Modular hybrid electrical connector, connection module and method of manufacturing module housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric connector and a connecting module thereof. The electric connector is used for establishing electric connection with a second electric connector, and comprises a first shell which is used for being matched with a second shell of the second electric connector along a matching direction; the sliding block is arranged in the first shell and can slide between a first position and a second position relative to the first shell in the sliding direction intersecting with the matched connection direction. The slider includes a cam groove for receiving a cam pin provided on the second housing when the slider is in the first position such that the second housing is positioned in the mating start position. Before the second housing is positioned in the mating start position, the slider can be constrained in the first position by the first housing. According to the configuration, the connection between the electric connector and the second electric connector is easier to operate, so that the connection and assembly efficiency of the electronic system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector and connector assemblies and electronic systems including such an electrical connector. The electrical connector can be a modular hybrid electrical connector, and is particularly suitable for harsh environments with high vibration, such as vehicles. This application also relates to a connection module for such an electrical connector and a method of manufacturing a module housing for the connection module. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is often easier and more cost-effective to manufacture electronic systems as individual electronic components that can be connected together using electrical connectors. Electrical connectors are used to interconnect components so that these components can function together as part of an electronic system. For example, electrical connectors can be mounted on circuit boards within two components, which are connected by mating the connectors. In other electronic systems, connecting circuit boards by directly mating electrical connectors on two circuit boards may not be feasible. For example, when assembling electronic systems, these circuit boards may be spaced very far apart, making direct connections between electrical connectors mounted on the circuit boards impossible.

[0003] In some electronic systems, connections between components are achieved via cables. These cables can be terminated with electrical connectors that mate with electrical connectors mounted on a circuit board. In this way, connections between components are achieved by inserting an electrical connector, which is part of a cable assembly, into an electrical connector mounted on the circuit board. In other electronic system architectures, the electrical connector terminating a cable can mate with another electrical connector terminating another cable.

[0004] An example of an electronic system in which components are connected by cables is the modern automobile. For instance, an automobile includes electronic control units (ECUs) for controlling various vehicle systems, such as those for the engine, transmission control unit (TCU), safety systems, emission control, lighting, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), entertainment systems, navigation systems, and cameras. These ECUs can be manufactured as separate components and connected via one or more vehicle networks formed by cables routed between these components. To simplify automobile manufacturing, components can be manufactured separately and then connected via cables terminated with electrical connectors that allow connection to mating connectors that terminate other cables or are attached to circuit boards within the components.

[0005] These electrical connectors are typically designed and manufactured to specific specifications to enable mating and meet signal and / or power transmission requirements. Designing electrical connectors that meet specific application needs presents several challenges. Electrical connectors must possess various characteristics that satisfy the mechanical requirements of electronic systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application proposes a novel electrical connector to meet the requirements of electronic systems.

[0007] In one aspect, this application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector can be used to establish an electrical connection with a second electrical connector and may include: a first housing configured to mate with a second housing of the second electrical connector along a mating direction; and a slider disposed in the first housing and configured to slide relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position along a sliding direction intersecting the mating direction, the slider including a cam groove configured to receive a cam pin disposed on the second housing when the slider is in the first position, such that the second housing is positioned in a mating initiation position. Before the second housing is positioned in the mating initiation position, the slider can be constrained to the first position by the first housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first housing includes a first constraint structure, and the slider includes a second constraint structure, wherein when the slider is in the first position and before the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure engage with each other to restrict the slider from sliding from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, one of the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure is configured to be contacted by a release structure provided on the second housing when the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, so as to disengage from the other of the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure, thereby allowing the slider to slide from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first housing further includes a groove configured to receive the slider, the first constraint structure being a beam extending into the groove; the second constraint structure being an elastic arm; and the elastic arm engaging with the beam when the slider is in the first position and before the second housing is positioned in the mating start position, and the elastic arm being contacted by the release structure of the second housing to be biased to disengage from the beam when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first housing further includes a first receiving groove communicating with the slide and configured to receive the release structure of the second housing when the second housing is positioned at the mating start position; and a portion of the resilient arm extends into the first receiving groove when the slider is in the first position and before the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, and when the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, the portion of the resilient arm is contacted by the release structure of the second housing such that the resilient arm is biased to disengage from the beam.

[0012] In some embodiments, the resilient arm includes a barb portion that engages with the beam and extends into the first receiving slot when the slider is in the first position and before the second housing is positioned in the mating start position, and when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position, the barb portion is contacted by the release structure of the second housing such that the resilient arm is biased to disengage from the beam; and the portion of the barb portion for contact by the release structure is formed with a bevel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first housing further includes a receiving portion that encloses a receiving space for receiving the second housing; the first receiving groove is recessed into the receiving portion from the receiving space in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and extends along the mating direction; and the release structure is a protruding rib provided on the second housing and extending along the mating direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the slider is in the first position, the engagement between the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure further restricts the slider from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the slider further includes a third constraint structure that engages with the first constraint structure when the slider is in the first position to restrict the slider from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a fourth constraint structure, wherein when the slider is in the first position, the second constraint structure engages with the fourth constraint structure to restrict the slider from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first housing further includes a groove extending along the sliding direction and configured to receive the slider, the groove having a narrower first section and a wider second section extending from the first section in a cross-section perpendicular to the sliding direction; and the cross-section of the slider perpendicular to the sliding direction and the cross-section of the groove perpendicular to the sliding direction are shaped to match each other so that the slider is held in the groove and guided to slide by the groove.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first housing further includes a receiving portion that encloses a receiving space for receiving the second housing, wherein a first segment of the groove is recessed into the receiving portion from the receiving space along a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and a second segment extends from the first segment away from the receiving space along the vertical direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sliding direction is perpendicular to the mating direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cam groove is configured to cause the cam pin received in the cam groove to move relative to the first housing along the mating direction when the slider slides from the first position to the second position, such that the second housing moves from the mating start position to the mating completion position along the mating direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first housing includes a groove, a mating surface, and an opening, the groove being configured to receive the slider, the first housing being configured to mate with the second housing of the second electrical connector at the mating surface, the opening being recessed from the mating surface into the first housing along the mating direction and communicating with the groove; and the cam groove including an inlet section aligned with the opening in the mating direction when the slider is in the first position for receiving the cam pin of the second housing, and offset relative to the opening in the mating direction when the slider slides away from the first position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes: a housing mounted on the first housing; and a lever member pivotally mounted on the housing and coupled to the slider to drive the slider to slide according to a pivoting operation; wherein the slider cannot be driven by the lever member when the slider is constrained by the first housing at the first position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the housing includes a sidewall and a pivot extending outward from the sidewall; the lever member includes an arm pivotally mounted on the pivot at a first end such that the arm can pivot about the pivot between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, the first end having gear teeth; the slider having rack teeth at a portion opposite to the first end; and the gear teeth engaging with the rack teeth such that when the arm pivots between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, the slider is driven to slide between the first position and the second position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a first protrusion extending outward from the sidewall, the first protrusion being configured to engage with the arm when the arm is in the first pivot position to limit the arm from pivoting away from the second pivot position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a second protrusion extending outward from the sidewall, the second protrusion being configured to engage with the arm when the arm is in the second pivot position to limit the arm from pivoting away from the first pivot position from the second pivot position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing further includes an outwardly projecting resilient tab extending from the sidewall, the resilient tab being configured to be depressed by the support arm as the support arm is pivoted away from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position to allow the support arm to pass through the resilient tab to reach the first pivot position, and to be reset and prevent the support arm from pivoting from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position when the support arm is in the first pivot position, the resilient tab being further configured to be manually depressed to allow the support arm to pivot from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a third protrusion extending outward from the sidewall; the arm further includes an opening; and when the arm is pivoted to the first pivot position, the third protrusion of the housing is received in the opening of the arm to provide at least one of an auditory indication, a visual indication, and a tactile indication indicating that the arm is pivoted to the first pivot position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pivot includes an axially extending shaft and a radially projecting protrusion from the shaft, the protrusion being spaced apart axially from the sidewall of the housing; the first end portion includes a bearing portion having a bore extending axially through the bearing portion and a notch recessed radially from the bore into the bearing portion; the shaft extending through the bore and the bearing portion being supported on the shaft and located between the protrusion of the pivot and the sidewall of the housing; and the notch and the protrusion are shaped to match each other such that the notch and the protrusion are axially aligned only when the arm is in a third pivot position between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, to allow the first end portion to be mounted to and removed from the pivot, while being axially offset when the arm is in other pivot positions to prevent the first end portion from being mounted to and removed from the pivot.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first housing includes a mating face and a back face opposite to each other in mating directions, the first housing being configured to mate with the second housing of the second electrical connector at the mating face; and the cover is pivotally mounted to the first housing and is pivotable relative to the first housing between a closed position and an open position, the cover covering the back face of the first housing when in the closed position and allowing access to the back face of the first housing when in the open position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first pivot structure at a first corner; the first housing also includes a sidewall extending between the mating surface and the back surface and a second pivot structure disposed at the sidewall; and the first pivot structure and the second pivot structure are coupled to each other such that the housing is pivotally mounted to the sidewall of the first housing.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes at least one connection module housed in the first housing, the cable of the at least one connection module extending from the first housing at the rear side; the housing includes a first exit structure at a second corner diagonally arranged opposite the first corner, and the first housing includes a second exit structure, wherein when the housing is in the closed position, the first exit structure and the second exit structure together define a cable exit through which the cable of the at least one connection module is led out of the electrical connector; and the housing further includes a first snap-fit ​​structure disposed adjacent to and / or disposed at the first exit structure, and the first housing further includes a second snap-fit ​​structure disposed adjacent to and / or disposed at the second exit structure, the first snap-fit ​​structure and the second snap-fit ​​structure being configured to cooperate with each other when the housing is in the closed position to hold the housing in the closed position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes a plurality of connection modules having a first identification feature distinct from each other; the first housing includes a plurality of chambers, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules, each chamber having an inlet; and a plurality of key members having a second identification feature distinct from each other, each of which is disposed at the inlet of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers; wherein the second identification feature of the key member disposed at the inlet of each chamber is associated with the first identification feature of a corresponding connection module to be installed into the chamber, indicating a corresponding installation relationship between the chamber and the corresponding connection module.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first identification feature of the plurality of connection modules is in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text or a combination thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second identification feature of the plurality of key components is in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text, or a combination thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments, for each of the connection modules, the connection module includes a module housing, and the first identification feature is a first structural feature disposed at the module housing; for each of the key members, the second identification feature is a second structural feature configured to define a portion of the periphery of the entrance to the corresponding chamber, and the second structural feature is shaped to complement the first structural feature of the corresponding connection module to allow only the corresponding connection module to enter the chamber through the entrance.

[0036] In another aspect, this application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: a plurality of connection modules having distinct first identification features; a housing including a plurality of chambers, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules, each chamber having an inlet; and a plurality of key members having distinct second identification features, each of which is disposed at the inlet of its corresponding one of the plurality of chambers. The second identification feature of the key member disposed at the inlet of each chamber is associated with the first identification feature of a corresponding connection module to be installed into the chamber, indicating a corresponding installation relationship between the chamber and the corresponding connection module.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first identification feature of the plurality of connection modules is in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text or a combination thereof.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second identification feature of the plurality of key components is in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text, or a combination thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, for each of the connection modules, the connection module includes a module housing, and the first identification feature is a first structural feature disposed at the module housing; and for each of the key members, the second identification feature is a second structural feature configured to define a portion of the periphery of the entrance to the corresponding chamber, and the second structural feature is shaped to complement the first structural feature of the corresponding connection module to allow only the corresponding connection module to enter the chamber through the entrance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first structural feature is in the form of a protrusion projecting outward from the module housing, a groove recessed into the module housing, or a combination thereof; and the second structural feature is in the form of a protrusion projecting outward from the key member, a groove recessed into the key member, or a combination thereof.

[0041] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of key members is detachably disposed at the inlet of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers.

[0042] In some embodiments, the housing includes a notch recessed into the housing at the entrance of each of the plurality of chambers, and a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion opposite to each other across the notch; and each of the key members is disposed in the notch at the entrance of the corresponding chamber and is retained therebetween by the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, for each of the chambers, the inlet is recessed into the housing in a lateral direction; the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, and each includes a slot extending in the lateral direction and a latch disposed at the slot; each key member includes a body, a first insert portion and a second insert portion protruding from opposite ends of the body in the longitudinal direction, the first insert portion and the second insert portion each having a protrusion protruding in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions; and the first insert portion and the second insert portion of each key member are respectively inserted into the slots of the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion at the inlet of the corresponding chamber, such that the protrusion of the first insert portion and the protrusion of the second insert portion respectively engage with the latch of the first retaining portion and the latch of the second retaining portion.

[0044] In some embodiments, the housing includes a mating surface and a back surface opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and the inlets of the plurality of chambers are recessed into the housing from the back surface along the lateral direction. For each chamber: the housing includes a flange structure that protrudes into the chamber to engage with the module housing of the connecting module when the connecting module is installed into the chamber, thereby restricting further movement of the connecting module toward the mating surface; and / or the housing includes a snap-fit ​​structure that protrudes into the chamber to engage with the module housing of the connecting module when the connecting module is installed into the chamber, thereby restricting reciprocating movement of the connecting module toward the inlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, for at least one of the plurality of connection modules, the connection module includes a module housing having a sub-chamber and a terminal assembly holding one or more conductive terminals and being detachably disposed in the sub-chamber.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of connection modules include one or more of a signal connection module, a power connection module, and a hybrid connection module.

[0047] In another aspect, this application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: a housing including a groove; a lever member mounted on the housing and configured to pivot relative to the housing between a first pivot position and a second pivot position; and a connector position holding (CPA) device disposed in the groove and configured to slide relative to the housing between a pre-locked position and a locked position. Before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position, the CPA device is constrained by the housing to the pre-locked position, and when the lever member is in the second pivot position, the lever member is capable of releasing the CPA device to allow the CPA device to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0048] In some embodiments, the CPA device includes a base and at least one first resilient arm extending from the base; the housing further includes a suspension mechanism disposed above the CPA device and including at least one stop structure; and when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position, each of the at least one first resilient arm engages with a corresponding one of the at least one stop structure to restrict the CPA device from sliding from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position and the lever member is in the second pivot position, the lever member contacts the at least one first resilient arm to bias each first resilient arm to disengage from the corresponding stop structure, thereby allowing the CPA device to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one stop structure of the suspension mechanism includes at least one opening, in which a portion of each of the at least one first resilient arm is received when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivoted position, to restrict the CPA device from sliding from the pre-locked position toward the locked position; and the lever member includes at least one release protrusion, in which each of the at least one release protrusion enters into the corresponding opening of the at least one opening and contacts the portion of the corresponding first resilient arm to push the portion of the corresponding first resilient arm out of the opening when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position and the lever member is in the second pivoted position.

[0051] In some embodiments, for each of the first elastic arms, the portion of the first elastic arm is a first protrusion disposed on the first elastic arm.

[0052] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pivot, and the lever member includes an arm pivotally mounted on the pivot, the at least one release protrusion being disposed on the arm.

[0053] In some embodiments, when the lever member is in the first pivot position, the at least one release protrusion engages with the housing to restrict the lever member from pivoting away from the first pivot position from the second pivot position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the CPA device further includes a second resilient arm extending from the base; the groove includes a bottom for supporting the CPA device, and the housing further includes a stop recess recessed into the housing from the bottom of the groove; and when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position, the second resilient arm engages with the wall of the stop recess to restrict the CPA device from sliding away from the pre-locked position from the locked position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the CPA device further includes a third resilient arm extending from the base, the third resilient arm including a second protrusion having a rounded shape; the groove includes a bottom for carrying the CPA device, and the housing further includes a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess recessed into the housing from the bottom of the groove; and when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position, the second protrusion is received in the first receiving recess, and when the CPA device is in the locked position, the second protrusion is received in the second receiving recess.

[0056] In some embodiments, the suspension mechanism further includes a fourth resilient arm configured to be depressed by the lever member when the lever member is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, allowing the lever member to reach the second pivot position via the fourth resilient arm, and to reset and prevent the lever member from pivoting from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position when the lever member is in the second pivot position. The fourth resilient arm is also configured to be manually depressed to allow the lever member to pivot from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fourth resilient arm extends above the slide; and the CPA device allows the fourth resilient arm to be pressed down when in the pre-locked position and prevents the fourth resilient arm from being pressed down when in the locked position.

[0058] In some embodiments, the chute includes a bottom for supporting the CPA device;

[0059] The fourth elastic arm includes a fixed end fixed above the slide, a free end opposite to the fixed end, and a connecting portion disposed adjacent to or at the free end and protruding from the fourth elastic arm toward the bottom of the slide; and when the CPA device is in the locked position, the base is positioned below the connecting portion to prevent the fourth elastic arm from being pressed down.

[0060] In some embodiments, the base of the CPA device is provided with an opening that, when the CPA device is in the pre-locked position, aligns with the engagement portion to allow the engagement portion to move toward the bottom of the chute and at least partially enter the opening when the fourth resilient arm is pressed toward the bottom of the chute. When the CPA device is in the locked position, the opening is offset from the engagement portion, and the base prevents the engagement portion from moving toward the bottom of the chute.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the CPA device is in the locked position, the engagement portion presses against the base.

[0062] In some embodiments, the housing includes a pair of pivots; the lever member includes a crossbar and a pair of arms, each of the arms including a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end of each of the pair of arms being pivotally mounted on a corresponding one of the pair of pivots, and the second end of the pair of arms being connected by the crossbar; and the fourth resilient arm further includes a stop portion disposed adjacent to or at the free end and projecting from the fourth resilient arm opposite to the engagement portion, wherein when the lever member is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, the crossbar contacts the stop portion to depress the fourth resilient arm, and when the lever member is in the second pivot position, the fourth resilient arm returns to its original position, and the stop portion prevents the crossbar portion from pivoting from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cantilever mechanism is an integral part of the housing.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrical connector further includes: a first housing configured to mate with a second housing of a second electrical connector along a mating direction; and a slider disposed in the first housing and configured to slide relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position along a sliding direction intersecting the mating direction, the slider including a cam groove configured to receive a cam pin disposed on the second housing when the slider is in the first position, such that the second housing is positioned at a mating start position, the cam groove further configured to cause the cam pin received in the cam groove to move relative to the first housing along the mating direction when the slider slides from the first position to the second position, such that the second housing moves from the mating start position to a mating finish position along the mating direction; wherein the housing is attached to the first housing, and the lever member is coupled to the slider to drive the slider to slide according to a pivoting operation, the slider being driven to slide between the first position and the second position when the lever member pivots between the first pivot position and the second pivot position.

[0065] In another aspect, this application proposes a connection module for an electrical connector. The connection module includes: an insulating module housing including a plurality of terminal channels, each extending along a mating direction; and various types of terminals, each terminal having a mating end at least partially disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of the plurality of terminal channels such that the terminal is held by the module housing. The various types of terminals include: a first terminal having a first width in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the mating direction; a second terminal having a second width in the longitudinal direction, the second width being greater than the first width; and a third terminal having a third width in the longitudinal direction, the third width being greater than the second width.

[0066] In some embodiments, the plurality of terminals further includes a fourth terminal, the mating end of the fourth terminal having a fourth width in the longitudinal direction, the fourth width being greater than the third width.

[0067] In some embodiments, the various types of terminals are arranged in multiple groups spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are terminals of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0068] In some embodiments, the module housing further includes a mating surface and a back surface opposite to each other in the mating direction, each of the terminal channels extending from the back surface through the module housing to the mating surface; a mating end of each terminal is configured to be inserted from the back surface into the corresponding terminal channel and includes a first stop; and the module housing further includes a plurality of resilient arms, each resilient arm having a second stop and protruding into a corresponding terminal channel of the plurality of terminal channels such that the second stop engages with the first stop of the mating end disposed in the corresponding terminal channel, thereby restricting the mating end from being retracted toward the back surface along the mating direction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the connection module further includes a TPA device mounted to the module housing, wherein: (i) a first group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of first terminals, the plurality of resilient arms includes a pair of first resilient arms disposed in the vertical direction between mating ends of the pair of first terminals, the pair of first resilient arms being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and protruding toward the mating ends of corresponding first terminals, the module housing further includes a first receiving channel extending from the mating surface to the pair of first resilient arms, the TPA device includes a first insertion arm inserted into the first receiving channel and contacting the pair of first resilient arms to limit the pair of first resilient arms from being moved away from the mating end of the first terminal. The mating end of the first terminal is deflected; and / or (ii) the second group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of second terminals, the plurality of resilient arms including a pair of second resilient arms disposed in the vertical direction between the mating ends of the pair of second terminals, the pair of second resilient arms being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and protruding toward the mating end of the corresponding second terminal, the module housing also including a second receiving channel extending from the mating surface to between the pair of second resilient arms, the TPA device including a second insertion arm inserted into the second receiving channel and contacting the pair of second resilient arms to limit the deflection of the pair of second resilient arms away from the mating end of the corresponding second terminal; and / or (iii) the The third group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of third terminals, the plurality of resilient arms including a pair of third resilient arms disposed in the vertical direction between the mating ends of the pair of third terminals, the pair of third resilient arms being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and protruding toward the mating ends of the corresponding third terminals, the module housing also including a third receiving channel extending from the mating surface to the pair of third resilient arms, the TPA device including a third insertion arm inserted into the third receiving channel and contacting the pair of first resilient arms to limit the pair of third resilient arms from being deflected away from the mating ends of the corresponding third terminals; and / or (iv) the fourth group of the plurality of groups includes a single fourth terminal, the plurality of... The resilient arm includes a pair of fourth resilient arms disposed on both sides of the mating end of the fourth terminal in the vertical direction, the pair of fourth resilient arms protruding toward the mating end of the fourth terminal respectively. The module housing also includes a pair of fourth receiving channels, each of the pair of fourth receiving channels extending from the mating surface to the side of a corresponding fourth resilient arm of the pair of fourth resilient arms opposite to the mating end of the fourth terminal. The TPA device includes a pair of fourth insertion arms, each of the pair of fourth insertion arms being inserted into a corresponding fourth receiving channel of the pair of fourth receiving channels and contacting the corresponding fourth resilient arm to limit the deflection of the corresponding fourth resilient arm away from the mating end of the fourth terminal.

[0070] In some embodiments, each of the terminal channels has a first opening at the mating surface; and the module housing includes a third stop extending into the terminal channel from the first opening of each of the terminal channels, the third stop engaging with an end portion of a mating end disposed in the terminal channel to restrict the mating end from being moved out of the first opening along the mating direction.

[0071] In some embodiments, the TPA device includes a body and a plurality of second openings extending through the body along the mating direction, the body being placed on the mating surface, and each of the plurality of second openings being aligned in the mating direction with a first opening of a corresponding terminal channel of the plurality of terminal channels.

[0072] In some embodiments, the plurality of groups includes at least one first group, at least one second group, at least one third group, and at least one fourth group, each first group having a pair of first terminals, each second group having a pair of second terminals, each third group having a pair of third terminals, and each fourth group having a single fourth terminal; the mating end of one first terminal in each first group, the mating end of one second terminal in each second group, and the mating end of one third terminal in each third group are aligned along a first straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the mating end of another first terminal in each first group, the mating end of another second terminal in each second group, and the mating end of another third terminal in each third group are aligned along a second straight line parallel to the first straight line; and the mating end of the fourth terminal in each fourth group is disposed in the vertical direction between the first straight line and the second straight line.

[0073] In some embodiments, the mating end of each terminal is configured as a socket and is disposed in the corresponding terminal channel, wherein the width of the mating end in the longitudinal direction is the internal width of the socket in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] In some embodiments, each of the terminals also has a tail end opposite to the mating end and configured for attaching a cable.

[0075] In some embodiments, the module housing further includes a slot recessed into the module housing from the mating surface along the mating direction and extending along the longitudinal direction, the slot being configured to receive a protrusion of the mating connection module when the connection module mates with the mating connection module.

[0076] In some embodiments, the mating end of each terminal is configured as a pin and extends partially from the mating surface along the mating direction, the width of the mating end in the longitudinal direction being the width of the pin in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] In some embodiments, each of the terminals also has an end opposite to the mating end and configured for mounting to the tail end of a circuit board.

[0078] In some embodiments, the module housing further includes a protrusion that extends beyond the mating end of the plurality of types of terminals along the mating direction and extends along the longitudinal direction, the protrusion being configured to be inserted into a slot of the mating connection module when the connection module mates with the mating connection module.

[0079] In some embodiments, the housing portion of the module housing having the various types of terminals is divided into multiple sub-portions, the multiple sub-portions being continuous in the longitudinal direction, each of the multiple sub-portions forming a terminal channel for providing mating ends of terminals in a corresponding group of the multiple groups; and the multiple groups including a first group having the first terminal, a second group having the second terminal, a third group having the third terminal, and a fourth group having the fourth terminal, the number of the first group, the second group, the third group, and the fourth group satisfying the following relationship:

[0080] A*W1+B*W2+C*W3+D*W4≤W Max

[0081] Wherein, A is the quantity of the first group, B is the quantity of the second group, C is the quantity of the third group, D is the quantity of the fourth group, W1 is the minimum width of the first sub-part corresponding to the first group in the longitudinal direction, W2 is the minimum width of the second sub-part corresponding to the second group in the longitudinal direction, W3 is the minimum width of the third sub-part corresponding to the third group in the longitudinal direction, W4 is the minimum width of the fourth sub-part corresponding to the fourth group in the longitudinal direction, and W... Max It measures 22.86 millimeters.

[0082] In some embodiments, W1 is 2 mm.

[0083] In some embodiments, W2 is 2.54 mm.

[0084] In some embodiments, W3 is 3 mm.

[0085] In some embodiments, W4 is 5.5 mm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the connection module is configured to be detachably disposed within the housing of the electrical connector.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first terminal is a signal terminal.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second terminal is a signal terminal or a power terminal.

[0089] In some embodiments, the third terminal is a power supply terminal.

[0090] In some embodiments, the fourth terminal is a power supply terminal.

[0091] In another aspect, this application proposes a method for manufacturing a module housing for a connection module of an electrical connector. The method includes: providing a plurality of types of tool pins, each type corresponding to a type of a plurality of types of terminals to be disposed in the module housing; arranging the plurality of types of tool pins according to the terminal positions to be disposed in the module housing; and allowing housing material to flow around the plurality of types of tool pins to form the module housing.

[0092] In some embodiments, each of the tool needles includes a base, and arranging the plurality of tool needles according to the terminal positions includes: providing an organizer including a slot extending in a longitudinal direction; and stacking the bases of the plurality of tool needles in the slot in the longitudinal direction according to the terminal positions.

[0093] In some embodiments, the bases of the plurality of tool needles have base widths that differ from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the base width of the base of each type of tool needle is fixed; the slot has a fixed slot width in the longitudinal direction; and stacking the bases of the plurality of tool needles in the slot comprises making the width of the stack of the bases of the plurality of tool needles in the longitudinal direction less than or equal to the slot width.

[0094] In some embodiments, the base of the plurality of tool needles stacked in the slot further includes providing a spacer to fill the gap between the stack and the end wall of the slot when the width of the stack is less than the width of the slot.

[0095] In some embodiments, the module housing includes a plurality of terminal channels, each extending along a mating direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of terminal types having a mating end to be at least partially disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of the plurality of terminal channels; the slot width is equal to the maximum width of the housing portion of the module housing that allows the plurality of terminal channels to be disposed in the longitudinal direction; and for each tool pin, the base width of the base is equal to the minimum width of a sub-portion of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the sub-portion is used to form a terminal channel for disposing of the mating end of a terminal corresponding to the tool pin.

[0096] In some embodiments, the various types of terminals are to be arranged in multiple groups spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction in the module housing, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction; the multiple groups include a first group having a first terminal, a second group having a second terminal, a third group having a third terminal, and a fourth group having a fourth terminal; the housing portion is divided into multiple sub-portions along the longitudinal direction, the multiple sub-portions being continuous in the longitudinal direction, each of the sub-portions being used to form a terminal channel for setting the mating ends of the terminals in a corresponding group of the multiple groups; and providing the various types of tool pins includes providing the various types of tool pins according to the following relationship:

[0097] A*W T1 +B*W T2 +C*W T3 +D*W T4 ≤W Max

[0098] Where A represents the number of first tool needles corresponding to the first group, B represents the number of second tool needles corresponding to the second group, C represents the number of third tool needles corresponding to the third group, D represents the number of fourth tool needles corresponding to the fourth group, and W represents the number of tool needles corresponding to the fourth group. T1 W is the base width of the first tool needle. T2 W is the base width of the second tool needle. T3 W is the base width of the third tool needle. T4 W is the base width of the fourth tool needle. Max The width of the slot is 22.86 mm.

