Floating data communication module

Abstract

This invention provides a data communication system including a bracket and one or more modules that can be inserted into the bracket along a longitudinal direction. The bracket may include one or more of an electrical connector, an RF cable connector, and an optical connector. One or both of the RF cable connector and the optical connector may be floated in one or more directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to align with the respective connectors of the bracket when the modules are inserted into the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This case involves a floating data communication module.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This invention claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 051,860, filed July 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if its entire contents were set forth herein. Prior Technology

[0004] Conventional data communication components include one or more communication modules, each comprising one or more mounted electrical connectors and / or optical connectors. The modules are pluggable into a bracket, which also includes one or more complementary electrical connectors and / or optical connectors mounted on a backplane. When a module is plugged into the bracket, the connectors mate to position them for communication, thereby establishing electrical and / or optical data communication. The communication modules and brackets typically include alignment components that engage to ensure the communication modules are correctly positioned and oriented to mate with the bracket.

[0005] However, even when the alignment components are correctly engaged, tolerances and other factors can cause slight misalignment between the communication module and the connector in the carrier. When this occurs, attempting to hold the communication module in the rack with the connector not properly aligned can generate excessive normal forces during connector mating, thereby increasing the difficulty of removing the module from the carrier when needed. In more extreme cases, one or more of the connectors may become damaged. Therefore, what is needed is a data communication system with improved alignment between the connector of the communication module and the connector of the carrier. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one example, an RF connector assembly may include a frame defining an aperture extending through the frame in a longitudinal direction. The RF connector assembly may further include a module housing sized to be received within the aperture, wherein the module housing supports at least one cable connector. The RF connector assembly may further include a retaining member configured to attach to the module housing such that the module housing floats relative to the frame. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0007] The following embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples are shown for illustrative purposes. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise configurations and means shown. In the drawings:

[0008] [Figure 1] is a perspective view of a data communication component including a bracket and a plurality of communication modules inserted into the bracket;

[0009] [Figure 2A] is a front view of the communication module in Figure 1, which is shown as including a data communication system constructed according to an example;

[0010] [Figure 2B] is a perspective view of the communication module in Figure 2A;

[0011] [Figure 2C] is a side view of the communication module in Figure 2A.

[0012] [Figure 3] is a perspective view of the module substrate of the communication module in Figure 2A and the data communication system shown as being mounted on the module substrate, wherein the data communication system is shown as including an electrical connector;

[0013] [Figure 4A] is a rear perspective view of the module in Figure 3, but the data communication system is shown to further include RF connector assemblies and optical assemblies, and is shown to be aligned to mate with a backplane in a bracket, wherein the bracket includes complementary electrical connectors, complementary RF connector assemblies and complementary optical connectors all mounted to the backplane;

[0014] [Figure 4B] is a rear front view of the communication module in Figure 4A;

[0015] [Figure 4C] is a rear front view of the communication module in Figure 4B, but shows an RF connector assembly constructed using another example;

[0016] [Figure 5A] is a front view of a data communication system shown as a communication module mounted to a substrate in one example, wherein the data communication system includes electrical connectors and optical components including a plurality of optical connectors;

[0017] [Figure 5B] is a perspective view of the data communication system of Figure 5A, shown as mounted on a substrate;

[0018] [Figure 5C] is a perspective view of the back panel of the bracket shown in Figure 1 according to an example, and a plurality of complementary communication devices, including complementary electrical connectors and complementary optical connectors shown as mounted to the back panel and configured to mate with the data communication system of Figure 5A;

[0019] [Figure 5D] is a front view of the data communication system of the communication module in Figure 5A, but shows an optical assembly with a different number of optical connectors in another example;

[0020] [Figure 6A] is a rear front view of a portion of the bracket including the RF cable connector assembly;

[0021] [Figure 6B] is a front view of the back panel of the bracket, including a complementary RF cable connector assembly configured to mate with the RF cable connector assembly of Figure 6A;

[0022] [Figure 7A] is an exploded perspective view of one part of the RF cable connector assembly;

[0023] [Figure 7B] is a partial cross-sectional side front view of the RF cable connector assembly shown in Figure 7A;

[0024] [Figure 7C] is a cross-sectional side front view of a data communication system including an electrical RF cable mounted to the RF cable connector assembly of Figure 7B;

[0025] [Figure 8A] is a front view of the retaining component of the RF cable connector assembly shown in Figure 7A;

[0026] [Figure 8B] is a front view of the support housing of the RF cable connector assembly shown in Figure 7A;

[0027] [Figure 8C] is a front view of the module housing of the RF cable connector assembly shown in Figure 7A;

[0028] [Figure 8D] is a cross-sectional side front view of the module housing in Figure 8C, taken along section line AA;

[0029] [Figure 8E] is a cross-sectional side front view of the module housing in Figure 8C, taken along section line BB;

[0030] [Figure 8F] is a front view of the RF cable connector assembly aligned with the housing shown in Figure 7A;

[0031] [Figure 9A] is a side front view of a cable connector configured and supported by the module housing of Figure 8C;

[0032] [Figure 9B] is a side front view of a portion of the RF cable connector assembly, showing the cable connector of Figure 9A inserted into the module housing of Figure 8C;

[0033] [Figure 10A] is a top plan view of a part of the data communication system, including cable connectors and optical cable connectors;

[0034] [Figure 10B] is an enlarged version of the data communication system in Figure 10A;

[0035] [Figure 11A] is a perspective view of one part of the optical components of the bracket shown in Figure 5B;

[0036] [Figure 11B] is a perspective view of the optical housing of the optical connector of the optical component shown in Figure 11A;

[0037] [Figure 11C] is another perspective view of the optical housing in Figure 11B; and

[0038] [Figure 11D] is a perspective view of the optical connector in Figure 11A. Implementation

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" include "at least one" and a plural. Furthermore, as used in this specification, including the appended claims, references to a plural include the singular "a / an," "an," and "the," and further include "at least one." Additionally, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, references to a particular value in this specification, including the appended claims, include at least that particular value.

