Plug connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a plug connector and a connector assembly. A plug connector for use with a mating socket connector, the socket connector comprising a cavity for at least partially receiving the plug connector, the cavity having an opening, wherein the plug connector comprises: a plug body; at least one terminal wire slot provided on the plug body and configured to receive at least one cable in a first direction; and a resilient latching mechanism configured to form a latching engagement with a latching counterpart provided in the cavity via a resilient restoring force during insertion of the plug body into the cavity from the opening, wherein the resilient latching mechanism is provided on the plug body in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The plug connector of the present disclosure can increase the retention force of the plug connector and the socket connector in mating, avoid falling off from the socket connector, and effectively increase the service life of the plug connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connections, and more particularly to a plug connector and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are indispensable components in electronic devices, enabling rapid connections between insulated cables, between insulated cables and printed circuit boards (PCBs), or between PCBs. Insulated displacement connectors (also known as IDC connectors) are a type of connector that typically includes both plug and socket connectors. Plug connectors utilize insulated displacement terminals to pierce the insulation of the insulated cable, achieving an electrical connection between the terminals and the cable. Socket connectors have metal solder pins; when the plug connector is inserted into the socket connector, one end of the solder pin connects to the insulated displacement terminal, and the other end can be soldered to the PCB, thus establishing an electrical connection between the insulated cable and the PCB.

[0003] Therefore, the plug connector and the socket connector need to be securely assembled to ensure the reliability of their electrical connection. Current plug connectors have two protrusions, and correspondingly, the socket connector has two channels, each closed at one end, at the corresponding positions. When the plug connector is inserted into the socket connector, the protrusions first interfere with the inner surface of the socket connector, and then enter the channels and engage with them. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Current plug connectors undergo repeated insertion and removal during use, which can lead to wear or damage to the protrusions. This results in insufficient retention force of the plug connector within the socket connector, making it prone to detachment during operation. To address this technical problem, this disclosure proposes a plug connector, a socket connector, and a connector assembly.

[0005] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a plug connector for use with a mating receptacle connector, the receptacle connector including a cavity for at least partially receiving the plug connector, the cavity having an opening, wherein the plug connector includes: a plug body; at least one terminal slot disposed on the plug body and configured to receive at least one cable in a first direction; and a resilient locking mechanism configured to engage with a locking mating member disposed in the cavity via a resilient restoring force during insertion into the cavity together with the plug body from the opening, wherein the resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the plug body in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0006] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, wear or damage to the locking mechanism caused by repeated plugging and unplugging of the connector is avoided, thus extending the service life of the connector. Furthermore, utilizing the elastic restoring force of the resilient locking mechanism for locking engagement increases the retaining force after connector mating, preventing the plug connector from detaching from the socket connector, resulting in a more reliable electrical connection.

[0007] In one embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism includes: a pair of spring arms, each bent upward from one side of the plug body and extending above the upper surface of the plug body; and a crossbeam disposed between and connected to the pair of spring arms, the crossbeam and the pair of spring arms forming at least one slot, the slot being configured to allow a support portion of a crimping device to pass through and be supported on the upper surface of the socket body when the cable is crimped.

[0008] In one embodiment, the locking mating member includes a protrusion extending downward from the upper edge of the opening, and the crossbeam is configured to engage with the protrusion when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, as the plug connector is inserted into the cavity, the crossbeam is compressed by the protrusions, causing a pair of spring arms to generate an elastic restoring force.

[0010] In one embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism further includes a pressing portion connected to a pair of spring arms.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plug connector further includes a locking protection mechanism disposed on the plug body and configured to prevent cables from entering the gap between the resilient locking mechanism and the plug body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking protection mechanism includes: a pair of protrusions extending upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and a pair of stops disposed at the ends of the pair of protrusions and extending upward and outward from the plug body, respectively, and configured to block exposed portions of the stop openings when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plug connector further includes a locking limiting mechanism disposed on the plug body and configured to limit the position of the resilient locking mechanism.

[0014] In one embodiment, the locking and limiting mechanism includes: a pair of stop blocks extending upward from the plug body on both sides of the elastic locking mechanism; and a pair of limiting blocks extending outward from both sides of the elastic locking mechanism and located below the stop blocks to restrict the upward movement of the elastic locking mechanism.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plug body and the resilient locking mechanism are integrally formed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism is made of engineering plastic.

