Connector assembly with a grounding portion

Abstract

A connector assembly (10) is disclosed, in which a connector part (12) and a cable management part (20) are provided. The cable management part (20) may be provided with a rear housing (40), a tethering fixing part (30) and a grounding part (50). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) provides a ground contact between the inserted cable (4) and the connector part (12). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) fixes the connector part (12) to the rear housing part (40). In one example, the connector assembly (110) is provided with a grounding device (150) that includes a plurality of deflectable grounding members (152) and provides a ground contact between the inserted cable (4) and the connector part (112). In one aspect, each grounding member (152) provides two contact points for the cable (4).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention, with the international application number PCT / US2017 / 045539, the international filing date August 4, 2017, the national application number 201780049755.2, the date of entry into the Chinese national phase February 14, 2019, and the invention title "Connector Assembly with Grounding Portion".

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application is a PCT international patent application filed on August 4, 2017, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 375,269 filed on August 15, 2016, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 375,260 filed on August 15, 2016, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 521,952 filed on June 19, 2017. The disclosures of the said patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background of the Invention

[0004] Electrical connectors can be used to provide connection points for electrical communication systems. For example, an RJ - type connector can be provided as a wall socket, where an electronic data cable is terminated and a mating electrical plug can be inserted into the socket. Typically, this termination process occurs on - site and at the actual location where the cable to be attached to the connector is being installed. In such cases, it is often necessary to provide a ground connection between the cable and the connector to which the cable is attached. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A connector assembly is disclosed. A connector assembly including a grounding member is disclosed. The disclosed connector assembly provides a compact cable clamping / shielding connection method that can accommodate a wide range of cable sizes. For example, the disclosed clamp can accommodate cables from 4.6 mm to 9.0 mm.

[0006] Another feature of the disclosed assembly is that all parts of the grounding feature are inside the side of the connector assembly or jack, so there are no protrusions. Since the connector assembly or socket will be used in high - density applications, in some cases the connector assemblies or sockets are mounted side - by - side or back - to - back. Any protrusions protruding from a clamp located outside the body of the connector assembly will interfere with such a configuration.

[0007] In one example, a connector assembly is disclosed that includes: a connector member defining a front housing having a jack cavity; and a cable manager member having a rear housing and a ground member. The rear housing defines a central aperture through which a cable having an exposed conductive element can extend. The ground member secures the rear housing to the front housing and provides a ground contact between the cable conductive element and the connector member. In one example, the cable manager member includes a tethering member that secures the ends of the cables to the respective wires of the connector member, the connector member being secured between the ground member and the front housing.

[0008] A method for assembling a connector assembly is also disclosed, the method including the steps of: providing a connector member defining a front housing having a jack cavity; providing a cable manager member including a rear housing and a ground member for providing a ground connection between a sheath of an inserted cable and the connector member; securing the ground member to the rear housing; and securing the ground member to the front housing such that the front housing is secured to the rear housing.

[0009] In one example, a connector assembly is disclosed that includes: a connector member defining a front housing having a jack cavity; and a cable manager member having a rear housing and a ground device. The rear housing defines a central aperture through which a cable having an exposed conductive element can extend. The ground device is secured to an end wall of the rear housing and includes a plurality of deflectable flange members that extend through the central aperture. The flange members are arranged to provide a spring force against the cable and a ground contact between the cable conductive element and the connector member.

[0010] A method for assembling a connector assembly is also disclosed, the method including the steps of: providing a connector member defining a front housing having a jack cavity; providing a cable manager member including a rear housing and a ground device including a plurality of discrete ground members for providing a ground connection between a sheath of an inserted cable and the connector member; securing each of the ground members to the end wall of the rear housing; and securing the front housing to the rear housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, where like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the views unless otherwise indicated.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical communication connector having a connector member and a cable manager member, the connector member and the cable manager member being examples of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the first side view of the electrical communication connector shown in

[0014] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the second side view of the electrical communication connector shown in

[0015] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional side view of the electrical communication connector shown in

[0016] Figure 5 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional side view of the electrical communication connector shown in , where a cable is inserted into the connector;

[0017] Figure 6 is Figure 1 the exploded perspective view of the electrical communication connector shown in , where the cable manager component is shown separated from the connector component;

[0018] Figure 7 is Figure 1 the exploded perspective view of the electrical communication connector shown in , where the cable manager component is shown separated from the connector component, and where the rear housing, grounding component, and tethering fixture of the cable manager component are separated;

[0019] Figure 8 is Figure 1 the rear perspective view of the connector component shown in ;

[0020] Figure 9 is Figure 8 the first side view of the connector component shown in ;

[0021] Figure 10 is Figure 8 the second side view of the connector component shown in ;

[0022] Figure 11 is Figure 8 the front view of the connector component shown in ;

[0023] Figure 12 is Figure 8 the rear view of the connector component shown in ;

