CN114503376B

CN114503376B - Linkage coaxial connector assembly

Info

Publication number: CN114503376B
Application number: CN202080069146.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·D·佩因特; J·P·弗莱明; J·A·拉贝罗; B·卡达奇亚
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2019-08-13
Filing date: 2020-08-11
Publication date: 2024-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-11
Also published as: EP4014285A1; CN117895291A; CN114503376A; WO2021030311A1; EP4014285A4; JP2022545380A

Abstract

A mating connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly including a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a mounting structure and a first housing; and a second connector assembly including a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected with a respective coaxial cable and mated with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a second housing surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the second housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. The second housing is positioned within the first housing in the mated state.

Description

Linkage coaxial connector assembly

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and equity to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/538,936 filed on day 13, 8, 2019, which is a continuous part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/375,530 filed on day 4, 2018, 62/652,526 filed on day 4, 5, 29, 62/677,338 filed on day 29, 62/693,576, 7, and 62/804,260, U.S. provisional application filed on day 12, 2, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to cable connectors and, more particularly, to ganged connector assemblies.

Background

Coaxial cables are commonly used in RF communication systems. Coaxial cable connectors may be used, for example, to terminate coaxial cables in communication systems requiring a high level of accuracy and reliability.

The connector interface provides a connect/disconnect function between a cable terminated with a connector carrying the desired connector interface and a corresponding connector having a mating connector interface mounted on the device or another cable. Some coaxial connector interfaces utilize a retainer (typically provided as a threaded coupling nut) that causes the connector interface pairs to form a fixed electromechanical engagement when the coupling nut rotatably held on one connector is threaded onto the other connector.

Alternatively, the connection interface may also be provided with blind mating features to enable push-in interconnections, wherein physical access to the connector body is limited and/or the interconnection portions are linked in a manner that is difficult or not cost-effective to precisely align (e.g., a connection between an antenna and transceiver coupled together by a rail system or the like). To accommodate misalignment, a blind mate connector may be provided with lateral and/or longitudinal spring action to accommodate a limited degree of insertion misalignment. Blind-mate connectors may be particularly suitable for "ganged" connector arrangements, where multiple connectors (e.g., four connectors) are attached to each other and mate with mating connectors at the same time.

Due to the limited space on devices such as antennas or radios and the increased number of ports required for this, an interface may be needed that increases the density of port spacing and reduces the labor and skill required to repeatedly make many connections.

Disclosure of Invention

As a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly that includes first and second connector assemblies. The first connector assembly includes a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on the mounting structure and a first housing. The second connector assembly includes a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of which is connected to a respective coaxial cable and mates with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a second housing surrounding a second coaxial connector, the second housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. The second housing is positioned in the first housing in the mated state.

As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly that includes first and second connector assemblies. The first connector assembly includes a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on the mounting structure. The second connector assembly includes a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of which is connected to a respective coaxial cable and mates with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a housing surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. The housing abuts the mounting structure in the mated condition, and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a corresponding second coaxial connector.

As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly that includes first and second connector assemblies. The first connector assembly includes a plurality of first coaxial connectors each connected with a respective first coaxial cable and a first housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated first cavities each located in a respective first cavity. The second connector assembly includes a plurality of second coaxial connectors each connected with a respective second coaxial cable and a second housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated second cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective second cavity. The second housing is positioned within the first housing in the mated state, and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a corresponding second coaxial connector.

As a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a housing for an assembly of a ganged connector, comprising: a base; a plurality of towers extending from the base, wherein each tower is circumferentially discontinuous and has a gap, each of the towers defining a peripheral cable cavity configured to receive a peripheral cable through the gap; and a plurality of transition walls, each of the transition walls extending between two adjacent towers. The transition wall and the gap define a central cavity configured to receive a center cable.

As another aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly including a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a mounting structure; and a second connector assembly including a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected with a respective coaxial cable and mated with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a housing surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. The housing abuts the mounting structure in the mated condition, and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a corresponding second coaxial connector. Each of the second coaxial connectors includes an outer connector body positioned within a respective cavity, and wherein a gap exists between the outer connector body and the housing.

As yet another aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mated connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly including a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a mounting structure; and a second connector assembly including a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected with a respective coaxial cable and mated with a respective first coaxial connector. The second connector assembly includes a housing surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity. The housing abuts the mounting structure in the mated condition, and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a corresponding second coaxial connector. Each of the second coaxial connectors includes an outer connector body positioned within a respective cavity, and wherein a gap exists between the outer connector body and the housing. Each of the outer connector bodies includes a radially outwardly extending flange. The flange includes a forwardly extending projection that defines an open aperture gap with the outer connector body.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of an assembly of mated ganged coaxial connectors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the mated assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the mated assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mated assembly of fig. 1, showing a mated pair of connectors.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the linkage connector assembly of the assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the linkage connector assembly of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the mounting plate of the linkage connector assembly of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the outer housing of the linkage connector assembly of fig. 5.

