Angled subassembly for angled connector and method of assembling same

Abstract

An angled subassembly (100) of an angled connector (10) includes an angled shield (110) having a first shield section (120) and a second shield section (130) extending at a bend angle (140) with respect to the first shield section (120), a cable (180) being disposed in the first shield section (120) and the second shield section (130) of the angled shield (110), and an inner ferrule (200) disposed around the cable (180) within the angled shield (110). The cable (180) has a wire (183) and a foil (184) disposed around the wire (183). An inner ferrule (200) electrically connects the foil (184) to the angled shield (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connector subassemblies, and more particularly, to angled subassemblies for angled connectors. Background Art

[0002] An angled connector generally includes a housing, contacts disposed within the housing, a shield disposed about the housing, and a cable disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the contacts. Angled connectors are used in applications where the contacts of the connector need to be disposed at an angle relative to the direction in which the cable extends into the connector.

[0003] The cable extends in a single direction into the angled connector, and the contacts, housed within the housing, have a bend that creates the angle required for the angled connector. The contacts can be formed as a single piece and then bent to the desired angle, or they can be formed as multiple pieces that are attached to each other to form the desired angle. However, these contact arrangements result in high component costs, complex assembly, inconsistent formation of the required angle, and difficulty controlling impedance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The angled subassembly of the angled connector includes an angled shield having a first shield segment and a second shield segment extending at a curved angle relative to the first shield segment, a cable disposed between the first and second shield segments of the angled shield, and an inner ferrule disposed around the cable within the angled shield. The cable has a conductor and a foil disposed around the conductor. The inner ferrule electrically connects the foil to the angled shield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an angled connector according to an embodiment;

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an angled connector;

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an angled shield of an angled connector;

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an angled dielectric of an angled connector;

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an inner ferrule of an angled connector;

[0011] Figure 6A is connected to the contacts of the angled connector Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable with an angled connector;

[0012] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a cable, an angled dielectric, and an inner ferrule of an angled connector, wherein the dielectric cover of the angled dielectric is in an open dielectric position;

[0013] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B a perspective view of a cable and an angled dielectric with the dielectric cover in a closed dielectric position;

[0014] Figure 6D Is a Figure 3 a perspective view of a cable with an angled dielectric in an angled shield of FIG. 1 , wherein a shield cover of the angled shield is in an open shield position;

[0015] Figure 6E yes Figure 6D A perspective view of a cable in an angled shield with the shield cover in a shield-closing position;

[0016] Figure 6F is a perspective view of a cable in an angled shield with the shield cover in Figure 6E a closed shield position of the angled shield, with the braid of the cable disposed on the first shield section of the angled shield;

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an angled connector;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional top view of the angled connector;

[0019] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an angled connector according to another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of an inner ferrule of an angled connector;

[0021] Figure 11A yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the cable and inner ferrule of the angled connector;

[0022] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A perspective view of the cable and the inner ferrule, wherein the inner ferrule is in a bent position;

[0023] Figure 11C is with an angled shield Figure 11B a perspective view of a cable having an inner ferrule of FIG. 1 with the shield cover of the angled shield in an open shield position;

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the angled connector; and

[0025] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional top view of the angled connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the angled connector 10 according to the embodiment includes an angled subassembly 100 and a mating subassembly 300 connected to the angled subassembly 100 .

[0027] exist Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the angled subassembly 100 includes an angled shield 110, an angled dielectric 150 disposed in the angled shield 110, a cable 180 disposed in the angled shield 110, a contact 190 electrically connected to the cable 180, an inner ferrule 200 disposed around the cable 180 within the angled shield 110, and an outer ferrule 210 disposed around the cable 180 and the angled shield 110.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the angled shield 110 has a shield body 112 extending from a first end 114 to an opposite second end 116. The angled shield 110 has a first shield segment 120 and a second shield segment 130 extending from the first shield segment 120.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the first shield segment 120 extends from the first end 114 of the shield body 112. The first shield segment 120 has a first shield axis 122 extending centrally through the first shield segment 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shield axis 122 extends in a vertical direction V.

[0030] The second shield segment 130 extends from the first shield segment 120 to the second end 116 of the shield body 112. Figure 3 The second shield segment 120 has a second shield axis 132 extending centrally through the second shield segment 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the second shield axis 132 extends along a longitudinal direction L that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, due to the direction in which the second shield axis 132 extends with respect to the first shield axis 122, the second shield segment 130 extends at a bend angle 140 relative to the first shield segment 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the bend angle 140 is 90°, and the second shield segment 130 extends perpendicularly relative to the first shield segment 120. In other embodiments, the bend angle 140 can be any angle greater than 90° and less than 180°, and the second shield segment 130 can extend at an angle between 90° and 180° relative to the first shield segment 120. In other embodiments, the bend angle 140 can be less than 90° or equal to 180°.

[0032] In the first shield section 120, as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the angled shield 110 has a shield cover 124 attached to the shield body 112 at a shield hinge 128. The shield cover 124 can be positioned relative to the shield body 112 about the shield hinge 128 in an open shield position SO (e.g., Figure 2 ) and the closed shield position SC (as shown) Figure 3 shown).

