Connector assembly and connector

Abstract

A connector mates with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation. The connector includes a PCB including a plurality of conductive pads, and a unitary housing molded around the PCB and including an encapsulating 5 portion tightly encapsulating at least a portion of the PCB leaving a remaining portion of the PCB projecting forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion. The housing includes a pair of substantially parallel side guiding features extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the PCB. The side guiding features are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the PCB. The housing includes a pair of substantially 0 coplanar upper guiding features substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the PCB and extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion, and extending laterally from corresponding top edges of the side guiding features toward each other.

Description

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTORTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly and a connector.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.Summary

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to mate with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation. The connector assembly includes a first printed circuit board (1st PCB). The 1st PCB includes a plurality of conductive front pads disposed proximate a front end of the 1st PCB for mating with a plurality of corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector assembly. The 1st PCB further includes a plurality of conductive rear pads disposed between the front pads and a rear end, opposite the front end, of the 1st PCB. The rear pads are electrically connected to the front pads. The connector assembly further includes one or more electrical cables. The electrical cables include a plurality of conductors terminated at the conductive rear pads. The connector assembly further includes a unitary housing molded around the 1st PCB. The unitary housing includes an encapsulating portion. The encapsulating portion tightly encapsulates at least a rear portion of the 1st PCB including the rear end, the rear pads, and portions of the conductors terminated at the rear pads, and leaves a front portion of the 1st PCB that includes the front end and the front pads. The front portion projects forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion of the housing. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the 1st PCB. The sidewalls are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the 1st PCB and extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing. From a plan side view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls, the sidewalls substantially cover most of the front portion of the 1st PCB. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar upper flanges substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB. The coplanar upper flanges extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and extend laterally from corresponding top edges of the sidewalls toward each other and leave a first gap therebetween. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar lower flanges substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB and the upper flanges. The lower flanges extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and define a second gap therebetween. The unitary housingfurther includes a latch support extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and disposed in the second gap and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower flanges. The latch support is accessible from the first gap and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly. When mating with the mating connector assembly, the front end of the 1st PCB is inserted into a front opening of the mating connector assembly so that the front pads mate with the conductive elements of the mating connector assembly. The sidewalls and the upper flanges substantially prevent an insertion of the front end of the 1st PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

[0004] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a connector. The connector is configured to mate with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation. The mating connector assembly includes an electrically conductive shield removably assembled to an electrically insulative mating connector housing. The connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a plurality of conductive pads. The connector further includes a unitary housing molded around the PCB. The unitary housing includes an encapsulating portion tightly encapsulating at least a first portion of the PCB leaving a remaining second portion of the PCB projecting forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion of the housing. The unitary housing includes a pair of substantially parallel side guiding features extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the PCB. The side guiding features are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the PCB. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar upper guiding features substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the PCB and extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing. The coplanar upper guiding features extend laterally from corresponding top edges of the side guiding features toward each other and leave a first gap therebetween. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar lower guiding features substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the PCB and the upper guiding features. The lower guiding features extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and define a second gap therebetween. The unitary housing further includes a latch support extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and disposed in the second gap and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower guiding features. The latch support is accessible from the first gap and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly. When mating with the mating connector assembly, a front end of the PCB is inserted into a front opening of the mating connector assembly, a first portion of the conductive shield of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the upper guiding features and the lower guiding features, and each of opposing second portions of the conductive shield of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the corresponding lower guiding features andthe side guiding features of the connector assembly. The side guiding features and the upper guiding features substantially prevent an insertion of the front end of the PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

[0005] 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

[0006] 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.

[0007] FIGS. 1 A and IB are schematic perspective views of a connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective top view of a 1st PCB and electrical cables, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective bottom view of the 1st PCB and the electrical cables, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

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

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

[0015] FIG. 5D is a schematic top view of the connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5E is a schematic bottom view of the connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5F is a schematic bottom view of the connector assembly without the 1st PCB, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly mated with the mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly mated with the other mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the connector assembly and the other mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 8 A and 8B are schematic perspective sectional views of the connector assembly mated with the mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic sectional views of the connector assembly and opposing second portions of the mating connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0024] 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.

