Connector organizer

Abstract

A connector organizer includes a frame including a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a plurality of walls including one or more stop elements. The slots are configured so that a plurality of connectors may be inserted in one to one correspondence into the slots from a front side of the frame until the one or more stop elements of the walls of the slots prevent further insertion of the connectors. The insertions of the connectors result in mating ends of the connectors on the front side of the frame and cable ends of the connectors at least partially disposed within the slots. When the frame receives and secures the connectors in the slots, the frame may be moved to guide the connectors into mating with the mating connectors in one to one correspondence.

Description

PA102926W002CONNECTOR ORGANIZERTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector organizer.Background

[0002] A connector assembly is generally used to connect a cable and / or a connector from one device (e.g., a server, a network switching system, a client device, etc.) to another device (e.g., another server) for various applications, such as data processing, data transmission, and data reception.

[0003] In some cases, a plurality of connectors may be required to be plugged into corresponding plurality of ports. Individual plugging of the plurality of connectors into the corresponding ports may be difficult and time-consuming.Summary

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector organizer for facilitating substantially simultaneous mating of a plurality of connectors with a corresponding plurality of mating connectors. Each of the connectors includes a mating end for mating with a corresponding one of the mating connectors and a cable end for receiving an electric cable. The connector organizer includes a frame. The frame includes a plurality of through openings forming rows and columns of the through openings. Each of the through openings includes at least one wall and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connectors through a front open end of the through opening until the at least one wall secures, and limits further movement of, the connector resulting in the mating end of the connector being disposed on the front open end of the through opening and the cable end of the connector being at least partially disposed within the through opening. When a connector assembly is formed when the frame receives and secures the connectors in the through openings forming rows and columns of the connectors, the connector assembly may be moved toward, and guided to engage, the mating connectors arranged in corresponding rows and columns of the mating connectors, thereby the connector organizer facilitates the substantially simultaneous mating of the connectors with the mating connectors. The frame has a unitary construction.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector organizer. The connector organizer includes a substantially planar frame. The substantially planar frame includes a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls includes one or more stop elements and one or more securing elements. The slots are configuredso that a plurality of connectors may be inserted in one to one correspondence into the slots from a front side of the frame until the one or more stop elements of the walls of the slots prevent further insertion of the connectors. Each of the connectors includes a mating end for mating with a corresponding mating connector and a cable end for receiving an electric cable. The insertions of the connectors result in the mating ends of the connectors on the front side of the frame and the cable ends of the connectors at least partially disposed within the slots. The one or more securing elements of the walls of the slots secure the connectors to the frame, such that when the frame receives and secures the connectors in the slots, the frame may be moved to guide the connectors into mating with the mating connectors in one to one correspondence.

[0006] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly including a connector organizer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the connector assembly and a plurality of mating connectors, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are different schematic views of the connector assembly with an electric cable, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 5 A is a schematic rear view of the connector organizer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5B is a schematic front view of the connector organizer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 5C is a schematic view of a portion of the connector organizer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the connector, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic views of the connector, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views of the connector assembly and a handle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the connector assembly and the mating connectors, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0020] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0021] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0022] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0023] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0024] The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0025] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0028] A connector assembly is generally used to connect a cable or a connector from one device (e.g., a server, a network switching system, a client device, etc.) to another device (e.g., another server) for various applications, such as data processing, data transmission, and data reception.

[0029] In some cases, a plurality of connectors may be required to be plugged into corresponding plurality of ports. Individual plugging of the plurality of connectors into the corresponding ports may be difficult and time-consuming.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a connector organizer for facilitating substantially simultaneous mating of a plurality of connectors with a corresponding plurality of mating connectors. Each of the connectors includes a mating end for mating with a corresponding one of the mating connectors and a cable end for receiving an electric cable. The connector organizer includes a frame. The frame includes a plurality of through openings forming rows and columns of the through openings. Each of the through openings includes at least one wall and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connectors through a front open end of the through opening until the at least one wall secures, and limits further movement of, the connector resulting in the mating end of the connector being disposed on the front open end of the through opening and the cable end of the connector being at least partially disposed within the through opening. When a connector assembly is formed when the frame receives and secures the connectors in the through openings forming rows and columns of the connectors, the connector assembly may be moved toward, and guided to engage, the mating connectors arranged in corresponding rows and columns of the mating connectors, thereby the connector organizer facilitates the substantially simultaneous mating of the connectors with the mating connectors. The frame has a unitary construction.

