A retaining frame for an electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a retaining frame of an electrical connector, which includes two half-frames hinged to each other, namely a first half-frame and a second half-frame; the two half-frames can switch between a relatively closed state and a relatively open state, and the relative angles of the first half-frame and the second half-frame are different in the two states; a locking element is installed on one of the two half-frames, and the locking element can establish a connection relationship with the other half-frame so that the two half-frames can remain relatively fixed in a relatively closed state. The retaining frame of the electrical connector of the present invention is provided with a locking element on one half-frame, and the locking element can establish or release the connection relationship between the half-frame where it is located and the other half-frame, so that the two half-frames can be relatively fixed or relatively movable in a relatively closed state. When the two half-frames are relatively fixed, the two half-frames will not be opened by mistake due to external force, and the reliability of use is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of retaining frames for electrical connectors. Background Art

[0002] An electrical connector is a component commonly used in electrical engineering. Its function is to connect circuits on different devices or different modules in a circuit, so that current or signals can flow or transmit, and the circuit can achieve a predetermined function. Existing electrical connectors include a male connector and a female connector. The connection method is usually to insert the male connector into the female connector, and the electrical connection terminals in the male connector are electrically connected to the electrical connection terminals in the female connector.

[0003] The retaining frame is used to accommodate multiple electrical connectors, so that the plugging and unplugging operations of the multiple electrical connectors can be carried out in batches, thereby improving the operating efficiency.

[0004] For example, the electrical connector retaining frame disclosed in CN107925193A is composed of two half frames hinged together, and the two half frames are maintained in a closed position or an open position by elastic locking hooks 9 and 9'. The disadvantage of this solution is that, in the closed position, the two half frames are maintained in a steady state only by the elastic force of the locking hooks 9 and 9', and their state is still not stable enough. During operation, the two half frames are still prone to relative opening due to the user's misuse of force, causing the electrical connector to fall off, adding unnecessary trouble. Summary of the invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a retaining frame for an electrical connector, which aims to keep the two half frames of the retaining frame relatively fixed in a relatively closed state, so that the retaining frame has higher reliability in use.

[0006] Technical solution: To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the retaining frame of the electrical connector of the present invention comprises two half frames hinged to each other, namely a first half frame and a second half frame;

[0007] The two half frames can be switched between a relatively closed state and a relatively open state, and in the two states, the relative angles between the first half frame and the second half frame are different;

[0008] Among the two half frames, a locking element is installed on one of the half frames, and the locking element can establish a connection relationship with the other half frame so that the two half frames can remain relatively fixed in a relatively closed state.

[0009] Further, the locking element can translate and slide relative to the half frame where it is located between the retracted position and the locked position;

[0010] The locking element also has an engaging portion, and when it is in the locking position, the engaging portion is relatively engaged with the other half frame.

[0011] Further, the locking element has a sliding portion, and the sliding portion has a protruding portion;

[0012] The half frame where the locking element is located is provided with a sliding groove for the sliding part to slide, and the side wall of the sliding groove is provided with a stop groove used in cooperation with the protruding part.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking element further comprises a first portion and a second portion which sandwich the sliding portion; and the fitting portion is a clamping groove between the first portion and the second portion.

[0014] Further, an extension arm is formed on the first half frame, and the end of the extension arm is a rotation end;

[0015] The second half frame is formed with a hinge groove for use with the rotating end, and a movable groove for the extension arm to move therein;

[0016] The first half frame is also formed with a stop point outside the extension arm;

[0017] The second half frame is provided with an inflection point, and the stop points on both sides of the inflection point can respectively enable the two half frames to maintain a stable state in a relatively closed state and a relatively open state;

[0018] The inflection point is located at an exit edge of the movable groove.

