Modular connector housing

Abstract

To provide an improved stacking module for a connector housing.SOLUTION: A stacking module 2 for a connector housing 1 can be stacked with another identical stacking module 2 to form a connector housing 1. The stacking module 2 comprises a base plate 5 having an upper side and a lower side, wherein on a first side of the base plate 5 an upper side wall 6 extends away from the upper side of the base plate 5. The first fastener and the first counter fastener are provided either on the first side or on the second side of the base plate 5. The lower side wall 7 extends away from the lower surface of the base plate 5 to a second side of the base plate 5, the second side being opposite the first side. A bottom end module 3 and a top end module 4 which can be assembled with the stacking module 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical field to which the invention belongs The present invention relates to a stacking module for a connector housing that can be stacked with a second identical stacking module to form a connector housing. The present invention also relates to a bottom module for a connector housing that can be assembled with the stacking module or top module to form a connector housing, and a top module for a connector housing that can be assembled with the stacking module or bottom module to form a connector housing. The present invention also relates to a set of modules for a connector housing, and a connector housing assembled from this set. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention DE102021116837A1 and DE102020123187A1 disclose printed circuit board connectors consisting of multiple single-pole segments that can be secured by attaching the housings of adjacent segments to each other. The housings are secured to adjacent housings by snap-fitting, screwing, or other fastening methods. The left and right end segments are combined with any number of intermediate segments.

[0003] Another modular printed circuit board connector is disclosed in DE102017119287B4, which is assembled by inserting a connecting bar into a dovetail groove on the individual connector modules.

[0004] DE 102014105386 A1 describes a stackable insulating housing having a latching hook on one side and a corresponding latch hole on the other side for securing adjacent housings together. DE 10100081 B1 discloses a similar stackable housing.

[0005] In a similar manner, multiple stacked housings of connector members form a connector as disclosed in US20220376428A1. The housings are secured together by fitting a locking portion of one housing into a recess of an adjacent housing. This type of connector is also disclosed in EP1710864A2. The connector housing of EP1033786B1 consists of multiple sub-housings, stacked by loop portions and corresponding retaining claws.

[0006] EP1305850B1 describes an electrical connector having a housing with two elongated long sides each provided with a recess with a protruding rib. Multiple such connectors can be combined into a multi-connector by pushing a retaining rod into a lateral engagement opening, so that the ribs fit into mating grooves in a locking element.

[0007] US10459173B2, US10989881B2, US11131813B2, WO2020003137A1, WO2017066139A1, and WO2018116135A1 disclose optical connectors with multiple optical ferrules within a common housing. US11067756B2 describes a stackable adapter having opposing ports configured to receive optical fiber connectors. Individual stackable adapters can be formed into a stackable adapter assembly by virtue of protrusions and recesses on their exteriors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Object of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stacking module for a connector housing that can be stacked with an identical second stacking module to form a connector housing.It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved bottom module for a connector housing that can be assembled with a stacking module or a top module to form a connector housing, and an improved top module for a connector housing that can be assembled with a stacking module or a bottom module to form a connector housing.A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved set of modules for a connector housing, and an improved connector housing assembled from the set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Solution according to the invention Hereinafter, any reference to one (including the articles "a" and "the"), two or another number of objects is meant to be understood as not excluding the presence of more than that number of such objects in the present invention, unless something else is expressly stated. Reference numerals in the claims do not imply limitation but merely serve to improve the readability of the claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a stacking module for a connector housing having the features of claim 1. The stacking module can be stacked with another identical stacking module to form a connector housing. The stacking module includes a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. An upper sidewall extends away from the upper surface of the base plate at a first side of the base plate. A first fastener and a first opposing fastener are provided on either the first side or the second side of the base plate. A lower sidewall extends away from the lower surface of the base plate at a second side of the base plate, the second side being opposite the first side.

[0011] In this specification, the term "housing" refers to an assembly of stacking modules, which assembly provides one or more cavities in which parts of connectors, such as cable ends as described below, can be placed. In the present invention, the expression "first side and second side are provided with (opposite) fasteners" means that either the first side or the second side can be provided with such (opposite) fasteners.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "fastener" and "opposing fastener" refer to a pair of complementary fastening elements in the sense that a fastener in a module can cooperate with an opposing fastener in another module to secure the two modules together when the two modules are stacked and assembled.

[0013] The stacking module has the advantage that any number of stacking modules can be stacked to form a housing. Another advantage of the present invention is that each stacking module provides two halves of a cavity: an upper half-cavity (including the top surface and upper sidewall of the base plate) and a lower half-cavity (including the bottom surface and lower sidewall of the base plate). Where adjacent modules join, each module can provide half of a cavity to form a complete cavity. As a result, the housing can have multiple separated cavities, each cavity preferably capable of housing a portion of a connector housed in the housing.

