Patent Description:
On outdoor lighting, notably street lights and parking lot lights, sensor components and the corresponding mating receptacles are typically used to turn the lights on and off based upon the ambient light from the sun. The sensor components and the mating receptacles are mated at a rotate-to-mate interface using twist-lock power contacts. Some light fixtures support dimming to variably control the light fixture based on the ambient light levels, time of day, and the like. There is a trend to provide programmable functions to the light fixtures based on sensors and programmable controls other than ambient light, such as, detected nearby pedestrian motion. To accommodate these functions, the lighting control receptacles provide low voltage control lines in addition to the high voltage power contacts. However, data communication on the low voltage control lines is limited. Integrating high speed electrical connectors in the rotate-to-mate interface is problematic. For instance, it is difficult to control the mating sequence of the contacts and prevent mating adjacent contacts during the twisting operation. The twisting operation leads to short circuits and potential damage to downstream and upstream equipment. Additionally, there are problems with tolerance stack up within the system. It is difficult to provide tolerance control to ensure that fine pitch high speed contacts are mated together for proper electrical performance and system impedance. Uncontrolled electrical impedance results in poor high speed data transmission performance.

A need remains for a cost effective and reliable light sensor assembly for a light fixture that allows high speed data communication between components. <CIT> discloses a twist-lock connector with electrical contacts positioned on flexible portions of a primary circuit board, and electrical contact pads of a secondary circuit board. A twist-lock plug may be engaged with the twist-lock connector. <CIT> discloses a light fixture that allows data communication between components. However, it is not disclose how to allow the mating of the twist lock connector comprising such a high speed data connector subject to the inherent rotation of the twist lock connector.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a twist-lock connector system as defined in the appended claim <NUM>. The second high speed electrical connector includes second high speed electrical contacts electrically connected to the first high speed electrical contacts and so may transfer high speed data between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector.

In one embodiment, a twist-lock connector system is provided. The twist-lock connector system includes a first twist-lock connector including a first connector housing holding first twist-lock contacts at a first rotate-to-mate interface. The first twist-lock connector includes a first high speed electrical connector held by the first connector housing. The first high speed electrical connector includes first high speed contacts. The first high speed electrical connector is movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotated position. The first twist-lock connector includes a biasing member coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position. A second twist-lock connector includes a second connector housing holding second twist-lock contacts at a second rotate-to-mate interface. The second twist-lock contacts are electrically connected to the first twist-lock contacts to transfer power between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector. The second twist-lock connector includes a second high speed electrical connector held by the second connector housing. The second high speed electrical connector includes second high speed contacts electrically connected to the first high speed contacts to transfer high speed data between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector.

In another embodiment, a twist-lock connector system is provided. The twist-lock connector system includes a plug connector including a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing for sensing an environmental characteristic exterior of the plug connector. The plug connector includes twist-lock plug contacts held by the plug connector housing and extends from a mating interface of the plug connector housing. The plug connector includes a first high speed electrical connector held by the plug connector housing. The first high speed electrical connector includes first high speed contacts. The twist-lock connector system includes a receptacle connector coupled to the plug connector at a rotate-to-mate interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having contact channels. The receptacle connector includes twist-lock receptacle contacts received in corresponding contact channels and is configured to receive the twist-lock plug contacts to transfer power between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a second high speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high speed electrical connector includes second high speed contacts mated with corresponding first high speed contacts to transfer high speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The plug connector is rotated from a first mated position to a second mated position to lock the twist-lock plug contacts and the twist-lock receptacle contacts. One of the first high speed electrical connector or the second high speed electrical connector is fixed relative to the plug connector housing or the receptacle connector housing, respectively as the plug connector is rotated from the first mated position to the second mated position. The other of the first high speed electrical connector or the second high speed electrical connector is movable relative to the plug connector housing or the receptacle connector housing, respectively as the plug connector is rotated from the first mated position to the second mated position from a home position to a rotated position and being spring biased to return to the home position.

