Twist lock connector system with light sensor assembly

Abstract

A twist lock connector system includes a first twist lock connector (112) including a first connector housing (140) that holds a first twist lock contact (116) at a first rotational mating interface. The first twist lock connector includes a first high speed electrical connector (300). The first high speed electrical connector is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotated position. The first twist lock connector includes a biasing member (360) coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position. The twist lock connector system includes a second twist lock connector (110) having a second connector housing (170) that holds a second twist lock contact (114) and a second high speed electrical connector (200) at a mating interface (118).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is socket connectors for light sensor assemblies used in luminaires. Background Technology

[0002] In outdoor lighting, particularly streetlights and parking lights, sensor components and corresponding mating sockets are typically used to turn lights on and off based on ambient light from the sun. The sensor components and mating sockets use twist-lock electrical contacts to mate at a rotary mating interface. Some luminaires support dimming to variably control the luminaire based on ambient light levels, time of day, etc. There is a trend towards providing programmable functionality for luminaires based on sensors and programmable controls rather than ambient light (e.g., detecting nearby pedestrian movement). To accommodate these functions, lighting control sockets provide low-voltage control lines in addition to high-voltage electrical contacts. However, data communication on the low-voltage control lines is limited. Integrating high-speed electrical connectors into a rotary mating interface is problematic. For example, during twisting operations, it is difficult to control the mating sequence of contacts and prevent adjacent contacts from mating. Twisting operations can cause short circuits and potentially damage downstream and upstream equipment. Furthermore, there are issues with tolerance stacking within the system. It is difficult to provide tolerance control to ensure that fine-pitch high-speed contacts mate together to achieve proper electrical performance and system impedance. Uncontrolled impedance results in poor high-speed data transmission performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is still a need for a cost-effective and reliable optical sensor assembly for lighting fixtures that allows for high-speed data communication between components.

[0004] In one embodiment, a twist-lock connector system is provided. The twist-lock connector system includes a first twist-lock connector, which includes a first connector housing that holds a first twist-lock contact at a first rotary mating interface. The first twist-lock connector includes a first high-speed electrical connector held by the first connector housing. The first high-speed electrical connector includes a first high-speed contact. The first high-speed electrical connector is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotatable position. The first twist-lock connector includes a biasing member coupled to the first high-speed electrical connector to bias the first high-speed electrical connector to its home position. A second twist-lock connector includes a second connector housing that holds a second twist-lock contact at a second rotary mating interface. The second twist-lock contact is electrically connected to the first twist-lock contact to transmit power between the first and second twist-lock connectors. The second twist-lock connector includes a second high-speed electrical connector held by the second connector housing. The second high-speed electrical connector includes a second high-speed contact that is electrically connected to the first high-speed contact to transmit high-speed data between the first and second twist-lock connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 An optical sensor assembly formed according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a light sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector prepared to mate with a receptacle connector.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an enlarged front view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is an enlarged front view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a rear exploded perspective view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a partial assembled rear view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a top view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 A cover connected to a plug connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In one embodiment, a twist-lock connector system is provided. The twist-lock connector system includes a first twist-lock connector, which includes a first connector housing that holds a first twist-lock contact at a first rotary mating interface. The first twist-lock connector includes a first high-speed electrical connector held by the first connector housing. The first high-speed electrical connector includes a first high-speed contact. The first high-speed electrical connector is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotatable position. The first twist-lock connector includes a biasing member coupled to the first high-speed electrical connector to bias the first high-speed electrical connector to its home position. A second twist-lock connector includes a second connector housing that holds a second twist-lock contact at a second rotary mating interface. The second twist-lock contact is electrically connected to the first twist-lock contact to transmit power between the first and second twist-lock connectors. The second twist-lock connector includes a second high-speed electrical connector held by the second connector housing. The second high-speed electrical connector includes a second high-speed contact that is electrically connected to the first high-speed contact to transmit high-speed data between the first and second twist-lock connectors.

