Patent Grant
8727795
1. Field
The present invention relates generally to mated pair connectors and improvements thereto and more particularly pertains to high density mated pair connectors utilizing a printed circuit board therein and improvements thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrical connectors for interfacing between separated systems or electronic devices are widely used in the art. Conventional electrical connectors utilize a series of pins on a first half of the connector and a corresponding series of sockets on a second half of the connector. When the two halves are mated together, the sockets receive the pins in order to electrically connect and provide a conductive pathway through the electrical connector. Thus, when one system or electronic device is electrically coupled with the pins of the first half of the connector and a second system or electronic device is electrically coupled with the sockets of the second half of the connector, the two systems or devices may be electrically connected through the mated connector.
As systems and devices increase in complexity, the need has arisen for high density electrical connectors capable of electrically connecting increasingly large numbers of signals with one another. One type of electrical connector that has seen use in the electronic industry is a card edge connector. Conventional card edge connectors employ a slotted surface configured to couple or mate with an exposed edge of a printed circuit card or board. Electrically conductive surfaces on the exposed edge of the printed circuit card or board interface with a similarly situated row of electrical contacts in the slotted surface of the card edge connector.
A significant downside to such interfaces, however, results from the fact that card edge connectors require an exposed printed circuit board be incorporated in the utilizing application. Such a physical constraint is not viable for many new system designs. Moreover, not only do many current systems that would benefit from high density electrical connections not meet such a requirement, but modifying such systems to utilize these exposed electrical conductors can result in significant reliability and safety concerns. Conductive and potentially power-carrying electrical contacts must be left exposed to the surrounding, and potentially intrusive, outside environment. Not only does this exposure risk contamination or degradation of the electrical contacts over time due to weather or other contaminants in the air, but also exposes the conductive terminals of the system where a human being may accidentally come into contact with them. Electrical shock risks can be extremely dangerous, many times fatal, if the system is capable of high current or voltage levels.
In addition, depending upon the configuration or orientation of the conductive surfaces on the exposed edge, a card edge connector may need to be specifically designed or independently manufactured for the specific circuit board utilized in the corresponding system. As such, card edge connectors may not be transferable between different customers or even for differing systems of the same customer, increasing the cost of their manufacturing due to the specialty nature of their construction. Such limited-use designs are particularly undesirable as systems increase in complexity and must respond to a larger number of signals since consumers have become ever more cost conscious when searching for suitable electrical interfacing for their growing systems. Therefore, a need exists for an improved high density electrical connector. Ideally, such an electrical connector would allow for a large number of signals to be propagated, would be inexpensive to manufacture, would be scalable, would be safe to use, and would provide sufficient protection against electrical interference.
A mated pair electrical connector utilizing a printed circuit board for providing a high density and low cost solution to facilitate an electrical connection therethrough is disclosed.
In one embodiment, an electrical connector may include a first housing defining a cavity therein and a first printed circuit board disposed in the cavity of the first housing. A first contact is coupled with the first printed circuit board. In addition, the electrical connector may include a second housing defining a cavity therein and a second printed circuit board disposed in the cavity of the second housing, the second printed circuit board having a first contact pad positioned on a surface of the second printed circuit board, the first contact pad of the second printed circuit board configured to engage with the first contact if the first housing and the second housing are mated together.
In another embodiment, a connector for providing an electrical connection between a first conductor and a second conductor may include a first housing and a first circuit board coupled to the first housing. The first circuit board may have a first contact pad on the first circuit board, a second contact pad on the first circuit board adjacent to the first contact pad, a third contact pad on the first circuit board and electrically connected with the first contact pad and a fourth contact pad on the first circuit board adjacent to the third contact pad and electrically connected with the second contact pad. A first contact is coupled to the first housing and electrically connected with the first contact pad. A second contact is coupled to the first housing and electrically connected with the second contact pad. The connector may also include a second housing configured to mate with the first housing and a second circuit board coupled to the second housing. The second circuit board may have a first contact pad on the second circuit board, a second contact pad on the second circuit board adjacent to the first contact pad of the second circuit board, a third contact pad on the second circuit board and electrically connected with the first contact pad of the second circuit board and a fourth contact pad on the second circuit board adjacent to the third contact pad of the second circuit board and electrically connected with the second contact pad of the second circuit board. The first contact pad of the second circuit board may be configured to engage the first contact and the second contact pad of the second circuit board may be configured to engage the second contact when the first housing and the second housing are mated together.
