Cable assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a cable assembly which comprises two cable modules which are separated from each other in a first direction, each cable module comprises a pair of signal terminals which are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a cable connected with the signal terminals, each signal terminal comprises a contact part and a tail part, the contact part of each signal terminal can be matched with a butt joint surface, and an included angle is formed between the extension direction of the cable and the butt joint surface. The outline of the cable assembly is smaller.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable assembly, and in particular to a cable assembly suitable for transmitting high-frequency and high-speed signals. [Background Technology]

[0002] It is desirable to arrange multiple identical cable assemblies densely packed together on a circuit board for data transmission. Therefore, we not only hope that each cable assembly has a shielding effect, but also hope that adjacent cable assemblies have a shielding effect. [Summary of the invention]

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a thin cable assembly.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a cable assembly, which includes two cable modules separated from each other in a first direction, each of the cable modules includes a pair of signal terminals arranged at intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a cable connected to the signal terminals, each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion of each signal terminal can be matched with a docking surface, and the extension direction of the cable forms an angle with the docking surface.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention may also adopt the following technical solution: a cable assembly, which includes an insulator, a pair of signal terminals retained in the insulator, a cable connected to the signal terminals, a pair of grounding contact portions located on both sides of the contact portion of the signal terminal, and a connector connecting the pair of grounding contact portions, each of the signal terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion extending out of the insulator, the connector being located on one side of the pair of signal terminals and spaced apart from the pair of signal terminals, the contact portions and the grounding contact portions of the pair of signal terminals being capable of cooperating with the same mating surface, and the direction in which the cable extends being inclined relative to the mating surface.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention may also adopt the following technical solution: a cable assembly, which includes two groups of cable modules arranged at intervals along a first direction, each group of the cable modules includes a pair of signal terminals arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and cables connected to the signal terminals, each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portions of each signal terminal are located in the same plane, and the cables of the two groups of cable modules extend along two parallel surfaces respectively, and the two parallel surfaces are arranged at an angle to the plane.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention can also adopt the following technical solutions: a cable assembly, which includes a shell, two groups of cable modules separated from each other along a first direction and fixed in the shell, each group of the cable modules includes an insulator, a pair of signal terminals fixed in the insulator and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and cables connected to the signal terminals, the shell is provided with a main plane and a shell mating surface, and the main plane is inclined to the mating surface.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following technical effects: the cable assembly of the present invention makes the overall profile of the cable assembly thinner by arranging the cable extension direction and the docking surface in an inclined manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cable assembly according to the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the cable assembly shown.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the cable assembly from another perspective is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable assembly housed in a holder mounted on a circuit board is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the cable assembly and retainer mounted on the circuit board is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a cable assembly receiving a retainer mounted on a circuit board is shown with the housing of the cable connector assembly removed.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front view of the cable assembly and retainer mounted on a circuit board is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the cable assembly and retainer mounted on a circuit board is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9A three-dimensional view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown from another perspective.

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A top view of the cable module of the cable assembly is shown.

[0020] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 A top view of a circuit board is shown with the holder mounted on the circuit board.

[0021] Figure 13 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the circuit board is shown.

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A perspective view of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A perspective view of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of another embodiment of a single cable module of a cable assembly is shown.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 13 Exploded view of a single cable module of the cable assembly shown.

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An exploded view of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown from another perspective.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A further exploded view of a portion of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown.

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 An exploded view of a portion of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 21 yes Figure 19 An exploded view of a portion of a single cable module of a cable assembly is shown, wherein the signal terminals are integrally molded within the insulator.

[0030] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded view of a portion of a single cable module of the cable assembly is shown from another perspective.

[0031] Figure 23 yes Figure 1A three-dimensional view of a unit of a cable assembly and a corresponding ground terminal carrier formed integrally.

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A three-dimensional view from another perspective showing that a unit of the cable assembly and a corresponding ground terminal carrier are integrally formed.

[0033] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 An exploded view of a unit of the cable assembly shown integrally formed with the corresponding ground terminal carrier.

[0034] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 An exploded view from another perspective showing the main body unit of the cable assembly and the corresponding ground terminal being integrally formed.

[0035] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 A perspective view of the ground terminal carrier is shown.

[0036] Figure 28 yes Figure 25 A perspective view of the unit is shown.

[0037] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A top view of the unit is shown.

[0038] Figure 30 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown.

[0039] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A three-dimensional view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown from another perspective.

[0040] Figure 32 yes Figure 30 Exploded view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown.

[0041] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 An exploded view of the cable module of the cable assembly shown in another perspective.

[0042] Figure 34 yes Figure 32 The cable module unit of the cable assembly and the corresponding ground terminal carrier are shown in an exploded view.

[0043] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 The cable module unit of the cable assembly and the corresponding ground terminal carrier are shown in an exploded view from another perspective.

[0044] Figure 36 yes Figure 34A three-dimensional view of the ground terminal carrier of the cable module of the cable assembly is shown.

