BE876509A - MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO THERMAL DIMENSIONAL RECOVERY - Google Patents

Description

       

  Manufactured products susceptible to dimensional recovery

  
thermal.

  
The present invention relates to a manufactured product capable of thermal dimensional recovery which is suitable, for example, for forming an electrical connection

  
 <EMI ID = 1.1>

  
connection made using such a manufactured product.

  
Numerous manufactured products and methods have already been proposed for covering one or more substrates and / or for joining several substrates, for example to make an electrical connection between two electrically conductive substrates. For example, the United States patent

  
 <EMI ID = 2.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 3.1>

  
or a fusible inorganic material, such as solder. An electrical connection between two conductors can be formed, for example, by inserting the conductors into a sleeve which contains solder and heating the assembly so that the sleeve shrinks and the solder melts.

  
A number of other patents also describe manufactured products which include a heat shrink sleeve containing a quantity of solder. By

  
 <EMI ID = 4.1>

  
discloses an electrical connector which includes a terminal pin (or similar electrical conductor) provided with a quantity of solder and carrying a heat-shrinkable sleeve firmly secured in place by shrinking one end of the sleeve in intimate contact with the pin. In addition, US Pat. No. 3,313,772 describes a heat-shrinkable sleeve which contains a solder ring, as well as a ground conductor, part of which is housed between the solder ring and the sleeve.

  
The aforementioned manufactures have been found to be extremely useful for a great many applications, but are not suitable in certain circumstances. For example, the connector described in the patent of the United States of America

  
 <EMI ID = 5.1>

  
Additional tor with the terminal pin, but not ideally suited, for example, to facilitate the connection of a grounding conductor with the outer conductor (normally the braid) of a coaxial cable. Further, although the aforementioned manufactured product described in the patent

  
of the United States of America n [deg.] 3,312,772 is designed for the latter purpose, it may give rise to difficulties in certain circumstances.

  
The present invention aims to provide an article of manufacture comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve containing solder which is useful for forming a connection between a first conductor; for example an earth conductor, and a second conductor, for example the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, in addition to a connection process carried out using such a manufactured product-

  
The invention relates to an article of manufacture which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve open at at least one end and a quantity of weld eccentrically accommodated inside the sleeve and retained by and / or on the sleeve. the weld being such that it does not extend around the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve.

  
The amount of solder may, if desired or necessary, be combined with a suitable amount of flux. In one embodiment of the invention, the solder is preferably not associated, in the manufactured product before installation on the conductors to be joined, with any electrically conductive member which is infusible at the temperature at which the manufactured product is heated so that the heat-shrinkable sleeve shrinks and the weld
(and any fondant) melt. The amount of solder is. with advantage actually in contact with the inner surface of the sleeve.

  
In a cross section of the article of manufacture of the invention, in the region where the amount of sulfur is found - <EMI ID = 6.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 7.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 8.1>

  
gitudinal in the manufactured product in the region where the amount of solder is located. Advantageously, in a cross section in the manufactured product in the region of the weld, the weld does not pass through the center of the area included in the sleeve and, in this cross section, the weld preferably does not protrude appreciably. in the included area, by the sleeve. Advantageously, substantially all

  
the weld is relatively close to the inner surface

  
of the sleeve and the amount of solder is preferably housed in a position which permits insertion into the manufactured product of an oblong manufactured product (e.g. the outer conductor of a coaxial cable) whose dimensions are not

  
 <EMI ID = 9.1>

  
chon. Advantageously, the fraction of the circumference occupied by the weld in the sleeve is relatively small compared to the inner circumference of the sleeve. The quantity of weld is advantageously localized in one or more places of the inner circumference of the sleeve, that is to say in one or more segments of the sleeve. Preferably, the weld is localized to one or more parts of the inner surface of the sleeve. Advantageously, at least a part

  
weld is accommodated in a protrusion of the outer circumference of the sleeve, which protuberance preferably disappears substantially upon free shrinkage of the sleeve and melting of the weld. If the thing is desired, the

  
 <EMI ID = 10.1>

  
chon with part of the weld protruding, preferably to a small extent, -on the inner surface of the sleeve-

  
 <EMI ID = 11.1> <EMI ID = 12.1> <EMI ID = 13.1>

  
than in use, when an oblong substrate (for example

  
an earth conductor) is inserted into the sleeve and a part of the oblong substrate comes close to the amount of solder, at least a part of the solder is located between that part of the oblong substrate and the part of the sleeve radially to the outside of this part of the oblong substrate.

  
To this end, at least part of the amount of solder can,

  
 <EMI ID = 14.1>

  
transverse, at least part of the outer surface of the

  
"C" or "U" being advantageously in contact with the inner surface of the sleeve.

  
The quantity of solder can comprise two parts separated from one another to allow the insertion of an oblong substrate, for example an earth conductor, between these two parts. These two parts are advantageously in a common cross section of the sleeve, and can be close to each other in the sleeve, but not touching, so that, for example, an oblong substrate of relatively small diameter can be. housed between the two weld portions to connect to a larger diameter oblong article of manufacture which is also inserted into the sleeve. The configurations of the two weld parts can be such as the weld

  
can retain the oblong substrate. (for example a driver

  
earth) in a substantially fixed position in the sleeve

  
 <EMI ID = 15.1>

  
hard protruding from the inner surface of the sleeve, the con-

  
 <EMI ID = 16.1> <EMI ID = 17.1>

  
Alternatively, for example, the two parts can be formed

  
 <EMI ID = 18.1>

  
ches from each other, two distinct amounts of solder may be accommodated in substantially diametrically opposed position in the sleeve or otherwise be separated from each other.

  
Where each amount of solder can, if desired, be shaped like a ball.

  
The weld can be retained by or on the sleeve in any suitable manner. Advantageously, at least part of the weld is held in a protuberance of the outer circumference of the sleeve, which protuberance preferably substantially disappears during the shrinking of the sleeve and the melting of the weld. For example, the sleeve may be provided with a receptacle for welding by heating and deformation outwardly of a part of the sleeve and maintaining the deformation force until this part of the sleeve cools. A receptacle formed in this way tends, during heating, to resume its initial shape and therefore to drive the solder it contains towards the inside of the sleeve.

   Alternatively, for example, the amount of solder can be accommodated near the inner wall of a shrinkable heat shrink sleeve, the sleeve then being partially shrunk under conditions such that the weld does not melt, so that the inner wall surrounds partially solder and that it.

  
 <EMI ID = 19.1> <EMI ID = 20.1>

  
advantageously the shape of a ball, is contained in the small compartment and, preferably, wedged by the inner walls of the small compartment. The compartments are, at least in the region of the weld and preferably along the entire length of the small compartment, in communication with one another. In use, an oblong substrate, for example an earth conductor, can be inserted into the small compartment so as to be guided towards the solder and in contact with the solder, the terminal part of the conductor can

  
 <EMI ID = 21.1>

  
perage with solder; the solder thus acting both as a stop and as a means of guiding the substrate. When an oblong manufactured product. is placed in the large compartment and a heater is performed for the shrinkage. sleeve and the fusion of the solder, at least part of the solder can flow into the large compartment to form a connection between the substrate and the manufactured product. A manufactured product whose sleeve comprises two compartments which extend longitudinally can be manufactured by any suitable process,

  
for example by means of a mandrel or by molding.

  
It is of course also possible to use a sleeve which comprises two or more layers of which, for example, the first inner and outer layers cooperate to

  
 <EMI ID = 22.1>

  
When the sleeve is removed and the solder has melted, the solder can, if it is not already in the desired location, be forced back through the sleeve to this location. When layers of a multi-layered sleeve cooperate to retain the weld, the latter can, if desired, also be retained in a protrusion of the outer circumference of the sleeve, which protrusion with advantage substantially disappears as the sleeve shrinks. and solder melting.

