Wire end connectors and electrical connector assemblies

Abstract

A wire end connector and an electrical connector assembly are provided. The wire end connector (100) includes: a first insulating housing (110) defining a plurality of insertion holes (101) to allow each cable to be partially inserted into the first insulating housing through a corresponding insertion hole; a first conductive terminal (120) for electrically contacting the core wire of the inserted cable; a cable holding structure (130) configured to press the core wires of two cables inserted into the first insulating housing against the first conductive terminal, respectively, to hold the two cables in the first insulating housing; and a cable release structure (140) engaged with the cable holding structure and operable to pivot in two opposite directions, so that pivoting of the cable release structure in one direction causes the cable holding structure to at least partially deflect, so as to release only the cable holding structure from holding the one cable held or to allow only the core wire of the one cable to be inserted between the first conductive terminal and the cable holding structure through the corresponding insertion hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to wire end connectors and electrical connector assemblies used, for example, to connect a cable to a circuit board. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors, such as wire-to-board connectors, are commonly used to establish electrical connections between electronic components, such as cables, and circuit boards. Conventional wire-to-board connectors typically feature a single-row structure. When a large number of cables are required, multiple connectors are required, which is complex to operate and takes up a lot of space. Furthermore, conventional wire-to-board connectors are complex to install and remove cables, making them difficult for operators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure is proposed to overcome at least one of the above and other problems and drawbacks of the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wire end connector suitable for holding multiple cables, the wire end connector comprising: a first insulating shell, the first insulating shell defining a plurality of insertion holes to allow each cable to be partially inserted into the first insulating shell through a corresponding one of the insertion holes; a first conductive terminal, the first conductive terminal being arranged in the first insulating shell to electrically contact the core wire of the cable inserted into the first insulating shell; a cable holding structure, the cable holding structure being arranged in the first insulating shell and being configured to press the core wires of two cables inserted into the first insulating shell against the first conductive terminal, respectively, to hold the two cables in the first insulating shell; and a cable release structure, the cable release structure being engaged with the cable holding structure and being operable to pivot in two opposite directions, so that the pivoting of the cable release structure in one of the two directions drives the cable holding structure to at least partially deflect, so as to release only the cable holding structure from holding one of the two cables held or to allow only the core wire of one cable to be inserted between the first conductive terminal and the cable holding structure through the corresponding insertion hole.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first conductive terminal has two contact arms, each contact arm is suitable for electrically contacting the core wire of a cable inserted into the first insulating housing; and the cable holding structure has two clamping arms, each clamping arm is configured to press the core wire of a cable inserted into the first insulating housing against the corresponding contact arm.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cable release structure is provided with two first engagement shoulders, each first engagement shoulder being engaged with a corresponding clamping arm to drive the clamping arm to deflect away from the corresponding contact arm through pivoting of the cable release structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cable release structure includes: a pivot body capable of pivoting in the two directions around a pivot axis provided on the first insulating shell, the pivot body being provided with the two first engaging shoulders respectively positioned away from the pivot axis; and a manipulation arm extending from the pivot body toward the outside of the first insulating shell and capable of being operated to move in the first direction so as to pivot the pivot body around the pivot axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first insulating shell is provided with a slit on the other side opposite to the side defining the plurality of sockets, the operating arm extends outward from the pivot body through the slit, and the slit extends in the first direction to allow the operating arm to move along the slit in the first direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cable retention structure has a U-shaped structure positioned toward the slit opening and having the two clamping arms extending away from each other in a first direction, with a base of the U-shaped structure partially surrounding the pivot axis.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first insulating housing is further provided with a groove opening toward the slit, the base of the U-shaped structure is positioned in the groove, so that each clamping arm extends from the base toward the corresponding contact arm.

[0011] In some embodiments, each clamping arm is provided with a second engagement shoulder, which abuts against the corresponding first engagement shoulder of the cable release structure, and the cable release structure is configured to drive the corresponding clamping arm to deflect away from the corresponding contact arm through the abutment of the first engagement shoulder and the second engagement shoulder when pivoting.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of jacks include at least two rows of jacks arranged along a first direction to allow at least two rows of cables spaced apart in the first direction to be held in the line end connector, and the jacks in each row of jacks are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wire end connector includes a plurality of first conductive terminals, each first conductive terminal being adapted to electrically contact a core wire of one cable in one row of cables and a core wire of one cable in another row of cables.