[0017] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a connector assembly including a plug connector and a receptacle connector. The plug connector includes: a plug body; at least one terminal slot disposed on the plug body and configured to receive at least one cable in a first direction; and a resilient locking mechanism. The receptacle connector includes: a cavity for at least partially receiving the plug connector, the cavity having an opening; and a locking mating member disposed on the cavity. The resilient locking mechanism is configured to engage with the locking mating member via an elastic restoring force during insertion into the cavity from the opening together with the plug body, and wherein the resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the plug body in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] According to the second aspect of this disclosure, wear or damage to the locking mechanism caused by repeated plugging and unplugging of the connector is avoided, thus extending the service life of the connector. Furthermore, utilizing the elastic restoring force of the resilient locking mechanism for locking engagement increases the retaining force after connector mating, preventing the plug connector from detaching from the socket connector, resulting in a more reliable electrical connection.

[0019] In one embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism includes: a pair of spring arms, each bent upward from one side of the plug body and extending above the upper surface of the plug body; and a crossbeam disposed between and connected to the pair of spring arms, the crossbeam and the pair of spring arms forming at least one slot, the slot being configured to allow a support portion of a crimping device to pass through and be supported on the upper surface of the socket body when a cable is crimped.

[0020] In one embodiment, the locking mating member includes a protrusion extending downward from the upper edge of the opening, and the crossbeam is configured to engage with the protrusion when the plug connector is inserted into the cavity.

[0021] In one embodiment, as the plug connector is inserted into the cavity, the crossbeam is compressed by the protrusions, causing a pair of spring arms to generate an elastic restoring force.

[0022] In one embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism further includes a pressing portion connected to a pair of spring arms.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plug connector further includes a locking protection mechanism disposed on the plug body and configured to prevent cables from entering the gap between the resilient locking mechanism and the plug body.

[0024] In one embodiment, the locking protection mechanism includes: a pair of protrusions extending upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and a pair of stops disposed at the ends of the pair of protrusions and extending upward and outward from the plug body, respectively, and configured to block exposed portions of the stop openings when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plug connector further includes a locking limiting mechanism disposed on the plug body and configured to limit the position of the resilient locking mechanism.

[0026] In one embodiment, the locking and limiting mechanism includes: a pair of stop blocks extending upward from the plug body on both sides of the elastic locking mechanism; and a pair of limiting blocks extending outward from both sides of the elastic locking mechanism and located below the stop blocks to restrict the upward movement of the elastic locking mechanism.

[0027] In one embodiment, the socket connector further includes a pair of tabs extending downward from the inner top wall of the cavity and configured to be located on either side of the resilient locking mechanism when the plug connector is received in the cavity, thereby limiting the lateral position of the resilient locking mechanism in the cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Embodiments are illustrated and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the basic principles and thus only show aspects necessary for understanding the basic principles. These drawings are not to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar features.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the plug connector from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the plug connector from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the socket connector from another perspective;

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the plug connector during the wire crimping operation;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The plug connector in Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the connector assembly formed by mating the socket connectors;

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the connector assembly from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 9 For along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view after being cut along the CC line; and

[0038] Figure 10 For along Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view after being cut along the CC line. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The implementation and use of specific embodiments are described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In the description, the descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute, but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but these directional descriptions change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change. The terms "connection" or "coupling" as used herein are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "a," "pair," or "one" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one.

[0040] The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including / including but not limited to," indicating that other contents may also be included. The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment," and so on. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described herein, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0041] As mentioned earlier, current plug connectors undergo repeated insertion and removal during use, which can cause the protrusions to wear or be damaged. As a result, the retaining force of the plug connector in the socket connector becomes insufficient, making it easy for the plug connector to fall out of the socket connector during operation.

[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a plug connector, a socket connector, and a connector assembly.

[0043] The following is based on Figures 1-10 The various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with examples.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the plug connector from another perspective. Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another perspective of the plug connector. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the socket connector from another perspective. Figure 6 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the plug connector during the crimping operation. Figure 7 for Figure 1 The plug connector in Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the connector assembly formed by mating the socket connectors. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the connector assembly from another perspective. Figure 9 For along Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-section after cutting along the CC line. Figure 10 For along Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view after being cut along the CC line.

