CN112838437B

CN112838437B - Pull strap for plug connector

Info

Publication number: CN112838437B
Application number: CN201911163578.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 布莱恩·特斯特洛; 塞萨·严; 李前金
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH; Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH; Tyco Electronics Shanghai Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2022-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-22
Also published as: CN112838437A

Abstract

The plug connector (102) includes a housing (120) that holds plug connector contacts (122) and a latch assembly (130). The latch assembly includes a latch (132) and an actuator for moving the latch, the latch (132) having a latch beam (138) movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch assembly includes a draw tape (136) extending from the rear of the housing, the draw tape having a first attachment member (220) and a second attachment member (222). The first attachment member is coupled to the actuator near a first end (146) of the housing and is movable in a rearward pulling direction to move the actuator and actuate the latch to the unlocked position. The first attachment member pulls the first end of the housing to disengage the housing from the mating connector. The second attachment member is coupled to a second end (148) of the housing to pull the second end of the housing and disengage the housing from the mating connector.

Description

Pull strap for plug connector

Technical Field

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to plug connectors.

Background

The connector system includes mating connectors configured to mate for data and/or power transmission through the connector system. For example, connector systems typically include complementary plug and receptacle connectors that are configured to mate and unmate with each other. Connectors often include latching features to ensure mating of the plug connector with the receptacle connector. For example, the plug connector may include a deflectable latch having a latch beam configured to be received in a latch opening of the receptacle connector.

However, the known connector is not without drawbacks. For example, some known connectors use a pull strip to release a latch. However, the pulling force of the pull strap is transferred to the latch located on one side of the connector (e.g., at the top of the connector). When the pull strap is pulled rearward, the plug connector rotates or pivots relative to the receptacle connector, which may cause the plug connector to bind against the receptacle connector, thereby increasing the pulling force required to disengage the plug connector from the receptacle connector. The increased pulling force may damage the pull strap or latch.

There remains a need for a cost effective and reliable latching system for a plug connector.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention, a plug connector is provided that includes a housing having a front, a rear, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The housing has a mating end at the front for mating with a mating connector, and a latch slot at the first end. The plug connector includes plug connector contacts held by the housing and arranged to be located at a mating end for mating with a mating connector. The plug connector includes a latch assembly coupled to the housing for latchably securing the plug connector to the mating connector. The latch assembly includes a latch received in a latch slot, the latch having a body and a latch beam extending from the body. The latch beam is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch beam is configured to be received in a latch opening of a mating connector to secure the plug connector to the mating connector in a latched position and to be removable from the latch opening in an unlatched position. The latch assembly includes an actuator operably coupled to the latch to move the latch to the release position. The actuator engages the body of the latch to actuate the latch. The latch assembly includes a pull strap extending from a rear portion of the housing. The pull strap has a first attachment member coupled to the actuator near the first end of the housing, the first attachment member being movable in a rearward pull direction to move the actuator such that the latch moves to the unlocked position. The first attachment member pulls the first end of the housing to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position. The pull strap has a second attachment member connected to the second end of the housing. The second attachment member pulls the second end of the housing to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position.

According to the present invention, a plug connector is provided that includes a housing having a front, a rear, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The housing has a mating end at the front for mating with a mating connector, and a latch slot at the first end. The housing has contact passages extending between the front and rear portions, the contact passages being arranged in an upper row proximate the first end and a lower row proximate the second end. The plug connector includes plug connector contacts retained by the housing and received in corresponding contact passages. The plug connector contacts are arranged in an upper row and a lower row. The plug connector contacts are arranged to be located adjacent a mating end for mating with a mating connector and to be terminated to an end of a cable extending from the rear. The plug connector includes a latch assembly coupled to the housing for latchably securing the plug connector to the mating connector. The latch assembly includes a latch received in a latch slot, the latch having a body and a latch beam extending from the body. The latch beam is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch beam is configured to be received in a latch opening of a mating connector to secure the plug connector to the mating connector in a latched position and to be removable from the latch opening in an unlatched position. The latch assembly includes an actuator operably coupled to the latch to move the latch to the release position. The actuator engages the body of the latch to actuate the latch. The latch assembly includes a pull strap extending from a rear portion of the housing. The pull strap has an upper attachment member coupled to the actuator near the first end of the housing, the upper attachment member being movable in a pull-back direction to move the actuator such that the latch is moved to the unlocked position. The upper attachment member pulls the first end of the housing over the upper row to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position. The draw tape has a lower attachment member coupled to the second end of the shell. The lower attachment member pulls the second end of the housing under the lower row to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a connector system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a plug connector of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a pull strap of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector showing a pull strap coupled to the housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 6 is a side view of the plug connector showing the latch assembly in the latched position.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the plug connector showing the latch assembly in an unlatched position.

