Patent Description:
Examples of high-speed data connector assemblies for differential pair signal transmission are sold by a company called "Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG" under the trademark H-MTD® - High-Speed Modular Twisted-Pair Data.

Applications for such high-speed data connectors are <NUM> camera systems, autonomous driving, radar, lidar, high resolution displays and rear seat entertainment. Versions of such connectors are designed to operate at frequencies up to <NUM> while having a small package size.

In such high-speed applications, every tenth of a millimeter of the interconnection channel and of the signal connectors should be within a certain data transmission (differential) impedance bandwidth (typical <NUM> +/- <NUM>Ω) and should be matched to preceding and succeeding sections. To this end, in each of these sections, metal portions of an inner contact or signal contact and an outer contact or shielding, insulating material of an insulating element and any air gaps should be balanced in size and position with respect to each other. There is also a need for these components to meet other non-signal-integrity requirements, in particular mechanical requirements. For example, it has to be ensured that the high-speed data connector assembly will be securely closed during assembly and remains securely closed during operation. In particular, the closure has to be resistant to any vibrations. To achieve a secure closure of the high-speed data connector assembly, an easy and trustable assembling process has to be provided.

A high-speed data connector assembly according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>. Other relevant high-speed data connector assemblies are known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a high-speed data connector assembly that is easy and secure to assemble and that provides a secure closure during operation.

This demand is satisfied by a high-speed data connector assembly according to claim <NUM> and a method for assembling the high-speed data connector assembly according to claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure provides a high-speed data connector assembly according to claim <NUM> and a method for assembling the high-speed data connector assembly according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments are given in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed at a high-speed data connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises a first insulating half shell having at least two clamping receptacles, at least two electrical terminals inserted in the clamping receptacles, a second insulating half shell complementary to the first half shell, snap means configured to snap the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell in a first direction while still allowing a shifting of the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and locking means configured to lock the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell against a movement in the second direction.

The high-speed data connector assembly described herein may be a female connector assembly, i.e. the electrical terminals may be female signal contacts. Each of the at least two electrical terminals may have a funnel-shaped end section allowing for pin movement, i.e. allowing insertion of a male signal contact pin.

The first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell entirely enclose the electrical terminals in an assembled state of the connector assembly, wherein the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell are securely locked in the assembled state. Further, the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell are configured to isolate the electrical terminals from each other. Thus, the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell are manufactured from an insulating material, e.g. plastic. Each of the at least two clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell is configured to receive one of the at least two electrical terminals. In particular, the clamping receptacles are configured such that the electrical terminals can be clamped into the clamping receptacles. Each of the clamping receptacles may comprise a tube-like section and two walls extending from the tube-like section and forming an opening. The opening is configured to receive the electrical terminal and the walls are configured to enclose the electrical terminal when it is inserted into the clamping receptacle.

The first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell can be connected using the snap means and the locking means, wherein each of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell comprises snap means and locking means. The snap means of the first insulating half shell and the snap means of the second insulating half shell may be complementary, i.e. the snap means of the first insulating half shell may be configured to engage with the snap means of the second insulating half shell to snap the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell in the first direction. The locking means of the first insulating half shell and the locking means of the second insulating half shell may be complementary, i.e. the locking means of the first insulating half shell may be configured to engage with the locking means of the second insulating half shell to lock the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell in the against a movement in the second direction.

The second direction may be an axial direction of the electrical terminals when inserted in the clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell. Thus, a movement or a shifting of the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction may be a movement or a shifting of the second insulating half shell in the axial direction of the electrical terminals. The first direction is perpendicular or transverse to the second direction. The electrical terminals may be inserted into the clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell in the first direction, i.e. in the same direction as the first insulating half shell is snapped onto the second insulating half shell.