[0040] As used herein, the term "plural" means more than one. When expressing a range of values, another instance includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by the preceding use of "about," it should be understood that the particular value forms another instance. All ranges are inclusive and composable.

[0041] The terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and their derivatives and similar terms, when used to describe size, shape, spatial relationship, distance, direction, and other similar parameters, include the stated parameter plus a range that is up to 10% larger and down to 10% smaller than the stated parameter, including up to 5% larger and down to 5% smaller, including up to 3% larger and down to 3% smaller, including up to 1% larger and down to 1%.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the data communication component 18 includes a bracket 52 and a plurality of communication modules 64 that can be inserted into the bracket 52. Specifically, the communication modules 64 can be configured to be inserted into the bracket to position them for data communication with a complementary communication device of the bracket 52. Specifically, as will be described in more detail below, the bracket 52 includes a bracket housing 53 and a backplate 50 disposed within the bracket housing 53 (see Figure 5C). The bracket housing 53 defines a reservoir configured to slidably accommodate the communication modules 64 along an insertion or mating direction oriented in the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, the bracket housing 53 may define a plurality of channels 51 configured to accommodate individual communication modules 64. The channels 51 may be configured to face each other in a lateral direction A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The channels 51 may further elongate along the longitudinal direction L. Each pair of channels 51 can be opened at the storage tank and configured to accommodate each of the communication modules 64.

[0043] The communication module 64 may include a module housing 30 and a module substrate 62 supported by the module housing 30. For example, the module substrate 62 may be supported within the module housing 30. In some instances, the module substrate 62 may be configured as a printed circuit board. Additionally, the module substrate 62 may be oriented along a lateral direction A and a longitudinal direction L. The module housing 30 may define a housing body 31, which in turn at least partially defines an enclosure containing the module substrate 62. The module housing 30 may further define a pair of tracks 33 extending outward from the housing body 31 along a lateral direction A. The tracks 33 are sized and configured to be slidably housed in opposite centers of a channel 51 for inserting the communication module 64 into a bracket 52 in a forward insertion direction. When it is necessary to remove the communication module 64 from the bracket 52, the communication module 64 may be translated along a removal direction opposite to the insertion direction and also oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The insertion direction may be referred to as the forward direction, and the removal direction may be referred to as the backward direction. Modules 64 may be stacked on top of each other along a transverse direction T oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Modules 64 may be sized as needed along the longitudinal direction L, the transverse direction T, and the lateral direction A. For example, modules 64 may be sized substantially equal or different as needed.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 1 through 3, the communication module 64 may include a data communication system 20, which in turn includes one or more communication devices at the mating interface 75 of the communication module 64. These one or more communication devices may be mounted to or otherwise supported by the module substrate 62. The communication module 64 may be inserted into the bracket 52 in the manner described above until the communication module 64 is mated with the bracket 52. When the communication module 64 is mated with the bracket, one or more communication devices of the data communication system 20 are mated with one or more complementary communication devices of the bracket along the mating direction. When the communication devices of the communication module 64 are mated with the complementary communication devices of the bracket 52, the communication devices are positioned to communicate with each other in terms of data transmission. Therefore, data signals may flow from the communication module 64 to the bracket 52 and / or from the bracket 52 to the communication module 64 as needed. It will be understood from the following description that the data signals may be configured as electrical signals, optical signals, or a combination of electrical and optical signals.

[0045] In one example, the data communication system 20 of the communication module 64 may include an electrical connector 68, which includes a dielectric or electrically insulated connector housing 70 and a plurality of electrical contacts 72 supported by the connector housing 70. The electrical contacts 72 define respective mounting ends to the module substrate 62 and mating ends 74 disposed at a mating interface 75. The mating ends 74 are configured to mate with the electrical contacts of the complementary electrical connector 69 (see FIG. 5C) of the bracket 52 when the module 64 is inserted into the bracket 52. Thus, the electrical contacts 72 are configured to position the module substrate 62 for electrical communication with the complementary electrical connector 69 of the bracket 52. The electrical connector 68 may be a SEARAY electrical connector available from Samtec Corporation, which has a principal place of business in New Albany, New York, but it should be understood that the electrical connector 68 may be configured to any suitable electrical connector as needed. In addition, in some instances, electrical connector 68 may be a right-angle electrical connector, thereby oriented the mating end 74 perpendicularly to the mating end 74.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 4A to 6B, one or more communication devices of the data communication system 20 of the communication module 64 may include one or more RF cable connectors 34 of the radio frequency (RF) connector assembly 22. The cable connectors 34 may be directly mounted to the module substrate 62 or otherwise supported by an intermediate structure, which in turn is supported by the module substrate 62. Each cable connector 34 may define a separate mating end 48, configured to mate with a complementary cable connector 55 of the complementary RF connector assembly 57 of the bracket 52 to provide further data communication between the bracket 52 and the communication module 64. The mating ends 48 of the cable connectors 34 may be positioned adjacent to the mating ends 74 of the electrical contacts 72 of the electrical connectors 68. A plurality of transmission lines may be mounted to the respective mounting ends of each of the cable connectors 34, such that the mating ends 48 of the cable connectors 34 are spaced apart from the transmission lines in the forward direction. In one example, the transmission lines may be configured as cables. In one example, the cables may extend to another connector. Alternatively, the transmission line can be configured to terminate at right angles at substrate 62. When the transmission line is configured as a cable, cable 58 can be configured as a coaxial cable, biaxial cable, or any alternative cable configuration as needed. When the transmission line is configured alternatively according to the cable configuration, RF cable connector 34 can be referred to as an RF connector.

