High density electrical cable connector with self-securing electrical contacts

Abstract

A high density electrical connector can include a connector housing and electrical contacts supported by the connector housing. The contacts extend through channels of the connector housing. The channels can be arranged in rows of channels, wherein the channels of each row are spaced from each other along a row direction. The connector housing includes slots that can connect adjacent ones of the channels to each other along a row direction.

Description

HIGH DENSITY ELECTRICAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH SELF-SECURING ELECTRICAL CONTACTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 516,780 filed July 31, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] PCT Publication No. WO 2022 / 015828 Al published January 20, 2022, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0285861 Al, published September 8, 2022, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0004] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0181826 Al, published June 9, 2022, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0005] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0257722 Al, published October 15, 2009, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0227245 Al, published July 25, 2019, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0007] US Patent No. 10,558,000, issued February 11, 2020, is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for all purposes.

[0008] Electrical cable assemblies include an electrical connector having a connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing. For instance, the electrical contacts can be disposed in respective channels that extend through the connector housing. Electrical cable assemblies can further include a plurality of electrical cables that are mounted to the mounting portions of the electrical contacts. The electrical contacts define mating portions that are disposed opposite the mounting portions and configured to mate with mating portions of complementary electrical contacts of a complementary electrical connector. The complementary electrical connector can also include a respective housing, electrical contacts, and cables mounted to the electrical contacts. Thus, when the electrical connectors are mated, the respective electrical cables can be placed in electrical communication with each other.

[0009] It can be desirable to ensure the reliable securement of the electrical contacts to the connector housing, while at the same time minimizing the footprint of the electrical contacts at the mating interface of the connector housing. Conventional electrical cable assemblies include mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts and / or an external cover to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing. However, the securement of the electrical contacts to the connector housing can be time consuming.SUMMARY

[0010] In one aspect, an electrical cable connector can include a connector housing that defines a front face, and a rear face opposite the front face along a longitudinal direction, the electrical cable connector having a plurality of channels that extend through the connector housing from the front face to the rear face. The electrical cable connector can further include a plurality of electrical contacts supported in respective ones of the channels, wherein the electrical contacts are configured to be mounted to respective ones of electrical cables, and the electrical contacts define mating portions that are disposed in respective ones of the plurality of channels. The electrical cable connector further comprises a slot that extends into the front face, and extends from a first one of the channels to an adjacent one of the channels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. l is a perspective view of a data communication assembly including a first electrical cable connector assembly and a second electrical cable connector assembly configured to mate with the first cable connector assembly;

[0012] Fig. 2A is a front perspective view of the first electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 1 including a first connector housing shown mounted to a first panel, a plurality of first electrical contacts supported by the first connector housing, and first electrical cables mounted to the first electrical contacts;

[0013] Fig. 2B is a rear perspective view of the first electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 2A;

[0014] Fig. 2C is an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of the first electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 2A, showing only one of the first electrical contacts, wherein the first electrical contact is being mounted to a first electrical cable;

[0015] Fig. 2D is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a mating interface of the first electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 2A;

[0016] Fig. 2E is an exploded perspective view of the first cable connector assembly of Fig. 2A, showing the first connector housing having first and second housing portions;

[0017] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the first electrical contact;

[0018] Fig. 3B is an exploded perspective view of a first electrical contact of Fig. 3 A being loaded into the first connector housing;

[0019] Fig. 3C is a rear perspective view of the first electrical cable connector assembly, but shown with the cables removed, and showing securement flanges of the electrical contacts disposed against the rear face of the first connector housing;

[0020] Fig. 3D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electrical cable connector assembly showing the first electrical contact of Fig. 3 A secured in the first connector housing of Fig. 2A in a first natural position;

[0021] Fig. 3E is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view similar to Fig. 3C, but showing the first electrical contact in a second compressed position;

[0022] Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the first electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 2A showing channels and slots of a first housing portion of the first connector housing, and electrical contacts of the first electrical cable connector assembly;

[0023] Fig. 5A is a front elevation view of the first housing portion of Fig. 2E;

[0024] Fig. 5B is a front perspective view of the first housing portion of Fig. 5A;

[0025] Fig. 5C is another front perspective view of the first housing portion of Fig. 5B;

[0026] Fig. 6 shows a method step of creating channels and slots;

[0027] Fig. 7A is a front perspective view of the second cable connector assembly of Fig. 1 including a second connector housing shown mounted to a second panel, a plurality of second electrical contacts supported by the second housing, and second electrical cables mounted to the first electrical contacts;

[0028] Fig. 7B is a rear perspective view of the second cable connector assembly of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 7C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a mating interface of the second electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 7A;

[0030] Fig. 8A is a sectional plan view of the second electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 3 A;

[0031] Fig. 8B is a front perspective view of the connector housing of the second electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 8 A; and

[0032] Fig. 8C is another front perspective view of the connector housing of the second electrical cable connector assembly of Fig. 8 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] It should be appreciated that reference herein to a singular apparatus or method step applies with equal force and effect to each of the plural and “at least one.” Similarly, reference herein to plural apparatus or method steps applies with equal force and effect to each of the singular and “at least one.” Reference herein to “at least one” apparatus or method step includes both the singular and the plural.

[0034] The term “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to described sizes, shapes, spatial relationships, distances, directions, and other parameters includes the stated parameter in addition to a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, such as up to 9% more and up to 9% less, such as up to 8% more and up to 8% less, such as up to 7% more and up to 7% less, such as up to 6% more and up to 6% less, such as up to 5% more and up to 5% less, such as up to 4% more and up to 4% less, such as up to 3% more and up to 3% less, such as up to 2% more and up to 2% less, such as up to 1% more and up to 1% less. If terms such as “equal”, “perpendicular”, or a numerical value associated with a given dimension are used to compare or describe elements of the invention, the terms should be interpreted as referring to within manufacturing tolerances.

[0035] In one example, a cable connector assembly is described having an electrical cable connector and a plurality of electrical contacts that can be mounted to the electrical cable connector. The electrical cable connector can include a connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts secured to the connector housing. The electrical contacts can be at least partially disposed in channels that extend through the connector housing. The electrical contacts are self-secured to the connector housing, meaning that no fixation components external to the electrical contacts are necessary in order to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing. In particular, electrical contacts are loaded or inserted into the connector housing in an insertion direction causes the electrical contacts to become secured to the connector housing.Thus, it is less time consuming and less complex to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing compared to conventional techniques. However, it has been discovered that providing an electrical cable connector whereby the electrical contacts are self-secured in the housing can cause the cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the channels to increase. As is described below, the electrical cable connector is configured such that the cross-sectional dimension of the channels can increase without decreasing the density of electrical contacts.

[0036] Referring now to Figs. 1-2E, a data communication assembly 20 includes a first electrical cable connector assembly 22 and a second electrical cable connector assembly 24. The first electrical cable connector assembly 22 can include a first electrical cable connector 26 and at least one first cable 28 such as a plurality of first cables 28 mounted to the first electrical cable connector 26. The second electrical cable connector assembly 24 can include a second electrical cable connector 30 and at least one second cable 32 such as a plurality of second cables 32 mounted to the second electrical cable connector 30. The first electrical cable connector 26 and the second electrical cable connector 30 can be referred to as first and second interconnects, respectively. The first and second cables 28 and 32, respectively, can be configured as electrical cables. For instance, the first and second cables 28 and 32 can be configured as coaxial cables, and in particular RF (radio frequencies) cables. In some example, the electrical cables 28 and 32 do not pass through a cable organizer. The first and second electrical cable connectors 26 and 30 can be mated to each other in a mating direction so as to place the first electrical cables 28 in electrical communication with respective ones of the second electrical cables 32. The first and second electrical cable connectors 26 and 30 can be unmated from each other as desired in a removal direction that is opposite the mating direction. The mating direction and the removal direction can be oriented along a longitudinal direction L.

[0037] The first electrical cable connector 26 can include a first connector housing 34 and a plurality of first electrical contacts 36 supported by the connector housing 34, and can extend along respective central axes oriented along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the electrical contacts 36 can be secured to the connector housing 34. The first cables 28 can be configured as electrical cables. For instance, the cables 28 can be configured as coaxial cables. In one example, the first connector housing 34 can be electrically conductive. For instance, the first connector housing 34 can be metallic, and can thus define a ground and electrical shielding for each of the first electrical contacts 36 and the electrical cables 28 that are mounted to theelectrical contacts 36. Tn other examples, the connector housing 34 can be an electrically insulative connector housing.

