Module connectors and their assembly methods

Abstract

A modular connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, a cable module, and a metal housing. The insulating body includes a mating surface, a mounting surface, and a mounting space penetrating the mounting surface. The cable module includes an insulating block and a plurality of cables mounted on the insulating block. The insulating block is housed within the mounting space. The cables are in electrical contact with the conductive terminals. The metal housing is fixed to the insulating body and includes a stop spring arm protruding into the mounting space. The insulating block includes a protrusion, and the stop spring arm is configured to abut against the protrusion to prevent the insulating block from retracting from the mounting space. The invention also discloses a method for assembling the modular connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a module connector and its assembly method, belonging to the field of connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] Modular connectors in related technologies (such as RJ 45 cable connectors) typically include an insulating body, a metal housing covering the insulating body, a plurality of cables mounted in the insulating body, and a plurality of conductive terminals mounted on the insulating body and electrically connected to the plurality of cables.

[0003] After repeated plugging and unplugging of the module connector and mating connector (e.g., RJ 45 socket connector), the cable is prone to loosening, thereby reducing the reliability of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a highly reliable module connector and its assembly method.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a module connector, comprising:

[0006] An insulating body, the insulating body including a mating surface, a mounting surface, a plurality of terminal receiving slots penetrating the mating surface, and a mounting space penetrating the mounting surface;

[0007] A plurality of conductive terminals are mounted in corresponding terminal receiving slots, each conductive terminal including a mating portion exposed on the mating surface, the mating portion being configured to contact a terminal of a mating connector;

[0008] A cable module, comprising an insulating block and a plurality of cables mounted on the insulating block, the insulating block being housed in the mounting space, and the cables being in electrical contact with the conductive terminals; and

[0009] A metal housing, the metal housing being fixed to the insulating body, the metal housing including a stop spring arm protruding into the mounting space;

[0010] The insulating block includes a terminal mounting surface, a cable mounting surface, a plurality of slots penetrating the terminal mounting surface, a cable mounting groove penetrating the cable mounting surface, and a protrusion. The slots are aligned with and connected to the corresponding terminal receiving slots, and the cable mounting grooves are connected to the corresponding slots. The stop spring arm is configured to abut against the protrusion to prevent the insulating block from exiting the mounting space.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the insulating body includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a first surface opposite to the mating surface;

[0012] The metal housing includes a first wall portion, a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion opposite to the first side wall portion, and a second wall portion connecting the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion;

[0013] The first wall portion abuts against the first surface, the first side wall portion abuts against the first side wall, the second side wall portion abuts against the second side wall, and the second wall portion abuts against the mating surface.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the stop spring arm extends integrally from the second wall portion.

[0015] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion is provided with a first stop surface, and the second protrusion is provided with a second stop surface;

[0016] The stop spring arm includes a first spring arm and a second spring arm, the free end of the first spring arm abutting against the first stop surface, and the free end of the second spring arm abutting against the second stop surface.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insulating body is provided with a guide slope exposed in the installation space, and the protrusion is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the guide slope.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insulating body is provided with a first groove and a second groove recessed from the mating surface; the metal shell is provided with a first retaining protrusion bent from the first side wall and a second retaining protrusion bent from the second side wall, the first retaining protrusion being retained in the first groove and the second retaining protrusion being retained in the second groove.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the conductive terminal includes a pointed corner portion opposite to the mating portion, the pointed corner portion being configured to pierce the cable to contact the cable.

[0020] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the cable includes a grounding cable, the metal housing includes a clip, the clip includes a first clamping part and a second clamping part, wherein the first clamping part and the second clamping part are bent and clamped together to fix the cable, and the grounding cable contacts the clip to achieve grounding.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insulating body includes a second surface opposite to the mounting surface, and the cable mounting groove penetrates the second surface.