[0033] exist Figure 2 and 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the shield body 112 has tabs 123 in the first shield section 120, and the shield cover 124 has recesses 126 extending into the shield cover 124. When the shield cover 124 is pivoted to the closed shield position SC (eg, Figure 3 When the shield cover 124 is in the closed shield position SC, the tabs 123 enter the recesses 126 and secure the shield cover 124 in the closed shield position SC. In the illustrated embodiment, the shield body 112 has two tabs 123 corresponding to the two recesses 126 of the shield cover 124. In other embodiments, the shield body 112 can have one or more than two tabs 123, and the shield cover 124 can have one or more than two recesses 126, as long as the number of tabs 123 equals the number of recesses 126.

[0034] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the shield body 112 has a shield latch 127 extending from the shield body 112 in the first shield section 120. The shield cover 124 has a shield catch 125 extending from the shield cover 124. When the shield cover 124 is pivoted to the closed shield position SC (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 ), the shield catches 125 engage with the shield latches 127 to secure the shield cover 124 in the closed shield position SC.

[0035] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the shield latch 127 is a tab having an opening extending therethrough, and the shield catch 125 is a protrusion that can engage with the opening. In this embodiment, when the shield cover 124 moves to the shield-closed position SC, the shield latch 127 elastically deflects upon contact with the shield catch 125. When the shield cover 124 reaches the shield-closed position SC, the shield latch 127 elastically returns to its original position with the shield catch 125 positioned within the shield latch 127. In other embodiments, the shield latch 127 and the shield catch 125 can be any other type of mechanical latch, such as a hook, that engages with each other in the shield-closed position SC. In the illustrated embodiment, the shield body 112 has two shield latches 127, and the shield cover 124 has two shield catches 125. In other embodiments, the shield body 112 may have one or more than two shield latches 127 , and the shield cover 124 may have one or more than two shield snaps 125 , as long as the number of shield latches 127 equals the number of shield snaps 125 .

[0036] In the second shield section 130, as shown Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the angled shield 110 has a transition portion 134 in which the Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the size of the interior space 138 of the second shield segment 130 decreases along the vertical direction V and the width direction W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition portion 134 is formed by a plurality of spring members 136 that extend into the interior space 138 of the second shield segment 130 in opposite directions in the vertical direction V. In the illustrated embodiment, two spring members 136 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction V, and two spring members 136 are positioned opposite each other in the width direction W. In other embodiments, the transition portion 134 may include three or fewer, or five or more spring members 136. Each spring member 136 is resiliently deflectable and has a contact bend 137 at the point of maximum protrusion into the interior space 138.

[0037] The angled shield 110 is formed from a conductive material such as aluminum, and in an embodiment, the angled shield 110 is integrally formed as a single piece with at least the shield body 112, the first section 120, the second section 130, and the shield cover 124. The angled shield 110 can be formed by stamping and bending from a sheet of conductive material. In other embodiments, the angled shield 110 can be formed from multiple separate components that are attached together.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the angled dielectric 150 has a dielectric body 152 extending from a first end 154 to an opposite second end 156. Figure 4 As shown, the angled dielectric 150 has a first dielectric segment 160 and a second dielectric segment 170 extending from the first dielectric segment 160 .

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the first dielectric segment 160 extends from the first end 154 of the dielectric body 152. The first dielectric segment 160 has a first dielectric axis 162 extending centrally through the first dielectric segment 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the first dielectric axis 162 extends along a vertical direction V.

[0040] The second dielectric segment 170 extends from the first dielectric segment 160 to the second end 156 of the dielectric body 152. Figure 4 The second dielectric segment 170 has a second dielectric axis 172 extending centrally through the second dielectric segment 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the second dielectric axis 172 extends along the longitudinal direction L.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, due to the direction of extension of the second dielectric axis 172 relative to the first dielectric axis 162, the second dielectric segment 170 extends at a bend angle 140 relative to the first dielectric segment 160. The bend angle 140 of the second dielectric segment 170 relative to the first dielectric segment 160 is the same as the bend angle 140 of the second shield segment 130 relative to the first shield segment 120; the bend angle 140 of the second dielectric segment 170 relative to the first dielectric segment 160 is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the bend angle 140 can be less than 90° or equal to 180°.

[0042] In the first dielectric section 160, as Figure 4 As shown, the angled dielectric 150 has a dielectric cover 164 attached to a dielectric body 152 at a dielectric hinge 168. The dielectric cover 164 can be hinged about the dielectric hinge 168 in an open dielectric position DO ( Figure 4 and 6B shown) and the closed dielectric position DC ( Figure 2 and 6C shown).

