阅读说明：本技术 用于单个扭绞导体对的连接器 (Connector for single twisted conductor pairs ) 是由 S·M·凯斯 A·I·哈施姆 B·S·莫菲特 S·P·托比 于 2018-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开了用于适应单个导体扭绞对的连接器系列。该连接器系列包括自由连接器、固定连接器和适配器；该自由和/或固定连接器可以被修改以适应该适配器配置和/或可以被修改以适应各种接插线配置。在某些实施例中,连接器系列中的一个或多个连接器采用LC光纤型式连接器配置和LC光纤封装配置。在某些示例中,连接器系列中的一个或多个连接器采用LC光纤型式连接器配置,但其封装大于或小于LC光纤封装。其他配置也可以被采用。(A connector family for accommodating single conductor twisted pairs is disclosed. The connector family includes a free connector, a fixed connector and an adapter; the free and/or fixed connectors may be modified to accommodate the adapter configuration and/or may be modified to accommodate various patch cord configurations. In certain embodiments, one or more connectors in the connector family employ an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic packaging configuration. In certain examples, one or more connectors in the connector family are configured with LC fiber-optic style connectors, but with a package that is larger or smaller than the LC fiber package. Other configurations may also be employed.)

1. a connector for a single twisted conductor pair, comprising:

An LC-style fiber optic connector housing;

A connector plug receivable within the connector housing;

First and second receptacle contacts receivable within first and second channels of the connector plug, the first and second channels placing the first and second receptacle contacts in an offset orientation, the first and second receptacle contacts configured to couple to first and second conductors of a single twisted conductor pair.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the LC style fiber optic connector housing has a package that is larger or smaller than or the same as the LC fiber optic connector package.

3. The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the LC style fiber optic connector includes an internal keying feature that interfaces with an external keying feature of the connector plug.

4. The connector of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the LC style fiber optic connector includes an internal stop feature to prevent over-insertion of the connector plug.

5. The connector of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the LC style fiber optic connector housing includes a blocking feature to prevent the connector from being inserted into an actual LC fiber optic connector.

6. The connector of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the twisted conductor pairs remain twisted until coupled with the first and second receptacle contacts.

7. The connector of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the connector plug includes a tab configured to interface with a cantilever latch of the LC style fiber optic connector housing to retain the connector plug within the LC style fiber optic connector housing.

8. The connector of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first and second channels of the connector plug establish an interference fit with the first and second receptacle contacts to retain the first and second receptacle contacts.

9. The connector of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the first and second receptacle contacts comprise a forward spring configuration having first and second fully mated plug/unplug contact points.

10. A connector for a single twisted conductor pair, comprising:

A body portion having a port;

A panel having a first surface and a second surface, the panel being mechanically coupleable to the body; and

First and second pin contacts having first portions received within respective first and second pin channels and extending into the port, the first and second pin channels defined in the body portion, the first and second pin contacts having second portions outside of the pin channels, the second portions being fixed in position relative to the body portion by stabilizing features extending from a first surface of the panel when the panel is mechanically coupled to the body portion, the first and second pin channels placing the first portions of the first and second pin contacts in an offset orientation.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the second portions of the first and second pin contacts are configured to couple to first and second conductors of a single twisted conductor pair.

12. The connector of claim 10, wherein the second portions of the first and second pin contacts are configured to be coupled to first and second contacts of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

13. The connector of claim 10 or 12, wherein the second portions of the first and second pin contacts are configured to cross.

14. The connector of claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the body portion comprises an LC fiber optic connector style body portion.

15. The connector of claim 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, wherein the body portion has an LC fiber optic connector package.

16. The connector of claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the body portion includes a blocking feature to prevent insertion of an actual LC connector into the port.