[0045] Figure 37 yes Figure 34 A bottom view of a unit of a cable module and a ground terminal carrier of a cable assembly is shown.

[0046]

Main component symbol description

[0047] Cable assembly 500 housing 502

[0048] Cable module 600 unit 610

[0049] Signal terminal portion 620 Ground terminal portion 630

[0050] Insulator 622 Signal terminal 624

[0051] Contact portion 626 Connecting portion 628

[0052] Ground terminal 634 Housing unit 632

[0053] Contact portion 636 Connecting portion 638

[0054] First side wall 6321 Second side wall 6322

[0055] Connecting wall 6323 Accommodation space 637

[0056] Cable 700 Differential core pair 702

[0057] Ground wire 704 Bridge piece 6340

[0058] Slide 623 Slide rail 631

[0059] Integrated housing 635 Round cable 710

[0060] Ground terminal carrier 633 guide rail 640

[0061] Fixer 900' internal space 602

[0062] Printed circuit board 950' conductive sheet 952'

[0063] Guide protrusion 504 Guide groove 902'

[0064] Ground terminal portion 660 Ground terminal 664

[0065] Insulating housing unit 662 Contact portion 666

[0066] Terminal carrier 663 Integrated housing 665 [Specific implementation method]

[0067] like Figure 1-37FIG. 5 shows a cable assembly 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cable assembly 500 includes an outer shell 502 and two sets of cable modules 600 encased within the shell 502. The two sets of cable modules 600 are arranged in two rows along a transverse direction X. Each set of cable modules 600 includes a plurality of units 610 arranged side by side along a row direction (i.e., a transverse direction). Each unit 610 includes a front docking member located at the front, which includes a signal terminal portion 620 and a ground terminal portion 630. The signal terminal portion 620 includes an insulator 622 or an inner member integrally formed with a pair of signal terminals 624 via injection molding. The signal terminals 624 include a deflectable contact portion 626 exposed at the bottom of the insulator 622 and a connecting portion 628 exposed at the top of the insulator 622. The ground terminal portion 630 includes a U-shaped ground terminal 634 and an insulating housing unit 632 or an outer member integrally formed with the U-shaped ground terminal 634. The grounding terminal 634 includes a pair of deflectable contact portions 636 exposed at the bottom of the housing unit 632 and a connecting portion 638 exposed at the top of the housing unit 632. The housing unit 632, or outer member, includes a first sidewall 6321, a second sidewall 6322 spaced apart from and parallel to the first sidewall 6321, a connecting wall 6323 connecting the first and second sidewalls 6321 and 6322, and a cavity or receiving space 637 defined by the first, second, and connecting walls 6323. One of the grounding terminals 634 is molded and secured to the first sidewall 6321, while the other grounding terminal 634 is molded and secured to the second sidewall 6322. It is noteworthy that the insulator 622 is inserted forwardly along the front-to-back direction Y and received within the cavity or receiving space 637 of the housing unit 632. The rear portion of each unit 610 includes a cable 700, which includes a differential pair of wires 702 and a ground wire 704. The differential pair of wires 702 is soldered to the connection 628 of the signal terminal 624, and the ground wire 704 is soldered to the connection 638 of the ground terminal 634. A pair of ground terminals 634 includes a bridge 6340 connecting the pair of ground terminals 634. The bridge 6340 is molded into the connecting wall 6323, and the ground wire 704 is mechanically and electrically connected to the bridge 6340. The insulator 622 includes a pair of slide grooves 623. The housing unit 632 includes slide rails 631, which receive corresponding slide rails 631 on the housing unit 632. In this embodiment, the housing unit 632 is integrally formed. It will be appreciated that the housing units 632 of the ground terminal units 630 in the same cable module 600 are integrally formed as a single unit, which not only improves strength but also maintains uniformity. In addition, the U-shaped structure of the ground terminal 634 not only effectively shields the corresponding pair of differential signal terminals 624 , but also strengthens the overall structure of the integrated housing 635 .The cables 700 of all the units 610 are connected together as a round cable 710 to extend out of the rear end of the housing 502. Figure 16 As shown, the cable 700 omits the ground wire, and the ground terminal 634 omits the bridge piece.