[0014] An assembly is possible for the stacking modules in which one portion of the connector is placed in a half-cavity (e.g., the upper half-cavity) of a stacking module, which is then closed by a complementary half-cavity (the lower half-cavity in this example) of another stacking module, and another portion of the connector is placed in another half-cavity (the upper half-cavity in this example) of this other stacking module, which can then be closed by a complementary half-cavity (the lower half-cavity in this example) of yet another stacking module, and so on, allowing any number of stacking modules to be stacked.

[0015] In a second aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a bottom module of a connector housing having the features of claim 12. The bottom module can be assembled with a stacking module to form the connector housing. The bottom module comprises a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. An upper sidewall extends from a first side of the base plate away from the upper surface of the base plate. A first fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the base plate, and the first fastener of the bottom module cooperates with a first opposing fastener of the stacking module to assemble the bottom module with the stacking module.

[0016] Advantageously, the bottom module can be used to provide a half cavity that is complementary to the lower half cavity of the stacking module to form a complete cavity that can accommodate the components of the connector.

[0017] In a third aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a top module of a connector housing as set forth in claim 13. The top module can be assembled with a stacking module to form the connector housing. The top module comprises a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A lower sidewall extends away from the upper surface of the base plate at a first side. A second fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the base plate, and the second fastener of the top module cooperates with a second opposing fastener of the stacking module to assemble the top module with the stacking module.

[0018] Advantageously, the top module can be used to provide a half-cavity complementary to the upper half-cavity of the stacking module to form a complete cavity capable of accommodating the components of the connector.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a set for assembling a connector housing as claimed in claim 14. The set comprises at least two stacking modules or at least two modules from a group of modules consisting of a stacking module, a bottom module and a top module.

[0020] A possible advantage of this aspect of the invention is that complementary half cavities in the components of the set can form a complete cavity that can accommodate the components of the connector.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a housing having the features of claim 15. The housing is assembled from a set.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention Preferred features of the invention, which may be applied alone or in any combination, are set out below and in the dependent claims.

[0023] Hereinafter, when "module" is mentioned without specifically specifying stacking module, bottom module, or top module, this should be understood to mean either stacking module, bottom module, or top module.

[0024] At least two, preferably more than two, more preferably more than five, and even more preferably more than 11 stacking modules can be stacked to form the connector housing. Also, preferably, the bottom module and the top module can be assembled to each other instead of being assembled to an adjacent stacking module.

[0025] In the stacking module, a first fastener and a first opposing fastener are provided on one of the first side and the second side of the base plate. This has the advantage that, when assembling two modules into a stack, the first fastener of a module can cooperate with the first opposing fastener of an adjacent identical stacking module to secure the two modules to one another. Similarly, when assembling two modules into a stack, the first opposing fastener of a module can cooperate with the first fastener of an adjacent identical stacking module to secure the two modules to one another. Adjacent stacking modules may be stacked on top of each other, and stacking modules may be stacked on top of adjacent stacking modules.

[0026] Preferably, a second fastener and a second opposing fastener are provided on the other of the first and second sides of the base plate of the stacking module. As with the first fastener and opposing fastener, this advantageously allows the second fastener of a module to cooperate with the second opposing fastener of an adjacent identical stacking module to secure the two modules to one another when assembling the two modules into a stack. Similarly, the second opposing fastener of a module can cooperate with the second fastener of an adjacent identical stacking module to secure the two modules to one another when assembling the two modules into a stack. Again, adjacent stacking modules are stacked on top of each other, or stacking modules are stacked on top of adjacent stacking modules. Fastening adjacent modules together not only on one side of the base plate but also on two opposite sides makes the fastening of the two modules more secure and reliable.

[0027] In preferred stacking modules, fasteners are for securing the module to an adjacent module on one side (e.g., top) of the module, and corresponding opposing fasteners are for securing the module to an adjacent module on the opposite side of the stacking module. In contrast, bottom and top modules have adjacent modules only on one side, i.e., above or below them.

[0028] Accordingly, the lower end module preferably has a first fastener on one of the first and second sides of the base plate, but does not have an opposing fastener on this side. The other side of the first and second sides of the base plate of the lower end module is provided with a second opposing fastener that cooperates with the second fastener of the adjacent module. More preferably, the lower end module does not have a fastener on this other side.

[0029] Similarly, the upper module preferably has a second fastener on one of the first and second sides of the base plate, but does not have an opposing fastener on this one side. The other of the second and first sides of the base plate of the upper module has a first opposing fastener that cooperates with the first fastener of the adjacent module. More preferably, the lower module does not have a fastener on this other side.