[0024] Figure 13 is Figure 1 the perspective view of the rear housing of the cable manager component shown in ;

[0025] Figure 14 is Figure 13 the side view of the rear housing shown in ;

[0026] Figure 15 is Figure 13 a front view of the rear housing shown in

[0027] Figure 16 is Figure 13 a second side view of the rear housing shown in

[0028] Figure 17 is Figure 13 a third side view of the rear housing shown in

[0029] Figure 18 is Figure 1 a rear perspective view of the tethering fixture of the cable management component shown in

[0030] Figure 19 is Figure 18 a front perspective view of the tethering fixture shown in

[0031] Figure 20 is Figure 18 a first side view of the tethering fixture shown in

[0032] Figure 21 is Figure 18 a second view of the tethering fixture shown in

[0033] Figure 22 is Figure 18 a rear view of the tethering fixture shown in

[0034] Figure 23 is Figure 18 a front view of the tethering fixture shown in

[0035] Figure 24 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the grounding component of the cable management component shown in

[0036] Figure 25 is Figure 24 a front view of the grounding component shown in

[0037] Figure 26 is Figure 24 a first side view of the grounding component shown in

[0038] Figure 27 is Figure 24 a second side view of the grounding component shown in

[0039] Figure 28 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the front housing component, latch member and cover assembly of the cable management component shown in

[0040] Figure 29 is Figure 28 a rear bottom perspective view of the front housing component shown in

[0041] Figure 30 is Figure 28 a front bottom perspective view of the front housing component shown in

[0042] Figure 31 is Figure 28 a side view of the front housing component shown in

[0043] Figure 32 is Figure 28 a bottom view of the front housing component shown in

[0044] Figure 33 is Figure 28 a top perspective view of the latch member shown in

[0045] Figure 34 is Figure 28 a side view of the latch member shown in

[0046] Figure 35 is Figure 28 a top view of the latch member shown in

[0047] Figure 36 is Figure 28 a bottom view of the latch member shown in

[0048] Figure 37 is Figure 28 a front view of the latch member shown in

[0049] Figure 38 is Figure 28 a rear view of the latch member shown in

[0050] Figure 39 is Figure 28 a front perspective view of the cover assembly shown in

[0051] Figure 40 is Figure 39 a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly shown in

[0052] Figure 41 is Figure 39 a front view of the cover assembly shown in

[0053] Figure 42 is Figure 39 a rear view of the cover assembly shown in

[0054] Figure 43 is Figure 39 a cross - sectional view of the cover assembly taken along line 43 - 43 shown in Figure 41 ​

[0055] Figure 44 is Figure 39 a side view of the cover assembly shown in

[0056] Figure 45 is suitable for use with Figure 28 a front perspective view of a second example of a cover assembly adapted to be used with the front housing member shown in

[0057] Figure 46 is Figure 45 a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly shown in

[0058] Figure 47 is Figure 45 a front view of the cover assembly shown in

[0059] Figure 48 is Figure 45 a rear view of the cover assembly shown in

[0060] Figure 49 is Figure 45 a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly shown in Figure 47 taken along line 49-49 in

[0061] Figure 50 is Figure 45 a side view of the cover assembly shown in

[0062] Figure 51 is a schematic perspective view of a cable inserted into a cable management member shown in Figure 1

[0063] Figure 52 is Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of the cable shown in

[0064] Figure 53 is adapted for use in Figure 1 a first perspective view of a connector member for an assembly of the type shown in

[0065] Figure 54 is Figure 53 a second perspective view of the connector member shown in

[0066] Figure 55 is a perspective view of a cable management member adapted to be used with the connector member shown in Figure 53 wherein a cable is partially inserted into the cable management member;

[0067] Figure 56 is Figure 55 a second perspective view of the cable management member and the cable shown in

[0068] ​Figure 57 Is Figure 55 The front end view of the cable management component and the cable shown in

[0069] Figure 58 Is Figure 55 The rear end view of the cable management component and the cable shown in

[0070] Figure 59 Is Figure 55 The cross-section of the cable management component and the cable shown in Figure 58 Cut along lines 59, 60 in , where the cable is partially inserted;

[0071] Figure 60 Is Figure 55 The cross-section of the cable management component and the cable shown in Figure 58 Cut along lines 59, 60 in , where the cable is fully inserted;

[0072] Figure 61 Is Figure 55 The perspective view of the grounding device of the cable management component shown in

[0073] Figure 62 Is Figure 61 The top view of the grounding device shown in

[0074] Figure 63 Is Figure 62 The side view of the grounding device shown in . Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0075] Each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals represent like components and assemblies in several views. The reference to each embodiment does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely illustrate some of the many possible embodiments of the appended claims.

