Abstract:
A cable assembly ( 1 ) includes a first connector ( 100 ), a second connector ( 200 ) and a cable set ( 300 ) connected with the first and second connectors. The first connector includes a first housing ( 11 ) and a plurality of signal and power contacts ( 12, 13 ) respectively mounted in the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing ( 21 ) and a plurality of signal and power terminals ( 22 ) respectively mounted in the second housing. The cable set includes a signal cable ( 31 ) and a plurality of power wires ( 32 ). The signal cable connects with the signal contacts of the first connector and terminated to the signal terminals of the second connector, while the power wires respectively connect with the power contacts of the first connector and terminated to the power terminals of the second connector. The first connector remains some power contacts free from any connection.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a cable assembly, and particularly to a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (serial ATA) interface connector with a low profiled cable connector that provides a relay connection between internal devices of a notebook computer.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0004]     In the last decade, portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers have become essential tools for people relied upon facility. As the time goes by, the popularity of these devices has risen as the cost and the sizes of the devices have diminished. Currently, most notebook computers have storage devices called hard disk drives. The hard disk drive is connected to the main printed circuit board (PCB) of the notebook computer by way of an interface, usually a controller card, a cable, and some software protocols. One type of hard disk drive interface used today is an advanced technology attachment (ATA) interface which is a parallel interface whereby multiple bits of data are transmitted per time across the interface simultaneously during each transfer. A parallel interface allows for high throughput, however, as the frequency of the interface is increased, signaling problems and interference between signals become common.  
         [0005]     Serial ATA is an interface specification that abandons the parallel concept in favor of a serial interface where only one bit is transferred per time. This allows the interface to operate at higher speed without the problems associated with a parallel interface at higher speed. The serial ATA interface also has some other improvements comparing with the parallel ATA interface, such as low cost, low pin count, and low voltage requirement, and so on. In a word, the serial ATA connector provides a long-term solution for high performance, and easier, more flexible system design.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,591 B1 issued to Chang discloses a serial ATA interface assembly performing high-speed transmission. The serial ATA interface assembly has a serial ATA interface connector comprising a signal section and a power supply section complying with the serial ATA interface pin assignment. The signal section is coupled to a signal cable on one side and terminated to a signal connector on one end for connecting to signals of a main PCB of a computer, while the power supply section is coupled to a power cable on the other side and terminated to at least one power input connector on the other end for supplying direct current power to an connecting device. As mentioned above, the serial ATA interface assembly has expected function of stable high-speed transmission. However, with the miniaturization and dense trend of the computer, especially of the notebook computer, it is desired that the serial ATA interface assembly, which provides a relay connection between the connecting device and the main PCB, could be as small as possible for reducing its occupying space in valuable internal space of the computer, especially reducing its layout space on the main PCB.  
         [0007]     Hence, an improved serial ATA interface assembly is desired to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a serial ATA interface connector with a low profiled cable connector that provides a relay connection between internal devices of a notebook computer.  
         [0009]     In order to implement the main object and overcome the above-identified deficiencies in the prior art, the cable assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises a first connector, a second connector and a cable set connected with the first and second connectors. The first connector includes a first housing and a plurality of signal and power contacts respectively mounted in the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing and a plurality of signal and power terminals respectively mounted in the second housing. The cable set includes a signal cable and a plurality of power wires. The signal cable connects with the signal contacts of the first connector and terminated to the signal terminals of the second connector, while the power wires respectively connect with the power contacts of the first connector and terminated to the power terminals of the second connector. The first connector remains some power contacts free from any connection.  
         [0010]     Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. As should be understood, however, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, assembled view of a cable assembly according to the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a serial ATA connector assembled with a cable set of the cable assembly;  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but taken from another aspect;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective, assembled view of a cable connector assembled with the cable set;  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded, perspective view of  FIG. 6 ; and  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0020]     The present invention relates to a cable assembly  1  which is adapted for realizing electrical connection between a hard disk drive and a main printed circuit board (PCB) of a notebook computer (not shown). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 1 , the cable assembly  1  comprises a first Serial ATA connector  100  adapted for electrically connecting with a complementary plug (not shown) of the hard disk drive, a second connector  200  adapted for electrically connecting with a complementary connector (not shown) mounted on the main PCB, and a cable set  300  electrically connected with the first connector  100  and the second connector  200 . In the preferred embodiment, the second connector  200  is a micro coaxial connector due to its low profile, stable electrical properties and excellent preventing EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) function.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the first connector  100  comprises an insulative first housing  11 , a plurality of signal contacts  12  and power contacts  13 , a signal spacer  14 , a power spacer  15  and an insulative first cover  16  over-molded with a rear end of the first housing  11 .  
