Cable assembly and communication system configured to receive the cable assembly

Cable assembly including a mating connector having a plurality of communication terminals. The mating connector is configured to mate with a system connector of a communication system during a loading operation. The cable assembly includes a trailing sub-assembly having an intermediate connector and an external cable that is terminated to the intermediate connector. The cable assembly also includes a flexible cable extension having signal pathways that are terminated to and extend from the intermediate connector to the mating connector. The intermediate connector communicatively interconnects the signal pathways and the external cable. The mating connector is configured to engage a guide track when inserted into the communication system and slide along the guide track toward the system connector along a non-linear path. The flexible cable extension permits the signal pathways to bend while transferring an operative force for mating the system connector and the mating connector.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter herein relates generally to cable assemblies configured to communicate data signals and communication systems that include the same.

Communication systems, such as routers, servers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), supercomputers, and other computing systems, may be complex systems that have a number of components interconnected to one another. For example, the systems may include a number of interconnected circuit boards in which each circuit board has at least one processor with one or more receptacle connectors connected to the processor through the circuit board. Each receptacle connector is configured to mate with a corresponding mating connector, such as a pluggable input/output (I/O) connector. In some systems, the receptacle connectors are positioned to receive the mating connector through a panel (or bezel) of the system. For instance, a front end of the receptacle connector may be aligned with a window through the panel. The mating connector is inserted through the window and into the receptacle connector. When the mating and receptacle connectors are engaged, the processor and mating connector are connected to each other through the circuit board and receptacle connector.

As performance demands and data rates increase in communication systems, it has become more challenging to achieve a baseline level of signal quality. For example, it is known that dielectric material of a circuit board may cause signal degradation as the data signals propagate along conductive pathways through the dielectric material. As data rates increase, however, the signal degradation becomes even worse. Thus, it may be desirable to reduce the distance that data signals travel through dielectric material, such as the distance between the receptacle connector and the processor.

Positioning the receptacle connector closer to the processor, such as within a few centimeters, would reduce the amount of dielectric material that the data signals travel through. Moving the receptacle connector closer to the processor, however, consequently moves the receptacle connector away from the panel. At least some conventional cable assemblies are not capable of mating with receptacle connectors that are positioned away from the panel.

Another challenge that is rendered more difficult by increasing data rates is controlling the amount of heat that exists within the communication system. For example, the circuit boards typically divide the inner space of the communication system into separate zones. Components, such as the processor, may generate a substantial amount of heat. In some system configurations, the heat-generating components are mounted along the same side of the circuit board. Accordingly, one zone may be significantly warmer than other zones. Moving the receptacle connector closer to the processor may increase the amount of heat experienced by the processor and the receptacle connector, which may negatively affect the performance of the system.

Accordingly, a need exists for a communication system and corresponding cable assembly that position heat-generating components away from each other and/or allow improved airflow through the inner space of the communication system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a cable assembly is provided that includes a mating connector having a plurality of communication terminals. The mating connector is configured to mate with a system connector of a communication system during a loading operation. The cable assembly also includes a trailing sub-assembly having an intermediate connector and an external cable that is terminated to the intermediate connector. The cable assembly also includes a flexible cable extension having signal pathways that are terminated to and extend from the intermediate connector to the mating connector. The intermediate connector communicatively interconnects the signal pathways and the external cable. The mating connector is configured to engage a guide track when inserted into the communication system during the loading operation and slide along the guide track toward the system connector along a non-linear path. The flexible cable extension permits the signal pathways to bend as the mating connector slides along the non-linear path while transferring an operative force for mating the system connector and the mating connector.

In an embodiment, a communication system is provided that includes a system panel having an outer side that faces an outer space and an inner side that faces an inner space. The system panel includes a communication port having a receiving passage extending through the system panel. The communication port is configured to receive a mating connector of a cable assembly from the outer space. The communication system also includes a circuit board that is positioned within the inner space and has a system connector mounted thereto that is configured to mate with the mating connector. The system connector is spaced apart from the inner side of the system panel. The circuit board coincides with a board plane that extends perpendicular to the system panel. The communication system also includes a guide track extending between the receiving passage and the system connector. The guide track is configured to engage the mating connector of the cable assembly when the mating connector is inserted through the receiving passage during a loading operation. The guide track has a non-linear path that directs the mating connector from the receiving passage and to the system connector during the loading operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments set forth herein include communication systems and cable assemblies of the communication systems. The cable assemblies include a mating connector and an intermediate connector that are joined by a flexible cable extension. The mating connector is configured to be inserted into the communication system and moved along a guide track of the communication system. The guide track directs the mating connector from a communication port at a panel (or bezel) of the communication system to a system connector located within an inner space of the communication system. The guide track has a non-linear path such that the flexible cable extension bends as the mating connector moves along the non-linear path. The guide track may allow the system connector to be positioned away from the panel at a variety of locations within the inner space. As such, the system connector and/or other components of the communication system may have different positions within the inner space that may facilitate management of thermal energy within the communication system. For example, embodiments may enable improved airflow within the communication system.