[0024] In another embodiment, a twist-lock connector system is provided. The twist-lock connector system includes a plug connector, which includes a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing for sensing external environmental characteristics of the plug connector. The plug connector includes a twist-lock plug contact held by the plug connector housing, and the plug connector extends from a mating interface of the plug connector housing. The plug connector includes a first high-speed electrical connector held by the plug connector housing. The first high-speed electrical connector includes a first high-speed contact. The twist-lock connector system includes a receptacle connector coupled to the plug connector at a rotational mating interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having a contact channel. The receptacle connector includes a twist-lock receptacle contact received in a corresponding contact channel, and the receptacle connector is configured to receive the twist-lock plug contact to transmit power between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a second high-speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high-speed electrical connector includes a second high-speed contact that mates with a corresponding first high-speed contact to transmit high-speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The plug connector rotates from a first mating position to a second mating position to lock the twist-lock plug contact and the twist-lock socket contact. When the plug connector rotates from the first mating position to the second mating position, one of the first high-speed electrical connectors or the second high-speed electrical connector is fixed relative to the plug connector housing or the socket connector housing, respectively. When the plug connector rotates from the first mating position to the second mating position, the other of the first high-speed electrical connectors or the second high-speed electrical connectors can move relative to the plug connector housing or the socket connector housing from its original position to a rotated position and is spring-biased to return to its original position.

[0025] In another embodiment, a light sensor assembly for mounting to a luminaire housing is provided. The light sensor assembly includes a plug connector, which includes a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing, the sensor element being used to sense external environmental characteristics of the plug connector. The plug connector housing includes a base and a sensor cover extending from the base. The base has a bottom defining a mating interface. The base includes a guide rail and a slot at the bottom of the guide rail, the slot opening at the bottom of the base. The plug connector includes a twist-lock plug contact coupled to the base and extending from the bottom of the base. The plug connector includes a first high-speed electrical connector held by the plug connector housing in the guide rail and extending through the slot from the bottom of the base. The first high-speed electrical connector includes a first high-speed contact. The first high-speed electrical connector is movable from a home position to a rotatable position within the guide rail and the slot. The plug connector includes a biasing member coupled to the first high-speed electrical connector to bias the first high-speed electrical connector back to its home position. The light sensor assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be coupled to a luminaire to control the operation of the luminaire. The receptacle connector is coupled to the plug connector at a rotatable mating interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having contact channels. The receptacle connector includes a twist-lock receptacle contact received in a corresponding contact channel, and the receptacle connector is configured to receive a twist-lock plug contact to transmit power between the receptacle connector and a plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a second high-speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high-speed electrical connector includes a second high-speed contact that mates with a corresponding first high-speed contact to transmit high-speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector.

[0026] In another embodiment, a light sensor assembly for mounting to a luminaire housing is provided. The light sensor assembly includes a plug connector, which includes a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing. The sensor element is used to sense external environmental characteristics of the plug connector. The plug connector housing includes a base and a sensor cover extending from the base. The base has a bottom defining a mating interface. The plug connector includes a twist-lock plug contact coupled to the base and extending from the bottom of the base.

[0027] The plug connector includes a first high-speed electrical connector held by a plug connector housing. The first high-speed electrical connector includes a first high-speed contact. The optical sensor assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to connect to a luminaire to control the operation of the luminaire, the receptacle connector connecting to the plug connector at a rotary mating interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having a contact channel extending from the top of the receptacle connector housing. The receptacle connector includes a twist-lock receptacle contact received in a corresponding contact channel, and the receptacle connector is configured to receive a twist-lock plug contact to transmit power between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector housing includes a guide rail and a slot located at the top of the receptacle connector housing. The receptacle connector includes a second high-speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high-speed electrical connector includes a second high-speed contact that mates with a corresponding first high-speed contact to transmit high-speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The second high-speed electrical connector is movable from a home position to a rotary position within the guide rail and slot. The plug connector includes a biasing member coupled to the second high-speed electrical connector to bias the second high-speed electrical connector to its home position.

