Coaxial connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a coaxial connector (10) for connection with a mating connector and for connecting a coaxial cable (11), which has a cable dielectric (12) through which a coaxial cable inner conductor (13) penetrates and is surrounded by a coaxial cable outer conductor (14) and a coaxial cable sheath (15), wherein the coaxial connector (10) comprises a connector unit (20) and a cable receiving unit (90), wherein the connector unit (20) comprises a compression element (80) for receiving and / or restraining the end face of the coaxial cable outer conductor (14) and a connector insulating housing (60) through which a connector inner conductor (70) penetrates and is surrounded by a connector outer conductor housing (40), wherein the cable receiving unit (90) comprises a cable receptacle (100) and a slotted sleeve element (130) with a radially outwardly projecting deformation element. (139) showsand wherein a cable receiving area (120) and a sleeve element receiving area (110) with a radially inwardly projecting deformation block (115) are arranged in the cable receptacle (100). For a PIM-stable contact of the coaxial cable outer conductor (14) to the coaxial connector outer conductor housing (40) with a minimum overall length, it is proposed that an annular clearance (E) be provided which extends into the sleeve element (130) and / or into the compression element (80).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coaxial connector for connection with a mating connector and for connecting a coaxial cable with a connector unit and a cable receiving unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Coaxial connectors of this type are used, for example, in base stations of mobile communications technology for the transmission of high-frequency electrical signals and can be detachably connected as part of an electrical transmission link with a complementary counterpart connector in order to establish an electrical connection between a first and a second coaxial cable or between a coaxial cable and an electrical assembly arranged on a printed circuit board.

[0003] Coaxial cables of the type intended for connection to the aforementioned coaxial connector have an insulating cable dielectric, which is concentrically penetrated by a coaxial cable inner conductor and surrounded by a coaxial cable outer conductor. This arrangement is enclosed circumferentially by a coaxial cable jacket.

[0004] Various designs are known to those skilled in the art regarding the outer conductors of coaxial cables. For example, to increase the mechanical stability of the coaxial cable, so-called corrugated sheathed outer conductors are used, in which a wave-shaped profile surface is formed along a helix or helical path. For lower stability requirements, coaxial cable outer conductors in the form of a braided shield are known.

[0005] For optimal transmission of high-frequency AC signals, especially in the gigahertz range, it is fundamentally important to minimize passive intermodulation (PIM). This necessitates the targeted avoidance of mutual interference from electrical signals transmitted at different frequencies. A suitable design of the coaxial connector plays a crucial role in achieving this requirement. This design must avoid undefined and / or varying contact points between the coaxial connector's outer conductor housing and the coaxial cable's outer conductor to ensure a mechanically and electrically stable connection, particularly under external mechanical stress. Furthermore, connecting the coaxial cable to the coaxial connector should be simple and require minimal effort, without the need for special tools.

[0006] To improve the PIM stability of coaxial connectors of the same type, it is also necessary to effectively prevent the formation of abrasion and associated chips during the manufacturing of the contact between the coaxial cable outer conductor and the coaxial connector outer conductor housing.

[0007] DE 10 2023 004 088 A1 discloses a generic connector 10 comprising a connector unit 20 and a cable receiving unit 90. The connector unit 20 has a connector insulating housing 60, which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor 70 and circumferentially surrounded by a connector outer conductor housing 40. A compression element 80 is arranged in the connector unit 20, which is bounded axially by a first and second cover surface 81, 82. The cable receiving unit 90 consists of a cable receiving 100 in which a cable receiving area 120 and a sleeve element receiving area 110 are arranged, and a slotted sleeve element 130 with a first and second end face boundary 131, 132, which has a radially outwardly projecting deformation element 139 on its second end face boundary 132.In the sleeve element receiving area 110 of the cable receptacle 100, a radially inwardly projecting deformation block 115 is provided, which, when assembled with the sleeve element 130, is axially spaced from the deformation element 139. Inserting the sleeve element 130 into the sleeve element receiving area 110 of the cable receptacle 100 causes a radially inward deformation of the sleeve element 130 from a position K1 releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 to a position K2 contacting the coaxial cable outer conductor 14.

