Waterproof connector and waterproof cover thereof

Abstract

A waterproof connector and a waterproof cover thereof are provided. The waterproof connector includes a connector body and the waterproof cover. The connector body includes a metal shell having an inner surface and an outer surface. The metal shell forms a buckling edge corresponding to a groove defined by the outer surface. The waterproof cover is adapted to sheathe the metal shell and has an inner ring-wall and an outer ring-wall surrounding the inner ring-wall. The inner ring-wall has a waterproof flange abutting against to the inner surface. The outer ring-wall has a buckling flange facing to the waterproof flange and extended into the groove to buckle the buckling edge. The waterproof flange and the buckling flange abut against to each other and clamp the metal shell. Therefore, the buckling flange stably buckles the buckling edge such that the waterproof flange may tightly abut against to the inner surface to perform better waterproof effect.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to connectors, and in particular to a waterproof connector and its waterproof cover. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Connectors used for mating with other connectors are usually placed on the panel of electronic products, which makes it easy for external water, moisture and other substances to enter the connector. Therefore, it is necessary to waterproof them before mating.

[0003] Conventional connectors are provided with a waterproof component for this purpose. The waterproof component is provided corresponding to the connector's socket and has a pair of barbed arms on its outer side, which are used to hook onto the outer wall of the connector for fixation; the waterproof component is also provided with a waterproof gasket that can abut against the connector, so that the waterproof gasket is deformed by the abutment, thereby achieving waterproofing.

[0004] However, conventional connectors, which are fixed to the connector with barbed arms, have the problem of unstable reliability. The barbed arms often shift or detach from the outside of the connector, which leads to the barbed arms being unable to push the connector toward the waterproof gasket (or the pushing force of the barbed arms is greatly weakened), affecting the waterproof effect of the waterproof gasket. In other words, the waterproof component set in conventional connectors has poor waterproof effect, and external water and moisture can still enter the connector, causing damage to the connector. This has long been criticized.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art is a major issue that the creator of this application urgently wants to solve. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a waterproof connector and its waterproof cover, which can ensure that the waterproof cover is securely fastened to the connector body without shifting or falling off, and that the waterproof cover is tightly and securely abutted against the connector body, thus achieving a better waterproof effect.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, this application provides a waterproof cover for covering a connector body having a metal shell. The metal shell has an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface that are opposite to each other. The outer peripheral surface has a groove, and the metal shell has a snap-fit ​​edge corresponding to the groove. The waterproof cover includes: an inner ring wall having a waterproof flange; and an outer ring wall surrounding the inner ring wall and having a snap-fit ​​flange. The waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange are arranged facing each other. The waterproof cover is fitted onto the metal shell, the snap-fit ​​flange extends into the groove and is snapped onto the snap-fit ​​edge, the waterproof flange abuts against the inner peripheral surface, and the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange press against and clamp the metal shell relative to each other.

[0008] This application further provides a waterproof connector, comprising: a connector body including a metal shell having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface facing each other, the outer peripheral surface having a groove, and the metal shell having a snap-fit ​​edge corresponding to the groove; and a waterproof cover fitted onto the metal shell, the waterproof cover having an inner ring wall and an outer ring wall surrounding the inner ring wall, the inner ring wall having a waterproof flange, the outer ring wall having a snap-fit ​​flange, the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange being arranged facing each other, the snap-fit ​​flange correspondingly extending into the groove and snapped against the snap-fit ​​edge, the waterproof flange abutting against the inner peripheral surface, and the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange pressing against and clamping the metal shell relative to each other.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following effects: it can ensure that the snap-fit ​​flange is firmly snapped against the snap-fit ​​edge without shifting or falling off, and it can also make the waterproof flange tightly and reliably abut against the inner circumferential surface, thus having a better waterproof effect and ensuring that external water and moisture will not enter the connector body.

