A lock for a lock-and-socket connector and a connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses a locking component and connector for locking mating connectors, including a base, a connecting arm, an actuating protrusion, and a latching arm. The base has a boss on its top side, a guide rib on its bottom side, latching points on both sides, and a push button on its rear side. The connecting arm extends forward from the left and right sides of the base and connects through the latching arm. The bottom side of the cantilever on the connector housing has a latching groove and a clearance notch, and the bottom side also has a clearance groove communicating with the clearance notch. The actuating protrusion is formed on the top side of the connecting arm and can move between the clearance notch and the clearance groove. The base can switch between a pre-installed state and a locked state. In pre-installation, the latching points engage with the pre-installed latching holes on the connector housing, and the latching arm locks the cantilever. During insertion, the mating connector actuates the actuating protrusion to release the pre-installed state. This locking component provides stable pre-installation, convenient connector assembly, and reliable connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to connector technology, and in particular to a locking member and connector for locking mating connectors. Background Technology

[0002] During the use of connectors, a locking structure is usually required to ensure a stable connection and prevent loosening after the connector is mated with its mating counterpart. Currently, the locking structures of connectors on the market have the following technical problems:

[0003] Poor stability in pre-installed state: When some locking components are pre-installed on the connector housing, they are only initially positioned by simple snapping or fitting, lacking a double locking mechanism. They are easily misaligned or loosened due to external forces such as vibration and handling, which in turn affects the subsequent mating accuracy with the mating connector.

[0004] The locking switching operation is cumbersome: After the connector is plugged into the mating connector, most locking structures require manual operation of additional locking components (such as pressing rods, rotating buckles, etc.) to complete the switch from "pre-installed" to "locked". This not only increases the number of operation steps and reduces assembly efficiency, but may also cause locking failure due to operator error.

[0005] Insufficient assembly guidance: When assembling the locking component with the connector housing, the lack of a precise guiding structure can easily lead to problems such as base misalignment and cantilever deformation, causing the locking component to fail to properly mate with the mating connector and affecting the overall connection reliability.

[0006] Poor unlocking convenience: Some locking structures require tools or significant external force to unlock (such as during maintenance or connector replacement), making operation inconvenient and potentially damaging the locking components or connector housing.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, there is an urgent need for a locking component that is pre-installed stably, automatically switches between locks, provides precise assembly guidance, and is easy to unlock, in order to improve the assembly efficiency and connection reliability of connectors. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a locking component and connector for locking mating connectors, solving the problems of unstable pre-installation, cumbersome locking switching, poor assembly guidance, and difficulty in unlocking of existing locking structures.

[0009] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is: a locking member for locking mating connectors, comprising:

[0010] A base, wherein a boss is provided on the top side of the base;

[0011] Connecting arms extend forward from the left and right sides of the base and are connected by buckle arms;

[0012] A trigger protrusion is formed on the top side of the connecting arm;

[0013] The base is mounted on the connector housing and configured to switch between a pre-installed state and a locked state; the latch arm is configured to lock the base to the cantilever bottom side of the connector housing in the pre-installed state; the actuating protrusion is configured to be actuated by the mating connector during the insertion of the connector housing and the mating connector to release the locking state of the latch arm and the cantilever arm, thereby realizing the switching of the base from the pre-installed state to the locked state.

[0014] A preferred technical solution is that the base has fastening points on its left and right sides, which are used to fasten and fix the base to the pre-installed fastening holes or locking fastening holes on the connector housing.

[0015] A preferred technical solution is that the bottom side of the cantilever is provided with a buckle groove, and the buckle groove is matched and configured to correspond to the buckle arm.

[0016] The preferred technical solution is: the cantilever is provided with a clearance notch for the trigger protrusion to extend out of the top side of the cantilever in the pre-installed state.

[0017] The preferred technical solution is: the bottom side of the cantilever is provided with a clearance groove for accommodating the trigger protrusion in the locked state, and the clearance groove is connected to the clearance notch.

[0018] A preferred technical solution is that a push button is provided on the rear side of the base.

[0019] The preferred technical solution is as follows: the bottom side of the base is provided with a guide rib, the connector housing is provided with a guide groove, the guide groove is matched with the guide rib and is used to guide the base and the connector housing to be assembled, and to guide the base to switch between a pre-assembled state and a locked state.

