Abstract:
A connector assembly ( 1 ) comprises an outer housing ( 300 ); and a latch ( 330 ), which is carried by the outer housing ( 300 ), to allow a coupling of the connector assembly to a corresponding counter connector. Further, the outer housing ( 300 ) is configured to receive at least one of two different types of cables ( 100 ) through a first end and at least one of two different module mating interfaces ( 430, 432, 434 ) at a second end. In another embodiment the outer housing ( 300 ) is arranged movable on an inner housing ( 200 ), and the latch ( 330 ) is rotatably arranged on the outer housing ( 300 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, for instance for an optical waveguide, offering an improved mating mechanism. 
       TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In many electronic applications, it is necessary to connect signal and/or power lines, for example optical signal lines to electronic devices in general, to other optical signal lines or to printed circuit hoards via terminals. In particular, when electronic devices are intended to be used outdoor, specific requirements have to he fulfilled by the connector assembly, in particular concerning water resistance and/or disconnection protection issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    It is therefore an object of one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a connector assembly, which is robust in view of environmental impacts and which offers a secure connection with a corresponding counter connector. 
         [0004]    These and other objects of the present disclosure, which will become apparent upon reading the following description, are solved by a connector assembly according to claim  1  or alternatively or additionally by a connector assembly according to claim  12 . 
         [0005]    According to one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided, comprising an outer housing and a latch, which is carried by the outer housing, wherein the outer housing is configured to receive at least one of two different types of cables through a first end and at least one of two different module mating interfaces at a second end. 
         [0006]    The outer housing preferably encloses sensitive parts of the connector assembly like for instance tin-isolated cables, contacts and the like. This is in particular advantageous to provide a basic protection for the sensitive parts of the connector assembly from environmental impacts like dust, dirt, humidity and the like. 
         [0007]    The latch is carried by the outer housing, preferably by at least one hinge, which is provided at the outer surface of the outer housing. The latch preferably solves the problem to lock the connector assembly at a corresponding terminal. 
         [0008]    The outer housing is configured to receive at least one of two different types of cables through a first end of the outer housing. Preferably, the first end faces away from the terminal in the mated state. Thus, the connector assembly is not just limited to one kind of cable, but is able to receive different types of cables depending on the specific application requirements. This feature significantly increases the flexibility of the connector assembly. 
         [0009]    It is a particular advantage of the present connector assembly that the connector assembly is flexible to be adapted to different use cases. Thus, it is possible for the first time now to use the same module mating interface in different applications, without having to change the design of the connector assembly. Thus, it is now possible to standardize the module mating interface of the connector assembly and to adapt the connector assembly to this specific use case by the type of cable which is used in the connector assembly. 
         [0010]    Moreover, the outer housing is configured to receive at least one of two different module mating interfaces at the second end of the outer housing. Preferably, the second end is the end of the connector assembly facing to the terminal in the mated state. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the module mating interface may be designed exchangeable, wherein the module mating interface may be preferably connected by means of a snap-in-connection releasably. At the second end, the connector assembly comprises at least two different module mating interfaces. In particular applications, it is not necessary to use all available module mating interfaces. However, in some preferred applications just one module mating interface is used. This is in particular advantageous, since the user is able to use one standardized connector assembly for many kinds of applications. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the outer housing is waterproof. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, the outer housing is waterproof in order to be particularly adapted to outdoor applications. The ability of being waterproof is in particular advantageous for the connector assembly when power signals or electrical signals are transmitted outside in order to avoid short-circuit faults, which possibly may destroy the connector assembly and/or an electric device to which it is connected. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the outer housing further comprises a front seal and/or a back seal. 
         [0015]    The front seal is preferably arranged at the above mentioned second end of the connector assembly, in order to seal the transition of the connector assembly with the terminal in order to avoid the intrusion of dirt, dust, humidity and the like. Preferably, the front seal is made of rubber which is directly molded onto the connector assembly or the front seal is applied by pushing it onto the connector assembly. The front seal helps to make the connector assembly waterproof at the second end of the outer housing. The back seal is preferably provided at the first end of the outer housing and seals the transition of the cable and the connector assembly in order to avoid the intrusion of dirt, dust, humidity and the like. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the two different module mating interfaces pass different types of electrical energy. 
         [0017]    As mentioned above, the connector assembly may be adapted to different kinds of applications. Preferably, the module mating interfaces pass different types of electrical energy. Thus, it is now possible to provide a solution, wherein not just one type of energy may be transmitted. This is in particular advantageous for the adaption of the connector assembly to different applications. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the different types of electrical energy are signal and power. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the two different module mating interfaces pass different modes of electrical energy transmission. Preferably, the different modes of electrical energy transmission are by electrical conductor and by fiber optics. 
         [0020]    Thus, it is possible to provide an electronic device with information and power by one single connector interface. This is in particular advantageous in the outdoor use, since there has to be just one, preferably waterproof, connection to the electronic outdoor device, in order to use it. However, this feature is not just advantageous for the outdoor use. Also in indoor applications, it may be desired to provide just one cable at an electronic device for instance due to esthetic aspects and/or space aspects. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the two different module mating interfaces are selected from the group consisting of SFP, PoE/Ethernet, 10-position-power, 2-position power, and combination Ethernet/Power. 