[0030] The preferred fastener is one element of the group consisting of a latching hook and a latching edge capable of cooperating with the latching hook to form a latching connection, and the preferred counter fastener is the other element of the group. The preferred latching hook is capable of snapping onto the latching edge to establish the latching connection. Preferably, the fastener is a latching hook and the counter fastener is a latching edge. The preferred latching hook comprises a resiliently resilient tongue portion and a hook portion extending substantially perpendicularly toward the inside of the stacking module.

[0031] However, the present invention also encompasses pairs of fasteners and corresponding counterfasteners that operate according to other connection principles. For example, the fastener and counterfastener may rely on a natural clamping connection, like the well-known Lego blocks. The fastener may be one element of the group consisting of a groove (e.g., a dovetail groove) and a corresponding protrusion that can be retained in the groove by a press or form fit, like the well-known Fischertechnik components, and the preferred counterfastener may be another element of that group. The fastener may be one element of the group consisting of two components of a bayonet lock, and the preferred counterfastener may be another element of that group. Or the fastener may be one element of the group consisting of a screw and a nut, and the preferred counterfastener may be another element of that group.

[0032] The fastener and the counter fastener are preferably reversibly connected, i.e., detachably. A possible advantage of a detachable fastener and counter fastener pair is that the assembled modules can be detached and disassembled again. Thus, for example, if it is necessary to replace a connector part housed in a cavity formed by two adjacent modules, the fasteners can be disconnected to remove the two modules from each other and access the connector part. After the connector part is replaced, the two modules can be reassembled. To release the lock, preferred latching hooks are provided with a handle edge that can be accessed from the outside of the module even after it has been assembled with another module.

[0033] Preferably, the sidewall along the relevant edge of the base plate is interrupted to provide space for the fastener and / or opposing fastener. Furthermore, one of the fastener and opposing fastener preferably extends from the distal edge of the sidewall so as to connect with the other of the fastener and opposing fastener of an adjacent module. As used herein, the "distal edge of the sidewall" refers to the edge opposite the edge shared by the sidewall with the base plate. For example, a preferred latching hook extends away from the edge of the base plate substantially parallel to the adjacent portion of the sidewall. More preferably, the latching hook extends from the distal edge of the sidewall at least at its hook portion so as to snap onto the latching edge of an adjacent module.

[0034] If the first fastener is one element of a group of elements (such as the group of latching hooks and latching edges discussed above) and the first opposing fastener is another element of this group, then the second fastener is likewise preferably, but not necessarily, one element of this group and the second opposing fastener is another element of this group. However, the invention also encompasses embodiments in which the elements are reversed, such as when the first fastener is a latching hook and the second fastener is a latching edge, or when the first fastener and opposing fastener are entirely different types of fasteners (e.g., latching connections) from the second fastener and opposing fastener.

[0035] A pair of preferred fasteners and opposing fasteners can firmly connect the modules. In a preferred stacking module, at least one protrusion is provided on one of the first edge of the base plate and the distal edge of the upper sidewall, and a recess is provided on the other of the first edge of the base plate and the distal edge of the upper sidewall, so that when the two modules are assembled, the protrusion or recess can cooperate with the recess or protrusion of an adjacent module. Advantageously, the protrusion and recess can help to ensure that the stacking module is aligned with the adjacent stacking module. In a preferred bottom module, the distal edge of the upper sidewall also has at least one protrusion or recess, identical to that of the upper sidewall of the stacking module. This allows the protrusion or recess to cooperate with the recess or protrusion of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled. However, typically, the bottom module does not require a recess or protrusion on the first edge of the base plate. On the other hand, a preferred upper module has at least one recess or protrusion on the first side of the base plate to match a protrusion or recess on the upper side wall of the stacking module, so that when the two modules are assembled, the recess or protrusion can cooperate with the protrusion or recess of an adjacent module.

[0036] Similarly, in a preferred stacking module, at least one protrusion is provided on one of the second edge of the base plate and the distal edge of the lower sidewall, and a recess is provided on the other of the second edge of the base plate and the distal edge of the lower sidewall. This allows the protrusion or recess to cooperate with the recess or protrusion of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled. In a preferred bottom module, at least one recess or protrusion is provided on the second edge of the base plate to match the protrusion or recess of the lower sidewall of the stacking module. This allows the recess or protrusion to cooperate with the protrusion or recess of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled. Conversely, a preferred top module has at least one protrusion or recess on the distal edge of the lower sidewall, preferably to match the recess or protrusion on the second edge of the base plate of the stacking module. This allows the protrusion or recess to cooperate with the recess or protrusion of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled. However, the top module typically does not require a recess or protrusion on the second edge of the base plate.

[0037] A preferred protrusion has a tapered open end, i.e., a side extending toward the recess of an adjacent stacking module, and / or a lead-in edge. Similarly, a preferred recess has a tapered open end and / or a lead-in edge.

