Method and device for protecting a data communication device

Abstract

The connector may include a connector body and a latch coupled to the connector body. The latch may be provided to couple to the anchoring element when the connector body is moved in the first direction. The latch may be configured to be decoupled from the anchoring element when the connector body is moved in a second direction different from the first direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 378,822, filed on October 7, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully described herein. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are usually docked with complementary electronic components to establish electrical communication between them. In one application, the electrical conductors of the electrical connector are mounted on complementary electrical components, such as cables or lower printed circuit boards (PCBs). In some examples, a first cable connector can be docked with a second electrical connector mounted on a PCB. In some architectures, it is desirable to mount high-density electrical connectors on a PCB. Therefore, multiple electrical connectors are mounted on a relatively small footprint on a PCB. It is desirable to easily dock the electrical connectors with each other and to undocking the electrical connectors from each other in a tight space. Summary of the invention

[0003] As a broad overview, the examples described herein may generally relate to interconnects that are configured to repeatedly detach from and repeatedly latch to a docking interconnect, but may also be configured to unlatch or unlock or detach from a docking interconnect quickly and / or automatically without requiring a user to manually operate one or more of: (i) a latch, (ii) an actuator that is physically connected to the latch and physically contacts the latch when the actuator is moved or manually operated, or both, or (iii) a pull tab connected to the latch or actuator.

[0004] The interconnection type includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of an incompressible fluid, a compressible fluid, electricity, and light. The interconnection may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be configured to be latched to the second portion, and the second portion may be configured to be latched to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to dock with the second portion, and the second portion may be configured to dock with the first portion. The first portion may be configured to automatically release or quickly disconnect from the second portion by applying a docking release force to the first portion, the second portion, or both without damaging any portion of the first portion or the second portion. The second portion may be configured to automatically release or quickly disconnect from the first portion by applying a docking release force to the first portion, the second portion, or both without damaging any portion of the first portion or the second portion.

[0005] In one example, a data communication assembly includes a first data communication device having a housing body and a data communication component supported by the first housing body. The communication assembly may also include an actuator supported by the housing body. The communication assembly may further include a latch supported by the housing body and configured to engage a second data communication device in a first setting to prevent the first data communication device and the second data communication device from being unmated. The actuator may be configured to drive the latch to a second setting, whereby the latch is disengaged from the second data communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present application will be further understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the subject matter, exemplary aspects of the subject matter are shown in the accompanying drawings; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods, devices, and systems disclosed. In the drawings:

[0007] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a data communication assembly including a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector mating with each other, wherein in one example, the second electrical connector is shown mounted to a substrate;

[0008] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly of the data communications assembly shown with portions removed to illustrate a first electrical conductor of a first electrical connector mating with a second electrical conductor of a second electrical connector;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the first electrical connector shown, showing Figure 2 A latch assembly and a connector housing for setting a first housing body and a second housing body;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the data communications assembly showing a latch assembly configured to releasably latch a first electrical connector to a second electrical connector, wherein an actuator of the latch assembly is shown in a first position and a latch of the latch assembly is shown in a first configuration;

[0011] Figure 4A yes Figure 2 a partial perspective view of the first electrical connector, showing the first housing body, and an actuator of the latch assembly extending from the first housing body;

[0012] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the first housing body shown;

[0013] Figure 5A yes Figure 1Aa front perspective view of a latch of the first electrical connector, configured to releasably secure the second electrical connector to the second electrical connector;

[0014] Figure 5B yes Figure 3 a rear perspective view of the latch shown;

[0015] Fig. 6A yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional perspective view of the second housing body shown;

[0016] Figure 6B is with Fig. 6A The second housing body shown is joined Figure 5A-5B an enlarged portion of the latch shown;

[0017] Figure 7 Yes Figure 3 a side view of a latch assembly and actuator of the latch, showing the latch assembly in a first or latched configuration;

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 a side view of the latch assembly, showing a second or unlocked setting;

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1A a perspective view of the second electrical connector;

[0020] Fig. 10A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of a second latch of the illustrated connector;

[0021] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A a rear perspective view of a second latch of the illustrated connector;

[0022] Fig.11 Yes Figures 10A-10B a side view of the second latch assembly of the illustrated second latch and actuator, showing the second latch assembly in a first or locked configuration;

[0023] Fig.12 yes Fig.12 a side view of a second latch assembly of FIG. 1 , shown in a second or unlocked setting;

[0024] Fig.13 yes Figure 2 a perspective view of a first housing body of the first electrical connector; and

[0025] Fig.14 yes Figure 1A A side view of the data communication assembly is shown, showing a plurality of first connectors and second connectors mating with each other, wherein the second electrical connector is mounted on the substrate

[0026] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the entire set of figures unless otherwise specified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for securing a first data communication device to a second data communication device when the first data communication device is docked with a complementary second data communication device. In one example, either or both of the first data communication device and the second data communication device may be configured as an electrical connector. In other examples, one of the first data communication device and the second data communication device may be configured as an optical transceiver. Thus, signals may be transmitted as electrical signals along electrical conductors and / or optical signals along optical cables.

[0028] The term "substantially" as used herein may refer to the meaning of manufacturing tolerance. In one example, a term used in reference to a dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter may be equal to + / -10% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -9% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -8% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -7% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -6% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -10% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -20 ...30% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter; may be equal to + / -40% of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter, and the value of the dimension, shape, orientation, or other parameter. may be equal to + / -5% of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter, and the value of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter; may be equal to + / -4% of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter, and the value of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter; may be equal to + / -3% of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter, and the value of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter; may be equal to + / -2% of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter, and the value of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter; may be equal to + / -1% of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter, and the value of the size, shape, orientation or other parameter.

[0029] In the description below, references to singular elements using terms such as "a," "an," "the," or "its" may also apply to multiple elements or at least one of the elements. Thus, the following description of a singular element applies equal force and effect to multiple elements including at least one element. Conversely, references to multiple elements may also apply equal force and effect to a single element of the elements or at least one of the elements. Furthermore, the description of at least one element may apply equal force and effect to a single element or to multiple elements.

[0030] First reference Figure 1A-1B , the component may include a first device and a second device that are configured to dock with each other. For example, the component may be configured as a communication component 50, wherein any one or both of the first device and the second device are configured as a first communication device and a second communication device that dock with each other. In one example, the first communication device may be configured as a first electrical connector 100, and the second communication device may be configured as a second electrical connector 104. Any one or both of the electrical connectors 100 and 104 may be configured as an electrical connector for transmitting data signals. Alternatively, at least one of the first data communication device and the second data communication device may be configured as a transceiver, such as an electrical transceiver or an optical transceiver. In this regard, the first communication device and the second communication device may be referred to as a first data communication device and a second data communication device, respectively. Therefore, the communication component 50 may be referred to as a data communication component. In other examples, any one or both of the electrical connectors 100 and 104 may be configured as a power connector for transmitting power. Alternatively, any one or both of the electrical connectors 100 and 104 may include an electrical signal conductor for transmitting data signals and a power conductor for transmitting power. It should be understood that the first device and the second device may be configured as any suitable device as needed. The second communication device may be referred to as a complementary device that is complementary to the first communication device, so that the first communication device is docked with the second communication device. When the first device and the second device are configured as communication devices, it should be understood that the first device and the second device may be configured as any suitable communication device as required. Therefore, when the first communication device and the second communication device are configured as data communication devices, it should be understood that the first data communication device and the second data communication device may be configured as any suitable data communication device as required.

