Cable connector assembly

A connector assembly includes a housing having support walls extending between a loading end and a mating end that define a mating interface. A contact module is received within the housing through the loading end, and the contact module includes contacts, a body and a plurality of conductors held by the body. The conductors extend between mating ends and wire terminating ends, and the contacts extend from the mating ends of the conductors at the mating interface of the housing. The wire terminating ends are configured to be terminated to individual wires of a cable. A clip has a first securing tab and a second securing tab, wherein the first securing tab is securely coupled to the housing and the second securing tab is securely coupled to the contact module. The clip securely retains the contact module within the housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to cable connector assemblies, and more particularly, to high speed, differential cable connector assemblies.

With the ongoing trend toward smaller, faster, and higher performance electrical components such as processors used in computers, routers, switches, etc., it has become increasingly desirable for the electrical interfaces along the electrical paths to also operate at higher frequencies and at higher densities with increased throughput. For example, performance demands for video, voice and data drive input and output speeds of connectors within such systems to increasingly faster levels.

Electrical connectors typically are arranged to be connected to complementary connector halves to form connector pairs. One application environment that uses such electrical connectors is in high speed, differential electrical connectors, such as those common in the telecommunications or computing environments. In a traditional approach, two circuit boards are interconnected with one another in a backplane and a daughter board configuration. However, similar types of connectors are also being used in cable connector to board connector applications. With the cable connector to board configuration, one connector, commonly referred to as a header, is board mounted and includes a plurality of signal contacts which connect to conductive traces on the board. The other connector, commonly referred to as a cable connector or a receptacle, includes a plurality of contacts that are connected to individual wires in one or more cables of a cable assembly. The receptacle mates with the header to interconnect the backplane with the cables so that signals can be routed therebetween.

However, such cable connectors are not without problems. Typically the connections of the wires to the contacts are susceptible to damage and/or failure, such as due to strain on the cables. One solution to this type of problem is to provide strain relief on the cables and/or the interface of the wires with the contacts. Such solutions have heretofore proven difficult.

A need remains for a cable connector that overcomes at least some of the existing problems of damage or failure at the interconnection of the wires with the cable connector in a cost effective and reliable manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided including a housing having support walls extending between a loading end and a mating end that define a mating interface. A contact module is received within the housing through the loading end, and the contact module includes contacts, a body and a plurality of conductors held by the body. The conductors extend between mating ends and wire terminating ends, and the contacts extend from the mating ends of the conductors at the mating interface of the housing. The wire terminating ends are configured to be terminated to individual wires of a cable. A clip has a first securing tab and a second securing tab, wherein the first securing tab is securely coupled to the housing and the second securing tab is securely coupled to the contact module. The clip securely retains the contact module within the housing.

Optionally, the first securing tab may include at least one tab extending from the clip proximate to a first end, and the second securing tab may include at least one tab extending from the clip proximate to a second end. The clip resists removal of the contact module from the housing in the direction of the wires. Optionally, the body may include a rib extending outward therefrom, wherein the rib is received in a slot in one of the support walls, and the clip may extend through the support wall and engages the rib.

In another embodiment, a connector assembly is provided that includes a first connector having a housing having support walls extending between a loading end and a mating end that defines a mating interface, and a contact module received within the housing through the loading end. The contact module has a body, a plurality of mating contacts extending from the body and a plurality of conductors held by the body and electrically connected to respective ones of the mating contacts. The conductors are configured to be terminated to individual wires of a cable. The first connector further includes a clip coupled to at least one of the support walls of the housing and coupled to the body of the contact module to securely retain the contact module within the housing. The clip has an actuator retention feature, and the first connector further includes a latching feature and an actuator movable with respect to the latching feature. The actuator is movably coupled to the actuator retention feature of the clip and is movable between a first position and an actuated position. The connector assembly also includes a second connector having a second housing having a second mating interface matable with the mating interface of the first connector and a plurality of second mating contacts held within the housing for mating with the mating contacts of the first connector. The second connector further includes a movable latch matable with the latching feature when the first and second connectors are joined. The latch is moved by the actuator from a locked position to a released position, wherein the latch locks the latching feature when the latch is in the locked position and the latch is released from the latching feature when the latch is in the released position.