[0031] The connector organizer of the present disclosure facilitates substantially simultaneous mating of the plurality of connectors with the corresponding plurality of mating connectors instead of plugging in each connector with the corresponding mating connector individually. This may be convenient and time-saving.

[0032] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the connector assembly 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the connector assembly 200 and a plurality of mating connectors 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a connector organizer 100 for facilitating substantially simultaneous mating of a plurality of connectors 10 with a corresponding plurality of mating connectors 20 (shown in FIG. 3) is further illustrated.

[0034] The connector organizer 100 defines mutually orthogonal x, y, and z-axis. The x-axis is defined along a length of the connector organizer 100, while the y-axis is defined along a height of the connector organizer 100. The z-axis is defined along a breadth of the connector organizer 100.

[0035] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate different schematic views of the connector assembly 200 with an electric cable 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic top view of the connector assembly 200 with the electric cable 30. Further, FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate different schematic views of the connector assembly 200 with the electric cable 30 and at least the separator 70.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4C, each of the connectors 10 includes a mating end 11 for mating with the corresponding one of the mating connectors 20 (shown in FIG. 3) and a cable end 12 for receiving the electric cable 30.

[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate different schematic views of the connector organizer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 A illustrates a schematic rear view of the connector organizer 100 and FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic front view of the connector organizer 100. FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic view of a portion of the connector organizer 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5B, the connector organizer 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 has a unitary construction. In some embodiments, the frame 110 is electrically insulative. In some embodiments, the frame 110 is made of a polymer plastic material. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may be interchangeably referred to as “the planar frame 110” herein.

[0039] The frame 110 includes a plurality of through openings 120 forming rows 130a, 130b and columns 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, 140f, 140g, 140h of the through openings 120. In some embodiments, the plurality of through openings 120 may be interchangeably referred to as “plurality of the slots 120” herein.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5B, the frame 110 includes sixteen through openings 120 forming two rows 130a, 130b and eight columns 140a, 140b ... 140h. However, the plurality of through openings 120 may include any number of through openings 120 based on desired application attributes.

[0041] Each of the through openings 120 includes at least one wall 121, 122, 123 (shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B) and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connectors 10 through a front open end 120a (shown in FIG. 5B) of the through opening 120 until the at least one wall 121, 122, 123 secures, and limits further movement of, the connector 10 resulting in the mating end 11 of the connector 10 being disposed on the front open end 120a of the through opening 120 and the cable end 12 of the connector 10 being at least partially disposed within the through opening 120.In some embodiments, the front open end 120a of the through opening 120 may be interchangeably referred to as “the front side 120a of the frame 110” herein.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, the at least one wall 121, 122, 123 of each of the through openings 120 includes a bottom wall 122 extending between and connecting a pair of opposing sidewalls 121, 123. In some embodiments, each of the through openings 120 has an open top 160 opposite the bottom wall 122 of the through opening 120. In some embodiments, the each of the slots 120 is U-shaped.

[0043] In some embodiments, each pair of adjacent slots 120 in a same column 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, 140f, 140g, 140h of the slots 120, in combination, form an H-shaped pattern. For example, the pair of adjacent slots 120 in the column 140a of the slots 120, in combination, form the H-shaped pattern.

[0044] In some embodiments, each of the through openings 120 receives the corresponding one of the connectors 10 through the front open end 120a of the through opening 120 until a stop element 121a, 122a, 123a (shown in FIG. 5B) of the at least one wall 121, 122, 123 limits the further movement of the connector 10 relative to the frame 110. For example, the stop element 121a of the wall 121, the stop element 122a of the wall 122, and the stop element 123a of the wall 123 limit the further movement of the connector 10 relative to the frame 110.