[0008] Between the second end face 132 of the sleeve element 130 and the second cover surface 82 of the compression element 80, a clearance E extends in the axial direction. This clearance ensures that the end face of the connected coaxial cable outer conductor 14 always rests against the compression element 80, preventing deformation or partial penetration into the compression element 80. Burrs caused by shortening the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 cannot form connections with the outer conductor housing of the connector unit. The axial arrangement of the clearance E and the sleeve element 130 one behind the other is disadvantageous with regard to the overall length of the coaxial connector.

[0009] EP 1 170 833 A1 proposes a generic coaxial connector for connection to a mating connector and for connecting a coaxial cable, comprising a connector unit 1-9 and a cable receiving unit 10-14. The connector unit has a connector insulating housing 6, which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor 1 and circumferentially surrounded by a connector outer conductor housing 2, 3. The cable receiving unit has a cable receptacle 12 and a sleeve element 11 with a plurality of longitudinal slots and an internal thread 22. A deformation element 18 is arranged on the sleeve element 11, projecting radially outward. The cable receptacle 12 provides a cable receiving area for receiving the coaxial cable to be connected and a sleeve element receiving area.In the sleeve element receiving area, a radially inwardly projecting deformation block is arranged. When the sleeve element 18 moves into the sleeve element receiving area of ​​the cable receptacle 12, this block causes a radially inward deformation of the sleeve element 11 from a position releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor to a position contacting the coaxial connector outer conductor. The design of the sleeve element 11 with a plurality of longitudinally connected end faces results in the formation of a plurality of clamping wings, which are connected to the ring 30. This limits the clamping of the coaxial cable to the geometry furthest in the axial direction from the connection of the clamping tabs. Depending on the tolerances of the coaxial cable outer conductor and the sleeve element 11, this results in different contact points and thus different signal paths from the coaxial cable outer conductor to the connector outer conductor.

[0010] EP 0 975 051 A1 discloses a further coaxial connector of the same type for connecting a coaxial cable, consisting of a connector unit 1 and a cable receiving unit 2. The connector unit 1 has an insulating housing through which a connector inner conductor is concentrically penetrated and which is surrounded by an outer conductor housing. A radially inwardly projecting deformation block on the sleeve part 6 causes, upon axial displacement of the cable receiving unit 2 relative to the connector unit 1, a radially inward deformation of the slotted sleeve element 4 arranged in the cable receiving unit 2, thus making contact between the sleeve element 4 and the coaxial cable outer conductor. Simultaneously, the cable sheath is clamped by the radially inwardly projecting end region facing the coaxial cable to be connected.The proposed dual function of the sleeve part 6 limits the use of the proposed coaxial connector to a small range of connectable coaxial cables with respect to their external dimensions. Furthermore, as in the first example, the clamping of the coaxial cable is limited to a small area in the axial direction.

[0011] EP 3 329 554 B1 discloses a generic coaxial connector 20 for a coaxial cable 10, wherein the coaxial cable comprises a spirally corrugated coaxial cable outer conductor 11 and an insulating medium 13 through which a coaxial cable inner conductor 12 is concentrically penetrated. The coaxial connector has a connector unit 21 and a cable receiving unit 22, which are detachably connectable to one another. The connector unit 21 consists according to Fig. 3 from a connector insulating housing 35, which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor 34 and circumferentially surrounded by a connector outer conductor housing 30. The cable receiving unit 22 has a cable receptacle in the form of a lock nut 70 and a sleeve element 60, the end region of which facing the coaxial cable 10 to be connected has a plurality of slots 68, as well as an expanding ring 50 engaging axially in the sleeve element 60 and a spiral spring 56 arranged between the expanding ring 50 and the sleeve element 60. To assemble the coaxial connector 20 with the coaxial cable 10, the prepared coaxial cable 10 is first screwed through the lock nut 70 into the sleeve element 60 of the cable receiving unit 22 until it rests against the expanding ring 50. This is particularly evident in the Fig. 1. The subsequent screwing of the cable receiving unit 22, with the coaxial cable contained therein, into the connector unit 21 first causes the coaxial cable outer conductor 11 to expand and then to be clamped and crushed between the inclined surfaces 54, 67 of the expansion ring 50 and the sleeve element 60. In this way, a load-resistant electrical connection is established between the cable receiving unit 22 and the spirally corrugated coaxial cable outer conductor 11. A disadvantage of this proposal is the large number of individual parts with regard to the expected costs.For the assembly of the coaxial cable 10 to the coaxial connector 20, the user is disadvantageously provided with two separate assemblies: a cable receiving unit 22 and a connector unit 21, which must be joined together in a further assembly step after connecting the coaxial cable 10 to the cable receiving unit 22. Furthermore, the limitation to coaxial cables with a spirally corrugated outer conductor is a disadvantage of this proposal.