17. An adapter for coupling two single twisted conductor pairs, comprising:

A body portion having a first port and a second port;

A faceplate having a first surface and a second surface, the faceplate mechanically coupled to the body portion; and

A single twisted pair of conductors, each of the conductors having a first end including a pin contact and a second end including a pin contact, wherein the pin contacts of the first end are received within offset corresponding pin channels defined in the body portion and extend into the first port, wherein the pin contacts of the second end are received within offset corresponding channels defined in the body portion and extend into the second port, and wherein the twisted portions of the single conductor pairs intermediate the first and second ends are located within the body portion, and wherein, a stabilization feature extending from a first surface of the faceplate stabilizes a position of the pin contact relative to the body portion when the faceplate is mechanically coupled to the body portion.

18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the first port of the adapter is configured to receive the connector of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and wherein the second portion of the adapter is configured to receive the connector of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.

19. A patch cord, comprising:

A cable having twisted pairs of conductors, each conductor having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and wherein the second end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9.

20. A patch cord, comprising:

A cable having twisted pairs of conductors, each conductor having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and wherein the second end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16.

21. a patch cord, comprising:

A cable having twisted pairs of conductors, each conductor having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 and the second end is electrically coupled to a connector according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16.

22. The patch cord of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the cable has only a single twisted conductor pair.

23. The patch cord of claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the cable has a plurality of twisted conductor pairs.

Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to connectors, and more particularly, to connectors for single twisted pairs of conductors.

Background

the single twisted conductor pair may be used to transmit data and/or power over a communication network including, for example, computers, servers, cameras, televisions, and other electronic devices including internet of things devices. In the past, this was performed using ethernet cables and connectors, which typically included four conductor pairs for transmitting four differential signals. Differential signaling techniques, in which each signal is transmitted over a pair of balanced conductors, are used because differential signals are less affected by external and internal noise sources (such as crosstalk) than signals transmitted over unbalanced conductors.

In an ethernet cable, the insulated conductors of each differential pair are twisted around each other to form four twisted conductor pairs, and these four twisted conductor pairs may be further twisted around each other to form what is known as a "core-twisted". A separator may be provided for separating (thereby reducing coupling between) at least one of the twisted conductor pairs from at least one other of the twisted conductor pairs. The four twisted conductor pairs and any separators may be enclosed in a protective jacket. Ethernet cables are connectable with ethernet connectors (connected); a single ethernet connector is configured to accommodate all four twisted conductor pairs. However, it is possible that data and/or power transmission may be efficiently supported by the single twisted conductor pair and its own more compact connector and cable. Therefore, a connector design different from the standard ethernet connector is required.

Disclosure of Invention

A connector family that accommodates single twisted conductor pairs is disclosed. The connector family includes a free connector, a fixed connector and an adapter; the free connectors and/or the fixed connectors may be modified to accommodate the adapter configuration and/or modified to accommodate various patch cord configurations. In certain embodiments, one or more of the family of connectors employs an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic package (font) configuration. In certain examples, one or more of the series of connectors is configured with an LC fiber style connector, but with a package that is larger or smaller than the package of the LC fiber. Other configurations may also be employed.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a connector. A connector (e.g., a free connector) for a single twisted conductor pair includes an LC style fiber optic connector housing, a connector plug receivable within the connector housing, and first and second receptacle contacts. The first and second receptacle contacts are receivable within the first and second channels of the connector plug. The first and second channels place the first and second receptacle contacts in a biased orientation. The first and second contacts are configured to couple to first and second conductors of a single twisted conductor pair.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a different connector. The connector (e.g., a fixed connector) for a single twisted conductor pair includes a body portion having a port, a face plate, and first and second pin (pin) contacts. The faceplate has a first surface and a second surface, and may be mechanically coupled with the body portion. The first and second pin contacts each have a first portion received in respective first and second pin channels defined in the body portion; a first portion of the pin contact extends into the port. The first and second pin contacts have second portions outside the pin channel. The second portion is fixed in position relative to the body portion by a stabilizing feature extending from the first surface of the panel when the panel is mechanically coupled to the body portion. The second portion may intersect, e.g. comprise one or more twists. The first and second pin channels place the first portions of the first and second pin contacts in an offset orientation.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an adapter. An adapter for coupling two twisted conductor pairs includes a body portion having first and second ports, a face plate, and a twisted conductor pair. The faceplate has first and second surfaces and is mechanically coupled to the body portion. Each conductor of a single twisted conductor pair has a first end including a pin contact and a second end including a pin contact. The pin contact of the first end is received within an offset corresponding pin channel defined in the body portion and extends into the first port. The pin contact of the second end is received within an offset corresponding pin channel defined in the body portion and extends into the second port. The twisted portion of the conductor pair intermediate the first and second ends is located within the body portion. Stabilization features extending from the first surface of the faceplate stabilize the position of the pin contacts relative to the body portion when the faceplate is mechanically coupled to the body portion.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a patch cord. The patch cord includes twisted conductor pairs. The twisted conductor pairs may be connectorized at each end by a free connector, at each end by a fixed connector modified into a patch cord configuration, or at a first end by a free connector and at a second end by a fixed connector modified into a patch cord configuration.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows an example embodiment of a cable having a single twisted conductor pair.