In yet another embodiment, a connector for providing an electrical connection between at least one first cable and at least one second cable may include a first assembly including a first outer housing defining a first opening, the first opening configured to receive the at least one first cable. A first body is positioned at least partially in the first outer housing and a first printed circuit board is connected to the first body and configured to electrically connect to the at least one first cable. A contact module having a conductive contact is electrically connected to the first printed circuit board. A contact module holder is connected to the first body and receives the contact module, the contact module holder defining a contact pocket for receiving the conductive contact of the contact module. In addition, the connector may include a second assembly configured to mate with the first assembly, the second assembly including a second outer housing defining a second opening, the second opening configured to receive the at least one second cable. A second body is positioned at least partially in the second outer housing. A second printed circuit board is connected to the second body and configured to electrically connect to the at least one second cable, the second printed circuit board having a conductive pad disposed on a first surface of the second printed circuit board and configured to engage with the conductive contact of the contact module when the first assembly and the second assembly are mated together.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:
Referring first to
At a cable end of the receptacle assembly 102, opposite the mating end 101, the receptacle housing 109 contains an opening 110 to permit wires, cables, or other conductors to enter the cavity 120 of the receptacle housing 109 and couple with or otherwise electrically connect with components disposed therein, as discussed in greater detail below. Similarly, at a cable end of the plug assembly 104, opposite the mating end 103, the plug housing 111 contains an opening 112 to permit wires, cables or other conductors to enter the cavity 122 of the plug housing 111 and couple with or otherwise electrically connect with components disposed therein, as discussed in greater detail below. Thus, by mating the receptacle assembly 102 and the plug assembly 104 together via their mating ends (101, 103), the wires, cables or other conductors entering the receptacle housing 109 may be electrically connected to wires, cables or other conductors entering the plug housing 111, as discussed in greater detail herein.
The cavities (120, 122) of the receptacle housing 109 or plug housing 111 may be any of a variety of shapes or sizes such that they adequately hold or contain various connector components within for facilitating their mating and electrical connection functionality, as discussed in greater detail herein. Furthermore, the openings (110, 112) of either the receptacle housing 109 or plug housing 111 may also be any of a variety of shapes or sizes such that they adequately permit a desired amount of conductive elements from an exterior of the receptacle housing 109 or plug housing 111 to the cavities (120, 122) within. The receptacle housing 109 may include a ribbed portion 130 surrounding a circumference or perimeter of its opening 110 for allowing a protective sheath (not shown) surrounding any of the wires, cables or other conductors disposed therethrough to fasten or secure with the receptacle housing 109. A same or similar ribbed portion 132 may be located on the plug housing 111 surrounding its opening 112.
Referring next to
The receptacle housing 209 may be made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel) while the receptacle body 206 may be made of a plastic, rubber or other non-conductive material. In an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of materials may be used for either the receptacle housing 209 or the receptacle body 206. The various connector components may be connected directly to the receptacle body 206 and disposed within the cavity 220 of the receptacle housing 209 to form a stable unit having the receptacle housing 209 as an outer shell, as discussed in greater detail herein. In an alternative embodiment, no receptacle body 206 may be needed and the various connector components may instead be connected directly with the receptacle housing 209.
Within the cavity 220 of the receptacle housing 209, a receptacle printed circuit board (“PCB”) 203 is coupled to the receptacle body 206 and held in a stable position. The receptacle PCB 203 may be coupled to the receptacle body 206 via clips, adhesives, or any other type of mechanical connection for facilitating a firm hold of the receptacle PCB 203 within the cavity 220 of the receptacle housing 209. In an alternative embodiment, additional components, for example a mechanical insert or PCB holding member configured to lock with the receptacle PCB 203, may be utilized for securing the receptacle PCB 203, in addition to or in replacement of the receptacle body 206.
The receptacle PCB 203 contains one or more conductive contact pads 251 disposed upon a surface of or near a cable portion or end 226 of the receptacle PCB 203. Similarly, the receptacle PCB 203 contains one or more corresponding conductive contact pads 252 disposed upon a surface of or near a mating portion or end 228 of the receptacle PCB 203. The contact pads (251, 252) at the two portions or ends (226, 228) are electrically connected with each other via conductive traces or pathways 260 extending along or through the receptacle PCB 203. Thus, a conductive pathway 260 is established from the one or more conductive pads 251 on the cable portion or end 226 to the corresponding one or more conductive pads 252 on the mating portion or end 228 of the receptacle PCB 203.
