Electrical connector with contacts including a polarization mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector having contacts that include a polarization mechanism for positioning the contacts within the housing. [Solution] The electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing 200 including a contact channel and a longitudinal groove extending along the contact channel. The dielectric housing 200 has a funnel associated with the longitudinal groove. The funnel has an inlet width at the inlet and an outlet width at the outlet that is narrower than the inlet width. The electrical connector comprises a contact 150 having a mating portion and a termination portion, which is received in the contact channel. The mating portion includes a polarizing mechanism extending from the mating portion, which is received in the longitudinal groove and radially positions the contact 150 within the contact channel about the contact axis. The polarizing mechanism is guided by the funnel into the longitudinal groove as it passes from the inlet to the outlet of the funnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The subject matter of this specification generally relates to electrical connectors.

Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors include contacts, and the contacts are held in a housing configured to fit with mating contacts of a mating electrical connector. It is important that the contacts are properly positioned in the housing for proper mating with the mating electrical connector. For example, the contacts need to be axially positioned for proper mating. Some contacts, such as pin contacts or socket contacts, are cylindrical. Such contacts may need to be radially positioned in the housing for proper mating. For example, some known contacts include split beams at the mating ends of the contacts, and the split beams need to be radially aligned within the housing to properly position the split beams along a portion of the housing, such as a wedge that contacts the split beams. It is difficult to properly orient the contacts within the housing during assembly, which may cause improper positioning and / or damage of the contacts.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] There is still a need for an electrical connector having contacts that include a polarization mechanism for positioning the contacts in the housing of the electrical connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided, comprising a dielectric housing extending longitudinally between a front and a rear portion. The front portion is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. The dielectric housing includes a contact channel extending between the front and rear portions of the dielectric housing. The dielectric housing includes a longitudinal groove extending along the contact channel. The dielectric housing has a funnel associated with the longitudinal groove. The funnel has an entrance at the rear and an exit aligned with the longitudinal groove. The funnel has an entrance width at the entrance and an exit width at the exit that is narrower than the entrance width. The electrical connector includes contacts received in the contact channel. The contacts include a contact body extending along the contact axis between a mating portion and a termination portion. The termination portion is configured to terminate to a wire. The mating portion is configured to mate to the mating contact of the mating electrical connector. The mating portion includes a polarizing mechanism extending from the mating portion, which is received in a longitudinal groove and radially positions the contacts around the contact axis within the contact channel. The polarizing mechanism is guided into the longitudinal groove by a funnel as it passes from the entrance to the exit of the funnel.

[0005] The present invention will be described using the attached drawings as an example. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front perspective view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of a cable assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view of one of the contacts according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a rear perspective view of one of the contacts according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a rear view of a dielectric housing according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged rear view of a portion of a dielectric housing according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a rear view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing that the contacts are mounted in the dielectric housing and the outer shield surrounds the dielectric housing. [Figure 9] This is a front view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing that the contacts are mounted in the dielectric housing and the outer shield surrounds the dielectric housing. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing that the contacts are mounted in a dielectric housing. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a cable according to an exemplary embodiment, showing that the contacts are mounted in a dielectric housing. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing that one of the contacts is mounted in a dielectric housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector 100. The electrical connector 100 is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a receptacle connector configured to mate with a plug connector. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical connector 100 may be a plug connector configured to mate with a receptacle connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a cable connector provided at the end of one or more cables 102. The mating electrical connector may also be a cable connector. Alternatively, the mating electrical connector may be a board connector mounted on a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, the electrical connector 100 may be a header connector configured to be attached to another component, such as a panel, wall, chassis, circuit board, or other component.

[0008] The electrical connector 100 comprises a connector housing 110 that holds one or more cable assemblies 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 110 holds a pair of cable assemblies 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the connector housing 110 may be designed to hold more or fewer cable assemblies 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable assemblies 120 are arranged side by side. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible, such as the cable assemblies 120 being stacked on top of each other.