According to an embodiment, the snap means are located at an outer circumferential wall of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell. The snap means of the first insulating half shell are located at an outer surface of the first insulating half shell. The snap means of the second insulating half shell are located at an outer surface of the second insulating half shell. Thus, after assembly of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell, it can be seen from the outside whether the first insulating half shell has been correctly snapped onto the second insulating half shell.

According to an embodiment, the snap means comprises at least one hook and at least one ledge configured to define an overlap between the at least one hook and the at least one ledge when snapped in place, wherein the overlap increases when shifting the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction. The at least one hook and the at least one ledge may be elongated in the second direction, i.e. the at least one hook and the at least one ledge may extend in the second direction. The at least one hook may be the snap means of the second insulating half shell. The at least one ledge may be the snap means of the first insulating half shell. The at least one ledge of the first insulating half shell and the at least one hook of the second insulating half shell may be located complementary on the outer surface of the first insulating half shell and the outer surface of the second insulating half shell such that the at least one hook may engage to the at least one ledge when the first insulting half shell is snapped onto the second insulating half shell.

The first insulating half shell may comprise two oppositely arranged ledges at the outer surface of the first insulating half shell. The second insulating half shell may comprise two oppositely arranged hooks at the outer surface of the second insulating half shell. The first insulating half shell may preferably comprise four ledges, two of the four ledges being arranged opposite each other. The second insulating half shell may preferably comprise four hooks, two of the four hooks being arranged opposite each other. Two oppositely arranged ledges are located at a distance from the other two oppositely arranged ledges in the second direction. Two oppositely arranged hooks are located at a distance from the other two oppositely arranged hooks in the second direction. A secure snapping of the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell can be achieved by multiple snap means arranged at different locations on the outer surface of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell.

According to this embodiment, the at least one hook comprises a first section and a second section connected by means of a sliding ramp. The first section of the at least one hook and the second section of the at least one hook may comprise a different elongation in a third direction, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction. The sliding ramp arranged between the first section and the second section of the at least one hook connects the first section and the second section. The sliding ramp is configured to enable a movement of the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction from a pre-locked state of the connector assembly into the assembled state of the connector assembly as will be described below. The different elongation of the first section and the second section may allow to increase an overlap between the at least one hook and the at least one ledge when the second insulating half shell is shifted relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction. A minimum overlap between the at least one hook of the second insulating half shell and the at least one ledge of the first insulating half shell in the pre-locked state may be necessary in order to generate sufficient retention force between the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell and on the other hand not to cause extended stress during an assembly process of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell. In addition, the minimum overlap between the at least one hook of the second insulating half shell and the at least one ledge of the first insulating half shell in the pre-locked state may allow the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell to separate from one another. After shifting the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction into the assembled state, i.e. a locked position, the overlap may be sufficient to have proper retention between the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell. During shifting the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction, no further deflection of the at least one hook in a radial direction may be required. Thus, a connection between the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell in the assembled state is safe and stable.

According to an embodiment, the locking means are integrated in the at least one hook. Thus, the at least one hook may be configured to snap the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell in the first direction while still allowing a shifting of the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction transverse to the first direction, and the at least one hook may be configured to lock the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell against a movement in the second direction. Snap means and locking means integrated in the at least one hook may allow a compact construction of the high-speed data connector assembly.

According to an embodiment, the locking means are located at an outer circumferential wall of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell. The locking means of the first insulating half shell are located at an outer surface of the first insulating half shell. The locking means of the second insulating half shell are located at an outer surface of the second insulating half shell. Thus, after assembly of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell, it can be seen from the outside whether the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell has been correctly locked against a movement in the second direction.

According to an embodiment, electrical conductors are connected to the electrical terminals and the first insulating half shell and/or the second insulating half shell comprise a rib configured to separate the electrical conductors, wherein the rib substantially completely fills a space between the two electrical conductors in an assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly. The electrical conductors may be uninsulated wires of a cable connected to the high-speed data connector assembly. The electrical conductors may be connected to the electrical terminals by crimping, welding, soldering, or the like.

