Impedance control connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly which controls the impedance.SOLUTION: A connector assembly (10) which controls the impedance comprises: a cable (12) having conductors; a first metallic outer shell (32); and a second metallic outer shell (34). The second metallic outer shell (34) has a conductor receiving portion, and a rib formed in the conductor receiving portion. The rib extends in a direction which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second metallic outer shell (34). The rib divides the conductor receiving portion into two conductor receiving passages having conductor transition portions and conductor receiving portions extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second metallic shell. The conductor transition portions extend at angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the second metallic shell (34). The conductor receiving passages interact with the conductors to match the impedance of the conductors in the second metallic outer shell with the impedance of the cable (12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an impedance controlled connector assembly, and more particularly to an impedance controlled connector assembly that provides a stable transition impedance for twisted pair connectors having a long untwisted portion. [Background technology]

[0002] Maintaining signal integrity in communications is always desirable. Factors that affect signal integrity include the cable design and the process used to terminate or install the cable. Cables are typically formed from at least one plated center conductor covered with a dielectric and a braid and / or foil shield protector with an overall non-conductive jacket. Terminating the braid to a device such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or connector can significantly affect the performance of the cable.

[0003] Various methods are known for terminating shielded connectors, including soldering the wire ends to the PCB / connector termination and laser-terminated parallel-gap resistance welding. Another common method of termination is the use of ferrules. One significant problem with ferrules is that the cable's dielectric tends to crush when the wire is crimped to attach the ferrule. Another problem with existing methods of terminating the braid is the tendency for the placement of the differential pair within the cable jacket to change. Both issues can affect impedance and other electrical parameters, potentially affecting signal integrity.

[0004] Additionally, due to the small size and multiple functions of these connectors, it is difficult to have effective connector position assurance devices and terminal position assurance devices that meet the force requirements of different industries, such as the automotive industry. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved is to provide an electrical connector that controls impedance and does not damage or displace the cable conductors. It would be advantageous to provide an electrical connector that provides visual and mechanical indication that the terminals are properly positioned and secured in the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a terminal for terminating a shielded cable in a connector assembly, the terminal including a conductor receiving section and a mating terminal receiving section. The mating terminal receiving section has a lead-in portion and securing projections. At least one longitudinally extending opening is positioned around the periphery of the mating terminal receiving section, the opening reducing the cross-section of the terminal. The opening provides impedance adjustment, allowing the terminals to maintain a specified pitch without impedance drops due to their proximity to adjacent terminals. The present application also provides an impedance-controlled connector assembly (10). The impedance-controlled connector assembly (10) includes a cable (12) having a plurality of conductors (20, 22), a first metal shell (32), and a second metal shell (34). The second metal shell (34) has a conductor-receiving portion (44) and a rib (50) formed in the conductor-receiving portion (44). The rib (50) extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34). The rib (50) divides the conductor receiving portion (44) into two conductor receiving passages (54, 56) having a conductor receiving portion (86) and a conductor transition portion (88) that extend in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34), with the conductor transition portion (88) extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34). The conductor receiving passages (54, 56) interact with the conductors (20, 22) within the second metal shell (34) so ​​as to match the impedance of the cable (12).