  
In an example of a sleeve comprising inner and outer layers which cooperate to retain the weld or promote retention of the weld, the inner layer may extend over only a part of the length of the outer layer, the weld, for example a solder ball or solder wire, being housed inside the sleeve and adjacent to one end of the inner layer,

  
so that this part of the weld is trapped between the first inner and outer layers and during the placement of such a manufactured product, the inner layer and the outer layer can cooperate to force the weld to a desired location . In a second example of such a sleeve, the inner layer could extend over substantially the entire length of the outer layer, the weld being held between the two layers. sight of an opening in the inner layer

  
and by which, at the time of use, the molten solder can be forced out. Another example of an inner layer of the sleeve which could cooperate with an outer layer to retain solder is an inner layer.

  
with open cross section. For example, an elastic inner layer having, in substance, a "C" shaped section could be used with an amount of solder retained between the two legs of the "C".

  
It is obvious that the aforementioned inner layer can be replaced by any other inner part of the sleeve which can hold the weld. Alternatively, for example, the solder could be bonded to the sleeve (and therefore retained thereon), for example, by a tacky flux.

  
The sleeve of the manufactured product of the invention may, if desired, comprise or have a guide means capable of receiving an oblong substrate and determining its radial position in the sleeve, the arrangement being as such. at the time of use where the oblong substrate is received in the guide means, a part of the oblong substrate can be brought close to at least a part of the quantity of solder. Therefore, in this embodiment; the manufactured product of the invention comprises solder in an eccentric position and guide means for locating a part, which is preferably terminal, of an elongated substrate (which may be, for example, a conductor such as a conductor earth) near the weld.

   Preferably, at least a sensitive part of the weld is outside the guide means. In a cross section through the region of the guide means,, in a preferred article of manufacture of the invention, a wall of the guide means can be seen to divide the sleeve into two separate compartments, although there may of course be in this wall an opening so that the two compartments communicate with each other on a part or

  
their entire length.

  
The guide means is preferably a channel open at both ends, although in some embodiments it may only be open at one end, and preferably at least part of the guide means.

  
is defined by a wall of the sleeve. Therefore, for example, the guide means may be at least partially defined by part of an interior surface of the sleeve.

  
and part of a surface of an inserted organ accommodated in

  
the sleeve.

  
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve comprises a second outer layer and a second inner layer which extends only a part of the length of the outer layer and the guide means is at least partially defined by part of the inner surface of the outer layer and part of the outer surface of the inner layer. In this case, it can be considered that the sleeve comprises the guide means.

  
The guide means advantageously comprises a constriction intended to engage with an oblong substrate received in the guide means so that, although the substrate can be pushed beyond the constriction,

  
accidental displacement of the substrate from the manufactured product can be substantially prevented. When the guide means is at least partially defined by a wall of the sleeve, the constriction is advantageously formed by an indentation in the wall of the sleeve and in the

  
in the case of a sleeve with several layers, the indentation may,

  
if desired, be provided in the wall of a layer forming part of the sleeve.

  
The manufactured product preferably also includes a stopper to limit axial penetration into the sleeve.

  
 <EMI ID = 23.1>

  
chon comprises or has a guide means, the manufactured product advantageously also comprises a stop for limiting the axial penetration into the sleeve of an oblong substrate received in the guide means. The stop can, for example, be formed by a part of the inner wall of the sleeve and / or by the amount of solder. A suitable shape can be imparted to the sleeve by partial pre-shrinking of at least part of the sleeve on a suitably shaped mandrel. The stop is preferably made in a place such that, in a longitudinal section in the sleeve, it is at a certain distance from the end of the guide means, the weld being located between the stop and this end of the means. guide, but not necessarily in axial alignment with the stop and this end.

  
Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a manufactured product comprising a heat-shrinkable sleeve comprising at least one open end. A quantity of solder is eccentrically lodged in the sleeve away from the open end. Guide means, for guiding an elongated substrate into place where part of the substrate is near the weld, is advantageously provided at least in the region of the sleeve between the open end and the weld and preferably, although the guide means and the weld may overlap, at least part of the weld is located further from the open end than the guide means. It is not essential that the guide means extend to the open end or to the weld.

   A stopper, which determines the axial penetration of the oblong substrate into the sleeve, is preferably provided, the stopper being advantageously further from the open end than the weld. The solder occupies a position such that during its fusion the oblong substrate can be electrically connected by the solder to an oblong manufactured product received in the sleeve, but not in the guide means.

  
According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is a manufactured product capable of thermal dimensional recovery <EMI ID = 24.1>

  
driver, inside the. sleeve, being free of insulation, the conductor being an earth conductor and housed in the

  
 <EMI ID = 25.1>

  
vicee, be arranged around an oblong substrate whose outer dimensions are only slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the sleeve, so that the substrate extends outward at both ends of the sleeve, and an amount of solder over at least a portion of the uninsulated portion, the weld being eccentrically accommodated in the sleeve and such that it does not extend around the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve.

  
A further subject of the invention is a manufactured product capable of thermal dimensional recovery which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve having two open ends and having a cross section. substantially constant over its length, the sleeve containing, in the retained state, in a position adjacent to its inner surface, an elongated electrical conductor which emerges from at least one end of the sleeve, at least part of the length of the conductor in the. sleeve being free of insulation, and a quantity of solder on at least a part of that uninsulated part, the solder being eccentrically housed in the sleeve and so that it does not extend around the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve.

  
It is not essential that the part of the conductor, outside the sleeve, be insulated. Advantageously, any- <EMI ID = 26.1>

  
electrical connection.

  
The invention also relates to a manufactured product capable of thermal dimer.sional recovery which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve containing, in the retained state, an insulated oblong electrical conductor, which exits at least one end of the sleeve, at least a part of 1 a length of the conductor inside the sleeve being free of insulation, and a quantity of solder on at least a part of this uninsulated part, the solder being eccentrically housed in the sleeve

  
and so that it does not occupy the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve.

  
It should be noted that the part of the conductor on which the amount of solder is located is not just a

  
 <EMI ID = 27.1>

  
solder ", it should be understood, with regard to manufactured products containing an oblong conductor already in place, at least on a cross section in the part of the conductor carrying the solder, the amount of solder is in excess of that normally present on a conductor already tinned. Therefore, the amount of solder must be sufficient to flow and wet a substrate to which the conductor is to be connected and to form an electrical connection between the conductor and the substrate.

  
the amount of solder must be effective for forming a connection. Advantageously, in at least one cross section in the part of the conductor carrying the solder, the thickness of the solder layer on the conductor is at least equal to

  
 <EMI ID = 28.1>

  
In manufactured products containing an oblong conductor already in place, the solder can, if necessary or desirable, be associated with a suitable flux and the quantity of solder is advantageously located in the sleeve

  
 <EMI ID = 29.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 30.1>

  
to the internal dimensions of the sleeve. Welding can, unless it is obviously inappropriate in the circumstances, be arranged in any manner and position already mentioned. The amount of solder is preferably retained simply by its engagement with the conductor without there necessarily being cooperation between the conductor and any other member, for example the sleeve, although the retention or enhancement of retention by such cooperation is not excluded and that the weld can, in any case, come into contact with the sleeve, if this is desired.

  
The amount of solder can be of any suitable shape and can be retained on the conductor in any convenient manner. For example, the weld may be in the shape of a ball or

  
 <EMI ID = 31.1>

  
versal in this part of the conductor. Provided that it is firmly held thereon, however, the solder should not completely occupy the contour of a cross section in that part of the conductor. If the thing is desired, the

  
 <EMI ID = 32.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 33.1>

  
ductor and regardless of the shape of the amount of weld. the latter can, if necessary, be crimped on the conductor. If desired or necessary, the quantity of solder may include one or more outwardly projecting parts, for example two tabs, to improve the anchoring of the solder and therefore of the conductor in the sleeve;

  
 <EMI ID = 34.1>

  
The conductor is also advantageously housed in the sleeve so as to allow the insertion into the sleeve of an oblong substrate, the external dimensions of which are only slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the sleeve. Preferably, the part of the conductor inside the sleeve extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the sleeve and advantageously the insulated part or parts of the conductor in the

  
 <EMI ID = 35.1>

  
evident that the manufactured product may have two or more oblong conductors, if so desired.