[0028] Figure 1 A light sensor assembly 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The light sensor assembly 100 is mounted to the luminaire housing 102 of a luminaire 104 (such as a street lamp, parking light, street lamp, etc.), or to another component, such as a pole or other structure supporting the luminaire 104, or to another component not associated with the luminaire, such as a parking meter, telephone pole, or other structure. The light sensor assembly 100 holds one or more sensors or sensor components 106, which can be used for environmental monitoring or control of the luminaire 104, such as for turning the lighting element 108 of the luminaire 104 on or off according to light levels, for dimming control of the lighting element 108, or for controlling other functions. In various embodiments, the lighting element 108 may be an LED lighting element. The sensor component 106 may be used for functions other than controlling the luminaire 104, such as remotely monitoring the environment surrounding the luminaire housing 102, such as for parking monitoring, for street traffic activity monitoring, or other functions. The sensor component 106 may be a phototube or light sensor for detecting ambient light from the sun. Other types of sensor components 106, such as object recognition sensors, motion sensors, timing sensors, or other types of environmental sensors, may be included in the optical sensor assembly 100.

[0029] The optical sensor assembly 100 includes a receptacle connector 110 and a plug connector 112 coupled to the receptacle connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, connectors 110 and 112 are twist-lock connectors and may be referred to hereinafter as twist-lock connectors 110 and 112. Twist-lock connectors 110 and 112 mate at a rotational mating interface. For example, twist-lock connectors 110 and 112 are initially mated along a mating axis in the plug mating direction and are ultimately mated in the rotational mating direction by rotating twist-lock connectors 110 and / or twist-lock connector 112 to lock connectors 110 and 112 together. In an exemplary embodiment, receptacle connector 110 is a twist-lock optical control receptacle connector, and plug connector 112 is a twist-lock optical control plug connector, such as a connector conforming to ANSI C136.x.

[0030] The receptacle connector 110 forms the bottom of the light sensor assembly 100. The receptacle connector 110 can be directly mounted to the lamp housing 102 of the luminaire 104. The plug connector 112 forms the top of the light sensor assembly 100 that holds the sensor assembly 106. For example, the plug connector 112 accommodates or surrounds the sensor assembly 106, such as providing environmental protection for the sensor assembly 106.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, power and data can be transmitted across a mating interface 118 between the plug connector 112 and the socket connector 110. Connectors 110 and 112 respectively include power contacts 114 and 116 at the mating interface 118. Figure 2 (Seen in dashed lines). For example, electrical contacts 114, 116 may be twist-lock electrical contacts. Electrical contacts 114, 116 may be high-voltage electrical contacts. In various embodiments, connectors 110, 112 may include low-speed data contacts for transmitting low-speed data signals across mating interface 118. For example, control signals may be transmitted from plug connector 112 to receptacle connector 110 via low-speed data contacts for controlling the operation of lamp 104. The control signals may be based on sensor data collected by sensor assembly 106. In an exemplary embodiment, twist-lock connectors 110, 112 respectively include high-speed electrical connectors 200, 300 for transmitting high-speed data between twist-lock connectors 110, 112. At least one of the high-speed electrical connectors 200, 300 may be movable relative to the housing of connectors 110, 112 to accommodate rotational mating action. For example, in various embodiments, one of the high-speed electrical connectors 200, 300 is fixed to its housing, while the other high-speed electrical connector 200, 300 is movable relative to its housing.

[0032] Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view of a light sensor assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector 112 prepared to mate with a receptacle connector 110. Connectors 110 and 112 hold electrical contacts 114 and 116. Optionally, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the receptacle connector 110 and the plug connector 112 to seal the light sensor assembly 100 at the mating interface 118 to isolate it from environmental contaminants such as water and debris.

