EP0956619B1 - Electrical connector having an improved connector shield and a multi-purpose strain relief - Google Patents
Electrical connector having an improved connector shield and a multi-purpose strain relief Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0956619B1 EP0956619B1 EP98954048A EP98954048A EP0956619B1 EP 0956619 B1 EP0956619 B1 EP 0956619B1 EP 98954048 A EP98954048 A EP 98954048A EP 98954048 A EP98954048 A EP 98954048A EP 0956619 B1 EP0956619 B1 EP 0956619B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- strain relief
- cable
- shield
- contacts
- electrical connector
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- 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
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6581—Shield structure
- H01R13/6585—Shielding material individually surrounding or interposed between mutually spaced contacts
- H01R13/6586—Shielding material individually surrounding or interposed between mutually spaced contacts for separating multiple connector modules
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- 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
- H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
- H01R13/5804—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable comprising a separate cable clamping part
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- 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
- H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
- H01R13/5837—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable specially adapted for accommodating various sized cables
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- 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
- H01R13/646—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00 specially adapted for high-frequency, e.g. structures providing an impedance match or phase match
- H01R13/6461—Means for preventing cross-talk
- H01R13/6471—Means for preventing cross-talk by special arrangement of ground and signal conductors, e.g. GSGS [Ground-Signal-Ground-Signal]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
- H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
- H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
- H01R4/2425—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
- H01R4/2429—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
- H01R4/2433—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to improvements in electrical data connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact data connector with an improved connector ground shield and a multi-purpose strain relief.
- connection technology is not without problems.
- cross-talk between adjacent conductive components of the connector becomes a factor which must be addressed.
- the individual connector components must be shielded from electro-magnetic interferences and radio-frequency interferences. These interferences can adversely affect the performance levels of the connectors especially at higher data rates.
- European Patent application No. 0,587,303A to The Whitaker Corporation discloses a shielded electrical connector having an insulative housing carrying at least two signal contacts and outer shielding means.
- the contacts include forward contact sections and rear wire connecting sections and the outer shielding means at least partially surrounds the insulating housing.
- Cross-talk shield means is disposed between the electrical contacts and is electrically connected to the shielding means.
- the contact shield disclosed in these patents also includes an extended ground element for electrical engagement with the multi-conductor cable to maintain electrical ground continuity between the cable and the contact shield.
- the cable-receiving end of the connector also includes a two component strain relief device which helps secure the cable in the connector. The strain relief device engages the folded back portion of the cable braid which electrically engages the extended ground element of the contact shield to establish electrical continuity between the cable braid and the contact shield.
- strain relief devices of conventional connectors typically only provide the function of securing the cable to the connector.
- Grounding of the cable is normally accomplished by the use of one or more separate components, such as a separate ground clip as an interface between the cable ground braid and the contact shield. This adds to the complexity and cost of the connector.
- an electrical connector for terminating discrete conductors of a multi-conductor cable comprising: at least one insulative contact support member; a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the contact support member, each of the contacts having a connecting end and insulation displacement termination end portions for electrical connection with the conductors of one of said cables; at least one dressing block including receiving openings therein for said conductors, the dressing block guiding and moving the conductors into engagement with the insulation displacement termination end portions of said contacts; and an electrically conductive shield member for supporting therein said at least one contact support member, said shield member comprising an outer housing formed of at least two side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall which surround a portion of said contacts and a cross member formed between and integral with said at least two side walls, said cross member having a horizontal extent for supporting at least a portion of said contact support member thereon and a vertical extent, said horizontal extent and said vertical extent providing for shielding both horizontally and vertically between at least a portion of two contacts separated by said cross
- the improved electrical connector generally includes an electrically insulative contact support member having a rearward cable termination end, a plurality of electrical contacts supported thereon and an electrically conductive contact shield housing substantially surrounding the support member.
- the connector also includes an electrically insulative housing which may be in the form of two halves which snap-fit together to substantially enclose the contacts and the shield.
- the contacts include conventional conductor termination end portions which are electrically connected to individual conductors of the multi-conductor cable.
- Dressing blocks may also be provided which snap-fit to the contact support member over the contact end portions to secure the conductors in place.
- the contacts are positioned upon the contact support member so that the termination end portions are spaced forward of the termination end of the support member to allow for a length of the separated individual conductors of the multi-conductor cable to be supported on a conductor support portion of the contact support member.
- the contact shield housing includes an outer wall which substantially surrounds the contacts and one or more inner walls are positioned so as to physically separate one or more contacts from the others.
- the contact support member includes one or more longitudinal slots between the contacts for receiving the one or more inner walls of the contact shield housing.
- the outer and inner walls of the contact shield housing extend rearward beyond the contact conductor termination end portions and terminate adjacent the termination end of the contact support member.
- the extended contact shield not only electrically isolates the contacts but also shields a length of individual conductors supported on the conductor support portion of the contact support member positioned within the shield housing. The result is a dramatic improvement in "cross-talk" performance of the connector.
- the present invention may also include a novel strain relief device positioned adjacent the termination end of the shield housing for securing the multi-conductor cable to the connector.
- the strain relief device is made from an electrically conductive material, preferably formed from a metallic material.
- the strain relief device is comprised of mirrored strain relief member which, when engaged, define a substantially circular bounded opening adjacent the termination end of the housing. The circular bounded opening is reduced in size as the strain relief members are moved toward each other to frictionally secure and electrically engage a ground braid of the multi-conductor cable.
- the strain relief members are preferably received in opposing slots which extend through an outer wall of the contact shield housing adjacent the termination end thereof and are in electrical communication with the shield housing.
- the strain relief members may also include one or more raised protrusions to enhance electrical contact between the strain relief member and the shield housing.
- the electrically conductive strain relief members of the present invention provide ground continuity between the cable ground braid and the connector shield housing.
- the strength of the metallic members also allows for the use of a thinner strain relief device thereby reducing the overall size of the connector.
- Connector 10 may be employed to terminate electrical cable 12 having an insulative outer jacket 14, an inner ground conductor or cable braid 16 and a plurality of individually insulated electrical conductors 18 extending therethrough.