[0076] An electrical communication connector 10 for making a ground connection with a cable 4 having a conductive element 5 and a plurality of wires 6 is shown. Figure 29 An example of a suitable cable 4 is shown. As used herein, the term "conductive element" is defined to include any type of conductive element, shield, or sheath disposed on the cable jacket, including metal braids, meshes, foils, drain wires, and combinations thereof. In one example, the cable 4 includes a plurality of insulated copper wires 6, e.g., four sets of twisted wire pairs, and the connector 10 is a modular or RJ-type connector.

[0077] As shown, the electrical communication connector 10 has a connector component 12 that mates with a cable management component 20, and each of the electrical communication connectors includes additional sub-assemblies. As shown, the connector component 12 includes a jack cavity 14 for receiving a corresponding plug (not shown). A cover assembly 100 having a rotatable dust cover 90 is shown to provide selective access to the jack cavity 14, as discussed in more detail later. The connector component 12 may include a plurality of electrical contact members or conductors 16 that are electrically connected to the wire 6 through a termination and connection process. As shown, the connector component 12 is constructed with a front housing 18 that has conductive sidewalls 18a (18a1, 18a2), which are formed of a conductive material (such as a metallic material). In one aspect, one or more of the sidewalls 18a may define corresponding recessed portions 18b. As shown, two recessed portions 18b (18b1, 18b2) are provided. The recessed portions 18b receive and connect to portions of the connector component 20 such that a conductive contact is established between the cable management component 20 and the sidewalls 18a of the front housing 18 of the connector component. Thus, the connector 10 is grounded to the cable conductive element 5 via the cable management component 20 and the sidewalls 18a of the connector component 12.

[0078] In one aspect, the front housing 18 of the connector component is provided with a cutting edge 18c that is designed to cut the wire 6 of the cable 4 during the termination process. A suitable termination process and an example of a connector component are shown and described in the Spanish patent application P201530417, filed on March 27, 2015, entitled Connector Assembly with a Grounding Spring, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. A suitable termination process and another example of a connector component are shown and described in the Spanish patent application P201531199, filed on August 13, 2015, entitled Connector Assembly with a Grounding Spring Clamp, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] In one aspect, the cable management component 20 may further be provided with a tethering fixture 30, a rear housing 40, and a grounding component 50. As constructed, the grounding component 50 latches and secures the front housing 18 of the connector component to the rear housing component 40 such that the tethering fixture is sandwiched between the front housing and the rear housing component.

[0080] In Figures 24 to 27The grounding component 50 is shown separately. As shown, the grounding component 50 is provided with an end wall 50a which defines a hole 50b. A plurality of flange members 50c extend from the end wall 50a towards the center of the hole. As shown, each flange member 50c includes a main portion 50d which extends from a base end 50e near the end wall 50a to a terminal portion 50f. The main portion 50d of each flange member extends away from the end wall 50a at a first angle a1 at the base 50e, while the terminal portion 50f extends at a second angle a2 relative to the base 50e. As shown, the first angle a1 is approximately 44 degrees, while the second angle a2 is approximately 60 degrees. Other angles are also possible. The main portion 50d is arranged at the first angle a1 to facilitate the insertion of the cable 4 while providing an optimal spring force against the cable sheath 5. The terminal portion 50f is bent at the second angle a2 such that when the cable sheath 5 passes over the flange member 50c, there are no sharp edges of the flange member 50c against the cable sheath, and it also facilitates the removal of the cable after insertion. In one embodiment, the grounding component 50 is formed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or copper alloy.

[0081] The grounding component 50 may also be provided with side walls 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d and arm extensions 52e, 52f, each of the side walls and arm extensions extending from the end wall 50a. As shown, the side walls 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d extend substantially perpendicularly from the end wall 50a, while the arm extensions 52e, 52f extend at a slightly inclined angle a3 to facilitate the insertion of the grounding component 50 into the rear housing 40. The side walls 52a, 52b are respectively provided with bent portions or tabs 54a, 54b and 54c, 54d which serve as latches for engaging corresponding recessed portions 44a, 44b and 44c, 44d of the rear housing 40. The extending arms 52e, 52f are provided with bent portions or tabs 54e, 54f which also engage the recessed portions 44e, 44f of the rear housing 40. The extending arms 52e, 52f are further provided with bent portions or tabs 54g, 54h and orthogonal flange portions 54i, 54j. The tabs 54g, 54h engage the recessed portions 18d, 18e of the front housing 18. The flange portions 54i, 54j extend orthogonally into corresponding slots or recesses 44h, 44g in the rear housing component 40 and into the slots or recesses 18f, 18g of the front housing 18 such that when an attempt is made to separate the front housing 18 from the rear housing 40, there is a shearing action on the flanges 54i, 54j. Thus, the flanges 54i, 54j provide an increased holding force because any removal force will be applied to the flanges 54i, 54j in a shearing force state. The angled tabs or latches 54g, 54h serve as deflection means such that the locking flanges 54i, 54j are deflected before being locked into the slots 18d, 18e to allow the wall of the rear housing component 40 to pass through.