[0038] The preferred connector components held within the cavities are the ends of cables. In the preferred stacking module and / or the preferred bottom module, the upper surface of the base plate can support the lower surface of the ends of the cables. In the preferred stacking module and the preferred top module, the lower surface of the base plate can support the upper surface of the ends of the cables.

[0039] The cable is preferably a flat ribbon cable. Preferred flat ribbon cables have multiple, preferably more than two, parallel strands, for example, 3, 4, 8, 12, or 16. Preferred cables have a coupling unit (also called a ferrule) at their end that can be connected to a mating coupling unit of another cable. A collet (also called a retainer) is preferably fixedly attached to the end of the cable, preferably remote from the coupling unit. Particularly preferred is when the cable is an optical cable, and each strand is an optical waveguide. As used herein, the term "optical waveguide" refers to an optical element that propagates signal light. An optical waveguide comprises a core with at least one cladding, and the core and cladding are configured to propagate light within the core, for example, by total internal reflection. The optical waveguide may be, for example, a single-mode or multimode waveguide, a single-core fiber, a multi-core optical fiber, or a polymer waveguide.

[0040] The preferred sidewall extends beyond the length of the first and second sides of the base plate, allowing the sidewall to substantially enclose that side of the module.

[0041] The lower sidewall of the preferred stacking module includes a lower coupling unit support member that supports the underside of a coupling unit of a connector that can be held within the module. The preferred lower coupling unit support member is a protrusion that extends from the lower sidewall toward the interior of the stacking module. Similarly, the sidewall of the preferred stacking module and the preferred bottom end module include an upper coupling unit support member that supports the upper side of a coupling unit of a connector that can be held within the module. The preferred upper coupling unit support member is a protrusion that extends from the sidewall toward the interior of the stacking module.

[0042] The lower and upper coupling unit support members can hold the coupling unit, preferably a cable end coupling unit whose lower portion is supported on the upper surface of the module base plate, in a fixed vertical position. When two adjacent modules are stacked, the lower coupling unit support member preferably also functions as the upper coupling unit support member for the adjacent connector portion, and vice versa. This allows the coupling unit to be supported on both sides, i.e., on the side of the upper side wall and the side of the lower side wall. Preferably, the coupling unit support member of the stacking module and the coupling unit support member of the adjacent coupling module are arranged so that the coupling unit can move in the longitudinal direction of the cable end when the two modules are stacked and assembled.

[0043] The lower sidewall of the preferred module includes a collet support member for supporting the lower surface of a collet of a connector that can be held within the module. The preferred lower collet support member is a protrusion that extends from the lower sidewall toward the interior of the stacking module. Similarly, the preferred upper sidewall of the stacking module and the preferred bottom module include an upper collet support member for supporting the upper surface of a collet of a connector that can be held within the module. The preferred upper collet support member is a protrusion that extends from the upper sidewall toward the interior of the stacking module.

[0044] The lower and upper collet support members can hold a collet, preferably a cable end collet whose lower surface is supported by the upper surface of the module's base plate, in a fixed vertical position. When two adjacent modules are stacked, the lower collet support member also serves as the upper collet support member for the adjacent connector portion, and vice versa. This allows the collet to be supported from both sides (the upper sidewall side and the lower sidewall side).

[0045] Additionally, the module preferably includes one or more rear stops for the collet to prevent movement of the collet along the length of the cavity when pressure is applied to the coupling unit. This is typically the case when the coupling unit is connected to another coupling unit. Additionally, the module preferably includes a front stop for the collet. Preferably, the upper sidewall of the module includes a front stop and / or a rear stop for a collet that can be held within the module. Preferred front and / or rear stops are integrated into the upper and lower collet support members.