In a further embodiment, a light sensor assembly for mounting to a fixture housing of a light fixture is provided. The light sensor assembly includes a plug connector including a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing for sensing an environmental characteristic exterior of the plug connector. The plug connector housing includes a base and a sensor lid extending from the base. The base has a bottom defining a mating interface. The base includes a guide track and a slot at a bottom of the guide track open at the bottom of the base. The plug connector includes twist-lock plug contacts coupled to the base and extending from the bottom of the base. The plug connector includes a first high speed electrical connector held by the plug connector housing in the guide track and extending through the slot from the bottom of the base. The first high speed electrical connector includes first high speed contacts. The first high speed electrical connector is movable in the guide track and the slot from a home position to a rotated position. The plug connector includes a biasing member coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position. The light sensor assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be coupled to the light fixture to control operation of the light fixture. The receptacle connector is coupled to the plug connector at a rotate-to-mate interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having contact channels. The receptacle connector includes twist-lock receptacle contacts received in corresponding contact channels and is configured to receive the twist-lock plug contacts to transfer power between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector includes a second high speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high speed electrical connector includes second high speed contacts mated with corresponding first high speed contacts to transfer high speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector.

In another embodiment, a light sensor assembly for mounting to a fixture housing of a light fixture is provided. The light sensor assembly includes a plug connector including a plug connector housing and a sensor element held by the plug connector housing for sensing an environmental characteristic exterior of the plug connector. The plug connector housing includes a base and a sensor lid extending from the base. The base has a bottom defining a mating interface. The plug connector includes twist-lock plug contacts coupled to the base and extending from the bottom of the base. The plug connector includes a first high speed electrical connector held by the plug connector housing. The first high speed electrical connector includes first high speed contacts. The light sensor assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be coupled to the light fixture to control operation of the light fixture, the receptacle connector coupled to the plug connector at a rotate-to-mate interface. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle connector housing having contact channels extending from a top of the receptacle connector housing. The receptacle connector includes twist-lock receptacle contacts received in corresponding contact channels and is configured to receive the twist-lock plug contacts to transfer power between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The receptacle connector housing includes a guide track and a slot at the top of the receptacle connector housing. The receptacle connector includes a second high speed electrical connector held by the receptacle connector housing. The second high speed electrical connector includes second high speed contacts mated with corresponding first high speed contacts to transfer high speed data signals between the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The second high speed electrical connector is movable in the guide track and the slot from a home position to a rotated position. The plug connector includes a biasing member coupled to the second high speed electrical connector to bias the second high speed electrical connector to the home position.

<FIG> illustrates a light sensor assembly <NUM> formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The light sensor assembly <NUM> is mounted to a fixture housing <NUM> of a light fixture <NUM>, such as a roadway light, a parking lot light, a street light, and the like, or to another component, such as the pole or other structure supporting the light fixture <NUM>, or to another component unassociated with the light fixture, such as a parking meter, a telephone pole or another structure. The light sensor assembly <NUM> holds one or more sensors or sensor components <NUM> that may be used for environmental monitoring or to control the light fixture <NUM>, such as for turning a lighting element <NUM> of the light fixture <NUM> on or off depending upon light levels, for dimming control of the lighting element <NUM>, or for controlling other functions. The lighting element <NUM> may be an LED lighting element in various embodiments. The sensor components <NUM> may be used for other functions other than controlling the light fixture <NUM>, such as remote monitoring of the environmental surroundings of the fixture housing <NUM>, such as for parking monitoring, for street flow activity monitoring, or other functions. The sensor component(s) <NUM> may be a photocell or light sensor used to detect ambient light from the sun. Other types of sensor components <NUM>, such as object identification sensors, motion sensors, timing sensors or other types of environmental sensors may be included in the light sensor assembly <NUM>.

The light sensor assembly <NUM> includes a receptacle connector <NUM> and a plug connector <NUM> coupled to the receptacle connector <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are twist-lock connectors and may be referred to hereinafter as twist-lock connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. The twist-lock connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are mated at a rotate-to-mate interface. For example, the twist-lock connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are initially mated in a plug mating direction along a mating axis and are finally mated in a rotate mating direction by rotating the twist lock connector <NUM> and/or the twist-lock connector <NUM> to lock the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> together. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector <NUM> is a twist-lock photocontrol receptacle connector and the plug connector <NUM> is a twist-lock photocontrol plug connector, such as connectors being ANSI C136. x compliant.

