. The environmental seal preventing ingress of dust and water based fluids.

[0055] As the connector 101 is screwed onto a complementary connector 705 located upon the apparatus casing 702, the lower section 703 is urged toward the casing by the connector 101 contacting, and then pressing on, a lip 706. As the lower section 703 approaches the apparatus casing 702, the first environmental seal 701 is compressed. Once in the compressed state 701c, the outer surface of the first environmental seal 701 tightly abutted against the apparatus casing 702.

[0056] It will be apparent that in this instance a complimentary connector 902 (complimentary to connector 101) located the apparatus casing may be affixed to the apparatus casing simply by using a threaded nut 707, and if appropriate, a washer (not shown). The complimentary connector 902, in this instance is threaded through an aperture (not shown) in the apparatus casing 702 and held in place by the threaded nut 707. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that is the nut is of sufficiently large diameter then the diameter of the lower section 703 will need increasing in order to allow the lower section 703 to accommodate the threaded nut 707.

[0057] In order to improve the environmental seal produced by any of the aforementioned sealing sections, one skilled in the art may lightly grease the contacting surfaces, by way of non-limitative example, a lithium grease may be applied to any sealing sections (such as, but not limited to, an O-ring) prior to fitting.

[0058] If the two aforementioned environmental sealing sections (the lower section-apparatus seal 309 and the upper section-lower section seal 310) are sufficiently close fitting, the connector enclosures of the first and second embodiments 201, 500 are able to prevent water ingress during continued total immersion at a depth of 4 meters for 4 days as well as prevent the ingress of dust. The connector enclosures 201, 500 described herein are therefore suitable for applications requiring an IP68 certification. It should be noted that it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the connector enclosures 201, 500 described herein may be submerged in any water based fluid such as fresh water, salt water, sea water, sewage flows, cooling ponds, canals, and reservoirs.

[0059] While the aforesaid connectors are typically used with coaxial, cables, the connector enclosures as described herein may be used with any cable and appropriate connector where an IP68 rated connection is required but without twisting or kinking the cable.

Claims

1. A connector enclosure suitable for housing an SMA connector comprising: a lower section, and an upper section, wherein; the lower section comprises lower section engaging means, and a first environmental seal engageable with an apparatus casing, and the upper section comprises upper section engaging means complimentary to the lower section engaging means, wherein; at least one of the lower section engaging means or the upper section engaging means comprises a second environmental seal, wherein when the lower section is engaged with the upper section, the lower section is freely rotatable about a common central axis, the common central axis being common to the lower section and the upper section.

2. A connector enclosure as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the lower section further comprises a base, wherein, the first environmental seal protrudes proud of the base.

3. A connector enclosure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, the connector enclosure is rated to the IP68 standard.

4. A connector enclosure as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein, the connector enclosure is configured to resist water ingress when submerged in water based fluids for substantially 4 days at a depth of substantially 4 meters.

5. A connector enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lower section further comprises an interior complimentary to a connecting element of a connector locatable within the connector enclosure.

6. A connector enclosure as claimed in claim 5 wherein, upon engaging the connector enclosure with an apparatus, rotation of the lower section actuates the connecting element to engage with the apparatus.

7. A connector enclosure as claimed in claim 6 wherein, upon the connecting element engaging with the apparatus the lower section is urged towards the apparatus.

8. A connector enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper section forms a part of a sealed housing.

9. A connector enclosure as claimed in any of claims 1-7 wherein the upper section is integrally formed on a lead.

10. A connector enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, once the upper section and the lower section are engaged, the upper section may not be disconnected from the lower section.

11. A connector enclosure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the lower section comprises exterior topological features.

12. A connector enclosure as claimed in claim 11 wherein the topological features are one from the list; knurled, ridges, troughs.

13. A kit of parts comprising at least an upper section and a lower section, wherein; the lower section comprises lower section engaging means, and a first environmental seal engageable with an apparatus casing, and the upper section comprises upper section engaging means complimentary to the lower section engaging means, wherein; at least one of the lower section engaging means or the upper section engaging means comprises a second environmental seal, wherein when the lower section is engaged with the upper section, the lower section is freely rotatable about a common central axis, the common central axis being common to the lower section and the upper section.

14. A connector housed in a connector enclosure as claimed in claim 1.

15. A connector as claimed in claim 14, wherein the connector is an SMA connector.

16. A connector enclosure substantially as herein described with reference to and/or illustrated in figures 2-6 of the accompanying drawings.