- jacket 14 is cut-away exposing a portion of cable braid 16 and a length of conductors 18 suitable for termination. While it may be appreciated that the invention may be employed with cables having any number of conductors, in the present illustrated embodiment, cable 12 is an eight conductor cable comprising four pairs of individual conductors.
- Connector 10 includes outer connector housing halves 20a and 20b which when assembled may take the form of a plug as shown in Figures 1-3 or a jack (not shown).
- the assembled housing for the jack is designed to receive and to connect with the housing of the plug.
- Connector housing halves 20a and 20b include a plurality of locking arms 22 which cooperatively engage recesses 24 to provide for a snap-fit engagement of the halves.
- Housing halves 20a and 20b may be formed of any suitably electrically insulative plastic material such as polyester.
- Connector housing halves 20a and 20b each have a cable termination end 26 which when assembled define a rearwardly opening circular passage which permits entry of cable 12 into connector 10.
- Termination subassembly 30 includes a contact support member 32, a plurality of electrical contacts 34, a plurality of dressing blocks 35, a contact shield 58 and a strain relief device 72.
- contact support member 32 supports the plurality of electrical contacts 34 thereon.
- contacts 34 are elongate electrically conductive metallic members formed of beryllium-copper having a connection end 36 and a termination end 38.
- Connection end 36 includes a cantilevered element 40 for making mating resilient electrical engagement with similar contacts in the mating jack or plug connector.
- Termination end 38 includes blade type insulation displacing contact (IDC) portions which are constructed for insulation displacing termination with conductors 18 of cable 12.
- IDC insulation displacing contact
- contacts 34 are positioned in upper and lower longitudinally aligned transversely spaced rows. Termination ends 38 of the lower row extend in the opposite direction than the termination ends of the upper row.
- Contact support member 32 is formed of a suitable insulative plastic, such as polyester, and includes a forward interconnection end 42 and a rear termination end 44.
- Contact support member 32 includes contact grooves 45 in upper and lower platforms 46 and 47 which support contacts 34 in individual electrical isolation.
- Contact support member 32 includes a conductor support portion 48 which extends rearwardly beyond the IDC termination ends 38 of contacts 34 to the to rear termination end 44 to support the conductors of the cable thereon.
- Conductor support portion 45 includes raised longitudinal projections 49 which define therebetween conductor receiving spaces 50 and dressing block receiving spaces 51.
- Support member 32 also includes a vertical slot 52 disposed between lateral pairs of contacts 34 and a horizontal slot 53 disposed between the upper and lower rows of contacts. Slots 52 and 53 extend longitudinally from the forward interconnection end 42 of support member 32 through the conductor support portion 48 and terminate at a point 54 just intermediate rear end 44 of support member 32. As illustrated, contact support member 32 is designed to accommodate four pairs of contacts, however, it may be appreciated that the contact support member may be designed to accommodate additional pairs of contacts by increasing the width of the support member and providing additional vertical slots between each lateral pair of contacts.
- the conductors 18 of cable 12 are electrically connected to the contacts 34 on support member 32 prior to assembly of the connector 10. Extending pairs of conductors 18 of cable 12 are separated and positioned for insulation displacing connection with termination ends 38 of contacts 34. Ends of the conductors 18 are placed within receiving openings in the dressing blocks 35 and are electrically connected to contacts 34 in a conventional insulation displacing method.
- the insulative dressing blocks 35 secure the conductors in place and are provided with one or more raised bosses 55 extending below a bottom portion thereof to be snap-fit into the dressing block receiving spaces 51 of the conductor support portion 48 of support member 32.
- an internal contact shield 58 is provided which encloses the pre-assembled contact support member 32.
- Shield housing 58 is a die cast conductive, e.g., metallic, member which is slidably insertable into and around contact support member 32 from the forward interconnection end 42 thereof.
- Contact shield housing 58 serves to shield the contacts 34 as a group and also to shield pairs of contacts 34 from one another both laterally and vertically.
- Contact shield 58 is an elongate housing roughly the same length as contact support member 32 and has an interconnection end 60 and a termination end 62.
- Contact shield 58 includes upper and lower U-shaped shield platforms 63a and 63b, each having a central wall 64 at the interconnection end 60 thereof.
- the upper and lower shield platforms 63a and 63b provide effective vertical and horizontal shielding as between the connection ends 36 of contacts 34.
- the interconnection ends When connecting with a mating connector, the interconnection ends are rotated 180 degrees with respect to each other.
- the U-shaped platforms of mating connectors will totally enclose, and thereby shield, the connection ends 36 of the contacts 34.
- Contact shield 58 includes an enclosed chamber 65 defined by an outer wall 66 at the termination end 62 of the shield.
- the outer wall 66 provides overall shielding to the termination ends 38 of contacts 34.
- contact shield 58 further includes a vertical and a horizontal internal wall 68 and 70 extending along the length of the chamber 65 and terminating intermediate termination end 62 of shield 58.
- Vertical internal wall 68 separates and shields lateral pairs of contacts 34
- horizontal wall 70 separates and shields the upper and lower rows of contacts 34.
- the outer and inner walls of the contact shield 58 extend further rearward past the termination ends 38 of contacts 34 to the conductor supporting portion 48 of the contact support member 32 thereby also providing effective overall and individual shielding of the exposed pairs of conductors 18 positioned within the connector housing.
- contact shield 58 may be designed to shield additional pairs of contacts 34 and conductors 18 by increasing its width and providing additional horizontal and/or vertical walls.
- Termination sub-assembly 30 is provided with a strain relief device 72 for securing the cable 12 to the connector 10.
- Strain relief device 72 is comprised of a pair of matching strain relief components which are formed from an electrically conductive metallic material.
- the preferred embodiment of the strain relief component 74 is shown in Figures 1-3 and 7. Alternate embodiments of the strain relief components are discussed further in detail below.
- a pair of strain relief components are inserted in oppositely disposed receiving slots 75 located at the termination end 62 of the contact shield housing 58.
- the receiving slots 75 are sized so that the strain relief components are in close electrical contact with the slots when inserted therein.
- the strain relief components when inserted in receiving slots 75 define a circular opening which is generally concentric with the chamber 65 of contact shield 58.