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of a plug connector having a pull strap according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of a plug connector having a pull strap according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a connector system 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The connector system 100 includes a plug connector 102 and a receptacle connector 104. The plug connector 102 is configured to mate with the receptacle connector 104 at a separable mating interface. The receptacle connector 104 defines a mating connector for the plug connector 102.

The receptacle connector 104 includes a housing 110, the housing 110 holding receptacle connector contacts 112, the receptacle connector contacts being configured to mate with the plug connector 102. The receptacle connector contacts 112 may be disposed in cavities 114 that receive a portion of the plug connector 102. The housing 110 and the receptacle connector contacts 112 may be terminated to a circuit board 115. For example, the receptacle connector contacts 112 may be press-fit into through-holes in the circuit board 115, such as into plated through-holes, or soldered to the circuit board 115. In other various embodiments, the receptacle connector 104 may be a cable connector terminated to an end of a cable, wherein the receptacle connector contacts 112 are terminated to wires of the cable. The mating ends of the receptacle connector contacts 112 may be pin contacts or socket contacts. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle connector 104 may have a card slot (not shown) at the front of the housing 110 that is configured to receive the circuit card of the plug connector 102, and the mating ends of the receptacle connector contacts 112 may be resilient beam contacts that are configured to mate with the circuit card. In other various embodiments, the housing 110 of the receptacle connector 104 may hold a circuit card that is configured to mate with the plug connector 102, wherein the receptacle connector contacts 112 are contact pads on the circuit card.

The receptacle connector 104 includes latching features 116 for latchably securing the plug connector 102 to the receptacle connector 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching features 116 include latching openings 118 in the housing 110, the latching openings 118 configured to receive complementary latching features of the plug connector 102. The latch opening 118 is defined by a wall that surrounds the latch opening 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch opening 118 is disposed in the housing 110, such as in a top wall of the housing 110. For example, the top wall of the housing 110 may be a sheet metal or plate, with the latch opening 118 stamped or cut into the top wall. In alternative embodiments, the latch opening 118 may be provided at other locations. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the plug connector 102 is loaded into the housing 110 to interface with the latching feature 116 from within the housing 110.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the plug connector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector 102 includes a housing 120, the housing 120 holding plug connector contacts 122 that are configured to mate with corresponding receptacle connector contacts 112 of the receptacle connector 104 (both shown in fig. 1). In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 120 includes contact passages 124 that receive the plug connector contacts 122. The contact passages 124 may extend into a shroud 128 at the front of the housing 120. The shrouds 128 may be arranged in a plurality of rows, such as an upper row and a lower row. The plug connector contacts 122 may be similarly arranged in upper and lower rows.

The plug connector contacts 122 may be pin contacts, socket contacts, spring beam contacts, such as double spring beam contacts, blade contacts, or other types of contacts. In various embodiments, the plug connector contacts 122 may be stamped and formed into contacts. In other various embodiments, the housing 120 may hold a circuit card, such as a paddle card, having contact pads that define the plug connector contacts 122. In other various embodiments, the housing 120 of the plug connector 102 may include a card slot configured to receive a circuit card of the receptacle connector 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 102 includes a cable 126 extending from the rear of the housing 120. The cables 126 may be arranged in upper and lower rows. The cables 126 are electrically connected to the corresponding plug connector contacts 122. For example, the plug connector contacts 122 may be crimped to the end of the cable 126.

The plug connector 102 includes a latch assembly 130 for latchably securing the plug connector 102 to the receptacle connector 104. The latch assembly 130 includes a latch 132, an actuator 134 for actuating the latch 132 between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a pull strap 136 for pulling and moving the actuator 134. The latch 132 is coupled to the housing 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch 132 includes a latch beam 138, the latch beam 138 configured to be received in the latch opening 118 (fig. 1) of the receptacle connector 104 to secure the plug connector 102 to the receptacle connector 104.