[0007] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector assembly of the present invention fully assembled to a cable and a mating connector assembly positioned adjacent to and alongside the electrical connector assembly; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the outer shell of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a contact of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector and cable taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]1 is a front perspective view of a housing assembly into which an electrical connector is inserted, with the connector position assurance member shown in a first or open position; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the housing of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 7 taken along line 9-9. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 7 taken along line 10-10. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9, except the connector position assurance device is shown in a second or closed position. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, except the connector position assurance device is shown in a second or closed position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second housing assembly into which the electrical connector is inserted, showing a recess for receiving a terminal position assurance member; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the second housing assembly with the terminal position assurance member shown in a first or open position; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the second housing assembly with the terminal location member shown in the second or closed position. [Figure 16] 15 is a perspective view of the connector assembly and terminal position assurance member of FIG. 14 with the housing removed. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 14 taken along line 17-17. [Figure 18] 16 is a perspective view of the connector assembly and terminal position assurance member of FIG. 15 with the housing removed. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 15 taken along line 19-19. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the terminal position assurance receiving recess of the second housing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, electrical connector 10 is electrically and mechanically connected to cable 12. Cable 12 can transfer data between storage devices, switches, routers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), analog-to-digital converters, connectors, and other devices. In various embodiments, cable 12 can support data rates of 100 Mbps or greater. In some embodiments, cable 12 can support data rates of about 4.25 Gbps to about 25 Gbps. Cable 12 may be used at data rates greater than or less than these exemplary rates. As shown in Figure 5, cable 12 has a cable jacket 14, a braided shield 16, a metalized foil 18, and two center conductors 20, 22. The conductors 20, 22 are spaced apart and extend generally parallel to one another. The conductors 20, 22 are surrounded by a braided metal shield 16, such as, but not limited to, a braided copper shield. The center conductors 20, 22 may be surrounded by respective dielectric layers 24, 26. Terminals 60 (Figures 2, 4, and 6) are electrically connected to the exposed ends of the conductors 20, 22 of cable 12.

[0010] 2 and 6, the end of the cable 12 has the cable jacket 14 removed. The dielectrics 24, 26 of the conductors 20, 22 are also removed, thereby exposing portions of the conductors 20, 22.

[0011] When the connector 10 is properly assembled, it mates with a mating connector 300. As shown in FIG. 1 , the exemplary mating connector 300 has a metal shell 332 with a connector-receiving portion 336 for receiving the electrical connector 10. The shell 332 has a stamped band or recess 333 extending around the periphery of the shell 332. Alternatively, the recess 333 may be formed by other processes, such as, but not limited to, die casting or thread machining. The recess 333 has a bottom wall 335 and a transition or sloped wall 337 extending from an outer surface 339 of the shell 332 to the bottom wall 335 of the recess 333. Although it is difficult to vary the thickness of the material of first shell 332 depending on the stamped portion, the use of recess 333 allows for impedance control in this region of first shell 332 of connector 300. By varying the depth of recess 333 when manufacturing shell 332, the impedance can be adjusted to a desired level.

[0012] 1 and 6, electrical connector 10 has a first metal shell 32, a second metal shell 34, and a third metal shell 31. First metal shell 32 has a mating connector receiving portion 36 and a second metal shell receiving portion 40. Second metal shell 34 has a first metal shell receiving portion 42 and a conductor receiving portion 44.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the mating connector receiving portion 36 of the first metal shell 32 has resilient contact arms 33 extending from the second metal shell receiving portion 40 to the conductive guard member or conductive guard portion 35 of the mating connector receiving portion 36. The guard member 35 is positioned adjacent to and extends from the mating end 30 of the first metal shell 32. The guard member 35 surrounds the mating end 53 of the dielectric housing 51 but does not cover the terminal-receiving openings 57, 58 of the housing 51. When the mating connector 300 is mated to the connector 10, the guard member 35 acts as a lead-in surface. The resilient contact arms 33 engage the connector receiving portion 336 of the mating connector 300 to position the mating connector 300 and the connector 10 and maintain electrical and mechanical engagement between them.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, ribs 50 are stamped or coined into conductor-receiving portion 44 of shell 34. Ribs 50 extend in a direction generally parallel to longitudinal axis 52 of shell 34. As shown in Figure 5, conductor-receiving portion 44 has a figure-eight configuration when viewed in cross section.

[0015] The rib 50 divides the conductor-receiving portion 44 into two conductor-receiving passages 54, 56. The conductor-receiving passages 54, 56 are sized to allow a terminal 60 to be inserted therethrough.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4 , the terminal 60 includes a conductor-receiving portion 61 and a mating terminal-receiving portion 63. The mating terminal-receiving portion 63 has a lead-in portion 65 and a locking barb or projection 66. A longitudinally extending opening 67 is positioned around the periphery of the mating terminal-receiving portion 63. In the illustrated embodiment, two openings 67 are provided, positioned approximately 180° from each other. The openings 67 reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the terminal 60, reducing inductive coupling between adjacent terminals 60 and thereby increasing impedance. Varying the size, configuration, and location of the openings 67 allows the impedance of the terminals 60 and connector 10 to be adjusted without having to modify other portions of the connector 10. This allows the terminals 60 to maintain a specified pitch or diameter without experiencing impedance drops due to the terminals 60 being in close proximity to each other.