[0014] In some embodiments, the number of first conductive terminals is the same as the number of sockets in each row of sockets.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is provided, comprising: a wire end connector as described in any embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first conductive terminal has a first contact terminal; and a board end connector, the board end connector comprising a second insulating shell and a second contact terminal arranged in the second insulating shell, the second insulating shell defining a receiving cavity, the wire end connector being suitable for being installed in the receiving cavity, the second contact terminal being suitable for electrically contacting the first contact terminal and having a pin suitable for being connected to a conductive structure on a circuit board.

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the first insulating shell is provided with a first guide structure, and the inner wall of the second insulating shell defining the receiving cavity is provided with a second guide structure, and the first guide structure cooperates with the second guide structure to guide the wire end connector to be positioned in the receiving cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded view schematically illustrating the structure of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a line end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4A is a side view schematically illustrating the structure of a wire end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a cable release structure is shown;

[0022] Figure 4B is a side view schematically illustrating the structure of a wire end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a cable holding structure is shown;

[0023] Figure 4C is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a wire end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cooperation operation of the cable releasing structure and the cable holding structure is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 5A is a side view schematically showing the structure of a wire end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cable is released or installed by operating a cable release structure; and

[0025] Figure 5B 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a structure of a wire end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a cable is released or installed by operating a cable releasing structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar components are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals. The following description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the overall concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0027] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of illustration, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly 10 is provided for electrically connecting a cable 1 to a circuit board 2. For example, it can be used for electrical connection of lighting equipment and electrical appliances. As shown in the figure, the electrical connector assembly 10 includes a wire-end connector 100 for holding and electrically connecting the cable 1 and a board-end electrical connector 200 for electrically connecting to the circuit board 2. The wire-end connector 100 and the board-end electrical connector 200 mate with each other and are electrically connected to establish an electrical connection between multiple cables 1 and the circuit board 2. The wire-end connector and the board-end electrical connector can be modular to accommodate stacking of different numbers of cables.

[0029] In some examples, the electrical connector assembly 10 may further include a retainer 300, which is connected to, for example, a wire-end connector or a board-end electrical connector and is adapted to be mounted to an external structure, such as a device housing or frame. As shown, the retainer 300 may be a top retainer located on the side opposite the circuit board 2, connected to the wire-end connector 100, such as by a snap fit, and secured to the external structure by a retaining ring 301 and screws 302.

[0030] Exemplarily, the wire end connector 100 includes a first insulating housing 110 and a first conductive terminal 120. The first insulating housing 110 defines a plurality of insertion holes 101 to allow each cable 1 to be partially inserted into the first insulating housing 110 through a corresponding one of the insertion holes 101. The first conductive terminal 120 is disposed within the first insulating housing 110 to electrically contact the conductive core wire 11 of the cable 1 inserted into the first insulating housing 110. The first conductive terminal 120 is provided with a first contact terminal 123.

[0031] like Figure 1-2As shown, the board-side connector 200 includes a second insulating housing 201 and a second contact terminal 203 disposed in the second insulating housing 201. The second insulating housing 201 defines a receiving cavity 202. The line-end connector 100 is adapted to be mounted in the receiving cavity 202. The second contact terminal 203 is adapted to electrically contact the first contact terminal 123 of the line-end connector 100. The second contact terminal 203 is adapted to electrically connect to the circuit board 2, such as having a solder pin or pin 204 adapted to connect to a conductive structure on the circuit board 2.