[0009] The connector housing 110 includes a wall 112 that forms a cavity 114 for receiving the cable assembly 120. The mating electrical connector can be inserted into the cavity 114 to mate with the cable assembly 120. For example, the connector housing 110 can open at the front to provide access to the cavity 114 and the cable assembly 120 and to receive the mating electrical connector. The cable 102 extends from the connector housing 110. For example, the cable 102 may extend from the rear and / or bottom of the connector housing 110. The connector housing 110 includes a latching mechanism, such as a connector latch 116, used to secure the mating electrical connector in the cavity 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector latch 116 is a latch pocket configured to receive a flexible latch of a mating electrical connector. In alternative embodiments, other types of latching mechanisms may be provided, such as a flexible latch used for electrical coupling to the mating electrical connector. In various embodiments, the connector housing 110 may include a guiding mechanism and / or a keying mechanism for controlling mating with the mating electrical connector.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a cable assembly 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 120 is a signal assembly configured to transmit data signals. However, in addition to or instead, the cable assembly may be a power assembly configured to transmit power. In various embodiments, the cable assembly 120 includes a plurality of signal lines for connecting the cable 102 to a mating electrical connector. For example, the cable assembly 120 may include a pair of signal lines configured to transmit differential pair signals. However, the cable assembly 120 may include more or fewer signal lines than two. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 120 is a high-speed cable assembly. For example, the cable assembly 120 may be a multi-gigabit cable assembly. In various embodiments, the cable assembly 120 can provide a bandwidth of 15 GHz or more. In various embodiments, the cable assembly 120 can support data transmission of 56 Gbps or more.

[0011] The cable assembly 120 is terminated at the end of the cable 102. For example, the cable assembly 120 may be terminated at the end of the wire 104 of the cable 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 102 includes differential pair wires such as twisted pair wires 104 or parallel pair wires 104. However, in alternative embodiments, the cable 102 may include more or fewer wires 104, such as including multiple twisted pair wires 104. In other alternative embodiments, the wires 104 may be single-ended wires instead of twisted pair wires. In various other embodiments, the cable 102 may include a single conductor. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable 102 is a shielded cable having a cable shield 106 that surrounds the wire 104 and provides electrical shielding for the wire 104. The cable 102 includes an outer jacket 108 that surrounds the cable shield 106.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 120 includes one or more contacts 150, a dielectric housing 200 that holds the contacts 150, and an outer shield 300 that surrounds at least a portion of the dielectric housing 200 and provides electrical shielding around the dielectric housing 200 and the contacts 150 held by the dielectric housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer shield 300 completely surrounds the dielectric housing 200 and the contacts 150, completely shielding the contacts 150 between the cable 102 and a mating interface configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. The outer shield 300 provides 360° shielding around the ends of the cable 102 and the contacts 150. For example, the outer shield 300 shields along the top, bottom, sides, front, and rear of the cable assembly 120, providing efficient electrical shielding along the signal transmission line.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable assembly 120 includes a pair of contacts 150. The contacts 150 are configured to terminate at the corresponding ends of the wires 104 of the cable 102. The outer shield 300 is configured to terminate directly or via a ferrule or other connecting element on the cable shield 106 of the cable 102, forming a common grounding path between the cable 102 and the cable assembly 120.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 120 is a right-angle cable assembly. The contact 150 is a right-angle contact and has a 90° bend along the contact 150 for transitioning between the mating ends of the terminal ends of the contact 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 102 extends from the bottom of the cable assembly 120. The cable 102 extends generally along a cable axis that is perpendicular to the mating axis of the cable assembly 120. In an alternative embodiment, the cable 102 can extend from other portions such as the side or top of the cable assembly 120. In an alternative embodiment, the cable 102 can extend at an angle other than a right angle.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the cable assembly 120 is a straight cable assembly or a pass-through cable assembly. The contact 150 of such an assembly is linear and extends along a linear cable axis. In such an assembly, the cable 102 extends parallel to the mating ends. For example, the cable 102 can extend from the rear of the assembly.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a cable assembly 120 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the contact 150, the dielectric housing 200, and the outer shield 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shield 300 is a multi-piece shield having a front shield 302, a rear shield 304, and a ferrule 306 for the cable 102 configured to be coupled to the rear shield 304 to mechanically and electrically connect the cable 102 to the outer shield 300. The rear shield 304 is separate from the front shield 302 and is configured to be electrically coupled to the front shield 302 by crimping, laser welding, or other connection processes. However, in an alternative embodiment, the outer shield 300 may be a single-piece shield rather than a multi-piece shield.