[0019] Furthermore, a groove portion for accommodating the stop point is formed on one side of the inflection point portion, and the groove portion is formed outside the movable groove.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the two sides of one of the half frames has a main flange and a limiting flange;

[0021] A grounding pin male connector and a first fixing sleeve are installed on the main flange on one side; the first fixing sleeve is arranged around the mounting end of the grounding pin male connector, and a first screw is screwed on the mounting end of the grounding pin male connector, and the inward side of the limiting flange on this side abuts against the first screw;

[0022] The main flange on the other side is equipped with a grounding pin female, a grounding pin protective sleeve and a second fixing sleeve; the grounding pin protective sleeve has an arc-shaped buckle plugged into the main flange, and the plugging end of the grounding pin female is wrapped by the grounding pin protective sleeve; the second fixing sleeve is arranged around the fixed end of the grounding pin male, and a second screw is screwed on the fixed end of the grounding pin female, and the inward side of the limiting flange on this side presses against the second screw.

[0023] Furthermore, the first fixing sleeve and the second fixing sleeve constrain the two half frames from both sides, so that the two half frames are aligned in the relative rotation axis direction.

[0024] Furthermore, a plurality of pairs of first fixing holes and second fixing holes are arranged in pairs on the two half frames, and the sizes of the two fixing holes are different.

[0025] Furthermore, the two half frames are both stamped sheet metal parts.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The retaining frame of the electrical connector of the present invention, by arranging a locking element on one half frame, the locking element can establish or release the connection relationship between the half frame where it is located and the other half frame, so that the two half frames can be relatively fixed or relatively movable in a relatively closed state. When the two half frames are relatively fixed, the two half frames will not be accidentally opened due to external force, and the reliability of use is high. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Attached Figure 1 A retaining frame for an electrical connector in a relatively closed state;

[0028] Attached Figure 2 A retaining frame for an electrical connector in a relatively open state;

[0029] Attached Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a locking element;

[0030] Attached Figure 4 is a state diagram when the locking element is in the locked position;

[0031] Attached Figure 5 is a state diagram when the locking element is in a retracted position;

[0032] Attached Figure 6 For attachment Figure 1 A magnified view of part A;

[0033] Attached Figure 7 For attachment Figure 2 A magnified view of part B;

[0034] Attached Figure 8 To keep the exploded view of the frame;

[0035] Attached Fig. 9 To maintain the cutaway view of the frame;

[0036] Attached Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the ground pin portion of the holding frame;

[0037] Attached Fig.11 This is a diagram of the state before two retaining frames with electrical connectors are plugged in during use.

[0038] In the figure: 1-first half frame; 11-extension arm; 12-rotation end; 13-stop point; 14-slide groove; 15-stop groove; 16-first fixing hole; 17-flange portion; 2-second half frame; 21-hinge groove; 22-movable groove; 23-inflection point; 24-groove portion; 25-main flange; 26-limit flange; 27-second fixing hole; 3-locking element; 31-fitting portion; 32-raised portion; 33-sliding portion; 34-first part; 35-second part; 4-grounding pin male head; 5-grounding pin female head; 6-grounding pin protective sleeve; 61-arc buckle; 7-first fixing sleeve; 8-first screw; 9-second fixing sleeve; 10-second screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] As attached Figure 1 The holding frame of the electrical connector shown in the figure comprises two half frames hinged to each other, namely the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2; the two half frames can be switched between a relatively closed state and a relatively open state, and the relative angles of the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 are different in the two states. The main bodies of the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 are both U-shaped, and both of the main bodies have three side walls. In the relatively closed state, as shown in the attached figure, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the end face of the first half frame 1 and the end face of the second half frame 2 are parallel to each other, that is, the relative angle between the two is 180°, and the two form a closed rectangular frame, the middle of the rectangular frame is a through hole that passes through from top to bottom, and the extension direction of the relative rotation axis of the two is perpendicular to the through direction of the through hole; in the relatively open state, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, viewed in the axial direction relative to the rotation axis, the angle between the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 is an obtuse angle.