[0043] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the dielectric body 152 has a dielectric catch 158 in the first dielectric section 160, and the dielectric cover 164 has a dielectric latch 166. When the dielectric cover 164 is pivoted to the closed dielectric position DC, the dielectric latch 166 engages with the dielectric catch 158 and secures the dielectric cover 164 in the closed dielectric position DC. In the illustrated embodiment, the dielectric catch 158 is a recessed portion, and the dielectric latch 166 is a protrusion complementary to the recessed portion of the dielectric catch 158. In other embodiments, the dielectric catch 158 may be a protrusion, and the dielectric latch 166 may be a recessed portion complementary to the protrusion of the dielectric catch 158, or the dielectric catch 158 and dielectric latch 166 may be any other elements capable of engaging with each other to secure the dielectric cover 164 in the closed dielectric position DC. In another embodiment, the dielectric catch 158 and dielectric latch 166 may be omitted.

[0044] Angled dielectric 150 is a dielectric material, such as plastic, and in an embodiment, is integrally formed as a single piece with at least dielectric body 152, first dielectric segment 160, second dielectric segment 170, and dielectric cover 164. In this embodiment, dielectric hinge 168 is a thin film hinge. In other embodiments, angled dielectric 150 may be formed from multiple separate components attached together.

[0045] like Figure 2 and 6A As shown, the cable 180 has a conductor 183 , a foil 184 disposed around the conductor 183 , a braid 185 disposed around the foil 184 , and a cable insulator 186 disposed around the braid 185 .

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, cable 180 includes a twisted pair of wires 183, wherein each wire 183 has a conductor 183a and a wire insulator 183b disposed around the conductor 183a. In the twisted pair embodiment, the wires 183 are twisted around each other within a foil 184, wherein the wire insulators 183b of each wire 183 abut against each other. In another embodiment, cable 180 includes a pair of wires 183 extending parallel to each other, each wire 183 having a conductor 183a and a wire insulator 183b. In another embodiment, cable 180 may include a single wire 183, wherein one conductor 183a is surrounded by one wire insulator 183b.

[0047] The foil 184 surrounds the wire 183 or is disposed adjacent to the wire insulator 183b, as shown. Figure 2 and 6AAs shown, foil 184 is formed of a conductive material. Braid 185 is disposed around and adjacent to foil 184; braid 185 is formed of a conductive material. Cable insulator 186, formed of an insulating material, is disposed around and adjacent to braid 185.

[0048] like Figure 2 and 6A As shown, contact 190 has a mating portion 192 and a connecting portion 194 at an end opposite mating portion 192. Contact 190 is formed from a conductive material. In the illustrated embodiment, mating portion 192 is a receptacle for a pin; in other embodiments, mating portion 192 may be a pin or any other type of contact element capable of mating with another contact element. In the illustrated embodiment, connecting portion 194 is a crimping portion that can be crimped to a conductor. In other embodiments, connecting portion 194 may be a flat element that can be soldered to a conductor, or any other type of element capable of mechanically and electrically connecting contact 190 to the conductor. In the illustrated embodiment, angled subassembly 100 has two contacts 190. The number of contacts 190 corresponds to the number of wires 183 of cable 180; for embodiments of cable 180 having one wire 183, angled subassembly 100 may alternatively have one contact 190.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner ferrule 200 has a base 210 extending from a first end 212 to a second end 214 along a longitudinal direction L. The inner ferrule 200 has a first crimping section 220 at the first end 212 and a second crimping section 230 at the second end 214; the second crimping section 230 is connected to the first crimping section 220 via the base 210. The first crimping section 220 has a first pair of crimping wings 222 extending from the base 210 and positioned opposite to each other in the width direction W. The second crimping section 220 has a second pair of crimping wings 232 extending from the base 210 and positioned opposite to each other in the width direction W.

[0050] In the second crimping section 230, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the base 210 has a scalloped protrusion 236 extending at least partially between the second crimping wings 232 in the vertical direction V. The scalloped protrusion 236 has a generally triangular shape, having a narrower portion adjacent to the first crimping section 220 on the base 210 and a wider portion at the second end 214 of the base 210. The scalloped protrusion 236 and the second crimping wings 232 form a flared shape 238 of the second crimping section 230 that opens toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In another embodiment, the scalloped protrusion 236 may be omitted, and the second crimping section 230 may extend straight from the first crimping section 220 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0051] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 212 of the base 210 is connected to a carrier strip 240. Multiple inner ferrules 200 can be connected to the carrier strip 240 to allow for movement of the inner ferrules 200 during production or for other applications, and the inner ferrules 200 are separated from the carrier strip 240 at the first end 212 of the base 210 prior to use of the inner ferrules 200 as described below.

[0052] The inner ferrule 200 is formed from a conductive material such as aluminum or copper, and in one embodiment, is integrally formed as a single piece with at least the base 210, the first crimping section 220, and the second crimping section 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner ferrule 200 is also integrally formed with the carrier strip 240 before being separated from the carrier strip 240. The inner ferrule 200 can be formed by stamping and bending from a sheet of conductive material. In other embodiments, the inner ferrule 200 can be formed from multiple separate components attached together. In another embodiment, the inner ferrule 200 can have multiple first crimping sections 220 and multiple second crimping sections 230 for connection to multiple wires.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the outer collar 210 is an approximately cylindrical element formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the outer collar 210 is formed by bending or winding a conductive material sheet.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mating subassembly 300 includes a mating shield 310 and a mating dielectric 320 disposed within the mating shield 310. The mating shield 310, formed of a conductive material, extends from a first end 312 to an opposite second end 314 along a longitudinal direction L. The mating shield 310 has a plurality of contact springs 316 disposed adjacent to the first end 312. In an embodiment, the mating shield 310 is integrally formed as a single piece. The mating dielectric 320 is formed of a dielectric material and is Figure 8 As shown, there are a plurality of contact receiving passages 322 extending through the mating dielectric 320 along the longitudinal direction L. The mating dielectric 320 may optionally have one or more than two contact receiving channels 322; the number of contact receiving channels 322 corresponds to the number of wires 183 and the number of contacts 190 of the cable 180.