- the circular opening defined therebetween will be reduced in size in order to frictionally secure and electrically engage the outer cable braid 16 of the cable 12 therebetween and secure the cable thereat.
- Strain relief device 72 also provides continuity of ground between the cable 12 and the contact shield housing 58. Prior to installation of the cable 12, a portion of the cable jacket 14 is removed to reveal the cable ground braid 16. It is this portion of the cable 12 that the strain relief components frictionally engage. Thus, the strain relief components are in electrical contact with the cable braid 16. Since the strain relief components are made of an electrically conductive metallic material, and since they are in electrical communication with the receiving slots 75 of the electrically conductive contact shield housing 58, the ground of the cable 12 may be carried from the cable braid 16 through the strain relief component to the contact shield housing 58. To enhance electrical contact between the strain relief components and the receiving slot 75, the strain relief component may be provided with one or more raised contact protrusions.
- the raised contact protrusion When the strain relief components are inserted into receiving slots 75 of the contact shield 58, the raised contact protrusion "skives" or cuts into a wall of the slot 75 and is mechanically forced thereagainst thereby providing secure electrical contact between the strain relief component and the contact shield 58.
- the raised contact protrusion provides for an interference fit making good electrical continuity between the shield housing 58 and the strain relief component.
- Strain relief component 74 generally includes a top wall 76 and a pair of J-shaped side arms 78 extending downwardly from the top wall.
- the "hooks" 80 of the J-shaped arms 78 are directed inwardly and engage cooperating outwardly directed ratchet teeth 82 formed on the outer wall 66 of the shield housing 58 at the termination end 62 thereof, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6a.
- Side arms 78 are deflectable which, along with the positioning of ratchet teeth 82, allow for one-way downward movement of the strain relief components 74 within receiving slots 75 of shield 58.
- top wall 76 of strain relief component 74 is generally curved and is provided with a rib 84 to assist in frictional securement of the cable braid 16.
- Strain relief component 74 also includes an arrangement of upper and lower raised contact protrusions 86 and 88 which provide two-position enhanced electrical contact between strain relief component 74 and contact shield 58.
- Upper protrusions 86 are oppositely disposed on the major surfaces of strain relief component 74 and are laterally offset from similarly disposed lower protrusions 88.
- Strain relief components 74 operate in the following manner. Strain relief components 74 are inserted into the opposing slots 75 of the contact shield 58 with the side arms 88 positioned along the sides of contact shield 58. Strain relief components 74 are then manually pushed toward each other to provide for ratchet engagement of the J-hooks 80 and respective teeth 82 of contact shield 58. When the strain relief components 74 are inserted within receiving slots 75 and make electrical contact with the cable braid 16 in a pre-load stage, the lower protrusions 88 are in forced electrical contact with the receiving slot 75. As the strain relief components 94 are pressed downwardly to frictionally secure the cable braid 16 under load, the upper protrusions 106 are mechanically forced against the receiving slot 75.
- strain relief components 74 are pushed toward each other until the outer cable braid 16 of cable 12 is secured within the circular opening which is continually decreasing in size by the movement of the components 74 with respect to each other.
- the side arms 78 move downwardly along the ratchet teeth 82 thereby preventing the strain relief components 74 from backing away from each other.
- strain relief components 74 independently engage and lock to the shield housing ratchet teeth 82. Because the locking zone is totally separate from the strain relieving zone and grounding zone, the strain relief of the present invention provides more stability since the locking zone is not subjected to strains that could be caused during cable pull out.
- FIG 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a strain relief component 90.
- Strain relief component 90 is generally U-shaped having a top wall 92 and downwardly extending side walls or legs 94 and 96.
- Legs 94 and 96 are deflectable and include ratchet teeth 98. Ratchet teeth on leg 94 are directed outwardly while ratchet teeth on leg 96 are directed inwardly.
- the strain relief components 90 are oriented within the receiving slots 75 of the contact shield 58b so that legs 94 of each component engage legs 96 of the other.
- the positioning of ratchet teeth 98 permit the moveable one-way ratchet engagement of the components 90 with respect to the other.
- the deflectability of legs 94 and 96 permits such ratchet movement of components 90.
- the internal surface of legs 94 as well as the internal surface of top wall 92 are generally curved so as to form a circular opening which is generally concentric with the chamber 65 of contact shield 58b.
- a rib 100 is provided on the internal surface of the top wall 92. These ribs provide increased localized friction against the cable braid 16.
- Strain relief component 90 also includes one or more raised contact protrusions 102, for providing enhanced electrical contact between the shield 58 and the strain relief component 90 as described above, and a locking arm 104 which extends downwardly from top wall 92. As shown in Figure 6b, locking arm 104 fits into a cooperating locking hole 106 of an alternate embodiment of the contact shield 58b when strain relief component 90 is inserted in receiving slot 75. Locking holes 106 also initially serve to properly orientate strain relief components 90 within the opposing receiving slots 75 of the shield 58b. Locking arm 104 includes a tapered end 108 and one or more locking protrusions 110. Locking protrusions 110 engage cooperating ribs 112 formed in locking hole 106 as shown in Figure 6b.
- Strain relief components 90 operate in the following manner. Strain relief components 90 are inserted into the opposing slots 75 of the contact shield 58b with the locking arms 104 being inserted into the adjacent locking hole 106. Strain relief components 90 are then manually pushed toward each other to provide for ratchet engagement of the respective teeth of legs 94 and 96. Strain relief components 90 are pushed toward each other until the outer cable braid 16 of cable 12 is secured within the circular opening which is continually decreasing in size by the movement of the components 90 with respect to each other. As the strain relief components 90 press together, the locking arm 104 moves downwardly in locking hole 106 until the locking protrusions 110 engage and pass the locking ribs 112 of the hole 106.
- the tapered end 108 of locking arm 104 allows for inward movement of the locking arm, but the arrangement of locking protrusions 110 and cooperating ribs 112 prevent outward movement.
- the locking arm with locking protrusions 110 prevent strain relief components 90 from backing away from each other.
- housing halves 20a and 20b may be snap-fitted together to complete the assembly.