[0045] In other words, the slots 120 are configured so that the plurality of connectors 10 may be inserted in one to one correspondence into the slots 120 from the front side 120a of the frame 110 until the one or more stop elements 121a, 122a, 123a of the walls 121, 122, 123 of the slots 120 prevent further insertion of the connectors 10. The insertions of the connectors 10 result in the mating ends 11 of the connectors 10 being on the front side 120a of the frame 110 and the cable ends 12 of the connectors 10 being at least partially disposed within the slots 120.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one of the bottom wall 122 and the sidewalls 121, 123 includes the stop element 121a, 122a, 123a for limiting the movement of the connector 10 relative to the frame 110 along an insertion direction of the connector 10. In some embodiments, the insertion direction is substantially along the z-axis.

[0047] In some embodiments, the at least one wall 121, 122, 123 includes a plurality of walls 121, 122, 123. With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, in some embodiments, the plurality of walls 121, 122, 123 includes one or more securing elements. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5C, the wall 123 includes one or more securing elements 123b. The one or more securing elements 123b of the walls 121, 122, 123 of the slots 120 secures the connectors 10 to the frame 110.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4C, and 5A-5C, when the connector assembly 200 is formed when the frame 110 receives and secures the connectors 10 in the through openings 120 formingrows 132a, 132b and columns 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d, 142e, 142f, 142g, 142h of the connectors 10, the connector assembly 200 may be moved toward and guided to engage, the mating connectors 20 arranged in corresponding rows 21a, 21b and columns 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h of the mating connectors 20.

[0049] In other words, when the frame 110 receives and secures the connectors 10 in the slots 120, the frame 110 may be moved to guide the connectors 10 into mating with the mating connectors 20 in one to one correspondence. Thereby, the connector organizer 100 facilitates the substantially simultaneous mating of the connectors 10 with the mating connectors 20. The one or more securing elements 123b (shown in FIG. 5C) may secure the connectors 10 to the frame 110 during mating of the connectors 10 with the mating connectors 20.

[0050] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 200 may be moved toward and guided along the insertion direction to engage the mating connectors 20 arranged in the corresponding rows 21a, 21b and the columns 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h of the mating connectors 20.

[0051] In other words, the connector assembly 200 may be moved toward and guided along the z-axis to engage the mating connectors 20 arranged in the corresponding rows 21a, 21b and the columns 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, 22h of the mating connectors 20.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, in some embodiments, the connector organizer 100 further includes the at least the one separator 70 removably inserted between all of the connectors 10 in each row of the connectors 10 and all of the connectors 10 in each adjacent row of the connectors 10. For example, the at least the one separator 70 is removably inserted between all of the connectors 10 in the row 132a of the connectors 10 and all of the connectors 10 in the adjacent row 132b of the connectors 10.

[0053] In some embodiments, the at least one separator 70 is an elongated cylindrical separator, elongated to extend beyond each opposite end 131a, 13 lb of the rows 132a, 132b of the connectors 10. In some embodiments, the at least one separator 70 includes a flexible strip spirally wound to form the cylindrical separator. In some embodiments, the at least one separator 70 may include but not limited to a spiral wrap.

[0054] Further, the at least one separator 70 has sufficient thickness dl to maintain a desired separation between the mating ends 11 of the connectors 10 in each row of the connectors 10 and the mating ends 11 of the connectors 10 in each adjacent row of the connectors 10. For example, the at least one separator 70 has the sufficient thickness dl to maintain the desired separation between the mating ends 11 of the connectors 10 in the row 132a of the connectors 10 and the mating ends 11 of the connectors 10 in the adjacent row 132b of the connectors 10. This may prevent stubbing of the connectors 10 with the mating connectors 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, during, or after the completion of, the mating of the connectors 10 with the mating connectors 20, the at least one separator 70 is slidably removed from between the adjacent rows 132a, 132b of the connectors 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, the at least one separator 70 is so designed that during the removal of the at least one separator 70, the thickness dl of the at least one separator 70 decreases to facilitate the removal. Therefore, the at least one separator 70 may be easy to remove. Specifically, removal of the at least one separator 70 may require lesser friction and force.