In some embodiments, the intermediate connector includes one or more signal-processing devices that process the data signals of the cable assembly. The signal-processing devices may generate thermal energy. Unlike conventional cable assemblies in which the signal-processing device is incorporated into the mating connector, embodiments set forth herein may position the signal-processing device away from the mating connector and other components of the communication system. In such embodiments, the thermal energy generated by the signal-processing device may be dissipated into the surrounding space away from other heat-generating components of the communication system.

In some embodiments, the mating connector is a pluggable input/output (I/O) module in which at least a portion of the pluggable I/O module is received by the system connector of the communication system. The mating connectors and system connectors described herein may be configured to be compliant with certain industry standards, such as, but not limited to, the small-form factor pluggable (SFP) standard, enhanced SFP (SFP+) standard, quad SFP (QSFP) standard, C form-factor pluggable (CFP) standard, and 10 Gigabit SFP standard, which is often referred to as the XFP standard. In some embodiments, the mating connector may be configured to be compliant with small form factor (SFF), such as SFF-8644 and SFF-8449 HD.

In some embodiments, the cable assemblies described herein may be high-speed cable assemblies that are capable of transmitting data at a rate of at least about four (4) gigabits per second (Gbps), at least about 10 Gbps, at least about 20 Gbps, at least about 40 Gbps, or more. Although the cable assemblies may be high-speed cable assemblies in some embodiments, the cable assemblies may transmit at slower transmission speeds or data rates in other embodiments.

FIG. 1is a side view of a communication system100formed in accordance with an embodiment. For reference, the communication system100is oriented with respect to mutually perpendicular axes191,192,193, including a loading axis191, a lateral axis192, and a system axis193. The lateral axis192extends into and out of the page inFIG. 1. The communication system100may be, for example, a router, server, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), supercomputer, or like system having a number of interconnected components that communicate with each other electrically and, in some embodiments, optically. For example, the communication system100includes a circuit board102and a plurality of communication devices104,106mounted to the circuit board102. In some embodiments, the circuit board102and the communication devices104,106constitute a daughter card assembly107that is mounted to another circuit board (not shown), such as a backplane. InFIG. 1, only one daughter card assembly107is shown. However, it is contemplated that the communication system100may include a plurality of daughter card assemblies107. Each daughter card assembly107may be coupled to a common component, such as the backplane.

The communication devices104,106may include, among other devices, an integrated circuit (or processor)104and a system connector106. The integrated circuit104and the system connector106are interconnected to one another through traces (not shown) that extend through dielectric material of the circuit board102. In other embodiments, the integrated circuit104and the system connector106may be interconnected to one another through cables. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit104and the system connector106may be positioned adjacent to each other along the circuit board102to reduce a distance that data signals travel between the integrated circuit104and the system connector106. More specifically, a separation distance108exists between the integrated circuit104and the system connector106. In some embodiments, the separation distance108may be at most 5 centimeters (cm). In some embodiments, the separation distance108may be at most 4 cm or, more particularly, at most 3 cm. In more particular embodiments, the separation distance108is at most 2 cm or at most 1 cm.

In the illustrated embodiment, only a single integrated circuit104and a single system connector106are shown. In other embodiments, however, a plurality of integrated circuits104and/or the plurality of system connectors106may be mounted to a single circuit board102. For instance, a series of system connectors106may be mounted to the circuit board102along the lateral axis192. The integrated circuit104may be communicatively coupled to only one of the system connectors106or a plurality of the system connectors106.

The communication system100may also include a panel assembly110. The panel assembly110includes a system panel (or bezel)111having an outer side112and an opposite inner side114. The panel assembly110(or system panel111) is configured to separate an inner space115of the communication system100from an outer space113of the communication system100. In some embodiments, the system panel111is part of an outer housing or enclosure that surrounds the components of the communication system100. The outer space113may be a space that is accessible to an individual, such as a technician. The inner space115, however, may not be readily accessible to the individual without removing the system panel111.