[0025] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Conventional connector assemblies may not have anti-skew features. Therefore, the conventional connector assemblies may plug into mating connector assemblies at angles that may damage of the mating connector assemblies and / or the connector assemblies. Thus, there may exist a need for an improved connector assembly.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to mate with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation. The connector assembly includes a first printed circuit board (1st PCB). The 1st PCB includes a plurality of conductive front pads disposed proximate a front end of the 1st PCB for mating with a plurality of corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector assembly. The 1st PCB further includes a plurality of conductive rear pads disposed between the front pads and a rear end, opposite the front end, of the 1st PCB. The rear pads are electrically connected to the front pads. The connector assembly further includes one or more electrical cables. The electrical cables include a plurality of conductors terminated at the conductive rear pads. The connector assembly further includes a unitary housing molded around the 1st PCB. The unitary housing includes an encapsulating portion. The encapsulating portion tightly encapsulates at least a rear portion of the 1st PCB including the rear end, the rear pads and portions of the conductors terminated at the rear pads, and leaves a front portion of the 1st PCB that includes the front end and the front pads. The front portion projects forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion of the housing. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the 1st PCB. The sidewalls are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the 1st PCB and extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing. From a plan side view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls, the sidewalls substantially cover most of the front portion of the 1st PCB. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar upper flanges substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB. The coplanar upper flanges extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and extend laterally from corresponding top edges of the sidewalls toward each other and leave a first gap therebetween. The unitary housing further includes a pair of substantially coplanar lower flanges substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB and the upper flanges. The lower flanges extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and define a second gap therebetween. The unitary housing further includes a latch support extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and disposed in the second gap and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lowerflanges. The latch support is accessible from the first gap and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly. When mating with the mating connector assembly, the front end of the 1st PCB is inserted into a front opening of the mating connector assembly so that the front pads mate with the conductive elements of the mating connector assembly. The sidewalls and the upper flanges substantially prevent an insertion of the front end of the 1st PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

[0035] The connector assembly of the present disclosure includes anti-skew features.Particularly, the sidewalls and the upper flanges of the housing may prevent mating of the connector assembly with the mating connector assembly along unintended orientations. Specifically, the sidewalls and the upper flanges of the housing may prevent the insertion of the front end of the 1st PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along the unintended orientations. Further, the sidewalls and the upper flanges of the housing may provide a better support to the mating connector assembly. Further, the upper flanges, the lower flanges, and the sidewalls may minimize a movement of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly after the connector assembly mates with the mating connector assembly.

[0036] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 A and IB illustrate schematic perspective views of a connector assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective front view of the connector assembly 300 and FIG. IB illustrates a schematic perspective rear view of the connector assembly 300. The connector assembly 300 includes a connector 310.

[0037] The connector assembly 300 defines mutually orthogonal x, y, and z-axis. The x-axis is defined along a length of the connector assembly 300, while the y-axis is defined along a breadth of the connector assembly 300. The z-axis is defined along a height of the connector assembly 300.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a mating connector assembly 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of another mating connector assembly 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 A to 3, the connector assembly 300 is configured to mate with the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation. Specifically, the connector 310 is configured to mate with the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along the mating direction when having the predetermined spatial and angular orientation.

[0040] The mating direction is substantially along the y-axis. Therefore, the connector assembly 300 and the connector 310 are configured to mate with the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along the y-axis.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mating connector assembly 400, 500 includes a metallic shield 401, 501 removably assembled to a mating connector 402, 502. Specifically, the mating connector assembly 400 includes the metallic shield 401 removably assembled to the mating connector 402 and the mating connector assembly 500 includes the metallic shield 501 removably assembled to the mating connector 502.

[0042] The metallic shield 401, 501 may be interchangeably referred to as “the electrically conductive shield 401, 501” herein. Further, the mating connector 402, 502 may be interchangeably referred to as “the mating connector housing 402, 502” herein. Therefore, in other words, the mating connector assembly 400, 500 includes the electrically conductive shield 401, 501 removably assembled to the electrically insulative mating connector housing 402, 502.

[0043] The mating connector assembly 400, 500 includes a plurality of conductive elements 410, 510. Specifically, the mating connector assembly 400 includes the plurality of conductive elements 410 and the mating connector assembly 500 includes the plurality of conductive elements 510.

