CN116914494A - Electrical connector with latch slide - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to an electrical connector with a latch slide. An electrical connector includes a housing having walls forming a cavity for receiving a mating electrical connector. The wall includes a bottom wall, side walls, and end walls. The bottom wall includes a contact passage. The first sidewall includes a slider slot open to the cavity. The electrical connector includes contacts retained in the contact channels. The electrical connector includes a slider received in the slider slot and movable within the slider slot in a sliding direction. The slider includes a slider post that extends into the cavity and is movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in a sliding direction. The slider posts are configured to be received in the guide rails of the mating electrical connector to position the mating electrical connector within the cavity of the housing.

Description

Electrical connector with latch slide

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.63/332506, filed 4/19 at 2022, entitled "ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING A LATCHING SLIDER (electrical connector with latch slide)", the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connectors.

Background

Electrical connectors are used to electrically connect various components within a communication system. The electrical connectors are typically mated at a separable mating interface. Some connectors include a large number of contacts that mate together during mating. The mating forces between the contacts are cumulative, resulting in high mating forces between the connectors when a large number of contacts are provided. Some known connectors include mating assist devices to provide mechanical assistance during mating of the connectors. However, the mating assist device is bulky and occupies space that would otherwise be available for other components.

There remains a need for a mating assist device for an electrical connector that has a low profile.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided and includes a housing having walls forming a cavity configured to receive a mating electrical connector. The wall includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The bottom wall is provided at the rear of the housing. The bottom wall includes a contact passage. The first sidewall includes a slider slot open to the cavity. The electrical connector includes contacts retained in the contact channels. The contact has a mating end configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a slider received in the slider slot and movable within the slider slot in a sliding direction. The slider includes a slider post that extends into the cavity and is movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in a sliding direction. The slider posts are configured to be received in the guide rails of the mating electrical connector to position the mating electrical connector within the cavity of the housing.

In another embodiment, a connector system is provided and includes a plug connector including a plug housing that retains plug contacts. The plug housing has a plug end. The plug housing includes a guide rail at the plug end. The electrical connector includes a header connector including a header housing that holds header contacts. The header housing has walls forming cavities that receive the plug ends of the plug housing. The wall includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The bottom wall is provided at the rear of the housing. The bottom wall includes a contact passage. The first sidewall includes a slider slot open to the cavity. The header contacts are retained in the contact channels. The header contacts have mating ends that mate with the header contacts when the header connector is inserted into the cavity. The header connector includes a slider received in the slider slot and movable within the slider slot in a sliding direction. The slider includes a slider post that extends into the cavity and is movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in a sliding direction. The slider posts are received in the guide tracks of the plug housing to position the plug end of the plug housing within the cavity of the header housing.

In further embodiments, a connector system is provided and includes a plug connector including a plug housing that retains plug contacts. The plug connector includes a cable terminated to the plug contacts. The plug housing has a plug end and a cable end opposite the plug end. The plug housing includes a guide rail at the plug end. The plug connector includes a cable cover coupled to the cable end. The cable cover includes a first cable outlet and a second cable outlet extending in different directions. The electrical connector includes a header connector including a header housing that holds header contacts. The header housing has walls forming cavities that receive the plug ends of the plug housing. The wall includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The bottom wall is provided at the rear of the housing. The bottom wall includes a contact passage. The first sidewall includes a slider slot open to the cavity. The header contacts are retained in the contact channels. The header contacts have mating ends that mate with the header contacts when the header connector is inserted into the cavity. The header connector includes a slider received in the slider slot and movable within the slider slot in a sliding direction. The slider includes a slider post that extends into the cavity and is movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in a sliding direction. The slider posts are received in the guide tracks of the plug housing to position the plug end of the plug housing within the cavity of the header housing.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the communication system taken from the opposite end.

