Connector for hardline coaxial cable

Abstract

A coaxial cable connector includes a nut housing having a rear cable receiving end and a front end opposite the rear end, a front nut assembly coupled to the front end of the nut housing, and a conductive metal tubular insertion shaft supported within the nut housing or the front nut assembly. The front nut assembly includes an entry body housing and a conductive terminal pin extending from a front end of the front nut assembly, and the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft has a rear end portion. A non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve has a front end portion coupled to the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft, a tubular grip collar radially surrounding the metal insertion shaft and the plastic support sleeve, and a tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the grip collar. The grip collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to one another in an axial direction such that the grip collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage one another, thereby causing the grip collar to compress radially around the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates generally to connectors for terminating coaxial cables. More particularly, the present invention relates to an axially compressible connector for hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cables.

[0002] Coaxial cables are commonly used in the cable television industry to carry cable TV signals to televisions in homes, businesses and other locations. Hardline coaxial cables can be used to carry signals in the distribution system outside of these locations, and then flexible coaxial cables are often used to carry signals inside of these locations. Hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cables are also used where a high degree of radio frequency (RF) shielding is required.

[0003] Hardline cables include a solid core or inner conductor surrounded by a solid tubular outer conductor, which is typically made of copper or copper clad aluminum. The outer conductor is usually also made of copper or aluminum. A dielectric material or insulator separates the inner and outer conductors. The outer conductor is covered with a cable jacket or plastic sheath to provide protection from corrosion and weathering.

[0004] Threaded cable connectors, such as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,352,134 and 6,019,636, have been used to provide more uniform compression of the connector. Such connectors generally utilize some form of clamping mechanism that radially compresses the outer conductor of the cable against a tubular insertion shaft upon axial threaded movement of the connector components to retain the cable in the hardline connector. The clamping mechanism can include a conical sleeve surrounded by an outer sleeve that forces the conical sleeve to radially compress upon axial movement of the outer sleeve relative to the conical sleeve. The length of the conical closure sleeve generally closes the full length of the mechanism with equal force around the circumference of the insertion shaft. The closure force on the coaxial cable compresses the cable around the outside of the insertion shaft, creating a formed bond on the outer surface.

[0005] The ability of the connector to make a secure ground connection with the outer jacket of a hardline CATV cable has been desired to achieve long term performance of the RFI shielding effectiveness relative to the connector, as well as to facilitate proper signal transmission through the connector with minimal loss or degradation of the signal. Connectors in the CATV industry have been made from all metal mandrel support sleeves, and also from all plastic mandrel support sleeves. While the all metal maintains very good strength over time and temperature changes, the all plastic version is susceptible to creep and can weaken over time and temperature changes.

[0006] Different types of cables sold in the industry present varying degrees of difficulty. For example, cables referred to as P3 or TX or T10 often sit on the simpler side when it comes to making a secure ground connection between the cable and the connector. This is primarily due to the fact that all of the dielectric foam is removed from the inside of the outer conductor during the cable preparation process prior to installing the connector. This removal of dielectric foam allows for an easy ground connection between the inner diameter of the cable and the outer diameter of the mandrel, which is typically made of a conductive metal. In the case of cables referred to as QR or even MC2, the cable preparation process leaves a thin film of non-conductive dielectric material on the inner diameter of the cable outer conductor. This layer prevents a secure ground connection from being made as described above and appears to lengthen the signal path that RF energy needs to travel when it propagates through the connector with a metal mandrel support sleeve, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4 This lengthened path causes the signal to become out of phase and can cause "ringing" or harmonics in the signal response. This poor ground connection also results in diminished RFI shielding performance and can also show up as a frequency band gap or notch in the connector's insertion loss performance.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a connector that overcomes one or more of the above-described shortcomings of hardline connectors with all-metal or all-plastic support sleeves. That is, it would be desirable to provide a connector with a hybrid metal-plastic support sleeve. SUMMARY

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a coaxial cable connector includes a nut housing having a rear cable-receiving end and a front end opposite the rear end, a front nut assembly coupled to the front end of the nut housing, and a conductive metal tubular insertion shaft supported within the nut housing or the front nut assembly. The front nut assembly includes an entry body housing and a conductive terminal pin extending from a front end of the front nut assembly, and the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft has a rear end portion. A non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve has a front end portion coupled with the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft, a tubular grip collar radially surrounding the metal insertion shaft and the plastic support sleeve, and a tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the grip collar. The grip collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in an axial direction such that the grip collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage each other thereby causing the grip collar to radially compress around the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

[0009] In some aspects, the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft includes an engagement structure configured to engage an engagement structure of the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve to couple the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft with the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

[0010] According to aspects, the coaxial cable connector further includes a rear nut assembly configured to couple with the rear end of the nut housing, and the rear nut assembly includes an end cap. In aspects, the intermediate nut assembly includes the nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular clamping ferrule. In aspects, the intermediate nut assembly further includes a conductive metal tubular insert shaft and a tubular outer sleeve.

[0011] According to aspects, the rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular clamping ferrule.

[0012] In aspects, the front nut assembly includes a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve and a conductive metal tubular insert shaft.

[0013] According to aspects, the rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular clamping ferrule.

[0014] According to aspects, the rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular clamping ferrule.

[0015] In aspects, the front nut assembly includes a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve and a conductive metal tubular insert shaft.

[0016] According to aspects, the rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular clamping ferrule.

[0017] In aspects, the front nut assembly includes a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve and a conductive metal tubular insert shaft.

[0018] In aspects, the front nut assembly includes an entry body housing and a conductive terminal pin extending from a front end of the front nut assembly.

[0019] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a coaxial cable connector includes a nut assembly having a rear cable receiving end and an opposite front end, a hybrid inner sleeve including a conductive front portion and a non-conductive rear portion, a tubular grip ferrule radially surrounding a metal insert shaft and a plastic support sleeve, and a tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the grip ferrule. The grip ferrule and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in an axial direction such that the grip ferrule and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage each other thereby causing the grip ferrule to radially compress around the hybrid inner sleeve.

[0020] According to aspects, the conductive front portion of the inner sleeve is a conductive metal tubular insert shaft having a rear end portion and the non-conductive rear portion is a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve having a front end portion coupled with the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insert shaft.

[0021] In aspects, the conductive front portion includes an engagement structure configured to engage an engagement structure of the non-conductive rear portion to couple the conductive front portion with the non-conductive rear portion.