[0046] Preferably, at least two of the group of elements consisting of (1) the coupling unit support member, (2) the collet support member, and (3) the base plate cooperate to press the end of the cable between the coupling unit and the collet into a curved shape. The radius of curvature preferably extends in a plane formed by the stacking direction of the stack and the longitudinal direction of the cable. This allows the cable to apply a spring force to the coupling unit in cooperation with the rear stop. The spring force elastically biases the coupling unit against the corresponding opposing coupling unit, ensuring a secure connection between the coupling unit and the opposing coupling unit.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, a connector housing according to the present invention forms part of a connector component, preferably a male or female connector component. Preferably, the connector housing is disposed within an outer housing of the connector component. Preferably, the connector housing is biased relative to the outer connector housing toward a connector face of the connector component where the connector component can be attached to a mating connector component. To this end, the preferred connector housing is slidably disposed within the outer connector housing. The biasing force is preferably provided by an elastic body, such as a spring, e.g., a coil spring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] More preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. The drawings are shown schematically as follows: [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stacking module from above. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view from below of the stacking module of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector housing formed by stacking a bottom module, seven stacking modules, and a top module, the cavity formed by the modules holding the ends of eight optical flat ribbon cables, the cross-section of which lies in the plane formed by the stacking direction of the connector housing and the longitudinal axes of the ends of the eight optical flat ribbon cables. [Figure 2B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing of FIG. 2A taken along a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end of the eight optical flat ribbon cables. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the connector housing of FIGS. 2A and 2B. [Figure 3] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the two bottom modules of the connector housing shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C and their respective cable ends. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the bottom module shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view from below of the bottom module shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3 and 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2C is a side view of the bottom module shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 4A, and 4B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the upper end module of FIGS. 2A to 2C from above. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view from below of the upper end module of FIGS. 2A-2C and 5A. [Figure 6A]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector portion connected to a male connector portion. [Figure 6B] 6B is a side perspective view of the connection unit of the female connector portion of FIG. 6A. FIG. [Figure 6C] 6B is a side perspective view of the connection unit of the male connector portion of FIG. 6A. FIG. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of the collet of the female connector portion of FIG. 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference numerals designate identical or similar elements.

[0050] The connector housing 1 can be assembled from three types of modules: a stacking module 2, a bottom module 3, and a top module 4.

[0051] 1A and 1B show examples of stacking modules 2 for a connector housing 1. Any number of these stacking modules 2 can be stacked to form the connector housing 1. The stacking module 2 includes a base plate 5, the top of which is seen in FIG. 1A, and the bottom of which is shown in FIG. 1B. The base plate has two opposing sides, each of which includes a side wall 6, 7. On a first side of the base plate 5 (facing away from the viewer in FIG. 1A and to the right in FIG. 1B), an upper side wall 6 extends away from the top surface of the base plate. On a second side of the base plate 5 (facing towards the viewer in FIG. 1A and to the left in FIG. 1B), a lower side wall 7 extends away from the bottom surface of the base plate 5. As best seen in FIG. 1B, the combination of the base plate 5 and the side walls 6, 7 defines a "Z"-shaped cross section, with three sections meeting at right angles.

[0052] A stacking module 2 provides two halves of a cavity for accommodating cable ends 8. When a stacking module 2 is stacked with a second identical stacking module 2, the stacking module 2 forms one half of a cavity, and the second stacking module 2 forms another half of a cavity for accommodating cable ends 8. Similarly, when a stacking module 2 is stacked with a third identical stacking module 2, the stacking module 2 and the third stacking module 2 form complementary halves of a cavity for accommodating cable ends 8. Thus, each pair of adjacent modules 2 forms a separate cavity. This can be seen in Figures 2A to 2C, where seven stacking modules 2 are assembled in a stack.

[0053] The side walls 6, 7 of the stacking module extend beyond both ends of the first and second sides of the base plate 5. Additionally, along the first and second sides of the base plate 5, the corresponding side walls 6, 7 are interrupted to provide space for latching hooks 9. The latching hooks 9 include a resiliently resilient tongue portion extending away from the side of the base plate substantially parallel to the adjacent portions of the side walls 6, 7, and a hook portion extending at a substantially right angle toward the interior of the stacking module 2.

[0054] A latching edge 10 is provided at the base of each latching hook 9 so that each latching hook 9 snaps onto a corresponding latching edge 10 of an adjacent stacking module 2 to securely assemble the stacking modules 2. Furthermore, each latching hook 9 is provided with a handle edge 11 that remains accessible from the outside even after the modules 2 are assembled. By manipulating the handle edge 11, a user can release the snap connection between the latching hook 9 and the corresponding latching edge 10.

[0055] Each side wall 6, 7 has four protrusions 12, 13 on its distal edge, two on the inside and two on the outside of the side wall 6, 7, which protrude away from the distal edge of the side wall 6, 7 as an extension of the distal edge. Recesses 14, 15 are provided at the proximal end of each side wall 6, 7, below each protrusion 12, 13 and on the same side as the protrusion, either on the inside or outside of the side wall 6, 7. When the stacking modules are assembled, each protrusion slides into a corresponding recess in an adjacent module, increasing the rigidity of the assembly.

[0056] 2A and 3 together, it is best to see how the optical flat ribbon cable end section 8 extends within the cavity formed by adjacent modules 2, 3, and 4. The end of cable end 8 is provided with a coupling unit 16 that can be connected to a complementary coupling unit 16 on another cable end 8. Additionally, a collet 17 is provided, spaced from coupling unit 16, that is secured to cable end 8. The upper surface of module base plate 5 supports the underside of cable end 8, and the underside of a second module 2, 4 stacked on module 3, 2 supports the upper surface of cable end 8. For the latter, a shallow recess 18 is provided in the underside of base plate 5.