[0068] The ground terminal portion 630 is formed by providing a plurality of ground terminal carriers 633, which are closely arranged side by side in the transverse direction. Each ground terminal carrier 633 integrally includes three ground terminals 634 in the front-to-back direction. The housing unit 632 is integrally molded onto the ground terminal carrier 633 through an injection molding process, so that the housing units 632 in the same row in the transverse direction are combined with each other to form a single integrated housing 635. The three single-piece housings 635 formed from the single housing unit 632 are separated from each other by cutting off portions A, B, C, and D of the ground terminal carrier 633. The single-piece housing 635 includes a pair of guide rails 640 on opposing outer sides, which are accommodated in corresponding guide grooves (not shown) in the inner surface of the housing 502.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cable assembly 500 is inserted into the interior space of a holder 900', which is mounted on a printed circuit board 950'. The printed circuit board 950', located below the interior space, includes two rows of conductive pads 952'. The holder 900' includes an inclined upper wall and two side walls connecting the upper wall. An entrance is formed between the side walls and the upper wall to allow the cable assembly 500 to enter the holder 900' and mate with the conductive pads 952'. The housing 502 of the cable assembly 500 also includes a pair of guide protrusions 504 on two opposing outer surfaces. These guide protrusions 504 are received within corresponding guide grooves 902' on the inner surface of the holder 900', which extend at an angle. It will be appreciated that because the housing 502 is assembled into the holder 900' at an angle, when the housing 502 reaches its final position, the contact portions 626 and 636 deflect in the vertical direction Z to effectively mechanically and electrically connect to the corresponding conductive pads 952'. It is understood that the housing 502 and the holder 900 ′ may form some retaining mechanisms or guiding mechanisms to reliably retain the housing 502 in a proper position within the holder 900 ′.

[0070] A key feature of the present invention is that the two rows of cable modules 600 provide two corresponding rows of deflectable contacts 626, 636 that are deflected to simultaneously connect to corresponding conductive strips 952'. The bottom sides of the units 610 of the two sets of cable modules 600 define a mating surface of the housing 502, which is inclined relative to the main plane of the housing 502 and located at the front end of the cable assembly 500. In other words, the tilted arrangement of multiple rows of cable modules while maintaining the corresponding contact portions of all cable modules in the same plane is a key feature of the present invention.

[0071] like Figures 30-37 , another embodiment of a grounding terminal portion 660 is shown. Each grounding terminal portion 660 includes a pair of grounding terminals 664 molded into two opposing side walls of an insulating housing unit 662. The grounding terminals 664 include deflectable contact portions 666 on the bottom side of the insulating housing unit 662, which are used to connect to corresponding conductive pads on a printed circuit board. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the terminal carrier 663 is located in a vertical plane, thereby not forming corresponding connection portions for soldering to corresponding ground wires, which is equivalent to the bridge member in the first embodiment. However, if desired, the grounding terminals can be provided with horizontal connection portions through the terminal carrier 663 to facilitate soldering to corresponding ground wires. Similar to the first embodiment, the insulating housing units 662 located in the same row in the horizontal direction are combined to form a single-piece housing 665.

Claims

1. A cable assembly, characterized in that: The cable assembly includes two cable modules separated from each other in a first direction, each of the cable modules includes a pair of signal terminals spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a cable connected to the signal terminals, each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion of each signal terminal can cooperate with a mating surface, and the extension direction of the cable forms an angle with the mating surface.

2. The cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein: It further includes a pair of ground contact portions located on both sides of the contact portions of the pair of signal terminals, and the ground contact portions can also cooperate with the docking surface.

3. The cable assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The invention further includes a connecting member connecting the pair of ground contact portions together, wherein the connecting member is located on one side of the pair of signal terminals and is spaced apart from the signal terminals.

4. The cable assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting member is formed integrally with the ground contact portion.

5. The cable assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting member and the ground contact portion are separate structures.

6. A cable assembly, characterized in that: The cable assembly includes an insulator, a pair of signal terminals retained in the insulator, a cable connected to the signal terminals, a pair of grounding contact portions located on both sides of the contact portion of the signal terminal, and a connector connecting the pair of grounding contact portions. Each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion extending out of the insulator. The connector is located on one side of the pair of signal terminals and is spaced apart from the pair of signal terminals. The contact portions and the grounding contact portions of the pair of signal terminals can cooperate with the same mating surface, and the direction in which the cable extends is inclined relative to the mating surface.

7. The cable assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The extension direction of the cable is arranged at an acute angle to the docking surface.

8. A cable assembly, characterized in that: The cable assembly includes two groups of cable modules arranged at intervals along a first direction, each group of cable modules includes a pair of signal terminals arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and cables connected to the signal terminals, each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portions of each signal terminal are located in the same plane, and the cables of the two groups of cable modules extend along two parallel surfaces respectively, and the two parallel surfaces are arranged at an angle to the plane.

9. A cable assembly, characterized in that: The cable assembly includes a shell and two groups of cable modules separated from each other along a first direction and retained in the shell. Each group of cable modules includes an insulator, a pair of signal terminals retained in the insulator and spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and cables connected to the signal terminals. The shell is provided with a main plane and a shell mating surface, and the main plane is inclined relative to the mating surface.

10. The cable assembly according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the signal terminals includes a contact portion and a tail portion, the contact portion is exposed from the mating surface, the contact portion of each signal terminal can be mated with the same mating surface, the extension direction of the cable is parallel to the main plane, and the outer surface of the shell includes a guide protrusion, which is arranged parallel to the main plane.

Images