[0099] In some embodiments, W T1 It is 2 millimeters.

[0100] In some embodiments, W T2 It measures 2.54 millimeters.

[0101] In some embodiments, W T3 It is 3 millimeters.

[0102] In some embodiments, W T4 It is 5.5 mm.

[0103] In some embodiments, the module housing includes a plurality of terminal channels, each extending along a mating direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of terminal types having a mating end to be at least partially disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of the plurality of terminal channels; each tool pin also includes at least one beam extending from the base along the mating direction, the profile of each of the at least one beam being designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel for providing a mating end of a terminal corresponding to the tool pin; and allowing the housing material to flow around the plurality of tool pins includes allowing the housing material to flow around the beams of the plurality of tool pins to form the plurality of terminal channels.

[0104] In some embodiments, the various types of terminals will be arranged in multiple groups spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction in the module housing, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are terminals of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction; and each tool pin corresponds to one of the multiple groups, and the number of at least one beam of the tool pin corresponds to the number of mating ends of the terminal in the corresponding group.

[0105] In some embodiments, a first group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of first terminals; the module housing further includes a pair of first resilient arms for positioning in the vertical direction between and engaging the mating ends of the pair of first terminals; the plurality of tool needles includes first tool needles corresponding to the first group, the at least one beam of the first tool needle including a pair of first beams; the method further includes providing a first complementary tool needle and positioning a first portion of the first complementary tool needle in the vertical direction between the pair of first beams of the first tool needle to define a first space between each first beam and the first portion, the shape of each first space corresponding to the shape of a corresponding first resilient arm of the module housing; and forming the module housing includes allowing the housing material to flow into the first space.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second group of the plurality of groups includes a single second terminal; the module housing further includes a pair of second resilient arms for being disposed on both sides of the mating end of the second terminal in the vertical direction and engaging with the mating end; the plurality of tool needles includes a second tool needle corresponding to the second group, the at least one beam of the second tool needle including a single second beam; the method further includes providing a second complementary tool needle and positioning a second portion and a third portion of the second complementary tool needle on both sides of the second beam of the second tool needle in the vertical direction to define a second space between the second portion and the second beam, and defining a third space between the third portion and the second beam, the shapes of the second space and the third space respectively corresponding to the shapes of the corresponding second resilient arms of the module housing; and forming the module housing includes allowing the housing material to flow into the second space and the third space.

[0107] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided illustratively and is not intended to be restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0108] The above and other aspects of this application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, not all components or portions of the electrical connectors, circuit boards, connector assemblies, and electronic systems according to this application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, scale relationships, and number of components or portions in the drawings are not intended to limit this application. In the drawings:

[0109] Figure 1A This is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of an electronic system according to some embodiments of the present application, the electronic system including a first electrical connector (plug connector), a second electrical connector (socket connector) and a circuit board, wherein the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are in a separate state;

[0110] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded 3D view of another part of the electronic system;

[0111] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the electronic system, showing the first and second electrical connectors in the mating start state;

[0112] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A top view of the electronic system;

[0113] Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken from line 2C-2C in the diagram;

[0114] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A Another three-dimensional view of the electronic system, which is related to Figure 2A The perspectives are the same, and it shows the first and second electrical connectors in an intermediate mating state;

[0115] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A top view of the electronic system;

[0116] Figure 3C It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view taken from line 3C-3C in the diagram;

[0117] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A Another 3D diagram of the electronic system, which is related to Figure 2A and Figure 3A The perspectives are the same, and it shows that the first and second electrical connectors are in the mating completed state;

[0118] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A top view of the electronic system;

[0119] Figure 4C It is along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken from line 4C-4C in the diagram;

[0120] Figure 5A It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken from line 5A-5A in the diagram;

[0121] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A magnified view of region 5B in the image;

[0122] Figure 5C Is with Figure 5B A similar enlarged view, but it shows the situation when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position;

[0123] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the first electrical connector, showing that the first electrical connector includes a first housing, two sliders, a lever member, a cover, multiple connection modules, multiple key members, and a connector position retention (CPA) device;

[0124] Figure 7A yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the first housing, showing the front side of the first housing;

[0125] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Another perspective view of the first housing, showing the front side of the first housing;

[0126] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A Another perspective view of the first housing, showing the rear side of the first housing;

[0127] Figure 7D yes Figure 7C A magnified view of region 7D in the image;

[0128] Figure 7E yes Figure 7A Another perspective view of the first housing, showing the rear side of the first housing;

[0129] Figure 7F yes Figure 7E A magnified view of area 7F in the image;

[0130] Figure 7G yes Figure 7A Rear view of the first housing;

[0131] Figure 7H It is along Figure 7G A cross-sectional view taken from line 7H-7H in the diagram;

[0132] Figure 8A Is with Figure 7C A similar perspective view, but showing the key component being mounted to the first housing;

[0133] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A magnified view of region 8B in the image;

[0134] Figure 8C Is with Figure 7E A similar perspective view, but showing the key component being mounted to the first housing;

[0135] Figure 8D yes Figure 8C A magnified view of region 8D in the image;

[0136] Figure 9A Is with Figure 7C and Figure 8A A similar perspective view, but showing the key components and connecting modules being installed into the first housing;

[0137] Figure 9B Is with Figure 7E and Figure 8C A similar perspective view, but showing the key components and connecting modules being installed into the first housing;

[0138] Figure 10AThis is a perspective view of the first connecting module among multiple connecting modules, showing the front side of the first connecting module;

[0139] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A perspective view of the module housing of the first connecting module, showing the rear side of the module housing;

[0140] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A An exploded view of the first connection module, showing that the first connection module includes a first terminal assembly, a second terminal assembly, a module housing, and a TPA device;

[0141] Figure 10D yes Figure 10C An exploded view of the first terminal assembly, showing the terminal holding member, multiple conductive terminals, and multiple cables;

[0142] Figure 10E yes Figure 6 A 3D view of multiple connecting modules;

[0143] Figure 10F This is a perspective view of optional connection modules that can be used with the first electrical connector, showing the front side of these connection modules;

[0144] Figure 10G yes Figure 10F Another perspective view of the connection modules, showing the rear side of these connection modules;

[0145] Figure 10H This is a perspective view of another optional connection module that can be used with the first electrical connector, showing the front side of the connection module;

[0146] Figure 10I yes Figure 10H A partially exploded view of the connection module;

[0147] Figure 10J This is a perspective view of another optional connection module that can be used with the first electrical connector, showing the front side of the connection module;

[0148] Figure 10K yes Figure 10J A partially exploded view of the connection module;

[0149] Figure 11A yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the upper slider of the two sliders, showing the top side of the upper slider;

[0150] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A Another perspective view of the upper slider, showing the bottom side of the upper slider;

[0151] Figure 11C yes Figure 11A A bottom view of the upper slider;

[0152] Figure 12A yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the casing;

[0153] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A magnified view of region 12B in the image;

[0154] Figure 12C yes Figure 12A Another perspective view of the casing;

[0155] Figure 12D yes Figure 12C A magnified view of region 12D in the image;

[0156] Figure 13A yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional diagram of the lever component;

[0157] Figure 13B yes Figure 6 Another perspective view of the lever component;

[0158] Figure 14A yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the first key component among multiple key components;

[0159] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A Another perspective view of the first key component;

[0160] Figure 15A yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the CPA device;

[0161] Figure 15B yes Figure 6 Another perspective view of the CPA device;

[0162] Figure 16A This is a perspective view of the first electrical connector, in which the CPA device is in the pre-locked position and the lever member is in the second pivot position;

[0163] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A A magnified view of region 16B in the image;

[0164] Figure 16C Is with Figure 16A A similar magnified view, but the CPA device is moved to the locked position;

[0165] Figure 16D The part of the first electrical connector equipped with a CPA device corresponds to Figure 16A and Figure 16BA top view showing the state (CPA device in the pre-locked position and lever member in the second pivot position);

[0166] Figure 16E yes Figure 16A A magnified view of region 16E in the image;

[0167] Figure 16F Is with Figure 16B and Figure 16C A similar enlarged view shows the CPA device in the pre-locked position, but the lever member is not pivoted to the second pivot position;

[0168] Figure 16G yes Figure 16A A perspective view of the first electrical connector, wherein the housing is in the closed position, and the lever member and CPA device are omitted;

[0169] Figure 16H Is with Figure 16G A similar 3D view, but the casing is in the open position;

[0170] Figure 17A It is along Figure 16D A cross-sectional view taken from line 17A-17A in the diagram;

[0171] Figure 17B Is with Figure 17A A similar cross-sectional view, but the CPA device is in the locked position;

[0172] Figure 17C It is along Figure 16D A cross-sectional view taken from line 17C-17C in the diagram;

[0173] Figure 17D Is with Figure 17C A similar cross-sectional view, but the CPA device is in the locked position;

[0174] Figure 17E It is along Figure 16D A cross-sectional view taken from line 17E-17E in the diagram;

[0175] Figure 17F Is with Figure 17E A similar cross-sectional view, but the CPA device is in the locked position;

[0176] Figures 18A to 18C Three optional types of the first electrical connector are shown respectively;

[0177] Figure 19A yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of the second electrical connector, showing the rear side of the second electrical connector;

[0178] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A An exploded view of the second electrical connector, showing that the second electrical connector includes a second housing and multiple connection modules;

[0179] Figure 20A yes Figure 19B A perspective view of the second housing, showing the front side of the second housing;

[0180] Figure 20B yes Figure 20A Another perspective view of the second housing, showing the rear side of the second housing;

[0181] Figure 20C This is a perspective view of optional connection modules that can be used with the second electrical connector, showing the front side of these connection modules;

[0182] Figure 20D yes Figure 20C Another perspective view of the connection modules, showing the rear side of these connection modules;

[0183] Figure 20E Schematally shown from a cross-sectional perspective Figure 20C The optional connection module is located in the second housing.

[0184] Figures 21A to 21C Three optional types of the second electrical connector are shown respectively;

[0185] Figure 22A This is a perspective view of another optional connection module that can be used with the first electrical connector, showing the front side of the connection module;

[0186] Figure 22B yes Figure 22A Another perspective view of the connection module, showing the rear side of the connection module;

[0187] Figure 22C yes Figure 22A An exploded view of the connection module shows that the connection module includes a module housing, various types of terminals and a terminal position holding (TPA) device, and shows the relative positional relationship of the set of conductive terminals in the module housing;

[0188] Figure 22D yes Figure 22A Another exploded view of the connection module, but various types of terminals are omitted;

[0189] Figure 22E yes Figure 22C A magnified view of region 22E in the image;

[0190] Figure 22F yes Figure 22AFront view of the connection module;

[0191] Figure 23 Is with Figure 22F A similar front view, but the TPA device of the connection module has been removed to show the mating surface of the module housing;

[0192] Figure 24A It is along Figure 22F A cross-sectional view taken from line 24A-24A in the diagram;

[0193] Figure 24B yes Figure 24A A magnified view of region 24B in the image;

[0194] Figure 24C It is along Figure 22F A cross-sectional view taken from line 24C-24C in the diagram;

[0195] Figure 24D yes Figure 24C A magnified view of region 24D in the image;

[0196] Figure 24E It is along Figure 22F A cross-sectional view taken from line 24E-24E in the diagram;

[0197] Figure 24F yes Figure 24E A magnified view of area 24F in the image;

[0198] Figure 24G It is along Figure 22F A cross-sectional view taken from line 24G-24G in the diagram;

[0199] Figure 24H yes Figure 24G A magnified view of region 24H in the image;

[0200] Figure 25 yes Figure 22C A perspective view of the module housing, showing the front side of the module housing;

[0201] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Another perspective view of the module housing, showing the rear side of the module housing;

[0202] Figure 27 yes Figure 22C A perspective view of the TPA device, showing the rear side of the TPA device;

[0203] Figure 28A This is a perspective view of another optional connection module that can be used with the second electrical connector, showing the front side of the connection module;

[0204] Figure 28Byes Figure 28A A perspective view of the connection module, showing the rear side of the connection module;

[0205] Figure 28C yes Figure 28A An exploded view of the connection module, showing that the connection module includes a module housing, various types of terminals, a first retaining member and a second retaining member;

[0206] Figure 28D yes Figure 28A Another exploded view of the connection module;

[0207] Figure 29A yes Figure 28C A perspective view of a group of conductive terminals among various types of terminals, showing the relative positional relationship of the group of conductive terminals in the module housing;

[0208] Figure 29B yes Figure 29A Another perspective view of a set of conductive terminals;

[0209] Figure 30A It is used for manufacturing Figure 22C A perspective view of the tool kit in the module housing, showing the tool kit in an assembled or used state;

[0210] Figure 30B Is with Figure 30A A similar 3D view, but additionally showing the module housing formed using this tool kit;

[0211] Figure 30C It is along Figure 30A A cross-sectional view taken from line 30C-30C in the diagram;

[0212] Figure 30D It is along Figure 30B A cross-sectional view taken from line 30D-30D in the diagram;

[0213] Figure 30E yes Figure 30C A magnified view of region 30E in the image;

[0214] Figure 30F yes Figure 30D A magnified view of area 30F in the image;

[0215] Figure 31A yes Figure 30A A partially exploded view of a tool kit, which includes a first organizer, a second organizer, various types of tool needles, various types of complementary tool needles, an outer mold, and a tool insert.

[0216] Figure 31B yes Figure 30AAnother part of the tool suite's exploded view;

[0217] Figure 32 yes Figure 30A An exploded view of the tool kit's first organizer, various types of tool needles, and spacers;

[0218] Figure 33 It is by Figure 32 Rear front view of the assembly consisting of the first organizer, various types of tool needles, and spacers;

[0219] Figure 34A yes Figure 31A and Figure 33 A three-dimensional diagram of the first tool needle;

[0220] Figure 34B yes Figure 31A and Figure 33 A three-dimensional view of the second tool needle;

[0221] Figure 34C yes Figure 31A and Figure 33 A three-dimensional diagram of the third tool needle;

[0222] Figure 34D yes Figure 31A and Figure 33 A three-dimensional diagram of the fourth tool needle; and

[0223] Figure 35 It is a perspective view of various types of complementary tool needles and tool inserts, wherein the second tissue is omitted to show the relative positional relationship of various types of complementary tool needles and tool inserts in the second tissue. Detailed Implementation

[0224] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Electrical connectors can be joined together to form connector assemblies. Electrical connectors and connector assemblies must possess characteristics that meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of the electronic system. As an example, electrical connectors and connector assemblies need to have sufficiently high reliability to operate reliably in harsh environments represented by automobiles. For example, electrical connectors need to have sufficiently high resistance to vibration and shock. As another example, it is desirable to make the assembly and / or maintenance processes for electrical connectors easy to operate. As yet another example, it is desirable to make the mating process of connecting electrical connectors into connector assemblies easy to operate. For example, it is desirable to achieve mating with lower mating forces.

[0225] The inventors have recognized and are aware of design techniques for electrical connectors that possess characteristics that meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of electronic systems. This technology enables electrical connectors and connector assemblies that are highly reliable, easy to assemble and maintain, and easy to operate for mating with other electrical connectors, while simultaneously meeting the mechanical requirements specified by standards such as USCAR.

[0226] The electrical connector according to this application can be a modular hybrid electrical connector that provides signal transmission and / or power transmission. Such an electrical connector can be manufactured economically while still operating reliably in harsh environments represented by automobiles. For example, such an electrical connector is suitable for components in interconnected automotive networks. These technologies can be applied to modular electrical connector systems, where a set of components (e.g., connection modules or terminal assemblies) can be combined to form an electrical connector in any of a variety of configurations. This modularity reduces the cost associated with manufacturing electrical connectors of the type described herein.

[0227] A first electrical connector can be used to establish an electrical connection with a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector may include a first housing and a slider disposed within the first housing. The first housing may be configured to mate with a second housing of the second electrical connector along a mating direction. The slider is slidable relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position along a sliding direction intersecting the mating direction. The slider includes a cam groove configured to receive a cam pin disposed on the second housing when the slider is in the first position, such that the second housing is positioned in the mating initiation position. Before the second housing is positioned in the mating initiation position, the slider is constrained by the first housing in the first position.

[0228] In this way, the slider can be pre-locked in the first position before the first and second electrical connectors are placed in the mating start position. This ensures that when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position, the cam pin of the second housing can be accurately and smoothly inserted into the corresponding cam groove of the slider without adjusting the slider's position. This configuration makes the mating of the first and second electrical connectors easier to operate, thereby improving the efficiency of electronic system connection and assembly. This configuration also enables the first electrical connector to meet the mechanical requirements of specifications such as USCAR.

[0229] The cam groove can be configured to cause a cam pin received in the cam groove to move relative to the first housing along the mating direction when the slider slides from the first position to the second position, so that the second housing moves from the mating start position to the mating completion position along the mating direction.

[0230] The first electrical connector may further include a housing mounted on the first housing and a lever member pivotally mounted on the housing. The lever member is coupled to a slider to drive the slider to slide between a first position and a second position according to a pivoting operation. The combination of the slider and the lever member enables mating of the first and second electrical connectors with a lower mating force. Exemplarily, the slider and the lever member can be coupled via a gear-rack transmission. When the slider is constrained by the first housing in the first position, the slider cannot be driven by the lever member. Therefore, the lever member can also be constrained by the slider in the first pivoting position. In this case, the lever member cannot be pivoted.

[0231] This configuration allows the lever member to be reliably held (i.e., pre-locked) in the first pivot position before the second housing is positioned at the mating start position. This configuration makes the mating of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector easier to operate, thereby improving the efficiency of connecting and assembling the electronic system.

[0232] The first electrical connector may include multiple connection modules and multiple key members. The multiple connection modules have distinct first identification features. The first housing includes multiple chambers, each configured to receive a corresponding one of the multiple connection modules, each chamber having an inlet. The multiple key members have distinct second identification features. Each of the multiple key members is disposed at the inlet of its corresponding one of the multiple chambers. The second identification feature of the key member disposed at the inlet of each chamber is associated with the first identification feature of the corresponding connection module to be installed into the chamber, indicating a corresponding installation relationship between the chamber and the corresponding connection module.

[0233] This configuration allows users to more easily and quickly determine the one-to-one correspondence between the connection module and the chamber of the first housing when assembling and / or maintaining the first electrical connector, thereby accurately assembling the connection module into the corresponding chamber. This configuration can improve the efficiency of assembly and / or maintenance of the first electrical connector at a low cost.

[0234] The second electrical connection may include multiple connection modules for mating with multiple connection modules of the first electrical connector. Two mating connection modules may include at least two types of conductive terminals configured to mate with each other, such as pin terminals and socket terminals. The conductive terminals may also have different types of tails, wherein the tails may be configured for attachment to a circuit board or to a conductor attached to a cable. Different mating and mounting configurations may be combined to form a board-mount connection module or a cable termination connection module with a mating interface that allows the connection modules to mate with each other. For example, a board-mount connection module may mate with a cable termination connection module, or two cable termination connection modules may cooperate.

[0235] The lever member is pivotable relative to the housing between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. The first electrical connector may also include a connector position holding (CPA) device. The CPA device is disposed in a groove in the housing and configured to slide relative to the housing between a pre-locked position and a locked position. Before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position, the CPA device is constrained by the housing to the pre-locked position, and when the lever member is in the second pivot position, the lever member is able to release the CPA device to allow the CPA device to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0236] This configuration reliably holds the device in the pre-locked position before the second electrical connector is moved relative to the first electrical connector to the mating completion position, thus preventing accidental movement of the CPA device. Furthermore, this configuration allows the user to verify that the lever member has reached its final position, i.e., the second pivot position, by attempting to push the CPA device.

[0237] The connection module may include a module housing with sub-cavities and terminal assemblies, the terminal assemblies holding one or more conductive terminals and being detachably disposed within the sub-cavities. This allows for the assembly of conductive terminals of different shapes and / or types to the connection module by replacing production mold parts. This contributes to increased flexibility in the use of the connection module. Terminal assemblies with different shapes (including sizes) and / or types of conductive terminals can share the same module housing, thereby reducing labor associated with mold development. The module housing can be reused by replacing the terminal assemblies carrying different shapes and / or types of conductive terminals. In this way, energy can be saved and emissions reduced.

[0238] The inventors also recognize and understand that designs and techniques enable the customization of connection modules at low manufacturing costs. Connection modules can include a housing that holds terminals of various types and / or sizes. The terminals can be positioned within the housing according to user requirements. The housing can be molded using stackable tool pins. The tool pins can be arranged in a mold according to the desired positions of the individual terminals. The housing can be formed by injecting housing material into the mold and allowing it to flow around the tool pins. The tool pins can be used to "lay out" the number and position of the terminals.

[0239] This method and toolkit enable the manufacture of module housings for different terminal configurations using the same toolkit, significantly reducing the labor involved in mold development. This method and toolkit also allow for the flexible customization of module housings to meet user needs using the same toolkit. This method enables the reuse of the toolkit. In this way, the development and manufacturing costs of connection modules can be reduced.

[0240] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0241] Figures 1A to 5C An electronic system 1 according to some embodiments of this application is schematically shown, which includes a first electrical connector 10, a second electrical connector 20, and a circuit board 30. Figures 6 to 18C The configuration of the first electrical connector 10 is shown in detail. Figures 19A to 21C The configuration of the second electrical connector 20 is shown in detail. Figures 22A to 29B An optional configuration of the connection module that can be used for the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 is shown. Figures 30A to 35 An exemplary method for manufacturing a module housing for a connection module is shown.

[0242] For clarity and conciseness, Figures 1A to 35 The following definitions apply: lateral direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ. These directions are perpendicular to each other. Lateral direction XX typically refers to the length of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. Longitudinal direction YY typically refers to the width of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. Vertical direction ZZ typically refers to the height of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0243] Electronic system 1 can be used for signal transmission applications and / or power transmission applications. For example, electronic system 1 can be used in applications such as automobiles. For example, electronic system 1 can be part of a system in an automobile such as radar, lidar (LiDAR), high-speed signal transmission system (e.g., 5G), engine, transmission control unit (TCU), safety system, emission control, lighting, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), entertainment system, navigation system, and camera. The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 can constitute a connector assembly (which may also be referred to as an “interconnection system”) for establishing an electrical connection between two electrical components (hereinafter referred to as “first electrical component” and “second electrical component”) to enable signal transmission (particularly high data rate transmission) and / or power transmission therebetween.

[0244] For example, the first electrical component may be the circuit board 30 shown in the figure. Circuit board 30 may also be referred to as a "printed circuit board" or "PCB". Circuit board 30 may be a motherboard, such as the motherboard of an ECU in a car. This ECU can be used to control various vehicle systems, such as radar, LiDAR, engine, TCU, safety systems, emission control, lighting, ADAS, entertainment systems, navigation systems, and cameras. It should be understood that circuit board 30 can be any suitable type of circuit board, and any suitable type of electronic component can be mounted on circuit board 30. Furthermore, only a portion of circuit board 30 is shown in the figure, not all of it.

[0245] The second electrical component can be any suitable electrical component to be connected to the first electrical component (e.g., circuit board 30). For example, the second electrical component can be a vehicle sensor (e.g., camera, radar, lidar), actuator, display, or any other device.

[0246] Although the second electrical component is not shown, it should be understood that the second electrical component can be spaced a very large distance from the first electrical component. Therefore, the connection between the first and second electrical components can be achieved via a cable.

[0247] As will be described below, the first electrical connector 10 may include connection modules (also referred to as "connector modules" or "sub-assemblies") that have or can terminate cables, which can then be connected to a second electrical component. In this way, the first electrical connector 10 can be electrically connected to the second electrical component via cables. The first electrical connector 10 may be a cable connector.

[0248] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the second electrical connector 20 can be an onboard connector that is mounted and connected to the circuit board 30. Specifically, the second electrical connector 20 can be mechanically fixed to the surface 31 of the circuit board 30 and establish an electrical connection with a conductive structure (not shown) of the circuit board 30, such as a conductive via or conductive pad. As will be described in detail below, the second electrical connector 20 may also include connection modules that can be electrically connected (e.g., via surface mount technology (SMT) or through-hole technology (THT)) to corresponding conductive structures of the circuit board 30 to establish an electrical connection between the second electrical connector 20 and the circuit board 30. The connection modules of the second electrical connector 20 may also provide an electrical interface for electrically connecting the first electrical connector 10 to the circuit board 30.

[0249] As will be described in detail below, the first electrical connector 10 can mate with the second electrical connector 20 to establish an electrical connection therebetween. Specifically, the connection module of the first electrical connector 10 can mate with the connection module of the second electrical connector 20, and the housing structure of the first electrical connector 10 can mate with the housing structure of the second electrical connector 20, thereby establishing both an electrical and mechanical connection between the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. In this way, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 can establish an electrical connection between a first electrical component (here, circuit board 30) and a second electrical component to achieve signal transmission and / or power transmission.

[0250] The first electrical connector 10, the second electrical connector 20, the first electrical component, and the second electrical component together constitute the electronic system 1. The first electrical connector 10 may also be referred to as a "plug connector," and the second electrical connector 20 may also be referred to as a "receptacle connector." It should be understood that the electronic system 1 and connector assembly according to this application are not limited to automotive applications, but can be used in any suitable application scenario.

[0251] The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 can be configured to mate with each other along a mating direction to establish an electrical and mechanical connection therebetween. The mating direction can be parallel to the lateral direction XX, and therefore is not shown in the figures. It should be understood that the orientation of the mating direction is not limited thereto.

[0252] During the mating of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20, the user can first separate the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 from their detached state (e.g., as...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (As shown) Placed as Figures 2A to 2C The mating start state shown is also referred to as the "initial mating state". For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are separated from each other when in a disengaged state. That is, the disengaged state can correspond to the state before the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are mated. Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are positioned in a mating start state. In this case, the second electrical connector 20 is positioned relative to the first electrical connector 10 in the mating start position (also referred to as the "initial mating position"). It should be understood that positioning the second electrical connector 20 relative to the first electrical connector 10 in the mating start position can be achieved by moving the first electrical connector 10 toward the second electrical connector 20, moving the second electrical connector 20 toward the first electrical connector 10, or moving the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 toward each other.

[0253] When the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating start state, as will be specifically described below, the user can manipulate the mating-related mechanism of the first electrical connector 10 to move the second electrical connector 20 relative to the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction (as described above, the mating direction can be parallel to the transverse direction XX) to a mating completion position (also referred to as the "final mating position") where it is fully mated with the first electrical connector 10.

[0254] Specifically, the user can control the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 by manipulating the mating mechanism of the first electrical connector 10. Figures 2A to 2C The mating start state transition shown is to Figures 3A to 3C The mating intermediate state is shown. Compared to the mating start state, in the mating intermediate state, the second electrical connector 20 moves further closer to the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction. The second electrical connector 20 is moved to the mating intermediate position relative to the first electrical connector 10.

[0255] Next, the user can continue to manipulate the mating mechanism of the first electrical connector 10 to connect the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. Figures 3A to 3C The transition from the intermediate state of the mating shown Figures 4A to 4C The mating is complete as shown. Compared to the intermediate mating state, in the mating complete state, the second electrical connector 20 is moved further closer to the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction. The second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the mating complete position. The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are fully mated to each other in the mating complete state, thereby establishing a reliable electrical and mechanical connection therebetween.

[0256] The specific configurations of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 will be described below.

[0257] Figures 1A to 4C The first electrical connector 10 is shown in an assembled state, and Figure 6 The first electrical connector 10 is shown in a partially disassembled state. (See diagram.) Figures 1A to 4C and Figure 6 As shown and will be specifically described below, the first electrical connector 10 may include a first housing 100, a slider 200, a lever member 300, a cover 400, a plurality of connection modules 501-504, a plurality of key members 601-604, and a connector position holding (CPA) device 700.

