Electrical connectors – Electromagnetic or electrostatic shield – Multi-part shield body
Patent
1999-06-28
2000-10-31
Bradley, Paula
Electrical connectors
Electromagnetic or electrostatic shield
Multi-part shield body
439108, 439358, H01R 13648
Patent
active
061393665
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to cable connectors, and, more particularly, to a latch member for coupling a modular shielded cable assembly and header together to produce an electrical interconnector while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and cross talk between and among closely situated cable connections.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
High density back panel connectors such as METRAL.TM. connectors, sold by Berg Electronics, are available in various standardized lengths. Such high density connector have been marketed widely by several companies and are widely known in the industry.
It is generally known in the art, that such connectors are modularized and can be combined and assembled to form connectors having a particular desirable length. Typically, this is accomplished by stacking standard length headers and receptacle connector modules. To form both sides of an electrical interconnection, for example, an assembly module, or cable terminator matching the desired length can be plugged into an assembly of stacked header connectors.
Although stacking such connectors is known in the art, problems remain with regard to combining connectors in this manner. Because the close proximity of the modules and the close spacing of contacts, these systems are susceptible to crosstalk. The connectors may encounter EMI from external sources as well as from each other. Also, inserting a mating module into a series or stack of header connectors is often difficult. Such modular arrangements have in the past provided insufficient guidance mechanisms so as to insure proper connection between mating arrays of modules. Further, assembly modules such as those forming cable connectors often are inadvertently disconnected from the header connector. Thus, prior art connectors lack a reliable means for preventing movement of cable connectors once they are engaged with the composite header.
Another drawback with conventional assembly modules is that they can be inadvertently disconnected from the head connector. It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a means for ensuring that the assembly modules and header connector remain connected.
Therefore, there remains a need for a cable interconnection which minimizes EMI and crosstalk provides sufficient guidance, so as to easily attach an assembly modules to a header connector and provides a means of adequately securing a cable connector to a header connector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention a latch member for coupling interconnectors together to provide an electrical interconnection is provided. The latch member comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and distal end. A fastening segment that is adapted to securely engage an outer wall of a header to assist in securing the latch member in an operating position is integrally coupled proximate the distal end. At least one latch element, adapted to securely engage and immobilize the connector element in cooperation with the header, is integrally coupled proximate the proximal end. The latch member is also configured to provide electrical shielding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention will be better understood, and its numerous objects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1A through 1D depict a prior art high density, modular receptacle connectors and header connectors;
FIG. 2 provides a partially exploded view of a stacked arrangement of shielded cable connectors and header connector modules placed one on top of the other, and a latch member in accordance with the present invention for coupling the cable connectors and header connectors;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the latch member shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a header housing that may be employed with the latch member shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a planar view of the header housing shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view o
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patent: 5522731 (1996-06-01), Clark et al.
patent: 5660557 (1997-08-01), Lemke et al.
patent: 5897393 (1999-04-01), Haftmann
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Berg Technology Inc.
Bradley Paula
Hamilla Brian J.
Page M. Richard
Ta Tho D.
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