Fig. 3 is an end view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a plug housing according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a header housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first side of a slider according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second side of a slider according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a communication system showing a header connector partially mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a communication system showing a header connector partially mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a communication system showing a header connector partially mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a communication system showing a header connector partially mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a communication system showing a header connector fully mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a communication system showing a plug connector mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of a communication system showing a header connector ready to mate with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a communication system showing a plug connector mated with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 22 is an exploded view of a communication system showing a header connector ready to mate with a header connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a header connector showing a slider according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system showing a slider according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is another perspective view of communication system 100 taken from the opposite end. Fig. 3 is an end view of communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 is a side view of communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

The communication system 100 includes a first electrical connector 200 and a second electrical connector 300 that mates with the first electrical connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrical connector 300 is configured to be inserted into the first electrical connector 200. In such embodiments, the second electrical connector 300 defines a plug connector, and may be referred to hereinafter as plug connector 300. The first electrical connector 200 receives a plug connector and thus defines a receptacle connector or header connector, and may be referred to hereinafter as a receptacle connector 200 or header connector 200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the header connector 200 is a board connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a circuit board (not shown). For example, the header connector 200 may be press fit or soldered to a circuit board. However, in alternative embodiments, the header connector 200 may be a cable connector provided at an end of one or more cables. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector 300 is a cable connector provided at an end of the cable 102. The header connector 300 and the header connector 200 are used to electrically connect the cable 102 with a circuit board. However, in alternative embodiments, the plug connector 300 may be a board connector configured to be mounted to a circuit board.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a header connector 300 partially mated with the header connector 200. For example, the header connector 300 is shown initially loaded into the header connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a mating assist device to assist in mating the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the mate assist device includes a slide that is actuatable in a linear sliding direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The sliding motion of the slider is converted into a mating movement between the header connector 300 and the header connector 200.

The header connector 200 includes a header housing 202 that holds a plurality of header contacts 204. The header housing 202 includes a plurality of walls 206 that form a cavity 208. The header contacts 204 extend into the cavity 208 for mating with the header connector 300. The ends of the header connector 300 are loaded into the cavity 208 along the mating direction 104. In the exemplary embodiment, header connector 200 includes a slider 210, slider 210 being slidably coupled to one of walls 206 of header housing 202. The slider 210 is configured to mate with the plug connector 300 during mating. In the exemplary embodiment, slider 210 is thin and has a low profile. Optionally, the slider 210 is positioned near the side of the header housing 202, thereby freeing up space around the header housing 202 for other components. In an exemplary embodiment, the slider 210 is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position along the linear sliding direction 106 to assist in mating the plug connector 300 with the header connector 200 along the mating direction 104. In the exemplary embodiment, sliding direction 106 is substantially perpendicular to mating direction 104.

The plug connector 300 includes a plug housing 302 that holds a plurality of plug contacts 304 (shown in phantom in fig. 3). The plug housing 302 includes a plurality of walls 306 that form the exterior of the plug connector 300. The wall 306 defines a plug housing footprint along the outer perimeter of the plug housing 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing footprint is contained within (no greater than) the header housing footprint of the header housing 202. As such, the plug housing 302 does not increase the overall size of the communication system 100. In the exemplary embodiment, plug connector 300 includes a cable cover 308 coupled to an end of plug housing 302. The cable cover 308 is used to guide the cable 102 to one or more cable exits at one or more sides of the cable cover 308. In the exemplary embodiment, plug housing 302 includes one or more rails 310 along an exterior of one or more of walls 306. The guide rail 310 receives a portion of the slider 210 to guide the mating between the header connector 300 and the header connector 200. The slider 210 is movable within the guide rail 310 to assist in mating the header connector 300 with the header connector 200.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a plug housing 302 according to an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 302 is fabricated from a dielectric material (such as a plastic material). The plug housing 302 may be a molded plastic component. For example, the plug housing 302 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

The plug housing 302 extends between a front 320 and a rear 322. The plug housing 302 includes a first sidewall 324 and a second sidewall 326 opposite the first sidewall 324. Sidewalls 324, 326 extend between front 320 and rear 322. The plug housing 302 includes a first end wall 330 and a second end wall 332 opposite the first end wall 330. End walls 330, 332 extend between front 320 and rear 322 and between first 324 and second 326 side walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug housing 302 is generally rectangular or box-shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, the plug housing 302 may have other shapes. In the exemplary embodiment, plug housing includes a plug end 334 at front 320 and a cable end 336 at rear 322. The plug end 334 is configured to be inserted into the cavity 208 (shown in fig. 1) of the receptacle connector 200. The plug end 334 extends along the side walls 324, 326 and end walls 330, 332 to a flange 338 at the cable end 336. Optionally, the flange 338 may prevent loading of the plug housing 302 into the header connector 200.