Fig. 2A and 2B provide perspective views of example embodiments of an unassembled free connector and an assembled free connector, respectively.

fig. 3 shows an example of an LC connector configured for use with an optical fiber.

Fig. 4A to 4C provide a front view of an unassembled fixed connector, a rear view of an unassembled fixed connector, and a perspective view of an assembled fixed connector, respectively.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an assembled secure connector with a bulkhead (bulkhead) mounting feature.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an assembled free connector and an assembled fixed connector.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adapter and a pair of cables, each of the pair of cables having been connectorized with a free connector.

Fig. 8A through 8C illustrate examples of patch cords that may be configured with free connectors and modified connectors.

Fig. 9A to 9E show example configurations of socket contacts configured in conjunction with socket springs.

Detailed Description

A connector family that accommodates single twisted conductor pairs is disclosed herein. The connector family includes a free connector, a fixed connector and an adapter; the free connectors and/or fixed connectors may be modified to accommodate various patch cords and mounting configurations. In certain embodiments, one or more connectors in the connector family employ an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic packaging configuration. In certain examples, one or more connectors in the connector family are configured with LC fiber-optic style connectors, but with a package that is larger or smaller than the package of the LC fiber-optic package. Other configurations may also be employed.

Fig. 1 shows two example embodiments of a cable containing one or more single twisted conductor pairs. The first cable 10 includes first and second conductors 12, 14, the first and second conductors 12, 14 being twisted together to form a single twisted conductor pair 16. The conductors 12, 14 are surrounded by a protective jacket 18. The second cable 20 includes first to fourth conductors 22, 24, 26, 28. Conductors 22 and 24 are twisted together to form a first single twisted pair 30 and conductors 26 and 28 are twisted together to form a second single twisted pair 32. Twisted conductor pairs 30 and 32 are separated by separator 34 and enclosed in jacket 36. In certain example embodiments, the cables 10, 20 include a number of twisted conductor pairs greater than 2. In certain embodiments, each single twisted conductor pair (e.g., 16, 30, 32) is configured for data transmission up to 600mhz (ffs) and has a current carrying capability up to 1A. Each individual twisted conductor pair (e.g., 16, 30, 32) may be connectorized with various embodiments or combinations of embodiments of the free and fixed connectors described herein. The connectorized twisted conductor pairs may be coupled with an adapter as described herein.

Referring to fig. 2A and 2B, exemplary embodiments of unassembled and assembled free connectors 100 are shown, respectively. In certain embodiments, the free connector 100 is a version of an LC connector used with optical fibers. In some embodiments, the free connector 100 may be packaged with an LC connector, such as the shape and size of an LC connector. In certain embodiments, the free connector 100 is of the LC style (e.g., similar in appearance, such as having a generally square elongated connector body and a small form factor of snap latches on the connector body), but packaged either larger or smaller than an LC connector. In certain embodiments, the free connector 100 differs from the LC connector pattern and/or packaging in other dimensions and/or characteristics.