[0258] The first housing 100 may also be referred to as the "main housing" or "front housing". The first housing 100 may be made of metallic material, insulating material, or any other suitable material. Figure 1AAs shown, the first housing 100 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of connection modules 501-504. Figures 7A to 7H As shown, the first housing 100 may include a mating surface 101 and a back surface 102 that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction XX. As will be described in detail below, the first housing 100 is configured to mate with the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 at the mating surface 101 to establish a mechanical connection between the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0259] like Figures 7A to 7H As shown, the first housing 100 may further include a receiving space 103 recessed into the first housing 100 from the mating surface 101 along the lateral direction XX, and a plurality of chambers 111-114 recessed into the first housing 100 from the back surface 102 along the lateral direction XX. The plurality of chambers 111-114 may include a first chamber 111, a second chamber 112, a third chamber 113, and a fourth chamber 114. It should be understood that the number of chambers is not limited thereto. Each of the plurality of chambers 111-114 may extend along the lateral direction XX to communicate with the receiving space 103 and is configured to receive a corresponding connecting module among the plurality of connecting modules 501-504. The portion of the first housing 100 defining the plurality of chambers 111-114 may be referred to as the base of the first housing 100 (not shown in the figure), and the portion of the first housing 100 defining the receiving space 103 may be referred to as the receiving portion of the first housing 100 (not shown in the figure). The receiving portion of the first housing 100 is the part that encloses the receiving space 103. In other words, a plurality of chambers 111-114 are formed in the base of the first housing 100, and the receiving portion of the first housing 100 forms the receiving space 103. The receiving portion of the first housing 100 extends from the base along the transverse direction XX. The plurality of chambers 111-114 can be arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction YY, and each two adjacent chambers can be separated by a partition wall 115 of the base of the first housing 100. It should be understood that the arrangement of the chambers is not limited to this. The receiving space 103 can be a single space extending along the longitudinal direction YY. As will be described below, the receiving space 103 can be configured as part of the housing for receiving the second electrical connector 20.

[0260] The first electrical connector 10 can be a modular hybrid electrical connector, and can also be a cable connector. Specifically, such as... Figure 6As shown, the plurality of connection modules 501-504 may include a first connection module 501, a second connection module 502, a third connection module 503, and a fourth connection module 504. The first connection module 501, the second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504 are respectively configured for assembly into the first chamber 111, the second chamber 112, the third chamber 113, and the fourth chamber 114 of the first housing 100.

[0261] Figures 10A to 10D The specific configuration of the first connection module 501 is shown. For example... Figures 10A to 10D As shown, the first connection module 501 may include a module housing 510 and at least one terminal assembly disposed in the module housing 510, which in this example are two, namely, a first terminal assembly 511 and a second terminal assembly 512.

[0262] The module housing 510 may be made of a metallic material, an insulating material, or any other suitable material. The module housing 510 may include mating surfaces 510a and mounting surfaces 510b that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction XX, and a first sub-cavity 510c and a second sub-cavity 510d that are recessed into the module housing 510 from the mounting surface 510b along the lateral direction XX. The first sub-cavity 510c and the second sub-cavity 510d each have an opening formed at the mating surface 510a.

[0263] like Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, the first terminal assembly 511 may include a terminal retaining member 5111, a plurality of conductive terminals (which may also be referred to as "terminals," "conductive elements," or "electrical conductors") 5112, and a plurality of cables 5113. The terminal retaining member 5111 may be made of an insulating material. The conductive terminals 5112 may be made of a conductive material. Exemplarily, as... Figure 10DAs shown, the conductive terminal 5112 can be in the form of a crimp terminal, configured for terminating the cable 5113. The conductive terminal 5112 may include a mating end 5112a and a crimp end 5112b opposite to the mating end 5112a. One end of the conductor of the cable 5113 can be attached to and held by the crimp end 5112b. In this way, a mechanical and electrical connection can be established between the conductive terminal 5112 and the cable 5113. It should be understood that the connection method between the conductive terminal 5112 and the cable 5113 is not limited to this, and other techniques such as soldering can be used. Only a section of cable 5113 is shown in the figure, not the entire cable 5113. It should be understood that the other end of the conductor of the cable 5113 can be connected to the corresponding conductive structure of the aforementioned second electrical component. Furthermore, although the cable 5113 is described herein as part of the first terminal assembly 511, it should be understood that the cable 5113 can also be a separate component. It should also be understood that although in Figure 10D In the diagram, the mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 is shown as a receiving portion for receiving a pin, but the specific form of the mating end of the conductive terminal is not limited thereto.

[0264] like Figure 10C As shown, a plurality of conductive terminals 5112 can be disposed in the terminal retaining member 5111 for retention by the terminal retaining member 5111. The mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 may be exposed at an opening 5111a in the terminal retaining member 5111, so that the mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 can mate with the mating end of the mating conductive terminal of the second electrical connector 20 (as described below). The crimping end 5112b of the conductive terminal 5112 may be located in the terminal retaining member 5111.

[0265] like Figure 10A As shown, when the first terminal assembly 511 is disposed in the first sub-chamber 510c, the orifice 5111a of the terminal retaining member 5111 can be exposed by the opening at the mating surface 510a of the first sub-chamber 510c, thereby allowing the mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 to mate with the mating end (described below) of the mating conductive terminal of the second electrical connector 20. Although the figure shows the mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 located within the orifice 5111a, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the mating end 5112a of the conductive terminal 5112 may protrude from the orifice 5111a.

[0266] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10C and 10DAs shown, the first terminal assembly 511 can be configured for detachable placement within the module housing 510. This configuration of the first connection module 501 allows for the assembly of conductive terminals of different shapes (including sizes) and / or types to the first connection module 501 via terminal retaining members 5111 with identical or substantially identical external dimensions. This enables the assembly of conductive terminals of different shapes and / or types to the first connection module 501 by replacing production mold parts. This contributes to increased flexibility in the use of the first connection module 501. Terminal assemblies with different shapes (including sizes) and / or types of conductive terminals can share the same module housing 510, thereby reducing labor associated with mold development. The module housing 510 can be reused by replacing the terminal assemblies carrying conductive terminals of different shapes and / or types. In this way, energy can be saved and emissions reduced.

[0267] Exemplarily, the first terminal assembly 511 can be detachably assembled into the first sub-chamber 510c of the module housing 510 via a snap-fit ​​engagement. Optionally or additionally, the first connection module 501 may include a terminal position holding (TPA) device 520 configured to releasably hold the first terminal assembly 511 in the first sub-chamber 510c. Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, the first terminal assembly 511 includes a first notch 5111b, and the module housing 510 includes a second notch 510e. When the first terminal assembly 511 is disposed in the first sub-chamber 510c, the first notch 5111b and the second notch 510e are aligned (e.g., aligned in the vertical ZZ direction). Figure 10A As shown, the TPA device 520 can be inserted into the first notch 5111b via the second notch 510e to hold the first terminal assembly 511 in the first sub-chamber 510c. Furthermore, the first terminal assembly 511 can be released from the module housing 510 by removing the TPA device 520 from the first notch 5111b, thereby allowing the first terminal assembly 511 to be removed from the first sub-chamber 510c.

[0268] Although the foregoing description indicates that the first terminal assembly 511 is assembled into the first sub-chamber 510c through an opening at the mounting surface 510b, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first terminal assembly 511 may also be assembled into the first sub-chamber 510c through an opening at the mating surface 510a.

[0269] Although the first terminal assembly 511 is described above as holding a plurality of conductive terminals 5112, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the first terminal assembly 511 may hold a single conductive terminal.

[0270] Furthermore, although the foregoing description describes multiple conductive terminals 5112 being held within the module housing 510 by a first terminal assembly 511, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the multiple conductive terminals 5112 may be directly disposed within the module housing 510. In this case, the module housing 510 may be made of an insulating material. The multiple conductive terminals 5112 may be directly inserted into the module housing 510, or the module housing 510 may be molded around the multiple conductive terminals 5112.

[0271] For example, Figures 10H to 10K Two types of connection modules, 5081 and 5082, are shown, with their conductive terminals directly disposed within the module housing. Specifically, as... Figure 10H and Figure 10I As shown, the connection module 5081 includes a module housing 5081a, an upper row of terminals 5081b, a lower row of terminals 5081c, and a TPA (terminal position holding) device 5081d. Each terminal in the upper row of terminals 5081b can be assembled into the terminal channel 5081a2 of the module housing 5081a from an opening located on a mounting surface (not shown) opposite to the mating surface 5081a1 of the module housing 5081a. The TPA device 5081d can be attached to the module housing 5081a at the mating surface 5081a1 and reliably retains the upper row of terminals 5081b in the module housing 5081a. For details on the specific cooperation between the TPA device 5081d of the connection module 5081 and the module housing 5081a and the upper row of terminals 5081b, please refer to the following section. Figures 22A to 27 The described connection module 509's TPA device cooperates with the module housing and terminals. The lower row of terminals 5081c can also be assembled into the terminal channel 5081a3 of the module housing 5081a from an opening located on the mounting surface.

[0272] Similar to connection module 5081, such as Figure 10J and Figure 10K As shown, the connection module 5082 includes a module housing 5082a, an upper row of terminals 5082b, a lower row of terminals 5082c, and a TPA (terminal position holding) device 5082d. Figure 10J and Figure 10K The upper row of terminals 5082b of the connection module 5082 shown is connected to... Figure 10C and Figure 10D The multiple conductive terminals 5112 of the shown connection module 501 are identical, but the upper row of terminals 5082b is directly disposed in the module housing 5082a. The upper row of terminals 5082b and the lower row of terminals 5082c of the connection module 5082 can be disposed in the module housing 5082a in a similar manner to the upper row of terminals 5081b and the lower row of terminals 5081c of the connection module 5081. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar parts will not be described further.

[0273] This configuration of connection modules 5081 and 5082 allows for the assembly of conductive terminals of different shapes and / or types to the connection modules 5081 and 5082 by replacing production mold parts. This helps to improve the flexibility of use of connection modules 5081 and 5082. Terminal assemblies with conductive terminals of different shapes (including sizes) and / or types can share the same module housing, thereby reducing the labor associated with mold development. The module housing can be reused by replacing the terminal assemblies that carry conductive terminals of different shapes and / or types. In this way, energy can be saved and emissions reduced.

[0274] like Figure 10C As shown, the configuration of the second terminal assembly 512 can be similar to that of the first terminal assembly 511, and it can be disposed in the second sub-chamber 510d of the module housing 510 in a similar manner to the first terminal assembly 511. For simplicity, details of these similar parts will not be elaborated further. The difference between the second terminal assembly 512 and the first terminal assembly 511 may lie in the shape and / or type of the conductive terminals. For example, the first terminal assembly 511 may include high-speed signal terminals such as differential signal terminals, while the second terminal assembly 512 may include low-speed signal terminals and / or power terminals.

[0275] like Figure 1A As shown, the first connection module 501 can be disposed in the first chamber 111 of the first housing 100, and a portion thereof can extend into the receiving space 103 such that the mating surface 510a of the first connection module 501 is exposed in the receiving space 103 of the first housing 100. As will be described below, when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are fully mated to each other, the corresponding connection module of the second electrical connector 20 can mate with the first connection module 501 to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

[0276] like Figure 10E As shown, the configurations of the second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504 of the first electrical connector 10 can be similar to those of the first connection module 501. The second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504 can be arranged in their respective chambers 112-114 in a manner similar to that of the first connection module 501. For simplicity, details of these similar components will not be elaborated further.

[0277] The difference between the first connection module 501, the second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504 of the first electrical connector 10 may lie in the different shapes and / or types of the conductive terminals or terminal assemblies within the connection modules. It should be understood that the connection modules of the first electrical connector 10 are not limited to those including connection modules 501-504. For example, as... Figure 10F and Figure 10G As shown, connection modules 505, 506 and 507 are optional types of connection modules that can be used in the first electrical connector 10.

[0278] Multiple connection modules 501-507 may include one or more of the following: signal connection modules, power connection modules, and hybrid connection modules. As an example, connection modules 501-507 may be of one or more of the following types: power / signal integration, Netbridge integration, Netbridge+power integration, Mini Fakra integration, and Mini Fakra+power integration. Signals in the power / signal integration type may include one or more signals such as CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, LIN (Local Interconnect Network) bus, FlexRay (High-Speed ​​Fault-Tolerant Network Protocol) bus, and MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) bus. As another example, the power terminal blade type in connection modules 501-507 can be one or more of 0.5*0.4, 0.63*0.63, 1.2*0.6, 2.8*0.8, and 9.5*1.2, or any suitable type.

[0279] Multiple connection modules 501-507 can be held by the same housing (i.e., the first housing 100). The first housing 100 can serve as a carrier or outer frame for holding the multiple connection modules 501-507. As will be described in detail below, when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are mated, the first housing 100 can ensure precise alignment and reliable locking of the multiple connection modules 501-507 with the mating connection modules of the second electrical connector 20.

[0280] Despite Figure 1AThe diagram shows connection modules 501-504 arranged in a 1×4 array in the first electrical connector 10, but it should be understood that the first electrical connector 10 may have any number and arrangement of connection modules. Figures 18A to 18C Three variations of the first electrical connector 10 are shown. For example... Figure 18A and Figure 18B As shown, the connection modules of the electrical connector 1810 can be arranged in a 1×6 array, and as... Figure 18C As shown, the connection modules of the electrical connector 1830 can be arranged in a 2×3 array. Furthermore, Figure 18B The type of connection module of the electrical connector 1820 shown may be different from the type of connection module of the electrical connector 1810.

[0281] Figures 1A to 4C and Figure 19A The second electrical connector 20 is shown in an assembled state, and Figure 19B The second electrical connector 20 is shown in a partially disassembled state. (See diagram.) Figures 1A to 4C , Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the second electrical connector 20 may include a second housing 21 and a plurality of connection modules 51-54 disposed in the second housing 21.

[0282] The second housing 21 can be made of metallic material, insulating material, or any other suitable material. For example... Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 19A As shown, the second housing 21 is configured to accommodate a plurality of connection modules 51-54. Figures 19B to 20BAs shown, the second housing 21 may include mating surfaces 21a and a back surface 21b opposite to each other in the lateral direction XX, a plurality of receiving spaces 61-64 recessed into the second housing 21 from the mating surface 21a along the lateral direction XX, and a plurality of chambers 71-74 recessed into the second housing 21 from the back surface 21b along the lateral direction XX. The plurality of receiving spaces 61-64 may include a first receiving space 61, a second receiving space 62, a third receiving space 63, and a fourth receiving space 64, and the plurality of chambers 71-74 may include a first chamber 71, a second chamber 72, a third chamber 73, and a fourth chamber 74. Each of the plurality of receiving spaces 61-64 communicates with a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers 71-74. Each of the plurality of receiving spaces 61-64 is configured to accommodate a corresponding one of the plurality of connecting modules 51-54. The portion of the second housing 21 defining a plurality of chambers 71-74 can be referred to as the base 21d of the second housing 21, and the portion of the second housing 21 defining a plurality of accommodating spaces 61-64 can be referred to as the accommodating portion 21c of the second housing 21. In other words, a plurality of chambers 71-74 are formed in the base 21d of the second housing 21, and a plurality of accommodating spaces 61-64 are formed in the accommodating portion 21c of the second housing 21. The accommodating portion 21c of the second housing 21 extends from the base 21d. The plurality of accommodating spaces 61-64 can be arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction YY, and each adjacent pair of accommodating spaces can be separated by a partition wall 21c1 of the accommodating portion 21c of the second housing 21. Figure 20A The multiple chambers 71-74 can be arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction YY, and each pair of adjacent chambers can be separated by a partition wall 21d1 of the base 21d of the second shell 21. Figure 20B () are separated.

[0283] like Figure 19A and Figure 19B As shown, the plurality of connection modules 51-54 may include a first connection module 51, a second connection module 52, a third connection module 53, and a fourth connection module 54. The first connection module 51, the second connection module 52, the third connection module 53, and the fourth connection module 54 are respectively configured for assembly into the first chamber 71, the second chamber 72, the third chamber 73, and the fourth chamber 74 of the second housing 21. The configuration of the connection modules 51-54 can be similar to the configuration of the connection modules of the first electrical connector 10, and they can be arranged in a similar manner in their respective chambers. For simplicity, details of these similar parts will not be elaborated further.

[0284] The first difference between the configuration of the connecting modules of the second electrical connector 20 and the first electrical connector 10 is that the connecting modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 are respectively configured to mate with the connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10. That is, the mating ends of the conductive terminals (not shown) of the connecting modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 are configured to establish an electrical connection with the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the connecting modules of the first electrical connector 10. Exemplarily, the mating ends of the conductive terminals of each connecting module 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 and the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the corresponding connecting modules of the first electrical connector 10 may have complementary shapes (e.g., convex and concave). The module housings of the connecting modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 and the module housings of the connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 may also have complementary shapes (e.g., convex and concave).

[0285] The second difference between the configuration of the connection module of the second electrical connector 20 and the configuration of the connection module of the first electrical connector 10 is that the connection modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 are configured for mounting on the circuit board 30 to establish an electrical connection with the circuit board 30. Specifically, the ends (generally referred to as "mounting ends" or "tail ends") of the conductive terminals (not shown) of the connection modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20 opposite to the mating ends are configured to be electrically connected (e.g., via SMT or THT) to the conductive structure on the circuit board 30, rather than being configured to terminate cables as the crimp ends of the conductive terminals of the connection modules of the first electrical connector 10 are configured.

[0286] It should be understood that the connection module of the second electrical connector 20 can also be a cable connection module. In this case, the second electrical connector 20 is also a cable connector. For example, Figure 21A An exemplary form of the second electrical connector 20 as a cable connector is shown.

[0287] The second electrical connector 20 is shown in the figure as a right-angle connector. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the second electrical connector 20 may be a vertical connector or a straddle connector.

[0288] It should be understood that the connection module of the second electrical connector 20 may not be limited to including connection modules 51-54. For example, as Figure 20C and Figure 20D As shown, connection modules 55, 56, and 57 are optional types of connection modules that can be used in the second electrical connector 20. Connection modules 55-57 can be used to mate with the aforementioned connection modules 505-507, respectively.

[0289] In some embodiments, the mating connection module of the second electrical connector 20 may include protective structures or features for protecting the mating ends in the form of pins. For example, as... Figure 19B and Figure 20C As shown, connection modules 52, 56, and 57 may each have protrusions 52b, 56b, and 57b extending from the module housing (e.g., these may be in the form of tabs). That is, each of the connection modules 52, 56, and 57 may have protruding terminal mating ends and protrusions 52b, 56b, and 57b at its mating surface. The protrusions may extend beyond the terminal mating ends in the mating direction (i.e., the lateral direction XX). When connection modules 52, 56, and 57 are disposed within the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20, the protrusions 52b, 56b, and 57b may define a sufficiently small gap between the protrusions and the inner wall of the receiving space (i.e., "61-64") of the second housing 21 to prevent a user's fingers or similar tools from touching the terminal mating ends when inserted into the second housing 21 through the opening at the mating surface 21a, thereby protecting the terminal mating ends from damage.

[0290] For example, Figure 20E The diagram schematically illustrates, from a cross-sectional perspective perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY, the connection module 57 of the second electrical connector 20 being disposed within the accommodating space 61 of the second housing 21. Figure 20E In this configuration, structure FG is used to simulate a user's finger or similar tool extending into the receiving space 61 of the second housing 21 from the opening at the mating surface 21a. For example... Figure 20E As shown, when the connection module 57 is disposed in the second housing 21, the protruding portion 57b can define a sufficiently small gap between the protruding portion 57b and the inner wall 61a of the accommodating space 61 of the second housing 21 to prevent the user's fingers or similar tools (see, structure FG) from touching the terminal mating end when they are inserted into the second housing 21 from the opening at the mating surface 21a, thereby protecting the terminal mating end from damage.

[0291] Accordingly, the connection module of the first electrical connector 10 may include receiving structures or features for receiving protrusions 52b, 56b, and 57b of the mating connection module of the second electrical connector 20. For example, Figure 10E and Figure 10F As shown, connection modules 502, 506, and 507 may each have slots 502b, 506b, and 507b recessed into the module housing. When connection modules 502, 506, and 507 are mated with connection modules 52, 56, and 57 respectively, the protruding portions 52b, 56b, and 57b can be received by slots 502b, 506b, and 507b respectively.

[0292] The mating connection modules of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are of the same type.

[0293] Multiple connection modules 51-57 can be held by the same housing (i.e., the second housing 21). The second housing 21 can serve as a carrier or outer frame for holding the multiple connection modules 51-57. As will be described in detail below, when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are mated, the second housing 21 can ensure precise alignment and reliable locking of the multiple connection modules 51-57 with the mating connection modules of the first electrical connector 10.

[0294] Despite Figure 1B The diagram shows connection modules 51-54 arranged in a 1×4 array in the second housing 21, but it should be understood that the second electrical connector 20 may have any number and arrangement of connection modules. Figure 21B and Figure 21C Two variations of the second electrical connector 20 are shown. For example... Figure 21B and Figure 21C As shown, the connection modules of electrical connector 2121 can be arranged in a 2×3 array, and the connection modules of electrical connector 2122 can be arranged in a 1×6 array.

[0295] The first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 can be configured to mate with the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 along the mating direction to establish a mechanical connection between the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0296] Specifically, please see Figures 2A to 4C When the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are placed Figures 2A to 2C In the mating start state shown, the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 can be partially inserted into the receiving space 103 of the receiving portion of the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction (here, the lateral direction XX). Alternatively, the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 can be partially received in the receiving space 103 of the receiving portion of the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction. The second electrical connector 20 is positioned relative to the first electrical connector 10 in the mating start position. In this case, for example, each of the plurality of connection modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 can be partially inserted along the mating direction into one of the corresponding receiving spaces 61-64 of the plurality of receiving spaces 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20. There may be no contact between the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the connection modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 and the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the connection modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20.

[0297] Please go to Figures 3A to 3C Compared to the initial mating state, in the intermediate mating state, the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 can be further inserted into the receiving space 103 of the receiving portion of the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction. The second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the intermediate mating position. In this case, each of the plurality of connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 can be partially or further inserted into one of the plurality of receiving spaces 61-64 of the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 along the mating direction. In the intermediate mating state, preliminary contact can be established between the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 and the mating ends of the corresponding conductive terminals of the connecting modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20.

[0298] Please go to Figures 4A to 4C Compared to the intermediate mating state, in the mating completed state, the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 can be further inserted into the receiving space 103 of the receiving portion of the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 along the mating direction. For example, most or all of the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 can be inserted into the receiving space 103 of the receiving portion of the first housing 100. The second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the mating completed position. In this case, each of the plurality of connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 can be further inserted along the mating direction into one of the corresponding receiving spaces 61-64 of the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20. In the mating completed state, a final or completed contact can be established between the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the connection modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 and the mating ends of the corresponding conductive terminals of the connection modules 51-54 of the second electrical connector 20, thereby making the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 in the mating completed state.

[0299] In some embodiments, such as Figure 20A As shown, a flange 21e may be provided at the connection between the accommodating portion 21c and the base 21d of the second housing 21. Figure 4C As shown, when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating completed state, the flange portion 21e can contact the front end of the receiving portion of the first housing 100 to prevent the second electrical connector 20 from being moved further toward the first electrical connector 10, thereby avoiding damage to the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0300] The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 may have mechanisms that cooperate to facilitate mating of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. Such mechanisms make mating of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 easier to operate, thereby improving connection and assembly efficiency. Some examples of such mechanisms will be described below.

[0301] like Figure 6 As shown, the first electrical connector 10 may include two sliders (also referred to as "sliding members" or "sliding elements") 200 disposed within the first housing 100. The sliders 200 may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic. The two sliders 200 may serve as driving elements for moving the second electrical connector 20 along the mating direction. Each slider 200 may be configured to slide relative to the first housing 100 along a sliding direction intersecting the mating direction (lateral direction XX). Figure 2C and Figure 5A The first position shown is as follows Figure 4C Sliding between the second positions shown. As will be described below, each slider 200 can be driven (e.g., driven by lever member 300) to slide. Although in Figure 2C and Figure 4C The sliding direction shown is parallel to the longitudinal direction YY orientation, but it should be understood that this application is not limited to this, and the sliding direction can be any suitable direction intersecting the mating direction.

[0302] In this application, unless otherwise stated, the first position of slider 200 refers to the position of slider 200 as follows: Figure 2C and Figure 5A The position shown, and the second position of slider 200 refers to the position of slider 200 as shown. Figure 4C The location shown.

[0303] like Figure 2C , Figure 3C , Figure 4C , Figure 5A and Figure 7B As shown, the first housing 100 may include two grooves 120. Each groove 120 is configured to receive a corresponding slider 200 and guide the slider 200 to slide therein. Figure 5A As best shown, the two sliders 200 can be arranged on opposite sides of the accommodating space 103 in the vertical direction ZZ, and opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The configuration of the two sliders 200 can be mirror-image of each other. Therefore, in the following description, it will be combined with Figure 5A The slider 200 located at the top describes the specific configuration and function of the slider, and is referred to as the "upper slider". Furthermore, in the following text, it will be... Figure 5AThe slider 200 located at the bottom is called the "lower slider". The upper and lower sliders can be configured as mirror images of each other.

[0304] Figures 11A to 11C The specific configuration of the upper slider 200 is shown. The upper slider 200 may include a cam groove 210. As will be described in detail below, the cam groove 210 is configured to receive a cam pin 25 disposed on the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20, and to cause the cam pin 25 to move relative to the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 in the mating direction (lateral direction XX).

[0305] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figures 19A to 20B As shown, the cam pin 25 can be provided on the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 and protrude from the outer surface of the receiving portion 21c. The cam pin 25 can be integrally formed with the second housing 21, for example. Actuation of the cam pin 25 can cause the second housing 21 to move. The cam pins 25 can be equidistantly spaced in the longitudinal direction YY so that the force on the second housing 21 (a tension force when mating with the first housing 100, and a thrust force when disengaging from the first housing 100) is evenly distributed.

[0306] The upper slider 200 is shown in the figure as including three cam grooves 210. The number of cam pins 25 of the second housing 21 may correspond to the number of cam grooves 210. Each cam groove 210 may include an inlet section 210a, a retaining section 210b, and a guide section 210c extending between the inlet section 210a and the retaining section 210b. The inlet section 210a may be open toward the mating direction for receiving the cam pins 25 of the second housing 21. The retaining section 210b is used to receive and retain the cam pins 25 to limit movement of the cam pins 25 along the mating direction. The retaining section 210b may extend along the sliding direction (longitudinal direction YY). The guide section 210c may extend obliquely relative to the sliding direction such that when the upper slider 200 slides along the sliding direction, the guide section 210c may cause the cam pins 25 to move along the mating direction.

[0307] Specifically, such as Figure 2C As shown, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the cam groove 210 can receive the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21. The cam pin 25 is received in the inlet section 210a of the cam groove 210. In this case, the second electrical connector 20 is positioned relative to the first electrical connector 10 in the mating start position, such that the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating start state. In this case, the second housing 21 is also positioned relative to the first housing 100 in the mating start position. That is, the cam groove 210 can be configured for the upper slider 200 to be in the first position as shown. Figure 2C The first position shown is when the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21 is received, so that the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position.

[0308] Next, as Figure 3C As shown, when the upper slider 200 is slid from the first position to the second position along the sliding direction (longitudinal direction YY), the cam pin 25 enters the guide section 210c of the cam groove 210 and is pulled by the guide section 210c along the mating direction (lateral direction XX) towards the first housing 100, so that the second housing 200 is further inserted into the first housing 100 as described above. In this case, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in a mating intermediate state.

[0309] Next, as Figure 4C As shown, when the upper slider 200 reaches the second position, the cam pin 25 enters the retaining section 210b of the cam groove 210 and is held by the retaining section 210b. In this case, the second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the mating completion position, so that the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating completion state. In this case, the second housing 21 is also moved relative to the first housing 100 to the mating completion position.

[0310] Therefore, when the upper slider 200 slides from the first position to the second position, the cam groove 210 causes the cam pin 25 received therein to move relative to the first housing 100 along the mating direction, so that the second housing 21 moves relative to the first housing 100 from the mating start position along the mating direction to the mating completion position. In this way, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 can be placed in the mating completion state, that is, in a state where they are mated to each other to establish the desired electrical connection.