The plug housing 302 includes a plurality of contact passages 340 extending through the plug housing 302. The contact passage 340 extends from the front 320 to the rear 322. The contact channels 340 are configured to receive corresponding plug contacts 304 (shown in fig. 3). The cable 102 (shown in fig. 1) extends from the contact channel 340 at the cable end 336. The plug housing 302 includes separation walls 342 between the contact channels 340. The separation wall 342 electrically isolates the plug contacts 304 from each other.

In the exemplary embodiment, plug housing 302 includes mounting tabs 344 at rear portion 322. The mounting tabs 344 are used to mount the cable cover 308 (shown in fig. 1) to the plug housing 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting tab 344 is an L-shaped bracket. In alternative embodiments, other types of mounting lugs may be used. Each mounting tab 344 includes a shoulder 346 configured to retain cable cover 308 to plug housing 302. In the exemplary embodiment, mounting tab 344 includes a latching feature 348 for securing cable cover 308 relative to plug housing 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching feature 348 is an opening configured to receive a latch or other complementary latching feature of the cable cover 308 to retain the cable cover 308 on the plug housing 302. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of latching features 348 are provided. The latching features may allow for latching the cable cover 308 to the plug housing 302 at different locations and/or in different orientations.

In the exemplary embodiment, plug housing 302 includes a plurality of rails 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of rails 310 are provided at the first side wall 324. However, more or fewer rails 310 may be provided at the first sidewall 324. In alternative embodiments, one or more of rails 310 may additionally or alternatively be provided at second sidewall 326.

The guide rail 310 defines a cam feature of the plug connector 300 for translating linear movement of the slider 210 (shown in fig. 1) in one direction (the sliding direction 106) into linear movement of the plug housing 302 in a different direction (the mating direction 104). Each rail 310 includes an opening 350 at the front 320 to initially receive the slider 210. Rail 310 includes a ramp 352 extending from opening 350 to pocket 354. Pocket 354 defines an end of rail 310. For example, when the slider 210 is received in the pocket 354, the plug connector 300 is fully mated with the header connector 200. Slider 210 is configured to translate along ramp 352 between opening 350 and pocket 354. The ramp 352 is laterally angled relative to the front 320 to translate sliding movement of the slider 210 in the sliding direction 106 into mating movement of the plug connector 300 in the mating direction 104. The angle of the ramp 352 guides the mating of the plug connector 300 with the header connector 200 as the slider 210 moves along the ramp 352. The angle of the ramp 352 affects the mating force between the header connector 300 and the header connector 200. For example, as the slider 210 moves in the sliding direction, a steeper angle on the ramp 352 translates into a higher mating force (a greater actuation force is required on the slider 210 to achieve mating). Conversely, when the slider 210 is moved in the sliding direction, a shallower angle on the ramp 352 translates into a lower mating force (less actuation force is required on the slider 210 to achieve mating).

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of cable cover 308 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The cable cover 308 includes walls that form a cable chamber 370 that receives the cable 102 (shown in fig. 1). The cable cover 308 includes a first side 372, a second side 374 opposite the first side 372, a first end 376, and a second end 378 opposite the first end 376.

The cable cover 308 includes mounting features 380 for mounting the cable cover 308 to the plug housing 302 (shown in fig. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feature 380 includes slots along the first side 372 and the second side 374 that receive the shoulders 346 of the corresponding mounting lugs 344 (shown in fig. 5). In alternative embodiments, other types of mounting features may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, cable cover 308 includes a latch feature 382 at a front portion, latch feature 382 configured to interface with a corresponding latch feature 348 (shown in fig. 5) to secure cable cover 308 to plug housing 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching feature 382 is a protrusion or projection extending inwardly from the mounting feature 380. In alternative embodiments, other types of latching features may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment, cable cover 308 includes one or more cable exits 384. The cable 102 exits the plug connector 300 through a corresponding cable outlet 384. In various embodiments, all of the cables 102 may exit the plug connector 300 through the same cable outlet 384. In other various embodiments, groups of cables 102 may exit from different cable exits 384. The cable outlet 384 guides the routing of the cable 102 in a particular direction from the plug connector 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable cover 308 includes a first cable outlet 384a at the first end 376, a second cable outlet 384b at the second end 378, and a third cable outlet 384c at the first side 372. In alternative embodiments, the cable cover 308 may include more or fewer cable outlets 384. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable cover 308 may be mounted to the plug housing 302 in different orientations to change the outlet direction of the third cable outlet 384c relative to the plug housing 302. For example, in a first orientation, the third cable outlet 384c may be aligned with the first sidewall 324 to exit from the right, while in a second orientation, the third cable outlet 384c may be aligned with the second sidewall 326 to exit from the left.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the header housing 202 according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the header housing 202 is fabricated from a dielectric material (such as a plastic material). The header housing 202 may be a molded plastic component. For example, the header housing 202 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