[0017] 6 , the end 80 of the first metal shell receiving portion 42 of the second metal shell 34 is positioned within the second metal shell receiving portion 40 of the first metal shell 32. One or more latches 72 on the first metal shell 32 cooperate with one or more openings 74 in the second metal shell 34 to secure the second metal shell 34 to the first metal shell 32. Alternatively, the second metal shell 34 is secured to the first metal shell 32 by adhesive or other known attachment methods, such as welding.

[0018] 2 and 6, terminals 60 of electrical connector 10 are terminated to the ends of conductors 20, 22 of cable 12. Conductor-receiving portions 61 of terminals 60 are crimped onto conductors 20, 22. However, other methods of terminating terminals 60 to conductors 20, 22 may be used. In the exemplary embodiment shown, terminals 60 are female terminals, with mating terminal-receiving portions 63 extending from conductor-receiving portion 61. However, other terminal configurations may be used, including, but not limited to, male pin terminals.

[0019] With terminal 60 properly terminated to conductors 20, 22, terminal 60 is inserted into cable clamp 46. Terminal 60 is then inserted through conductor-receiving passages 54, 56 of conductor-receiving portion 44 and into terminal-receiving openings 57, 58 of dielectric housing 51 positioned in first shell 32. Barbs or protrusions 66 of terminal 60 retain terminal 60 in terminal-receiving openings 57, 58 by engaging and displacing the material of the terminal-receiving openings 57, 58.

[0020] With terminal 60 properly secured, conductors 20, 22 are positioned in conductor receiving portions 44 of second metal shell 34, with exposed portion 23 (FIG. 6) of one conductor 20 positioned in first conductor receiving passage 54 and conductor 22 positioned in second conductor receiving passage 56.

[0021] 6, the conductor-receiving passages 54, 56 have a conductor-receiving portion 86 and a conductor transition or spacing portion 88. The conductor spacing portion 88 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 52 of the outer shell 34 to receive and space the conductors 20, 22 as they exit the cable 12. The conductor-receiving portion 86 extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 of the outer shell 34.

[0022] Positioning the conductors 20, 22 in the conductor-receiving passages 54, 56 maintains proper positioning and desired spacing of the conductors 20, 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the conductors 20, 22 in the conductor-receiving passages 54, 56 extend generally parallel to one another and generally coplanar. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the conductor-receiving portions 44 of the outer shell 34 surround the conductors 20, 22, the outer shell 34 protects the conductors 20, 22 and prevents damage to the conductors 20, 22, thereby maintaining the integrity of the conductors 20, 22 and the signal path provided thereby.

[0023] When the configuration and positioning of the ribs 50 on the second metal shell 34 are precisely controlled during the manufacturing process, the impedance of the conductor-receiving portion 44 of the shell 34 can be tailored to match or nearly match the impedance of the cable 12, thereby optimizing the performance of the cable 12 and electrical connector 10. Additionally, by appropriate selection of the material used for the ribs 50, the impedance of the conductor-receiving portion 44 of the shell 34 can also be tailored.

[0024] The second metal shell 34 is fixed to the cable 12 by the third metal shell 31. As shown in FIG. 6 , the cable fixing portion 46 of the third metal shell 31 is positioned over a portion of the cable 12 to fix the third metal shell 31 to the cable 12. The second shell fixing portion 47 is positioned over the conductor receiving portion 44 of the second shell 34 to fix the third metal shell 31 to the second metal shell 34. The cable fixing portion 46 is then fixed, for example by crimping, to hold the second metal shell 34 in place on the cable 12. However, other known methods of fixing the third metal shell 31 to the cable 12 and the second metal shell 34 may be used.