[0044] The mating connector assembly 400, 500 further includes a front opening 420, 520 so that the mating connector assembly 400, 500 can mate with the connector assembly 300. Specifically, the mating connector assembly 400 includes the front opening 420, and the mating connector assembly 500 includes the front opening 520.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mating connector assembly 400, 500 further includes opposing second portions 441, 541. Specifically, the mating connector assembly 400 includes the opposing second portions 441 and the mating connector assembly 500 includes the opposing second portions 541.

[0046] In some embodiments, the conductive shield 401, 501 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 includes the opposing second portions 441, 541.

[0047] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic perspective top view of a 1st PCB 10 and electrical cables 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic perspective bottom view of the 1st PCB 10 and the electrical cables 20, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. lAto 4B, the connector assembly 300 includes the 1st PCB 10. The 1st PCB 10 may be interchangeably referred to as “the printed circuit board 10 (PCB)” herein.Specifically, the connector 310 includes the PCB 10.

[0049] The PCB 10 includes a plurality of conductive pads 11, 13. The pads 11 may be interchangeably referred to as “the front pads 11” herein. The pads 13 may be interchangeably referred to as “the rear pads 13” herein. In other words, the first printed circuit board 10 includes the plurality of conductive front pads 11 and a plurality of conductive rear pads 13.

[0050] The plurality of conductive front pads 11 is disposed proximate a front end 12 of the 1st PCB 10 for mating with the plurality of corresponding conductive elements 410, 510 (shown in FIGS 2 and 3) of the mating connector assembly 400, 500.

[0051] The plurality of conductive rear pads 13 is disposed between the front pads 11 and a rear end 14, opposite the front end 12, of the 1st PCB 10. The rear pads 13 are electrically connected to the front pads 11.

[0052] The connector assembly 300 further includes the one or more electrical cables 20. The electrical cables 20 include a plurality of conductors 21 terminated at the conductive rear pads 13.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 A, 4A, and 4B, the connector assembly 300 further includes a unitary housing 30 molded around the 1st PCB 10. Specifically, the connector 310 further includes the unitary housing 30 molded around the PCB 10.

[0054] The unitary housing 30 includes an encapsulating portion 18 (shown in FIG. 1 A) tightly encapsulating at least a rear portion 15 of the 1st PCB 10 and portions 22 of the conductors 21 terminated at the rear pads 13. The rear portion 15 includes the rear end 14 and the rear pads 13.

[0055] The rear portion 15 may be interchangeably referred to as “the first portion 15” herein. In other words, the unitary housing 30 includes the encapsulating portion 18 tightly encapsulating at least the first portion 15 of the PCB 10.

[0056] The encapsulating portion 18 leaves encapsulating a front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10. The front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10 includes the front end 12 and the front pads 11.

[0057] The front portion 16 may be interchangeably referred to as “the second portion 16” herein. In other words, the encapsulating portion 18 leaves encapsulating the remaining second portion 16 of the PCB 10.

[0058] The front portion 16 projects forwardly along the mating direction (i.e., along the y-axis) from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30. Specifically, the front portion 16 projects forwardly along the y-axis from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30. In other words, the second portion 16 projects forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30.

[0059] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the connector 310, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic front view of the connector 310, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic side view of the connector 310, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5D illustrates a schematic top view of the connector assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5E illustrates a schematic bottom view of the connector assembly 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5F illustrates a schematic bottom view of the connector assembly 300 without the 1st PCB 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5 A to 5F, the unitary housing 30 includes a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb on opposite corresponding lateral sides 17a, 17b of the 1st PCB 10. The sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb may be interchangeably referred to as “the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb” herein.In other words, the unitary housing 30 includes the pair of substantially parallel side guiding features 31a, 31b.

[0061] The sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the 1st PCB 10. In other words, the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb are spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the PCB 10.

[0062] The sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 (shown in FIG. 5B) of the housing 30. In other words, the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 on the opposite corresponding lateral sides 17a, 17b of the PCB 10. For example, the side guiding feature 3 la extends forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 on the lateral side 17a and the side guiding feature 3 lb extends forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 on the lateral side 17b.

[0063] The unitary housing 30 further includes a pair of substantially coplanar upper flanges 32a, 32b substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB 10. The upper flanges 32a, 32b may be interchangeably referred to as “the upper guiding features 32a, 32b” herein. In other words, the unitary housing 30 further includes the pair of substantially coplanar upper guiding features 32a, 32b substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the PCB 10.

