A terminal with a secondary locking structure and its connector

Abstract

This invention proposes a terminal and its connector with a secondary locking structure. The terminal with the secondary locking structure includes a terminal housing and a terminal crimping tail. The terminal housing is provided with a terminal hook and a secondary locking structure. An electrical contact structure is provided inside the terminal housing, and a wire is inserted into the terminal housing and connected to the electrical contact structure. The terminal crimping tail is provided with a crimping structure, and the wire is crimped into the crimping structure. The connector includes a sheath structure and a terminal with the secondary locking structure. The terminal is assembled into the outer shell of the sheath structure, and the outer shell is provided with locking structures that match the terminal hook and the secondary locking structure. After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled, the terminal hook and the secondary locking structure are respectively hooked onto the corresponding locking structures. This invention utilizes the TRIZ combination principle to combine a separate TPA with a terminal. The secondary locking structure of the terminal itself, in cooperation with the sheath, increases the holding force of the terminal within the sheath.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically to a terminal with a secondary locking structure and its connector. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two types of terminal-sheath connection methods on the market: one is connection via only the terminal attachment point to the sheath. This method is simple in structure, but limited by the strength of the sheath spring or terminal spring itself, the terminal's retention force in the sheath is relatively low, which cannot meet the performance requirements of many critical functional components. Based on this situation, another more reliable connection method has emerged: adding an external TPA for secondary locking of the terminal, thereby increasing the terminal's retention force in the sheath, and improving the connection strength and reliability between the terminal and the sheath. With increasing demands for connector transmission reliability, the application market for connectors with TPA structures is expanding.

[0003] Traditional TPA (Transfer Apron) connection involves attaching the terminal to the sheath and then using a separate TPA to further restrict terminal retraction, thereby increasing the holding force of the terminal within the sheath cavity. This traditional TPA connection requires designing a separate TPA to provide secondary terminal guidance through assembly with the sheath. From an overall product structure perspective, this separate TPA structure adds an assembly step; from a product development cost perspective, it requires developing an additional mold; and from a development cycle perspective, the additional TPA mold prolongs the development period.

[0004] In view of the above, there is an urgent need to design a type of terminal and connector that does not require separate TPA configuration, but can increase the retention force of the terminal in the sheath through the locking structure of the terminal itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology, this invention proposes a terminal and its connector with a secondary locking structure. Utilizing the TRIZ combination principle, a separate TPA is combined with the terminal's own structure, eliminating the need for a separate TPA. The terminal's own secondary locking structure, in conjunction with the sheath, increases the terminal's holding force within the sheath.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a terminal with a secondary locking structure, comprising a terminal housing disposed at the head of the terminal and a terminal crimping tail disposed at the tail of the terminal, wherein the terminal housing is respectively provided with a terminal hook and a secondary locking structure, and the interior of the terminal housing is provided with an electrical contact structure that matches the wire, wherein the wire is inserted into the terminal housing and connected to the electrical contact structure; the terminal crimping tail is provided with a crimping structure that matches the wire, wherein the wire is crimped within the crimping structure.

[0007] The terminal piercings are provided in two sizes, with the two terminal piercings symmetrically distributed on the upper two sides of the terminal box. The upper end of the terminal piercings is integrally connected to the terminal box, and the lower end of the terminal piercings is suspended and extends outward at an angle. The angle between the terminal piercings and the side wall of the terminal box is 0~20°.

[0008] The number of the secondary locking structures is set to two, and the two secondary locking structures are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle part of the terminal box, and the secondary locking structures and the terminal hooks are located on the same side of the terminal box.

[0009] The secondary locking structure is an inverted L-shaped structure. The vertical section of the secondary locking structure is integrally connected to the terminal box, and the horizontal section of the secondary locking structure extends outward horizontally.

[0010] A connector includes a sheath structure and a terminal with a secondary locking structure. The sheath structure includes an outer shell with a cavity hole matching the terminal inside, and the terminal is assembled in the cavity hole of the sheath structure. The outer shell is provided with locking structures that match the terminal hooks and the secondary locking structure. After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the terminal hooks and the secondary locking structure respectively cooperate with the corresponding locking structures.

[0011] The locking structure includes two primary locking platforms that match the terminal hooks. The two primary locking platforms are symmetrically arranged on two opposite side walls of the housing. After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the terminal hooks are engaged with the corresponding primary locking platforms.

[0012] The locking structure also includes two secondary locking mounts that match the secondary locking structure. The two secondary locking mounts are symmetrically arranged on two opposite side walls of the outer shell, and the secondary locking mounts and the primary locking mounts are located on the same side of the outer shell. After the terminals and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the secondary locking structure is hooked onto the corresponding secondary locking mount.