[0038] The first electrical cable connector 26 can be configured to be supported by or otherwise mounted to a first panel 33. In particular, the first connector housing 34 can include a front or first housing portion 38 and a rear or second housing portion 40. The first panel 33 can be captured between the first and second housing portions 38 and 40 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The first and second housing portions 38 and 40 can be secured to each other using any suitable fastener as desired, such that the first panel 33 is disposed between the first and second housing portions 38 and 40. The first panel 33 can be oriented along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. It should be appreciated that reference to the first housing portion 38 and the second housing portion 40 can apply with equal force and effect to the first connector housing 34, it being appreciated in alternative embodiments that the first connector housing 34 can, in other examples, be defined by a single monolithic body, for instance as described below with respect to the second electrical cable connector 30 that is mounted to a respective panel without capturing the respective panel between two housing portions. Thus, the first connector housing can be defined by a single monolithic body, for instance, if the first electrical cable connector 26 is mounted to the first panel 33 in the manner described below with respect to the second electrical cable connector 30, and thus without capturing the first panel between two housing portions. In other examples, the first and second electrical cable connectors 26 and 30 can be free-standing, and thus not mounted to respective panels.

[0039] Each of the first electrical contacts 36 can include a mating portion 36a and a mounting portion 36b opposite the mating portion 36a. The mounting portions 36b of the first electrical contacts 36 can be configured to be mounted to respective ones of the plurality of first electrical cables 28. For instance, the electrical contacts 36 can include respective first central electrical signal conductors 49 that each include a mounting aperture 37 (see also Fig. 3D) at the mounting portion 36b that receives an electrical signal conductor 47 of a respective one the first electrical cables 28, thereby placing the first electrical cables 28 in electrical communication with the first electrical contacts 36. A protective wrapping 39 can be applied to each cable 28 and respective electrical contact 36 adjacent the rear face 43b of the first connector housing 34. For instance, each wrapping 39 can extend along a respective one of the outer insulative jacketsof the electrical cables 28, across the interface between the electrical cable 28 and the electrical contact 36, and along the mounting portion 36b when the mounting portion 36b is mounted to the electrical cables 28, respectively. The wrapping 39 can be disposed external to the first connector housing 34. The wrapping 39 can be electrically insulative. In one example, the wrapping can be a heat shrink wrap.

[0040] The mating portions 36a can be configured to mate with respective mating portions of electrical contacts of the complementary second electrical cable connector 30. In one example, the electrical signal conductors 49 can define receptacles 41 at the mating portions 36a that are configured to receive complementary plugs of the electrical contacts of the second electrical cable connector 30 so as to mate the first electrical contacts 36 with the electrical contacts of the second electrical cable connector 30. In other examples, the mating portions 36a can be configured as plugs that are configured to be received by respective receptacles 41 of the electrical contacts of the second electrical cable connector 30 so as to mate the first electrical contacts 36 with the electrical contacts of the second electrical cable connector 30.

[0041] The first connector housing 34, and in particular the first housing portion 38, can include a first mounting plate 35 and a first housing body 42 that extends from the mounting plate 35 in the forward direction. The first mounting plate 35 can cooperate with the second housing portion 40 so as to capture the first panel 33 therebetween. The first housing portion 38, and thus the connector housing 34, defines a first front face 34a. The mounting plate 35, and thus the first housing portion 38 and the first connector housing 34, can define a first rear face 34b opposite the first front face 34a along the longitudinal direction. For instance, the first front face 34a can be opposite the first rear face 34b in the mating direction, which can also be referred to as a forward direction. Conversely, the first rear face 34b is opposite the first front face 34a in the unmating direction, which can also be referred to as a rearward direction opposite the forward direction. The terms “forward,” “front,” words of similar import, and derivatives thereof are used herein with reference to the forward direction. The terms “rearward,” “rear,” words of similar import, and derivatives thereof are used herein with reference to the rearward direction. The electrical contacts 36 can be configured such that the mating portions 36a do not extend out with respect to the front face 34a in the mating direction. The first rear face 34b can face or abut the first panel 33. The first rear face 34b can also face toward the second housing portion 40.

[0042] The second housing portion 40 can define a front face 43a that faces the first panel 33 and thus also faces the first housing portion 38. In particular, the front face 43a of the second housing portion 40 can face the rear face 34b of the first housing portion 38. Thus, the panel 33 can be captured between the rear face 34b of the first housing portion 38 and the front face 43 a of the second housing portion 42a. The front face 34a of the first housing portion 38 and the rear face 43b of the second housing portion 40 can define front and rear faces of the first connector housing 34. As will be described in more detail below, the electrical contacts 36 can be secured to the first connector housing 34 at the second housing portion 40.

[0043] The first electrical cable connector 26 can include a plurality of channels 44 that extend from the front face 34a to the rear face 34b along the longitudinal direction. Thus, it can be said that the first connector housing 34 can include a plurality of channels 44 that extends through the first housing portion 38 along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the plurality of channels 44 each extend along respective longitudinal channel centerlines that each lie parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction L. The channels 44 can be through holes that extend completely through the first connector housing 34 from the front face 42a to the rear face 42b. The channels 44 can further extend through the second housing portion 40 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the channels 44 can be through holes that extend completely through the first connector housing 34 from the front face 42a of the first housing portion 38 to the rear face 43b of the second housing portion 40. Each of the channels 44 can define a first channel segment 44a that extends through the first housing portion 38 from the front face to the rear face, and a second channel segment 44b that extends through the second housing portion 40 from the front face 43a to the rear face 43b. The second channels segments 44b are aligned with the first channel segments 44a, respectively, along the longitudinal direction L. It can therefore be said that the first connector housing 34 can include the plurality of channels 44 that extend therethrough from the first front face 34a to the first rear face 34b of the first housing portion. The channels 44 can be substantially cylindrical in shape, and thus can be substantially circular in cross-section. As will be described in more detail below, the diameter of the channels 44 can vary along their respective lengths. It should be appreciated, of course, that the channels 44 can have any suitable alternative shape as desired.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3C, the first channel segments 44a can have a constant diameter from the front face 34a to the rear face 34b of the first housing portion 38. Thediameter of the second channel segments 44b at the rear face 43b can be less than the diameter of the second channel segments 44b at the front face 43a of the second housing portion 40. The diameter of the second channel segments 44b at the front face 43 a of the second housing portion 40 can be greater than the diameter of the first channel segments 44a.

[0045] Referring again to Figs. 1-2E and 5A-5C, each of the channels 44 can define a front opening at the front face 34a of the first housing portion 38 and a rear opening at the rear face 34b of the second housing portion 40. The first channel segment 44a can define a front channel opening at the front face 34a of the first housing portion 38, and a rear channel opening at the rear face 34b of the first housing portion 38. The second channel segment 44b can define a front channel opening at the front face 43 a of the second housing portion 40, and a rear channel opening at the rear face 43b of the second housing portion 40. Thus, the description of the channels 44 herein apply with equal force and effect to the channel opening at the front face 34, the rear face 34b, the front face 43a, and the rear face 43b, unless otherwise indicated. The channels 44 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Each of the first electrical contacts 36 can be supported by the connector housing 34 in respective ones of the channels 44. For instance, at least a portion of the mating portions 36a can be disposed in the respective ones of the channels 44, and in particular of the first channel segment 44a. At least a portion of the mounting portions 36b can be disposed in respective ones of the channels 44, and in particular of the second channel segment 44b. The electrical contacts 36 can be substantially centrally disposed in the channels 44 along respective central axes of the channels 44 that are oriented along the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] The channels 44 can be arranged in an array 46 that includes rows 48 of channels 44 that are spaced from each other along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The lateral direction A can be referred to as a row direction, wherein the channels 44 of each of the rows 48 are spaced from each other along the row direction. In one example, the channels 44 can be arranged in first and second rows 48, though it should be appreciated that the first electrical cable connector 26 includes any number of rows 48 of channels 44 as desired. The rows 48 can be spaced from each other along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to each of the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L.