Implementation Method

[0010] The detailed description and technical content of this application are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0011] This application provides a waterproof connector and its waterproof cover. The waterproof connector is used to fix on an electronic product or its panel (not shown in the figure) so that a mating connector (not shown in the figure) can be inserted into it after the waterproof cover is removed. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, it has a mating direction D1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the waterproof connector of this application includes: a connector body 1 and a waterproof cover 3. The connector body 1 has a socket 117 for the aforementioned mating connector to be inserted. The waterproof cover 3 is used to cover the socket 117 to prevent external water or moisture from entering the connector body 1 through the socket 117.

[0013] The connector body 1 includes a metal shell 11, a terminal assembly 14, and a fixing member 15. The metal shell 11 is a hollow shell, and therefore has an inner peripheral surface 111 and an outer peripheral surface 112 that are opposite to each other, and one end of the metal shell 11 forms the aforementioned insertion port 117. In addition, the metal shell 11 defines the aforementioned insertion direction D1 and also defines a radial direction D2, which is perpendicular to the insertion direction D1.

[0014] A groove 12 is provided near the insertion port 117 on the outer peripheral surface 112. The groove 12 can be a 360-degree surrounding groove around the outer peripheral surface 112, or a plurality of recessed grooves spaced apart around the outer peripheral surface 112. This application does not limit this. At the other end of the outer peripheral surface 112 corresponding to the metal shell 11, there is an external thread section (not indicated) for screwing together the fastener 15 with internal threads. It should be noted that the recess direction of the groove 12 is from the outer peripheral surface 112 toward the inner peripheral surface 111, thus forming a slot 123 facing radially D2. The metal shell 11 also forms a snap-fit ​​edge 121 and a stop edge 122 spaced apart and opposite to each other in the insertion direction D1, and the slot 123 is located between the snap-fit ​​edge 121 and the stop edge 122.

[0015] Terminal assembly 14 is disposed on metal housing 11, and one end of terminal assembly 14 extends into metal housing 11 for the mating connectors to conduct to each other after insertion, while the other end protrudes out of connector body 1 for soldering.

[0016] The waterproof cover 3 is used to fit onto the metal shell 11 at the corresponding position of the socket 117, so as to seal the socket 117 using the waterproof cover 3. It should be noted that the waterproof cover 3 defines a fitting direction D1 that is the same as the aforementioned insertion direction D1, and also defines a radial direction D2 that is perpendicular to the fitting direction D1. Therefore, the fitting direction D1 and the aforementioned insertion direction D1 are both facing the same direction (therefore, the same component symbol is used). This application does not limit whether the direction to be followed is the insertion direction D1 or the fitting direction D1, since they are the same direction. In this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 will be used for description.

[0017] The waterproof cover 3 can be a multi-piece assembly structure (not shown in the figure) or a one-piece molded structure as shown in the figure. This application does not limit this, but in this embodiment, the one-piece molded structure is used as an example for description. The waterproof cover 3 includes an inner ring wall 31, an outer ring wall 33 and a cover body 35 that are integrally formed with each other. The inner ring wall 31 and the outer ring wall 33 both extend integrally from one side of the cover body 35 along the insertion direction D1, and the outer ring wall 33 is spaced around the inner ring wall 31.

[0018] The inner ring wall 31 has a waterproof flange 311 that protrudes generally in the radial direction D2, and the outer ring wall 33 has a snap-fit ​​flange 3322 that protrudes generally in the radial direction D2. The waterproof flange 311 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 are spaced apart from each other and arranged facing each other, so as to define an opposing direction D3 between the waterproof flange 311 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322. In addition, both the waterproof flange 311 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 are 360-degree circumferential flanges. It should be noted that the waterproof cover 3 can be integrally molded from a waterproof material, and the shape of the waterproof flange 311 can be roughly similar to that of a waterproof gasket, so the waterproof flange 311 will elastically deform when pressed to achieve waterproofing.