[0032] In some examples, the outer wall of the first insulating shell 110 is provided with a first guide structure, and the inner wall of the second insulating shell 201 that defines the receiving cavity 202 is provided with a second guide structure 205. The first guide structure and the second guide structure 205 cooperate to guide the wire-end connector 100 to be positioned in the receiving cavity 202 of the board-end connector 200, so that the wire-end connector and the board-end connector can be assembled in a blind plugging manner.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the first insulating housing 110 defines at least two rows of jacks 101. In some examples, the two or more rows of jacks 101 are arranged along a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction), i.e., the rows of jacks are spaced apart in the first direction, while the jacks in each row are spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) perpendicular to the first direction, thereby allowing at least two rows of cables 1 spaced apart in the first direction to be retained in the cable end connector 100. The following description uses as an example an arrangement in which the rows of jacks are spaced apart in the vertical direction and the jacks in each row are spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0034] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the wire end connector 100 includes a plurality of first conductive terminals 120, each of which is adapted to electrically contact a core wire of one cable in one row of cables and a core wire of one cable in another row of cables. That is, each first conductive terminal 120 is adapted to electrically connect two cables 1. As an example, the number of first conductive terminals can be the same as the number of jacks in each row of jacks.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire end connector 100 further includes a cable retention structure 130 disposed within the first insulating housing 110 and configured to press the core wires 11 of the two cables 1 inserted into the first insulating housing 110 against the first conductive terminals 120, respectively, to retain the two cables 1 within the first insulating housing 110. A cable retention structure may be provided that corresponds one-to-one with each first conductive terminal, with each cable retention structure pressing the core wires of the two inserted cables against the corresponding first conductive terminal to establish reliable electrical contact between the core wires of the cables and the first conductive terminal. Furthermore, the cable retention structure can securely hold the cables to prevent them from accidentally falling off the wire end connector or from being separated from the wire end connector by external forces during normal use or electrical connection.

[0036] As an example, the cable retention structure can be made of a material that is elastic or capable of elastic deformation, preferably made of an elastic hard material, such as a steel plate that is stamped or bent, so as to provide sufficient holding force (such as a squeezing force) when retaining the cable to press the core wire of the cable against the corresponding first conductive terminal, and can be elastically deformed or deflected under the action of an applied external force to increase the distance between it and the first conductive terminal to facilitate the release or insertion of the cable. For example, the cable retention structure can be arranged so that the distance between it and the first conductive terminal (for example, the distance between the clamping arm of the cable retention structure and the contact arm of the first conductive terminal, as described below) is smaller than the diameter of the core wire of the inserted cable, so as to squeeze the core wire of the inserted cable against the first conductive terminal.

[0037] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3 、 Figure 4A 、 Figures 4C to 5B As shown, the wire end connector 100 further includes a cable release structure 140, which is engaged with the cable holding structure 130 and is operable to pivot or swing in two opposite directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise), such that pivoting of the cable release structure 140 in one of the two directions causes the engaged cable holding structure 130 to at least partially deflect, allowing a cable held by the cable holding structure 130 to be released or allowing a cable to be inserted. In some examples, the number of cable release structures can be the same as the number of cable holding structures.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable release structure 140 can pivot or rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about, for example, a horizontal axis to cause a portion of the engaged cable retention structure 130 to deflect, thereby releasing only one of the two cables 1 retained by the cable retention structure 130, or allowing only the core wire 11 of one cable to be inserted between the first conductive terminal 120 and the cable retention structure 130 through the corresponding insertion hole 101. Thus, by pivoting a single cable release structure in opposite directions, two cables in two rows of cables can be released or inserted.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 4A to 5B As shown, the first conductive terminal 120 has a generally U-shaped structure, which opens toward the insertion hole 101 and includes two contact arms 121 and a base 122 connecting the two contact arms 121. The two contact arms 121 are spaced apart and positioned in the vertical direction. Each contact arm 121 is suitable for electrically contacting the core wire 11 of a cable 1 inserted into the first insulating housing 110. For example, the contact arms 121 and the core wire 11 of the cable 11 extend in parallel with each other and abut against each other in the horizontal direction, while the base 122 extends in the vertical direction.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, Figures 4A to 5B As shown, the cable holding structure 130 has two clamping arms 131, each of which extends toward a corresponding contact arm 121, and is used to press the core wire 11 of a cable 1 inserted into the first insulating housing 110 against the corresponding contact arm 121. As shown in the figure, the cable holding structure 130 can also have a generally U- or V-shaped structure, which opens opposite to the opening of the first conductive terminal 120, and the two clamping arms 131 extend away from each other in the vertical direction.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 4A 、 Figures 4C to 5B As shown, the cable release structure 140 is provided with two first engagement shoulders 144. Each first engagement shoulder 144 engages with a corresponding clamping arm 131. When the cable release structure 140 pivots, the clamping arm 131 is deflected away from the corresponding contact arm 121 of the first conductive terminal 120. This increases the distance between the clamping arm 131 and the corresponding contact arm 121, allowing the cable to be released or inserted. In addition, the engagement or abutment between the clamping arm 131 and the first engagement shoulder 144 can prevent the cable release structure 140 from pivoting without applying an external force to pivot the cable release structure 140.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4A 、 Figures 4C to 5B As shown, the cable release structure 140 further includes a pivot body 141 and an operating arm 142. The pivot body 141 is capable of pivoting in two directions about a pivot axis 143 disposed on the first insulating housing 110. The pivot body 141 is provided with two first engaging shoulders 144 located away from the pivot axis 143. For example, the two first engaging shoulders 144 are symmetrically located with respect to the pivot axis 142 and spaced apart in the vertical direction. The operating arm 142 extends from the pivot body 141 outward from the first insulating housing 110, such as toward the side of the first insulating housing 110 opposite to the side where the insertion hole 101 is disposed. The operating arm 142 can be operated by a user to move vertically to pivot or swing the pivot body 141 about the pivot axis 143. For example, the pivot axis 143 extends horizontally. The pivot body 141 can be generally plate-shaped or disc-shaped and rotatably mounted on the pivot axis 143. The cable release structure 140 can have a generally arrow-shaped profile as a whole.