[0022] According to aspects, the rear nut assembly is configured to couple with the rear end of the nut housing and includes an end cap. In aspects, the middle nut assembly includes a nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular grip ferrule. In aspects, the middle nut assembly further includes a conductive metal tubular insert shaft and a tubular outer sleeve.

[0023] In aspects, the rear nut assembly includes a nut housing, a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and a tubular grip ferrule.

[0024] According to aspects, the coaxial cable connector further includes a front nut assembly configured to couple with the nut housing, the front nut assembly including a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve and a conductive metal tubular insert shaft.

[0025] In aspects, the coaxial cable connector further includes a front nut assembly configured to couple with the nut housing and the front nut assembly includes an entry body housing and a conductive terminal pin extending from a front end of the front nut assembly.

[0026] Various aspects of the hardline coaxial connector, as well as other embodiments, objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which are to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional hardwire connector.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 1

[0029] Figure 3 is a magnified side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 1

[0030] Figure 4 is a further magnified side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 1

[0031] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of another conventional hardwire connector.

[0032] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary hardwire connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 6

[0034] Figure 8 is a magnified side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 6

[0035] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary hardwire connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 9

[0037] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of yet another exemplary hardwire connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 11

[0039] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary hardwire connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 13 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference is first made to Figures 1-4 ​​​​​​​​This describes a conventional connector 10. Connector 10 is for hard or semi-rigid coaxial cables. Connector 10 includes a front nut assembly 12 and a rear nut assembly 14, which are configured to be removably connected to each other while providing electrical and mechanical connections therebetween.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a coaxial cable 100 is inserted into the rear end of the rear nut assembly 14 of the connector 10. The coaxial cable 100 typically includes a solid center conductor 102, which is generally formed of a conductive metal (such as copper, copper-clad aluminum, copper-clad steel, etc.) capable of conducting electrical signals therein. Surrounding the cable center conductor 102 is a cable dielectric 104, which insulates the cable center conductor to minimize signal loss. The cable dielectric 104 also maintains the spacing between the cable center conductor 102 and the cable outer conductor or shield 106. The cable dielectric 104 is often made of plastic materials (such as polyethylene), fluoroplastic materials (such as polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene), fiberglass braid, etc. The cable shield or outer conductor 106 is generally made of metal (such as aluminum or copper) and is often extruded to form a hollow tubular structure with solid walls having a smooth outer surface. An insulated cable sheath (not shown) may surround the cable outer conductor 106 to further seal the coaxial cable 100. Cable sheaths are typically made of plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0043] Connector 10 includes multiple components, which typically have a coaxial configuration around an axis defined by the center conductor 102 of coaxial cable 100. Front nut assembly 12 includes an inlet body housing 16 in which a terminal assembly 18 is supported. Specifically, the inlet body housing 16 is formed with an axial bore configured to cooperatively receive the terminal assembly 18, and the inlet body housing is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, brass, etc. The inlet body housing 16 has a threaded portion 20 and a rear threaded portion 22 opposite to the front threaded portion at its front end. The front threaded portion 20 is configured to mate with a field-mounted device that receives the front end of the pin assembly 18. An O-ring 24 may be provided around the front threaded portion 20 to improve the seal made by the device, and a portion of the outer periphery of the inlet body housing 16 may be provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate tooling use during installation.

[0044] The rear threaded portion 22 of the front nut assembly 12 is configured to mate with the rear nut assembly 14. Specifically, the rear threaded portion 22 includes an annular flange surface 26 that mates with the insertion shaft 32 of the rear nut assembly 14, as will be described in further detail below.

[0045] The rear nut assembly 14 of the connector 10 includes a nut housing 28 having an axial bore, and a compression sub-assembly 30 rotatably supported within the axial bore. The compression sub-assembly 30 generally includes an insert shaft 32, a retainer sleeve 34, a cable grip ferrule 36, and an O-ring 42 disposed in coaxial relationship about the central axis of the rear nut housing 28. The cable boot O-ring 42 improves the seal between the nut housing 28 and the cable 100 when assembled.

[0046] The rear nut housing 28 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like, and includes a front internal threaded portion 44 that mates with the rear threaded portion 22 of the inlet body housing 16, such that the two connector portions can be threadably coupled together. The outer surface of the rear nut housing 28 is preferably provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate the use of a tool to facilitate such threaded coupling.

[0047] At its rear end, the rear nut housing 28 is formed with an axial bore 46 sized to receive the outer diameter of the cable 100 in a close-fitting relationship. At the front end of the rear nut housing 28 opposite the rear end, the rear nut housing is formed with a front axial bore 47 that communicates with the rear axial bore 46, and is sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the insert shaft 32. The rear nut housing 28 is also preferably formed with an internal annular shoulder 48 that prevents the retainer sleeve 34 from moving rearward, and thus the grip ferrule 36, when the grip ferrule is radially compressed, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0048] The insert shaft 32 includes a tubular body 52 that terminates at a front flanged head portion 54. The insert shaft 32 is made of metal. The outer diameter of the tubular body 52 of the insert shaft 32 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. In addition, the inner diameter of the tubular body 52 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, wherein the length of the dielectric body 104 is removed from the front end of the cable.

[0049] The retainer sleeve 34 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or brass, and includes a sleeve body 58 having an outer surface configured to be received within the front axial bore 47 of the rear nut housing 28. The sleeve body 58 terminates at a rear edge 60 that engages the annular shoulder 48 of the rear nut housing 28.

[0050] The cable gripping ferrule 36 is generally in the form of a split tube having an axial gap 66 extending the full length of the ferrule. This gap 66 allows the diameter of the ferrule 36 to be more easily reduced so that upon rearward axial movement of the insertion shaft 32, the ferrule can be uniformly radially compressed around the insertion shaft 32, as will be discussed in further detail below. The inner surface 68 of the gripping ferrule is preferably provided with structure that enhances the gripping of the outer surface of the cable. Such structure can include internal threads, teeth, or some other form of textured surface.

[0051] As mentioned above, the outer surface of the cable gripping ferrule 36 is provided with a circumferential ramped portion 62 that engages a forward end 70 of the retainer sleeve 34 opposite the rear edge 60 upon rearward axial movement of the insertion shaft 32 to radially compress the gripping ferrule 36. The ramped portion 62 defines a tapered section of the cable gripping ferrule 36 that tapers radially inward in the rearward direction. The rear portion of the gripping ferrule 36 is received in the axial bore of the retainer sleeve 34.