Referring to fig. 3, an example of a simplex LC connector 200 and adapter 202 and a duplex LC connector 204 and adapter 206 are shown with respect to a panel 208. Snap latches 210 are used to maintain the coupling of the connector to the adapter. LC family connectors, adapters and active equipment receptacles are generally known as small form factor connectors for use with optical fibers (1.25mm ferrules) in high density applications, such as in established communication systems. The front face 212 of the simplex LC connector is generally square with external dimensions of 4.42mm x 4.52 mm. The IEC (International electrotechnical Commission) standard for LC connectors may be recognized as IEC 61754-20; the noted IEC standards are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring again to fig. 2A and 2B, the free connector 100 generally includes a connector housing 102, a connector insert 104, and a pair of receptacle contacts 106a, 106B.

The connector housing 102 of the free connector 100 includes an elongated body portion 110, the body portion 110 having a first side wall 112 and a second side wall 114, the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 114 being connected by an upper wall 116 and a lower wall 118, respectively, to establish a square or generally square front surface 120. The connector housing 102 also includes a rear portion 122 extending rearwardly from the elongated body portion 110. The rear portion 122 has side walls 124, 126, the side walls 124, 126 being connected by upper and lower walls 128, 130, respectively, to establish a square or substantially square rear surface 132 of the connector housing 102. The outer dimension of the rear portion 122 is reduced from the outer dimension of the elongated body portion 110 to accommodate a rear cover 131 or shroud that surrounds the rear face 132 of the connector housing 102. In certain embodiments, the back cover 131 includes a stress relief feature. A central passage 134 having a uniform or varying cross-section extends through the connector housing 102 from the front face 120 to the rear face 132. Where the connector housing 102 is different from an LC style connector, the exterior and/or interior profile of the connector housing 102 may exhibit a shape (e.g., circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc.) that is different from a square shape.

the connector housing 102 includes a snap latch 136 on the upper wall 116 of the elongated body portion 110. The snap latches 136 may be positioned proximate the front face 120 of the connector housing 102 as shown, or may also be positioned further rearward along the upper wall 116 as appropriate to enable a releasable interface or coupling with a corresponding fixed connector or adapter, as described below. In certain example embodiments, at least one of the sidewalls 112, 114 includes a cantilevered latch 138, the cantilevered dual latch 138 interfacing with the connector plug 104 to retain the connector plug 104 within the central channel 134 when inserted therein.

In certain embodiments, the connector housing 102 includes a keying feature provided in the central passage 134 to ensure that the connector insert 104 is inserted into the connector housing 102 in the correct orientation. In the example embodiment of fig. 2A and 2B, the keying feature comprises a chamfer 140 extending along a longitudinal portion or the entire length of a lower corner of the central channel 134; complementary keying features are provided on the connector insert 104 as described below.

In certain example embodiments, the connector housing 102 includes stop features that help ensure proper forward positioning and/or prevent over-insertion of the connector plug 104. In the example embodiment of fig. 2A and 2B, the stop feature includes a solid triangular portion 142, the solid triangular portion 142 interfacing with the stop feature of the connector plug 104, as described below. The connector housing 102 may be of unitary construction and may be manufactured by a suitable molding process, such as insert molding. Other keying and/or stop features may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

The connector plug 104 includes a body portion 144 having a first side wall 146 and a second side wall 148, the first side wall 146 and the second side wall 148 being connected by an upper wall 150 and a lower wall 152, respectively. The front surface 154 of the body portion 144 includes two apertures 156, 158, and a first channel 160 and a second channel 162 extend behind the two apertures 156, 158, respectively. First and second channels 160, 162 extend from front surface 154 through rear surface 164. The body portion 144 is configured to be received within the central passage 134 of the connector housing 102 such that the front surface 154 of the body portion 144 is proximate the front surface 120 of the connector housing. In some examples, the entirety of the connector insert 104 is retained within the elongated body portion 110 of the connector housing 102 when inserted into the connector housing 102.