[0025] The electrical connector 10, and particularly the outer shell 34 and ribs 50, provide impedance control and do not damage or displace the conductors 20, 22. By properly selecting the material used for the ribs 50 and properly determining the spacing between the conductor-receiving passages 54, 56, the conductors 20, 22 can be properly positioned and the impedance of the connector 10 can be adjusted to match or nearly match the impedance of the cable 12, thereby optimizing the performance of the cable 12 and the electrical connector 10.

[0026] 7-12, a first housing assembly 100 is shown. The housing assembly 100 has a mating end 102 and an opposing conductor-receiving end 104. A top wall 106, a bottom wall 108, and a side wall 110 extend between the mating end 102 and the conductor-receiving end 104. A connector-receiving passage 112 extends between the mating end 102 and the conductor-receiving end 104. The conductor-receiving passage 112 is sized to receive the electrical connector 10. However, the first housing assembly 100 may be configured to receive other electrical connectors or terminals.

[0027] A latch or latch arm 120 having an engaging projection 122 extends from the top wall 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 120 is connected to the top wall 106 adjacent the mating end 102 and extends toward the conductor-receiving end 104. As will be described more fully below, the latch 120 is used to latch and secure the first housing assembly 100 to the second housing assembly 200.

[0028] A connector position assurance receiving recess 124 is positioned adjacent to the top wall 106. A locking projection 126 extends into the connector position assurance receiving recess 124 adjacent to the conductor receiving end 104. The locking projections 126 are provided on either side of the latch 120.

[0029] 13 and 14, the second housing assembly 200 has a complementary latch engagement portion 202 that is positioned to engage the latch arm 120 when the first and second housing assemblies 100, 200 are moved from the unmated position to the mated position. A latch receiving opening 203 is positioned adjacent to the latch engagement or actuation portion 202 and is sized to receive the engagement protrusion 122 when the first housing assembly 100 is fully mated to the second housing assembly 200.

[0030] When properly mated together, the engagement projections 122 of the latches 120 cooperate with and are positioned in the latch-receiving openings 203 to secure the second housing assembly 200 to the first housing assembly 100 .

[0031] A connector position assurance device 130 is maintained in the connector position assurance receiving recess 124 and is movable between a first or open position shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and a second or fully inserted position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0032] Connector position assurance device 130 has a base portion 132 and a resiliently deformable beam 134 extending from base portion 132. Base portion 132 has a front base end 140 and a rear base end 142. Beam 134 extends from front end 140 in a direction away from rear end 142. Rear end 142 is configured to allow an operator to manually engage or activate connector position assurance device 130.

[0033] 9 and 11, a lockout lug engaging member 144 extends from beam 134. A cam or ramp surface 148 is provided on lockout lug engaging member 144. Lockout lug engaging member 144 has an engaging surface 150 that is configured to cooperate with a mating engaging surface 152 on engaging lug 122 of latch 120. A shoulder 151 may be provided adjacent engaging surface 150 to facilitate proper positioning of engaging surface 150 relative to mating engaging surface 152.

[0034] 10 and 12, a resilient locating rail 160 extends from base portion 132. Locating rail 160 has locating protrusions 162, 164. First locating protrusion 162 has a locking shoulder 166, and second locating protrusion 164 has a rounded outer surface 168. Locating protrusions 162, 164 cooperate with locking protrusion 126 to properly position connector position assurance device 130 in connector position assurance recess 124 of first housing assembly 100.

[0035] 9 and 10 , first positioning protrusion 162 cooperates with locking protrusion 126 to prevent connector position assurance device 130 from disengaging from connector position assurance receiving recess 124 and retain connector position assurance device 130 in a pre-mating, open, or first position in first housing assembly 100 prior to mating with second housing assembly 200. The longitudinal axis of positioning rail 160 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of beam latch 134.

[0036] In the pre-mating, open, or first position, the latch 120 is in an undeflected position. The latch protrusion 162 cooperates with the locking protrusion 126 that extends into the connector position assurance receiving recess 124 to maintain the connector position assurance device 130 in the pre-mating, open, or first position.