[0082] In Figure 13 -17, the rear housing 40 is shown separately. The rear housing includes an end wall 40a that defines a central hole 40b. The rear housing also includes side walls 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d that extend from the end wall 40a. The side walls 42a-42d and the end wall 40a together form an internal cavity in which the grounding component 50 is received. The grounding component 50 is received by the rear housing 40 such that the end wall 40a and the end wall 50a are adjacent and such that the central hole 40b and the central hole 50b are coaxially aligned. As previously described, the grounding component 50 is fixed to the housing component 40 by tabs 54a, 54b, 54e (the tabs are latched to recesses 44a, 44b, 44e in the side wall 42a of the housing component 40, respectively) and tabs 54c, 54d, 54f (the tabs are latched to recesses 44c, 44d, 44f in the side wall 42b of the housing component 40, respectively).

[0083] The rear housing 40 is also shown as including projecting side walls 42e, 42f that extend from the side walls 42a, 42b, respectively. In one aspect, the side walls 42e, 42f of the connector component 12 and the cable manager component can be constructed in a complementary manner such that the connector component 12 can engage with the cable manager component 20 in only one orientation. For example, the recessed portion 18b1 on one side of the front housing 18 can be configured to have a different size and / or shape from the recessed portion 18b2 on the opposite side of the front housing 18. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the rear housing 40 is provided with a pair of projecting side walls 42e, 42f, and the pair of projecting side walls are received in the recessed portions 18b1, 18b2, respectively. Each of the projecting side walls 42e, 42f is provided with a different shape corresponding to the recessed portions 18b1, 18b2, and each of the projecting side walls is intended to be received in the corresponding recessed portion. Thus, the rear housing 40 can be fully engaged and connected to the front housing 18 in only a single orientation.

[0084] Once the grounding member 50 is received and fixed to the rear housing 40, the tether fixing member 30 can be received by the rear housing 40. As shown, the tether fixing member 30 includes a tether fixing device or structure 32, a pair of side walls 34a, 34b, and a peripheral wall structure 36. The tether fixing device 32 and the peripheral wall structure 36 define a central hole 30a such that once the tether fixing device member 30 is installed, the central hole is coaxially aligned with the central holes 40b and 50b. Each of the side walls 34a, 34b, and the peripheral wall structure 36 extends from the tether structure 32. The tether structure 32 is used to place the wire 6 in the proper orientation for termination. An exemplary tether structure 32 suitable for use with the tether fixing member 50 disclosed herein can be found in the Spanish patent application P201530372, entitled "Connector with a Removable Tether Fixing Device", filed on March 20, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. As is most easily seen in Figure 4 the peripheral wall structure 36 receives the flange member 50c. When the flange member 50c is sufficiently deflected by the inserted cable 4, the peripheral wall structure 36 supports the flange member 50c within the recessed portion 36a. The ends of the side walls 34a, 34b and the peripheral wall structure 35 engage the end wall 50a of the grounding member such that when the cable 4 is inserted, the flange member 50c is deflected relative to the end wall 50a. Figure 5 The cable 4 inserted into the cable management member 20 is shown such that the flange member 50c is deflected towards the recessed portion 36a and partially enters the recessed portion, where the ends of the side walls 34a, 34b and the peripheral wall structure 36 engage the end wall 50a of the grounding member.

[0085] In Figure 6The assembled cable manager component 20 can be seen, where the tethering component 30 and the grounding component 50 are mounted to the rear housing 40. At this stage, the cable manager component 20 can be fixed to the connector component 12. As described above, this is achieved by aligning the side walls 42e, 42f of the cable manager component with the corresponding recesses 18b1, 18b2 on the front housing 18. When the two components 12, 20 are placed together, the tabs 54g, 54h are respectively locked into the recesses 18d, 18e in the side walls 18a1, 18a2. Since the grounding component 50 is latched to the rear housing 40, the final locking uses the tethering component 30 clamped between the rear housing 40 and the front housing 18 to fix the rear housing to the front housing. To further assist in holding the rear housing 40 to the front housing 18, the front housing 18 can be provided with recesses 18i, 18j that accommodate the corresponding protrusions 44i, 44j located on the rear housing component 40 to achieve a snap - fit connection. This feature provides an increased holding force between the two housings 18, 40. Once the cable manager component 20 is fully assembled onto the front housing 18 and the termination process is complete, the portions 32a, 32b, and 32c of the tethering device 30 are removed so that the tethering device 30 does not extend beyond the outer contour defined by the front housing 18. Figure 1 -5 shows the tethering device 30, where the portions 32a, 32b, 32c are removed.

[0086] Referring Figure 2 and 3 it can be seen that after assembly, a gap 60 is formed between the housings 18, 40, such that a portion of the extension arms 52e, 52f is exposed. This gap 60 serves as a passage for using the flat blade of a screwdriver to deflect the latches by inserting and twisting the blade to deflect the extension arms 52e, 52f. This action disengages the tabs 54g, 54h from the recesses 44g, 44h, thus allowing the removal of the rear assembly for re - termination. The material of the tethering device 30 is located behind the lower portions of the extension arms 52e, 52f and prevents the latches 54e, 54f from separating from the rear housing during this action.