[0057] The lower side wall 7 has a lower protrusion 19 for supporting the underside of the coupling unit 16 of the cable end 8 supported on the upper surface of the base plate 5. Similarly, the upper side wall 6 has an upper protrusion 20 for supporting the upper surface of this coupling unit 16. Furthermore, the lower protrusion 19 also functions as an upper support portion for the coupling unit 16 of the adjacent cable end 8, and the upper protrusion 20 also functions as a lower support portion for the coupling unit 16 of the adjacent cable end 8. As a result, in the stack of modules 2, 3, and 4, the upper and lower surfaces of each coupling unit 16 are held by both the upper side wall 6 and the lower side wall 7. The coupling units 16 are supported by the connection support members 19, 20 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the cable end 8.

[0058] Furthermore, to support the collet 17, the lower sidewall 7 includes a lower collet support member 21 that supports the lower surface of the collet 17 of the cable end 8 supported by the upper surface of the base plate 5, and the upper sidewall 6 includes an upper collet support member 22 that supports the upper surface of the collet 17. Unlike the coupling unit 16, the collet 17 is held in the connector housing 1 so as to be unable to move in the longitudinal direction of the cable end 8. For this purpose, the upper and lower sidewalls 6 and 7 each include a front stop 23 and a rear stop 24 for the collet 17 of the cable end 8 supported by the upper surface of the base plate 5. Furthermore, the upper and lower sidewalls 6 and 7 each include both a front stop 25 and a rear stop 26 for the collet of the adjacent cable end.

[0059] The bottom module of the module stack in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 is bottom module 3, which has a different design from stacking module 2. Details of bottom module 3 are shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C. Unlike stacking module 2, bottom module 3 has only one side wall, namely upper side wall 6, which extends away from the top surface of base plate 5 on the first side of base plate 5 (away from the viewer in Figures 4A and 4C, and to the left in Figure 4B).

[0060] The bottom module 3 provides one half of a cavity for receiving the end 8 of the cable, and the other half is provided by the stacking module 2, or by the top module 4 (described below) when the stacking module 2 or top module 4 is stacked on top of the top module 4. As shown in FIG. 2A , the end 8 of the optical flat ribbon cable extends into the cavity formed by the bottom module 3 and the stacking module 2 or top module 4, just as it extends into the cavity formed by two adjacent stacking modules 2. Specifically, the top surface of the base plate 5 of the bottom module 3 supports the underside of the end 8 of the cable, and the underside of the stacking module 2 or top module 4 supports the top surface of the end 8 of the cable.

[0061] Similar to stacking module 2, the upper sidewall 6 is interrupted along a first edge of base plate 5 of bottom module 3 for latching hooks 9, as previously described, which snap into corresponding latching edges 10 on stacking module 2 or top module 4 to securely assemble the modules. This is best seen in FIG. 4A. As previously described, latching hooks 9 are provided with handle edges 11 that remain externally accessible after the modules are assembled, allowing a user to release the snap connection between latching hooks 9 and their corresponding latching edges 10 by manipulating handle edges 11.

[0062] Like the upper sidewall 6 of the stacking module 2, the upper sidewall 6 of the bottom module 3 has four protrusions on its distal edge, two on the inside and two on the outside of the upper sidewall 6, that protrude away from the distal edge of the upper sidewall 6 as an extension of the protrusions. Each of the protrusions 12, 13 can slide into a corresponding recess 14, 15 on the stacking module 2 or the top module 4 stacked on the bottom module 3, thereby increasing the rigidity of the assembly. The second edge of the base plate 5, on which the stacking module 2 has its lower sidewall, has the same recesses 14, 15 as the stacking module 2, and each recess 14, 15 can slide into a corresponding protrusion 12, 13 on the stacking module 2 or the top module 4 stacked on the bottom module 3, thereby increasing the rigidity of the assembly.

[0063] As in the case of the stacking module 2, the upper side wall 6 of the bottom module 3 has an upper protrusion 20 for supporting the upper surface of the coupling unit 16 of the cable end 8, the lower surface of which is supported by the upper surface of the base plate 5. This upper protrusion also functions as a lower protrusion for supporting the coupling unit 16 of the adjacent cable end 8. The coupling unit 16 is supported from below by a lower connection support plate 27 that extends from the base plate 5 and, like the base plate 5, spans the entire width of the bottom module 3. The coupling unit 16 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the end of the cable 8.

[0064] To support the collets 17 of the cable ends 8 supported on the upper surface of the base plate 5, the upper side wall 6 is provided with an upper collet support member 22 identical to that of the stacking module 2. The collets are supported from below by a lower collet support plate 28 which extends from the base plate 5 in the opposite direction to the lower link support plate 27 and which, like the latter, spans the full width of the lower end module 3.