[0022] The present invention also discloses an assembly method for the aforementioned module connector, the assembly method comprising the following steps:

[0023] S1, providing the insulating body;

[0024] S2, providing the metal housing and assembling and fixing the metal housing to the insulating body;

[0025] S3, providing the insulating block, and threading the cable through the cable mounting groove of the insulating block to form the cable module;

[0026] S4, assemble the insulating block of the cable module into the installation space; in the initial stage of assembling the insulating block, the protrusion of the insulating block presses against the stop spring arm; when the insulating block is assembled in place, the stop spring arm springs back, so that the free end of the stop spring arm abuts against the protrusion to prevent the insulating block from leaving the installation space.

[0027] S5, provide the conductive terminal, assemble the conductive terminal in the terminal receiving groove; squeeze the conductive terminal to pierce the cable to make electrical contact with the cable.

[0028] Compared to existing technologies, the present invention, by setting the stop spring arm to abut against the protrusion, prevents the insulating block from exiting the installation space, thereby improving the reliability of the module connector. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the module connector of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the cable is not shown.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Partial exploded 3D diagram.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0033] Figure 5 It is to remove Figure 3 Further exploded 3D view of the metal shell.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0035] Figure 7 It is an exploded 3D view of the conductive terminal and the insulating block.

[0036] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cable of the present invention in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0039] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9As shown, this invention discloses a modular connector 100, which includes an insulating body 1, a plurality of conductive terminals 2 assembled on the insulating body 1, a cable module 3 assembled on the insulating body 1, and a metal housing 4 mounted on the insulating body 1. In the embodiment illustrated in this invention, the modular connector 100 is an RJ45 cable connector.

[0042] Please combine Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the insulating body 1 includes a mating surface 11 (e.g., an upper surface), a first surface 12 (e.g., a lower surface) opposite to the mating surface 11, a first sidewall 13, a second sidewall 14 opposite to the first sidewall 13, a mounting surface 15 (e.g., a rear surface), a second surface 16 (e.g., a front surface) opposite to the mounting surface 15, a mounting space 10 penetrating the mounting surface 15, and a plurality of terminal receiving slots 110 penetrating the mating surface 11. Each terminal receiving slot 110 extends along a first direction A1-A1.

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the insulating body 1 includes a plurality of fence portions 111 extending through the mating surface 11, and a terminal receiving groove 110 is formed between any two adjacent fence portions 111. The terminal receiving groove 110 extends upward through the mating surface 11 and forward through the second surface 16. Furthermore, the insulating body 1 also includes a first groove 112 and a second groove 113 recessed from the mating surface 11, wherein the first groove 112 is near the top of the first sidewall 13, and the second groove 113 is near the top of the second sidewall 14. In the first direction A1-A1, the first groove 112 and the second groove 113 are located approximately in the middle of the insulating body 1 to avoid excessively weakening the structural strength of the insulating body 1.

[0044] Please combine Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the insulating body 1 also includes a locking spring arm 121 integrally extending from the first surface 12. The locking spring arm 121 is configured to lock into a notch of a mating connector (e.g., an RJ45 socket connector).

[0045] Please combine Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the first sidewall 13 includes a first positioning block 131 located near the second surface 16 and at one corner of the first sidewall 13.

[0046] Similarly, the second sidewall 14 includes a second positioning block 141 located near the second surface 16 and at one corner of the second sidewall 14.

[0047] Please combine Figure 8 As shown, the insulating body 1 also includes a guide ramp 17 exposed in the mounting space 10. The guide ramp 17 makes the mounting space 10 flared outwards into a funnel shape to facilitate the installation of the cable module 3. The guide ramp 17 is used to guide the insertion of the cable module 3.