[0031] As shown, the first communication device is provided as a first electrical connector 104, and the second communication device is provided as a second electrical connector 104. The second electrical connector 104 can be mounted to any suitable complementary data communication device, which can be provided as an electrical device such as a substrate 102. In some examples, the substrate 102 can be provided as a printed circuit board (PCB). Therefore, the second electrical connector 104 can be referred to as a board connector.

[0032] The first electrical connector 100 may be configured to mate with the second electrical connector 104, and may also be configured to undock from the second electrical connector 104. The first electrical connector 100 may include a first connector portion 101 and a second connector portion 103. The second connector portion 103 may be fixed to the first connector portion 101. The first connector portion 101 may include an electrically insulating first housing body 106 and a plurality of first data communication components, such as an electrical conductor 113 supported by the first housing body 106. The second connector portion 103 may include an electrically insulating second housing body 128 (in Figure 2 ) and a plurality of second data communication components, such as electrical conductors 115 supported by a second housing body 128. If the first electrical connector 100 replaces an optical transceiver, the first and second housing connector parts 101 and 103 may alternatively be configured as a first data communication portion and a second data communication portion, at least one of which may have an optical transmission and / or optical reception engine, such as in the case of an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, or an optical transceiver.

[0033] As described above, the first connector portion 101 and therefore the first electrical connector 100 may include a plurality of first electrical conductors 113 supported by the first housing body 106. The first electrical conductors 113 may be supported directly by the first housing body 106, or may be supported by one or more support structures, which in turn are supported by the first housing body 106. The electrical conductors of the first plurality of electrical conductors 113 may be arranged as desired. In one example, the first plurality of electrical conductors 113 may be arranged as a cable 114 (in Figure 1A ), each cable has at least one electrical conductor surrounded by an electrical insulator. In this regard, the first connector portion 101 may be referred to as a cable connector portion. The electrical conductors of the cable 114 may be electrically shielded or unshielded as desired.

[0034] The first electrical conductors 113 supported by the first housing body 106 can be in physical and electrical contact with corresponding electrical conductors in the second electrical conductors 115, such as Figure 1B In other examples, for example, when the first electrical connector 100 is configured as an optical transceiver, the cable may be configured as an optical cable carrying an optical signal.

[0035] refer to Fig. 9 , the second electrical connector 104 can have an electrically insulating second connector housing body 109 and a corresponding plurality of data communication components, such as electrical conductors 121 supported by the second connector housing body 109. For illustrative purposes, although Fig. 9Only a few conductors 121 extending along corresponding rows are shown, but it should be understood that the second electrical connector 121 can include a full row of conductors as needed. The second connector housing body 109 and all connector housings described herein can be set by a single integral housing or more than one housing body as needed to set the connector housing body. In some examples, the electrical conductor 121 can have a docking end that is configured to dock with the docking end of the corresponding second electrical conductor 115 when the first electrical connector 100 is docked with the second electrical conductor 104. The electrical conductor 121 can have a mounting end opposite the docking end, which is configured to be mounted on a mounting surface such as Figure 1A 1. The electrical components of the substrate 102 shown. In some examples, the substrate 102 can be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB). Therefore, when the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 104 are mated with each other, the first electrical conductor 113 can be placed in electrical communication with the electrical conductor 121, and thus in electrical communication with the substrate 102. The electrical conductors 113, 115, and 121 can be arranged in corresponding rows arranged along the lateral direction A.

[0036] Go to Figure 1A , when the first electrical connector 100 is mated with the second electrical connector 104, the first electrical connector 100 can extend through the panel 105 so that the first connector portion 101 and the second connector portion 103 are arranged on opposite sides of the panel. The first electrical connector 100 can be releasably fixed to the panel 105 as needed. Therefore, in some examples, the first electrical connector 100 can be referred to as a panel mounted connector. The first connector portion 101 can extend relative to a first surface of the panel 105, and the second connector portion 103 can extend relative to a second surface of the panel 105 facing the second electrical connector 104 and the substrate 102 below. The first surface and the second surface can be opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the lateral direction A.

[0037] Movement of the first electrical connector 100 relative to the second electrical connector 104 in a first direction or a mating direction can cause the first electrical connector 100 to mate with the second electrical connector 104, and movement of the first electrical connector 100 in a second direction or a non-mating direction opposite to the first direction can separate the first electrical connector 100 from the second electrical connector 104. The first direction can be toward the second electrical connector 104 and thus also opposite to the substrate 102, and the second direction can be away from the second electrical connector 104 and thus also away from the substrate 102, and the first direction and the second direction can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] Back to Fig. 9, the second electrical connector 104 can extend along a central axis A3, which is oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The second electrical connector 104 may include a shell body 109, which in turn defines a hollow portion 208. A lead frame 218 can be located in the hollow portion 208 to support the electrical conductor 121. One or more signal conductors 220 can be coupled to the lead frame 218. It should be understood that the electrical conductors of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can include signal conductors and ground conductors as needed. Adjacent signal conductors can define differential signal pairs. Alternatively, the electrical conductors can be unassigned. The hollow portion 208 can be configured to receive the second shell body 128 ( Figure 1A ). The first shell body 106 can move in the first direction so that the second shell body 128 enters the hollow portion 208, and the second shell body 128 (in Fig. 6A The electrical conductor 115 on the lead frame 218 is electrically coupled to the signal conductor 220.

[0039] The hollow portion 208 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the latch 140 (see Figure 3 ). The latch 140 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal. Thus, the latch 140 may be conductive or non-conductive as desired. The housing body 109 may include a lip 210 located at the entrance of the hollow portion 208, such as Fig. 9 As shown. The lip 210 can be arranged at an oblique angle relative to the housing body 109. When the lip 210 extends along the second direction, the lip 210 can be angled with the central axis A3. The second electrical connector 104 can include one or more fixing elements 212 configured to fix the second electrical connector 104 to the substrate 102. Each fixing element 212 can be a protrusion configured to be received by an opening in the substrate 102.

[0040] The first electrical connector 100 may include a latch assembly, which is configured to be detachably fixed to the second electrical connector 104 when the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 104 are mated with each other. Specifically, the latch assembly may be in a first setting or a locking setting ( Figure 7 ) and the second setting or unlock setting ( Figure 8 ). In the first setting state, the latch assembly fixes the first electrical connector 100 to the second electrical connector 104, so that the first electrical connector 100 cannot be unmated from the second electrical connector 104. In the second setting state, the latch assembly does not prevent the first electrical connector 100 from being unmated from the second electrical connector 104.

[0041] refer to Figure 2, the length of the first housing body 106 can be arranged along the corresponding central axis A1, which can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The first housing body 106 can be engaged by a user to selectively move the first electrical connector 100 in the first direction and the second direction. In some examples, the user can manually engage the first housing body 106. In other examples, the user can engage the first housing body 106 with a tool. The first housing body 106 may include a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first end 108 and the second end 110 may be opposite to each other along the central axis A1. For example, the second end 110 may be opposite to the first end 108 in the first direction. Conversely, the first end 108 may be opposite to the second end 110 in the second direction. The first housing body 106 may define an internal space 112. The internal space 112 may extend from the first end 108 toward the second end 110. The internal space 112 may extend from the second end 110 toward the first end 108. The internal space 112 may extend through the first end 108. The interior space 112 may extend through the second end 110. The interior space 112 may be configured to receive a data communication element. The data communication element may be configured as a cable 114 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the data communication element may be configured as an optical cable that transmits optical signals. The cable 114 may include a plurality of communication elements.

