WO2012030462A2 - Connector for electrical cables - Google Patents

Connector for electrical cables Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012030462A2
WO2012030462A2 PCT/US2011/046350 US2011046350W WO2012030462A2 WO 2012030462 A2 WO2012030462 A2 WO 2012030462A2 US 2011046350 W US2011046350 W US 2011046350W WO 2012030462 A2 WO2012030462 A2 WO 2012030462A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
connector
electrical
base
cover
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2011/046350
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012030462A3 (en
Inventor
Richard J. Scherer
Joseph N. Castiglione
Jesse A. Mann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Innovative Properties Co
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Co filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Co
Publication of WO2012030462A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012030462A2/en
Publication of WO2012030462A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012030462A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/03—Connectors arranged to contact a plurality of the conductors of a multiconductor cable, e.g. tapping connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a connector for electrical cables, in particular electrical cables having a small diameter.
  • the invention further relates to terminated cable assembly as well as to an electrical connector assembly and a system for an electrical connector assembly.
  • Interconnection of integrated circuits to other circuit boards, cables or electronic devices is known in the art. Such interconnections typically have not been difficult to form, especially when the signal line densities have been relatively low. As user requirements grow more demanding with respect to interconnect sizes, the design and manufacture of interconnects that can perform satisfactorily has grown more difficult.
  • Such cable assemblies may be a 2MM 2 Position Termination commercially available from Joy Signal Technology, Chico, California.
  • United States patent publication US 2008/0124974 Al discloses a connector for electrical cables including a tubular housing of electrically conductive material, an inner housing of electrically insulating material and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the inner housing. The electrical contacts are configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable.
  • the inner housing is a two part housing. In assembly, the two parts of the housing are kept in relative position by the tubular housing in combination with positioning features on the inner housing parts.
  • United States patent publication US 2010/0041273 Al discloses an electrical connector assembly including a printed circuit board, a header coupled to the printed circuit board and an electrical cable termination configured to mate with the header.
  • the header includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulative housing.
  • the header and the electrical cable termination are configured such that the electrical cable termination makes electrical contact with at least one of the contact pins of the header.
  • the electrical connector assembly may include a conductive shield at least partially enclosing the header and electrical cable
  • the present invention provides a connector for electrical cables comprising
  • tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions
  • a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable.
  • the housing further comprises a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
  • the invention provides a connector for electrical cables with a two part housing of electrically insulating material.
  • the two part housing comprises a cavity that provides space for accommodating a plurality of contacts.
  • the two parts of the housing - base and cover - may be arranged such that the housing is in an open position.
  • the open position for the housing may be used during the assembly of the connector, e.g. during connecting the electrical contacts to a conductor of the electrical cable.
  • the two parts of the housing may also be arranged such that the housing is in a closed position.
  • a closed position is a position where the base and the cover are arranged such that the cavity for the contacts it encloses is substantially closed and the contacts are surrounded by the housing parts.
  • the housing usually is in the closed position to provide an electrical insulation for the contacts.
  • the two parts of the housing may easily be fixed at each other in the closed position of the housing by using the fixing means they provide. No additional fixing means need to be used.
  • the connector for electrical cables according to the invention provides a simple construction and is therewith cheap in production.
  • the tubular shaped housing of the connector provides the possibility of arranging several connectors according to the invention close to each other which allows for a high density arrangement of the connectors and therewith a space saving assembly.
  • a housing of electrically insulating material e.g. plastic
  • a housing out of electrically insulating material fulfils the necessary insulating properties for the contacts that are accommodated in the housing. Therefore no separate insulation for the contacts is necessary.
  • the range of the applications for the connector for electrical cables according to the invention may be power applications and low frequency applications, e.g. frequencies below 100 MHz. That means that the electrical contacts of the connector according to the invention may be connected to electrical cables transmitting power or signals with a frequency below the above mentioned threshold.
  • the fixing means of the base and the cover of the connector according to the invention may according to one aspect of the invention comprise snap fit elements.
  • Snap fit elements are well known fixing elements and provide a cost saving solution for fixing parts made out of electrically insulating material at each other.
  • snap fit elements provide a reversible solution for fixing means, such that the cover and the base may be opened and closed several times.
  • Alternative fixing means may be friction fit element, press fit element, mechanical clamping means or adhesives.
  • the base of the connector according to the invention may comprise a catch as a snap fit element.
  • the cover of the connector according to the invention may comprise an opening as a snap fit element that corresponds to the catch of the base. It is also possible that the cover provides a catch and the base provides an opening.
  • Catch and opening are easy and therewith cost saving to manufacture, especially if base and cover are made by injection molding. Depending on the design of the catch and the opening, especially depending on the size or dimensions and the accessibility, such fixing means are also easy to handle in use.
  • Base and cover may for example be easily opened and closed by hand without use of additional tools. It is further possible that the base and cover comprise other well known snap fit elements, such as for example a hook and an opening or a lip and an undercut.
  • the base of the connector according to the invention may comprise channels or grooves for receiving the cover.
  • the cover of the connector according to the invention may comprise corresponding guides or projections for sliding in the channels of the base.
  • Such a construction may have the advantage of providing a guiding function for a relative movement of the base and the cover. It is easily possible with such a construction to open and close the housing by using only one hand; the base may be positioned in the hand and the cover may be opened and closed by putting the thumb on top of the cover and sliding it back and forth. In combination with the above mentioned snap-fit elements the cover may even be fixed at the base to close the housing by only using one hand.
  • the connector according to the invention may have a cover that comprises openings for providing access to the electrical contacts.
  • the housing of the connector accommodates the electrical contacts and provides insulation for them.
  • the housing comprises openings.
  • the openings are arranged in the cover.
  • the openings may also be arranged in the base if appropriate.
  • the openings may be configured such that they may receive contact pins, e.g. from a header coupled to a printed circuit board.
  • the base of the housing of the connector according to the invention may have a generally u- shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the cover relative to the base during closure of the housing.
  • a u-shaped base is a very simple way of forming a cavity for the electrical contacts of the connector. During assembly of the connector the electrical contacts may easily be placed and fixed inside of this cavity. If the base is u-shaped, the cover may have a very simple flat shape in order to build up a tubular housing.