The panel assembly110may include a plurality of communication ports120. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel assembly110includes only two communication ports120. In other embodiments, however, the panel assembly110may include only one communication port120or several communication ports120. In the illustrated embodiment, the two communication ports120are stacked adjacent to each other. In other embodiments, however, the communication ports120may have different positions relative to each other than those shown inFIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, each communication port120includes a receiving passage or window122of the system panel111. Optionally, the communication port120may also include a receptacle124that is aligned with one of the receiving passages122. As shown, the receptacle124is coupled to the system panel111. The receptacle124may be sized and shaped to receive a portion of a cable assembly200. More specifically, the receptacle124may include a receptacle housing125that is configured to guide a mating connector202of the cable assembly200through the system panel111from the outer space113and into the inner space115. The receptacle124may guide the mating connector202onto a guide track, which is described below with reference toFIGS. 6-8.

Each receptacle124may be secured in a fixed position relative to the system panel111. As shown, the receptacle124includes a front end132and a back and134. The front end132is disposed in front of the system panel111and in the outer space113, and the back end134is disposed within the inner space115. In other embodiments, the front end132may engage the system panel111or be disposed within the inner space115. In particular embodiments, each communication port120also includes a thermal-dissipation component140, such as a heat sink, that is operably coupled to the corresponding receptacle124. The thermal-dissipation component140includes a block of thermally conductive material that absorbs thermal energy generated within the receptacle124.

In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board102includes a board edge142. In particular embodiments, the board edge142is spaced apart from the inner side114of the system panel111. More specifically, a guide region119of the inner space115may exist between the board edge142and the inner side114of the system panel111. The guide region119represents a portion of the inner space115that is configured to have a guide assembly150(shown inFIG. 6) disposed therein. The guide assembly150includes at least one guide track that is configured to guide the mating connector202of the cable assembly200from a corresponding communication port120to a corresponding system connector106. In the illustrated embodiment, the board edge142is separated from the system panel111by an axial distance146that is measured along the loading axis191. The axial distance118may be for, example, at least 3 cm or, more specifically, at least 5 cm. In particular embodiments, the axial distance118may be at least 7 cm or, more particularly, at least 8 cm. In some embodiments, the axial distance118is less than 15 cm.

As shown the circuit board102extends along a board plane160that is parallel to the loading axis191and the lateral axis192. The board plane160is perpendicular to the system panel111inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the circuit board102divides the inner space115into separate zones. For example, the integrated circuit104and the system connector106may be located within a first zone162(indicated by a dashed box) along one side of the board plane160. On the other side of the board plane160, a second zone164(indicated by a dashed box) may exist. During operation of the communication system100, thermal energy166generated by the integrated circuit104or other communication devices mounted to the circuit board102is dissipated directly into the first zone162. The first zone162may have a temperature that is greater than a temperature of the second zone164. For example, the second zone164may not have thermal energy generated therein from the integrated circuit104or other communication devices mounted to the circuit board102.

The guide assembly150(FIG. 6) and the cable assembly200may allow different components of the communication system (e.g., the daughter card assembly107, the integrated circuit104, and/or the system connector106) to be positioned at locations that facilitate improved thermal management, such as improved airflow. Alternatively or in addition to the above, the guide assembly150and the cable assembly200may enable the positioning of one or more heat-generating components away from other heat-generating components of the communication system100. For example, the cable assembly200may include an intermediate connector204, such as a signal converter, that generates heat. The intermediate connector204may be located at least partially within the receptacle124such that the thermal-dissipation component140absorbs thermal energy172generated by the intermediate connector204and dissipates the thermal energy172into the second zone164near the system panel111.

As set forth herein, the intermediate connector170may include signal-processing devices that are configured to improve or maintain signal quality and/or convert the data signals between different signal forms. For example, the intermediate connector170may include a signal converter that transforms the data signals from an electrical form to an optical form or vice versa. By positioning at least two of the heat-generating components further away from each other, the temperature of the inner space115may be reduced and/or controlled in a more efficient manner. Consequently, the performance and/or lifetime operability of the heat-generating components or other components of the communication system100may be improved.