[0055] Now we will focus on Figures 6A-6F The assembly of the angled connector 10 is described.

[0056] In the first step, as Figure 6AAs shown, the cable insulation 186, braid 185, and foil 184 are stripped to expose the wires 183. For each of the wires 183, a portion of the wire insulation 183b is stripped to expose a portion of the conductor 183a. The connecting portion 194 of each contact 190 is electrically and mechanically connected to one of the exposed conductors 183a. Figure 6A In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 194 is crimped to the conductor 183a.

[0057] In the next step, if Figure 6B As shown, the cable 180 is inserted into and through the angled dielectric 150 with the dielectric cover 164 in the open dielectric position DO. Figure 6B In the steps shown, the cable 180 is moved along Figure 4 A second dielectric axis 172 is shown extending through the angled dielectric 150 .

[0058] exist Figure 6B In the step shown, the inner ferrule 200 is moved to its position arranged around the cable 180. The first crimping section 220 is arranged around the foil 184 and the wire 183, and the first crimping wings 222 are crimped around the foil 184 and the wire 183. The first crimping wings 222 in the first crimping section 220 press the foil 184 against the wire 183 to hold the foil 184 in place and electrically connect the inner ferrule 200 to the foil 184. The second crimping section 230 is arranged around the wire 183, and the second crimping wings 232 are crimped around the wire 183. The crimped second crimping wings 232 and the fan-shaped protrusions 236 are at least partially positioned between the wires 183 in the width direction W. The second crimping wings 232 press against the wire insulation 183b of the wire 183 and form a flared shape 238 together with the fan-shaped protrusions 236. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the wires 183 are positioned adjacent to each other in the first crimp section 220, and the flared shape 238 holds the wires 183 separated from each other by a spacing 189 at the second end 214 of the inner ferrule 200. In another embodiment, the second crimp wings 232 and the scalloped protrusions 236 can position the wires 183 parallel to each other through all of the second crimp sections 230, and the wires 183 can transition outward to the spacing 189 in the space between the first crimp section 220 and the second crimp section 230 along the longitudinal direction L before reaching the second crimp section 230. The spacing 189 is predetermined and selected for optimal impedance control.

[0059] In the next step, if Figure 6CAs shown, the cable 180 is bent within the angled dielectric 150. When the cable 180 is bent, the cable 180 has a first portion 187 and a second portion 188 extending at a bend angle 140 with respect to the first portion 187. The first portion 187 is disposed in the first dielectric section 160, and the second portion 188 is disposed in the second dielectric section 170. Figure 6C As shown, the inner ferrule 200 is disposed adjacent to the second dielectric section 170 .

[0060] After the cable 180 is fully inserted through the angled dielectric 150 and bent into the above and Figure 6C In the case of the shape shown, the dielectric cover 164 moves from the dielectric open position DO to Figure 6C 166 to secure the dielectric cover 164 in the closed dielectric position DC. In another embodiment, the dielectric cover 164 is secured to the dielectric body 152 in the closed dielectric position DC by plastic welding the dielectric cover 164 to the dielectric body 152, instead of or in addition to the dielectric cover 164 and the dielectric latch 166. In another embodiment, the angled dielectric 150 does not have a dielectric cover 164 that is pivotable relative to the dielectric body 152, but rather is pivotable relative to the dielectric body 152. Figure 6C In the position shown, the cable 180 is overmolded in one piece on the foil 184 .

[0061] Due to the structure of the first dielectric segment 160 with respect to the second dielectric segment 170 and the bending angle 140, Figure 6C The angled dielectric 150 in the position shown secures the cable 180 in place. Figure 6C 183. The cable 180 is shown in the position shown, with the first portion 187 at the same bend angle 140 with respect to the second portion 188. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 180 is inserted into the angled dielectric 150 to be bent and held with the contacts 190 already connected to the wires 183, and the inner ferrule 200 is crimped to the cable 180 after the cable 180 is inserted through the angled dielectric 150. In another embodiment, the cable 180 can be inserted into the angled dielectric 150, bent, and held by the angled dielectric 150 before the contacts 190 are connected to the wires 183.

[0062] exist Figure 6D In the step shown, the cable 180, bent and held by the angled dielectric 150, is inserted into the angled shield 110 with the shield cover 124 in the open shield position SO. Figure 6D In the position shown, the braid 185 is flared outward from the cable 180 .

