Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connector and connector assembly. The connector includes a shell and a conductive terminal in the shell, and the shell includes a shell body and an outer lock catch. The outer lock catch is connected with the shell body and is adapted to engage with a mating shell of a mating connector to lock the shell and the mating shell together. The outer lock catch includes an unlocking portion. When the outer lock catch is pressed to a predetermined pressing position, the outer lock catch is moved to an unlocking position that is disengaged from the mating shell. A raised feature is formed on the outer lock catch or the shell body to prevent the unlocking portion from being pressed to the predetermined pressing position, thereby preventing the outer lock catch from being accidentally unlocked. The utility model simplifies the structure of the connector and improves the assembly efficiency of the connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, connector assemblies typically include a connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector. To maintain the connector and mating connector in their mated positions, a locking device is provided between them. Therefore, preventing accidental unlocking of the connector is crucial for stable connection in home appliance, automotive, and industrial applications. Currently, a separate component, such as a connector position retainer (CPA), is commonly used to achieve the connector position retention function. However, the separate inclusion of this component increases the number of additional parts, leading to increased costs for the connector assembly and manufacturing molds, and also impacting the assembly efficiency of the connector assembly. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising a housing and conductive terminals therein. The housing includes a housing body and an outer locking latch. The outer locking latch is connected to the housing body and adapted to engage with a mating housing of a mating connector to lock the housing and the mating housing together. The outer locking latch includes an unlocking portion, which moves to an unlocked position disengaged from the mating housing when the unlocking portion is pressed to a predetermined pressing position. A protrusion feature is formed on the outer locking latch or the housing body to prevent the unlocking portion from being pressed to the predetermined pressing position, thereby preventing the outer locking latch from being accidentally unlocked.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer latch further includes: an outer latch locking part disposed at one end of the outer latch, adapted to engage with a latch mating part on the mating housing to lock the mating housing; and an outer latch connecting part disposed between the outer latch locking part and the unlocking part and connected to the housing body, serving as a fulcrum for the outer latch; the unlocking part is disposed on the other end of the outer latch opposite to the outer latch locking part, for driving the outer latch locking part to disengage from the latch mating part.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding feature is provided on the unlocking part and protrudes toward the shell body, and is adapted to abut against the shell body when the unlocking part moves close to the shell body, thereby preventing the unlocking part from moving.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding feature is disposed on the shell body and protrudes toward the unlocking part, and is adapted to abut against the unlocking part when the unlocking part moves close to the shell body, thereby preventing the unlocking part from moving.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a hook-shaped structure is formed on the outer locking part, which is suitable for locking with the locking part on the mating connector.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the housing and the mating connector are mated and connected, the hook-shaped structure is offset away from the housing body under the pressure of the blocking structure of the locking engagement part; after the housing and the mating connector are mated and connected, the hook-shaped structure passes over the blocking structure of the locking engagement part, and is no longer compressed by the blocking structure of the locking engagement part, so that the hook-shaped structure returns to the state before offset and locks the blocking structure of the locking engagement part.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding feature is integrally formed with the outer latch or the shell body.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding feature is connected to the outer latch or the shell body by a weak connection.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding feature includes a protruding body and a protruding connecting portion; the protruding body is adapted to abut against the shell body or the outer latch to prevent the outer latch from unlocking; the protruding connecting portion is adapted to connect the protruding feature to the outer latch or the shell body.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protruding connecting portion is a constricted structure between the protruding feature and the protruding body and the outer latch or the shell body; in the direction in which the protruding feature protrudes, the cross-section of the protruding body is larger than the cross-section of the protruding connecting portion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tensile strength of the portion of the protrusion connected to the outer latch or the shell body is lower than a predetermined value, such that the protrusion can be removed from the outer latch or the shell body by means of a tool.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the protruding feature is not removed, the unlocking part cannot be pressed to the predetermined pressing position; after the protruding feature is removed, the unlocking part can be pressed to the predetermined pressing position.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector and the mating connector, wherein the mating connector is adapted to mate with the connector; and when the connector mates with the mating connector, the conductive terminal makes electrical contact with the mating terminal on the mating connector.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector includes a mating housing, the mating housing includes a locking engagement portion, the locking engagement portion engages with the outer locking of the housing to lock the housing and the mating housing together.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking engagement portion includes a blocking block adapted to engage with the hook-shaped structure of the outer locking buckle.