The header housing 202 extends between a front 220 and a rear 222. The header housing 202 includes a first sidewall 224 and a second sidewall 226 opposite the first sidewall 224. Sidewalls 224, 226 extend between front 220 and rear 222. The header housing 202 includes a bottom wall 228 at the front 220. A bottom wall 228 extends between the side walls 224, 226. The header housing 202 includes a first end wall 230 and a second end wall 232 opposite the first end wall 230. End walls 230, 232 extend between front 220 and rear 222 and between first 224 and second 226 side walls. The side walls 224, 226, bottom wall 228, and end walls 330, 332 form the cavity 208. Cavity 208 is open at rear portion 322 to receive plug connector 300 (shown in fig. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the header housing 202 is generally rectangular or box-shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, the header housing 202 may have other shapes.

The header housing 202 includes a plurality of contact channels 234 extending through the bottom wall 228. The contact channels 234 open at the front and rear of the bottom wall 228. The contact channels 234 are configured to receive corresponding header contacts 204 (shown in fig. 1).

In the exemplary embodiment, header housing 202 includes a slider slot 240 in one or more of walls 206. In the illustrated embodiment, a slider slot 240 is provided in the first sidewall 224. The second sidewall 226 may additionally or alternatively include a slider slot 240. The slider slot 240 is open to the cavity 208. Slider slot 240 is configured to receive slider 210 (shown in fig. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, slider slot 240 is elongated along a slider axis 242. The slide axis 242 defines the sliding direction 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider axis 242 is parallel to the front portion 220 and the rear portion 222.

Slider slot 240 is defined by edge 244. In the exemplary embodiment, slider slot 240 includes a pocket 246 along edge 244, pocket 246 increasing the width of slider slot 240. Pocket 246 is configured to receive a portion of slider 210 during assembly. Pockets 246 may be provided on both the front edge 244 and the rear edge 244 of the slider slot 240.

In the exemplary embodiment, header housing 202 includes one or more locating projections 250 that extend into slider slots 240. Positioning tabs 250 are provided along one or more of edges 244 (such as the front edge). The positioning tab 250 reduces the width of the slider slot 240. In the exemplary embodiment, positioning tabs 250 are used to position slider 210 within slider slot 240. For example, the locating tab 250 may define a stop feature that locates the slider 210 within the slider slot 240. In the exemplary embodiment, header housing 202 includes a relief slot 252 adjacent to locating tab 250. Latch beam 254 is located between release slot 252 and edge 244. The locating tab 250 extends from the latch beam 254. Latch beams 254 may flex into release slots 252 to allow detent projections 250 to move outward and to increase the width of slider slots 240 to allow slider 210 to pass over detent projections 250.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first side of the slider 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second side of the slider 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. The slider 210 includes a body 270 extending between a first end 272 and a second end 274. The body 270 is thin between the inner side and the outer side. The slider 210 includes a handle 276 at the outside of the body 270. The handle 276 includes one or more finger grips 278 configured to be pushed or pulled by an operator to slide the slider 210 in a sliding direction.