[0020] A connector comprising the locking element described above.

[0021] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] Significantly improved pre-installation stability: The fastening and fixing mechanism of "fastening points + pre-installation fastening holes" combined with the cantilever locking mechanism of "fastening arms + fastening slots" forms a double pre-installation locking mechanism, which effectively prevents the base from shifting or loosening due to external force in the pre-installation state, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent insertion.

[0023] Automated locking switching: By leveraging the natural thrust during the mating connector insertion process to activate the protrusion, the pre-installed lock can be automatically released without additional manual operation, simplifying the operation steps, improving assembly efficiency, and avoiding locking failure caused by human error.

[0024] Precise assembly guidance: The guide ribs of the base cooperate with the guide grooves of the connector housing to provide precise guidance for the assembly and state switching of the base, avoiding assembly difficulties or damage to the locking structure caused by base misalignment, and extending service life.

[0025] Easy unlocking: The push button on the back of the base can be used to unlock the base when needed (such as during maintenance or replacement). By pushing the push button, the base can be moved, causing the latch to disengage from the locking hole, making unlocking easy without the need for tools.

[0026] High connection reliability: In the locked state, the fastening point and the locking hole are engaged, and the trigger protrusion is accommodated in the relief groove. The multiple structures ensure a stable connection between the connector and the mating connector, effectively resisting external forces such as vibration and pulling, and reducing the risk of loosening of the connection. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the locking component involved in this utility model from one perspective.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the locking component involved in this utility model from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure involved in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-3It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "horizontal," "vertical," and "suspended," etc., do not indicate that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Example:

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to a general technical concept of this utility model, a locking member for locking mating connectors is provided, comprising:

[0035] Base 1, with a boss 11 on the top side;

[0036] Connecting arm 2 extends forward from the left and right sides of base 1 and is connected by buckle arm 3;

[0037] Actuation protrusion 4 is formed on the top side of connecting arm 2;

[0038] The base 1 is mounted on the connector housing 100 and configured to switch between a pre-installed state and a locked state; the latch arm 3 is configured to lock the base 1 in the pre-installed state to the bottom side of the cantilever 110 on the connector housing 100; the actuation protrusion 4 is configured to be actuated by the mating connector during the insertion of the connector housing 100 and the mating connector to release the locking state of the latch arm 3 and the cantilever 110, thereby realizing the switching of the base 1 from the pre-installed state to the locked state.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the base 1 is provided with fastening points 12 on the left and right sides, and the fastening points 12 are used to fasten and fix with the pre-installed fastening holes 120 or locking fastening holes 130 on the connector housing 100.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the bottom side of the cantilever 110 is provided with a buckle groove 111, which is matched and configured to correspond with the buckle arm 3.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cantilever 110 is provided with a clearance notch 112 for the trigger protrusion 4 to extend out of the top side of the cantilever 110 in the pre-installed state.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the bottom side of the cantilever 110 is provided with a relief groove 113 for accommodating the trigger protrusion 4 in the locked state, and the relief groove 113 is connected to the relief notch 112.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, a push button 13 is provided on the rear side of the base 1.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the bottom side of the base 1 is provided with a guide rib 14, and the connector housing 100 is provided with a guide groove 140. The guide groove 140 and the guide rib 14 are correspondingly matched and used to guide the base 1 and the connector housing 100 to achieve assembly, and to guide the base 1 to switch between the pre-installed state and the locked state.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, this application also relates to a connector including the locking element described above.

[0046] Pre-assembly: Align the base 1 of the locking component with the guide groove 140 of the connector housing 100 via the guide rib 14 on its bottom side, and push the base 1 along the guide groove 140 until the fastening points 12 on the left and right sides of the base 1 are fastened and fixed with the pre-assembly fastening holes 120 of the connector housing 100; at this time, the fastening arm 3 is inserted into the fastening groove 111 on the bottom side of the cantilever 110, thereby locking the cantilever 110 and the fastening arm 3. The trigger protrusion 4 extends out from the top side of the clearance notch 112 on the cantilever 110, and the locking component is in the pre-assembly state.