[0045] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the plug connector 100 includes a plug body 10 and terminal slots 12a-12e and a resilient locking mechanism disposed on the plug body 10. The terminal slots 12a-12e receive at least one cable in a first direction (crimping direction). During insertion into the cavity of a mating receptacle connector together with the plug body 10, the resilient locking mechanism forms a locking engagement with a locking mating member disposed on the cavity via an elastic restoring force. The resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the plug body 10 in a second direction (supporting direction) opposite to the first direction (crimping direction).

[0046] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the receptacle connector 200 includes a cavity 20 for at least partially receiving a mating plug connector, the cavity 20 having an opening 201. The receptacle connector 200 also includes a locking mating member 21 disposed within the cavity 20, which engages with the resilient locking mechanism via the elastic restoring force of the resilient locking mechanism of the plug connector during insertion of the mating plug connector from the opening 201 into the cavity.

[0047] For ease of explanation, the following describes an embodiment of the present disclosure in more detail, taking the plug connector 100 as an insulated displacement connector and the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 as examples of mutual pairing.

[0048] Specifically, refer to Figures 1-2 The plug body 10 of the plug connector 100 has a first side 101 and an opposing second side 102. The plug connector 100 is inserted from the first side 101 of the plug body 10 into the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200. The resilient locking mechanism includes a pair of spring arms 110a and 110b and a crossbeam 111 disposed between and connected to the spring arms 110a and 110b. The spring arms 110a and 110b are bent upward parallel to each other from the first side 101 of the plug body 10 and extend above the upper surface of the plug body 10, forming free ends near the second side 102 of the plug body 10. Figure 1-2 As can be seen, the crossbeam 111 forms an "H" shape with the spring arms 110a and 110b, and forms slots 112 and 112' with the spring arms 110a and 110b. Figures 1-2 As shown in the diagram, in this embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism further includes a pressing portion 113 connected to the free ends of the spring arms 110a and 110b, for providing external force to the spring arms 110a and 110b. It is understood that in some embodiments, the resilient locking mechanism may also have other shapes and structures or be located in other positions.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figures 1-8 The plug connector 100 also includes five terminal slots 12a-12e, which are used to receive five cables 40a-40e respectively (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 8 (As shown in the diagram). Five sets (ten pairs in total) of insulated displacement terminals are respectively accommodated in terminal slots 12a-12e. Figure 3In the indicated direction, when cables 40a-40e are crimped into terminal slots 12a-12e from above, the insulation displacement terminals pierce the insulation of cables 40a-40e, thereby contacting the metal core of cables 40a-40e and holding cables 40a-40e in place within terminal slots 12a-12e. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the plug connector 100 may include any number of terminal slots. In this embodiment, the resilient locking mechanism and terminal slots 12a-12e are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the plug body 10, i.e., the resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the side of the plug body 10 opposite to the crimping direction. When the cable is crimped into the terminal slots 12a-12e, the support portion of the crimping device passes through slots 112 and 112' and supports itself on the upper surface of the plug body 10 to obtain the required support force during the crimping process.

[0050] In this embodiment, the plug connector 100 further includes a locking protection mechanism disposed on the plug body 10 and used to prevent cables 40a-40e from entering the gap between the resilient locking mechanism and the plug body 10. Specifically, the locking protection mechanism includes a pair of protrusions 130a and 130b and a pair of stops 131a and 131b. The protrusions 130a and 130b extend upward from the plug body 10 on both sides of the resilient arms 110a and 110b and are spaced apart from the resilient arms 130a and 130b, respectively. The stops 131a and 131b are disposed at the ends of the protrusions 130a and 130b and extend upward and outward from the plug body 10, respectively, to stop the exposed portion of the opening 201 (which will be described in more detail below) when the plug connector 100 is received within the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200. It is understood that in some embodiments, the locking protection mechanism may also have other shapes and structures or be located in other positions.

[0051] In this embodiment, the plug connector 100 further includes a locking and limiting mechanism disposed on the plug body 10 and used to limit the position of the elastic locking mechanism 11. In this embodiment, the locking and limiting mechanism includes stop blocks 131a and 131b and limiting blocks 140a and 140b extending outward from both sides of the spring arms 110a and 110b of the elastic locking mechanism 11. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the stop blocks 131a and 131b extend above the limiting blocks 140a and 140b. This ensures that when the elastic locking mechanism moves upward, the limiting blocks 141a and 141b are blocked by the stop blocks 131a and 131b, thus limiting the upward movement range of the elastic locking mechanism and preventing damage to the elastic locking mechanism under abnormal operation. It is understood that in some embodiments, the locking limiting mechanism may also have other shapes and structures or be located in other positions.