The rib may be of an insulating material, preferable of the same material as the first insulating half shell and/or the second insulating half shell. The rib may protrude from an inner surface of the first insulating half shell and/or the second insulating half shell in a direction parallel to the first direction. The rib may be configured to balance metal portions of the electrical terminals and insulating material of the first insulating half shell and/or the second insulating half shell and any space or air gaps in size and position with respect to each other. In particular, the space between the two electrical conductors is completely filled by the rib in that the rib of the second insulating half shell is aligned with the rib of the first insulating half shell when the high-speed data connector assembly is in the assembled state. Shifting the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction may shift the rib of the second insulating half shell relative to the rib of the first insulating half shell. A substantially completely filled space between the two electrical conductors may improve data transmission.

According to an embodiment, each of the at least two electrical terminals comprises a fixing element configured to fix the respective electrical terminal in the first insulating half shell against a movement in the second direction. The fixing element may also be configured to reduce or to fix the respective electrical terminal in the first insulating half shell against a rotational movement around an axis in the second direction. The fixing element may also be configured to compensate different crimping diameters of the electrical conductors. The fixing element may be configured to be the same for a plurality of different electrical terminals or to have the same dimensions for a plurality of different electrical terminals. In other words, the electrical terminals, in particular a crimp portion of the electrical terminals, may have different sizes depending on a size of a cable or depending on the crimping diameter of the electrical conductors connected to the electrical terminals, wherein the size of the fixing element is constant for each of the different electrical terminals. By means of the fixing element, the electrical terminals are securely located in the first insulating half shell. Thus, for example, an optimum electrical and mechanical connection between a male signal contact guided into a corresponding female signal contact, i.e. into the corresponding electrical terminal of the high-speed data connector assembly, can be achieved for high data transmission.

According to this embodiment, each of the at least two clamping receptacles and/or each of the at least two electrical terminals and/or each of the fixing elements comprise guiding surfaces configured to align the electrical terminals and the fixing elements in the clamping receptacles. The guiding surfaces of the at least two clamping receptacles may be inner surfaces of the respective two walls extending from the tube-like section of each clamping receptacle. The guiding surfaces of the at least two electrical terminals and/or the fixing elements may be an outer surface of the at least two electrical terminals and/or the fixing elements. An alignment of the electrical terminal and the fixing elements in the clamping receptacles may be provided in that the outer surfaces of the electrical terminal and the fixing elements adapt to the inner surfaces of the clamping receptacles when the electrical terminals and the fixing elements are inserted in the clamping receptacles. This may facilitate an assembly of the high-speed data connector assembly since the electrical terminals can be inserted at an angle, for example between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, to the respective clamping receptacles while self-aligning during assembly.

According to an embodiment, the second insulating half shell comprises at least two protrusions arranged at an inner surface of the second insulating half shell and configured to press the fixing elements, and thus the at least two electrical terminals, into the at least two clamping receptacles when the second insulating half shell is moved in the first direction. The two protrusions may be of the same insulating material as the second insulating half shell. Further, the two protrusions may be located at the inner surface of the second insulating half shell corresponding to the respective fixing element of the electrical terminal such that each of the two protrusions can press the respective fixing element, and thus the respective electrical terminal, into the clamping receptacle. Thus, the electrical terminals may be inserted into the clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell automatically by means of the protrusions when the first insulating half shell is snapped onto the second insulating half shell in the first direction. The protrusions may also assist to align the electrical terminals in the clamping receptacles.

According to an embodiment, the second insulating half shell comprises at least one wedge arranged at the inner surface of the second insulating half shell and configured to press at least one wall of each clamping receptacle in a direction towards the electrical terminal inserted in the respective clamping receptacle when the second insulating half shell is moved in the first direction. The at least one wedge may be of the same insulating material as the second insulating half shell. Further, the at least one wedge may be located at the inner surface of the second insulating half shell at a corresponding location to a space between the at least two clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell such that the at least one wedge can press against at least one wall of each clamping receptacle in a direction towards the electrical terminal when the second insulating half shell is snapped onto the first insulating half shell. Thus, the electrical terminals may further be fixed in the clamping receptacles by pressing the at least one wedge against the walls of the clamping receptacles and/or by pressing the protrusions against the fixing element of the respective electrical terminal.