[0047] In one example, the array 46 includes two rows 48 of channels 44, and each row 48 includes three channels 44. Thus, the array 46 can include six channels 44. It should be appreciated, of course, that the array 46 can include any number of channels 44 as desired arranged in any number of rows 48, or alternatively arranged as desired. All channels 44 of the array 46 can be fully enclosed by the connector housing 34 along a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, all openings or channels 44 of the array 46 at the front face 34a can be enclosed by the front face 34a along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Otherwise stated, all of the channels 44 of the array 46 terminate in the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, none of the channels 44 of the array 46 extends through the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L.

[0048] The first electrical cable connector 26 can include a plurality of slots 50 that extend into the first front face 34a in the rearward direction toward the first rear face 34b. For instance, the slots 50 can extend through the first housing portion 38 from the first front face 34a to the first rear face 34b along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, it can be said that the first connector housing 34 can further include the plurality of slots 50 that extend therethrough along the longitudinal direction L. The slots can be through holes that extend completely through the first connector housing 34 from the front face 42a to the rear face 42b. The slots 50 can further through the second housing portion 40 from the front face 43a to the rear face 43b along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the slots 50 can be through holes that extend completely through the first connector housing 34 from the front face 42a of the first housing portion 48 to the rear face 43b of the second housing portion. The slots 50 can define a first slot segment 50a that extends through the first housing portion 38, and a second slot segment 50b that extends through the second housing portion. Thus, the slots 50 can therefore extend entirely through the first connector housing 34. The slots 50 can have a substantially constant width along the lateral direction A and a substantially constant thickness along the transverse direction T from the front face 34a to the rear face 34b. Otherwise stated, each first slot segment 50a can have a substantially constant width and thickness along an entirety of its length along the longitudinal direction. The slots 50 can have a different cross-sectional shape than the channels 44 in a respective plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the slots 50 and the channels 44 can have the same cross-sectional shape in the respective plane,wherein the slots 50 are sized smaller than the channels 44. For instance, the slots and channels 44 can define respective portions of cylinders.

[0049] Each of the slots 50 can define a front slot opening at the front face 34a of the first housing portion 38 and a rear slot opening at the rear face 34b of the second housing portion 40. The first slot segment 50a can define a front slot opening at the front face 34a of the first housing portion 38, and a rear slot opening at the rear face 34b of the first housing portion 38. The second slot segment 50b can define a front slot opening at the front face 43a of the second housing portion 40, and a rear slot opening at the rear face 43b of the second housing portion 40. The slots 50 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the description of the slots 50 herein apply with equal force and effect to each of the slot openings at the front face 34, the rear face 34b, the front face 43a, and the rear face 43b, unless otherwise indicated.

[0050] Each of the slots 50 can extend from a respective first one of the channels 44 to an adjacent one of the channels 44. For instance, each of the slots 50 can extend from a respective first one of the channels 44 to an adjacent one of the channels 44 along the row direction. The first one of the channels 44 and the adjacent one of the channels 44 can thus be open to a common one of the slots 50. Further, the first one of the channels 44 and the adjacent one of the channels 44 can thus be fluidly connected to each other by the common one of the slots 50. Further, outermost ones of the channels 44 along the row direction can be fluidly connected to each other by at least one other one of the channels 44 and a plurality of the slots 50. The first one of the channels 44 and the adjacent one of the channels 44 can be positioned immediately adjacent each other such that no other channels 44 are disposed between the first one of the channels 44 and the adjacent one of the channels 44. Thus, each channel 44 that has two adjacent channels 44 along the row direction, such as the middle channels 44 of each of the rows 48, can be adjoined to each of the two adjacent channels 44 by respective first and second slots 50. Each channel 44 that has only a single adjacent channel 44 along the row direction can be adjoined to the single adjacent channel 44 by a single one of the slots 50. In one example, the slots do not extend along the transverse direction T from a respective one of the channels 44 to an adjacent channel 44 that is adjacent the respective one of the channels 44 along the transverse direction T. It can further be said that the slots 50 can connect adjacent ones of the channels 44 to each other along the row direction. Thus, adjacent ones of the channels 44 are open to each other through a respective one of the slots 50.

[0051] Because the slots 50 extend only between adjacent ones of the channels 44 along the row direction, all of the slots in the array 46 terminate in the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, none of the slots 50 of the array 46 extends through the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0052] Referring now to Figs. 3A-3C, each first electrical contact 36 can include a radially outer body 65, a radially inner body 64 that extends through the radially outer body 65, and the central signal conductor 49 that extends through the radially inner body 64. The radially outer body 65 and the radially inner body 64 can be annular bodies. The signal conductor 49 can be electrically isolated from the radially inner body 64 and the radially outer body 65. For instance, the electrical contacts 36 can define electrically insulative support members 53 that are translatably fixed to the radially inner body 64, and support the electrical conductors 49 that extend through the support members 53. The radially inner body 64 and the radially outer body 65 can be in contact with each other, and the radially outer body can be in contact with the first connector housing 34. Thus, the radially inner body 64, the radially outer body 65, and the first connector housing 34 can be in electrical communication with each other. The radially inner body 64 can be mounted to the electrical ground shield of the first electrical cables 28, thereby placing the ground shields of the electrical cables 28 in electrical communication with the first connector housing 34. The first connector housing 34 therefore provides an electrical ground for the first electrical cables 28.

[0053] The first electrical contacts 36 can each include first and second securement members that are supported by the radially outer body 65 so as to secure the first electrical contact 36 to the first connector housing 34, and in particular to the second housing portion 40. For instance, each first electrical contact 36 can include at least one spring finger 66 that projects out from the outer body 65. The at least one spring finger 66 can define the first securement member. The spring finger 66 can taper radially outward as it extends in the rearward direction. In one example, each first electrical contact 36 can include a plurality of spring fingers 66 that are circumferentially spaced from each other about the central axis of the electrical contact 36, such as a pair of spring fingers 66 that are radially opposite each other. The spring fingers 66 can be aligned with each other in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each first electrical contact 36 can further include a securement flange 68 that projectsradially outward from the outer body 65. The securement flange 68 can be offset from the spring fingers 66 in the rearward direction. The securement flange 68 can define the second securement member. As will be described in more detail below, the spring fingers 66 and the securement flange 68 can cooperate to capture a length of the first connector housing 34 therebetween, thereby securing the first electrical contacts to the first connector housing 34, and in particular to the second housing portion 40. Thus, the radially outer body 65 can also be referred to as a securement body that is attached to the second housing portion 40 so as to secure the electrical contacts 36 to the connector housing 34.

[0054] The radially inner body 64 and the signal conductor 49 can define the mating portion 36a and the mounting portion 36b. The mating portion 36a and the mounting portion 36b can be translatably fixed to each other. To secure the electrical contacts 36 to the connector housing 34, the electrical contacts 36 are oriented such that the mating portion 36a is opposite the mounting portion 36b in the forward direction. The electrical contacts 36 are then aligned with respective ones of the channels 44. The electrical contacts 36 are then moved in an insertion direction in which the electrical contacts 36 are loaded into the connector housing 34, and in particular into the respective channels 44. The insertion direction can be defined by the forward direction. Thus, the mating portions 36a can define the leading ends of the electrical contacts 36 with respect to insertion into the connector housing 34. When the connector housing 34 includes the first and second housing portions 38 and 40 in the manner described above, the electrical contacts are inserted into the second channel segment 44b of the second housing portion 40.

[0055] The connector housing 34 can include an internal shoulder 70 that projects radially inward into the channel 44. In particular, the second housing portion 40 can define the shoulder 70 that extends into the second channel segment 44b. The shoulder 70 can extend to the rear face 43b of the second housing portion, or the rear end of the shoulder 70 can be spaced from the rear face 43b in the forward direction. The spring fingers 66 are configured to interfere with the internal shoulder 70 of the connector housing 34, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts 36 from the respective channels 44 in a rearward direction opposite the insertion direction. In particular, as the electrical contacts 36 are inserted into the channels 44, the connector housing 34 causes the spring fingers 66 to resiliently compress radially as they travel along the shoulder 70. Once the spring fingers 66 have traveled past the front end of theshoulder 70, the spring fingers 66 spring radially outward to a position in which the spring fingers 66 are aligned with the shoulder 70 along the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the shoulder 70 is disposed adjacent the spring fingers 66 in the rearward direction. The front end of the shoulder 70 can be spaced from the rear face 43b of the second housing portion 40 a first distance along the longitudinal direction that is less than a second distance in which the spring fingers 66 are spaced from the securement flange 68 along the longitudinal direction L. As a result, when the spring fingers 66 are disposed forward of the shoulder 70, the securement flange 68 is disposed rearward of the rear face 43b of the connector housing 34, and in particular of the second housing portion 40.