[0019] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention, the protruding features on the housing body or the outer latch are adapted to prevent the outer latch from unlocking, achieving the function of preventing accidental unlocking of the connector without adding extra parts to the connector. In practical applications, the connector and mating connector rarely need to be unlocked except during repairs. Specifically, the protruding features have a weak connection feature, facilitating quick removal with tools during connector assembly repairs, thereby enabling the connector and mating connector to be unlocked by pressing the outer latch. This invention reduces the overall cost of the connector assembly due to the reduced number of parts, simplifying the connector structure and improving the assembly efficiency of the connector assembly.

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector and mating connector are in an assembled state;

[0022] Figure 1B show Figure 1A An exploded 3D view of the connector assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 2A show Figure 1A A top view of the housing of the connector assembly shown;

[0024] Figure 2B show Figure 1A A side view of the housing of the connector assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 3A show Figure 1AThe diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and the mating connector, with the connector and the mating connector in a separated state.

[0026] Figure 3B show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in the process of being assembled.

[0027] Figure 3C show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in an assembled state.

[0028] Figure 3D show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in an assembled state with the outer locking mechanism subjected to an unexpected thrust.

[0029] Figure 4A Showing a top view of the housing of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4B Showing a side view of the housing of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of this utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of this utility model and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0032] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0033] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided, including a housing containing conductive terminals. The housing includes a housing body and an outer latch. The outer latch is connected to the housing body and adapted to engage with a mating housing of a mating connector to lock the housing and the mating housing together. The outer latch includes an unlocking portion. When the unlocking portion is pressed to a predetermined pressing position, the outer latch moves to an unlocking position disengaged from the mating housing. A protruding feature is formed on the outer latch or the housing body to prevent the unlocking portion from being pressed to the predetermined pressing position, thereby preventing the outer latch from being accidentally unlocked.

[0034] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, including a connector and a mating connector, the mating connector being adapted to mate with the connector; when the connector mates with the mating connector, the conductive terminal is in electrical contact with the mating terminal on the mating connector.

[0035] Figure 1A This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector and mating connector are in an assembled state; Figure 1B show Figure 1A The exploded 3D view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0036] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes a connector 10 and a mating connector 20 adapted to mate with the connector 10. The connector 10 includes a housing 102 and conductive terminals 104. A terminal slot 106 is formed on the housing 102, and the conductive terminals 104 are installed in the terminal slot 106. The mating connector 20 includes a mating housing 202. The housing 102 includes a housing body 112 and an outer latch 114. The outer latch 114 is connected to the housing body 112 and adapted to engage with the mating housing 202 of the mating connector 20 to lock the housing 102 and the mating housing 202 together. The mating connector 20 includes mating terminals 204, which make electrical contact with the mating terminals 204 on the mating connector 20 when the connector 10 mates with the mating connector 20. The mating housing 202 includes a locking engagement portion 212 that engages with the outer latch 114 of the housing 102 to lock the housing 102 and the mating housing 202 together. Specifically, the locking engagement portion 212 includes a stop block 222 adapted to engage with the hook-like structure of the outer latch 114, thereby locking the connector 10 and the mating connector 20 together.

[0037] Figure 2A show Figure 1A A top view of the housing of the connector assembly shown; Figure 2B show Figure 1A Side view of the housing of the connector assembly shown.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 2B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer latch 114 includes an outer latch locking part 132, an unlocking part 134, and an outer latch connecting part 136. The outer latch locking part 132 is disposed at one end of the outer latch 114 facing the mating connector 20, and is adapted to engage with the latch mating part 212 on the mating housing 202 to lock the mating housing 202. The unlocking part 134 is disposed at the other end of the outer latch 114 opposite to the outer latch locking part 132, and is used to drive the outer latch locking part 132 to disengage from the latch mating part 212, thereby unlocking the mating housing 202. The outer latch connecting part 136 is disposed between the outer latch locking part 132 and the unlocking part 134 and is connected to the housing body 112, serving as a fulcrum for the outer latch 114. When the unlocking part 134 is pressed to a predetermined pressing position, the outer latch 114 is moved to an unlocked position, disengaged from the mating housing 202.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 2B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer latch 114 has a protruding feature 120 formed on it to prevent the unlocking portion 134 of the outer latch 114 from being pressed to a predetermined pressing position, thereby preventing the outer latch 114 from being accidentally unlocked. The protruding feature 120 is provided on the unlocking portion 134 and protrudes toward the housing body 112, and is adapted to abut against the housing body 112 when the unlocking portion 134 moves close to the housing body 112, thereby preventing the unlocking portion 134 from moving.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 2B As shown, the protruding feature 120 is integrally formed with the outer latch 114. The protruding feature 120 protrudes from the outer latch 114 toward the shell body 112 and is adapted to abut against the shell body 112 when the outer latch 114 has an unlocking tendency.