[0311] It should be understood that when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating completed state, the upper slider 200 can be moved from such a position as shown in the image. Figure 4C The second position shown slides along the sliding direction to, as... Figure 2C The first position shown is used to disengage the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20. This process is the reverse of the process of moving the second housing 21 from the mating start position along the mating direction to the mating completion position. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, details of these similar contents will not be repeated.

[0312] like Figure 5AAs shown, the first housing 100 and upper slider 200 of the first electrical connector 10 can be configured to cooperate with each other such that the upper slider 200 is constrained in a first position by the first housing 100 before the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 is positioned in the mating start position. That is, the upper slider 200 is held in the first position by the first housing 100 and cannot slide before the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position. In this way, the upper slider 200 can be pre-locked in the first position before the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are placed in the mating start state, thereby ensuring that when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21 can be accurately and smoothly inserted into the corresponding cam groove 210 of the upper slider 200 without adjusting the position of the upper slider 200. This configuration makes the mating of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 easier to operate, thereby improving the connection and assembly efficiency of the electronic system 1. This configuration enables the first electrical connector 10 to meet the mechanical requirements of specifications such as USCAR.

[0313] like Figure 2C and Figure 5C As shown, when the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 is positioned in the mating start position, the second housing 21 can cause the upper slider 200 to disengage from the first housing 100, thereby allowing the upper slider 200 to slide from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction. In some embodiments, the second housing 21 can disengage the upper slider 200 from the first housing 100 by contacting the upper slider 200. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the second housing 21 can disengage the upper slider 200 from the first housing 100 by contacting the first housing 100 or by contacting both the upper slider 200 and the first housing 100.

[0314] In some examples, the first housing 100 may include a first constraint structure, and the upper slider 200 may include a second constraint structure. When the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned at the mating start position ( Figure 5A The first constraint structure and the second constraint structure engage with each other to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding from the first position to the second position along the sliding direction. Therefore, the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure can also be referred to as the "first stop structure" and the "second stop structure", respectively.

[0315] One of the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure can be configured to be contacted by a release structure provided on the second housing 21 when the second housing 21 is positioned at the mating start position, so as to disengage from the other of the first constraint structure and the second constraint structure, thereby allowing the upper slider 200 to slide from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction.

[0316] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5A to 5C and Figure 7B As shown, the first constraint structure of the first housing 100 may take the form of a beam 121 extending into the slide 120. The beam 121 may extend, for example, along the transverse direction XX. For example, the beam 121 may be integrally formed with the first housing 100. The beam 121 may be disposed adjacent to the end of the slide 120 in the longitudinal direction YY. When the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the upper slider 200 is closer to this end of the slide 120, rather than closer to the opposite end of the slide 120 in the longitudinal direction YY. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0317] like Figures 5A to 5C and Figures 11A to 11C As shown, the second constraint structure of the upper slider 200 can be in the form of an elastic arm 220. The elastic arm 220 can extend from the main body of the upper slider 200 in a cantilever manner. The elastic arm 220 can be integrally formed with the upper slider 200.

[0318] like Figure 5B As shown, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned in the engagement start position, the elastic arm 220 engages with the beam 121 to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction. Figure 5C As shown, when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the elastic arm 220 is released by the release structure of the second housing 21. Figure 5C The "26" in the text, which will be described in detail below, is in contact with the beam 121 and is biased to disengage from it. That is, the elastic arm 220 can remain engaged with the beam 121 by its own elasticity without being subjected to a biasing force. Figure 5B And when contacted by the release structure of the second housing 21, the release structure is able to overcome the elastic force of the elastic arm 220 and bias it to a position where it is disengaged from the beam 121. Figure 5C ).

[0319] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5B , Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, the first housing 100 may include a first receiving groove 130 communicating with the slide 120 and configured to receive a release structure of the second housing 21 when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position. For example, the first receiving groove 130 may extend along the mating direction (lateral direction XX). The first receiving groove may be disposed adjacent to the beam 121.

[0320] like Figure 5B As shown, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, a portion of the elastic arm 220 can extend into the first receiving slot 130. Figure 5C As shown, when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the release structure of the second housing 21 can be received in the first receiving slot 130, and a portion of the resilient arm 220 is contacted by the release structure of the second housing 21, such that the resilient arm 220 is biased to disengage from the beam 121. The first receiving slot 130 provides a guiding and registration function to ensure that when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the release structure of the second housing 21 can accurately and smoothly contact the resilient arm 220, thereby disengaging the resilient arm 220 from the beam 121.

[0321] In some examples, such as Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown, the elastic arm 220 may include a barb portion 221. This barb portion 221 can function as the aforementioned part of the elastic arm 220. Specifically, as... Figure 5B As shown, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the barb portion 221 of the elastic arm 220 engages with the beam 121 and extends into the first receiving groove 130. Figure 5C As shown, when the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the barb portion 221 is contacted by the release structure of the second housing 21, so that the elastic arm 220 is biased to disengage from the beam 121.

[0322] In one of these examples, such as Figure 11B and Figure 11CAs shown, the portion of the barb 221 for contact by the release structure can be formed with a bevel 222. The bevel 222 can face the entrance of the first receiving slot 130. This configuration allows the release structure of the second housing 21 to contact and bias the resilient arm 220 with less force and less wear, thus improving the operability and service life of the first electrical connector 10. For example, the barb 221 can be provided at the free end of the resilient arm 220. However, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the barb 221 can be provided at any suitable location on the resilient arm 220, such as at the middle of the resilient arm 220.

[0323] It should be understood that the aforementioned portion of the elastic arm 220 may be a portion of the elastic arm 220 that is different from the barb portion 221, for example, another protruding portion of the elastic arm 220.

[0324] In some examples, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the first receiving groove 130 of the first housing 100 can be recessed from the accommodating space 103 into the accommodating portion of the first housing 100 in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction (vertical direction ZZ), and extends along the mating direction. Figures 1A to 2C , Figure 5C and Figures 19A to 20B As shown, the release structure of the second housing 21 can take the form of a protruding rib 26 provided on the second housing 21 and extending along the mating direction. The protruding rib 26 can protrude outward from the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21.

[0325] When the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the protruding rib 26 can be received in the first receiving groove 130, and a portion of the resilient arm 220 is contacted by the protruding rib 26 such that the resilient arm 220 is biased to disengage from the beam 121. This cooperation between the first receiving groove 130 and the protruding rib 26 guides the receiving portion 21c of the second housing 21 into the receiving space 103 of the first housing 100. This configuration prevents the second housing 21 from being inserted into the first housing 100 in an oblique orientation, thus providing protection for the components of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 (e.g., the slider 200 and the cam pin 25, the mating ends of the aforementioned mating connection modules).

[0326] It should be understood that the form of the release structure of the second housing 21 is not limited to the protruding rib 26, but can be any form of protrusion or other suitable structure.

[0327] Although the foregoing description describes the first constraint structure of the first housing 100 as a beam 121 and the second constraint structure of the upper slider 200 as an elastic arm 220, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first housing 100 may include an elastic arm, which may be structurally similar to the elastic arm 220. The upper slider 200 may include a receiving portion (e.g., a recess or opening) configured to cooperate with the elastic arm. In this case, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned in the engagement start position, the elastic arm of the first housing 100 can engage with the receiving portion of the upper slider 200 to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction. When the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position, the elastic arm of the first housing 100 is contacted by a release structure (e.g., a rib 26) provided on the second housing 21 to disengage from the receiving portion of the upper slider 200, thereby allowing the upper slider 200 to slide from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction. It should also be understood that, in other embodiments, each of the first housing 100 and the upper slider 200 may have both an elastic arm and a receiving portion.

[0328] In some embodiments, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the engagement between the first constraint structure of the first housing 100 and the second constraint structure of the upper slider 200 can further restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position. For example, the barb portion 221 of the elastic arm 220 can be snapped into the recess in the recessed beam 121.

[0329] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the upper slider 200 may include a third constraint structure. When the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the third constraint structure of the upper slider 200 may engage with the first constraint structure of the first housing 100 (e.g., beam 121) to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position. Therefore, the third constraint structure may also be referred to as a "third stop structure".

[0330] In some examples, such as Figure 5B and Figure 11B As shown, the third constraint structure can be in the form of a stop wall 223. When the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the stop wall 223 can engage with the beam 121 of the first housing 100 to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position.

[0331] In one of these examples, such as Figure 11BAs shown, the elastic arm 220 can extend from the stop wall 223, for example. In other words, the fixed end of the elastic arm 220 can be connected to the stop wall 223. That is, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the beam 121 of the first housing 100 can be located between the elastic arm 220 (e.g., its barb portion 221) and the stop wall 223. The cooperation between the beam 121 and the elastic arm 220 and the stop wall 223 can constrain the upper slider 200 to the first position.

[0332] It should be understood that the form of the third constraint structure is not limited to this. In other embodiments, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the end of the upper slider 200 may engage with the end wall of the groove 120 to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction from the first position.

[0333] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first housing 100 may further include a fourth constraint structure. When the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the second constraint structure of the upper slider 200 may engage with the fourth constraint structure of the first housing 100 to restrict the slider from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction. For example, the barb portion 221 of the elastic arm 220 may engage with the end wall of the groove 120 to restrict the upper slider 200 from sliding away from the second position along the sliding direction.

[0334] The shape of the groove 120 of the first housing 100 can be designed to retain and guide the slider 200. In some embodiments, such as Figure 7H As shown, viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the sliding direction, the groove 120 of the first housing 100 corresponding to the upper slider 200 can have a narrower first section 120a and a wider second section 120b extending from the first section 120a. The cross-section of the upper slider 200 perpendicular to the sliding direction can be shaped to match the cross-section of the groove 120 perpendicular to the sliding direction, so that the upper slider 200 is held in the groove 120 and guided to slide by the groove 120. With this configuration, the upper slider 200 can be guided to slide in the groove 120 along the correct sliding direction.

[0335] In one of these embodiments, a first section 120a of the groove 120 may be recessed into the receiving portion of the first housing 100 from the receiving space 103 of the first housing 100 along a vertical direction ZZ perpendicular to the mating direction, and a second section 120b may extend from the first section 120a away from the receiving space 103 along a vertical direction ZZ. For example, as Figure 7HAs shown, viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the sliding direction, the groove 120 corresponding to the lower slider 200 can be "L"-shaped, and the groove 120 corresponding to the upper slider 200 can be an inverted "L" shape. However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the groove 120 corresponding to the lower slider 200 can be "T"-shaped, and the groove 120 corresponding to the upper slider 200 can be an inverted "T" shape. Accordingly, the cross-section of the upper slider 200 perpendicular to the sliding direction can match the cross-section of the groove 120 perpendicular to the sliding direction in shape.

[0336] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the first housing 100 may include a plurality of openings 101a. Each opening 101a may be recessed into the first housing 100 from the mating surface 101 along the mating direction and communicates with a groove 120 that accommodates the upper slider 200. Figure 2C As shown, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position, the inlet section 210a of the cam groove 210 can be aligned with the opening 101a in the mating direction to receive the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21. Figure 3C and Figure 4C As shown, when the upper slider 200 slides away from the first position, the inlet section 210a of the cam groove 210 can be offset relative to the opening 101a in the mating direction. With this configuration, on the one hand, the upper slider 200 can be protected to avoid damage to the upper slider 200 when the second housing 21 is inserted into the first housing 100 in an oblique orientation; on the other hand, the cam pin 25 can be prevented from accidentally exiting the cam groove 210 in the mating direction at the very beginning of the mating process.

[0337] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7A As shown, the first housing 100 may have a window 150 that communicates with the groove 120 of the upper slider 200, so that the user can, for example, observe the position of the upper slider 200 in the groove 120 during mating of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0338] like Figure 2C , Figure 3C and Figure 4C As shown, the lever member 300 can be coupled to the upper slider 200 to drive the upper slider 200 to slide relative to the first housing 100 between a first position and a second position in a sliding direction (here, the lateral direction XX) according to a pivoting operation. The lever member 300 may also be referred to as a "lever" or a "control lever".

[0339] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1A to 4CAs shown, a housing 400 can be mounted to a first housing 100, and a lever member 300 is pivotally mounted to the housing 400. The lever member 300 can be configured to be able to... Figures 2A to 2C The first pivot position shown is the same as in Figures 4A to 4C The lever member 300 pivots between the first and second pivot positions. When the lever member 300 pivots between the first and second pivot positions, the upper slider 200 can be driven to slide relative to the first housing 100 between the first and second positions along the sliding direction. That is, when the lever member 300 is in... Figures 2A to 2C When the upper slider 200 is in the first pivot position shown, Figure 2C The first position shown, and when the lever member 300 is in Figures 4A to 4C When the upper slider 200 is in the second pivot position shown, Figure 4C The second position is shown. Furthermore, as... Figures 3A to 3C As shown, when the lever member 300 is in a third or intermediate pivot position between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, the upper slider 200 is in... Figure 3C The third or intermediate position shown is between the first position and the second position.

[0340] By using the lever member 300 to drive the slider 200, the mating force and unmating force required when mating and unmating the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 can be reduced through the lever action.

[0341] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the lever member 300 may be U-shaped and includes a pair of arms 310 and a crossbar 320 connecting the pair of arms 310. The lever member 300 may be supported by a metal material, a plastic material, or any other suitable material. The arms 310 of the lever member 300 may be integrally formed with the crossbar 320. Each arm 310 may be pivotally mounted to the housing 400 and coupled to a corresponding one of the two sliders 200, thereby driving the corresponding slider 200 to slide.

[0342] Each arm 310 may include a first end 311 and a second end 312 opposite to each other. The second ends 312 of a pair of arms 310 are connected by a crossbar portion 320 so that the pair of arms 310 can pivot together. The configuration of the pair of arms 310 may be mirror-image of each other. Therefore, the specific configuration and operation of the lever member 300 will be described below in conjunction with the arms 310 coupled to the upper slider 200.

[0343] In this application, unless otherwise stated, the first pivot position of the lever member 300 and the support arm 310 refers to the position of the lever member 300 and the support arm 310 as follows: Figures 2A to 2CThe second pivot position of the lever member 300 and the support arm 310, as shown, refers to the position of the lever member 300 and the support arm 310 as shown. Figures 4A to 4C The position shown, and the third pivot position of lever member 300 and support arm 310 refers to the position of lever member 300 and support arm 310 as shown. Figures 3A to 3C The location shown.

[0344] The housing 400 may at least partially surround the rear portion of the first housing 100. The housing 400 may be made of a metallic material, an insulating material, or any suitable material. For example, the housing 400 may be configured to cover cables (only a portion of which is shown in the figures) extending from connection modules (e.g., connection modules 501-504). Figure 12A , Figure 12C and Figure 16A As shown, the housing 400 may include two sidewalls 410 that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Although in Figure 12A The image only shows the specific configuration of the housing 400 at one of the side walls 410, but it should be understood that the configuration of the housing 400 at both side walls 410 can be mirror images of each other. Therefore, the specific configuration and operation of the housing 400 and the lever member 300 will be described below in conjunction with the side walls 410 supporting the arm 310 coupled to the upper slider 200.

[0345] like Figure 12A , Figure 12C and Figure 16A As shown, the housing 400 may include a pivot 420 projecting outward from the sidewall 410. A first end 311 of a corresponding arm 310 is pivotally mounted on the pivot 420 such that the corresponding arm 310 can pivot about the pivot 420 between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. Specifically, the pivot 420 may include a shaft 421 defining a pivot axis. The shaft 421 may extend along a vertical direction ZZ, and the pivot axis may be oriented parallel to the vertical direction ZZ. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0346] In this application, unless otherwise stated, “axial” means the direction of extension of the pivot axis defined by pivot 420, and “radial” means the radial direction relative to the pivot axis, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0347] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the first end 311 of the support arm 310 includes a bearing portion 311a having a shaft hole 313 extending axially through the bearing portion 311a. Figure 16A and Figure 16EAs shown, the bearing portion 311a of the first end 311 of the support arm 310 can be mounted on the shaft 421 of the pivot 420. The shaft 421 extends axially through the shaft hole 313 of the bearing portion 311a.

[0348] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the first end 311 of the support arm 310 may be formed with gear teeth 330. The gear teeth 330 may be formed at the outer periphery of the first end 311. Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown, the upper slider 200 may have rack teeth 230 formed at the portion opposite to the first end 311 of the support arm 310. Figure 2C , Figure 3C and Figure 4C As shown, the gear teeth 330 of the support arm 310 can mesh with the rack teeth 230 of the upper slider 200, so that when the support arm 310 pivots between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, the upper slider 200 is driven to slide relative to the first housing 100 between the first position and the second position along the sliding direction.

[0349] As described above, when the upper slider 200 is in the first position and before the second housing 21 is positioned in the engagement start position, the upper slider 200 can be constrained in the first position by the first housing 100. When constrained in the first position by the first housing 100, the upper slider 200 cannot be driven by the lever member 300. Since the upper slider 200 and the lever member 300 are coupled via gear teeth 330-rack teeth 230, the lever member 300 can also be constrained in the first pivot position by the upper slider 200. In this case, the lever member 300 cannot be pivoted.

[0350] This configuration allows the lever member 300 to be reliably held (i.e., pre-locked) in the first pivot position before the second housing 21 is positioned in the mating start position. This configuration facilitates the mating of the first electrical connector 10 with the second electrical connector 20, thereby improving the efficiency of connection and assembly of the electronic system 1. This configuration also enables the first electrical connector 10 to meet the mechanical requirements of specifications such as USCAR. The first pivot position of the lever member 300 can also be referred to as the "pre-locked position" of the lever member 300.

[0351] It should be understood that the transmission coupling between the upper slider 200 and the lever member 300 is not limited to gear teeth 330-rack teeth 230, but can employ any suitable transmission coupling method so that when the support arm 310 pivots between the first pivot position and the second pivot position, the upper slider 200 is driven to slide between the first and second positions. In this case, the lever member 300 can also be reliably held in the first pivot position by the transmission coupling between the upper slider 200 and the lever member 300 before the second housing 21 is positioned in the engagement start position.

[0352] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2C and Figure 12A and Figure 12C As shown, the housing 400 may include a first protrusion 411 extending outward from the sidewall 410. The first protrusion 411 may be configured to engage with the support arm 310 when the support arm 310 is in a first pivot position to limit the support arm 310 from pivoting away from the first pivot position away from the second pivot position.

[0353] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4A to 4C , Figure 12A and Figure 12C As shown, the housing 400 may include a second protrusion 412 extending outward from the sidewall 410. The second protrusion 412 may be configured to engage with the support arm 310 when the support arm 310 is in a second pivot position to limit the support arm 310 from pivoting away from the first pivot position.

[0354] The first protrusion 411 and the second protrusion 412 can serve as a stop structure to define the pivoting range of the lever member 300. The first protrusion 411 and the second protrusion 412 can limit the pivoting range of the lever member 300 between a first pivoting position and a second pivoting position. As described above, since the upper slider 200 and the lever member 300 are coupled by a transmission connection such as gear teeth 330-rack teeth 230, the first protrusion 411 and the second protrusion 412 can define the sliding range of the upper slider 200 in the groove 120 by defining the pivoting range of the lever member 300.

[0355] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12A and Figure 12C As shown, the housing 400 may include a third protrusion 413 extending outward from the sidewall 410. (As...) Figure 13AAs shown, the support arm 310 may include an opening 315. For example, the opening 315 may be formed on the portion of the support arm 310 between the first end 311 and the second end 312. When the support arm 310 is pivoted to the first pivot position, the third protrusion 413 of the housing 400 is received in the opening 315 of the support arm 310, thereby providing at least one of an auditory indication, a visual indication, and a tactile indication that the support arm 310 has been pivoted to the first pivot position. This configuration provides the user with a clear indication that the lever member 300 has been pivoted to the first pivot position. This improves the operability of the first electrical connector 10.

[0356] As an example, the third protrusion 413 and the opening 315 may be shaped to match each other to provide a visual indication that the support arm 310 is in a first pivot position. Alternatively or additionally, the third protrusion 413 and the opening 315 may be designed such that when the support arm 310 is pivoted to the first pivot position, the third protrusion 413 is received in the opening 315 and provides an audible indication such as a “click.” Alternatively or additionally, the third protrusion 413 and the opening 315 may be designed such that when the support arm 310 is pivoted to the first pivot position, the third protrusion 413 is received in the opening 315 and provides force feedback via the support arm 310. This force feedback may be a noticeable vibration of the support arm 310 or a noticeable change in pivoting resistance. Exemplarily, as... Figure 13A As shown, the support arm 310 may include a recess 316 recessed within the support arm 310 and a stepped portion 317 formed by the recess 316. The stepped portion 317 may be configured to contact the third protrusion 413 before the third protrusion 413 is received in the opening 315 when the support arm 310 is pivoted away from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position. The stepped portion 317 may be designed to have sufficient height to generate an audible sound, such as a "click," as the third protrusion 413 passes over the stepped portion 317 and enters the opening 315, thereby providing an auditory indication, and / or to provide force feedback via the support arm 310, thereby providing a tactile indication.

[0357] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 12A , Figure 12C and Figure 16EAs shown, the housing 400 may include a resilient tab 430 projecting outward from the sidewall 410. The resilient tab 430 is configured to be depressed by the support arm 310 when the support arm 310 is pivoted away from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position, allowing the support arm 310 to pass through the resilient tab 430 to reach the first pivot position, and to return to its original position when the support arm 310 is in the first pivot position and prevent the support arm 310 from pivoting from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position. The resilient tab 430 is also configured to be manually (e.g., by hand or with the aid of a tool) depressed to allow the support arm 310 to pivot from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position.

[0358] For example, such as Figure 16E As shown, the housing 400 may include a recess 431 recessed into the sidewall 410, and an elastic tab 430 extends cantileveredly into the recess 431 and at least partially protrudes outward from the surface of the sidewall 410. For example, the free end 430a of the elastic tab 430 may protrude from the surface of the sidewall 410. When the support arm 310 is pivoted away from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position, the support arm 310 may contact the free end 430a of the elastic tab 430 to press down the elastic tab 430, thereby reaching the first pivot position through the elastic tab 430. When the support arm 310 is in the first pivot position, the elastic tab 430 may return to its original position under its own elasticity, and the free end 430a may prevent the support arm 310 from being pivoted from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position. Furthermore, the elastic tab 430 may include an actuating portion 430b, which may be disposed between the free end 430a and the fixed end 430c of the elastic tab 430, and can be manually actuated to press down the elastic tab 430. The actuating portion 430b may have a texture to facilitate pressing by the user.

[0359] This resilient tab 430 provides a locking function to the lever member 300. For example, the resilient tab 430 can cooperate with the first protrusion 411 to hold the lever member 300 in a first pivot position. This helps prevent the lever member 300 from pivoting before transporting the first electrical connector 10 and before mating. As another example, the resilient tab 430 can cooperate with the upper slider 200 to hold the lever member 300 in the first pivot position. Furthermore, even if the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20 is positioned in the mating initiation position, causing the upper slider 200 to disengage from the first housing 100, the lever member 300 cannot be pivoted from the first pivot position to the second pivot position unless the resilient tab 430 is pressed down. In this case, the resilient tab 430 helps hold the upper slider 200 in the first position.

[0360] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12A , Figure 12C and Figure 16EAs shown, the pivot 420 of the housing 400 may include a protrusion 422 extending radially from the shaft 421. Figure 13A As shown, the bearing portion 311a of the first end 311 of the support arm 310 may include a notch 314 recessed radially into the bearing portion 311a from the shaft bore 313. The shaft bore 313 and the notch 314 may together form a "gourd shape," wherein the shaft bore 313 is larger and the notch 314 is smaller. Figure 16E As shown, when the first end 311 of the support arm 310 is pivotally mounted on the pivot 420, the bearing portion 311a is supported on the shaft 421 and located between the protrusion 422 of the pivot 420 and the side wall 410 of the housing 400, and the shaft 421 extends through the shaft hole 313.

[0361] like Figure 2B , Figure 3B and Figure 4B As shown, the notch 314 and the protrusion 422 are shaped to match each other such that they are axially aligned only when the support arm 310 is in the third pivot position, allowing the first end 311 of the support arm 310 to be mounted onto and removed from the pivot 420. When the support arm 310 is in other pivot positions, they are axially offset to prevent the first end 311 of the support arm 310 from being mounted onto and removed from the pivot 420. Specifically, when the support arm 310 is in the third pivot position and the notch 314 and the protrusion 422 are axially aligned, the first end 311 of the support arm 310 can be removed from the corresponding shaft 421 by expanding the pair of support arms 310 to increase the distance between the first ends 311 of the pair of support arms 310. In this case, the crossbar portion 320 can elastically deform. Furthermore, since the lever member 300 has a pair of support arms 310, even when the lever member 300 is pivoted to the third pivot position, the lever member 300 can be held on the housing 400 by the pair of support arms 310 unless an expansion force is applied to increase the distance between the first ends 311 of the pair of support arms 310. Moreover, the lever member 300 can only be assembled onto the housing with the lever member 300 in the orientation of the third pivot position. This configuration allows the lever member 300 to be reliably held on the housing 400 with a smaller number of parts and simplifies the operations of installing the lever member 300 onto and removing the lever member 300 from the housing 400.

[0362] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13AAs shown, the first end 311 of the support arm 310 may include an annular protrusion 318 surrounding the bearing portion 311a. The thickness of the annular protrusion 318 in the axial direction (vertical direction ZZ) may be greater than the thickness of the bearing portion 311a in the axial direction, thereby providing mechanical strength to the first end 311 of the support arm 310. Figure 16E As shown, when the support arm 310 is mounted on the pivot 420, the annular protrusion 318 can radially surround the protrusion 422 of the pivot 420 and is substantially flush with the protrusion 422 axially. This prevents the support arm 310 from accidentally disengaging from the pivot 420 when pivoting to the third pivot position.

[0363] The configuration and operation associated with the upper slider 200 have already been described above. It should be understood that, since the configuration of the lower slider 200 is a mirror image of the upper slider 200, the first housing 100 and the lever member 300 can have a similar configuration for the lower slider 200 and cooperate with it in a similar manner. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, details of these similar contents will not be repeated.

[0364] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the number of sliders 200 may not be limited to two, but may be one or more. The relevant configuration of the first housing 100 and the lever member 300 may be changed accordingly.

[0365] In some embodiments, such as Figure 16G and Figure 16H As shown, the housing 400 can be pivotally mounted to the first housing 100 and can be in a closed position relative to the first housing 100. Figure 16G ) and opening position ( Figure 16H Pivot between ) . 400 of the casing Figure 16G The closed position shown corresponds to the position of the first electrical connector 10 as shown in the figure. Figures 1A to 4C The position of the housing 400 relative to the first housing 100 in the assembled state is shown. Figure 16G As shown, the housing 400 can cover the back surface 102 of the first housing 100 when in the closed position, and allows access to the back surface 102 of the first housing 100 when in the open position, to allow, for example, the installation and / or replacement of the connection modules 501-504. With this configuration, the housing 400 can be integrated with the first housing 100 to improve the integration of the first electrical connector 10. For example, when it is necessary to open the housing 400 to replace the connection modules 501-504, it is not necessary to completely remove the housing 400 from the first housing 100. It should be understood that, although in Figure 16G and Figure 16HThe lever member 300 and the CPA device 700 are omitted in this translation. However, it should be understood that the lever member 300 and the CPA device 700 do not need to be removed from the housing 400 when pivoting the housing 400 between the closed and open positions. For example, the lever member 300 can be held in the first pivot position by the first protrusion 411 and the elastic tab 430. As will be described in detail below, the CPA device 700 can be constrained in the pre-locked position by the housing 400.

[0366] The first electrical connector 10 is in the position of Figures 1A to 4C In the assembled state shown, the housing 400 can be held in a closed position by any suitable structure.

[0367] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12A , Figure 12C , Figure 16G and Figure 16H As shown, the housing 400 may include a first pivot structure 441 at the first corner 440. As... Figure 7B , Figure 16G and Figure 16H As shown, a second pivot structure 141 may be provided at a sidewall 140 of the first housing 100 extending between the mating surface 101 and the back surface 102. The first pivot structure 411 and the second pivot structure 141 may be coupled to each other such that the housing 400 is pivotally mounted to the sidewall 140 of the first housing 100. The second pivot structure 141 may, for example, be a pivot extending along a vertical direction ZZ, defining a pivot axis parallel to the vertical direction ZZ orientation. The first pivot structure 411 may be a bearing portion detachably mounted (e.g., by snap-fit ​​engagement) on the pivot. It should be understood that the specific configuration of the first pivot structure 411 and the second pivot structure 141 is not limited thereto.