The receptacle housing 209 also includes an opening 210 at the cable end 202. The opening 210 may be the same or similar to the opening 110 of
Once within the cavity 220 of the receptacle housing 209, the receptacle cable bundle 230 is electrically connected to the receptacle PCB 203 also positioned within the cavity 220. Conductive portions of the cable bundle 230 are electrically connected 240 (e.g., soldered) to the conductive contact pads 251 on the cable portion or end 226 of the receptacle PCB 203. In an alternative embodiment, other connection means may be utilized for establishing an electrical pathway between the receptacle cable bundle 230 and the cable end 226 of the receptacle PCB 203. For example, the receptacle cable bundle 230 may be crimped or twisted with one or more conductive elements that extend towards the receptacle cable bundle 230 from the receptacle PCB 203. Thus, via the electrical traces or pathways 260 of the receptacle PCB 203, as discussed above, the receptacle cable bundle 230 is also electrically connected to the conductive contact pads 252 on the mating portion or end 228 of the receptacle PCB 203.
The plurality of contact pads 320 may have a rectangular shape as shown or, in an alternative embodiment, may incorporate any shape sufficient to create an adequate or desired electrical connection when mated, as discussed in greater detail herein. Different shapes may exhibit varying degrees of conductive effectiveness when mating with components of a plug assembly and may have varying manufacturing costs. The plurality of contact pads 320 are positioned in an adjacent and staggered configuration on a surface of the receptacle PCB 303. For example, a first row of the plurality of contact pads 320 may be disposed in front of a second row of the plurality of contact pads 320, forming a checkerboard configuration. Moreover, the plurality of contact pads 320 may be positioned in the staggered configuration on both a first (e.g., top) surface and a second (e.g., bottom) surface of the receptacle PCB 303 in order to further increase the number of individual contact pads as part of the receptacle assembly 300. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of contact pads 320 may be disposed on any number of surfaces of the receptacle PCB 303 (e.g., including side surfaces). The staggered configuration or the placement upon multiple surfaces of the receptacle PCB 303 may also reduce electrical interference or coupling that can occur when electrical signals propagate in close proximity to one another. An alternative embodiment may position greater or fewer contact pads upon the same or different areas or surfaces of the receptacle PCB 303.
A first keying slot 330 is formed in one portion of the receptacle body 306. In addition, a second keying slot 340 is also formed in a different portion (e.g., on an opposite side) of the receptacle body 306. The first and second keying slots (330, 340) help ensure that the receptacle assembly 300 may mate with a corresponding plug assembly in only one particular or predetermined orientation. Thus, a user cannot inadvertently connect a particular contact pad 320 on the receptacle PCB 303 with an unintended conductive element of the corresponding plug assembly. Electrical safety and connector reliability is therefore heightened by providing a fool-proof connection for users wherein the two assemblies cannot be misconnected. In an alternative embodiment, any keying elements may be used and in greater or fewer amounts than the two keying slots (330, 340) shown in
Referring next to
The plug housing 411 may be made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel) while the plug body 408 may be made of a plastic, rubber or other non-conductive material. In an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of materials may be used for either the plug housing 411 or the plug body 408. The various connector components may be connected directly to the plug body 408 and disposed within the cavity 422 of the plug housing 411 to form a stable unit having the plug housing 411 as an outer shell, as discussed in greater detail herein. In an alternative embodiment, no plug body 408 may be needed and the various connector components may instead be connected directly with the plug housing 411.
Similar to the receptacle assembly 200 (see
The plug PCB 403 contains one or more conductive contact pads 451 disposed upon a surface of or near a cable portion or end 426 of the plug PCB 403. The plug PCB 403 also contains one or more corresponding conductive contact pads 452 disposed upon a surface of or near a mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403. The contact pads 451, 452 at the two portions or ends 426, 428 are electrically connected with each other via conductive traces or pathways 460 extending along or through the plug PCB 403. Thus, a conductive pathway 460 is established from the one or more conductive pads 451 on the cable portion or end 426 to the corresponding one or more conductive pads 452 on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403. In one embodiment, the plug PCB 403 may be a duplicate of a circuit board used in a receptacle assembly configured to mate with the plug assembly 400. Using the duplicate or same type of circuit board in both of the mated pair assemblies may allow for cheaper manufacturing due to the sharing of common parts therebetween.