[0052] The operation and installation of the connector 10 will now be described. First, the end of the coaxial cable 100 is prepared in a conventional manner that is inserted into the rear end of the rear nut housing 28. Specifically, the cable preparation requires removal of about 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) of the cable dielectric 104, the outer cable conductor 106, and the cable jacket to expose a portion of the center conductor 102 that will engage the pin-terminal assembly 18 of the front nut assembly 12. In addition, about 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) of the cable dielectric 104 is removed from within the outer cable conductor 106 to provide clearance for the installation of the insertion shaft 32, and about 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) of the cable jacket is removed to make electrical connection with the inner surface 68 of the cable gripping ferrule 36. After the cable end is prepared, it is inserted into the rear nut housing 28 so that the portion of the center conductor 102 engages the pin-terminal assembly 18.

[0053] The rear nut housing 28 is next threadably coupled and rotated relative to the front nut housing 16 to translate the front nut assembly 12 and the rear nut assembly 14 together along their central axes. As the front nut assembly 12 and the rear nut assembly 14 are translated closer together, the annular rim face 26 of the front nut housing 16 engages the forward shoulder 64 of the insertion shaft 32 to translate the insertion shaft 32 toward the rear of the rear nut housing 28. The interlocking mating surfaces of the front nut assembly 12 and the rear nut assembly 14 cooperate to limit the amount of rotation between the front nut housing 16 and the rear nut housing 28.

[0054] The rearward translation of the insertion shaft 32 causes the outer inclined portion 62 of the grip ferrule 36 to engage the front end 70 of the grip sleeve 34, thereby causing radial compression of the ferrule 36. The radial compression of the ferrule 36 reduces the overall diameter of the ferrule 36 and reduces the axial gap 66 of the ferrule, such that the internally threaded surface 68 of the ferrule 36 bites down on the exposed portion of the outer cable conductor 106 and presses the conductor against the insertion shaft 32.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 5 , another conventional hardline connector 200 is shown. The connector 200 is similar to the conventional connector 10 described above, except that the metal insertion shaft 32 is replaced with a front retainer sleeve 238 comprised of a metal and plastic insertion shaft 232. The front retainer sleeve 238 includes a radially inward lip 239 that engages a rearward facing shoulder 233 of the insertion shaft 232 to limit rearward axial movement of the insertion shaft 232 relative to the rear nut housing 28 during assembly of the front nut housing 16 and the rear nut housing 28.

[0056] Referring now to Figures 6-8 , an exemplary hardline connector 300 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The connector 300 includes a front nut assembly 312 and a rear nut assembly 314 that are configured to removably connect to one another while providing electrical and mechanical connections therebetween. As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the coaxial cable 100 is inserted into the rear end of the rear nut assembly 314 of the connector 300.

[0057] The connector 300 includes a number of components that generally have a coaxial configuration about an axis defined by the center conductor 102 of the coaxial cable 100. The front nut assembly 312 includes an entry body housing 316 that supports a terminal pin assembly 318 therein. Specifically, the entry body housing 316 is formed with an axial bore that is configured to cooperatively house the terminal pin assembly 318 and is made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like. The entry body housing 316 is formed with a threaded portion 320 at a front end thereof and a rear threaded portion 322 opposite the front threaded portion. The front threaded portion 320 is configured to mate with a device that receives the front end of the terminal pin assembly 318 at a job site. An O-ring 324 can be disposed about the front threaded portion 320 to improve a seal made by the device, and a portion of an outer periphery of the entry body housing 316 can be provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate use of a tool during installation.

[0058] The rear threaded portion 322 of the front nut assembly 312 is configured to mate with the rear nut assembly 314. In particular, the rear threaded portion 322 includes a rim face 326 that mates with a conductive insert shaft 332 of the rear nut assembly 314, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0059] The rear nut assembly 314 of the connector 300 includes a rear nut housing 328 having an axial bore and a compression sub-assembly 330 rotatably supported within the axial bore. The compression sub-assembly 330 generally includes the conductive insert shaft 332, a retainer sleeve 334, a non-conductive support sleeve 335, a cable grip ferrule 336, and an O-ring 342 disposed in coaxial relationship about the central axis of the rear nut housing 328. The cable boot O-ring 342 improves the seal between the nut housing 328 and the cable 100 when assembled.

[0060] The rear nut housing 328 is made of a conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like, and includes a front internally threaded portion 344 that mates with the rear threaded portion 322 of the inlet body housing 316 such that the two connector portions can be threadably coupled together. The outer surface of the rear nut housing 328 is preferably provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate the use of a tool to facilitate such threaded coupling.

[0061] At the rear end, the rear nut housing 328 is formed with an axial bore 346 that is sized to receive the outer diameter of the cable 100 in a close-fitting relationship. The rear nut housing 328 is formed at its front end, opposite the rear end, with a front axial bore 347 that is in communication with the rear axial bore 346 and is sized to accommodate the outer diameter of the insert shaft 332. For example, the inner surface of the rear nut housing 328 can include an annular lip 321 and an annular shoulder 323 that define an annular recess 325 having an axial dimension. The annular recess 325 receives an annular protrusion 327 that extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the insert shaft 332 and allows axial movement of the insert shaft 332 relative to the rear nut housing 328 within the axial dimension of the annular recess 325. The rear nut housing 328 is also preferably formed with an internal annular shoulder 348 that prevents rearward movement of the retainer sleeve 334, and thus the grip ferrule 336, when the grip ferrule is radially compressed, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0062] The insert shaft 332 includes a tubular body 352 that terminates at a forward flanged head portion 354. The insert shaft 332 is made of metal. The outer diameter of the tubular body 352 of the insert shaft 332 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Further, the inner diameter of the tubular body 352 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric 104 removed from the forward end of the cable.

