Gang-type coaxial connector assembly

Abstract

The mating connector assembly includes a first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors connected to a respective first coaxial cable and further comprising a latch pivotally mounted to the substrate, the latch having an arm with a free end; and a second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, each of the second coaxial connectors connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defining a plurality of electrically isolated second cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors positioned within a respective second cavity and configured to couple to the other second coaxial cables therein. and a second connector assembly mounted to each of the first and second coaxial connectors for radial and axial floating therewith, wherein a slot is present in the shell providing access to one of the second cavities from outside the shell, and in a mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with a respective second coaxial connector, and the latches are pivotable between an unlatched position in which the free ends of the arms are not in the slots and a latched position in which the free ends of the arms of the latches extend through the slots and engage the second coaxial connectors, and the first and second connector assemblies are secured in the mated state by the latches when the latches are in the latched position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 63 / 133,888, filed on January 5, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to electrical cable connectors, and more particularly to gang-type connector assemblies.

Background Art

[0003] Coaxial cables are commonly used in RF communication systems. Coaxial cable connectors can be applied to terminate coaxial cables, for example, in communication systems that require a high level of accuracy and reliability.

[0004] A connector interface provides a connection / disconnection function between a cable terminated by a connector having a desired connector interface and a corresponding connector having a mating connector interface mounted on a device or a further cable. Some coaxial connector interfaces utilize a retainer (often provided as a threaded coupling nut) that draws the connector interface pair into a secure electromechanical engagement when a coupling nut rotatably held on one connector is screwed onto the other connector.

[0005] Alternatively, the connection interface may also have blind mating characteristics, thereby enabling push-on interconnection, in which case physical access to the connector body is restricted and / or the interconnected parts are connected in a manner that makes precise alignment difficult or inefficient (e.g., a connection between an antenna and a transceiver coupled to each other via a rail system or similar). To accommodate misalignment, the blind mating connector may be provided with lateral and / or longitudinal spring action or "float" to accommodate a limited degree of insertion misalignment. The blind mating connector may be particularly suitable for use in "gang" connector configurations where multiple connectors (e.g., four connectors) are mounted to each other and mated simultaneously to a mating connector.

[0006] An embodiment of a gang-type coaxial connector is described in Paynter's Patent Document 1, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. This publication identifies two distinct problems that may arise in gang-type blind mating connectors, namely, “floating” and a solution for secure interconnection. A gang-type connector with a common shell is shown therein. Each individual “male” connector is sized to “float” axially, angularly, and radially relative to the shell. Each individual “male” connector also engages with its own helical spring, which also engages with the shell. Each connector can move and adjust relative to the shell during mating, but the compression of the springs can provide sufficient force to hold the male connector in place relative to the shell once the male connector is mated. The gang-type male connector is secured to the mating “female” connector via a swivel latch that captures pins on the gang of the male connector.

[0007] It may be desirable to develop additional concepts and solutions for gang-type coaxial connectors. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0312394 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly. The mating connector assembly comprises: a first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors further comprising a latch swivelably mounted on the substrate and connected to its respective first coaxial cable, the latch having an arm with a free end; and a second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected to its respective second coaxial cable, the shell defining a plurality of electrically isolated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors being located within its respective second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors. A slot is present within the shell, providing access to one of the second cavities from outside the shell. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector. The latch is pivotable between a released position in which the free end of the arm is not in the slot and a latched position in which the free end of the latch arm extends through the slot and engages with the second coaxial connector. The first and second connector assemblies are secured in a mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latched position.

[0010] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a mating connector assembly, the mating connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors further comprising a latch rotatably mounted on the substrate and connected to its respective first coaxial cable, the latch having first and second arms, each having a free end; and a second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, each of the second coaxial connectors being connected to its respective second coaxial cable, the shell defining a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors being located within its respective second cavity and mounted therein to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors. The shell contains first and second slots, each of which provides access from outside the shell to one of the second cavities. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector. The latch is pivotable between an unlocked position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the first and second slots, and a latched position in which the free end of the first arm of the latch extends through the first slot and engages with the first of the second coaxial connectors, and the free end of the second arm of the latch extends through the second slot and engages with the second of the second coaxial connectors. The first and second connector assemblies are secured in a mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latched position.