In a further embodiment, a connector assembly is provided that includes a housing having support walls extending between a loading end and a mating end defining a mating interface, and a plurality of substantially identically formed contact modules received within the housing through the loading end. Each contact module includes contacts, a body and a plurality of conductors held by the body. The conductors are arranged in sets of first, second and third conductors configured to operate in one of a signal-signal-ground conductor pattern and a ground-signal-signal conductor pattern. The conductor pattern is defined by a commoning member configured to be directly electrically connected to certain ones of the conductors defining ground conductors. The orientation of the commoning member with respect to the body may be changed to change the conductor pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a front perspective view of a receptacle connector assembly10formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector assembly10is matable with a header connector assembly (not shown) to create a differential connector system. For example, the header connector assembly may be a Z-PACK TinMan header connector, which is commercially available from Tyco Electronics. While the receptacle connector assembly10will be described with particular reference to a high speed, differential cable connector, it is to be understood that the benefits herein described are also applicable to other connectors in alternative embodiments. The following description is therefore provided for purposes of illustration, rather than limitation, and is but one potential application of the subject matter herein.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the receptacle connector assembly10includes a dielectric housing12having a forward mating end14that includes a mating interface16and a plurality of contact cavities18. The contact cavities18are configured to receive corresponding mating contacts (not shown) from the header connector assembly. The housing12includes a plurality of support walls20, including an upper shroud wall22, a lower shroud wall24and side walls26. Alignment ribs28are formed on the upper shroud wall22and lower shroud wall24. The alignment ribs28cooperate to bring the receptacle connector assembly10into alignment with the header connector assembly during the mating process so that the mating contacts of the mating connector are received in the contact cavities18without damage.

A plurality of contact modules30are received in the housing12from a rearward loading end32of the housing12. First and second clips34,36are used to securely couple the contact modules30to the housing12. Cables38are terminated to the contact modules30. The receptacle connector assembly10thus defines a cable connector.

FIG. 2is a rear perspective view of the housing12for the receptacle connector assembly10(shown inFIG. 1). The housing12includes a plurality of dividing walls40that define a plurality of chambers42. The chambers42receive a forward portion of the contact modules30(shown inFIG. 1). A plurality of slots44are formed in upper and lower hood portions46,48that extend rearwardly from the loading end32of the housing12. The hood portions46,48generally form extensions of the upper and lower shroud walls22,24, respectively. The slots44may have equal width. The chambers42and slots44cooperate to stabilize the contact modules30when the contact modules30are loaded into the housing12.

In an exemplary embodiment, openings50,52are formed in the hood portions46,48, respectively. The openings50,52are positioned proximate to a rearward end of the hood portions46,48. The clips34,36(shown inFIG. 1) may be received within the openings50,52, respectively, when the receptacle connector assembly10is assembled. Optionally, the openings50,52may extend at least partially through the hood portions46,48such that the openings50,52open to the slots44.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of one of the contact modules30that is matable with the housing12(shown inFIG. 2) to form the receptacle connector assembly10(shown inFIG. 1).FIG. 4illustrates an internal structure, including an internal lead frame100, of the contact module30in phantom. The contact module30includes a dielectric body102that surrounds the lead frame100. In some embodiments, the body102is manufactured using an over-molding process. During the molding process, the lead frame100is encased in a dielectric material, such as a plastic material, which forms the body102. Optionally, the contact module30may be manufactured in stages that include more than one overmolding processes (e.g. an initial overmolding and a final overmolding).

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the body102extends between a forward mating end104and a rear end106. The cables38extend rearward from the rear end106. The body102includes opposed first and second generally planar side surfaces108and110, respectively. The side surfaces108and110extend substantially parallel to and along the lead frame100. The body102includes opposed top and bottom ends112,114. Optionally, ribs116may be provided on each of the top and bottom ends112,114. The ribs116may be used to guide and/or orient the contact modules30into or within the slots44and/or chambers42of the housing12(shown inFIG. 2).