Fig. 9A and 9B are greatly enlarged partial perspective views of an exemplary mounting screw and its corresponding hole in the mounting plate of the linkage connector assembly of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the ganged cable connector assembly of the assembly of fig. 1 being inserted into the housing of the ganged apparatus connector of fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of a latch on the housing of the ganged cable connector assembly of fig. 10.

FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged top view of the latch of FIG. 11 inserted into a slot on the housing of FIG. 8.

Fig. 13 is a greatly enlarged partial top cross-sectional view of the front end of the outer housing and outer conductor body of the cable connector of fig. 10.

Fig. 14 is a greatly enlarged partial top cross-sectional view of the intermediate section ends of the outer housing and outer conductor body of the cable connector of fig. 10.

Fig. 15 is a greatly enlarged partial top cross-sectional view of the rear end of the outer housing and outer conductor body of the cable connector of fig. 10.

Fig. 16 is a rear perspective view of an assembly of mated ganged coaxial connectors in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a front perspective view of the assembly of fig. 16 with the linkage connector separated from the linkage cable connector.

Fig. 18 is a front cross-sectional view of the assembly of fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a top cross-sectional view of the ganged cable connector of the assembly of fig. 16.

Fig. 20 is a top cross-sectional view of one of the cable connectors of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a schematic view of sixteen components of fig. 16, showing how adjacent components may be engaged with one another.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of another component of a mated ganged connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a top cross-sectional view of the mated assembly of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged partial top cross-sectional view of the mated connector of fig. 22.

Fig. 25 is a front cross-sectional view of the mated connector of fig. 22.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of an assembly of mated linkage assembly connectors and an unmated device connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an assembly of mated linkage assembly connectors and an unmated device connector assembly according to an additional embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the assembly of fig. 27, showing how the mated assembly may be secured with a screwdriver.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of an assembly of mated linkage assembly connectors and an unmated device connector assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another assembly of a mated linkage assembly connector showing a spring for providing axial float to the connector of the cable connector assembly in a relaxed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 30, showing the spring in a compressed position.

Fig. 32A is a perspective view of another assembly of a mated linkage assembly connector having a toggle assembly to secure a cable connector assembly to a device connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32B is a side view of the toggle assembly shown in FIG. 32A, with the latch in its unsecured position.

FIG. 32C is a side view of the toggle assembly shown in FIG. 32A, with the latch in its secured position.

Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of another assembly of a mated linkage assembly connector having quarter-turn screws for securing a cable connector assembly to a device connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembly of fig. 33.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged perspective view of a mounting hole in the mounting plate of the device connector assembly of fig. 33.

Fig. 36 is an enlarged, reverse perspective view of the mounting hole of fig. 35.

Fig. 37A-37C are sequential views of the quarter turn screw of fig. 33 inserted and secured in the mounting hole of fig. 35 and 36.

Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of mated ganged connectors showing how a fastening screw is captured by a tab in the housing of a cable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 39 is a side view of a connector body for use in an assembly of mated connectors according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connector body is shown after machining but before swaging and cutting.

Fig. 40 is a side view of the connector body of fig. 39 after swaging.

Fig. 41 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector body of fig. 39 after swaging and cutting.

Fig. 42 is a top cross-sectional view of a pair of mated connectors suitable for use in a mated linkage assembly, the connectors shown in an unmated state.

Fig. 42A is a top cross-sectional view of a pair of mated connectors suitable for use in a mated linkage assembly, the connectors shown in an unmated state, in accordance with another embodiment.

Fig. 42B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interface of the assembly of fig. 42A shown in an unmated state.

Fig. 42C is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the outer connector body of the assembly of fig. 42A shown in an unmated state.

Fig. 43 is a top cross-sectional view of the connector of fig. 42 shown in a mated state.

Fig. 43A is a top cross-sectional view of the pair of mated connectors of fig. 42A, the connectors shown in a mated state.

Fig. 43B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interface of the assembly of fig. 43A shown in a mated state.

Fig. 43C is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the outer connector body of the assembly of fig. 43A shown in a mated condition.

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of an assembly of mated ganged connectors in accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 45 is a front view of the device connector assembly of the assembly of fig. 44.

Fig. 46 is a front perspective view of the housing of the cable connector assembly of the assembly of fig. 44.

Fig. 47 is a rear perspective view of the housing of fig. 46 with two cables inserted therein.

Fig. 48 is a perspective view of an insert to be used with the housing of fig. 46.

Fig. 49 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cable connector assembly for use in the assembly of fig. 44, showing the insert of fig. 48 inserted into the housing of fig. 46.

Fig. 50 is an enlarged perspective view of the central cavity of the housing of fig. 46.

Fig. 51 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly of fig. 49.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 44, with the housing shown transparent for clarity.

Fig. 53 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the mated assembly of fig. 44.

Fig. 54 is an enlarged partial side cross-sectional view of the mated assembly of fig. 53.

Fig. 55 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of mated connectors in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 56 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of fig. 55.