[0064] The upper flanges 32a, 32b extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and extend laterally from corresponding top edges 33a, 33b of the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb toward each other and leave a first gap 34 (shown in FIG. 5B) therebetween. In other words, the upper guiding features 32a, 32b extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30, and extend laterally from the corresponding top edges 33a, 33b of the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb toward each other and leave the first gap 34 therebetween.

[0065] For example, the upper flange 32a extends forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and extends laterally from the top edge 33a of the sidewall 31a and the upper flange 32b extends forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and extends laterally from the top edge 33b of the sidewall 3 lb.

[0066] The upper flanges 32a, 32b extend along the y-axis from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and extend along the x-axis from the corresponding top edges 33 a, 33b.

[0067] The unitary housing 30 further includes a pair of substantially coplanar lower flanges 35a, 35b substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB 10 and the upper flanges 32a, 32b. The lower flanges 35a, 35b may be interchangeably referred to as “the lower guiding features 35a, 35b” herein. In other words, the unitary housing 30 further includes the pair of substantially coplanar lower guiding features 35a, 35b substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the PCB 10 and the upper guiding features 32a, 32b.

[0068] The lower flanges 35a, 35b extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and define a second gap 36 therebetween (shown in FIG. 5B). In other words, the lower guiding features 35a, 35b extend forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 anddefine the second gap 36 therebetween. The lower flanges 35a, 35b extend along the y-axis from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 10.

[0069] As is apparent from FIGS. 1 A, and 5A to 5C, from a plan side view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb substantially cover most of the front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10. For example, from a y-z plane along the x-axis, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb substantially cover most of the front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10. In some embodiments, from the plan side view along the direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb substantially cover at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% of the front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10.

[0070] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 300 may include a plastic overmold to cover a remaining portion of the front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10.

[0071] In some embodiments, from the plan side view along the direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb substantially cover an entirety of the front portion 16 of the 1st PCB 10. Further, as is apparent from FIGS. 1A, 5D, and 5F, in some embodiments, from a plan top view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the upper flanges 32a, 32b, the upper flanges 32a, 32b substantially cover entireties of the lower flanges 35a, 35b. For example, from a x-y plane along the z-axis, the upper flanges 32a, 32b substantially cover the entireties of the lower flanges 35a, 35b.

[0072] Specifically, from the plan top view along the direction substantially orthogonal to the upper flanges 32a, 32b, the upper flange 32a substantially covers the entirety of the lower flange 35a and the upper flange 32b substantially covers the entirety of the lower flange 35b.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 A and 5A-5F, the unitary housing 30 further includes a latch support 37 extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and disposed in the second gap 36 and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower flanges 35a, 35b. In other words, the unitary housing 30 further includes the latch support 37 extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion 18 of the housing 30 and disposed in the second gap 36 and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower guiding features 35a, 35b.

[0074] The latch support 37 is accessible from the first gap 34 and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly 40.

[0075] In some embodiments, the connector assembly 300 further includes the latch assembly 40 removably assembled to the unitary housing 30. The latch assembly 40 includes a latch member 41 disposed on the latch support 37 and a pull tab 46 attached to the latch member 41.

[0076] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate schematic perspective views of the connector assembly 300 with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly 300 mated with the mating connector assembly 400 and FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly 300 mated with the mating connector assembly 500.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 A, IB, 2, 3, 6A, and 6B, in some embodiments, when the connector assembly 300 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, at least one protmsion 42 of the latch member 41 engages a corresponding opening 415, 515 in the mating connector assembly 400, 500.

[0078] Specifically, when the connector assembly 300 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, the at least one protrusion 42 of the latch member 41 engages the corresponding opening 415, and when the connector assembly 300 mates with the mating connector assembly 500, the at least one protrusion 42 of the latch member 41 engages the corresponding opening 515.

[0079] Further, pulling the pull tab 46 (shown in FIGS. 1 A and 6B) rearwardly away from the mating connector assembly 400, 500 releases the connector assembly 300 from the mating connector assembly 400, 500. Specifically, pulling the pull tab 46 along the y-axis releases the connector assembly 300 from the mating connector assembly 400, 500.

[0080] Further, when the connector assembly 300 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, the front end 12 of the 1st PCB 10 is inserted into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 so that the front pads 11 mate with the conductive elements 410, 510 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500. Specifically, when the connector 310 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, the front end 12 of the PCB 10 is inserted into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500.