[0056] The first and second distances can be configured such that the length of the connector housing 34 is defined by the shoulder 70 that is captured between the spring fingers 66 and the securement flange 68. Thus, the spring fingers 66 are configured to abut a first stop surface of the connector housing 34, and in particular of the second housing portion 40, so as to prevent movement of the electrical contact 36 in the rearward direction. The first stop surface can be defined by the front end of the shoulder 70. It can therefore be said that the spring fingers 66 interfere with the connector housing 34, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts from the respective channels in the rearward direction opposite the insertion direction. The securement flange 68 is configured to abut a second stop surface of the connector housing 34, and in particular of the second housing portion 40, so as to limit movement of the electrical contact in the insertion direction. For instance, abutment between the securement flanges 68 and the second stop surfaces of the connector housing 34 can prevent further movement of the respective electrical contacts 36 in the forward or insertion direction after the respective electrical contacts 36 have been inserted into the respective channels 44 in the insertion direction. The second stop surface can be defined by the rear face 43b of the connector housing 34. When each of the electrical contacts 36 is secured to the connector housing 34, the mounting portion 36b can terminate in the forward direction in the respective second channel segment 44b of the channel 44. The mating portion 36a can extend forward from the mounting portion 36b, and thus can extend from the second channel segment 44b into the first channel segment 44a along the forward direction. Alternatively, the mounting portion 36b can have a length suitable such that the mounting portion 36b extends into the first channel segment 44a. The first housing portion 38 can be referred to as a mating housing portion, whereby the mating portions 36a aredisposed in the mating housing portion. The second housing portion 40 can be referred to as a securement housing portion, whereby the securement body 65 is secured to the securement housing portion.

[0057] It is recognized that a removal tool can be inserted into the channels 44 in the rearward direction from the front face 34a. The removal tool can be inserted to a depth in the channels 44 such that the removal tool contacts the spring fingers 66 and drives them radially inward to a position whereby the spring fingers 66 no longer interfere with the shoulders 70. Thus, the electrical contacts can then be removed from the channels 44 in the rearward direction. In some examples, it may be desirable to remove at least a removable portion of the first housing portion 38 to provide greater access to the channels 44 with the removal tool.

[0058] Referring now to Figs. 3D-3E, the securement body 65 is secured to the connector housing 34 such that the mating portion 36a is translatable with respect to the securement body 65 along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the securement body 65 can be substantially translatably fixed to the connector housing 34. In particular, interference between the securement body 65 and the connector housing 34 along the longitudinal direction L can limit or prevent movement of the securement body 65 in the forward and rearward direction with respect to the connector housing 34. The mating portion 36a, can translate in each of the forward and rearward directions with respect to the connector housing 34 a greater distance than the securement body 65 can translate with respect to the connector housing 34 in the forward and rearward directions, respectively. In some examples, the securement body 65 can be translatably fixed to the securement body.

[0059] In one example, the mounting portions 36b and the mating portions 36a can be interconnected such that the mounting portions 36b and the mating portions of each electrical contact 36 translate with each other relative to the securement body 65. Thus, when the mating portion 36a translates with respect to the securement body 65 and thus also with respect to the connector housing 34, the mounting portion 36b translates along with the mating portion 36a with respect to the securement body 65 and thus also with respect to the connector housing 34. , and thus also the mounting portion 36b which can be translatably fixed to the mating portion 36a The mating portion 36a and the mounting portion 36b can thus combine so as to define the radially inner body 64 that is translatable with respect to the radially outer securement body 65. The electrical contacts 36 can include electrically insulative support members 53 that are securedto the radially inner body 64. The electrical signal conductors 49 can extend through the support members 53 along the central axes of the electrical contacts 36, and can be translatably fixed to the support members 53. Because the support members 53 are translatably fixed to the inner portion 64, and because the electrical signal conductors 49 are translatably fixed to the support members 53, translation of the inner portion 64 along the longitudinal direction L causes the electrical conductors 49 to correspondingly translate along the longitudinal direction L. Because the support members 53 are electrically insulative, the electrical signal conductors 49 are electrically insulated from the radially inner body 64 and the radially outer body 65.

[0060] The radially inner body 64 can be biased in the forward direction toward the front face 34a of the connector housing 34. Thus, each of the mating portion 36a and the mounting portion 36b can be biased in the forward direction toward the front face 34a. In particular, each of the electrical contacts 36 can include a respective spring member 72 that biases the inner body 64, and thus the mating portion 36a and the mounting portion 36b, in the forward direction. For example, the inner body 64 and the securement body 65 can define first and second spring seats 74 and 76, respectively. The spring member 72 can extend from the first spring seat 74 to the second spring seat 76, thereby biasing the inner body 64 in the forward direction. The first spring seat 74 can be spaced from the second spring seat 76 in the forward direction. In one example, the first spring seat 74 can be defined by the mating portion 36a. The spring member 72 can be a coil spring that compresses when the inner body 64, and thus the mating portion 36a, travels in the rearward direction with respect to the housing 34. Thus, the spring member 72 can also be referred to as a compression spring. As shown, the spring members 72 can be fully contained inside the connector housing 34, and in particular inside the respective channels 44.

[0061] Movement of the mating portion 36a in the rearward direction from an initial position to a rearwardly displaced position is against the spring force of the spring member 72. During operation, when the electrical cable connectors 26 and 30 are mated with each other, contact between the mating portions 36a and the mating portions of the electrical contacts of the second electrical cable connector 30 can apply a force to the mating portions 36a that causes the mating portions 36a to travel in the rearward direction against the spring force from the initial position to the displaced position. In some examples, each spring member 72 does not extend beyond the rear face 43b of the connector housing 34 when the respective electrical contact 36 isin the first position. Further, in some examples, each spring member 72 does not extend beyond the rear face 43b of the connector housing 34 when the respective electrical contact 36 is in the displaced position. Additionally, in some examples, each spring member 72 is spaced from the rear face 43b in the forward direction both when the respective electrical contact 36 is in the first position and when the respective electrical contact 36 is in the displaced position. Thus, the spring members 72 are not positioned adjacent to the rear face 43b of the connector housing 34 when the electrical contacts 36 are in their initial positions..

[0062] It will be appreciated that the first electrical contacts 36 can be self-securing electrical contacts that are self-secured to the first connector housing 34. Thus, the electrical contacts 36 can be secured to the first connector housing 34 exclusively by contact between the electrical contacts and the connector housing. Otherwise stated, the electrical contacts 36 can be retained in the first connector housing 34 by only a direct physical connection between the electrical contacts 36 and the first connector housing 34. The electrical cable connector 26 can therefore be devoid of mechanical fasteners or other external securement members separate from the electrical contacts 36 to secure the electrical contacts 36 to the first connector housing 34. However, regions of the channel 44 spaced from the shoulder 70 are enlarged with respect to electrical cable connectors whose electrical contacts do not include spring fingers (for instance are instead secured to the connector housing using external fasteners). Therefore, the connector housing 34 would define a comparatively reduced amount of material between adjacent ones of the channels 44 when maintaining the array of channels 44 within the same footprint that is defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. In one example, the footprint at the front face 34a is defined by approximately 0.368 inch in the row direction and approximately 0.239 inch in the transverse direction T, which provides an area of approximately 0.088 inch at the front face 34a. The six channels 44 are disposed in the footprint at the front face 34a. It should be appreciated, of course, that the array of channels 44 can have any number of channels as desired.

[0063] The first electrical cable connector 26 can achieve a contact density of six electrical contacts 36 in the area of approximately 0.088 inch squared at the front face 34a. This contact density can be scaled up or down proportionally depending on the number of electrical contacts 36 of the electrical cable connector 26. For instance, the electrical connector can include any number of electrical contacts 36 as desired, for example from two to fifty in onenonlimiting example, and every single digit integer therebetween. The number of electrical contacts divided by six, then multiplied by 0.088 provides the area of connector housing at the front face 34a that can contain the electrical contacts 36.

[0064] Similarly, the first electrical cable connector 26 can achieve a channel density of six channels 44 in the area of approximately 0.088 inch squared at the front face 34a. This channel density can be scaled up or down proportionally depending on the number of channels 44 of the electrical cable connector 26. For instance, the electrical cable connector 26 can include any number of channels as desired, for example from two to fifty in one non-limiting example, and every single digit integer therebetween. The number of channels divided by six, then multiplied by 0.088 provides the area of connector housing at the front face 34a that can contain the channels 44.