[0368] As described above, the cables connecting modules 501-504 extend from the first housing 100 at the back surface 102 of the first housing 100. In some embodiments, such as Figure 16H As shown, the housing 400 may include a first outlet structure 442 at a second corner 450 arranged diagonally opposite to the first corner 440, and the first housing 100 may correspondingly provide a second outlet structure 142. When the housing 400 is in the closed position, the first outlet structure 442 and the second outlet structure 142 together define the cable outlet 11. Figure 1A The cables connecting modules 501-504 can be led out to the first electrical connector 10 through cable outlet 11.

[0369] In some embodiments, the housing 400 may include a snap-fit ​​structure disposed adjacent to and / or at the first outlet structure 442. Accordingly, the first housing 100 may include a snap-fit ​​structure cooperating with the snap-fit ​​structure of the housing 400 to reliably hold the housing 400 in a closed position when it is in a closed position. For example, as Figure 16H As shown, the housing 400 may include a snap-fit ​​tab 443 disposed at the first outlet structure 442. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 400 may include a tab disposed adjacent to the first outlet structure 442. The first housing 100 may correspondingly have a receiving portion (e.g., an opening and / or a recess) for receiving such a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first housing 100 may include a snap-fit ​​structure disposed adjacent to and / or at the second outlet structure 142. Correspondingly, the cover 400 may include a snap-fit ​​structure cooperating with the snap-fit ​​structure of the first housing 100 to reliably hold the cover 400 in a closed position when it is in a closed position. For example, as Figure 16H As shown, the first housing 100 may include a snap-fit ​​tab 143 disposed at the location and a snap-fit ​​protrusion 144 disposed adjacent to the second outlet structure 142. The cover 400 may correspondingly be provided with a receiving portion (e.g., an opening and / or a recess) for receiving such snap-fit ​​structures.

[0371] Please go to Figures 4A to 4C When the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivot position, both sliders 200 are in the second position. The second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the mating completed position, and both the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 are in the mating completed state. The CPA device 700 can be configured to lock the lever member 300 in the second pivot position, thereby holding the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 in the mating completed state. The CPA device 700 can improve the vibration and shock resistance of the connector assembly or electronic system composed of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20, i.e., improve its reliability. The second pivot position of the lever member 300 can also be referred to as the "locked position" of the lever member 300.

[0372] like Figure 12A , Figure 12C and Figure 16A As shown, the housing 400 may include a groove 460 configured to receive the CPA device 700. The groove 460 may be recessed into the rear of the housing 400 (relative to the first housing 100). The groove 460 may include a bottom for supporting the CPA device 700. Figure 12AAs shown, the groove 460 can be provided by a second corner 450 arranged diagonally opposite to the first corner 440 adjacent to the cover 400. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0373] like Figures 16A to 16C As shown, the CPA device 700 can be disposed in the slide 460 and configured to slide relative to the housing 400 along the sliding direction, such as... Figure 16B The pre-lock position shown is as follows Figure 16C The sliding position is between the shown locking positions. For example, the sliding direction can be parallel to the longitudinal direction YY, therefore, this sliding direction is not shown in the figures. Accordingly, the groove 460 can extend along the longitudinal direction YY. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0374] In this application, unless otherwise stated, the pre-lock position of CPA device 700 refers to the position of CPA device 700 as follows: Figure 16B The position shown, and the locked position of the CPA device 700 refers to the position of the CPA device 700 as shown. Figure 16C The location shown.

[0375] Before the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivot position, the CPA device 700 can be constrained to the pre-locked position by the housing 400, and when the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position, the lever member 300 can release the CPA device 700 to allow the CPA device 700 to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position. This configuration reliably holds the CPA device 700 in the pre-locked position before the second electrical connector 20 is moved relative to the first electrical connector 10 to the mating completion position, thus preventing accidental movement of the CPA device 700. Furthermore, this configuration allows the user to verify that the lever member 300 has reached its final position, i.e., the second pivot position, by attempting to push the CPA device 700.

[0376] like Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, the CPA device 700 may include a base 701 and at least one first elastic arm (or beam) 710 (two in the figure) extending from the base 701. The base 701 may be configured to be manually operated to be pushed and pulled along a sliding direction. Each of the at least one first elastic arm 710 may extend from the base 701 in a cantilever manner.

[0377] like Figures 12A to 12DAs shown, the housing 400 may include a cantilever mechanism 480. The cantilever mechanism 480 may be positioned above the CPA device 700. For example, a groove 460 may be recessed into the housing 400 from its outer surface 418, and the cantilever mechanism 480 may be positioned at and at least partially protrude from the outer surface 418. The cantilever mechanism 480 may extend across the groove 460 in a vertical direction ZZ and be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove 460 in a transverse direction XX. The cantilever mechanism 480 may, for example, be an integrally formed part of the housing 400.

[0378] In some embodiments, the suspension mechanism 480 may include at least one (first) stop structure. When the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivot position, each of at least one first resilient arm 710 may engage with a corresponding one of at least one stop structure to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0379] In some embodiments, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and the lever member 300 is in the second pivoted position, the lever member 300 can contact at least one first elastic arm 710 to bias each first elastic arm 710 to disengage from the corresponding stop structure, thereby allowing the CPA device 700 to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0380] like Figure 12B and Figure 12D As shown, the at least one stop structure of the suspension mechanism 480 may include at least one opening 481 (two in the figure). When the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivoted position, a portion of each of at least one of the first elastic arms 710 may be received in a corresponding one of the at least one opening 481 to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding from the pre-locked position toward the locked position.

[0381] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the lever member 300 may include at least one release protrusion 350 (two are shown in the figure). Figure 16B and Figure 17A As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position, each of at least one release protrusion 350 of the lever member 300 enters the corresponding opening 481 and contacts a portion of the corresponding first elastic arm 710 to push the portion of the corresponding first elastic arm 710 out of the opening 481.

[0382] In some examples, such as Figure 15A , Figure 15B , Figure 16F , Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, for each first elastic arm 710, a portion of the first elastic arm 710 is a first protrusion 711 provided on the first elastic arm 710. The first protrusion 711 may be disposed adjacent to the free end of the first elastic arm 710. The first protrusion 711 may be in the form of a barb. In other partial examples, the first protrusion 711 may also be located at the free end of the first elastic arm 710.

[0383] like Figure 16F As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivot position, the first protrusion 711 of each first elastic arm 710 is received in the corresponding opening 481 to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding from the pre-locked position toward the locked position. Figure 16B and Figure 16C As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position, each of at least one release protrusion 350 of the lever member 300 can enter into the corresponding opening 481 and contact the first protrusion 711 of the corresponding first elastic arm 710 to push a portion of the corresponding first elastic arm 710 out of the opening 481. In this way, the first elastic arm 710 can be disengaged from the stop structure of the cantilever mechanism 480, thereby allowing the CPA device 700 to slide from the pre-locked position toward the locked position. Furthermore, since the release protrusion 350 is received by the opening 481, the lever member 300 can be prevented from pivoting further away from the first pivot position from the second pivot position. That is, the release protrusion 350 and the opening 481 can also be used as a stop structure to limit the pivoting of the lever member 300.

[0384] In some examples, such as Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, at least one release protrusion 350 of the lever member 300 may be provided on the support arm 310. Each support arm 310 has one release protrusion 350. It should be understood that the number and location of the release protrusions are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the release protrusion may be provided on the crossbar portion 320 of the lever member 300.

[0385] In some embodiments, at least one release protrusion 350 of the lever member 300 may also be configured to engage with the housing 400 when the lever member 300 is in a first pivot position to restrict the lever member 300 from pivoting away from the first pivot position to a second pivot position. That is, at least one release protrusion 350 of the lever member 300 may also serve as a stop structure to restrict the lever member 300 from pivoting away from the first pivot position to a second pivot position when the lever member 300 is in the first pivot position.

[0386] For example, see Figure 12C The housing 400 may include two recesses 490. When the lever member 300 is in the first pivot position, two release protrusions 350 of the lever member 300 may be received in the two recesses 490 respectively, thereby restricting the lever member 300 from pivoting away from the first pivot position to the second pivot position. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. When the lever member 300 is in the first pivot position, the release protrusions 350 of the lever member 300 may also engage with other portions of the housing 400 to restrict the lever member 300 from pivoting away from the first pivot position to the second pivot position.

[0387] In some embodiments, such as Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, the CPA device 700 may include a second resilient arm (or beam) 720 extending from the base 701. Each second resilient arm 720 may extend cantileveredly from the base 701. Although two second resilient arms 720 are shown in the figures, it should be understood that the number of second resilient arms 720 is not limited to this, and in other embodiments may be a single arm. Figure 17C and Figure 17D As shown, the housing 400 may include a stop recess 482 recessed into the housing 400 from the bottom of the slide groove 460. When the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position, the second resilient arm 720 engages with the wall 482a of the stop recess 482 to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding away from the pre-locked position to the locked position. That is, the stop recess 482 can serve as a second stop structure to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding away from the pre-locked position to the locked position when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position. It should be understood that the specific form of the second stop structure is not limited thereto, and can be any suitable structure capable of engaging the second resilient arm 720 to restrict the CPA device 700 from sliding away from the pre-locked position to the locked position when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position.

[0388] Through the cooperation of the first stop structure with the first elastic arm 710 of the CPA device 700 and the cooperation of the second stop structure with the second elastic arm 720 of the CPA device 700, the CPA device 700 can be reliably held in the pre-locked position when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position and before the lever member 300 is pivoted to the second pivoted position.

[0389] In some embodiments, such as Figure 15A and Figure 15BAs shown, the CPA device 700 may include a third resilient arm (or beam) 730 extending from the base 701. The third resilient arm 730 may extend cantileveredly from the base 701. The third resilient arm 730 may include a second protrusion 732. The second protrusion 732 may have a rounded shape. Although a single third resilient arm 730 is shown in the figures, it should be understood that the number of third resilient arms 730 is not limited to this, and there may be multiple third resilient arms in other embodiments. Figure 12B and Figure 12D As shown, the housing 400 may include a first receiving recess 483a and a second receiving recess 483b recessed into the housing 400 from the bottom of the groove 460. Figure 17E As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position, the second protrusion 732 of the third elastic arm 730 is received in the first receiving recess 483a, and as... Figure 17F As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the locked position, the second protrusion 732 of the third elastic arm 730 is received in the second receiving recess 483b. Because the second protrusion 732 has a rounded shape, when the second protrusion 732 of the third elastic arm 730 is received in the first receiving recess 483a or the second receiving recess 483b, a certain holding force is provided to restrict the sliding of the CPA device 700, preventing the CPA device 700 from sliding freely, while allowing manual actuation (pushing or pulling) of the CPA device 700. With this configuration, a certain holding force can be provided to the CPA device 700 when it is in the pre-locked position to hold it in the pre-locked position. Even if the lever member 300 has released the CPA device 700 from the cantilever mechanism 480, the CPA device 700 will not slide freely. Only by applying a pushing force to the CPA device 700 can it be pushed to slide towards the locked position. Furthermore, this configuration provides a holding force to the CPA device 700 when it is in the locked position, keeping it in that position. In this state, the CPA device 700 cannot slide freely. Only by applying a pulling force can the CPA device 700 be moved towards the pre-locked position (or, the unlocked position). This configuration improves the reliability of the CPA device 700.

[0390] In one of these embodiments, the second receiving recess 483b and the stop recess 482 may be the same recess.

[0391] The cantilever mechanism 480 may include a fourth resilient arm (or beam) 484. This fourth resilient arm 484 may be configured to be depressed by the lever member 300 when the lever member 300 is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, allowing the lever member 300 to reach the second pivot position via the fourth resilient arm 484, and to reset and prevent the lever member 300 from pivoting from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position when the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position. The fourth resilient arm 484 may also be configured to be manually depressed to allow the lever member 300 to pivot from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position. The fourth resilient arm 484 may cooperate with the aforementioned second protrusion 412 of the housing 400 to lock the lever member 300 in the second pivot position. The fourth resilient arm 484 may also be referred to as a "latch arm" or "latch portion".

[0392] like Figure 12B , Figure 12D and Figures 17C to 17F As shown, the fourth elastic arm 484 can extend above the slide rail 460. The fourth elastic arm 484 can extend cantilevered along the longitudinal direction YY. The fourth elastic arm 484 includes a fixed end fixed above the slide rail 460 and a free end opposite to the fixed end. The CPA device allows the fourth elastic arm 484 to be pressed down in the pre-locked position and prevents the fourth elastic arm 484 from being pressed down in the locked position. The fourth elastic arm 484 may be provided with a structure suitable for preventing the lever member 300 from pivoting. For example, this structure is shown in the figure as a stop 484a. The stop 484a may be provided adjacent to or at the free end and protrude from the fourth elastic arm 484 in a direction away from the bottom of the slide rail 460. When the lever member 300 is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, the lever member 300 can contact the stop 484a to press down the fourth elastic arm 484, and when the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position, the fourth elastic arm 484 returns to its original position, and the stop 484a prevents the lever member 300 from being pivoted from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position.

[0393] The CPA device 700 allows the fourth resilient arm 484 to be pressed down when in the pre-locked position and prevents the fourth resilient arm 484 from being pressed down when in the locked position. The CPA device 700 can constrain the stop 484a to a position where the lever member 300 is pivoted by preventing the fourth resilient arm 484 from being pressed down, thereby preventing the lever member 300 from pivoting from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position. Figure 17C and Figure 17E As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position, the CPA device 700 allows the fourth elastic arm 484 to be pressed down. Figures 17C to 17FAs shown, the fourth elastic arm 484 may include a connecting portion 484b. This connecting portion 484b may be disposed adjacent to or at the free end, and protrudes from the fourth elastic arm 484 toward the bottom of the groove 460. That is, the connecting portion 484b and the stop portion 484a may extend from the fourth elastic arm 484 in opposite directions to each other. Figure 17D and Figure 17F As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the locked position, the base 701 is positioned below the engagement 484b to prevent the fourth elastic arm 484 from being pressed down. Figure 15A and Figure 15B As shown, the base 701 of the CPA device 700 may have an opening 740. For example... Figure 17C and Figure 17E As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the pre-locked position, the opening 740 aligns with the engagement portion 484b of the fourth resilient arm 484, allowing the engagement portion 484b to move toward the bottom of the groove 460 and at least partially enter the opening 740 when the fourth resilient arm 484 is pressed toward the bottom of the groove 460. This allows the fourth resilient arm 484 to be pressed toward the bottom of the groove 460. Figure 17D and Figure 17F As shown, when the CPA device 700 is in the locked position, the CPA device 700 prevents the fourth elastic arm 484 from being pressed down below it. Specifically, the CPA device 700 is slid so that the opening 740 of the base 701 is misaligned with the engagement portion 484b of the fourth elastic arm 484, and the base 701 prevents the engagement portion 484b from moving toward the bottom of the groove 460, thereby preventing the fourth elastic arm 484 from being pressed down.

[0394] In some embodiments, when the CPA device 700 is in the locked position, the fourth resilient arm 484 can press against the base 701 of the CPA device 700. That is, the base 701 can be wedged between the fourth resilient arm 484 (e.g., the engagement portion 484b of the fourth resilient arm 484) and the bottom of the groove 460. For example, when the CPA device 700 is in the locked position, the engagement portion 484b of the fourth resilient arm 484 can press against the base 701 of the CPA device 700. This helps to reliably hold the CPA device 700 in the locked position.

[0395] In some embodiments, the stop portion 484a of the fourth elastic arm 484 can be configured to be pressed down by the crossbar portion 320 of the lever member 300 when the lever member 300 is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, and to reset and prevent the crossbar portion 320 from pivoting from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position when the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position.

[0396] In one of these embodiments, the stop 484a of the fourth elastic arm 484 can be configured to engage with the crossbar portion 320 when the lever member 300 is in the second pivot position, so as to apply a biasing force to the crossbar portion 320 while preventing the crossbar portion 320 from pivoting. This helps to cause the release protrusion 350 to enter the corresponding opening 481 of the extension mechanism 480 and push the corresponding portion of the first elastic arm 710 out of the opening 481. It should be understood that the lever member 300 can also be slightly depressed to cause the release protrusion 350 to push the corresponding portion of the first elastic arm 710 out of the opening 481.

[0397] Although the CPA device 700 has been described above as a component of the first electrical connector 10, it should be understood that the CPA device 700 can be a separate component and is intended to be assembled with the first electrical connector 10. In this case, the CPA device 700 can form an electronic assembly or electronic system with the first electrical connector 10.

[0398] When assembling the first electrical connector 10, each of the plurality of connecting modules 501-504 needs to be correctly positioned in a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers 111-114 of the first housing 100. For example, the plurality of connecting modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 may have different types from each other. Nevertheless, the external dimensions of the plurality of connecting modules 501-504 may be close to each other, and correspondingly, the shape of the first housing 100 for accommodating the connecting modules 501-504 may be similar to each other. In this case, when assembling the first electrical connector 10, it is possible to position the connecting modules 501-504 in the wrong chamber.

[0399] The inventors have recognized and realized that this problem can be effectively avoided by providing multiple key components 601-604. Specifically, as... Figure 10E As shown and described above, the multiple connection modules 501-504 can be of different types. The multiple connection modules 501-504 have a first identifying feature that distinguishes them from each other. That is, each of the multiple connection modules 501-504 has a unique first identifying feature. The first identifying feature allows a user to distinguish the multiple connection modules 501-504 from each other. Preferably, the user can visually distinguish the multiple connection modules 501-504 from each other by the first identifying feature of the connection modules 501-504.

[0400] like Figures 7C to 7HAs shown, each of the plurality of chambers 111-114 of the first housing 100 may have an inlet 111a-114a. Specifically, the first chamber 111, the second chamber 112, the third chamber 113, and the fourth chamber 114 may have inlets 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a, respectively. The inlets 111a-114a of the plurality of chambers 111-114 may be recessed into the first housing 100 from the back surface 102 along the lateral direction XX. The first chamber 111, the second chamber 112, the third chamber 113, and the fourth chamber 114 are respectively configured to accommodate the first connection module 501, the second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504.

[0401] like Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of key members 601-604 may include a first key member 601, a second key member 602, a third key member 603, and a fourth key member 604. The plurality of key members 601-604 may be made of the same or different material as the first housing 100. The plurality of key members 601-604 have second identifying features that distinguish them from each other. Each of the plurality of key members 601-604 may be disposed at the entrance of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers 111-114. Specifically, the first key member 601, the second key member 602, the third key member 603, and the fourth key member 604 may be disposed at the entrance of the corresponding chamber before the connecting modules 501-504 are assembled into the chambers 111-114 of the first housing 100. Figure 8A As shown, the first key component 601, the second key component 602, the third key component 603 and the fourth key component 604 can be respectively disposed at the entrances 111a-114a of the chambers 111-114.

[0402] The second identification feature of the key members 601-604 located at the entrances 111a-114a of each chamber 111-114 can be associated with the first identification feature of a corresponding connection module (i.e., the connection module designated for installation in the chamber) among the plurality of connection modules 501-504 to be installed in that chamber, indicating the corresponding installation relationship between the chamber and the corresponding connection module. In other words, during the assembly of the connection modules 501-504 into the chambers 111-114 of the first housing 100, the user can determine which chamber 111-114 each connection module 501-504 will be installed into by comparing the first identification feature of the connection modules 501-504 with the second identification feature of the key members 601-604 located at the entrances 111a-114a of the chambers 111-114. That is, the user can verify whether a connection module should be assembled into the chamber by comparing the first identification feature of the connection module with the second identification feature of the key member located at the entrance of the chamber. By comparing the first identification feature of the connecting modules 501-504 with the second identification feature of the key members 601-604 disposed at the entrances 111a-114a of the chambers 111-114, the user can determine the one-to-one correspondence between the connecting modules 501-504 and the chambers 111-114. Preferably, the user can make this determination visually.

[0403] This configuration allows users to more easily and quickly determine the one-to-one correspondence between the connection modules 501-504 and the chambers 111-114 of the first housing 100 when assembling and / or maintaining the first electrical connector 10, thereby accurately assembling the connection modules 501-504 into the corresponding chambers. This configuration can improve the efficiency of assembly and / or maintenance of the first electrical connector 10 at a low cost.

[0404] In some embodiments, the first identification features of the plurality of connection modules 501-504 may be in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text, or a combination thereof. Correspondingly, the second identification features of the plurality of key members 601-604 may also be in the form of color, symbol, graphic, text, or a combination thereof. As an example, the colors of the plurality of key members 601-604 may each correspond to the colors of their respective connection modules. As another example, such as... Figure 14A As shown, the first key component 601 may have a text feature 610. The text feature 610 may be, for example, "CODE A". The first connecting module 501 to be assembled into the first chamber 111 may also have a corresponding text feature, such as "CODE A". Optionally, the text feature 610 is associated with the module type of the first connecting module 501 to be assembled into the first chamber 111. Similarly, as... Figure 8AAs shown, key components 602-604 can also be provided with different text features, such as "CODE B", "CODE C" and "CODE D", to be associated with connection modules 502-504 respectively.

[0405] It should be understood that the second identification features of the multiple key components 601-604 can be in any form that can visually correspond one-to-one with the first identification features of the multiple connection modules 501-504. This correspondence can be predefined by the manufacturer or the user. It should also be understood that the first identification features of the multiple connection modules 501-504 and the second identification features of the multiple key components 601-604 can be different types of identification features, for example, text corresponding to color, symbols corresponding to graphics, etc.

[0406] In some examples, it is not necessary to deliberately manufacture the connection modules 501-504 with special identifying features. Instead, the module type of the connection modules 501-504, which is easily recognizable to the user, can be directly associated with the first identifying features of multiple connection modules 501-504 in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the user can easily identify the module type of the connection modules 501-504 by the structural features of the connection modules 501-504 located at the mating surface (e.g., the shape and arrangement of the mating ends of the conductive terminals, structural features such as guide structures that are recessed into or protrude from the mating surface, and the size of the conductive terminals indicated at the mating surface).

[0407] In some embodiments, for each connection module 501-504, the first identification feature is provided on the module housing of the connection module (e.g., Figure 10B The first structural feature is located at the module housing 510 shown. For each key member 601-604, the second identifying feature is a second structural feature. This second structural feature is configured to define a portion of the periphery of the entrance to the corresponding chamber. That is, the second structural feature can partially define the shape of the entrance to the corresponding chamber. The second structural feature of each key member 601-604 can be complementary in shape to the first structural feature of the corresponding connecting module to allow only the corresponding connecting module to enter the chamber through the entrance of the corresponding chamber.

[0408] Taking the first connecting module 501, the first key component 601, and the first chamber 111 as examples, such as Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10EAs shown, the first structural feature of the first connecting module 501 can be in the form of a protrusion 501a protruding outward from the module housing 510. The protrusion 501a can be a rib extending in the lateral direction XX. Similar to the first connecting module 501, the second connecting module 502, the third connecting module 503, and the fourth connecting module 504 can respectively include protrusions 502a, 503a, and 504a protruding outward from the module housing. The difference between the protrusions 501a-504a lies in their different positions on the corresponding module housings.

[0409] like Figure 8B and Figure 8D As shown, a second structural feature of the first key member 601 may be a groove 620 recessed into the first key member 601. The groove 620 may extend through the first key member 601 in the lateral direction XX. When the first key member 601 is disposed at the first inlet 111a of the first chamber 111, the first key member 601 defines a portion of the periphery of the inlet of the corresponding chamber. The groove 620 communicates with the first inlet 111a. The groove 620 of the first key member 601 may be complementary in shape to the protrusion 501a of the first connecting module 501, so that when the user inserts the first connecting module 501 into the first chamber 111, the protrusion 501a of the first connecting module 501 can smoothly pass through the groove 620, thereby allowing the first connecting module 501 to be assembled into the first chamber 111 through the first inlet 111a of the first chamber 111. The groove 620 of the first key member 601 is not complementary in shape to the protrusion 502a of the second connecting module 502, the protrusion 503a of the third connecting module 503, and the protrusion 504a of the fourth connecting module 504. This means that when the user attempts to insert the connecting modules 502-504 into the first chamber 111, the protrusions 502a-504a of the connecting modules 502-504 will be blocked by the first key member 601, thus preventing the connecting modules 502-504 from entering the first chamber 111 through the first inlet 111a.

[0410] It should be understood that, although the difference between protrusions 501a-504a described herein is that they are located at different positions on the corresponding module housings, this application is not limited thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the difference between protrusions 501a-504a may be a difference in size (shape) and / or number.

[0411] It should also be understood that the specific forms of the first and second structural features are not limited thereto. For example, the first structural feature of the connecting modules 501-504 may take the form of a protrusion projecting outward from the module housing, a groove recessed into the module housing, or a combination thereof. Correspondingly, the second structural feature of the key members 601-604 may also take the form of a protrusion projecting outward from the key members 601-604, a groove recessed into the key members 601-604, or a combination thereof.

[0412] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of key members 601-604 may be detachably disposed at the entrance of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers 111-114. This configuration allows for adjustment of the key members disposed at the chamber entrances when the connection module configuration of the first electrical connector 10 is changed. Taking the first key member 601 and the first chamber 111 as an example, as... Figure 7D and Figure 7F As shown, the first housing 100 may include a notch 160 recessed into the first housing 100 at the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111, and a first retaining portion 161 and a second retaining portion 162 that cross the notch 160 and are opposite to each other. Figure 8B and Figure 8D As shown, the first key member 601 can be disposed in the notch 160 at the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111, and held therebetween by the first retaining portion 161 and the second retaining portion 162. This configuration of the first key member 601 and the first chamber 111 does not change or significantly change the dimensions of the first housing 100 in the lateral direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ. That is, the first key member 601 can be detachably disposed at the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111 without changing or significantly changing the dimensions of the first housing 100.

[0413] like Figure 7D , Figure 7F and Figure 7H As shown, the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111 is recessed into the first housing 100 along the transverse direction XX. The first retaining portion 161 and the second retaining portion 162 may be opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY, and may each include a slot 163 extending along the transverse direction XX and a latch 164 disposed at the slot 163.

[0414] like Figure 14A and Figure 14BAs shown, the first key member 601 may include an elongated body 630. A groove 620 may be recessed into the body 630 in the vertical direction ZZ and extend through the body 630 in the transverse direction XX. The first key member 601 may also include a first insertion portion 631 and a second insertion portion 632 protruding from opposite ends of the body 630 in the longitudinal direction YY. The first insertion portion 631 and the second insertion portion 632 may each have a protrusion 633 protruding in the vertical direction ZZ. The first insertion portion 631 and the second insertion portion 632 of the first key member 601 may be inserted into slots 163 of the first retaining portion 161 and the second retaining portion 162 at the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111, such that the protrusions 633 of the first insertion portion 631 and the second insertion portion 632 respectively engage with the latches 164 of the first retaining portion 161 and the second retaining portion 162. In this way, the first key component 601 can be detachably held in the notch 160.

[0415] The configuration of key members 602-604 can be similar to that of the first key member 601, and the configuration of the first housing 100 at the inlets 112a-114a of the chambers 112-114 can be similar to its configuration at the inlet 111a of the first chamber 111, so that key members 602-604 can be detachably disposed at the inlets of the corresponding chambers.

[0416] The first housing 100 can detachably hold the first connection module 501 within the first chamber 111. In other words, the first connection module 501 can be detachably assembled within the first chamber 111. In some embodiments, such as Figure 7D and Figure 7F As shown, the first housing 100 may include a flange structure 170. This flange structure 170 projects into the first chamber 111 to engage with the module housing 510 of the first connecting module 501 when the first connecting module 501 is assembled into the first chamber 111, thereby restricting further movement of the first connecting module 501 toward the mating surface 101 of the first housing 100. Optionally or additionally, the first housing 100 includes snap-fit ​​structures 171 and 172. Snap-fit ​​structures 171 and 172 may each project into the first chamber 111 to engage with the module housing 510 of the first connecting module 501 when the first connecting module 501 is assembled into the first chamber 111, thereby restricting reciprocating movement of the first connecting module 501 toward the inlet 111a. It should be understood that the first housing 100 may have any other suitable structure to detachably retain the first connecting module 501 within the first chamber 111. Furthermore, it should be understood that the first housing 100 can detachably hold the second connection module 502, the third connection module 503, and the fourth connection module 504 in their respective chambers in a similar manner.