         [0022]    SFP is an acronym for Small Form-factor Pluggable, PoE is an acronym for Power over Ethernet. Thus, the connector assembly may be used as a signal transmitting interface, an energy transmitting interface and/or combination thereof. Thus, preferably standardized interfaces for signal transmission and/or power transmission in a preferred connector assembly can be used. This helps to reduce the adaption efforts for the electronic devices since just the interface has to be adapted to the present connector assembly and internally the signals and/or the power may be processed like in common indoor applications. The inner housing is preferably arranged between the outer housing and the module mating interface. Thus, preferably the inner housing acts as an adapter between the outer housing and the module mating interfaces in order to use the outer housing with many different kinds of module mating interfaces. Moreover, the inner housing preferably provides a contacting member in order to equalize the ground potential between the electronic device and the cable. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the assembly further comprises an inner housing, the inner housing being at least partially arranged in the outer housing. More preferably, the inner housing and the outer housing are separate components, which are releasably connected to each other, e.g. by means of click-fit-connectors. This is in particular advantageous for a simple and flexible assembly of the connector assembly. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the latch is rotatably attached to the outer housing, wherein the latch rotates around a rotation axis, which is perpendicular to the mating axis of the connector assembly and wherein the latch can be rotated between an unlock state of the latch and a lock state of the latch. 
         [0025]    In the lock state of the latch, the connector assembly is preferably locked to a terminal, with which the connector assembly is mated. In the unlocked state, the connector assembly is preferably able to be unplugged from the terminal. The attachment of the latch at the outer housing is preferably realized by means of at least one hinge more preferred by two hinges, which define the rotation axis of the latch. This is in particular advantageous, since it is possible by means of the latch to provide a mechanically simple, space saving and reliable locking of the connector assembly, in order to avoid an undesired unplugging of the connector assembly, for instance by pulling at the other end of the cable. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the outer housing further comprises a slider, which is slidably arranged on the latch and/or the outer housing, wherein the slider can be moved between an unlock state of the slider, which allows a movement of the latch, and a lock state of the slider, in which the latch is locked in its position. 
         [0027]    The slider preferably provides the possibility of locking the latch. Particularly preferred, the slider is able to lock the latch, when the latch is in the lock state. This is in particular advantageous in order to further reduce the risk of undesired unplugging of the connector assembly. As already mentioned above, the latch has to be rotated around the rotation axis in order to allow the connector assembly to be unmated from the corresponding terminal. This movement of the latch is disabled by the slider, then the slider is in the lock state. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the outer housing further comprises at least one locking means adapted to cooperate with the slider, wherein the connector assembly is adapted to be releasably fixed to a terminal by a rotation of the latch from the unlock state of the latch to the lock state of the latch around the rotation axis, wherein the slider engages with the locking means of the outer housing in order to prevent the latch from rotating out of the lock state of the latch, when the slider is in its lock state. 
         [0029]    The slider preferably prevents any rotation of the latch, when both the latch and the slider are in the lock state. The slider preferably rests on a slider guidance and a locking guidance. Herein, a slider guidance counterpart realizes a form-fit connection with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance, preferably in the form of two L-shaped profiles, which engage with each other. By this form-fit connection, the latch is prevented from being rotated out of the lock state by the form-fit connections of the slider with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance interlock. It is preferred to operate the data- and/or power-connection when both the latch and the slider are in the lock state, since it provides the maximum security from being unwillingly unplugged. Thus, in order to unplug the connector assembly, in a first step, the slider has to be moved from the lock state to the unlock state in order to unlock the latch. Then, in a second step, the latch has to be rotated from the lock state to the unlock state in order to unlock the connector assembly. Then finally, in a third step, the connector assembly can be unplugged. It is clear to the person skilled in the art, that the plugging of the connector assembly is carried out vice versa. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the slider is guided parallel to the mating axis of the connector assembly by means of a slider guidance at the latch and by means of a slider guidance counterpart at the slider. 
         [0031]    The slider preferably comprises a shape, which realizes a form-fit with at least a part of the latch, wherein the form-fit is realized in that the slider is still able to be moved in the direction of the mating axis. Thus, all degrees of freedom are restricted except for the movement parallel to the mating axis. This is in particular advantageous, since the slider is then no loose additional part, but an integrated member of the connector assembly, which cannot fall apart. 
         [0032]    In an alternative solution, a connector assembly is provided, in particular for optical waveguides, comprising an inner housing and an outer housing, which is arranged movable on the inner housing, wherein the outer housing comprises locking means, a latch, which is rotatably arranged on the outer housing, wherein the latch is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis, which is perpendicular to the mating axis of the connector assembly and wherein the latch can be rotated between an unlock state of the latch and a lock state of the latch and a slider, which is slidably arranged on the latch and/or the outer housing, wherein the slider can be moved between an unlock state of the slider and a lock state of the slider, wherein the connector assembly is adapted to be releasably fixed to a terminal by a rotation of the latch from the unlock state of the latch to the lock state of the latch around the rotation axis, and the slider engages with the locking means of the outer housing in order to prevent the latch from rotating out of the lock state of the latch, when the slider is in its lock state. 
         [0033]    The inner housing is able to be moved relative to the outer housing. This movement is in particular advantageous, in order to compensate variances of the arrangement of connector counterparts inside the terminal. 
         [0034]    The attachment of the latch at the outer housing is preferably realized by means of at least one hinge more preferred by two hinges, which define the rotation axis of the latch. This is in particular advantageous, since it is possible by means of the latch to provide a mechanically simple, space saving and reliable locking of the connector assembly, in order to avoid an undesired unplugging of the connector assembly, for instance by pulling at the other end of the cable. 
         [0035]    In the lock state of the latch, the connector assembly is preferably locked to a terminal, with which the connector assembly is mated. In the unlock state of the latch, the connector assembly is preferably able to be unplugged from the terminal. 
         [0036]    The slider preferably provides the possibility of locking the latch. Particularly preferred, the slider is able to lock the latch, when the latch is in the lock state. This is in particular advantageous in order to further reduce the risk of undesired unplugging of the connector assembly. As already mentioned above, the latch has to be rotated around the rotation axis in order to allow the connector assembly to be unmated from the corresponding terminal. 