Fig. 57 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of mating connectors in an assembly of mating connectors according to still other embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 58 is an end perspective view of a housing of the ganged cable connector assembly employed in the assembly of fig. 57.

Fig. 59 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of mating connectors in an assembly of mating connectors according to still other embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 60 and 61 are end views of one connector of the cable connector assembly of fig. 58 and a housing of the cable connector assembly showing the anti-rotation feature of the housing.

Fig. 62 is a perspective view of a connector of a ganged cable connector assembly in accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 63 is an end view of the connector of fig. 62 inserted into the housing of fig. 64.

Fig. 64 is a housing of a cable connector assembly employing the connector of fig. 62.

Fig. 65 is a side cross-sectional view of another cable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the connector is shown in a partially assembled state.

Fig. 66 is a side cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly of fig. 65, with the connector shown in a fully assembled state.

Fig. 67 is a side cross-sectional view of another cable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector is shown in a fully assembled state.

Fig. 68 is an enlarged partial view of a portion of the assembly of fig. 67.

Detailed Description

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth and described herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It should also be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any manner and/or combination to provide many additional embodiments.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the following description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in this disclosure, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when an element (e.g., device, circuit, etc.) is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-15 an assembly of mating ganged connectors, generally designated 100. The assembly 100 includes a linkage connector assembly 105 having four coaxial device connectors 110 and a linkage cable connector assembly 140 having four coaxial cable connectors 150. These components are described in more detail below.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, each device connector 110 includes an inner contact 112, a dielectric spacer 114 circumferentially surrounding a portion of the inner contact 112, and an outer conductor body 116 circumferentially surrounding the dielectric spacer 114 and electrically isolated from the inner contact 112. An O-ring 117 is mounted in a groove in the intermediate section of the outer conductor body 116.

The plate 120 provides a common mounting structure for the device connector 110. As can be seen in fig. 7, the plate 120 comprises four alignment holes 121, each surrounded on its rear side by a recess 122. The recesses 122 abut each other. Each recess 122 has two or three pockets 123 extending radially outwardly therefrom, which pockets also extend through the thickness of the plate 120. Also, ten holes 130 are arranged near the periphery of the plate 120.

Referring now to fig. 3-5, a housing 124 is mounted to and extends forwardly from the plate 120. The housing 124, which is typically formed of a polymeric material, is generally scalloped in profile, with each "scallop" 125 partially surrounding one of the holes 121. The housing 124 is held in place by posts 128 that extend radially outward from the trailing edge of the scallop 125 and terminate in a ring 126 (see fig. 8); the ring 126 is received in the recess 122 of the plate 120 and the post 128 is received in the pocket 123. Barbs 116a on outer conductor body 116 help hold housing 120 in place. As can be seen in fig. 1, 2 and 8, the two endmost scallops 125 include latch openings 138.

As shown in fig. 8, 9A and 9B, ten access openings 134 are located at the trailing edge of the scallop 125, each access opening aligned with a corresponding hole 130. Screws 136 are inserted through holes 130 (access openings 134 provide access) to mount board 120 to an electronic device such as a remote radio head. The locations of the access opening 134 and the aperture 130 allow for secure mounting of the board 120 (and thus the device connector assembly 110) to an electronic device in a relatively small space.

The housing 124 may be formed by injection molding, and in particular may be injection molded with the mounting plate as an insert such that the ring 126 and post 128 are integrally formed in place during the molding process.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, cable connector assembly 140 includes four cables 142, each having an inner conductor 143, a dielectric layer 144, an outer conductor 145 (in this case, the outer conductor is corrugated, but it may be smooth, braided, etc.), and a jacket 146. Each cable 142 is connected to one of the connectors 150.

Each connector 150 includes an inner contact 152, dielectric insulators 154a, 154b, and an outer conductor body 156. The inner contact 152 is electrically connected to the inner conductor 143 by a press fit joint and the outer conductor body 156 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 145 by a braze joint 148. A spring basket 158 with fingers 158a is located within the cavity of the outer conductor body 156.

The housing 160 circumferentially surrounds each outer conductor body 156 of the connector 150, thereby electrically insulating them from one another within the cavity 165. A shoulder 161 on the housing 160 is positioned against a shoulder 157 on the outer conductor body 156 (see fig. 14). The strain relief 162 covers the interface of the cable 142 and the connector 150; barbs 156b on the outer conductor body 156 help hold the strain relief 162 in place. As can be seen in fig. 4 and 13-15, the inner diameter of the housing 160 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer conductor body 156 such that gaps g1, g2 exist. In addition, as shown in fig. 13, the free end of the outer conductor body 156 extends slightly farther toward the mating connector 110 than the housing 160. Fig. 15 shows that a gap g3 exists between the housing 160 and the strain relief 162.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the connectors 110, 150 are mated by inserting the cable connector assembly 140 into the device connector assembly 105. More specifically, the housing 160 is inserted into the housing 120 with each cavity 165 located within a respective scallop 125. This action aligns each connector 150 of the cable connector assembly 140 with a corresponding connector 110 of the device connector assembly 105. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the inner contact 152 of the connector 150 receives the inner contact 112 of the connector 110, and the free end of the outer conductor body 116 is received in the gap between the outer conductor body 156 and the spring finger 158a of the spring basket 158. Notably, the spring fingers 158a exert radial pressure on the outer conductor body 116 and do not "bottom out" axially against the outer conductor body 116; this is characteristic of some connector interface configurations, such as 4.3/10, 4.1/9.5, and 2.2/5 interfaces. The cable connector assembly 140 is held in place relative to the device connector assembly 140 by a latch 164 in the housing 160 that engages the latch opening 138.

