Modular multi-modal connector housing

Abstract

SOLUTION: A module (2) for a connector housing (1) which can be stacked with one or more other stacking modules (2) to form a connector housing (1), the stacking module (2) comprising a connector part support (5) having an upper surface and a lower surface. On a first side of the connector part support (5) an upper side wall (6) extends away from the upper surface of the connector part support (5) and / or on a second side of the connector part support (5) a lower side wall (7) extends away from the lower surface of the connector part support (5). A first fastener and a first counter fastener are provided on one of the first side and the second side of the connector part support (5). The connector portions can be electrical contact pins, electrical contact bushings, edge cards, coaxial connector portions, fiber optic contact fittings, and fluid conduit fittings. The set further includes a stacking module (2) and a set 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 one or more other stacking modules 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 a stacking module and a connector portion, a set of modules for a connector housing, and a connector housing assembled from this set. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention From US 10620383 B2 a modular optical connector is known which includes a plurality of interconnected optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module has interfitting module connection features, such as dovetails, for coupling each ferrule support module with one or more adjacent ferrule support modules to stack one or more ferrule support modules. The ferrule support modules can hold one or more optical ferrules and one or more optical waveguides. Spring-loaded bends in the waveguides provide the mating force and allow the ferrules to float during connection.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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 the mating grooves of the retaining rod.

[0008] 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.

[0009] US Patent Application Publication No. 20050031290 A1 describes an optical fiber stack assembly in which multiple ferrule plates are aligned vertically using alignment pins and holes, with the fibers glued to the plates and the plates bonded together with epoxy resin.

[0010] EP4096027A1 discloses a circular modular electrical connector that achieves a high-density contact arrangement with low mating force, and is particularly suitable for a push-pull casing configuration. The connector comprises a substantially circular casing that houses a terminal unit. The terminal unit receives a plurality of terminal modules arranged in a stack within a receiving cavity, guided by guide rails. The terminal modules may have different heights to accommodate different configurations.

[0011] From US11437752B2 a connector is known in which a number of terminal fittings for a flat cable are held between an upper housing and a lower housing. A resilient cantilevered locking member on one housing engages with a locking portion on the other housing to prevent separation. Furthermore, a protruding member on one housing and a protruding member limiting portion on the other housing prevent loosening, and a pin and relief hole align and secure the flat cable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Object of the invention An object of the present invention is to provide an improved stacking module for a connector housing that can be stacked with one or more other stacking modules to form a connector housing.A further object of the present invention is 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.Further objects of the present invention are to provide an improved set of a stacking module and a connector portion, an improved set of modules for a connector housing, and an improved connector housing assembled from the set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 one or more other stacking modules to form a connector housing, the stacking module comprising a connector portion support having an upper surface and a lower surface, an upper sidewall on a first side of the connector portion support extending away from the upper surface of the connector portion support and / or a lower sidewall on a second side of the connector portion support extending away from the lower surface of the connector portion support, and a first fastener and a first counter fastener are provided on one of the first side and the second side of the connector portion support.

[0015] A possible advantage of the stacking module is that any number of stacking modules can be stacked to form a housing, particularly stacking modules having different connector portion supports corresponding to different contact elements.

[0016] Furthermore, a connector portion fixedly held by a connector portion support of a single stacking module can be combined with a connector portion held between a pair of connector portion supports provided by adjacent stacking modules, thereby expanding the range of applications of the housing obtained using the stacking module according to the present invention. Specifically, the side walls can cooperate with the side walls of adjacent modules to provide cavities capable of accommodating connector elements, thereby further increasing the utility of the stacking module.

[0017] In this specification, the term "housing" refers to an assembly of stacking modules, which assembles a plurality of connector portion supports for connector portions. In the present invention, the expression "one" of the first and second sides is provided with (opposite) fasteners means that either the first side or the second side can be provided with such (opposite) fasteners.

[0018] For purposes of this invention, a "connector portion" refers to a connector portion that is matable with a mating connector portion in another connector and that transmits power, one or more electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals, or one or more fluids to the mating connector portion. Examples of connector portions include electrical contact pins for contacting electrical contact bushings, electrical contact bushings for contacting electrical contact pins, edge cards for electrical contact with one or more corresponding spring contacts, coaxial elements with pins and bushings for contacting corresponding mating coaxial bushings, a mating portion of an optical fiber end that is positioned to contact a corresponding mating portion of another optical fiber end, and a mating end of a fluid conduit for mating with a corresponding mating end of another fluid conduit.

[0019] As used herein, a "connector portion support" refers to a component of a module capable of supporting or holding one or more connector portions. A connector portion support may support or hold one, two, three, four, five, or more connector portions. These connector portions may typically be of the same type, but this is not necessarily the case. In this specification, a "side" of a connector portion support refers to a portion located outside the connector portion support, extending along the length of the connector portion support, and located between the top and bottom surfaces of the connector portion support. As used herein, "lengthwise" refers to the direction from the front to the back of the stacking module. The "front" of a stacking module refers to a location where a connector portion can be exposed for mating with a corresponding opposing connector portion. The "back" of a stacking module typically refers to a location where a cable connected to a connector portion exits the stacking module.