  • the connector according to the invention may comprise a base with a substantially hollow center wall having at least one reinforcement rib.
  • the center wall provides the necessary insulation between the two contacts that are accommodated in the housing and provides a sufficient insulation resistance.
  • the reinforcement rib helps to stabilize the hollow wall simulating the function of a solid wall.
  • the invention also provides a terminated cable assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector.
  • the connector comprises
  • tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed positions
  • a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable.
  • the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
  • the invention further provides an electrical connector assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables and a header.
  • the connector for electrical cables comprises
  • tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions
  • a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
  • the header is configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
  • the electrical connector assembly according to the invention may comprise a conductive shield at least partially covering the electrical connector assembly. Such an assembly may be used for applications where a shield is needed.
  • the invention further comprises a system for an electrical connector assembly comprising a terminated cable assembly with
  • a connector for electrical cables comprising:
  • tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions
  • the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing;
  • the system further comprises
  • a header coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
  • Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector of a terminated cable assembly according to the invention showing its front side
  • Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the connector of Fig. 1 showing its rear side;
  • Fig. 3a is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in an open stage;
  • Fig. 3b is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in a partly closed stage;
  • Fig. 3c is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in an almost closed stage;
  • Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 3c showing its rear side;
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of the terminated cable assembly shown in
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the terminated cable assembly shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the electrical connector assembly having spring probes.
  • Fig. 1 shows a front side of an exemplary embodiment of a connector 2 of a terminated cable assembly 1 according one aspect of to the invention with an electrical cable 3, which is attached to the connector 2.
  • the connector 2 includes a tubular housing, which is a two part housing with a base 4 and a cover 5.
  • the base 4 and the cover 5 of the housing are made out of electrically insulating material.
  • Fig. 1 shows the base 4 and the cover 5 in a closed stage. The interior of the housing will be described with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the housing has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross section. At a first end of the housing, the cable entry end, a cable enters the housing over an opening that can not be seen in Fig. 1. At a second end, the contact pin entry end, that lies opposite of the cable entry end, the housing provides two openings 13 that provide access to contacts inside of the housing, that will also be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. The contact pin openings 13 are placed in the cover 5 as also will be described in more detail.
  • Fig. 2 shows the rear side of the connector 2 of Fig. 1.
  • the base 4 and the cover 5 are fixed at each other in the closed position of the housing over snap fit elements.
  • the base 4 provides a catch 11 and the cover provides a corresponding opening 12.
  • Catch 11 and opening 12 are configured such that the opening 12 receives the catch 11 in the closed stage of the base 4 and the cover 5, which is shown in Fig. 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 3a shows a terminated cable assembly 1 in an open stage wherein a connector 2 for electrical cables is connected to an electrical cable 3.
  • the connector 2 includes a tubular housing, which is a two part housing with a base 4 and a cover 5.
  • the tubular housing is made out of electrically insulating material.
  • the base 4 of the housing includes inner spaces 6 configured to receive electrical contacts 7.
  • the electrical contacts 7 are separated within the housing by an inner housing center wall 8.
  • the center wall 8 is substantially hollow and provides two reinforcement ribs 15, that extend through a hollow part of the center wall 8.
  • the electrical contacts 7 are conventional in design. They are formed out of sheet material into a generally u-shaped form and include a front passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a, a contact positioning portion 7b and a rear connection portion 7c.
  • the front passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a is configured to be separately electrically connected to an electrical contact, e.g. a contact pin, of a suitable mating connector.
  • the contact positioning portion 7b includes two contact positioning features 9 on each side of the contact.
  • the rear connection portion 7c is configured to be electrically connected to a conductor 9 of the cable 3.
  • the type of electrical cable used in this exemplary embodiment present in the current art can be a single wire cable (e.g. single coaxial or single twin axial) or a multiple wire cable (e.g. multiple coaxial or multiple twin axial or twisted pair cables).
  • the base 4 of the housing has a generally u-shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction A of the cover 5 relative to the base 4 during closure of the housing. It has a ground plate 4b and two side walls 4a. At the cable entry end of the base 4 it comprises channels 16 that extend from its side walls 4b to the interior of the housing. The channels 16 are provided on two opposite sides of the base 4. They extend over less than half of the length of the base 4.
  • the cover 5 of the connector 2 comprises two parts.
  • a first part 5a is a flat part, that encloses in the closed position of the housing together with the u-shaped base 4 a cavity.
  • a second part 5b is a tubular part with the openings 13 for receiving contacts of a mating connector (not shown).
  • the flat part 5a of the cover 5 comprises guides 17, that are arranged in a parallel way on both sides of the flat part 5 a for engaging the channels 15 of the base 4 when the cover 5 is pushed into the closed position of the housing.
  • the tubular part 5b of the cover 5 is configured such that it may receive a part 4c of the base 4 with the passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a.
  • Fig. 3b does show the terminated cable assembly 1 of Fig.
  • Fig. 3b does show the terminated cable assembly 1 of Fig. 1 in an almost closed stage.
  • the cover 5 is pushed up so far that the guides 17 of the cover 5 already engage with the channels 15 of the base 4.
  • Fig. 4 is perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 3c showing its rear side.
  • the connector 2 is almost closed that means that the guides 17 of the cover 5 already engage with the channels 15 of the base 4.
  • ground plate 4b faces the rear side. Ground plate 4b together with the two side walls 4a build the u- shaped base.
  • the base Facing the pin entry end of the connector 2, the base provides a thinner part 4c also comprising a ground plate part 4b and a side wall part 4a.
  • the ground plate part 4b of the thinner part 4c of the base 4 further comprises the catch 11 for engaging with the opening 12 of the cover.
  • the catch has a guiding portion 11a and a flat portion l ib.
  • the guiding portion 11a is a tapered portion at the catch that helps to close the connector more easily.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover 5 of the terminated cable assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 to 3c with its flat part 5a as well as its tubular part 5b.
  • the flat part 5a provides at its upper inner end a recess 41 for a sheath or jacket of an entering cable.