The receptacle connector <NUM> forms the bottom of the light sensor assembly <NUM>. The receptacle connector <NUM> may be directly mounted to the fixture housing <NUM> of the light fixture <NUM>. The plug connector <NUM> forms the top of the light sensor assembly <NUM>, which holds the sensor components <NUM>. For example, the plug connector <NUM> houses or surrounds the sensor component <NUM>, such as to provide environmental protection for the sensor component <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment, power and data can be transmitted between the plug connector <NUM> and the receptacle connector <NUM> across the mating interface <NUM>. The connectors <NUM>, <NUM> include power contacts <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>), respectively, at a mating interface <NUM>. For example, the power contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be twist-lock power contacts. The power contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be high voltage power contacts. In various embodiments, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may include low speed data contacts for transmitting low speed data signals across the mating interface <NUM>. For example, control signals may be transmitted by the low speed data contacts from the plug connector <NUM> to the receptacle connector <NUM> for controlling operation of the light fixture <NUM>. The control signals may be based on sensor data gathered by the sensor component <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the twist-lock connectors <NUM>, <NUM> include high speed electrical connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, for transmitting high speed data between the twist-lock connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. At least one of the high speed electrical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> is movable relative to the housings of the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> to accommodate the rotated mating action. For example, one of the high speed electrical connectors <NUM>, <NUM> is fixed to the its housing, while the other high speed electrical connector <NUM>, <NUM> is movable relative to its housing.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the light sensor assembly <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the plug connector <NUM> poised for mating with the receptacle connector <NUM>. The connectors <NUM>, <NUM> hold the power contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the receptacle connector <NUM> and the plug connector <NUM> to seal the light sensor assembly <NUM> at the mating interface <NUM> from environmental containments such as water, debris, and the like.

The light sensor assembly <NUM> may include wires <NUM> extending from the receptacle connector <NUM>. The wires <NUM> are terminated to corresponding receptacle contacts <NUM>. The wires <NUM> may be power in or power out wires bringing power to the light sensor assembly <NUM> from a power source or bringing power from the contacts <NUM> to another component, such as the lighting element <NUM> or a driver board for the lighting element of the light fixture <NUM>. In various embodiments, the wires <NUM> may include a line wire, a load wire, a neutral wire or other types of wires.

The light sensor assembly <NUM> may additionally include signal wires <NUM> extending from the receptacle connector <NUM>. The signal wires <NUM> may be electrically connected to corresponding signal contacts of the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The signal wires <NUM> may be electrically connected to other components, such as a control module or driver board of the light fixture <NUM>. The signal wires <NUM> may transmit data to or from the receptacle connector <NUM> for data communication with the plug connector <NUM>. For example, the signal wires <NUM> may be electrically connected to another component, such as a video camera, to transmit video signals to the plug connector <NUM>. Alternatively, the signal wires may receive video signals from the plug connector <NUM>.

The receptacle connector <NUM> includes a receptacle connector housing <NUM> having a base <NUM> extending between a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM>. The bottom <NUM> of the base <NUM> is configured to be secured to the fixture housing <NUM>. The base <NUM> holds the power contacts <NUM> and low speed signal contacts <NUM>. The low speed signal contacts <NUM> are provided at the top <NUM> for interfacing with the plug connector <NUM>. Optionally, the power contacts <NUM> may be entirely contained within the base <NUM> and protected from the environment by the base <NUM>. For example, the power contacts <NUM> may be held in contact channels <NUM> within the base <NUM>. The wires <NUM> may extend into the contact channels <NUM> for termination to the power contacts <NUM>. Optionally, the contact channels <NUM> include arcuate or curved slots or openings in the base <NUM> for twist-lock mating with the sensor contacts. In an exemplary embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> is coupled to the receptacle connector housing <NUM>, such as to the base <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> may be fixed relative to the receptacle connector housing <NUM> in various embodiments. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> may be movably coupled relative to the receptacle connector housing <NUM> in other various embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector <NUM> is generally cylindrical shaped, such as to allow easy rotation of the plug connector <NUM> relative to the receptacle connector <NUM> and/or to allow easy rotation of the receptacle connector <NUM> relative to the fixture housing <NUM>. However, the receptacle connector <NUM> may have other shapes and alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> may be rotatable relative to the receptacle connector <NUM>, such as to allow rotating mating of the plug connector <NUM> with the receptacle connector <NUM>.