[0065] To fix the collet in the housing so that it cannot move in the longitudinal direction of the cable end of the cable, the upper side wall 6 is provided with a front stopper 23 and a rear stopper 24, the same as those of the stacking module. Furthermore, the lower collet support plate 28 is provided with a front stopper 23.

[0066] The structures of both the stacking module 2 and the lower end module 3 take into consideration that the collet 17 is shorter on the upper sidewall 6 side than on the lower sidewall 7 side in the longitudinal direction of the cable end 8, i.e., is slightly trapezoidal. Taking this into consideration, the space between the front stopper 23 and the rear stopper 24 also widens from the upper sidewall 6 side toward the lower sidewall 7 side. Furthermore, the proximal end of the lower sidewall 7 is lower than the bottom side of the collet 17. As a result, the collet 17 of the cable end 8, whose underside is supported by the upper surface of the base plate 5, can slide from the second side of the base plate 5 into the space between the lower and upper collet supports 21, 28, 22 and the front stopper 23 and rear stopper 24.

[0067] The top module of the stack of modules in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C is the top module 4, which also differs in design from the stacking module 2. Details of the top module 4 are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The top module 4 only has a lower sidewall 7 that extends away from the underside of the base plate 5 at the second side of the base plate 5 (the side facing towards the viewer in Figure 5A and away from the viewer in Figure 5B).

[0068] The top module 4 provides half of the cavity for receiving the cable end 8, and the other half is provided by the stacking module 2 or bottom module 3 when the top module 4 is stacked on top of it. As shown in FIG. 2A , the end 8 of the optical flat ribbon cable extends into the cavity formed by the top module 4 and the stacking module 2 or bottom module 3, just as it extends into the cavity formed by two adjacent stacking modules 2. Specifically, the lower surface of the base plate 5 of the top module 4 supports the upper surface of the cable end 8, and the upper surface of the stacking module 2 or bottom module 3 supports the lower surface of the cable end 8.

[0069] Similar to stacking module 2, the lower sidewall 7 is interrupted along the second edge of the base plate 5 of the top module for latching hook 9 as described above, which snaps into a corresponding latching edge 10 on stacking module 2 or bottom module 3 to securely assemble the modules. After the modules are assembled, handle edge 11 of latching hook 9 remains externally accessible, and by manipulating handle edge 11, a user can release the snap connection between latching hook 9 and its corresponding latching edge 10.

[0070] Furthermore, like the lower sidewall 7 of the stacking module 2, the distal edge of the lower sidewall 7 of the top module 4 is provided with four protrusions, two on the inside and two on the outside of the lower sidewall 7, that protrude as extensions away from the distal edge of the lower sidewall 7. Each of the protrusions 12, 13 can slide into a corresponding recess 14, 15 in the stacking module 2 or bottom module 3 stacked on top of it, thereby improving the rigidity of the assembly. The first edge of the base plate 5, on which the stacking module 2 has its upper sidewall 6, is provided with the same recesses 14, 15 as those on the stacking module 2, and each recess 14, 15 can slide into a corresponding protrusion 12, 13 in the bottom module 3 on which the stacking module 2 or top module 4 is stacked, thereby improving the rigidity of the assembly.

[0071] The two protrusions 19 provided on the lower side wall 7 of the stacking module, which support the underside of the coupling unit 16 of the cable end 8, are also provided on the lower side wall 7 of the upper module 4. Furthermore, to support the collet 17 of the cable end 8, the lower side wall 7 of the upper module 4 is provided with an upper collet support member 22, a front stopper 23 and a rear stopper 24, which are the same as those on the lower side wall 7 of the stacking module 2.

[0072] The connector housing 1 is typically assembled from the bottom up, beginning with a step of inserting a cable end 8 into either the bottom module 3 or the stacking module 2 (the bottom module is preferred over the stacking module in this first step). If desired, a stacking module 2 can be stacked on top of this module in a second step of inserting another cable end 8. This second step can be repeated as many times as necessary. Finally, if desired, a top module 4 can be stacked in a third step to complete the stack.

[0073] Housing 1 can be placed in outer connector housings 31, 32 to form components of connector parts 29, 30. An example of a female connector part 29 and a male connector part 30 inserted into the female connector part 29 is shown in cross section in Figure 6A. Figures 6B and 6C show a perspective view of the female connector part 29, specifically its female outer connector housing 31, and Figure 6C shows a perspective view of the corresponding male connector part 30, specifically its male outer connector housing 32.