In certain examples, each of the first and second channels 160, 162 in the connector plug 104 includes one or more bosses (boss)166 and a lip (lip edge)168 proximate the rear surface 164. Each boss 166 operates to position the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b so as to be axially aligned with the apertures 156, 158 of the front face 154 when the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b are inserted into their respective first and second channels 160, 162. The bosses 166 also operate to establish an interference fit (interference fit) between the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b and their respective first and second channels 160, 162 to help maintain the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b within the first and second channels. The lip 168 also helps position each receptacle contact 106a, 106b to place each receptacle contact 106a, 106b forwardmost in its respective first and second channels 160, 162 proximate the front surface 154 of the connector plug 104 and to prevent the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b from being pulled rearwardly out of their respective first and second channels 160, 162 and from the connector plug 104 itself. Other features and/or elements may also (or alternatively) be used to retain the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b within the first and second channels 160, 162 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

In certain examples, the apertures 156, 158 and the respective first and second channels 160, 162 are vertically stacked or horizontally positioned side-by-side. However, to minimize crosstalk between adjacent contact pairs when the plurality of connectors 100 are disposed in close proximity to one another, in certain examples, the apertures 156, 158 and the respective first and second channels 160, 162 are disposed in an offset configuration (see fig. 2A and 2B) so as to present the inserted receptacle contacts 106a, 106B in a crosstalk neutral (e.g., minimizing or avoiding crosstalk from adjacent connectors to the receptacle contacts 106a, 106B) position relative to the other connectors.

in certain examples, at least one of the sidewalls 146, 148 of the connector plug 104 includes a ramped tab 170 projecting outwardly therefrom. Upon insertion of the connector insert 104 into the connector housing 102, the tilt tab 170 allows the connector insert 104 to pass the cantilever latch 138 of the connector housing 102 for full insertion, and the tilt tab 170 subsequently engages the cantilever latch 138 to prevent rearward movement or removal of the connector insert 104 from the connector housing 102. Other features and/or elements may also (or alternatively) be used to retain the connector insert 104 in the connector housing 102 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

in some examples, the connector insert 104 includes a keying feature configured to interface with a keying feature of the connector housing 102. In the example of fig. 2A and 2B, the keying feature includes a chamfer 172 configured to interface with the chamfer 140 of the connector housing 102. The chamfer 172 may extend along a portion of the connector insert 104 or along the entire length of the connector insert 104. The keying features ensure proper orientation of the connector insert 104 within the connector housing 102.

In certain examples, the connector insert 104 includes a stop feature. In the example of fig. 2A and 2B, the stop feature includes a boss 174 that is recessed from the front face 154 of the connector plug 104 and is configured to interface with a stop feature (e.g., the solid triangular portion 142) of the connector housing 102. The recess of the bosses 174 from the front face 154 enables the front face 154 of the connector plug 104 to be positioned flush with the stop features (e.g., solid triangular portion 142) of the connector housing 102 to present the combined front face 154 of the connector plug 104 and stop features of the connector housing 102 as a generally uniform planar surface. The connector insert 104 may be of unitary construction and may be manufactured by a suitable molding process, such as insert molding. Other keying and/or stop features may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