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the lead frame100includes a plurality of conductors120that extend between mating ends122and wire terminating ends124. Mating contacts126are provided at the mating ends122, and the mating contacts126are loaded into the contact cavities18(shown inFIG. 1) of the housing12for mating with corresponding mating contacts of the header connector assembly (not shown). The conductors120define wire mating portions proximate to the wire terminating ends124. For example, the conductors120may include solder pads128at the wire terminating ends124for terminating to respective wires130of the cable38by soldering. Other terminating processes and/or features may be provided at the wire terminating ends124for terminating the wires130to the conductors120. For example, insulation displacement contacts, wire crimp contacts, and the like may be provided at the wire terminating ends124. The mating contacts126and/or the solder pads128may be formed integrally with the conductors120, such as by a stamping and/or forming process, or the mating contacts126and/or the solder pads128may be separately provided and electrically connected to the conductors120.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conductors120are arranged generally parallel to one another between the mating ends122and wire terminating ends124, and the mating ends122and the wire terminating ends124are provided at generally opposite ends of the contact module30. However, other configurations of conductors120may be provided in alternative embodiments, such that the conductors120and/or at least one of the mating and/or wire terminating ends122,124have different arrangements or positions. The conductors120are grouped together and arranged in a predetermined pattern of signal, ground and/or power conductors. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductors120are arranged in groups of three conductors120that have two signal conductors carrying differential signals and one ground conductor. The group of conductors120are adapted for connection with cables38having two differential signal wires132and a ground wire134. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the pattern of conductors120is a ground-signal-signal pattern (from the top end112to the bottom end114of the body102). As such, a ground conductor is arranged between each adjacent pair of signal conductors. In another embodiment, the pattern of conductors120is a signal-signal-ground pattern (from the top end112to the bottom end114of the body102). As such, a ground conductor is arranged between each adjacent pair of signal conductors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lead frame100and body102are universal, such that the pattern of conductors120may be established by the coupling of the signal or ground wires132,134to the conductors120. For example, if the ground wire134is terminated to the top-most conductor120of each grouping, then the contact module30will have a ground-signal-signal pattern, whereas, if the ground wire134is terminated to the bottom-most conductor120of each grouping, then the contact module30will have a signal-signal-ground pattern. As such, the same contact modules30may be mated within the housing12, but the patterns of the conductors120of different ones of the contact modules30within the housing12may be different. For example, adjacent ones of the contact modules30within the housing12may have different patterns of conductors120.

In an exemplary embodiment, the contact module30may include a commoning member140, shown in further detail inFIG. 5. The commoning member140may be used to define which of the conductors120of the lead frame100define ground conductors. When connected, the commoning member140interconnects and electrically commons each of the ground conductors to which the commoning member140is connected. For example, the commoning member140may be mechanically and electrically connected to each of the ground conductors within the lead frame100. In an exemplary embodiment, certain ones of the conductors120may include grounding portions142to which the commoning member140is connected. Optionally, the commoning member140may connect to the ground conductors at multiple points along each ground conductor, such as proximate to the mating end122and the wire terminating end124thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, and as described in further detail below, the orientation of the commoning member140with respect to the body102may define the conductor pattern (e.g. ground-signal-signal versus signal-signal-ground).

FIG. 5illustrates the commoning member140formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and useable with the contact module30(shown inFIG. 3). The commoning member140includes a planar body144having a plurality of grounding tabs146extending perpendicularly from one side of the body144. Optionally, the grounding tabs146may be arranged in sets (such as the set of grounding tabs identified as146aand146b), wherein the grounding tabs146of each set are configured to be connected to the same ground conductor120(shown inFIG. 4) of the contact module30. In one embodiment, the grounding tabs146each include resilient beams148that have a gap150therebetween. When assembled, the ground conductor is received within the gap150and captured between the beams148such that a mechanical and electrical connection is made therebetween, similar to an IDC type of connection. In one embodiment, the ground conductor is necked down (e.g. has a reduced cross-section) at the grounding portion142to facilitate the connection with the grounding tabs146.

In one embodiment, the commoning member140is universal, and may be connected to the contact module30independent of the pattern of the conductors120. For example, the orientation of the commoning member140with respect to the contact module30may be changed such that the same commoning member140may be used for a signal-signal-ground or a ground-signal-signal arrangement of the conductors120. In an exemplary embodiment, each set of grounding tabs146are spaced equally apart from one another. One set of grounding tabs146is positioned at, or proximate to, an outer edge152of the body144, while another set of grounding tabs146is positioned a distance154from another outer edge156.