[0047] Additionally, one or more communication devices of the data communication system 20 of the communication module 64 may further include an optical assembly 76, which includes one or more optical connectors 78 configured to mate with one or more complementary optical connectors 77 of the bracket 52. In one embodiment, the optical connectors 77 may be mounted to one or more optical transmission lines that extend to another optical connector. Alternatively, the transmission lines may be configured to terminate at right angles at the substrate 62. In some embodiments, the transmission lines may be configured as cables 90. The optical connectors 78 of the communication module 64 may mate with the complementary optical connectors 77 of the bracket 52 to provide optical data communication between the bracket 52 and the communication module 64 (see Figure 11A). The optical assembly 76 may be directly mounted to the module substrate 62 or otherwise supported by an intermediate structure, which in turn is supported by the module substrate 62.

[0048] Electrical connector 68, RF connector assembly 22, and optical assembly 76 can be configured as needed along the mating interface 75 of communication module 64. For example, RF connector assembly 22 can be positioned between electrical connector 68 and optical assembly 76 relative to a lateral direction A. Furthermore, it should be understood that communication module 64 may include any one or more, or all, of electrical connector 68, RF connector assembly 22, and optical assembly 76. In one example, communication module 64 may include electrical connector 68 alone, or in combination with either RF connector assembly 22 or optical assembly 76. For example, Figures 2A to 3 show communication module 64 including electrical connector 68 without RF connector assembly 22 and optical assembly 76. Figures 4A to 4C show communication module 64 including electrical connector 68 without each of RF connector assembly 22 and optical assembly 76. Figures 5A and 5B show the communication module 64 as including an electrical connector 68 and an optical component 76, but without the RF connector assembly 22. Figure 6A shows an example where the communication module 64 includes both the RF connector assembly and the optical component 76. Although the optical connector 78 is not shown in Figure 6A, the communication module 64 is shown as having a common housing that supports the RF connector 78 and defines an opening that receives the optical connector 78, as shown in Figure 4A. In some instances, the common housing may surround or define a support housing 24 (described below with respect to Figure 7A). Thus, the RF connector 34 can float as described below, while the optical connector 78 remains fixed in position. Alternatively, the optical connector 78 can float as described below, while the RF connector 78 remains fixed in position.

[0049] Electrical connector 68, RF connector assembly 22, and optical assembly 76 can be sized and configured as needed. For example, electrical connector 68 may include any number of electrical contacts 68 that can be arranged along any number of columns and rows, whereby the columns are oriented along the lateral direction A and the rows are oriented along the transverse direction T. As an example, the electrical connector 68 shown in FIG. 4B has more rows than the row shown in FIG. 4C. Similarly, RF connector assembly 22 may include any number of RF cable connectors 34 as needed. For example, RF connector assembly 22 may have any number of RF cable connectors 34 that can be arranged along columns and rows, whereby the columns are oriented along the lateral direction A and the rows are oriented along the transverse direction T. As an example, the RF connector assembly 22 shown in FIG. 4C has more rows than the row shown in FIG. 4B. In addition, the rows of RF cable connectors 34 may be aligned with each other as shown in FIG. 4B or staggered as shown in FIG. 4C. Similarly, the optical assembly 76 may include any number of optical connectors 78 as needed. The optical connectors 78 may be arranged adjacent to each other along the lateral direction A. As an example, the optical assembly 76 shown in FIG. 5B has more rows than that shown in FIG. 4B.

[0050] Referring again to Figures 4A through 5D, and as described above, the bracket 52 may include a backplate 50 and a plurality of complementary communication devices mounted to or otherwise supported by the backplate 50. The backplate 50 may be oriented along the lateral direction T and the side direction A. The bracket 52 may include one or more complementary electrical connectors 69 mounted to the backplate 50 and configured to mate with respective electrical connectors 68 of one or more communication modules 64, thereby placing the backplate 50 and the substrate 62 in electrical communication with each other. The bracket 52 may further include a complementary RF connector assembly 57, which includes a plurality of complementary cable connectors 55 mounted on the backplate 50. The complementary cable connectors 55 and the cable connectors 34 of the communication modules 64 are mounted to respective cables, and when the cable connectors 34 and 55 mate with each other, the respective cables are placed in electrical communication with each other. Additionally, the bracket 52 may include one or more complementary optical connectors 77 mounted to the backplate 50. The complementary optical connector 77 of the bracket 52 and the optical connector 78 of the communication module 64 are installed to the respective optical cables 90. When the complementary optical connector 77 and the optical connector 78 are paired with each other, the respective optical cables 90 are positioned to be electrically connected to each other.