[0017] Referring further to FIG. 4, which is a front perspective view of one of the contacts 150 according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 5, which is a rear perspective view of one of the contacts 150 according to an exemplary embodiment, each contact 150 includes a contact body 152 that extends between a mating portion 160 and a termination portion 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact body 152 is a punched formed structure punched from a metal sheet and formed into a desired shape. For example, the contact body 152 is a single structure having a mating portion 160 integral with the termination portion 180.

[0018] The mating portion 160 is configured to mate with a mating contact of a mating electrical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 160 includes a socket 162 configured to receive a pin that defines the mating contact of the mating electrical connector. In an alternative embodiment, other types of mating portions can be provided, such as pins, spring beams, blades, or other types of mating portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 160 is formed in a cylindrical or tubular structure so as to define the socket 162. In an alternative embodiment, the mating portion 160 can have other shapes.

[0019] The termination portion 180 is configured to be terminated to the wire 104 of the cable 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination portion 180 includes a crimp barrel 182 configured to crimp to the wire 104. In an alternative embodiment, other types of termination portions can be provided, such as a welding pad or a soldering pad configured to be welded or soldered to the wire 104, or a pressure contact.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact body 152 includes a transition section 170 between the mating portion 160 and the end portion 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition section 170 includes a bend or flexure that orients the end portion 180 perpendicular to the mating portion 160. For example, the transition section 170 may have a 90° bend to form a right-angle contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portion 180 is oriented perpendicular to the mating portion 160. For example, the mating portion 160 is oriented generally horizontally and the end portion 180 is oriented generally vertically. However, in an alternative embodiment, the transition section 170 may be planar or axial to align the end portion 180 axially with the mating portion 160.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 160 includes a split beam interface at the front of the contact body 152, comprising a plurality of mating beams 164. The mating beams 164 are separated by gaps 166 that allow them to move independently of each other. Optionally, the mating beams 164 can be bent inward toward each other to narrow the diameter of the socket 162 for receiving the end contact, thereby ensuring electrical contact between the mating portion 160 and the mating contact. The distal ends of the mating beams 164 can flare outward to form a funnel 168 for guiding the pin into the socket 162. Once the pin is inserted into the socket 162, the mating beams 164 can flex outward. The split beam interface of the mating portion 160 can form a tulip-shaped mating contact.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 160 includes a pair of mating beams 164 on both sides of the socket 162. In alternative embodiments, the mating portion 160 may include more or fewer mating beams 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating beams 164 are located on the right and left sides of the mating portion 160, and the gap 166 is located at the top and bottom of the mating portion 160. In alternative embodiments, other relative positions are possible.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the mating portion 160 includes one or more directional tabs 172 used to orient the contact 150 relative to the dielectric housing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional tabs 172 are located at the rear end of the mating portion 160. In alternative embodiments, other positions are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the directional tabs 172 are located on the top of the mating portion 160. In alternative embodiments, other positions are possible. Optionally, the directional tabs 172 are aligned with the gap 166. Alternatively, the directional tabs 172 may be aligned with the mating beam 164.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 160 includes one or more polarizing mechanisms 174 extending from the mating portion 160. The polarizing mechanisms 174 are configured to contact the dielectric housing 200 to position the contact 150 relative to the dielectric housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, each polarizing mechanism 174 includes a projection 176 protruding from the outer surface of the contact body 152. The projection 176 is formed integrally with the contact body 152. For example, the projection 176 can be punched out from the contact body 152 and / or formed from the contact body 152. For example, the projection 176 can be formed by pressing operations, such as coining, swaging, bending, punching, flaring, or other methods of forming the projection 176 from the contact body 152. In various embodiments, the projection 176 can be formed by creating dimples on the inner surface of the contact body 152, thereby forming projections 176 that protrude from the outer surface of the contact body 152. In other various embodiments, the projection 176 can be formed by a punching process that punches out beams, tabs, or other outwardly bent structures to form the projection 176.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the mating portion 160 includes a plurality of polarizing mechanisms 174. The polarizing mechanisms 174 can be located on both sides of the mating portion 160, such as on the right and left sides of the mating portion 160, or on the upper and lower sides of the mating portion 160. In exemplary embodiments, the polarizing mechanisms 174 are radially offset from each other. For example, the polarizing mechanisms 174 may be radially offset from each other by 180°. In exemplary embodiments, the polarizing mechanisms 174 may be axially offset from each other. For example, the mating portion 160 may include a forward polarizing mechanism near the front end of the mating portion 160 and a rearward polarizing mechanism near the rear end of the mating portion 160.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 160 includes a locking lance 178 extending from the mating portion 160. The locking lance 178 can be used to secure the contact 150 in the dielectric housing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking lance 178 is positioned along the bottom of the mating portion 160. In alternative embodiments, other positions are possible. Optionally, multiple locking lances 178 may be provided.