The plug connector <NUM> includes a plug connector housing <NUM> extending between a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM> opposite the top <NUM>. The plug connector housing <NUM> has a mating interface at the bottom <NUM> configured to be secured to the receptacle connector <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes a sensor lid <NUM> at the top <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a base <NUM> at the bottom <NUM>. The sensor lid <NUM> may include a dome configured to circumferentially surrounding the base <NUM> of the receptacle connector <NUM>. The sensor components <NUM> are arranged in the sensor lid <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> is cylindrical shaped, such as to allow easy rotation of the plug connector <NUM> relative to the receptacle connector <NUM>, such as during mating. However, the plug connector <NUM> may have other shapes and alternative embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, a circuit board <NUM> (shown in phantom) is arranged in the base <NUM> and/or the sensor lid <NUM>. The sensor component(s) <NUM> may be coupled to the circuit board <NUM>, such as being mounted to the circuit board <NUM>. Other components may be mounted to the circuit board <NUM>. For example, a control module and/or communication device may be mounted to the circuit board <NUM>.

The power contacts <NUM> (shown in phantom) are held by the housing <NUM>, such as being held by the base <NUM>. The power contacts <NUM> may be terminated to the circuit board <NUM>. The power contacts <NUM> extend from the bottom <NUM> of the plug connector <NUM> for mating with the power contacts <NUM>. The power contacts <NUM> may be arranged generally around a central axis. Optionally, the power contacts <NUM> may be twist lock contacts. For example, the power contacts <NUM> may be curved and fit in curved contact channels in the receptacle connector <NUM> to mate with corresponding curved power contacts <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> may be twisted or rotated to lock the power contacts <NUM> in the receptacle connector <NUM>, such as in electrical contact with the receptacle contacts <NUM>. For example, the contacts <NUM> may be twist-lock contacts that are initially loaded into the contact channels in a vertical direction and the plug connector <NUM> is then rotated, such as approximately <NUM> degrees, to lock the contacts <NUM> in the receptacle connector <NUM>. Other types of mating arrangements between the contacts <NUM> and the receptacle connector <NUM> are possible in alternative embodiments.

Low speed signal contacts <NUM> (shown in phantom) may be held by the plug connector housing <NUM>, such as being held by the base <NUM>. The signal contacts <NUM> may be terminated to the circuit board <NUM>. The signal contacts <NUM> may extend from the bottom <NUM> of the plug connector <NUM> for mating with the power contacts <NUM>. The signal contacts <NUM> may be arranged generally around a central axis. Optionally, the signal contacts <NUM> may be spring beam contacts; however, the signal contacts <NUM> may be other types of contacts.