[0081] More specifically, when the connector 310 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, the front end 12 of the PCB 10 is inserted into the front opening 420 of the mating connector assembly 400, and when the connector 310 mates with the mating connector assembly 500, the front end 12 of the PCB 10 is inserted into the front opening 520 of the mating connector assembly 500.

[0082] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic view of the connector assembly 300 and the mating connector assembly 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic view of the connector assembly 300 and the mating connector assembly 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 A to 3, 5A, 7A, and 7B, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb and the upper flanges 32a, 32b substantially prevent an insertion of the front end 12 of the 1st PCB 10 into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation. In other words, the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb and the upper guiding features 32a, 32b substantially prevent the insertion of the front end 12 of the PCB 10 into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along the at least one of the direction other than the mating direction, the spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and the angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

[0084] For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb and the upper flanges 32a, 32b substantially prevent the insertion of the front end 12 of the 1st PCB 10 into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along a y’-axis.

[0085] FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate schematic perspective sectional views of the connector assembly 300 mated with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector assembly 300 mated the mating connector assembly 400 when the mating connector assembly 400 is mounted on a second printed circuit board (2nd PCB) 430, and FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector assembly 300 mated with the mating connector assembly 500 when the mating connector assembly 500 is mounted on a second printed circuit board (2nd PCB) 530.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 8A, in some embodiments, the mating connector assembly 400 is a surface printed circuit board mount connector 400, so that when the mating connector assembly 400 is mounted on the 2nd PCB 430 and the connector assembly 300 is mated with the mating connector assembly 400, the 1st PCB 10 is substantially parallel to the 2nd PCB 430.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, the mating connector assembly 500 is a vertical printed circuit board mount connector 500, so that when the mating connector assembly 500 is mounted on the 2nd PCB 530 and the connector assembly 300 is mated with the mating connector assembly 500, the 1st PCB 10 is substantially orthogonal to the 2nd PCB 530.

[0089] FIGS. 9 A and 9B illustrate schematic sectional views of the connector assembly 300 and the opposing second portions 441, 541 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5A, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, in some embodiments, when the connector assembly 300 is mated with the mating connector assembly 400, 500, a first portion 440, 540 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 is disposed between the upper flanges 32a, 32b and the lower flanges 35a, 35b. In other words, the first portion 440, 540 of the conductive shield 401, 501 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 is disposed between the upper guiding features 32a, 32b and the lower guiding features 35a, 35b.

[0091] Further, each of the opposing second portions 441, 541 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 is disposed between the corresponding lower flange 35a, 35b and the sidewall 3 la, 3 lb of the connector assembly 300. Specifically, each of the opposing second portions 441, 541 of the conductive shield 401, 501 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 is disposed between the corresponding lower guiding features 35a, 35b and the side guiding features 3 la, 3 lb of the connector assembly 300.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 A-1B to FIGS. 9A-9B, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb and the upper flanges 32a, 32b may therefore provide anti-skew features to the connector assembly 300. Specifically, theside guiding features 3 la, 3 lb and the upper guiding features 32a, 32b may provide the anti-skew features to the connector 310. Particularly, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb and the upper flanges 32a, 32b of the housing 30 may prevent mating of the connector assembly 300 with the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along unintended orientations. Specifically, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb and the upper flanges 32a, 32b of the housing 30 may prevent the insertion of the front end 12 of the 1st PCB 10 into the front opening 420, 520 of the mating connector assembly 400, 500 along the unintended orientations. Further, the sidewalls 31a, 31b and the upper flanges 32a, 32b of the housing 30 may provide a better support to the mating connector assembly 400, 500. The upper flanges 32a, 32b, the lower flanges 35a, 35b, the sidewalls 3 la, 3 lb may minimize the movement of the connector assembly 300 and the mating connector assembly 400, 500 after the connector 300 mates with the mating connector assembly 400, 500.

[0093] 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 by the 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.