[0012] From DE 10 2004 004 567 B3, another coaxial connector of the same type is known, comprising a connector unit consisting of a connector insulating housing, which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor 2 and circumferentially surrounded by an outer conductor housing 1. The cable receiving unit, which is detachably connected to the connector unit, consists of a threaded sleeve 4 in which a clamping ring 6 and a profile seal 7 are arranged axially spaced apart from each other, wherein the clamping ring 6, arranged in the annular free space 4.1, has a continuous slot 6.1 in the axial direction, which allows deformation of the clamping ring 6 in the radial direction.For the assembly of the coaxial cable, which has a cable dielectric 51, is concentrically penetrated by a tubular coaxial cable inner conductor 50, and is surrounded by a corrugated coaxial cable outer conductor 52, the user advantageously has only one assembly available in which the aforementioned connector unit and the cable receiving unit are detachably connected to one another in a pre-assembled position. However, the disclosed design of the clamping ring 6 limits the proposal to coaxial cables with a ring-corrugated outer conductor. Coaxial cable outer conductors whose corrugated profile follows a helical line cannot be used.

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a generic coaxial connector in such a way that it enables a secure, PIM-stable and defined contact of differently shaped coaxial cable outer conductors to the coaxial connector outer conductor housing, as well as a simple, cost-effective assembly of the coaxial cable to the coaxial connector with a minimal overall length.

[0014] This problem is solved according to the invention in a generic coaxial connector with the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0015] The arrangement of an annular space between the compression element of the connector unit and the end face of the sleeve element facing the connector unit ensures that the end face of the connected coaxial cable conductor always rests against the compression element, preventing deformation or partial penetration into it. This proves particularly advantageous with regard to unwanted electrical connections between the coaxial cable conductor and the outer conductor housing of the connector unit. For example, burrs caused by shortening the coaxial cable conductor cannot establish a connection to the outer conductor housing of the connector unit.To achieve a minimal overall length of the coaxial connector, the annular free space is arranged within the sleeve element and / or the compression element, wherein the annular free space is limited in the axial direction by a shoulder space projecting into the sleeve element and / or a termination space projecting into the compression element.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sleeve element has a continuous slot extending axially between its first and second end faces. Eliminating the need for end-face connections of the geometries to be deformed allows for uniform radial deformation of the sleeve element, provided the sleeve element receiving area is appropriately designed.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the difference between the outer diameter of the radially outwardly projecting deformation element on the sleeve element and the inner diameter of the complementary cylindrical contact area of ​​the sleeve element receiving area is equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the sleeve element deformation area and the inner diameter of the radially inwardly projecting deformation block in the sleeve element receiving area of ​​the cable receptacle. This enables uniform deformation of the sleeve element over its entire length.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the compression element in the connector unit comprises an elastic, electrically insulating material.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radially outwardly projecting deformation element is arranged at the end face of the sleeve element that faces the connector unit. This allows for maximum axial distance to the radially inwardly projecting deformation block in the sleeve element receiving area of ​​the cable receiving unit. The stability of the contact between the sleeve element and the coaxial connector outer conductor increases with the axial distance between the deformation element and the deformation block.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the sleeve element receiving area of ​​the cable receptacle has a sleeve element contact surface for contact with the complementary end face of the sleeve element of the cable receptacle unit. This enables defined and repeatable connections of the coaxial cable to the coaxial connector.

[0021] The design of the coaxial connector in a particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention as a pre-assembled assembly consisting of the connector unit and the cable receiving unit, which can be detachably connected, proves to be advantageous with regard to user-friendly assembly.

[0022] In a preferred use of a coaxial connector according to the invention with an attached coaxial cable, which has a cable dielectric through which a coaxial cable inner conductor passes and is surrounded circumferentially by a coaxial cable outer conductor and a coaxial cable sheath, the end face of the coaxial cable outer conductor engages at least partially in the compression element or deforms it.