[0063] The support sleeve 335 is a tubular body made of plastic. The outer diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 335 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Further, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 335 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric 104 removed from the forward end of the cable. The forward region of the support sleeve 335 includes a retention structure 337 configured to receive a complementary retention structure 339 at the rearward region of the insert shaft 332. For example, as shown, the retention structure 337 can be an annular groove, and the retention structure 339 can be an annular protrusion. These retention structures 337, 339 cooperate to limit or prevent relative axial movement between the insert shaft 332 and the support sleeve 335. The support sleeve 335 can also include a forward facing annular shoulder 341 that can engage a rear edge 342 of the insert shaft 332. The plastic support sleeve 335 can have a thicker radial wall than the metal insert shaft 332. The metal insert shaft 332 has an axial length that extends into the clamping sleeve 336, but not into the rearward axial bore 346. The plastic support sleeve 335 has an axial length that extends from the metal insert shaft within the clamping sleeve 336 to the rearward axial bore 346.

[0064] The retainer sleeve 334 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or brass, and includes a sleeve body 358 having an outer surface configured to be received within the forward axial bore 347 of the rear nut housing 328. The sleeve body 358 terminates at a rear edge 360 that engages the annular shoulder 348 of the rear nut housing 328.

[0065] The cable clamping sleeve 336 is generally in the form of a split tube having an axial gap 366 that extends the full length of the sleeve. As will be discussed in further detail below, this gap 366 allows the diameter of the sleeve 336 to be more easily reduced so that the sleeve can uniformly compress radially around the insert shaft 332 and support sleeve 335 upon rearward axial movement of the insert shaft 332. The inner surface 368 of the clamping sleeve is preferably provided with structure that enhances the gripping of the outer surface of the cable. Such structure can include internal threads, teeth, or some other form of textured surface.

[0066] As described above, the outer surface of the cable gripping sleeve 336 is provided with a circumferential ramped portion 362 that engages a forward end 370 of the retainer sleeve 334 opposite the rear edge 360 upon rearward axial movement of the insertion shaft 332 and support shaft 335 to radially compress the gripping sleeve 336. The ramped portion 362 defines a tapered section of the cable gripping sleeve 336 that tapers radially inward in the rearward direction. The rear portion of the gripping sleeve 336 is received in the axial bore of the retainer sleeve 334.

[0067] The operation and installation of the connector 300 will now be described. First, the end of the coaxial cable 100 is prepared in a conventional manner that is inserted into the rear end of the rear nut housing 328. Specifically, the cable preparation requires removal of about 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) of the cable dielectric 104, outer cable conductor 106, and cable jacket to expose a portion of the center conductor 102 that will engage the pin-terminal assembly 318 of the front nut assembly 312. In addition, about 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) of the cable dielectric 104 is removed from within the outer cable conductor 106 to provide clearance for the installation of the insertion shaft 332 and support sleeve 335, and about 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) of the cable jacket is removed to make electrical connection with the inner surface 368 of the cable gripping sleeve 336. After the cable end is prepared, it is inserted into the rear nut housing 328 such that a portion of the center conductor 102 engages the pin-terminal assembly 318.

[0068] The rear nut housing 328 is next threadably coupled and rotated relative to the front nut housing 316 to translate the front nut assembly 312 and rear nut assembly 314 together along their central axes. As the front nut assembly 312 and rear nut assembly 314 are translated more closely together, the rim face 326 of the front nut housing 316 engages the forward shoulder 364 of the insertion shaft 332 to translate the insertion shaft 332 and support sleeve 335 toward the rear of the rear nut housing 328. The interlocking mating surfaces of the front nut assembly 312 and rear nut assembly 314 cooperate to limit the amount of rotation between the front nut housing 316 and rear nut housing 328.

[0069] The rearward translation of the insertion shaft 332 and support sleeve 335 causes the outer ramped portion 362 of the gripping sleeve 336 to engage the forward end 370 of the retainer sleeve 334 resulting in radial compression of the sleeve 336. The radial compression of the sleeve 336 reduces the overall diameter of the sleeve 336 and reduces the axial gap 366 of the sleeve such that the internally threaded surface 368 of the sleeve 336 bites down on the exposed portion of the outer cable conductor 106 and presses the conductor against the insertion shaft 332 and support sleeve 335.

[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 9 and 10 Another exemplary hardline connector 400 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The connector 400 includes a front nut assembly 412, an intermediate nut assembly 413, and a rear nut assembly 414 configured to be removably connected to one another while providing electrical and mechanical connections therebetween. Although not shown, the connector 400 is configured such that the coaxial cable 100 is insertable into a rear end of the rear nut assembly 414 of the connector 400.

[0071] The connector 400 includes a plurality of components that generally have a coaxial configuration about an axis defined by the center conductor 102 of the coaxial cable 100. The front nut assembly 412 includes an entry body housing 416 that supports a terminal pin assembly 418 therein. In particular, the entry body housing 416 is formed with an axial bore configured to cooperatively receive the terminal pin assembly 418 and is made of an electrically conductive material such as aluminum, brass, or the like. The entry body housing 416 is formed with a threaded portion 420 at a front end thereof and a rear threaded portion 422 opposite the front threaded portion. The front threaded portion 420 is configured to mate with a device located at a front end of the receiving pin assembly 418 at a field site. An O-ring 424 can be disposed about the front threaded portion 420 to improve a seal made by the device, and a portion of an outer periphery of the entry body housing 416 can be provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate use of a tool during installation.

[0072] The rear threaded portion 422 of the front nut assembly 412 is configured to mate with the intermediate nut assembly 413. In particular, the rear threaded portion 422 includes a collar face 426 that engages an insertion shaft 432 of the intermediate nut assembly 413.

[0073] The intermediate nut assembly 413 of the connector 400 includes a nut housing 428 having an axial bore and a compression subassembly 430 rotatably supported within the axial bore. The compression subassembly 430 generally includes the insertion shaft 432, a retainer sleeve 434, a support sleeve 435, and a cable grip ferrule 436.

[0074] The rear nut assembly 414 of the connector 400 includes an end cap 429, an insertion sleeve 443, a first O-ring 442, and a second O-ring 445 arranged in coaxial relationship about a central axis of the intermediate nut housing 428. Upon assembly, the first O-ring 442 improves a seal between the end cap 429 and the cable 100, and the second O-ring 445 improves a seal between the end cap 429 and the intermediate nut housing 428.

[0075] The intermediate nut housing 428 is made of a conductive material (such as aluminum, brass, etc.) and includes a front internal thread portion 444 that mates with the rear threaded portion 422 of the inlet body housing 416, allowing the two connector portions to be threaded together. Similarly, the end cap 429 may be made of a conductive material (such as aluminum, brass, etc.) and includes a front internal thread portion 431 that mates with the rear threaded portion 433 of the intermediate nut housing 428, allowing the two connector portions to be threaded together. The outer surfaces of the intermediate nut housing 428 and / or the end cap 429 are preferably provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate tool use and facilitate this threaded connection.