[0027] Returning to Figure 3, the dielectric housing 200 is used to hold the contacts 150 relative to each other, for example, to mate with a mating electrical connector. The dielectric housing 200 is manufactured from a dielectric material such as a plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 is manufactured by a molding process such as an injection molding process.

[0028] The dielectric housing 200 extends between a front portion 202 and a rear portion 204. The dielectric housing 200 includes an upper portion 206 and a bottom portion 208. The dielectric housing 200 includes a first side portion 210 and a second side portion 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes a base 214, a front portion 216 extending forward from the base 214, and a rear portion 218 extending backward from the base 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the front portion 216 receives and supports the mating portion 160 of the contact 150, and the rear portion 218 receives and supports the end portion 180 of the contact 150. The front portion 216 can define a nose cone configured to surround and support the mating portion 160 of the contact 150 at the front portion 202 of the dielectric housing 200. The rear portion 218 can define a platform or tray configured to support the end portion 180 of the contact 150.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes contact channels 220 configured to receive corresponding contacts 150. Depending on the particular application, the dielectric housing 200 may include multiple contact channels 220 or a single contact channel 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes a pair of contact channels 220 for receiving a pair of contacts 150. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer contact channels 220 may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact channels 220 are arranged in a row between a first side 210 and a second side 212. For example, the contact channels 220 are arranged side by side with a separating wall 222 between them. The separation wall 222 is a contact separator between contacts. The separation wall 222 may also be a wire separator between wires. The separation wall 222 electrically insulates the contacts 150 from each other within the contact channel 220.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, each contact channel 220 includes a front contact channel 226 and a rear contact channel 228. The front contact channel 226 passes through a front portion 216 and receives the mating portion 160 of the corresponding contact 150. The rear contact channel 228 passes through a rear portion 218 and receives the end portion 180 of the corresponding contact 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear contact channel 228 extends along a path perpendicular to the path of the front contact channel 226. For example, the rear contact channel 228 can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the front contact channel 226. In an alternative embodiment, the rear contact channel 228 can be oriented at other angles. In an embodiment that receives a linear contact 150 (rather than a right-angle contact), the rear contact channel 228 can be oriented approximately parallel to the front contact channel 226.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the front contact channel 226 is completely enclosed by the dielectric housing 200. For example, the front contact channel 226 may be a generally cylindrical tube or bore passing through the front portion 216 of the dielectric housing 200, and the dielectric housing 200 covers the front contact channel 226 360° along its entire length. However, in various embodiments, the front contact channel 226 may include an opening that provides access to the front contact channel 226. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact 150 can be loaded into the front contact channel 226 from the rear through the rear portion 204 of the dielectric housing 200.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the rear contact channel 228 is open at the rear 204 of the dielectric housing 200. For example, the rear contact channel 228 may be surrounded by the dielectric housing 200 on three sides, for example, the front, right, and left sides of the rear contact channel 228, but the rear of the rear contact channel 228 may be open. The rear contact channel 228 is open at the rear to receive the contact 150.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes a housing cover 230 at its rear portion 204. The housing cover 230 is coupled to the rear portion 204 to close the rear contact channel 228. The housing cover 230 is used to cover the end portion 180 of the contact 150 and the rear contact channel 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing cover 230 is connected to the base 214 of the dielectric housing 200 by a hinge 232. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge 232 and the housing cover 230 are integral with the dielectric housing 200. For example, the dielectric housing 200, the hinge 232, and the housing cover 230 can be co-molded during a common molding process to form a single monolithic structure. The hinge 232 may be a single hinge. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 232 is located on the upper part 206 of the dielectric housing 200. The housing cover 230 is supported on the upper part 206 of the dielectric housing 200 and is configured to close by rotating the housing cover 230 downward to connect the housing cover 230 to the rear part 204 of the dielectric housing 200. In alternative embodiments, other mounting positions and other closing processes may be used. For example, in an embodiment that accepts linear contacts rather than right-angle contacts, the rear contact channel 228 may be able to open at the top, and the housing cover 230 may be able to close so as to cover the top of the dielectric housing 200 along the rear contact channel 228.