- Housing halves 20a and 20b shown in Figures 1-3 are formed in a plug configuration, but may alternatively be formed in a jack configuration.
- the plug and jack are mating connectors which may be mechanically and electrically connected by rotating the interconnection end of the plug 180 degrees and inserting it into the interconnection end of the jack.
- a deflectable latch 114 may be provided on either the plug or jack to provide for secure repeated connections and disconnections between the connectors.
- the present invention thus provides an electrical connector having an improved connector shield and dual use strain relief component.
- the present invention features a contact shield which extends further back into the cable dressing area. By extending the shield further back, the cross-talk performance of the connector is dramatically improved.
- the optional metallic strain relief components provide an improved ground path from the cable braid to the contact shield while eliminating the need for extra grounding components, such as spring clips, within the connector.
- the high strength of the metallic strain relief component allows for the use of a thinner strain relief device than conventional connectors.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to improvements in electrical data connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact data connector with an improved connector ground shield and a multi-purpose strain relief.
- In the field of data/communications technology, information in the form of electrical signals is being transmitted at ever increasing speeds. Along with the desire to transmit information at faster data rates, the industry has also seen the need to reduce the size of hardware employed so as to increase portability and ease of use. In order to keep pace with these improvements, the interconnection technology, which includes electrical cables and electrical connectors designed to connect such hardware, has also undergone significant changes. Electrical connectors and cables are now available which are much smaller in size and capable of transmitting data at higher rates.
- Continued improvement in connection technology is not without problems. When decreasing the size of electrical connectors while requiring the connectors to transmit data at higher rates, cross-talk between adjacent conductive components of the connector becomes a factor which must be addressed. Additionally, as these components are normally used in close proximity to other electronic components, the individual connector components must be shielded from electro-magnetic interferences and radio-frequency interferences. These interferences can adversely affect the performance levels of the connectors especially at higher data rates.
- European Patent application No. 0,587,303A to The Whitaker Corporation discloses a shielded electrical connector having an insulative housing carrying at least two signal contacts and outer shielding means. The contacts include forward contact sections and rear wire connecting sections and the outer shielding means at least partially surrounds the insulating housing. Cross-talk shield means is disposed between the electrical contacts and is electrically connected to the shielding means.
- Commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 5,538,440 and 5,564,940 to Rodrigues et al, the latter of which discloses a connector according to the preamble of claim 1, disclose compact electrical connectors which provide for the termination of discrete insulated conductors of a multi-conductor cable. The connectors include an insulative connector housing supporting a plurality of electrical contacts having insulation displacing contact portions. The connector also features an internal contact shield to shield individual contact pairs from adjacent contact pairs. The shield is a die cast metallic member having horizontal and vertical walls which intersect perpendicularly in "cross" configurations to provide horizontal and vertical shielding of the contacts. The contact shield disclosed in these patents also includes an extended ground element for electrical engagement with the multi-conductor cable to maintain electrical ground continuity between the cable and the contact shield. The cable-receiving end of the connector also includes a two component strain relief device which helps secure the cable in the connector. The strain relief device engages the folded back portion of the cable braid which electrically engages the extended ground element of the contact shield to establish electrical continuity between the cable braid and the contact shield.
- One of the disadvantages of the above-disclosed connectors is that vertical and horizontal walls of the connector shield extend only as far as the insulation displacing contact portions of the electrical contacts. Thus, a portion of the individual conductors of the multi-conductor cable between the end of the cable braid and the insulation displacing contacts is left unshielded.
- Furthermore, strain relief devices of conventional connectors typically only provide the function of securing the cable to the connector. Grounding of the cable is normally accomplished by the use of one or more separate components, such as a separate ground clip as an interface between the cable ground braid and the contact shield. This adds to the complexity and cost of the connector.
- Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an electrical connector which provides overall and individual shielding of the electrical contacts as well as the termination ends of the conductors engaging therewith. It would also be desirable to eliminate the requirement for separate components within the connector to ensure electrical continuity between the cable ground braid and the connector contact shield.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector for terminating discrete conductors of a multi-conductor cable.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector having a contact shield for shielding the electrical contacts of the connector as well as the discrete conductors of the multi-conductor cable engaging therewith.
- It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a strain relief device for an electrical connector which in addition to securing the multi-conductor cable to the connector also provides for electrical grounding of the cable to the connector thereby eliminating the need for separate components.
- In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector for terminating discrete conductors of a multi-conductor cable comprising: at least one insulative contact support member; a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the contact support member, each of the contacts having a connecting end and insulation displacement termination end portions for electrical connection with the conductors of one of said cables; at least one dressing block including receiving openings therein for said conductors, the dressing block guiding and moving the conductors into engagement with the insulation displacement termination end portions of said contacts; and an electrically conductive shield member for supporting therein said at least one contact support member, said shield member comprising an outer housing formed of at least two side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall which surround a portion of said contacts and a cross member formed between and integral with said at least two side walls, said cross member having a horizontal extent for supporting at least a portion of said contact support member thereon and a vertical extent, said horizontal extent and said vertical extent providing for shielding both horizontally and vertically between at least a portion of two contacts separated by said cross member, characterised in that said cross member extends a distance rearwardly past the at least one dressing block and, wherein said side walls, said upper and lower walls and said cross member entirely surround a length of at least two of the discrete conductors of the multi-conductor cable separated by said cross member to provide improved shielding between the pairs of conductors terminated to the connector.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the improved electrical connector generally includes an electrically insulative contact support member having a rearward cable termination end, a plurality of electrical contacts supported thereon and an electrically conductive contact shield housing substantially surrounding the support member. Preferably, the connector also includes an electrically insulative housing which may be in the form of two halves which snap-fit together to substantially enclose the contacts and the shield. The contacts include conventional conductor termination end portions which are electrically connected to individual conductors of the multi-conductor cable. Dressing blocks may also be provided which snap-fit to the contact support member over the contact end portions to secure the conductors in place. The contacts are positioned upon the contact support member so that the termination end portions are spaced forward of the termination end of the support member to allow for a length of the separated individual conductors of the multi-conductor cable to be supported on a conductor support portion of the contact support member. The contact shield housing includes an outer wall which substantially surrounds the contacts and one or more inner walls are positioned so as to physically separate one or more contacts from the others. The contact support member includes one or more longitudinal slots between the contacts for receiving the one or more inner walls of the contact shield housing. Unlike prior art connectors, the outer and inner walls of the contact shield housing extend rearward beyond the contact conductor termination end portions and terminate adjacent the termination end of the contact support member. Thus, the extended contact shield not only electrically isolates the contacts but also shields a length of individual conductors supported on the conductor support portion of the contact support member positioned within the shield housing. The result is a dramatic improvement in "cross-talk" performance of the connector.