[0057] The at least one separator 70 may collapse upon during slidably removal of the at least one separator 70 from between the adjacent rows 130a, 130b of the connectors 10. In some embodiments, the slidably removal of the at least one separator 70 may include the slidably removal of the at least one separator 70 substantially along the x-axis.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the connector 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, at least one of the connectors 10 in the plurality of connectors 10 is an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connector 10a.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the connector 10, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, at least one of the connectors 10 in the plurality of connectors 10 is a quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) connector 10b.

[0060] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate schematic views of the connector 10, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8A to 8C, the connector 10 is a connector 10c.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 8 A to 8C, in some embodiments, at least one of the connectors 10c in the plurality of connectors 10 includes a housing 40. The housing 40 includes an upper housing half 41. The upper housing half 41 is removably assembled to a lower housing half 42. The upper and lower housing halves 41, 42 define a housing cavity 43 therebetween.

[0062] The housing 40 further includes a circuit board 50 at least partially disposed in the housing cavity 43. The circuit board 50 includes a front side 51. The front side 51 includes a plurality of front conductive elements 52 for mating with the mating connector 20 (shown in FIG. 3).

[0063] The circuit board 50 further includes a back side 53 (shown in FIG. 8B) opposite the front side 51. The back side 53 is disposed inside the housing cavity 43. The back side 53 includes a plurality of back conductive elements 54 (shown in FIG. 8B) for making electrical contact with a corresponding plurality of conductive wires 31 (shown in FIG. 8B) of the electric cable 30.

[0064] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate schematic perspective views of the connector assembly 200 and a handle 60, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 9A illustrates the connector organizer 100 and the handle 60 separately and FIG. 9B illustrates the connector organizer 100 and the handle 60 assembled.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 9A, and 9B, in some embodiments, the connector organizer 100 further includes the handle 60 removably attached to the frame 110 and configured to rotate about a first axis 61 that is substantially parallel to the rows 132a, 132b of the connectors 10. In some embodiments, the handle 60 has a unitary construction.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the connector assembly 200 engages the mating connectors 20, the connector assembly 200 may be pushed until the connectors 10 fully mate with the mating connectors 20, after which the connector organizer 100 may be pulled away from the mating connectors 20 so that the connectors 10 may be released from the connector organizer 100. In some embodiments, the connector organizer 100 may be pulled towards the z-axis away from the mating connectors 20.

[0067] In some embodiments, the frame 110 defines at least one elongated opening 150 (best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) oriented along, and substantially centered on, the first axis 61. In some embodiments, the at least one elongated opening 150 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0068] Further, in some embodiments, the handle 60 includes at least one elongated member 62 (shown in FIG. 9 A) oriented along the first axis 61 and configured to slidably engage the at least one elongated opening 150 and rotate about the first axis 61. In some embodiments, the at least one elongated member 62 has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the connector assembly 200 and the mating connectors 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, when the connector assembly 200 engages the mating connectors 20, the handle 60 may be pushed forward toward the mating connectors 20 until the connectors 10 fully mate with the mating connectors 20, after which the handle 60 may be pulled away from the mating connectors 20 until the connectors 10 are fully released from the frame 110 of the connector organizer 100. In some embodiments, the handle 60 may be pulled along the z- axis away from the mating connectors 20.

[0071] The connector organizer 100 therefore facilitates substantially simultaneous mating of the plurality of connectors 10 with the corresponding plurality of mating connectors 20 instead of plugging in each connector 10 with the corresponding mating connector 20 individually. This may be convenient and time-saving.

[0072] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified bythe term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0073] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A connector organizer for facilitating substantially simultaneous mating of a plurality of connectors with a corresponding plurality of mating connectors, each of the connectors comprising a mating end for mating with a corresponding one of the mating connectors and a cable end for receiving an electric cable, the connector organizer comprising a frame comprising a plurality of through openings forming rows and columns of the through openings, each of the through openings comprising at least one wall and configured to receive a corresponding one of the connectors through a front open end of the through opening until the at least one wall secures, and limits further movement of, the connector resulting in the mating end of the connector being disposed on the front open end of the through opening and the cable end of the connector being at least partially disposed within the through opening, such that when a connector assembly is formed when the frame receives and secures the connectors in the through openings forming rows and columns of the connectors, the connector assembly may be moved toward, and guided to engage, the mating connectors arranged in corresponding rows and columns of the mating connectors, thereby the connector organizer facilitating the substantially simultaneous mating of the connectors with the mating connectors, wherein the frame has a unitary construction.