[0037] In the initial position, movement of connector position assurance device 130 toward the second position is inhibited if first housing assembly 100 is not properly mated with second housing assembly 200. When first housing assembly 100 is not properly mated with second housing assembly 200, engagement surface 150 of lockout engagement member 144 of beam 134 of connector position assurance device 130 remains engaged with engagement surface 152 of engagement protrusion 122 of latch 120, thereby preventing movement of connector position assurance device 130 toward the second position.

[0038] When the first housing assembly 100 is mated with the second housing assembly 200 , the latch engagement portion 202 of the second housing assembly 200 engages with the engagement protrusion 122 of the latch 120 and moves the engagement protrusion 122 of the latch 120 toward the top wall 106 .

[0039] As insertion continues, latch engagement portion 202 of second housing assembly 200 engages cam or ramp surface 148, pushing lockout protrusion engagement member 144 and beam 134 toward top wall 106. This causes engagement surface 150 of lockout engagement member 144 of beam 134 of connector position assurance device 120 to disengage from engagement surface 152 of engagement protrusion 122 of latch 120, thereby allowing latch 120 to move relative to beam 134 of connector position assurance device 120.

[0040] As insertion continues, latch engagement portion 202 passes over engagement protrusion 122 of latch 120, allowing latch 120 to return to its unstressed position. With latch 120 returned to its unstressed position and lockout protrusion engagement member 144 and beam 134 moved toward top wall 106, connector position assurance device 130 is pushed by the operator toward mating end 102 of first housing assembly 100 to the mated, second, or inserted position ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). Second positioning protrusion 164 cooperates with securing protrusion 126 to hold connector position assurance device 130 in the second position.

[0041] If first housing assembly 100 and second housing assembly 200 are not fully mated, lockout lug engaging member 144 and beam 134 are not fully depressed, thereby preventing movement of resiliently deformable beam 134 and lockout lug engaging member 144. Thus, engagement surface 150 of lockout lug engaging member 144 cooperates with mating engagement surface 12 of engagement lug 122, preventing further insertion of connector position assurance device 130.

[0042] With the lockout lug engaging member 144 and the beam 134 properly deflected, movement of the connector position assurance device 130 may continue from the first position ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) to the second position ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In the second position, the lockout lug engaging member 144 may move toward the mating end 102 of the first housing assembly 100, past the engaging lug 122, and into the latch-receiving opening 203 of the second housing assembly 200, allowing the lockout lug engaging member 144 and the resiliently deformable beam 134 to return toward their unstressed positions, positioning the connector position assurance device 130 in the mated, closed, or second position.

[0043] The second positioning projection 164 cooperates with the securing projection 126 to maintain the connector position assurance device 130 in the mated position, the closed position, or the second position.

[0044] In this fully inserted position, rail surface 123 of connector position assurance device 130 moves beneath release lever 125 provided on the end of latch 120 (shown in phantom in FIG. 11 ). In this position, rail surface 123 prevents downward movement of release lever 123 and latch 120, thereby preventing actuation or movement of latch 120 and preventing undesired or unintended dismating of first housing assembly 100 from second housing assembly 200. Additionally, in the fully inserted position, latch 134 of connector position assurance device 130 is positioned beneath engagement protrusion 122 of latch 120, preventing actuation or movement of latch 120 and similarly preventing undesired or unintended dismating of first housing assembly 100 from second housing assembly 200.

[0045] 13-15, second housing assembly 200 has latch engagement portion 202 for cooperating with first housing assembly 100, as previously described. Second housing assembly 200 has a mating end 204 and an opposing conductor-receiving end 206. A top wall 208, a bottom wall 210, and a side wall 212 extend between mating end 204 and conductor-receiving end 206. A connector-receiving passage 214 extends between mating end 204 and conductor-receiving end 206. Conductor-receiving passage 214 is dimensioned to receive electrical connector 300. However, second housing assembly 200 may be configured to receive other electrical connectors or terminals.