  
The conductor can be retained in the sleeve in any suitable manner. It should be noted that on condition that the sleeve and the conductor do not separate from each other during. With normal handling, it is not essential that the different components are rigidly fixed to each other and a small relative movement may be permissible.

  
Advantageously, the conductor is maintained by cooperation between the lower surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of at least one inserted member housed in the sleeve. The inserted member, which is preferably a ring or a sleeve, can, if the. thing is desired, be infusible at the temperature to which, in service, the manufactured product is heated for shrinkage of the sleeve and melting of the weld, in which case the organ

  
 <EMI ID = 36.1>

  
preferably fuse at this temperature so that when. assembly of the product manufactures the molten material of the in- <EMI ID = 37.1>

  
compared to the outside world. Advantageously, the conductor is held by cooperation between the sleeve and at least two inserted members, at least one of which is located between the part of the conductor carrying the quantity of solder and each end of the sleeve, to which

  
case the amount of solder is not carried by the end terminal part of the conductor. In the event that only one organ inserted

  
is used, the weld advantageously includes one or more outwardly projecting parts to improve the anchoring of

  
 <EMI ID = 38.1>

  
Another method by which the conductor can be retained in the sleeve comprises partial dimensional recovery of the sleeve on the conductor. If the thing is desired,

  
this method can be combined with that described above and according to which the conductor is held by one or more inserted members and / or with other methods.

  
As indicated above, the conductor is advantageously insulated, except over a certain length inside the sleeve, which must participate in the formation of an electrical connection. Advantageously, the part of the conductor which is to participate in the formation of the electrical connection is not the extreme terminal part and a conductor which is insulated except in a region adjacent to its end, but isolated from it itself, is advantageously formed. by incomplete removal of a small length of insulation as a result of a radial notch in the insulation at a point in the region of the conductor end.

   Hence, for example, the short length of insulation can be moved longitudinally over the conductor until only part of the insulation protrudes from the end of the conductor and, if desired, the longitudinal part. protruding from the short length of insulation can be cut so that the conductor and the length of insulation thus separated end up in the same place. When the conductor is braided, <EMI ID = 39.1>

  
extreme conductor can help keep the strands of the stripped portion close together and relatively straight. When the extreme terminal part of the conductor is insulated and

  
that the conductor is retained in the sleeve by two inserted members housed on either side of the quantity of solder,

  
each inserted member advantageously comes into contact with an insulated part of the conductor. During manufacture, an insulated end portion of the conductor and one end of the sleeve may,

  
if desired, be in contact with a surface

  
flat, which makes it possible to bring the uninsulated part of the conductor correctly into place without the need to hold the conductor in the desired place, which is particularly advantageous when the sleeve is placed vertically during the making.

  
According to a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a manufactured product which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve comprising a first open end and a second and containing, in the retained state, an oblong electrical conductor, a part of which exits at an open end. sleeve

  
and one insulated end of which is contained in the sleeve, part of the conductor, between its insulated end and the first end of the sleeve, being uninsulated and carrying a quantity

  
solder, the conductor being advantageously retained in the sleeve by cooperation between the sleeve and a first fusible ring and a second, each of which has an outer surface which comes into contact with an insulated part of the conductor,

  
the first ring being housed between the uninsulated part of the conductor and the first end of the sleeve and the second ring being housed between the uninsulated part of the conductor and the second end of the sleeve.

  
The heat-shrinkable sleeve used in accordance with the invention is a sleeve of which at least one part shrinks

  
upon heat input and may be formed of any material which is preferably an electrically insulating material which can be brought into or maintained in a heat shrinkable state. Examples of suitable materials are given

  
 <EMI ID = 40.1>

  
and 3,297,819 and the other patents of the United States of America referenced therein. Crosslinked polymers, such as

  
 <EMI ID = 41.1>

  
really well. When using a sleeve comprising two or more layers, the inner layer (s) should not be made of the same material as the outer layer. The sleeve is advantageously sufficiently transparent so that

  
the welded connection it houses can be inspected.

  
The sleeve may be extruded as is or may be formed from a sheet of material (which, if desired, may be heat shrinkable), the opposing edges of the sheet being joined in any suitable manner, for example by means of a peroxide, by means of a contact adhesive (for example as described in United States Patent No. [deg.] 3,775,156) or by means of an inserted member comprising a thermoplastic material and a heat-activatable crosslinking agent
(see, for example, patents of the United States of America

  
 <EMI ID = 42.1>

  
for the completion of the sleeve. If desired, the opposite edges of the sheet can be provided with devices, which make it possible to form a connection between them (see, for example,

  
 <EMI ID = 43.1>

  
of a sheet of material, the sheet may, if desired, be shaped to retain the amount of solder prior to shaping the sleeve. The heat shrinkability can, if necessary, be imparted to the sleeve in any suitable manner.

  
Where the sleeve comprises several layers, an adhesive material can, if desired, be disposed (eg as a continuous or non-continuous layer) between the layers. However, the presence of an adhesive is not essential. Where the sleeve comprises inner and outer layers, the inner layer is preferably sensitive.

  
 <EMI ID = 44.1>

  
fabric is heated for shrinkage of the sleeve and melting of the weld and advantageously both the inner layer and the outer layer are heat shrinkable. However,

  
if desired, the inner layer may be meltable at the temperature to which, in use, the manufactured product is heated for sleeve shrinkage and solder melting and, in one embodiment, a fusible inner layer may be integral with a quantity of fusible material which is situated, when the sleeve comprises or has guide means, between the guide means and the end of the sleeve and in the case where there is no guide means, between the weld and the open end of the sleeve, the fusible material extending

  
around the full inner circumference contour of a cross section of the sleeve and buttressing the inner surface of the outer layer. Except in the region of the guide means, if present, the outer surface of the inner layer is preferably in contact with the inner surface of the outer layer and / or another layer, which may be continuous or discontinuous, on the inner surface. If desired, the second outer layer can be the body <EMI ID = 45.1>

  
inner layer, if present, and therefore a single outer layer and a single inner layer may, if desired, act together to hold or help hold the weld and provide the guiding means.

  
The heat-shrinkable sleeve can be of any desired shape. One method by which a desired shape can be imparted comprises partially resizing the sleeve on one or more suitably shaped mandrels. Following a form

  
As a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the sleeve is elastically deformable in cross section and includes an interior surface which is different in shape from that of the exterior surface of an oblong manufactured product.

  
on which the manufactured product is to be placed, so that during the deformation the sleeve easily receives the oblong manufactured product and when the release of the deformation force it clamps on the manufactured product. When the oblong article of manufacture is a cable with a substantially circular cross section, the interior of this part of the sleeve is advantageously of a non-circular cross section and preferably comprises two long sides and two short sides, which sides are not necessarily straight. Advantageously, this part of the sleeve has a substantially rectangular cross section and, in this embodiment, the weld can, if desired, be associated with one or both of the short sides of the rectangle.

   During installation, slight pressure may be exerted on the sides of such a non-circular or other cross-sectional sleeve or the like to impart a suitable cross-section to the sleeve, the pressure being released after insertion, for example of a cable into the sleeve so that sides of the sleeve grip the cable in place.

  
 <EMI ID = 46.1>

  
and may, if desired, include an amount of fusible material (eg, fusible polymer) or other sealing material between the solder and the or each open end. When the sleeve contains a fusible inserted member, the latter can provide the amount of fusible material. The fusible material can act as a retainer for the weld by preventing it

  
exit through the open end (s) of the sleeve during installation of the manufactured product and / or may improve the tightness of the end (s) of the sleeve with respect to the external environment. Therefore, the sleeve can force the fusible material into intimate contact with a conductor received in the open end of the sleeve to form a reliable seal. Alternatively, when the amount of fusible material is suitable, the sleeve and the fusible material may cooperate to form a seal even at an open end which in use,

  
does not receive substrate. Where the sleeve comprises a quantity of fusible material or one or more other inserted members, the fusible material or other inserted member can be fixed in the sleeve in any suitable manner, for example by partial shrinking of the sleeve over the inserted member (s) for a longer time. close adaptation of these.