[0023] An unclaimed method for connecting the coaxial cable to a coaxial connector according to the invention comprises the following assembly steps: - Preparation of the coaxial cable to be connected by a stepwise exposure of the coaxial cable inner conductor and the coaxial connector outer conductor at the end face of the coaxial cable, as well as the removal of the coaxial cable sheath over a defined length. - Providing the pre-assembled coaxial connector, with the sleeve element assuming a position releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor. - Inserting the prepared end section of the coaxial cable into the cable receiving unit and through it until the end section of the coaxial cable's outer conductor rests against the compression element of the connector unit. - An axial displacement of the cable receptacle relative to the connector outer conductor housing until the end face of the sleeve element facing the coaxial cable to be connected abuts the complementary sleeve element contact surface of the cable receptacle of the cable receptacle unit causes a radial deformation of the sleeve element from a position releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor to a position contacting the coaxial cable outer conductor

[0024] The following description of advantageous embodiments of the invention serves, in conjunction with the drawing, for further explanation.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1: A perspective sectional view of the coaxial connector in a first advantageous embodiment with a connected coaxial cable; Fig. 2: an enlarged view of detail X from Fig. 1; Fig. 3: An enlarged view of detail X from Fig. 1 in a view normal to the section plane; Fig. 4: A perspective view of the coaxial connector from Fig. 1. in the style of an exploded view; Fig. 5: another perspective view of the connector unit from Fig. 4 in the style of an exploded view; Fig. 6: a sectional view of the connector unit made of Fig. 5; Fig. 7: An enlarged view of detail Y from Fig. 6; Fig. 8: A perspective view of the compression element of the connector unit made of Fig. 6; Fig. 9: another perspective view of the compression element from Fig. 8; Fig. 10: A perspective view of the connector inner conductor of the connector unit from Fig. 6; Fig. 11: a sectional view of the connector inner conductor of the connector unit Fig. 10; Fig. 12: a perspective view of the cable intake unit from Fig. 1. in the style of an exploded view; Fig. 13: a sectional view of the cable intake unit Fig. 12 in the style of an exploded view; Fig. 14: a perspective view of the cable intake unit from Fig. 1; Fig. 15: a sectional view of the cable intake unit Fig. 14; Fig. 16: An enlarged view of detail Z from Fig. 15; Fig. 17: a sectional view of the coaxial connector made of Fig. 1 with partially inserted coaxial cable; Fig. 18: an enlarged view of detail R from Fig. 17; Fig. 19: a sectional view of the coaxial connector made of Fig. 17 with the coaxial cable fully inserted; Fig. 20: an enlarged view of detail S from Fig. 19; Fig. 21: a sectional view of the coaxial connector made of Fig. 17 with fully inserted coaxial cable and fully assembled cable receptacle; Fig. 22: an enlarged view of detail T from Fig. 21;

[0026] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21 to Fig. Figure 22 schematically illustrates a first advantageous embodiment of a coaxial connector according to the invention, and is labelled overall with reference numeral 10. According to the Fig. 1 The coaxial connector 10, which is to be connected to a coaxial cable 11, includes a connector unit 20 and a cable receiving unit 90.

[0027] According to the Fig. 4. The coaxial cable 11 has a cable dielectric 12, which is concentrically penetrated by a coaxial cable inner conductor 13 and circumferentially surrounded by a coaxial cable outer conductor 14. A coaxial cable sheath 15 surrounds the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 circumferentially. Coaxial cables of this type are known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 reveals the connector unit 20 with a connector insulating housing 60, which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor 70 and circumferentially surrounded by a connector outer conductor housing 40. At its end region facing the mating connector, a union nut 30 is arranged, which circumferentially surrounds the connector outer conductor housing 40 and is rotatably mounted relative to the connector outer conductor housing 40.

[0029] Inside the connector outer conductor housing 40, a compression element 80 is positioned concentrically to the coaxial connector 10 at its end area facing the coaxial cable 11 to be connected.

[0030] According to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 The union nut 30 extends between the end faces 31 and 32 as a rotationally symmetrical sleeve with an external hexagon 33. An internal thread 34 is provided inside for connecting the union nut 30 to a mating connector. To secure the union nut 30 to the connector outer conductor housing 40 in the axial direction, a locking element 37 with a rectangular cross-section 38 and an axially extending slot 39 is provided, which engages in complementary recesses 35, 44 in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The union nut 30 can be designed as a turned part and made of an electrically conductive material, for example brass, and may additionally have a galvanized surface, e.g. nickel. Alternatively, the use of a plastic with or without a galvanized surface is also possible.