According to an embodiment, each of the fixing elements comprises at least one clamping element arranged on an outer surface of each of the fixing elements and configured to fix each of the fixing elements, and thus each of the respective electrical terminal in the respective clamping receptacle. The at least one clamping element may protrude in the third direction, i.e. in a direction transverse to the second direction and perpendicular to the first direction. The at least one clamping element of each of the fixing elements is configured to clamp the fixing element against the walls and/or the tube-like section of the respective clamping receptacle. The at least one clamping element may form an outer metal edge of the respective fixing element. Further, the at least one clamping element may provide more grip and retention of the fixing element to the respective clamping receptacle.

According to an embodiment, the at least one clamping element comprises a bent tongue or a bent edge. The bent tongue or the bent edge may comprise hooking or sharp features. The fixing element may comprise two clamping elements, wherein the two clamping elements are oppositely arranged at an outer surface of the fixing element. In another embodiment, the fixing element may comprise four clamping elements, wherein respective two clamping elements are oppositely arranged at an outer front edge and/or an outer back edge of the fixing element.

According to an embodiment, the high-speed data connector assembly comprises at least four snap means and at least six locking means.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed at a method for assembling the high-speed data connector assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: clamping the at least two electrical terminals into the at least two clamping receptacles of the first insulating half shell; snapping the first insulating half shell onto the second insulating half shell in the first direction using the snap means; shifting the second insulating half shell relative to the first insulating half shell in the second direction transverse to the first direction; and locking the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell against a movement in the second direction using the locking means.

Exemplary embodiments and functions of the present disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings showing:.

Problems of assembling signal contacts (electrical terminals) in a connector assembly and cable fixation to the connector assembly when, for example, assembled on full auto line may be solved by a first insulating half shell, a second insulating half shell and electrical terminals having fixation features as described herein. The electrical terminals, together with crimped wires, may be assembled into the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell. In order to lower the cost of labour and production, both half shells may be clamped together without using any welding, jointing or any other additional process. The first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell may be fixed by shapes on portions of the first insulating half shell and by shapes on portions of the second insulating half shell, wherein the shapes engage during an assembly process of the connector assembly. The shapes may be snap means and/or locking means as described herein.

The assembly process is done in two steps. The first assembly step is a pre-assembly stage, wherein the first insulating half shell is placed on the second insulating half shell perpendicular to a wire direction. The second assembly step is an assembly stage, wherein the second insulating half shell is slid relative to the first insulating half shell along the wire direction. During this move clamping shapes on portions of the first insulating half shell slide on clamping shapes on portions of the second insulating half shell. The characteristic for this design is that an overlapping between the clamping shapes of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell at the first assembly step is relatively small. However, the overlapping becomes significant during the second assembly step of the assembly process.