An actuator 134 is operatively coupled to the latch 132 for actuating the latch 132 to move the latch beam 138 between the latched and unlatched positions, such as to release the plug connector 102 from the receptacle connector 104. The actuator 134 may be coupled to the housing 120. For example, the actuator 134 may be pivotally coupled to the housing 120 to rotate to a release position to release the latch beam 138 from the receptacle connector 104. In various embodiments, the actuator 134 pivots or rocks back to raise the latch 132 upward and release the latch beam 138. In alternative embodiments, other actuation motions are possible.

The pull strap 136 causes movement (e.g., pivoting) of the actuator 134 by pulling the pull strap 136 rearward, and thus actuates the latch 132. In an exemplary embodiment, a pull strap 136 is connected to the actuator 134 at the top 135 of the plug connector 102. Pulling the pull strip 136 rearwardly pulls the top 135 of the plug connector 102 rearwardly to disengage the plug connector 102 from the receptacle connector 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the pull strap 136 is connected to the housing 120 at the bottom 137 of the plug connector 102. Pulling the pull strip 136 rearwardly pulls the bottom 137 of the plug connector 102 rearwardly to disengage the plug connector 102 from the receptacle connector 104. With the attachment of the pull straps 136 at the top 135 and bottom 137 of the plug connector 102, the rearward pulling force is distributed between the top 135 and bottom 137 of the plug connector 102. Pull strap 136 has a loop at the rear of pull strap 136 that provides finger grip to grasp pull strap 136 and pull strap 136 rearwardly. For example, finger grips may be positioned along both sides of the cable bundle 126. Pull strap 136 may include a cross member between the loops of the rear portion to strengthen pull strap 136 and/or to provide a finger grip for grasping pull strap 136 and pulling pull strap 136 back. The cross-members may extend through the cable bundle 126, for example, between an upper row and a lower row.

The pull strap 136 causes actuation of the latches 132 by pulling on the actuator 134 such that the latches 132, and thus the latch beams 138, pivot and move outward to a release position. After the latch 132 is in the released position, further pulling on the pull strap 136 causes the plug connector 102 to be pulled back to remove the plug connector 102 from the receptacle connector 104. The pulling force is distributed at the top and bottom of the plug connector 102 and may be distributed on both sides to control the direction of disengagement (e.g., limit vertical and/or horizontal pivoting of the plug connector 102 relative to the receptacle connector 104) and ensure disengagement in a rearward direction (e.g., perpendicular to the mating faces of the connectors 102, 104). In an exemplary embodiment, the latch 132 rotates from the latched position to the released position when the pull strip 136 is pulled in a rearward pull direction without loading the latch 132 against the receptacle connector 104. For example, the pulling back action of the pull strap 136 is initially transferred to rotation of the latch 132 and then to the pulling back of the housing 120. This release of the latches 132 eliminates the risk of the latches 132 binding on the receptacle connector 104, thereby reducing the release force of the latches 132.

The housing 120 of the plug connector 102 includes a front 140 and a rear 142. The plug connector contacts 122 may be disposed proximate the front 140 to mate with the receptacle connector 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 120 has a mating end 144 at the front 140 for mating with a mating connector defined by the receptacle connector 104.

The housing 120 includes a first end 146 and a second end 148 opposite the first end 146. First end 146 and second end 148 extend between front portion 140 and rear portion 142. In various embodiments, first end 146 may be a top end and second end 148 may be a bottom end; however, in alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible. The latch 132 is disposed at the first end 146.

The housing 120 includes a first side 150 and a second side 152 opposite the first side 150. The first side 150 and the second side 152 extend between the front portion 140 and the rear portion 142. First and

second sides

150, 152 extend between first and second ends 146, 148. In various embodiments, the housing 120 may be generally rectangular in shape; however, in alternative embodiments, other shapes are possible.

In the exemplary embodiment, housing 120 has a latch slot 154 at first end 146. Latch slot 154 may extend to rear 142. The latch 132 is received in the latch slot 154. The housing 120 includes an actuation slot 156 adjacent the latch slot. The actuator 134 is received in the actuation slot 156. The actuation slot 156 may be located at the first end 146, such as below the latch slot 154. The actuation slot 156 may extend to the rear 142 such that the actuator 134 extends from the rear 142 of the housing 120.