[0041] like Figure 2B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a hook-shaped structure 140 is formed on the outer locking part 132, which is adapted to lock with the blocking block 222 of the locking engagement part 212 on the mating connector 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 2B As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer latch 114 has a lever structure with the outer latch connection portion 136 as a fulcrum. Without the protruding feature 120, the outer latch 114 can be elastically deflected around the outer latch connection portion 136 by pressing the unlocking portion 134 toward the shell body 112, causing the outer latch connection portion 136 and its hook-like structure 140 to shift away from the shell body 112, thereby achieving the unlocking function.

[0043] like Figures 2A to 2BAs shown in the illustrated embodiment, the protruding feature 120 is weakly connected to the outer latch 114. The protruding feature 120 includes a protruding body 122 and a protruding connecting portion 124; the protruding body 122 is adapted to abut against the shell body 112 to prevent the outer latch 114 from unlocking; the protruding connecting portion 124 is adapted to connect the protruding feature 120 to the outer latch 114. The protruding connecting portion 124 is a constricted structure of the protruding feature 120 between the protruding body 122 and the outer latch 114; in the direction in which the protruding feature 120 protrudes, the cross-section of the protruding body 122 is larger than the cross-section of the protruding connecting portion 124. The tensile strength of the portion where the protruding feature 120 is connected to the outer latch 114 is lower than a predetermined value, allowing the protruding feature 120 to be removed from the outer latch 114 using a tool (e.g., tweezers, screwdriver). When the protruding feature 120 is not removed, the unlocking part 134 of the outer latch 114 cannot be pressed to the predetermined pressing position; after the protruding feature 120 is removed, the unlocking part 134 of the outer latch 114 can be pressed to the predetermined pressing position.

[0044] Figure 3A show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and the mating connector, with the connector and the mating connector in a separated state. Figure 3B show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in the process of being assembled. Figure 3C show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in an assembled state. Figure 3D show Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, including the connector and mating connector, in an assembled state with the outer locking mechanism subjected to an unexpected push. To clearly illustrate the mating process of the connector and mating connector, Figures 3A to 3D The conductive terminals were concealed.

[0045] like Figures 3A to 3DAs shown in the illustrated embodiment, before the housing 102 and the mating connector 20 are mated and connected, the hook-shaped structure 140 on the outer locking part 132 is not squeezed and is in its initial state; when the housing 102 and the mating connector 20 are mated and connected and approach each other, the hook-shaped structure 140 is offset away from the housing body 112 under the pressure of the blocking block 222 (blocking structure) of the locking engagement part 212, and gradually moves to the outside of the blocking block 222 until it completely passes the blocking block 222; after the housing 102 and the mating connector 20 are mated and connected, the hook-shaped structure 140 passes the blocking block 222 (blocking structure) of the locking engagement part 212, so that it is no longer squeezed by the locking engagement part 212 (blocking structure), so that the hook-shaped structure 140 returns to its initial state before offset and locks the blocking block 222 (blocking structure) of the locking engagement part 212. When the outer latch 114 has a tendency to unlock, for example when it is subjected to an unexpected push F, the protruding feature 120 abuts against the shell body 112 to prevent the unlocking part 134 from moving toward the shell body 112. Therefore, the hook structure 140 will not disengage from the locking state of the blocking block 222 (blocking structure), thereby preventing the outer latch 114 from being accidentally unlocked.

[0046] Figure 4A Showing a top view of the housing of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B Showing a side view of the housing of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A to 4B The difference between the illustrated embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in the position of the raised feature.

[0047] like Figures 4A to 4B As shown, a protruding feature 120 is formed on the shell body 112 to prevent the unlocking portion 134 of the outer latch 114 from being pressed to a predetermined pressing position, thereby preventing the outer latch 114 from being accidentally unlocked. The protruding feature 120 is integrally formed with the shell body 112. The protruding feature 120 protrudes from the shell body 112 toward the outer latch 114 and is adapted to abut against the outer latch 114 when the outer latch 114 has a tendency to unlock, thereby preventing the outer latch 114 from unlocking. Specifically, the protruding feature 120 is provided on the shell body 112 and protrudes toward the unlocking portion 134, adapted to abut against the unlocking portion 134 when the unlocking portion 134 moves close to the shell body 112, thereby preventing the unlocking portion 134 from moving.