Although some embodiments may include intermediate connectors170that are heat-generating components, other embodiments may not include intermediate connectors that generate a substantial amount of heat. Nonetheless, the communication system100may allow better management of thermal energy within the inner space115compared to conventional systems by improving airflow within the inner space115. For example, air may be permitted to flow through the guide region119between the first and second zones162,164.

FIG. 2is a plan view of a portion of the cable assembly200, andFIG. 3is a side view of a portion of the cable assembly200. The cable assembly200includes the mating connector202, the intermediate connector204, and a flexible cable extension206that extends between and communicatively couples the mating connector202and the intermediate connector204. The flexible cable extension206is configured to bend as the mating connector202is moved along a non-linear path within the inner space115(FIG. 1) of the communication system100(FIG. 1). The flexible cable extension206may have a length that is measured between the mating connector202and the intermediate connector204. The length is based on the axial distance118(FIG. 1). The length may be for, example, at least 6 cm or, more specifically, at least 8 cm. In particular embodiments, the length may be at least 10 cm or, more particularly, at least 12 cm.

The flexible cable extension206includes a plurality of signal pathways212. The signal pathways212may include, for example, electrical wire conductors or optical fibers. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal pathways212are electrical cables214having wire conductors216(FIG. 2). The wire conductors216are terminated (e.g., soldered or welded) to the mating connector202at one end and terminated to the intermediate connector204at the other end. Each electrical cable214may include one or more wire conductors216. In the illustrated embodiment, each electrical cable214includes a pair of wire conductors216. For example, the electrical cables214are twinaxial (twinax) cables that include a parallel pair of the wire conductors216and an optional drain wire. It should be understood, however, that other types of electrical cables may be used. In alternative embodiments, optical fibers may be used.

The cable assembly200also includes an external cable208(shown inFIG. 3). In illustrated embodiment, the external cable208and the intermediate connector204form a trailing sub-assembly210of the cable assembly200. The cable extension206extends from the trailing sub-assembly210. The external cable208is referenced as “external” because the external cable208is positioned within the outer space113(FIG. 1) during operation of the communication system100. However, the external cable208may be located within a larger portion of the communication system100, such as within a cabinet (not shown). The external cable208may include an outer jacket215(FIG. 3) that surrounds a plurality of signal pathways218(FIG. 2). The signal pathways218may be electrical wire conductors and/or optical fibers. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal pathways218are optical fibers. The intermediate connector204is configured to interconnect the signal pathways218of the external cable208and the signal pathways212of the flexible cable extension206.

The intermediate connector204includes a circuit board (or board substrate)223and a signal-processing device225(FIG. 2) that is mounted to the circuit board223and configured to process signals that are transmitted through the intermediate connector204. The intermediate connector204may be bidirectional such that data signals may be transmitted from the signal pathways212to the signal pathways218or vice versa. The signal-processing device225may be, for example, a signal converter that is configured to convert the data signals from one signal form to another signal form. More specifically, the signal-processing device225may convert electrical data signals into optical data signals and vice versa.

In alternative embodiments, the signal-processing device225may have other functionalities. For example, the signal-processing device225may be an active device that processes only electrical data signals. In such embodiments, the signal-processing device225may include one or more capacitors, inductors, or resistors. The capacitor(s), inductor(s), and/or resistor(s) may be use to (a) control a flow of direct current along a signal pathway; (b) filter the signals along the signal pathway; and/or (c) reduce data transmission losses.

As shown inFIG. 3, the intermediate connector204includes a connector housing230. The connector housing230includes a shroud232and an overmold body234. The shroud232is configured to surround the terminating ends of the wire conductors216of the electrical cables214at the intermediate connector204. The overmold body234may surround and protect other circuitry of the intermediate connector204. For example, the overmold body234may encase the signal-processing device225. The overmold body234may also surround at least a portion of the shroud232.

During operation of the communication system100, the intermediate connector204is positioned within the receptacle124(FIG. 1). As such, the connector housing230is sized and shaped to fit within the receptacle124. In some embodiments, the connector housing230may include features for securing the connector housing230to the panel assembly110(FIG. 1). For instance, the connector housing230may include openings or cavities that receive corresponding latches (not shown) of the receptacle124to secure the intermediate connector204to the panel assembly110. To remove the cable assembly200, the latches may be engaged by the operator to allow the connector housing230to be withdrawn from the receptacle124.