[0065] Referring now to Figs. 4-5C, the present inventors have recognized that the reduction of material of the connector housing 34 can cause the portion of connector housing 34 that extends between adjacent ones of the channels 44 along the row direction, which includes three channels 44, to become reduced to the point that the structural integrity of the connector housing 34 can be unreliable between the adjacent ones of the channels 44 in the row direction. This is particularly true when widening the channels 44 without correspondingly enlarging the footprint that contains the array of channels 44, and the electrical contacts 36 disposed in the channels 44. The present inventors recognize that the structural integrity of the connector housing 34 can be maintained by removing the material of the connector housing 34 between adjacent ones of the channels 44 along the row direction. Removal of the material of the connector housing 34 creates the slots 50 described above. Therefore, the electrical cable connector 26 has electrical contacts 36 that are more easily installed in the connector housing 34 compared to conventional electrical cable connectors while maintaining the channel density, and thus the contact density, without compromising the structural integrity and manufacturability of the connector housing 34.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 3B, the slots 50 can extend the full length of the respective channels 44 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the slots 40 can extend through the shoulders 70. The slots 40 can be sized to ensure that the remaining shoulders 70 can reliably abut the spring fingers 66 in the manner describe above. Thus, referring again to Figs. 4-5C, the slots 40 have a thickness 61 in the transverse direction T that is at least equal to or greater than amaximum linear length of the spring fingers 66. The maximum linear length of the spring fingers 66 can be defined as extending along a straight line from one terminal end of the spring finger 66 to an opposed terminal end of the spring finger 66 in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, at least half of the spring fingers 66 of each electrical contact 26 will be configured to abut the shoulder 70 no matter the orientation of the electrical contact about the central axis of the electrical contact 26. In one example, the slots 50 can each have a thickness along the transverse direction that is no greater than approximately 0.025 inch, such as less than approximately 0.025 inch.

[0067] Referring again to Figs. 4-5C, ad as described above, adjacent ones of the channels 44 are open to each other through respective ones of the slots 50. In particular, adjacent ones of the channels 44 along the row direction are open to each other along the row direction through respective ones of the slots 50. Further, the channels of each pair of adjacent channels has only a single slot connected therebetween. The channels 44 that are adjacent each other along the transverse direction T are not connected to each other by slots 50, as the thickness of the connector housing 34 between adjacent channels along the transverse direction T is sufficient to ensure reliable integrity of the connector housing 34.

[0068] Each of the slots 50 can have a width along the row direction at the front face in a range from approximately .008 inch to approximately 0.11 inch as measured at the front face 34a. The widths of the slots 50 can extend along respective width centerlines that are oriented nonparallel to the longitudinal central axes of the channels 44, and intersects the longitudinal central axes of the channels 44 that are immediately adjacent each other along the row direction. For instance, the width centerlines of the slots 50 can be perpendicular to the longitudinal central axes of the channels 44. In one example, the width centerlines can be oriented along the row direction or lateral direction A. Further, the lengths of each of the slots 50 along the longitudinal centerlines is greater than the widths of each of the slots 50 along the respective width centerlines. The slots 50 can be defined by internal surfaces 78 of the connector housing 34 that are opposite each other along the transverse direction T and extend to the channels 44 of the respective adjacent channels 44 along the row direction. As will be described in more detail below, the internal surfaces 78 can be substantially planar. Alternatively, the surfaces 78 can be concave in a plane that is defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Thedistance between the internal surfaces 78 of a respective one of the slots 50 along the transverse direction T can define the thickness of the respective one of the slots 50.

[0069] Each of the channels 44, and in particular the first channel segments 44a, can be defined by a diameter that is in a range from approximately 0.9 inch to approximately 0.15 inch at the front face 34. For instance, the diameter can be approximately .109 inch. The mating portions 36a of the electrical contacts 36 can have an outer diameter sized to fit in the channels 44. In one example, the mating portions 30a can have an outer diameter that is in a range from approximately .08 inch to approximately . 12 inch. For instance, the outer diameter is in a range from approximately .1072 inch to approximately .1078 inch. While the channels 44 and the electrical contacts 36 have been described as having diameters, and thus circular in cross-section, it should be appreciated that the channels 44 and electrical contacts 36 can have any suitable alternative cross-sectional shape as desired. If the cross-sectional shapes of the channels 44 and the electrical contacts 36 are non-circular, the diameters described above would instead apply to the maximum cross-sectional dimensions of the channels 44 and the electrical contacts 36.

[0070] Referring now to Fig. 5A in particular, the slots 50 have a thickness along the transverse direction T. The channels 44 each have heights 80a and 80b along the transverse direction T from respective apices to respective planes that extend along the respective internal surfaces 78. Thus, the heights 80a can define an offset from respective apices of the channels 44 to the slots 50 along the transverse direction T. The heights 80a and 80b can be greater than the thickness of the slots 50. For instance, the heights 80a and 80b can be at least double the thickness of the slots 50. Further, the heights 80a and 80b can be substantially equal to each other. As described above, middle or otherwise intermediate channels 44 having adjacent channels 44 on opposite sides along the row direction are therefore open to two opposed slots 50 that are opposite each other along the row direction. The two opposed slots 50 thus divide the channels 44 into respective arcs 82 spaced from each other and opposite each other along the transverse direction T. Each of the arcs 82 has a respective height along the transverse direction T that is greater than the thickness of the slots 50 along the transverse direction T. For instance, the heights of the arcs 82 can be at least double the thickness of the slots 50. Further, the heights of the arcs 82 can be substantially equal to each other.

[0071] Referring now to Fig. 6, it is recognized that the slots 44 can be created by driving a cutting tool 84 through the connector housing 34 along the longitudinal direction L soas to remove material from the connector housing 34. The cutting tool 84 can be sized appropriately to create the slots 44. In one example, the cutting tool 84 can be a rotating tool that rotates about a central axis that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the opposed internal surfaces 78 (see Figs. 5A-5C) can be concave in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the cutting tool 84 can translate along a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the cutting tool 85, such as the lateral direction A, so as to travel into locations of the connector housing 34 that define the channels 44. Thus, the opposed internal surfaces 78 can be substantially planar. The slots 50 can similarly be defined by a cutting tool that removes material from the connector housing 44. The cutting tool can be sized greater than the cutting tool that creates the slots 44. Alternatively, the cutting tool that creates the slots 44 can be driven to translate along the connector housing 34 so as to create the channels 50. Different sized cutting tools can be used to create the shoulders 70 as desired. It is appreciated that in some examples, the slots 44 can be created prior to creating the channels 50. Different sized cutting tools can be used to create the shoulders 70. In other examples, the channels 50 can be created prior to creating the slots 44. Once the channels 50 and slots 44 have been created, the electrical contacts 36 can be inserted into the connector housing 34 and secured in the connector housing 34 in the manner described above.

[0072] Referring now to Figs. 7A-7C, the second electrical cable connector 30 can include a second connector housing 52 and a plurality of second electrical contacts 54 supported by the second connector housing 52. For instance, the second electrical contacts 54 can be secured to the second connector housing 52. As will be appreciated from the description below, the second electrical contacts 54 can be self-securing electrical contacts that are self-secured to the first connector housing 34. Thus, the second electrical contacts 54 can be secured to the connector housing 52 exclusively by contact between the electrical contacts and the connector housing. Otherwise stated, the second electrical contacts 54 can be retained in the second connector housing 52 by only a direct physical connection between the electrical contacts 54 and the second connector housing 52. The second electrical cable connector 30 can therefore be devoid of mechanical fasteners or other external securement members separate from the electrical contacts 54 to secure the electrical contacts 54 to the second connector housing 52.

[0073] In one example, the second connector housing 52 can be electrically conductive. For instance, the second connector housing 52 can be metallic, and can thus define a ground andelectrical shielding for each of the second electrical contacts 54. The second cables 32 can be configured as electrical cables. For instance, the second cables 32 can be configured as coaxial cables. In other examples, the second connector housing 52 can be an electrically insulative connector housing.