[0051] It should be understood that the complementary communication device of a single backplane 50 can be paired with all communication modules 64, or at least some of the communication modules 64 can be paired with the complementary communication devices of different backplanes 50 in the bracket 52. Additionally, the communication module 64 may include alignment members 82 configured as pins 83, which are configured to be housed in individual complementary alignment members 85 of the bracket 52. Each complementary alignment member 85 may be configured as a socket 89 to align the communication device of the communication module 64 with the complementary communication device of the bracket 52 for pairing as the communication module 64 is inserted into the bracket 52. The pins 83 may extend forward to any one or more of the electrical connector 68, the RF cable connector assembly 22, and the optical assembly 76. Therefore, alignment apertures may extend into any one or more of the complementary electrical connector 69, the complementary RF connector assembly 57, and the complementary optical connector 77. It should be understood that the alignment component 82 of the communication module 64 can alternatively be configured as a socket, and the alignment component 85 of the bracket 52 can alternatively be configured as a pin housed in the socket. Furthermore, as will be understood from the following description, one or more of the communication devices in the communication module 64 can be compliant in either or both of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T to facilitate pairing with complementary communication devices.

[0052] It should be understood that the complementary communication device of the bracket 52 may include any one or more, or all of, the complementary electrical connector 69, the complementary RF connector assembly 57, and the complementary optical connector 77 mounted to the backplane 50. In one example shown in Figure 4A, the complementary communication device of the bracket 52 is shown to include the complementary electrical connector 69 and the complementary optical connector 77 mounted to the backplane 50, but excludes the complementary RF connector assembly 57. In other examples, the complementary communication device of the bracket 52 may include the complementary electrical connector 69 and the complementary RF connector assembly 57 mounted to the backplane, but exclude the complementary optical connector 77.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 6A through 9B, the RF cable connector 34 can be configured to float relative to the underlying substrate 62. That is, the cable connector 34 can be configured to translate in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In one example, the cable connector can undergo translation without angular formation. Therefore, the orientation of the cable connector 34 can remain constant before, during, and after translation. Because the individual RF cable connector housings 39 of the RF cable connector 34 are not spring-biased along the longitudinal direction L, they can be referred to as freely floating relative to movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The optical connector 78 can similarly be configured to float relative to the underlying substrate 62, as described herein with respect to the RF cable connector 34.

[0054] During operation, when the bracket 52 and the communication module 64 are paired, the alignment part 82 of the communication module 64 engages the complementary alignment aperture 85 of the bracket 52. It should be recognized that when the alignment parts 82 and 85 are engaged, there is a possibility that the RF cable connector 34 and the optical connector 78 may not be aligned for mating with the complementary RF cable connector 55 and the complementary optical connector 77, respectively. The RF cable connector 34 and the optical connector 78 can therefore be configured to float in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L so that the connectors of the communication module 64 are aligned with the complementary connectors of the bracket 52 for mating.

[0055] The floating connector support assembly 81 may include a module housing 30 for holding one or more connectors, such as RF cable connectors 34, a support housing 24 for supporting the module housing 30, a retaining member 36 configured to attach to the module housing 30, and an alignment housing 65 configured to attach to the module housing 30. The module housing 30, support housing 24, retaining member 36, and alignment housing 65 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, as needed. The RF connector assembly 22 may include the floating connector support assembly 81 and one or more RF cable connectors 34 supported by the floating connector support assembly 81. The alignment housing 65 is configured to mate with the housing of the complementary RF connector 55 and provides alignment between the RF connector assembly 22 and the complementary RF connector assembly 57 (see FIG. 5C). The module housing 30 may be positioned adjacent to the retaining member 36 in the forward direction. The alignment housing 65 may extend from the module housing 30 in the forward direction. Additionally, the alignment housing 65 can be coupled to the module housing 30 by fastener 107, thereby rigidly fixing the alignment housing 65 to the module housing 30. Similarly, the module housing 30 can be coupled to the retaining member 36 by fastener 106, thereby rigidly fixing the module housing 30 to the retaining member 36. Therefore, the module housing 30 and the retaining member 36 can be separable. Fasteners 106 and 107 can be configured as externally threaded bolts and screws, latches, latches, or any alternative fasteners as needed. As a result, the retaining member 36, the module housing 30, and the alignment housing 65 are fixed to each other and movable relative to the support housing 24. Because the support housing 24 can be mounted to the base plate 62, the retaining member 36, the module housing 30, and the alignment housing 65 are fixed to each other and movable relative to the base plate 62.

[0056] A support housing 24 defines a frame 26 and an aperture 28 extending through the frame 26 along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the support housing 24 and thus the frame 26 can be a monolithic structure. The support housing can be mounted to the underlying substrate 62 using any suitable mechanical fasteners. A module housing 30 defines a module body 32 sized to be housed within the aperture 28. A retaining member 36 can be attached to the module housing 30 to capture the support housing 24 between the retaining member 36 and the module housing 30 when the support housing 24 extends through the aperture 28. In some embodiments, the module housing 30 and the retaining member 36 cannot be removed from the frame 26 until the fastener 106 is released and either the retaining member 36 or the module housing 30 is removed from the frame 26. The module housing 30 supports at least one RF cable connector 34, such as a plurality of RF cable connectors 34. The module body 32 can be sized to be smaller than the aperture 28 in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. For example, the module body 32 may be configured to be smaller than the aperture 28 in at least one or both of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the aperture 28 may be configured to be larger than at least a portion of, and entirely, the module body 32 in each of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The aperture 28 may have a substantially constant size relative to a plane along at least a large portion of its longitudinal length through the support housing 24, wherein the plane is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0057] Therefore, as the module housing 30 extends through the aperture 28, the module housing 30 can move within the aperture relative to the support housing 24 and the bottom substrate 62 in a direction offset at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction L. For example, the module housing 30 can move relative to the support housing 24 and the substrate 62 in at least one of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Therefore, the alignment housing 65 can also move relative to the support housing 24 and the substrate 62 to align with the complementary RF connector of the bracket 52. Specifically, the alignment housing 65 defines a shield 66 that protrudes in the forward direction and is configured to receive the complementary device of the complementary RF cable connector 35 of the support bracket 52. Because the module housing 30 holds at least one RF cable connector 34, the movement of the module housing 30 relative to the support housing 24 and the substrate correspondingly moves the cable connector 34 supported by the module housing 30. Although Figures 6A through 9B show the RF cable connector 34, it should be understood that the cable 58 can be replaced by any suitable alternative conductive transmission line as described above, such as any suitable electrical conductor.