[0076] End cap 429 and insert sleeve 443 are formed with an axial hole 446, the size of which is determined to receive the outer diameter of cable 100 in a tight fit. At the front end of intermediate nut housing 428 opposite to end cap 429, intermediate nut housing 428 is formed with a front axial hole 447 communicating with the rear axial hole 446, and the size of the front axial hole is determined to accommodate the outer diameter of insert shaft 432. End cap 429 preferably has an internal annular shoulder 448, which prevents the retainer sleeve 434 from moving rearward when the clamping ring is radially compressed, and thus prevents the clamping ring 436 from moving rearward, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0077] The insertion shaft 432 includes a tubular body 452 that terminates at a front flange head portion 454. The insertion shaft 432 is made of metal. The outer diameter of the tubular body 452 of the insertion shaft 432 is determined to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the tubular body 452 is determined to provide a passage for receiving the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is ready for termination, wherein the length of the dielectric 104 has been removed from the front end of the cable.

[0078] The support sleeve 435 is a tubular body made of plastic. The outer diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 435 is determined to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 435 is determined to provide a passage for receiving the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is ready for termination, wherein the length of the dielectric 104 has been removed from the front end of the cable. In some aspects, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 435 may taper from the rear end towards the front end, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the image.

[0079] The front region of the support sleeve 435 includes a retention structure 437 configured to receive a complementary retention structure 439 at the rear region of the insertion shaft 432. For example, as shown, the retention structure 437 can be an annular groove, and the retention structure 439 can be an annular protrusion. The retention structures 437, 439 cooperate to limit or prevent relative axial motion between the insertion shaft 432 and the support sleeve 435. The support sleeve 435 can also include a forward-facing annular shoulder 441 that can engage a rear edge 453 of the insertion shaft 432. The plastic support sleeve 435 can have a thicker radial wall than the metal insertion shaft 432. The metal insertion shaft 432 has an axial length that extends into the clamping collar 436, but not into the rearward axial bore 446. The plastic support sleeve 435 has an axial length that extends from the metal insertion shaft 432 within the clamping collar 436 to the rearward axial bore 446.

[0080] The retainer sleeve 434 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or brass, and includes a sleeve body 458 having an outer surface configured for receipt within the forward axial bore 447 of the intermediate nut housing 428. The sleeve body 458 terminates at a rear edge 460 that engages the annular shoulder 448 of the end cap 429 and the forward end of the insertion sleeve 443.

[0081] The cable clamping collar 436 is generally in the form of a split tube having an axial gap 466 extending the full length of the collar. The gap 466 allows the diameter of the collar 436 to be more easily reduced so that the collar can be uniformly radially compressed around the insertion shaft 432 and support sleeve 435 as the insertion shaft 432 is moved rearwardly axially. The inner surface 468 of the clamping collar is preferably provided with structure that enhances the grip of the outer surface of the cable. Such structure can include internal threads, teeth, or some other form of textured surface.

[0082] As described above, the outer surface of the cable clamping collar 436 is provided with a circumferential ramped portion 462 that engages a forward end 470 of the retainer sleeve 434 opposite the rear edge 460 as the retainer sleeve 434 is moved forwardly axially to radially compress the clamping collar 436. The ramped portion 462 defines a tapered section of the cable clamping collar 436 that tapers radially inwardly in the rearward direction. The rear portion of the clamping collar 436 is received in the axial bore of the retainer sleeve 434.

[0083] The operation and installation of the connector 400 will now be described. First, the end of the coaxial cable 100 is prepared in a conventional manner, which end is inserted through the back nut assembly 414 and into the back end of the middle nut housing 428. The middle nut housing 428 is threadably coupled and rotated relative to the front nut housing 416, and the end cap 429 is threadably coupled and rotated relative to the middle nut housing 428, to translate the front nut assembly 412 and the middle nut assembly 413 together along their central axes. As the front nut assembly 412 and the middle nut assembly 413 are translated closer together, the inner annular shoulder 448 engages the retainer sleeve 434 to translate the retainer sleeve 434 in a forward axial direction relative to the grip ferrule 436. The interlocking mating surfaces of the front nut assembly 412, the middle nut assembly 413, and the back nut assembly 414 cooperate to limit the amount of rotation between the front nut housing 416, the middle nut housing 428, and the end cap 429.

[0084] The forward translation of the retainer sleeve 424 causes the front end 470 of the retainer sleeve 434 to engage the outer slanted portion 462 of the grip ferrule 436, resulting in radial compression of the ferrule 436. The radial compression of the ferrule 436 reduces the overall diameter of the ferrule 436 and reduces the axial gap 466 of the ferrule, such that the inner threaded surface 468 of the ferrule 436 bites down on the exposed portion of the outer cable conductor 106 and presses the conductor against the insertion shaft 432 and the support sleeve 435.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 11 and 12 , an exemplary hardwire connector 500 is shown, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The connector 500 includes a front nut assembly 512 and a back nut assembly 514, which are configured to be removably connected to one another while providing electrical and mechanical connections therebetween. Although not shown, the connector 500 is configured such that the coaxial cable 100 is insertable into the back end of the back nut assembly 514 of the connector 500.

[0086] Connector 500 includes a plurality of components that generally have a coaxial configuration about an axis defined by center conductor 102 of coaxial cable 100. Front nut assembly 512 includes an entry body housing 516 that supports terminal pin assembly 518 therein. Specifically, entry body housing 516 is formed with an axial bore that is configured to cooperatively receive terminal pin assembly 518 and is made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like. Entry body housing 516 is formed with a threaded portion 520 at its forward end and a rear threaded portion 522 opposite threaded portion 520. Threaded portion 520 is configured to mate with a device located at the forward end of terminal pin assembly 518 in the field. An O-ring 524 can be disposed about threaded portion 520 to improve the seal made by the device, and a portion of the outer periphery of entry body housing 516 can be provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate the use of tools during installation.

[0087] Rear threaded portion 522 of front nut assembly 512 is configured to mate with rear nut assembly 514. Specifically, rear threaded portion 522 includes a ring flange face 526 and a beveled face 527 that mates with a beveled face of clamp ferrule 536, as will be described in further detail below.