[0034] The outer shield 300 provides shielding for the contact 150. The dielectric housing 200 is used to position the contact 150 relative to the outer shield 300 and to electrically insulate the contact 150 from the outer shield 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shield 300 includes a front shield 302 and a rear shield 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the front shield 302 is a punched-out part formed from a metal sheet into a desired shape. The front shield 302 includes a front cavity 312 that receives the front portion of the dielectric housing 200. The front shield 302 extends along the front portion 216 of the dielectric housing 200 and provides shielding for the front portion 216 of the dielectric housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear shield 304 is a punched-out part formed from a metal sheet into a desired shape. The rear shield 304 includes a rear cavity 314 that receives the rear portion of the dielectric housing 200. The rear shield 304 includes a shield cover 316 that closes the rear cavity 314. The rear shield 304 extends along the rear portion 218 of the dielectric housing 200 and provides shielding for the rear portion 218 of the dielectric housing 200.

[0035] Figure 6 is a rear view of a dielectric housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the dielectric housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 show the contact channels 220 of the dielectric housing 200.

[0036] Each contact channel 220 extends through the dielectric housing 200 to receive a corresponding contact 150. The contact channels 220 have an inner surface 240 surrounding them. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 240 forms a generally cylindrical bore through the dielectric housing 200 that receives the contact 150. The generally cylindrical contact channels 220 receive the generally cylindrical contact 150 and allow the contact 150 to rotate somewhat within the contact channels 220. For example, the contact 150 can be rotated to an alignment position within the contact channels 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact channels 220 include an alignment mechanism configured to align the contact 150 within the contact channels 220. Proper alignment of contact 150 in contact channel 220 improves the reliability of the cable assembly and reduces the rate of cable assembly scrap due to cable assembly failure or contact damage.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes one or more wedges 242 extending from the inner surface 240 into the contact channel 220. The wedges 242 are used together with the mating beams 164 to form an introduction or funnel for the mating contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the wedge 242 is located at the front of the dielectric housing 200. The wedge 242 is configured to contact the front portion of the contact 150. The wedge 242 includes wedge surfaces 244, 246 that are inclined relative to each other to form a generally wedge-shaped structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the wedge 242 is configured to contact the split mating beams 164 (shown in Figure 4) of the contact 150. The wedge 242 is configured to be received in the gap 166 between the mating beams 164. The mating surface of the wedge 242, along with the end tulip defined by the distal end of the mating beam 164, provides an introduction function for the mating contact. In order to bring the mating beam 164 into contact with the wedge 242, the contact 150 must be positioned in the contact channel 220 in the appropriate orientation relative to the wedge 242. For example, the gap 166 needs to be aligned with the wedge 242. The contact channel 220 includes an alignment mechanism configured to align the gap 166 with the wedge 242.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes an orientation pocket 248. The orientation pocket 248 is configured to receive an orientation tab 172 of a contact 150. The orientation pocket 248 opens toward the contact channel 220 on its inner surface 240 to receive the orientation tab 172. The orientation pocket 248 is used to orient the contact 150 toward the dielectric housing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation pocket 248 is located at the rear of the dielectric housing 200. In an alternative embodiment, other positions are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation pocket 248 is located above the contact channel 220. In an alternative embodiment, other positions are possible. Optionally, the orientation pocket 248 is aligned with the wedge 242. The orientation pocket 248 may be generally rectangular. Optionally, the orientation pocket 248 may include a chamfered guide surface for guiding the orientation tab 172 into the orientation pocket 248.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes one or more longitudinal grooves 250 extending along the contact channel 220. The longitudinal grooves 250 are configured to receive a polarizing mechanism 174 (shown in Figure 4) for the contact 150. The longitudinal grooves 250 are used to align the contact 150 in the contact channel 220 by positioning the polarizing mechanism 174 at a predetermined radial position. Once the polarizing mechanism 174 is positioned in the longitudinal grooves 250, the rotational motion of the contact 150 within the contact channel 220 is restricted. The longitudinal grooves 250 align the contact 150 with the wedge 242. For example, when the polarization mechanism 174 is positioned in the longitudinal groove 250, the gap 166 is aligned with the wedge 242. The longitudinal groove 250 aligns the contact 150 with the directional pocket 248. For example, when the polarization mechanism 174 is positioned in the longitudinal groove 250, the directional tab 172 is aligned with the directional pocket 248.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal groove 250 includes a first groove wall 252, a second groove wall 254 opposite to the first groove wall 252, and an outer wall 256 between the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254. The outer wall 256 and the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 form a void defining the longitudinal groove 250. The outer wall 256 is located between the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254, on the opposite side of the opening 258 to the contact channel 220. The opening 258 is located on the inner surface 240. The opening 258 opens the longitudinal groove 250 to the contact channel 220 to receive the polarization mechanism 174 of the contact 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the outer wall 256. In various other embodiments, the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 may be inclined relative to each other so that the longitudinal groove 250 is wider at the opening 258 and narrower at the outer wall 256.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric housing 200 includes a funnel 260 associated with a longitudinal groove 250. The funnel 260 is located at the rear of the contact channel 220 and receives and guides the polarizing mechanism 174 into the longitudinal groove 250. The funnel 260 is tapered inward from the rear towards the longitudinal groove 250, guiding the polarizing mechanism 174 into the longitudinal groove 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the funnel 260 includes an inlet 262 at the rear and an outlet 264 into the longitudinal groove 250. The funnel 260 has a wide inlet 262 and a narrow outlet 264. For example, the funnel 260 has an inlet width at the inlet 262 and an outlet width at the outlet 264 that is narrower than the inlet width. In an exemplary embodiment, the funnel 260 includes a first funnel wall 266 and a second funnel wall 268 extending between an inlet 262 and an outlet 264. The first funnel wall 266 and the second funnel wall 268 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the contact channel 220. The first funnel wall 266 and the second funnel wall 268 are inclined inward from the rear toward the longitudinal groove 250, guiding the polarization mechanism 174 into the longitudinal groove 250. Optionally, the first funnel wall 266 and the second funnel wall 268 may be curved between the inlet 262 and the outlet 264. Alternatively, the first funnel wall 266 and the second funnel wall 268 may be flat between the inlet 262 and the outlet 264.