The latch 132 is received in the latch slot 154. The latch 132 includes a body 160. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch 132 is a stamped component, wherein the main body 160 and the latch beam 138 are integral with one another and stamped from a common piece of sheet metal. Alternatively, the main body 160 may be formed separately from the latch beam 138 and coupled to the latch beam 138, such as being welded or fastened to the latch beam 138. The main body 160 includes a base 162 at the rear of the latch 132 that is configured to be mounted to the housing 120. For example, the base 162 includes mounting tabs 164, such as along the first and

second sides

150, 152 of the housing 120. The body 160 includes an arm 166 extending forwardly from the base 162. The actuator 134 is operably coupled to the arm 166. The latch beam 138 extends from the arm 166. The arm 166 is movable relative to the base 162. For example, the arm 166 may be raised upward to unlock the latch beam 138.

The actuator 134 is received in the actuation slot 156. The actuator 134 includes an actuator beam 170 operatively coupled to the latch 132 and a connecting beam 172 extending from the actuator beam 170. The connecting beam 172 is operatively coupled to the pull strap 136. For example, the connecting beam 172 may be crimped to the pull strap 136. When the pull strap 136 is pulled rearward, the pull strap 136 pulls the connecting beam 172 rearward. The rearward movement of the connecting beam 172 is transferred to the actuating beam 170. In the exemplary embodiment, actuator 134 is a stamped component, wherein actuation beam 170 and connecting beam 172 are integral with one another and stamped from a common piece of sheet metal. Alternatively, the actuator beam 170 may be formed separately from the connecting beam 172 and coupled to the connecting beam 172, such as being welded or fastened to the connecting beam 172. In the exemplary embodiment, actuator beam 170 includes mounting tabs 174 that are coupled to first and

second sides

150, 152 of housing 120. The mounting tabs 174 may be pivotably coupled to the housing 120 (e.g., at axes extending from the first and second sides 150, 152).

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a pull strap 136 according to an exemplary embodiment. Pull strap 136 includes an upper member 200 and a lower member 202. The pull strap 136 includes one or more rear loops 204 between the upper member 200 and the lower member 202. The rear loop 204 may provide a finger grip for pulling the pull strap 136 rearward. Cable 126 (shown in FIG. 2) is configured to pass through pull strap 136 between upper member 200 and lower member 202.

Pull strap 136 includes a first side rail 206 on a first side of pull strap 136 and a second side rail 208 on a second side of pull strap 136. The side rails 206, 208 are separated by a gap 210. In the exemplary embodiment, pull strap 136 includes a tie beam 212 between

side rails

206, 208. The tie beam 212 may be located at the upper member 200 and/or the lower member 202. Tie beam 212 is a cross member that is used to maintain the relative positions of first side rail 206 and second side rail 208. Tie beam 212 reinforces pull straps 136.

In the exemplary embodiment, pull strap 136 includes a window 214 between

side rails

206, 208. Cable 126 may exit pull strap 136 through window 214. The window 214 is located at the rear of the pull strap, such as at the rear loop 204. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the tie beams 212 may span the window 214 at the rear ring 204 and between the side rails 206, 208.

The draw tape 136 may include a reinforcement member 216 between the side rails 206, 208 (e.g., between the rear ring 204). A reinforcing member 216 may extend along the tie beam 212, for example, rearward of the tie beam 212 to reinforce the tie beam 212. The strength members 216 may provide an anti-extrusion feature for the pull tape 136 and/or the cable 126. The reinforcement member 216 may provide a finger grip for pulling the pull strap 136 rearward. In various embodiments, the stiffening member 216 may include an opening (e.g., annular) therethrough to provide finger grip.

The draw strap 136 includes an upper attachment member 220, a first lower attachment member 222, and a second lower attachment member 224, the upper attachment member 220, the first lower attachment member 222, and the second lower attachment member 224 providing three attachment points (e.g., a delta attachment arrangement).