  • the tubular part 5b has the above described opening 12 for engaging with the catch 11 of the base 4.
  • It further comprises a pin 42 which is also made out of electrically insulating material.
  • the cover 5 may be made out of one piece or it may be made out of several pieces that are being attached at each other during assembly of the connector 2.
  • the pin 42 functions as a guiding piece during closing of the housing of the connector 2 as will be described with reference to the next drawing.
  • the pin 42 is fixed at the contact pin entry end between the two openings 13.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base 4 of the terminated cable assembly 1 shown in Fig.
  • the ground plate 4b can be conductive or not be conductive.
  • the base 4 also provides two parallel openings 13 for entering pins that face the pin entering end of the connector 2. Between the two openings, right in the middle of the two openings, the base 4 provides a third opening 43 for receiving the pin 41 of the cover 5.
  • the flat part 5 a of the cover 5 gets in contact with the base 4 on top of the cavity enclosed by base 4 and cover 5.
  • the pin 41 than enters the guiding opening 43 in the housing.
  • Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 21 according to another aspect of the present invention.
  • the electrical connector assembly 21 includes a printed circuit board 22, a header 23 coupled to the printed circuit bard 22 and a terminated cable assembly with a cable 3 and a connector 2 configured to mate with the header 23.
  • the header 23 includes an insulative housing 24 and a plurality of contact pins 25 disposed in the insulative housing 24. When the header 23 and the terminated cable assembly are in mated condition, the terminated cable assembly makes electrical contact with the contact pins 25.
  • the contact pins 25 are connected to the printed circuit board 22 as is known in the art, such as for example by soldering, press-fit or any other suitable approach.
  • the header 23 is secured to the printed circuit board 22 by the connection between the contact pins 25 and the printed circuit board 22.
  • the header 23 may further comprise mounting posts (not shown) extending from the insulative housing 24 of the header 23 into the direction of the printed circuit board 22.
  • the mounting posts may retain in holes (not shown) in the printed circuit board 22 by press-fit, adhesive, or any other suitable approach.
  • header 23 may include additional structure(s) for securing it to the printed circuit board 22.
  • the insulative housing 24 of the header 23 includes two side walls 26, an interior wall 27 extending between the side walls 26 and a resilient latch 28 extending from interior wall 27.
  • the insulative housing 24 may be monolithic or it may be formed as a multipart housing.
  • the insulative housing 24 is configured to receive and position a terminated cable assembly, which is retained in a mated configuration by the resilient latch 28.
  • a terminated cable assembly As the terminated cable assembly is inserted into the header 23, a front edge of the terminated cable assembly engages with the latch 28 and deflects it out of the path of the terminated cable assembly. As the terminated cable assembly is fully inserted, latch 28 returns back into its original (undeflected) position and holds the terminated cable assembly.
  • the terminated cable assembly can be removed from the header 23 by simply deflecting the latch 28 (as with small tool or a fingernail) to disengage the latch 28 from a back edge of the terminated cable assembly.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 21 according to yet another aspect of the invention.
  • the electrical connector assembly 21 includes a printed circuit board 22, a header 23 coupled to the printed circuit board 22 as explained with reference to Fig. 7, a terminated cable assembly as explained with reference to Fig. 7 configured to mate with the header 23 and a conductive shield 29 at least partially enclosing the header 23 and the terminated cable assembly.
  • the conductive shield 29 has a top wall 31 and laterally extending side walls 32a - 32d (collectively referred to herein as "side walls 32"). Although the illustrated embodiments includes four side walls 32 defining a substantially rectangular box-shaped conductive shield 29 substantially corresponding with the shape of the header 23, conductive shield 29 may have other numbers of side walls defining other shapes as is suitable for the intended application. Although in the illustrated embodiment top wall 31 and side walls 32b and 32d define a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section, in other embodiments, conductive shield 29 may have a generally curvilinear transverse cross-section. At least one of side walls 32 is configured to enable insertion and extraction of an electrical cable termination 1.
  • the sidewall 32c extends from the top wall 31 such that it can pivot between a closed position (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the top wall 31) and an open position (i.e. substantially parallel with the top wall 31). In the close position, the side wall 32c contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. In the open position, the side wall 32c allows for electrical cable termination 1 to be inserted into or extracted from the header 23.
  • side wall 32a extends from the top wall 31 such that it can pivot between a closed position (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the top wall 31) and an open position (i.e. substantially parallel with the top wall 31).
  • side wall 32a In the closed position, side wall 32a contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions.
  • side wall 32a In the open position, side wall 32a allows for access to the contact pins 25 of the header 23, e.g. for repair or replacement.
  • side walls 32a and 32c In part to optimize shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, side walls 32a and 32c include flanges 33 which overlap a portion of side walls 32b and 32d.
  • the side wall 32c includes an opening 34 configured to provide clearance for the electrical cable 3.
  • the opening in the side wall 32b serves as snap fit element for fixing the conductive shield 29 to a corresponding structure at the electrical connector assembly 21 of Fig. 7.
  • the latch in the opening of the top wall 31 contacts the housing of the connector 2 through the opening in the internal wall 27 (see Fig. 7).
  • the conductive shield 29 may include a plurality of conductive shield ground contacts (not shown) extending e.g. from the side walls 32b and 32d. In other embodiments, one or more conductive shield ground contacts may extend from one or more side walls 32.
  • the conductive shield contacts may be configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element (not shown).
  • the conductive shield ground contacts may be through-hole contacts configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element via holes 35 (see Fig. 7) in the printed circuit board 22 by soldering, press-fit, or other suitable approaches.
  • the shield ground contacts may be surface mount contacts configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element via, e.g. surface mount pads on printed circuit board 22 by soldering, mechanical clamping, or other suitable approach.
  • the printed circuit board 22 may include a conductive shield element (not shown), at least partially enclosing the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1.
  • the conductive shield element may be formed on the printed circuit board 22 by any number of conventional deposition or etching techniques, such as vapor deposition, chemical etching and the like. Alternatively, the conductive shield element may be formed as a separate element from metals, conductive polymers, ceramics, or the like.