Referring back toFIG. 4, when the commoning member140is positioned in a first orientation, as illustrated inFIG. 4, each of the grounding tabs146are aligned with and connect with the top-most conductors120in each group of conductors120, which are the ground conductors of each group of conductors. However, if the commoning member140is rotated top to bottom (as shown inFIG. 6), each of the grounding tabs146would be aligned with and connect with the bottom-most conductors120in each group of conductors120. The commoning member140may be coupled to the conductors120in other ways, such as by sliding the commoning member140up or down the contact module30to align the grounding tabs146with different combinations of conductors120. In an exemplary embodiment, the body102includes a plurality of openings therethrough which expose the conductors120, and the grounding tabs146extend into the openings to engage the conductors120.

FIG. 6illustrates the internal structure, including the internal lead frame100, of the contact module30in phantom, with the commoning member140in a different orientation as illustrated inFIG. 4.FIG. 6illustrates substantially the same contact module30as illustrated inFIG. 4, however, the conductor pattern of the contact module30illustrated inFIG. 6is different than the conductor pattern illustrated inFIG. 4. InFIG. 6, the group of conductors120are adapted for connection with cables38having two differential signal wires132and a ground wire134. The pattern of conductors120is a signal-signal-ground pattern (from the top end112to the bottom end114of the body102). As such, a ground conductor is arranged between each adjacent pair of signal conductors. The grounding tabs146of the commoning member140are aligned with and connect with the grounding portions142of the bottom-most conductors120in each group of conductors120, which are the ground conductors of each group of conductors.

An exemplary manufacture or assembly of the contact module30may be described with reference toFIG. 4. As described above, the body102may be overmolded over the lead frame100in a multiple step process. For example, the lead frame100may be initially overmolded such that the solder pads128are exposed rearward of a frame element160of the body102. The wires130of the cable38may then be terminated to the solder pads128. After the wires130are terminated, the body102may be overmolded a second time, forming an insert portion162of the body102. The insert portion162is overmolded around the cables38and wires130to securely retain the cables38and wires130within the contact module30and/or to provide strain relief to resist pulling of the wires130away from the solder pads128.

The insert portion162is coupled to the frame element160, such as by forming keys164,166in the frame element160and insert portion162. Because the frame element160and the insert portion162are individually molded, a line of weakness may be created between the frame element160and the insert portion162. Excessive strain, such as pulling on the cables38, may cause the insert portion162to separate from, or pull away from, the frame element160, which may also break the electrical connection between the wires130and the conductors120. For example, frame element arms168of the frame element160may bow or flex outward, which may cause separation of the insert portion162from the frame element160. In an exemplary embodiment, and as described in further detail below, the clips34,36(shown inFIG. 1) are used to add stability to the body102to resist such separation of the insert portion162from the frame element160. For example, the frame element160may include slots170for receiving the clips34,36therein.

FIG. 7is a rear perspective view of the receptacle connector assembly10in a partially assembled state. The contact modules30are plugged into the chambers42(shown inFIG. 2) of the housing12. Optionally, the contact modules30may be resiliently retained within the chambers42, such as by a friction fit and/or with barbs on the contacts126. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact modules30are arranged within the housing12such that adjacent ones of the contact modules30have different patterns of conductors120(shown inFIG. 4). For example, some of the contact modules30A have conductors arranged with a first pattern of conductors arranged as ground-signal-signal (when viewed from the top end112) and others of the contact modules30B have conductors arranged with a second pattern of conductors arranged as signal-signal-ground (when viewed from the top end112). In an exemplary embodiment, the contact modules30A and30B are substantially identically formed, but the connection of the wires and/or the orientation of the commoning member140may determine the pattern of the conductors.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the cables38associated with the contact modules30A having the first pattern each include the ground wires134on the top of the pair of signal wires132, whereas the cables38associated with the contact modules30B having the second pattern each include the ground wires134on the bottom of the pair of signal wires132. A notch172may be provided on the body102of each contact module30, wherein the notch172provides a visual indication of the type of contact module30when plugged into the housing12. For example, the contact modules30A having the first pattern each provide the notch172proximate to the top end112, whereas the contact modules30B having the second pattern each provide the notch172proximate to the bottom end112.