[0019] Preferably, the length of the outer ring wall 33 extending integrally along the insertion direction D1 is greater than the length of the inner ring wall 31 extending integrally along the insertion direction D1. In other words, the inner ring wall 31 and the outer ring wall 33 are parallel to each other, but due to the different extension lengths, the aforementioned opposing direction D3 will be tilted at an angle relative to the radial direction D2, and of course, it will also be tilted at another angle relative to the insertion direction D1, so that the waterproof flange 311 and the snap flange 3322 are obliquely spaced relative to each other with respect to the insertion direction D1.

[0020] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, during assembly, when the waterproof cover 3 is fitted onto the metal shell 11 at the position of the insertion port 117 along the insertion direction (fitting direction) D1, the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 will extend into the groove 12 and snap onto the snap-fit ​​edge 121 of the metal shell 11 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D1, so as to prevent the waterproof cover 3 from detaching from the connector body 1 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D1; moreover, the waterproof flange 311 will also abut against the inner circumferential surface 111 of the metal shell 11, and can elastically deform as shown in Figure 5 to waterproof when abutting, so that the waterproof flange 311 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 can press against the metal shell 11 relative to each other and clamp the metal shell 11 relative to each other. It should be noted that when the waterproof cover 3 is fitted onto the metal shell 11, since the outer ring wall 33 forms a wall edge 331 at its extended end, and this wall edge 331 can be blocked by the blocking edge 122, this can indicate that the waterproof cover 3 has been fitted, while ensuring that the waterproof flange 311 and the snap flange 3322 will not slip off in the relative clamping position of the metal shell 11.

[0021] Thus, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the 360-degree surrounding waterproof flange 311 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 will each clamp the metal shell 11 with a clamping force P in opposite directions D3 (clamped on the inner circumferential surface 111 and the outer circumferential surface 112 respectively). In addition to ensuring that the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 is firmly snapped against the snap-fit ​​edge 121 without shifting or falling off, the waterproof flange 311 can also be tightly and reliably abutted against the inner circumferential surface 111. Therefore, it has a better waterproof effect, ensuring that external water and moisture will not enter the connector body 1 through the socket 117, nor will they seep into the connector body 1 through the socket 117 from the adjacent part between the waterproof cover 3 and the metal shell 11. The waterproof effect is far superior to the previous technology.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, this application does not specify how the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 is formed. Specifically, it is formed by a protrusion 332 protruding from the outer ring wall 33, as detailed below.

[0023] The outer ring wall 33 has a 360-degree circumferential protrusion 332 protruding radially D2 on the side facing the inner ring wall 31. The protrusion 332 corresponds to the groove 12 and a snap-fit ​​flange 3322 is formed at one corner. After the waterproof cover 3 is fitted, the protrusion 332 can be inserted into the groove 12 and the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 can be snapped against the snap-fit ​​edge 121. This ensures that the aforementioned clamping force P for relative clamping is formed with sufficient force, and further ensures that the snap-fit ​​flange 3322 is kept firmly snapped against the snap-fit ​​edge 121 without displacement or detachment.

[0024] In addition, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, in order to facilitate the fitting of the waterproof cover 3 onto the metal shell 11, the protrusion 332 has a side surface 3321. The side surface 3321 faces the outer peripheral surface 112 and is tilted at a certain angle relative to the insertion direction D1, so that the outer ring wall 33 forms a flared mouth 336 at the side surface 3321. The diameter of the flared mouth 336 gradually increases along the insertion direction D1, which facilitates the fitting of the waterproof cover 3.

[0025] In summary, the waterproof connector and its waterproof cover of this application can indeed achieve the expected use purpose and effect, and can solve the shortcomings of the prior art. Therefore, this patent application is filed.

[0026] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the scope of the patent of this application. All equivalent structural changes made by using the content of this application specification and drawings are also included in the scope of the rights of this application and are hereby stated. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the waterproof connector of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the waterproof cover in this application.

[0029] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the waterproof connector of this application before assembly.

[0030] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the waterproof connector of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the waterproof connector of this application after assembly.