[0058] Referring now particularly to Figures 7A to 7C, the module housing 30 defines a first stop member 40, and the retaining member 36 defines a second stop member 42. The first stop member 40 and the second stop member 42 are alignable with the frame 26 along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, when the retaining member 36 is fastened to the module body 32, the frame 26 is positioned relative to the longitudinal direction L between the first stop member 40 and the second stop member 42. The first stop member 40 may be positioned adjacent to the frame 26 in a forward direction, and the second stop member 42 may be positioned adjacent to the frame 26 in a rearward direction. Thus, the frame 26 is positioned between the first stop member 40 and the second stop member 42. The distance between the first stop member 40 and the second stop member 42 along the longitudinal direction L may be slightly greater than the longitudinal distance of the module housing 30, sufficiently large to allow the module housing 30 to translate relative to the supporting housing 24 and the bottom substrate 62 along each of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. In some embodiments, the module housing 30 may undergo translation without angular formation. Therefore, the first and second stop members 40 and 42 can guide the module housing to translate in all directions relative to the support housing 24 and the bottom substrate 62 along a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, while maintaining its orientation. Alternatively, the distance between the first stop member 40 and the second stop member 42 along the longitudinal direction L can be sufficiently greater than the longitudinal distance of the module housing 30 to allow the module housing 30 to form an angle relative to the support housing 24 and the bottom substrate 62.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first stop member 40 may be defined by a flange 38 projecting outward from the module body 32 along at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the module housing 30, including the module body 32 and the flange 38, is sized to be larger than the aperture 28 along at least one direction to abut the first or front surface 108 of the frame 26. In one embodiment, the flange 38 may project outward from at least two sides of the module body 32. The two sides may be opposite or adjacent to each other. In another embodiment, the flange 38 may project outward from all sides of the module body such that the flange 38 extends along the entire periphery of the module body 32 relative to a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. At least a portion, and indeed the entire, of the module body 32 extends from the flange 38 in the rearward direction. Thus, the flange 38 is prevented from physically contacting the second or rear surface 110 of the frame 26, which is spaced apart from the first surface in the rearward direction.

[0060] The second stop member 42 may be defined by the retaining member 36. Specifically, the retaining member 36 may have a retaining body 60 and a flange 112 projecting outward from the retaining body 60. The retaining body 60 may be oriented substantially along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and may define the second stop member 42. The flange 112 may extend from the retaining body 60 in a forward direction to surround the frame 26. Alternatively, the flange 112 may define the second stop member 42 as needed. The retaining member 36 may be configured to abut the second surface 110 of the support housing 24, but is prevented from physically contacting the first surface 108. When the retaining member 36 is secured to the module housing 30, the first length along the longitudinal direction L from the first stop member 40 to the second stop member 42 may be slightly greater than the total length of the frame 26 along the longitudinal direction L. The abutment between the support housing 24 (particularly the frame 26, and more particularly the inner surface of the frame 26 defining the aperture 28) and the outer surface of the module body 32 restricts movement of the module body 32 relative to either or both of the support housing 24 and the substrate 62 in each of the lateral and transverse directions A and T. The support housing may be completely free of recesses and grooves extending into its inner surface. Thus, in one embodiment, neither the module housing 30 nor the retaining member 36 is placed in a recess or groove of the frame 26.

[0061] Referring now to Figures 7A through 9B, and as described above, the retaining member 36, module housing 30, and alignment housing 65 can all be configured to support the RF cable connector 34. Specifically, the module housing 30 defines at least one module housing channel 44, such as a plurality of module housing channels 44 extending along the longitudinal direction L through the module body 32. The module housing channels 44 are configured to receive the cable connector 34. Similarly, the retaining member 36 may define a plurality of retaining member channels 46 extending through the retaining body 60. Channels 46 can be aligned along the longitudinal direction L with channels 44 of the module housing 30. Likewise, the alignment housing 65 may define a plurality of channels 67 extending therethrough along the longitudinal direction L. Channels 67 can be aligned along the longitudinal direction L with channels 46 of the retaining member 36 and channels 44 of the module housing 30. Therefore, the RF cable connector 34 extends through the respective aligners in the retaining component channel 46, the module housing channel 44, and the alignment housing 65 channel 67. The mating end of the RF cable connector 34 may extend through the alignment housing 65 channel 67 and into the gap defined by the shield 66. In one example, the mating end 48 of the RF cable connector 34 does not extend through the shield 66 in the forward direction.