[0046] A terminal position assurance receiving recess 216 is provided in each side wall 212 of the second housing assembly 200. As shown in FIG. 13 , the recess 216 has an arm-receiving recess 218 extending from the recess 216 toward the opposing side wall 212. The arm-receiving recess 218 intersects the conductor-receiving passage 214. A locating member-receiving recess 220 extends from the recess 216 into the conductor-receiving passage 214. The locating member-receiving recess 220 is provided adjacent the mating end 204. As shown in FIG. 20 , the arm-receiving recess 218 has a first protrusion 222 and a second protrusion 224 extending into the arm-receiving recess 218.

[0047] 16 and 18, terminal position assurance member 230 has a base 232 with a first surface 234 and an opposite second surface 236. A first terminal engaging portion 238 and a second terminal engaging portion or arm 240 extend from base 232 in a direction away from first surface 234. Similar terminal position assurance recesses and terminal position assurance members may be provided in first housing assembly 100.

[0048] The first terminal engaging portion 238 has an extension arm 242 and a terminal locating surface 244 provided at the end of the extension arm 242. A locating projection 246 is provided on the extension arm 242.

[0049] Two second terminal engaging arms 240 extend from opposite sides of the base 232 of the terminal position assurance member 230. Each second terminal engaging arm 240 has a fixed end 248 integrally attached to the base 232, a free end 250 spaced from the fixed end 248, and an intermediate portion 252 extending between the fixed end 248 and the free end 250. Each second terminal engaging arm 240 has a first surface 254 and an opposite second surface 256. The second surface 256 of one of the second terminal engaging arms 240 faces the second surface 256 of the other second terminal engaging arm 240. Each second terminal engaging arm 240 has a first latch shoulder 260, a second latch shoulder 262, and a third latch shoulder 264 provided on the first surface 254.

[0050] Terminal locking projections 266 extend from the intermediate portion 252 of the second terminal engaging arm 240 to the first surface 234 of the base 232. The terminal locking projections 266 are provided with terminal engaging surfaces 268. Each of the terminal locking projections 266 has a curved surface that faces the second surface 256 of the opposing second terminal engaging arm 240.

[0051] 14, 16, and 17, terminal position assurance member 230 is shown in a first or open position. In this position, second latch shoulder 262 engages first protrusion 222 of arm-receiving recess 218 to retain terminal position assurance member 230 in the first or open position. In addition, locating protrusion 246 of extension arm 242 engages side wall 212 of second housing assembly 200 to retain terminal position assurance member 230 in the first or open position. In the first position, terminal engaging surface 268 is positioned outside conductor-receiving passage 214, thereby allowing connector 300 to be inserted into conductor-receiving passage 214 without interference from terminal engaging surface 268.

[0052] With the connector 300 properly inserted into the conductor-receiving passage 214, the operator pushes the terminal position assurance member 230 into the second or inserted position as shown in Figures 15, 18, and 19. When this occurs, the third latch shoulder 264 clears the first protrusion 222 of the arm-receiving recess 218, allowing the terminal position assurance member 230 to move toward the second position.

[0053] 19, first latch shoulder 260 engages second projection 224 (not shown due to the cross-sectional position), and second latch shoulder 262 engages first projection 222. The latch shoulder cooperates with the latch projection to retain terminal position assurance member 230 in the second position. In the second position, terminal engagement surface 268 is positioned in conductor-receiving passage 214 and engages the rear surface of metal shell 332 to prevent connector 300 from being removed from conductor-receiving passage 214. In the second position, terminal position surface 244 of first terminal engagement portion 232 also engages metal shell 332 (shown in FIG. 18) to further support and stabilize connector 300 in conductor-receiving passage 214.

[0054] If the connector 300 is not properly seated in the conductor-receiving passage 214, the terminal position assurance member 230 cannot move to the second position. If the connector 300 is not properly seated in the conductor-receiving passage 214, the terminal engaging surface 268 of the terminal locking projection 266 of the terminal engaging arm 240 engages the outer shell 332 of the connector 300, preventing the terminal position assurance member 230 from moving to the second, fully inserted position. If the terminal position assurance member 230 is not properly positioned in the second position, the terminal positioning surface 244 of the first terminal engaging portion 232 of the terminal position assurance member 230 engages the mating end 102 of the first housing assembly 100, thereby preventing the first housing assembly 100 from mating with the second housing assembly 200.