The slider 210 includes one or more slider posts 280 extending from the interior of the body 270. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the slider posts 280 are disposed, such as proximate the first end 272 and the second end 274. Each slider post 280 includes a handle 282 and a head 284 at an end of handle 282. A receiving space 286 is defined radially outward of the shank 282 between the body 270 and the head of the slider 210. The receiving space 286 is configured to receive a portion of the header housing 202, such as the corresponding wall 206 of the header housing 202. In the exemplary embodiment, slider post 280 is integral with body 270 of slider 210. For example, the slider post 280 may be co-molded with the body 270. However, in alternative embodiments, the slider post 280 may be separate and discrete from the body 270 and coupled to the body 270. In various embodiments, the slider post 280 may be rotatably coupled to the body 270. For example, the slider post 280 may be configured to rotate or roll along the plug connector 300 during mating in order to reduce friction between the slider 210 and the plug connector 300. In other various embodiments, the handle 282 and/or the head 284 may include a low friction sleeve or coating to reduce friction between the slider 210 and the plug connector 300. For example, the low friction sleeve may be a metal sleeve surrounding the handle 282 and/or the head 284.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a header connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates the slider 210 coupled to the first sidewall 224. The slider 210 is received in the slider slot 240. The body 270 of the slider 210 is located at the exterior of the first sidewall 224. In an exemplary embodiment, no portion of the slider 210 extends beyond either the first end wall 230 or the second end wall 232, which maintains a small footprint for the header connector 200. The slider post 280 passes through the slider slot 240 into the cavity 208. The slider posts 280 are configured to interface with the header connector 300 (shown in fig. 1) when the header connector 300 is mated to the header connector 200. The slider 210 is slidable in the slider slot 240 along the sliding direction 106. The slider slot 240 controls the sliding movement of the slider 210 relative to the header housing 202. For example, the slider slot 240 limits movement of the slider 210 in a linear sliding direction.

The header contact 204 is coupled to the header housing 202. The header contacts 204 extend through the bottom wall 228 into the cavity 208 for mating with the header connector 300. Each header contact 204 includes a mating end 290 positioned within the cavity 208 for mating with the header connector 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 290 includes pins configured to be received within sockets of corresponding plug contacts 304 of the plug connector 300. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of mating interfaces (such as sockets, spring beams, tuning forks, etc.) may be provided at the mating end 290. In the exemplary embodiment, each header contact 204 includes a terminating end 292 opposite mating end 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminating end 292 includes solder tail portions configured to be soldered to a circuit board (not shown). In alternative embodiments, other types of interfaces may be provided, such as compliant pins or eye-of-the-needle pins for termination to a circuit board or pad, crimp barrels, or other types of interfaces for termination to a corresponding cable.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 partially mated with the header connector 200. Portions of the slider 210 have been removed to illustrate the interaction between the slider 210 and the plug connector 300 and the interaction between the slider 210 and the slider slot 240.

When assembled, the slider 210 is coupled to the head housing 202. The slider post 280 is received in the slider slot 240. During assembly, the slider post 280 is initially loaded into the slider slot 240 through the pocket 246. The slider 210 may then be displaced in a sliding direction to a preloaded position (shown in fig. 11). In the preloaded position, the slider posts 280 are positioned relative to the header housing 202 for receipt in the guide tracks 310 when the header connector 300 is loaded into the cavity 208 of the header housing 202. For example, the slider post 280 is aligned with the opening 350 of the guide rail 310. The positioning tab 250 is used to position the slider post 280 in the preloaded position. For example, the slider post 280 may be captured between the first positioning tab 250a and the second positioning tab 250 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning tab 250a is positioned to the left of the first slider post 280a and the second positioning tab 250b is positioned to the right of the second slider post 280 b. The first positioning protrusion 250a prevents the sliding movement of the slider 210 in the left direction. The second positioning projection 250b prevents the sliding movement of the slider 210 in the rightward direction. In alternative embodiments, additional locating projections may be used, such as locating projections 250 on both sides of each slider post 280. The resistance provided by the detent projections 250 may be overcome by unlatching the latch beams 254 and forcing the detent projections 250 outwardly into the space defined by the release slots 252. The positioning projection 250 can unlatch by moving the slider 210 in the sliding direction with a force sufficient to overcome the latching force.