each of the socket contacts 106a, 106b includes a tip (tip) contact 176 and a ring (ring) contact 178. Each socket contact 106a, 106b comprises a hollow cylinder having a rear end 180 and a front end 182. The inner diameter 184 of the rear end 180 of each receptacle contact 106a, 106b may be sized to receive a respective one of the conductors 12, 14 (or 22, 24 or 26, 28, see fig. 1) of the twisted conductor pair 16 (or 30 or 32, see fig. 1) extending from the cable 18 (or 36, see fig. 1). In certain embodiments, the inner diameter 184 is such that an interference fit is established between the conductors 12, 14 and the socket contacts 106a, 106b to provide a good mechanical and electrical connection. In some embodiments, the rear ends 180 of the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b are crimped (crimp) onto the conductors 12, 14. In some embodiments, the conductors 12, 14 are soldered to the receptacle contacts 106a, 106 b. The twisting of the twisted conductor pairs 16 may be maintained up to the point where the conductors 12, 14 are coupled to the receptacle contacts 106a, 106 b; the ability to maintain twist in the conductors 12, 14 helps minimize or prevent cross talk from adjacent connectors to the jack contacts 106a, 106b, thereby improving operation of the connector 100. The front end 182 of each receptacle contact 106a, 106b is sized to receive a pin contact or conductor of a mating connector, such as the fixed connector 300 described below; and may include one or more longitudinal slots (slit) 186.

The free connector 100 may be configured in simplex form, or combined in duplex form similar to that with an LC fiber connector (see fig. 1); forms including more than two free connectors 100 are also possible.

Fig. 4A to 4C and 5 illustrate an example embodiment of a fixed connector 300 configured to interface with the free connector 100. In certain embodiments, the fixed connector 300 is a version of an LC connector used with optical fibers. In some embodiments, the fixed connector 300 may be packaged with an LC connector, such as the shape and size of an LC connector (e.g., an LC adapter or LC active device receptacle). In certain embodiments, the fixed connector 300 is of the LC style, but its packaging is larger or smaller than the LC connector. In certain embodiments, the fixed connector 300 differs from the LC connector pattern and/or packaging in other dimensions and/or characteristics.

The fixed connector 300 is a two-piece (two-piece) assembly including a main body portion 302 and a rear panel 304; the back panel 304 enables placement of the pin conductors 306a, 306b within the body portion 302.

The body portion 302 includes a first sidewall 308 and a second sidewall 310, the first sidewall 308 and the second sidewall 310 connected by an upper wall 312 and a lower wall 314. The first and second side walls 308, 310 and the upper and lower walls 312, 314 constitute a (frame) forward opening portion 316, the forward opening portion 316 presenting a port 318 within the body portion 302 configured to receive the free connector 100. A notch (notch)320 proximate the upper wall 312 is configured to interface with the snap latch 136 to removably retain the free connector 100. The back plate 322 of the body portion 302 fills the voids between the walls 308, 310, 312, 314 except for the pin cavities 324 and pin channels 325 extending therefrom. The pin channel 325 is configured to receive the pin conductors 306a, 306b, while the pin cavity 324 is configured to receive portions of the pin conductors 306a, 306b not within the pin channel and interface with the back panel 304. First and second recesses 326, 328 extend through first and second sidewalls 308, 310, respectively, to back plate 322 and are configured to interface with back panel 304.

Referring to fig. 5, the lower wall 314 of the body portion 302 includes a first opening 330 and a second opening 332, and the pin conductors 306a, 306b extend through the first and second openings 330, 332 when the fixed connector 300 is assembled. One or more stabilizing pads 334 and/or mounting features 336 may also be provided on lower wall 314 to enable mounting of fixed connector 300 and electrically coupling pin conductors 306a, 306b to a circuit board or other circuit structure. Fig. 5 further illustrates that the body portion 302 of the fixed connector may include one or more flanges (flanges), such as a first flange 338 and a second flange 340 proximate the forward opening portion 316. The flanges 338, 340 are for bulkhead mounting.