The high speed electrical connector <NUM> (shown in phantom) is coupled to the plug connector housing <NUM>, such as to the base <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> may extend from the top <NUM>, such as for plugging into the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> is movably coupled relative to the plug connector housing <NUM>. For example, as the plug connector <NUM> is twisted to mate with the receptacle connector <NUM>, the plug connector housing <NUM> rotates relative to the high speed electrical connector <NUM>, which does not rotate once being mated with the high speed electrical connector <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes different types of environmental sensor components <NUM> for sensing different events. For example, the plug connector <NUM> includes a photocell <NUM>. The photocell <NUM> is used for sensing ambient light and is used to control operation of the light fixture <NUM>, such as for turning the light fixture <NUM> on or off depending upon light levels or for dimming control of the light fixture <NUM>. Optionally, the photocell <NUM> may be mounted to the circuit board and/or the sensor lid <NUM>. The signal contacts and the photocell <NUM> may be electrically connected via the circuit board. The circuit board may include additional componentry for signal conditioning. For example, the circuit board may have control circuitry for controlling operation of the light fixture <NUM>, such as including a daylight or nighttime control circuit, a timer circuit, a dimming circuit, and the like. Data from the photocell <NUM> may be transmitted through the signal contacts across the mating interface <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes one or more other environmental sensors <NUM> for sensing an environmental characteristic other than ambient light exterior of the plug connector <NUM> in the environment exterior of the plug connector <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may be a motion sensor or an object sensor configured to sense movement or presence of an object, such as a person or vehicle in a particular area. The sensor <NUM> may be used for parking monitoring, for street flow activity monitoring, for pedestrian monitoring, or other functions. The sensor <NUM> may be mounted to the circuit board. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor <NUM> is electrically connected to the signal contacts via the circuit board.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the receptacle connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged front view of the receptacle connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector housing <NUM> holds the power contacts <NUM>, the signal contacts <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing <NUM> includes a central hub <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) extending from the bottom <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The contact channels <NUM> extend through the base <NUM> in the hub <NUM>. The power contacts <NUM> are received in the contact channels <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the power contacts <NUM> are twist lock receptacle contacts.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing <NUM> includes contact channels <NUM> that receive the signal contacts <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contacts <NUM> include contact pads at the top <NUM> of the receptacle connector housing <NUM>. The pads are configured to receive the signal contacts <NUM> of the plug connector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The signal contacts <NUM> may include alternative mating interfaces in alternative embodiments, such as spring beams, pins, sockets, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, four signal contacts <NUM> are provided arranged in different quadrants of the receptacle connector housing <NUM>. Greater or fewer signal contacts <NUM> may be provided in alternative embodiments. The signal contacts <NUM> may be arranged at other locations in alternative embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that receives the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening <NUM> is provided at the top <NUM>. The opening <NUM> provides access to the high speed electrical connector <NUM>, which is coupled to the backside of the base <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening <NUM> is oval-shaped. The opening <NUM> may have other shapes in alternative embodiments in an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing <NUM> includes guide features <NUM> adjacent the opening <NUM> to guide the high speed electrical connector <NUM> into the opening <NUM> to mate with the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. For example, the guide features <NUM> may include chamfered edges surrounding the opening <NUM>. Other types of guide features may be used in alternative embodiments. The guide features <NUM> may extend from the top <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of a portion of the receptacle connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a sectional view of a portion of the receptacle connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrate the high speed electrical connector <NUM> coupled to the receptacle connector housing <NUM>. The signal wires <NUM> are configured to be electrically connected to the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal wires <NUM> are bundled together within a cable.

In an exemplary embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a connector housing <NUM> holding high speed contacts <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a shield <NUM> providing electrical shielding for the high speed contacts <NUM>. Optionally, the shield <NUM> may be stamped and formed and coupled to the connector housing <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the shield <NUM> may be a plating or coating provided on the connector housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> is a USBc receptacle connector. However, other types of high speed electrical connectors may be used in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> is a socket connector. Alternatively, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> may be a plug connector or another type of electrical connector.

In an exemplary embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a circuit card <NUM>. The high speed contacts <NUM> are provided on the circuit card <NUM>. For example, the high speed contacts <NUM> may be traces or circuits of the circuit card <NUM>. The high speed contacts <NUM> may include contact pads provided at or near a mating edge of the circuit card <NUM>. The connector housing <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that receives the circuit card <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, rather than having the circuit card <NUM>, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> may include individual high speed contacts <NUM> held within the connector housing <NUM>. For example, stamped and formed contacts may be held by the connector housing <NUM>. The signal wires <NUM> are electrically connected to the high speed contacts <NUM>. For example, the signal wires <NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuit card <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a paddle card provides an interface between the circuit card <NUM> and the signal wires <NUM>. Alternatively, the signal wires <NUM> may be terminated directly to the circuit card <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be coupled to the receptacle connector housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may surround the connector housing <NUM> and/or the shield <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, a cable ferrule <NUM> is coupled to the cover <NUM>. The cable ferrule <NUM> may provide strain relief for the signal wires <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged front view of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector housing <NUM> holds the power contacts <NUM>, the signal contacts <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The power contacts <NUM> are received in contact channels in the plug connector housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the power contacts <NUM> are twist lock blade contacts.