[0013] A gap is provided between the secondary locking platform and the primary locking platform. The upper end of the secondary locking platform is provided with an unlocking groove that matches the unlocking tool I. The outer side of the primary locking platform is provided with an unlocking clearance surface that matches the unlocking tool I. The upper part of the outer shell is provided with a clearance groove that matches the unlocking tool II.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0015] The terminal with a secondary locking structure provided by this invention improves the current implementation of TPA. It combines the separate TPA structure with the terminal using the TRIZ combination principle, eliminating the need for a separate TPA. The terminal's own secondary locking structure, in conjunction with the sheath, increases the terminal's holding force within the sheath. This invention simplifies the implementation of TPA functions, reduces design and development costs, shortens the development cycle, and also reduces manual assembly and rework costs. It has high application value and broad potential for promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal with a secondary locking structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sheath structure of the connector of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial sectional view;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the unlocking process using an unlocking tool according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0024] In the diagram: 2-1 is the terminal hook, 2-2 is the secondary locking structure, 2-3 is the terminal housing, and 2-4 is the terminal crimping tail; 3-1 is the primary locking platform, 3-2 is the unlocking clearance surface, 3-3 is the secondary locking platform, 3-4 is the unlocking groove, and 3-5 is the clearance groove; 4 is unlocking tool I; and 5 is unlocking tool II. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a terminal with a secondary locking structure, including a terminal housing 2-3 disposed at the terminal head and a terminal crimping tail 2-4 disposed at the terminal tail. The terminal housing 2-3 has an electrical contact structure that matches the wire inside, and the wire is inserted into the terminal housing 2-3 and connected to the electrical contact structure. The terminal crimping tail 2-4 has a crimping structure that matches the wire, and the wire is crimped in the crimping structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the terminal housing 2-3 is respectively provided with terminal hooks 2-1 and secondary locking structures 2-2 for assembly with the sheath structure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, two terminal hooks 2-1 are provided, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the upper part of the terminal housing 2-3. Preferably, the terminal hooks 2-1 are elastic cantilever structures, with the upper end of the terminal hook 2-1 integrally connected to the terminal housing 2-3, and the lower end of the terminal hook 2-1 suspended and extending obliquely outward. The angle between the terminal hook 2-1 and the side wall of the terminal housing 2-3 is 0~20°. When the terminal is assembled with the sheath structure, the terminal hook 2-1 is first compressed until the terminal is assembled in place, at which point the terminal hook 2-1 resets and completes the assembly with the sheath structure.

[0028] Two secondary locking structures 2-2 are also provided, symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle of the terminal housing 2-3. The secondary locking structures 2-2 and the terminal hooks 2-1 are located on the same side of the terminal housing 2-3, with the secondary locking structure 2-2 located below the terminal hooks 2-1. Preferably, the secondary locking structure 2-2 is an inverted L-shaped structure, with its vertical section integrally connected to the terminal housing 2-3 and its horizontal section extending outwards. When the terminal is assembled with the sheath structure, the secondary locking structure 2-2 will also be subjected to a certain degree of compression until the terminal is assembled in place, at which point the secondary locking structure 2-2 resets and completes its assembly with the sheath structure.