[0062] The RF cable connector 34 can be held in any suitable manner as needed. For example, in one instance, the module housing channel 44 may be stepped to define a shoulder 45. The RF cable connector 34 defines an RF cable connector housing 39 including one or more outwardly projecting spring contacts 47. The spring contacts 47 may be elastically flexible. As the cable connector 34 is inserted into the module housing channel 44 in the forward direction, the spring contacts 47 flex inward from their initial position as they span the inner surface of the module housing 30 defining the channel 44, and thus also define the shoulder 45. Because the spring contacts 47 are elastic, they are biased to move outward toward their initial position. Therefore, as the spring contacts travel through the module housing channel 44 and past the shoulder 45 as the RF cable connector 34 travels in the forward direction, the spring contacts 47 flex outward along the longitudinal direction L to a position aligned with the shoulder 45. Therefore, the abutment between the spring contact 47 and the shoulder 45 prevents the RF cable connector 34 from retracting in the rearward direction. Thus, it can be said that the RF cable connector 34 can be snap-fitted into the module housing 30. The RF cable connector housing 39 may further include a rear abutment member 43 on the rearward opposing surface that abuts the retaining member 36. Therefore, the abutment between the abutment member 43 and the retaining member 36 prevents movement of the RF cable connector 34 in the forward direction. During use, the RF cable connector 34 can be inserted into the module housing channel 44 until the abutment member 43 abuts the retaining member 36, at which point the spring contact 47 has traveled past the shoulder 45 as described above. Therefore, the abutment between the spring contact 47 and the shoulder 45 and the abutment between the abutment member 43 and the retaining member 36 prevent movement of the RF cable connector 34 relative to the contact retaining assembly 79 in the longitudinal direction L, which can be defined by the module housing 30 and the retaining member 36. In other instances, the abutment member 43 of the RF cable connector 34 may abut the rear opposing surface of the module housing 30 to prevent the RF cable connector 34 from moving along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, it should be understood that movement of the module housing 30 causes corresponding movement of the RF cable connector 34, the alignment housing 65, and the retaining member 36, all of which are fixed together relative to each other in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0063] When the RF cable connector 34 needs to be removed from the floating connector support assembly 81, the alignment housing 65 can be removed from the module housing 30. Specifically, the fasteners can be removed, and the alignment housing can then be removed, exposing the spring contact 47. The removal instrument can then be inserted rearward to deflect the spring contact 47 inward and misaligned with the shoulder 45, thereby removing the abutment that prevents the RF cable connector 34 from retracting in the rearward direction. The rearward force can then be applied relative to the module housing 30 to the RF cable connector 34, causing the RF cable connector to be removed. While the shoulder 45 can be defined by the module housing 30 as described above, the shoulder 45 can alternatively be defined by the alignment housing 65 or the retaining member 36 as needed. Furthermore, although the RF cable contact 34 is configured to insert in the forward direction and remove in the rearward direction, it should be understood that the RF cable contact 34 can alternatively be configured to insert in the rearward direction and remove in the forward direction.

[0064] The RF cable connector 34 defines a mounting end configured to secure an electrical conductor to a cable 58 or a transmission line via an alternative configuration, thereby placing the cable 58 or the transmission line via an alternative configuration into electrical communication with the mating end 48 of the RF cable connector 34. The RF cable connector defines a pin 56 at the mating end 48 configured to mate with the electrical contacts of the complementary RF cable connector 55 of the bracket 52, thereby placing the complementary RF cable connector 55 and the backplate 50 into electrical communication with the cable or the transmission line via an alternative configuration. When configured to terminate a transmission line at the base plate 62, the base plate 62 can be placed into electrical communication with the complementary RF cable connector 55 and the backplate 50.

[0065] Referring also to Figures 10A and 10B, pin 56 may be surrounded by sleeve 59 in an initial position. Sleeve 59 may be displaced in the rearward direction from the initial position to expose pin 56, after which pin 56 extends relative to sleeve 59 in the forward direction. During use, sleeve 59 may be displaced in the rearward direction as RF cable connector 34 mates with complementary RF cable connector 55 of bracket 52. RF cable connector 34 may include a spring member that applies a spring force to pin 56, which biases the pin in the forward direction. Therefore, pin 56 can move in the rearward direction against the spring force.

[0066] While the floating connector support assembly 81 may support one or more RF cable connectors 34 in individual channels 44 as described above, it should be understood that one or more of the channels 44 may alternatively or additionally support one or more of the optical connectors 78 in the manner described above with respect to the RF cable connectors 34. Therefore, it should be understood that at least some, up to all, of the channels 44 extend through the corresponding cable connectors 34 of the module housing 30. Alternatively or additionally, at least some, up to all, of the channels 44 extend through the corresponding optical connectors 78 of the module housing 30. Thus, one or more RF cable connectors 34 and one or more optical connectors 78 may be supported by the common floating connector support assembly 81 in the manner described above with respect to the RF cable connectors 34. As a result, the common housing may support at least one optical connector 78 and at least one RF cable connector 34, each comprising a dielectric housing and a transmission line supported by the dielectric housing. At least one optical connector 78 and at least one RF cable connector 34 can therefore be floating in the manner described with respect to the RF cable connectors 34. Specifically, the common housing supporting or otherwise containing at least one optical connector 78 and at least one RF cable connector 34 can be floated in the manner described above. In this regard, the common housing can be defined by the module housing 30. Therefore, both the RF cable connector and the optical connector 78 can float relative to the common support housing 24 and the underlying substrate 62. It should be understood that because the RF cable connector and the optical connector 78 can extend through the module housing 30, and the module housing 30 extends through the support housing 24, it can be said that the RF cable connector and the optical connector 78 extend through the common support housing 24. Alternatively, the common support housing 24 can contain each of the RF cable connector 34 and the optical connector 78. Channels 44 can have substantially the same diameter configured to accommodate connectors of substantially equal size. Alternatively, some of the channels 44 can have different diameters relative to at least one other channel 44, such that channels 44 are configured to accommodate connectors of different sizes. It should be understood that the RF cable connector 34 and the optical connector 78 may be sized substantially the same in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L at the portion of their extension through the channel 44, or may be sized in different ways.