[0042] The first housing body 106 can include a first portion 116 and a second portion 118. In some examples, the first portion 116 is coupled to the second portion 118 via a coupling portion 120. In other examples, the first portion 116 and the second portion 118 are monolithic components. The coupling portion 120 can be a latch, a magnet, an adhesive, or a fastener. The coupling portion 120 can include an arm 122. The arm 122 defines a recess 124 that is configured to receive a protrusion 126 to secure the first portion 116 to the second portion 118. The arm 122 can be resilient. When the protrusion 126 moves into the recess 124, the arm 122 can flex. In one example, the first portion 116 can be removably coupled to the second portion 118. In one example, the electrical conductor 113 can be installed in the first housing body 106 before the first portion 116 is secured to the second portion 118.

[0043] The first housing body 106 may be connected to the second housing body 128. At least a portion of the second housing body 128 may extend into the interior space 112 of the first housing body 106. The second housing body 128 may include an outer wall 130 ( Fig. 6A ). The second end 110 of the first housing body 106 may contact or otherwise face the first end of the outer wall 130. The outer wall 130 may include a coupling member 134 ( Fig. 6A ), the coupling member 134 is adapted to be coupled to a complementary coupling member 136 ( Figure 4A ) The first housing body 106. One of the coupling member 134 and the connector body coupling member 136 may be a protrusion, and the other of the coupling member 134 and the connector body coupling member 136 may be a protrusion that can be received in the recess. In some examples, the first housing body 106 can move relative to the second housing body 128. For example, the first housing body 106 can move relative to the second housing body 128 in the longitudinal direction L. When the first housing body 106 moves relative to the second housing body 128, the coupling member 136 can move relative to the coupling member 134. When the first housing body 106 moves relative to the second housing body 128 along the longitudinal direction L, the coupling member 136 can maintain the alignment of the first housing body 106 relative to the second housing body 128. Alternatively, in other examples, the first housing body 106 can be fixedly positioned to the second housing body 128, particularly with respect to relative movement along the longitudinal direction L.

[0044] Reference now Figure 2-3 The first electrical connector 100 may include a latch assembly including a latch 140 configured to couple the first electrical connector 100 to the second electrical connector 104, and a latch 140 configured to couple the first electrical connector 100 to the second electrical connector 104. Figure 7 ) to the second setting described above ( Figure 8 ) between or overlapped with the actuator 172 of the latch 140. Specifically, in response to the movement of the first electrical connector 100 relative to the second electrical connector 104 in the first direction, the latch 140 can be locked to the second electrical connector 104 in the first setting state to mate the electrical connector 100 and the electrical connector 104. The latch 140 can move from the first setting to the second setting to undock or unlock from the second electrical connector 104 when the first electrical connector 100 moves in the second direction relative to the second electrical connector 104 to undock. In response to the movement of the first electrical connector 100 relative to the second electrical connector 104 in the second direction, the latch 140 can be uncoupled from the second electrical connector 104. It should be understood that the latch 140 can be uncoupled or unlocked from the second electrical connector 104 without the user having to perform a separate uncoupling operation on the latch 140.

[0045] Specific reference Figure 2-4B, the first electrical connector 100 may include an actuator 172 supported by the first housing body 106. For example, the actuator 172 may extend from the first housing body 106. In one example, the actuator 172 may be monolithically integrated with the first housing body 106 to form a single unitary structure. In another example, the actuator 172 may be detachable from the first housing body 106 and attached to the first housing body 106. As will now be described, the actuator 172 may be supported by the first housing body 106 relative to the first housing body 106 moving from a first position to a second bent position. The first position may be a natural or relaxed position, or the actuator 172 may be pre-tensioned so that the first position may be a bent position, but the degree of bending is less than the second bent position.

[0046] The actuator 172 can be configured to have a first end 184 extending from the first housing body 106 and a second end 186 opposite the first end 104. In some examples, the second end 186 can be a free end. The actuator 172 can include an actuator head 188. The actuator head 188 is configured to engage with the latch 140 to move the latch 140 from a first configuration ( Figure 7 ) to move to the second setting ( Figure 8 ). The actuator 172 can extend from the first housing body 106 to the actuator head 188. In one example, the actuator 172 can include an actuator body 190, which can be configured as a plate separated from the first housing body 106 on three of its four sides by a slot extending through the first housing body 106. The fourth side of the actuator body 190 can define an interface with the first housing body 106, and the actuator body 190 can define the first end 184 and can extend toward the actuator head 188. In some examples, the actuator body 190 can be coplanar with the housing body 106 in its natural position.

[0047] The actuator 172 may also include at least one actuator arm, such as a first actuator arm 187 and a second actuator arm 189 extending from the actuator body 190 to the actuator head 188. When the first arm 187 and the second arm 189 extend toward the actuator head 188 in a first direction, the first arm 187 and the second arm 189 may be opened away from the first housing body 106. The actuator head 188 may extend from respective distal ends of the first arm 187 and the second arm 189 so that the actuator head 188 is spaced apart from the first housing body 106. The first arm 187 and the second arm 189 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 194 and the second surface 192 separating the actuator head 188 (described below). Therefore, in one example, the first arm 187 and the second arm 189 may be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction so that the actuator 172 may define an opening 202 extending from the first arm 187 to the second arm 189. The latch 140 , and in particular the first latch arm 142 , may extend through the opening 202 during use.

[0048] Either or both of the actuator body 190 and the at least one arm are configured to be resiliently flexed relative to the first housing body 106 to move the actuator 172 from its first position to its flexed position. The movement of the actuator 172 from its first position to its flexed position causes the actuator head 188 to move to a position whereby the actuator head 188 moves the latch 140 from the first setting to the second setting. In one example, the actuator head 188 moves toward the first housing body 106 to move the latch 104 from the first setting to the second setting.

[0049] The actuator head 188 may include a first surface or inner surface 194 and a second surface or outer surface 192 opposite the first surface 194. The first surface 194 faces the first housing body 106. Therefore, the first surface 194 can be disposed closer to the first housing body 106 than the distance the second surface 192 is spaced from the first housing body 106. The first surface 194 and the second surface 192 can be opposite to each other along a selected direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In one example, the first surface 194 and the second surface 192 can be opposite to each other along a lateral direction T perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In other examples, depending on which side of the first housing body 106 the actuator 172 is disposed, the first surface 194 and the second surface 192 can be opposite to each other along the lateral direction A. One of the first surface 194 and the second surface 192 can set an actuation surface that is disposed to contact the latch 140 to apply a force to the latch 140 that drives the latch to move from the first setting to the second setting. In one example, the first surface 194 may set the actuation surface, but it should be appreciated that the latch 140 and actuator 172 may alternatively be configured such that the second surface 192 sets the actuation surface.

[0050] The actuator head 188 may include a first portion 201 and a second portion 203. The second portion 203 may have a thickness less than the first portion 201 along a selected direction. The second portion 203 may extend from the first portion 201 in a first direction. Therefore, the second portion 203 may be positioned closer to the second end 110 of the first housing body 106 than the first portion 201. The first surface 194 at the second portion 203 may be offset outwardly away from the first surface 194 of the first housing body 106 at the first portion 201. The second portion 203 may be configured to abut against the latch 140, thereby urging the latch 140 to move from the first setting to the second setting. Specifically, the first surface 194 at the second portion 203 may bias the latch actuation surface 170 of the latch 140 to move from the first setting to the second setting.