         [0022]     The first housing  11  is generally molded of plastic or polymer material and has an elongated base  110 . The base  110  comprises an upper wall  1101 , a lower wall  1102  opposite to the upper wall  1101 , a pair of sidewalls  1103  connecting with the upper and the lower walls  1101 ,  1102 , and an intermediate wall  1104  vertically extending between the sidewalls  1103  and connecting the upper and the lower walls  1101 ,  1102 . The upper wall  1101 , the lower wall  1102 , the sidewalls  1103  and the intermediate wall  1104  together define an L-shaped signal mating port  1105  and an L-shaped power mating port  1106 . The signal and power mating ports  1105 ,  1106  are arranged side by side and the signal mating port  1105  has a lengthwise dimension smaller than that of the power mating port  1106 . The upper wall  1101  forms a plurality of spaced flat portions  1107  adjacent to a rear surface  112  ( FIG. 4 ) of the base  110  to increase attach strength during over-molding of the first cover  16 . The lower wall  1102  is thicker than the upper wall  1101  and defines a row of passageways  1108  extending therethrough along a front-to-back direction, wherein the passageways  1108  is divided into first passageways in the first mating port  1105  and second passageways in the second mating port  1106  by the intermediate wall  1104  for respectively receiving the signal contacts  12  and the power contacts  13 . Additionally, the base  110  forms a pair of guiding posts  1109  from opposite lateral ends thereof and extending forwardly adjacent to the sidewalls  1103  for properly guiding the first connector  100  to mate with the complementary plug of the hard disk drive.  
         [0023]     The first housing  11  forms a pair of flanges  1121  at opposite lateral ends of the base  110  and outwardly and rearwardly extending beyond the rear surface  112  of the first housing  11 . Each flange  1121  defines a positioning hole  1122  therein. A signal recess  1125  and a power recess  1126  respectively extend forwardly from the rear surface  112  toward corresponding signal and power mating ports  1105 ,  1106  and communicate with the passageways  1108 . A pair of wing portions  1127  extend rearwardly from the rear surface  112  and locate at opposite sides of the power recess  1120 . Each wing portion  1127  defines a transverse U-shaped cutout  1128  facing to each other.  
         [0024]     The signal contacts  12  and the power contacts  13  are stamped from a metal sheet and have the same configuration and dimensions. Each of the signal and power contacts  12 ,  13  comprises a curved contact portion  121 ,  131  at one free end thereof adapted to be received in a corresponding passageways  1108  of the first housing  11 , a flat tail portion  123 ,  133  at the other free end thereof, and a retention portion  122 ,  132  connecting the contact portion  121 ,  131  and the tail portion  123 ,  133  and having a plurality of serrations  1221 ,  1321  symmetrically located at opposite sides thereof.  
         [0025]     The signal spacer  14  and the power spacer  15  which respectively have a certain configuration and dimension for being nicely inserted into the signal recess  1125  and the power recess  1126  of the first housing  11 , and can prevent plastic from entering into the passageways  1108  of the first housing  11  during over-molding of the first cover  16 . The signal and power spacers  14 ,  15  respectively define a plurality of rectangular through holes  141 ,  151  for allowing the tail portions  123 ,  133  of the signal and power contacts  12 ,  13  to pass through. The signal and power spacers  14 ,  15  further respectively form a plurality of strengthen areas  142 ,  152  protruding from upper and lower surfaces thereof for interferentially working with inner surfaces of the signal and power recesses  1125 ,  1126  of the first housing  11 .  
         [0026]     Next, a structural description of the second connector  200  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8 . The second connector  200  comprises an insulative second housing  21 , a contact set  22  having an insulative insert  23  and a plurality of terminals  24  for transmitting signals and power, a metallic shield  25 , a pair of latch members  26 , a pair of bolts  28  and an insulative second cover  27  partially over-molded with the shield  25 .  