[0048] like Figures 4A to 4BAs shown, the protruding feature 120 is weakly connected to the shell body 112. The protruding body 122 of the protruding feature 120 is adapted to abut against the external latch 114 to prevent the external latch 114 from unlocking, and the protruding connecting portion 124 of the protruding feature 120 is adapted to connect the protruding feature 120 to the shell body 112. The protruding connecting portion 124 is a constricted structure of the protruding feature 120 between the protruding body 122 and the shell body 112. In the direction in which the protruding feature 120 protrudes, the cross-section of the protruding body 122 is larger than the cross-section of the protruding connecting portion 124. The tensile strength of the portion where the protruding feature 120 is connected to the shell body 112 is lower than a predetermined value, so that the protruding feature 120 can be removed from the shell body 112 by a tool.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0051] While some embodiments of the general concept of this utility model have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of this utility model, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0052] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector (10), characterized in that, include: The housing (102) and the conductive terminals (104) within the housing (102), the housing (102) comprising: Shell body (112); and An external latch (114) is connected to the housing body (112) and adapted to engage with the mating housing (202) of the mating connector (20) to lock the housing (102) and the mating housing (202) together. The outer latch (114) includes an unlocking part (134), which moves to an unlocking position disengaged from the mating housing (202) when the unlocking part (134) is pressed to a predetermined pressing position. A protruding feature (120) is formed on the outer latch (114) or the shell body (112) to prevent the unlocking part (134) from being pressed to the predetermined pressing position, so as to prevent the outer latch (114) from being accidentally unlocked.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external locking latch (114) also includes: An external locking part (132) is disposed at one end of the external locking buckle (114) and is adapted to engage with a locking engagement part (212) on the mating housing (202) to lock the mating housing (202). An external locking connector (136) is disposed between the external locking part (132) and the unlocking part (134) and connected to the shell body (112), serving as a fulcrum for the external locking (114). The unlocking part (134) is disposed on the other end of the outer latch (114) relative to the outer latch locking part (132), and is used to drive the outer latch locking part (132) to disengage from the latch engaging part (212).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protruding feature (120) is provided on the unlocking part (134) and protrudes toward the shell body (112), and is adapted to abut against the shell body (112) when the unlocking part (134) moves close to the shell body (112), thereby preventing the unlocking part (134) from moving.

4. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protruding feature (120) is disposed on the shell body (112) and protrudes toward the unlocking part (134), and is adapted to abut against the unlocking part (134) when the unlocking part (134) moves close to the shell body (112), thereby preventing the unlocking part (134) from moving.

5. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer locking part (132) has a hook-shaped structure (140) that is adapted to lock with the locking part (212) on the mating connector (20).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the housing (102) and the mating connector (20) are mated and connected, the hook structure (140) is offset away from the housing body (112) under the pressure of the blocking structure of the locking engagement part (212); after the housing (102) and the mating connector (20) are mated and connected, the hook structure (140) passes over the blocking structure of the locking engagement part (212) and is no longer squeezed by the blocking structure of the locking engagement part (212), so that the hook structure (140) returns to the state before offset and locks the blocking structure of the locking engagement part (212).

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protruding feature (120) is integrally formed with the outer latch (114) or the shell body (112).

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protruding feature (120) is connected to the outer latch (114) or the shell body (112) by a weak connection.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The protruding feature (120) includes a protruding body (122) and a protruding connecting portion (124). The protruding body (122) is adapted to abut against the shell body (112) or the external latch (114) to prevent the external latch (114) from unlocking; The protruding connecting portion (124) is adapted to connect the protruding feature (120) to the external latch (114) or the shell body (112).

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The protruding connecting part (124) is a constricted structure between the protruding feature (120) and the protruding body (122) and the external latch (114) or the shell body (112); In the direction in which the protruding feature (120) protrudes, the cross-section of the protruding body (122) is larger than the cross-section of the protruding connecting portion (124).

11. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tensile strength of the portion of the protrusion (120) connected to the outer latch (114) or the shell body (112) is lower than a predetermined value, so that the protrusion (120) can be removed from the outer latch (114) or the shell body (112) by means of a tool.

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the protruding feature (120) is not removed, the unlocking part (134) cannot be pressed to the predetermined pressing position; After the protruding feature (120) is removed, the unlocking part (134) can be pressed to the predetermined pressing position.

13. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector (10) according to any one of claims 1-12; and A mating connector (20) is adapted to mate with the connector (10) for connection. When the connector (10) is mated with the mating connector (20), the conductive terminal (104) is in electrical contact with the mating terminal (204) of the mating connector (20).

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The mating connector (20) includes a mating housing (202), which includes a locking engagement part (212) that engages with the outer latch (114) of the housing (102) to lock the housing (102) and the mating housing (202) together.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The latch engagement part (212) includes a blocking block (222) adapted to engage with the hook structure (140) of the outer latch (114).

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