The mating connector202is configured to mate with the system connector106(FIG. 1). With respect toFIG. 2, the mating connector202includes a board substrate220and an array of communication terminals222supported by the board substrate220. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication terminals222are electrical contacts (or contact pads) that are exposed along the board substrate220. As such, the communication terminals are hereinafter referred to as electrical contacts222. In other embodiments, however, the communication terminals are not electrical contacts. Instead, the communication terminals may be optical fiber ends (or optical terminals).

The mating connector202may also include a connector housing224(shown inFIG. 3) that surrounds the board substrate220and the terminating ends of the wire conductors216. The board substrate220may include a leading edge226that is configured to extend along the lateral axis192(FIG. 1). The electrical contacts222are positioned along the lateral axis192proximate to the leading edge226. In particular embodiments, the electrical contacts222are configured for differential signaling.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the cable assembly200may also include a biasing frame240. The biasing frame240is configured to transfer an operative force applied by the operator for engaging the mating connector202and the system connector106(FIG. 1). The biasing frame240is also configured to permit the flexible cable extension206to bend in a predetermined manner as the mating connector202slides along the guide assembly150.

In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing frame240includes a plurality of linkages that are movably coupled to one another. The biasing frame240includes a first frame assembly242and a second frame assembly244. The first and second frame assemblies242,244are located on opposite sides of the flexible cable extension206and extend from the intermediate connector204to the mating connector202. Each of the first and second frame assemblies242,244is coupled to the intermediate connector204and the mating connector202.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second frame assemblies242,244includes a leading end linkage246, a interconnecting linkage248, and a trailing end linkage250that are coupled to one another. The leading end linkage246, the interconnecting linkage248, and the trailing end linkage250may be, for example, rigid beams. As shown, the leading end linkage246, the interconnecting linkage248, and the trailing end linkage250are linear beams, but it should be understood that the beams may have non-linear shapes in alternative embodiments. The leading end linkage246is secured to the mating connector202, and the interconnecting linkage248extends between and joins the leading end linkage246and the trailing end linkage250. The trailing end linkage250is secured to the intermediate connector204. The first and interconnecting linkages246,248are rotatably coupled to each other at a joint252. The second and trailing end linkages248,250are rotatably coupled to each other at a joint254. The joints252,254permit the linkages to move with respect to one another during the loading operation.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a particular configuration of the biasing frame240. It should be understood, however, that the biasing frame may have other configurations in other embodiments. For example, the biasing frame may include only a single frame assembly in other embodiments.

FIG. 4is a bottom perspective view of the mating connector202. The connector housing224of the mating connector202includes a mating end280and a back end282that face in opposite directions. The back end282is coupled to the signal pathways212. The connector housing224may include first and second housing shells284,286. The first and second housing shells284,286may couple to each other with the board substrate220positioned therebetween. The first and second housing shells284,286form a forward-facing wall285from which the board substrate220extends.

Also shown, the first housing shell284includes a housing wall288, and the second housing shell286includes a housing wall290. The housing walls288,290of the first and second housing shells284,286, respectively, project from the forward-facing wall285and form a connector-receiving space294therebetween. The portion of the board substrate220projecting into the connector-receiving space294is hereinafter referred to as the mating portion296. The mating portion296includes the leading edge226and is configured to be received by the system connector106(FIG. 1) during the loading operation.