         [0037]    The slider preferably prevents any rotation of the latch, when both the latch and the slider are in the lock state. The slider preferably rests on a slider guidance and a locking guidance. Herein, a slider guidance counterpart realizes a firm-fit connection with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance, preferably in the form of two L-shaped profiles, which engage with each other. By this form-fit connection, the latch is prevented from being rotated out of the lock state since the form-fit connections of the slider with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance interlock with each other. It is preferred to operate the data- and/or power-connection when both the latch and the slider are in the lock state, since it provides the maximum security from being unwillingly unplugged. Thus, in order to unplug the connector assembly, in a first step, the slider has to be moved from the lock state to the unlock state in order to unlock the latch. Then, in a second step, the latch has to be rotated from the lock state to the unlock state in order to unlock the connector assembly. Then finally, in a third step, the connector assembly can be unplugged. It is clear to the person skilled in the art, that the plugging of the connector assembly is carried out vice versa. 
         [0038]    Preferably, the outer housing is adapted to slide relative to the inner housing parallel to the mating axis of the connector assembly. 
         [0039]    This movement is preferably restricted to a range of 10 mm, more preferably 7 mm and most preferably 4 mm by the design of the inner housing and the outer housing. This movement is in particular advantageous, in order to provide a robust connection between the connector assembly and the terminal, wherein the geometric restrictions of the terminal are by far not as crucial as it is common practice for optical connectors up to now. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the inner housing comprises a teeth area and the outer housing comprises a corresponding teeth area and wherein the teeth area of the inner housing engages with the corresponding teeth area of the outer housing, when the slider is in the lock state. 
         [0041]    Hereby, the relative movement of the inner housing relative to the outer housing is disabled. This is in particular advantageous, because then, it is not possible anymore to disturb the data transfer by pulling the cable, since the inner housing cannot be moved away from the counterparts anymore, since it may be moved relative to the outer housing, while the outer housing is rigidly fixed at the terminal. Now, the inner housing and the outer housing are a monolithic block, wherein the inner housing is rigidly fixed to the outer housing in all degrees of freedom. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the corresponding teeth area of the outer housing is arranged at a fastening arm, which fastening arm is fixed at one end to the outer housing and wherein the opposite end of the fastening arm is free to allow a bending movement of the arm towards the inner housing. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the bending is an elastic bending, so that the fastening arm is bent, when a force is applied to it and the fastening arm returns to its initial position, when the force is not present anymore. This is in particular advantageous, since now the fastening arm can be used in order to provide a releasable engagement of the teeth area of the fastening arm and the teeth area of the inner housing in order to disable the relative movement of the inner housing relative to the outer housing, when the outer housing is locked at the terminal. 
         [0044]    Preferably, the fastening arm comprises an actuating ramp facing away from the inner housing and when the slider is moved into the lock state, the slider is adapted to engage the actuating ramp, thereby bending the fastening arm towards the inner housing, such that the teeth area of the outer housing engages with the teeth area of the inner housing. 
         [0045]    Hereby, it is now possible for the first time to provide two different locking acts by one single movement of the slider, namely the locking of the latch and the disablement of the relative movement of the inner housing relative to the outer housing, when the outer housing is locked at the terminal. Thus, additional parts of a connector assembly may be omitted, since both functions are now integrated in one component, namely the slider. 
         [0046]    Preferably, the connector assembly further comprises a spring, arranged between the inner housing and the outer housing. 
         [0047]    In order to compensate variances between the connector assembly and the terminal automatically, the spring is arranged between the inner housing and the outer housing, wherein the spring comprises an extension direction, which is parallel to the mating axis. The spring forces at its first end against the inner housing and at its second end against the outer housing. 
         [0048]    Preferably, the spring is adapted such that it biases the inner housing into the mating direction of the connector assembly, when the outer housing is held fixed. 
         [0049]    The spring forces the inner housing relative to the outer housing parallel to the mating axis in the direction towards the terminal. Thus, when the connector assembly is plugged at the terminal and the latch is in the lock state, the spring forces the inner housing and embedded fiber connectors against the counterparts inside the terminal and thus enables a robust data transfer. 
         [0050]    Preferably, the inner housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein an edge seal is provided between edges of the first housing part and of the second housing part. 
         [0051]    The first housing part and the second housing part preferably embed an end of the cable and at least one fiber connector, in order to encapsulate the transition of the cable to the fiber connector and to prevent it from the intrusion of dust, dirt and/or water. One element of this encapsulation is the edge seal, which extends along the inner surface of the side walls of the first housing part of the inner housing. 
         [0052]    Preferably, the first housing part and the second housing part are assembled by means of a snap-in connection. 
         [0053]    The snap-in connection is preferably realized by latches and recesses. This feature allows the assembly of the inner housing without any additional tools and components, like screw drivers and additional screws. Moreover, this feature also allows the disassembly of the connector assembly without any additional tools, which is in particular advantageous for the outdoor use. 
         [0054]    Preferably, the inner housing further comprises a front seal and/or a back seal. 
         [0055]    The front seal is preferably arranged at a second end of the connector assembly, in order to seal the physical connection of the connector assembly with the terminal in order to avoid the intrusion of dirt, dust, humidity and the like. Preferably, the front seal is made of rubber which is directly molded onto the connector assembly or which is applied by pushing it onto the connector assembly. The front seal helps to make the connector assembly waterproof at the second end of the outer housing. The back seal is preferably provided at a first end of the outer housing and seals the physical connection of the cable and the connector assembly in order to avoid the intrusion of dirt, dust, humidity and the like. 
         [0056]    Preferably, the slider is guided by means of a slider guidance provided on the latch and by means of a slide guidance counterpart provided on the slider. 