The signal contacts <NUM> are provided at the top <NUM> for mating with the signal contacts <NUM> of the receptacle connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal contacts <NUM> include deflectable spring beams. Other types of contacts may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as contact pads, pins, sockets, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, four signal contacts <NUM> are provided; however, greater or fewer signal contacts <NUM> may be provided in alternative embodiments. The signal contacts <NUM> may be arranged at other locations in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, each signal contact <NUM> includes a contact interface <NUM> configured to interface with the corresponding signal contacts <NUM> of the receptacle connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact interfaces <NUM> are arranged in a complementary arrangement as the signal contacts <NUM>. For example, the contact interfaces <NUM> are arranged in four quadrants to interface with the signal contacts <NUM>. However, bases of the signal contacts <NUM> have a different arrangement in the signal contacts <NUM>. For example, the bases of the signal contacts <NUM> are shifted closer together (compared to the signal contacts <NUM>) to make space for the high speed electrical connector <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector housing <NUM> includes an elongated slot <NUM> that receives the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot <NUM> extends along a curved or arcuate path. The curved path allows relative motion between the plug connector housing <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM>, such as during the twist lock process. The slot <NUM> is open at the top <NUM> to allow the high speed electrical connector <NUM> to pass into or through the slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may have other shapes in alternative embodiments.

<FIG> is an exploded, rear perspective view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a rear, partially assembled view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the high speed electrical connector <NUM> and the plug connector housing <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a connector housing <NUM> holding high speed contacts <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> includes a shield <NUM> providing electrical shielding for the high speed contacts <NUM>. Optionally, the shield <NUM> may be stamped and formed and coupled to the connector housing <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the shield <NUM> may be a plating or coating provided on the connector housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> is a USBc plug connector. However, other types of high speed electrical connectors may be used in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> is a plug connector. Alternatively, the high speed electrical connector <NUM> may be a socket connector or another type of electrical connector.

