Header connector assembly, and method for disassembling or assembling the same.

Abstract

To provide a header connector assembly that allows the header housing to be separated and reattached while the inner housing remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Solution] The present invention comprises a header housing having an outer shell, a shielding member, a base member fixed to a metal case by bolts, and a first latching member, and an inner housing having a second latching member, wherein the inner housing is positioned inside the outer shell and the shielding member, and the shielding member surrounds and shields a part of the inner housing, and the two latching members engage with each other to lock the header housing to the inner housing, and by releasing the engagement and removing the base member from the metal case, the header housing can be separated while the inner housing remains connected to the electrical equipment and is located inside the opening of the metal case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 425,201 filed on November 14, 2022, and further claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 304,517 filed on January 28, 2022, and both of them are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0002] A shielded header connector assembly desirably includes a header housing, a metal shield member inserted therein, and an inner housing. The header housing is composed of an outer shell having an upper shell body and a base member. The outer shell is mounted on a metal case when used in combination with the inner housing. The header housing is attached and locked to the inner housing inserted therein. The inner housing holds at least one metal contact or pin spaced at a specific interval. The inner housing and / or the header housing may be connected to electrical components (such as a main body including terminals, a power supply assembly, a high - voltage and interlock loop (HVIL) assembly, etc.), but they may in turn be connected or attached to an electroluminescent device.

[0003] During use, to protect the inner housing from external damage, the header housing surrounds and / or encloses a portion of the inner housing extending over the metal case and into the outer shell, protecting the inner housing from external damage caused by physical impact, external contaminants, or other harmful external factors that may affect the satisfactory performance and / or operational performance of the header connector assembly. In addition, the metal shielding member shields the inner housing from EMI (electromagnetic interference), electrical emission or electrical generation forces, and other electromagnetic spectrums. The metal shield also has tabs that contact the metal case for grounding purposes, which may assist the performance or effectiveness of the shielding member and, if necessary, may also be part of the grounding scheme.

[0004] Furthermore, the header housing is secured or fastened to the metal case by bolts, providing a firm fixation and contact between the base member of the outer shell and the metal case. The fixation or fastening of the header housing to the metal case also secures the outer shell to the metal case, enabling protection and sealing of the inner housing.

[0005] In addition, if the outer shell becomes damaged during transport or under other circumstances due to harmful effects such as physical impact, or in a manner that renders it generally unusable, such as being unable to protect the inner housing (unable to seal or shield), it is essential to service or replace the header housing, the outer shell with metal shielding members, in order to restore adequate performance and / or operability in the header connector assembly of the header housing.

[0006] When the outer shell, including the header housing and shielding members, needs to be serviced or replaced due to physical damage or inability to protect (i.e., shield or seal) the inner housing, it is important and essential that the header housing can be easily and effectively unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed from the inner housing. That is, it is important that a method for unlocking, disassembling, separating, or removing a damaged or unusable header housing from the inner housing is available, and that such a header housing can be easily, simply, and effectively unlocked, separated, disassembled, or removed from the inner housing. That is, it is important that a damaged or unusable header housing can be removed from the metal case, and that it can be easily and effectively unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed from the inner housing for service or replacement by the user.

[0007] It is also important that, if the header housing is released from the metal case, unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed for user maintenance or repair, the inner housing remains connected to the relevant or corresponding electrical components and remains inserted within the opening of the metal case.

[0008] It is equally important that, after the header housing has been unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed for replacement or maintenance, a method is available for easily and effectively securing, mounting, assembling, or installing the repaired header housing (including the shielding member) or a new header housing (including the new shielding member) onto the metal case by bolting, and then reassembling it by locking, mounting, and assembling it with the inner housing.