[0033] The light sensor assembly 100 may include a wire 130 extending from the receptacle connector 110. The wire 130 is terminated to a corresponding receptacle contact 114. The wire 130 may be a power input or power output wire that carries power from a power source to the light sensor assembly 100 or carries power from the contact 114 to another component, such as the lighting element 108 or a driver board for the lighting element in the luminaire 104. In various embodiments, the wire 130 may include a line wire, a load wire, a neutral wire, or other types of wire.

[0034] The light sensor assembly 100 may additionally include a signal line 132 extending from the receptacle connector 110. The signal line 132 may be electrically connected to a corresponding signal contact of the high-speed electrical connector 200. The signal line 132 may also be electrically connected to other components, such as the driver board or control module of the luminaire 104. The signal line 132 may transmit data to or from the receptacle connector 110 for data communication with the plug connector 112. For example, the signal line 132 may be electrically connected to another component, such as a camera, to transmit video signals to the plug connector 112. Alternatively, the signal line may receive video signals from the plug connector 112.

[0035] The receptacle connector 110 includes a receptacle connector housing 170 having a base 172 extending between a top 182 and a bottom 184. The bottom 184 of the base 172 is configured to be secured to a clamp housing 102. The base 172 holds a power contact 114 and a low-speed signal contact 115. The low-speed signal contact 115 is disposed at the top 182 for mating with the plug connector 112. Optionally, the power contact 114 may be completely housed within the base 172 and protected from environmental influences by the base 172. For example, the power contact 114 may be held in a contact channel 186 within the base 172. A wire 130 may extend into the contact channel 186 for termination to the power contact 114. Optionally, the contact channel 186 includes an arcuate or curved groove or opening in the base 172 for twist-lock engagement with a sensor contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 is coupled to the receptacle connector housing 170, such as to the base 172. In various embodiments, the high-speed electrical connector 200 may be fixed relative to the receptacle connector housing 170. In other various embodiments, the high-speed electrical connector 200 may be movably coupled relative to the receptacle connector housing 170.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 110 is generally cylindrical, such as allowing the plug connector 112 to rotate easily relative to the receptacle connector 110 and / or allowing the receptacle connector 110 to rotate easily relative to the luminaire housing 102. However, the receptacle connector 110 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 may be rotatable relative to the receptacle connector 110, such as allowing the plug connector 112 to rotate into contact with the receptacle connector 110.

[0037] The plug connector 112 includes a plug connector housing 140 extending between a top 150 and a bottom 152 opposite to the top 150. The plug connector housing 140 has a mating interface at the bottom 152 configured to secure to a receptacle connector 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes a sensor cover 154 located at the top 150 of the housing 140 and a base 156 located at the bottom 152. The sensor cover 154 may include a dome configured to circumferentially surround the base 156 of the receptacle connector 110. A sensor component 106 is disposed within the sensor cover 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 is cylindrical, allowing for easy rotation of the plug connector 112 relative to the receptacle connector 110, such as during mating. However, the plug connector 112 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, a circuit board 158 (shown in dashed lines) is arranged in a base 156 and / or a sensor cover 154. A sensor component 106 may be coupled to the circuit board 158, such as by mounting it to the circuit board 158. Other components may be mounted to the circuit board 158. For example, a control module and / or a communication device may be mounted to the circuit board 158.

[0039] Electrical contact 116 (shown in dashed lines) is held by housing 140, such as by base 156. Electrical contact 116 may terminate to circuit board 158. Electrical contact 116 extends from bottom 152 of plug connector 112 to mate with electrical contact 114. Electrical contact 116 may be arranged generally around a central axis. Alternatively, electrical contact 116 may be a twist-lock contact. For example, electrical contact 116 may be curved and mounted in a curved contact channel in receptacle connector 110 to mate with a corresponding curved electrical contact 114. In an exemplary embodiment, plug connector 112 may be twisted or rotated to lock electrical contact 116 in receptacle connector 110, such as to make electrical contact with receptacle contact 114. For example, contact 116 may be a twist-lock contact initially loaded vertically into contact channel and then the plug connector 112 is rotated, such as by approximately 35 degrees, to lock contact 116 in receptacle connector 110. In alternative embodiments, other types of mating arrangements between the contact portion 116 and the socket connector 110 are possible.