In an exemplary embodiment, the slots170are provided in the bodies102of the contact modules30for receiving the clips34,36. In an exemplary embodiment, a first slot174extends inwardly from each first side surface108of each body102and a second slot176extends inwardly from each second side surface110of each body102. The body forms a web178between each of the first and second slots174,176. When the contact modules30are arranged within the housing12, the slots174,176of each adjacent contact module30are aligned with one another, such that a first slot174of one contact module30opens to a second slot176of an adjacent contact module30. The clips34,36may thus engage more than one contact module30when assembled, which may hold adjacent ones of the contact modules30substantially in place relative to one another. The clips34,36may prevent adjacent contact modules30from spreading apart from one another, in essence locking each of the contact modules30together, to provide rigidity to the contact modules30.

FIG. 8illustrates the clip34(which may be the same as the clip36) formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and usable with the receptacle connector assembly10(shown inFIG. 1). The clip34includes a planar body184having a plurality of first securing tabs186extending perpendicularly from an inner side188of the body184at a first end190of the body184. The body184also includes a plurality of second securing tabs192extending perpendicularly from the inner side188of the body184at a second end194of the body184. The clip34may be fabricated from any of a number of materials, such as a plastic or metal material, and the clip34may be molded, stamped, formed and the like to include the securing tabs186,192. Alternatively, the securing tabs186,192may be separately provided from, and secured to, the body184. It is realized that the size, shape, material, and other characteristics of the clip34and the securing tabs186,192may be different for different applications.

FIG. 9illustrates the clips34,36in an assembled state with the receptacle connector assembly10. Various components, or portions thereof, of the housing12, contact module30and clips34,36are illustrated in phantom. When assembled, the ribs116extending from the top and bottom ends112,114of the contact module30are received within the slots44formed in the upper and lower hood portions46,48of the housing12. When the clips34,36are coupled to the housing12, the first securing tabs186are loaded into openings50,52formed in the hood portions46,48, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the securing tabs186extend at least partially into the slots44and abut against a rear end196of the ribs116. The securing tabs186thus restrict removal of the contact modules30from the housing12. Additionally, the securing tabs192extend into the slots170(e.g. the first slot174and/or the second slot176shown inFIG. 7) in the contact modules30. The clips34,36resist outward deflection of the frame element160, which resists removal of the insert portion162from the frame element160.

FIG. 10is a rear perspective view of an alternative receptacle connector assembly210formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment and a header connector assembly212matable with the receptacle connector assembly210. The receptacle connector assembly210is similar to the receptacle connector assembly10in at least some respects. The header connector assembly212includes a housing214having top and bottom walls216,218and a plurality of mating contacts220. The mating contacts220are configured to mate with corresponding mating contacts of the receptacle connector assembly210. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating contacts220are matable with a printed circuit board, such as a backplane or a daughterboard, and the like.

The receptacle connector assembly210includes a housing222having a mating interface224that mates with the header connector assembly212. A plurality of contact modules226are loaded into the housing222, and a plurality of cables228extend from the contact modules226and are coupled to the contact modules226in a similar manner as with the receptacle connector assembly10. Clips230are used to secure the contact modules226to the housing222in a similar manner as the clips34,36. In an exemplary embodiment, the clips230(either one or both) include actuator retention features232.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly210and the header connector assembly212are coupled to one another, such as by a latch. The receptacle connector assembly210includes a latching feature234configured to be securely coupled to a movable latch236on the header connector assembly212. An actuator238is also provided for releasing the movable latch236from the latching feature234. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator238is slidably coupled to the receptacle connector assembly210and movable between a first position (such as the position illustrated inFIG. 10) and an actuated position. In operation, when the actuator238is moved from the first position to the actuated position, the latch236is moved by the actuator238from a locked position to a released position. The latch236is in locking engagement with the latching feature234when the latch236is in the locked position and the latch236is released from the latching feature234when the latch236is in the released position.