[0020] 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, preferably with an opposing fastener of another adjacent module, to secure the two modules together when assembled into a stack. Advantageously, a fastener or opposing fastener can cooperate with an opposing fastener or fastener of an adjacent stacking module, respectively. A fastener or opposing fastener "provided on" a side means that the fastener or opposing fastener is adjacent to the side and directly or indirectly attached to the side, or that the fastener or opposing fastener itself forms part of the side. For example, the fastener or opposing fastener can be a latching hook extending from the side (i.e., the fastener or opposing fastener is directly attached to the side) or a latching hook extending from a sidewall extending from the side (i.e., the fastener or opposing fastener is indirectly attached to the side). Similarly, the fastener or opposing fastener can be, for example, a recess or protrusion on the side or on a sidewall extending from the side. The above definition also includes cases where the sidewall doubles as the fastener or opposing fastener.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a set consisting of at least one stacking module and at least one connector part having the features of claim 6. The connector part is selected from the group consisting of an electrical contact pin, an electrical contact bushing, an edge card, a coaxial connector part, a fiber optic contact, and a fluid port.

[0022] An achievable advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that a wide variety of different connectors can be obtained, and by combining stacking modules with different connectors, different types of connectors can be combined to obtain a connector that is particularly suited to a particular application.

[0023] In a third aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a bottom module for 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 connector portion support having an upper surface, and an upper sidewall extending away from the upper surface of the connector portion support on a first side of the connector portion support. A first fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the connector portion support, 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.

[0024] The bottom module has the advantage that it does not require any means for mounting the module underneath, which simplifies the construction and saves space. The bottom module can also be provided with means for receiving the housing within the outer housing of the connector.

[0025] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by an upper module of a connector housing as set forth in claim 13. The upper module can be assembled with a stacking module or a lower module to form a connector housing. The upper module includes a connector portion support having a lower surface, a lower sidewall extending away from the lower surface of the connector portion support at a second side of the connector portion support, and a second fastener provided on either the first side or the second side of the connector portion support, the second fastener of the upper module cooperating with a second opposing fastener of the stacking module to allow the upper module to be assembled with the stacking module.

[0026] As with the bottom module, the top module has the advantage of being simpler in construction since it does not require any means for mounting the modules located above it, further saving space, and the top module can be provided with means for receiving the housing within the outer housing of the connector.

[0027] According to a fifth 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.

[0028] According to a sixth 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] At least two, preferably three or more, more preferably five or more, and even more preferably eleven or more modules can be stacked to form a connector housing. Also, the bottom and top modules can be assembled with each other instead of with adjacent stacking modules. Preferred stacking modules can be assembled with identical stacking modules.

[0032] A preferred connector portion support is a connector portion holder. As used herein, "connector portion holder" means a connector portion support that can securely hold one or more connector portions without the need for cooperation with another connector portion support.

[0033] To this end, the connector portion support preferably includes one or more through-holes, each for receiving one or more connector portions. The through-holes preferably extend along the length of the connector portion support. The connector portion support may include one, two, three, four, five, or more such through-holes.

[0034] The preferred through-holes have an essentially cylindrical cross-section. This is particularly advantageous for the connector portion support to securely hold components such as electrical contact pins, electrical contact bushings, coaxial elements, single optical fibers, or fluid conduits, all of which typically have essentially circular external cross-sections. Alternatively, the slots may be rectangular. Such rectangular through-holes are particularly advantageous for the connector portion support to securely hold edge cards or means for receiving edge cards.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector portion support can support one or more connector portions from the top or bottom, and can cooperate with another stacking module to support one or more connector portions from the bottom or top, respectively, and securely hold one or more connector portions. This enables a method in which, when assembling two modules, a connector portion is placed on the connector portion support of one stacking module and then secured between the two modules by the connector portion support of the other stacking module.

[0036] To this end, the connector portion support preferably includes one or more grooves extending along the length of the connector portion support. The connector portion support may include one, two, three, four, five, or more such grooves. Preferred grooves open toward the front and / or rear of the connector portion support.

[0037] The preferred groove is trough-shaped, more preferably having a substantially semi-cylindrical cross-section. This is particularly advantageous for connector portion supports that fixedly hold electrical contact pins, electrical contact bushings, coaxial elements, single optical fibers, or fluid conduits, all of which typically have substantially circular outer cross-sections. Alternatively, the groove may be rectangular. The latter is particularly advantageous when the connector portion support fixedly holds an edge card or edge card receiving means.

[0038] The through-holes and grooves may have different radii. In preferred through-holes, the change in radius creates one or more shoulders against which the connector portion can rest as it is inserted into the through-hole, facilitating longitudinal positioning and securing of the connector portion within the through-hole.

[0039] The preferred connector portion support also functions as an insulator to electrically isolate the connector portion. For this purpose, it is preferably constructed of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. Similarly, the connector portion support material can be pigmented to provide optical shielding or can include electromagnetic shielding in the form of a metal layer, web, or the like.

[0040] In embodiments of the invention, the connector portion support is provided with a protrusion for securing the connector portion to the connector portion support by form-fit or press-fit within the connector portion retainer or within a combination of adjacent connector portion supports that cooperate to securely hold one or more connector portions. The protrusion may be constructed of the same material as the bulk of the connector portion support, typically a plastic material, or may be constructed of a different material, such as metal.