  • the conductive shield element may comprise for example, pre-formed pieces of copper, silver, aluminium or other conductor that are positioned on the printed circuit board 22 and the conductive shield element may be formed in any suitable shape, such as, e.g., a shape substantially corresponding with a perimeter defined by side walls 32 of the conductive shield 29 as illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • the conductive shield element contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions.
  • Fig. 9 and 10 show another exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 41 according to an aspect of the invention in an assembled configuration.
  • the electrical connector assembly 41 includes two connectors 2 and a planar insulative connector body 42.
  • the connectors 2 are configured as described above. Each connector 2 is connected to an electrical cable 3.
  • the planar insulative connector body 42 includes an upper surface 43 and an opposing lower surface 44.
  • the upper and the lower surface 43 and 44 are defined by a front edge, a back edge and two longitudinal side edges.
  • the upper surface of the connector body 42 includes a plurality of longitudinal channels 45 separated by a rib 46 extending from openings 47 in the front edge towards the back edge.
  • Each channel 45 is adapted to receive a connector 2 with an electrical cable 3 and retain it securely within the connector body 42.
  • the connectors 2 are inserted into the channels 45 such that the contact pin entry end of the connector 2 abuts an interior surface 48 of the front edge.
  • the openings 47 in the front edge are configured to guide a corresponding plurality of contact pins, such as e.g.
  • Each channel 47 includes a stop 49 configured to assist in retaining the connector 2 in the connector body 42.
  • the connectors 2 may be retained within the connector body 42 by any suitable method, such as, e.g. snap fit, friction fit, press fit, and mechanical clamping.
  • the method used to retain the connectors 2 within the connector body 42 may permit the terminated cable assembly 1 (connector 2 and cable 3) to be removed, individually or in stets, or the method used to retain the terminated cable assembly 1 within the connector body 42 may permanently secure the connector 2 with the cable 3 within the connector body 42.
  • a plurality of electrical connectors 2 will be secured in a stacked configuration for use as an electrical connector assembly.
  • An example of an electrical connector assembly including a plurality of electrical connectors 2 secured in a stacked configuration is described in the U.S. patent application 61/300280 "Electrical Connector and Assembly" filed February 1 st , 2010 by 3M Innovative Properties Company, which is incorporated into the present patent application by reference.
  • Fig. 10 does show the same embodiment with spring probes integrated into the connector.
  • Embodiment 1 is a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
  • Embodiment 2 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the fixing means of base and cover comprise snap fit elements.
  • Embodiment 3 is the connector according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base comprises a catch as snap fit element.
  • Embodiment 4 is the connector according to embodiment 3, wherein the cover comprises an opening as a snap fit element that corresponds to the catch of the base.
  • Embodiment 5 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the base comprises channels for receiving the cover.
  • Embodiment 6 is the connector according to embodiment 5, wherein the cover comprises guides for sliding in the channels of the base.
  • Embodiment 7 is the connector according to embodiment 1 , wherein the cover comprises openings for providing access to the electrical contacts.
  • Embodiment 8 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the base has a generally u-shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the cover relative to the base during closure of the housing.
  • Embodiment 9 is the connector according to embodiment 1 , wherein the base comprises a substantially hollow center wall having at least one reinforcement rib.
  • Embodiment 10 is a terminated cable assembly comprising: a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector.
  • a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector
  • Embodiment 11 is an electrical connector assembly comprising: a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and a header configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
  • Embodiment 12 is the electrical connector assembly according to embodiment 11, further comprising a conductive shield at least partially covering the electrical connector assembly.
  • Embodiment 13 is a system for an electrical connector assembly comprising: a terminated cable assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector; the system further comprising a printed circuit board and a header coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.

Landscapes

  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a connector for electrical cables comprising: - a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; - a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and - the housing further comprising a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing. The invention also provides a terminated cable assembly with a connector as described above and a cable electrically connected to the connector. The invention further provides an electrical connector assembly comprising a connector as described above as well as a carrier for the connector.

Description

CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRICAL CABLES
Technical Field
The invention relates to a connector for electrical cables, in particular electrical cables having a small diameter. The invention further relates to terminated cable assembly as well as to an electrical connector assembly and a system for an electrical connector assembly.
Background
Interconnection of integrated circuits to other circuit boards, cables or electronic devices is known in the art. Such interconnections typically have not been difficult to form, especially when the signal line densities have been relatively low. As user requirements grow more demanding with respect to interconnect sizes, the design and manufacture of interconnects that can perform satisfactorily has grown more difficult.
Traditional cable assemblies of this type are usually overmolded. Such cable assemblies may be a 2MM 2 Position Termination commercially available from Joy Signal Technology, Chico, California.
United States patent publication US 2008/0124974 Al discloses a connector for electrical cables including a tubular housing of electrically conductive material, an inner housing of electrically insulating material and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the inner housing. The electrical contacts are configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable. The inner housing is a two part housing. In assembly, the two parts of the housing are kept in relative position by the tubular housing in combination with positioning features on the inner housing parts. United States patent publication US 2010/0041273 Al discloses an electrical connector assembly including a printed circuit board, a header coupled to the printed circuit board and an electrical cable termination configured to mate with the header. The header includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulative housing. The header and the electrical cable termination are configured such that the electrical cable termination makes electrical contact with at least one of the contact pins of the header. The electrical connector assembly may include a conductive shield at least partially enclosing the header and electrical cable termination.
Especially for power applications and low frequency applications, there is a need for a cost saving connector for electrical cables. Such connectors should furthermore be easy to handle during installation and/or use. There is further a need for a cost saving terminated cable assembly as well as for a cost saving electrical connector assembly.
Summary
The present invention provides a connector for electrical cables comprising
a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable.