[0040] The low-speed signal contact 117 (shown in dashed lines) may be held by the plug connector housing 140, such as by the base 156. The signal contact 117 may terminate on the circuit board 158. The signal contact 117 may extend from the bottom 152 of the plug connector 112 to mate with the power contact 114. The signal contact 117 may be arranged generally around a central axis. Alternatively, the signal contact 117 may be a spring beam contact; however, the signal contact 117 may be other types of contacts.

[0041] A high-speed electrical connector 300 (shown in dashed lines) is coupled to a plug connector housing 140, such as to a base 156. The high-speed electrical connector 300 may extend from a top 150, such as for insertion into a high-speed electrical connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 300 is movably coupled relative to the plug connector housing 140. For example, when the plug connector 112 is twisted to mate with the receptacle connector 110, the plug connector housing 140 rotates relative to the high-speed electrical connector 300, and the high-speed electrical connector 300 does not rotate once mated with the high-speed electrical connector 200.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes different types of environmental sensor components 106 for sensing various events. For example, the plug connector 112 includes a phototube 160. The phototube 160 is used to sense ambient light and to control the operation of the luminaire 104, such as to turn the luminaire 104 on or off according to the light level or for dimming control of the luminaire 104. Optionally, the phototube 160 may be mounted to a circuit board and / or a sensor cover 154. The signal contacts and the phototube 160 may be electrically connected via the circuit board. The circuit board may include additional components for signal conditioning. For example, the circuit board may have control circuitry for controlling the operation of the luminaire 104, such as daylight or nighttime control circuitry, timer circuitry, dimming circuitry, etc. Data from the phototube 160 may be transmitted across the mating interface 118 via the signal contacts.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes one or more additional environmental sensors 162 for sensing environmental characteristics in the external environment of the plug connector 112, other than ambient light. For example, sensor 162 may be an object sensor or motion sensor configured to sense the movement or presence of objects, such as people or vehicles in a specific area. Sensor 162 may be used for parking monitoring, street traffic activity monitoring, pedestrian detection, or other functions. Sensor 162 may be mounted to a circuit board. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 162 is electrically connected to signal contacts via the circuit board.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of the socket connector 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is an enlarged front view of the receptacle connector 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector housing 170 holds the power contact 114, the signal contact 115, and the high-speed electrical connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing 170 includes a central hub 174 extending from the bottom 184 of the base 172 (in... Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). A contact channel 186 extends through the base 172 within the hub 174. An electrical contact 114 is received in the contact channel 186. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contact 114 is a twist-lock socket contact.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing 170 includes a contact channel 188 for receiving a signal contact 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contact 115 includes a contact pad on the top 182 of the receptacle connector housing 170. The pad is configured to receive a signal contact 117 of the plug connector 112 (in... Figure 2(As shown in the diagram). In alternative embodiments, the signal contact 115 may include alternative mating interfaces such as spring beams, pins, sockets, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, four signal contacts 115 are provided arranged in different quadrants of the socket connector housing 170. In alternative embodiments, larger or fewer signal contacts 115 may be provided. In alternative embodiments, the signal contacts 115 may be arranged in other locations.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing 170 includes an opening 190 for receiving a high-speed electrical connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 190 is located at a top 182. The opening 190 provides access to the high-speed electrical connector 200 coupled to the back of the base 172. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 190 is elliptical in shape. In alternative embodiments, the opening 190 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing 170 includes a guide feature 192 adjacent to the opening 190 to guide the high-speed electrical connector 300 into the opening 190 for mating with the high-speed electrical connector 200. For example, the guide feature 192 may include a chamfered edge surrounding the opening 190. In alternative embodiments, other types of guide features may be provided. The guide feature 192 may extend from the top 182.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a socket connector 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket connector 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 and 6 A high-speed electrical connector 200 is shown attached to a socket connector housing 170. A signal line 132 is configured to be electrically connected to the high-speed electrical connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal line 132 is bundled together within a cable.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 includes a connector housing 210 that holds a high-speed contact 212. The high-speed electrical connector 200 includes a shield 214 that provides electrical shielding for the high-speed contact 212. Optionally, the shield 214 may be stamped and formed and coupled to the connector housing 210. In an alternative embodiment, the shield 214 may be a plating or coating disposed on the connector housing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 is a USB-C receptacle connector. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of high-speed electrical connectors may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 is a socket connector. Alternatively, the high-speed electrical connector 200 may be a plug connector or another type of electrical connector.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 includes a circuit card 220. A high-speed contact 212 is disposed on the circuit card 220. For example, the high-speed contact 212 may be a trace or circuit of the circuit card 220. The high-speed contact 212 may include a contact pad disposed at or near a mating edge of the circuit card 220. The connector housing 210 includes a cavity 222 for receiving the circuit card 220. In an alternative embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 may include a separate high-speed contact 212 held within the connector housing 210, instead of having a circuit card 220. For example, a stamped and formed contact may be held by the connector housing 210. A signal line 132 is electrically connected to the high-speed contact 212. For example, the signal line 132 may be electrically connected to the circuit card 220. In the illustrated embodiment, a plug card provides an interface between the circuit card 220 and the signal line 132. Alternatively, the signal line 132 may be directly terminated to the circuit card 220.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 200 includes a cover 230. The cover 230 may be coupled to a receptacle connector housing 170. The cover 230 may surround the connector housing 210 and / or the shield 214. In an exemplary embodiment, a cable ferrule 232 is coupled to the cover 230. The cable ferrule 232 may provide strain relief for the signal line 132.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 This is an enlarged front view of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector housing 140 holds the power contact 116, the signal contact 117, and the high-speed electrical connector 300. The power contact 116 is received in a contact channel in the plug connector housing 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the power contact 116 is a twist-lock blade contact.