[0043] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4C and Figure 5BAs shown, the first insulating housing 110 is provided with slits 113 on a second side opposite to the first side defining the insertion hole 101. The operating arm 142 is partially positioned in the corresponding slit 113 and extends outward through the slit 113. The slit 113 extends in a vertical direction to allow the operating arm 142 to move or slide in the vertical direction along the slit 113. In some examples, the number of slits is the same as the number of cable release structures.

[0044] like Figure 4B As shown, the first insulating housing 110 may further be provided with a recess or groove 114 that opens toward the slit 113, and the base 133 of the U- or V-shaped structure of the cable retaining structure 130 is positioned in the groove 114. As shown, the pivot 143 is positioned within the cable retaining structure 130, and the base 133 may be positioned partially around the pivot 143. For example, the outer wall surface of the base 133 (i.e., the surface facing away from the pivot 143) abuts against the inner wall surface of the groove 114 (i.e., the wall surface facing the slit 113).

[0045] like Figure 4C and Figure 5B As shown, the cable release structure 140 can be horizontally disposed on one side of the corresponding cable retention structure 130. Each clamping arm 131 of the cable retention structure 130 is provided with a second engagement shoulder 135 that abuts against a corresponding first engagement shoulder 144 of the cable release structure 140. For example, the second engagement shoulder 135 can extend horizontally and be partially located in the pivot path of the corresponding first engagement shoulder 144, such that one surface of the second engagement shoulder 135 faces a surface of the corresponding first engagement shoulder 144. As shown, the two second engagement shoulders 135 are located between the two first engagement shoulders 144 and on opposite sides of the manipulation arm 142.

[0046] When the cable release structure 140 pivots, the first engagement shoulder 144 abuts the second engagement shoulder 135, driving the corresponding clamping arm 131 to deflect away from the corresponding contact arm 121 of the first conductive terminal 120. When the cable release structure 140 pivots in one direction to drive the corresponding clamping arm 131 of the cable retention structure 130 to deflect via its first engagement shoulder 144, the other clamping arm 131 of the cable retention structure 130 remains substantially stationary or pressed against the corresponding contact arm 121, while a portion of the pivoting body 141 of the cable release structure 140 (such as the surface 145 shown in the figure) slides along the other clamping arm 131, causing the other first engagement shoulder 144 of the cable release structure 140 to disengage from the other clamping arm 131.