- The present invention may also include a novel strain relief device positioned adjacent the termination end of the shield housing for securing the multi-conductor cable to the connector. The strain relief device is made from an electrically conductive material, preferably formed from a metallic material. The strain relief device is comprised of mirrored strain relief member which, when engaged, define a substantially circular bounded opening adjacent the termination end of the housing. The circular bounded opening is reduced in size as the strain relief members are moved toward each other to frictionally secure and electrically engage a ground braid of the multi-conductor cable. The strain relief members are preferably received in opposing slots which extend through an outer wall of the contact shield housing adjacent the termination end thereof and are in electrical communication with the shield housing. The strain relief members may also include one or more raised protrusions to enhance electrical contact between the strain relief member and the shield housing. Thus, unlike prior art strain relief devices, the electrically conductive strain relief members of the present invention provide ground continuity between the cable ground braid and the connector shield housing. The strength of the metallic members also allows for the use of a thinner strain relief device thereby reducing the overall size of the connector.
- A preferred embodiment of an electrical data connector with an improved connector shield and a multi-purpose strain relief, as well as other objects, optional features and advantages of this invention, will be apparent from the following detailed description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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- Figure 1 is an exploded rear perspective view of the electrical connector formed in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the electrical connector of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the electrical connector of Figures 1 and 2 as assembled.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the contact support member with contacts.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the contact support member with the contacts electrically connected to a multi-conductor cable.
- Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views of the termination sub-assembly of Figure 3 taken along line 6-6 with the rear end of contact support member and the strain relief device removed and showing alternate embodiments of the contact shield.
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a strain relief member.
- Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a strain relief member.
-
- Referring to Figures 1-3, a shielded
electrical data connector 10 is shown in an exploded view.Connector 10 may be employed to terminateelectrical cable 12 having an insulativeouter jacket 14, an inner ground conductor orcable braid 16 and a plurality of individually insulatedelectrical conductors 18 extending therethrough. In order to preparecable 12 for termination inconnector 10,jacket 14 is cut-away exposing a portion ofcable braid 16 and a length ofconductors 18 suitable for termination. While it may be appreciated that the invention may be employed with cables having any number of conductors, in the present illustrated embodiment,cable 12 is an eight conductor cable comprising four pairs of individual conductors. -
Connector 10 includes outerconnector housing halves Connector housing halves arms 22 which cooperatively engagerecesses 24 to provide for a snap-fit engagement of the halves.Housing halves Connector housing halves cable termination end 26 which when assembled define a rearwardly opening circular passage which permits entry ofcable 12 intoconnector 10. -
Connector housing halves termination subassembly 30 which is identical for both the jack and the plug configurations of the connector.Termination subassembly 30 includes acontact support member 32, a plurality ofelectrical contacts 34, a plurality of dressing blocks 35, acontact shield 58 and a strain relief device 72. - Referring now to Figures 4 and 5,
contact support member 32 supports the plurality ofelectrical contacts 34 thereon. Each ofcontacts 34 are elongate electrically conductive metallic members formed of beryllium-copper having aconnection end 36 and atermination end 38.Connection end 36 includes a cantileveredelement 40 for making mating resilient electrical engagement with similar contacts in the mating jack or plug connector.Termination end 38 includes blade type insulation displacing contact (IDC) portions which are constructed for insulation displacing termination withconductors 18 ofcable 12. In the present illustrative embodiment,contacts 34 are positioned in upper and lower longitudinally aligned transversely spaced rows. Termination ends 38 of the lower row extend in the opposite direction than the termination ends of the upper row. -
Contact support member 32 is formed of a suitable insulative plastic, such as polyester, and includes aforward interconnection end 42 and arear termination end 44.Contact support member 32 includescontact grooves 45 in upper andlower platforms contacts 34 in individual electrical isolation.Contact support member 32 includes aconductor support portion 48 which extends rearwardly beyond the IDC termination ends 38 ofcontacts 34 to the to reartermination end 44 to support the conductors of the cable thereon.Conductor support portion 45 includes raisedlongitudinal projections 49 which define therebetweenconductor receiving spaces 50 and dressingblock receiving spaces 51. -
Support member 32 also includes avertical slot 52 disposed between lateral pairs ofcontacts 34 and ahorizontal slot 53 disposed between the upper and lower rows of contacts.Slots forward interconnection end 42 ofsupport member 32 through theconductor support portion 48 and terminate at apoint 54 just intermediaterear end 44 ofsupport member 32. As illustrated,contact support member 32 is designed to accommodate four pairs of contacts, however, it may be appreciated that the contact support member may be designed to accommodate additional pairs of contacts by increasing the width of the support member and providing additional vertical slots between each lateral pair of contacts. - Referring specifically to Figure 5, the
conductors 18 ofcable 12 are electrically connected to thecontacts 34 onsupport member 32 prior to assembly of theconnector 10. Extending pairs ofconductors 18 ofcable 12 are separated and positioned for insulation displacing connection with termination ends 38 ofcontacts 34. Ends of theconductors 18 are placed within receiving openings in the dressing blocks 35 and are electrically connected tocontacts 34 in a conventional insulation displacing method. The insulative dressing blocks 35 secure the conductors in place and are provided with one or more raisedbosses 55 extending below a bottom portion thereof to be snap-fit into the dressingblock receiving spaces 51 of theconductor support portion 48 ofsupport member 32. - As