[0032] The locking element 37 can, for example, be made of spring steel wire.

[0033] The connector outer conductor housing 40 extends as a rotationally symmetrical, sleeve-shaped component between the end faces 41, 42. The outer geometry of the connector outer conductor housing is essentially cylindrical and has a total of six circumferentially arranged flats 43 at its end region facing the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, which can, for example, encompass the opening of an open-end wrench. The outer cylindrical surface 45 is dimensioned at its end region facing the mating connector such that an annular clearance is created in the radial direction outwards to the internal thread 34 of the union nut 30, into which the outer conductor housing of a mating connector can engage.

[0034] The inner cavity of the connector outer conductor housing 40, extending over the entire length of the connector outer conductor housing 40, begins at the end face 41 as a cylindrical recess 46 for receiving a complementary mating connector up to a stop surface 47 and has a circumferential and radially inwardly projecting fastening projection 48 for securing the connector insulating housing 60 in the cylindrical recess 46 of the connector outer conductor housing 40, which engages in the covering surface 63 of the connector insulating housing 40 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. This is particularly evident from the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 clearly. An opening, circumferentially bounded by the cylindrical surface 49, connects with a smaller diameter via a chamfer to the aforementioned cylindrical recess 46 in the direction of the coaxial cable 11 to be connected. This opening then transitions into a cone 50 to form the bearing surface 51 for the first cover surface 81 of the compression element 80, and the cylindrical receiving opening 52 for receiving the compression element 80 connects to this in the axial direction. The cylindrical receiving opening 52 opens via a sleeve element stop surface 53 into a connector opening 54 with a larger diameter and an internal thread 56 for receiving the cable receptacle 100 of the cable receiving unit 90, which is provided with a complementary external thread 106. The opening terminates via an insertion chamfer 55 at the end face 42 of the connector outer conductor housing 40.

[0035] The connector outer conductor housing 40 can be designed as a turned part and made of an electrically conductive material, for example brass, and can also be provided with a galvanic surface, for example nickel.

[0036] The connector insulating housing 60, arranged in the connector outer conductor housing 40, extends between the end faces 61, 62 in the form of a hollow cylinder with a covering surface 63, which is provided with a continuous slot 64 in the axial direction. The slot 64 allows the connector insulating housing 60 to be temporarily expanded into the groove 75 of the connector inner conductor 70, so that the continuous concentrically arranged opening 65 aligns with the aforementioned groove 75 as shown in the illustration. Fig. 6 surrounds in the circumferential direction.

[0037] The connector insulating housing 60 can be designed as a turned part and made of an insulating plastic, for example POM.

[0038] The compression element 80, arranged in the receiving opening 52 of the connector outer conductor housing 40, extends as a hollow cylinder with the outer surface 83 in the axial direction between a first cover surface 81 and a second cover surface 82. The through-opening 84 extends along its entire length and opens into the first cover surface 81 via a chamfer 85 and into the end-open termination chamber 87 via a chamfer 86. This termination chamber is bounded axially by the termination surface 88 and radially by the end-shell surface 89. This is evident in the Fig. 6, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0039] The compression element 80 can be designed as a turned part and manufactured from an insulating plastic, for example POM. Alternatively, it can also be designed as an injection-molded part.

[0040] The Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 reveals the connector inner conductor 70, which extends as an essentially rotationally symmetrical component between the end faces 71, 72. At its end region facing the mating connector, a fully cylindrical contact area 73 is arranged, which opens into the boundary 71 via a tapered cone 74 and serves to contact a complementary contact element of the mating connector. In the direction of the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, a groove 75 adjoins for the positive-locking reception of the connector insulating housing 60. At its end region facing the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, the connector inner conductor 70 has a total of four identical contact spring arms 77 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, which surround a receiving opening 78 in the circumferential direction, which serves to receive the coaxial cable inner conductor 13 to be connected.Each contact spring arm 77 extending from the cylindrical element 76 towards the coaxial cable 11 to be connected has a contact zone 79 for electrical contact with the coaxial cable inner conductor 13, wherein the contact is effected in a manner known to those skilled in the art by widening the contact spring arms 77 through the insertion of the coaxial cable inner conductor 13 into the receiving opening 78. This is shown in the . Fig. 19 is clearly illustrated once again.

[0041] The connector inner conductor 70 can be designed as a turned part and made of a conductive material, for example, spring bronze. For optimal signal transmission, an electroplated surface, such as gold plating, can also be provided.