[0051] The actuator head 188, and in particular the first portion 201, can define a static bearing surface 198. The static bearing surface 198 is configured to abut the latch engagement surface 164 of the latch 140 when the actuator 172 is in the first position. The actuator head 188, and in particular the first portion 201, can further define a dynamic bearing surface 196, which is configured to abut the engagement surface 164 of the latch 140 when the actuator 172 moves from the first position to the second position. In one example, the static bearing surface 198 can be a flat surface. The dynamic bearing surface 196 can be a curved surface, which can be defined by a transition portion that extends between the static bearing surface 198 and the first surface 194 of the actuator head 188. For example, the dynamic bearing surface 196 can extend from the static bearing surface 198 of the actuator head 188 to the first surface 194. In one example, the dynamic bearing surface 196 may extend from the static bearing surface 198 to the first surface 194 at the first portion 201 of the actuator head 188 .

[0052] When the actuator 172 is bent from the first position to the second position, the dynamic bearing surface 196 can travel along the engagement surface of the latch 140. Specifically, the movement of the first housing body 106 in the second direction relative to the second housing body 128, and therefore relative to the second electrical connector 104, causes the actuator body 190 and either or both of the at least one arm of the actuator 172 to bend. This causes the actuator head 188 to move and tilt toward the first housing body 106 to change its angular orientation. In other examples, the actuator head 188 can be rotated about a fixed or translatable rotation axis so that the actuator head 188 rotates, thereby tilting the actuator head 188. When the actuator head 188 travels toward the first housing body 106 and tilts, the dynamic bearing surface 196 moves to engage with at least one engagement surface 164 of the latch 140. In one example, the dynamic bearing surface 196 can travel over the engagement surface of the latch 140 without sliding between the surfaces. In other examples, the surfaces can slide along each other.

[0053] The actuator head 188 can be provided with one or more alignment members 200 protruding from the static bearing surface 198. In one example, a plurality of alignment members 200 can protrude from the static bearing surface 198 in the second direction. The plurality of alignment members 200 can be spaced apart by a distance, which can be measured along a third direction. The third direction is angularly offset, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the selected direction. Thus, in one example, the alignment members 200 can be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction. The alignment members 200 can be spaced apart from each other by a sufficient distance so that the latch engagement portion 162 of the latch 140 that sets the engagement surface 164 can abut the static bearing surface 198 between the alignment members 200. Thus, the alignment members 200 can be provided to maintain alignment of the latch 140 relative to the actuator 172. In one example, the alignment members 200 can be spaced apart by a distance so that the engagement member 162 of the latch 140 is adjacent to the alignment member 200. In some examples, the alignment member 200 can abut the engagement member 162. In other examples, the alignment member 200 is spaced apart from the engagement member 162 along the second direction. As described above, the engagement member 162, and therefore the at least one engagement surface 164, can be disposed between the alignment members 200. It is recognized that in other examples, the alignment member 200 can be disposed between the first engagement arm 161 and the second engagement arm 163 of the engagement member 162 (see Figure 5A ). The length of the engaging member 162 along the selected direction may be set to be greater than the distance between the first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144 along the selected direction.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 5A-5B , Figure 7 and Figure 8The latch 140 is described in detail. Specifically, the latch 140 may include a first portion or fixed portion configured as a first latch arm 142 and a second portion or engaging portion configured as a second latch arm 144. The second latch arm 144 may extend from the first latch arm 142. The first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144 may be of a monolithic construction. Alternatively, the first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144 may be separated from each other and attached to each other as desired. In this regard, the entire latch 140 may be a single monolithic integral component. Alternatively, one or more portions of the latch 140 may be separated from other portions of the latch 140 and attached to other portions of the latch 140 as desired. The latch 140 may further include a hinge 146 extending from the first latch arm 142 to the second latch arm 144. The hinge 146 may be configured in a U-shape so that at least corresponding portions of the first latch arm and the second latch arm 144 are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in a selected direction. As described above, optionally, the selected direction can be set by the transverse direction T. In some examples, the selected direction can be set by the lateral direction A, and the hinge 146 is a living hinge. The first latch arm 142, the second latch arm 144 and the hinge 146 can be a single-piece construction as desired. In other examples, the hinge 146 is any suitable alternative hinge as desired.

[0055] At least the hinge 146 may be elastically deformable so that at least one of the first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144 is resiliently deformable relative to the other of the first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144, for example, about the hinge 146. Figure 7 ) moves to the second setting ( Figure 8 ). The hinge 146 can bias the latch 140 toward or to the first setting. In one example, the first latch arm 142 is fixed to the first housing body 106, and the second latch arm 144 can move relative to the first latch arm 142 about the hinge 146. For example, in one example, the second latch arm 144 can flex as the second latch arm 144 moves relative to the first latch arm 142. In one example, the second latch arm 144 can move along an arcuate path relative to the first latch arm 142. The arcuate path can include a directional component set by the selection direction.

[0056] The second latch arm 144 may include a free end 148 and a second end 150 opposite the first end 148. The hinge 146 may extend from the first end 148. The second end 150 may be a free end. Figure 7 ), the first end 148 can be spaced a first distance from the first latch arm 142 along the selection direction. Figure 8), the first end 148 can be spaced a second distance from the first latch arm 142 in a selected direction. The first distance can be greater than the second distance. The second latch arm 144 can be cantilevered from the hinge 146. The latch 140 can include a relief slot 152 extending through the hinge 146. The relief slot 152 can reduce the force required to move the second latch arm 144 relative to the first latch arm 142. In other examples, the relief slot 152 can be a portion of the hinge 146 having a reduced thickness compared to adjacent portions of the latch 140, and the latch 140 deforms around the hinge 146 in an example between the first and second settings, and the latch 140 can deform around any suitable alternative structure as desired.

[0057] The latch 140 can be fixed to the first electrical connector 100. For example, the latch 140 can be operably caught between the first connector portion 101 and the second connector portion 103 relative to relative movement in the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first latch arm 142 can be fixed to the first connector portion 101 relative to movement between the latch 142 and the first connector portion 101 in a first direction. Therefore, the first latch arm 142 can be similarly fixed to all elements of the first connector portion 101, including the first housing body 106 and the actuator head 188, relative to relative movement between the first latch arm 142 and elements of the first connector portion 101. In addition, the first latch arm 142 can be fixed to the second connector portion 103 relative to movement between the first latch arm 142 and the second connector portion 103 in a second direction. Therefore, the first latch arm 142 can be similarly fixed to all elements of the second connector portion 103 relative to movement between the first latch arm 142 and elements of the second connector portion 103, including the second housing body 128.