[0011] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to mating connector assemblies, the mating connector assembly comprising: a first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors further comprising first and second latches connected to their respective first coaxial cables and rotatably mounted on the substrate, each of the first and second latches having first and second arms, each having a free end; and a second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, each of the second coaxial connectors connected to their respective second coaxial cables, the shell defining a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, each of the second coaxial connectors located within its respective second cavity and mounted therein to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors. The first, second, third, and fourth slots are located within the shell, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth slots provides access from outside the shell to each of the second cavities. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector. The first latch is pivotable between an unlocked position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the first and second slots, and a latched position in which the free end of the first arm of the latch extends through the first slot and engages with the first of the second coaxial connectors, and the free end of the second arm of the latch extends through the second slot and engages with the second of the second coaxial connectors. The second latch is pivotable between an unlocked position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the third and fourth slots, and a latched position in which the free end of the first arm of the second latch extends through the third slot and engages with the third of the second coaxial connector, and the free end of the second arm of the second latch extends through the fourth slot and engages with the fourth of the second coaxial connector. The first and second connector assemblies are fixed in a mated state by the first and second latches when the first and second latches are in the latched position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a previous assembly of mated gang connectors. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an end perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the assembly from Figure 1, which is mated with a mating assembly and has a latch that engages to secure the assembly together. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in Figure 1, showing springs used to provide individual connectors with the ability to "float" relative to the housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative version of the assembly in Figure 1, showing the spring that provides the connector with the ability to float. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side perspective view of a gang-type connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of the assembly from Figure 6 with the housing removed and the latch engaged with the connector. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the latch in the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a significantly enlarged partial side view of one of the latches from Figure 6 before engagement with the connector. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partial side perspective view of the latch of the assembly shown in Figure 6 in the engaged state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a greatly enlarged partial side perspective view of one of the latches of the assembly in Figure 6 in an engaged state. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a significantly enlarged partial end perspective view of one of the latches of the assembly in Figure 6 in an engaged state. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the latch of the assembly shown in Figure 6 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side perspective view of a mated gang-type assembly utilizing the latch shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided so as to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in any manner and / or in any combination to provide many additional embodiments.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to the extent of the invention. Terms used in the following description are for the purpose of illustrating only specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. When used in this disclosure, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when an element (e.g., a device, circuit, etc.) is referred to as being “connected” or “bonded” to another element, it will be understood that the element may be directly connected to or directly bonded to the other element, or that there may be an intervening element. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly bonded” to another element, there is no intervening element.

[0015] As described above, a problem that can occur with a gang-type connector assembly is the alignment of individual mating connectors. Properly mating individual "male" connectors with individual "female" connectors is necessary to ensure sound electrical contact. The quality of electrical contact can be more important at high performance levels, and poor or inconsistent contact can result in unpredictable passive intermodulation (PIM) performance. PIM is an undesirable effect and can appear as a connection problem. Therefore, it is important to design mating connectors so that the contact / engagement between mating connectors is predictable.

[0016] A gang-type connector assembly can simply cause a mismatch in connector mating due to variables such as component tolerances. Therefore, the ability of mating connectors within a gang-type assembly to float relative to the housing in which they are mounted in a manner that maintains a reliable and predictable contact between the mating connectors can be highly desirable. Floating can involve components in the axial (i.e., mating direction), radial (i.e., movement perpendicular to the axial direction), and angular (movement "tilting" relative to the axial direction) directions, and thus any floating mechanism or solution should allow movement in these three modes.

[0017] Examples of assemblies with provisions for axial, radial, and angular directions are shown in FIGS. 1-4. The mated connector assembly 1200 shown here includes a device connector assembly 1205 having five connectors 1210 and a cable connector assembly 1240 having five connectors 1250 connected to five cables 1242. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the connectors 1210 and 1250 are arranged in a cross-shaped pattern, with one of the connectors 1210, 1250 being surrounded by four other connectors 1210, 1250 spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the assemblies 1205, 1240 can be fixed with a latch 885, which is pivotally mounted to the assembly 1205 and engages a pin 888 on the assembly 1240.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 4 here, it can be seen that the connector 1250 of the cable connector assembly 1240 is present within the shell 1260. Each of the connectors 1250 includes an outer connector body 1252 and an internal contact 1254 that respectively mate with the outer connector body 1212 and the internal contact 1214 of the mating connector 1210 of the device connector assembly 1205. FIG. 4 also shows that each outer connector body 1252 is surrounded by a helical spring 1258 that extends between the shoulder 1262 of the shell 1260 and the flange 1270 of the outer connector body 1252. The spring 1258 remains in a compressed state. The shoulder 1256 of the outer connector body 1252 engages with the second shoulder 1264 of the shell 1260 and is positioned to provide a forward limit to the forward movement of the outer connector body 1252. Also, there is a space radially outside the outer connector body between the outer connector body 1252 and the shell 1260. Thus, the connector 1250 has the ability to float axially, radially, and angularly with respect to the shell 1260, which may allow each of the connectors 1250 to individually adjust its position as needed to mate with the connector 1210 of the assembly 1205. The compression spring 1258 provides sufficient force on the shell 1260 and the connector 1250 after the connector 1250 has adjusted its position during mating to maintain the connector 1250 in a fixed position with respect to the shell 1260.