[0041] A protrusion, e.g., a metallic protrusion, protrudes from the connector portion support. The protrusion preferably protrudes from the wall of the through-hole into the through-hole or from the wall of the groove into the groove, thereby securing the connector portion within the through-hole. The protrusion, for example, functions as a latching element and cooperates with a shoulder provided on the outside of the connector portion to secure the connector portion to or between the connector portion support by form-fitting. Accordingly, preferred connector portions have at least one shoulder on their outside to cooperate with the protrusion on the connector portion support.

[0042] In contrast, in an embodiment of the present invention, the connector portion support includes at least one shoulder that cooperates with at least one resilient tongue of the connector portion to secure the connector portion within the connector portion retainer in a combination where adjacent connector portion supports cooperate to securely hold one or more connector portions.

[0043] Some connector parts according to the present invention have one or more hooks on their outer surface. This is for fixing the connector part to the surface of the connector part support, specifically to the surface of the through-hole of the connector part holder or to the groove of the connector part support. The hooks may extend annularly along the circumference of the connector part, such as a contact pin or bushing. The connector part may have two, three, four or more hooks.

[0044] The connector portion support can hold one, two, three, four, or more connector portions. In some embodiments, the connector portion is selected from the following group: electrical contact pins (e.g., spring-loaded pogo pins), electrical contact bushings (e.g., spring contact sockets that accept contact pins), flat contacts that cooperate with spring-loaded pogo pin contact pins or spring contacts; edge cards comprising a printed circuit board with one or more flat contacts (in the form of electrical conductor traces) that are in electrical contact with one or more corresponding spring contacts; coaxial elements comprising a pin and bushing or a pair of coaxial bushings; optical fiber matings, such as the flat end of an optical fiber or an optical element that transmits light between an optical fiber and an optical element (e.g., a lens or prism) or optical fiber of a mating connector portion; or a fluid conduit connector portion, which may include a seal to prevent leakage when transferring fluid between the connector portion and the opposing connector portion. Further, preferred connector portions include an electrical cable attached to a pin, bushing, edge card, or coaxial element, an optical cable attached to an optical fiber mating portion, or a fluid conduit attached to a fluid conduit mating portion. Typically, the cables or conduits pass through the back of the modules.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, there are modules that do not create gaps between connector portion supports when adjacent modules are combined, and preferably, such modules are modules that can securely hold one or more connector portions, either alone or in combination with adjacent modules.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, there are modules in which the top surface of a connector portion support and the top wall of the module cooperate with the bottom surface and bottom wall of the connector portion support of an adjacent module to form a cavity between the connector portion support and the side wall. Thus, the connector portion support and the side wall of each module essentially form a half-cavity. This allows for an assembly scheme in which, when assembling two modules, a connector portion is placed in a half-cavity (e.g., an upper half-cavity) of a stacking module, and then the cavity is closed by a complementary half-cavity (e.g., a lower half-cavity) of another stacking module.

[0047] It is desirable that the semi-cavity be at least partially open. In this context, "partially open" means that there is no corresponding side wall portion on the second or first side of the connector portion support at a position opposite at least a portion of the upper side wall (i.e., the side wall on the first side of the connector portion) or the lower side wall (i.e., the side wall on the first side of the connector portion), respectively. This has the advantage that the connector portion can be inserted into the semi-cavity without being obstructed by the corresponding side wall. This embodiment facilitates assembly of the housing.

[0048] Thus, if the upper sidewall of the connector portion support faces away from the top on a first side of the connector portion support, the connector portion support is at least partially open on a second side of the connector portion support at a location opposite at least a portion of the upper sidewall. Similarly, if the second side of the connector portion support has a lower sidewall facing away from the underside of the connector portion support, the connector portion support is at least partially open on a first side of the connector portion support facing at least a portion of the lower sidewall. Preferably, at least 20%, more preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 60%, even more preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably the entire upper or lower sidewall is free of a sidewall corresponding to the second or first side, respectively. Most preferably, the half-cavity is completely, rather than partially, open. That is, on the opposite side of the upper or lower sidewall, there is no sidewall corresponding to the second or first side of the connector portion support, respectively. In a preferred module having two half-cavities, both half-cavities are preferably open.

[0049] In some embodiments of stacking modules according to the present invention, the connector portion support is provided with two side walls on either side, preferably with an upper side wall extending away from the top surface of the connector portion support on a first side of the connector portion support and a lower side wall extending away from the bottom surface of the connector portion support on a second side of the connector portion support.

[0050] Such a stacking module provides two half cavities, an upper half cavity and a lower half cavity. Advantageously, this allows for an assembly scheme such as the following: a connector part is placed in one half cavity of a stacking module (e.g. the upper half cavity), then the cavity is closed with a complementary half cavity of another stacking module (e.g. the lower half cavity), and another part of the connector is placed in the other half cavity of this other stacking module (e.g. the upper half cavity), which can then be closed with a complementary half cavity of yet another stacking module (e.g. the lower half cavity), and so on for any number of stacking modules.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector portion support preferably has two side walls on either side, thereby providing two half cavities. The connector portion support does not have any through holes, grooves, or other means for fixedly holding the connector portion. Rather, the connector portion support is preferably an essentially flat base plate.