[0088] Rear nut assembly 514 of connector 500 includes a nut housing 528 having an axial bore and a compression sub-assembly 530 rotatably supported within the axial bore. Compression sub-assembly 530 generally includes a retainer sleeve 534, a cable clamp ferrule 536, and an O-ring 542 disposed in coaxial relationship about the central axis of nut housing 528. Cable jacket O-ring 542 improves the seal between nut housing 528 and cable 100 when assembled.

[0089] Nut housing 528 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like, and includes a forward internally threaded portion 544 that mates with rear threaded portion 522 of entry body housing 516 so that the two connector portions can be threadably coupled together. The outer surface of nut housing 528 is preferably provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate the use of tools to facilitate such threadable coupling.

[0090] At its rearward end, nut housing 528 is formed with an axial bore 546 that is sized to receive the outer diameter of cable 100 in a close-fitting relationship. Nut housing 528 is also preferably formed with an internal annular shoulder 548 that prevents retainer sleeve 534 from moving rearward, and thus clamp ferrule 536, when the clamp ferrule is radially compressed.

[0091] For example, the inner surface of the inlet body housing 516 can include an annular lip 521 and an annular shoulder 533 that define an annular groove 525 having an axial dimension. The annular groove 525 receives an annular protrusion 527 extending radially outward from the outer surface of the insertion shaft 532 and allows the insertion shaft 532 to move axially relative to the inlet body housing 516 within the axial dimension of the annular groove 525.

[0092] The insertion shaft 532 includes a tubular body 552 that terminates at a front flange head portion 554. The insertion shaft 532 is made of metal. The outer diameter of the tubular body 552 of the insertion shaft 532 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Also, the inner diameter of the tubular body 552 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric 104 removed from the front end of the cable.

[0093] The support sleeve 535 is a tubular body made of plastic. The outer diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 535 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Also, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 535 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric 104 removed from the front end of the cable. In some aspects, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 535 can taper from the rear end toward the front end, as shown in FIG. 6B. Figure 12

[0094] The front region of the support sleeve 535 includes a retention structure 537 configured to receive a complementary retention structure 539 at the rear region of the insertion shaft 532. For example, as shown, the retention structure 537 can be an annular groove and the retention structure 539 can be an annular protrusion. The retention structures 537, 539 cooperate to limit or prevent relative axial movement between the insertion shaft 532 and the support sleeve 535. The support sleeve 535 can also include a forward-facing annular shoulder 541 that can engage the rear edge 553 of the insertion shaft 532. The plastic support sleeve 535 can have a thicker radial wall than the metal insertion shaft 532. The metal insertion shaft 532 has an axial length that extends into the grip ferrule 536, but not into the rearward axial bore 546. The plastic support sleeve 535 has an axial length that extends from the metal insertion shaft within the grip ferrule 536 to the rearward axial bore 546.

[0095] ​The retaining sleeve 534 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or brass, and has an outer surface that is configured to be received within the forward axial bore 547 of the rear nut housing 528. The retainer sleeve 534 terminates at a rear edge 560 that engages the annular shoulder 548 of the rear nut housing 528.

[0096] The cable clamping ferrule 536 is generally in the form of a split tube having an axial gap 566 extending along the full length of the ferrule. The gap 566 allows the diameter of the ferrule 536 to be more easily reduced so that upon forward axial movement of the clamping ferrule 536, the ferrule can be uniformly radially compressed about the insertion shaft 532 and support sleeve 535, as will be discussed in further detail below. The inner surface 568 of the clamping ferrule 536 is preferably provided with structure that enhances the gripping of the outer surface of the cable. Such structure can include internal threads, teeth, or some other form of textured surface.

[0097] As noted above, the outer surface of the cable clamping ferrule 536 is provided with a circumferential ramped portion that engages the rear end 526 of the entry body housing 516 to radially compress the clamping ferrule 536 upon forward axial movement of the clamping ferrule 536. The ramped portion defines a tapered section of the cable clamping ferrule 536 that tapers radially inward in the forward direction. The rear portion of the clamping ferrule 536 is received in the axial bore of the retainer sleeve 534.

[0098] The operation and installation of the connector 500 will now be described. First, the end of the coaxial cable 100 is prepared in a conventional manner, which end is inserted through the rear nut housing 528. The rear nut housing 528 is next threadably coupled and rotated relative to the front nut housing 516 to translate the front nut assembly 512 and the rear nut assembly 514 along their central axes together. As the front nut assembly 512 and the rear nut assembly 514 are translated closer together, the retainer sleeve 534 engages the clamping ferrule 536 to translate the clamping ferrule 536 in the axial direction relative to the annular rim face 526 of the rear threaded portion 522 of the entry body housing 516 (i.e., inner sleeve). The interlocking mating surfaces of the front nut assembly 512 and the rear nut assembly 514 cooperate to limit the amount of rotation between the front nut housing 516 and the rear nut housing 528.

[0099] Relative translation between the inner sleeve of the entry body housing 516 and the clamping ferrule 536 causes the outer tapered portion 561 of the clamping ferrule 536 to engage the rim face 526 of the rear threaded portion 522 (i.e., the inner sleeve) of the entry body housing 516, resulting in radial compression of the ferrule 536. Radial compression of the ferrule 536 reduces the overall diameter of the ferrule 536 and reduces the axial gap 566 of the ferrule, such that the inner threaded surface 568 of the ferrule 536 bites down on the exposed portion of the outer cable conductor 106 and presses the conductor against the tubular body 552 of the insertion shaft 532 and the support sleeve 535.

[0100] Referring now to Figure 13 and 14 , another exemplary hardline connector 600 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The connector 600 includes a front nut assembly 612, an intermediate nut assembly 613, and a rear nut assembly 614 configured to removably connect to one another while providing electrical and mechanical connections therebetween. Although not shown, the connector 600 is configured such that the coaxial cable 100 is insertable into a rear end of the rear nut assembly 614 of the connector 600.