[0087] In one aspect, the disclosed cable manager component 20 can accommodate various different - sized cables 4. For example, cables 4 with diameters between 4.6 millimeters and 9 millimeters can be accommodated and grounded by the same cable manager component. Additionally, once the cable 4 is properly stripped and inserted into the cable manager component, the installer does not need to perform an active step on the component to ground the cable to the connector assembly 10. This is in contrast to other designs where the installer must actively open or close a clamp during insertion.

[0088] Referring Figure 28The exploded view shows the front housing part 18 of the connector assembly 10, the latch member 70 that can be connected to the front housing part 18, and the cover assembly 100 that can also be connected to the front housing part 18. Figures 29 to 32 The separate front housing part 18 is also shown. The front housing part 18 is provided with a number of features that enable the latch member 70 and the cover assembly 100 to be connected to the front housing part 18. For example, the front housing part 18 is provided with: a pair of recessed areas 18k defined by the side walls 18m, the pair of recessed areas being recessed from the main side walls 18a1, 18a2; and latch protrusions 18n extending from each side wall 18m. The front housing part 18 includes a peripheral wall 18p and a plurality of protruding structures 18q, 18r, 18s that slidably or press-fitly receive the cover assembly 100. The front housing part 18 also includes a latch recess 18t for holding the cover assembly 100 to the front housing part 18.

[0089] Referring Figures 33 to 38 to, the latch member 70 is shown separately. In one aspect, the latch member 70 can be detachably attached to the front housing part 18. The latch member 70 is used to fix the connector assembly 10 within the opening of the connector panel. In one example, the latch member 70 is an integral structure formed of a metallic material such as steel. A plastic material can also be used, but metal is preferred due to more suitable strength and flexibility and because metal allows the latch member 70 to be made of relatively thin material. In the case of using metal, the latch member 70 can also be used to provide a ground path.

[0090] As Figure 33 is most easily seen in - 38, the latch member 70 can be provided with a first part 72 and a second part 74 connected by a third part 76. As shown, the third part 76 is curved or presents a bent portion of the latch member 70, such that the third part 76 enables the latch member to perform a spring function. As shown, the third part 76 holds the first part 72 at a non-zero angle relative to the second part 74.

[0091] In one aspect, the first part 72 extends to a free end 72a and includes a pair of locking rib structures 78, where each of the locking ribs includes a first rib 78a and a spaced-apart second rib 78b. The locking rib structures 78 are used to engage with the connector panel. Once installed, the first rib 78a engages the front side of the connector panel, while the second rib 78b engages the rear side of the connector panel, such that the connector assembly 10 is locked in place within the opening of the connector panel. Exemplary connector panels and latch members are shown and described in PCT Publication WO 2016 / 156644, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] In another aspect, the second portion 74 includes a retaining structure 80. The retaining structure 80 is configured to provide a secure connection between the latch member 70 and the front housing member 18 of the connector assembly 10. As shown, the retaining structure 80 includes a pair of tabs 82 that extend generally perpendicularly from the second portion 74 of the latch member. In one aspect, the tabs 82 are shaped to fit within a recessed area 18k defined in the front housing member 18 (i.e., the profiles of the tabs 82 and the recessed area 18k match or the profile of the tabs 82 is less than the profile of the recessed area 18k). The depth of the recessed area 18k generally matches the thickness of the tabs 82. Thus, once the latch member 80 is installed onto the front housing member 18, the flush configuration results in the tabs 82 not extending beyond the sidewall surfaces 18a1, 18a2 of the housing member 18. In one aspect, the tabs 82 define an opening area 84 for receiving a latch projection 18t on the front housing member 18. This arrangement facilitates a snap-fit type of connection between the latch member 70 and the front housing member 18. Similar to other similar types of connections described herein, the latch member 70 may be provided with a projection similar to the projection 18t, while the front housing member 18 may be provided with a recess similar to the opening area 84.

[0093] Referring Figure 39 -44, the cover assembly 100 is shown separately. As shown, the cover assembly 100 includes a peripheral wall 102 that extends to an end wall 104 having a hole 104a that provides access to the jack cavity 14. The peripheral wall 102 is configured to slide over the peripheral wall 18p of the front housing member 18 and between the projection structures 18q, 18r, 18s. The thickness of the peripheral wall 102 is set to be the same as the thickness of the projection structures 18q, 18r, 18s, such that the outer profile of the cover assembly 100 matches the outer profile of the front housing member 18. A latch extension 106 is also provided, which includes a latch member 106a that engages with a latch recess 18t of the front housing member 18. This configuration allows the cover assembly 100 to form a secure snap-fit type of connection with the front housing member 18.