[0417] Although the above description pertains to the configuration of assembling the connection modules 501-504 of the first electrical connector 10 into the first housing 100, it should be understood that this configuration can also be applied to the second electrical connector 20. As an example, the connection modules 51-52 of the second electrical connector 20 can be detachably held in the second housing 21 in a manner similar to that of the first electrical connector 10. Details of these repeated portions will not be elaborated further here.

[0418] As another example, Figure 21A An optional configuration of the second electrical connector 20 is shown. Figure 21A This type is designated as "2120". The difference between the second electrical connector 2120 and the aforementioned second electrical connector 20 is that the second electrical connector 2120 may include key structures 81, 82, 83, and 84, which are similar in configuration and function to the aforementioned key structures 601-604. Key structures 81-84 are used to ensure that the connection modules 51-54 are correctly installed into the corresponding chambers of the second housing 21.

[0419] It should be understood that this application also proposes a method for assembling an electrical connector having multiple connection modules. The method may include: providing the aforementioned key structure and disposing the key structure at the entrance of a cavity in the housing of the electrical connector for receiving connection modules; when installing a connection module into a cavity of the housing, comparing a first identification feature of the connection module with a second identification feature of the key member to determine which cavity each connection module will be installed into; and installing the connection module into the corresponding cavity.

[0420] Although the foregoing description describes lever member 300 being pivotally mounted to housing 400, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, lever member 300 may be pivotally mounted to first housing 100. In some examples, first electrical connector 10 may not have housing 400, or housing 400 may be integrally formed with first housing 100 as a single housing.

[0421] Although the foregoing description describes a lever member 300 coupled to a slider 200, and a pivoting operation driving the slider 200 to slide, thereby causing the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21 to slide in the cam groove 210 of the slider 200, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the lever member 300 may be provided with a cam groove to receive the cam pin 25 of the second housing 21, and drive the cam pin 25 to slide in the cam groove when the lever member 300 pivots, thereby driving the second electrical connector 20 to move along the mating direction. In this case, the first electrical connector 10 may not have a slider 200.

[0422] Although the foregoing describes that the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 each have multiple connection modules, it should be understood that the aspects of this application are not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20 may each include a single connection module.

[0423] The inventors also recognize and are aware of another connection module that can be used with the aforementioned electrical connectors. This connection module can accommodate multiple types of conductive terminals, thereby integrating multiple types of mating ports at the same mating interface. As will be described in detail below, the type and arrangement of the conductive terminals in this connection module can be customized according to user requirements.

[0424] Figures 22A to 27 An exemplary type of connection module 509 is shown. Connection module 509 can be used in the first electrical connector 10. The function of connection module 509 is similar to that of connection modules 501-508 described above, that is, for (e.g., detachably disposed) in the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 (e.g., a corresponding one of chambers 111-114), and for establishing an electrical connection with the mating connection module of the second electrical connector 20.

[0425] Similar to connection module 501, such as Figures 22A to 22E As shown, the connection module 509 may include a module housing 800. The external shape of the module housing 800 is similar to that of the module housing 510 of the connection module 501, and can be assembled and disposed in the first housing 100 of the first electrical connector 10 in a similar manner (e.g., by means of identification features and / or in a detachable manner). For the sake of brevity, details of these similar parts will not be described further.

[0426] Unlike connection module 501, such as Figures 22A to 22E As shown, the conductive terminals (which may also be referred to as "terminals," "conductive elements," or "electrical conductors") of the connection module 509 are directly disposed within the module housing 800 and held by the module housing 800. The terminals are made of a conductive material. The module housing 800 is made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the module housing 800 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP).

[0427] like Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the module housing 800 includes a mating surface 800a and a back surface 800b that are opposite to each other in the mating direction (here, the lateral direction XX), and a plurality of terminal channels 801-804. Each of the plurality of terminal channels 801-804 extends from the back surface 800b through the module housing 800 to the mating surface 800a along the mating direction. Each terminal channel 801-804 has a first opening at the mating surface 800a and a second opening at the back surface 800b.

[0428] like Figures 22A to 24H As shown, the connection module 509 can be divided into an upper half and a lower half in the vertical direction ZZ. The connection module 509 can have the same or mirror images of the housing and terminal configurations in the upper half and the lower half. The specific configuration of the connection module 509 will be described below with reference to the housing and terminal configuration in the upper half.

[0429] like Figures 22C to 24H As shown, the connection module 509 may include various types of terminals 810-840 in its upper part. For example... Figure 22E As best illustrated, the various types of terminals 810-840 may include a first terminal 810, a second terminal 820, a third terminal 830, and a fourth terminal 840. As will be described in detail below, each terminal 810-840 has a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end. The mating end of each terminal 810-840 may be at least partially disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of one of the plurality of terminal channels 801-804, such that the terminal is held by the module housing 800. That is, the various types of terminals 810-840 of the connection module 509 are all directly held by the same insulated module housing. This configuration reduces the number of components in the connection module 509, thereby increasing the integration of the connection module 509.

[0430] like Figure 22C As shown, each third terminal 830 includes a mating end 831, a tail end 832 opposite to the mating end 831, and an intermediate portion 833 connecting the mating end 831 and the tail end 832. The mating end 831 is configured to mate with the mating end of the mating connection module of the second electrical connector 20. The mating end 831 provides a port for establishing an electrical connection at the mating surface 800a. The tail end 832 can be configured as a crimp portion for attaching cables ( Figure 22C (Cable 809 in the middle). The middle portion 833 extends between the mating end 831 and the tail end 832. The configuration of each of the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820 and the fourth terminal 840 is similar to that of the third terminal 830. For the sake of simplicity, the details of these similar parts will not be described again.

[0431] The mating ends of the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820, the third terminal 830, and the fourth terminal 840 may have different dimensions to provide connection ports of different sizes at the mating surface 800a. In some embodiments, the size of the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840 may be larger than the size of the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830, the size of the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830 may be larger than the size of the mating end 821 of the second terminal 820, and the size of the mating end 821 of the second terminal 820 may be larger than the size of the mating end 811 of the first terminal 810. Figure 22C As shown, the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830 has a third width WD3 in the longitudinal direction YY perpendicular to the mating direction. Specifically, the mating end 831 can be configured as a socket, and the third width WD3 of the mating end 831 in the longitudinal direction YY is the internal width of the socket in the longitudinal direction YY. Accordingly, please go to Figure 22E The mating end 811 of the first terminal 810 has a first width WD1 in the longitudinal direction YY, the mating end 821 of the second terminal 820 has a second width WD2 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840 has a fourth width WD4 in the longitudinal direction YY. The fourth width WD4 may be greater than the third width WD3, the third width WD3 may be greater than the second width WD2, and the second width WD2 may be greater than the first width WD1. That is, the widths of the mating ends 811-841 of terminals 810-840 are different from each other. It should be understood that although the width of the mating end of the terminal is described herein as the internal width of the socket, this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the width of the mating end of the terminal may be the external width of the socket.

[0432] This configuration allows terminals of different sizes and for different applications to be integrated into the same connection module 509, enabling the connection module 509 to provide multiple types of connection ports at the same mating interface. The connection module 509 achieves highly integrated electrical connections for different applications.

[0433] like Figures 24A to 26 As shown, the module housing 800 may include a first terminal channel 801, a second terminal channel 802, a third terminal channel 803, and a fourth terminal channel 804, each configured to accommodate at least a portion of mating ends 811-841 of terminals 810-840. Figures 24A to 24H As shown, the mating ends 811-841 of terminals 810-840 are integrally disposed in the corresponding terminal channels. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the mating ends of terminals 810-840 may partially extend from the mating surface 800a.

[0434] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22E As shown, various types of terminals 810-840 can be arranged in multiple groups spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction YY. That is, multiple groups are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction YY. In this row, the multiple groups are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction YY. Each group has a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart in a vertical direction ZZ perpendicular to the mating direction (here, the transverse direction XX) and the longitudinal direction YY. In other words, for a pair of terminals in the same group, their mating ends are aligned and spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ. Since the mating ends of a pair of terminals in the same group have the same size and are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ, the width of the space occupied by the mating ends of all terminals (i.e., single or pair) in each group in the longitudinal direction can be equal to the size of the mating end of each terminal in the group in the longitudinal direction.

[0435] The plurality of groups may include at least one first group, at least one second group, at least one third group, and at least one fourth group. In some embodiments, such as Figure 22E and Figures 23 to 24H As shown, each first group has a pair of first terminals 810, and the mating ends 811 of the pair of first terminals 810 are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Each second group has a pair of second terminals 820, and the mating ends 821 of the pair of second terminals 820 are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Each third group has a pair of third terminals 830, and the mating ends 831 of the pair of third terminals 830 are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Each fourth group has a single fourth terminal 840.

[0436] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23As best shown, the mating end 811 of a first terminal 810 in each first group, the mating end 821 of a second terminal 820 in each second group, and the mating end 831 of a third terminal 830 in each third group can be aligned along a first straight line L1 (e.g., their centers are aligned along the first straight line L1). This first straight line L1 can be parallel to the longitudinal direction YY. The mating end 811 of another first terminal 810 in each first group, the mating end 821 of another second terminal 820 in each second group, and the mating end 831 of another third terminal 830 in each third group can be aligned along a second straight line L2 parallel to the first straight line L1 (e.g., their centers are aligned along the second straight line L2). The second straight line L2 can also be parallel to the longitudinal direction YY. The mating end 840 of a (single) fourth terminal 840 in each fourth group can be positioned in the vertical direction ZZ between the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2. The mating ends 840 of the fourth terminal 840 can all be located between the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2.

[0437] In some embodiments, the module housing 800 may include a stop structure extending into each terminal channel, the stop structure engaging with a mating end of a terminal disposed in the terminal channel to restrict movement of the mating end along the mating direction, thereby reliably retaining the mating end in the terminal channel.

[0438] Specifically, the mating end of each terminal 810-840 can be configured to be inserted into the corresponding terminal channel from the rear side 800b of the module housing 800 (i.e., through the second opening of the corresponding terminal channel). The mating end of each terminal 810-840 may include a first stop. The stop structure of the module housing 800 may include a plurality of resilient arms (or beams). Each resilient arm may have a second stop and protrude into one of the plurality of terminal channels 801-804 into a corresponding terminal channel such that the second stop engages with the first stop of the mating end of the corresponding terminal, thereby restricting the mating end from being retracted toward the rear side 800b of the module housing 800 along the mating direction. As will be specifically described below, the second stop may be in the form of a barb protruding ZZ from the resilient arm in the vertical direction. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the second stop may be configured in any suitable form, for example, configured to have a protrusion of any suitable shape.

[0439] Taking the third terminal 830 as an example, such as Figure 22CAs shown, the mating end 831 of each third terminal 830 may include a first stop 831a protruding ZZ from its body in a vertical direction. The first stop 831a may be in the form of a barb. Although the first stop 831a is described herein as being in the form of a barb, it should be understood that the application is not limited thereto, and the first stop 831a may be configured in any suitable form, for example, configured as a protrusion having any suitable shape. In other embodiments, the first stop 831a may be in the form of a recess ZZ recessed into the body of the mating end 831 in a vertical direction.

[0440] Similar to the third terminal 830, the mating end of each of the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820, and the fourth terminal 840 may have a first stop portion 811a. Figure 24B ), 821a ( Figure 24D ) and 841a ( Figure 24H Furthermore, the configuration of the first stop portions 811a, 821a, and 841a is similar to the configuration of the first stop portion 831a of the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar portions will not be elaborated further.

[0441] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24A and Figure 24B As shown, the multiple elastic arms of the module housing 800 may include a pair of first elastic arms 851 disposed in the vertical direction ZZ between the mating ends 811 of a pair of first terminals 810 in the first group. Each first elastic arm 851 may have a second stop 851a. The second stop 851a may be in the form of a barb protruding from the first elastic arm 851 in the vertical direction ZZ. The pair of first elastic arms 851 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ and protrude toward the mating ends 811 of the corresponding first terminals 810 into the corresponding terminal channels 801, such that the second stop 851a engages with the first stop 811a (shown here as a recess) of the mating ends 811 of the corresponding first terminals 810, thereby restricting the mating ends 811 from being retracted toward the back surface 800b of the module housing 800 along the mating direction.

[0442] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24C and Figure 24DAs shown, the multiple elastic arms of the module housing 800 may include a pair of second elastic arms 852 disposed in the vertical direction ZZ between the mating ends 821 of a pair of second terminals 820 in the second group. Each second elastic arm 852 may have a second stop 852a. The second stop 852a may be in the form of a barb protruding from the second elastic arm 852 in the vertical direction ZZ. The pair of second elastic arms 852 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ and protrude toward the mating ends 821 of the corresponding second terminals 820 into the corresponding terminal channels 802, such that the second stop 852a engages with the first stop 821a (shown here as a recess) of the mating ends 821 of the corresponding second terminals 820, thereby restricting the mating ends 821 from being retracted toward the back surface 800b of the module housing 800 along the mating direction.

[0443] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24E and Figure 24F As shown, the multiple elastic arms of the module housing 800 may include a pair of third elastic arms 853 disposed in the vertical direction ZZ between the mating ends 831 of a pair of third terminals 830 in the third group. Each third elastic arm 853 may have a second stop 853a. The second stop 853a may be in the form of a barb protruding from the third elastic arm 853 in the vertical direction ZZ. The pair of third elastic arms 853 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ and protrude toward the mating ends 831 of the corresponding third terminals 830 into the corresponding terminal channels 803, such that the second stop 853a engages with the first stop 831a (shown here as a barb) of the mating ends 831 of the corresponding third terminals 830, thereby restricting the mating ends 831 from being retracted toward the back surface 800b of the module housing 800 along the mating direction.

[0444] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24G and Figure 24HAs shown, the multiple elastic arms of the module housing 800 may include a pair of fourth elastic arms 854 disposed on both sides of the mating end 841 of a (single) fourth terminal 840 in the fourth group in the vertical direction ZZ. That is, the pair of fourth elastic arms 854 are separated by the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840 in the vertical direction ZZ. The mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840 may be provided with a first stop 841a on each side. Each fourth elastic arm 854 may have a second stop 854a. The second stop 854a may be in the form of a barb protruding from the fourth elastic arm 854 along the vertical direction ZZ. The pair of fourth elastic arms 854 protrude into the terminal channel 804 toward the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840, such that a pair of second stops 854a respectively engage with a pair of first stops 841a (shown here as recesses) of the mating end 841 of the (single) fourth terminal 840, thereby restricting the mating end 841 from being retracted toward the back surface 800b of the module housing 800 along the mating direction.

[0445] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22C and Figure 22D The connection module 509 may include a TPA (terminal position holding) device 860, which is mounted to the module housing 800 to help hold the terminals 810-840 in the module housing 800.

[0446] like Figure 27 As shown, the TPA device 860 may include a body 860a and a plurality of openings 860b extending through the body 860a along the mating direction. The TPA device 860 may be mounted onto the module housing 800 such that the body 860a is placed on the mating surface 800a, and each of the plurality of openings 860b is aligned in the mating direction with the first opening of a corresponding terminal channel (i.e., the opening of the terminal channel at the mating surface 800a) of one of the plurality of terminal channels 801-804. With this configuration, the TPA device 860 can provide protection for the first openings of the terminal channels 801-804 of the module housing 800 when the connection module 509 is mated with the mating connection module.

[0447] Please continue reading Figure 27 The TPA device 860 may further include a plurality of insertion arms (or beams) 861-864 extending from the body 860a along the mating direction. As will be described in detail below, each insertion arm 861-864 may contact a corresponding one or a corresponding pair of resilient arms of the module housing 800 to limit the resilient arm or the pair of resilient arms from being deflected away from the mating end of the corresponding terminal. With this configuration, the TPA device 860 is able to reliably hold the terminals 810-840 in the corresponding terminal channels of the module housing 800.

[0448] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24A and Figure 24B As shown, the module housing 800 may include a first receiving channel 871 extending from the mating surface 800a between a pair of first resilient arms 851. The first receiving channel 871 may extend to a position located between the pair of first resilient arms 851 in the vertical direction ZZ. When the TPA device 860 is mounted to the module housing 800, the first insertion arm 861 of the TPA device 860 (a single one in this embodiment) is inserted into the first receiving channel 871 of the module housing 800 and contacts the pair of first resilient arms 851 to limit the deflection of the pair of first resilient arms 851 away from the mating end 811 of the corresponding first terminal 810. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second stop portion 851a of each first resilient arm 851 from disengaging from the first stop portion 811a of the mating end 811 of the corresponding first terminal 810.

[0449] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24C and Figure 24D As shown, the module housing 800 may include a second receiving channel 872 extending from the mating surface 800a between a pair of second resilient arms 852. The second receiving channel 872 may extend to a position located between the pair of second resilient arms 852 in the vertical direction ZZ. When the TPA device 860 is mounted to the module housing 800, the second insertion arm 862 (a single arm in this embodiment) of the TPA device 860 is inserted into the second receiving channel 872 of the module housing 800 and contacts the pair of second resilient arms 852 to limit the deflection of the pair of second resilient arms 852 away from the mating end 821 of the corresponding second terminal 820. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second stop portion 852a of each second resilient arm 852 from disengaging from the first stop portion 821a of the mating end 821 of the corresponding second terminal 820.

[0450] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24E and Figure 24FAs shown, the module housing 800 may include a third receiving channel 873 extending from the mating surface 800a between a pair of third resilient arms 853. The third receiving channel 873 may extend to a position located between the pair of third resilient arms 853 in the vertical direction ZZ. When the TPA device 860 is mounted to the module housing 800, the third insertion arm 863 of the TPA device 860 (a single one in this embodiment) is inserted into the third receiving channel 873 of the module housing 800 and contacts the pair of third resilient arms 853 to limit the deflection of the pair of third resilient arms 853 away from the mating end 831 of the corresponding third terminal 830. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second stop portion 853a of each third resilient arm 853 from disengaging from the first stop portion 831a of the mating end 831 of the corresponding third terminal 830.

[0451] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24G and Figure 24H As shown, the module housing 800 may include a pair of fourth receiving channels 874, each of which extends from the mating surface 800a to the side of one of the pair of fourth resilient arms 854 opposite to the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840. Each of the pair of fourth insertion arms 864 of the TPA device 860 is inserted into one of the corresponding fourth receiving channels 874 and contacts the corresponding fourth resilient arm 854 to limit the deflection of the corresponding fourth resilient arm 854 away from the mating end 841 of the fourth terminal 840. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second stop portion 854a of each fourth resilient arm 854 from disengaging from the first stop portion 841a of the mating end 841 of the corresponding fourth terminal 840.

[0452] In some embodiments, such as Figure 27 As shown, the TPA device 860 may include a snap fastener 865 extending from the body 860a and configured to attach the TPA device 860 to the module housing 800. For example, the snap fastener 865 may be attached to a mating protrusion 800d of the module housing 800. Figure 25 It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and the TPA device 860 can be mounted to the module housing 800 by any suitable means or means.

[0453] In some embodiments, the module housing 800 may include a third stop extending into the terminal channel from the first opening of each terminal channel 801-804 (i.e., the opening of the terminal channel at the mating surface 800a). This allows the first opening of each terminal channel to be narrower than the channel body. The third stop engages with the end portion of the mating end of a terminal disposed in the terminal channel to restrict the mating end from moving out of the first opening along the mating direction. With this configuration, the mating ends of terminals 810-840 can be reliably held in the corresponding terminal channels of the module housing 800.

[0454] Taking the second terminal 820 as an example, such as Figure 24D As shown, the module housing 800 may include a third stop 882 extending into the terminal channel 802 from a first opening in the terminal channel 802. The third stop 882 engages with the end portion of the mating end 821 of the second terminal 820 disposed in the terminal channel 802 to restrict the mating end 821 from being moved out of the first opening along the mating direction. Similar to the second terminal 820, the mating ends of each of the first terminal 810, the third terminal 830, and the fourth terminal 840 can mate with the module housing 800 in a similar manner. For simplicity, details of these similar portions are not described further.

[0455] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the module housing 800 may include an extension 800c extending from the rear surface 800b along the mating direction (here, the lateral direction XX). Figure 22B As shown, each of terminals 810-840 can be fully (i.e., including the mating end, the middle part, and the tail end) disposed in the corresponding terminal channel, and the cable 809 can extend from the back 800b of the module housing 800. The extension 800c can partially surround these cables 809 to prevent damage to the crimped portions of terminals 810-840 and cables 809 due to undesirable bending of the cables 809.

[0456] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22C As shown, the module housing 800 may include a slot 880 recessed into the module housing 800 from the mating surface 800a along the mating direction (here, the transverse direction XX) and extending along the longitudinal direction YY. The slot 880 is configured to receive a protrusion (e.g., protrusion 970, which will be described below) of the mating connection module when the connection module 509 mates with the mating connection module. The TPA device 860 may have an opening 866 corresponding to the slot 880.

[0457] In some embodiments, the first terminal 810 can be a signal terminal, the second terminal 820 can be a signal terminal or a power terminal, and the third terminal 830 and the fourth terminal 840 can be power terminals. Therefore, the connection module 509 can be a hybrid connection module. It should be understood that the types of terminals 810-840 are not limited to this, but can be selected according to user needs. For example, the first terminal 810 can be a power terminal, the third terminal 830 can be a signal terminal, and the fourth terminal 840 can be a signal terminal. In other embodiments, the connection module 509 can be a signal connection module or a power connection module.

[0458] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 As shown, when viewed from the mating direction, the housing portion of the module housing 800 with terminals 810-840 (here, the upper half of the module housing 800) can be divided into multiple sub-parts S1-S4. The multiple sub-parts S1-S4 are schematically marked with dashed lines. The multiple sub-parts S1-S4 are continuous in the longitudinal direction YY. It should be understood that the multiple sub-parts S1-S4 are imaginary portions divided from the module housing 800. Therefore, the multiple sub-parts S1-S4 are integral. Each of the multiple sub-parts S1-S4 forms a terminal channel for setting the mating end of a corresponding group of terminals in the plurality of groups described above. That is, each sub-part defines a terminal channel therein for terminals in a corresponding group.

[0459] like Figure 23 As shown, the first sub-part S1 of the module housing 800 forms a terminal channel 801 for accommodating mating ends 811 of a first terminal 810 (a pair of first terminals 810 in this embodiment) in a first group of a plurality of groups. The second sub-part S2 of the module housing 800 forms a terminal channel 802 for accommodating mating ends 821 of a second terminal 820 (a pair of second terminals 820 in this embodiment) in a second group of a plurality of groups. The third sub-part S3 of the module housing 800 forms a terminal channel 803 for accommodating mating ends 831 of a third terminal 830 (a pair of third terminals 830 in this embodiment) in a third group of a plurality of groups. The fourth sub-part S4 of the module housing 800 forms a terminal channel 804 for accommodating mating ends 841 of a fourth terminal 840 (a single fourth terminal 840 in this embodiment) in a fourth group of a plurality of groups.

[0460] Please continue reading Figure 23Each first sub-part S1 has a minimum width of W1 in the longitudinal direction YY. The minimum width of the first sub-part S1 refers to the minimum width required in the longitudinal direction YY when forming (e.g., molding) the module housing 800 to form a terminal channel 801 for mating ends 811 of the first terminals 810 in the first group. For example, this width could be the minimum width required to ensure the structural strength of the module housing 800. Similarly, the second sub-part S2 has a minimum width of W2 in the longitudinal direction YY, the third sub-part S3 has a minimum width of W3 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the fourth sub-part S4 has a minimum width of W4 in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0461] The quantities of the first, second, third, and fourth groups can satisfy the following relationship:

[0462] A*W1+B*W2+C*W3+D*W4≤W Max [Formula 1]

[0463] Where A is the quantity in the first group, B is the quantity in the second group, C is the quantity in the third group, D is the quantity in the fourth group, and W... Max The maximum width of the housing portion of the module housing 800 in the longitudinal direction YY, which allows for the provision of terminal channels. In this embodiment, A, B, C, and D are all positive integers.

[0464] As will be described below in conjunction with the method of manufacturing the connection module 509, this configuration of the connection module 509 allows the user to customize the number of multiple groups (i.e., the first group, the second group, the third group, and the fourth group) and their arrangement along the longitudinal direction YY as needed.

[0465] In some embodiments, W Max The width can be 22.86 mm. In one of these embodiments, as previously described, the mating ends of terminals 810-840 are in the form of sockets. The width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each first terminal 810 can be 0.5 mm, the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each second terminal 820 can be 0.63 mm, the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each third terminal 830 can be 1.2 mm, and the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each fourth terminal 840 can be 2.8 mm. The internal width of the socket-shaped mating ends of terminals 810-840 can be slightly larger than the width of the mating ends of the pin terminals mating with them. Furthermore, W1 can be 2 mm, W2 can be 2.54 mm, W3 can be 3 mm, and W4 can be 5.5 mm.

[0466] For example, such as Figure 23As shown, the upper part of the connection module 509 may include three first groups, two second groups, two third groups, and one fourth group. The width of the housing portion occupied by these groups in the longitudinal direction YY is:

[0467] 3*2 + 2*2.54 + 2*3 + 1*5.5 = 22.58 mm, which is less than W. Max It should be understood that the number and order of multiple groups are not limited to... Figure 23 The quantity and order shown can be customized according to the user's actual needs, as long as the width of the shell occupied by multiple groups in the longitudinal direction YY does not exceed W. Max This will be described in detail below in conjunction with the methods used to manufacture the module housing 800.

[0468] Although the foregoing description states that each first group has a pair of first terminals 810, each second group has a pair of second terminals 820, each third group has a pair of third terminals 830, and each fourth group has a single fourth terminal 840, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, each first group may also have a single first terminal 810, each second group may also have a single second terminal 820, each third group may also have a single third terminal 830, and / or each fourth group may also have a pair of fourth terminals 840.

[0469] Although the foregoing description indicates that the upper portion of the connection module 509 includes four types of terminals, namely, the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820, the third terminal 830, and the fourth terminal 840, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the connection module 509 may include only one, two, or three of the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820, the third terminal 830, and the fourth terminal 840, and / or may include other types of terminals.

[0470] The housing and terminal configuration of the upper part of the connection module 509 has been described above with specific examples. It should be understood that the connection module 509 may have the same, mirrored, or similar housing and terminal configuration in the lower part. For the sake of brevity, details of these similar parts will not be repeated.

[0471] The connection module 509 can be manufactured by any suitable method. A method for manufacturing the connection module 509 may include the following steps: (i) providing the aforementioned various types of terminals 810-840 and terminating these terminals 810-840 with corresponding cables 809; (ii) providing the aforementioned module housing 800; (iii) providing the aforementioned TPA device 860; (iv) according to the aforementioned assembly relationship, first assembling the terminals 810-840 terminated with corresponding cables 809 into the corresponding terminal channels 801-804 of the module housing 800, and then installing the TPA device 860 into the module housing 800 to reliably retain the terminals 810-840 within the module housing 800.

[0472] Terminals 810-840 can be manufactured using any suitable technique such as stamping. Furthermore, module housing 800 and TPA device 860 can be manufactured using any suitable technique such as injection molding.

[0473] The inventors have recognized and are aware of methods and tool kits suitable for manufacturing module housing 800. These methods and tool kits enable the manufacture of module housings for different terminal configurations using the same tool kit, thereby significantly reducing the labor associated with mold development. These methods and tool kits also allow for the flexible customization of module housings according to user needs using the same tool kit. Furthermore, these methods enable the reuse of tool kits. In this way, the development and manufacturing costs of the connection module 509 can be reduced.

[0474] The housing material (i.e., the insulating material described above) can be flowed into a mold having or including such a tool kit by means of (e.g., injection molding technology) to form the module housing 800 of the connecting module 509. As described above, the connecting module 509 may have identical or mirror-image housing and terminal configurations in both the upper and lower halves. The following will combine... Figures 30A to 35 The method for manufacturing the upper half of the module housing 800 and the corresponding components of the tool kit 1000 are described in detail. It should be understood that the lower half of the module housing 800 can be formed simultaneously in the same process (e.g., the same injection molding step) using the same or similar components of the tool kit.