[0101] The connector 600 includes a plurality of components that generally have a coaxial configuration about an axis defined by the center conductor 102 of the coaxial cable 100. The front nut assembly 612 includes an entry body housing 616 that supports a terminal pin assembly 618 therein. In particular, the entry body housing 616 is formed with an axial bore configured to cooperatively house the terminal pin assembly 618, and is made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, brass, or the like. The entry body housing 616 is formed with a threaded portion 620 at a front end thereof and a rear threaded portion 622 opposite the front threaded portion. The front threaded portion 620 is configured to mate with a device located at a front end of the receiving pin assembly 618 at a field site. An O-ring 624 can be disposed about the front threaded portion 620 to improve sealing made by the device, and a portion of an outer periphery of the entry body housing 616 can be provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate use of a tool during installation.

[0102] The rear threaded portion 622 of the front nut assembly 612 is configured to mate with the intermediate nut assembly 613. In particular, the rear threaded portion 622 includes a rim face 626 that mates with a nut housing 628 of the intermediate nut assembly 613, as will be described in further detail below.

[0103] The intermediate nut assembly 613 of the connector 600 includes a nut housing 628 having an axial bore and a compression subassembly 630 rotatably supported within the axial bore. The compression subassembly 630 generally includes a retainer sleeve 634, a support sleeve 635, and a cable clamping ferrule 636.

[0104] The rear nut assembly 614 of the connector 600 includes an end cap 629, an insert sleeve 643, a first O-ring 642, and a second O-ring 645 disposed in coaxial relationship about the central axis of the intermediate nut housing 628. The first O-ring 642 improves the seal between the end cap 629 and the cable 100 when assembled, and the second O-ring 645 improves the seal between the end cap 629 and the intermediate nut housing 628.

[0105] The intermediate nut housing 628 is made of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a machined metal such as aluminum, brass, etc.) and includes a front internally threaded portion 644 that mates with the rear threaded portion 622 of the inlet body housing 616 such that the two connector portions can be threadably coupled together. Similarly, the end cap 629 can be made of an electrically conductive material (such as aluminum, brass, etc.) and includes a front externally threaded portion 631 that mates with a rear threaded portion 633 of the rear nut housing 628 such that the two connector portions can be threadably coupled together. The outer surface of the rear nut housing 628 and / or the end cap 629 is preferably provided with a hexagonal shape to accommodate the use of a tool to facilitate such threaded coupling.

[0106] The end cap 629 and the insert sleeve 643 are formed with an axial bore 646 that is sized to receive the outer diameter of the cable 100 in a close-fitting relationship. At the front end of the rear nut housing 628 opposite the end cap 629, the rear nut housing 628 is formed with a front axial bore 647 that communicates with the rear axial bore 646. The end cap 629 is preferably formed with an internal annular shoulder 648 that prevents rearward movement of the retainer sleeve 634, and thus the clamping collar 636, when the clamping collar 636 is radially compressed, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0107] The rear nut housing 628 includes a tubular body 651 forming the front axial bore 647, a front flanged head portion 654 extending inwardly from the tubular body 651 of the rear nut housing 628, and a tubular portion 652 extending axially from the front flanged head portion 654 in a rearward direction. The tubular portion 652 is spaced radially inwardly from the tubular body 651 and is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Further, the inner diameter of the tubular portion 652 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric body 104 removed from the front end of the cable.

[0108] The support sleeve 635 is a tubular body made of plastic. The outer diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 635 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the outer conductor 106 of the coaxial cable 100. Also, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 635 is sized to provide a passageway to receive the center conductor 102 of the cable 100 after the cable is prepared for termination, with the length of the dielectric 104 removed from the front end of the cable. In some aspects, the inner diameter of the tubular body of the support sleeve 635 can be tapered from the rear end toward the front end, as shown in Figure 14

[0109] The front region of the support sleeve 635 includes a retention structure 637 configured to receive a complementary retention structure 639 at the rear region of the tubular portion 652. For example, as shown, the retention structure 637 can be an annular groove, and the retention structure 639 can be an annular protrusion. The retention structures 637, 639 cooperate to limit or prevent relative axial motion between the tubular portion 652 and the support sleeve 635. The support sleeve 635 can also include a forward-facing annular shoulder 641 that can engage the rear edge 653 of the tubular portion 652. The plastic support sleeve 635 can have a thicker radial wall than the metal tubular portion 652. The metal tubular portion 652 has an axial length that extends into the grip ferrule 636 but does not extend into the rearward axial bore 646. The plastic support sleeve 635 has an axial length that extends from the metal tubular portion 652 within the grip ferrule 636 to the rearward axial bore 646.

[0110] The retainer sleeve 634 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum or brass, and includes a sleeve body 658 having an outer surface configured for being received within the forward axial bore 647 of the rear nut housing 628. The sleeve body 658 includes a retention structure 674 (e.g., an annular groove) at its outer surface, and the rear nut assembly 628 includes a retention structure 676 (e.g., an annular groove) at the inner surface of the tubular body 651. The retention structures 674, 676 are configured to receive a snap ring 672 such that when the snap ring 672 is received in the retention structures 674, 676, the sleeve body 658 is axially fixed relative to the rear nut assembly 628. The sleeve body 658 terminates at a rear edge 660 that engages the annular shoulder 648 of the engagement end cap 629 and the front end of the insertion sleeve 643.

[0111] ​The cable gripping ferrule 636 is generally in the form of a split tube having an axial gap 666 extending the full length of the ferrule. This gap 666 allows the diameter of the ferrule 636 to be more easily reduced so that the ferrule can be uniformly radially compressed around the tubular portion 652 and the support sleeve 635 as the support sleeve 635 is moved axially forward. The inner surface 668 of the gripping ferrule 636 is preferably provided with structure that enhances the gripping of the outer surface of the cable. Such structure can include internal threads, teeth, or some other form of textured surface.

[0112] As noted above, the outer surface of the cable gripping ferrule 636 is provided with a circumferential ramped portion 662 that engages a forward end 670 of the retainer sleeve 634 opposite the rear edge 660 as the retainer sleeve 634 is moved axially forward to radially compress the gripping ferrule 636. The ramped portion 662 defines a tapered section of the cable gripping ferrule 636 that tapers radially inward in the rearward direction. The rear portion of the gripping ferrule 636 is received in the axial bore of the retainer sleeve 634.

[0113] The operation and installation of the connector 600 will now be described. First, the cable gripping ferrule 636, the retainer sleeve 634, and the snap ring 672 are inserted into the rear end of the rear nut housing 628 between the tubular body 651 and the tubular portion 652, and the forward end of the support sleeve 635 is inserted into the rear end of the tubular portion 652, as shown in Figure 14 .