[0042] Figure 8 is a rear view of the cable assembly 120, showing that the contacts 150 are loaded into the dielectric housing 200 and the outer shield 300 surrounds the dielectric housing 200. When assembled, the contacts 150 are positioned in the contact channels 220. The polarizing mechanism 174 is received in the corresponding longitudinal groove 250. The orientation tab 172 is received in the orientation pocket 248.

[0043] Figure 9 is a front view of cable assembly 120, showing that the contacts 150 are loaded into the dielectric housing 200 and the outer shield 300 surrounds the dielectric housing 200. When assembled, the split mating beams 164 contact the wedge 242. For example, the wedge 242 is received in the gap 166 between the mating beams 164. Together with the mating beams 164, the wedge 242 forms an introduction for receiving the mating pin of the mating electrical connector. The split introduction increases the contact wipe compared to previous mating methods that use a plastic dielectric introduction with a tulip contact recessed to the rear. By increasing the contact wipe, the impedance of the connector interface can be improved. The alignment mechanism for the dielectric housing 200 and the contact 150 aligns the gap 166 with the wedge 242. For example, the polarization mechanism 174 and the longitudinal groove 250 properly orient the contact 150 in the contact channel 220.

[0044] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly 120 showing that the contact 150 is loaded into the dielectric housing 200. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cable assembly 120 showing that the contact 150 is loaded into the dielectric housing 200. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cable assembly 120 showing that one of the contacts 150 is loaded into the dielectric housing 200. The contact 150 is positioned in the contact channel 220. The orientation tab 172 is positioned in the orientation pocket 248. The lock lance 178 (Figure 11) is received in the lock pocket 278 (Figure 11) of the dielectric housing 200 to secure the contact 150 in the contact channel 220 and prevent the contact 150 from being pulled out of the dielectric housing 200. The split fitting beam 164 (Figure 12) is positioned on both sides of the wedge 242 (Figure 12) with the wedge 242 (Figure 12) positioned in the gap 166, and the contact 150 is brought into contact with the wedge 242.