The plug housing 411 also includes an opening 412 at the cable end 405. The opening 412 may be the same or similar to the opening 112 of
Once within the cavity 422 of the plug housing 411, the plug cable bundle 430 is electrically connected to the plug PCB 403 also positioned within the cavity 422. Conductive portions of the cable bundle 430 are connected 440 (e.g., soldered) to the conductive contact pads 451 on the cable portion or end 426 of the plug PCB 403. Thus, via the electrical traces or pathways 460 of the plug PCB 403, as discussed above, the plug cable bundle 430 is also electrically connected to the conductive contact pads 452 on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403. In an alternative embodiment, other connection methods may be utilized for establishing an electrical pathway between the plug cable bundle 430 and the cable end 426 of the plug PCB 403. For example, the plug cable bundle 430 may be crimped or twisted with one or more conductor elements that extend towards the plug cable bundle 430 from the plug PCB 403. Varying electrical connection methods may have varying electrical efficiencies, manufacturing costs, or eases of assembly.
To help facilitate an electrical connection of the contact pads 452 on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403 with contact pads 252 on a mating portion or end of a receptacle PCB (e.g., the contact pads 320 of
A first end of each of the plurality of conductive contacts of the plurality of contact modules 412 engages with and makes an electrical connection with a contact pad 452 on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403. A second end of each of the plurality of conductive contacts of the plurality of contact modules 412 is configured to engage with and establish an electrical connection with a contact pad 252 on a mating portion or end of a receptacle PCB (e.g., one of the plurality of contact pads 320 of
To help facilitate an electrical connection of the contact pads on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403 with contact pads on a mating portion or end of a receptacle PCB (e.g., the contact pads 320 of
A first end of each of the plurality of conductive contacts of the plurality of contact modules 412 engages with and makes an electrical connection with a contact pad on the mating portion or end 428 of the plug PCB 403. A second end of each of the plurality of conductive contacts of the plurality of contact modules 412 is configured to engage with and establish an electrical connection with a contact pad on a mating portion or end of a receptacle PCB (e.g., one of the plurality of contact pads 320 of
Likewise, electrical signals may also be propagated or transmitted in the opposite direction from cables, wires or other conductors connected with a receptacle PCB, through the receptacle PCB, through the plurality of contacts in the plurality of contact modules 412, through the plug PCB 403, and finally to the plug cable bundle 430. Alternative embodiments may be used for electrically connecting the plug cable bundle 430 to the plurality of contacts of the contact modules 412, for example by directly connecting the plurality of contacts to the plug cable bundle 430 without use of the plug PCB 403. Certain embodiments may benefit from lower manufacturing or component cost, but at decreased stability or ease-of-use.
The plurality of contact modules 412 are secured with the plug body 408 by a first module holder 414 and a second module holder 415. The first and second module holders (414, 415) lock or engage with the plurality of contact modules 412 and also with the plug body 408 in order to form a stable unit near the mating end 404 of the plug assembly 400. The first and second module holders (414, 415) also help position or properly align the plurality of contacts of the plurality of contact modules 412 to mate with the plug PCB 403 or desired components of a corresponding receptacle assembly. The first and second module holders (414, 415) may also be coupled with the PCB holding member 410 for further aiding in the stability or alignment of the plurality of contact modules 412.
In addition, the first and second module holders (414, 415), the PCB holding member 410, the plurality of contact modules 412 and the plug PCB 403 may be assembled separate from the plug body 408 as a stable unit. This stable unit can then be subsequently inserted into the plug body 408 wherein the PCB holding member 410 and/or the first and second module holders (414, 415) locks with a portion of the plug body 408 to secure all the components in a desired or predetermined position. In an alternative embodiment, other manners of securing the components in a desired position may be used. For example, greater or fewer numbers of module holders (e.g., only one module holder) may be utilized or the plug body 408 may itself hold the plurality of contact modules 412 in place without any additional module holders.