The housing further comprises a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
In other words, the invention provides a connector for electrical cables with a two part housing of electrically insulating material. The two part housing comprises a cavity that provides space for accommodating a plurality of contacts. The two parts of the housing - base and cover - may be arranged such that the housing is in an open position. The open position for the housing may be used during the assembly of the connector, e.g. during connecting the electrical contacts to a conductor of the electrical cable. The two parts of the housing may also be arranged such that the housing is in a closed position. A closed position is a position where the base and the cover are arranged such that the cavity for the contacts it encloses is substantially closed and the contacts are surrounded by the housing parts. During use of the electrical connector the housing usually is in the closed position to provide an electrical insulation for the contacts. The two parts of the housing may easily be fixed at each other in the closed position of the housing by using the fixing means they provide. No additional fixing means need to be used. The connector for electrical cables according to the invention provides a simple construction and is therewith cheap in production. The tubular shaped housing of the connector provides the possibility of arranging several connectors according to the invention close to each other which allows for a high density arrangement of the connectors and therewith a space saving assembly.
Having a housing of electrically insulating material, e.g. plastic, has the advantage that it may be easily and therewith cost saving manufactured, for example by injection molding. Additionally a housing out of electrically insulating material fulfils the necessary insulating properties for the contacts that are accommodated in the housing. Therefore no separate insulation for the contacts is necessary. The range of the applications for the connector for electrical cables according to the invention may be power applications and low frequency applications, e.g. frequencies below 100 MHz. That means that the electrical contacts of the connector according to the invention may be connected to electrical cables transmitting power or signals with a frequency below the above mentioned threshold.
The fixing means of the base and the cover of the connector according to the invention may according to one aspect of the invention comprise snap fit elements. Snap fit elements are well known fixing elements and provide a cost saving solution for fixing parts made out of electrically insulating material at each other. Furthermore snap fit elements provide a reversible solution for fixing means, such that the cover and the base may be opened and closed several times. Alternative fixing means may be friction fit element, press fit element, mechanical clamping means or adhesives. According to another aspect of the invention, the base of the connector according to the invention may comprise a catch as a snap fit element. The cover of the connector according to the invention may comprise an opening as a snap fit element that corresponds to the catch of the base. It is also possible that the cover provides a catch and the base provides an opening. Catch and opening are easy and therewith cost saving to manufacture, especially if base and cover are made by injection molding. Depending on the design of the catch and the opening, especially depending on the size or dimensions and the accessibility, such fixing means are also easy to handle in use. Base and cover may for example be easily opened and closed by hand without use of additional tools. It is further possible that the base and cover comprise other well known snap fit elements, such as for example a hook and an opening or a lip and an undercut.
The base of the connector according to the invention may comprise channels or grooves for receiving the cover. The cover of the connector according to the invention may comprise corresponding guides or projections for sliding in the channels of the base. Such a construction may have the advantage of providing a guiding function for a relative movement of the base and the cover. It is easily possible with such a construction to open and close the housing by using only one hand; the base may be positioned in the hand and the cover may be opened and closed by putting the thumb on top of the cover and sliding it back and forth. In combination with the above mentioned snap-fit elements the cover may even be fixed at the base to close the housing by only using one hand.
The connector according to the invention may have a cover that comprises openings for providing access to the electrical contacts. As described above the housing of the connector accommodates the electrical contacts and provides insulation for them. In order to provide access to the electrical contacts the housing comprises openings. According to one embodiment of the invention the openings are arranged in the cover. The openings may also be arranged in the base if appropriate. The openings may be configured such that they may receive contact pins, e.g. from a header coupled to a printed circuit board.
The base of the housing of the connector according to the invention may have a generally u- shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the cover relative to the base during closure of the housing. A u-shaped base is a very simple way of forming a cavity for the electrical contacts of the connector. During assembly of the connector the electrical contacts may easily be placed and fixed inside of this cavity. If the base is u-shaped, the cover may have a very simple flat shape in order to build up a tubular housing.
The connector according to the invention may comprise a base with a substantially hollow center wall having at least one reinforcement rib. The center wall provides the necessary insulation between the two contacts that are accommodated in the housing and provides a sufficient insulation resistance. The reinforcement rib helps to stabilize the hollow wall simulating the function of a solid wall. Making base and center wall out of one piece provides advantages during manufacture and assembly of the connector, since the number of pieces is reduced as well as the number of assembly steps. The hollow wall does further maximize cost benefits for material consumption.
The invention also provides a terminated cable assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector. The connector comprises
a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed positions,
a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable.
The housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
The invention further provides an electrical connector assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables and a header. The connector for electrical cables comprises
a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
The header is configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
The electrical connector assembly according to the invention may comprise a conductive shield at least partially covering the electrical connector assembly. Such an assembly may be used for applications where a shield is needed.
The invention further comprises a system for an electrical connector assembly comprising a terminated cable assembly with
a connector for electrical cables comprising:
- a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
- a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable;
- the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and
an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector.
The system further comprises
- a printed circuit board and
- a header coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following Figures exemplifying particular embodiments of the invention: Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector of a terminated cable assembly according to the invention showing its front side; Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the connector of Fig. 1 showing its rear side;
Fig. 3a is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in an open stage;
Fig. 3b is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in a partly closed stage;
Fig. 3c is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 1 with the connector in an almost closed stage;
Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 3c showing its rear side;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of the terminated cable assembly shown in
Fig. 1 to 3c;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the terminated cable assembly shown in Fig.
1 to 3c;
Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention;
Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention;
Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention; and
Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the electrical connector assembly having spring probes.
Detailed Description
Herein below various embodiments of the present invention are described and shown in the drawings wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numbers. The accompanying drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description therefore is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Fig. 1 shows a front side of an exemplary embodiment of a connector 2 of a terminated cable assembly 1 according one aspect of to the invention with an electrical cable 3, which is attached to the connector 2. The connector 2 includes a tubular housing, which is a two part housing with a base 4 and a cover 5. The base 4 and the cover 5 of the housing are made out of electrically insulating material. Fig. 1 shows the base 4 and the cover 5 in a closed stage. The interior of the housing will be described with reference to Fig. 3.
The housing has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross section. At a first end of the housing, the cable entry end, a cable enters the housing over an opening that can not be seen in Fig. 1. At a second end, the contact pin entry end, that lies opposite of the cable entry end, the housing provides two openings 13 that provide access to contacts inside of the housing, that will also be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. The contact pin openings 13 are placed in the cover 5 as also will be described in more detail.