As shown in fig. 13, the free end of the outer conductor body 156 does not reach the plate 120, thereby forming a gap g4 therebetween. The presence of gaps g 3, g4 enables the connector 150 of the cable connector assembly 140 to move axially relative to its corresponding mating connector 110 if such movement is required for mating (e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.). In addition, the presence of gaps g1, g2 between the outer conductor body 156 and the housing 160 enables the connector 150 to move radially relative to the connector 110, if such movement is desired.

Moreover, as described above, the housing 160 on the cable connector assembly 140 electrically insulates the connectors 150 from each other, which in turn electrically insulates the mated pairs of connectors 110, 150 from adjacent pairs. This configuration enables the mated connectors 110, 150 to be closely spaced (thereby saving space for the overall connector assembly 100) without sacrificing electrical performance.

The illustrated assembly 100 depicts connectors 110, 150 that meet the specifications of a "2.2/5" connector, and may be particularly suited for such connectors because they are typically small and used in confined spaces.

Referring now to fig. 16-21, another embodiment of an assembly of mated ganged connectors is shown and is generally designated 200. The assembly 200 is similar to the assembly 100 in that a device connector assembly 205 having four connectors 210 mates with a cable connector assembly 240 having four connectors 250. The differences between the assemblies 105, 205 and the assemblies 140, 240 are set forth below.

The device connector assembly 205 has a plate 220 with two recesses 224 in its top and bottom edges and two ears 222 with apertures 223 extending from the top and bottom edges, each ear 222 being vertically aligned with a corresponding recess 224 on the opposite edge. Ears 222 and recesses 224 are located between adjacent apertures 230 in plate 220. The cable connector assembly 240 has a housing 260 with four ears 262 with holes 263 aligned with the ears 222 and holes 223. Screws 266 are inserted into holes 263 and 223 to hold the assemblies 205, 240 in a mated condition.

As can be seen in fig. 21, the plates 220 are configured to nest with adjacent plates 220. Fig. 21 schematically illustrates sixteen assemblies 200 arranged in a 4x4 array, with ears 222 of one plate 220 received in recesses 224 of an adjacent plate 220. This arrangement enables adjacent assemblies 200 to be tightly packed, which may save space.

Referring now to fig. 22-25, an assembly 300 is shown. The assembly 300 includes a first cable connector assembly 305 and a second cable connector assembly 340. The connector 310 of the first cable connector assembly 305 is similar to the connector 110 described above, and the connector 350 of the second cable connector assembly 340 is similar to the connector 150 described above. However, connectors 310 are arranged in a square 2x2 pattern as with connectors 350. The connector 310 is held in place by the strain relief 320, the spacer 322 and the housing 324. Similarly, the connector 350 and cable 345 are held in place with the strain relief 352, spacer 354, and housing 356 with faceplate 358. The strain relief 320, 352 and the spacer 322, 354 "float" the connectors 310, 350 relative to each other to facilitate interconnection. As shown in fig. 24, when the assembly 300 is fully mated, the free end of the housing 324 of the first cable connector assembly 305 contacts the face plate 358 of the housing of the second cable connector assembly 340 to provide an axial stop that prevents the fingers 358a of the spring basket 358 of the connector 350 from "bottoming out" against the outer conductor body 316 of the connector 310.

As can be seen in fig. 25, in some embodiments, the housing 324, 352 of the connector assembly 305, 340 includes a slightly rounded upper portion (as compared to a generally straight lower portion). This difference serves as an orientation feature to ensure that the components 305, 340 are properly oriented relative to each other for mating, which further ensures that both connectors 310, 350 are aligned for mating with the proper mating connectors.

Referring now to fig. 26-29, additional embodiments of the ganged connector are shown. Fig. 26 shows an assembly 400 of a device connector assembly 405 of four connectors 410 mounted on a mounting plate 420 in a 2x2 array, and a cable connector assembly 440 of four connectors (not visible in fig. 26) and four cables 442. The connector 410 is similar to the connector 110 described above, and the connector of the cable connector assembly 440 is similar to the connector 140 described above. The strain relief 462 surrounds and isolates the connector of the cable connector assembly 440; the housing 460 extends in front of the strain relief 462. The mounting hole 464 is located at the center of the strain relief 462 and the housing 460. The housing 460 also includes a passage opening 466 in a free edge thereof that is positioned to receive a screw for mounting plate 420.