During mating, the slider posts 280 move within the guide tracks 310 to assist in mating the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. As the slider post 280 moves along the ramp 352 within the rail 310 to the pocket 354, the linear sliding movement of the slider 210 causes movement of the plug connector 300 in the mating direction 104. In the exemplary embodiment, slider 210 is moved (to the left in the illustrated orientation) to an advanced position. In an exemplary embodiment, a third positioning tab 250c is provided to hold the slider 210 in the advanced position. For example, the second slider post 280b moves to the left of the third positioning projection 250 c. In the advanced position, the third positioning projection 250c is positioned to the right of the second slider post 280b to prevent movement of the slider 210 in the retraction direction. The third positioning tab 250c holds the slider 210 in the advanced position to prevent the plug connector 300 from being accidentally disengaged from the header connector 200.

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug housing 302 (shown in fig. 11) is removed to illustrate the slider 210, the header contacts 204, and the plug contacts 304 within the cavity 208 of the header housing 202. The slider 210 is coupled to a first sidewall 224 of the head housing 202. The shank 282 of the slider post 280 is received in the slider slot 240. The head 284 of the slider post 280 is located in the cavity 208. The first sidewall 224 is received in a receiving space 286 between the body 270 and the head 284 of the slider 210. The slider 210 is captured in the slider slot 240 by the first sidewall 224 being received in the receiving space 286.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plug contacts 304 are shown as socket contacts configured to mate with the header contacts 204. The header contacts 304 and header contacts 204 are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Any number of plug contacts 304 and header contacts 204 may be provided within the plug connector 300 and header connector 200 for a particular application. The mating force is caused by friction between the header contacts 304 and the header contacts 204 during mating. The mating force may be overcome using mating assistance provided by the slider 210. For example, linear sliding movement of the slider 210 is transferred to the plug connector 300 to move the plug connector 300 in the mating direction 104.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 partially mated with the header connector 200. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 partially mated with the header connector 200. A portion (e.g., body) of slider 210 has been removed to illustrate slider post 280.

The slider 210 is shown in a preloaded position. In the preloaded position, the slider post 280 is aligned with the opening 350 of the rail 310 such that the head 284 of the slider post 280 may be loaded into the rail 310 when the header connector 300 is inserted into the cavity 208 of the header connector 200. The positioning tab 250 is used to position the slider post 280 in the preloaded position. Once the slider post 280 is initially received in the guide rail 310, the slider 210 may be moved in the sliding direction 106 from a retracted position (corresponding to the preloaded position) to an advanced position (to the left of the position shown in fig. 13 and 14). The positioning projection 250 can unlatch by moving the slider 210 in the sliding direction with a force sufficient to overcome the latching force. Latch beam 254 may deflect outward into release space 286 to provide clearance for slider post 280 to move past latch beam 254. As the slider 210 moves in the sliding direction 106, the slider post 280 moves within the guide rail 310 to assist in mating the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. For example, slider post 280 moves along ramp 352 to pocket 354. Sliding of the slider 210 causes the plug housing 302 to advance forward in the mating direction 104.

Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 partially mated with the header connector 200. Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 fully mated with the header connector 200. The header connector 300 advances toward the bottom wall 228 of the header housing 202 in the mated position. The header contacts 304 mate with the header contacts 204 in the mated position. The slider 210 is used to provide mating assistance of the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. For example, slider post 280 is advanced from opening 350 (fig. 15) to pocket 354 (fig. 16) by rail 310. The angle and length of ramp 352 controls the mating distance from the preloaded position (fig. 15) to the mated position (fig. 16). The angle of the ramp 352 controls the amount of sliding force required to mate the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. In alternative embodiments, a single rail having a shallower angle and/or longer ramp 352 may be provided instead of having two rails 310 to reduce the sliding force required to mate the header connector 300 with the header connector 200.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a pair of mating aids to aid in the mating of the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. For example, the header connector 200 includes a first slider 210a at a first side wall 224 of the header housing 202 and a second slider 210b at a second side wall 226 of the header housing 202. The second slider 210b includes a corresponding slider post 280 that interfaces with the plug connector 300. The plug connector 300 includes a rail 310 at the second sidewall 326 of the plug housing 302, the rail 310 interfacing with the second slider 210b.