[0052] A signal contact 117 is disposed at the top 150 for mating with a signal contact 115 of a receptacle connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contact 117 includes a deflectable spring beam. In alternative embodiments, other types of contacts may be provided, such as contact pads, pins, receptacles, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, four signal contacts 117 are provided; however, in alternative embodiments, larger or fewer signal contacts 117 may be provided. In alternative embodiments, the signal contacts 117 may be arranged in other locations. In an exemplary embodiment, each signal contact 117 includes a contact interface 119 configured to mate with a corresponding signal contact 115 of the receptacle connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact interface 119 is arranged in a complementary arrangement to the signal contact 115. For example, the contact interface 119 is arranged in four quadrants to mate with the signal contact 115. However, the bases of the signal contacts 117 have different arrangements within the signal contacts 115. For example, the bases of the signal contacts 117 are moved closer together (compared to the signal contacts 115) to create space for the high-speed electrical connector 300.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector housing 140 includes an elongated slot 350 for receiving a high-speed electrical connector 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 350 extends along a curved or arcuate path. The curved path allows relative movement between the plug connector housing 140 and the high-speed electrical connector 300, such as during a twist-locking process. The slot 350 opens at a top 150 to allow the high-speed electrical connector 300 to enter or pass through the slot 350. In alternative embodiments, the slot 350 may have other shapes.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a rear exploded perspective view of a portion of a plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 This is a partial assembled rear view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The high-speed electrical connector 300 and the plug connector housing 140 are shown.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 300 includes a connector housing 310 that holds a high-speed contact 312. The high-speed electrical connector 300 includes a shield 314 that provides electrical shielding for the high-speed contact 312. Optionally, the shield 314 may be stamped and formed and coupled to the connector housing 310. In an alternative embodiment, the shield 314 may be a plating or coating disposed on the connector housing 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 300 is a USB-C plug connector. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of high-speed electrical connectors may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-speed electrical connector 300 is a plug connector. Alternatively, the high-speed electrical connector 300 may be a socket connector or another type of electrical connector.

