Electrical connectors – Coupling part including flexing insulation – Sealing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-06-26
Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Coupling part including flexing insulation
Sealing
C439S903000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250963
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and method of fabricating a connector assembly, which includes a connector shell sealed to a conductor such as a coaxial cable and mechanically attached to a connector insulator. The connector assembly of the present invention is particularly useful with an antenna cable in an automotive environment. A connector shell for use with the connector assembly of the present invention is also provided.
BACKGROUND ART
It is known to provide an audio antenna connector attached to a coaxial cable. In fabricating such a connector, the central conductor of the cable, which serves as the signal wire, is soldered to a female contact or male contact of the connector. For example, typically a coaxial cable is provided having an end that has been stripped in a known manner such that a length of the central conductor and central conductor insulator extend from the end of the cable. The usual shield layer is folded back upon the cable jacket. The central conductor insulator is disposed within a plastic insulator that is disposed within an outer metal connector shell. The electrical connection is completed by soldering the central conductor to a contact. The folded back shield layer engages an inner surface of the connector shell to provide the necessary grounding. Although other configurations may be provided, in each configuration sealing is not provided at the interface between the cable and the connector shell. In some applications, water intrusion by capillary action has been a problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector assembly that obviates the disadvantages of the prior art.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector assembly that includes a seal at the interface where a conductor is inserted into a connector shell.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector assembly which is useful with an antenna cable and which accomplishes the foregoing objectives.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of fabricating the connector assembly of the present invention.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector shell which may form a part of the connector assembly of the present invention.
This invention achieves these and other objects by providing a connector assembly that comprises a conductor such as, for example, a coaxial cable having a contact electrically and mechanically connected thereto. In the case of a coaxial cable, the contact is connected to the central conductor of the cable at one end thereof. An insulator is also provided comprising a bore extending therethrough in a first direction of a longitudinal axis. The insulator includes a peripheral groove extending in an outer surface thereof. A seal extends peripherally about the cable. A connector shell is provided which comprises a cavity. The seal and at least the length of the insulator that comprises the insulator groove are disposed within the cavity, the seal being pressed between the connector shell and the cable. A segment of the connector shell extends into the groove, and a shield layer of the cable is electrically connected to the connector shell.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3793610 (1974-02-01), Brishka
patent: 4046451 (1977-09-01), Juds et al.
patent: 4614398 (1986-09-01), Wright et al.
patent: 5466173 (1995-11-01), Down
patent: 5632651 (1997-05-01), Szegda
patent: 5695357 (1997-12-01), Wright
patent: 5746619 (1998-05-01), Harting et al.
patent: 5879191 (1999-03-01), Burris
patent: 6042422 (2000-03-01), Youtsey
McNeill William H.
Nguyen Khiem
Nguyen Son V.
Osram Sylvania Inc.
LandOfFree
Connector shell, connector assembly and method of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Connector shell, connector assembly and method of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Connector shell, connector assembly and method of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2491715