[0052] Next reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the locking mating member 21 of the socket connector 200 includes a protrusion 21 extending downward from the upper edge of the opening 201, which engages with the crossbeam 111 of the resilient locking mechanism when the plug connector 100 is received in the socket connector 200. A pair of tabs 22a and 22b extend downward from the inner top wall of the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200, corresponding to the spring arms 110a and 110b. Grooves are formed between the spring arm 110a and the protrusion 130a, and between the spring arm 110b and the protrusion 130b, respectively, and the tabs 22a and 22b are respectively received between these two grooves when the plug connector 100 is received in the socket connector 200. It is understood that in some embodiments, the protrusions 130a and 130b may not be provided, and the tabs 22a and 22b may be positioned on the outside of the spring arms 110a and 110b, respectively.

[0053] Also refer to Figures 1-10 This describes the process of mating the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 to form the connector assembly 300. The plug connector 100 is then... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the five cables 40a-40e are crimped from above into the terminal slots 12a-12e using a crimping device. For example... Figure 6 As shown, direction A is the wire crimping direction (first direction), and direction B is the support direction of the crimping device (second direction). During crimping, the support part of the crimping device passes through slots 112 and 112' and supports itself on the upper surface of the socket body 10 to obtain support force. During the crimping process, the insulation displacement terminals in the terminal slots 12a-12e pierce the insulation of the cables 40a-40e and contact the metal core of the cables 40a-40e, while the cables 40a-40e are held in the terminal slots 12a-12e. After the cables 40a-40e are crimped into the plug connector 100, during the handling or transportation of the plug connector 100, the protrusions 130a and 130b and the stop blocks 131a and 131b can prevent the cables 40a-40e from entering the gap below the elastic locking mechanism, i.e., between the elastic locking mechanism and the plug body 10, to avoid damage to the elastic locking mechanism.

[0054] Next, the plug connector 100 is inserted from the first side 101 of the plug body 10 into the opening 201 of the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200 under the action of external force (e.g., by pushing at the second side 102 of the plug body 10). One end of the five pins 24a-24e of the socket connector 200 is soldered to a circuit board. The tabs 22a and 22b inside the cavity 20 are aligned with and enter the grooves between the spring arm 110a and the protrusion 130a, and between the spring arm 110b and the protrusion 130b, respectively, to guide the insertion direction of the plug connector 100 and prevent incorrect operation. In addition, the rib 15 provided on the plug connector 100 mates with the groove 23 provided on the inner side wall of the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200. As a key, the rib 15 and the corresponding groove 23, together with the stepped groove provided on the outer wall of the cavity 20, can help the operator quickly identify the socket connector 200 that is paired with the plug connector 100 when multiple connectors are present.

[0055] As the plug connector 100 moves within the cavity 20, the crossbeam 111 of the elastic locking mechanism 11 gradually approaches the protrusion 21 of the socket connector 200. With sufficient external force, the crossbeam 111 is moved below the protrusion 21 and pressed downwards by it. At this time, the crossbeam 111 drives the connected spring arms 110a and 110b to move towards the upper surface of the plug body 10, changing the bending angle of the spring arms 110a and 110b. When the first side 101 of the plug body 10 abuts against the inner rear wall 202 of the cavity of the socket connector 200, it indicates that the plug connector 100 has reached the insertion position. Simultaneously, the crossbeam 111 has also moved past the position of the protrusion 21, and the slot 112 is vertically aligned with the protrusion 21. Since the crossbeam 111 is no longer compressed by the protrusion 21, the spring arms 110a and 110b generate an elastic restoring force, moving away from the upper surface of the plug body 10, and driving the crossbeam 111 to move towards the inner top wall of the cavity 20, causing the protrusion 21 and the crossbeam 111 to engage with each other. In this embodiment, the width of the protrusion 21 is the same as the width between the spring arms 110a and 110b. Therefore, the protrusion 21 also abuts against the sides of the spring arms 110a and 110b.

[0056] from Figure 7 As can be seen, when the plug connector 100 reaches the insertion position, the pressing part 113 of the elastic locking mechanism and a portion of the spring arms 110a and 110b are located outside the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200. Due to the elastic restoring force, the spring arms 110a and 110b abut against the upper edge of the opening 201. The protrusions 130a and 130b of the plug connector 100 are completely accommodated within the cavity 20, and the stop blocks 131a and 131b are located outside the cavity 20, stopping the exposed portion of the opening 201 that is not blocked by the elastic locking mechanism.