[0009] When a repaired or replaced header housing is locked, installed, and assembled into the inner housing, it is also important that the inner housing remains connected to the relevant or corresponding electrical components and remains inserted within the opening of the metal case. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a shielded sealed "header" connector assembly comprising a header connector, a metal shielding member inserted therein, and an inner housing, and a method for disassembling or assembling the same. The header connector of the present invention preferably comprises an outer shell having a metal shielding member inserted therein. The outer shell of the header housing protects the inner housing which is connected to an electrical device (such as a body including terminals, a power supply assembly, a high voltage and interlock loop (HVIL) assembly, etc.). The header housing is bolted to a metal case and locked into the inner housing. The inner housing of the present invention may hold at least one metal contact or pin spaced at a specific interval, and may also have terminals and attached busbars. The inner housing preferably remains connected to the associated or corresponding electrical device. The header housing of the present invention comprises an outer shell with a metal shielding member which shields or seals the inner housing from external damage, either due to physical impact or external contaminants. The metal shielding member also protects the inner housing from EMI (electromagnetic interference), electrical emission or electrical generation forces, other electromagnetic spectrum, etc. The metal shielding member also has tabs that contact the metal case for grounding purposes and for shielding performance. For example, during transport or other circumstances, the separable header housing of the present invention may be damaged or generally lose its ability to protect the inner housing. The separable header housing of the present invention includes an outer shell with a shielding member, but is required to be easily serviceable or replaceable. That is, in the present invention, when a user notices or needs to repair or replace the header housing (outer shell with shielding member) due to physical damage or inability to provide protection (i.e., protection by shielding or sealing), the inner housing of the present invention can be easily and efficiently separated, disassembled or removed from the metal case and unlocked from the inner housing.The present invention further relates to a method for unlocking, separating, disassembling, or removing a damaged header housing from an inner housing. Each of the header housing and the inner housing has a latching member that releases engagement from the other and unlocks the header housing. Such a method of the present invention for separating, disassembling, or removing a damaged header housing of a header connector assembly is performed easily and efficiently. That is, if the header housing of the present invention is damaged or unusable, it can be easily and efficiently separated, disassembled, or removed from the metal case using a screwdriver or tool, and unlocked from the inner housing, allowing it to be serviced or replaced by the user.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the header housing of the present invention is separated, disassembled, or removed from the inner housing for maintenance or repair, the inner housing remains connected to its associated or corresponding electrical equipment and is located within the opening of the metal case.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention, after being separated, disassembled, or removed for replacement or maintenance, the repaired header housing (including the repaired outer shell with the shielding member) or the new header housing (including the new outer shell with the shielding member) in the present invention can be easily and effectively attached, assembled, or re-mounted to a metal case by bolts and locked into the inner housing of the header connector assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, when a repaired or replaced header housing of a header connector assembly is mounted, assembled, or re-mounted in the inner housing and locked into the inner housing, the inner housing remains connected to the associated or corresponding electrical equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view of the separable header housing of the present invention for a header connector assembly, in which the header connector is to be separated, disassembled, or removed from the metal case and the inner housing, which then preferably remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line 2A-2A in Figure 1, and shows a structural arrangement or configuration that allows the separable header housing of the present invention to be easily and effectively separated, disassembled, or removed from the metal case and, subsequently preferably, the inner housing which remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional elevation view along an enlarged portion of the dashed rectangle shown in Figure 2A, and more specifically illustrates a structural arrangement or configuration for enabling the separable header housing of the present invention to be easily and effectively separated, disassembled, or removed from the metal case and, subsequently, preferably, the inner housing which remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing a structural arrangement or configuration in which the separable header housing of the present invention for a header connector assembly is separated, disassembled, or removed from the metal case and, subsequently preferably, the inner housing which remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing a structural arrangement or configuration in which the separable header housing of the present invention for a header connector assembly is to be mounted, assembled, or remounted onto a metal case and then preferably an inner housing that remains connected to electrical equipment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the separable header housing of the present invention for a header connector assembly being mounted, assembled, or remounted onto a metal case and an inner housing that subsequently remains connected to an electrical device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the header housing of the present invention, which includes a metal shielding member having tabs. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fully assembled header connector assembly, showing the header housing of the present invention with the inner housing inserted and the terminals and busbars mounted on the inner housing. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the steps for separating, disassembling, or removing the separable header housing of the present invention for a metal case and an inner housing that subsequently remains connected to electrical equipment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the steps of mounting, assembling, or remounting the separable header housing of the present invention for a header connector assembly onto a metal case and then preferably an inner housing that remains connected to the electrical equipment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a fully assembled shielded sealed header connector assembly of the present invention, which is collectively referred to as reference numeral 100. The shielded sealed header connector assembly 100 consists of a header housing 1, a metal shielding member 8, and an inner housing 10.