[0063] Then, the shield cover 124 is removed from the Figure 6D The open shield position SO shown is moved to Figure 6E The shield is shown in the closed position SC, enclosing the cables 180 within the shield body 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 123 are disposed within the recesses 126 to secure the shield cover 124 in the closed position SC. Figure 3 As shown and described above, the shield clips 125 engage the shield latches 127 to secure the shield cover 124 in the closed shield position SC. In other embodiments, the tabs 123 and recesses 126 are included or omitted, and the shield cover 124 can be welded or joined to the shield body 112 by forming in addition to or in lieu of the engagement of the shield clips 125 with the shield latches 127 to secure the shield cover 124 in the closed shield position SC.

[0064] When the shield cover 124 is in Figure 6E In the closed shield position SC shown, the braid 185 is draped or folded over the first shield segment 120 of the angled shield 110, as shown. Figure 6F The outer collar 210 is then positioned over the exposed portion of the braid 185 and a portion of the cable insulator 186 and crimped onto the braid 185, the first shield segment 120, and the cable insulator 186, as shown. Figure 1 and 7 shown.

[0065] exist Figures 6D to 6F In the illustrated embodiment, the mating subassembly 300 is already connected to the angled shield 110 when the angled dielectric 150 and the cable 180 are inserted into the angled shield 110. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the second end portion 116 of the angled shield 110 at the second shield segment 130 is inserted into the second end portion 314 of the mating shield 310 and disposed in the mating shield 310. The angled shield 110 is mechanically and electrically connected to the mating shield 310 through the second shield segment 130. The mating dielectric 320 is disposed within the interior space 138 of the second shield segment 130, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The mating dielectric 320 extends from a location adjacent to the transition portion 134 and out of the second shield segment 130 along the longitudinal direction L. In another embodiment, the mating subassembly 300 can be connected to the angled shield 110 after the angled dielectric 150 and the cable 180 are inserted into the angled shield 110.

[0066] Angled connector 10 Figure 1 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 1 is shown in a fully assembled state with the cable 180 disposed and retained within the angled shield 110 and the angled dielectric 150 .

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, the first portion 187 of the cable 180 is positioned within the first shield segment 120 of the angled shield 110 and within the first dielectric segment 160 of the angled dielectric 150. The foil 184 is disposed around the wire 183 in the first portion 187 and is held abutting against the wire insulation 183b of the wire 183. The braid 185 in the first portion 187 is crimped to the first shield segment 120 via the outer ferrule 210 and is disposed between the first shield segment 120 and the outer ferrule 210; in an embodiment, the first shield segment 120 provides support for the crimping of the outer ferrule 210 around the braid 185 and the cable 180, which prevents the crimping of the outer ferrule 210 from damaging the foil 194 or the wire 183.

[0068] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the second portion 188 of the cable 180 is located in the second shield segment 130 of the angled shield 110 and in the second dielectric segment 170 of the angled dielectric 150. The foil 184 is disposed around the wire 183 in the second portion 188 and is held in abutment against the wire insulation 183b of the wire 183 by the first crimp segment 220 of the inner ferrule 200. The first crimp segment 220 and the second crimp segment 230 are disposed in the second shield segment 130. The wire 183 and the foil 184 are disposed in the first portion 187 and the second portion 188 of the cable 180, respectively.

[0069] The first crimping section 220 of the inner ferrule 200 is electrically and mechanically connected to the foil 184 by crimping of the first crimping wings 222. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the cable 180 having the inner ferrule 200 crimped to the cable 180 is positioned within the interior space 138 of the second shield segment 130, the spring members 136 extending into the interior space 138 contact the inner ferrule 200. The contact bend 137 of each spring member 136 contacts the second crimp section 230 of the inner ferrule 200, and the spring members 136 resiliently deflect to apply pressure, thereby maintaining contact between the spring members 136 and the second crimp section 230. The spring members 136 establish and maintain an electrical connection between the angled shield 110 and the inner ferrule 200. The inner ferrule 200 electrically connects the angled shield 110 to the foil 184 through crimping of the first crimp section 220.

[0070] like Figure 8As shown, each contact 190 is positioned and retained in one of the contact-receiving channels 322 of the mating dielectric 320 within the second shield segment 130 of the angled shield 110. The conductors 183a of the wires 183, which are electrically and mechanically connected to the connecting portions 194 of the contacts 190, are disposed within the mating dielectric 320, and the mating portions 192 of the contacts 190, opposite the connecting portions 194, are disposed adjacent the first end 312 of the mating shield 310.

[0071] exist Figure 1 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the fully assembled state shown, the foil 184, angled shield 110, braid 185, inner ferrule 200, outer ferrule 210, and mating shield 310 of the cable 180 are electrically connected. The conductor 183a of the wire 183 is electrically connected to the contact 190 and is electrically isolated from the foil 184, angled shield 110, braid 185, inner ferrule 200, and mating shield 310 by the wire insulator 183b and the mating dielectric 320. When the angled connector 10 is connected to a mating connector, the contact springs 316 of the mating shield 310 resiliently abut and electrically connect with the shield of the mating connector, and the contacts 190 mate with and electrically connect with the contacts of the mating connector.