Additionally, on the same portions of the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell, where clamping shapes are placed, the features which lock the first insulating half shell to the second insulating half shell against a movement along the wire direction may be placed. Thus, a strong and robust connection between the first insulating half shell and the second insulating half shell may be achieved.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of a high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector assembly <NUM>, in particular a female connector, includes a first insulating half shell <NUM>, a second insulating half shell <NUM> and a pair of electrical terminals <NUM>. The first insulating half shell <NUM> includes two clamping receptacles <NUM> configured to receive the two electrical terminals <NUM>, wherein each of the two electrical terminals <NUM> may be pressed into a respective clamping receptacle <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The two clamping receptacles <NUM> and the two electrical terminals <NUM> are elongated in an axial direction B. The second insulating half shell <NUM> is complementary to the first insulating half shell <NUM>, i.e. the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> may be snapped together to form a shell that encloses the two electrical terminals <NUM> entirely in an assembled state of the connector assembly <NUM>. Each of the two electrical terminals <NUM> may include a fixing element <NUM>. The fixing element <NUM> may be configured to secure the respective electrical terminal <NUM> in the respective clamping receptacle <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> against a movement in the axial direction B when the respective electrical terminal <NUM> is inserted in the respective clamping receptacle <NUM>. Wires <NUM> of a cable <NUM> are connected to the electrical terminals <NUM>, in particular, electrical conductors <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) of the wires <NUM> are connected via crimping to the electrical terminals <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a first insulating half shell <NUM> according to an embodiment. The first insulating half shell <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> includes the two clamping receptacles <NUM>. Each of the two clamping receptacles <NUM> includes a groove <NUM>, wherein an elongated wall <NUM> protrudes at each side of the respective groove <NUM>. The two elongated walls <NUM> of the respective clamping receptacle <NUM> form an opening to receive the respective electrical terminal <NUM>. Each of the elongated walls <NUM> is curved in a radial direction such that the opening is smaller than a diameter of the electrical terminal <NUM>. Further, each of the clamping receptacles <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> configured to receive the fixing element <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the respective electrical terminal <NUM>.

The first insulating half shell <NUM> further includes snap means <NUM> and locking means <NUM>. The snap means <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> are located at an outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. There may be four snap means <NUM> and six locking means <NUM> arranged at the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> include at least one ledge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The at least one ledge <NUM> extends in the axial direction B of the first insulating half shell <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> includes two snap means <NUM> and two locking means <NUM>. The respective two snap means <NUM> are oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The respective two locking means <NUM> are also oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The two locking means <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> are arranged in the axial direction B adjacent to the two snap means <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> includes two snap means <NUM> and four locking means <NUM>. The respective two snap means <NUM> are oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. The respective two locking means <NUM> are also oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>, wherein the two other locking means <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> are arranged in the axial direction B adjacent to the two snap means <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> and the two other locking means <NUM> are arranged at an end of the second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>.

The first insulating half shell <NUM> further includes a triangular rib <NUM>. The rib <NUM> is located between the first portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> at an inner surface of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The rib <NUM> will be described in more detail further below.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the second insulating half shell <NUM> according to an embodiment. The second insulating half shell <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> includes snap means <NUM> and locking means <NUM>. The snap means <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> are located at an outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. There may be four snap means <NUM> and six locking means <NUM> arranged at the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The snap means <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> may be complementary to the snap means <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> includes two snap means <NUM> and two locking means <NUM>. The respective two snap means <NUM> are oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The respective two locking means <NUM> are also oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> includes two snap means <NUM> and four locking means <NUM>. The respective two snap means <NUM> are oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The respective two locking means <NUM> are also oppositely arranged at the outer circumferential wall <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The two other locking means <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> are arranged at an end of the second portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>.

The snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> includes a hook <NUM>. The hook <NUM> includes a first section <NUM> and a second section <NUM> connected by means of a sliding ramp <NUM>. Some of the locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> may be integrated in the hook <NUM> of the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. In particular, each of the four snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> includes a respective locking means <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> of the respective snap means <NUM> may be a bulge <NUM> at an edge of the second section <NUM> of the hook <NUM>. The hook <NUM> is configured to hook in the at least one ledge <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first insulating half shell <NUM> to lock the first insulating half shell <NUM> to the second insulating half shell <NUM> in a first direction A (see <FIG>).