         [0027]     The second housing  21  comprises an elongate base portion  211 , a tongue portion  212  extending forwardly from middle region of the base portion  211 , a termination portion  213  formed at a rear end of the base portion  211 , and a pair of retention portions  214  respectively formed on lateral ends of the base portion  211 . The base portion  211  and the tongue portion  212  together define a plurality of grooves  215  from the rear end of the base portion  211  to a front end of the tongue portion  212 . The termination portion  213  comprises an elongated plate  2131  extending rearwardly from bottom edge of the base portion  211 , a pair of receiving sections  2132  formed on lateral ends of the elongated plate  2131 . Each receiving section  2132  defines a receiving channel  2133  in an inner side thereof. Each receiving section  2132  and a corresponding retention portion  214  define a gap  216  therebetween. Each of the retention portions  214  defines a depression  2141  in an outer wall thereof and a guiding portion  2142  extending forwardly therefrom. The guiding portion  2142  has an upright front end  2143  along a lengthwise direction and an upright lateral end  2144  extending from an inner side thereof along a lateral direction. The front end  2143  and the lateral end  2144  define an exit  2145  therebetween. The guiding portions  2142  are respectively spaced from the tongue portion  212  by a pair of cavities  217 . Additionally, two pairs of first and second wedgy protrusions  2111  and  2134  are respectively formed on an upper surface of the base portion  211  and upper surfaces of the receiving sections  2132  fo the termination portion  213 . Two pairs of first and second slits  2112 ,  2135  are respectively defined in opposite sides of the base portion  211  and the receiving sections  2132  of the termination portion  213  adjacent to corresponding protrusions  2134 .  
         [0028]     The insulative insert  23  of the contact set  22  is substantially U-shaped and defined by a pair of opposite side portions  231  and a transverse plate  232  jointed front ends of the side portions  231 . The transverse plate  231  defines a plurality of alleyways  233  corresponding to the grooves  215  of the second housing  21 . Each of the side portions  231  forms a guiding section  234  laterally and outwardly extending for entering into the receiving channel  2133  of the second housing  21  and a stopping section  235  vertically extending for bearing against corresponding rear end of the receiving section  2132  of the second housing  21  to prevent the contact set  22  from moving forwardly during over-molding of the second cover  27 .  
         [0029]     The terminals  24  are respectively received in the insulative insert  23  and have the same configuration and dimensions. Each of the terminals  24  comprises a retention section  242  at middle thereof, a mating section  241  extending rearwardly from the retention section  242 , and a connecting section  243  extending forwardly from the retention section  242 . Furthermore, each retention section  242  has a pair of spines  244  protruding outwardly for locking with the second housing  21 .  
         [0030]     The shield  25  has an upper plate  251  and a lower plate  252 . The upper plate  251  and the lower plate  252  engage with each other and together define a space for receiving the second housing  21  therein. The upper plate  251  comprises a pair of side tabs  2511  extending downwardly from opposite sides thereof and a pair of upper flanges  2512  extending downwardly from a rear edge thereof. Each upper flange  2512  forms a resilient bulge  2513  thereon. A pair of front apertures  2514  and a pair of side apertures  2515  are defined at the upper shield  251  for respectively being fitted with the first and the second protrusions  2111 ,  2134  of the second housing  21 . The lower plate  252  comprises two pairs of side bars  2521  extending upwardly to insert into the first and the second slits  2112 ,  2135  of the second housing  21  and a pair of lower flanges  2522  which define pinholes  2523  for receiving the resilient bulges  2513  of the upper flanges  2512 . It is appreciated that the upper plate  251  and the lower plate  252  further respectively define two rows of round holes  2516 ,  2524  at rear regions thereof to increase over-mold attach strength during over-molding of the second cover  27 .  
         [0031]     The latch members  26  are respectively assembled to the retention portions  214  of the second housing  21  and each comprises a main body  261  and a hook portion  262  in a configuration of a claw extending rearwardly from the main body  261 . The main body  261  comprises a top portion  2611 , a bottom portion  2612  opposite to the top portion  2611  and a side portion  2613  connecting side edges of the top and bottom portions  2611 ,  2612 . The top portion  2611 , the bottom portion  2612 , and the side portion  2613  together define a receiving space  2614 . Each hook portion  262  extends through a corresponding cavity  217  of the second housing  21 . Two retention holes  2615  are defined through the top and bottom portions  2611 ,  2612  of the main body  261 . A spring tab  264  extends rearwardly from a rear end of the side portion  2613  and in a direction away from an inner surface of the side portion  2613 . An engaging tab  263  is formed at the side portion  2613  and extends inwardly for engaging in the depression  2141  defined in the outer wall of the corresponding retention portion  214 .  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , a structural description of the cable set  300  will be given hereinafter.  