contacts 34 are maintained in close proximity incontact support member 32, it becomes necessary to shield individual contact pairs from adjacent contact pairs to minimize the effects of cross-talk. Returning to Figures 1-3, aninternal contact shield 58 is provided which encloses the pre-assembledcontact support member 32.Shield housing 58 is a die cast conductive, e.g., metallic, member which is slidably insertable into and aroundcontact support member 32 from theforward interconnection end 42 thereof.Contact shield housing 58 serves to shield thecontacts 34 as a group and also to shield pairs ofcontacts 34 from one another both laterally and vertically.Contact shield 58 is an elongate housing roughly the same length ascontact support member 32 and has aninterconnection end 60 and atermination end 62.Contact shield 58 includes upper and lowerU-shaped shield platforms central wall 64 at theinterconnection end 60 thereof. The upper andlower shield platforms contacts 34. When connecting with a mating connector, the interconnection ends are rotated 180 degrees with respect to each other. Thus, the U-shaped platforms of mating connectors will totally enclose, and thereby shield, the connection ends 36 of thecontacts 34. -
Contact shield 58 includes anenclosed chamber 65 defined by anouter wall 66 at thetermination end 62 of the shield. Theouter wall 66 provides overall shielding to the termination ends 38 ofcontacts 34. Referring additionally to Figures 6a and 6b,contact shield 58 further includes a vertical and a horizontalinternal wall chamber 65 and terminatingintermediate termination end 62 ofshield 58. Verticalinternal wall 68 separates and shields lateral pairs ofcontacts 34 andhorizontal wall 70 separates and shields the upper and lower rows ofcontacts 34. Unlike prior art connectors, the outer and inner walls of thecontact shield 58 extend further rearward past the termination ends 38 ofcontacts 34 to theconductor supporting portion 48 of thecontact support member 32 thereby also providing effective overall and individual shielding of the exposed pairs ofconductors 18 positioned within the connector housing. Again, it may be appreciated thatcontact shield 58 may be designed to shield additional pairs ofcontacts 34 andconductors 18 by increasing its width and providing additional horizontal and/or vertical walls. -
Termination sub-assembly 30 is provided with a strain relief device 72 for securing thecable 12 to theconnector 10. Strain relief device 72 is comprised of a pair of matching strain relief components which are formed from an electrically conductive metallic material. The preferred embodiment of thestrain relief component 74 is shown in Figures 1-3 and 7. Alternate embodiments of the strain relief components are discussed further in detail below. Generally, a pair of strain relief components are inserted in oppositely disposed receivingslots 75 located at thetermination end 62 of thecontact shield housing 58. Preferably, the receivingslots 75 are sized so that the strain relief components are in close electrical contact with the slots when inserted therein. The strain relief components when inserted in receivingslots 75 define a circular opening which is generally concentric with thechamber 65 ofcontact shield 58. When the strain relief components are inserted in receivingslots 75 and brought together, the circular opening defined therebetween will be reduced in size in order to frictionally secure and electrically engage theouter cable braid 16 of thecable 12 therebetween and secure the cable thereat. - Strain relief device 72 also provides continuity of ground between the
cable 12 and thecontact shield housing 58. Prior to installation of thecable 12, a portion of thecable jacket 14 is removed to reveal thecable ground braid 16. It is this portion of thecable 12 that the strain relief components frictionally engage. Thus, the strain relief components are in electrical contact with thecable braid 16. Since the strain relief components are made of an electrically conductive metallic material, and since they are in electrical communication with the receivingslots 75 of the electrically conductivecontact shield housing 58, the ground of thecable 12 may be carried from thecable braid 16 through the strain relief component to thecontact shield housing 58. To enhance electrical contact between the strain relief components and the receivingslot 75, the strain relief component may be provided with one or more raised contact protrusions. When the strain relief components are inserted into receivingslots 75 of thecontact shield 58, the raised contact protrusion "skives" or cuts into a wall of theslot 75 and is mechanically forced thereagainst thereby providing secure electrical contact between the strain relief component and thecontact shield 58. Alternatively, the raised contact protrusion provides for an interference fit making good electrical continuity between theshield housing 58 and the strain relief component. - Figure 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the
strain relief component 74.Strain relief component 74 generally includes atop wall 76 and a pair of J-shapedside arms 78 extending downwardly from the top wall. The "hooks" 80 of the J-shapedarms 78 are directed inwardly and engage cooperating outwardly directedratchet teeth 82 formed on theouter wall 66 of theshield housing 58 at thetermination end 62 thereof, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6a.Side arms 78 are deflectable which, along with the positioning ofratchet teeth 82, allow for one-way downward movement of thestrain relief components 74 within receivingslots 75 ofshield 58. The internal surface oftop wall 76 ofstrain relief component 74 is generally curved and is provided with arib 84 to assist in frictional securement of thecable braid 16.Strain relief component 74 also includes an arrangement of upper and lower raisedcontact protrusions 86 and 88 which provide two-position enhanced electrical contact betweenstrain relief component 74 andcontact shield 58.Upper protrusions 86 are oppositely disposed on the major surfaces ofstrain relief component 74 and are laterally offset from similarly disposed lower protrusions 88. -
Strain relief components 74 operate in the following manner.Strain relief components 74 are inserted into the opposingslots 75 of thecontact shield 58 with the side arms 88 positioned along the sides ofcontact shield 58.Strain relief components 74 are then manually pushed toward each other to provide for ratchet engagement of the J-hooks 80 andrespective teeth 82 ofcontact shield 58. When thestrain relief components 74 are inserted within receivingslots 75 and make electrical contact with thecable braid 16 in a pre-load stage, the lower protrusions 88 are in forced electrical contact with the receivingslot 75. As thestrain relief components 94 are pressed downwardly to frictionally secure thecable braid 16 under load, theupper protrusions 106 are mechanically forced against the receivingslot 75. Thus, electrical ground continuity is maintained in both a pre-load and a loaded position.Strain relief components 74 are pushed toward each other until theouter cable braid 16 ofcable 12 is secured within the circular opening which is continually decreasing in size by the movement of thecomponents 74 with respect to each other. As thestrain relief components 74 press together, theside arms 78 move downwardly along theratchet teeth 82 thereby preventing thestrain relief components 74 from backing away from each other. Thus,strain relief components 74 independently engage and lock to the shieldhousing ratchet teeth 82. Because the locking zone is totally separate from the strain relieving zone and grounding zone, the strain relief of the present invention provides more stability since the locking zone is not subjected to strains that could be caused during cable pull out. - Figure 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a