Claims

1. A waterproof cover for fitting onto a connector body having a metal shell, the metal shell having opposing inner and outer peripheral surfaces, the outer peripheral surface having a groove, and the metal shell having a snap-fit ​​edge corresponding to the groove, the waterproof cover comprising: An inner ring wall with a waterproof flange; And an outer ring wall, which is surrounded by the inner ring wall and has a snap-fit ​​flange, the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange being arranged facing each other; wherein, the waterproof cover is fitted onto the metal shell, the snap-fit ​​flange extends into the groove and is snapped onto the fastening edge, the waterproof flange abuts against the inner circumferential surface, and the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange press against and clamp the metal shell relative to each other.

2. The waterproof cap as described in claim 1, wherein both the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange are circumferential flanges.

3. The waterproof cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer ring wall has a wall edge for being blocked.

4. The waterproof cap as described in claim 1, wherein the waterproof cap defines a sleeve direction and a radial direction perpendicular to the sleeve direction, and a counter-direction is defined between the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange, the counter-direction being inclined at an angle relative to the radial direction.

5. The waterproof cap as claimed in claim 4, wherein the protruding length of the outer ring wall along the sleeve direction is greater than the protruding length of the inner ring wall along the sleeve direction, and the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall are spaced apart from each other along the radial direction.

6. The waterproof cover as described in claim 1, wherein a protrusion is formed on the side of the outer ring wall facing the inner ring wall, the protrusion serving as an insert and having the snap-fit ​​flange.

7. The waterproof cap as described in claim 6, the waterproof cap defining a sleeve direction and a radial direction perpendicular to the sleeve direction, the protrusion being a circumferential body and having a side side that is inclined relative to the sleeve direction, the outer ring wall forming a flared opening opposite the side side, the diameter of the flared opening gradually increasing along the sleeve direction.

8. The waterproof cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterproof flange is a waterproof gasket formed of a waterproof material.

9. The waterproof cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterproof flange is elastically deformable by pressure.

10. A waterproof connector, comprising: A connector body includes a metal shell having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface facing each other, the outer peripheral surface having a groove, and the metal shell having a snap-fit ​​edge corresponding to the groove; and a waterproof cover fitted onto the metal shell, the waterproof cover having an inner ring wall and an outer ring wall surrounding the inner ring wall, the inner ring wall having a waterproof flange, the outer ring wall having a snap-fit ​​flange, the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange being arranged facing each other, the snap-fit ​​flange correspondingly extending into the groove and snapping against the snap-fit ​​edge, the waterproof flange abutting against the inner peripheral surface, and the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange pressing against and clamping the metal shell relative to each other.

11. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metal housing defines a mating direction and a radial direction perpendicular to the mating direction, the groove surrounds the outer peripheral surface and forms a slot facing the radial direction, and the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange are both circumferential flanges.

12. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metal shell further forms a stop edge corresponding to the groove, the snap-fit ​​edge and the stop edge are spaced apart from each other, and the outer ring wall is stopped by the stop edge.

13. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metal housing defines a mating direction and a radial direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and a counter-direction is defined between the waterproof flange and the snap-fit ​​flange, the counter-direction being inclined at an angle relative to the radial direction.

14. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the protrusion length of the outer ring wall along the insertion direction is greater than the protrusion length of the inner ring wall along the insertion direction, and the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall are spaced apart from each other along the radial direction.

15. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein a protrusion protrudes from the side of the outer ring wall facing the inner ring wall, the protrusion being embedded in the groove and forming the snap-fit ​​flange.

16. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 15, wherein the metal housing defines a mating direction and a radial direction perpendicular to the mating direction, the protrusion is a surround and has a side facing the outer peripheral surface, the side facing the mating direction being inclined relative to the mating direction, and the outer ring wall forms a flared opening corresponding to the side facing the flared opening, the diameter of the flared opening gradually increasing along the mating direction.

17. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the waterproof flange is a waterproof gasket formed of a waterproof material.

18. The waterproof connector as claimed in claim 10, wherein the waterproof flange is elastically deformed by pressing against the inner peripheral surface.

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