[0057] Furthermore, the protrusions 22a and 22b within the cavity 20 are completely accommodated in the grooves between the spring arm 110a and the protrusion 130a, and between the spring arm 110b and the protrusion 130b, thereby restricting the lateral position of the elastic locking mechanism within the cavity 20. In this embodiment, the stop blocks 131a and 131b extend above the limiting blocks 141a and 141b, respectively, toward the spring arms 110a and 110b, so that the limiting blocks 141a and 141b are located below the stop blocks 131a and 131b, thereby restricting the upward movement of the elastic locking mechanism.

[0058] like Figure 2 , Figures 4-5 as well as Figures 9-10 As shown, when the plug connector 100 reaches the insertion position, the five pins 24a-24e of the plug connector 200 respectively contact the insulating displacement terminals in the terminal slots 12a-12e of the socket connector 100 through the five corresponding holes 120a-120e of the terminal slots 12a-12e, thereby establishing a conductive channel between the five pins 24a-24e of the plug connector 200 (and the circuit board connected thereto) and the cables 40a-40e.

[0059] In this embodiment, the elastic locking mechanism is located on the side of the plug connector 10 opposite to the wire crimping direction, and its elastic arms 110a and 110b form an "H" shape with the crossbeam 111, which can provide a support surface for the crimping equipment during the cable crimping process, thereby achieving support from the direction of the elastic locking mechanism and ensuring reliable cable crimping.

[0060] In this embodiment, the elastic arms 110a and 110b are deformed by the protrusion 21 on the cavity 20 pressing the crossbeam 111, generating an elastic restoring force. When the crossbeam 111 is released from the pressure of the protrusion 21 and engages with the protrusion 21, a "click" sound is emitted, which can indicate to the operator that the elastic locking mechanism has formed a locking engagement with the protrusion 21.

[0061] In this embodiment, the plug body 10 and the elastic locking mechanism are integrally molded and made of engineering plastic. More specifically, the plug connector 10, the elastic locking mechanism, the terminal wire grooves 12a-12e, the locking protection mechanism, and the locking limiting mechanism are all integrally molded and made of engineering plastic.

[0062] The above describes the mating process of the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 in this embodiment. When it is necessary to separate the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200, the operator can press the pressing part 113 of the elastic locking mechanism. The pressing part 113 drives the spring arms 110a and 110b to move toward the upper surface of the plug body, thereby disengaging the protrusion 21 from the crossbeam 111.

[0063] In this embodiment, during the insertion of the plug connector 100 into the cavity 20 of the socket connector 200, the protrusion 202 and the crossbeam 111 engage with each other under the elastic restoring force of the elastic locking mechanism. If no external force is applied to the elastic locking mechanism, the plug connector 100 cannot disengage from the socket connector 200, thus increasing the retaining force after connector mating. Furthermore, because the elastic locking mechanism is elastic, the plug connector 100 will not experience wear or damage to the locking mechanism during insertion and removal, thereby extending the connector's service life.

[0064] In some embodiments, when mating the plug connector 100 with the socket connector 200, the pressing part 113 of the elastic locking mechanism can be pressed first, and then the plug connector 100 can be inserted from the opening 201. When the plug connector 100 abuts against the inner rear wall 202 of the cavity 20, the pressing part 113 is released, so that the crossbeam 111 and the protrusion 21 engage with each other.

[0065] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism and the locking mating member can be engaged in any other manner. For example, the resilient locking mechanism may include a hook, and the locking mating member is formed as a corresponding slot.

[0066] In some embodiments, the plug body and the resilient locking mechanism can be manufactured as two separate components and then connected. In some embodiments, the material of the resilient locking mechanism can be different from that of the plug body, as long as it is elastic. For example, in some cases, the resilient locking mechanism can be made of metal.

[0067] Compared with existing technologies, the plug connector, socket connector, and connector combination proposed in this disclosure avoid wear or damage to the locking mechanism caused by repeated plugging and unplugging, thus extending the service life of the connector. Furthermore, utilizing the elastic restoring force of the resilient locking mechanism for locking engagement increases the retaining force after connector mating, preventing the plug connector from detaching from the socket connector and resulting in a more reliable electrical connection.