[0074] The second electrical cable connector 30 can be configured to be supported by or otherwise mounted to a second panel 56. In particular, the second connector housing 52 can include a second housing body 58 that defines a second front face 58a and a second rear face 58b opposite the second front face 58a along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, it can be said that the second connector housing 52 defines the second front face 58a and the second rear face 58b. The second front face 58a can be opposite the second rear face 58b in the mating direction, which can also be referred to as a forward direction of the second electrical cable connector 30. Conversely, the second rear face 58b is opposite the second front face 58a in the unmating direction, which can also be referred to as a rearward direction of the second electrical cable connector 30 that is opposite the forward direction. When the first and second electrical cable connectors 26 and 30 are mated to each other, the forward direction of the first electrical cable connector 26 defines the rearward direction of the second electrical cable connector 30. Conversely, the rearward direction of the first cable connector 26 defines the forward direction of the second cable connector 30.

[0075] The body 58 defines a mounting surface 59 that extends between the second front face 58a and the second rear face 58b along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting surface 59 can be secured to the second panel 56 using any suitable fastener as desired. The second panel 56 can be oriented along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Thus, when the first electrical cable connector 26 is mated to the second electrical cable connector 30, the second panel 56 can be orthogonal with respect to the first panel 33 (see Fig. 1).

[0076] Each of the second electrical contacts 54 can include a second mating portion 54a and a second mounting portion 54b opposite the second mating portion 54a. The second mounting portions 54b of the second electrical contacts 54 can be configured to be mounted to respective ones of the second plurality of first electrical cables 32. For instance, the second mounting portions 54b can each include a mounting aperture that receives an electrical conductor of a respective one the second electrical cables 32 in the manner described above with respect tothe first electrical contacts 36. The second electrical cable connector 30 can further include a wrapping disposed adjacent the second rear face 58b as described above with respect to the first electrical cable connector 26.

[0077] The second mating portions 54a can be configured to mate with respective mating portions of the electrical contacts 36 of the first electrical cable connector 30. In one example, the second mating portions 54a can define plugs 51 that are configured to be received in respective complementary ones of the receptacles 41 of the electrical contacts 36 of the first electrical cable connector 26 so as to mate the first electrical contacts 36 with the second electrical contacts 54. In other examples, the mating portions 54a can be configured as receptacles that receive plugs of the first electrical contacts 36 of the first electrical cable connector 26 so as to mate the first electrical contacts 36 with the second electrical contacts 54.

[0078] The mating portions 54a of the second electrical contacts 54 can project out with respect to the second front face 58a in the forward direction. Thus, the plug 51 can extend out with respect to the second front face 58a in the forward direction. The second connector housing 52 can include a shroud 62 that extends out with respect to the second front face 58 in the forward direction, and can surround the mating portions 54a of the second electrical contacts that extend out from the second front face 58. The shroud 62 can extend out with respect to the second front face 58 a distance such that the mating portions 54a do not extend out with respect to the shroud 62 in the forward direction. The shroud 62 can define a mating interface of the second connector housing 52 that receives the first housing body 42, such that the first electrical contacts 36 of the first electrical cable connector 26 mate with respective ones of the second electrical contacts 54 of the second electrical cable connector 30 in the manner described above.

[0079] Referring now to Figs. 8A-8C, the second connector housing 52 can further include a plurality of second channels 86 that extend through the body from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. It can also be said that the second electrical cable connector 30 can include the plurality of channels 86 that extend through the second connector housing 52 from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. Thus, the channels 86 can be through holes that extend completely through the second connector housing 52 from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. The channels 86 can be configured as described above with respect to the channels 44 of the first connector housing 34, and in particular of the first housing portion 38. Thus, the channels 86 can have a constant diameter from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. Further, each of thechannels 86 can define a front opening at the front face 58a and a rear opening at the rear face 58b. The channels 86 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the plurality of channels 44 each extend along respective longitudinal channel centerlines that each lie parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction L. Each of the second electrical contacts 54 can be supported by the connector housing 52 in respective ones of the channels 86. For instance, the mating portions 54a can be disposed in the respective ones of the channels 86. The channels 86 can be arranged in a second array 88 that includes rows 90 of channels 86 that are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A, which can be referred to as a row direction. The channels 86 of each of the rows 90 are spaced from each other along the row direction. In one example, the channels 86 can be arranged in first and second rows 90, though it should be appreciated that the first electrical cable connector 26 includes any number of rows 90 of channels 86 as desired. The rows 90 can be spaced from each other along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to each of the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L.

[0080] In one example, the array 88 includes two rows 90 of channels 86, and each row 90 includes three channels 86. Thus, the array 88 can include six channels 86. It should be appreciated, of course, that the array 88 can include any number of channels 86 as desired arranged in any number of rows 90, or alternatively arranged as desired. The array 88 can be fully enclosed by the second connector housing 52 along a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Otherwise stated, all of the channels 86 of the array 88 terminate in connector housing 52 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, none of the channels 86 of the array 88 extends through the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0081] The second electrical cable connector 30 can include a plurality of second slots 92 that extend into the front face 58a in the rearward direction toward the rear face 58b. In one example, the slots 92 can extend through the second connector housing 52 along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the slots 92 can be through holes that extend through the second connector hosing 52 along the longitudinal direction L from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. It is appreciated that the second connector housing 52 can be a one piece unitary monolithic body from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b. The first connector housing 34 can be constructed as having a one-piece unitary monolithic body, depending on if and how the first connector housing 34 is mounted to the first panel 33. Each of the slots 92 can extend from a respective first one ofthe channels 86 to an adjacent one of the channels 86. For instance, each of the slots 92 can extend from a respective first one of the channels 86 to an adjacent one of the channels 86 along the row direction. The first one of the channels 86 and the adjacent one of the channels 86 can thus be open to a common one of the slots 92. Further, the first one of the channels 86 and the adjacent one of the channels 86 can thus be fluidly connected to each other by the common one of the slots 92. Further, outermost ones of the channels 86 along the row direction can be fluidly connected to each other by at least one other one of the channels 86 and a plurality of the slots 92. open to a common one of the slots 92. The first one of the channels 86 and the adjacent one of the channels 86 can be positioned immediately adjacent each other such that no other channels 86 are disposed between the first one of the channels 86 and the adjacent one of the channels 86. Thus, each channel 86 that has two adjacent channels 86 along the row direction, such as the middle channels 86 of each of the rows 90, can be adjoined to each of the two adjacent channels 86 by respective first and second slots 92. Each channel 86 that has only a single adjacent channel 86 along the row direction can be adjoined to the single adjacent channel 86 by a single one of the slots 92. In one example, the slots 92 do not extend along the transverse direction T from a respective one of the channels 86 to an adjacent channel 86 that is adjacent the respective one of the channels 86 along the transverse direction T.

[0082] Because the slots 92 extend only between adjacent ones of the channels 86 along the row direction, all of the slots in the array 88 terminate in the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Thus, none of the slots 92 of the array 88 extends through the connector housing 34 along the plane that is oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The channels 86 an slots 92 can be configured and dimensioned as described above with respect to the first electrical cable connector 26. Alternatively, the channels 86 and the slots 92 can be alternatively dimensioned as desired. As shown, the diameter of the channels 86 can be constant from the front face 58a to the rear face 58b of the second connector housing 52.

[0083] Referring now to Fig. 8A in particular, each second electrical contact 54 can include a second radially outer body 95, a second radially inner body 94 that extends through the second radially outer body 95, and a second central signal conductor 96 that extends through the second radially inner body 94. The radially outer body 95 and the radially inner body 94 can be annular bodies. The signal conductor 96 can be electrically isolated from the radially inner body94 and the radially outer body 95. For instance, the electrical contacts 54 can define electrically insulative support members 98 that are translatably fixed to the radially inner body 94, and support the electrical conductors 96 that extend through the support members 98. The radially inner body 94 and the radially outer body 95 can be in contact with each other, and the radially outer body can be in contact with the second connector housing 52. Thus, the radially inner body 94, the radially outer body 95, and the second connector housing 52 can be in electrical communication with each other. The radially inner body 94 can be mounted to the electrical ground shield of the second electrical cables 32, thereby placing the ground shields of the electrical cables 32 in electrical communication with the second connector housing 52. The second connector housing 52 therefore provides an electrical ground for the second electrical cables 32. The radially inner body 94 and the radially outer body 95 can be fixed to each other with respect to relative translational movement along the longitudinal direction L. Similarly, the radially outer body 95 can be fixed to the second housing body 58 with respect to relative translational movement along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the signal conductor 96 can remain translatably fixed when mated with the signal conductor of the first electrical cable connector 26.