strain relief component 90.Strain relief component 90 is generally U-shaped having atop wall 92 and downwardly extending side walls orlegs Legs teeth 98. Ratchet teeth onleg 94 are directed outwardly while ratchet teeth onleg 96 are directed inwardly. Thestrain relief components 90 are oriented within the receivingslots 75 of thecontact shield 58b so thatlegs 94 of each component engagelegs 96 of the other. The positioning ofratchet teeth 98 permit the moveable one-way ratchet engagement of thecomponents 90 with respect to the other. The deflectability oflegs components 90. The internal surface oflegs 94 as well as the internal surface oftop wall 92 are generally curved so as to form a circular opening which is generally concentric with thechamber 65 ofcontact shield 58b. In order to assist in frictional securement of thecable braid 16, arib 100 is provided on the internal surface of thetop wall 92. These ribs provide increased localized friction against thecable braid 16. -
Strain relief component 90 also includes one or more raisedcontact protrusions 102, for providing enhanced electrical contact between theshield 58 and thestrain relief component 90 as described above, and alocking arm 104 which extends downwardly fromtop wall 92. As shown in Figure 6b, lockingarm 104 fits into a cooperating lockinghole 106 of an alternate embodiment of thecontact shield 58b whenstrain relief component 90 is inserted in receivingslot 75. Lockingholes 106 also initially serve to properly orientatestrain relief components 90 within the opposing receivingslots 75 of theshield 58b. Lockingarm 104 includes atapered end 108 and one ormore locking protrusions 110. Lockingprotrusions 110 engage cooperatingribs 112 formed in lockinghole 106 as shown in Figure 6b. -
Strain relief components 90 operate in the following manner.Strain relief components 90 are inserted into the opposingslots 75 of thecontact shield 58b with the lockingarms 104 being inserted into theadjacent locking hole 106.Strain relief components 90 are then manually pushed toward each other to provide for ratchet engagement of the respective teeth oflegs Strain relief components 90 are pushed toward each other until theouter cable braid 16 ofcable 12 is secured within the circular opening which is continually decreasing in size by the movement of thecomponents 90 with respect to each other. As thestrain relief components 90 press together, the lockingarm 104 moves downwardly in lockinghole 106 until the lockingprotrusions 110 engage and pass the lockingribs 112 of thehole 106. Thetapered end 108 of lockingarm 104 allows for inward movement of the locking arm, but the arrangement of lockingprotrusions 110 and cooperatingribs 112 prevent outward movement. Thus, in addition to theratchet teeth 98 of thestrain relief component 90, the locking arm with lockingprotrusions 110 preventstrain relief components 90 from backing away from each other. - Once the strain relief device 72 is engaged,
housing halves Housing halves deflectable latch 114 may be provided on either the plug or jack to provide for secure repeated connections and disconnections between the connectors. - The present invention thus provides an electrical connector having an improved connector shield and dual use strain relief component. Unlike prior connectors, the present invention features a contact shield which extends further back into the cable dressing area. By extending the shield further back, the cross-talk performance of the connector is dramatically improved. Also, the optional metallic strain relief components provide an improved ground path from the cable braid to the contact shield while eliminating the need for extra grounding components, such as spring clips, within the connector. Furthermore, the high strength of the metallic strain relief component allows for the use of a thinner strain relief device than conventional connectors.
- Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims.
Claims (15)
- An electrical connector (10) for terminating discrete conductors (18) of a multi-conductor cable (12) comprising:at least one insulative contact support member (32);a plurality of electrical contacts (34) supported by the contact support member (32), each of the contacts (34) having a connecting end (36) and insulation displacement termination end (38) portions for electrical connection with the conductors (18) of one of said cables (12);at least one dressing block (35) including receiving openings therein for said conductors (18), the dressing block (35) guiding and moving the conductors (18) into engagement with the insulation displacement termination end portions (38) of said contacts (34); andan electrically conductive shield member (58) for supporting therein said at least one contact support member (32), said shield member (58) comprising an outer housing formed of at least two side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall which surround a portion of said contacts (34) and a cross member formed between and integral with said at least two side walls, said cross member having a horizontal extent (70) for supporting at least a portion of said contact support member thereon and a vertical extent (68), said horizontal extent (70) and said vertical extent (68) providing for shielding both horizontally and vertically between at least a portion of two contacts (34) separated by said cross member,
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in claim 1, wherein said side walls and said upper and lower walls extend a distance rearwardly past the at least one dressing block (35).
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the shield member (58) is formed of a die-cast metal.
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in any preceding claim, comprising a single contact support member (32), wherein said contact support member (32) includes a horizontal (53) and a longitudinal (52) slot for receiving said cross member portion of said shield member (58).
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said contact end portions (38) comprise insulation displacement contacts (34) and said dressing blocks (35) are snap-fit over the insulation displacement contacts (34) to secure said conductors (34) thereto.
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in any preceding claim, further including an insulative connector housing having two connector halves (20a, 20b) which are snap-fit together to substantially enclose said shield member (58).
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in any preceding claim, further comprising a cable strain relief device (72) for securing the cable (12) thereat and the strain relief device (72) being in direct contact with said shield member (58) for providing ground continuity between the cable (12) and the shield member (58).
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in claim 7, wherein said cable strain relief device (72) comprises first and second strain relief members (90), each strain relief member (90) having a pair of legs (94, 96) positioned along opposed edges thereof, each of said legs (94, 96) including an engagement member (110) thereon, said first and second strain relief members (90) defining a bounded opening therebetween and being moveable with respect to each other to reduce the size of said bounded opening for securingly engaging the cable (12) thereat and wherein said shield member (58) includes engagement elements (112) arranged along at least two opposed side walls thereof for mating co-operation with the engagement members of said strain relief members (90) to thereby lockingly engage said first and second strain relief members (90) to said cable (12).