[0042] The Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. Figure 16 shows the cable receiving unit 90, which consists of the cable receiving 100 and the sleeve element 130.

[0043] According to the Fig. 12 and Fig. The cable receptacle 100 extends in a sleeve-like form between the end faces 101 and 102. At its end region facing the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, a cylindrical element 104 is arranged, which is equipped with two opposing flattened areas 103 that can be gripped by the complementary opening of an open-end wrench. At its end region facing the connector unit 20, an external thread 106 is arranged on the cylindrical outer geometry 105, which enables a connection of the cable receptacle 90 to the complementary internal thread 56 of the connector outer conductor housing 40 of the connector unit 20.

[0044] The interior of the cable receptacle 100 has a sleeve element receptacle area 110 extending axially between the end face boundary 101 and the sleeve element contact surface 111 and a cable receptacle area 120 extending between the end face boundary 102 and the cable system 122, which is surrounded circumferentially by the cable receptacle shell 121.

[0045] A passage area 108 is arranged between the sleeve element receiving area 110 and the cable receiving area 120, which is limited in the circumferential direction by the cylindrical covering surface 109 and establishes a connection between the sleeve element receiving area 110 and the cable receiving area 120.

[0046] To ensure the deformation function of the sleeve element 130 to be inserted into the cable receptacle 100, the sleeve element receiving area 110 has a stepped design. The sleeve element receiving area 110 starts from the end face boundary 101 with a conical deformation opening 112 that tapers towards the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, transitions into a cylindrical contact area 113, and then, via a further conical transition opening 114 that tapers towards the coaxial cable 11 to be connected, opens into a radially inwardly projecting deformation block 115.

[0047] The cable receptacle 100 can be designed as a turned part and made of a conductive material, for example brass.

[0048] According to the Fig. 12 and Fig. The sleeve element 130 extends between the first end face 131 and the second end face 132 as a rotationally symmetrical, sleeve-shaped component with a continuous coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 and an axially continuous slot 141. A radially outwardly projecting deformation element 139 is arranged at its end region facing the connector unit 20. This deformation element is bounded axially by the second end face 132 and the end face 137. The rounding 138 between the end face 137 and the deformation element 139 prevents an otherwise sharp edge from digging into the complementary deformation opening 112 of the cable receptacle 100 during the radial deformation of the sleeve element 130 to contact the coaxial cable outer conductor 14.

[0049] Adjoining the radially outwardly projecting deformation element 139 in the direction of the coaxial cable 11 to be connected is a sleeve element deformation area 136, which has a smaller diameter than the deformation element 139 and, after a shoulder 134, leads into a sleeve element insertion area 133, which has the smallest outer diameter of the sleeve element 130. The shoulder 134 is rounded with the sleeve element deformation area 136 over a radius 135.

[0050] At the second end face boundary 132, the axially continuous coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 opens into a recess 142, which is bounded axially by the recess surface 143 and circumferentially by a recess surface 144. The recess 142, together with the termination chamber 87 of the compression element 80 of the connector unit 20, forms an annular free space E. This is described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 particularly clearly illustrated.

[0051] The sleeve element 130 can be designed as a turned part and made of a conductive material, for example brass.

[0052] The Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. Figure 16 shows the cable receiving unit 90 in its pre-assembled state as an assembly with the cable receiving unit 100, into which the sleeve element 130 is inserted concentrically, such that the cylindrical contact area 113 of the cable receiving unit 100 surrounds the sleeve element deformation area 136 in the circumferential direction, and the first end face 131 of the sleeve element 130 maintains a distance A from the sleeve element contact surface 111. In this position, the radii 135, 138 engage the deformation opening 112 and the conical deformation opening 114 at least partially, without, however, causing a deformation of the sleeve element 130 in the radial direction. This is shown in the Fig. Figure 16 is shown particularly clearly. In this position, the coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130 assumes a position K1 that releases the coaxial cable outer conductor 14.