Attachment members

220, 222, 224 define connection points between the pull strap 136 and the actuator 134 and the housing 120 (both shown in FIG. 2). The upper attachment member 220 is configured to be coupled to the actuator 134 to pull the actuator 134 rearward. The upper attachment member 220 is a movable attachment member 220 and is configured to be movable relative to the housing 120. The

lower attachment members

222, 224 are configured to be coupled to the bottom of the housing 120. The

lower attachment members

222, 224 are stationary attachment members configured to be fixed relative to the housing 120. The upper attachment member 220 is configured to pull the housing 120 in a disengagement direction to disengage the housing 120 from the receptacle connector 104 (shown in fig. 1). The

lower attachment members

222, 224 are configured to pull the housing 120 in a disengagement direction to disengage the housing 120 from the receptacle connector 104.

In the exemplary embodiment, upper attachment member 220 includes a groove 230 that is configured to receive coupling beam 172 of actuator 134. The side rails 206, 208 may converge at a front along the upper member 200 and at an upper attachment member 220. The upper attachment member 220 includes a front shoulder 232 forward of the groove 230 and a rear shoulder 234 rearward of the groove 230. The front shoulder 232 acts as a stop for the actuator 134 to pull the actuator 134 rearwardly. In alternative embodiments, the upper attachment member 220 may have other shapes or features.

In the exemplary embodiment, a first lower attachment member 222 is disposed along first side rail 206, and a second lower attachment member 224 is disposed along second side rail 208. The first lower attachment member 222 includes an opening 240 configured to receive an attachment member, such as a tab or peg, extending from the bottom of the housing 120. The second lower attachment member 224 includes an opening 242 configured to receive an attachment member, such as a tab or peg, extending from the bottom of the housing 120. The first lower attachment member 222 is spaced apart from the second lower attachment member 224 to connect to the bottom of the housing 120 at spaced apart locations (e.g., on opposite sides of the housing 120). In alternative embodiments, the

lower attachment members

222, 224 may have other shapes or features. For example, the

lower attachment members

222, 224 may be secured by heat stakes, fasteners, clips, or the like.

Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector 102 showing the pull strap 136 coupled to the housing 120, according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, housing 120 includes an attachment member 180 that extends from second end 148 (e.g., a bottom) of housing 120. The first lower attachment member 222 and the second lower attachment member 224 are fixed to the attachment member 180. The first and second

lower attachment members

222, 224 are attached to the housing 120 near the first and

second sides

150, 152, respectively.

In various embodiments, the attachment member 180 may be a peg 182 having a neck 184 and an enlarged head 186. The

openings

240, 242 receive the pegs 182 and are secured to the attachment member 180 by the enlarged head 186. In alternative embodiments, other various attachment members may be used to secure the draw tape 136 to the housing 120.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the plug connector 102 showing the latch assembly 130 in a latched position. Fig. 7 is a side view of the plug connector 102 showing the latch assembly 130 in the unlatched position. The pull strap 136 is used to actuate the actuator 134 to release the latch 132. The actuator 134 is pulled back by the pull strap 136 to rotate the actuator 134. The actuator 134 is used to raise the latch 132 to unlatch the latch beam 138.

The upper attachment member 220 of the pull strap 136 is coupled to the actuator 134 near the top of the plug connector 102. The

lower attachment members

222, 224 of the pull strap 136 are coupled to the housing 120 at the bottom of the plug connector 102. As such, the pull strap 136 is coupled to the plug connector 102 at a plurality of spaced apart locations to distribute the pulling force from the pull strap 136 to the plug connector 102. With the attachment of the pull straps 136 at the top and bottom of the plug connector 102, a rearward pulling force is distributed between the top and bottom of the plug connector 102. The rear loop 204 of the pull strap 136 provides a finger grip to grasp the pull strap 136 and pull the pull strap 136 rearward. The rear loop 204 may be engaged from both sides of the cable bundle 126 (e.g., using a finger and thumb to pull from both sides). As such, the gripping location may be generally centered between the top and bottom of the plug connector 102 to center the pulling force and ensure that the force is distributed across the top and bottom of the housing 120. In this way, the upper and

lower shrouds

128, 128 may be pulled directly from the receptacle connector 104 in a rearward disengagement direction, rather than pivoting or rotating the upper and lower shrouds 128, 128 (e.g., if most or all of the pulling force is distributed at the top, or most or all of the pulling force is distributed at the bottom), which may result in binding of the plug connector 102 to the receptacle connector 104. The reinforcement member 216 may provide a finger grip to grip the pull strap 136 and pull the pull strap 136 back. The strength members 216 may be grasped and pulled from between the upper and lower cables.