The rear panel 304 includes a front surface 342 and a planar rear surface 344. The front surface 342 is provided with a pair of forwardly extending tabs 346, 348, the tabs 346, 348 being configured to interface with the first and second grooves 326, 328 to fixedly or removably secure the rear panel 304 to the body portion 302 by an interference fit. In some embodiments, a latching mechanism may additionally or alternatively be used to secure the back panel 304 to the interference fit. The front surface 342 is further provided with a forwardly extending upper stabilizer 350 and a forwardly extending lower stabilizer 354, the upper stabilizer 350 curving toward a central location 352, the lower stabilizer 354 curving toward the same central location 352. A pin stabilizer 356 is provided to either side of the upper stabilizer 350.

The pin conductors 306a, 306b each include a first end 358 and a second end 360. Each pin conductor 306a, 306b is bent at approximately a right angle between first end 358 and second end 360 such that first end 358 extends through rear plate 322 and into port 318. And within port 318, first end 358 is received in front end 182 of receptacle contacts 106a, 106b for making an electrical connection therebetween when free connector 100 is inserted into port 318. Second end 360 of each of pin conductors 306a, 306b extends through lower wall 314. The first ends 358 of the pin conductors 306a, 306b are arranged to be offset from one another, the offset being consistent with the offset of the socket contacts 106a, 106b, while the second ends 360 of the pin conductors 306a, 306b cross near a right angle bend; the offset and intersection of the pin conductors 306a, 306b helps to minimize or prevent cross-talk between the pin conductors 306a, 306b and the pin conductors of a vertical or horizontal proximity-like connector. In some embodiments, the pin conductors 306a, 306b may be stacked horizontally or vertically to correspond to the placement of the socket contacts 106a, 106 b. In some embodiments, the pin conductors 306a, 306b are equal in length, while in other embodiments, the pin conductors 306a, 306b are different in length.

additional information about the Pin conductors and their positioning to minimize or prevent crosstalk can be found in U.S. patent 9,407,043 entitled "Balanced Pin and Socket Connectors" and U.S. patent 9,590,339 entitled "High Data Rate Connectors and Cable Assemblies that are capable of maintaining a sufficient quantity for Harsh Environments and Related Methods and Systems". Each of the mentioned patents is incorporated herein by reference.

When the fixed connector 300 is assembled, the first end 358 of each of the pin conductors 306a, 306b is inserted into the pin cavity 324 and the corresponding pin passage 325 in its offset position; a divider 362, which includes a portion of the back plate 322, separates the second ends 360 of the pin conductors 306a, 306b within the pin cavity 324. The rear panel 304 is then secured to the main body portion 302 of the fixed connector 300. The second ends 360 of the pin conductors 306a, 306b pass through a central location 352 at the rear panel 304 where upper and lower stabilizers 350, 354 help maintain/fix the position of the pin conductors 306a, 306b relative to the body portion 302; the upper and lower stabilizers 350, 354 are received within the pin cavity 324. In some embodiments, an interference fit occurs between the upper stabilizer 350, the lower stabilizer 354, and the pin cavity 324 to assist in securing the back panel 304 to the body portion 302 of the fixed connector 300. The pin stabilizer 356 presses against each of the pin conductors 306a, 306b to ensure that they are fully, forwardly positioned within the pin channel of the fixed connector 300 and maintain/fix their position.

The fixed connector 300 may be configured in simplex form, or combined into duplex form similar to that with LC fiber connectors (see fig. 1); forms including more than two fixed connectors 300 are also possible.

In certain embodiments, one or both of the connectors 100, 300 may be provided with a blocking feature to prevent insertion of the free connector 100 into an actual LC fiber optic adapter or LC fiber active device receptacle and/or to prevent insertion of an actual LC fiber optic connector into the fixed connector 300 when the free connector 100 and/or the fixed connector 300 are configured in an LC format and/or package. In the example of fig. 6, the free connector 100 is provided with a blocking feature in the form of a rectangular protrusion (protuberance)602 extending outwardly from the connector housing 102; the protrusion 602 will prevent the free connector 100 from being inserted into an LC fiber optic adapter or LC fiber optic active device receptacle. Further, in the example of fig. 6, the free connector 100 includes a chamfer 604 along a portion of a corner of the connector housing 102, the chamfer 604 accommodating a blocking feature in the form of a triangular panel 606 in the corner of the port 318. Triangular face 606 of fixed connector 300 allows free connector 100 to enter port 318; however, the square housing configuration of the LC fiber optic connector will be blocked from entering the port 318 of the fixed connector 300.