[0047] Locking Switching: Connect the connector housing 100 to the mating connector. The mating end of the mating connector first contacts and presses down on the actuating protrusion 4, causing the actuating protrusion 4 to move down along the clearance notch 112 to the bottom side of the cantilever 110. During this process, the downward movement of the actuating protrusion 4 causes the latch arm 3 to disengage from the latch groove 111, releasing the lock between the cantilever 110 and the latch arm 3. Then, the push button 13 drives the base 1 to move along the guide groove 140 in the locking direction until the latch point 12 of the base 1 is locked and fixed with the locking latch hole 130 of the connector housing 100. At this time, the actuating protrusion 4 is completely accommodated in the clearance groove 113, and the boss 11 is located on the bottom side of the cantilever 110 and restricts its unlocking. The locking element switches to the locked state, and the connector and the mating connector are stably locked.

[0048] Unlocking operation: When it is necessary to unlock, push the push button 13 on the rear side of the base 1 away from the mating connector, so that the base 1 moves along the guide groove 140 and the latch 12 disengages from the locking hole 130; continue to push the push button 13 until the latch 12 re-engages with the pre-installed latch hole 120, the trigger protrusion 4 rises from the relief groove 113 to the relief notch 112 and extends out, the latch arm 3 re-engages into the latch groove 111, the locking part returns to the pre-installed state, and the connector and mating connector can be separated.

[0049] Therefore, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0050] Significantly improved pre-installation stability: The fastening and fixing mechanism of "fastening points + pre-installation fastening holes" combined with the cantilever locking mechanism of "fastening arms + fastening slots" forms a double pre-installation locking mechanism, which effectively prevents the base from shifting or loosening due to external force in the pre-installation state, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent insertion.

[0051] Automated locking switching: By leveraging the natural thrust during the mating connector insertion process to activate the protrusion, the pre-installed lock can be automatically released without additional manual operation, simplifying the operation steps, improving assembly efficiency, and avoiding locking failure caused by human error.

[0052] Precise assembly guidance: The guide ribs of the base cooperate with the guide grooves of the connector housing to provide precise guidance for the assembly and state switching of the base, avoiding assembly difficulties or damage to the locking structure caused by base misalignment, and extending service life.

[0053] Easy unlocking: The push button on the back of the base can be used to unlock the base when needed (such as during maintenance or replacement). By pushing the push button, the base can be moved, causing the latch to disengage from the locking hole, making unlocking easy without the need for tools.

[0054] High connection reliability: In the locked state, the fastening point and the locking hole are engaged, and the trigger protrusion is accommodated in the relief groove. The multiple structures ensure a stable connection between the connector and the mating connector, effectively resisting external forces such as vibration and pulling, and reducing the risk of loosening of the connection.

[0055] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A locking member for locking mating connectors, characterized in that, include: A base, wherein a boss is provided on the top side of the base; Connecting arms extend forward from the left and right sides of the base and are connected by buckle arms; A trigger protrusion is formed on the top side of the connecting arm; The base is mounted on the connector housing and configured to switch between a pre-installed state and a locked state; the latch arm is configured to lock the base to the cantilever bottom side of the connector housing in the pre-installed state; the actuating protrusion is configured to be actuated by the mating connector during the insertion of the connector housing and the mating connector to release the locking state of the latch arm and the cantilever arm, thereby realizing the switching of the base from the pre-installed state to the locked state.

2. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base has fastening points on its left and right sides, which are used to fasten and fix the base to the pre-installed fastening holes or locking holes on the connector housing.

3. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom side of the cantilever is provided with a buckle groove, which is matched and configured to correspond to the buckle arm.

4. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cantilever is provided with a clearance notch for the trigger protrusion to extend out of the top side of the cantilever in the pre-installed state.

5. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom side of the cantilever is provided with a clearance groove for accommodating the trigger protrusion in the locked state, and the clearance groove is connected to the clearance notch.

6. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: A push button is provided on the rear side of the base.

7. A locking member for locking mating connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base has a guide rib on its bottom side and a guide groove on the connector housing. The guide groove is matched with the guide rib and is used to guide the base to assemble with the connector housing and to guide the base to switch between a pre-assembled state and a locked state.

8. A connector, characterized in that, Includes the locking element as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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