[0074] When the two connector parts 29, 30 are assembled, the connector housing 1 in each outer connector housing 31, 32 is biased by springs 33, 34 toward the connector surface at the position where the connector part 29, 30 contacts the corresponding connector part 30, 29, so that the coupling unit 16 of the female connector part 29 is securely connected to the coupling unit 16 of the male connector part 30. In each connector part 29, 30, the connector housing 1 is slidably disposed in the outer connector housing 31, 32, and the springs 33, 34 apply force between the outer connector housing 31, 32 and the connector housing 1, biasing the connector housing 1 toward the connector surface.

[0075] In the female connector portion 29, a pair of springs 33 (only one shown in FIG. 6D and not visible in FIGS. 6A and 6B) is disposed between the female outer connector housing 31 and a biasing member 35 that abuts a biasing hook 36 on the bottom module 3 of the connector housing 1, biasing the connector housing 1 toward the connector face. In the male connector portion 30, a pair of springs 34 (only one shown in FIG. 6A and not visible in FIG. 6C) is disposed between the male outer connector housing 32 and the top module 4 of the connector housing. Each spring 34 rests on a biasing nose 37 on the top module 4.

[0076] The features set out in the above description, claims and drawings can be relevant individually or in any combination to realise various embodiments of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] reference numbers 1 Connector housing 2 Stacking Modules 3 Bottom Module 4 Top Module 5 Base Plate 6 Upper side wall 7 Lower side wall 8 End 9 Latching Hook 10 Latching Edge 11 Handle Edge 12 Convex part 13 Convex part 14 Recess 15 recess 16 Coupling unit 17 Colette 18 Shallow depression 19 Lower convex part 20 Upper convex part 21 Lower collet support 22 Upper collet support 23 Front stopper 24 Rear stopper 25 Front stopper 26 Rear stopper 27 Lower connecting unit support plate 28 Lower collet support plate 29 Female connector part 30 Male connector part 31 Female Outer Connector Housing 32 Male Outer Connector Housing 33 Spring 34 Spring 35 biasing member 36 energized hook 37 Energized Nose

Claims

1. a stacking module for the connector housing that can be stacked with another identical stacking module to form the connector housing, the stacking module comprising a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; an upper side wall extending in a direction away from an upper surface of the base plate on one side of the base plate; a first fastener and a first opposing fastener are provided on one of the first side and the second side of the base plate; A lower sidewall extends in a direction away from the lower surface of the base plate at the second side of the base plate, and the second side faces the first side of the base plate. Stacking module.

2. A second fastener and a second opposing fastener are provided on the other of the first side and the second side of the base plate. The stacking module of claim 1 .

3. one of the first fastener and the first opposing fastener is a latching hook, and the other of the first fastener and the first opposing fastener is a latching edge; The latching hook of the module is capable of cooperating with the latching edge of a second module to assemble the module with a second module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

4. A convex portion is provided on one of the first side and the distal side of the upper side wall, and a concave portion is provided on the other of the first side and the distal side of the upper side wall, and when the stacking modules are assembled, the convex portion or the concave portion of the stacking module can cooperate with the concave portion or the convex portion of the other stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

5. The upper surface of the base plate is capable of supporting a lower surface of an end of a cable, and the lower surface of the base plate is capable of supporting an upper surface of an end of a cable. The stacking module of claim 1 .

6. The lower sidewall includes a lower coupling unit support member that supports the underside of a coupling unit of a connector that can be held within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

7. The upper sidewall includes an upper coupling unit support member that supports an upper surface of a coupling unit of a connector that can be held within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

8. The lower sidewall includes a lower collet support member that supports the underside of a collet of a connector retainable within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

9. The upper sidewall includes an upper collet support member that supports an upper surface of a collet of a connector that can be held within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

10. The lower sidewall may include a front stop and / or a rear stop for a collet that can be held within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

11. The upper sidewall may include a front stop and / or a rear stop for a collet that can be held within the stacking module. The stacking module of claim 1 .

12. 10. A bottom module for a connector housing assembleable with a stacking module according to claim 1, said bottom module comprising a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; an upper sidewall extending away from the top surface of the base plate at a first side of the base plate; A first fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the base plate, and the first fastener of the bottom module can cooperate with the first opposing fastener of the stacking module to assemble the bottom module with the stacking module. Bottom module.

13. 10. A top module of a connector housing that can be assembled with the stacking module of claim 1 to form a connector housing, the top module comprising a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a lower sidewall at a second side of the base plate extends away from the lower surface of the base plate; A second fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the base plate, and the second fastener of the top module can cooperate with the second opposing fastener of the stacking module to assemble the top module with the stacking module. Top module.

14. A set for assembling a connector housing, comprising: At least two stacking modules according to claim 1, or At least two modules from a group of modules consisting of the stacking module of claim 1, the bottom module of claim 12, and the top module of claim 13. A set that includes:

15. A connector housing assembled from the set of claim 14.

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