As shown in fig. 26, the cable connector assembly 440 mates with the device connector assembly 405, and the connector of the cable connector 440 mates with the corresponding connector 410. The assemblies 405, 440 are held in the mated condition by screws or other fasteners that are inserted through mounting holes 464 into mounting holes 426 on mounting plate 420. The housing 460 abuts the surface of the mounting plate 420.

It should be noted that the housing 460, when formed of an elastomeric polymer or elastomeric material such as TPE, may provide additional stress relief as well as a separate connector for helping "center" the cable connector assembly 440. The elasticity of the material biases the individual connectors toward their "centered" positions to more easily align with their corresponding mating connectors 405. This effect may also help center the entire cable connector assembly 440, as centering of two connectors of the cable connector assembly 440 may help center the entire assembly 440. In addition, the housing 460 may also allow the individual connectors to pivot and otherwise move as needed for alignment.

Referring now to fig. 27, another embodiment of an assembly 500 is shown. The assembly 500 is similar to the assembly 400 except that the device assembly 505 includes a connector 550 similar to the connector 440 mounted to the mounting plate 520, and the cable connector assembly 540 includes a connector similar to the connector 410. As a result, mounting plate 520 may be formed slightly smaller than mounting plate 420, thereby saving space on the device. Fig. 28 shows how the assemblies 505, 540 are secured with a screwdriver used to drive a fastening screw through a hole in the center of the mounting plate 520 and cable connector assembly 540. Fig. 38 shows an alternative configuration 500' in which the device assembly 505' is connected to the cable connector assembly 540' using the set screw 572. The set screw 572 is held in place by a tab 574 surrounding the mounting hole 564. The head of the fastening screw 572 is larger than the mounting hole 564 so that once the head of the fastening screw 572 passes through the mounting hole 564 (the material of the housing 560' is sufficiently resilient to stretch so that the head of the screw 572 can pass therethrough), the tab 574 secures the screw 572 in place. Alternatively, the head of the screw 572 may be captured within the mounting aperture 564 itself by an interference fit.

Referring now to fig. 29, there is shown an assembly 600 comprising a device connector assembly 605 and a cable connector assembly 640. This embodiment utilizes a coupling nut 666 that attaches to a threaded ring 622 on the mounting plate 620 to secure the assemblies 605, 640 in a mated condition.

Referring now to fig. 30 and 31, another embodiment of an assembly is shown and is generally designated 700. The assembly 700 is similar to the assembly 500 described above, with one difference being that the connector 710 mounted in the cable connector assembly 740 includes a coil spring 780 surrounding each connector 750. Spring 780 extends between the inner surface of housing 760 and a protrusion 782 on outer conductor body 716. The spring 780 enables the connector 710 to float axially relative to the housing 760.

As a possible alternative, the spring 780 may be replaced with a Belleville washer, which may be a separate component, or may be insert molded into the housing 760 (in which case the washer may include a barbed or spoked periphery for improving mechanical integrity at the joint). The spring 780 may also be replaced with an elastic spacer or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 32A-32C, another embodiment of an assembly is shown and indicated generally at 800. The assembly 800 may be similar to either of the assemblies 400, 500, but includes a toggle assembly 885 having an L-shaped latch 886 mounted to the housing 860 of the cable connector assembly 840 at a pivot 887 and a pin 888 mounted to the mounting plate 820 of the device connector assembly 805. The handle 889 extends generally parallel to the fingers 890 on the latch 886 and generally perpendicular to the arms 891 that extend between the fingers 890 and the pivot 887. Finger 890 includes a recess 895 adjacent arm 891. Handle 889 includes a slot 896 (see fig. 32A).

The latch 886 may be pivoted into engagement with the pin 888 by a handle 889 to secure the components 805, 840 to one another. When the finger 890 initially contacts the pin 888, the handle 889 pivots relatively easily toward the locked position. When the latch 886 is pivoted sufficiently to move the finger 890 relative to the pin 888 such that the pin 888 slides into the recess 895, the assembly 800 is fully secured by the toggle assembly 885. Since in the secured position the handle 889 is generally flush with the pin 888 and generally perpendicular to the line between the pivot 887 and the recess 895, significantly more mechanical force is required on the handle 889 to move the latch 886 from the recess 895 back to its unsecured position. In the illustrated embodiment, the force required to move the latch 886 to the secured position on the handle 889 may be less than 27lb-ft, while the force required to move the handle 889 from the secured position may be 50lb-ft or more, and may even require the use of a screwdriver, wrench, or other lever inserted into the slot 896 to generate sufficient force. Thus, once secured, the assembly 800 will tend to remain in a secured state.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-37C, another embodiment of an assembly is shown and indicated generally at 900. Assembly 900 is similar to assembly 500, except that a quarter turn screw 990 is used to secure cable connector assembly 940 to device connector assembly 905. As shown in fig. 35, mounting holes 991 in mounting plate 920 are configured to enable protruding flanges 992 of quarter turn screws 990 to be inserted. Fig. 36 shows that on opposite sides of the mounting plate 920, the mounting hole 991 is surrounded by a circular recess 993 having two additional radially extending recesses 994. Fig. 37A-37C illustrate how quarter turn screw 990 may be inserted into mounting hole 991 (fig. 37A) and turned quarter turn (shown in the progression of fig. 37B) such that flange 992 is received in recess 994 (fig. 37C).