[0072] In the angled connector 10, the cable 180 extends through the bend, with the first portion 187 held at the bend angle 140 about the second portion 188 by the angled shield 110 and the angled dielectric 150. By having a bend in the cable 180 itself, the foil 184 can be retained over a longer portion of the cable 180 in the angled connector 10, thereby allowing for a high degree of impedance control and improved shielding performance. The first crimp section 220 of the inner ferrule 200, which is crimped onto the foil 184, maintains a tight fit of the one or more conductors 183 within the angled shield 110 and a tight wrap of the foil 184 around the conductors 183 in the second portion 188. The contact of the second crimp section 230 with the angled shield 110 at the spring member 136 forms a reliable electrical connection between the angled shield 110 and the foil 184 through the inner ferrule 200, further contributing to a high degree of impedance control and improved shielding performance.

[0073] The foil 184 extending over most of the cable 180 and through the bend also avoids crimping of the outer ferrule 210, which has a significant impact on impedance control; the outer ferrule 210 can be crimped tightly as needed for mechanical robustness and, as described above, can bear on the first shield segment 120 rather than potentially damaging the foil 184. The simple design of the contact 190 can be used with the angled connector 10, saving component cost and reducing assembly complexity.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the angled dielectric 150 maintains a tight fit of the one or more wires 183 within the angled shield 110, and a tight wrap of the foil 184 around the wires 183 in the first and second portions 187, 188. In another embodiment, the angled dielectric 150 can be omitted. In embodiments where the angled dielectric 150 is omitted, the other elements of the angled connector 10 remain arranged as described above; the cable 180 extends through the angled shield 110, with the first and second portions 187, 188 still at the bend angle 140, and the inner ferrule 200 is relied upon to maintain the tightness of the wires 183 to each other and the tight wrap of the foil 184.

[0075] The angled connector 10 in the illustrated embodiment holds a first portion 187 of the cable 180 on opposite sides of a bend at a 90° bend angle 140 with respect to a second portion 188 of the cable 180. In other embodiments, the bend angle 140 can be any angle greater than 90° and less than 180°, or any angle less than 90° or equal to 180°. The cable 180 in the illustrated embodiment also has a specific rotational position about the rotational axis of the contact 190 about the longitudinal direction L. The angled connector 10 is not limited to the rotational position of the illustrated embodiment, and the cable 180 can be arranged and held by the angled subassembly 100 at any rotational position about the longitudinal axis L of the contact 190.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the angled connector 10 ′, Figure 9 As shown, it includes an angled subassembly 100' and a mating subassembly 300 connected to the angled subassembly 100'. Similar reference numerals are used to denote the same as those described above. Figure 1-8 The embodiments of the angled connector 10 described herein have similar elements and will primarily be referenced herein. Figure 9-13 The differences in the embodiment of the angled connector 10 ′ are described.

[0077] In the angled subassembly 100', as Figure 9 As shown, the angled shield 110, cable 180, contact 190 and outer ferrule 210 are similar to those described above. Figure 1-8 The angled subassembly 100 is shown and described in detail the same. The angled dielectric 150 is omitted in the embodiment of the angled subassembly 100', and the differences in the inner ferrule 200' of the angled subassembly 100' will be described in more detail below.

[0078] like Figure 10As shown, the inner ferrule 200' has a base 210 extending from a first end 212 to a second end 214 along a longitudinal direction L. The inner ferrule 200' has a third crimping section 240 at the first end 212, a second crimping section 230 at the second end 214, and a first crimping section 220 between the third crimping section 240 and the second crimping section 230; the third crimping section 240 is connected to the first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230 via the base 210. The first crimping section 220 has a first pair of crimping wings 222 extending from the base 210 and positioned opposite each other in the width direction W. The second crimping section 220 has a second pair of crimping wings 232 extending from the base 210 and positioned opposite each other in the width direction W. The third crimping section 240 has a third pair of crimping wings 242 extending from the base 210 and positioned opposite each other in the width direction W.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, the third crimping section 240 is separated from the first and second crimping sections 220 and 230 by the bending region 216 of the base 210. The bending region 216 includes a weakening element 218 that reduces the force required to bend the bending region 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakening element 218 is a thinning of the material of the base 210 in the vertical direction V; the thinning can be achieved by removing material from the base 210 or by forming the weakening element 218 with a thinner dimension. In other embodiments, the weakening element 218 can be any other structure, such as variously arranged openings in the base 210, that reduces the force required to bend the bending region 216. If the bending region 216 can be sufficiently bent without the weakening element, the weakening element 218 can also be omitted.