[0056] The connector housing 310 includes a cavity 322 for receiving a high-speed contact 312. For example, the high-speed contact 312 may be a stamped and formed contact held by the connector housing 310. In alternative embodiments, other types of contacts may be provided. In various embodiments, the high-speed contact 312 may be provided on a circuit card.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes a connector holder 320 for holding a high-speed electrical connector 300 relative to a plug connector housing 140. The connector holder 320 includes a cavity 322 for receiving the high-speed electrical connector 300. The connector holder 320 has one or more walls 324 surrounding the cavity 322. The wall 324 has an outer surface 326. The outer surface 326 is configured to engage the plug connector housing 140 to position the connector holder 320 and the high-speed electrical connector 300 relative to the plug connector housing 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector holder 320 includes a tail 328 extending from the wall 324. In various embodiments, the tail 328 may be omitted. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes a cover 330. The cover 330 is configured to engage with the plug connector housing 140 to engage the connector holder 320 and the high-speed electrical connector 300 to the plug connector housing 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 330 has a curved or arcuate shape.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector housing 140 includes a guide rail 352 located on the upper surface of the base 156. The guide rail 352 receives a connector holder 320 and a high-speed electrical connector 300. A slot 350 opens onto the guide rail 352. The guide rail 352 and the elongated slot 350 have complementary shapes. The guide rail 352 guides the relative positioning between the high-speed electrical connector 300 and the plug connector housing 140 during a twist-locking engagement process. For example, as the plug connector housing 140 rotates, the guide rail 352 moves along the connector holder 320 and the high-speed electrical connector 300, which can be held in place during the rotation of the plug connector housing 140. The guide rail 352 includes a first space for the connector holder 320 and a second space for the tail portion 328. In an exemplary embodiment, a guide wall 354 defines the guide rail 352. The guide wall 352 may be curved. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 324 of the connector retainer 320 may have a curvature similar to that of the guide wall 354 to allow smooth movement between the connector retainer 320 and the plug connector housing 140.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 112 includes a biasing member 360 coupled between a high-speed electrical connector 300 and a plug connector housing 140. In various embodiments, the biasing member 360 is coupled to a connector retainer 320 that holds the high-speed electrical connector 300. Alternatively, the biasing member 360 may directly engage the high-speed electrical connector 300. The biasing member 360 is used to bias the high-speed electrical connector 300 toward its home position relative to the plug connector housing 140. When the plug connector housing 140 is rotated, the biasing member 360 may be compressed or deflected, such as to lock electrical contacts 116 and 114. The biasing member 360 may extend when the plug connector housing 140 is disengaged from the receptacle connector 110. Thus, the biasing member 360 may hold the high-speed electrical connector 300 in its home position to orient the high-speed electrical connector 300 for mating with the high-speed electrical connector 200 of the receptacle connector 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 360 is a coil spring. In alternative embodiments, other types of springs may be provided. Other types of biasing elements may be used in various other embodiments besides springs. In an exemplary embodiment, biasing member 360 is received in a second portion of guide rail 352 having a tail 328. Biasing member 360 is configured to engage stop wall 362 of plug connector housing 140 to position biasing member 360 relative to plug connector housing 140. When plug connector housing 140 rotates, biasing member 360 may be compressed against stop wall 362. In an exemplary embodiment, tail 328 passes through the center of coil spring such that biasing member 360 follows the curved shape of tail 328. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing member 360 is positioned to push connector holder 320 and high-speed electrical connector 300 back to their original positions. Alternatively, biasing member 360 may be configured to return all connector holders 320 and high-speed electrical connector 300 to their original positions. For example, the bias member 360 can be stretched when the plug connector housing 140 rotates, rather than compressed, causing the bias member 360 to retract and all connector retainers 320 and high-speed electrical connectors 300 to return to their original positions.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, cover 330 is used to cover connector retainer 320 and biasing member 360. Optionally, cover 330 may be coupled to rail 352. Cover 330 may hold biasing member 360 in rail 352. In an exemplary embodiment, cover 330 includes an elongated slot 332 for receiving high-speed electrical connector 300. High-speed electrical connector 300 is movable relative to cover 330 within slot 332. Slot 332 may be aligned with slot 350.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a top view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 A cover 330 is shown attached to the plug connector housing 140. The cover 330 holds the connector retainer 320 and the high-speed electrical connector 300 in a guide rail 352. Optionally, a portion of the high-speed electrical connector 300 may extend through a slot 332 in the cover 330.