[0058] In one example, the latch 140, in particular the first latch arm 142, may include at least one first engagement member 162, which is configured to be fixed to the first connector portion 101 with respect to the first latch arm 142 and the first connector portion 101 for relative movement in the first direction. The at least one first engagement member 164 may include at least one first engagement surface 164. The at least one first engagement surface 164 is configured to abut against a first stop surface of the first electrical connector 100, and in particular against the first connector portion 101. In one example, when the actuator is in the first position, the first stop surface may be formed by a static bearing surface 198 (see Figure 3) is set, and when the actuator moves to the second position, the dynamic bearing surface 196 can be set. The static bearing surface 198 and the dynamic bearing surface 196 can be combined to set a single actuator stop surface 205 of the actuator 172, and thus set the first connector part 101. The abutment between the at least one first engagement surface 164 and the stop surface of the first connector part 101 prevents the engagement member 162, and thus prevents the first latch arm 142 from moving in the first direction relative to the first connector part 101, and thus relative to the first electrical connector 100. In one example, the first engagement member 162 may include a first engagement arm 161 and a second engagement arm 163 spaced apart from each other along a third direction perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the selection direction. Each of the first engagement arm 161 and the second engagement arm 163 can set a corresponding first engagement surface 164 of the type described herein. The engagement arms 161 and 163 can extend away from the first housing body 106 from the bearing area of ​​the first latch arm 142.

[0059] Reference now Figure 3 and Figures 5A-6B , the latch 140, in particular the first latch arm 142, may further include a second engagement member 154. The second engagement member 154 is arranged relative to the first latch arm 142, and in particular relative to the second connector portion 103, to fix the latch 140 to the first electrical connector 100 with respect to the movement of the first electrical connector 101 in the second direction. The second engagement member 154 may be arranged as a tab extending away from the first latch arm 142. In particular, the second engagement member 154 may extend in a direction away from the second latch arm 144 of the latch when it extends in the second direction. The second engagement member 154 may define a second engagement surface 155 that generally faces the second direction.

[0060] The second engagement member 154 can be configured to engage with the complementary connector engagement member 153 engaged with the first electrical connector 100, in particular, to engage with the second stop surface of the complementary connector engagement member 153, in particular, to engage with the second connector portion 103. The connector engagement member 153, and therefore the second stop surface, can be defined by any suitable surface of the second housing body 128, or supported by the second housing body 128. In one example, the second housing body 128, in particular, the flange 156 of the second housing body 128 defines the second stop surface. The second stop surface generally faces the first direction. In one example, the flange 156 can extend outward from the outer surface of the second housing body 128. The second engagement surface 155 of the second engagement member 154 can generally face the second direction, and therefore face the second stop surface of the flange 156. Therefore, the second stop surface of the second housing body 128 and the second engagement surface 155 can prevent the first latch arm 142 from moving relative to the first electrical connector 100, in particular relative to the second housing body 103, in the second direction.

[0061] In some examples, it will be appreciated that the abutment between the latch 140 and the first and second stop surfaces may prevent movement of the latch 140 relative to the first electrical connector in the first and second directions. In other examples, movement of the latch 140 along the longitudinal direction may be permitted such that the first connector portion 101 may move relative to the second connector portion 103 in the second direction, but the movement is insufficient to separate the first connector portion 101 from the second connector portion 103. In this regard, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B As shown, the first electrical conductor 113 can overlap the second electrical conductor 115 by a sufficient overlap distance so that the conductors 113 and 115 can wipe along each other and maintain physical and electrical contact with each other even when the first connector portion 101 moves away from the second connector portion 103 by a distance less than the overlapped portion. Therefore, it can be said that the latch 104 can be engaged with the first electrical connector 100, and in particular with the first connector portion 101 and the second connector portion 103, in the above-described manner to substantially prevent the latch 104 from moving a sufficient distance to allow the first electrical conductor 113 and the second electrical conductor 115 to separate from each other.

[0062] For example, the engagement surface 164 and the second stop surface of the connector engagement member 153 are spaced apart from each other by a first longitudinal distance along the longitudinal direction L, and the actuator stop surface 205 and the second engagement surface 155 of the latch 140 are spaced apart from each other by a second longitudinal distance along the longitudinal direction. The second longitudinal distance may be less than the first longitudinal distance. Therefore, the first connector portion 101 may move relative to the second connector portion 103 in the second direction. The second longitudinal distance may be less than a difference of the first longitudinal distance, which difference may be less than the longitudinal distance of the overlap of the first electrical conductor 113 and the second electrical conductor 115. Therefore, the first connector portion 101 may only move a distance relative to the second connector portion 103 in the second direction without causing the first electrical conductor 113 and the second electrical conductor 115 to be disconnected from each other. In other examples, the first electrical connector 100 may be configured such that when the latch 104 is in the first setting state, the first housing body 106 moves relative to the second housing body 128 in the second direction in the above manner, while the corresponding first electrical conductor 113 and the second electrical conductor 115 remain stationary and dock with each other.

[0063] The first latch arm 142 may be attached to the first connector portion 101 and the second connector portion 103, respectively, to substantially prevent relative movement of the first latch arm 142 and the first connector portion 101 between the first direction and the second direction in the manner described above. Alternatively, it can be appreciated that the electrical connector 100 may be configured such that the first latch arm 142 is attached to the first connector portion 101 to substantially prevent relative movement of the first latch arm 142 and the first portion 101 in the second direction, and is attached to the second connector portion 103 to substantially prevent relative movement of the first latch arm 142 and the second connector portion 103 in the first direction. Thus, it can be said that the first latch arm 142 may be attached to the first connector portion 101 to substantially prevent relative movement of the first latch arm 142 and the first connector portion 101 in one of the first direction and the second direction, and may be attached to the second connector portion 103 to substantially prevent relative movement between the first latch arm 142 and the second connector portion 103 in the other of the first direction and the second direction. Although certain suitable methods and devices for securing the first latch arm 142 to the first electrical connector 100 have been described, it should be understood that the latch 140 can be attached to the first electrical connector 100, and specifically to the first connector portion 101 and the second connector portion 103 in any suitable alternative manner as desired.

[0064] Continue to refer Figure 3 and Figures 5A-6B The latch 140 may include at least one first latch retaining portion 166 configured to engage with the second electrical connector 104 to prevent the first electrical connector 100 from moving a sufficient distance in the second direction to prevent the first electrical connector 100 from moving in the second direction when the latch 140 is in the first setting ( Figure 7 ) to undock the first electrical connector 100 from the second electrical connector 104. When the latch 140 moves to the second setting ( Figure 8 ), at least one securing portion 166 disengages from the second electrical connector 104, thereby allowing the first electrical connector 100 to move a sufficient distance in the second direction relative to the second electrical connector 104 to undock the first electrical connector 100 from the second electrical connector 104. The latch securing portion 166 is movable in the same direction as the free end 148, so that when the latch 140 is moved to the second setting, the latch securing portion 166 is movable. In one example, the first electrical connector 100 can be completely removed from the second electrical connector 104.

[0065] In one example, at least one fixing portion 166 can extend from the second latch arm 144 of the latch 140 along a direction that is angularly offset, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In one example, at least one fixing portion 166 can extend from the second latch arm 144 of the latch 140 along the selection direction. For example, at least one fixing portion 166 can extend from the second latch arm 144 of the latch 140 in a direction away from the first latch arm 142. The fixing portion 166 can extend from the second latch arm 144 at a position between the first end 148 and the second end 150. The at least one first fixing portion 166 can define a first fixing surface 167. The first fixing surface 167 is configured to abut a complementary connector fixing surface 169 of the second electrical connector 104. The first fixing surface 167 can generally face the second direction. The at least one fixing portion 166 can include a first fixing portion 166A and a second fixing portion 166B. The first fixing portion 166A and the second fixing portion 166B can be spaced apart from any suitable direction, for example, a third direction perpendicular to the selection direction and the longitudinal direction L. Each of the first fixing portion 166A and the second fixing portion 166B may define a corresponding first fixing surface 167 .