[0094] In one aspect, the cover assembly 100 includes a pair of female hinge members 108 extending from an end wall 104. The female hinge members 108 receive male hinge members 96 on a cover portion 90 of the cover assembly 100 such that the cover portion 90 can rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the cover portion 90 provides access to the jack cavity 14. In the closed position, the cover portion 90 serves as a dust cover for the jack cavity 14. As shown, the cover portion 90 includes a handle 92 for assisting an operator in manipulating the position of the cover portion 90 with a finger. The cover portion 90 is also shown to have a pair of protrusions 94 on a side opposite the handle 92. The protrusions 94 frictionally engage an inner portion of the jack cavity 14 to assist in holding the cover portion 90 in the closed position.

[0095] Referring Figure 45 -50, there is shown a cap 100' which is substantially the same as the cover assembly 100. Thus, similar features need not be repeated here. The cap 100' differs from the cover assembly 100 in that the cover portion 90 is not provided, such that the jack 14 is exposed through an opening 104' of the cap 100'. Accordingly, the cap 100' is also not provided with the female hinge members located on the cover assembly 100. In the case where it is desired to add a cover portion to the cap 100', a recess 108' is provided to receive and secure an extension of the detachable cover portion.

[0096] Figures 53 to 63 There is shown an alternative construction of a connector assembly 110 including a connector component 112, a cable manager component 120, and a grounding device 150. The connector component 112 is substantially similar to the connector component 12 and like reference numerals (e.g., 112 in place of 12) are thus used for like features. In one aspect, the cable manager component 120 is provided with a rear housing 140 to which the grounding device 150 is attached. The grounding device 150 makes electrical contact with the cable sheath 5 such that an electrical ground contact is established between the rear housing 140 and the cable sheath 5. The cable manager component 120 makes electrical contact with the connector component 112. Accordingly, the grounding device 150 functions to facilitate an electrical ground contact between the cable sheath 5 and the connector component 112, as Figure 60 shown.

[0097] In Figures 61 to 63The grounding device 150 is shown separately. In the example shown, the grounding device 150 is formed by a plurality of grounding members 152, which are arranged to form a central opening 150a through which the cable 4 can be inserted. Each grounding member 152 is shown as being provided with a pair of mounting members 154 having a base 154a with a hole 154b. The grounding member 152 can be fixed to the rear housing 140 through the hole 154b with a separate fastener or with a material of the rear housing 140 that extends through the hole 154b. Each grounding member 152 is further provided with a sidewall member 156 that extends from a first end 156a near the mounting member 154 to a second end 156b. As shown, the second end 156b is provided with an outward rounded corner or a curved profile to ensure that when the cable 4 passes through the second end 156b and is inserted in the direction towards the central opening 150a, the cable does not encounter a sharp edge. Each grounding member 152 is also shown as being provided with a flange member 158 that extends away from the mounting member 154 and the sidewall member 156. The flange member 158 is shown as extending from a base end 158a adjacent to the first end 156a of the sidewall member to a second end 158b. As shown, the second end 158b is provided with an outward rounded corner or a curved profile to ensure that when the cable 4 is removed from the grounding device, the cable does not encounter a sharp edge. The flange member 158 extends from the base end 158a at an inclined angle (and at an inclined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the grounding device 150 and the cable management member 20) towards the central opening 150a so as to contact the cable sheath 5 when the cable 4 is inserted. When the cable 4 is inserted, the flange member 158 is offset from the central opening 150a and maintains contact with the sheath 5 by virtue of the spring force generated by the grounding device 150. With the disclosed design, various insertion angles of inclination of the cable 4 (i.e., the angle of inclination between the longitudinal axis of the cable 4 and the longitudinal axis X of the grounding device 150 that extends through the center of the opening 50) can be accommodated, and this accommodation is achieved by the fact that the sidewall member 156 of the grounding member is initially larger than the diameter of the cable 4 up to the position where the end of the cable 4 contacts the flange member 158.

[0098] In one aspect, the grounding device 150 can be formed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or a copper alloy. Moreover, each grounding member 152 can be formed from an initially flat sheet that can be cut and then bent into the shape shown in the figure. In an alternative embodiment, the grounding device 150 can be integrally formed with interconnected grounding members 152 instead of forming separate grounding members 152 as shown in the drawings.

[0099] As in Figure 55As can be most readily seen in - 59, the rear housing 140 includes an end wall 140a that defines a central hole 140b. The rear housing also includes side walls 142a, 142b, 142c, and 142d that extend from the end wall 140a. The side walls 142a - 142d and the end wall 140a together form an internal cavity into which the grounding device is received. The grounding device 150 is mounted to the end wall 140a such that the central opening 150a of the grounding device 150 is coaxially aligned with the central hole 140b. As constructed, the base 154a of the grounding device 150 is supported on the rear housing end wall 140a and is fixed to the end wall 140a by a projection 140c that extends from the end wall 140a. The projection 140c can be shaped for snap - fit connection with the base 154a, or can be initially shaped as a post that deforms after the grounding device 150 is installed to form a retaining cap. Many other methods for securing the grounding device 150 to the end wall 140a are possible, for example, mechanical fasteners, soldering, welding, and / or adhesives can be used.