2. The connector organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the through openings receives a corresponding one of the connectors through the front open end of the through opening until a stop element of the at least one wall limits the further movement of the connector relative to the frame.

3. The connector organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the connectors in the plurality of connectors comprises a housing comprising: an upper housing half removably assembled to a lower housing half, the upper and lower housing halves defining a housing cavity therebetween; and a circuit board at least partially disposed in the housing cavity and comprising a front side comprising a plurality of front conductive elements for mating with the mating connector, and a back side opposite the front side and disposed inside the housing cavity, the back side comprising a plurality of back conductive elements for making electrical contact with a corresponding plurality of conductive wires of the electric cable.

4. The connector organizer of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall of each of the through openings comprises a bottom wall extending between and connecting a pair of opposing sidewalls.

5. The connector organizer of claim 4, wherein each of the through openings has an open top opposite the bottom wall of the through opening.

6. The connector organizer of claim 1, wherein when the connector assembly engages the mating connectors, the connector assembly may be pushed until the connectors fully mate with the mating connectors, after which the connector organizer may be pulled away from the mating connectors so that the connectors may be released from the connector organizer.

7. The connector organizer of claim 1 further comprising a handle removably attached to the frame and configured to rotate about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the rows of the connectors, wherein when the connector assembly engages the mating connectors, the handle may be pushed forward toward the mating connectors until the connectors fully mate with the mating connectors, after which the handle may be pulled away from the mating connectors until the connectors are fully released from the frame of the connector organizer.

8. The connector organizer of claim 7, wherein the frame defines at least one elongated opening oriented along, and substantially centered on, the first axis, and wherein the handle comprises at least one elongated member oriented along the first axis and configured to slidably engage the at least one elongated opening and rotate about the first axis.

9. The connector organizer of claim 1 further comprising at least one separator removably inserted between all of the connectors in each row of the connectors and all of the connectors in each adjacent row of the connectors, the at least one separator having a sufficient thickness to maintain a desired separation between the mating ends of the connectors in each row of the connectors and the mating ends of the connectors in each adjacent row of the connectors.

10. The connector organizer of claim 9, wherein the at least one separator is an elongated cylindrical separator, elongated to extend beyond each opposite end of the rows of the connectors.

11. The connector organizer of claim 10, wherein the at least one separator comprises a flexible strip spirally wound to form the cylindrical separator.

12. The connector organizer of claim 9, wherein during, or after the completion of, the mating of the connectors with the mating connectors, the at least one separator is slidably removed from between the adjacent rows of the connectors.

13. The connector organizer of claim 12, wherein the at least one separator is so designed that during the removal of the at least one separator, the thickness of the at least one separator decreases to facilitate the removal.

14. A connector organizer comprising a substantially planar frame comprising a plurality of slots, each of the slots defined by a plurality of walls comprising one or more stop elements and one or more securing elements, the slots configured so that a plurality of connectors may be inserted in one to one correspondence into the slots from a front side of the frame until the one or more stop elements of the walls of the slots prevent further insertion of the connectors, each of the connectors comprising a mating end for mating with a corresponding mating connector and a cable end for receiving an electric cable, the insertions of the connectors resulting in the mating ends of the connectors being on the front side of the frame and the cable ends of the connectors being at least partially disposed within the slots, the one or more securing elements of the walls of the slots securing the connectors to the frame, such that when the frame receives and secures the connectors in the slots, the frame may be moved to guide the connectors into mating with the mating connectors in one to one correspondence.

15. The connector organizer of claim 14, wherein the slots in the plurality of slots form rows and columns of the slots, and wherein each pair of adjacent slots in a same column of the slots, in combination, form an H-shaped pattern.

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