[0080] like Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the description, in the second crimping section 230, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the base 210 has a scalloped protrusion 236 extending at least partially along the vertical direction V between the second crimping wings 232. The scalloped protrusion 236 has a generally triangular shape, having a narrower portion adjacent to the first crimping section 220 on the base 210 and a wider portion at the second end 214 of the base 210. The scalloped protrusion 236 and the second crimping wings 232 form a flared shape 238 of the second crimping section 230 that opens toward the second end 214 of the base 210. In another embodiment, the second crimping wings 232 and the scalloped protrusion 236 can position the wire 183 so that it passes through all of the second crimping sections 230 parallel to one another, and the wire 183 can transition outwardly to the spacing 189 in the space between the first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230 along the longitudinal direction L before reaching the second crimping section 230.

[0081] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 212 of the base 210 is connected to a carrier strip 240. A plurality of inner ferrules 200' can be connected to the carrier strip 240 to move the inner ferrules 200' during production or for other applications, and the inner ferrules 200' are separated from the carrier strip 240 at the first end 212 of the base 210 before use of the inner ferrules 200' as described below.

[0082] The inner ferrule 200' is formed from a conductive material such as aluminum or copper and, in one embodiment, is integrally formed as a single piece with at least the base 210, the first crimping section 220, the second crimping section 230, and the third crimping section 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner ferrule 200' is also integrally formed with the carrier strip 240 before being separated from the carrier strip 240. The inner ferrule 200' can be formed by stamping and bending from a sheet of conductive material. In other embodiments, the inner ferrule 200' can be formed from multiple separate components attached together.

[0083] Now we will focus on Figures 11A-11C The assembly of the angled connector 10' will be described in detail herein. Figures 6A-6F The differences between the components shown and described in FIG.

[0084] exist Figure 6A After the steps shown, the inner ferrule 200' is moved to its position around the cable 180, as shown. Figure 11A The first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230 are positioned on the cable 180 and are as described above with respect to Figure 6B The third crimping section 140 is provided around the foil 184 and the wire 183 at a position spaced apart from the first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230 along the longitudinal direction L. Figure 11A In the illustrated state, the first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230 are crimped, while the third crimping wing 242 of the third crimping section 240 remains uncrimped.

[0085] In the next step, if Figure 11B As shown, the inner ferrule 200' is bent at the bend area 216 of the base 210. The bend area 216 is bent until the third crimping section 240 extends at the bend angle 140 described above with respect to the first crimping section 220 and the second crimping section 230. Figure 11BWith the bend angle 140 positioned as shown, the third crimp wings 242 of the third crimp section 240 are crimped. The third crimp wings 242 press the foil 184 against the wire 183 to hold the foil 184 in place and electrically connect the inner ferrule 200' to the foil 184. The bending and crimping of the third crimp section 240 bends the cable 180 to the bend angle 140. In another embodiment, the third crimp section 240 can be crimped before the bend region 216 is bent and / or crimped, so that the third crimp wings 242 do not primarily hold the foil 184 in place and electrically connect the inner ferrule 200' to the foil 184, but rather provide rough positioning and strain relief.

[0086] After the bending of the inner ferrule 220' and the crimping of the third crimping section 240, the cable 180 and the crimped inner ferrule 200' are inserted into the angled shield 110, with the shield cover in the position shown. Figure 11C Shown is the open shield position SO. Figure 11C In the position shown, the braid 185 is flared outward from the cable 180. Figure 6E and 6F Assembly of the angled connector 10 ′ is completed in the same manner as described.

[0087] Angled connector 10' Figure 12 and 13 1 is shown in a fully assembled state with the cables 180 disposed and retained within the angled shield 110. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Only the positions of the elements of the inner ferrule 200' are described in detail; the positioning and function of the other elements of the angled connector 10' are the same as those described above with respect to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Same as described.

[0088] like Figure 12 As shown, the foil 184 is disposed around the wire 183 in the first and second portions 187, 188 of the cable 180 and is held in abutment against the wire insulation 183b of the wire 183 by the first and third crimp sections 220, 240 of the inner ferrule 200'. The first and second crimp sections 220, 230 are disposed in the second shield section 130. The third crimp section 240 is disposed in the first shield section 120.

[0089] The first crimping section 220 and the third crimping section 240 of the inner ferrule 200' are electrically and mechanically connected to the foil 184 by crimping the first crimping wing 222 and the third crimping wing 242. Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, when the cable 180, having the inner ferrule 200' crimped to the cable 180, is positioned within the interior space 138 of the second shield segment 130, the spring members 136 extending into the interior space 138 contact the inner ferrule 200'. The contact bend 137 of each spring member 136 contacts the second crimp section 230 of the inner ferrule 200', and the spring members 136 resiliently deflect to apply pressure, thereby maintaining abutment between the spring members 136 and the second crimp section 230. The spring members 136 establish and maintain an electrical connection between the angled shield 110 and the inner ferrule 200'. The inner ferrule 200' electrically connects the angled shield 110 to the foil 184 through the crimping of the first crimp section 220 and the third crimp section 240.

[0090] In the angled connector 10', the first and third crimp sections 220, 240 of the inner ferrule 200', which are crimped onto the foil 184, maintain a tight fit of the one or more wires 183 within the angled shield 110 and a tight wrapping of the foil 184 around the wires 183 in the first and second portions 187, 188. The bend region 216 of the inner ferrule 200' positions the cable 180 at the bend angle 140 to extend through the angled shield 110. The contact of the second crimp section 230 with the angled shield 110 at the spring member 136 forms a reliable electrical connection between the angled shield 110 and the foil 184 through the inner ferrule 200', contributing to a high degree of impedance control and improved shielding performance.