[0100] The rear housing 140 is also shown as including projecting side walls 142e, 142f that extend from side walls 142a, 142b respectively. In one aspect, the side walls 142e, 142f of the connector component 112 and the cable manager component can be configured in a complementary form such that the connector component 112 can engage the cable manager component 120 in only one orientation. For example, the recessed portion 118b1 on one side of the front housing 118 can be configured to have different dimensions and / or shapes from the recessed portion 118b2 on the opposite side of the front housing 118. As Figure 55 and 56 shown, each of the projecting side walls 142e, 142f is provided with a different shape corresponding to the recessed portions 118b1, 118b2 into which the projecting side walls will be received. Thus, the rear housing 140 can be fully engaged and connected to the front housing 118 in only a single orientation. To assist in holding the rear housing 140 to the front housing 118, the front housing 118 can be provided with recesses 118d, 118e that receive corresponding projections 144a, 144b on the rear housing component 140, thereby effecting a snap - fit connection.

[0101] In Figure 55The assembled cable manager component 120 can be seen in FIG. -60, where the grounding device 150 is mounted to the rear housing 140. At this stage, the cable manager component 120 can be fixed to the connector component 112. As described above, this is accomplished by aligning the side walls 142e, 142f of the cable manager component with the corresponding recesses 118b1, 118b2 on the front housing 118. When the two components 112, 120 are placed together, the protrusions 144a, 144b engage with the recesses 118d, 118e respectively to fix the front housing 118 and the rear housing 140 together. Since the grounding device 150 is fixed to the rear housing 140, the fixing of the rear housing 140 to the front housing provides a grounding path between the grounding device 150 and the front housing 118.

[0102] Referring to Figure 59 and 60 , the assembled cable manager component 120 is shown, where the cable 4 is inserted through the central hole 140b of the rear housing 140 and the central opening 150a of the grounding device 150 along the insertion direction D1. In Figure 59 (also see Figure 55 ), the cable 4 has been inserted to the extent that the flange member 158 contacts the outer jacket of the cable 4 and the end of the exposed sheath 5. At this position of the cable 4, the individual wires 6 that have been stripped from the jacket and the sheath 5 have passed through the openings 140b, 150a. When the cable 4 is further inserted in the D1 direction, the cable 4 forces the flange member 158 to deflect from the central opening 150a, and the resulting spring force holds the flange member 158 on the cable sheath 5. As best shown in Figure 60 , the deflection of the flange member 158 occurs by bending around the base 154a near the base end 158a of the flange member 158. When this bending occurs, the side wall member 156 moves with the flange member 158 such that the second end 156b of the side wall member moves towards the central opening 150a. When the cable 4 is fully inserted, the second end 156b moves into contact with the cable sheath 5, thereby establishing two contact points (i.e., the ends 158b, 156b) between the grounding member 152 and the sheath 15 for grounding contact. Due to the presence of two contact points, the bending that occurs between the side wall member 156 and the flange member 158 generates an additional spring force between the side wall member 156 and the flange member 158. This additional spring force further fixes the cable 4 to the cable manager component 120.

[0103] In one aspect, the disclosed cable manager component 120 can accommodate cables 4 having various angled entry angles. Additionally, once the cable 4 is properly stripped and inserted into the cable manager component 120, the installer does not need to perform an active step on the component to ground the cable to the connector assembly 110. This is in contrast to other designs where the installer must actively open or close a clamp during insertion. Many materials can be used for the components of the disclosed connector assembly 10.

[0104] Many materials can be used for the components of the disclosed connector assembly 10. For example, the ground component 50 can be formed from a metallic material such as electroplated copper alloy, stainless steel, and / or zinc die castings.

[0105] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without following the example embodiments and applications shown and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] Component List

[0107] 4 Cable

[0108] 5 Conductive Element / Sheath

[0109] 6 Wire or Strand

[0110] 10 Connector Assembly

[0111] 12 Connector Component

[0112] 14 Jack Cavity

[0113] 16 Conductor

[0114] 18 Front Housing

[0115] 18a Conductive Sidewall (18a1, 18a2)

[0116] 18b Recessed Portion (18b1, 18b2)