Each of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) are maintained in their relative positions to one another by a holding element 512 coupled to a middle or central portion of each of the contacts. The holding element 512 holds each of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) of the contact module 500 at predetermined positions with respect to one another. The holding element 512 may be any non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) and includes a fastening mechanism that snaps to or otherwise secures (e.g., by an adhesive or friction) the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) into a desired orientation or configuration. In addition, the holding element 512 also includes a securing mechanism for snapping or otherwise securing the contact module 500 with one or more other components of the electrical connector (e.g., snapping with the first module holder 414 and/or the second module holder 415 of
Each of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) has at least one curved portion or segment 550 disposed along its length and configured to make an electrical connection with a contact pad on a printed circuit board. The curved portion 550 of each of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) is thus configured to correspond or align with a contact pad on a PCB that slides into contact with or is otherwise disposed adjacent to the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504). The PCB may be secured to one or more of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504), for example via solder, or may be held in place with one or more of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) due to friction alone. Thus, a contact pad on the PCB will press against a corresponding curved portion 550 of one of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504), permitting an electrical signal that is present on the contact pad to propagate to the one of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) and vice versa.
The curved portions 550 of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) are shaped or configured to allow wiping with the contact pad. The curved portions 550 of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) may be of any suitable shape or configuration such that electrical signals can be sufficiently transferred between the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) and the contact pad on a corresponding PCB. For example, the curved portion 550 may exhibit a smooth, curved shape as it changes direction or may make abrupt changes in direction, such as with a crimp.
As shown, the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504) of the contact module 500 are placed in a staggered and mirrored configuration. For example, the first conductive contacts 501 and the fourth conductive contact 504 may be arranged substantially in a first plane wherein the fourth conductive contact 504 is positioned beneath and opposite or inverted in orientation from the first conductive contact 501. Similarly, the second conductive contact 502 and the third conductive contact 503 may be arranged substantially in a second plane parallel to the first plane and wherein the third conductive contact 503 is positioned beneath and opposite or inverted in orientation from the second conductive contact 502. The first and the second conductive contacts (501, 502) may be upper conductive contacts and the third and fourth conductive contacts (503, 504) may be lower conductive contacts. Thus, a PCB with corresponding contact pads positioned on both an upper surface and a lower surface of the PCB is permitted to fit between the upper and lower conductive contacts and engage with the curved portions 550 of each of the four conductive contacts (501, 502, 503, 504). The contact pads on the upper surface of the PCB can electrically connect with the upper conductive contacts (501, 502) and the contact pads on the lower surface of the PCB can electrically connect with the lower conductive contacts (503, 504).
Each of the openings 612 in the base 610 of the module holder 600 includes an upper slot 604 and a lower slot 606. Each contact module 602 is thus configured to slide or fit into both the upper slot 604 and the corresponding lower slot 606 when received in the opening 612. The contact module 602 may snap in place when appropriately or fully inserted into the opening 612. In an alternative embodiment, the contact module 602 may secure or engage with the module holder 600 by any of a variety of other mechanical connections (e.g., adhesives). Thus, in a fully populated module holder 600, ten contact modules 602 will be disposed in a parallel arrangement in the ten openings 612 of the base 610.
In addition to the upper slot 604 and the lower slot 606, a first contact pocket 621, a second contact pocket 622, a third contact pocket 623 and a fourth contact pocket 624 are disposed in the base 610 for each of the plurality of openings 612. Each of the four contact pockets (621, 622, 623, 624) is configured to receive a conductive contact of an associated contact module 602 when the contact module 602 is engaged or positioned in the opening 612. The contact pockets (621, 622, 623, 624) are formed or defined by a plurality of walls or ribs 630 that operate to separate or isolate the conductive contacts of the contact module 602 from one another within the base 610. Thus, when the contact module 602 is positioned into the one of the openings 612, each conductive contact of the contact module 602 is accepted into one of the four contact pockets (621, 622, 623, 624).
Referring now to
During the mating process, the receptacle PCB 921 is received between upper and lower portions of the first contact module holder 941 and the plurality of conductive pads 960 are engaged by the plurality of conductive contacts 970 extending therefrom. Staggering and positioning of the plurality of contact pads 960 on a top and a bottom surface of the receptacle PCB 921 allows for a large number of electrical connections to be made by the electrical connector 900. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of contact pads 960 may not be staggered or may be positioned on greater or fewer surfaces of the receptacle PCB 921.