[0066] The second electrical connector 104 may define a second complementary connector fixing portion 168 defining a second surface or connector fixing surface 169. The connector fixing surface 169 may generally face in a first direction. When the latch 140 is in the first setting state, each first fixing surface 167 may be aligned with the second fixing surface 169 along the longitudinal direction L. Since the latch 140 is fixed to the first electrical connector 100 in the above manner, and since the first fixing surface 167 and the second fixing surface 169 are aligned with each other when the latch 140 is in the first setting state, the first fixing surface 167 and the second fixing surface 169 are adjacent to each other to prevent the first electrical connector 100 from being unmated and separated from the second electrical connector 104.

[0067] One of the latch fixing portion 166 and the connector fixing portion 168 may be a protrusion, and the other of the latch fixing portion 166 and the connector fixing portion 168 may be a hole configured to receive the protrusion, so as to align the corresponding fixing surfaces 167 and 169 with each other in the above-mentioned manner. For example, the latch fixing portion 166 may be configured as a protrusion, and the connector fixing portion 168 may be configured as a recess. In one example, the recess may extend through the second connector housing body 109. In other examples, the second electrical connector 104 may include a plate that at least partially surrounds or otherwise abuts the second connector housing body 109. The plate may be set with a hole as required. Therefore, the housing of the second electrical connector 104 that refers to setting a connector fixing to engage the latch fixing portion 166 may be applied to either or both of the connector housing body 166 and the plate. The locking plate may be metallic or conductive, or may be electrically insulating as required.

[0068] Now also refer to Figure 2-3 and Figure 7-8, and as described above, the latch 140 can be elastically movable or configured to be elastically deformed from the first setting to the second setting. The latch 140 can have no spring, such as no coil spring, between the first latch arm 142 and the second latch arm 144. The latch 140 can be electrically isolated from all electrical conductors. In the first setting, at least one latch fixing portion 166, in particular the fixing surface 167, is aligned with the connector fixing portion 168, in particular the fixing surface, along the longitudinal direction L of the second setting state. The latch fixing portion 166 can be disengaged from the connector fixing portion 168. In particular, at least one latch fixing portion 166, in particular the fixing surface 167, moves out of alignment with the connector fixing portion 168, in particular the fixing surface, along the longitudinal direction L, so that the latch 140 can be naturally biased to the first setting, so that the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 104 will not be separated due to accidental undocking, but can only be undocking under the action of a pulling force applied to either or both of the first housing body 106 and the cable 114. The latch 140 can be moved from the first setting to the second setting without damaging the cable. The latch 140 can be moved from the first setting to the second setting without damaging the first electrical connector 100. The latch 140 can be moved from the first setting to the second setting without damaging the second electrical connector 104. The latch 140 can be moved from the first setting to the second setting without damaging the latch 140. In an example where the first data communication device (e.g., the first electrical connector 100) does not include a cable, only a pulling force can be applied to the first housing body 106 to cause the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 104 to undock. For example, applying a pushing force to the first electrical connector 100 does not cause the latch 140 to move from the first setting to the second setting. In some examples, the first electrical connector 100 may not have a tab or a button or both that can be actuated to move the latch 140 between the first and second settings.

[0069] During operation, when it is desired to undock the first electrical connector 100 from the second electrical connector 104, a disengagement force may be applied to either or both of the first housing body 106 and the cable 114 in a second direction relative to the second electrical connector 104. When the disengagement force reaches a predetermined threshold, the actuator 172 moves the latch 140 to a second setting, as will now be described. The force may be applied manually or using any suitable tool as desired. If the disengagement force is applied to the cable 114, the force may be large enough to prevent accidental disengagement forces, such as may be applied by shock and vibration during use, but small enough to avoid damage to the latch 140, the actuator 172, and the cable 114.

[0070] The disengagement force in the second direction causes the second latch arm 144 to move in a selected direction toward the first latch arm 142 to set the second setting of the latch 140. Therefore, it can be said that the disengagement force is directed in a direction different from the direction in which the latch arm 144 moves as the latch 140 iterates from the first setting to the second setting. In addition, it should be understood that the latch 140 is compressed by the actuator 172 as the actuator 172 iterates from the first setting to the second setting. The first housing body 106 may have a textured outer surface 111 configured to be gripped when the disengagement force is applied. As described above, when the latch 40 is in the first setting, the first connector portion 101 can move relative to the second connector portion 103 in the second direction, but the amount of movement will not be so great as to cause the first and second electrical conductors 113 and 115 (see Figure 1B ) separate from each other.

[0071] Movement of the first connector portion 101 (particularly the first housing body 106) in the second direction relative to the second connector portion 103, and particularly relative to the second housing body 128, causes the actuator 172 to move from the first position to the deflected position as described above, thereby causing the latch 140 to move from the first setting to the second setting. At least one of the actuator body 190 and the at least one actuator arm (e.g., the actuator arm 187 and the actuator arm 189) (see Figure 4A ) may be flexible. Thus, when the first housing body 106 moves relative to the second housing body 128 in the second direction, the actuator head 188, and in particular the static bearing surface 198 of the actuator 172, abuts against the engagement member 162 of the latch 140, and in particular against the engagement surface 162, such that continued movement of the first housing body 106 relative to the second housing body 128 in the second direction causes the actuator arms 187 and 189 to bend inwardly or toward the central axis A1 in the selected direction (see Fig.14 Alternatively, if the electrical connector 100 includes a second actuator 370 (see Figure 10A-13), the center axis A1 of the corresponding first actuator arm 387 and the second actuator arm 387 and 389 of the second actuator 370 can extend along the longitudinal direction L. When the arms 187 and 189 bend inwardly, the arms 187 and 189 cause the actuator head 188 to move inwardly in the selected direction and the angular direction similarly. When the actuator head 188 is tilted, the dynamic bearing surface 196 abuts the engagement surface 164 of the latch engagement portion 162. When the first housing body 106 continues to move in the second direction, the arcuate surface of the dynamic bearing surface 196 allows the dynamic bearing surface 196 to remain in contact with the engagement surface 164. The actuator head 188 continues to be tilted, so that the second portion 203 moves inwardly to a greater extent than the first portion 201 of the actuator head 188. When the actuator head 188 moves in the inward direction, the actuator head 188 rests on the latch actuating body 165 of the latch 140. The latch actuation body 165 may set a latch actuation surface 170 of the latch 140. The latch actuation surface 170 may be set by the second latch arm 144 of the latch 140. The latch actuation surface 170 may be disposed between the first end 148 of the second latch arm 144 and the latch fixing portion 166. The fixing portion 168 may be positioned between the engagement surface 170 and the second end 150 of the second latch arm 144. The actuation surface 170 may be away from the first latch arm 142 in a selected direction. In some examples, the actuation surface 170 may set the first end 148 of the second latch arm 144. The first surface 194 (also referred to as the actuator surface) at the second portion 203 of the actuator head 188 may abut against the latch actuation surface 170. In particular, the actuator head 188 may cause the latch actuation surface 170, and thus the second arm 144, to move in a disengaging direction. In particular, the latch actuation surface 170 can move inwardly toward the first latch arm 142. As described above, the latch 140, and in particular the hinge 146, can be elastically deformed when the latch actuation surface 170 moves toward the first latch arm 142. Alternatively or additionally, the second latch arm 144 can be elastically deformed when the latch actuation surface 170 moves in the disengagement direction. Thus, when the actuator 172 is moved, at least one latch arm (e.g., the second latch arm 144) automatically moves in a selected direction. In addition, at least one latch arm (e.g., the second latch arm 144) automatically moves in a selected direction when a separation force is applied to the first housing body, or any suitable alternative housing of the first electrical connector 100 supporting the actuator 172 in the manner described herein. In addition, the latch assembly can be constructed as described herein so that the second latch arm 144 is only directly or indirectly contacted by the actuator 172. Additionally, the actuator 172 enables the latch 140 to be moved to the second setting simply by touching and applying force to the housing body 106 and / or the cable 114. Further, the latch assembly can be configured as described herein such that the latch arms 142 and 144 are only urged to the second setting by the actuator 172 and are only released by the actuator 172 to move to the first setting.