  
A further object of the invention is a method for electrically connecting a first electrical conductor and a second, wherein the conductors are planed in a manufactured product of the invention and heating is carried out to cause the shrinkage of the tharmorshrinkable sleeve and fusion of the solder and form a connection between the conductors. Advantageously, a part of each conductor is facing the solder.

  
 <EMI ID = 47.1>

  
electrically connecting a first electrical conductor and a second, whereby, in any order or substantially simultaneously, the first conductor is placed so that it

  
i is received in the guiding means of such a manufactured product,

  
part of the first conductor being close to the weld,

  
 <EMI ID = 48.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 49.1>

  
and flowing solder so that an electrical connection is formed between the conductors. Advantageously, this part of the first conductor is an end part.

  
When the solder quantity includes two parts to

  
a certain distance from each other, the first conductor

  
is advantageously brought between the two parts and can, if desired, be in contact with the two welding parts

  
. and retained by them. Both parties can, if desired, act as a positioning means for the first conductor. The first conductor can be, for example, an earth conductor and the second can be, for example, the braid of a coaxial cable.

  
The invention further relates to a method for forming an electrical connection, according to which a manufactured product according to the invention, which comprises an oblong conductor already in place carrying a quantity of solder, is placed on a substrate.

  
and heating is carried out for the shrinkage of the sleeve and

  
melting the solder to form an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the substrate. Advantageously,

  
the substrate is the outer conductor of a coaxial cable.

  
The manufactured products of the invention can be easily manufactured without complicated tooling. In addition, the fact that the weld is eccentrically accommodated in the sleeve and is re-. held by and / or on the sleeve, the substrates to be connected can

  
 <EMI ID = 50.1>

  
the solder and, upon heating, the sleeve may force the molten solder directly inwards in a radial direction until contact with at least one or both of the substrates. When the weld comprises two parts which are adjacent to one another, the weld can also constitute an additional positioning means and possibly a retaining means for the substrate (s).

  
. Manufactures according to the invention which include weld in the eccentric position can be used to form a localized welded joint. Thus, the weld can be placed in one or more places where. it is desired to form a connection without using excess solder which, after melting, may be in unwanted places, for example when an earth conductor is connected to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, the use of the manufactured product of the invention can result in substantially equal amounts of solder on the earth conductor and the outer conductor of the final assembly.

   In addition, because it suffices to melt the amount of solder needed to form the joint, the amount of heat required is smaller, which reduces the risk of overheating, for example of the sleeve, which in its turn. turn allows, if desired, to use a weld with a higher melting point than that which would be admissible in the case. for example, using a complete solder ring.

  
When the manufactured product of the invention comprises not only localized solder, but also a guide means for the placement of an oblong substrate, for example an earth conductor, in the correct position with respect to the solder, it is particularly convenient to ensure, especially when the article of manufacture also includes a stopper limiting the axial movement of the oblong substrate, that a substrate is brought to

  
the most advantageous position for efficient welding. In addition, after shrinking of the sleeve the guide means (especially when this is formed between the inner and outer heat-shrinkable layers of the sleeve) can clamp the oblong substrate, for example the earth conductor, firmly.

  
in place and ensure stress relief. When the sleeve comprises more than one layer of material (for the purpose, for example, of defining the guide means and / or of retaining the weld), the inner layer may have the function of providing additional protection, for example to the liner. Cable insulation having low thermal resistance which could otherwise be damaged by heat dissipated for sleeve shrinkage.

  
As previously noted, at least a portion of the sleeve itself may be shaped to clamp onto an oblong manufactured product, for example a cable, to which a connection is to be made. At least part of such a sleeve can be

  
such as to be able to be deformed during installation and during the release of the deformation forces to be clamped on the cable or other manufactured product. The fact that the sleeve clamps onto the oblong article of manufacture can ensure that the sleeve maintains itself in a preferred orientation relative to the oblong article of manufacture (and thus preferably maintains itself during the thermal dimensional recovery of the sleeve) and / or

  
may provide a means of ensuring that, for example, another article of manufacture or organ is in the correct position relative to the elongated article and / or to an organ inserted in the sleeve. Therefore, for example in the case of the product manu- <EMI ID = 51.1>

  
a substantially rectangular cross section, the fact that the sleeve can, before (and preferably also during) the re-

  
thermal setting, clamping on an elongated article of manufacture inserted into the sleeve makes it possible, if desired, to ensure that the weld is in a preferred orientation relative to the elongated article. In addition, those portions of the sleeve which prior to resizing are away from the oblong manufactured product may, in cooperation with the outer surface of the oblong manufactured product, define one or more compartments to accommodate another substrate in a de-positional position. - sirée, for example in relation to the oblong manufactured product

  
and / or with respect to the weld. The fact that the sleeve and the elongated manufactured product are in contact with each other where the sleeve clamps on the cable can also, if the solder occupies a judicious position, help maintain the molten solder

  
in a desired location during dimensional recovery of the manufactured product.

  
The advantages indicated above with regard to manufactured products comprising solder in the eccentric position are obviously also among the advantages of the manufactured products of the invention which comprise an oblong conductor already in place carrying a quantity of solder. In addition, because the latter manufactured product includes a conductor already in place and an amount of solder, the connection of a conductor

  
grounding on, for example, the outer conductor of a coaxial cable can be made by simple insertion. of the outer conductor in the manufactured product and by heating and the manufactured product can therefore be easily installed in an automatic process. Furthermore, the amount of solder suitable for a particular application can be chosen during the making of the sleeve, and the fact that the solder is on the conductor and is eccentrically in the sleeve provides a very good welded joint. localized without the use of excess solder which, after melting, can occupy unwanted places.

  
 <EMI ID = 52.1>

  
charged containing solder in an eccentric position in a heat-shrinkable sleeve is very different from the situation observed, for example, in a device described in the patent

  
of the United States of America n [deg.] 3,312,772 and containing a complete solder ring. In the case of such a device, it has appeared that a relatively large solder ring and therefore a relatively thick sleeve are in practice necessary if sufficient solder is to be available at the required location.
(i.e. where the connection is to be formed between the earth conductor and the outer conductor), so that a considerable amount of heat must be dissipated to ensure

  
complete shrinkage of the sleeve and melting of the weld with the associated risks of overheating. It also appeared that

  
the solder ring disclosed in US Pat. No. 3-312,772 provides much more solder than is necessary to connect the ground conductor to the outer conductor. This peculiarity is a disadvantage not only because of the wasted solder, but also because the solder can reach places in the completed connection where it should not be.

  
Different embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a view of an article of manufacture of the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view in an article of manufacture of the invention comprising two solder balls; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a manufactured product of the invention containing a solder ball; Fig. 4 illustrates the use of an article of manufacture of the invention for the connection of an earth conductor to the braid of a coaxial cable; <EMI ID = 53.1> vention; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the article of manufacture of FIG. 5; . Fig. 7 illustrates the use of the manufactured product of <EMI ID = 54.1>

  
braid of a coaxial cable; Fig. 8, 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views in other articles of the invention; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an article of manufacture of the invention; Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view, on a larger scale, in the product of FIG. 11; Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 12; <EMI ID = 55.1> product of the invention; Fig. Fig. 15 is a view of a product of the invention of the invention. 16 is a view of an end portion of the article of manufacture of FIG. 15. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a manufactured product of the invention comprising a conductor already in place, and FIG. 18, 19 and 20 are perspective views of electrical conductors for use in a manufactured product which <EMI ID = 57.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 58.1>

  
Fig. 1 is a view of an article of manufacture indicated generally at 1, which comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve 2 and two solder balls 3, 3 (and, if desired, a flux) which are retained in the sleeve 2 by a partial dimensional recovery of it. Each of the balls

  
solder 3 is partially enveloped by the sleeve and includes a protruding part inside the sleeve. As can be seen clearly from FIG. 2, the solder balls indicated at 3a, 3a in FIG. 2, are arranged so that a conductor, for example an earth conductor, can be inserted between them. The solder balls can act as positioning and retaining means for a conductor. The solder balls are located away from both ends of the sleeve.