[0052] 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 connector portion support. This has the advantage that 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 when assembling the two modules into a stack. Similarly, 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 when assembling the two modules into a stack. Adjacent stacking modules may be stacked on top of each other, and stacking modules may be stacked on top of adjacent stacking modules.

[0053] Preferably, a second fastener and a second opposing fastener are provided on the other of the first and second sides of the connector portion support of the stacking module. As with the first fastener and opposing fastener, this has the advantageous effect that the second fastener of a module can 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 one another, or stacking modules are stacked on top of adjacent stacking modules. Securing adjacent modules together on two opposite sides of the connector portion support, rather than just on one side, makes the fastening of the two modules more secure and reliable.

[0054] In preferred stacking modules, fasteners are for securing the module to an adjacent module on the top surface of the module, and corresponding opposing fasteners are for securing the module to an adjacent module on the bottom surface of the stacking module, and vice versa. In contrast, bottom and top modules only have adjacent modules above or below them when at the top or bottom, respectively.

[0055] Accordingly, the lower end module has a first fastener on one of the first and second sides of the connector portion support, but preferably does not have an opposing fastener on this one side. The other of the first and second sides of the connector portion support 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.

[0056] Similarly, the upper module preferably has a second fastener on one of the first and second sides of the connector portion support, but the upper module does not have an opposing fastener on this one side. The other of the second and first sides of the connector portion support of the upper module is provided with a first opposing fastener that cooperates with the first fastener of the adjacent module. More preferably, the upper module does not have a fastener on this other side.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 has been 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.

[0060] Preferably, the sidewall along the associated side of the connector portion support 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 end 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 end of the sidewall" refers to the side opposite the end of the sidewall shared with the connector portion support. For example, a preferred latching hook extends away from the end of the connector portion support substantially parallel to the adjacent portion of the sidewall. More preferably, the latching hook extends from the distal end of the sidewall at least at its hook portion so as to snap onto the latching edge of an adjacent module.

[0061] 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.

[0062] A pair of preferred fasteners and opposing fasteners can securely connect modules. In a preferred stacking module, at least one protrusion is provided on one of the first side of the connector portion support and the distal side of the upper sidewall, and a recess is provided on the other of the first side of the connector portion support and the distal side of the upper sidewall, so that the protrusion or recess can cooperate with the recess or protrusion of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled. 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 side of the upper sidewall also has at least one protrusion or recess that is identical to that on 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 side of the connector portion support. On the other hand, the preferred top module has at least one recess or protrusion on the first side of the connector portion support to match a protrusion or recess on the upper side wall of the stacking module, so that the recess or protrusion can cooperate with the protrusion or recess of an adjacent module when the two modules are assembled.

[0063] Similarly, in a preferred stacking module, at least one protrusion is provided on one of the second side of the connector portion support and the distal side of the lower sidewall, and a recess is provided on the other of the second side of the connector portion support and the distal side 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 side of the connector portion support 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, at least one protrusion or recess is provided on the distal side of the lower sidewall of a preferred top module, preferably to match the recess or protrusion on the second side of the connector portion support 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 side of the connector portion support.

[0064] A preferred protrusion has a tapered and / or lead-in at its open end, i.e., the end that extends toward the recess of the adjacent stacking module. Similarly, a preferred recess has a tapered and / or lead-in at its opening.

[0065] In embodiments of the invention in which two adjacent modules define a cavity for a connector portion, the preferred connector portion held in the cavity is the end of a cable. In the preferred stacking module and / or the preferred bottom module, the upper surface of the connector portion support can support the lower surface of the end of the cable. In the preferred stacking module and the preferred top module, the lower surface of the connector portion support can support the upper surface of the end of the cable.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The preferred sidewalls extend beyond the length of the first and second sides of the connector portion support, allowing the sidewalls to substantially enclose that side of the module.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The lower and upper coupling unit support members can hold a coupling unit, preferably a cable end coupling unit whose lower portion is supported on the upper surface of the module's connector portion support, 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The lower and upper collet support members can securely hold a collet, preferably a cable-end collet whose lower surface is supported by the upper surface of the module's connector portion support, in a vertical position. When two adjacent modules are stacked, the lower collet support member also functions 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).

[0072] Additionally, the module preferably includes one or more rear stops for the collet to prevent the collet from moving 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.

[0073] 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 connector portion support member 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 within 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 toward the corresponding opposing coupling unit, ensuring a secure connection between the coupling unit and the opposing coupling unit.

[0074] A preferred set for assembling a connector housing includes stacking modules of different types. "Different types" here means that each stacking module is designed to accommodate a different connector portion. As used herein, connector portions are considered "different" from one another if they are not interchangeable with the same mating connector portion in their intended use. That is, they are different if they cannot be attached to the same mating connector portion, or if they can be attached to the same mating connector portion but do not provide the same functionality. For example, connector portions of different modalities, such as optical waveguide coupling units, electrical pin or socket connector portions, coaxial connector portions, and mating components for fluid conduits, are different from one another. Similarly, connector portions of the same modality that are not interchangeable due to differences in gender or dimensions are different connector portions. Furthermore, connector portions of the same modality that have different numbers of individual optical connector portions, electrical contacts, or fluid connector portions are not interchangeable because they provide different functions, and are therefore different components even if they can be attached to the same mating connector portion. A preferred configuration includes a module having a connector portion support capable of fixedly holding one or more connector portions, either alone or in combination with an adjacent module, and a module having a semi-cavity. In the preferred housing, the modules are assembled so that the connection support of the front module fits within the half cavity of the rear module.