         [0033]     The cable set  300  comprises a signal cable  31  and a plurality of power wires  32 . The signal cable  31  is a standard serial ATA cable and comprises two differential conductor pairs  311 , two pairs of grounding conductors  312  each pair arranged at opposite sides of the differential conductor pair  311 , and an insulative outer jacket  313  enclosing the differential conductor pairs  311  and the grounding conductors  312 . The outer jacket  313  is stripped at opposite tip parts of the signal cable  31  so as to expose the differential conductor pairs  311  and the grounding conductors  312  for being electrically connected with corresponding tail portions  123  of the signal contacts  12  of the first connector  100  and corresponding connecting sections  243  of the terminals  24  of the second connector  200 . The power wires  32  are arranged side by side and each comprises a center conductor  321  and an insulative outer layer  322  enclosing the center conductor  321 . Similarly to the signal cable  31 , the outer layers  322  are stripped at opposite tip parts of the power wires  32  so as to expose the center conductors  321  for being electrically connected with corresponding tail portions  133  of the power contacts  13  of the first connector  100  and corresponding connecting sections  243  of the terminals  24  of the second connector  200 .  
         [0034]     As mentioned above, assembly of the cable assembly  1  will now be described in greater detail. Please first referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the signal contacts  12  and the power contacts  13  of the first connector  100  are respectively assembled in the first housing  11  from the rear surface  112  with the contact portions  121 ,  131  being inserted into the passageways  1108  and partially projecting into corresponding signal and power mating ports  1105 ,  1106 , the serrations  1221 ,  1321  of the retention portions  122 ,  132  engaging with the first housing  11  to provide a secure retention force for the signal and power contacts  12 ,  13 , and the tail portions  123 ,  133  extending beyond the rear surface  112 . The signal spacer  14  and the power spacer  15  are respectively inserted into the signal recess  1125  and the power recess  1126 . Correspondingly, the strengthen areas  142 ,  152  of the signal and power spacers  14 ,  15  interferentially work with inner surfaces of the first recess  1125  and second recess  1126 , and the tail portions  123 ,  133  respectively extend through the rectangular holes  142 ,  152  of the signal and power spacers  14 ,  15 .  
         [0035]     Then referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the terminals  24  of the second connector  200  are respectively inserted into the alleyways  233  of the insert  23  with the connecting sections  243  partially received in the alleyways  233 . The assembled insert  23  and the terminals  24  are assembled to the elongate plate  2131  of the rear portion  213  of the second housing  21  with the guiding sections  234  received in the receiving channels  2133  of the receiving sections  2132  and the stopping sections  235  bearing against corresponding rear end of the receiving sections  2132 , and the retention sections  242  and the mating sections  241  of the terminals  24  extending into the grooves  215  of the tongue portion  212 , wherein the spines  244  have an interferential fit with the second housing  21 . Next, the shield  25  is assembled to the second housing  21 . The upper plate  251  is assembled to the second housing  21  with the first and second protrusions  2111 ,  2134  fitted into the apertures  2514 ,  2515 , and the side tabs  2511  engagingly received in the gaps  216 . The lower plate  252  is assembled to the second housing  21  with the side bars  2521  inserted into the first and second slits  2112 ,  2135 . The upper plate  251  and the lower plate  252  are fixed together by the resilient bulges  2513  on the upper flanges  2512  engaging with the pinholes  2523  defined in the lower flanges  2522 . Next, the latch members  26  are assembled to the second housing  21  in a position where the body portions  261  warp the retention portions  214 , and the hook portions  262  locate on the guiding portions  2142  with free end thereof extending into the exit  2145  of the guiding portions  2142 . The bolts  28  are fitted into the retaining holes  2615  so that the latch members  26  are pivotally mounted on the second housing  21 . The spring tabs  263  extend into the gaps  216  and resiliently abut against the side tabs  2511  of the upper plate  251 . The engaging tabs  264  are engagingly received in the depressions  2141 , respectively.  
         [0036]     Then, the cable set  300  realizes electrical connection between the first connector  100  and the second connector  200 . Please pay more attention to  FIG. 5 , after the solder connection among the cable set  300  and the first and second connectors  100 ,  200 , the first connector  100  still remains three power contacts  13  free from any connection. These three power contacts  13  are used for other special applications.  
         [0037]     At length, the first cover  16  is over-molded with a rear end of the first housing  11  and encircling joints between the signal and power contacts  12 ,  13  and the cable set  300  to provide a cable strain relief. The second cover  27  has an elongated base over-molded with a part of the shield and encircling joints between the terminals  22  and the cable set  200  to provide a cable strain relief. It is appreciated that the first housing  11  forms the spaced flat portions  1107 , the upper and lower plate  251 ,  252  respectively define a plurality of round holes  2516 ,  2524  to increase over-mold attach strength during over-molding of the first cover  16  and the second cover  27 .  
         [0038]     It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous, characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set fourth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosed is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.