[0016] The header housing 1 consists of an outer shell 5 and a metal shielding member 8. The outer shell 5 is integrally formed, integrally molded, and non-welded, and is composed of an upper shell body 6 and a base member 3. The header housing 1 has a metal shielding member 8, which is inserted into or integrally molded within the outer shell 5. That is, the metal shielding member 8 is inserted into and / or integrally molded and fixed within the outer shell 5. The inner housing 10 of the header connector assembly 100 is also integrally formed, integrally molded, and non-welded. The inner housing 10 is located within the header housing 1, the outer shell 5, and the metal shielding member 8 when the connector assembly 100 is fully assembled. Therefore, the metal shielding member 8 is provided to surround and shield a portion of the inner housing 10 located within the header housing 1 and the outer shell 5.

[0017] The metal shielding member 8 also has a tab 9 for effectively grounding the shield. The tab 9 protrudes from the lower end of the outer shell 5 and contacts the metal case 35 when the header housing 1 is mounted on the metal case 35 (see Figures 2A and 6), and may also be located within the opening 37 of the metal case 35. The tab 9 contacts the metal case 35, thereby providing a grounding method or grounding element for the metal shielding member 8. The grounding of the tab 9 assists the shielding performance or effect of the metal shielding member 8. The metal shielding member 8 provides shielding for the inner housing 10 from EMI (electromagnetic interference), electrical emission or electrical generation forces, and other electromagnetic spectrums. The upper end of the metal shielding member 8 may be adapted or act as an additional grounding method, if necessary, when another connector housing (not shown) having shielding or grounding means is provided to or connected to the header housing 1, the outer shell 5, and the metal shielding member 8.

[0018] The inner housing 10 holds at least one metal contact or pin at its upper end 11 with a specific interval (not shown), and additionally has a bus bar 17 and a terminal 16 at its lower end 14 that extends below the metal case 35 (as shown in reference to FIG. 7). In addition, the inner housing 10 is positioned within and penetrates an opening 37 within the metal case 35.

[0019] The header housing 1 has a base member 3, and when the shielded header connector assembly 100 is fully assembled for use, it is effectively fixed by bolts 20 on the upper surface of the metal case 35 and locked with the inner housing 10. The upper shell body 6 of the outer shell 5 protects the upper side portion of the inner housing 10 (the portion of the inner housing 10 above the metal case 35 and inside the upper shell body 6). Similarly, the metal shield member 8 of the header housing 1 protects the upper side portion of the inner housing 10 (the portion of the inner housing 10 above the metal case 35 and inside the outer shell 5). The inner housing 10 may be connected at its upper end 11 to electrical components (not shown, such as terminals, power assemblies, high voltage, and interlock loop (HVIL) assemblies, etc.), which may in turn be connected to electrical equipment (not shown). Similarly, the inner housing 10 may be connected at its lower end 14 to electrical components 13 (such as terminals, power assemblies, high voltage, and interlock loop (HVIL) assemblies, etc.), which may in turn be connected to electrical equipment (not shown).

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the header housing 1 of the present invention. The outer shell 5 of the present invention has an inner housing 10 inside the header housing 1 and the outer shell 5. First, by loosening and removing the fixing bolts 20, the fixing from the metal case 35 is released. Second, by unlocking, separating, disassembling, or removing it from the inner housing 10, it can be easily and effectively removed from the metal case 35 (see FIG. 2A). It is desirable for the inner housing 10 to remain connected to the electrical components 13.

[0021] In the header housing 1 of the present invention, the inner housing 10 is shielded and sealed from external damage caused by any of physical shock, external contaminants, or other harmful external factors that affect the satisfactory performance and / or service performance of the header connector assembly 100 by the outer shell 5 and the metal shield member 8. For example, during transportation or other situations, the header housing 1 of the present invention may be damaged by physical shock or become generally unusable, for example, unable to protect (seal or shield) the inner housing 10, but the header housing 1 of the present invention can be easily and effectively serviced or replaced. That is, when the header housing 1 of the present invention, the outer shell 5 provided with the metal shield member 8 needs to be serviced or replaced due to physical damage or inability to protect (i.e., shield or seal) the inner housing 10, the header housing 1 can be easily and effectively unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed from the inner housing 10, while on the other hand, it is important and essential that the inner housing 10 preferably remains attached to the associated or corresponding electrical device 13.