[0041] A plurality of first fixing holes 16 and a plurality of second fixing holes 27 are formed on the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 respectively. The number of the first fixing holes 16 on the first half frame 1 and the number of the second fixing holes 27 on the second half frame 2 are the same and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0042] In actual use, multiple electrical connectors can be installed between the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2. Raised fixing parts are respectively provided on both sides of the electrical connector. In a relatively closed state, the fixing parts on both sides of the electrical connector are respectively embedded in a first fixing hole 16 and a second fixing hole 27, and the electrical connector cannot be separated from the two half frames. In a relatively open state, the electrical connector can be disassembled relative to the two half frames. The sizes of the fixing parts on both sides of the electrical connector on the market are one large and one small. In order to prevent the user from installing the electrical connector upside down when installing it between the two half frames, the specifications of the first fixing hole 16 and the second fixing hole 27 are one large and one small. This can achieve a fool-proof effect, so that the user can install the electrical connector in place at one time.

[0043] In order to relatively fix the two half frames in a relatively closed state so that the two cannot rotate relative to each other even if subjected to a certain external force, locking elements 3 are installed on both sides of the first half frame 1. The locking elements 3 can establish a connection relationship with the second half frame 2 so that the two half frames can remain relatively fixed in the relatively closed state. The locking elements 3 are installed on the first half frame 1 and will never be separated from the first half frame 1, so there is no risk of falling or even losing.

[0044] Specifically, as attached Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the locking element 3 is in an I-shape as a whole, and is composed of a sliding portion 33 in the middle and a first portion 34 and a second portion 35 on both sides of the sliding portion 33; both sides of the first half frame 1 have flange portions 17 extending from the side walls of its main body and perpendicular to the side walls of the main body, and the flange portions 17 have a slide groove 14, and the sliding portion 33 and the slide groove 14 are slidably matched, so that the locking element 3 can be translated back and forth between the retracted position and the locked position relative to the first half frame 1; when the locking element 3 is in the retracted position, as shown in the attached Figure 2 As shown, the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 can rotate relative to each other; the locking element 3 has an interlocking portion 31, and when the locking element 3 is in the locked position, the interlocking portion 31 is relatively interlocked with the second half frame 2. The interlocking relationship referred to here means that the interlocking portion 31 and the local portion on the second half frame 2 can be close to each other so that the two have a cross-engaging relationship. In fact, there are many structures that meet the above-mentioned interlocking relationship, and these structures should all be regarded as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention. The structure adopted in this embodiment is as follows: the first part 34 and the second part 35 are both longer than the length of the sliding part 33, so that both have a portion extending outside the sliding part 33, and the interlocking portion 31 is a clamping groove formed between the first part 34 and the second part 35; the second half frame 2 has a main flange 25, and when the locking element 3 is pushed to the locked position, the above-mentioned clamping groove clamps the edge of the main flange 25 to achieve the interlocking of the two, as shown in the attached Figure 4 shown.

[0045] In addition, the first portion 34 and the second portion 35 are also wider than the sliding portion 33 , so that both sides of the locking element 3 have notches. Thus, both sides of the first portion 34 and the second portion 35 wrap the sides of the sliding groove 14 .

[0046] Preferably, in order to prevent the locking element 3 from accidentally sliding relative to the first half frame 1, the locking element 3 is provided with a stop structure. When the locking element 3 is in the retracted position and the locked position, the stop structure can keep the locking element 3 in the current position. Specifically, the stop structure is a protrusion 32 on the sliding portion 33, and the side wall of the above-mentioned slide groove 14 is provided with a stop groove 15 used for matching with the protrusion 32. In this embodiment, only one set of stop grooves 15 is provided on the side wall of the slide groove 14; when the locking element 3 is in the retracted position, the protrusion is embedded in the stop groove 15 (as shown in the attached figure). Figure 5 When the locking element 3 is in the locked position, the protrusion is located at the end of the slide groove 14 (as shown in the attached Figure 4 As shown). In this way, the locking element 3 can be kept in a stable state in both positions, and the stable state of the locking element 3 is released and slides only when the locking element 3 is subjected to a large thrust. The locking element 3 is preferably made of plastic material.