Fig. 2 shows the rear side of the connector 2 of Fig. 1. The base 4 and the cover 5 are fixed at each other in the closed position of the housing over snap fit elements. The base 4 provides a catch 11 and the cover provides a corresponding opening 12. Catch 11 and opening 12 are configured such that the opening 12 receives the catch 11 in the closed stage of the base 4 and the cover 5, which is shown in Fig. 1 and 2.
Fig. 3a shows a terminated cable assembly 1 in an open stage wherein a connector 2 for electrical cables is connected to an electrical cable 3. The connector 2 includes a tubular housing, which is a two part housing with a base 4 and a cover 5. The tubular housing is made out of electrically insulating material. The base 4 of the housing includes inner spaces 6 configured to receive electrical contacts 7. The electrical contacts 7 are separated within the housing by an inner housing center wall 8. The center wall 8 is substantially hollow and provides two reinforcement ribs 15, that extend through a hollow part of the center wall 8. The electrical contacts 7 are conventional in design. They are formed out of sheet material into a generally u-shaped form and include a front passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a, a contact positioning portion 7b and a rear connection portion 7c. The front passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a is configured to be separately electrically connected to an electrical contact, e.g. a contact pin, of a suitable mating connector. The contact positioning portion 7b includes two contact positioning features 9 on each side of the contact. The rear connection portion 7c is configured to be electrically connected to a conductor 9 of the cable 3. The type of electrical cable used in this exemplary embodiment present in the current art can be a single wire cable (e.g. single coaxial or single twin axial) or a multiple wire cable (e.g. multiple coaxial or multiple twin axial or twisted pair cables).
The base 4 of the housing has a generally u-shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction A of the cover 5 relative to the base 4 during closure of the housing. It has a ground plate 4b and two side walls 4a. At the cable entry end of the base 4 it comprises channels 16 that extend from its side walls 4b to the interior of the housing. The channels 16 are provided on two opposite sides of the base 4. They extend over less than half of the length of the base 4.
The cover 5 of the connector 2 comprises two parts. A first part 5a is a flat part, that encloses in the closed position of the housing together with the u-shaped base 4 a cavity. A second part 5b is a tubular part with the openings 13 for receiving contacts of a mating connector (not shown). The flat part 5a of the cover 5 comprises guides 17, that are arranged in a parallel way on both sides of the flat part 5 a for engaging the channels 15 of the base 4 when the cover 5 is pushed into the closed position of the housing. The tubular part 5b of the cover 5 is configured such that it may receive a part 4c of the base 4 with the passage-shaped plug-in portion 7a. Fig. 3b does show the terminated cable assembly 1 of Fig. 1 with the connector in a partly closed stage. The first part 5a of the cover 5 already covers parts of the base 4. Fig. 3b does show the terminated cable assembly 1 of Fig. 1 in an almost closed stage. The cover 5 is pushed up so far that the guides 17 of the cover 5 already engage with the channels 15 of the base 4. Fig. 4 is perspective view of the terminated cable assembly of Fig. 3c showing its rear side. The connector 2 is almost closed that means that the guides 17 of the cover 5 already engage with the channels 15 of the base 4. From the base 4, ground plate 4b faces the rear side. Ground plate 4b together with the two side walls 4a build the u- shaped base. Facing the pin entry end of the connector 2, the base provides a thinner part 4c also comprising a ground plate part 4b and a side wall part 4a. The ground plate part 4b of the thinner part 4c of the base 4 further comprises the catch 11 for engaging with the opening 12 of the cover. The catch has a guiding portion 11a and a flat portion l ib. The guiding portion 11a is a tapered portion at the catch that helps to close the connector more easily.
From the cover 5 it can be seen the pin entry end with the two openings 13 for receiving pins as well as its tubular part 5b. The outer circumference of the tubular part 5b is as big as the outer circumference of the base 4 such that in the closed stage of the connector cover 5 and base 4 built a uniform outer surface. The inner circumference of the tubular part 5b is big enough to allow accommodation of the thinner part 4c of the base 4. The tubular part 5b of the cover 5 provides the opening 12 for engaging with the catch 11 of the base 4 for fixing the two parts at each other in the closed position of the housing of the connector. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cover 5 of the terminated cable assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 to 3c with its flat part 5a as well as its tubular part 5b. The flat part 5a provides at its upper inner end a recess 41 for a sheath or jacket of an entering cable. The tubular part 5b has the above described opening 12 for engaging with the catch 11 of the base 4. It further comprises a pin 42 which is also made out of electrically insulating material. The cover 5 may be made out of one piece or it may be made out of several pieces that are being attached at each other during assembly of the connector 2. The pin 42 functions as a guiding piece during closing of the housing of the connector 2 as will be described with reference to the next drawing. The pin 42 is fixed at the contact pin entry end between the two openings 13. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the base 4 of the terminated cable assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 to 3 c showing the outer surface of the ground plate 4b and one side wall 4a as well as the thinner part 4c with the catch 11. The ground plate 4b can be conductive or not be conductive. The base 4 also provides two parallel openings 13 for entering pins that face the pin entering end of the connector 2. Between the two openings, right in the middle of the two openings, the base 4 provides a third opening 43 for receiving the pin 41 of the cover 5. During closing of the housing of the connector 2 the flat part 5 a of the cover 5 gets in contact with the base 4 on top of the cavity enclosed by base 4 and cover 5. For giving the two parts a better guidance, the pin 41 than enters the guiding opening 43 in the housing. After that the relative movement of base 4 and cover 5 is limited to a translational motion thereby ensuring that the movement will end at the right position of the cover 5 relative to the base 4.
Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 21 according to another aspect of the present invention. The electrical connector assembly 21 includes a printed circuit board 22, a header 23 coupled to the printed circuit bard 22 and a terminated cable assembly with a cable 3 and a connector 2 configured to mate with the header 23. The header 23 includes an insulative housing 24 and a plurality of contact pins 25 disposed in the insulative housing 24. When the header 23 and the terminated cable assembly are in mated condition, the terminated cable assembly makes electrical contact with the contact pins 25. The contact pins 25 are connected to the printed circuit board 22 as is known in the art, such as for example by soldering, press-fit or any other suitable approach. The header 23 is secured to the printed circuit board 22 by the connection between the contact pins 25 and the printed circuit board 22. The header 23 may further comprise mounting posts (not shown) extending from the insulative housing 24 of the header 23 into the direction of the printed circuit board 22. The mounting posts may retain in holes (not shown) in the printed circuit board 22 by press-fit, adhesive, or any other suitable approach. Alternatively, header 23 may include additional structure(s) for securing it to the printed circuit board 22. The insulative housing 24 of the header 23 includes two side walls 26, an interior wall 27 extending between the side walls 26 and a resilient latch 28 extending from interior wall 27. The insulative housing 24 may be monolithic or it may be formed as a multipart housing. The insulative housing 24 is configured to receive and position a terminated cable assembly, which is retained in a mated configuration by the resilient latch 28. As the terminated cable assembly is inserted into the header 23, a front edge of the terminated cable assembly engages with the latch 28 and deflects it out of the path of the terminated cable assembly. As the terminated cable assembly is fully inserted, latch 28 returns back into its original (undeflected) position and holds the terminated cable assembly. The terminated cable assembly can be removed from the header 23 by simply deflecting the latch 28 (as with small tool or a fingernail) to disengage the latch 28 from a back edge of the terminated cable assembly.
Fig. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 21 according to yet another aspect of the invention. The electrical connector assembly 21 includes a printed circuit board 22, a header 23 coupled to the printed circuit board 22 as explained with reference to Fig. 7, a terminated cable assembly as explained with reference to Fig. 7 configured to mate with the header 23 and a conductive shield 29 at least partially enclosing the header 23 and the terminated cable assembly.
The conductive shield 29 has a top wall 31 and laterally extending side walls 32a - 32d (collectively referred to herein as "side walls 32"). Although the illustrated embodiments includes four side walls 32 defining a substantially rectangular box-shaped conductive shield 29 substantially corresponding with the shape of the header 23, conductive shield 29 may have other numbers of side walls defining other shapes as is suitable for the intended application. Although in the illustrated embodiment top wall 31 and side walls 32b and 32d define a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section, in other embodiments, conductive shield 29 may have a generally curvilinear transverse cross-section. At least one of side walls 32 is configured to enable insertion and extraction of an electrical cable termination 1. The sidewall 32c extends from the top wall 31 such that it can pivot between a closed position (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the top wall 31) and an open position (i.e. substantially parallel with the top wall 31). In the close position, the side wall 32c contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. In the open position, the side wall 32c allows for electrical cable termination 1 to be inserted into or extracted from the header 23. Similarly, side wall 32a extends from the top wall 31 such that it can pivot between a closed position (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the top wall 31) and an open position (i.e. substantially parallel with the top wall 31). In the closed position, side wall 32a contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. In the open position, side wall 32a allows for access to the contact pins 25 of the header 23, e.g. for repair or replacement. In part to optimize shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, side walls 32a and 32c include flanges 33 which overlap a portion of side walls 32b and 32d. The side wall 32c includes an opening 34 configured to provide clearance for the electrical cable 3. The opening in the side wall 32b serves as snap fit element for fixing the conductive shield 29 to a corresponding structure at the electrical connector assembly 21 of Fig. 7. The latch in the opening of the top wall 31 contacts the housing of the connector 2 through the opening in the internal wall 27 (see Fig. 7). If the housing is made out of electrical conductive material this arrangement serves grounding functions. The conductive shield 29 may include a plurality of conductive shield ground contacts (not shown) extending e.g. from the side walls 32b and 32d. In other embodiments, one or more conductive shield ground contacts may extend from one or more side walls 32. The conductive shield contacts may be configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element (not shown). The conductive shield ground contacts may be through-hole contacts configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element via holes 35 (see Fig. 7) in the printed circuit board 22 by soldering, press-fit, or other suitable approaches. In another embodiment, the shield ground contacts may be surface mount contacts configured to couple the conductive shield 29 to a printed circuit board ground element via, e.g. surface mount pads on printed circuit board 22 by soldering, mechanical clamping, or other suitable approach. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 22 may include a conductive shield element (not shown), at least partially enclosing the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1. The conductive shield element may be formed on the printed circuit board 22 by any number of conventional deposition or etching techniques, such as vapor deposition, chemical etching and the like. Alternatively, the conductive shield element may be formed as a separate element from metals, conductive polymers, ceramics, or the like. The conductive shield element may comprise for example, pre-formed pieces of copper, silver, aluminium or other conductor that are positioned on the printed circuit board 22 and the conductive shield element may be formed in any suitable shape, such as, e.g., a shape substantially corresponding with a perimeter defined by side walls 32 of the conductive shield 29 as illustrated in Fig. 8. The conductive shield element contributes to shielding of the header 23 and the electrical cable termination 1 from electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. Fig. 9 and 10 show another exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 41 according to an aspect of the invention in an assembled configuration. The electrical connector assembly 41 includes two connectors 2 and a planar insulative connector body 42. The connectors 2 are configured as described above. Each connector 2 is connected to an electrical cable 3.
The planar insulative connector body 42 includes an upper surface 43 and an opposing lower surface 44. The upper and the lower surface 43 and 44 are defined by a front edge, a back edge and two longitudinal side edges. The upper surface of the connector body 42 includes a plurality of longitudinal channels 45 separated by a rib 46 extending from openings 47 in the front edge towards the back edge. Each channel 45 is adapted to receive a connector 2 with an electrical cable 3 and retain it securely within the connector body 42. The connectors 2 are inserted into the channels 45 such that the contact pin entry end of the connector 2 abuts an interior surface 48 of the front edge. The openings 47 in the front edge are configured to guide a corresponding plurality of contact pins, such as e.g. contact pins of a mating connector, into the connectors 2 positioned within the channels 45 of the connector body 42. Each channel 47 includes a stop 49 configured to assist in retaining the connector 2 in the connector body 42. The connectors 2 may be retained within the connector body 42 by any suitable method, such as, e.g. snap fit, friction fit, press fit, and mechanical clamping. The method used to retain the connectors 2 within the connector body 42 may permit the terminated cable assembly 1 (connector 2 and cable 3) to be removed, individually or in stets, or the method used to retain the terminated cable assembly 1 within the connector body 42 may permanently secure the connector 2 with the cable 3 within the connector body 42. The ability to remove and replace individual terminated cable assemblies 1 is beneficial when replacing a damaged or defective terminated cable assembly 1 or electrical cable 3, for example. In most applications, a plurality of electrical connectors 2 will be secured in a stacked configuration for use as an electrical connector assembly. An example of an electrical connector assembly including a plurality of electrical connectors 2 secured in a stacked configuration is described in the U.S. patent application 61/300280 "Electrical Connector and Assembly" filed February 1st, 2010 by 3M Innovative Properties Company, which is incorporated into the present patent application by reference. Fig. 10 does show the same embodiment with spring probes integrated into the connector.