Referring again to fig. 38, the assembly 500' shown therein further includes a metal tube 595 through which the fastening screw 572 may be inserted, thereby providing a positive stop to prevent over-tightening of the screw 572. The assembly 500' also shows a groove 596 on the inner surface of the housing 560' that can capture a rim 597 on the housing 524' to help secure the assemblies 505', 540'.

Referring now to fig. 39-41, an outer conductor body suitable for use in a mating linkage assembly is illustrated and generally designated 1056. The outer conductor body 1056 includes a spring washer-like structure and action that can replace the spring 780 shown in fig. 30 and 31. As shown in fig. 39, the machined outer conductor body has radially extending fins 1058. Fins 1058 are swaged or otherwise formed into a frustoconical configuration (shown at 1058' in fig. 40). The inner diameter of the fins 1058' is then cut from the remainder of the outer conductor body 1056 (see fig. 41). In this configuration, the fins 1058' may act as springs that allow for axial adjustment of the outer conductor body 1056.

The above process may provide a belleville washer type spring that is more suitable than a stand alone washer because the inner diameter of the fins 1058' (which may be an important dimension for achieving the desired spring action) may closely match the outer diameter of the outer conductor body 1056.

Referring now to fig. 42 and 43, there are shown mating connectors 1105, 1150 for another component, generally designated 1100. The connectors 1105, 1150 are similar to the connectors of the assembly 700 described above, with springs 780 to allow axial float. However, outer conductor body 1156 of connector 1150 includes an angled surface 1157 forward of shoulder 1158; spring 1150 is captured between shoulders 1182, 1158. The housing 1160 includes a rim 1161 having an angled inner surface 1162.

In fig. 42, it can be seen that in the open position, rim 1161 rests against the front surface of shoulder 1158. When connector 1150 is moved into engagement with connector 1105, as shown in fig. 43, the front surface of rim 1161 presses spring 1180 against shoulder 1182. The angled surfaces 1157, 1162 interact during mating to progressively center and radially align the connectors 1105, 1150. In some embodiments there is a slight interference fit between the angled surfaces in the closed position.

This configuration may provide significant performance advantages. When both electrical contacts (inner and outer conductors) of the mating connector are radial (as in the case of the 4.3/10, 2/2.5 and Nex10 interfaces), the mating connector can be directly contacted without axial clamping force, only providing mechanical stability: in particular, the axes of the two mating connectors are forced to remain aligned, thus preventing the electrical contact surfaces from moving relative to each other during bending, vibration, etc. Such relative axial movement may directly produce PIM and may also produce debris, which in turn causes PIM. (experiments have demonstrated this behavior for the 4.3/10 interface).

Two clamping or interference sections spaced along outer conductor body 1156 in the closed position of fig. 43 provide a means of creating this desired axial stability. In addition, the angled surfaces 1157, 1162 initially allow radial float and gradually align the axis of the floating connector (i.e., connector 1150) with the fixed connector (i.e., connector 1105) and then hold it in a fixed position when fully advanced. The angle of the inclined surfaces 1157, 1162 may be adjusted to provide the desired mechanical advantage based on the force of the latch mechanism used. In some embodiments, this arrangement may eliminate the need for any axial float, in which case spring 1180 may be omitted. The interference area can be increased as needed to increase stability, but at the cost of radial float.

42A-42C and 43A-43C, another component, generally designated 1100', is illustrated. In this embodiment, the axial float is provided with a spring 1180' similar to that shown in assembly 1100. However, radial float is controlled differently by the ID and OD of the outer connector bodies 1116', 1154' at the interface and the OD of the rear ends of the outer connector bodies 1154 'and the angled transition surfaces 1155'. As shown in fig. 42A-42C, in the unmated state, the connector 1150 'is able to float axially and radially due to the spring 1180'. However, in the mated state of fig. 43A-43C, the mating of outer connector bodies 1116', 1154' tends to radially align connector 1150 'and, as it floats rearwardly, sloped transition surface 1155' forces the rear ends of outer connector bodies 1154 to radially align. However, when this occurs, axial float at outer connector body 1154' still has the opportunity to move rearward. The gap at both ends of outer conductor body 1154' is small enough so that this interaction can be used to maintain the mated state without the need for other external means. (in practice, those skilled in the art will recognize that the concept may be used with a single connector pair and is not limited to ganged connectors as shown herein). Moreover, as noted above, in some embodiments the spring 1180 'may be omitted, as the elasticity of the housing 1160' may provide sufficient elasticity to allow any desired axial float.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the above-described components may vary. For example, the connectors are shown as "in-line" or rectangular MxN arrays, but other arrangements may be used, such as circular, hexagonal, staggered, etc. Moreover, although each assembly is shown with four pairs of mating connectors, fewer or more connectors may be employed in each assembly. An example of an assembly having five pairs of connectors is shown in fig. 44-54 and generally indicated as 1200, which includes a device connector assembly 1205 having five connectors 1210 and a cable connector assembly 1240 having five connectors 1250 connected to five cables 1242. As shown in fig. 46 and 47, the connectors 1210 and 1250 are arranged in a crisscross pattern, wherein one of the connectors 1210, 1250 is surrounded by four other connectors 1210, 1250 that are 90 degrees apart from each other. One potential problem that may occur in this arrangement is the proximity of the connectors. For larger cables and connectors, there may not be enough space between connectors 1210 to enable each connector 1250 to have its own cavity (either as a separate housing or a single housing with four cavities) as shown in fig. 26, as the wall thickness of the material surrounding the cavity is typically too thin.