[0475] The tool kit 1000 may form part of a mold for forming the module housing 800, and / or may be disposed within the mold. The components of the tool kit 1000 may be assembled together to define at least a portion of a chamber for forming the module housing 800. The shape of the chamber corresponds to the shape of the aforementioned module housing 800, thereby enabling the module housing 800 to be formed by flowing housing material into the chamber.

[0476] like Figures 31A to 34DAs shown, the tool kit 1000 may include multiple types of tool pins 1010-1040. These tool pins may also be referred to as "tool pin components" or "mold pins." The multiple types of tool pins 1010-1040 are configured to at least form terminal channels 801-804 of the module housing 800. Each type of tool pin corresponds to one type of terminal 810-840 to be disposed in the module housing 800. As described above, in some embodiments, the multiple types of terminals 810-840 may include a first terminal 810, a second terminal 820, a third terminal 830, and a fourth terminal 840. Accordingly, the multiple types of tool pins 1010-1040 may include a first tool pin 1010, a second tool pin 1020, a third tool pin 1030, and a fourth tool pin 1040 corresponding to the first terminal 810, the second terminal 820, the third terminal 830, and the fourth terminal 840, respectively.

[0477] A method for manufacturing the upper portion of the module housing 800 may include (i) providing various types of tool pins 1010-1040; (ii) positioning terminals to be disposed in the module housing 800 according to various types of terminals 810-840 (e.g., Figure 22E and Figure 23 (iii) Arranging various types of tool pins 1010-1040 at the terminal positions shown; and (iii) allowing housing material to flow around the arranged tool pins 1010-1040 to form a module housing 800.

[0478] Multiple types of tool pins 1010-1040 can be arranged according to the terminal positions to be set in the module housing 800, i.e., according to user requirements, based on various types of terminals 810-840. This allows module housings for different terminal configurations to be manufactured using the same tool kit, thereby significantly reducing the labor associated with mold development. This method and tool kit enable flexible customization of module housings according to user needs using the same tool kit. This method allows for the reuse of the tool kit. In this way, the development and manufacturing costs of the connection module 509 can be reduced.

[0479] Various types of tool needles 1010-1040 can be arranged and held in the mold in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, during manufacturing, molten housing material can be injected into the mold to flow around the various types of tool needles 1010-1040. The solidified housing material can then be removed from the mold to obtain the module housing 800.

[0480] In some embodiments, such as Figures 30C to 33As shown, the first tool needle 1010, the second tool needle 1020, the third tool needle 1030, and the fourth tool needle 1040 may each include a base 1011, a base 1021, a base 1031, and a base 1041, respectively. Bases 1011-1041 may each have a substantially plate-like or leaf-like shape. Bases 1011-1041 may have substantially the same base length in the transverse direction XX (i.e., the mating direction) and substantially the same base thickness in the vertical direction ZZ. As will be described below, bases 1011-1041 may have different base widths in the longitudinal direction YY. It should be understood that the terms mating direction, transverse direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ are used herein for ease of description, but the manufacturing method and tool kit 1000 according to this application are not limited to these directions.

[0481] like Figures 30C to 33 As shown, the tool kit 1000 may also include a first organizer 1001. The first organizer 1001 is used to carry and retain tool needles 1010-1040. The first organizer 1001 includes a slot (or chamber) 1001a extending along the longitudinal direction YY. The bases 1011-1041 of various types of tool needles 1010-1040 can be configured to be stacked in the slot 1001a along the longitudinal direction YY. "Stacking" means that the bases are placed close to each other in such a way that one is on top of the other. The organizer may also be referred to as an "organizing frame" or a "stacking frame".

[0482] Arranging various types of tool pins 1010-1040 according to the terminal positions to be disposed in the module housing 800 may include providing a first organizer 1001 and bases 1011-1041 of the various types of tool pins 1010-1040 stacked in the longitudinal direction YY in a slot 1001a of the first organizer 1001 according to the terminal positions. This configuration can improve the "layout" efficiency of the tool pins 1010-1040, thereby enabling quick adjustment of the mold for forming module housings for different terminal configurations.

[0483] Each tool pin 1010-1040 may also include at least one beam extending from its base in a transverse direction XX (mating direction). The profile of each of the at least one beam is designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel for providing a mating end corresponding to the terminal of the tool pin. Allowing housing material to flow around the various types of tool pins 1010-1040 may include allowing housing material to flow around these beams to form a plurality of terminal channels 801-804 of the module housing 800.

[0484] In some embodiments, as described above and as Figure 22E As shown, terminals 810-840 of various types can be arranged in multiple groups spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction YY. Each group has a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are terminals of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The multiple groups may include at least one first group, at least one second group, at least one third group, and at least one fourth group. Each first group has a pair of first terminals 810, each second group has a pair of second terminals 820, each third group has a pair of third terminals 830, and each fourth group has a single fourth terminal 840.

[0485] Each tool pin 1010-1040 corresponds to one of the plurality of groups, and the number of at least one beam in each tool pin 1010-1040 corresponds to the number of mating ends of the terminals in the corresponding group. Specifically, each first tool pin 1010 may correspond to a first group and includes a pair of first beams 1012. The profile of each first beam 1012 is designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel 801 for setting a mating end 811 corresponding to one of the pair of first terminals 810 in the first group. Each second tool pin 1020 may correspond to a second group and includes a pair of second beams 1022. The profile of each second beam 1022 is designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel 802 for setting a mating end 821 corresponding to one of the pair of second terminals 820 in the second group. Each third tool pin 1030 may correspond to a third group and includes a pair of third beams 1032. The profile of each third beam 1032 is designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel 803 for setting a mating end 831 with a corresponding one of a pair of third terminals 830 in the third group. Each fourth tool pin 1040 may correspond to a fourth group and includes a single fourth beam 1042. The profile of the fourth beam 1042 is designed to conform to the shape of a terminal channel 804 for setting a mating end 841 with a (single) fourth terminal 840 in the fourth group. As housing material flows around these beams 1012-1042 of the tool pins 1010-1040, these beams 1012-1042 enable the formation of a plurality of terminal channels 801-804 in the module housing 800.

[0486] like Figures 33 to 34D As shown, the base 1011 of the first tool needle 1010 has a base width (also referred to as thickness) W in the longitudinal direction YY. T1 The base 1021 of the second tool needle 1020 has a base width W in the longitudinal direction YY. T2 The base 1031 of the third tool needle 1030 has a base width W in the longitudinal direction YY. T3Furthermore, the base 1041 of the fourth tool needle 1040 has a base width W in the longitudinal direction YY. T4 Base width W T1 W T2 W T3 and W T4 They are different from each other and each is fixed. Slot 1001a has a fixed slot width in the longitudinal direction YY. The bases 1011-1041 of the tool pins 1010-1040 stacked in slot 1001a along the longitudinal direction YY according to the terminal positions may include a stack of the tool pins 1010-1040 bases 1011-1041 with a width in the longitudinal direction YY (i.e., the sum of the base widths of all bases 1011-1041) that is less than or equal to the slot width of slot 1001a. This configuration allows the tool pins 1010-1040 to be "layouted" (i.e., provided with the required number of tool pins 1010-1040 and stacked in the required order) in slot 1001a with a fixed width, thereby creating module housings with different terminal channel layouts.

[0487] The slot width of slot 1001a can be equal to the maximum width in the longitudinal direction YY of the housing portion of module housing 800 that allows for the placement of multiple terminal channels 801-804 (as described above). As described above and as... Figure 23 As shown, the housing portion can be divided into multiple sub-parts S1-S4. Each of the multiple sub-parts S1-S4 forms a terminal channel for setting the mating end of the terminal in a corresponding group of the multiple groups described above.

[0488] For each tool pin 1010-1040, the base width of the base is equal to the minimum width of the sub-parts (i.e., S1-S4) of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction YY, wherein the sub-parts are used to form terminal channels for providing mating ends of terminals corresponding to the tool pin. Specifically, the base width W of the base 1011 of the first tool pin 1010 is... T1 The minimum width of the first sub-part S1 of the housing portion is W1. The base width W of the base 1021 of the second tool needle 1020 is... T2 The minimum width of the second sub-part S2 of the housing portion is W2, and the base width W of the base 1031 of the third tool needle 1030 is W. T3 The minimum width of the third sub-part S3 of the housing portion is W3, and the base width of the base 1041 of the fourth tool needle 1040 is W. T4 The minimum width of the fourth sub-part S4 of the shell portion is W4.

[0489] With this configuration, the "layout" of multiple terminal channels 801-804 of the module housing 800 can be easily and quickly achieved by arranging the bases 1011-1041 of the tool pins 1010-1040 in the slots 1001a of the first organizer 1001. This can significantly reduce the labor associated with mold development, thereby reducing the development and manufacturing costs of the connection module 509.

[0490] Providing multiple types of tool needles 1010-1040 may include providing multiple types of tool needles 1010-1040 according to the following relationship:

[0491] A*W T1 +B*W T2 +C*W T3 +D*W T4 ≤W Max [Equation 2]

[0492] Where A represents the number of first tool needles 1010 (corresponding to the first group), B represents the number of second tool needles 1020 (corresponding to the second group), C represents the number of third tool needles 1030 (corresponding to the third group), and D represents the number of fourth tool needles 1040 (corresponding to the fourth group). W Max The slot width of slot 1001a is the maximum width of the housing portion of module housing 800 in the longitudinal direction YY, which allows for the placement of terminal channels. In this embodiment, A, B, C, and D are all positive integers.

[0493] In some embodiments, W Max The width can be 22.86 mm. In one of these embodiments, as described above, the mating ends of terminals 810-840 are in the form of sockets. The width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each first terminal 810 can be 0.5 mm, and the minimum width W1 of the first sub-part S1 can be 2 mm; the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each second terminal 820 can be 0.63 mm, and the minimum width W2 of the second sub-part S2 can be 2.54 mm; the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each third terminal 830 can be 1.2 mm, and the minimum width W3 of the third sub-part S3 can be 3 mm; and the width of the mating end of the pin terminal mating with each fourth terminal 840 can be 2.8 mm, and the minimum width W4 of the fourth sub-part S4 can be 5.5 mm. Accordingly, the base width W of the base 1011 of the first tool pin 1010 is... T1 The base width W of the base 1021 of the second tool needle 1020 can be 2 mm. T2 The base width W of the base 1031 of the third tool needle 1030 can be 2.54 mm. T3It can be 3 mm, and the base width W of the base 1041 of the fourth tool needle 1040 is... T4 It can be 5.5 mm.

[0494] In some embodiments, such as Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the tool kit 1000 may further include a spacer 1004. The spacer 1004 is configured to fill the gap between the stack and the end wall of the slot 1001a when the width of the stack of bases 1011-1041 of the tool needles 1010-1040 is less than the slot width of the slot 1001a. Figure 33 As best illustrated, the bases 1011 of the three first tool needles 1010, the bases 1021 of the two second tool needles 1020, the bases 1031 of the two third tool needles 1030, and the base 1041 of the fourth tool needle 1040 can be stacked along the longitudinal direction YY in the slot 1001a of the first organizer 1001. The width of the stack of these bases 1011-1041 in the longitudinal direction YY is 3*2+2*2.54+2*3+1*5.5=22.58 mm. This value is less than the slot width of the slot 1001a (which is 22.86 mm), thus there will be a 0.3 mm gap between the stack and the end wall of the slot 1001a in the longitudinal direction YY. The width (also referred to as the thickness) of the spacer 1004 in the longitudinal direction YY can be 0.3 mm. Spacer 1004 can be disposed at one end of slot 1001a between the stack and the end wall of slot 1001a to fill the gap between them, thereby ensuring that the stack is reliably held by the first organizer 1001.

[0495] Despite Figure 33 Only a single spacer 1004 is shown, but it should be understood that the tool kit 1000 may include more than one spacer 1004. Furthermore, the thickness of the spacer 1004 is not limited to 0.3 mm, but can be any suitable value, such as 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, etc.

[0496] In some embodiments, such as Figures 30C to 32 and Figure 35As shown, the tool kit 1000 may also include various types of complementary tool pins 1050-1080. Each type of complementary tool pin 1050-1080 mates with a corresponding type of tool pin 1010-1040 to define spaces or gaps therebetween for forming features such as resilient arms 851-854, mating surfaces 800a including first openings, and receiving channels 871-874 for forming the module housing 800. Corresponding features of the module housing 800 can be formed by allowing housing material to flow into the corresponding spaces or gaps. The complementary tool pins 1050-1080 can further reduce the labor associated with mold development, thereby further reducing the development and manufacturing costs of the connection module 509.

[0497] The various types of complementary tool needles 1050-1080 may include a first complementary tool needle 1050, a second complementary tool needle 1060, a third complementary tool needle 1070, and a fourth complementary tool needle 1080 that correspond to and cooperate with the first tool needle 1010, the second tool needle 1020, the third tool needle 1030, and the fourth tool needle 1040, respectively.

[0498] In some embodiments, such as Figure 35 As shown, similar to tool needles 1010-1040, each complementary tool needle 1050-1080 may include bases 1051, 1061, 1071, and 1081, and beams 1052, 1062, 1072, and 1082 extending from the bases 1051-1081 in the transverse direction XX (mating direction). Tool kit 1000 may also include a second organizer 1002 for carrying and retaining the complementary tool needles 1050-1080. Figure 31B and Figure 35 As shown, complementary tool needles 1050-1080 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY, and the second organizer 1002 has a separate receiver for setting each complementary tool needle 1050-1080. However, it is conceivable that the configuration of the bases 1051-1081 of the complementary tool needles 1050-1080 may be similar to the configuration of the bases 1011-1041 of the tool needles 1010-1040, the configuration of the second organizer 1002 may be similar to the configuration of the first organizer 100, and the bases 1051-1081 of the complementary tool needles 1050-1080 may be stacked in a similar manner in the slots of the second organizer 1002 along the longitudinal direction YY. For simplicity, the details of these similar parts will not be elaborated further.

[0499] The beams 1052-1082 of each complementary tool needle 1050-1080 can mate with the beams 1012-1042 of the corresponding tool needles 1010-1040 to define spaces or gaps therebetween for features such as resilient arms 851-854 and receiving channels 871-874 for forming the module housing 800.

[0500] Taking the cooperation between the first tool needle 1010 and the first complementary tool needle 1050 as an example, such as Figure 30E and Figure 30F As best illustrated, the first portion 1052a of the beam 1052 of the first complementary tool needle 1050 can be positioned in the vertical direction ZZ of a pair of first beams 1012 of the first tool needle 1010 to define a first space SP1 between each first beam 1012 and the first portion 1052a. The shape of each first space SP1 corresponds to the shape of a corresponding first resilient arm 851 of the module housing 800. Forming the module housing 800 includes flowing housing material into the two first spaces SP1 to form a pair of first resilient arms 851. Figure 30F Furthermore, after the first portion 1052a of the first complementary tool needle 1050 is removed, a first receiving channel 871 extending between a pair of first resilient arms 851 can be left in the module housing 800. For the sake of brevity, the structure and function of the first resilient arms 851 and the first receiving channel 871 will not be described in detail here.

[0501] The second resilient arm 852 and the second receiving channel 872 can be formed in the module housing 800 by means of the cooperation between the second tool pin 1020 and the second complementary tool pin 1060, and the third resilient arm 853 and the third receiving channel 873 can be formed in the module housing 800 by means of the cooperation between the third tool pin 1030 and the third complementary tool pin 1070. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar parts will not be elaborated further.

[0502] It is conceivable that a fourth resilient arm 854 and a fourth receiving channel 874 can be formed in the module housing 800 using a similar method, through the cooperation between the fourth tool pin 1040 and the fourth complementary tool pin 1080. Specifically, the first and second portions (not shown) of the beam 1082 of the fourth complementary tool pin 1080 can be positioned on both sides of the fourth beam 1042 of the fourth tool pin 1040 in the vertical direction ZZ, respectively, to define a first space (not shown) between the first portion and the fourth beam 1042, and a second space (not shown) between the second portion and the fourth beam 1042. The shapes of the first and second spaces correspond to the shapes of a pair of fourth resilient arms 854 of the module housing 800, respectively. Forming the module housing 800 includes flowing housing material into the first and second spaces to form the pair of fourth resilient arms 854. Furthermore, after removing the first and second portions of the fourth complementary tool pin 1080, a pair of fourth receiving channels 874 can be left in the module housing 800. For the sake of brevity, the structure and function of the fourth elastic arm 854 and the fourth receiving channel 874 will not be described in detail here.

[0503] In some embodiments, such as Figure 31B and Figure 35 As shown, the tool kit 1000 may also include a tool insert 1090 configured to form the aforementioned slot 880 of the module housing 800 when housing material flows around it.

[0504] In some embodiments, such as Figures 30A to 31B As shown, the tool kit 1000 may also include an outer mold 1003 configured to surround the first organizer 1001 and define a space therebetween. This space is used to form an extension 800 of the module housing 800 when housing material flows into it. It should be understood that the tool kit 1000 may include an outer mold of any suitable shape for forming the external structure and features of the module housing 800.

[0505] Although the tool kit 1000 described above includes first to fourth tool pins 1010-1040 and first to fourth complementary tool pins 1050-1080, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the types of tool pins and complementary tool pins may vary according to the types of terminals to be disposed in the module housing 800.

[0506] The methods and tooling kits for manufacturing the upper half of the module housing 800 have been described above with specific examples. It should be understood that the lower half of the module housing 800 can be formed simultaneously in the same process (e.g., the same injection molding step) using the same or similar parts from the tooling kit. For the sake of brevity, details of these similar parts will not be repeated.

[0507] It should be understood that the techniques described above for configuring and manufacturing the connection module 509 can also be used to configure and manufacture connection modules for mating with the connection module 509. Figures 28A to 29B An exemplary type of connection module 59 is shown.

[0508] Connection module 59 can be used in the second electrical connector 20. The function of connection module 59 is similar to that of connection modules 51-57 described above; that is, it is used (e.g., detachably disposed) in the second housing 21 (e.g., one of chambers 71-74) of the second electrical connector 20 and for establishing an electrical connection with the mating connection module of the first electrical connector 10. Specifically, connection module 59 can be configured to mate with connection module 509 described above. The configuration of connection module 59 can be similar to that of connection module 509 (e.g., complementary to each other for mating) and can be manufactured using a similar process to connection module 509. For brevity, the details of these similar parts will not be repeated, and the unique features of connection module 59 will be highlighted below by comparing it with connection module 509.

[0509] Similar to connection module 509, connection module 59 includes an insulated module housing 900 and various types of conductive terminals 910-940 disposed within the module housing 900. The module housing 900 may also be made of the insulating material described above. The module housing 900 includes mating surfaces 900a and a back surface 900b opposite to each other in the mating direction (here, the lateral direction XX), and a plurality of terminal channels 901-904. Each of the plurality of terminal channels 901-904 can extend from the back surface 900b through the module housing 900 to the mating surface 900a along the mating direction.

[0510] like Figure 28C and Figure 28D As shown, the various types of terminals 910-940 may include a first terminal 910, a second terminal 920, a third terminal 930, and a fourth terminal 940. As will be described in detail below, each terminal 910-940 has a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end. The mating end of each terminal 910-940 is partially disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of one of the multiple terminal channels 901-904, such that the terminal is held by the module housing 900. That is, the various types of terminals 910-940 of the connection module 59 are all directly held by the same insulated module housing. This configuration reduces the number of components in the connection module 59, thereby improving the integration of the connection module 59.

[0511] The first difference between connection module 59 and connection module 509 is that the mating ends 911-941 of terminals 910-940 of connection module 59 are respectively configured to mate with the mating ends 811-841 of terminals 810-840 of connection module 509. For example, Figure 29A and Figure 29B A specific configuration of a pair of third terminals 930 is shown. These third terminals 930 are used for connection to the connection module 509, such as... Figure 22C The pair of third terminals 830 shown are mated. For example... Figure 29A and Figure 29B As shown, each third terminal 930 includes a mating end 931, a tail end 932 opposite to the mating end 931, and an intermediate portion 933 connecting the mating end 931 and the tail end 932. The mating end 931 is configured to partially extend from the mating surface 900a and is used to mate with the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830 of the connection module 509. The shape of the mating end 931 can match the shape of the mating end 831 of the third terminal 830 (e.g., complementary to each other). The mating end 931 can be configured in the form of a pin, and the width of the mating end 931 in the longitudinal direction YY can be the width of the pin in the longitudinal direction YY, so that the mating end 931 is complementary to the mating end 831 in the form of a socket.

[0512] The second difference between connection module 59 and connection module 509 is that the tail ends of terminals 910-940 of connection module 59 are configured for mounting on circuit board 30 to establish an electrical connection with circuit board 30. For example, as Figure 29A and Figure 29B As shown, the tail end 932 of each third terminal 930 can be configured to establish an electrical connection (e.g., SMT or THT technology) with a conductive structure such as a conductive via or conductive pad on the circuit board 30. The intermediate portion 933 extends between the mating end 931 and the tail end 932 and is bent such that the tail end 932 and the mating end 931 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. While the mating end 931 is oriented along the mating direction (here, the lateral direction XX), the tail end 932 is oriented along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0513] The configuration of each of the first terminal 910, the second terminal 920, and the fourth terminal 940 of the connection module 59 is similar to that of the third terminal 930. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar parts will not be described again.

[0514] The third difference between connection module 59 and connection module 509 is that connection module 59 may include a first retaining member 950 and a second retaining member 960. The first retaining member 950 and the second retaining member 960 may each be an insulating member. The first retaining member 950 may be mounted to module housing 900 and retains a portion of the tail end 932 of each of terminals 910-940. The second retaining member 960 may be mounted to module housing 900 and retains a portion of the tail end 932 of some of terminals 910-940. The first retaining member 950 and the second retaining member 960 help hold terminals 910-940 in place relative to module housing 900. The first retaining member 950 and the second retaining member 960 may also be referred to as a "TPA device".

[0515] Similar to connection module 509, the mating ends of terminals 910-940 of connection module 59 can have different sizes to provide connection ports of different sizes at mating surface 900a. Specifically, the size of mating end 941 of fourth terminal 940 can be larger than the size of mating end 931 of third terminal 930, the size of mating end 931 of third terminal 930 can be larger than the size of mating end 921 of second terminal 920, and the size of mating end 921 of second terminal 920 can be larger than the size of mating end 911 of first terminal 910.

[0516] Furthermore, the number and arrangement of terminals 910-940 of the connecting module 59 in the module housing 900 can correspond to the number and arrangement of terminals 810-840 of the connecting module 509 in the module housing 800, thereby enabling the connecting module 59 and the connecting module 509 to mate with each other. For example, terminals 910-940 of the connecting module 59 can be arranged in a similar manner as multiple groups spaced apart along the longitudinal direction YY, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are terminals of the same type, and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The multiple groups can satisfy the relationship described above [1]. The number, position and order of the multiple groups of the connecting module 59 can correspond to the number, position and order of the aforementioned multiple groups of the connecting module 509. Furthermore, the connecting module 59 can be manufactured using a process similar to that of the connecting module 509. For the sake of brevity, the details of these similar parts will not be repeated.

[0517] The fourth difference between connection module 59 and connection module 509 is that the module housing 900 of connection module 59 may include a protrusion 970 that extends beyond the mating ends of terminals 910-940 from mating surface 900a along the mating direction and extends YY in the longitudinal direction. Similar to the protrusions 52b, 56b, and 57b of connection modules 52, 56, and 57 described above, the protrusion 970 of connection module 59 is also configured to protect the pin-shaped mating ends of terminals 910-940. When connection module 59 is disposed in the second housing 21 of the second electrical connector 20, the protrusion 970 may be located within the inner wall of the accommodating space (i.e., "61-64") of the second housing 21. Figure 20E A sufficiently small gap is defined between the inner walls 61a) shown to prevent the user's fingers or similar tools from touching the terminal mating end when they are inserted into the second housing 21 through the opening at the mating surface 21a, thereby protecting the terminal mating end from damage.

[0518] Having described several embodiments in this way, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and improvements can be easily made by those skilled in the art.

[0519] It should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth,” and “seventh” are used only to distinguish one element, component, or part from another, but these elements, components, and parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0520] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized by, The electrical connector is configured to establish an electrical connection with a second electrical connector, and includes: a first housing configured to mate with a second housing of the second electrical connector along a mating direction; and a slider disposed in the first housing and configured to slide relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position along a sliding direction that intersects the mating direction, the slider including a cam slot configured to receive a cam pin provided on the second housing when the slider is in the first position to position the second housing in a mating start position; wherein the slider is constrainable in the first position by the first housing prior to the second housing being positioned in the mating start position.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein: the first housing includes a first restraining structure, and the slider includes a second restraining structure, the first restraining structure and the second restraining structure being engaged with each other to restrict the slider from sliding from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction when the slider is in the first position and prior to the second housing being positioned in the mating start position.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein: one of the first restraining structure and the second restraining structure is configured to be contacted by a release structure provided on the second housing when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position to disengage with the other of the first restraining structure and the second restraining structure to allow the slider to slide from the first position toward the second position along the sliding direction.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein: the first housing further includes a slide slot configured to receive the slider, the first restraining structure is a beam extending into the slide slot; the second restraining structure is a resilient arm; and the resilient arm is engaged with the beam when the slider is in the first position and prior to the second housing being positioned in the mating start position, and the resilient arm is contacted by the release structure of the second housing when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position to be biased out of engagement with the beam.

5. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein: the first housing further includes a first receiving slot that communicates with the slide slot and is configured to receive the release structure of the second housing when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position; and a portion of the resilient arm extends into the first receiving slot when the slider is in the first position and prior to the second housing being positioned in the mating start position, and the portion of the resilient arm is contacted by the release structure of the second housing when the second housing is positioned in the mating start position to cause the resilient arm to be biased out of engagement with the beam.

6. The electrical connector of claim 5, wherein: ​ ​ The elastic arm includes a barb portion, which engages with the beam, extends into the first receiving slot when the slider is in the first position and before the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, and is contacted by the releasing structure of the second housing when the second housing is positioned at the mating start position, so that the elastic arm is biased out of engagement with the beam; and A portion of the barb portion for being contacted by the releasing structure is formed with a slope.

7. The electrical connector of claim 5, wherein: The first housing further includes a receiving portion enclosing a receiving space for receiving the second housing; The first receiving slot recesses into the receiving portion from the receiving space along a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and extends along the mating direction; and The releasing structure is a protruding rib provided on the second housing and extending along the mating direction.

8. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein: The engagement between the first and second constraint structures further restricts the slider from sliding away from the second position from the first position along the sliding direction when the slider is in the first position; or The slider further includes a third constraint structure, which engages with the first constraint structure when the slider is in the first position to restrict the slider from sliding away from the second position from the first position along the sliding direction; or The housing further includes a fourth constraint structure, which engages with the second constraint structure when the slider is in the first position to restrict the slider from sliding away from the second position from the first position along the sliding direction.

9. The electrical connector of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first housing further includes a sliding slot extending along the sliding direction and configured to accommodate the slider, the sliding slot having a first section with a narrower width and a second section with a wider width extending from the first section as viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction; and The cross section of the slider perpendicular to the sliding direction matches the cross section of the sliding slot perpendicular to the sliding direction in shape, so that the slider is held in and guided to slide by the sliding slot.

10. The electrical connector of claim 9, wherein: The first housing further includes a receiving portion enclosing a receiving space for receiving the second housing, the first section of the sliding slot recesses into the receiving portion from the receiving space along a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and the second section extends from the first section away from the receiving space along the vertical direction; and / or The sliding direction is perpendicular to the mating direction.

11. The electrical connector of any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10, wherein: ​ ​ ​ The cam slot is configured to cause the cam pin received therein to move relative to the first housing along the mating direction when the slider slides from the first position to the second position, to cause the second housing to move from the mating start position to a mating completion position along the mating direction.

12. The electrical connector of claim 11, wherein: the first housing includes a slide slot configured to receive the slider, a mating face configured to mate with the second housing of the second electrical connector at the mating face, and an opening recessed into the first housing from the mating face along the mating direction and in communication with the slide slot; and the cam slot includes an entry segment aligned with the opening in the mating direction when the slider is in the first position for receiving the cam pin of the second housing, and the entry segment is offset relative to the opening in the mating direction when the slider slides away from the first position.