  
The manufactured product illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a

  
 <EMI ID = 59.1>

  
sleeve on a mandrel and extending from an open end. to the balls, solder 3, 3 so as to guide a conductor to the solder balls. Although manufactured products comprising two solder balls are advantageous for some applications, a single solder ball suffices for other applications and FIG. 3 is a cross section of a manufactured product containing only one solder ball 5, this being held in place in a heat shrink sleeve 6 by the constrictions 7 of the sleeve 6. The housing for the solder in the product of FIG. 3 can, if desired, be large enough to accommodate one of the conductors to be connected.

  
 <EMI ID = 60.1> which is indicated generally in 8, is similar to that

  
 <EMI ID = 61.1>

  
of an electrically insulating material and two solder balls, only one of which, indicated at 10, is visible in FIG. 4. The pro-

  
 <EMI ID = 62.1>

  
pectively, made of a fusible polymeric material, each of the

  
 <EMI ID = 63.1>

  
open end of sleeve 9.

  
As can be seen from FIG. 4, a terminal part de-

  
 <EMI ID = 64.1>

  
be the two solder balls so as to be adjacent to the solder (the stripped end can be positioned and retained by the solder) and at an exposed length of braid 16 of a cable

  
 <EMI ID = 65.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 66.1>

  
an exposed length of dielectric 17 and an exposed length of center conductor 18, the length of center conductor 18. and a portion of dielectric 17 extending outside of the end of sleeve 9. The ground conductor and cable coaxial can be inserted into the manufactured product in any order or substantially simultaneously. When the earth conductor and the coaxial cable occupy. the position shown in Fig. 4, heating can be performed for the shrinkage of the sleeve 9

  
and the melting of the solder balls and fusible rings 11 and
12, so that a solder connection is formed between the braid

  
and the earth conductor and that the sleeve 9 seals to the dielectric 17 of the cable and to the insulator 19 of the cable, as well as to the insulator of the earth conductor 13.

  
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an article of manufacture of the invention, the sleeve of which, indicated generally at 20, has a substantially rectangular cross section <EMI ID = 67.1>
-Circular cross section can be easily inserted. On release of pressure, the sleeve substantially returns to its original shape, so that the long sides. hold in place on the cable.

   The fact that the sleeve clamps the cable (or other substrate) makes it possible, if desired, to ensure that an amount of solder contained in the sleeve (see below) is in a particular position relative to the cable or to this other substrate and that the parts of the sleeve which, before dimensional recovery, are away from the substrate, can in cooperation with the surface of the substrate, define one or more compartments suitable for receiving another substrate, for example a conductor of earth, in a desired location, for example in relation to the cable and / or in relation to the weld. The fact that the cable and the sleeve are in contact when the sleeve tightens on the cable can also help maintain the molten solder in a desired location during dimensional recovery of the manufactured product.

  
As can be seen more clearly from Figs. 6 and 7, the sleeve 20 comprises an outer layer 21 and an inner layer 22. The inner layer 22 extends from one end 23

  
of the outer layer 21 to approximately half the length of this outer layer. At each of the short sides of the sleeve, the end portion of the inner layer and part of the outer layer in the middle region of the sleeve cooperate to respectively retain solder balls 24 (and, if desired, flux). , a part of each solder ball 24 being inserted between the inner layer <EMI ID = 68.1> FIG. 5 to 7 also comprises two rings 11 and 12 of fusible polymer, these rings being situated like the rings 11 and 12 of the product of FIG. 4. and performing a similar function.

  
 <EMI ID = 69.1>

  
of Figs. 5 and 6 for the connection of the stripped end parts

  
 <EMI ID = 70.1>

  
braid 16 of a coaxial cable 15 similar to that visible at

  
Fig. 4. Each terminal portion is adjacent to a respective solder ball 24. The ground conductors and the coaxial cable may be inserted into the manufactured product in any order or substantially simultaneously. When the earth conductors and the coaxial cable are in place as shown in Fig. 7, heating can be performed for the shrinkage of the sleeve 20 and for the melting of the solder balls 24

  
and fusible rings 11 and 12, so that an electrical connection is formed between the braid and the earth conductors and the sleeve 20 seals to the dielectric 17 of the cable, as well as to the insulation 19 of the cable and on the insulation of the earth conductors 13. The molten solder is forced from between the. inner layer and outer layer of the sleeve during shrinkage of the sleeve and inner layer 22 can also provide "an additional protective layer, for example for a dielectric which might otherwise be adversely influenced by heat dissipated for dimensional recovery of the sleeve and the fusion of the solder.

  
A manufactured product such as that illustrated by <EMI ID = 71.1> having a substantially circular cross section which is intended for

  
forming the inner layer and the outer layer of the sleeve on a vertical mandrel of substantially rectangular cross section, by placing solder balls between the two, tubular members near one end of the inner member and by heating the assembly at a temperature which does not cause the weld to melt, to cause the tubular members to shrink and

  
in clamping the weld on the mandrel, the degree of shrinkage being such that the resulting mixed sleeve remains heat-shrinkable. Although not essential, an adhesive may be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, for example as an inner coating on the outer tubular member or as an outer coating on the inner tubular member.

  
Fig. 8 shows a manufactured product generally similar to that of FIG. 6, except that each of the short sides of a cross section in the sleeve 20 includes two solder balls 25 (and, if desired, flux). Each pair of balls 25 can serve as a positioning and retaining means for a conductor such as an earth conductor. Therefore, for example, a conductor may be received in the opening of substantially triangular cross section bounded by the two solder balls and the outer wall of the inner layer. The use of two solder balls can be advantageous when more solder is required, for example when a thicker conductor is to be used.

  
It would obviously be possible for one of the short sides of the substantially rectangular section to carry a single solder ball and for the other to carry two solder balls.

  
Fig. 9 is a cross section of an article of manufacture according to the invention, the sleeve 25 of which comprises an outer layer 26 and an inner layer 27 having a substantially "C" cross section, a solder ball 28 (and, if the thing is desired, fondant) being held in place by the

  
 <EMI ID = 72.1>

  
The manufactured product seen in cross section, in FIG. 10 does not include an inner layer. On the other hand, a solder ball 29 is glued to the inner wall of a heat-shrinkable sleeve 30 using a tacky flux.

  
The manufactured product of Figs. 11, 12 and 13 include a heat-shrinkable sleeve 31 containing, in an eccentric position, a strip of solder 32 (and, if desired, flux) generally having a "C" cross section. The outer surface of the "C" is firmly engaged with part of the inner surface of the sleeve 31, which part has previously been partially shrunk to make intimate contact with the weld tape 32 and, therefore, in this embodiment, the weld is retained only by the sleeve 31.

  
The manufactured product of Figs. 11 to 13 also comprises a guide channel 33 suitable for receiving and positioning, for example, an earth conductor, so that the end of the earth conductor can be brought close to and in the direction of the deformation by taking up the welding strip 32. The

  
 <EMI ID = 73.1>

  
the outer surface 35 of an inner sleeve 36 housed in the sleeve 31, the sleeve 31 constituting, in this case, the outer layer and the sleeve 36, the inner layer of a multi-layered sleeve. Except in the region of guide channel 33,

  
 <EMI ID = 74.1>

  
The guide channel 33 comprises a constriction formed by an indentation 37 in the sleeve 31 for clamping, for example, on the insulation of an earth conductor introduced into the guide channel 33.

  
As can be seen from the drawings, when the oblong substrate, for example an earth conductor (not shown), is received in the guide channel 33, the end portion of the substrate may

  
be placed between the branches of the welding strip in

  
 <EMI ID = 75.1>

  
tie 38 of its inner surface constitutes a stop limiting axial penetration, for example of the earth conductor, into the sleeve. When an earth conductor is fitted in this way and heating is provided for the shrinkage of the sleeve 31

  
and the fusion of the weld, the molten weld is forced in the radial inner direction by the sleeve until contact with

  
the terminal part of the earth conductor and up to the contact

  
a second substrate (for example the braid of a coaxial cable) which may have been introduced beforehand into the sleeve.