[0075] In one embodiment of the connector housing assembly set, each stacking module in the set is assembleable with every other stacking module in the set. Preferably, each top module is assembleable with every stacking module. Preferably, each bottom module is assembleable with every stacking module. Preferably, each top module is assembleable with every bottom module.

[0076] Preferably, the heights of the different stacking modules in a set for assembling a connector housing are multiples of the same or integer multiples (including the multiple 1) of the minimum height of the stacking module. Preferably, the number of multipliers is small. For example, the set of multipliers includes only 1 and 2, or only 1, 2, 3, or only 1, 2, 3, 4. That is, higher modules are twice, three times, and four times the height of the lowest stacking module, respectively. An advantage achievable with embodiments of the present invention is that the height of the housing is always a multiple of the height of the stacking module, plus the height of the top and / or bottom modules, if necessary.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, a connector housing according to the present invention forms part of a connector portion, preferably a male or female connector portion. Preferably, the connector housing is disposed within the outer housing of the connector portion. Preferably, the connector housing is biased relative to the outer connector housing, toward a connector face of the connector portion where the connector portion can be attached to a mating connector portion. 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, for example a coil spring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0078] 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 1C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two stacking modules and two connector sections from below. [Figure 1D]FIG. 1D is a perspective view from below of an assembly in which two stacking modules shown in FIG. 1C are stacked and a connector housing having two connector portions shown in FIG. 1C. [Figure 2A] The left side is a cross-sectional view of two connected connector housings provided with connector portions. Each housing is assembled by stacking a lower end module, seven stacking modules, and an upper end module, and a connector portion is attached thereto. The right side shows the path of the cross-section shown on the left side by line A-A in a plane extending perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane of the left side figure. [Figure 2B] A perspective view of the connector housing of FIG. 2A, with a male connector portion. [Figure 2C] A perspective view of the connector housing of FIG. 2A, with a female connector portion. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the two lowermost modules of the connector housing shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B and the respective cable ends. [Figure 4A] A perspective view of the upper surface of the lower end module shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C and 3. [Figure 4B] A perspective view of the lower surface of the lower end module shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, 3, and 4A. [Figure 4C] ] A side view of the right side of the lower end module shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, 3, 4A, and 4B. [Figure 5A] A perspective view of the upper surface of the upper end module shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. [Figure 5B] A perspective view of the lower surface of the upper end module shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C and 5A. [Figure 6A] A perspective view from the front direction of a male connector composed of a connector housing disposed within an outer connector housing. [Figure 6B] A perspective view from the front direction of another male connector composed of a connector housing disposed within an outer connector housing. [Figure 6C]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of yet another male connector comprising a connector housing disposed within an outer connector housing. [Figure 6D] 6D is a front perspective view of a female connector that mates with the male connector of FIG. 6C, the female connector being formed from a connector housing disposed within an outer connector housing. [Figure 7] The upper part is a cross-sectional view of a connector part support having a protrusion and a shoulder, and a contact pin having a pair of shoulders fixed horizontally by the protrusion and shoulder, and the lower part is a detailed top view. [Figure 8A] The contact pin has a protrusion. [Figure 8B] The contact pin is fixed to the connector support of the module. [Figure 9A] The contact pin has a pair of annular hooks. [Figure 9B] The contact pin has a pair of annular hooks fixed to the connector support of the module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0079] 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.

[0080] Connector housing 1 can be assembled from three types of modules: stacking module 2, bottom module 3, and top module 4. Each module has a connector portion support 5 that can, alone or in cooperation with the connector portion support of an adjacent module, hold one or more connector portions, such as contact pins 33, bushings 34, coaxial connector portions 35, edge cards 36, or sections of optical cable. Connector housing 1 is typically assembled from the bottom up, with bottom module 3 placed first, followed by one or more stacking modules as needed, and finally closed with the top module.

[0081] Examples of stacking modules 2 for a connector housing 1 are shown in Figures 1A-1D. Any number of these stacking modules 2 can be stacked to form the connector housing 1. Figures 1A and 1B show a rear perspective view of the same stacking module (Figure 1A) and a front perspective view of the same stacking module rotated on top of itself (Figure 1B). Figures 1C and 1D also show two spaced-apart stacking modules (Figure 1C) as viewed from the front, stacked to form the housing 1 (Figure 1D).

[0082] The stacking module 2 includes a connector portion support 5, the top of which is visible in FIG. 1A, and the underside of which is shown in FIGS. 1B-1D. The connector portion support has two opposing sides, each of which includes a sidewall 6, 7. On a first side of the connector portion support 5 (away from the viewer in FIG. 1A, to the right in FIG. 1B, and toward the viewer in FIGS. 1C-1D), an upper sidewall 6 extends away from the top surface of the connector portion support. On a second side of the connector portion support 5 (toward the viewer in FIG. 1A, to the left in FIG. 1B, and away from the viewer in FIGS. 1C-1D), a lower sidewall 7 extends away from the bottom surface of the connector portion support 5. As best seen in FIGS. 1B, 1C-1D, the combination of the connector portion support 5 and the sidewalls 6, 7 defines a "Z"-shaped cross section, with three sections meeting at right angles.