[0114] The end of the coaxial cable 100 that is inserted into the rear end of the rear nut housing 628 is prepared in a conventional manner. Specifically, cable preparation requires that about 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) of the cable dielectric 104, the outer cable conductor 106, and the cable jacket be removed to expose a portion of the center conductor 102 that will engage the pin-terminal assembly 618 of the front nut assembly 612. In addition, about 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) of the cable dielectric 104 is removed from within the outer cable conductor 106 to provide clearance for the tubular portion 652 of the rear nut housing 628 to be installed, and about 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) of the cable jacket is removed to make an electrical connection with the inner surface 668 of the cable gripping ferrule 636. After the cable end is prepared, the cable end is inserted through the rear nut assembly 614 and into the rear nut housing 628 so that the portion of the center conductor 102 engages the pin-terminal assembly 618.

[0115] The end cap 629 is threadably coupled and rotated relative to the rear nut housing 628 to translate the intermediate nut assembly 613 and the rear nut assembly 614 together along their central axes. As the intermediate nut assembly 613 and the rear nut assembly 614 are translated closer together, the end cap 629 and / or the insert sleeve 643 cause the front end 670 of the retainer sleeve 634 to engage the outer inclined portion 662 of the grip ferrule 636, causing radial compression of the ferrule 636. The radial compression of the ferrule 636 reduces the overall diameter of the ferrule 636 and reduces the axial clearance 666 of the ferrule, such that the inner threaded surface 668 of the ferrule 636 bites down on the exposed portion of the outer cable conductor 106 and presses the conductor against the tubular portion 652 of the rear nut housing 628.

[0116] The rear nut housing 628 is threadably coupled and rotated relative to the front nut housing 616 to translate the front nut assembly 612 and the intermediate nut assembly 613 together along their central axes. As the front nut assembly 612 and the rear nut assembly 613 are translated closer together, the rim face 626 of the front nut housing 616 engages the front face 664 of the front flange head 654 of the rear nut housing 628. The mating surfaces of the front nut assembly 612 and the intermediate nut assembly 613 cooperate to limit the amount of rotation between the front nut housing 616 and the rear nut housing 628.

[0117] While the illustrative embodiments of the application have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications can be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the application.

[0118] Various changes and modifications can now be made to the above described and illustrated structures without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application. Accordingly, the scope of the present application is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A coaxial cable connector, comprising: A nut housing having a rear cable receiving end and an opposing front end; A hybrid inner sleeve, comprising a conductive front portion and a non-conductive rear portion, wherein the conductive front portion is a conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive rear portion is a non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the hybrid inner sleeve is supported within the nut housing; A tubular clamping collar, the tubular clamping collar being radially surrounding the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve; as well as A tubular outer sleeve, the tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the clamping collar, The clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in the axial direction, such that the clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage each other, thereby causing the clamping collar to be radially compressed around the hybrid inner sleeve.

2. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive metal tubular insert shaft has a rear end portion, and The non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve has a front end portion, which is connected to the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft.

3. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conductive front portion includes a bonding structure configured to engage the bonding structure of the non-conductive rear portion to connect the conductive front portion to the non-conductive rear portion.

4. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 3, wherein, The coaxial cable connector further includes a rear nut assembly configured to connect to the rear cable receiving end of the nut housing, the rear nut assembly including an end cap.

5. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 4, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

6. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 5, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly also includes the conductive metal tubular insert shaft and the tubular outer sleeve.

7. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 3, wherein, The rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

8. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 4, wherein, The coaxial cable connector also includes a front nut assembly configured to engage with the front end of the nut housing.

9. The coaxial cable connector of claim 7 further includes a front nut assembly configured to engage with the front end of the nut housing, the front nut assembly including an inlet body housing and a conductive terminal pin, the inlet body housing having an axial hole in which the conductive terminal pin is cooperatively received, and the conductive terminal pin extending from the front end of the front nut assembly.

10. A coaxial cable connector, comprising: A nut housing having a rear cable receiving end and a front end opposite to the rear cable receiving end; A front nut assembly, the front nut assembly being connected to the front end of the nut housing, the front nut assembly including an inlet body housing and a conductive terminal pin extending from the front end of the front nut assembly; A conductive metal tubular insert shaft is supported within the nut housing, and the conductive metal tubular insert shaft has a rear end portion; A non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve having a front end portion, the front end portion being connected to the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft; A tubular clamping collar, the tubular clamping collar being radially surrounding the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve; as well as A tubular outer sleeve, the tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the clamping collar, The clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in the axial direction, such that the clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage with each other, thereby causing the clamping collar to be radially compressed about the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

11. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 10, wherein, The conductive metal tubular insert shaft includes a joining structure configured to engage the joining structure of the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve to connect the conductive metal tubular insert shaft to the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

12. The coaxial cable connector of claim 11, further comprising a rear nut assembly configured to connect with the rear cable receiving end of the nut housing, the rear nut assembly including an end cap.

13. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 12, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

14. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 13, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly also includes the conductive metal tubular insert shaft and the tubular outer sleeve.

15. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 11, wherein, The rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

16. A coaxial cable connector, comprising: A nut housing having a rear cable receiving end and an opposing front end; A front nut assembly, the front nut assembly being connected to the front end of the nut housing; A conductive metal tubular insert shaft is supported inside the nut housing; A non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve having a front end portion, the front end portion being connected to the rear end portion of the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft; A tubular clamping collar, the tubular clamping collar being radially surrounding the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve; as well as A tubular outer sleeve, the tubular outer sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the clamping collar, The clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to move relative to each other in the axial direction, such that the clamping collar and the tubular outer sleeve are configured to engage with each other, thereby causing the clamping collar to be radially compressed about the conductive metal tubular insertion shaft and the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

17. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 16, wherein, The conductive metal tubular insert shaft includes a joining structure configured to engage the joining structure of the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve to connect the conductive metal tubular insert shaft to the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve.

18. The coaxial cable connector of claim 17, further comprising a rear nut assembly configured to connect with the rear cable receiving end of the nut housing, the rear nut assembly including an end cap.

19. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 18, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

20. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 19, wherein, The intermediate nut assembly also includes the conductive metal tubular insert shaft and the tubular outer sleeve.

21. The coaxial cable connector according to claim 17, wherein, The rear nut assembly includes the nut housing, the non-conductive plastic tubular support sleeve, and the tubular clamping collar.

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