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the plug connector 102 with pull straps 136a according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the plug connector 102 with pull straps 136a according to an exemplary embodiment. Pull tape 136a is similar to pull tape 136 shown in fig. 1 and 2; however, the shape of the draw tape 136a is different from the draw tape 136.

Pull strap 136a includes an upper member 300 and a lower member 302. Pull strap 136a includes one or more back loops 304 between upper member 300 and lower member 302. The back loop 304 may provide a finger grip to pull the pull strap 136a back. Cable 126 (shown in fig. 3) is configured to pass through pull strap 136a between upper member 300 and lower member 302. Draw tape 136a includes a first side rail 306 on a first side of draw tape 136a and a second side rail 308 on a second side of draw tape 136a. The side rails 306, 308 are separated by a gap 310. Pull strap 136a does not include a tie beam 212 or a reinforcing member 216 (both shown in fig. 2).

The pull strap 136a includes an upper attachment member 320, a first lower attachment member 322, and a second lower attachment member (not shown). The

attachment members

320, 322 may be similar to the

attachment members

220, 222, 224 (shown in fig. 2). The upper attachment member 320 is coupled to the actuator 134 to pull the actuator 134 rearward. The upper attachment member 320 is configured to pull the housing 120 in a disengagement direction to disengage the housing 120 from the receptacle connector 104 (shown in fig. 1). The lower attachment member 322 is configured to be coupled to the bottom of the housing 120. The lower attachment member 322 is configured to pull the housing 120 in a disengagement direction to disengage the housing 120 from the receptacle connector 104.

Claims

1. A plug connector (102), comprising:

a housing (120) having a front (140) and a rear (142), the housing having a first end (146) and a second end opposite the first end, the first end and the second end extending between the front and the rear, the housing having a first side (150) and a second side opposite the first side, the first side and the second side extending between the front and the rear, the housing having a mating end (144) at the front for mating with a mating connector (104), the housing having a latch slot (154) at the first end;

a plug connector contact (122) held by the housing, the plug connector contact being arranged to be located near the mating end for mating with the mating connector; and

a latch assembly (130) coupled to the housing for latchably securing the plug connector to the mating connector, the latch assembly comprising:

a latch (132) received in the latch slot, the latch having a body (160) and a latch beam (138) extending from the body, the latch beam movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the latch beam configured to be received in a latch opening (118) of the mating connector to secure the plug connector to the mating connector in the latched position, the latch beam removable from the latch opening in the unlatched position;

an actuator (134) operably coupled to the latch to move the latch to the unlocked position, the actuator engaging the body of the latch for actuating the latch; and

a pull strap (136) extending from the rear of the housing, the pull strap having a first attachment member (220) coupled to the actuator near the first end of the housing, the first attachment member being movable in a pull-back direction to move the actuator and actuate the latch to the unlocked position, the first attachment member pulling the first end of the housing to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position, the pull strap having a second attachment member (222) coupled to the second end of the housing, the second attachment member pulling the second end of the housing to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position.

2. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the pull strap (136) distributes a pulling force between the first attachment member (220) and the second attachment member (222) to pull the first end (146) and the second end (148) of the housing (120) for disengaging the housing from the mating connector (104).

3. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a rear loop (204) between the first attachment member (220) and the second attachment member (222), the rear loop being pulled rearwardly to move the first attachment member and the second attachment member rearwardly.

4. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member (220) is a movable attachment member that is movable relative to the housing (120), and the second attachment member (222) is a stationary attachment member that is fixed relative to the housing.

5. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a first side rail (206) on a first side of the pull strap, the first side rail extending between the first attachment member (220) and the second attachment member (222), and the pull strap includes a second side rail (208) on a second side of the pull strap, the second side rail extending between the first attachment member (220) and the second attachment member (222), the pull strap including a gap (210) between the first side rail and the second side rail, the gap receiving a cable (126) extending rearwardly from the housing, the cable terminating to a corresponding plug connector contact (122).

6. The plug connector (102) of claim 5, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a tie beam (212) positioned between the first side rail and the second side rail to maintain the relative position of the first side rail (206) and the second side rail (208) across the gap (210).