The first slider 210a and the second slider 210b are independently movable relative to the header housing 202. For example, an operator may grasp the first slider 210a with an index finger and grasp the second slider 210b with a thumb to pull the sliders 210a, 210b in the sliding direction 106. The first slider 210a is used to drive a first side of the plug connector 300 in the mating direction 104 and the second slider 210b is used to drive a second side of the plug connector 300 in the mating direction 104.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a header connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a header connector 200 having a first slider 210a and a second slider 210 b. The header housing 202 includes a first slider slot 240a in the first sidewall 224 and a second slider slot 240b in the second sidewall 226.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 mated with the header connector 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 ready to mate with the header connector 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector 300 has a single rail 310 rather than two rails 310. The slider 210 has a single slider post 280 rather than two slider posts 280. The single rail 310 may have a shallower angle and/or longer ramp 352 across the length of the plug housing 302 to reduce the sliding force required to mate the plug connector 300 with the header connector 200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the slider post 280 is configured to slide nearly the entire length of the plug housing 302 (e.g., nearly the entire length of the slider slot 240).

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 mated with the header connector 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 22 is an exploded view of the communication system 100 showing the header connector 300 ready to mate with the header connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a pair of mating aids to aid in the mating of the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. For example, the header connector 200 includes a first slider 210a at a first side wall 224 of the header housing 202 and a second slider 210b at a second side wall 226 of the header housing 202. The plug connector 300 includes a first rail (not shown) at the first side wall 324 and a second rail 310 at the second side wall 326 of the plug housing 302, the first and second rails 310 interfacing with the first and second slides 210a and 210b, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, each side of the plug connector 300 includes a single rail 310 rather than having multiple rails 310 on each side. The rails 310 have a shallower angle and/or longer ramp 352 across the length of the plug housing 302 than embodiments having multiple rails 310 at each side of the plug connector 300. The longer ramp and shallower angle reduce the sliding force required to mate the header connector 300 with the header connector 200. In the exemplary embodiment, rail 310 advances in an opposite direction. For example, a first rail (shown in fig. 19-20) advances from the first end wall 330 to the second end wall 332, and a second rail 310 advances from the second end wall 332 to the first end wall 330. The sliders 210a, 210b each have a single slider post 280, rather than two slider posts 280. The first slider 210a advances from the first end wall 230 to the second end wall 232, and the second slider 210b advances from the second end wall 232 to the first end wall 230. The slides move in opposite directions during mating. However, in alternative embodiments, the rails 310 may be oriented in the same direction such that the slides 210a, 210b move in the same direction during mating.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the header connector 200 showing the slider 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of communication system 100 showing slider 210, according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, slider 210 includes a low friction sleeve 285 coupled to slider post 280. The low friction sleeve 285 reduces friction between the slider 210 and the plug connector 300 to facilitate mating. The low friction sleeve 285 may be a metal sleeve coupled to the slider post 280. The low friction sleeve 285 is coupled to the head 284 and is configured to engage the plug housing 302 and slide along the plug housing 302 (such as within the rail 310). The low friction sleeve 285 may be coupled to the handle 282 to engage the header housing 302 and slide along the header housing 302 (such as within the slider slot 240).

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) described above may be used in combination with one another. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and numbers and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on the american code with No. 35, clause 112 (f), unless and until such claim limitations explicitly use the phrase "means for..about., followed by a statement of function without additional structure.

Claims (20)

1. An electrical connector, comprising:

a housing having a wall forming a cavity configured to receive a mating electrical connector, the wall comprising a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the bottom wall being provided at a rear of the housing, the bottom wall comprising a contact channel, the first side wall comprising a slider slot open to the cavity;

a contact retained in the contact channel, the contact having a mating end configured to mate with the mating electrical connector; and

a slider received in the slider slot and movable within the slider slot in a sliding direction, the slider including a slider post extending into the cavity and movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in the sliding direction, the slider post configured to be received in a guide rail of the mating electrical connector to position the mating electrical connector within the cavity of the housing.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the slider comprises a handle and an exterior of the slider, the handle sliding along the first sidewall between a retracted position and an advanced position.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the slider post is configured to advance the mating electrical connector in a mating direction when the slider slides in the sliding direction.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the slider post comprises a shank and a head at an end of the shank, a receiving space being defined radially outward of the shank between a body of the slider and the head, the first sidewall being received in the receiving space, the head being configured to be received in the guide rail.

5. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the slider comprises a body from which the slider post extends inwardly, the body being located at an exterior of the first sidewall.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second side walls are longer than the first and second end walls, the slider not extending beyond either of the first or second end walls.

7. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall includes a locating tab extending into the slider slot, the locating tab interfacing with the slider post to locate the slider along the slider slot.

8. The electrical connector of claim 7, wherein the first sidewall includes a release slot adjacent the detent projection and a latch beam between the release slot and the detent projection, the latch beam flexing into the release slot to allow the detent projection to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, the slider post being allowed to move past the detent projection when the detent projection is in the unlatched position.

9. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall includes a first locating tab extending into the slider slot and a second locating tab extending into the slider slot, the second locating tab being axially offset from the first locating tab, the slider being movable within the slider slot between a retracted position in which the first locating tab interfaces with the slider post and an advanced position in which the second locating tab interfaces with the slider post.

10. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the second sidewall includes a second slider slot open to the cavity, the electrical connector further comprising a second slider received in the second slider slot, the second slider including a second slider post extending into the cavity, the second slider post configured to be received in the second rail of the mating electrical connector, the second slider being independently movable relative to the slider.

11. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the slider post is rotatable relative to the body of the slider.

12. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising a metal sleeve on an exterior of the slider post, the metal sleeve configured to engage the rail of the mating electrical connector to slide within the rail when the slider moves in the sliding direction.

13. A connector system, comprising:

a plug connector comprising a plug housing holding plug contacts, the plug housing having a plug end, the plug housing comprising a rail at the plug end; and

a header connector comprising a header housing holding header contacts, the header housing having walls forming a cavity that receives the plug end of the plug housing, the walls including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the bottom wall being provided at a rear of the housing, the bottom wall including a contact channel, the first side wall including a slider slot open to the cavity, the header contacts being held in the contact channel, the header contacts having mating ends that mate with the plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the cavity, the header connector including a slider that is received in the slider slot and is movable in a sliding direction within the slider slot, the slider including a slider post that extends into the cavity, and the slider post being movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in the sliding direction, the slider post being received in the cavity to position the plug post in the housing within the plug cavity.

14. The connector system of claim 13, wherein the plug housing has a plug housing footprint and the header housing has a header housing footprint, the plug housing footprint being contained within the header housing footprint.

15. The connector system of claim 13, wherein the rail includes a ramp angled transverse to a front of the header housing, the slider post sliding along the ramp to translate linear slider movement of the slider in the sliding direction into linear mating movement of the header connector into the cavity of the header housing in a mating direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction.

16. The connector system of claim 13, wherein the rail is a first rail, the plug housing includes a second rail at the plug end, and the slider includes a second slider post received in the second rail.

17. The connector system of claim 13, wherein the rail is provided at a first side wall of the plug housing, the plug housing including a second rail at a second side wall of the plug housing, the second side wall of the header housing including a second slider slot, the header connector further including a second slider received in the second slider slot, the second slider including a second slider post extending into the cavity and received in the second rail of the plug housing.

18. The connector system of claim 13, further comprising a cable cover coupled to a cable end of the plug housing, the cable cover guiding a cable extending from the plug contact to a cable outlet of the cable cover.

19. The connector system of claim 13, further comprising a cable cover coupled to a cable end of the plug housing, the cable cover including at least three cable outlets facing respective different directions.

20. A connector system, comprising:

a plug connector including a plug housing holding a plug contact, the plug connector including a cable terminated to the plug contact, the plug housing having a plug end and a cable end opposite the plug end, the plug housing including a rail at the plug end, the plug connector including a cable cover coupled to the cable end, the cable cover including a first cable outlet and a second cable outlet extending in different directions; and

a header connector comprising a header housing holding header contacts, the header housing having walls forming a cavity that receives the plug end of the plug housing, the walls including a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the bottom wall being provided at a rear of the housing, the bottom wall including a contact channel, the first side wall including a slider slot open to the cavity, the header contacts being held in the contact channel, the header contacts having mating ends that mate with the plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the cavity, the header connector including a slider that is received in the slider slot and is movable in a sliding direction within the slider slot, the slider including a slider post that extends into the cavity, and the slider post being movable within the cavity when the slider is moved in the sliding direction, the slider post being received in the cavity to position the plug post in the housing within the plug cavity.