The second insulating half shell <NUM> further includes a triangular rib <NUM>. The rib <NUM> is located between the first portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> at an inner surface of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The rib <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> will be described in more detail together with the rib <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> further below.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in a pre-assembled state according to an embodiment. A cable <NUM> including a pair of twisted wires <NUM> is inserted into the first insulating half shell <NUM> of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>. One end of the cable <NUM> is clamped into the second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. Each of the wires <NUM> is covered by a wire insulating. Each of the wires <NUM> includes an electrical conductor <NUM> that is connected to the respective electrical terminal <NUM>. The two electrical terminals <NUM> are inserted in the clamping receptacles <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The walls <NUM> of the clamping receptacles <NUM> hold the electrical terminals <NUM> in the clamping receptacles <NUM>. The rib <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> is configured to separate the two electrical conductors <NUM>, in particular the two isolated wires <NUM>. The rib <NUM> substantially completely fills a space between the two electrical conductors <NUM> in an assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

The second insulating half shell <NUM> is not snapped on the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the pre-assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> is moved in the first direction A to connect the second insulating half shell <NUM> with the first insulating half shell <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in a pre-locked state according to an embodiment. After moving the second insulating half shell <NUM> in the first direction A, the first insulating half shell <NUM> is snapped onto the second insulating half shell <NUM> in the first direction A using the snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. However, the snapping between the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> only locks a movement in the first direction A between the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> while still allowing a shifting of the second insulating half shell <NUM> relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in a second direction B. The second direction B is transverse to the first direction A, wherein the second direction B is the axial direction of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> are arranged axially offset in the second direction B in the pre-locked state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

To bring the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> into an assembled state, i.e. into a final locked position of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>, the second insulating half shell <NUM> is shifted relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B. The triangular rib <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> (see <FIG>) slides in between the two wires <NUM> when shifting the second insulating half shell <NUM> relatively to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B. Thus, a well-controlled and specific wire routing from a pitch between the wires <NUM> in the cable <NUM> to a pitch of a connection between the electrical conductors <NUM> and the electrical terminals <NUM> within the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> is achieved. An assembly of the cable <NUM> to the electrical terminals <NUM> with crimped electrical conductors <NUM> within the first insulating half shell <NUM> is not hindered and remains easy and risk free. Also, a space around the wires <NUM> can be tightened in order to reduce clearances and/or tolerances which may be needed for or might come from a vertical mounting of the cable <NUM> with the crimped signal contacts inside the first insulating half shell <NUM>. Drive the wires in a specific and controlled routing from the pitch in the cable <NUM> to the pitch of the connection between the electrical conductors <NUM> and the electrical terminals <NUM> which may be favorable for a differential impedance match and thus, for return loss and/or signal integrity. Also, there may be more freedom to select a material of the rib <NUM> for either differential impedance match and/or creepage distance and/or mechanical strength.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the assembled state according to an embodiment. In the assembled state, the locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> gear into each other and lock the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> against a movement in the second direction B. Details of the snapping and the locking between the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> are described in the following. In the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>, the rib <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the rib <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are aligned. The aligned rib <NUM> substantially completely fills a space between the two electrical conductors <NUM> (see <FIG>), in particular a space between the two wires <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, in the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the pre-locked state of <FIG>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> is snapped onto the first insulating half shell <NUM> by means of the snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> is shiftable relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B. Thus, the locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are not interlocked in the pre-locked state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side cross-sectional view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the pre-locked state of <FIG>. The snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are engaged. The snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> includes a first gap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a part of the hook <NUM>, in particular the bulge <NUM> of the locking means <NUM> (see <FIG>), is located in the first gap <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the pre-locked state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>. The snap means <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> operate similarly. More details of the snap means <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the pre-locked state of <FIG>. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a sectional plane V-V passing through the snap means <NUM> of the first portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a sectional plane U-U passing through the snap means <NUM> of the second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The hook <NUM> of the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> and the ledge <NUM> of the snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> may define an overlap between the at least one hook <NUM> and the at least one ledge <NUM> when snapped in place. The overlap increases when the second insulating half shell <NUM> is shifted relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> from the pre-locked state (see <FIG>) to the assembled state (see <FIG>) in the second direction B.

<FIG> shows a side view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the assembled state of <FIG>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> is snapped onto the first insulating half shell <NUM> by means of the snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The second insulating half shell <NUM> has been shifted relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B from the pre-locked state (see <FIG>) to the assembled state (see <FIG>). In the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> the locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are interlocked.