  
Rings (or layers) 39 and 40, respectively, of fusible polymer, are provided in the region of each end of the sleeve 31, the ring 40 lying between the guide means and the open end adjacent to it. The polymer can, after installation of the sleeve, constitute a seal on the or

  
 <EMI ID = 76.1>

  
of the sleeve 31 (and the associated fusible layer 39) have rectangular cross sections allowing the end portion to clamp onto a substrate (eg cable) on which the manufactured product is mounted, so that the manufactured product is mounted.

  
 <EMI ID = 77.1>

  
during heating.

  
 <EMI ID = 78.1>

  
that illustrated in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, chiefly by the shape of the amount of solder, and by the way in which it is re-

  
 <EMI ID = 79.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 80.1>

  
circular whose two ends 43 and 44 extend in the axial direction and which is retained by cooperation between the inner surface of the sleeve 31 and the outer surface of a sleeve

  
 <EMI ID = 81.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 82.1>

  
the inner layer of a sleeve in several layers. The par-

  
 <EMI ID = 83.1>

  
sibly perpendicular to the plane containing the ends 43 and
44 of the weld wire and is shaped so that in a cross section through the manufactured product containing the central part, the weld is generally U-shaped with the curved part of the U in contact with the interior of the sleeve

  
31. The sleeve 31 is partially pre-shrunk around the central portion 46 of the wire to help maintain the welding wire at the desired location in the sleeve. In the product manufac-

  
 <EMI ID = 84.1>

  
welding and, with the sleeve 31, to define a guide channel, for example for an earth conductor.

  
According to a variant (not shown) of the manufac-

  
 <EMI ID = 85.1>

  
find in the same plane as the end parts of the wire. In this embodiment, the central portion of the wire can act as an axial stop for the first substrate.

  
Fig. 15 is a view of an article of manufacture of the in-; vention, of which FIG. 16 represents an end, in which

  
the sleeve comprises two longitudinal compartments arranged side by side, the manufactured product containing an inserted earth conductor.

  
The manufactured product of FIG. 15 comprises a sleeve indicated generally at 50, which comprises two compartments <EMI ID = 86.1>

  
in relation to the section of the compartment 52. In the product

  
 <EMI ID = 87.1>

  
that at a point 5 &#65533;. located between the ends at compartment 52,

  
 <EMI ID = 88.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 89.1>

  
provided over the length of the compartment 51. A ball. welding
55 is housed in the compartment 51 and clamped by the walls

  
 <EMI ID = 90.1>

  
of the open end 53 of the compartment 52.

  
When using the manufactured product shown in Fig. 15, an uninsulated terminal portion 56 of an insulated conductor, generally indicated at 57, may be inserted
-in the open end of the compartment 51 and the conductor 57 can be pushed into the compartment until its ex- <EMI ID = 91.1>

  
facing downward (as illustrated in Fig. 15) so as to pass under the solder ball 55 in the compartment 52. The width of the orifice 53 is preferably chosen so that the insulated part of the conductor 57 cannot cross it. When

  
by inserting a substrate, for example the outer conductor of a coaxial cable (not shown in Fig. 15), into the large compartment 52 and upon heating, a reliable solder connection can be formed between the substrate and the terminal part 56,

  
 <EMI ID = 92.1>

  
compartmental tightly fitting to conductor 57. In the above method, small compartment 51 serves as a guide means and solder ball 55 also serves to guide end portion 56 of the conductor to. the desired location.

  
 <EMI ID = 93.1>

  
61 having open ends 62 and 63. A conductor

  
 <EMI ID = 94.1>

  
uninsulated 65 inside the sleeve, exits the end or-

  
 <EMI ID = 95.1>

  
by a short length of insulation 66 and the insulation 67 is carried by the part of the conductor 64 between the uninsulated part 65 and

  
 <EMI ID = 96.1>

  
turns, in part, the uninsulated part 65 of the conductor 64.

  
The portion of the conductor 64 within the sleeve 61 extends generally parallel to the axis of the sleeve while the insulator portions 66 and 67 (and the solder ball

  
68) are in contact with the inner surface of the sleeve.

  
 <EMI ID = 97.1>

  
ration between the sleeve and two rings of fusible material 69 and
70, respectively. The ring 69 is disposed between the uninsulated portion 65 of the conductor and the open end 62 of the sleeve, a portion of the insulation 67 being taken between the outer surface of the ring 69 and the inner surface of the sleeve 61. Likewise, a portion of the insulation 66 is sandwiched between the outer surface of the ring 70, which is between the uninsulated portion 65 of the conductor and the open end 63 of the sleeve, and the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve has undergone partial dimensional recovery from a diameter greater than. the one represented poui

  
 <EMI ID = 98.1>

  
so that there is no appreciable movement between the conductor and the rings or with respect to the sleeve 61.

  
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17,

  
the conductor and the solder it carries are close to the inner surface of the sleeve, which allows inserting into the sleeve <EMI ID = 99.1>

  
smaller than the internal dimensions of the sleeve. Such a substrate, for example a coaxial cable, part of the con-

  
 <EMI ID = 100.1>

  
chon so that this length of outer conductor is adjacent to the solder ball 68 and the assembly can then be heated for sleeve shrinkage and melting

  
of the solder ball 68 and the fusible rings 69 and 70, so that a solder connection is formed between the part not

  
 <EMI ID = 101.1>

  
coaxial and that a seal be formed with respect to the external medium, if desired. When, as shown in the drawings, the sleeve 61 is transparent, the welded connection is easy to inspect, but when this visual examination is not not necessary, it is not essential to use a transparent material.

  
Figs. 18 to 20 represent quantities of solder of different shapes on an uninsulated part 6 &#65533; of

  
 <EMI ID = 102.1>

  
is formed by crimping a strip of solder around the uninsulated portion 65, the resulting amount of solder having, in cross section, the shape of a compressed "C". Therefore, in a cross section of the solder 71, the central portion 72 and the end portions 73 of the solder strip contact opposite sides of the conductor, the end portions

  
being spaced slightly apart from each other and the part of the strip between the central part and each end part

  
is folded back on itself so as to form two diametrically opposed parts 74 extending outwardly and formed by welding and each of which has, in cross section, a lateral extension a little greater than the thickness of the strip. welding.

  
Fig. 19 is a view of a quantity of weld in the form of a ball 75 provided with two diametrically opposed legs 76 extending outwardly which. can, if the sleeve is partially tightened by recovery on at least! -one of them,

  
 <EMI ID = 103.1>

  
 <EMI ID = 104.1>

  
triangular and has a slit 78 so that the cross section is open and the solder can be forced into place on the uninsulated part 65 of the conductor and, in the case of a braided conductor, this can be facilitated by movement strands of the braid relative to each other. ? Slot 78 communicates with a central hole 79 of solder 77, the dimensions of the hole being such that solder 77 tightly surrounds the conductor.

  
The quantities of solder illustrated in Figs. 18-20 can, if desired, be used in a manufactured product as shown in FIG. 17 to replace solder ball 68 shown, or can be used

  
in any other manufactured product in accordance with the invention which contains an electrical conductor already installed. 'One of the parties

  
 <EMI ID = 105.1>

  
or more of the vertices of the triangle which is the cross section through the amount of weld 77 in FIG. 20 can, if desired, act like the legs 76 in FIG. 19, namely am-

  
 <EMI ID = 106.1>

  
in the sleeve. One case where such an improvement may be desirable is where the short length of insulation 66 in FIG. 17 is missing (which can happen if, for example, the part not

  
 <EMI ID = 107.1>

  
turé may only comprise a ring of fusible material (for example the ring 69 in FIG. 17, the ring 70 being absent.

  
It should be noted that in manufactured products

  
of all figures except Fig. 10, at least part of

  
the weld is protruding in the outer circumference of the sleeve. In the case of the sleeves illustrated in the drawings, the protrusion disappears appreciably or becomes less marked when

  
free recovery of the sleeve and fusion of the weld.

  
When the manufactured product of the invention comprises

  
an already installed oblong electrical conductor which carries an amount of solder, the manufactured product may, if desired, include more than one such conductor.