         [0057]    The slider preferably rests on a slider guidance at the latch and—in the lock state—in addition on a locking guidance at the outer housing. Herein, a slider guidance counterpart at the slider realizes a form-fit connection with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance, preferably in the form of two L-shaped profiles, which engage each other. By this form-fit connection, the latch is prevented from being rotated out of the lock state since the form-fit connection with both the slider guidance and the locking guidance interlock with each other, when the slider is in the lock state. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0058]    The present disclosure is described exemplarily with reference to the enclosed figures, in which: 
           [0059]      FIG. 1  shows a 3-dimensional illustration of a connector assembly of a first embodiment; 
           [0060]      FIG. 2  shows a 3-dimensional illustration of an outer housing of the first embodiment with a latch, wherein a slider has been removed from the latch; 
           [0061]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded assembly drawing of the connector assembly of le first embodiment; 
           [0062]      FIG. 4 a    shows a side view of the connector assembly of the first embodiment, wherein the connector assembly is connected to and locked at a terminal; 
           [0063]      FIG. 4 b    shows the connector assembly of  FIG. 4 a    in a cross-sectional view; 
           [0064]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose cable for the use with the connector assembly of the first embodiment; 
           [0065]      FIG. 6  shows a 3-dimensional illustration of a connector assembly of a second embodiment; 
           [0066]      FIG. 7  shows a 3-dimensional illustration of an outer housing of the second embodiment with a latch, wherein a slider has been removed from the latch; 
           [0067]      FIG. 8 a    shows a first assembly phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment; 
           [0068]      FIG. 8 b    shows a second assembly phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment; 
           [0069]      FIG. 8 c    shows a third assembly phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment; 
           [0070]      FIG. 9 a    shows a side view of a first connection phase of the connector assembly of the first and second embodiment with a corresponding terminal, wherein both the latch and the slider are in the unlock state; 
           [0071]      FIG. 9 b    shows a cross-sectional view of the first connection phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment with the corresponding terminal; 
           [0072]      FIG. 10 a    shows a side view of a second connection phase of the connector assembly of the first and second embodiment with the corresponding terminal, wherein the latch is in the lock state and the slider is in the unlock state; 
           [0073]      FIG. 10 b    shows a cross-sectional view of the second connection phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment with the corresponding terminal; 
           [0074]      FIG. 11 a    shows a side view of a third connection phase of the connector assembly of the first and second embodiment with the corresponding terminal, wherein both the latch and the slider are in the lock state; and 
           [0075]      FIG. 11 b    shows a cross-sectional view of the third connection phase of the connector assembly of the second embodiment with the corresponding terminal. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0076]      FIGS. 1 to 5  as well as  9   a,    10   a  and  11   a  relate to a first preferred embodiment of a connector assembly  1 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 1 to 3  show the first embodiment of the connector assembly  1  in different views. A cable  100  enters an outer housing  300  through a first end thereof Inside the outer housing  300 , the cable  100  is non-insolated and single wires  108 ,  112  are connected to power contacts  432  and/or to a signal contact array  434  and a braid  104  of the cable  100  is connected to a crimp braid contact  420  of the connector assembly  1 . 
         [0078]    At the first end of the outer housing  300 , the outer housing comprises a strain relief  390  for the cable  100 , which is fixed to the connector assembly  1  by a thread  380  at the outer housing  300  and a nut  360 . Moreover, the transition from the cable  100  to the housing  300  is sealed by a back seal  370 , which is arranged inside the nut  360 . The back seal  370  avoids the intrusion of dust, dirt and/or humidity into the connector assembly  1 . 
         [0079]    In a second end of the outer housing  300 , at least in parts an inner housing  400  is arranged. The inner housing  400  is an interface between the outer housing  300  and a module mating interface  430 , which will be described below. Moreover, the inner housing supports a front seal  410 , which is arranged at the transition between the outer housing  300  and the inner housing  400  and avoids the intrusion of dust, dirt and/or humidity into the connector assembly  1 . However, the front seal  410  also seals the connection with a terminal  3 , which will be described in detail below. Moreover, the inner housing  400  provides the crimp braid contact  420 , which is arranged at the outside surface of the inner housing  400  and preferably surrounds the inner housing  400  at three of four sides. 
         [0080]    In a second end of the inner housing  400 , which faces away from the outer housing  300 , the module mating interface  340  is attached. In this embodiment, the module mating interface  340  can be exchanged during the connector assembly. In this embodiment, the module mating interface  340  is attached to the inner housing  400  by pushing it into corresponding guides (not shown) at the inner housing  400  from the side, which is in  FIG. 1  facing away from the viewer. The module mating interface  430  is held in position by a snap-fit-fixation, which is arranged at the top surface of the inner housing  400 . 
         [0081]    The power contacts  432  and the signal contact array  434  are kept in position at the module mating interface  430 . However, they are not rigidly fixed at the module mating interface  430 , but are connected to the cable  100  and then inserted from behind during the connector assembly. 
         [0082]    The outer housing  300  moreover carries a latch  330  that is disposed adjacent the outer housing  300  along a transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the mating axis L. The latch  330  comprises two arms that extend parallel to a mating axis L along two sides of the outer housing  300 . The mating axis L is determined by the direction, in which the connector assembly  1 ,  2  is moved in order to get connected to a corresponding terminals. Each arm comprises a locking member  332 , such as a hook  332 , or any suitable alternative locking means as desired. Moreover, each arm comprises a hub  334  for the reception of a hinge pin  352  of the outer housing  300 , in order to form a hinge  350 . The two hinges  350  define a rotation axis R of the latch  330 , which is can be oriented in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to both the mating axis L and the transverse direction. The latch  330  may be rotated from a lock state (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to an unlock state (as shown in  FIG. 9 a   ). In the lock state, the latch  330  rests on the outer housing  300 . In the unlock state, the latch  330  is rotated upwards so that the latch  330  is preferably supported by the outer housing  300  just by the hinges  350 . 