<FIG> shows a side cross-sectional view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> in the assembled state of <FIG>. The snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are engaged. The snap means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> includes a second gap <NUM>. While moving the second insulating half shell <NUM> relative to the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B, the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>, in particular the hook <NUM> (see <FIG>) is moved from the first gap <NUM> into the second gap <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> that are integrated in the hook <NUM> of the snap means <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>, in particular the bulge <NUM>, are shifted from the first gap <NUM> into the second gap <NUM> when moving the second insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B by the sliding ramp <NUM> between the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> of the hook <NUM>. The sliding ramp <NUM> is moved over an edge of the first gap <NUM> and, thus, lifting the bulge <NUM> out of the first gap <NUM>. In the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>, the locking means <NUM> of the hook <NUM> is located in the second gap <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. In particular, the bulge <NUM> of the hook <NUM> is located in the second gap <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> in the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

Further, the other two of the locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> that are arranged at an end of the second portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> are received by a slot <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> in the assembled state. Thus, the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> are locked in the first direction A and in the second direction, or axial direction A, in the assembled state. This locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the respective slot <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM> are configured to lock the first insulating half shell <NUM> to the second insulating half shell <NUM> in the second direction B when this locking means <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> is received by the slot <NUM> of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. Thus, the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> are not moveable relatively to each other in the assembled state. It is understood, that the first insulating half shell <NUM> and the second insulating half shell <NUM> are also not moveable in a third direction relatively to each other in the assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>, wherein the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction A and to the second direction B.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment. Each of the at least two electrical terminals <NUM> includes a fixing element <NUM> configured to fix the respective electrical terminal <NUM> in the first insulating half shell <NUM> against a movement in the second direction B. The fixing element <NUM> is configured to be inserted in the recess <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>, in particular, the fixing element <NUM> may be press-fitted into the recess of the first portion <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>. Further, the fixing element <NUM> may be configured to eliminate or to reduce a rotational motion of the electrical terminals <NUM> around an axis defined by the second direction B, which otherwise could be present due to remaining stress in the untwisted wires <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. Thus, a SI common mode performance can be boosted and a damage of a lead-in tulip <NUM> of the electrical terminals <NUM> can be prevented during the assembly of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM>.

The SI common mode performance may be a performance of common mode signals, wherein the signals flow through two cables <NUM> or two electrical conductors in the same direction and phase. When at least one of the electrical conductors <NUM> or signal contacts is rotated, then the cable <NUM> connected to that electrical conductor <NUM> may be out of position. That may cause an unsymmetrical cable position and, consequently, a signal on one of the cables <NUM> may be faster than a signal on the respective other one of the cables <NUM> when the signals flow through the cables <NUM> (common mode, or differential mode). Since each signal creates an electromagnetic wave that affects the environment of the cable <NUM>, the signal on one of the cables <NUM> creates a disturbance for the signal on the respective other one of the cables <NUM>. When the cables <NUM> are symmetrically positioned as described herein, this disturbance effect may be annihilated.