[0048] Please combine Figure 7 As shown, the conductive terminal 2 is installed in the corresponding terminal receiving groove 110. Each conductive terminal 2 includes a central portion 20, a mating portion 21 extending upward from the central portion 20, and at least one pointed corner portion 22 extending downward from the central portion 20. The mating portion 21 is exposed on the mating surface 11. The mating portion 21 is configured to contact the terminal of the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the mating portion 21 protrudes upward from the mating surface 11 to facilitate contact with the terminal of the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the width of the mating portion 21 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than the width of the central portion 20 along the first direction A1-A1, thereby maximizing the width of the mating portion 21 and improving the reliability of the mating with the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there are two pointed corner portions 22, spaced apart along the first direction A1-A1. The conductive terminal 2 includes a notch 23 located between the two pointed corner portions 22. The pointed corner portion 22 is configured to pierce the cable to contact the cable. By providing two pointed portions 22, the success rate of piercing the cable is improved. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as used in this invention, the technical term "pierce" refers to piercing the insulation of the cable, thereby allowing the pointed portions 22 to interfere with the conductive core of the cable.

[0049] Please combine Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the cable module 3 includes an insulating block 31 and a plurality of cables 32 mounted on the insulating block 31. The insulating block 31 is housed in the mounting space 10, and the cables 32 are in electrical contact with the conductive terminal 2.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the insulating block 31 includes a terminal mounting surface 311, a cable mounting surface 312, a plurality of slots 3111 extending upward through the terminal mounting surface 311, a cable mounting groove 313 extending rearward through the cable mounting surface 312 along the first direction A1-A1, and a protrusion 314. The slots 3111 are aligned vertically with and connected to the corresponding terminal receiving grooves 110. The cable mounting groove 313 is connected to the corresponding slots 3111. The cable mounting groove 313 extends forward along the first direction A1-A1 through the front end face 315 of the insulating block 31. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the cable mounting grooves 313 are spaced apart and staggered along the second direction A2-A2. The second direction A2-A2 is perpendicular to the first direction A1-A1. In other words, the cable mounting grooves 313 are approximately arranged in two rows, vertically and staggered. This arrangement allows for full utilization of the insulating block 31 to accommodate more cables 32.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion 314 includes a first protrusion 3141 and a second protrusion 3142. The first protrusion 3141 is provided with a first inclined surface 3141a and a first stop surface 3141b. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first stop surface 3141b is a vertical surface located at the rear end of the first protrusion 3141.

[0052] Similarly, the second protrusion 3142 is provided with a second inclined surface 3142a and a second stop surface 3142b. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second stop surface 3142b is a vertical surface located at the rear end of the second protrusion 3142.

[0053] The first inclined surface 3141a and the second inclined surface 3142a are configured to cooperate with the guide inclined surface 17.

[0054] Please combine Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the metal housing 4 is fixed to the insulating body 1, and the metal housing 4 includes a stop spring arm 40 that protrudes obliquely into the mounting space 10. The stop spring arm 40 is configured to abut against the protrusion 314 to prevent the insulating block 31 from retracting backward from the mounting space 10 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0055] Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the metal housing 4 includes a first wall portion 41 (e.g., a bottom wall), a first side wall portion 42, a second side wall portion 43 opposite to the first side wall portion 42, and a second wall portion 44 (e.g., a top wall) connecting the first side wall portion 42 and the second side wall portion 43. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the metal housing 4 is formed by stamping, bending, and snapping together a single piece of metal. Dovetail grooves and dovetail protrusions for interlocking are located on the second wall portion 44. The top of the metal housing 4 has an opening 45 located in front of the second wall portion 44, and the mating portion 21 of the conductive terminal 2 is exposed in the opening 45. When the metal housing 4 is assembled onto the insulating body 1, the first wall portion 41 abuts against the first surface 12, the first side wall portion 42 abuts against the first side wall 13, the second side wall portion 43 abuts against the second side wall 14, and the second wall portion 44 abuts against the mating surface 11.

[0056] The first sidewall portion 42 has a first notch 421 at its front end, which engages with the first positioning block 131. The second sidewall portion 43 has a second notch 431 at its front end, which engages with the second positioning block 141.