[0019] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the gang connector assembly 1700. Assembly 1700 is similar to assembly 1200, and the equipment connector assembly 1705 has a connector 1710 that mates with a cable connector assembly 1740 having a connector 1750 within a shell 1760. The spring 1780 provides the ability to adjust the outer connector body 1756 axially and radially relative to the shell 1760, as described above. In this embodiment, the outer connector body 1756 has a radially outward flange 1784 located in front of the flange 1782 (which captures the front end of the spring 1780). The flange 1784 has a trepan gap 1786 on its front surface (the projection 1785 is located radially outward of the gap 1785). Also, at the rear end of the outer connector body 1756, there is a larger clearance gap C between the outer connector body 1756 and the shell 1760 than that of assembly 1200 shown in Figures 1 to 4. The outer connector body 1716 of the connector 1710 has a chamfered outer edge 1719 at its front end 1718.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, during the initial mating of connectors 1710 and 1750, the inner contact 1754 of connector 1750 engages with the inner contact 1712 of connector 1710, thereby providing a first “centering” action for connector 1750. This action also causes spring 1780 to “bottom out.” As mating continues, spring 1780 opens slightly, causing the chamfered outer edge 1719 of the outer connector body 1716 to contact projection 1785. This interaction provides a second “centering” action for mating, thereby allowing the gap C between the rear portion of the outer connector body 1756 and the shell 1760 to be larger than in other embodiments.

[0021] Additional embodiments are disclosed and described in Paynter's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0312394.

[0022] Now, referring to Figures 6 to 12, another assembly consisting of mated gang connectors, collectively denoted 100, is shown. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, assembly 100 includes an equipment connector assembly 105 similar to assemblies 1205 and 1705 described above, and a cable connector assembly 140 similar to assemblies 1240 and 1740 described above. However, instead of using springs 1258 and 1780 to provide the floating capability of the cable connector assembly 140 to the connector 150 and separate latches to secure assemblies 105 and 140 in a mated state, assembly 100 relies on two latches 185 to secure both assemblies 105 and 140 and to assist in their floating capability. The mechanism by which the latches function will be described below.

[0023] Referring here to Figure 8, each of the latches 185 has two pairs of arms 186, 187. Each pair of arms 186, 187 generally forms a V-shaped member 188. The member 188 is spanned by a cross member 189 extending between the vertices of the member 188. The handle 190 extends from the cross member 189 and is generally parallel to it. The extension 191 extends from the handle 190 and is generally perpendicular to the handle 190. The handle 190 has a leverage slot 192 (for receiving a screwdriver or other leverage device). Each arm 187 has a recess 193 at its lower end near its free end.

[0024] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, each of the arms 186 has a hole 181 that receives a pin 182 fixed to the plate 120 of the assembly 105. The pin 182 and the hole 181 define the pivot axis A.

[0025] Referring further to Figures 6 and 7, the shell 160 of the cable connector assembly 140 includes four slots 162, one of which is located at each corner. Each of the slots 162 extends into the respective cavities 164 between the exterior of the shell 160, in which the respective connectors 150 are positioned. Specifically, the slots 162 connect to flanges 157 that extend radially outward from the connector body 152.

[0026] As can be recalled by referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cable connector assembly 140 can be mated to the equipment connector assembly 105 in a conventional manner, by which each connector 110 of the equipment connector assembly 105 mates with the respective connector 150 of the cable connector assembly 140. Such mating is performed sufficiently so that the latch 185, swung above the pivot axis A, does not interfere with the incoming cable connector assembly 140. Assemblies 105 and 140 can be secured by swiveling the latch 185 around axis A so that the arms 187 are inserted into their respective slots 162. As the arms 187 continue to advance into the cavity 164, they engage with the flanges 157 of the connector 150 (see Figure 9). Further advancement eventually leads to each flange 157 being received into its respective recess 193 (see Figures 10-12). The capture of the flange 157 within the recess 193 locks the latch 185 into place, where the assemblies 105 and 140 are fixed together.