[0022] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, when the header housing 1 provided with the metal shield member 8 of the present invention is damaged or requires servicing or repair, the damaged header housing 1 provided with the outer shell 5 and the metal shield member 8 can be easily and effectively disassembled, separated, or removed from the metal case 35 by loosening and removing the bolts 20 screwed into the metal case 35, but each bolt 20 is inserted through one of the corresponding metal compression limiters 23 fitted into each of the openings 25 of the base member 3 of the outer shell 5. The header housing of the present invention has an outer shell 5, but in this way, it is released from being fixed to the metal case 35. That is, it is no longer fixed to the metal case 35 by the bolts 20.

[0023] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional elevation view along the enlarged portion A of the dashed line shown in Figure 2A, which more specifically illustrates a structural arrangement or configuration for enabling the separable header housing 1 of the present invention to be easily and effectively unlocked, separated, disassembled, or removed from an inner housing 10 which is preferably left connected to an associated or corresponding electrical device 13. As more specifically shown in the enlarged portion of the dashed line in Figure 2A, the header housing 1 comprises an outer shell 5, which includes a latch member 40 having an engaging portion 45 extending inward from the outer shell 5, while the inner housing 10 includes another latch member 50 having an engaging portion 55 extending outward from the inner housing 10.

[0024] As specifically illustrated in Figure 2B, the engaging portion 45 of the latch member 40 of the header housing 1 is detachably or removablely engaged with the engaging portion 55 of another latch member 50 of the inner housing 10. The latch member 40 is preferably and robustly elastically fixed to the outer shell 5 of the header housing 1 and has a substantially flat extension 48. The other latch member 50 preferably extends at a distance from the inner housing 10, and by being flexible or elastic, the engaging portion 55 of this other latch member 50 is movable so that the substantially flat extension 58 of the engaging portion 55 of this other latch member 50 engages flexibly or elastically with the substantially flat extension 48 of the latch member 40 of the outer shell 5 of the header housing 1. The engaging portion 55 of the other latch member 50 has an upper portion 60 with an upper surface 65 that is inclined downward and outward.

[0025] When the engaging portion 45 of latch member 40 and the engaging portion 55 of another latch member 50 engage with each other, the header housing 1, which comprises an outer shell 5 and a metal shield member 8, engages with and locks to the inner housing 10, as illustrated in Figure 2B, while the inner housing 10 remains preferably connected to the electrical equipment 13. If it is desirable to disengage the engaging portion 45 of latch member 40 from the engaging portion 55 of another latch member 50, an instrument (e.g., a screwdriver, tool, etc.) is inserted into the outer shell 5 of the header housing 1 and onto the downward and outwardly inclined upper surface 65 of the engaging portion 55 of latch member 50, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2B, allowing the substantially flat extension 58 of the engaging portion 55 of the other latch member 50 to move away from the substantially flat extension 48 of the engaging portion 45 of latch member 40, unlocking or disengaging it. As a result, the engaging portion 55 is disengaged from the engaging portion 45, and subsequently, the header housing 1, comprising the outer shell 5 and the metal shield member 8, can be unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed from the inner housing 10, while the inner housing 10 preferably remains within the opening 37 of the metal case 35 and remains connected to the associated electrical equipment 13.

[0026] Unlocking, disassembling, removing, or detaching the header housing 1, which includes the outer shell 5 and shielding member 8 as described above, from the inner housing 10, while leaving the inner housing 10 preferably connected to the associated or corresponding electrical equipment 13, is desirable when the header housing 1 of the present invention, which includes the outer shell 5 and shielding member 8, is damaged by physical impact, intrusion of external contaminants, harmful external damage, or generally becomes unable to protect the inner housing 10 housed inside it.