[0094] 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 assembly configured to mate with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation, the connector assembly comprising:a first printed circuit board (1st PCB) comprising a plurality of conductive front pads disposed proximate a front end of the 1st PCB for mating with a plurality of corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector assembly, and a plurality of conductive rear pads disposed between the front pads and a rear end, opposite the front end, of the 1st PCB, the rear pads electrically connected to the front pads;one or more electrical cables comprising a plurality of conductors terminated at the conductive rear pads; anda unitary housing molded around the 1st PCB and comprising an encapsulating portion tightly encapsulating at least a rear portion of the 1st PCB comprising the rear end, the rear pads, and portions of the conductors terminated at the rear pads, leaving a front portion of the 1st PCB that comprises the front end and the front pads and projects forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion of the housing, wherein the unitary housing comprises:a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the 1st PCB, the sidewalls spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the 1st PCB and extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing, such that from a plan side view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the sidewalls, the sidewalls substantially cover most of the front portion of the 1st PCB;a pair of substantially coplanar upper flanges substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB and extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing, and extending laterally from corresponding top edges of the sidewalls toward each other and leaving a first gap therebetween;a pair of substantially coplanar lower flanges substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the 1st PCB and the upper flanges, the lower flanges extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and defining a second gap therebetween; anda latch support extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and disposed in the second gap and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower flanges, the latch support accessible from the first gap and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly;such that, when mating with the mating connector assembly, the front end of the 1st PCB is inserted into a front opening of the mating connector assembly so that the front pads mate with theconductive elements of the mating connector assembly, wherein the sidewalls and the upper flanges substantially prevent an insertion of the front end of the 1st PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating connector assembly comprises a metallic shield removably assembled to a mating connector.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating connector assembly is a surface printed circuit board mount connector, so that when the mating connector assembly is mounted on a second printed circuit board (2nd PCB) and the connector assembly is mated with the mating connector assembly, the 1st PCB is substantially parallel to the 2nd PCB.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating connector assembly is a vertical printed circuit board mount connector, so that when the mating connector assembly is mounted on a second printed circuit board and the connector assembly is mated with the mating connector assembly, the 1st PCB is substantially orthogonal to the 2nd PCB.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein when the connector assembly is mated with the mating connector assembly, a first portion of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the upper flanges and the lower flanges, and each of opposing second portions of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the corresponding lower flange and the sidewall of the connector assembly.

6. The connector assembly of claim 1 further comprising the latch assembly removably assembled to the unitary housing and comprising a latch member disposed on the latch support and a pull tab attached to latch member, such that when the connector assembly mates with the mating connector assembly, at least one protmsion of the latch member engages a corresponding opening in the mating connector assembly, wherein pulling the pull tab rearwardly away from the mating connector assembly releases the connector assembly from the mating connector assembly.

7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein from a plan top view along a direction substantially orthogonal to the upper flanges, the upper flanges substantially cover entireties of the lower flanges.

8. A connector configured to mate with a mating connector assembly along a mating direction when having predetermined spatial and angular orientation, the mating connector assemblycomprising an electrically conductive shield removably assembled to an electrically insulative mating connector housing, the connector comprising:a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a plurality of conductive pads; anda unitary housing molded around the PCB and comprising an encapsulating portion tightly encapsulating at least a first portion of the PCB leaving a remaining second portion of the PCB projecting forwardly along the mating direction from the encapsulating portion of the housing, wherein the unitary housing comprises:a pair of substantially parallel side guiding features extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing on opposite corresponding lateral sides of the PCB, the side guiding features spaced apart from and substantially perpendicular to the PCB;a pair of substantially coplanar upper guiding features substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the PCB and extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing, and extending laterally from corresponding top edges of the side guiding features toward each other and leaving a first gap therebetween;a pair of substantially coplanar lower guiding features substantially parallel to, and disposed between and spaced apart from, the PCB and the upper guiding features, the lower guiding features extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and defining a second gap therebetween; anda latch support extending forwardly from the encapsulating portion of the housing and disposed in the second gap and substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the lower guiding features, the latch support accessible from the first gap and configured to receive and support a removably assembled latch assembly;such that, when mating with the mating connector assembly, a front end of the PCB is inserted into a front opening of the mating connector assembly, a first portion of the conductive shield of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the upper guiding features and the lower guiding features, and each of opposing second portions of the conductive shield of the mating connector assembly is disposed between the corresponding lower guiding features and the side guiding features of the connector assembly,wherein the side guiding features and the upper guiding features substantially prevent an insertion of the front end of the PCB into the front opening of the mating connector assembly along at least one of a direction other than the mating direction, a spatial orientation other than the predetermined spatial orientation, and an angular orientation other than the predetermined angular orientation.

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