[0083] Modules 2 differ in the function of the connector portion support. In some modules, the connector portion support cooperates with the sidewall, and the connector portion support and sidewall of an adjacent module form a cavity to movably hold the connector portion. In some modules, the connector portion support cooperates with the connector portion support of an adjacent module to fixedly hold one or more connector portions. In some modules, the connector portion support alone can fixedly hold one or more connector portions.

[0084] For example, the stacking module 2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B provides two half cavities for accommodating connector portions. When a second identical stacking module 2 is stacked on the stacking module 2, the stacking module 2 forms one half cavity, and the second stacking module 2 forms another half cavity for accommodating cable end 8. Similarly, when the stacking module 2 is stacked on 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 end 8. Thus, each pair of adjacent modules 2 forms a separate cavity. The side walls 6 and 7 of the stacking module 2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B form two half cavities. These are completely open because there is no side wall opposite the upper side wall 6 (the first side of the connector portion support 5) that corresponds to the second side of the connector portion support. Similarly, opposite lower side wall 7 (second side of connector portion support 5) there is no side wall corresponding to the first side of the connector portion support.

[0085] The bottom of the left-hand cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A shows how the ends 8 of the optical cables are movably held within the cavities formed by the stacked stacking modules 2. To ensure a sufficient cavity, the connector support 5 of the stacking module 2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B has a fairly low height. It essentially forms a base plate, against which a portion of the end 8 of the optical cables is pressed. The left-hand cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A shows two module stacks, i.e., two housings 1, joined at the front and with their connectors mated. In the housing 1 on the right, all modules 2 are arranged upside down. In each housing 1, two ends 8 of the optical cables are held within the cavities formed by the adjacent stacking modules 2, and the third end 8 of the optical cables is held within the cavity formed by the stacking module 2 and the bottom module (left housing) or the cavity formed by the stacking module 2 and the top module 4 (right housing). The bottom module 3 and top module 4 will be described later.

[0086] In contrast to the stacking module 2 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the stacking module 2 shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the connector portion supports cooperate with each other to securely hold two electrical contact bushings 34 therebetween. To this end, each connector portion is provided with two parallel semicircular grooves. The radii of both bushings 34 and the grooves vary along their length to secure the bushings 34 in the longitudinal direction. As can be seen in FIG. 1D, when the two modules are assembled, the space between the upper sidewall 6 of the lower module and the lower sidewall 7 of the upper module is filled by the connector portion supports. Thus, there is no cavity for the connector portions to be movably held. Rather, the two connector portions are secured in the grooves of the connector portion supports 5.

[0087] In further contrast to the stacking modules 2 in FIGS. 1A and 1B and 1C and 1D, FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show examples of stacking modules 2 in which a single connector portion support can securely cover one or more connector portions. The advantage of these stacking modules 2 is that it avoids the need to assemble two stacking modules together to securely hold the connector portions. For example, the third stacking module from the bottom in FIG. 2C is essentially similar to the two integrally molded connector portions in FIG. 1D. It holds an electrical contact bushing 34. Similarly, the three connector modules above this connector module can securely hold four electrical contact bushings 34, coaxial connector portions 35, and edge card receiving spring contacts without cooperating with adjacent connector modules. FIG. 2B shows four additional stacking modules, coaxial connector portions 35, and edge cards 36, each of which can independently hold electrical pin contacts 33. Cross sections of these connector modules can be seen in FIG. 2A. Stacking module 2, with its two pins, two bushings, and coaxial connector portion, is twice the height of the other stacking modules. In the assembled housing shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the connector portion supports of these modules are positioned within the half-cavities of adjacent modules.

[0088] 1A through 3, the stacking module side walls 6, 7 extend beyond both ends of the first and second sides of the connector portion support 5. Additionally, along each of the first and second sides of the connector portion support 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 connector portion support substantially parallel to the adjacent portions of the side walls 6, 7, and a hook portion extending generally perpendicularly toward the interior of the stacking module 2.

[0089] 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. Additionally, 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.

[0090] Each side wall 6, 7 is provided with four protrusions 12, 13 on its distal side, two on the inside and two on the outside of the side wall 6, 7, which protrude away from the distal side of the side wall 6, 7 as an extension of the protrusions. Recesses 14, 15 are provided on the proximal side 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.

[0091] Returning to the cavity-forming stacking modules of FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is best seen in FIGS. 2A and 3 that 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 top surface of the module's connector support 5 supports the underside of cable end 8, and the bottom surface of a second module 2, 4 stacked on module 3, 2 supports the top surface of cable end 8. For the latter, a shallow recess 18 is provided in the underside of connector support 5.

[0092] The lower side wall 7 is provided with 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 connector portion support 5. Similarly, the upper side wall 6 is provided with 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 portion support members 19, 20 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the cable end 8.

[0093] Furthermore, to support the collet 17, the lower side wall 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 connector portion support 5, and the upper side wall 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 side walls 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 connector portion support 5. Furthermore, the upper and lower side walls 6 and 7 each include both a front stop 25 and a rear stop 26 for the collet of the adjacent cable end.