[0047] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments may be varied without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, and that the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" used herein do not exclude other elements or steps. In addition, any element number in a claim should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A line end connector (100) adapted to hold a plurality of cables (1), the line end connector comprising: a first insulating housing (110), the first insulating housing defining a plurality of insertion holes (101) to allow each cable to be partially inserted into the first insulating housing through a corresponding one of the insertion holes; a first conductive terminal (120) disposed in the first insulating housing to electrically contact a core wire (11) of a cable inserted into the first insulating housing; A cable holding structure (130), the cable holding structure being made of an elastically deformable material, being disposed in a first insulating housing and being configured to press the core wires (11) of two cables inserted into the first insulating housing against the first conductive terminal, respectively, so as to hold the two cables in the first insulating housing in a manner such that the two cables are located on opposite sides of the cable holding structure, the cable holding structure having two clamping arms (131) configured to press the core wires of the two cables in opposite directions against the first conductive terminal; and A cable release structure (140) is engaged with the cable holding structure (130) and can be operated to pivot in two opposite directions, so that the pivoting of the cable release structure (140) in one of the two directions drives the cable holding structure (130) to at least partially deflect, so that the angle between the two clamping arms becomes smaller, so as to release the cable holding structure (130) from holding one of the two cables (1) or allow only the core wire (11) of one cable to be inserted between the first conductive terminal (120) and the cable holding structure (130) through the corresponding insertion hole (101).

2. The wire end connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive terminal has two contact arms (121), each contact arm being suitable for electrically contacting a core wire of a cable inserted into the first insulating housing; and Each clamping arm is configured to press a core wire of a cable inserted into the first insulating housing against the corresponding contact arm.

3. The wire end connector according to claim 2, wherein: The cable release structure is provided with two first engagement shoulders (144), each of which is engaged with a corresponding clamping arm to drive the clamping arm to deflect away from the corresponding contact arm through the pivoting of the cable release structure.

4. The wire end connector according to claim 3, wherein: The cable release structure includes: a pivoting body (141) capable of pivoting in the two directions about a pivot shaft (143) provided on the first insulating housing, the pivoting body being provided with the two first engaging shoulders respectively positioned away from the pivot shaft; and A manipulation arm (142) extends from the pivot body toward the outside of the first insulating housing and can be operated to move in a first direction to cause the pivot body to pivot about a pivot axis.

5. The wire end connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first insulating shell is provided with a slit (113) on the other side opposite to the side defining the plurality of insertion holes, the operating arm extends outward from the pivot body through the slit, and the slit extends in a first direction to allow the operating arm to move along the slit in the first direction.

6. The wire end connector according to claim 5, wherein: The cable holding structure has a U-shaped structure positioned toward the slit opening and having the two clamping arms extending away from each other in a first direction, with a base (133) of the U-shaped structure partially surrounding the pivot.

7. The wire end connector according to claim 6, wherein: The first insulating housing is further provided with a groove (114) opening toward the slit, the base of the U-shaped structure being positioned in the groove so that each clamping arm extends from the base toward the corresponding contact arm.

8. The wire end connector according to claim 3, wherein: Each clamping arm is provided with a second engagement shoulder (135) which abuts a corresponding first engagement shoulder of the cable release structure, and The cable release structure is configured to drive the corresponding clamping arm to deflect away from the corresponding contact arm upon pivoting via abutment of the first engagement shoulder with the second engagement shoulder.

9. The wire end connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The plurality of jacks include at least two rows of jacks arranged along a first direction to allow at least two rows of cables spaced apart in the first direction to be held in the line end connector, and the jacks in each row of jacks are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The wire end connector according to claim 9, wherein: The wire end connector includes a plurality of first conductive terminals, each of which is adapted to electrically contact a core wire of one cable in one row of cables and a core wire of one cable in another row of cables.

11. The wire end connector according to claim 10, wherein: The number of the first conductive terminals is the same as the number of the sockets in each row of sockets.

12. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: The wire end connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first conductive terminal has a first contact terminal (123); and A board-end connector (200) comprises a second insulating housing (201) and a second contact terminal (203) arranged in the second insulating housing, the second insulating housing defining a receiving cavity (202), the line-end connector being adapted to be mounted in the receiving cavity, the second contact terminal being adapted to be in electrical contact with the first contact terminal and having a pin (204) adapted to be connected to a conductive structure on a circuit board (2).

13. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein The outer wall of the first insulating shell is provided with a first guide structure, and the inner wall of the second insulating shell defining the receiving cavity is provided with a second guide structure (205), and the first guide structure cooperates with the second guide structure to guide the line end connector to be positioned in the receiving cavity.

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