FIG. 11illustrates the clip230for use with the receptacle connector assembly210(shown inFIG. 10). The clip230is similar to the clip34, however, the clip230includes the actuator retention features232on opposite sides of the body of the clip230. Optionally, the body of the clip230may be substantially planar to define a plate. The actuator retention features232generally define first and second brackets extending from the body of the clip230in a direction generally opposed to securing tabs240of the clip230. The actuator retention features232each include an arm portion242extending generally perpendicularly from the body and a finger portion244extending generally perpendicular to the arm portion242. The finger portions244are generally parallel to the body and are generally inwardly facing, such that the finger portions244face one another. When the actuator238(shown inFIG. 10) is mated with the clip230, the finger portions244capture the actuator238and hold the actuator238in position with respect to the clip230.

In an exemplary embodiment, the arm portions242include windows246extending longitudinally along the arm portions242. As illustrated inFIG. 10, a tooth247of the actuator238is received within each of the windows246. The windows246define a range of motion of the actuator238between the first and actuated positions. For example, the tooth247bottoms out against an edge of the window246when the actuator238is in the first position and/or the actuated position.

FIG. 12illustrates the actuator238for use with the receptacle connector assembly210(shown inFIG. 10) and a biasing element248for use with the actuator238. The actuator238includes a body250having a top252, a bottom254, a front256, a rear258, and sides260. The teeth247extend from opposed ones of the sides260. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator238includes a pair of legs262that extend from the front256. The legs262have ramped feet264that are sloped between the bottom254and the top252. A gap266is provided between the legs262.

The actuator238also includes a chamber268. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber268is positioned proximate to the top252and opens to the front256. The chamber268is sized, shaped and arranged to receive the biasing element248. For example, a rear portion270of the biasing element248is received within the chamber268and a front portion272of the biasing element248is at least partially provided outside of the chamber268. Referring back toFIG. 10, when assembled a biasing edge274of the front portion272engages the housing222of the receptacle connector assembly210and biases the actuator238in a rearward direction, shown by the arrow A.

FIG. 13illustrates the movable latch236for use with the header connector assembly212(shown inFIG. 10). The latch236includes a body280having an outer surface282and an inner surface284. The latch236includes a base286configured to be securely coupled to the header connector assembly212, such as by a friction fit. A retention latch288is provided that extends generally outward (in the direction of the outer surface282) and biases against the header connector assembly210to retain the body280in the header connector assembly210. The latch236includes an opening290proximate to a distal end292of the latch236, which is generally opposite the base286. The opening290is configured to receive a portion of the latching feature234(shown inFIG. 10). A wing294is provided at the distal end292that is outwardly flared. The wing294is configured to engage the feet264of the actuator238(shown inFIG. 12).

An exemplary operation of the latching engagement between the receptacle connector assembly210and the header connector assembly212is described with reference toFIG. 10. The actuator238is coupled to the clip230by the actuator retention features232. The biasing element248biases the actuator238to the first position, such as the position illustrated inFIG. 10. When assembled, the actuator238is positioned such that the latching feature234is aligned with the gap266, and may be positioned at least partially within the gap266between the legs262. The latching feature234includes a sloped forward surface296. As the receptacle connector assembly210is mated with the header connector assembly212, the wing294of the latch236engages the ramped forward surface296of the latching feature234. The latch236is deflected outward until the receptacle connector assembly210and the header connector assembly212are mated, at which position, the latching feature234fits within the opening290of the latch236. A rear surface298of the latching feature234engages an edge of the opening290and resists disengagement of the receptacle connector assembly210and the header connector assembly212.

When de-coupling of the receptacle connector assembly210and the header connector assembly212is desired, the operator actuates the actuator238from the first position to the actuated position by forcing the actuator in an actuating direction, shown by the arrow B. When actuated, the legs262of the actuator238, and more particularly, the feet264, engage the wing294and lift the latch236outward. In the actuated position, the latch236clears the latching feature234and the receptacle connector assembly210can be pulled away from the header connector assembly212. The biasing element248forces the actuator238from the actuated position to the first position when the actuator238is not forced to the actuated position by the operator.