         [0083]    The latch  330  furthermore comprises a handling member  338 , which facilitates the gripping and the rotation of the latch  330 . 
         [0084]    Moreover, the latch  330  comprises a slider  340 , which is slidably attached at the latch  330 . The latch  330  comprises L-shaped slider guidances  336 . The slider  340  comprises corresponding L-shaped slider guidance counterparts  342 , wherein the slider guidances  336  and the slider guidance counterparts  342  engage with each other in order to fix the slider  340  in all degrees of freedom with respect to the latch  330 , except for the movement of the slider  340  perpendicular to the rotation axis R. 
         [0085]    Furthermore, the outer housing  300  comprises locking guidances  320 , which are aligned with the slider guidances  336 , when the latch  330  is in the lock state. Thus, it is possible in the lock state of the latch  330  to move the slider guided by the slider guidances  336  and the slider guidance counterparts  342  in the direction of the locking guidances  320  and finally to a position, wherein the slider  340  rests in parts on the slider guidances  336  and in parts on the locking guidances  320 . This position is called the lock state of the slider  340 . Correspondingly, the slider  340  is in an unlock state of the slider  340 , when the slider  340  is just supported by the latch  330 , in particular by the slider guidances  336 . 
         [0086]      FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    show a side view and a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly  1 , wherein the connector assembly  1  is connected to and locked at the terminal  3 . In  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , both the latch  330  and the slider  340  are in the lock state. The connector assembly  1  is mated with the terminal  3 . Herein, the terminal  3  is a terminal of an electronic device, which is connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) inside the electronic device (not shown). The terminal  3  comprises terminal locks  3   a,  which engage with the hooks  332  of the connector assembly  1  in order to prevent the connector assembly  1  from being unplugged. As already mentioned above, the slider  340  is in the lock state, wherein the slider  340  rests in parts on the slider guidances  336  and in parts on the locking guidances  320 . In this position of the slider  340 , the latch  330  is not able to rotate around the rotation axis R. Thus, it is not possible to disconnect the connector assembly  1  from the terminal  1 , while the slider  340  is in the lock state. 
         [0087]      FIG. 4 b    shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of  FIG. 4 a   . For the sake of convenience, the single wires between the cable  100  and the power contacts  432  and the signal contact array  434 , respectively, have been omitted. 
         [0088]    As it is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   b , the back seal  370  comprises a torus-like shape and surrounds the cable  100 . The back seal  370  is pressed by the nut  360  and the strain relief  390  onto the cable and thus seals the transition. 
         [0089]    As mentioned above, front seal  410  is arranged around the inner housing  400 , in particular, the front seal  410  is arranged in a specific ring-shaped recess around the inner housing  400 . The front seal  410  both seals the transition from the outer housing  300  to the inner housing  400  and from the inner housing  400  to the terminal  3 . 
         [0090]    In the following a short description of the assembly of the connector assembly  1  of the first embodiment will be given: 
         [0091]    In a first step, the nut  360 , the back seal  370  and the outer housing  300  are moved over the cable  100 . 
         [0092]    In a second step, the front seal  410  and the crimp braid contact  420  are arranged at the inner housing  400 . 
         [0093]    In a third step, the module mating interface  430  is slid from the side onto the terminal-sided end of the inner housing  400 . 
         [0094]    In a fourth step, the braid  104  is crimped to the crimp braid contact  420 , and the other leads are connected to the power contacts  432  and/or respectively to the signal contact array  434 . 
         [0095]    In a fifth step, the group consisting of the inner housing  400 , front seal  410 , the crimp braid contact  420  and the module mating interface  430  is attached inside the outer housing by a snap-in lock  402 , wherein the power contacts  432  and/or the signal contact array  434  are moved through corresponding openings in the module mating interface  430 . 
         [0096]    In a sixth step, the back seal  370  and the nut  360  are moved on the cable  100  towards the outer housing  300 . The nut engages with a thread  380  at the inner housing  380  and presses strain relief arms against the back seal  370  and the cable  100  and, thus, fixes the cable in its position. 
         [0097]    In a seventh step, the latch  330  is attached at the outer housing  300  and the slider  340  is attached at the latch  330 . 
         [0098]    The outer housing  300 , the latch  330 , the slider  340 , the nut  360 , the inner housing  400  and the module mating interface  430  are made of polymer materials, the back seal  370  and the front seal  410  are preferably made of rubber and the crimp braid contact  420  and the power contacts  432  are made of metal. In the signal contact array  434 , contact pins are made of metal, which are surrounded by a polymer matrix. 
         [0099]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a multi-purpose cable  100  for the use with the connector assembly  1  of the first embodiment. The cable  100  comprises two power lines  108  for the power supply of the connected electronic device. Moreover, the cable  100  comprises a data cable  112  with four line pairs, in order to provide signals to the connected electronic device. In order to hold the power lines  108  and the data cable  112  in place during operation, the cable  100  further comprises two filler cords  110 . The power lines  108 , the data cable  112  and the filler cords  110  are surrounded by a PET-tape  106 . The PET-taped bundle is surrounded by a braid  104 , in order to protect in particular the signal lines from environmental interferences. Finally, a polymer jacket  102  protects the cable  100  from dust, dirt, humidity and the like. 
         [0100]    The  FIGS. 6 to 8   c ,  9   b ,  10   b  and lib show a second embodiment of a connector assembly  2 , wherein the second embodiment is a separate solution of the above mentioned technical problem. The explanations concerning  FIGS. 9 a , 10 a  and 11 a    are valid for both embodiments. 