[0067] Referring now to Figures 11A to 11D, the optical cable assembly 76, and therefore the data communication system 20, can be supported by a substrate and may include an optical connector 78, a support member 84, a plurality of optical cables 90 or alternative optical transmission lines, and a biasing member 92. The optical connector 78 defines a mating end 80 configured to mate with a complementary optical connector 77 of the bracket 52. The mating end 80 of the optical connector 78 may be positioned adjacent to the mating end 48 of at least one of the cable connectors 34, meaning that no other connector is positioned between the mating end 80 and the mating end 48.

[0068] An optical connector 78 supports at least one alignment member 82 extending outwardly from the optical connector 78 in the forward direction. A support member 84 may have a support body 86 and at least one latching member 88 extending from the support body 86 in the forward direction. An optical cable 90 may extend through the support member 84 and terminate at the optical connector 78, enabling optical communication between the optical cable 90 and a mating end 80. A biasing member 92 may extend from the optical connector 78 to the support member 84 to bias the optical connector 78 in the forward direction. The biasing member 92 may allow resilient movement of the optical connector 78 relative to the support member 84 in a longitudinal direction L that includes the forward direction and a direction opposite to the forward direction. An optical assembly 76 may include an optical housing 96 configured to receive the optical cable 90. Specifically, the optical cable 90 may pass through the biasing member 92 and the optical housing 96 in the forward direction and enter the optical connector 78. The latching member 88 may be cantilevered from the support body 86.

[0069] In one example, the optical connector 78 may support first and second alignment members 82 spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction T. The latching member 88 may be a hook or barb 91 in a plane including the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The optical connector 78 may further include an alignment support housing 94, such that the alignment member 82 is secured within the alignment support housing 94. The optical connector 78 may further include a sleeve 93 disposed forward of the alignment support housing 94. The biasing member 92 may be positioned against the alignment support housing 94 and the support member 84. In one example, the biasing member 92 may be configured as a helical spring, but may be configured as any suitable alternative biasing member as needed. The optical assembly 76 may further include an optical housing 96 configured to receive the support member 84, such that the support member 84 is fixed by relative movement relative to the optical housing 96. The support member 84 may be mounted to a substrate 62. Because the support housing 24 is also mounted to the substrate 62, the substrate 62 may be referred to as a common substrate.

[0070] The latching member 88, and in particular the hook or barb 91, engages the complementary latching member 98 of the optical housing 96 to resist the retraction of the support member 84 relative to the optical housing 96 in the rearward direction. Specifically, the latching member 88 can engage the complementary latching member 98 when the support member 84 is inserted into the optical housing 96. The optical connector 78 can engage the stop structure 99 of the communication module 64 to prevent further movement of the optical connector 78 in the forward direction. Therefore, when the support member 84 is inserted into the optical housing 96, the support member 94 compresses the biasing member 92, such that the biasing member 92 provides resistance to the forward biasing force of the optical connector 78. In one example, the latching member 88 can be configured as a first or top latching member 88a disposed within the optical housing 96. Specifically, the optical housing 96 may include a top wall 102 covering the top latching member 88a. The top latching member 88a can therefore be disposed relative to the lateral direction T between the bottom substrate 62 and the top wall 102. The optical housing 95 may define a top aperture 103a extending through the top wall 102 at a location aligned with the top latch member 88a in the lateral direction T. In one example, the top complementary latch member 98a may partially define the top aperture 103a, or otherwise be disposed in or aligned with the top aperture 103a. Thus, when it is necessary to remove the support member 84 from the optical housing 96, a tool may be inserted into the top aperture 103a to disengage the top latch member 88 from the top complementary latch member 98a.

[0071] At least one latching member 88 of the support member 84 may further include a second or bottom latching member 88b opposing the top latching member 88a along the lateral direction T. The bottom latching member 88b may be substantially the same size and shape as the top latching member 88a. The bottom latching member 88b may be disposed within the optical housing 96. The optical housing 96 may further include a bottom wall 100 opposing the top wall 102, such that the bottom wall 100 extends below the bottom latching member 88b. The optical housing 96 may define a bottom aperture 103b extending through the bottom wall 100 aligned with the bottom latching member 88 along the lateral direction T. The bottom complementary latching member 98b may partially define the bottom aperture 103b, or otherwise be disposed in or aligned with the bottom aperture 103b. Therefore, when it is necessary to remove the support member 84 from the optical housing 96, a tool can be inserted into the bottom aperture 103b to disengage the bottom latch member 88b from the bottom complementary latch member 98b. The top aperture 103a and the bottom aperture 103b can be configured to be smaller than either or both of the top latch member 88a and the bottom latch member 88b in separate planes oriented perpendicular to the lateral direction T. It should be understood that the communication module 64 may include a plurality of optical cable assemblies 76, wherein the support member 84 of each of the optical cable assemblies is supported by a separate optical housing 96.