[0094] The bottom module of the stack of modules in Figures 2B and 3 and the top module of the inverted stack in Figure 2C is a bottom module 3, which differs in design from the stacking module 2 of Figures 1A and 1B. Details of the bottom module 3 are shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C. Unlike the stacking module 2, the bottom module 3 has only one side wall, namely an upper side wall 6, which extends away from the top surface of the connector portion support 5 on a first side of the connector portion support 5 (away from the viewer in Figures 4A and 4C, and to the left in Figure 4B).

[0095] The exemplary bottom module 3 provides one half of a cavity for receiving the cable end 8, with the other half 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 can be seen 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 connector support 5 of the bottom module 3 supports the underside of the cable end 8, and the bottom surface of the stacking module 2 or top module 4 supports the top surface of the cable end 8.

[0096] Similar to stacking module 2, the upper sidewall 6 is interrupted along a first side of connector portion support 5 of bottom module 3 for latching hook 9, as previously described, which snaps into a corresponding latching edge 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 hook 9 is provided with a handle edge 11 that remains externally accessible after the modules are assembled, and by manipulating handle edge 11, a user can release the snap connection between latching hook 9 and its corresponding latching edge 10.

[0097] 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 side, two on the inside and two on the outside, that protrude away from the distal side of the upper sidewall 6 as an extension of the upper sidewall 6. 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 side of the connector portion support 5, whose lower sidewall the stacking module 2 has, 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.

[0098] 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 connector section support 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 section support plate 27 that extends from the connector section support 5 and, like the connector section support 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.

[0099] To support the collets 17 of the cable ends 8 supported on the upper surface of the connector section support 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 extend from the connector section support 5 in the opposite direction to the lower link section support plate 27 and are supported from below by a lower collet support plate 28 which, like the latter, spans the full width of the lower end module 3.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The structures of both the stacking module 2 and the bottom 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., has a slight trapezoidal shape. Taking this into consideration, the space between the front stop 23 and the rear stop 24 also widens from the upper sidewall 6 side toward the lower sidewall 7 side. Furthermore, the proximal side of the lower sidewall 7 is lower than the underside 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 connector portion support 5, can slide from the second side of the connector portion support 5 into the space between the lower and upper collet supports 21, 28, 22 and the front stop 23 and rear stop 24.

[0102] 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 connector portion support 5 at the second side of the connector portion support 5 (the side facing towards the viewer in Figure 5A and away from the viewer in Figure 5B).

[0103] 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 connector support 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.

[0104] Similar to stacking module 2, lower sidewall 7 is interrupted along the second side of connector portion support 5 of the top module for latching hook 9 as described above, which snaps onto corresponding latching edge 10 of 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.

[0105] Furthermore, similar to the lower sidewall 7 of the stacking module 2, the distal side 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 side 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 thereon, thereby improving the rigidity of the assembly. The first side of the connector portion support 5, on which the stacking module 2 has its upper sidewall 6, is provided with the same recesses 14, 15 as 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Alternative bottom and top modules, not shown, may not form the cavities of the bottom and top modules described above. Instead, each module may have a connector portion support that, alone or in cooperation with an adjacent stacking module, securely holds one or more connector portions, such as those shown for the bottom module in the top row of Figures 1C and 1D or for the top module in the bottom row of Figures 1C and 1D, to securely hold one or more connector portions, alone or in cooperation with an adjacent stacking module.

[0108] Housing 1 can be placed in outer connector housings 31, 32 to form components of connectors 29, 30. Examples of male 29 and female connectors 29 are shown in perspective views in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. In Figure 6A, the housing 1 of Figures 2A-2C is inserted into outer connector housing 31 along with a device having five contact pins for power supply. Similarly, in Figure 6AB, three housings 1 are inserted into outer connector housing 31 along with a device having 20 signal pins. Figures 6C and 6D show a male connector and a corresponding female connector, respectively. Each connector includes a housing 1 with a male connector portion and a female connector portion, inserted into the male connector 31 and female connector outer connector housing 32, respectively. When the two connectors 29, 30 are assembled, the connector housing 1 in each outer connector housing 31, 32 is biased by springs 33, 34 toward the front of the connector housing, i.e., the connector face, where the connector 29, 30 contacts the corresponding connector 30, 29, so that the connector portion of the female connector 29 can be securely connected to the connector portion of the male connector 30. In each connector 29, 30, the connector housing 1 is slidably disposed in the outer connector housing 31, 32, and a spring (not shown) applies force between the outer connector housing 31, 32 and the connector housing 1, biasing the connector housing 1 toward the connector face. This spring rests on a biasing protrusion 37 on the top module 4 shown in FIG. 5A.

[0109] Figures 7 to 9B show how contact pins are secured to the connector support 5. The contact pin in Figure 7 has an annular section with a larger radius than the adjacent sections, forming a pair of shoulders. One shoulder (on the right in the figure) abuts against a corresponding shoulder in the through hole of the connector support 5. The other shoulder abuts against a protrusion on the connector support 5. The protrusion is an inwardly bent tongue 38 of an annular metal ring disposed in an annular groove inside the through hole of the connector support 5. Conversely, in Figures 8A and 8B, the electrical contact pin has two protrusions formed by outwardly bent tongues 38 of an annular metal ring disposed on the electrical contact pin. Finally, the contact pin in Figures 9A and 9B has two annular hooks 39 on its outer surface, which secure itself to the surface of the through hole of the connector holder or to the groove in the connector support 5.