         [0101]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the second embodiment of the connector assembly  2  in different views. A cable  500 , preferably a glass fiber cable with two signal lines enters an inner housing  200  through a first end thereof. Inside the inner housing  200 , the cable  500  is non-insulated and single fibers are connected to fiber connectors  120 , as it will be described below. Mating ends of the fiber connectors  120  are disposed at a module mating interface  431  of the connector assembly  2 . 
         [0102]    The cable  500  preferably comprises two fibers and a surrounding aramid yarn, which is surrounded by a polymer jacket. 
         [0103]    The inner housing  200  is slidingly enclosed by an outer housing  300 , wherein the outer housing is able so slide at the inner housing  20  in a mating direction L of the connector assembly  2 . 
         [0104]    The outer housing  300  of the second embodiment can carry a fastening arm  310 , which is preferably arranged between locking guidances  320 . The design and the effect of the fastening arm  310  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0105]    As described above with respect to the connector assembly  1 , the inner housing  400  can be disposed at an interface between the outer housing  300  and the module mating interface  430 . Thus, the module mating interface  430  can be disposed forward with respect to a front end of the inner housing  400  along the mating axis L. Further, the front end of the inner housing  400  can be disposed forward with respect to a front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. Thus, the module mating interface  430  can be disposed forward with respect to the front end of the outer housing  300 . For instance, the inner housing  400  can extend forward from the front end of the outer housing  300 . The module mating interface  430  can extend forward from the front end of the inner housing  400 . 
         [0106]    Similarly, the inner housing  200  can be disposed at an interface between the outer housing  300  and the module mating interface  431 . Thus, the module mating interface  431  can be disposed forward with respect to a front end of the inner housing  200  along the mating axis L. Further, the front end of the inner housing  200  can be disposed forward with respect to a front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. Thus, the module mating interface  431  can be disposed forward with respect to the front end of the outer housing  300 . For instance, the inner housing  200  can extend forward from the front end of the outer housing  300 . The module mating interface  431  can extend forward from the front end of the inner housing  200 . 
         [0107]    The module mating interface  431  of the connector assembly  2  can include the mating ends of at least one fiber connector  120 . For instance, the module mating interface  431  can include respective mating ends of the fiber connectors  120 . The fiber connectors  120  can be configured as a pair of fiber connectors. The mating ends of the fiber connectors  120  can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction. Alternatively, the module mating interface  430  of the connector assembly  1  can include at least one power contacts  432 . For instance, the module mating interface  430  can include the power contacts  432 . The power contacts  432  can be configured as a pair of power contacts. The mating ends of the power contacts can be spaced from each other along the transverse direction. Thus, the outer housing  300  can support two different module mating interfaces having mating ends that are spaced from each other in different directions. The different directions can be perpendicular directions. Alternatively or additionally, the module mating interface  430  of the connector assembly  1  can include the signal contact array  434 . The signal contact array  434  can be defined by respective mating ends of a plurality of signal contacts. Thus, the module mating interface  430  can include respective mating ends of a plurality of signal contacts. The module mating interface  430  can be referred to as a first module mating interface, and the module mating interface  431  can he referred to as a second module mating interface. 
         [0108]    It should thus be appreciated that the module mating interface  430  of the first connector assembly  1  includes a first mating end of a first at least one conductor, which can be configured as a first plurality of mating ends of a respective first plurality of conductors. The first plurality of conductors can include power contacts and signal contacts. Thus, the first plurality of conductors can include electrical conductors. Thus, the first plurality of conductors can be configured to carry electrical power, electrical signals, or a combination of electrical power and electrical signals. All of the conductors of the first plurality of electrical conductors are configured to mate with a first complementary receptacle of a complementary electrical component, such as the terminal  3 . That is, the conductors of the first plurality of electrical conductors are configured to all be received simultaneously in the respective receptacles of the first complementary electrical component. 
         [0109]    The module mating interface  431  of the connector assembly  2  includes a second mating end of a second at least one conductor, which can be configured as a second plurality of mating ends of a respective second plurality of conductors. The second plurality of conductors can include optical conductors configured to carry signals data. The signal data can be optical signal data. All of the conductors of the second plurality of conductors are configured to mate with a complementary receptacle of a second complementary electrical component, such as the terminal  4 . That is, the conductors of the second plurality of electrical conductors are configured to all be received simultaneously in the respective receptacles of the second complementary electrical component. It should be appreciated that the conductors of the second plurality of conductors are not mating compatible with the first complementary electrical component. That is, the conductors of the second plurality of electrical conductors are not configured to all he received simultaneously in the respective receptacles of the first complementary electrical component. Similarly, the conductors of the first plurality of conductors are not mating compatible with the second complementary electrical component. That is, the conductors of the first plurality of electrical conductors are not configured to all be received simultaneously in the respective receptacles of the second complementary electrical component. 
         [0110]    The front end of the outer housing  300  of the first connector assembly  1  can surround the module mating interface  430  with respect to a view of the front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. Thus, the front end of the outer housing  300  can surround all conductors of the module mating interface  430  with respect to a view of the front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. For instance, the front end of the outer housing  300  can be disposed outward of the module mating interface  430  along a plane defined by the lateral and transverse directions, even though the module mating interface  430  is spaced from the front end of the outer housing  300  along a direction parallel to the mating axis L. Similarly, the front end of the outer housing  300  of the second connector assembly  2  can surround the module mating interface  431  with respect to a view of the front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. Thus, the front end of the outer housing  300  can surround all conductors of the module mating interface  431  with respect to a view of the front end of the outer housing  300  along the mating axis L. For instance, the front end of the outer housing  300  can be disposed outward of the module mating interface  431  along a plane defined by the lateral and transverse directions, even though the module mating interface  431  is spaced from the front end of the outer housing  300  along a direction parallel to the mating axis L. The front end of the outer housing  300  of the first connector assembly  1  can be identical to the front end of the outer housing  300  of the second connector assembly  2 . For instance, the front end of the outer housing  300  of the first connector assembly  1  can have the same size and shape as the front end of the outer housing  300  of the second connector assembly  2 . 