[0045] During assembly, the polarizing mechanism 174 is received in the longitudinal groove 250. The polarizing mechanism 174 is guided into the longitudinal groove 250 by the funnel 260 when the contact 150 is loaded into the contact channel 220. The polarizing mechanism 174 is configured to slide forward within the longitudinal groove 250 when the contact 150 is loaded into the contact channel 220. The first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 are used to position the polarizing mechanism 174 in the longitudinal groove 250. The first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 include the polarizing mechanism 174 and the longitudinal groove 250. Optionally, the spacing between the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 is slightly wider than the polarization mechanism 174, allowing for limited rotational movement of the contact 150 in order to properly align the contact 150 in the contact channel 220. The first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 define the limits of such rotational movement.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, space is provided around the polarization mechanism 174 within the longitudinal groove 250. Such space defines a gap extending along the contact channel 220. The gap is used for impedance control of the contact 150. By controlling the size of the gap, the target impedance of the contact 150 can be achieved. For example, the height of the outer wall 256 and / or the width of the first groove wall 252 and the second groove wall 254 and / or the length of the longitudinal groove 250 define the amount of air surrounding the contact 150, the gap for controlling the impedance. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal groove 250 extends from rear to front for substantially the entire length of the contact channel 220. For example, the longitudinal groove 250 extends to the segmented beam 164 at the front end of the contact 150, providing impedance control along substantially the entire length of the contact 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal groove 250 extends for most of the length of the contact channel 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal groove 250 extends for more than 90% of the length of the contact channel 220. The length of the longitudinal groove 250 can be increased or decreased to achieve impedance control of the contact 150, such as achieving a target impedance for the contact 150.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (100), - A dielectric housing (200) extending longitudinally between a front portion (202) and a rear portion (204), the front portion being configured to mate into a mating electrical connector, the dielectric housing including a contact channel (220) extending between the front portion and the rear portion of the dielectric housing, the dielectric housing including a longitudinal groove (250) extending along the contact channel, the dielectric housing having a funnel (260) associated with the longitudinal groove, the funnel having an entrance (262) at the rear and an exit (264) aligned with the longitudinal groove, the funnel having an entrance width at the entrance and an exit width at the exit that is narrower than the entrance width, - A contact (150) that is received in the contact channel, the contact includes a contact body (152) extending along the contact axis between a mating portion (160) and a terminal portion (180), the terminal portion being configured to terminate on a wire (104), the mating portion being configured to mat with the mating contact of the mating electrical connector, the mating portion including a polarizing mechanism (174) extending from the mating portion, the polarizing mechanism (174) being received in the longitudinal groove to position the contact radially around the contact axis within the contact channel, and the contact (150) and Equipped with, The polarization mechanism is an electrical connector (100) that is guided by the funnel into the longitudinal groove as the polarization mechanism passes from the inlet to the outlet of the funnel.

2. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the polarization mechanism (174) includes a projection extending radially outward from the contact body (152).

3. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the polarization mechanism (174) is a first polarization mechanism, and the mating portion (160) includes a second polarization mechanism that is radially offset from the first polarization mechanism.

4. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the polarization mechanism (174) is a first polarization mechanism, and the mating portion (160) includes a second polarization mechanism that is axially offset from the first polarization mechanism.

5. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the polarization mechanism (174) slides along the longitudinal groove (250) when the contact (150) is loaded into the contact channel (220).

6. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal groove (250) includes a first groove wall (252), a second groove wall (254) opposite to the first groove wall, and an outer wall (256) between the first groove wall and the second groove wall, the outer wall being located between the first groove wall and the second groove wall on the side opposite to the opening to the contact channel (220), and the outer wall, the first groove wall, and the second groove wall forming a void defining the longitudinal groove.

7. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal groove (250) extends for most of the length of the contact channel (220) between the rear portion (204) and the front portion (202) of the dielectric housing (200).

8. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the funnel (260) provides an introduction portion to the longitudinal groove (250).

9. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the funnel (260) includes a first funnel wall (266) and a second funnel wall (268) extending between the inlet (262) and the outlet (264), and the polarization mechanism (174) is guided into the longitudinal groove (250) by at least one of the first funnel wall and the second funnel wall.

10. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first funnel wall (266) and the second funnel wall (268) are curved.

11. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the polarization mechanism (174) is configured to contact the funnel (260) and cause rotation of the contact (150) in the contact channel (220) to orient the contact in a predetermined radial direction relative to the dielectric housing (200) within the contact channel.

12. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mating portion (160) includes a split beam (164) surrounding a socket (162) at the front portion (202) of the contact (150), and the split beam is configured to mate with the mating contact.

13. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 12, wherein the dielectric housing (200) includes a wedge (242) that extends into the contact channel (220) adjacent to the front portion (202) of the dielectric housing, and the segmented beam (164) is aligned with the wedge by the longitudinal groove (250) so as to position the segmented beam on both sides of the wedge.

14. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal groove (250) extends to the segmented beam (164) of the contact (150).

15. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal groove (250) forms a gap along the mating portion (160) of the contact (150) in order to control the impedance of the contact (150).

16. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact (150) includes a lock lance (178) extending from the contact body, the dielectric housing (200) includes a lock pocket (278), and the polarizing mechanism (174) orients the contact in the contact channel (220) to align the lock lance with the lock pocket.

17. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the contact (150) includes an orientation tab (172), the dielectric housing (200) includes an orientation pocket (248) in the rear portion (204), and the polarizing mechanism (174) orientations the contact in the contact channel (220) and aligns the orientation tab in the orientation pocket.

18. An electrical connector (100), - A dielectric housing (200) extending longitudinally between a front portion (202) and a rear portion (204), the front portion configured to fit into a mating electrical connector (100), the dielectric housing includes a contact channel (220) extending between the front portion and the rear portion of the dielectric housing, the dielectric housing includes a longitudinal groove (250) extending along the contact channel, the longitudinal grooves are arranged radially apart from each other around the contact channel, the dielectric housing has funnels (260) associated with the longitudinal grooves, each funnel having an inlet (262) at the rear and an outlet (264) aligned with the corresponding longitudinal groove, each funnel having an inlet width at the inlet and an outlet width at the outlet that is narrower than the inlet width, the dielectric housing (200), - A contact (150) to be received in the contact channel, the contact including a contact body (152) extending along the contact axis between a mating portion (160) and a terminal portion (180), the terminal portion being configured to terminate on a wire (104), the mating portion being configured to mat with a mating contact of the mating electrical connector, the mating portion including a polarizing mechanism (174) extending from the mating portion, the polarizing mechanisms being arranged radially apart from each other around the mating portion, the polarizing mechanisms being received in the corresponding longitudinal grooves to position the contact radially around the contact axis within the contact channel, and the polarizing mechanisms being guided into the longitudinal grooves by the corresponding funnel as the polarizing mechanisms pass from the inlet to the outlet of the funnel, the contact (150) and Equipped with, To control the impedance of the contacts, the longitudinal grooves form a gap (166) along the mating portion, in an electrical connector (100).

19. An electrical connector (100), - A dielectric housing (200) extending longitudinally between a front portion (202) and a rear portion (204), the front portion being configured to fit into a mating electrical connector (100), the dielectric housing including a contact channel (220) extending between the front portion and the rear portion of the dielectric housing, the dielectric housing including a wedge (242) adjacent to the front portion of the dielectric housing and extending into the contact channel, the dielectric housing including a longitudinal groove (250) extending along the contact channel, the longitudinal grooves being arranged radially apart from each other around the contact channel, and the dielectric housing having a funnel (260) at the rear portion aligned with the longitudinal groove, - A contact (150) to be received in the contact channel, the contact including a contact body (152) extending along the contact axis between a mating portion (160) and a terminal portion (180), the terminal portion being configured to terminate on a wire (104), the mating portion being configured to mat with a mating contact of the mating electrical connector, the mating portion including a socket (162), the mating portion including a split beam (164) at the front of the contact configured to mat with the mating contact, the mating portion including a polarizing mechanism (174) extending from the mating portion, the polarizing mechanisms being arranged radially apart from each other around the mating portion, the polarizing mechanisms being received in the corresponding longitudinal grooves to position the contact radially around the contact axis within the contact channel, the contact (150) and Equipped with, The polarization mechanism is guided into the longitudinal groove by the corresponding funnel, The segmented beam is aligned with the wedge by the longitudinal groove so that the segmented beam is positioned on both sides of the wedge, in an electrical connector (100).

20. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal groove (250) forms a gap along the mating portion (160) of the contact in order to control the impedance of the contact (150).

Images