As shown inFIG. 4, the connector housing224has opposite sidewalls298,299that extend longitudinally between the forward-facing wall285and the back end282and vertically between the housing wall288and the housing wall290. One or more of the sidewalls298,299and/or the housing walls288,290may be configured to engage and slide along the guide assembly150. More specifically, the connector housing224may be shaped relative to the guide assembly150so that the mating connector202is directed by the guide assembly150during the loading operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing walls288,290extend beyond the sidewall298and form respective flanges or ledges289,291. The flanges289,291may engage and slide along rails320(shown inFIG. 6) of the guide assembly150. Also shown inFIG. 4, the leading end linkage246of the second frame assembly244is coupled to the connector housing224along the sidewall298. The leading end linkage246may have a fixed position relative to the mating connector202.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the system connector106. The system connector106includes a connector body300having a mounting side302that is configured to be mounted to the circuit board102(FIG. 1) and a mating side304that is configured to mate with the mating connector202(FIG. 1). The mating side304includes a receiving cavity306that is sized and shaped to receive the mating portion296(FIG. 4) of the board substrate220(FIG. 2). Although not shown, the system connector106includes an array of electrical contacts that extends through the connector body300. The electrical contacts may be exposed along the mounting side302so that the electrical contacts may be terminated to the circuit board102. The electrical contacts may also be exposed within the receiving cavity306for engaging the board substrate220. For example, the electrical contacts may include beams that extend into the receiving cavity306and are deflected by the board substrate220during the loading operation. When the system connector106and the mating connector202are fully mated, the electrical contacts of the system connector106engage corresponding electrical contacts222(FIG. 2) of the mating connector202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body300is configured to form a lateral slot310between a portion of the mounting side302and the circuit board102. The lateral slot310is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the housing wall290. The connector body300also includes a top side312, which represents the side of the connector body300that is furthest from the circuit board102. The housing wall288is configured to slide along the top side312. As such, an insert portion316of the connector body300is positioned within the connector-receiving space294when the mating connector202and the system connector106are fully mated.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8illustrate side views of the communication system100during first, second, and third stages, respectively, of the loading operation. As shown inFIG. 6, the guide assembly150includes a plurality of rails320. The rails320are positioned relative to each other and shaped to engage and guide the mating connector202along a predetermined path between the corresponding receiving passage122and the system connector106. As shown inFIG. 6, the rails320form a first guide track322and a second guide track324. Each of the first and second guide tracks322,324forms a non-linear path between a corresponding receiving passage122(or corresponding receptacle124) and a corresponding system connector106. Each of the first and second guide tracks322,324is configured to guide a corresponding mating connector202of a cable assembly200. Only one cable assembly200is shown inFIGS. 6-8. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-linear paths of the first and second guide tracks322,324are identical. In other embodiments, however, the first and second guide tracks322,324may have different paths.

Unlike conventional communication systems, the receiving passage122(or the receptacle124) and the system connector106are not aligned with each other such that the mating connector202moves in only one direction parallel to the loading axis191to mate with the system connector106. Instead, the guide tracks322,324are configured to change a position (or elevation) of the corresponding mating connector202relative to the system axis193as the mating connector202moves towards the system connector106. To this end, the rails320are sized and shaped to direct the mating connector202along the non-linear path. In an exemplary embodiment, the rails320may engage the flanges289,291(FIG. 4) of the connector housing224.

Each of the first and second guide tracks322,324includes a receiving segment391, a re-directing segment392, and an end segment393. The re-directing segment392extends between the receiving segment391and the end segment393. The receiving segment391joins the re-directing segment392at a first turn395. The re-directing segment392joins the end segment393at a second turn396. Each of the receiving segment391and the end segment393is configured to hold or orient the mating connector202such that the mating connector202extends parallel to the loading axis191. The re-directing segment392, however, extends in a different direction relative to the end segment393and the receiving segment391. The re-directing segment392extends non-parallel with respect to the loading axis191or the board plane160. In the illustrated embodiment, the re-directing segment392is linear from the receiving segment391to the end segment393. In other embodiments, however, the re-directing segment392may have a curved contour and/or two or more linear segments that are non-parallel with respect to each other.

FIGS. 9-11illustrate side views of the joint252during the loading operation.FIG. 9illustrates the positional relationship between the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248prior to the mating connector202(FIG. 1) being inserted into the receptacle124(FIG. 1). As shown, the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248have a linear relationship in which each of the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248extend parallel to the loading axis191(FIG. 1). The leading end linkage246includes an elongated beam340and a rotatable body342that is coupled to an end of the beam340.

The interconnecting linkage248includes a central pin344that couples to the rotatable body342. For example, the rotatable body342may be C-shaped and form a recess343that receives the central pin344. The rotatable body342and the central pin344may form an interference or snap-fit engagement. As shown inFIG. 9, the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248are rotatable about a pivot axis350. Also shown inFIG. 9, the interconnecting linkage248may include a positive stop352in some embodiments. The positive stop352may be coupled to or formed with the central pin344. The positive stop352is configured to limit the rotation of the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248with respect to each other. For example, the leading end linkage246may rotate, at most 180° about the pivot axis350.

FIG. 10illustrates the positional relationship between the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248as the mating connector202(FIG. 1) is rotated by the guide track322(FIG. 6) at the first turn395(FIG. 6). As shown, the leading end linkage246is rotated clockwise with respect to the pivot axis350. InFIG. 10, the leading end linkage246has rotated about 45° with respect to the positional relationship shown inFIG. 9. After rotating to the position shown inFIG. 10, the leading end linkage246may rotate in a counterclockwise direction along the pivot axis350as the mating connector202ascends the guide track322.