[0047] In order to realize the relative rotation between the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2, an extension arm 11 is formed on the first half frame 1, and the end of the extension arm 11 is a rotating end 12; a hinge groove 21 used in conjunction with the rotating end 12 and a movable groove 22 for the extension arm 11 to move therein are formed on the second half frame 2; the extension arm 11 can move in the movable groove 22, and the two side edges of the movable groove 22 can limit the movable angle of the extension arm 11, so that the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 can only rotate within a limited angle range.

[0048] When the locking element 3 does not relatively fix the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2, if there are no other structural restrictions, the relative rotation of the first half frame 1 and the second half frame 2 is relatively free, which will cause trouble for the disassembly and assembly of the electrical connector relative to the retaining frame. The user needs to manually maintain the two half frames in a relatively closed state or a relatively open state. For this reason, it is necessary to set an additional structure so that the two half frames can maintain a stable state in the two states respectively.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first half frame 1 is further formed with a stop point 13 outside the extension arm 11; the second half frame 2 is provided with an inflection point 23. When the stop points 13 are located on both sides of the inflection point 23, the two half frames can maintain a stable state in a relatively closed state and a relatively open state, respectively. Figure 6 With attached Figure 7As shown; the inflection point 23 is located at an exit edge of the movable groove 22, that is, in the surface extending from the surface of the inflection point 23, the surface extending to one side of the inflection point 23 facing the inside of the movable groove 22, and the surface extending to the other side of the inflection point 23 facing the outside of the movable groove 22. In this way, when the stop card point 13 is on either side of the inflection point 23, the inflection point 23 will limit the stop card point 13 so that it cannot rotate naturally. Only when the two half frames receive a large torsional force, the stop card point 13 will rub the inflection point 23 to move to the other side so that the two half frames can maintain a stable state in another state. When the locking element 3 is kept in the retracted position, the stop structure can prevent the locking element 3 from falling off or even being lost from the first half frame 1 when the two half frames are in a relatively open state, avoiding unnecessary trouble; when the locking element 3 is kept in the locked position, the stop structure can prevent the locking element 3 from accidentally sliding out of the current position and failing to maintain the two half frames. This solution has a simple structure and is effective and reliable.

[0050] Preferably, a groove portion 24 for accommodating the stop point 13 is formed on one side of the inflection point portion 23, and the groove portion 24 is formed outside the movable groove 22. The groove portion 24 plays a role of giving way, so that there is space to accommodate the stop point 13 when it moves to the side where it is located.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the two half frames are both stamped sheet metal parts, which are preferably stamped from stainless steel. Compared with the traditional process of zinc alloy die-casting and then galvanizing for rust prevention, the stamping of sheet metal parts requires fewer processes and has lower costs.

[0052] In actual use, the two half frames need to be grounded to keep all electrical connectors in the frame grounded to prevent static electricity from damaging the electrical connectors or electrical connector leakage from endangering the safety of people and equipment. To this end, a grounding pin needs to be set on the frame.

[0053] When in use, the frames are kept in pairs. Fig.11 As shown, multiple electrical connectors can be installed on each retaining frame, and the electrical connectors on the two retaining frames are arranged in pairs. The two retaining frames are relatively close to each other to achieve the plug-in of all electrical connectors on the two retaining frames. Therefore, it is necessary to install a grounding pin male connector 4 and a grounding pin female connector 5 on each retaining frame. When the electrical connectors on the two retaining frames are plugged in, the grounding pin male connectors 4 and the grounding pin female connectors 5 on the two frames are also plugged in respectively.