[0029] Example 2, a connector, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes a sheath structure and the terminal with a secondary locking structure, such as Figure 2As shown, the sheath structure includes an outer shell with a cavity hole matching the terminal inside. The terminal is assembled into the cavity hole of the sheath structure. The outer shell is provided with locking structures that match the terminal hook 2-1 and the secondary locking structure 2-2. After the terminal and sheath structure are assembled, the terminal hook 2-1 and the secondary locking structure 2-2 respectively cooperate with the corresponding locking structures to increase the holding force of the terminal within the sheath.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the locking structure includes two primary locking platforms 3-1 that match the terminal hooks 2-1. The two primary locking platforms 3-1 are symmetrically arranged on two opposite inner sidewalls of the outer shell. The primary locking platforms 3-1 protrude inward relative to the inner sidewall of the outer shell. The terminal is inserted from the bottom of the sheath structure until the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place. Then, the two terminal hooks 2-1 are respectively hooked onto the corresponding primary locking platforms 3-1. The locking structure also includes two secondary locking mounts 3-3 that match the secondary locking structure 2-2. The two secondary locking mounts 3-3 are symmetrically arranged on opposite side walls of the outer casing. The secondary locking mounts 3-3 are integrally stamped with the outer casing. The secondary locking mounts 3-3 and the primary locking mount 3-1 are located on the same side of the outer casing, with the secondary locking mount 3-3 located below the primary locking mount 3-1. A gap exists between the secondary locking mounts 3-3 and the primary locking mount 3-1. After the terminals and sheath structure are assembled, the two secondary locking structures 2-2 are respectively hooked onto their corresponding secondary locking mounts 3-3. The specific structure after assembly is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the effective connection between the terminal hook and the primary locking platform, and the effective connection between the secondary locking structure and the secondary locking platform, effectively increases the holding force of the terminal within the sheath and enhances the reliability of the connection.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the upper end of the secondary locking platform 3-3 is provided with an unlocking groove 3-4 that matches the unlocking tool I4, and the outer side of the primary locking platform 3-1 is provided with an unlocking clearance surface 3-2 that matches the unlocking tool I4; the upper part of the outer shell is provided with a clearance groove 3-5 that matches the unlocking tool II5. The bottom of the unlocking tool I4 has a tip that matches the unlocking groove 3-4, and the unlocking tool II5 is a double-spring unlocking tool. During unlocking, it is only necessary to use the unlocking tool I with the tip, insert it into the unlocking groove through the unlocking clearance surface on the sheath structure, and use the lever principle to separate the secondary locking platform of the sheath from the secondary locking structure of the terminal; then, use the special unlocking tool II for the double-spring terminal to penetrate the sheath through the clearance groove of the sheath, and use the double-sided squeezing of the terminal hook to make the terminal hook detach from the primary locking platform of the sheath; finally, apply a pulling force in the opposite direction of the terminal assembly to unlock the terminal.

[0032] The other structures are the same as in Example 1.

[0033] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: It includes a sheath structure and a terminal with a secondary locking structure. The sheath structure includes an outer shell with a cavity hole that matches the terminal. The terminal is assembled in the cavity hole of the sheath structure. A terminal with a secondary locking structure includes a terminal housing (2-3) at the terminal head and a terminal crimp tail (2-4) at the terminal tail. The terminal housing (2-3) is provided with a terminal hook (2-1) and a secondary locking structure (2-2). The interior of the terminal housing (2-3) is provided with an electrical contact structure that matches the wire. The wire is inserted into the terminal housing (2-3) and connected to the electrical contact structure. The terminal crimp tail (2-4) is provided with a crimping structure that matches the wire. The wire is crimped into the crimping structure. The secondary locking structure (2-2) is integrally formed with the terminal box (2-3). The secondary locking structure (2-2) is an inverted L-shaped structure. The vertical section of the secondary locking structure (2-2) is integrally connected with the terminal box (2-3), and the horizontal section of the secondary locking structure (2-2) extends outward horizontally. The outer casing is provided with locking structures that match the terminal hook (2-1) and the secondary locking structure (2-2). The locking structure includes a primary locking platform (3-1) and a secondary locking platform (3-3). After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the terminal hook (2-1) is hooked on the corresponding primary locking platform (3-1), and the secondary locking structure (2-2) is hooked on the corresponding secondary locking platform (3-3).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal piercings (2-1) are provided in two quantities. The two terminal piercings (2-1) are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the upper part of the terminal box (2-3). The upper end of the terminal piercings (2-1) is integrally connected to the terminal box (2-3), and the lower end of the terminal piercings (2-1) is suspended and extends obliquely outward. The angle between the terminal piercings (2-1) and the side wall of the terminal box (2-3) is 0~20°.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the secondary locking structure (2-2) is set to two. The two secondary locking structures (2-2) are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle part of the terminal box (2-3), and the secondary locking structure (2-2) and the terminal hanging bar (2-1) are located on the same side of the terminal box (2-3).

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking structure includes two primary locking platforms (3-1) that match the terminal hooks (2-1). The two primary locking platforms (3-1) are symmetrically arranged on two opposite side walls of the housing. After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the terminal hooks (2-1) are hooked onto the corresponding primary locking platforms (3-1).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking structure also includes two secondary locking brackets (3-3) that match the secondary locking structure (2-2). The two secondary locking brackets (3-3) are symmetrically arranged on two opposite side walls of the outer shell, and the secondary locking brackets (3-3) and the primary locking brackets (3-1) are located on the same side of the outer shell. After the terminal and the sheath structure are assembled in place, the secondary locking structure (2-2) is hooked onto the corresponding secondary locking bracket (3-3).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: A gap is provided between the secondary locking platform (3-3) and the primary locking platform (3-1). The upper end of the secondary locking platform (3-3) is provided with an unlocking groove (3-4) that matches the unlocking tool I (4). The outer side of the primary locking platform (3-1) is provided with an unlocking clearance surface (3-2) that matches the unlocking tool I (4). The upper part of the outer shell is provided with a clearance groove (3-5) that matches the unlocking tool II (5).

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