Fig. 7 shows a single twisted conductor pair adapter 700. The adapter 700 is configured to enable an in-line connection between the first free connector 100a and the second free connector 100 b. For example, simplex and/or duplex adapters 700 may be used for wall board applications (similar to standard wall outlets), or multiple adapters 700 may be used in bulkhead configurations for high density applications.

The adapter 700 generally includes a pair of fixed connectors 300, and the pair of fixed connectors 300 are modified to be electrically and mechanically coupled to each other, rather than being individually coupled to a circuit board. In some embodiments, the adapter 700 comprises a two-piece assembly having a continuous body portion 702 defining two ports 704 and an upper panel (or lower panel) 706 configured to be coupled to the body portion 702. Body portion 702 defines an upper channel (lower channel) 705 in which individual twisted conductor pairs 708, 710 may be placed, wherein the twisted conductor pairs each have a pin contact first end 712 and a pin contact second end 714, which first and second ends 712, 714 may be inserted into corresponding pin channels 716 formed in body portion 702. The top panel 706 may be configured with various outwardly extending stabilizing features to help position and/or maintain the position of the pin contacts 712, 714 in an offset orientation corresponding to the receptacle contacts 106a, 106b of the free connector 100 to be received in each of the ports 704. The top panel 706 may include outwardly extending tabs 718 or other types of mechanisms for coupling the top panel 706 to the body portion 702.

Fig. 8A through 8C illustrate various patch cord configurations that may be manufactured using free connector 100 and modified fixed connector 300. In the patch cord example, the fixed connector 300 is configured to couple with a cable having a single twisted conductor pair, rather than being configured to couple to a circuit board. As shown, patch cord 800 includes a first end 802 having a first free connector 804 and a second end 806 having a second free connector 808, see fig. 8A. Fig. 8B shows a patch cord 810, the patch cord 810 having a first end 812 with a first free connector 814 and a second end 816 with a first fixed connector 818. Fig. 8C shows a patch cord 820 having a first end 822 with a first fixed connector 824 and a second end 826 with a second fixed connector 828.

Fig. 9A-9E illustrate various example embodiments of receptacle contacts 900, which receptacle contacts 900 may be used in various configurations/embodiments described herein, for example, in place of receptacles 106a, 106 b. As shown in fig. 9A-9C, the front end 902 of the socket contact 900 includes a socket spring configuration having a lead-in angle (e.g., angle a) and a flat transition 904 such that when the pin 906 is fully mated with the socket contact 900, the final contact point X is located at a different position than the insertion/extraction contact point Y. The rearward portion (now shown) of the contact 900 may include a ring contact (see, e.g., ring 178 of socket contact 106a in fig. 2A) or other suitable contact configuration. In some embodiments, the flat transition region 904 is replaced by a circular transition region 908, see fig. 9D. In some embodiments, see fig. 9E, socket contact 900 is provided with a socket spring configuration in which front end 902 is provided with a stepped surface 910 such that the final mating contact point X of contact pin 906 is located at a different location than the insertion/extraction point Y of contact pin 906.

It is also to be understood that aspects of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner to provide many additional embodiments. For the sake of brevity, these embodiments will not be described separately.

Although the present invention has been described above primarily with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to disclose the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thickness and dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the terms "tip" and "ring" are used to refer to both conductors of a differential pair, and are otherwise not limiting.

Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "above", "upper", "top", "bottom", and the like, as used herein, are for convenience of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and an orientation of below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein, the expression "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "interconnected," "contacting," "mounted," and the like, may mean, unless otherwise indicated, either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements.

Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.