Claims

1. An impedance controlled connector assembly (10) comprising: a cable (12) having a plurality of conductors (20, 22); - a first metal shell (32); - a second metal shell (34); Equipped with The second metal shell (34) has a conductor receiving portion (44) and a rib (50) formed in the conductor receiving portion (44), the rib (50) extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34); The rib (50) divides the conductor receiving portion (44) into two conductor receiving passages (54, 56) having a conductor receiving portion (86) and a conductor transition portion (88) extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34), the conductor transition portion (88) extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34); the conductor receiving passages (54, 56) interact with the conductors (20, 22) within the second metallic shell so as to match the impedance of the cable (12) with the impedance of the conductors (20, 22); A connector assembly (10).

2. The connector assembly (10) has at least one terminal (60), The at least one terminal (60) a conductor receiving portion (61), - a mating terminal receiving portion (63), The mating terminal receiving portion (63) has an introduction portion (65) and a fixing protrusion (66), and at least one longitudinally extending opening (67) is positioned around the periphery of the mating terminal receiving portion (63), and the at least one longitudinally extending opening (67) reduces the cross section of the terminal (60); the at least one longitudinally extending opening (67) is configured to reduce inductive coupling between adjacent terminals; The at least one longitudinally extending opening (67) provides impedance conditioning to allow the terminal (60) to maintain a specified diameter without an impedance drop due to the terminal's proximity to the adjacent terminal. The connector assembly (10) of claim 1.

3. the first metal shell (332) has a stamped recess (333) extending around the periphery of the first metal shell (332), the recess (333) providing impedance control for the first metal shell (332) in the region of the recess (333); The connector assembly (10) of claim 1.

4. The recess (333) has a bottom wall (335) and a transition wall (337) extending from an outer surface (336) of the first metal shell (332) to the bottom wall (335) of the recess (333). The connector assembly (10) of claim 3.

5. A connector housing assembly (200) comprising: The connector housing assembly (200) comprises: a mating end (204), an oppositely facing conductor receiving end (206), a top wall (208), a bottom wall (210), and a side wall (212) extending between said mating end (204) and said conductor receiving end (206), and a connector receiving passage (214) extending between said mating end (204) and said conductor receiving end (206); an impedance-controlled connector assembly (10) positioned in the connector-receiving passage (214), the connector assembly having a first metal shell (32) and a second metal shell (34); the first metal shell (332) has a stamped recess (333) extending around the periphery of the first metal shell (332), the recess (333) providing impedance control for the first metal shell (332) in the region of the recess (333); The connector housing assembly (200) comprises: - a terminal position assurance receiving recess (216) extending from said side wall (212); a terminal position assurance device (230) positioned in the terminal position assurance receiving recess (216), the terminal position assurance device (230) having a base (232) with a first surface (234) and an opposite second surface (236), a first terminal engaging portion (238), and a second terminal engaging arm (240) extending from the first surface (234) in a direction away from the second surface (236); The first terminal engaging portion (238) has an extension arm (242) and a terminal locating surface (244) provided at the end of the extension arm (242); the second terminal engaging arm (240) has latch shoulders (260, 262, 264); a terminal locking projection (266) is provided on the second terminal engaging arm (218); The terminal locking projection (266) is provided with a terminal engaging surface (268). A connector housing assembly (200).

6. The terminal position assurance receiving recess (216) has an arm receiving recess (218) extending from the terminal position assurance receiving recess (216) toward the opposing side wall (212), The arm-receiving recess (218) intersects the conductor-receiving passage (214); a positioning member receiving recess (220) extending from said terminal position assurance receiving recess (216) into said conductor receiving passage (214); The positioning member receiving recess (220) is provided adjacent to the mating end (204), The arm receiving recess (218) has a first protrusion (222) and a second protrusion (224) extending into the arm receiving recess (218). The connector housing assembly (200) of claim 5.

7. The connector assembly (10) has a conductor receiving portion (44), A rib (50) is formed on the conductor receiving portion (44), The ribs (50) extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (52) of the second metal shell (34). The connector housing assembly (200) of claim 5.

Images