Claims

1. An angled subassembly (100) of an angled connector (10), comprising: An angled shield (110) having a first shield segment (120) and a second shield segment (130) extending at a bend angle (140) with respect to the first shield segment (120); A cable (180) disposed in the first shield section (120) and the second shield section (130) of the angled shield (110), the cable (180) having a conductor (183) and a foil (184) disposed around the conductor (183); and An inner ferrule (200) is disposed within the angled shield (110) around the cable (180) and electrically connects the foil (184) to the angled shield (110).

2. The angled subassembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The inner ferrule (200) has a first crimping section (220) and a second crimping section (230) connected to the first crimping section (220) through a base (210), the first crimping section (220) being arranged around the foil (184) and the wire (183), and the second crimping section (230) being arranged around the wire (183).

3. The angled subassembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The conductor (183) is one of a conductor pair (183) disposed within a foil (184) of the cable (180), and the base (210) has a fan-shaped protrusion (236) in the second crimping section (230), the fan-shaped protrusion partially extending between the conductor pair (183).

4. The angled subassembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The wires (183) are positioned adjacent to each other in the first crimping section (220), and the second crimping section (230) has a flared shape (238) that holds the wires (183) separated from each other at a spacing (189) at the end (214) of the inner ferrule (200).

5. The angled subassembly (100) of claim 2, wherein: The first crimping section (220) and the second crimping section (230) are disposed in a second shield section (130) of the angled shield (110).

6. The angled subassembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The inner ferrule (200) has a third crimping section (240) connected to the first crimping section (220) and the second crimping section (230) through the base (210), and the third crimping section (240) is arranged around the foil (184) and the wire (183).

7. The angled subassembly (100) of claim 6, wherein: The third crimping section (240) is separated from the first crimping section (220) and the second crimping section (230) by a bending area (216) of the base (210), the third crimping section (240) extends at the bending angle (140) relative to the first crimping section (220) and the second crimping section (230), and the third crimping section (240) is arranged in the first shield section (120) of the angled shield (110).

8. The angled subassembly (100) of claim 1, wherein: The angled shield (110) has a plurality of spring members (136) in the second shield section (130) that resiliently contact the inner ferrule (200).

9. The angled subassembly (100) of claim 1, wherein: The angled shield (110) has a shield body (112) and a shield cover (124) attached to the shield body (112), wherein the shield cover (124) is pivotable relative to the shield body (112) between an open shield position (SO) and a closed shield position (SC), wherein the cable (180) is insertable into the shield body (112) in the open shield position (SO) and the cable (180) is enclosed in the shield body (112).

10. The angled subassembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising an angled dielectric (150) disposed within the angled shield (110), the wires (183) and foils (184) of the cable (180) extending through the angled dielectric (150), the angled dielectric (150) having a first dielectric segment (160) and a second dielectric segment (170) extending at the bend angle (140) with respect to the first dielectric segment (160), the inner ferrule (200) being disposed adjacent to the second dielectric segment (170).

11. An angled connector (10), comprising: An angled subassembly (100) comprising an angled shield (110), a cable (180) disposed in the angled shield (110), and an inner ferrule (200) disposed in the angled shield (110) around the cable (180), the angled shield (110) having a first shield section (120) and a second shield section (130) extending at a bending angle (140) with respect to the first shield section (120), the cable (180) being disposed in the first shield section (120) and the second shield section (130) and having a wire (183) and a foil (184) disposed around the wire (183), the inner ferrule (200) electrically connecting the foil (184) to the angled shield (110); and A mating subassembly (300) is connected to the angled subassembly (100).

12. The angled connector (10) according to claim 11, wherein: The mating subassembly (300) has a mating shield (310) electrically connected to the angled shield (110) and a mating dielectric (320) disposed within the mating shield (310).

13. A method of assembling an angled subassembly (100) of an angled connector (10), comprising: Providing a cable (180) having a conductor (183) and a foil (184) disposed around the conductor (183); crimping an inner ferrule (200) around the cable (180); as well as The cable (180) and the inner ferrule (200) crimped around the cable (180) are inserted into an angled shield (110), the angled shield having a first shield section (120) and a second shield section (130) extending at a bending angle (140) relative to the first shield section (120), the cable (180) being disposed in the first shield section (120) and the second shield section (130), the inner ferrule (200) electrically connecting the foil (184) to the angled shield (110).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The angled shield (110) has a shield body (112) and a shield cover (124) attached to the shield body (112), the cable (180) and the inner ferrule (200) are inserted into the shield body (112) with the shield cover (124) in an open shield position (SO), and the method further includes pivoting the shield cover (124) relative to the shield body (112) to a closed shield position (SC).

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising bending the inner ferrule (200) to the bend angle (140) prior to inserting the cable (180) and the inner ferrule (200) into the angled shield (110).

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