13. The electrical connector of any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, and 12, wherein, The electrical connector further includes: a cover mounted to the first housing; and a lever member pivotably mounted to the cover and coupled to the slider to drive the slider to slide according to a pivoting operation; wherein the slider is not drivable by the lever member when the slider is constrained by the first housing in the first position.

14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein: the cover includes a sidewall and a pivot protruding outwardly from the sidewall; the lever member includes an arm pivotably mounted at a first end thereof to the pivot to enable the arm to pivot about the pivot between a first pivoting position and a second pivoting position, the first end being formed with a gear tooth; the slider is formed with a rack tooth at a location opposite the first end; and the gear tooth is engaged with the rack tooth to cause the slider to be driven to slide between the first position and the second position when the arm is pivoted between the first pivoting position and the second pivoting position.

15. The electrical connector of claim 14, wherein: the cover further includes a first protrusion protruding outwardly from the sidewall, the first protrusion being configured to engage with the arm when the arm is in the first pivoting position to limit the arm from being pivoted away from the second pivoting position from the first pivoting position; and / or the cover further includes a second protrusion protruding outwardly from the sidewall, the second protrusion being configured to engage with the arm when the arm is in the second pivoting position to limit the arm from being pivoted away from the first pivoting position from the second pivoting position.

16. The electrical connector of claim 14, wherein: The housing further includes a resilient tab projecting outwardly from the sidewall, the resilient tab being configured to be depressed by the arm when the arm is pivoted away from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position to allow the arm to pass the resilient tab to reach the first pivot position, and to reset and block the arm from being pivoted from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position when the arm is in the first pivot position, the resilient tab being further configured to be manually depressed to allow the arm to be pivoted from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position.

17. The electrical connector of claim 14, wherein: the housing further includes a third protrusion projecting outwardly from the sidewall; the arm further includes an opening; and when the arm is pivoted to the first pivot position, the third protrusion of the housing is received in the opening of the arm to provide at least one of an audible indication, a visual indication, and a tactile indication that the arm is pivoted to the first pivot position.

18. The electrical connector of claim 14, wherein: the pivot includes a shaft body extending along an axial direction and a protrusion projecting radially from the shaft body, the protrusion being spaced apart from the sidewall of the housing in the axial direction; the first end includes a bearing portion having a shaft hole extending through the bearing portion along the axial direction and a notch recessed into the bearing portion from the shaft hole along the radial direction; the shaft body extends through the shaft hole, and the bearing portion is supported on the shaft body and between the protrusion of the pivot and the sidewall of the housing; and the notch and the protrusion are shaped to match each other such that the notch and the protrusion are aligned with each other in the axial direction only when the arm is in a third pivot position between the first pivot position and the second pivot position to allow the first end to be installed onto and removed from the pivot, and are misaligned with each other in the axial direction when the arm is in other pivot positions to block the first end from being installed onto and removed from the pivot.

19. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein: the first housing includes a mating face and a back face opposite to each other in a mating direction, the first housing being configured to mate with the second housing of the second electrical connector at the mating face; and the housing is pivotally mounted to the first housing and is pivotable relative to the first housing between a closed position and an open position, the housing covering the back face of the first housing when in the closed position and allowing the back face of the first housing to be accessed when in the open position.

20. The electrical connector of claim 19, wherein: the housing includes a first pivot structure at a first corner; the first housing further includes a sidewall extending between the mating face and the back face, and a second pivot structure provided at the sidewall; and The first pivot structure and the second pivot structure are coupled to each other such that the cover is pivotably mounted to the side wall of the first housing.

21. The electrical connector of claim 20, wherein: The electrical connector further comprises at least one connection module housed in the first housing, a cable of the at least one connection module extending out of the first housing at the back face; The cover comprises a first exit structure at a second corner arranged diagonally opposite to the first corner, and the first housing comprises a second exit structure, the first exit structure and the second exit structure collectively defining a cable exit through which the cable of the at least one connection module is led out of the electrical connector when the cover is in the closed position; and The cover further comprises a first snap structure disposed adjacent to and / or at the first exit structure, and the first housing further comprises a second snap structure disposed adjacent to and / or at the second exit structure, the first snap structure and the second snap structure being configured to cooperate with each other to retain the cover in the closed position when the cover is in the closed position.

22. The electrical connector of any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, 12, and 14 to 21, wherein: The electrical connector further comprises a plurality of connection modules, the plurality of connection modules having first identification features different from each other; The first housing comprises a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers being configured to house a corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules, each chamber having an entrance; and a plurality of key members having second identification features different from each other, each of the plurality of key members being disposed at the entrance of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers; wherein the second identification feature of the key member disposed at the entrance of each chamber is associated with the first identification feature of a corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules to be mounted to the chamber to indicate a corresponding mounting relationship between the chamber and the corresponding one of the connection modules.

23. The electrical connector of claim 22, wherein: The first identification features of the plurality of connection modules are in the form of colors, symbols, graphics, words, or combinations thereof; and / or The second identification features of the plurality of key members are in the form of colors, symbols, graphics, words, or combinations thereof; and / or For each of the connection modules, the connection module comprises a module housing, and the first identification feature is a first structural feature provided at the module housing, for each of the key members, the second identification feature is a second structural feature configured to define a portion of a periphery of the entrance of the corresponding chamber, and the second structural feature is complementary in shape to the first structural feature of the corresponding connection module to allow only the corresponding connection module to enter the chamber through the entrance.

24. An electrical connector, comprising: The electrical connector comprises: a plurality of connection modules having first identification features different from each other; a housing including a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers being configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules, each chamber having an entrance; and a plurality of key members having second identification features different from each other, each of the plurality of key members being disposed at the entrance of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers; wherein the second identification features of the key members disposed at the entrance of each chamber are associated with the first identification features of the corresponding one of the plurality of connection modules to be installed to the chamber to indicate a corresponding installation relationship between the chamber and the corresponding connection module.

25. The electrical connector of claim 24, wherein: the first identification features of the plurality of connection modules are in the form of colors, symbols, graphics, characters, or a combination thereof.

26. The electrical connector of claim 24, wherein: the second identification features of the plurality of key members are in the form of colors, symbols, graphics, characters, or a combination thereof.

27. The electrical connector of claim 24, wherein: for each of the connection modules, the connection module includes a module housing, and the first identification feature is a first structural feature provided at the module housing; and for each of the key members, the second identification feature is a second structural feature configured to define a portion of a periphery of the entrance of the corresponding chamber, and the second structural feature is complementary in shape to the first structural feature of the corresponding connection module to allow only the corresponding connection module to enter the chamber through the entrance.

28. The electrical connector of claim 27, wherein: the first structural feature is in the form of a protrusion outwardly protruding from the module housing, a groove recessed into the module housing, or a combination thereof; and the second structural feature is in the form of a protrusion outwardly protruding from the key member, a groove recessed into the key member, or a combination thereof.

29. The electrical connector of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein: each of the plurality of key members is detachably disposed at the entrance of a corresponding one of the plurality of chambers.

30. The electrical connector of claim 29, wherein: the housing includes a notch recessed into the housing at the entrance of each of the plurality of chambers, and first and second retaining portions opposite to each other across the notch; and each of the key members is disposed in the notch at the entrance of the corresponding chamber and retained therebetween by the first and second retaining portions.

31. The electrical connector of claim 30, wherein: ​ For each of the chambers, the inlet is recessed into the housing along a transverse direction, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, and each includes a slot extending along the transverse direction and a bayonet provided at the slot; Each of the key members includes a main body, a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion protruding from two ends of the main body opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, respectively, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion each have a protrusion protruding along a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction; and For each of the key members, the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are inserted into the slot of the first holding portion and the second holding portion at the inlet of the corresponding chamber, respectively, such that the protrusion of the first insertion portion and the protrusion of the second insertion portion are bayoneted into the bayonet of the first holding portion and the bayonet of the second holding portion, respectively. The housing includes a mating face and a back face opposite to each other in a transverse direction, the inlets of the plurality of chambers are recessed into the housing from the back face along the transverse direction, and for each of the chambers:

32. The electrical connector of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein, The housing includes a ledge structure protruding into the chamber to engage with a module housing of a connection module when the connection module is installed into the chamber, thereby limiting the connection module from moving further toward the mating face; and / or The housing includes a bayonet structure protruding into the chamber to engage with a module housing of a connection module when the connection module is installed into the chamber, thereby limiting the connection module from moving back toward the inlet.

33. The electrical connector of any of claims 24 to 28, wherein: For at least one of the connection modules, the connection module includes a module housing having a sub-chamber and a terminal assembly holding one or more electrically conductive terminals and being detachably disposed in the sub-chamber; and / or The plurality of connection modules includes one or more of a signal connection module, a power connection module, and a hybrid connection module. The electrical connector includes:

34. An electrical connector, comprising: a housing including a slot; a lever member mounted to the housing and configured to be pivotable relative to the housing between a first pivot position and a second pivot position; and a connector position assurance (CPA) device disposed in the slot and configured to be slidable relative to the housing between a pre-lock position and a lock position; wherein the CPA device is constrainable by the housing in the pre-lock position before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position, and the lever member is capable of releasing the CPA device to allow the CPA device to slide from the pre-lock position toward the lock position when the lever member is in the second pivot position.

35. The electrical connector of claim 34, wherein: ​ The CPA device includes a base and at least one first resilient arm extending from the base; The housing further includes an overhang mechanism disposed above the CPA device and including at least one stop structure; and Each of the at least one first resilient arm engages a corresponding one of the at least one stop structure to limit the CPA device from sliding from the pre-lock position toward the lock position when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position and before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position.

36. The electrical connector of claim 35, wherein: Each of the at least one first resilient arm engages a corresponding one of the at least one stop structure to limit the CPA device from sliding from the pre-lock position toward the lock position when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position and before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position.

37. The electrical connector of claim 36, wherein: The at least one stop structure of the overhang mechanism includes at least one opening into which a portion of each of the at least one first resilient arm is received to limit the CPA device from sliding from the pre-lock position toward the lock position when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position and before the lever member is pivoted to the second pivot position; and The lever member includes at least one release protrusion, each of the at least one release protrusion entering a corresponding one of the at least one opening and contacting the portion of the corresponding first resilient arm to push the portion of the corresponding first resilient arm out of the opening when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position and the lever member is in the second pivot position.

38. The electrical connector of claim 37, wherein: For each of the first resilient arms, the portion of the first resilient arm is a first protrusion provided on the first resilient arm; and / or The housing includes a pivot and the lever member includes an arm pivotably mounted on the pivot, the at least one release protrusion being provided on the arm; and / or The at least one release protrusion engages the housing to limit the lever member from being pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position when the lever member is in the first pivot position.

39. The electrical connector of claim 35, wherein: The CPA device further includes a second resilient arm extending from the base; The chute includes a bottom for carrying the CPA device and the housing further includes a stop recess recessed into the housing from the bottom of the chute; and The second resilient arm engages a wall of the stop recess to limit the CPA device from sliding from the pre-lock position away from the lock position when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

40. The electrical connector of claim 35, wherein: the CPA device further comprises a third resilient arm extending from the base, the third resilient arm including a second protrusion having a rounded shape; the chute includes a bottom for carrying the CPA device, and the housing further comprises first and second receiving recesses recessed into the housing from the bottom of the chute; and the second protrusion is received in the first receiving recess when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position, and the second protrusion is received in the second receiving recess when the CPA device is in the lock position.

41. The electrical connector of any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein: the overhang mechanism further comprises a fourth resilient arm configured to be depressed by the lever member when the lever member is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position to allow the lever member to pass the fourth resilient arm to reach the second pivot position, and to reset and block the lever member from being pivoted from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position when the lever member is in the second pivot position, the fourth resilient arm being further configured to be manually depressed to allow the lever member to be pivoted from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position.

42. The electrical connector of claim 41, wherein: the fourth resilient arm extends above the chute; and the CPA device allows the fourth resilient arm to be depressed when in the pre-lock position, and blocks the fourth resilient arm from being depressed when in the lock position.

43. The electrical connector of claim 42, wherein: the chute includes a bottom for carrying the CPA device; the fourth resilient arm includes a fixed end fixed above the chute, a free end opposite to the fixed end, and an engagement portion disposed adjacent to or at the free end and protruding from the fourth resilient arm toward the bottom of the chute; and when the CPA device is in the lock position, the base is positioned below the engagement portion to block the fourth resilient arm from being depressed.

44. The electrical connector of claim 43, wherein: the base of the CPA device is provided with an opening, the opening being aligned with the engagement portion when the CPA device is in the pre-lock position to allow the engagement portion to move toward the bottom of the chute and at least partially into the opening when the fourth resilient arm is depressed toward the bottom of the chute, the opening being misaligned with the engagement portion when the CPA device is in the lock position and the base blocks the engagement portion from moving toward the bottom of the chute; and / or the engagement portion presses against the base when the CPA device is in the lock position. ​ ​ 45. The electrical connector of claim 43 or 44, wherein: the housing includes a pair of pivots; the lever member includes a crossbar portion and a pair of arms, each of the pair of arms including first and second end portions opposite each other, the first end portion of each of the pair of arms being pivotably mounted on a corresponding one of the pair of pivots, and the second end portions of the pair of arms being connected by the crossbar portion; and the fourth resilient arm further includes a stop portion disposed adjacent to or at the free end and protruding from the fourth resilient arm opposite the engagement portion, the crossbar portion contacting the stop portion to depress the fourth resilient arm when the lever member is pivoted away from the first pivot position toward the second pivot position, and the fourth resilient arm resets and the stop portion blocks the crossbar portion from being pivoted from the second pivot position toward the first pivot position when the lever member is in the second pivot position.

46. The electrical connector of any one of claims 35-40 and 42-44, wherein: the overhang mechanism is an integrally formed portion of the housing.

47. The electrical connector of any one of claims 34-40 and 42-44, wherein, the electrical connector further includes: a first housing configured to mate with a second housing of a second electrical connector along a mating direction; and a slider disposed in the first housing and configured to slide relative to the first housing between a first position and a second position along a sliding direction that intersects the mating direction, the slider including a cam slot configured to receive a cam pin provided on the second housing when the slider is in the first position to position the second housing in a mating start position, the cam slot further configured to cause the cam pin received in the cam slot to move relative to the first housing along the mating direction when the slider is slid from the first position to the second position to move the second housing from the mating start position to a mating finish position along the mating direction; wherein the housing is attached to the first housing, and the lever member is coupled to the slider to drive the slider to slide according to a pivoting operation, the slider being driven to slide between the first position and the second position when the lever member is pivoted between the first pivot position and the second pivot position.

48. A connection module for an electrical connector, characterized by the connection module includes: an insulative module housing including a plurality of terminal channels each extending along a mating direction; and a plurality of types of terminals each having a mating end disposed at least partially in a corresponding one of the plurality of terminal channels such that the terminal is held by the module housing, the plurality of types of terminals including: a first terminal having a mating end with a first width in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the mating direction; a second terminal having a mating end with a second width in the longitudinal direction, the second width being greater than the first width; and a third terminal having a mating end with a third width in the longitudinal direction, the third width being less than the first width. a third terminal having a third width in the longitudinal direction, the third width being greater than the second width.

49. The connection module of claim 48, wherein: the plurality of types of terminals further includes a fourth terminal having a fourth width in the longitudinal direction, the fourth width being greater than the third width.

50. The connection module of claim 49, wherein: the plurality of types of terminals are arranged in the longitudinal direction in a plurality of groups spaced apart from each other, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are of the same type of terminal and the mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction.

51. The connection module of claim 50, wherein: the module housing further includes a mating face and a back face opposite to each other in the mating direction, each of the terminal channels extends through the module housing from the back face to the mating face; the mating end of each of the terminals is configured to be inserted into the corresponding terminal channel from the back face and includes a first stop portion; and the module housing further includes a plurality of resilient arms each having a second stop portion and protruding into a corresponding one of the plurality of terminal channels such that the second stop portion engages the first stop portion of the mating end disposed in the corresponding terminal channel to limit the mating end from being withdrawn along the mating direction toward the back face.

52. The connection module of claim 51, wherein, the connection module further includes a TPA device mounted to the module housing, wherein: (i) a first one of the plurality of groups includes a pair of first terminals, the plurality of resilient arms includes a pair of first resilient arms disposed between the mating ends of the pair of first terminals in the vertical direction, the pair of first resilient arms are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and respectively protrude toward the mating end of a corresponding first terminal, the module housing further includes a first receiving channel extending from the mating face to between the pair of first resilient arms, the TPA device includes a first insertion arm inserted into the first receiving channel and in contact with the pair of first resilient arms to limit the pair of first resilient arms from being deflected away from the mating end of the corresponding first terminal; and / or (ii) a second one of the plurality of groups includes a pair of second terminals, the plurality of resilient arms includes a pair of second resilient arms disposed between the mating ends of the pair of second terminals in the vertical direction, the pair of second resilient arms are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and respectively protrude toward the mating end of a corresponding second terminal, the module housing further includes a second receiving channel extending from the mating face to between the pair of second resilient arms, the TPA device includes a second insertion arm inserted into the second receiving channel and in contact with the pair of second resilient arms to limit the pair of second resilient arms from being deflected away from the mating end of the corresponding second terminal. (iii) a third group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of third terminals, the plurality of elastic arms includes a pair of third elastic arms disposed between mating ends of the pair of third terminals in the vertical direction, the pair of third elastic arms are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and respectively protrude toward the mating end of a corresponding third terminal, the module housing further includes a third receiving passage extending from the mating face to between the pair of third elastic arms, the TPA device includes a third insertion arm inserted into the third receiving passage and in contact with the pair of first elastic arms to restrict the pair of third elastic arms from being deflected away from the mating end of the corresponding third terminal; and / or (iv) a fourth group of the plurality of groups includes a single fourth terminal, the plurality of elastic arms includes a pair of fourth elastic arms disposed on both sides of a mating end of the fourth terminal in the vertical direction, the pair of fourth elastic arms respectively protrude toward the mating end of the fourth terminal, the module housing further includes a pair of fourth receiving passages, each fourth receiving passage of the pair of fourth receiving passages extends from the mating face to a side of a corresponding fourth elastic arm of the pair of fourth elastic arms facing away from the mating end of the fourth terminal, the TPA device includes a pair of fourth insertion arms, each of the pair of fourth insertion arms is inserted into a corresponding fourth receiving passage of the pair of fourth receiving passages and in contact with the corresponding fourth elastic arm to restrict the corresponding fourth elastic arm from being deflected away from the mating end of the fourth terminal.

53. The connection module of claim 52, wherein: each of the terminal passages has a first opening at the mating face; and the module housing includes a third stop extending into the terminal passage at the first opening of each of the terminal passages, the third stop engages with a tip portion of a mating end disposed in the terminal passage to restrict the mating end from being moved out of the first opening along the mating direction.

54. The connection module of claim 53, wherein: the TPA device includes a main body and a plurality of second openings extending through the main body along the mating direction, the main body is seated on the mating face and each of the plurality of second openings is aligned with the first opening of a corresponding one of the plurality of terminal passages in the mating direction.

55. The connection module of claim 50, wherein: the plurality of groups includes at least one first group, at least one second group, at least one third group, and at least one fourth group, each of the first groups has a pair of first terminals, each of the second groups has a pair of second terminals, each of the third groups has a pair of third terminals, and each of the fourth groups has a single fourth terminal; the mating end of each first terminal in the first group, the mating end of each second terminal in the second group, and the mating end of each third terminal in the third group are aligned along a first straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the mating end of the other first terminal in each first group, the mating end of the other second terminal in each second group, and the mating end of the other third terminal in each third group are aligned along a second straight line parallel to the first straight line; and the mating end of each fourth terminal in the fourth group is disposed between the first straight line and the second straight line in the vertical direction.

56. The connection module of claim 50, wherein: the mating end of each terminal is configured in the form of a jack and is entirely disposed in a terminal channel, a width of the mating end in the longitudinal direction being an inner width of the jack in the longitudinal direction; and / or each terminal further has a tail end opposite the mating end and configured for attaching a cable; and / or the module housing further comprises a slot recessed into the module housing from the mating face along the mating direction and elongated along the longitudinal direction, the slot being configured to receive a protruding portion of a mating connection module when the connection module is mated with the mating connection module.

57. The connection module of claim 50, wherein: the mating end of each terminal is configured in the form of a pin and partially protrudes from the mating face along the mating direction, a width of the mating end in the longitudinal direction being a width of the pin in the longitudinal direction; and / or each terminal further has a tail end opposite the mating end and configured for mounting to a circuit board; and / or the module housing further comprises a protruding portion protruding beyond the mating ends of the terminals of the multiple types from the mating face along the mating direction and elongated along the longitudinal direction, the protruding portion being configured to be inserted into a slot of a mating connection module when the connection module is mated with the mating connection module.

58. The connection module of any one of claims 50 to 57, wherein: the housing portion of the module housing provided with the terminals of the multiple types is divided into multiple sub-portions, the multiple sub-portions being continuous in the longitudinal direction, each of the multiple sub-portions forming a terminal channel for disposing the mating end of a terminal in a corresponding one of the multiple groups; and the multiple groups comprise a first group having the first terminals, a second group having the second terminals, a third group having the third terminals, and a fourth group having the fourth terminals, a number of the first group, the second group, the third group, and the fourth group satisfying the following relationship: A*W1 + B*W2 + C*W3 + D*W4 < W Max where A is the number of the first group, B is the number of the second group, C is the number of the third group, D is the number of the fourth group, W1 is the minimum width of a first sub-portion of the plurality of sub-portions corresponding to the first group in the longitudinal direction, W2 is the minimum width of a second sub-portion of the plurality of sub-portions corresponding to the second group in the longitudinal direction, W3 is the minimum width of a third sub-portion of the plurality of sub-portions corresponding to the third group in the longitudinal direction, W4 is the minimum width of a fourth sub-portion of the plurality of sub-portions corresponding to the fourth group in the longitudinal direction, and W Max is 22.86 millimeters.

59. The connection module of claim 58, wherein: W1 is 2 millimeters; and / or W2 is 2.54 millimeters; and / or W3 is 3 millimeters; and / or W4 is 5.5 millimeters.

60. The connection module of any of claims 49 to 57 and 59, wherein: the connection module is configured to be detachably arranged in a housing of the electrical connector; and / or the first terminal is a signal terminal; and / or the second terminal is a signal terminal or a power terminal; and / or the third terminal is a power terminal; and / or the fourth terminal is a power terminal.

61. A method of manufacturing a module housing of a connection module for an electrical connector, comprising: providing a plurality of types of tool pins, each type of the plurality of types of tool pins corresponding to a type of a plurality of types of terminals to be arranged in the module housing; arranging the plurality of types of tool pins in a terminal position arrangement of the plurality of types of terminals to be arranged in the module housing; and flowing a housing material around the plurality of types of tool pins to form the module housing.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein, each of the tool pins includes a base, and arranging the plurality of types of tool pins in the terminal position arrangement includes: providing an organizer including slots extending along a longitudinal direction; and stacking the bases of the plurality of types of tool pins in the slots along the longitudinal direction in the terminal position arrangement.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein: the bases of the plurality of types of tool pins have base widths different from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the base width of the base of each type of tool pin is fixed; the slots have a fixed slot width in the longitudinal direction; and stacking the bases of the plurality of types of tool pins in the slots includes causing a width of the stack of the bases of the plurality of types of tool pins in the longitudinal direction to be less than or equal to the slot width.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein: stacking the bases of the plurality of types of tool pins in the slots further includes providing spacers to fill gaps between the stack and end walls of the slots when the width of the stack is less than the slot width.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein: the module housing includes a plurality of terminal channels each extending along a mating direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each of the plurality of types of terminals has a mating end to be at least partially arranged in a corresponding one of the plurality of terminal channels; the slot width is equal to a maximum width of a housing portion of the module housing in which the plurality of terminal channels are allowed to be arranged in the longitudinal direction; and for each of the tool pins, the base width of the base is equal to a minimum width of a sub-portion of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the sub-portion is used to form a terminal channel in which the mating end of the terminal corresponding to the tool pin is to be arranged.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein: ​ ​ the plurality of types of terminals are to be arranged in the module housing along the longitudinal direction into a plurality of groups spaced apart from each other, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are of the same type of terminal and mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction; the plurality of groups include a first group having first terminals, a second group having second terminals, a third group having third terminals, and a fourth group having fourth terminals; the housing portion is divided along the longitudinal direction into a plurality of the sub-portions, the plurality of sub-portions being continuous in the longitudinal direction, each of the sub-portions being for forming a terminal channel to dispose mating ends of terminals in a corresponding one of the plurality of groups; and providing the plurality of types of tool pins includes providing the plurality of types of tool pins in accordance with the following relationship: A*W T1 +B*W T2 +C*W T3 +D*W T4 ≤W Max where A is the number of first tool pins corresponding to the first group, B is the number of second tool pins corresponding to the second group, C is the number of third tool pins corresponding to the third group, D is the number of fourth tool pins corresponding to the fourth group, W T1 is the base width of the first tool pin, T2 is the base width of the second tool pin, T3 is the base width of the third tool pin, T4 is the base width of the fourth tool pin, and W Max is the slot width, and is equal to 22.86 millimeters.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein: W T1 is 2 millimeters; and / or W T2 is 2.54 millimeters; and / or W T3 is 3 millimeters; and / or W T4 is 5.5 millimeters.

68. The method of any one of claims 62 to 67, wherein: the module housing includes a plurality of terminal channels each extending along a mating direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each of the terminals of the plurality of types of terminals having a mating end to be at least partially disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of terminal channels; each of the tool pins further includes at least one beam extending from the base along the mating direction, a profile of each of the at least one beam being designed to conform to a shape of a terminal channel for disposing a mating end of a terminal corresponding to the tool pin; and flowing the housing material around the plurality of types of tool pins includes flowing the housing material around the beams of the plurality of types of tool pins to form the plurality of terminal channels.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein: the plurality of types of terminals are to be arranged in the module housing along the longitudinal direction into a plurality of groups spaced apart from each other, each group having a single terminal or a pair of terminals, wherein the pair of terminals are of the same type of terminal and mating ends of the pair of terminals are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction; and each of the tool pins corresponds to one of the plurality of groups, and a number of the at least one beam of the tool pin corresponds to a number of mating ends of terminals in the corresponding group.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein: a first group of the plurality of groups includes a pair of first terminals; the module housing further includes a pair of first resilient arms for being positioned in the vertical direction between and engaged with mating ends of the pair of first terminals; the plurality of types of tool pins includes a first tool pin corresponding to the first group, the at least one beam of the first tool pin including a pair of first beams; The method also includes providing a first complementary tool pin and positioning a first portion of the first complementary tool pin between the pair of first beams of the first tool pin in the vertical direction to bound a first space between each of the first beams and the first portion, each of the first spaces corresponding in shape to a corresponding first resilient arm of the module housing; and Forming the module housing includes flowing the housing material into the first spaces.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein: a second group of the plurality of groups includes a single second terminal; the module housing also includes a pair of second resilient arms disposed on either side of and engaged with a mating end of the second terminal in the vertical direction; the plurality of types of tool pins includes a second tool pin corresponding to the second group, the at least one beam of the second tool pin including a single second beam; the method also includes providing a second complementary tool pin and positioning a second portion and a third portion of the second complementary tool pin on either side of the second beam of the second tool pin in the vertical direction to bound a second space between the second portion and the second beam and a third space between the third portion and the second beam, the second and third spaces corresponding in shape to corresponding second resilient arms of the module housing, respectively; and forming the module housing includes flowing the housing material into the second and third spaces.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein: a second group of the plurality of groups includes a single second terminal; the module housing also includes a pair of second resilient arms disposed on either side of and engaged with a mating end of the second terminal in the vertical direction; the plurality of types of tool pins includes a second tool pin corresponding to the second group, the at least one beam of the second tool pin including a single second beam; the method also includes providing a second complementary tool pin and positioning a second portion and a third portion of the second complementary tool pin on either side of the second beam of the second tool pin in the vertical direction to bound a second space between the second portion and the second beam and a third space between the third portion and the second beam, the second and third spaces corresponding in shape to corresponding second resilient arms of the module housing, respectively; and forming the module housing includes flowing the housing material into the second and third spaces.

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