[0110] 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]

[0111] reference numbers 1 Connector housing 2 Stacking Modules 3 Bottom Module 4 Top Module 5 Connector support 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 male connector 30 female connector 31 Male Outer Connector Housing 32 Female Outer Connector Housing 33 Electrical contact pin 34 Electrical contact bushing 35 Coaxial connector section 36 Edge Card 37 Energized Nose 38 Tongue 39 Hook

Claims

1. A stacking module (2) for a connector housing (1) that can be stacked with one or more other stacking modules (2) to form the connector housing (1), comprising: The stacking module (2) comprises a connector portion support (5) having an upper surface and a lower surface, an upper sidewall (6) on a first side of the connector portion support (5) extending away from an upper surface of the connector portion support (5), and / or a lower sidewall (7) on a second side of the connector portion support (5) extending away from a lower surface of the connector portion support (5); A first fastener and a first opposing fastener are provided on one of the first side and the second side of the connector portion support (5). Stacking module (2).

2. The connector part support (5) is a connector part holder that fixedly holds one or more connector parts (33, 34, 35, 36). Stacking module (2) according to claim 1.

3. The connector part support is capable of supporting one or more connector parts (33, 34, 35, 36) from the top or bottom, and is capable of cooperating with another stacking module (2) capable of supporting one or more connector parts (33, 34, 35, 36) from the bottom or top, thereby being able to fixedly hold the one or more connector parts (33, 34, 35, 36). Stacking module (2) according to claim 1.

4. The connector portion support (5) is provided with a protrusion for fixing the connector portion (33, 34, 35, 36) in the connector portion support (5) by form-fitting or press-fitting. Stacking module (2) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The connector portion support a shoulder for cooperating with at least one resilient tongue of said connector portion (33, 34, 35, 36) to secure said connector portion (33, 34, 35, 36) within said connector portion support (5) or within a combination of adjacent connector portion retainers which cooperate to securely hold one or more connector portions (33, 34, 35, 36); characterized by comprising A stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. A set comprising at least one stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and at least one connector part (33, 34, 35, 36), The connector portion is selected from the group consisting of an electrical contact pin (33), an electrical contact bushing (34), an edge card (36), an edge card receiving spring contact, a coaxial connector portion (35), a mating portion for an optical fiber contact, and a mating portion for a fluid conduit. set.

7. an upper sidewall (6) on a first side of the connector portion support (5) extending away from the top surface of the connector portion support (5), and on a second side of the connector portion support (5) opposite at least a portion of the upper sidewall (6), the connector portion support (5) is at least partially open; and / or A lower side wall (6) extends away from the underside of the connector portion support (5) on the second side of the connector portion support (5), and the connector portion support (5) is open on the first side of the connector portion support (5) facing at least a portion of the lower side wall (6). A stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The connector portion support (5) is characterized in that an upper side wall (6) extends away from the upper surface of the connector portion support (5) on a first side thereof, and a lower side wall (7) extends away from the lower surface of the connector portion support (5) on a second side thereof. Stacking module (2) according to claim 1.

9. The connector portion support (5) is characterized in that a second fastener and a second opposing fastener are provided on the other of the first side and the second side. A stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. One of the first or second fastener and the first or second opposing fastener is a latching hook (9), and the other of the first or second fastener and the first or second opposing fastener is a latching edge (10); The latching hook (9) of the module is capable of cooperating with the latching edge (10) of a second module to assemble the module with the second module. Stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. One of the first side and the distal edge of the upper side wall (6) is provided with a protrusion (12, 13), and the other of the first side and the distal edge of the upper side wall (6) is provided with a recess (14, 15), and when the stacking modules (2) are assembled, the protrusion (12, 13) or the recess (14, 15) of the stacking module (2) can cooperate with the recess (14, 15) or the protrusion (12, 13) of the other stacking module (2). A stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A bottom module (3) for a connector housing (1) that can be assembled with a stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and 16, the bottom module (3) comprising a connector part support (5) having an upper surface, an upper sidewall (6) on a first side of the connector portion support (5) extending away from an upper surface of the connector portion support (5); A first fastener is provided on either the first side or the second side of the connector portion support (5), and the first fastener of the bottom module (3) can cooperate with the first opposing fastener of the stacking module to assemble the bottom module (3) with the stacking module. Bottom module (3).

13. An upper module (4) of a connector housing (1) that can be assembled with a stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 to form a connector housing (1), the upper module (4) comprising a connector portion support (5) having a lower surface, and a lower side wall (7) at a second side of the connector portion support (5) extending away from the lower surface of the connector portion support (5); A second fastener is provided on either the second side or the first side of the connector portion support (5), and the second fastener of the upper module (4) can cooperate with the second opposing fastener of the stacking module (2) to assemble the upper module (4) with the stacking module (2). Top module (4).

14. A set for assembling a connector housing (1), At least two stacking modules (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or At least two modules from a group of modules consisting of a stacking module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a bottom module (3) according to claim 12 and a top module (4) according to claim 13. A set that includes:

15. A connector housing (1) assembled from the set according to claim 14.

Images