This disadvantage can be addressed by using a housing 1260 as shown in fig. 46-54. The housing 1260 has a generally square footprint with an outer rim 1262 surrounding the base 1261. Four towers 1263 extend from base 1261. Each tower 1263 defines a circumferential cavity 1267, but is discontinuous in that it includes a radially inward gap 1264. Each tower 1263 includes a recess 1265 at one end and a lip 1265a extends radially inward from a front end of recess 1265 (see fig. 53 and 54). Transition wall 1269 spans adjacent towers 1263, with the effect that central cavity 1266 is defined by transition wall 1269 and gap 1264. Each transition wall 1269 includes a recess 1268 (see fig. 50).

Referring now to fig. 48, an annular insert 1270 is shown. The insert 1270 is discontinuous with a gap 1271 in the main wall 1273. Four blocks 1274 having arcuate outer surfaces 1275 extend radially outwardly from the main wall 1273. A snap tab 1276 extends radially outwardly from the main wall 1273 between each pair of adjacent blocks 1274.

The construction of assembly 1240 can be understood by reference to fig. 47, 49-51, 53 and 54. A terminated cable 1242 with a connector 1250 attached to its end is inserted through the central cavity 1266. Cable 1242 is then pushed radially outward through one of gaps 1264 and into a corresponding peripheral cavity 1267, tower 1263 being flexible enough to deflect to allow cable 1240 to pass through gap 1264. The connector 1250 is positioned relative to the housing 1260 such that a rear end of the outer body 1252 of the connector 1250 fits within the recess 1265 and is captured by the lip 1265a (see fig. 53 and 54). This process is repeated three more times until all four peripheral lumens 1267 are filled (see fig. 47, which shows two cables 1240 in place in housing 1260).

Next, a fifth terminated cable 1242 is passed through the central cavity 1266 and the connector 1250 is positioned relative to the housing 1260. The insert 1270 slides over the cable 1242 (i.e., the cable 1242 passes through the gap 1271 in the insert 1270) and is oriented such that the blocks 1274 fit between the transition walls 1269. The insert 1270 is then slid along the cable 1242 and into the central cavity 1266 (see fig. 49) until the snap protrusions 1276 snap into the notches 1265. This interaction locks the last (center) cable 1242 in place. The cable connector assembly 1240 may then be mated with the device connector assembly 1205 as shown in fig. 52.

It will be appreciated that the above arrangement where four cables are used as the "corners" of a "square" and a fifth cable is located in the centre of the "square" may provide space-related advantages to the assembly. In particular, cables arranged in this manner may have a smaller footprint than similar cables arranged in a circular pattern. Similarly, if the same footprint is employed, large cables may be included in the illustrated "square" arrangement, which may provide performance advantages (e.g., improved attenuation).

It will also be appreciated that the assembly 1240 may be formed with four cables 1242 (each located in the peripheral cavity 1267) while the central cavity 1266 is filled with a circular (rather than annular) insert.

Referring now to fig. 55 and 56, another component is illustrated and generally designated 1300. The assembly 1300 is similar to the assembly 1200 with a device connector assembly 1305 with a connector 1310 and a cable connector assembly 1340 with a connector 1350 and a housing 1360. The cable connector assembly 1340 has two O-rings 1380, 1382 within a recess of the outer conductor body 1356 of the connector 1350 that provide a seal against the outer conductor body 1316 of the connector 1310. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 57 and 58, assembly 1400 includes a device connector assembly 1405 and a cable connector assembly 1440 that provide a seal via one O-ring 1480 positioned like O-ring 1380 and a second O-ring 1485 between outer conductor body 1456 and housing 1460. In these cases, the O-ring is positioned such that it provides two separate seals between the components to ensure that water is prevented from penetrating into the electrical contact area between the connector outer conductor bodies. As another alternative, the assembly 1500 is similar to the assembly 1400, but includes a molded sealing protrusion 1590 that is part of the housing 1560 rather than the O-ring 1485.

Referring now to fig. 60 and 61, the housing 1460 of the cable connector assembly 1440 shown in fig. 58 has a cavity 1467 having a generally hexagonal-shaped cross-section 1468, but with beveled corners 1468a between the "hexagonal" sides 1468 b. In other words, cross-section 1468 is 12-sided, having six long sides 1468b and six short sides 1468a. As shown in fig. 60 and 61, this arrangement may prevent connector 1450 from over-rotating within cavity 1467 (which may damage the cable and/or create debris that may negatively impact performance) while still allowing the same degree of radial float.