[0057] The metal housing 4 is provided with a first retaining protrusion 461 bent from the first sidewall portion 42 and a second retaining protrusion 462 bent from the second sidewall portion 43. The first retaining protrusion 461 is engaged in the first groove 112, and the second retaining protrusion 462 is engaged in the second groove 113. This arrangement prevents the metal housing 4 from detaching from the insulating body 1 along the first direction A1-A1. By placing the first groove 112 and the second groove 113 in the middle of the insulating body 1, it is beneficial to fully utilize the portion of the insulating body 1 with higher structural strength, further improving the fixation between the metal housing 4 and the insulating body 1.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the stop spring arm 40 extends integrally from the second wall portion 43. The stop spring arm 40 includes a first spring arm 401 and a second spring arm 402, the free end 4011 of the first spring arm 401 abuts against the first stop surface 3141b, and the free end 4021 of the second spring arm 402 abuts against the second stop surface 3142b.

[0059] Furthermore, the metal housing 4 includes a clip 47. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the clip 47 extends integrally with the first wall portion 41. The clip 47 includes a first holding portion 471 and a second holding portion 472, wherein the first holding portion 471 and the second holding portion 472 are bent and fastened together to secure the cable 32. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the cable 32 includes a grounding cable G, which contacts the clip 47 to achieve grounding. Preferably, the clip 47 secures the grounding cable G inside itself. The portion of the grounding cable G that is secured to the clip 47 may extend along the first direction A1-A1, or along the second direction A2-A2, or at any angle; the invention does not limit this.

[0060] The present invention also discloses a method for assembling the module connector 100, the assembly method comprising the following steps:

[0061] S1, providing the insulating body 1;

[0062] S2, Provide the metal housing 4, and assemble and fix the metal housing 4 to the insulating body 1;

[0063] S3, the insulating block 31 is provided, and the cable 32 is passed through the cable mounting groove 313 of the insulating block 31 to form the cable module 3;

[0064] S4, the insulating block 31 of the cable module 3 is assembled into the mounting space 10; initially, the protrusion 314 of the insulating block 31 presses against the stop spring arm 40; when the insulating block 31 is assembled in place, the stop spring arm 40 springs back, causing the free end of the stop spring arm 40 to abut against the protrusion 314 to prevent the insulating block 31 from exiting the mounting space 10 along the first direction A1-A1; and

[0065] S5, provide the conductive terminal 2, assemble the conductive terminal 2 in the terminal receiving groove 110; squeeze the conductive terminal 2 to pierce the cable 32 to make electrical contact with the cable 32.

[0066] In step S2, the first retaining tab 461 is held in the first groove 112, and the second retaining tab 462 is held in the second groove 113, so as to realize the assembly and fixation of the metal shell 4 and the insulating body 1.

[0067] In step S3, the portion of the cable 32 extending beyond the front end face 315 of the insulating block 31 is cut off.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that in the assembly method of the module connector 100 of the present invention, the order of the relevant steps can be adjusted as needed.

[0069] Compared with the prior art, the present invention improves the reliability of the module connector 100 by setting the stop spring arm 40 to abut against the protrusion 314, thus preventing the insulating block 31 from exiting the installation space 10.

[0070] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A module connector (100), characterized in that, include: An insulating body (1) includes a mating surface (11), a mounting surface (15), a plurality of terminal receiving slots (110) penetrating the mating surface (11), and a mounting space (10) penetrating the mounting surface (15); the mating surface (11) and the mounting surface (15) are arranged adjacent to each other. A plurality of conductive terminals (2) are mounted in corresponding terminal receiving slots (110), each conductive terminal (2) including a mating portion (21) exposed to the mating surface (11), the mating portion (21) being configured to contact the terminals of the mating connector; A cable module (3) comprising an insulating block (31) and a plurality of cables (32) mounted on the insulating block (31), the insulating block (31) being housed in the mounting space (10), and the cables (32) being in electrical contact with the conductive terminal (2); and Metal housing (4), the metal housing (4) is fixed to the insulating body (1), the metal housing (4) includes a stop spring arm (40) that at least partially covers the mounting surface (15) and protrudes obliquely into the mounting space (10). The insulating block (31) includes a terminal mounting surface (311), a cable mounting surface (312), a plurality of slots (3111) penetrating the terminal mounting surface (311), a cable mounting groove (313) penetrating the cable mounting surface (312), and a protrusion (314). The slots (3111) are aligned with and connected to the corresponding terminal receiving grooves (110), and the cable mounting grooves (313) are connected to the corresponding slots (3111). The protrusion (314) is located in the mounting space (10), and the stop spring arm (40) is configured to abut against the protrusion (314) to prevent the insulating block (31) from exiting the mounting space (10). The protrusion (314) includes a first protrusion (3141), the first protrusion (3141) having a first inclined surface (3141a), and the insulating block (31) having a guide inclined surface (17) exposed in the mounting space (10), the first inclined surface (3141a) cooperating with the guide inclined surface (17); The metal housing (4) is first assembled and fixed with the insulating body (1), and then the cable module (3) is inserted into the installation space (10) of the insulating body (1).

2. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body (1) includes a first sidewall (13), a second sidewall (14) opposite to the first sidewall (13), and a first surface (12) opposite to the mating surface (11). The metal casing (4) includes a first wall portion (41), a first side wall portion (42), a second side wall portion (43) opposite to the first side wall portion (42), and a second wall portion (44) connecting the first side wall portion (42) and the second side wall portion (43). The first wall portion (41) abuts against the first surface (12), the first side wall portion (42) abuts against the first side wall (13), the second side wall portion (43) abuts against the second side wall (14), and the second wall portion (44) abuts against the mating surface (11).

3. The module connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The stop spring arm (40) extends integrally from the second wall portion (44).

4. The module connector (100) as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The protrusion (314) further includes a second protrusion (3142), the first protrusion (3141) is provided with a first stop surface (3141b), and the second protrusion (3142) is provided with a second stop surface (3142b). The stop spring arm (40) includes a first spring arm (401) and a second spring arm (402). The free end (4011) of the first spring arm (401) abuts against the first stop surface (3141b), and the free end (4021) of the second spring arm (402) abuts against the second stop surface (3142b).

5. The module connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The insulating body (1) is provided with a first groove (112) and a second groove (113) recessed from the mating surface (11); the metal shell (4) is provided with a first retaining protrusion (461) bent from the first side wall portion (42) and a second retaining protrusion (462) bent from the second side wall portion (43), the first retaining protrusion (461) is retained in the first groove (112) and the second retaining protrusion (462) is retained in the second groove (113).

6. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive terminal (2) includes a pointed portion (22) opposite to the mating portion (21), the pointed portion (22) being configured to pierce the cable (32) to contact the cable (32).

7. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cable (32) includes a grounding cable (G), and the metal housing (4) includes a clip (47). The clip (47) includes a first holding part (471) and a second holding part (472), wherein the first holding part (471) and the second holding part (472) are bent and fastened together to fix the cable (32), and the grounding cable (G) contacts the clip (47) to achieve grounding.

8. The module connector (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating block (31) includes a front end face (315) opposite to the cable mounting surface (312), and the cable mounting groove (313) passes through the front end face (315).

9. A method for assembling a module connector (100), wherein the module connector (100) is the module connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the assembly method comprising the following steps: S1, providing the insulating body (1); S2, provide the metal housing (4) and assemble and fix the metal housing (4) to the insulating body (1). S3, the insulating block (31) is provided, and the cable (32) is passed through the cable mounting groove (313) of the insulating block (31) to form the cable module (3); S4, the insulating block (31) of the cable module (3) is assembled into the mounting space (10); in the initial stage of assembling the insulating block (31), the protrusion (314) of the insulating block (31) presses against the stop spring arm (40); when the insulating block (31) is assembled in place, the stop spring arm (40) springs back, so that the free end of the stop spring arm (40) abuts against the protrusion (314) to prevent the insulating block (31) from exiting the mounting space (10); and S5, provide the conductive terminal (2), assemble the conductive terminal (2) in the terminal receiving groove (110); squeeze the conductive terminal (2) to pierce the cable (32) to make electrical contact with the cable (32).

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