[0027] In particular, when the arms 187 engage with the flange 157 in the recess 193, they exert a force on the connector body 152 that is primarily axially oriented toward the equipment connector assembly 105 (i.e., toward the mating connector, or in the same direction as the helical springs 1258, 1758 of assemblies 1240, 1740). The arms 187 (and the rest of the latch 185) have some degree of flexibility and therefore act in the same way as the springs described above. That is, they bias the connector 150 toward the connector 110, but the flexibility of the latch 185 allows the connector 150 to float axially, radially, and angularly within its cavity 158 for proper mating.

[0028] The material of the latch 185 may be selected, in combination with the geometric shape of the latch 185, so that when the latch 185 engages with the flange 157 of the connector body 152, they exert a predetermined axial force on the connector body 152. In some embodiments, the force is 10 to 13.5 foot-pounds. Exemplary materials include spring steel.

[0029] As can be understood from the above discussion and diagrams, the latch 185 serves a dual purpose: to secure the assemblies 105 and 140 together in a mated state, while also providing a biasing force that facilitates the axial, radial, and angular floating ability of the connector 150.

[0030] Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the latch 185 does not engage with the central connector 150. In some embodiments, the central connector 150 is used for calibration purposes, and therefore the mating of the central connector 150 may not require the degree of floating required by the remaining connectors 150.

[0031] Referring here to Figures 13 and 14, another embodiment of the assembly, collectively denoted by reference numeral 200, is shown therein. Assembly 200 is similar to assembly 100, except for the configuration of the latch 285. As shown in Figure 13, each latch 285 has two additional arms 297 that are generally parallel and aligned with the arm 187. The shell 260 of cable connector assembly 240 has two additional slots 263 on each side, each of which receives one of the arms 297. Thus, when the latch 285 is swung into position, each connector 150 makes contact with the arm 287 on one side and with the arm 297 on the opposite side. This configuration may allow the latch 285 to provide biasing force to the connector 150 in a more balanced manner.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will understand that the assembly may take other forms. For example, the coaxial connector may be configured differently and / or have different interfaces (e.g., DIN, 4.3 / 10, 2.2 / 5, NEX10, etc.). The number and / or arrangement of the connectors may vary. The shell is shown herein to have a footprint that is generally square, but may take other forms (e.g., rectangular, circular, elliptical, etc.). Other variations are also contemplated.

[0033] Furthermore, latches 185 and 285 may be configured differently in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, only one latch may be used, understanding that a single arm may engage with two different coaxial connectors. In other embodiments, the latches may be configured so that each coaxial connector engages with a different latch (for example, there may be four different latches for four coaxial connectors).

[0034] The above is illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. The present invention is defined by the following claims, with the equivalents of the claims being incorporated within them. The following are some embodiments (configurations) of the present invention. [Aspect 1] A mating connector assembly, A first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, wherein each of the first coaxial connectors is connected to its respective first coaxial cable and further comprises a latch that is rotatably mounted on the substrate, the latch having an arm with a free end, A second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, wherein each of the second coaxial connectors is connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defines a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors is located within each second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors, A slot exists within the shell, and the slot provides access to one of the second cavities from outside the shell. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector, and The latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free end of the arm is not in the slot and a latch position in which the free end of the arm of the latch extends through the slot and engages with the second coaxial connector. The first and second connector assemblies are mating connector assemblies, which are fixed in the mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latch position. [Aspect 2] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the arm includes a recess, and the second coaxial connector is received in the recess at the latch position. [Aspect 3] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the second coaxial connector includes a flange extending radially outward, the flange being received in the recess. [Aspect 4] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein, in the latch position, the arm biases the second coaxial connector toward each of the first coaxial connectors to which it mates. [Aspect 5] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the latch is formed of a metal material. [Aspect 6] A mating connector assembly, A first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, wherein each of the first coaxial connectors is connected to its respective first coaxial cable and further comprises a latch rotatably mounted on the substrate, the latch having first and second arms, each having a free end; A second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, wherein each of the second coaxial connectors is connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defines a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors is located within each second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors, Within the shell, there are first and second slots, each of which provides access from outside the shell to one of the second cavities. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector, and The latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the first and second slots, and a latch position in which the free end of the first arm of the latch extends through the first slot and engages with the first of the second coaxial connectors, and the free end of the second arm of the latch extends through the second slot and engages with the second of the second coaxial connectors. The first and second connector assemblies are mating connector assemblies, which are fixed in the mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latch position. [Aspect 7] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the first and second arms are generally parallel. [Aspect 8] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein each of the first and second arms includes a recess, and in the latch position, the first and second of the second coaxial connectors are received in the recess. [Aspect 9] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein the second coaxial connector includes a flange extending radially outward, the flange being received within the recess. [Aspect 10] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein, in the latch position, the first arm biases the first of the second coaxial connectors toward each of the first coaxial connectors to which it is mated. [Aspect 11] A mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 6 to 10, wherein the shell is generally square or rectangular, and the first and second slots are located at the corners of the shell. [Aspect 12] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 6 to 11, wherein the latch is formed of a metal material. [Aspect 13] A mating connector assembly, A first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, wherein each of the first coaxial connectors further comprises first and second latches connected to their respective first coaxial cables and rotatably mounted on the substrate, and each of the first and second latches has first and second arms, each having a free end, A second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, wherein each of the second coaxial connectors is connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defines a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors is located within each second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors, The first, second, third, and fourth slots are located within the shell, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth slots provides access from outside the shell to each of the second cavities. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector, and The first latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the first and second slots, and a latch position in which the free end of the first arm of the latch extends through the first slot and engages with the first of the second coaxial connectors, and the free end of the second arm of the latch extends through the second slot and engages with the second of the second coaxial connectors. The second latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the third and fourth slots, and a latch position in which the free end of the first arm of the second latch extends through the third slot and engages with the third of the second coaxial connector, and the free end of the second arm of the second latch extends through the fourth slot and engages with the fourth of the second coaxial connector. A mating connector assembly in which the first and second connector assemblies are fixed in the mated state by the first and second latches when the first and second latches are in the latched position. [Aspect 14] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 13, wherein the first and second arms of the first and second latches are generally parallel. [Aspect 15] The mating connector assembly according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the first latch pivots about a first pivot axis, the second latch pivots about a second pivot axis, and the first and second pivot axes are parallel. [Aspect 16] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein, in the latch position, the first arm biases the first of the second coaxial connectors toward each of the first coaxial connectors to which it mates. [Aspect 17] A mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 13 to 16, wherein the shell is generally square or rectangular, and the first, second, third, and fourth slots are located at the corners of the shell. [Aspect 18] The mating connector assembly according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the latch is formed of a metal material.