[0062] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 and 13 A circuit board 158 is shown attached to the top 150 of the plug connector housing 140. In an exemplary embodiment, a wire or cable 134 electrically connected to the high-speed electrical connector 300 extends through the cover 330 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 158.

[0063] Figure 14 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The biasing member 360 is shown as a strip spring instead of a coil spring. The strip spring engages with the stop wall 362. The strip spring can be compressed between the stop wall 362 and the connector retainer 320, and the cover 330 holds the strip spring in the guide rail 352.

[0064] Figure 16 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 17 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 17 Remove cover 330 to show connector holder 320 and high-speed electrical connector 300. Figure 16 and Figure 17 A biasing member 360 is shown as a tension coil spring coupled to the front end 364 of the connector retainer 320. The tension coil spring is configured to stretch as the plug connector housing 140 rotates, thereby generating a pulling force on the connector retainer 320 and the high-speed electrical connector 300 to return the high-speed electrical connector 300 to its original position.

Claims

1. A twist-lock connector system, comprising: A first twist-lock connector (112) includes a first connector housing (140) holding a first twist-lock contact (116) at a first rotary mating interface. The first twist-lock connector includes a first electrical connector (300) held by the first connector housing. The first electrical connector includes a first contact (312) and is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotary position. The first twist-lock connector includes a biasing member (360) coupled to the first electrical connector to bias the first electrical connector to the home position. as well as The second twist-lock connector (110) includes a second connector housing (170) that holds a second twist-lock contact (114) at a second rotary mating interface. The second twist-lock contact is electrically connected to the first twist-lock contact to transmit power between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector. The second twist-lock connector includes a second electrical connector (200) held by the second connector housing. The second electrical connector includes a second contact (212) that is electrically connected to the first contact to transmit high-speed data between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector. Wherein, the second twist-lock contact (114) engages with the first twist-lock contact (116) along the mating axis, and when the first electrical connector (300) is in its original position, the second contact (212) engages with the first contact (312) along the mating axis, and, By rotating the first twist-lock connector (112) in the rotational direction about the mating axis, the second twist-lock contact is locked to the first twist-lock contact, and when the first twist-lock connector rotates in the rotational direction, the first connector housing (140) rotates relative to the first electrical connector (300), and the first electrical connector (300) does not rotate once it mates with the second electrical connector (200), but moves from the original position to the rotational position relative to the first connector housing (140).

2. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector housing (140) includes a guide rail (352) for receiving the first electrical connector (300) and guiding relative movement of the first electrical connector relative to the first connector housing.

3. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 2, wherein, The guide rail (352) bends along an arc-shaped path.

4. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing member (360) is a coil spring.

5. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing member (360) pushes the first electrical connector (300) to the original position.

6. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing member (360) pulls the first electrical connector (300) back to its original position.

7. The twist-lock connector system of claim 1 further includes a connector holder (320) having a cavity (322) for receiving the first electrical connector (300), the connector holder being coupled to the first connector housing (140), the connector holder guiding movement of the first electrical connector (300) relative to the first connector housing.

8. The twist-lock connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrical connector (300) includes a first shield (314) that provides electrical shielding for the first contact portion (312), and wherein the second electrical connector (200) includes a second shield (214) that provides electrical shielding for the second contact portion (212).

Images