7. The plug connector (102) of claim 5, wherein the pull strap includes a window at a rear (205) of the pull strap and between the first side rail (206) and the second side rail (208), the cable (126) extending from the gap through the window.

8. The plug connector (102) of claim 7, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a strength member (216) spanning the window (214) between the first side rail (206) and the second side rail (208), the strength member passing between an upper row of cables and a lower row of cables in the cable (126).

9. The plug connector (102) of claim 5, wherein the pull strap includes a finger ring at a rear (205) of the pull strap between the first side rail (206) and the second side rail (208), the finger ring being pulled rearward to move the pull strap in a rearward direction.

10. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a third attachment member (224) coupled to the second end (148) of the housing (120), the third attachment member being coupled to the housing proximate the second side (152) of the housing.

11. The plug connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the actuator (134) includes a connecting beam (172) coupled to the first attachment member and an actuating beam (170) extending from the connecting beam, the actuating beam engaging the latch to move the latch to the unlocked position.

12. The plug connector (102) of claim 11, wherein the actuator (134) includes a mounting tab (174) pivotably coupled to the housing (120).

13. A plug connector (102), comprising:

a housing (120) having a front (140) and a rear (142), the housing having a first end (146) at a top of the plug connector and a second end (148) at a bottom of the plug connector, the housing having a first side (150) and a second side (152) opposite the first side, the first and second sides extending between the front and rear, the housing having a mating end (144) at the front for mating with a mating connector (104), the housing having a latch slot (154) at the first end; the housing having a plurality of contact passages extending between the front and the rear, the plurality of contact passages (124) being arranged in an upper row near the first end and a lower row near the second end;

plug connector contacts (122) held by the housing, the plug connector contacts being received in respective contact passages and arranged in the upper and lower rows, the plug connector contacts being disposed proximate the mating end for mating with the mating connector, the plug connector contacts terminating at an end of a cable (126) extending from the rear; and

a latch (132) received in the latch slot, the latch having a body (160) and a latch beam (138) extending from the body, the latch beam being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, the latch beam being configured to be received in a latch opening (118) of the mating connector to secure the plug connector to the mating connector in the latched position, the latch beam being removable from the latch opening in the unlatched position;

an actuator (134) operably coupled to the latch to move the latch to an unlocked position, the actuator engaging a body of the latch to actuate the latch; and

a pull strap (136) extending from the rear of the housing, the pull strap having an upper attachment member (220) coupled to the actuator near the first end of the housing, the upper attachment member being movable in a rearward pulling direction to move the actuator and actuate the latch to the unlocked position, the upper attachment member pulling a first end of the housing above the upper row to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position, the pull strap having a lower attachment member (222) coupled to a second end of the housing, the lower attachment member pulling a second end of the housing below the lower row to disengage the housing from the mating connector with the latch in the unlocked position.

14. The plug connector (102) of claim 13, wherein the pull strap (136) distributes a pulling force between the upper attachment member (220) and the lower attachment member (222) to pull the first end (146) and the second end (148) of the housing (120) for disengaging the housing from the mating connector (104).

15. The plug connector (102) of claim 13, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a rear loop (204) between the upper attachment member (220) and the lower attachment member (222), the rear loop being pulled rearwardly to move the upper attachment member and the lower attachment member rearwardly.

16. The plug connector (102) of claim 13, wherein the upper attachment member (220) is a movable attachment member that is movable relative to the housing (120), and wherein the lower attachment member is a stationary attachment member (222) that is fixed relative to the housing.

17. The plug connector (102) of claim 13, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a first side rail (206) on a first side of the pull strap, the first side rail extending between the upper attachment member (220) and the lower attachment member (222), the pull strap including a second side rail (208) on a second side of the pull strap, the second side rail extending between the upper attachment member and the lower attachment member, the pull strap including a gap (210) between the first side rail and the second side rail, the gap receiving a cable (126) behind the housing.

18. The plug connector (102) of claim 17, wherein the pull strap (136) includes a tie beam (212) positioned between the first side rail (206) and the second side rail (208) to maintain the relative position of the first side rail and the second side rail across the gap (210).

19. The plug connector (102) of claim 13, wherein the lower attachment member (222) is coupled to the housing (120) near a first side (150) of the housing, the pull strap including a second lower attachment member (224) coupled to the second end (148) of the housing near a second side (152) of the housing.