[0053] In the Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 21 to Fig. Section 22 describes the method for connecting the coaxial cable 11 to a coaxial connector 10 according to the invention. Fig. In the first assembly step, the prepared coaxial cable 11 is inserted axially into the coaxial connector 10 through the cable receiving unit 90 and into the connector unit 20. Preparing the coaxial cable 11 involves gradually exposing the inner conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14, as well as partially removing the coaxial cable sheath 15 up to the cut surface 16. In this position, the outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130 of the cable receiving unit 90, which is pre-assembled in the connector unit 20, assumes a position K1 that releases the outer conductor 14, thus enabling the insertion of the outer conductor 14 into the outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130. Likewise, the through-opening 84 of the compression element 80 allows the exposed inner conductor of the coaxial cable 13 to be inserted and passed through.The appropriate dimensioning of the cable receiving sleeve 121 enables the coaxial cable sheath 15 to be received in the circumferential direction.

[0054] The second end-face boundary 132, in the pre-assembled position of the cable receiving unit 90 relative to the connector unit 20, rests against the sleeve element stop surface 53 of the connector outer conductor housing 40, forming an annular clearance E. This clearance is bounded axially by the end surface 88 of the compression element and by the shoulder surface 143 of the sleeve element 130. The radial extent of the annular clearance E is determined by the end surface 89 and the shoulder surface 144. The formation of the annular clearance E ensures defined contact between the coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130 and the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 by receiving the end-face shortened and possibly burr-bearing end region of the coaxial cable outer conductor 14, which protrudes from the second end-face boundary 132, in the compression element 80.The arrangement of the annular free space E within the compression element 80 and within the sleeve element 130 enables a minimization of the overall length of a coaxial connector according to the invention in the axial direction. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the annular free space E only in the sleeve element 130 or only in the compression element 80.

[0055] In the further course of the connection process, the coaxial cable 11 reaches its final position in the pre-assembled coaxial connector 10 according to the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 by placing the exposed end face of the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 against the termination surface 88 of the compression element 80 while maintaining the distance A. This means that the coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130 of the cable receiving unit 90 pre-assembled in the connector unit 20 continues to assume a position K1 releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor 14, wherein the cross-sectional area 16 of the exposed coaxial cable sheath 15 to the cable system 122 of the cable receiving unit 100 has a value B1 greater than or equal to zero. The coaxial cable inner conductor 13 extends concentrically through the through-opening 84 of the compression element 80 and engages in the receiving opening 78 of the connector inner conductor 70, making contact with the contact zones 79 to the coaxial cable inner conductor 13 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] To connect the coaxial cable outer conductor opening 140 of the sleeve element 130 to the coaxial cable outer conductor 14, the following takes place in the next step. Fig. 21 and Fig. Step 22, shown, involves fully screwing the cable receptacle 100 with the external thread 106 into the complementary internal thread 56 of the connector opening 54 of the connector outer conductor housing 40 from the pre-assembly position. Fig. 19 into the final connecting position after Fig. 21. While maintaining the contact of the second end-face limit 132 with the sleeve element stop surface 53 of the connector outer conductor housing 40, the first end-face limit 131 comes into contact with the sleeve element contact surface 111 and thus limits the axial movement of the cable receptacle 100 into the connector opening 54. The in Fig. The distance A listed in section 19 assumes a value of zero in the final connection position. However, a relative movement takes place between the cable holder 100 and the coaxial cable 11, which causes the distance A listed in section 19 to be zero. Fig. 19 described distance B1 to the distance B2 in Fig. 21 changes.

[0057] As already mentioned, screwing the cable receptacle 90 into the cable receptacle opening 54 causes a relative movement between the cable receptacle 100 and the sleeve element 130 in the axial direction. This axial movement causes the radially outwardly projecting deformation element 139 to engage under the cylindrical contact area 113 and the radially inwardly projecting deformation block 115 to engage over the sleeve element deformation area 136, resulting in a radial inward deformation of the sleeve element 130 toward the coaxial cable outer conductor 14. The deformation opening 112 provided in the cable receptacle 100 and the conical transition opening 114, in conjunction with the radii 135, 138, enable a uniform radial inward deformation of the sleeve element 130 in the sense of a wedge thrust mechanism.In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions are chosen such that the difference between the outer diameter of the deformation element (139) and the inner diameter of the cylindrical contact area (113) is equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the sleeve element deformation area (136) and the inner diameter of the deformation block (115), so that uniform deformation in the radial direction occurs over the entire length of the sleeve element (130).