[0068] The above descriptions are merely optional embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0069] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described with reference to several specific examples, it should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. The embodiments of this disclosure are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, thereby encompassing all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A plug connector for use with a mating receptacle connector, the receptacle connector comprising a cavity for at least partially receiving the plug connector, the cavity having an opening, characterized in that, The plug connector includes: Plug body; At least one terminal slot is disposed on the plug body and configured to receive at least one cable in a first direction; and A resilient locking mechanism is configured to engage with a locking mating member disposed in the cavity via an elastic restoring force during insertion into the cavity together with the plug body from the opening. The resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the plug body in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The resilient locking mechanism includes: A pair of spring arms, each bending upward from one side of the plug body and extending above the upper surface of the plug body; and A crossbeam is disposed between and connected to the pair of spring arms, the crossbeam and the pair of spring arms forming at least one slot, the slot being configured to allow a support portion of the crimping device to pass through and be supported on the upper surface of the plug body when the cable is crimped.

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mating member includes a protrusion extending downward from the upper edge of the opening, and the crossbeam is configured to engage with the protrusion when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

3. The plug connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the insertion of the plug connector into the cavity, the crossbeam is compressed by the protrusion, causing the pair of spring arms to generate the elastic restoring force.

4. The plug connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resilient locking mechanism also includes a pressing part connected to the pair of spring arms.

5. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A locking protection mechanism is provided on the plug body and configured to prevent the cable from entering the gap between the resilient locking mechanism and the plug body.

6. The plug connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking protection mechanism includes: A pair of protrusions extend upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and A pair of stop blocks are respectively disposed at the ends of the pair of protrusions and extend upward and outward from the plug body, and are configured to stop the exposed portion of the opening when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

7. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A locking limit mechanism is disposed on the plug body and configured to limit the position of the resilient locking mechanism.

8. The plug connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking and limiting mechanism includes: A pair of stop blocks extend upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and A pair of limiting blocks extend outward from both sides of the elastic locking mechanism and are located below the stop block to restrict the upward movement of the elastic locking mechanism.

9. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug body and the elastic locking mechanism are integrally formed.

10. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resilient locking mechanism is made of engineering plastic.

11. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: Plug connector, including: Plug body; At least one terminal slot is disposed on the plug body and configured to receive at least one cable in a first direction; and Flexible locking mechanism; and Socket connector, including: A cavity for at least partially receiving the plug connector, the cavity having an opening; and A locking and matching component is disposed within the cavity, wherein, The resilient locking mechanism is configured to engage with the locking mating member via an elastic restoring force during insertion into the cavity together with the plug body from the opening, and wherein the resilient locking mechanism is disposed on the plug body in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the resilient locking mechanism comprising: A pair of spring arms, each bending upward from one side of the plug body and extending above the upper surface of the plug body; and A crossbeam is disposed between and connected to the pair of spring arms, the crossbeam and the pair of spring arms forming at least one slot, the slot being configured to allow a support portion of the crimping device to pass through and be supported on the upper surface of the plug body when the cable is crimped.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking mating member includes a protrusion extending downward from the upper edge of the opening, and the crossbeam is configured to engage with the protrusion when the plug connector is inserted into the cavity.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, During the insertion of the plug connector into the cavity, the crossbeam is compressed by the protrusion, causing the pair of spring arms to generate the elastic restoring force.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The resilient locking mechanism also includes a pressing part connected to the pair of spring arms.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plug connector also includes: A locking protection mechanism is provided on the plug body and configured to prevent the cable from entering the gap between the resilient locking mechanism and the plug body.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The locking protection mechanism includes: A pair of protrusions extend upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and A pair of stop blocks are respectively disposed at the ends of the pair of protrusions and extend upward and outward from the plug body, and are configured to stop the exposed portion of the opening when the plug connector is received in the cavity.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plug connector also includes: A locking limit mechanism is disposed on the plug body and configured to limit the position of the resilient locking mechanism.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The locking and limiting mechanism includes: A pair of stop blocks extend upward from the plug body on both sides of the resilient locking mechanism; and A pair of limiting blocks extend outward from both sides of the elastic locking mechanism and are located below the stop block to restrict the upward movement of the elastic locking mechanism.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The socket connector also includes: A pair of tabs extending downward from the inner top wall of the cavity are configured to be located on either side of the resilient locking mechanism when the plug connector is received in the cavity, thereby limiting the lateral position of the resilient locking mechanism in the cavity.

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