[0027] When the engaging portion 55 of the latch member 50 is disengaged from the engaging portion 45 of the latch member 40, the unsecured header housing 1 is unlocked, disassembled, separated, or removed from the inner housing 10, while the inner housing 10 remains preferably connected to the associated electrical equipment 13, as illustrated in Figure 3 (see arrow). As also shown in Figure 3, the outer shell 5 is lifted, the base member 3 loses contact with the metal case 35 (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3), and the header housing 1 is thus removed from the metal case 35. The header housing 1, with its outer shell 5 and metal shield member 8, is then serviced, repaired, or replaced by the user. If replaced, the header housing 1 with its outer shell 5 preferably has a new metal shield member 5 inside.

[0028] After the header housing 1, comprising the outer shell 5 and the metal shield member 8, has been serviced, repaired, or replaced, the serviced, repaired, replaced, or possibly new header housing 1, possibly with a new metal shield member 8, is remounted into the metal case 35 (see arrow in Figure 4) and attached to the inner housing 10, which preferably remains connected to the associated or corresponding electrical equipment 13. The serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing 1 is pressed toward the top surface of the metal case 35, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4. Then, the header housing 1 engages with the inner housing 10, but the engaging portion 45 of the latch member 40 of the shield member 8 first presses inward against the flexible or elastic engaging portion 55 of the latch member 55 of the inner housing 10, and as it continues to move downward, the substantially flat extension 48 of the engaging portion 45 of the latch member 40 engages with the substantially flat extension 58 of the engaging portion 55 of the flexible or elastic latch member 50 (see also Figure 2B), and preferably a click sound is heard indicating that the latch members 40, 50 are fully locked or engaged. When the latch members 40, 50 are engaged, the serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing 1 is effectively fixed, mounted, and locked to the inner housing 10, as shown in Figure 5.

[0029] In Figure 5, once the serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing 1 is returned to or reinstalled on the metal case 35, bolts 20 are then inserted through the corresponding metal compression limiters 23, and each bolt 20 is screwed into or firmly attached to the metal case 35. This is done while the inner housing 10 remains locked to the header housing 1 and connected to the associated or corresponding electrical equipment 13.

[0030] Figure 8 shows the method of the present invention for separating the header housing 1, in which step 1 the user determines that the outer shell 1 of the inner housing 10 needs servicing or repair. In step S2 the bolts 20 attaching the header housing 1 to the metal case 35 are unscrewed / loosened and removed (see also Figure 1). The flexible or elastic latch 50 of the inner housing 10 is then unlocked from the latch 40 of the header housing 1 in step S3 (see also Figures 2A and 2B). Then, in step S4 once the flexible latch 50 of the inner housing 10 is released or disconnected from the latch 40 of the header housing 1, the header housing 1 is separated or removed from the inner housing 10 (see also Figure 3). The header housing 1, with its outer shell 5 and metal shield member 8, is then served, repaired or replaced in step S5.

[0031] Steps S1 to S5 described above (shown in Figure 8) are preferably performed or occur while the inner housing 10 remains connected to the relevant electrical components 13.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the method of assembling the header housing 1 onto the inner housing 10 and the metal case 35 according to the present invention, after the header housing 1 has been serviced, repaired, or replaced in step S5. The serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing 1 is engaged or mounted to the inner housing 10 in step S6 (see also Figure 4). In step S7, the flexible latch 50 of the inner housing 10 is locked or engaged with the latch 40 of the header housing 1, and the header housing 1 is effectively locked to the inner housing 10. Then, in step S8, bolts 20 are positioned corresponding to each of the metal compression limiters 23 and subsequently tightened or secured to the metal case 35 so as to firmly attach or mount the header housing 1 and its base member 3 to the metal case 35.

[0033] As in the steps described above (S1 to S5) in Figure 8, it is preferable that the above steps, steps S5 to S8 (shown in Figure 9), are performed or occur while the inner housing 10 remains connected to the associated or corresponding electrical component 13.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design and configuration changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A header housing having an outer shell, a shielding member, a base member fixed onto a metal case by bolts, and a first latching member, It includes an inner housing located within the header housing and having a second latch member, The inner housing is positioned inside the outer shell and the shielding member, and the shielding member surrounds and shields a portion of the inner housing that is positioned inside the outer shell. A header connector assembly wherein the first latch member and the second latch member are configured to lock the header housing into the inner housing when they engage with each other, and when they disengage from each other and the base member is removed from the metal case, the header housing can be separated from the inner housing while the inner housing remains connected to the electrical equipment and the inner housing remains positioned within the opening of the metal case so as to penetrate the opening.

2. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner housing is attached to a body which includes at least one of a set of terminals, a power supply assembly, and a high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL).

3. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner housing holds at least one metal contact or pin.

4. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner housing has at least one busbar and at least one terminal at a lower end that extends below the metal case.

5. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, when maintenance, repair, or replacement is required, the header housing can be separated or removed from the inner housing while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

6. The header connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the header housing can be attached to, assembled, or re-mounted to the inner housing while maintaining the connection between the header connector assembly and the electrical equipment after maintenance, repair, or replacement.

7. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the header housing shields or seals the inner housing from external damage caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI), physical shock, or external contaminants.

8. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the header housing prevents damage to the inner housing due to physical impact or external contaminants during transport.

9. The header connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the header housing can be easily and effectively separated, disassembled, or removed from the inner housing for maintenance, repair, or replacement while maintaining the connection of the inner housing to the electrical equipment.

10. The header connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the header housing can be easily and effectively attached, assembled, or mounted to the inner housing while maintaining the connection of the inner housing to the electrical equipment after maintenance, repair, or replacement.

11. A method for separating a header housing from a header connector assembly, comprising: a header housing having an outer shell, a shielding member, a base member fixed to a metal case by bolts, and a first latching member; and an inner housing located within the header housing and having a second latching member, wherein the inner housing is positioned inside the outer shell and the shielding member, and the shielding member surrounds and shields a portion of the inner housing located within the outer shell, The steps include removing the base member from the metal case, The steps include releasing the engagement between the first latch member and the second latch member to unlock the header housing from the inner housing, The steps include separating the header housing from the inner housing while the inner housing remains connected to the electrical equipment and the inner housing remains positioned within the opening of the metal case so as to penetrate the opening, A method for separating the header housing from the header connector assembly, including the following.

12. A method for separating a header housing from a header connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the step of separating the header housing from the metal case includes the step of loosening at least the bolts joining the header housing and the metal case while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment when the header housing is in need of maintenance, repair, or repair.

13. A method for separating a header housing from a header connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the step of unlocking the header housing from the inner housing includes the step of unlocking the second latching member from the first latching member while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

14. A method for separating a header housing from a header connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of unlatching the second latching member from the first latching member includes the step of pushing the second latching member away from or unlocking it while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

15. A method for separating a header housing from a header connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein the step of pushing the second latching member away from or unlocking the first latching member is characterized by using a tool to move the second latching member away from the first latching member while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment, the inner housing having at least one busbar and at least one terminal at a lower end extending below the metal case.

16. A method for attaching a header housing to an inner housing of a header connector assembly, comprising: a header housing having an outer shell, a shielding member, a base member fixed to a metal case by bolts, and a first latching member; and an inner housing located within the header housing and having a second latching member, wherein the inner housing is positioned inside the outer shell and the shielding member, and the shielding member surrounds and shields a portion of the inner housing positioned inside the outer shell; The steps of assembling or mounting the header housing onto the inner housing while the inner housing remains connected to the electrical equipment and the inner housing remains positioned within the opening of the metal case so as to penetrate the opening, The steps include: attaching the header housing onto the metal case, A method for mounting the header housing to the inner housing of the header connector assembly, including the method for mounting the header housing to the inner housing of the header connector assembly.

17. A method for mounting the header housing to the inner housing of a header connector assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the step of mounting the header housing onto a metal case includes the step of connecting the second latch member to the first latch member while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

18. A method for mounting the header housing to the inner housing of a header connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of mounting the header housing onto a metal case includes screwing in at least bolts to join the header housing and the metal case while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

19. A method for mounting the header housing to the inner housing of a header connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the step of mounting the header housing onto a metal case includes the step of mounting a serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing onto the metal case while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment.

20. The step of assembling or mounting the header housing onto the inner housing includes the step of assembling or mounting a serviced, repaired, replaced, or new header housing onto the inner housing of the header connector assembly while maintaining the connection between the inner housing and the electrical equipment, A method for attaching the header housing to the inner housing of the header connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the inner housing has at least one busbar and at least one terminal at a lower end that extends below the metal case.

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