[0058] In summary, screwing the cable receptacle 100 into the connector opening 54 causes the sleeve element 130 to deform radially inwards from a position K1 that releases the coaxial cable outer conductor 14, to a position K2 that contacts the coaxial cable outer conductor 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the outer diameter of the radially outwardly projecting deformation element 139 and the inner diameter of the radially inwardly projecting deformation block 115, as well as the axial distance between the deformation element 139 and the deformation block 115, ensure a uniform radial inward deformation of the sleeve element 130 and thus reliable contact of the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 by the sleeve element 130 of the cable receptacle unit 90.

[0059] Depending on the requirements for the coaxial connector 10 and with the aid of suitable dimensioning, it is also possible to use the described contact of the sleeve element 130 to the coaxial cable outer conductor 14 as cable strain relief. This functional integration has a positive effect on the length of the coaxial connector 10.

Claims

[1] Coaxial connector (10) for connection with a mating connector and for connecting a coaxial cable (11) having a cable dielectric (12) through which a coaxial cable inner conductor (13) penetrates and which is surrounded circumferentially by a coaxial cable outer conductor (14) and a coaxial cable sheath (15), wherein the coaxial connector (10) comprises a connector unit (20) and a cable receiving unit (90), wherein the connector unit (20) is constructed from a connector insulating housing (60) which is concentrically penetrated by a connector inner conductor (70) and is surrounded circumferentially by a connector outer conductor housing (40), wherein the connector unit (20) comprises a compression element (80) for at least partially receiving and / or restraining the end face of the coaxial cable outer conductor (14), wherein the compression element (80) is axially extended by a first Cover area (81) and a second cover area (82) is limited,wherein the cable receiving unit (90) has a cable receiving (100) and a slotted sleeve element (130), and wherein a cable receiving area (120) and a sleeve element receiving area (110) are arranged in the cable receiving (100), wherein the sleeve element (130) has a first and a second end-face boundary (131, 132) and a radially outwardly projecting deformation element (139), wherein the second end-face boundary (132) of the sleeve element (130) and the second cover surface (82) of the compression element (80) face each other in the axial direction, wherein a radially inwardly projecting deformation block (115) is arranged in the sleeve element receiving area (110), which, when assembled with the sleeve element (130), is spaced axially from the deformation element (139),wherein the deformation element (139) and the deformation block (115) cause a radially inward deformation of the sleeve element (130) from a position (K1) releasing the coaxial cable outer conductor (14) to a position (K2) contacting the coaxial cable outer conductor (14) by moving the sleeve element (130) into the sleeve element receiving area (110) of the cable receiving area (100), and wherein an annular free space (E) extends in the axial direction between the sleeve element (130) and the compression element (80), , characterized by, that the sleeve element (130) has a shoulder (142) open towards the second end face boundary (132), which is axially bounded by a shoulder surface (143), and with a shoulder shell surface (144) bounding the shoulder (142) in the radial direction, which has a larger diameter than the coaxial cable outer conductor opening (140) and / or the compression element (80) has a termination space (87) open towards the second cover surface (82), which is bounded in the axial direction by a termination surface (88) and in the radial direction by a termination shell surface (89), whereby the annular free space (E) is formed by the shoulder (42) and / or by the termination space (87). [2] Coaxial connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sleeve element (130) has a continuous slot (141) extending in the axial direction between the first and second boundary (131, 132). [3] Coaxial connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the difference between the outer diameter of the deformation element (139) and the inner diameter of the cylindrical contact area (113) is equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the sleeve element deformation area (136) and the inner diameter of the deformation block (115). [4] Coaxial connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the compression element (80) is made of an elastic, electrically insulating material. [5] Coaxial connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radially outwardly projecting deformation element (139) is arranged at the end region facing the connector unit (20) with the second end face boundary (132) of the sleeve element (130). [6] Coaxial connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sleeve element receiving area (110) of the cable receiving (100) has a sleeve element contact surface (111) for contact with the first end face boundary (131) of the sleeve element (130). [7] Coaxial connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coaxial connector (10) consists of a maximum of one pre-assembled unit comprising a connector unit (20) and a cable receiving unit (90), wherein the cable receiving unit (90) is detachably connected to the connector unit (20). [8] Coaxial connector (10) according to claim 1 with an attached coaxial cable (11) which has a cable dielectric (12) through which a coaxial cable inner conductor (13) passes and is surrounded in the circumferential direction by a coaxial cable outer conductor (14) and a coaxial cable sheath (15), characterized by , that the end face of the coaxial outer conductor (14) penetrates at least partially into the compression element (80) or deforms it.

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