[0072] The movement of the second latch arm 144 in the disengagement direction causes the latch retainer 166 carried by the second latch arm 144 to similarly move in the disengagement direction. The second latch arm 144 is driven by the actuator head 188 to move a sufficient distance in the disengagement direction so that the latch retainer 166 disengages from the connector retainer 168. Specifically, the latch retainer moves out of alignment with the connector retaining surface 169 of the second electrical connector 204. For example, the latch retainer 166 can move out of the hole set by the connector retainer 168. Since the fixing surface 167 of the latch retainer 166 is not aligned with the connector retaining surface 169 along the longitudinal direction L when the latch 140 is in the second setting, the latch 140 no longer prevents or restricts the relative movement of the first electrical connector 100 relative to the second electrical connector 104 in the second direction. Therefore, when a disengagement force is applied to the housing body 106, the first electrical connector 100 can be unlocked from the second electrical connector. Furthermore, when a disengagement force is applied to the cable 144 , the first electrical connector 100 may be unlocked from the second electrical connector 104 , and the cable 144 then transfers the force to the housing body 106 .

[0073] As described above with respect to the first electrical connector 100, it may be desirable to re-mate the first electrical connector 100 or a different electrical connector with the second electrical connector 104. In this case, the electrical connectors may be driven in a first direction or mating direction until the first housing body 106 is inserted into the connector housing body 109 of the second electrical connector 104. The second latch arm 144 of the latch 140 may be driven by the connector housing body 109 of the second electrical connector 104 during the mating process to deform in a disengaging direction, such as when the second electrical conductor 115 is mated with the electrical conductor 121 of the second electrical connector 104. In particular, when the first housing body 106 is moved in the first direction to position the second housing body 128 within the hollow portion 208, the beveled lip 210 (see FIG. 2 ) of the second connector housing body 109 is moved in the first direction to position the second housing body 128 within the hollow portion 208. Fig. 9 ) can move the latch 140 from the first setting to the second setting. The first electrical connector 100 is mated with the second electrical connector 104 until the latch retaining portion 166 is aligned with the complementary connector retaining portion 168. Then, the second latch arm 144 is bent outwardly to the first setting under the natural biasing force of the latch 140 until the latch retaining portion 166 engages the connector retaining portion 168 in the manner described above.

[0074] The latch 140 may include a stop 174 configured to limit movement of the second latch arm 144 in the disengagement direction. The stop 174 may be configured to limit movement of the second latch arm 144 toward the first latch arm 142 in, for example, a selected direction. The stop 174 may be configured as a tab that protrudes inwardly from the second latch arm 144 toward the first latch arm 142. The stop 174 may have a width in the third direction that is greater than the width of an adjacent portion of the second latch arm 144, or may have any suitable alternative width as desired. For example, the stop 174 may extend from the latch actuation body 165. The stop 174 may include a first stop 174 and a second stop 175. The first stop 174 may be spaced apart from the second stop 175 in the third direction. The stop 174 may be configured to engage the base stop.

[0075] When the latch 140 is in the first setting, the stop 174 may engage the second housing body 128. When the latch 140 moves to the second setting, the stop 174 may move toward the first latch arm 142. The stop 174 may contact the first latch arm 142 to limit the amount of deformation of the latch 140 when it moves to the second setting. The latch arms 142 and 144 may have a touch safety standard that meets the UL1977 standard, Chapter 10.2, even if the latch 140 is not powered. In particular, the latch 140 cannot be touched by a user's finger. For example, the actuator 172 may be arranged outside the latch 140, particularly on the first side of the panel 105. Therefore, the actuator 172 provides a physical barrier to accessing the latch 140. Therefore, the gap may be greater than zero but less than substantially 5 mm, such as greater than zero millimeters but less than substantially 3 mm, such as greater than zero millimeters but less than substantially 2 mm, such as greater than zero millimeters but less than substantially 1 mm.

[0076] Now also refer to Figure 2 It should be understood that the first electrical connector 100 can include any number of actuators 172 and latches 140 as desired, which are constructed and configured to operate in the manner described above. In one example, the second actuator 372 and the second latch 340 can be supported on a second side of the first electrical connector 100, which is opposite to the first side of the first electrical connector 100 that supports the first actuator 172 and the latch 140. The second latch 340 and the second actuator 372 are shown as having similar elements relative to the first actuator 172 and the first latch 140, and can be configured as described herein with respect to the first actuator 172 and the first latch 140.

[0077] refer to Figure 1A, the first electrical connector 100 can have a compact design that allows multiple connectors to be coupled to the substrate 102 in a small area. At least one actuator, such as the first actuator 172 and the second actuator 372, can allow the first electrical connector 100 to be disengaged from the second electrical connector 104 without the need to use tools or fingers between adjacent electrical connectors 100. Therefore, the first latch 140 and the second latch 340, and in particular the corresponding latch arms 142 and 144, are configured to not be touched by a user or contacted by external tools when the electrical connectors 100 and 104 are mated with each other to stack the corresponding latches from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0078] Reference Fig.14 , the first electrical connector 100 can have a thickness D1 in the transverse direction T. In one example, the thickness is approximately 23 mm. The thickness D1 can be the distance between the first edge 192 of the first actuator 172 and the first surface 392 of the second actuator 372. The distance D2 from the center axis A1 to the center axis of the first connector 100 can be about 1 mm greater than the thickness D1. The distance D2 can be about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 4 mm, about 4 mm to about 7 mm, or about 7 mm to about 10 mm greater than the thickness D1. In addition, the first connector 100 can be set relative to the second connector 500 so that adjacent actuators between the first connector 100 and the second connector 500 do not contact each other regardless of the setting of the latch (e.g., the first setting, the second setting, a transition between the two, etc.)

[0079] Although the system and method have been described in connection with various embodiments of the various drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Therefore, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0080] When a value is expressed as an approximation by using an antecedent, it will be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. Generally, the use of the term "about" indicates an approximation that can vary depending on the desired property sought to be obtained by the disclosed subject matter, and will be interpreted in the specific context in which it is used based on its function, and those skilled in the art will be able to interpret it as such. In some cases, the number of effective figures for a specific value can be a non-limiting method for determining the scope of a word. In other cases, the rank used in a series of values ​​can be used to determine the expected range of the term for each value. Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable. That is, reference to the value described in the range includes each value and each value within the range.

[0081] In this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that their normal meanings are provided. However, in order to avoid misunderstanding, the meanings of certain terms will be specifically defined or clarified.