<FIG> shows a top view of electrical terminals <NUM> inserted in the clamping receptacles <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a sectional plane W-W passing through the fixing elements <NUM> of the electrical terminal <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The electrical terminals <NUM>, which are connected to the electrical conductors <NUM> of the cable <NUM> (see <FIG>), may be inserted at an angle <NUM> in the clamping receptacles <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> due to stress in the twisted pair of wires <NUM>. The angle <NUM> may be <NUM>° to <NUM>° between a vertical axis of the clamping receptacles <NUM> and a tangent of an outer surface of the fixing element <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the angle <NUM> may be <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably <NUM>° to <NUM>°, between a vertical axis of the clamping receptacles <NUM> and a tangent of an outer surface of the fixing element <NUM>. The fixing element <NUM> may include a gap <NUM>. It is understood that in another embodiment the fixing element <NUM> may not include a gap <NUM>. The electrical terminals <NUM> may be inserted in the clamping receptacles <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM> either by pressing the fixing element <NUM> manually into the recess <NUM> of the clamping receptacle <NUM>, for example, by hand, or by pressing the fixing element <NUM> automatically into the recess <NUM> of the clamping receptacle <NUM> using the second insulating half shell <NUM> when snapping the second insulating half shell <NUM> onto the first insulating half shell <NUM>. The at least two clamping receptacles <NUM> and/or each of the at least two electrical terminals <NUM> and/or each of the fixing elements <NUM> may include guiding surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> configured to align the electrical terminals <NUM> and the fixing elements <NUM> in the clamping receptacles <NUM>. After pressing the fixing elements <NUM> into the recess <NUM> of the clamping receptacles <NUM>, the fixing elements <NUM> are arranged aligned and therefore also the electrical terminals <NUM> are arranged aligned in the clamping receptacles <NUM> of the first insulating half shell <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further cross-sectional view of the fixing elements <NUM> of the electrical terminals <NUM> in an assembled state of the high-speed data connector assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment. The second insulating half shell <NUM> includes at least two protrusions <NUM> arranged at an inner surface of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are configured to press the fixing elements <NUM>, and thus the at least two electrical terminals <NUM>, into the at least two clamping receptacles <NUM>, in particular into the recesses <NUM> of the clamping receptacles <NUM>, when the second insulating half shell <NUM> is moved in the first direction A. The second insulating half shell <NUM> further includes at least one wedge <NUM> arranged at the inner surface of the second insulating half shell <NUM>. The wedge <NUM> is configured to press the at least one wall <NUM> of each clamping receptacle <NUM> in a direction towards the electrical terminal <NUM> or towards the fixing element <NUM> inserted in the respective clamping receptacle <NUM> when the second insulating half shell <NUM> is moved in the first direction A.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a fixing element <NUM> having clamping elements according to an embodiment. <FIG> shows a side view and <FIG> shows a top view of the fixing element of <FIG>. The fixing element <NUM> includes at least one clamping element arranged at an outer surface <NUM> of the fixing element <NUM>. The clamping element may be a bent tongue <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is bent in a radial direction outwards the fixing element <NUM>. The tongue is formed from the fixing element <NUM> itself, i.e. a part of the outer surface <NUM> of the fixing element <NUM> and is bent outwards such that this part forms the tongue <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is configured to fix the fixing element <NUM>, and thus the respective electrical terminal <NUM> in the respective clamping receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a fixing element <NUM> having clamping elements according to another embodiment. <FIG> shows a side view and <FIG> shows a top view of the fixing element <NUM> of <FIG>. The fixing element <NUM> of this embodiment includes at least one clamping element arranged at an outer surface <NUM> of the fixing element <NUM>. The clamping element may be a bent edge <NUM>. The edge <NUM> is bent in a radial direction outwards the fixing element <NUM>. The edge is formed from the fixing element <NUM> itself, i.e. a part of the outer surface <NUM> of the fixing element <NUM> is bent outwards such that this part forms the edge <NUM>. The edge <NUM> is configured to fix the fixing element <NUM>, and thus the respective electrical terminal <NUM> in the respective clamping receptacle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A high-speed data connector assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a first insulating half shell (<NUM>) having at least two clamping receptacles (<NUM>),
at least two electrical terminals (<NUM>) inserted in the clamping receptacles (<NUM>),
a second insulating half shell (<NUM>) complementary to the first half shell, characterized by
snap means (<NUM>) configured to snap the first insulating half shell (<NUM>) onto the second insulating half shell (<NUM>) in a first direction (A) while still allowing a shifting of the second insulating half shell (<NUM>) relative to the first insulating half shell (<NUM>) in a second direction (B) transverse to the first direction (A), and
locking means (<NUM>) configured to lock the first insulating half shell (<NUM>) and the second insulating half shell (<NUM>) against a movement in the second direction (B).