[0054] As attached Figure 8As shown, on both sides of the second half frame 2, each side is provided with a main flange 25 and a limiting flange 26; a grounding pin male connector 4 and a first fixing sleeve 7 are installed on the main flange 25 of one side; the grounding pin male connector 4 has a plug end and a mounting end, the first fixing sleeve 7 is placed between the main flange 25 and the limiting flange 26 of the side where it is located, and the first fixing sleeve 7 is arranged around the mounting end of the grounding pin male connector 4, and a first screw 8 is screwed on the mounting end of the grounding pin male connector 4, and the inward side of the limiting flange 26 of this side (the side close to the main flange 25) abuts against the first screw 8 (as shown in the attached figure). Fig.10 As shown); through this structure, the first fixing sleeve 7 stops the grounding pin male connector 4 from rotating and maintains its stability. The first screw 8 can not only be used to fix the wire to the installation end of the grounding pin male connector 4, but also play a role in keeping the grounding pin male connector 4 fixed due to its role in the limiting flange 26, and indirectly keeps the first fixing sleeve 7 fixed. During installation, first insert the first fixing sleeve 7 between the main flange 25 and the limiting flange 26, then insert the grounding pin male connector 4 into the hole on the main flange 25 where it is located and embed the installation end of the grounding pin male connector 4 into the first fixing sleeve 7, and finally screw the first screw 8 into the installation end of the grounding pin male connector 4.

[0055] The main flange 25 on the other side of the second half frame 2 is provided with a grounding pin female connector 5, a grounding pin protective sleeve 6 and a second fixing sleeve 9; the grounding pin protective sleeve 6 plays a guiding role in the process of inserting the grounding pin male connector 4 on the other holding frame into the grounding pin female connector 5 on the holding frame; the grounding pin female connector 5 has a plug hole end and a fixed end; the grounding pin protective sleeve 6 has an arc-shaped buckle 61 plugged into the plug hole reserved on the main flange 25, and the plug end of the grounding pin female connector 5 is wrapped inside by the grounding pin protective sleeve 6; the second fixing sleeve 9 is placed between the main flange 25 and the limiting flange 26 on the side where it is located, and the second fixing sleeve 9 is arranged around the fixed end of the grounding pin male connector 4, and a second screw 10 is screwed on the fixed end of the grounding pin female connector 5, and the inner side of the limiting flange 26 on this side (the side close to the main flange 25) abuts against the second screw 10. The functions of the second screw 10 and the second fixing sleeve 9 are consistent with those of the first screw 8 and the first fixing sleeve 7 mentioned above. The installation order of the above-mentioned components is as follows: first, insert the arc buckle 61 of the grounding pin protective sleeve 6 into the reserved plug-in hole on the main flange 25. The arc buckle 61 will produce elastic deformation during the insertion of the arc buckle 61 into the plug-in hole; then, place the second fixing sleeve 9 between the main flange 25 and the limiting flange 26 on its side; then, install the grounding pin female connector 5 so that its plug-in hole end is inserted into the grounding pin protective sleeve 6, and its fixed end is embedded in the second fixing sleeve 9. The plug-in hole end of the grounding pin female connector 5 prevents the arc buckle 61 from producing elastic deformation, so the arc buckle 61 cannot fall out of the plug-in hole under the action of external force, so the grounding pin female connector 5 fixes the grounding pin protective sleeve 6; finally, screw the second screw 10 into the fixed end of the grounding pin female connector 5.

[0056] Preferably, the first fixing sleeve 7 and the second fixing sleeve 9 constrain the two half frames from both sides so that the two half frames are aligned in the relative rotation axis direction. Fig. 9 As shown, part of the side wall of the first fixing sleeve 7 is a plane, and this part of the side wall is against the side walls of the two half frames at the same time. The second fixing sleeve 9 is the same. In this way, the two fixing sleeves can limit the two half frames to a fixed length (this length is the length of each half frame), so that the two half frames are aligned and will not be misaligned.