[0117] 18c Cutting Edge

[0118] 18d Recessed Portion

[0119] 18e Recessed Portion

[0120] 18f Recessed Portion / Groove

[0121] 18g Recessed Portion / Groove

[0122] 18i Recessed Portion

[0123] 18j Recessed Portion

[0124] 18k Recessed Area

[0125] 18m side wall

[0126] 18n latch protrusion

[0127] 18p peripheral wall

[0128] 18q protrusion structure

[0129] 18r protrusion structure

[0130] 18s protrusion structure

[0131] 18t latch recess

[0132] 20 cable manager component

[0133] 30 tethering structure component

[0134] 30a central hole

[0135] 32 tethering structure

[0136] 32a removable part of the tethering fixing device

[0137] 32b removable part of the tethering fixing device

[0138] 32c removable part of the tethering fixing device

[0139] 34a side wall

[0140] 34b side wall

[0141] 36 peripheral wall structure

[0142] 36a recess

[0143] 40 rear housing

[0144] 40a end wall

[0145] 40b central hole

[0146] 42a side wall

[0147] 42b side wall

[0148] 42c side wall

[0149] 42d side wall

[0150] 42e protruding side wall

[0151] 42f protruding side wall

[0152] 44a recess

[0153] 44b recess

[0154] 44c recess

[0155] 44d recess

[0156] 44e recess

[0157] 44f recess

[0158] 44g recess / groove

[0159] 44h recess / groove

[0160] 44i protrusion

[0161] 44j protrusion

[0162] 50 grounding component

[0163] 50a end wall

[0164] 50b hole

[0165] 50c flange member

[0166] 50d main part

[0167] 50e base end

[0168] 50f terminal part

[0169] 52a side wall

[0170] 52b side wall

[0171] 52c side wall

[0172] 52d side wall

[0173] 52e extension arm

[0174] 52f extension arm

[0175] 54a tab / latch

[0176] 54a tab / latch

[0177] 54b tab / latch

[0178] 54c tab / latch

[0179] 54d tab / latch

[0180] 54e tab / latch

[0181] 54f tab / latch

[0182] 54g tab / latch

[0183] 54h tab / latch

[0184] 54i flange part

[0185] 54j flange part

[0186] 60 gap

[0187] 70 latch member

[0188] 72 first part

[0189] 72a free end

[0190] 74 second part

[0191] 76 third part

[0192] 78 locking rib structure

[0193] 78a first rib

[0194] 78b second rib

[0195] 80 retaining structure

[0196] 82 tab

[0197] 84 opening area

[0198] 90 cover part

[0199] 92 handle

[0200] 94 protrusion

[0201] 96 male hinge member

[0202] 100 cover assembly

[0203] 102 peripheral wall

[0204] 104 end wall

[0205] 104a hole

[0206] 106 extension member

[0207] 106a latch member

[0208] 108 female hinge member

[0209] 100' cap

[0210] 102' peripheral wall

[0211] 104' end wall

[0212] 104a' hole

[0213] 106' extension member

[0214] 106a' latch member

[0215] 108' recess

[0216] 110 connector assembly

[0217] 112 Connector component

[0218] 114 Jack cavity

[0219] 115 Dust cover

[0220] 116 Electrical conductor

[0221] 118 Front housing

[0222] 118a Conductive side wall (18a1, 18a2)

[0223] 118b Recessed part (18b1, 18b2)

[0224] 118c Cutting edge

[0225] 120 Cable management component

[0226] 140 Rear housing

[0227] 140a End wall

[0228] 140b Central hole

[0229] 142a Side wall

[0230] 142b Side wall

[0231] 142c Side wall

[0232] 142d Side wall

[0233] 142e Protruding side wall

[0234] 142f Protruding side wall

[0235] 144a Protrusion

[0236] 144b Protrusion

[0237] 150 Grounding device

[0238] 150a Central opening

[0239] 152 Grounding member

[0240] 154 Mounting member

[0241] 154a Base

[0242] 154b Hole

[0243] 156 Side wall member

[0244] 156a First end

[0245] 156b Second end

[0246] 158 Flange member

[0247] 158a Base end

[0248] 158b Second end

[0249] D1 Insertion direction

[0250] X Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A connector assembly (10), the connector assembly comprising: a. A connector member (12), the connector member defining a front housing (18) having a jack cavity (14) at a first end and an outer periphery at a second end, the second end being opposite the first end; b. A rear housing, the rear housing being connected to the front housing at the second end, the rear housing having an outer periphery that matches the outer periphery of the front housing at the second end; c. A cover assembly, the cover assembly including a peripheral wall extending around the first end of the front housing, and the cover assembly including a cover portion movable between an open position where the jack cavity is exposed and a closed position where the jack cavity is covered, wherein the peripheral wall of the cover assembly matches the outer periphery of the front housing at the first end; and d. A latch member, the latch member being connected to the front housing of the connector member, wherein the latch member is connected to the side of the front housing by a pair of tabs, the pair of tabs being flush with the outer periphery of the front housing.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral wall of the cover assembly is flush with the outer periphery of the front housing.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cover assembly includes a latch extension, the latch extension being a single latch piece.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The latch extension defines a part of the peripheral wall of the cover assembly.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The front housing includes a plurality of protruding structures, and the peripheral wall of the cover assembly is configured to slide between the plurality of protruding structures.

Images