  
Examples of elongated electrical conductors which may be used in the article of manufacture of the invention which includes a conductor already installed are ground conductors and electrically conductive pins, eg, plug pins. In manufactured products which include a conductor already installed, it should be noted that a sleeve

  
which has a substantially constant cross-section throughout

  
its length may include an additional part, for example a terminal part, different in shape and / or dimension in cross-section, provided that a substantial part of the inner circumference of the additional part is substantially spaced from the conductor , that is to say

  
that the additional part is not in the resumed state in close contact with the conductor.

CLAIMS

  
1.- Manufactured product, characterized in that it

  
includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve open to at least one

  
end and an eccentrically housed weld quantity

  
in the sleeve and held by and / or on the sleeve, the weld

  
being such that it does not occupy the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section

  
of the sleeve.


    

Claims (1)

2.- Manufactured product according to claim 1, characterized in that in a cross section in the manufactured product in the region of the amount of solder, the weld area is small compared to the total area included in the sleeve. 3.- Manufactured product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in a cross section in the product in the area of the amount of solder, solder does not protrude noticeably into the surface included in the sleeve. <EMI ID = 108.1> claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the quantity of solder is located so as to allow the insertion into the sleeve of an oblong manufactured product whose dimensions do not are only slightly smaller than those on the inside of the sleeve. 5.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 109.1> hard is localized in one or more parts of the surface inner sleeve. 6.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 110.1> hard consists of two parts separated from each other to allow the insertion of part of an oblong substrate between the two solder parts. 7.- Manufactured product according to claim 6, characterized in that the two parts are located in a common cross section of the sleeve. 8.- Manufactured product according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the two parts are close to each other, but do not touch. 9.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the two parts are opposing parts of an amount of solder of which at least a part has, in general, a cross section in "C". "or" U ". 10.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the amount of solder is shaped and placed so that in use an oblong substrate is received in the sleeve and a part of the oblong substrate is placed near the quantity of solder, at least part of the solder being located between the part of the oblong substrate and the part of the sleeve radially outside this part of the oblong substrate. 11.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least part of the amount of solder has, in general, a cross section in the shape of "C" or "U". . 12.- Manufactured product according to claim 11, characterized in that at least part of the outer surface - <EMI ID = 111.1> upper side of the sleeve. 13.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 112.1> hard is localized to part of the inner surface of the sleeve, generally has a cross section and "C" shape <EMI ID = 113.1> 14.- Manufactured product according to claim 6 and any one of the claims dependent on claim 6, characterized in that the two parts are distinct amounts of scudure. <EMI ID = 114.1> characterized in that the two quantities of solder occupy positions substantially diametrically opposed to each other in the sleeve. 16.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 115.1> each amount of solder is shaped like a ball. .17-- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least part of the weld is located in a protuberance of the outer circumference of the sleeve. Manufactured product according to claim 17, characterized in that the protuberance substantially disappears during the free recovery of the sleeve and the fusion of the weld. 19.- Manufactured product according to any one of <EMI ID = 116.1> The weld is held in place in the sleeve by a partially narrowed portion of the sleeve. 20.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 117.1> <EMI ID = 118.1> muff. 21.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the. sleeve comprises, at least over a part of its length, two longitudinal compartments arranged side by side and one of which has a small section compared to that of the other, the quantity of solder being located in the compartment of small section and <EMI ID = 119.1> weld region. 22.- Manufactured product according to claim 21, characterized in that the compartments communicate together over the entire length of the smaller compartment. 23.- Manufactured product according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the quantity of solder is retained by the inner walls of the smaller compartment. 24.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the sleeve comprises several layers which cooperate to retain the weld. <EMI ID = 120.1> characterized in that the sleeve comprises a first outer layer and a first inner layer which extends only a part of the length of the first outer layer, the weld being retained by cooperation between an end portion of the first layer inner layer and the portion of the first outer layer adjacent to that end portion of the first inner layer. <EMI ID = 121.1> characterized in that the quantity of solder comprises one or more parts which extend longitudinally in the sleeve and are taken between the first inner layer and the first outer layer and one or more parts which are not located between these layers. 27.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 122.1> inner che has a substantially shaped cross section <EMI ID = 123.1> of the "C". 28.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the weld is <EMI ID = 124.1> 29.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the weld is bonded to the inner wall of the sleeve. 30.- Manufactured product according to claim 29, characterized in that the solder is bonded to the sleeve by a tacky flux. 31.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 125.1> also takes or has guide means for receiving an oblong substrate and determining its radial position in the sleeve, the arrangement being such that, when in use, the oblong substrate is received in the guide means, part of the oblong substrate can be placed near at least part of the amount of solder. 32.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the amount of solder is located away from the open end of the. sleeve and guide means, suitable for receiving an oblong substrate and guiding it to a position where part of the substrate is close to the weld, is provided at. less in the. region between the open end and the weld. <EMI ID = 126.1> or 32, characterized in that at least a substantial part of the <EMI ID = 127.1> <EMI ID = 128.1> claims 31 to 33, characterized in that at least part of the weld is located further from the open end of the sleeve than the guide means. <EMI ID = 129.1> claims 31 to 34, characterized in that the amount of solder is located so that when the oblon substrate is serviced &#65533; is received in the guide means and part of the oblong substrate is placed near the amount of <EMI ID = 130.1> this part of the first substrate and the part of the sleeve radially outside this part of the first substrate. 36.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 131.1> solder comprises two parts spaced from each other so that, when in use, the oblong substrate is received in the guide means, a part of the oblong substrate can be placed between the two solder parts. <EMI ID = 132.1> claims 31 to 36, characterized in that the guide means comprises a channel having two open ends " 38.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 31 to 37., characterized in that at least part of the guide means is defined by a wall of the sleeve. 39.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that the guide means is at least partly defined by part of the inner surface of the sleeve and at least part of a surface of an inserted member housed in the sleeve. <EMI ID = 133.1> claims 31 to 38, characterized in that the sleeve comprises a second outer layer and a second inner layer which extends only a part of the length of the second inner layer and the guide means is at least partly defined by part of the inner surface of the second outer layer and part of the outer surface of the second inner layer. <EMI ID = 134.1> characterized in that, except in the region of the guide means, <EMI ID = 135.1> interior .. 42.- Manufactured product according to claim 40 <EMI ID = 136.1> Inner layer is fusible at the temperature to which, in service, the manufactured product is heated for shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable sleeve and fusion of the weld. <EMI ID = 137.1> characterized in that the second inner layer is integral with a quantity of fusible material which is disposed between the guide means and the end of the sleeve, the fusible material extending around the contour of the entire inner circumference. a cross section of the sleeve terminating end to end with the inner surface of the second outer layer. <EMI ID = 138.1> claims 40 to 43, characterized in that the sleeve comprises first inner, and outer layers and a single outer layer constitutes the first outer layer and the second outer layer. <EMI ID = 139.1> <EMI ID = 140.1> takes first inner and outer layers and a single inner layer constitutes the first outer layer and the second inner layer. <EMI ID = 141.1> <EMI ID = 142.1> oblong substrate received, in use, in the guide means'. <EMI ID = 143.1> characterized in that the constriction is formed by an indentation in the wall of the. muff . <EMI ID = 144.1> <EMI ID = 145.1> a stop to limit the axial penetration into the sleeve of a substrate which, in use, is received in the sleeve. 49.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 31 to 48, characterized in that it also comprises a stop for limiting the axial penetration into the sleeve of an oblong substrate which, in use, is received in the means of guidance. <EMI ID = 146.1> or 49, characterized in that the stopper comprises part of the inner wall of the sleeve. 51.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 147.1> the amount of solder. 52. An article of manufacture according to claim 25 and any one of the claims dependent on claim 25 or claim 40 and any one of the claims. <EMI ID = 148.1> that the inner layer and the outer layer are both heat shrinkable. 53.