[0084] The second electrical contact 54 can include first and second securement members that are supported by the radially outer body 95 so as to secure the second electrical contact 54 to the second connector housing 52. For instance, each second electrical contact 54 can include at least one second spring finger 100 that projects out from the outer body 65. The at least one spring finger 100 can define the first securement member. The spring finger 100 can taper radially outward as it extends in the rearward direction of the second electrical cable connector 30. In one example, each second electrical contact 54 can include a plurality of spring fingers 100 that are circumferentially spaced from each other about the central axis of the electrical contact 54, such as a pair of spring fingers 100 that are radially opposite each other. The spring fingers 100 can be aligned with each other in a plane that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each second electrical contact 54 can further include a second securement flange 102 that projects radially outward from the outer body 95. The securement flange 102 can be offset from the spring fingers 100 in the rearward direction. The securement flange 102 can define the second securement member.

[0085] The spring fingers 100 and the securement flange 102 can cooperate to capture a length of the second connector housing 52 therebetween, thereby securing the second electrical contacts 54 to the second connector housing 52. Thus, the radially outer body 95 can also be referred to as a securement body that is attached to the second connector housing 52 so as to secure the electrical contacts 54 to the second connector housing 52.

[0086] The radially inner body 64 and the signal conductor 96 can define the mating portion 54a and the mounting portion 54b. The mating portion 54a and the mounting portion 54b can be translatably fixed to each other. To secure the electrical contacts 54 to the connector housing 52, the electrical contacts 54 are oriented such that the mating portion 54a is opposite the mounting portion 54b in the forward direction. The electrical contacts 54 are then aligned with respective ones of the channels 86. The electrical contacts 54 are then moved in an insertion direction in which the electrical contacts 54 are loaded into the connector housing 52, and in particular into the respective channels 86. The insertion direction can be defined by the forward direction. Thus, the mating portions 54a can define the leading ends of the electrical contacts 54 with respect to insertion into the connector housing 52.

[0087] The spring fingers 100 are configured to interfere with the front face 58a of the connector housing 52, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts 54 from the respective channels 86 in a rearward direction opposite the insertion direction. In particular, as the electrical contacts 54 are inserted into the channels 86, connector housing 52 causes the spring fingers 100 resiliently compress radially as they travel through the channels 86. Once the spring fingers 100 have traveled through the channel 86 and past the front face 58a, the spring fingers 66 spring radially outward to a position in which the spring fingers 100 are aligned with the front face 58a along the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the front face 58a is disposed adjacent the spring fingers 100 in the rearward direction. The front face 58a can be spaced from the rear face 58b of the second connector housing 52 a first distance along the longitudinal direction that is less than a second distance in which the spring fingers 100 are spaced from the securement flange 102 along the longitudinal direction L. As a result, when the spring fingers 100 are disposed forward of the front face 58a, the securement flange 100 is disposed rearward of the rear face 58b of the connector housing 52.

[0088] The first and second distances can be configured such that the length of the connector housing 52 is defined by the distance between the front and rear faces 58a and 58b thatis captured between the spring fingers 100 and the securement flange 102. Thus, the spring fingers 100 are configured to abut a first stop surface of the connector housing 52 so as to prevent movement of the electrical contact 54 in the rearward direction. The first stop surface can be defined by the front face 58a of the connector housing 52. It can therefore be said that the spring fingers 100 interfere with the connector housing 52, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts 54 from the respective channels 86 in the rearward direction opposite the insertion direction. The securement flange 102 is configured to abut a second stop surface of the connector housing 52, so as to limit movement of the electrical contact 54 in the insertion direction. For instance, abutment between the securement flange 102 and the rear face 58b of the connector housing 52 can prevent further movement of the respective electrical contacts 54 in the forward or insertion direction after the respective electrical contacts 54 have been inserted into the respective channels 86 in the insertion direction. The second stop surface can be defined by the rear face 58b of the connector housing 52.

[0089] It is recognized that a removal tool can be inserted into the channels 86 in the rearward direction from the front face 58a. The removal tool can contact the spring fingers 100 and drive them radially inward to a position whereby the spring fingers 100 no longer interfere with the connector housing 52. Thus, the electrical contacts 54 can then be removed from the channels 86 in the rearward direction.

[0090] Although the disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from that processes, machines, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure, as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical cable connector, comprising: a connector housing that defines a front face, and a rear face opposite the front face along a longitudinal direction, the electrical cable connector having a plurality of channels that extend through the connector housing from the front face to the rear face; and a plurality of electrical contacts supported in respective ones of the channels, wherein the electrical contacts are configured to be mounted to respective ones of electrical cables, and the electrical contacts define mating portions that are disposed in respective ones of the plurality of channels; wherein the electrical cable connector further comprises a slot that extends into the front face, and extends from a first one of the channels to an adjacent one of the channels.

2. The electrical cable connector of claim 1, wherein the connector housing defines a plurality of slots, wherein adjacent ones of the channels are open to each other through respective ones of the slots.

3. The electrical cable connector of claim 2, wherein the channels of each pair of adjacent channels has only a single slot connected therebetween.

4. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slots extend through the connector housing from the front face to the rear face.

5. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels are cylindrical.

6. The electrical cable connector of claim 1, wherein the mating portions define receptacle configured to receive respective electrical plugs of a complementary electrical contacts of a complementary electrical connector, wherein the complementary electrical contacts are configured to be mounted to respective electrical cables.

7. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the channels are arranged in a plurality of rows that extends along a row direction, and the respective one of the channels and the respective adjacent one of the channels are adjacent each other along the row direction.

8. The electrical cable connector of claim 7, wherein each of the slots has a width along the row direction at the front face in a range from approximately .008 inch to approximately .011 inch as measured at the front face.

9. The electrical cable connector of claim 7, wherein the width of the slots is substantially constant from the front face to the rear face.

10. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the connector housing comprises opposed surfaces of the slots that extend from the respective one of the channels to the respective adjacent one of the channels, and the surfaces are planar or concave.

11. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein six channels that extend into the front face fit in a footprint at the front face of 0.368 inch in the row direction and 0.239 inch in a transverse direction perpendicular to the row direction.

12. The electrical cable connector of claim 11, wherein each of the channels is defined by a diameter that is in a range from approximately .09 inch to approximately 0.15 inch at the front face.

13. The electrical cable connector of claim 12, wherein the diameter is approximately .109 inch.

14. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mating portion has an outer diameter that is in a range from approximately .08 inch to approximately .12 inch.

15. The electrical cable connector of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter is in a range from approximately .1072 inch to approximately .1078 inch.

16. The electrical cable connector of claim 15, wherein the outer diameter is approximately .1075 inch.

17. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first one of the channels is spaced from the adjacent one of the channels along a lateral direction, and the slot has a thickness along a direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction, the thickness being less than approximately .025 inch.

18. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein the slots have a thickness along a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the row direction, and the slots divide the channels into respective arcs spaced from each other along the transverse direction, and the each of the arcs has a respective height that is greater than the height of the slots.

19. The electrical cable connector of claim 18, wherein the arcs of each of the channels have the same height along the transverse direction.

20. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 1 to 14 and 17-19, wherein the mating portion has an outer diameter that is in a range from approximately .08 inch to approximately .12 inch.

21. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 20, wherein the outer diameter is in a range from approximately .1072 inch to approximately .1078 inch.

22. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels extend through the connector housing along a longitudinal direction, and the channels are arranged in an array that is fully enclosed by the connector housing in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

23. The electrical cable connector of claim 22, wherein the array includes first and second adjacent rows of three channels per row.

24. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical contacts are secured to the connector housing exclusively by contact between the electrical contacts and the connector housing.

25. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, devoid of mechanical fasteners separate from the electrical contacts to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing.

26. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, devoid of external securement members that is separate from the electrical contacts and the connector housing to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing.

27. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the electrical contacts comprises a respective flange that is configured to abut a surface of the connector housing so as prevent further movement of the electrical contacts in the respective channels in an insertion direction in which the electrical contacts are inserted into the respective channels.

28. The electrical cable connector of claim 27, wherein the electrical contacts define a body and a spring finger that extends out from the body so as to interfere with the connector housing, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts from the respective channels in a direction opposite the insertion direction.