- The electrical connector as defined in claim 8, wherein said engagement member on said first and second strain relief members and said engagement elements on said shield member include interengageable teeth (98) for permitting ratchet-type movement therebetween.
- The electrical connector as defined in claim 8 or 9, wherein said shield member (58) includes an upper and a lower wall each having a slot (75) disposed therethrough for receiving each of said strain relief members (90).
- The electrical connector as defined in claim 10, wherein said first and second strain relief members (90) are made from an electrically conductive material and wherein at least one of said first and second strain relief members (90) includes at least one raised protrusion (102) which is mechanically forced against an inner wall of said slot (75) of said shield member (58) when said strain relief member (90) is inserted in said slot (75) thereby ensuring electrical contact between said strain relief member (90) and said shield member (58).
- The electrical connector as defined in any of claims 7 to 11, wherein said cable strain relief device (72) comprises first and second interengageable strain relief members (90) each having a pair of spaced legs (94, 96), one leg (94) having outwardly directed engagement elements (98) and the opposing leg (96) having inwardly directed engagement elements (98), the outwardly directed engagement elements (98) on a leg (94) of one strain relief member (90) engaging the inwardly directed engagement elements (98) on a leg (96) of the other strain relief member (90), said first and second strain relief members (90) defining a bounded opening therebetween and being movable with respect to each other to reduce the size of said opening and for frictionally securing said cable (12) thereat.
- The electrical connector as defined in any preceding claim, wherein the contact support member (32) includes an elongated supporting surface extending rearwardly past the insulation displacement termination end (38) portions and further wherein the cross member extends to a position adjacent the end of the elongated supporting surface of the contact support member (32).
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contacts (34) are blade-type contacts.
- The electrical connector (10) as defined in claim 14, wherein the connection end (36) of the blade-type contact (34) includes a resilient spring portion (40).
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US6435697P | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | |
US6437097P | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | |
US64370P | 1997-10-30 | ||
US64356P | 1997-10-30 | ||
US7410298P | 1998-02-09 | 1998-02-09 | |
US74102P | 1998-02-09 | ||
PCT/US1998/023126 WO1999023727A1 (en) | 1997-10-30 | 1998-10-30 | Electrical connector having an improved connector shield and a multi-purpose strain relief |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0956619A1 EP0956619A1 (en) | 1999-11-17 |
EP0956619B1 true EP0956619B1 (en) | 2004-01-02 |
Family
ID=27370612
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98954048A Expired - Lifetime EP0956619B1 (en) | 1997-10-30 | 1998-10-30 | Electrical connector having an improved connector shield and a multi-purpose strain relief |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0956619B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4021500B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE257282T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1126599A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2275923C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69820857T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999023727A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IL145770A0 (en) * | 1999-04-06 | 2002-07-25 | Cablesoft Inc | A system for monitoring connection pattern of data ports |
DE19935994A1 (en) * | 1999-07-30 | 2001-02-01 | Siemens Ag | Connectors |
JP4151510B2 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2008-09-17 | 株式会社豊田自動織機 | Shielded cable, method for manufacturing the shielded cable, and compressor unit using the shielded cable |
US7195518B2 (en) * | 2005-05-02 | 2007-03-27 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Electrical connector with enhanced jack interface |
DE102010051954B3 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-09 | Harting Electronics Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connectors for differential data transmission |
DE102011055509B4 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2017-09-07 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connectors |
FR3000314A1 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-06-27 | Legrand France | ACCESSORY FOR CONNECTING AN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO ELECTRIC WIRES FROM A FLOW SHEATH |
DE102018127231B3 (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-03-26 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connector device with at least one fixing part for providing a strain relief or jacket fixation |
CN110474195A (en) * | 2019-07-25 | 2019-11-19 | 深圳市亚力盛电子股份有限公司 | Connector male head and connector |
EP3849025A1 (en) * | 2020-01-07 | 2021-07-14 | Aptiv Technologies Limited | Hv connector having a rear grid with strain relief means and method for assembling thereof |
JP7488740B2 (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2024-05-22 | ホシデン株式会社 | connector |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0634817A2 (en) * | 1993-07-14 | 1995-01-18 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Shielded compact data connector |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4744369A (en) * | 1986-10-06 | 1988-05-17 | Cherne Medical, Inc. | Medical current limiting circuit |
US5199903A (en) * | 1991-02-28 | 1993-04-06 | Amp General Patent Counsel | Ferruleless back shell |
US5116230A (en) * | 1991-04-09 | 1992-05-26 | Molex Incorporated | Coaxial cable connector |
NZ248262A (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1995-08-28 | Whitaker Corp | Shielded connector for lan data cable end |
US5531606A (en) * | 1993-02-04 | 1996-07-02 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Shielded vertically aligned electrical connector components |
CA2135578A1 (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1995-05-18 | Julio F. Rodrigues | Electrical connector having a conductor holding block |
US5538440A (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1996-07-23 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector having a conductor holding block |
US5445538A (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1995-08-29 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector strain relief |
US5605469A (en) * | 1995-01-05 | 1997-02-25 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Electrical connector having an improved conductor holding block and conductor shield |
-
1998
- 1998-10-30 AU AU11265/99A patent/AU1126599A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-10-30 DE DE69820857T patent/DE69820857T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-30 AT AT98954048T patent/ATE257282T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-10-30 EP EP98954048A patent/EP0956619B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-30 WO PCT/US1998/023126 patent/WO1999023727A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-10-30 CA CA002275923A patent/CA2275923C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-30 JP JP52660999A patent/JP4021500B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0634817A2 (en) * | 1993-07-14 | 1995-01-18 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Shielded compact data connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE257282T1 (en) | 2004-01-15 |
CA2275923A1 (en) | 1999-05-14 |
DE69820857T2 (en) | 2004-12-16 |
CA2275923C (en) | 2006-12-19 |
AU1126599A (en) | 1999-05-24 |
DE69820857D1 (en) | 2004-02-05 |
WO1999023727A1 (en) | 1999-05-14 |
JP4021500B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 |
JP2001507512A (en) | 2001-06-05 |
EP0956619A1 (en) | 1999-11-17 |
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