Referring lastly to
Such keying can help reduce damage to a mated pair connector by preventing improper fastening of the mated pair connector together. In addition, keying also helps reduce risk of damage to electronics connected via the mated connector. Although
In addition, a latching mechanism 1106 is also coupled with the plug body 1108 and operates to fasten or secure the plug assembly 1100 and a corresponding receptacle assembly together after mating has completed. Such latching can help ensure the mated pair connector does not unintentionally disconnect after the mating process has completed. Once the plug assembly 1100 is mated with the corresponding receptacle assembly, the latching mechanism 1106 on the plug body 1108 snaps or latches to a portion of the corresponding receptacle assembly. To disengage the plug assembly 1100 from the corresponding receptacle assembly, a disengagement button or element 1107 on the plug body 1108 can be pressed or otherwise manipulated to unlatch the latching mechanism 1106 from the portion of the corresponding receptacle assembly. Alternative embodiments may utilize other manners of fastening and disengagement, for example, threaded components that screw into place to ensure the plug assembly and the corresponding receptacle assembly do not decouple unintentionally.
As shown, the plug body 1352 has a mating end 1356 and a plurality of slots or contact pockets 1370 adjacent to the mating end 1356 for accepting a portion of the contacts 1342 of the contact module 1340 when the contact module 1340 is secured within the plug body 1352. Similarly, a plurality of slots or contact pockets 1330 are disposed near a mating end 1306 of the wafer carrier 1302 for accepting a portion of the contacts 1342 of the contact module 1340. A protective shroud 1312 extends beyond the plurality of slots or contact pockets 1330 of the wafer carrier 1302 in order to provide additional protection or support for the contact module 1340.
The plug body 1352 also incorporates a cutout 1360 for engaging with a retention member 1310 of the wafer carrier 1302 in order to securably hold the plug body 1352, the contact module 1340 and the wafer carrier 1302 together as a stable unit. A PCB end 1354 of the plug body 1352 and a PCB end 1304 of the wafer carrier 1302 are configured to receive or accommodate a plug PCB (not shown) that slidably engages with a groove 1320 of the wafer carrier 1302 for electrical connection with one or more wires or conductive cables. Electrical contact pads on the plug PCB engage with a portion of the contacts 1342 of the contact module 1340, the same or similar as previously described for
As shown, a plug body 1452 having a mating end 1456 is engaged with a wafer carrier 1402 disposed therein and coupled with the contact module 1440 having a plurality of contacts 1442. The plurality of contacts 1442 are accepted by a plurality of corresponding slots or contact pockets 1470 in the plug body 1452 or a plurality of corresponding slots or contact pockets 1430 in the wafer carrier 1402, the same or similar as previously described for
The contact module 1540 is coupled in place within the plug body 1552 via the wafer carrier 1502 having a mating end 1505, a PCB end 1504 and a retention member 1510 configured to engage with an opening 1560 of the plug body 1552, the same or similar as previously discussed. The plug body 1552 also includes a tab or attachment component 1525 for mechanically fastening with a plug housing (not shown), the same or similar as previously described. The plug body 1552 also includes a latching mechanism 1506, the same or similar to the latching mechanism 1106, and disengagement button or element 1507, the same or similar to the disengagement button or element 1107. In addition, the plug body 1552 includes a keying protrusion or element 1574 for ensuring the plug body 1552 of the plug assembly 1500 is in a proper orientation with respect to a corresponding receptacle assembly during mating, the same or similar as previously described for the keying protrusion 1104 of
Although the embodiments previously described have shown various connector components as integrated or coupled to a plug assembly or a receptacle assembly, the gender of each assembly may be reversed or certain features of the plug assembly may be incorporated into the receptacle assembly and vice versa in an alternative embodiment. An alternative embodiment may also utilize greater or fewer connector components than have been described for the embodiments above. In one example, electrical contacts, contact modules, and/or contact module holders may be incorporated as part of a receptacle connector assembly and be configured to slidably mate with a printed circuit board of a plug assembly. In another example, only one of a plug assembly or a receptacle assembly may utilize a printed circuit board therein.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/476,131, entitled “Electrical Connector Having a Printed Circuit Board,” filed on Apr. 15, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
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