The connector housing <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that receives the high speed contacts <NUM>. For example, the high speed contacts <NUM> may be stamped and formed contacts held by the connector housing <NUM>. Other types of contacts may be used in alternative embodiments. In various embodiments, the high speed contacts <NUM> may be provided on a circuit card.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes a connector holder <NUM> used to hold the high speed electrical connector <NUM> relative to the plug connector housing <NUM>. The connector holder <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> that receives the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The connector holder <NUM> has one or more walls <NUM> surrounding the cavity <NUM>. The walls <NUM> have exterior surfaces <NUM>. The exterior surfaces <NUM> are configured to engage the plug connector housing <NUM> to position the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> relative to the plug connector housing <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector holder <NUM> includes a tail <NUM> extending from the wall <NUM>. In various embodiments, the tail <NUM> may be curved. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the plug connector housing <NUM> to couple the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> to the plug connector housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover <NUM> has a curved or arcuate shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector housing <NUM> includes a guide track <NUM> at the upper surface of the base <NUM>. The guide track <NUM> receives the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is open to the guide track <NUM>. The guide track <NUM> has a complementary shape as the elongated slot <NUM>. The guide track <NUM> guides relative positioning between the high speed electrical connector <NUM> and the plug connector housing <NUM> during the twist lock mating process. For example, as the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated, the guide track <NUM> moves along the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM>, which may remain fixed as the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated. The guide track <NUM> includes a first space for the connector holder <NUM> and a second space for the tail <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, guide walls <NUM> define the guide track <NUM>. The guide walls <NUM> may be curved. In an exemplary embodiment, the walls <NUM> of the connector holder <NUM> may have a similar curvature as the guide walls <NUM> to allow smooth movement between the connector holder <NUM> and the plug connector housing <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <NUM> includes a biasing member <NUM> coupled between the high speed electrical connector <NUM> and the plug connector housing <NUM>. In various embodiments, the biasing member <NUM> is coupled to the connector holder <NUM>, which holds the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. Alternatively, the biasing member <NUM> may directly engage the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is used to bias the high speed electrical connector <NUM> toward a home position relative to the plug connector housing <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be compressed or deflected when the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated, such as to lock the power contacts <NUM> with the power contacts <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be extended when the plug connector housing <NUM> is unmated from the receptacle connector <NUM>. As such, the biasing member <NUM> may hold the high speed electrical connector <NUM> in the home position to orient the high speed electrical connector <NUM> for mating with the high speed electrical connector <NUM> of the receptacle connector <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is a coil spring. Other types of springs may be used in alternative embodiments. Other types of biasing elements may be used in other various embodiments other than a spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is received in the second portion of the guide track <NUM> with the tail <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is configured to engage a stop wall <NUM> of the plug connector housing <NUM> to position the biasing member <NUM> relative to the plug connector housing <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may be compressed against the stop wall <NUM> when the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated. In an exemplary embodiment, the tail <NUM> passes through a center of the coil spring such that the biasing member <NUM> follows the curved shape of the tail <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> is positioned to push the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> back to the home position. Alternatively, the biasing member <NUM> may be configured to all of the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> to the home position. For example, rather than being compressed as the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated, the biasing member <NUM> may be stretched as the plug connector housing <NUM> is rotated causing the biasing member <NUM> to retracted and all the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> back to the home position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cover <NUM> is used to cover the connector holder <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM>. Optionally, the cover <NUM> may be coupled to the guide track <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may retain the biasing member <NUM> in the guide track <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover <NUM> includes an elongated slot <NUM> that receives the high speed electrical connector <NUM>. The high speed electrical connector <NUM> may move relative to the cover <NUM> within the slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may be aligned with the slot <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> coupled to the plug connector housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> retains the connector holder <NUM> and the high speed electrical connector <NUM> in the guide track <NUM>. Optionally, a portion of the high speed electrical connector <NUM> may extend through the slot <NUM> in the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial sectional view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the circuit board <NUM> coupled to the top <NUM> of the plug connector housing <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, wires or cables <NUM>, which are electrically connected to the high speed electrical connector <NUM>, extend through the cover <NUM> and are electrically connected to the circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a partial sectional view of a portion of the plug connector <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> illustrate the biasing member <NUM> as a ribbon spring rather than a coil spring. The ribbon spring engages the stop wall <NUM>. The ribbon spring is compressible between the stop wall <NUM> and the connector holder <NUM> the cover <NUM> retains the ribbon spring in the guide track <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A twist-lock connector system comprising:
a first twist-lock connector (<NUM>) including a first connector housing (<NUM>) holding first twist-lock contacts (<NUM>) at a first rotate-to-mate interface, the first twist-lock connector including a first high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) held by the first connector housing, the first high speed electrical connector including first high speed electrical contacts (<NUM>), the first high speed electrical connector movable relative to the first connector housing between a home position and a rotated position, the first twist-lock connector including a biasing member (<NUM>) coupled to the first high speed electrical connector to bias the first high speed electrical connector to the home position; and
a second twist-lock connector (<NUM>) including a second connector housing (<NUM>) holding second twist-lock contacts (<NUM>) at a second rotate-to-mate interface, the second twist-lock contacts electrically connected to the first twist-lock contacts to transfer power between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector, the second twist-lock connector including a second high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) held by the second connector housing, the second high speed electrical connector including second high speed electrical contacts (<NUM>) electrically connected to the first high speed electrical contacts (<NUM>) to transfer high speed data between the first twist-lock connector and the second twist-lock connector,
wherein:
the second twist-lock contacts (<NUM>) are mated with the first twist-lock contacts (<NUM>) along a mating axis and the second high speed electrical contacts (<NUM>) are mated with the first high speed electrical contacts (<NUM>) along the mating axis with the first high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) in the home position, and
the second twist-lock contacts are locked to the first twist-lock contacts by rotating the first twist-lock connector (<NUM>) in a rotating direction about the mating axis, and as the first twist-lock connector is rotated in the rotating direction the first connector housing (<NUM>) rotates relative to the first high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) and the first high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) does not rotate once being mated with the second high speed electrical connector (<NUM>) but it moves from the home position to the rotated position relative to the first connector housing (<NUM>).