| 摘要 |
<p>A method of forming an end of a coaxial cable to prevent the dielectric from receding within the outer conductor is disclosed, together with a cable formed by the method and an apparatus for carrying the method out. The cable comprises a central wire conductor (12), a dielectric (14) formed of several layers of PTFE tape, and an outer conductor (16) of metal braid. The outer conductor is cut away to expose a substantial length of the dielectric. A shroud (20) is slid over the outer conductor. The shroud carries a spacer lip (26) that abuts the end of the outer conductor, while leaving a gap (28) between the lip and the exposed dielectric. The end of the cable is then inserted into a blind bore (32) in a heated tool (30). The blind bore fits snugly around the exposed dielectric, but is appreciably shorter. The tool is forced onto the cable, compressing the dielectric, until the tool meets the spacer lip. The heat of the tool fuses the layers of the PTFE together, and allows the PTFE to flow, forming a bead (40) in the gap inside the spacer lip. The bead engages the end of the outer conductor, preventing the dielectric from receding within the conductor. <IMAGE> <IMAGE></p> |