[0057] The retaining frame of the electrical connector of the present invention has a locking element arranged on one half frame, and the locking element can establish or release the connection relationship between the half frame where it is located and the other half frame, so that the two half frames can be relatively fixed or relatively movable in a relatively closed state. When the two half frames are relatively fixed, the two half frames will not be opened by mistake due to external force, and the reliability of use is high.

[0058] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retaining frame for an electrical connector, characterized in that: It comprises two half frames hinged to each other, namely a first half frame (1) and a second half frame (2); The two half frames can be switched between a relatively closed state and a relatively open state, and in the two states, the relative angles of the first half frame (1) and the second half frame (2) are different; Among the two half frames, one of the half frames is provided with a locking element (3), and the locking element (3) can establish a connection relationship with the other half frame so that the two half frames can be kept relatively fixed in a relatively closed state; The locking element (3) can translate and slide between a retracted position and a locked position relative to the half frame where it is located; The locking element (3) further comprises a fitting portion (31), and when it is in the locking position, the fitting portion (31) is fitted relative to the other half frame; The locking element (3) is provided with a sliding portion (33), and the sliding portion (33) is provided with a protruding portion (32); The half frame where the locking element (3) is located is provided with a sliding groove (14) for the sliding portion (33) to slide, and the side wall of the sliding groove (14) is provided with a stop groove (15) used in conjunction with the protruding portion (32); The locking element (3) further comprises a first portion (34) and a second portion (35) which sandwich the sliding portion (33); the first portion (34) and the second portion (35) are both longer than the sliding portion (33), so that both have portions extending outside the sliding portion (33), and the engaging portion (31) is a clamping groove between the first portion (34) and the second portion (35); the first portion (34) and the second portion (35) are both wider than the width of the sliding portion (33), so that both sides of the locking element (3) have grooves, and both sides of the first portion (34) and the second portion (35) wrap the side edges of both sides of the sliding groove (14).

2. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: An extension arm (11) is formed on the first half frame (1), and an end of the extension arm (11) is a rotating end (12); The second half frame (2) is formed with a hinge groove (21) for use with the rotating end (12), and a movable groove (22) for the extension arm (11) to move therein; The first half frame (1) is also provided with a stop point (13) disposed outside the extension arm (11); The second half frame (2) is provided with an inflection point (23), and when the stop points (13) are located on both sides of the inflection point (23), the two half frames can respectively maintain a stable state in a relatively closed state and a relatively open state; The inflection point (23) is located at an exit edge of the movable groove (22).

3. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that A groove portion (24) for accommodating the stop point (13) is formed on one side of the inflection point portion (23), and the groove portion (24) is formed outside the movable groove (22).

4. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the two sides of one of the half frames is provided with a main flange (25) and a limiting flange (26); A grounding pin male connector (4) and a first fixing sleeve (7) are installed on the main flange (25) on one side; the first fixing sleeve (7) is arranged around the installation end of the grounding pin male connector (4), and a first screw (8) is screwed on the installation end of the grounding pin male connector (4), and the inward side of the limiting flange (26) on this side abuts against the first screw (8); The main flange (25) on the other side is provided with a grounding pin female connector (5), a grounding pin protective sleeve (6) and a second fixing sleeve (9); the grounding pin protective sleeve (6) is provided with an arc-shaped buckle (61) plugged into the main flange (25), and the plugging end of the grounding pin female connector (5) is wrapped around the grounding pin protective sleeve (6); the second fixing sleeve (9) is arranged around the fixed end of the grounding pin male connector (4), and a second screw (10) is screwed onto the fixed end of the grounding pin female connector (5), and the inward side of the limiting flange (26) on this side abuts against the second screw (10).

5. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that The first fixing sleeve (7) and the second fixing sleeve (9) constrain the two half frames from both sides so that the two half frames are aligned in the relative rotation axis direction.

6. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of pairs of first fixing holes (16) and second fixing holes (27) are arranged in pairs on the two half frames, and the sizes of the two fixing holes are different.

7. The holding frame of the electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two half frames are both stamped sheet metal parts.

Images