29. The electrical cable connector of claim 28, wherein the spring finger interferes with the front face of the connector housing.

30. The electrical cable connector of claim 29, wherein the connector housing comprises a shroud that extends forward from the front face and surrounds the mating portions of the electrical contacts.

31. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein a length of the connector housing is captured between the spring fingers and the flange.

32. The electrical cable connector of claim 28, wherein the spring finger interferes with an internal shoulder of the connector housing, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts from the respective channels in the direction opposite the insertion direction.

33. The electrical cable connector of claim 32, wherein a length of the connector housing is captured between the spring fingers and the flange.

34. The electrical cable connector of claim 33, wherein the electrical contacts comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced spring fingers that extend out from the body so as to interfere with a respective shoulder of the connector housing.

35. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the shoulder is disposed in respective ones of the channels.

36. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the slots extend through the shoulders, respectively, along the longitudinal direction.

37. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the first one of the channels and the adjacent one of the channels are spaced from each other along a row direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the spring finger defines a maximum linear length from a first end of the spring finger to a second opposed and of the spring finger in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the slots have a slot thickness in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the row direction, the slot thickness greater than one-half the maximum linear length of the spring finger.

38. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein each of the electrical contacts comprises a securement body that is attached to the connector housing so as to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing, and each of the electrical contacts comprises a mating portion and a mounting portion opposite the mating portion.

39. The electrical cable connector of claim 38, wherein the securement body is secured to the connector housing, such that the mating portion is translatable with respect to the securement body.

40. The electrical cable connector of claim 39, wherein the securement body is translatably fixed to the connector housing.

41. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the mating portion is translatable with respect to the securement body along the longitudinal direction.

42. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the mounting portion is translatably fixed to the mating portion.

43. The electrical cable connector of claim 42, wherein the mounting portion and mating portion are interconnected such that the mounting portion translates with the mating portion.

44. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the mating portion is biased toward the front face of the connector housing.

45. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the electrical contact comprises a spring member that biases the mating portion toward the front face of the connector housing.

46. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the mating portion and the securement body define first and second spring seats, respectively, wherein a spring member extends from the first spring seat to the second spring seat, such that the mating portion is translatable in a rearward direction with respect to the housing against a spring force of the spring member.

47. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 45 to 46, wherein the spring member is a coil spring.

48. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein the connector housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and the securement body is secured to the second housing portion so as to secure the electrical contacts to the connector housing.

49. The electrical connector of claim 48, wherein the rear face is defined by the second housing portion.

50. The electrical connector of any one of claims 48 to 49, wherein the front face is defined by the first housing portion.

51. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the mating portion extends from the second housing portion into the first housing portion.

52. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 48 to 51 , wherein the first and second housing portions capture a panel therebetween, the panel oriented along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

53. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the connector housing is a first connector housing, the channels are first channel segments, the first housing portion defines the first channel segments, and the second housing portion defines a plurality ofsecond channel segments that extend through the second housing portion along the longitudinal direction and are aligned with respective ones of the first channel segments.

54. The electrical cable connector of claim 53, wherein each of the electrical contacts extends through a respective one of the second channel segments and into an aligned one of the first channel segments along the longitudinal direction.

55. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 53 to 54, wherein each of the electrical contacts is loaded into the housing by inserting the electrical contacts into respective ones of the second channels in an insertion direction toward the first housing portion.

56. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein each of the electrical contacts comprises a respective flange that abuts a surface of the connector housing so as limit movement of the electrical contacts in the respective channels in an insertion direction in which the electrical contacts are inserted into the respective channels.

57. The electrical cable connector of claim 56, wherein the second housing portion defines a front face that faces the first housing portion and a rear face opposite the front face of the second housing portion, and the surface is defined by the rear face of the second housing portion.

58. The electrical cable connector of claim 57, wherein the electrical contacts define a body and a spring finger that extends out from the body so as to interfere with a shoulder of the second housing portion, thereby preventing removal of the electrical contacts from the respective second channel in a direction opposite the insertion direction.

59. The electrical cable connector of claim 58, wherein a length of the second housing portion is captured between the spring fingers and the flange.

60. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 58 to 59, wherein the electrical contacts comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced spring fingers that extend out from the body so as to interfere with a respective shoulder of the connector housing.

61. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the shoulders are disposed in respective ones of the second channels.

62. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 58 to 61, wherein the slots extend through the shoulders, respectively, along the longitudinal direction.

63. The electrical cable connector of any one of claims 58 to 62, wherein the first one of the channels and the adjacent one of the channels are spaced from each other along a row direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the spring finger defines a maximum linear length from a first end of the spring finger to a second opposed and of the spring finger in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the slots have a slot thickness in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the row direction, the slot thickness greater than one-half the maximum linear length of the spring finger at the front face.

64. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical cables are coaxial cables.

65. The electrical cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing is electrically conductive.

66. The electrical cable connector of claim 65, wherein the connector housing is metal.

67. An electrical cable connector assembly comprising the electrical cable connector of any one of claims 1 to 66 and the electrical cables mounted to respective ones of the electrical contacts.

68. A method of fabricating an electrical connector assembly, the method comprising the steps of: creating a plurality of channels through a connector housing along a longitudinal direction that extends from a front face of the connector housing to a rear face of the connector housing; creating a plurality of slot that extend through the connector housing along the longitudinal direction; and securing the electrical contacts in respective ones of the channels, such that mating portions of the electrical contacts extend into the first housing portion. wherein adjacent ones of the channels that are adjacent in a lateral direction are open to a slot that extends from a respective one of the adjacent ones of the channels to a respective secondone of the adjacent ones of the channels, the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein no slots join adjacent ones of the channels that are adjacent each other along a second direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.

70. The method of any one of claims 68 to 69, wherein the first creating step is performed before the second creating step.

71. The method of any one of claims 68 to 69, wherein the second creating step is performed before the first creating step.

72. The method of any one of claims 68 to 71, wherein the creating steps are performed by advancing a rotating cutting tool through the connector housing.

73. The method of any one of claims 68 to 71, wherein step of creating the slot is performed by advancing a rotating cutting tool through the connector housing along a central axis of rotation of the rotating cutting tool.

74. The method of claim 73, further comprising the step of translating the rotating cutting tool through a portion of the connector housing along a direction perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the rotating cutting tool.

75. The method of any one of claims 68 to 74, further comprising the step of mounting electrical contacts to respective ones of the electrical cables.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the electrical cables are coaxial cables.

77. The method of any one of claims 68 to 76, wherein the electrical connector assembly is configured as recited in any one of claims 1 to 67.

78. An interconnect comprising:a housing that defines a front face, and a rear face opposite the front face along a longitudinal direction, the interconnect defining a plurality of channels that each extend through the housing from the front face to the rear face; and a plurality of electrical contacts supported in respective ones of the channels; wherein the interconnect further comprises a slot that extends into the front face and the slot extends from a first one of the channels to an adjacent one of the channels.

79. The interconnect of claim 78, wherein the plurality of channels are each through holes that each extend completely through the housing from the front face to the rear face.

80. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 and 79, wherein the slot is a through hole that extends completely through the housing from the front face to the rear face.

81. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 80, wherein the first one of the channels and the adjacent one of the channels are immediately adjacent to one another.

82. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 81, wherein the first one of the channels and the adjacent one of the channels are fluidly connected to each other by the slot.

83. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 82, wherein the first one of the channels, the adjacent one of the channels and the slot are all fluidly connected to each other.

84. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 83, wherein the plurality of channels each define a respective longitudinal channel centerline and the respective longitudinal channel centerlines each lie parallel to one another.

85. The interconnect of claim 84, wherein the slot has a respective slot width centerline that is oriented non-parallel to the respective longitudinal channel centerlines and intersects two immediately adjacent longitudinal channel centerlines and the slot has a longer respective longitudinal slot centerline that is oriented parallel to the respective longitudinal channel centerlines.

86. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 85, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are retained in the housing by only a direct physical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts and housing.

87. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 86, further comprising compression springs that do not extend beyond or protrude beyond or that are not positioned adjacent to the rear face of the housing.

88. The interconnect of any one of claims 78 to 87, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts are each configured to be mounted to respective ones of electrical cables and the electrical cables do not pass through a cable organizer.

89. The interconnect of claim 88, wherein the electrical cables further comprise heat shrink wrap positioned adjacent to the rear face of the housing.

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