FIG. 11illustrates the positional relationship between the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248when the mating connector202(FIG. 1) is fully engaged with the end segment393(FIG. 6) of the guide track322and oriented parallel to the loading axis191. As shown inFIG. 11, the positive stop352is engaged with the rotatable body342such that the positive stop352prevents the leading end linkage246from rotating further in a counterclockwise direction relative to the interconnecting linkage248. In some embodiments, by preventing further rotation of the leading end linkage246, the biasing frame240may overcome forces (e.g., frictional forces) the resist movement of the mating connector202toward the system connector106.

Returning toFIG. 6, the mating connector202is aligned with the receptacle124. During the loading operation, an operative force398is applied by an operator in a loading direction along the loading axis191. The operator may be, for example, a machine or individual. As the mating connector202is inserted through the receptacle124the connector housing224may engage the rails320and slide therealong. As the mating connector202moves along the loading axis191, the mating connector202may engage the re-directing segment392at the first turn395. The rails320at the first turn395and the operative force398cause the mating connector202to rotate about the pivot axis350of the first joint252.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mating connector202may slide along the re-directing segment392toward the system connector106. When the mating connector202engages the end segment393at the second turn396, the mating connector202may rotate about the pivot axis350at the first joint252in a counterclockwise direction until the leading end linkage246and the interconnecting linkage248have the positional relationship shown inFIG. 11. With the operative force398still applied, the mating connector202may slide toward and engage the system connector106. More specifically, the mating portion296(FIG. 4) of the board substrate220may be inserted into the receiving cavity306(FIG. 5) of the system connector106. Accordingly, the biasing frame240operates to transfer the operative force398for mating the system connector106and the mating connector202.

During the loading operation, the second joint254may operate in a similar manner as the first joint252such that the interconnecting linkage248and the trailing end linkage250may move with respect to each other to allow the mating connector202to be guided toward the system connector106. As shown inFIG. 8, the mating connector202and the system connector106are fully mated. To remove the cable assembly200, a withdrawing force399may be applied by the operator in a direction that is opposite the loading direction along the loading axis191.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate a plan view and a side view of a portion of a cable assembly400. The cable assembly400may be similar to the cable assembly200(FIG. 1) and be inserted into the communication system100(FIG. 1) during a loading operation. For example, the cable assembly400includes a mating connector402, an intermediate connector404, and a flexible cable extension406that extends between and joins the mating connector402and the intermediate connector404. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate connector404includes a circuit board412having signal-processing devices410mounted thereto. The signal-processing devices410may include, for example, one or more processors. In other embodiments, the signal-processing devices410includes one or more capacitors, inductors, or resistors. InFIG. 12, the signal-processing devices410do not include signal converters that change the form of the data signals. In other embodiments, however, the signal-processing devices410may include signal converters.

The cable assembly400also includes a biasing frame440. The biasing frame440, however, does not include a plurality of linkages. Instead, the biasing frame440includes an elastic material442that extends along signal pathways (not shown) of the flexible cable extension406. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic material442forms a jacket444that surrounds the signal pathways. The jacket444may be shaped to form a flat ribbon. The signal pathways may be similar or identical to the signal pathways212(FIG. 2).

During the loading operation, the elastic material442permits the signal pathways to bend as the mating connector402slides along the non-linear path of the guide track. In some embodiments, the elastic material442(or jacket444) is biased to resist this bending. In such embodiments, the elastic material442(or jacket444) may transfer an operative force applied by the operator for mating the system connector (not shown) and the mating connector402.

In some embodiments, the jacket444includes one or more resilient elements450that are coupled to or embedded within the jacket444. The resilient elements450may be, for example, stamped-and-formed strips of metal that have a designated shape. The designated shape may bias the flexible cable extension406into a predetermined contour. When the flexible cable extension406bends into a different contour, the resilient elements450transfer the operative force for mating the system connector and the mating connector402.

In other embodiments, however, the elastic material442may not surround the signal pathways. For example, the elastic material442may be a flexible rod that extends between and join the mating connector402and the intermediate connector404. The flexible rod may permit the mating connector402to move along the guide track.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used in the description, the phrase “in an exemplary embodiment” and the like means that the described embodiment is just one example. The phrase is not intended to limit the inventive subject matter to that embodiment. Other embodiments of the inventive subject matter may not include the recited feature or structure. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.