Claims

1. A mating connector assembly, A first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, wherein each of the first coaxial connectors is connected to its respective first coaxial cable and further comprises a latch that is rotatably mounted on the substrate, the latch having an arm with a free end, A second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, wherein each of the second coaxial connectors is connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defines a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors is located within each second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors, A slot exists within the shell, and the slot provides access to one of the second cavities from outside the shell. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector, and The latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free end of the arm is not in the slot and a latch position in which the free end of the arm of the latch extends through the slot and engages with the second coaxial connector. The first and second connector assemblies are mating connector assemblies, wherein the latch is fixed in the mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latch position.

2. The mating connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the arm includes a recess, and in the latch position, the second coaxial connector is received in the recess.

3. The mating connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second coaxial connector includes a flange extending radially outward, the flange being received in the recess.

4. The mating connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the latch position, the arm biases the second coaxial connector toward each of the first coaxial connectors to which it is mated.

5. A mating connector assembly, A first connector assembly comprising a plurality of first coaxial connectors mounted on a substrate, each of the first coaxial connectors further comprising a latch connected to its respective first coaxial cable and rotatably mounted on the substrate, the latch having first and second arms, each including a free end, A second connector assembly comprising a plurality of second coaxial connectors and a shell, wherein each of the second coaxial connectors is connected to a respective second coaxial cable, the shell defines a plurality of electrically insulated second cavities, and each of the second coaxial connectors is located within each second cavity and mounted therein so as to float radially and axially relative to each of the other second coaxial connectors, Within the shell, there are first and second slots, each of which provides access from outside the shell to one of the second cavities. In the mated state, each of the first coaxial connectors mates with its respective second coaxial connector, and The latch is pivotable between a latch release position in which the free ends of the first and second arms are not in the first and second slots, and a latch position in which the free end of the first arm of the latch extends through the first slot and engages with the first of the second coaxial connectors, and the free end of the second arm of the latch extends through the second slot and engages with the second of the second coaxial connectors. The first and second connector assemblies are mating connector assemblies, wherein the latch is fixed in the mated state by the latch when the latch is in the latch position.

6. The mating connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first and second arms are generally parallel.

7. The mating connector assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each of the first and second arms includes a recess, and in the latch position, the first and second of the second coaxial connectors are received in the recess.

8. The mating connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second coaxial connector includes a flange extending radially outward, the flange being received in the recess.

9. The mating connector assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, in the latch position, the first arm biases the first of the second coaxial connectors toward each of the first coaxial connectors to which it is mated.

10. The mating connector assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the shell is generally square or rectangular, and the first and second slots are located at the corners of the shell.

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