[0072] It should be understood that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure covers a wide range of specific examples. Terms such as those above and below refer to the orientation of the various elements depicted in the figures and do not necessarily describe the orientation of elements in the final product. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described above with respect to the specific examples can be used alone or in combination with any of the other specific examples described above. It should be further understood that the various alternative specific examples described above with respect to one illustrated specific example can be applied to all specific examples as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0073] 18: Data Communication Component 20: Data Communication System 22: RF connector assembly 24: Support shell 26: Framework 28: Porosity 30: Module housing 31: Shell Body 32: Module Body 33: Track 34: RF cable connector 36: Retaining component 38: Flange 39: RF cable connector housing 40: First stop component 42 Second stop component 43: Adjacent components 44: Module housing channel 45: Shoulders 46: Maintain component access 47: Outwardly protruding spring contact piece 48: Pairing end 50: Backplate 51: Channel 52: Bracket 53: Bracket housing 55: Complementary cable connector 56: Sales 57: Complementary RF Connector Assembly 58: Cable 59: Sleeve 60: Maintain the original body 62: Module substrate 64: Communication Module 65: Align with the housing 66: Protective shield 67: Channel 68: Electrical connector 69: Complementary electrical connectors 70: Connector housing 72: Electrical contacts 74: Pairing end 75: Pairing Interface 76: Optical Components 77: Optical Connector 78: Optical Connector 79: Contact Retention Assembly 80: Pairing end 81: Floating connector support assembly 82: Alignment components 83: Sales 84: Support components 85: Alignment components 86: Supporting the main body 88: Latch component 88a: First or top latch component 88b: Second or bottom latch component 89: Socket 90: Cables / Optical Cables 91: Hook or barb 92: Bias Component 93: Sleeve 94: Align with the support housing 96: Optical housing 98: Complementary latch component 98a: Top Complementary Latch Component 98b: Bottom Complementary Latch Component 99: Stopping Structure 100:Bottom wall 102: Top Wall 103: Porosity 103a: Top pores 103b: Bottom pores 106: Fasteners 107: Fasteners 108: First or front surface 110: Second Surface 112: Flange A: Lateral direction AA: Section line BB: Section line T: Lateral direction L: Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A data communication system comprising: a module housing having a first stop member; a cable connector supported by the module housing and biased by a spring in a mating direction; a second stop member spaced apart from the first stop member along a longitudinal direction, wherein the mating direction is oriented along the longitudinal direction; and a support housing disposed between the first stop member and the second stop member, wherein the support housing is configured to be mounted to a substrate, wherein when the support housing is mounted to the substrate, the module housing is movable relative to the support housing and the substrate.

2. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein a length along the longitudinal direction from the first stop member to the second stop member is slightly greater than a length of the total length of the support housing along the longitudinal direction L, such that the adjacency between the support housing and the module housing restricts the movement of the module body relative to the support housing.

3. The data communication system of claim 2, wherein the movement of the module body relative to the support housing is in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

4. The data communication system of claim 3, wherein the movement of the module body relative to the support housing is further in a transverse direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.

5. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a frame and an aperture extending through the frame, wherein the module housing extends through the aperture.

6. The data communication system of claim 5, wherein the module housing is smaller than the aperture in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the module housing is movable relative to the support housing within the frame along at least one of a lateral direction oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a transverse direction oriented perpendicular to each of the longitudinal and lateral directions.

7. The data communication system of claim 6, wherein the aperture has a substantially constant size along its length through the support housing relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

8. The data communication system of claim 5, wherein the aperture is set to be larger than the module housing in each of a lateral direction perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a transverse direction.

9. The data communication system of claim 5, wherein the first stop member is disposed adjacent to the frame in the mating direction, and the second stop member is disposed adjacent to the frame in the mating direction in a rearward opposing manner.

10. The data communication system of claim 5 further includes a retaining member, the retaining member including the second stop member, wherein when the module body is placed in the aperture, the retaining member cooperates with the module housing to capture the support housing.

11. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein the cable connector defines a mating end including a pin and a sleeve surrounding the pin, wherein the pin is movable in a rearward direction against a spring force of the spring and opposite to the mating direction.

12. The data communication system of claim 11, wherein the pin extends from the sleeve in the mating direction and is configured to mate with an electrical contact of a complementary cable connector.

13. The data communication system of claim 12, wherein movement of the module housing causes a corresponding movement of the mating end.

14. The data communication system as described in claim 1, wherein the cable is a coaxial RF cable connector.

15. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein the module housing supports a plurality of cable connectors such that movement of the module housing in the lateral direction and in the transverse direction corresponds to movement of each of the cable connectors.

16. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein the cable connector snaps into the module housing.

17. The data communication system of claim 1, wherein the module housing is substantially fixed relative to the relative movement in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

18. The data communication system of claim 1 further includes an optical cable assembly, the optical cable assembly comprising: an optical connector defining a mating end, wherein the optical connector supports at least one alignment member extending outwardly from the optical connector in a forward direction; a support member having a support body and at least one latching member cantilevered from the support body in the forward direction; a plurality of optical fibers extending through the support member and terminating at the optical connector, such that the optical fibers optically communicate with the mating end; and a biasing member extending from the optical connector to the support member to bias the optical connector in the forward direction, wherein the biasing member allows the optical connector to resiliently move relative to the support member in a direction offset from a longitudinal direction, the direction including the forward direction and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction.

19. The data communication system of claim 18, wherein the optical connector supports a first alignment member and a second alignment member spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction, and the latching member defines a latch in a plane including the longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal and transverse directions.

20. The data communication system of claim 19, wherein the mating end of the optical connector is disposed adjacent to one of the mating ends of the cable connector.

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