- Product "manufactured according to claim 25 and any one of the claims dependent on claim 25 or claim 40 and any one of the claims dependent on claim 40, characterized in that at least one layer comprises a material different from that of the other layer (s). <EMI ID = 149.1> claims 1 to 53, characterized in that at least part of the sleeve is elastically deformable in cross section and has a non-circular internal section. <EMI ID = 150.1> characterized in that the sleeve portion has two long sides and two short sides. <EMI ID = 151.1> or 55, characterized in that the sleeve portion has a substantially rectangular cross section. 57.- The manufactured product of claim 56, characterized in that the or each quantity of solder is adjacent to a short side of the rectangle. 58.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 152.1> wears a longitudinal seam. <EMI ID = 153.1> characterized in that the sleeve has been formed from a sheet of a material whose opposite edges are provided with means for assembling the edges. 60.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 59, characterized in that the sleeve is open at both ends. 61.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 60, characterized in that the sleeve comprises an electrically insulating material. 62.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 1 to 61, characterized in that an amount of fusible material is located between the weld and the or each open end of the sleeve. 63.- Manufactured product produced in substance as de- <EMI ID = 154.1> <EMI ID = 155.1> <EMI ID = 156.1> 16 or any of Figs. 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings. <EMI ID = 157.1> thermal option, characterized in that it comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve having two open ends the sleeve containing, in the retained state, an oblong electrical conductor which exits at one end of the sleeve, at least a portion of the length of the conductor within the sleeve being uninsulated, the conductor being an earth conductor and housed in the sleeve so that the article of manufacture may, in use, be passed around an oblong substrate having external dimensions which are only a little smaller than the internal dimensions of the sleeve, so that the substrate exits at both ends of the sleeve, in addition to a quantity of solder on at least a part of this uninsulated part, the solder being housed eccentrically within the sleeve and such that it does not extend around the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve. 65.- Manufactured product capable of thermal dimensional recovery, characterized in that it comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve having two open ends and having, along its length, a substantially constant cross section, the sleeve containing, in the retained state, in a position adjacent to its interior surface, an elongated electrical conductor which exits at least one end of the sleeve, at least a part of conductor length, inside of the sleeve, being uninsulated, in addition to a quantity of solder on at least a part of this uninsulated part, the solder being accommodated eccentrically in the sleeve and such that it does not extend the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve. 66.- Manufactured product capable of thermal dimensional recovery, characterized in that it comprises a sleeve <EMI ID = 158.1> oblong insulated electrical outlet which exits at least one end of the sleeve, at least part of the length of the conductor, inside the sleeve, being uninsulated, in addition to a quantity of solder on at least part of this uninsulated part, the weld being eccentrically housed in the sleeve and such that it does not extend the contour of the entire inner circumference of any cross section of the sleeve. 67.- Manufactured product according to any one of the . Claims 64 to 66, characterized in that the conductor is insulated, except over a length inside the sleeve which must participate in the formation of an electrical connection. 68. Manufactured product according to any one of claims 64 to 67, characterized in that the conductor exits at only one end of the sleeve and the end end portion of the conductor in the sleeve is insulated. 69.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 64 to 68, characterized in that the quantity of solder is localized in the region of the conductor. 70.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 64 to 69, characterized in that the quantity of solder is crimped onto the conductor. 71.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 64 to 70, characterized in that the quantity the weld comprises several parts extending outwardly. 72.- Manufactured product according to any one of claims 64 to 71, characterized in that the conductor <EMI ID = 159.1> chon and an outer surface of at least one inserted member housed in the sleeve. 73.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 160.1> <EMI ID = 161.1> the welding. 74.- Manufactured product according to claim 72 or 73, characterized in that the inserted member has the shape of a ring. <EMI ID = 162.1> <EMI ID = 163.1> at least two inserted members, of which .at least one is housed between the part of the conductor carrying the weld and each end of the sleeve. 76.- Manufactured product according to any one of the <EMI ID = 164.1> inserted is in contact with an insulated length of the conductor. 77.- Manufactured product, characterized in that it comprises a heat-shrinkable sleeve comprising a first open end and a second and containing, in the retained state, an oblong electrical conductor, an insulated part of which exits at a first open end of the sleeve and an extrem- <EMI ID = 165.1> tor between the insulated end and the first end of the sleeve being uninsulated and carrying a quantity of solder. 78.- Manufactured product according to claim 77, characterized in that the conductor is retained in the sleeve by cooperation between the sleeve and the first fusible ring and the second, each of which has an outer surface which comes into contact with a part insulated from the conductor, the first ring being housed between the uninsulated part of the conductor and the first end of the sleeve and the second ring being housed between the uninsulated part of the conductor and the second end of the sleeve. 79.- Method for electrically connecting a first electrical conductor and a second; characterized by placing the conductors in place in an article of manufacture according to any one of claims 1 to 63 and heating is carried out to cause the shrinkage of the heat shrinkable sleeve and the melting of the solder and to form an electrical connection between the conductors. 80.- Method for connecting a first electrical conductor and a second, characterized in that one puts, in any order or in substance simultaneously, in place the first conductor so that it is received in the means for guiding a manufactured product according to claim 31 or any claim dependent on claim 31, a portion of the first conductor being in proximity to the weld, and the second conductor is placed in the sleeve, followed by heating to cause the sleeve to shrink and melt. solder so as to form an electrical connection between the conductors. 81.- The method of claim 80, characterized in that the cited part of the first conductor is an end part. 82.- The method of claim 80 or 81, characterized in that the quantity of solder comprises two parts separated from one another and the first conductor is placed between the two solder parts. 83.- Method according to claim 82, characterized in that two solder parts act as positioning means for the first conductor. 84 -.- A method according to any one of claims 79 to 83, characterized in that the manufactured product comprises a stop for limiting the axial penetration of the first conductor into the sleeve and the first conductor is placed in the sleeve so that part of the first driver touches the stop. <EMI ID = 166.1> <EMI ID = 167.1> outer core of a coaxial cable. 86.- A process for forming an electrical connection, characterized in that a manufactured product is placed according to <EMI ID = 168.1> substrate and heating is performed to cause the sleeve to shrink and the solder to melt to form an electrical connection between the conductor and the substrate. 87.- The method of claim 86, characterized in that the substrate is the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. 88. A method of forming an electrical connection, carried out in substance as described above. 89.- Electrical connection formed by a method according to any one of claims 79 to 87. INFORMATION NOTE The company: RAYCHEM PONTOISE S. A., holder of the <EMI ID = 169.1> points out the following material error in the specification filed in support of this patent application: <EMI ID = 170.1> The undersigned is aware that no document attached to the file of an invention patent can be of a nature to make, either to the description or to the drawings, modifications: substantive and declares that the content of this note does not such modifications and has no other purpose than to point out one or more material errors. She acknowledges that the content of this note does not may have the effect of restoring full or partial validity of the patent which will be granted on the aforementioned patent application, if this was not fully or partially valid under the legislation currently in force .. She authorizes the Administration to attach this note <EMI ID = 171.1> <EMI ID = 172.1> The company: RAYCHEM PONTOISE S.A., holder of the <EMI ID = 173.1> "Manufactured products susceptible to thermal dimensional recovery", indicates the following material error in the description filed in support of this patent application: <EMI ID = 174.1> The undersigned is aware that no document attached to the file of an invention patent can be of a nature to make, either to the description or to the drawings, substantive changes and declares that the content of this note no 'make no such changes and has no other purpose than to report one or more material errors. It recognizes that the content of this note cannot have the effect of making the patent which will be granted on the aforementioned patent application valid in whole or in part, if it was not in whole or in part by virtue of the legislation currently in force. It authorizes the Administration to attach this note to the patent file and to issue a photocopy thereof. INFORMATION NOTE The company RAYCHEM PONTOISE S.A., holder of patent application n [deg.] 195 * 363 filed on May 23, 1979, for: Products <EMI ID = 175.1> points out the following material error in the specification filed in support of this patent application: <EMI ID = 176.1> The undersigned is aware that no document attached to the file of an invention patent can be of a nature to make, either to the description or to the drawings, substantive modifications and declares that the content of this note no 'make no such changes and has no other purpose than to report one or more material errors. It recognizes that the content of this note cannot have the effect of making the patent which will be granted on the aforementioned patent application valid in whole or in part, if the latter was not granted in whole or in part by virtue of the legislation currently in force. It authorizes the Administration to attach this note to the patent file and to issue a photocopy thereof.