         [0111]    Moreover, the inner housing  200  supports a front seal  210 , which is arranged at a circumference of the inner housing  200  in front of the outer housing  300  as seen in the mating direction starting from the cable  500 . 
         [0112]    The outer housing  300  moreover carries a latch  330 . The latch  330  comprises two arms that extend parallel to a mating axis L along two sides of the outer housing  300 . The mating axis L is determined by the direction, in which the connector assembly  2  is moved in order to get connected to a corresponding terminal  4 . Each arm comprises a locking member  332 , such as a hook  332 , or any alternative suitable locking means. Moreover, each arm comprises a hub  334  for the reception of a hinge pin  352 , in order to form a hinge  350 . The two hinges  350  define a rotation axis R of the latch  330 , which can be oriented in the lateral direction. The latch  330  may he rotated from a lock state (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) to an unlock state (as shown in  FIG. 9 a   ). In the lock state, the latch  330  rests on the outer housing  300 . In the unlock state, the latch  330  is rotated upwards so that the latch  330  is preferably supported by the outer housing just by the hinges  350 . 
         [0113]    The latch  330  furthermore comprises a handling member  338 , which facilitates the gripping and the rotation of the latch  330 . 
         [0114]    Moreover, the latch  330  comprises a slider  340 , which is slidably attached at the latch  330 . The latch  330  comprises L-shaped slider guidances  336 . The slider  340  comprises corresponding L-shaped slider guidance counterparts  342 , wherein the slider guidances  336  and the slider guidance counterparts  342  engage with each other in order to fix the slider  340  in all degrees of freedom with respect to the latch  330 , except for the movement of the slider  340  perpendicular to the rotation axis R. 
         [0115]    Furthermore, the outer housing  300  comprises locking guidances  320 , which are aligned with the slider guidances  336 , when the latch  330  is in the lock state. Thus, in the lock state of the latch  330  it is possible to move the slider guided by the slider guidances  336  and the slider guidance counterparts  342  in the direction of the locking guidances  320  and finally to a position, wherein the slider  340  rests in parts on the slider guidances  336  and in parts on the locking guidances  320 . This position is called the lock state of the slider  340 . Correspondingly, the slider  340  is in an unlock state of the slider  340 , when the slider  340  is just supported by the latch  330 , in particular by the slider guidances  336 . 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 a  to 8 c    a short description of the assembly of the connector assembly  2  of the second embodiment will be given. 
         [0117]    In a first step, the jacket of the cable  500  is removed for a defined length of the cable  500 . 
         [0118]    In a second step, protective tubes are pushed over the fibers and a shrink sleeve seals the transition from the jacket to the single fibers with the protective tubes. 
         [0119]    In a third step, the yarn of both protective sleeves and the fiber cable is covered by the shrink sleeve. Then, the shrink sleeve is shrinked by heating it up and the inside glue preferably glues all yarns together. 
         [0120]    In a fourth step the fibers are terminated, by fiber connectors  120 , preferably by a duplex LC connector. 
         [0121]    In a fifth step, the outer housing  300  with the attached latch  330  and the attached slider  340  is moved over the fiber connectors  120  and the cable  500 . 
         [0122]    In a sixth step, the fiber connectors  120  and the end of the jacket of the cable  500  are embedded in a first housing part  202  of the inner housing  200 . 
         [0123]    The first housing part of the inner housing preferably comprises a back seal  220 , which is directly molded in the first housing part  202  of the inner housing  200 . The first housing part  202  of the inner housing  200  furthermore comprises edge seals  230 , which extend along the inner surface of the side walls of the first housing part  202  of the inner housing  200 . 
         [0124]    In a seventh step, a second housing part  204  of the inner housing  200  is attached to the first housing part  202  of the inner housing  200 , preferably by snap-lock-connectors. 
         [0125]    The first and second housing parts  202 ,  204  form the inner housing  200 . The second housing part  204  of the inner housing  200  comprises at its upper outer surface a teeth area  206 . The effect of the teeth area  206  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0126]    In an eighth step, a front seal  210  is attached at the inner housing  200 . 
         [0127]    In a ninth step, a spring  240  is attached at the inner housing  200 . 
         [0128]    The spring  240  biases the inner housing  200  into the mating direction, when the connector assembly is connected at the terminal  4 . 
         [0129]    In a tenth step, the outer housing  300  with the attached latch  330  and the attached slider  340  is moved over the cable  500  and the inner housing  200 , until it passes a blocker member, which prevents the outer housing  300  to be moved back again off the inner housing  200 . 
         [0130]    As already mentioned above,  FIGS. 9   b,    10   b  and  11   b  relate exclusively to the second embodiment, while the explanations concerning  FIGS. 9 a , 10 a  and 11 a    are valid for both embodiments. 
         [0131]    In  FIG. 9 a    the first connection phase of the connector assembly  1 ,  2  with the terminal  3 ,  4  is shown. Herein, the connector assembly  1 ,  2  is already plugged into the terminal  3 ,  4  and both the latch  330  and the slider  340  are in the unlock state. The latch  330  is rotated around the hinges  350  so that the back part of the latch  330  is moved upwards and the front part with the hooks  332  is moved downwards. Thus, the hooks  332  do not get in contact with the terminal locks  3   a,    4   a,  while the connector assembly  1 ,  2  is plugged into the terminal  3 ,  4 . The connector assembly  1 ,  2  is free to be unplugged from the terminal  3 ,  4 , if desired. 