Following are exemplary embodiments of a connector for electrical cables, a terminated cable assembly, an electrical connector assembly, and a system for an electrical connector assembly, respectively, according to aspects of the present invention.
Embodiment 1 is a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing. Embodiment 2 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the fixing means of base and cover comprise snap fit elements. Embodiment 3 is the connector according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base comprises a catch as snap fit element. Embodiment 4 is the connector according to embodiment 3, wherein the cover comprises an opening as a snap fit element that corresponds to the catch of the base.
Embodiment 5 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the base comprises channels for receiving the cover.
Embodiment 6 is the connector according to embodiment 5, wherein the cover comprises guides for sliding in the channels of the base.
Embodiment 7 is the connector according to embodiment 1 , wherein the cover comprises openings for providing access to the electrical contacts.
Embodiment 8 is the connector according to embodiment 1, wherein the base has a generally u-shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the cover relative to the base during closure of the housing.
Embodiment 9 is the connector according to embodiment 1 , wherein the base comprises a substantially hollow center wall having at least one reinforcement rib.
Embodiment 10 is a terminated cable assembly comprising: a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector. Embodiment 11 is an electrical connector assembly comprising: a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and a header configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
Embodiment 12 is the electrical connector assembly according to embodiment 11, further comprising a conductive shield at least partially covering the electrical connector assembly.
Embodiment 13 is a system for an electrical connector assembly comprising: a terminated cable assembly comprising a connector for electrical cables comprising: a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions; a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector; the system further comprising a printed circuit board and a header coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electrical arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very vide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adoptions or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A connector for electrical cables comprising:
- a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
- a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and
- the housing further comprising a base and a cover, each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover comprise corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing.
2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means of base and cover comprise snap fit elements.
3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a catch as snap fit element.
4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises channels for receiving the cover.
5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises openings for providing access to the electrical contacts.
6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the base has a generally u-shaped cross section in a cut that is perpendicular to a sliding direction of the cover relative to the base during closure of the housing.
7. A terminated cable assembly comprising:
a connector for electrical cables comprising:
- a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
- a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable;
- the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and
an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector.
8. An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a connector for electrical cables comprising:
- a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
- a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable; and
- the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing;
and
- a header configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
9. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a conductive shield at least partially covering the electrical connector assembly.
10. A system for an electrical connector assembly comprising:
a terminated cable assembly comprising
a connector for electrical cables comprising:
- a tubular housing of electrically insulating material comprising inner spaces configured to receive electrical contacts in fixed relative positions;
- a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and configured to be connected to a conductor of an electrical cable ;
- the housing further comprising a base and a cover each of electrically insulating material, wherein base and cover provide corresponding fixing means for fixing them at each other in a closed position of the housing; and
an electrical cable electrically connected to the connector;
the system further comprising
- a printed circuit board and
- a header coupled to the printed circuit board and configured to mate with the connector for electrical cables comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of contact pins disposed in the insulating housing.
PCT/US2011/046350 2010-09-02 2011-08-03 Connector for electrical cables Ceased WO2012030462A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US37952710P 2010-09-02 2010-09-02
US61/379,527 2010-09-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012030462A2 true WO2012030462A2 (en) 2012-03-08
WO2012030462A3 WO2012030462A3 (en) 2012-05-10

Family

ID=45773434

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/046350 Ceased WO2012030462A2 (en) 2010-09-02 2011-08-03 Connector for electrical cables

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012030462A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10389062B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2019-08-20 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Plug connector

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003086308A (en) * 2001-09-13 2003-03-20 Auto Network Gijutsu Kenkyusho:Kk Shield connector
US7004793B2 (en) * 2004-04-28 2006-02-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Low inductance shielded connector
US7744403B2 (en) * 2006-11-29 2010-06-29 3M Innovative Properties Company Connector for electrical cables

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10389062B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2019-08-20 Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Plug connector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012030462A3 (en) 2012-05-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP3104173B2 (en) Shield connector device
US6478624B2 (en) High speed connector
US7682182B2 (en) Electric connector
CN103151627B (en) Grounding Structures for Plug and Receptacle Assemblies
CN102185194B (en) Electrical connector having contact modules
US4838811A (en) Modular connector with EMI countermeasure
EP1965463B1 (en) Electrical connector
JPH0652924A (en) Electrical connector assembly
US9450319B2 (en) Cable connector and connector device having the same
US20100041266A1 (en) Power connector with integrated signal connector
US7001213B2 (en) Shielded electrical connector
US5415566A (en) Shielded electrical connector assembly
CN107565279A (en) Electric connector with shared ground shield
US6749463B1 (en) Shielded board mounted electrical connector
KR20060135964A (en) Low inductance shielded connector
US11239617B2 (en) Cable receptacle connector
CN101331653A (en) Board Mount Headers for Cable Connector Assemblies
KR101125067B1 (en) Connector for coaxial cable
CN107658586A (en) The electric connector of ground shield with common-battery position
US6929512B2 (en) Cable end connector assembly with a shield device
US6808410B1 (en) Cable connector assembly having pulling mechanism
WO2006138156A1 (en) Electrical connector having blade terminals
US20210184378A1 (en) Eletrical assembly for use with card edge connector and cable in system
CN2548310Y (en) Cable connector assembly
US7878824B2 (en) Shielded cassette for a cable interconnect system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11822295

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11822295

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2