[0082] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein do not necessarily need to be performed in the order and sequence described. The steps of these methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Similarly, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention, additional steps may be included, and certain steps may be omitted or combined. Although the elements (if any) in the following method claims are stated in a specific sequence with corresponding markings, unless the claim statement otherwise implies a specific sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, these elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to implementation in that specific sequence. Therefore, although illustrative example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the description is not restrictive, and that various other changes and modifications may be implemented therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication component, comprising: a first device having a housing body and an actuator supported by the housing body; as well as A latch is supported by the housing body and is configured to engage a second device in a first setting to prevent the first device from being unmated from the second device, wherein the actuator is configured to drive the latch to a second setting to disengage the latch from the second device.

2. The communication assembly of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a first data communication device having a data communication component supported by the housing body, and the second device comprises a second data communication device.

3. The communication assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the latch is engaged by the second device.

4. The communication assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the latch is resiliently flexed between the first setting and the second setting.

5. The communication assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device moves in a first direction to dock with the second device, and moves in a second direction to detach from the second device. The communication assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

7. The communication assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an anchoring element fixed to the second device.

8. The communication assembly of claim 7, wherein the second device is configured to be mounted to a substrate via the anchor element such that when the first device and the second device are docked with each other, the first device communicates with the substrate.

9. The communication assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the data communication components comprise electrical conductors.

10. A communication component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the latch includes a first fixing member and the second device includes a second fixing member, wherein one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member is a protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to be received in a hole of the other of the first fixing member and the second fixing member when the latch is in the first setting state. The communication assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the first fixing member is detachably connected to the second fixing member.

12. The communication assembly of claim 11, wherein the actuator is configured to urge the first fixture to separate from the second fixture.

13. The communication assembly of claim 1, wherein movement of the first device in the second direction causes the actuator to move from a first position to a second position, the movement causing the actuator to drive the latch to move to the second setting.

14. A communication component according to claim 13, wherein the actuator includes an actuator head and at least one elastic arm extending from the actuator head to the shell body, wherein the elastic arm flexes as the first device is pushed in the second direction, which causes the actuator head to move from the first position to the second position, and the actuator head abuts against the latch to move the latch from the first setting to the second setting. 15 . The communication component according to claim 14 , wherein the at least one elastic arm comprises a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm spaced apart from each other to define an opening.

16. The communications assembly of claim 15, wherein a portion of the latch extends through the opening.

17. The communication assembly of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the actuator head tilts when the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

18. The communication component of claim 17, wherein: The actuator includes a static bearing surface and a dynamic bearing surface, wherein the latch further includes a latch engagement portion, and wherein the static bearing surface seats against the latch engagement portion when the actuator is in the first position, and the dynamic bearing surface travels along the latch engagement portion as the actuator moves to the second position.

19. The communication assembly of claim 18, wherein the latch further comprises an engagement surface, wherein the dynamic bearing surface flexes and engages a latch engagement surface of the latch engagement portion as the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

20. The communication assembly of any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the latch further comprises a first latch portion and a second latch arm, the first latch portion comprising the latch engagement portion, and the second latch arm comprising a first securing member.

21. The communications assembly of claim 20, wherein the actuator is configured to engage a free end of the latch to move the latch from the first setting to the second setting.

22. The communication component according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first device further comprises a second housing body, and the latch is fixed to the housing of the first device and the second housing body.

23. The communication assembly of claim 22, wherein the latch is captured between a housing body of the first device and a second housing body relative to movement in the first direction and the second direction.

24. The communication assembly of claim 23, wherein the latch permits limited movement of the housing body of the first device away from the second housing body in the second direction.

25. The communications assembly of claim 24, wherein movement of the housing body of the first device away from the second housing body causes the actuator to bias the latch to the second setting.

26. A communication component according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented along a longitudinal direction, and at least a portion of the actuator is configured to move in a selected direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to drive the latch from the first setting to the second setting.

27. The communication assembly of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first device and the second device comprise a first data communication device and a second data communication device, respectively.

28. The communication assembly of claim 27, wherein the first data communication device and the second data communication device include electrical connectors such that the data communication components are corresponding electrical conductors.

29. The communication assembly of claim 27, wherein at least one of the first data communication device and the second data communication device comprises an optical transceiver.

30. A communication component comprising: The first electrical connector comprises: A first connector portion including an electrically insulating first housing body and a plurality of first electrical conductors supported by the first housing body; a second connector portion including an electrically insulating second housing body and a plurality of second electrical conductors supported by the second housing body; as well as A latch fixed to the first shell body and the second shell body, wherein the latch is movable between a first setting and a second setting, in which the latch locks the first electrical connector to the docking second electrical connector and in which the latch unlocks the first electrical connector from the second electrical connector.

31. The communication assembly of claim 30, wherein the latch is captured between the first housing body and the second housing body.

32. A communication component according to any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the latch includes a first latch arm fixed to the first shell body and the second shell body, and the latch also includes a second latch arm, the second latch arm carries a fixing member, and the fixing member is configured to engage the second electrical connector in the first setting state to lock the second electrical connector to the first electrical connector.

33. The communications assembly of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the latch comprises a hinge extending from the first latch arm to the second latch arm.

34. The communications assembly of claim 33, wherein the hinge resiliently flexes between the first and second settings.

35. The communications assembly of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the first electrical connector comprises an actuator configured to actuate the latch to move from the first setting to the second setting.

36. The communications assembly of claim 35, wherein the first connector portion is movable away from the second connector portion causing the actuator to actuate the latch to move from the first setting to the second setting.

37. A communication component according to claim 35, wherein the actuator includes an arm extending from the first shell body, and movement of the first connector portion away from the second connector portion causes the arm to bend, thereby moving the actuator from a first position to a second position, so that the actuator drives the latch to move from the first setting to the second setting.

38. The communications assembly of any one of claims 30 to 37, further comprising the second electrical connector.

39. A communication component comprising: a first device having a housing body and a data communication component supported by the housing body; a latch member supported by the housing body for engaging a second device in a first configuration to prevent the first device from being undocking from the second device; as well as An actuating device, supported by the housing body, is used to actuate the latch member to a second setting, whereby the latch member is disengaged from the second device.

40. The communication assembly of claim 39, wherein the latch member is engaged with the second device.

41. The communications assembly of any one of claims 39 or 40, wherein the latch member is resiliently flexed between the first setting and the second setting.

42. The communication assembly of any one of claims 39 to 40, wherein the first device moves in a first direction to dock with the second device and moves in a second direction to detach from the second device.

43. The communication component of claim 42, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

44. A communications assembly according to any one of claims 39 to 43, further comprising an anchoring device secured to the second device.

45. The communication assembly of claim 44, wherein the second device is configured to be mounted to a substrate via the anchor device such that when the first device and the second device are docked with each other, the first device communicates with the substrate.

46. ​​The communication assembly of any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein the first device and the second device comprise electrical conductors.

47. A communications assembly according to any one of claims 39 to 46, wherein the second device comprises a securing device for coupling with the latch member of the first device when the latch member is in the first setting state.

48. The communication assembly of claim 47, wherein the latch member is removably coupled to the securing device.

49. The communication assembly of claim 47, wherein the actuating device is configured to drive the latch member to separate from the fixing device.

50. The communication assembly of claim 49, wherein movement of the first device in the second direction causes the actuator to move from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the actuation device to drive the latch member to move to the second setting.

51. The communication assembly of claim 50, wherein the latch device is captured between a housing body of the first device and the second housing body relative to movement in the first direction and the second direction.

52. The communications assembly of claim 49, wherein the latch device permits limited movement of the housing body of the first device away from the second housing body in the second direction.

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