         [0132]    In  FIG. 10 a   , the second connection phase of the connector assembly  1 ,  2  with the terminal  3 ,  4  is shown. Herein, the connector assembly  1 ,  2  is already plugged into the terminal  3 ,  4 , wherein the latch  330  is in the lock state and the slider  340  is in the unlock state. In view of  FIG. 9 a   , the latch  330  is rotated around the hinges  350  so that the back part of the latch  330  is moved downwards and the front part with the hooks  332  is moved upwards. As a consequence, the hooks  332  engage with the terminal locks  3   a,    4   a  and thus prevent the connector assembly  1 ,  2  from being unplugged from the terminal  3 ,  4 . However, the latch  330  is still free to rotate around the hinges  350 , if a corresponding force impacts on the latch  330 . 
         [0133]    In  FIG. 11   a,  the third connection phase of the connector assembly  1 ,  2  with the terminal  3 ,  4  is shown. Herein, the connector assembly  1 ,  2  is already plugged into the terminal  3 ,  4 , wherein both the latch  330  and the slider  340  are in the lock state. In view of  FIG. 10 a   , the slider  340  is moved in the mating direction towards the terminal  3 ,  4 . As already mentioned above, the slider  340  rests on the slider guidance  336  and the locking guidance  320 . Herein, the slider guidance counterpart  342  realizes a form-fit connection with both the slider guidance  336  and the locking guidance  320 , preferably in the form of two L-shaped profiles, which engage each other. By this form-fit connection, the latch  330  is prevented from being rotated out of the lock state since the form-fit connection with both the slider guidance  336  and the locking guidance  320  interlock with each other by the slider. The third state is the preferred state for the operation of the data- and/or power-connection, since it provides the maximum security from being unwillingly unplugged. 
         [0134]    In view of  FIGS. 9 b , 10 b    and  1   lb , the effect of the fastening arm  310  and the teeth area  206  at the inner housing  200  of the second embodiment will be described in detail: 
         [0135]    As already mentioned above, the inner housing is able to be moved relative to the outer housing  300 . This movement is preferably restricted to a range of 10 mm, more preferably 7 mm and most preferably 4 mm by the design of the inner housing  200  and the outer housing  300 . This movement is in particular advantageous, in order to compensate variances of the arrangement of connector counterparts inside the terminal  4 . 
         [0136]    In order to compensate these variances automatically, the spring  240  is arranged between the inner housing  200  and the outer housing  300 , wherein the spring comprises an extension direction, which is parallel to the mating axis L. The spring  240  forces at its first end against the inner housing  200  and at its second end against the outer housing  300 . The spring  240  forces the inner housing  200  relative to the outer housing  300  parallel to the mating axis L in the direction towards the terminal  4 . Thus, when the connector assembly  2  is plugged at the terminal  4  and in the lock state of the latch  330 , the spring forces the inner housing  200  and the embedded fiber connectors  120  against the counterparts inside the terminal  4  and thus enables a data transfer. Just for the sake of convenience, the spring  240  is not shown in  FIGS. 9 b , 10 b   ,  11   b.    
         [0137]    However, when the connector assembly  2  is plugged at the terminal  4  and the latch  330  is in the lock state of the latch  330 , it is still possible to disturb the data transfer by pulling the cable  500 , since the inner housing  200  will then be moved away from the counterparts, since it may be moved relative to the outer housing  300 , while the outer housing is rigidly fixed at the terminal  4 . In order to avoid this relative movement, the fastening arm  310  is provided. 
         [0138]    The fastening arm  310  can be integrally formed at the outer housing  300  or otherwise supported by the outer housing  300 , wherein a first end of the fastening area  310 , which faces towards the terminal  4 , is free to rotate (in the following: “free end”) around a transition area between the outer housing  300  and the fastening arm  310 , wherein the transition area is arranged at the end of the fastening arm  310 , which faces away from the terminal  4 . 
         [0139]    As shown in  FIG. 9 b   , the free end comprises at its outer surface an actuating ramp  314  and at its inner surface a teeth area  312 . The teeth area  312  of the fastening arm  310  is arranged above the teeth area  206  at the inner housing  200 , but they preferably do not get in contact with each other during the first and second connection phase of the connector assembly  2  or in other words: they preferably do not get in contact with each other until the slider  340  is in the unlock state. 
         [0140]    As indicated in  FIG. 11   b,  when the slider  340  is moved into the lock state, the slider  340  is adapted to engage the actuating ramp  314  thereby bending the fastening arm  310  towards the inner housing  200 , such that the teeth area  312  of the outer housing  300  engages with the teeth area  206  of the inner housing  200 . 
         [0141]    As it is clear to the person skilled in the art, the calculation of bending movements is very time- and calculation-power-intensive. Thus, the common measure is used in  FIG. 11   b,  to present the fastening arm  310  in an unbended state and overlapping with the slider  340 , which is of course not possible in reality, since in reality the fastening arm  310  is bended towards the inner housing  200 , such that the teeth area  312  of the outer housing  300  engages with the teeth area  206  of the inner housing  200 . 
         [0142]    By the engagement of the teeth areas  312  and  206 , the ability of the inner housing  200  to move relative to the outer housing  300  is gone. Now, the inner housing  200  and the outer housing  300  are a monolithic block, wherein the inner housing  200  is rigidly fixed to the outer housing in all degrees of freedom. 
         [0143]    The bending of the fastening arm  310  is an elastic bending. Thus, when the slider  340  is moved to the unlock state, the fastening arm  310  relaxes and moves back in its initial position, in which the teeth areas  312  and  206  are not engaged with each other and the inner housing  200  is able to be moved relative to the outer housing  300  within the defined range of movement as mentioned above. 
         [0144]    The skilled person will recognize that the expressions left, right, up or down and the like that may be used in the present description are only for illustrative purposes, since the shown embodiments of connector assemblies can be arranged in any spatial orientation.