As another example to address the desire to meet some radial float of the connector while limiting torsion, a connector assembly 1600 is shown in fig. 62-64. In this embodiment, the connector 1650 of the cable connector assembly 1640 has teeth 1669 on the outer conductor body 1654 and the housing 1660 has corresponding recesses 1670 (in the embodiment shown herein, the connector 1650 has six teeth 1669 and the housing 1660 has six recesses 1670, but may include more or fewer teeth/recesses). This arrangement also reduces the degree of torsion between the connector 1650 and the housing 1660, which can protect the cable and prevent the generation of unwanted debris, but also allows for some degree of radial float.

Referring now to fig. 65 and 66, another cable connector assembly is shown and is generally designated 1700. The assembly 1700 is similar to the assemblies 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600 with a device connector assembly 1705 having a connector 1710 mated with a cable connector assembly 1740 having a connector 1750 in a housing 1760. The spring 1780 provides the ability for radial adjustment of the outer connector body 1756 relative to the housing 1760. In this embodiment, the outer connector body 1756 has a radially outward flange 1784 (which captures the forward end of the spring 1780) forward of the flange 1782. The flange 1784 has an apertured recess 1786 in its front surface (the projection 1785 is located radially outwardly of the recess 1785). In addition, at the rear end of the outer connector body 1756, there is a larger clearance C between the outer connector body 1756 and the housing 1760 than the assembly 1500 shown in fig. 59. The outer connector body 1716 of the connector 1710 has a beveled outer edge 1719 at its front end 1718.

As shown in fig. 65, during initial mating of the connectors 1710, 1750, the inner contacts 1754 of the connector 1750 engage the inner contacts 1712 of the connector 1710, which provides a first "centering" action of the connector 1750. This action also places spring 1780 in "bottom-up". As mating continues (fig. 66), the spring 1780 opens slightly, which causes the beveled outer edge 1719 of the outer connector body 1716 to contact the tab 1785. This interaction provides a second "centering" action to the mating, which enables a larger clearance C between the rear portion of the outer connector body 1756 and the housing 1760 than in other embodiments.

A third centering action may also be included, as shown in fig. 67 and 68, where an assembly 1700' is shown. In this embodiment, the sloped surface 1799 is present in a radially outward corner of the gap 1786'. Thus, as mating of connectors 1710, 1750 'proceeds, sloped outer edge 1719 contacts sloped surface 1799 as full mating approaches completion, which action further provides for centering action of connector 1750'. Thus, the three different centering actions provided by the assembly 1700 'may further ensure centering of the connector 1750' relative to the connector 1710, which also enables a larger gap C to be employed.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the manner in which the mating components can be secured for mating may vary, as different types of fastening features may be used. For example, the fastening features may include numerous latches, screws and coupling nuts as described above, but alternatively the fastening features may include bolts and nuts, press fits, detents, bayonet "quick lock" mechanisms, and the like.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

1. A mating connector assembly comprising:

a first connector assembly including a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a mounting structure;

a second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected with a respective coaxial cable and mated with a respective first coaxial connector;

The second connector assembly includes a housing surrounding the second coaxial connectors, the housing defining a plurality of electrically isolated cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located in a respective cavity;

wherein in a mated state the housing abuts the mounting structure and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a respective second coaxial connector;

wherein each of the second coaxial connectors comprises an outer connector body located within a respective cavity, and wherein a gap exists between the outer connector body and the housing;

wherein each of the outer connector bodies includes a first radially outwardly extending flange and a spring disposed between the first flange and the housing;

wherein each of the outer connector bodies includes a second radially outwardly extending flange forward of the first flange; and is also provided with

Wherein the second flange includes a forwardly extending projection that defines an open aperture gap with the outer connector body.

2. The mating connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the free end of a respective one of the first coaxial connectors fits within the open aperture gap of the outer connector body.

3. The mating connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the free end includes a radially outward beveled edge.

4. The mating connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the aperture gap includes a sloped surface positioned to engage a sloped edge of the free end.

5. A mating connector assembly comprising:

wherein in a mated state the housing abuts the mounting structure and each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a respective second coaxial connector; and is also provided with

Wherein each of the second coaxial connectors comprises an outer connector body located within a respective cavity, and wherein a gap exists between the outer connector body and the housing; and is also provided with

Wherein each of the outer connector bodies includes a radially outwardly extending flange; and is also provided with

Wherein the flange includes a forwardly extending projection that defines an open aperture gap with the outer connector body.

6. The mating connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the free end of a respective one of the first coaxial connectors fits within the open aperture gap of the outer connector body.

7. The mating connector assembly of claim 6, wherein the free end includes a radially outward beveled edge.

8. The mating connector assembly of claim 7, wherein the aperture gap includes a sloped surface positioned to engage a sloped edge of the free end.