A 24-pin USB Type-C connector for automotive use

Abstract

This invention discloses a 24-pin USB Type-C automotive connector, comprising: an upper terminal module, a lower terminal module, a middle clip disposed between the upper and lower terminal modules, a first plastic part integrally molded and wrapped around the upper and lower terminal modules and the middle clip, a metal inner shell sleeved around the first plastic part, an insulating body for mounting and supporting the metal inner shell, and a metal outer shell mounted on the insulating body. The front end of the insulating body is provided with a first locking hole for locking the plug. By stacking the upper and lower terminal modules and the middle clip together, and then in-mold-molded the first plastic part around the upper and lower terminal modules and the middle clip, the overall structural strength of the connector's tongue portion is superior, enabling it to pass various destructive tests. The structure is also more compact, less prone to disintegration, and has a longer service life. Simultaneously, it reduces assembly steps and improves assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and specifically to a vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector. Background Technology

[0002] Currently available USB Type-C connectors typically integrate the terminals and the plastic base into a single piece. This method is generally suitable for single-row terminals. However, for connectors with dual-row terminals, this one-piece molding is often difficult to achieve. Therefore, traditional dual-row terminal connectors require additional auxiliary components to position the terminals during assembly, leading to complex assembly processes, low efficiency, and poor overall structural strength, making them prone to disassembly. Furthermore, existing Type-C connectors lack a locking mechanism. During vehicle operation, vibrations can cause the connector to detach, resulting in transmission interruptions and poor stability.

[0003] In view of the above, the inventors propose the following technical solution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a vehicle-mounted 24PIN USB TYPE-C connector.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a vehicle-mounted 24PIN USB TYPE-C connector, comprising: an upper terminal module, a lower terminal module, a middle clip disposed between the upper terminal module and the lower terminal module, a first plastic part integrally molded and wrapped around the upper terminal module, the lower terminal module and the middle clip, a metal inner shell sleeved on the outside of the first plastic part, an insulating body for mounting and supporting the metal outer shell and a metal outer shell mounted on the insulating body, wherein the front end of the insulating body is provided with a first locking hole for locking the plug.

[0006] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the upper terminal module includes a plurality of sequentially arranged upper terminals and a second plastic part integrally injection molded and wrapped around the upper terminals. The bottom of the second plastic part is provided with a first positioning post and a second positioning post for docking and positioning with the PCB board. The lower terminal module includes a plurality of sequentially arranged lower terminals and a third plastic part and a fourth plastic part integrally injection molded and wrapped around both ends of the lower terminals.

[0007] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, both the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals are L-shaped, and the front ends of the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals are embedded in the first plastic part in a "duckbill" structure; the second plastic part includes a base portion wrapped around one end of the upper row of terminals and a support tongue formed on the upper end of the base portion for supporting the other end of the upper row of terminals. The support tongue and the fourth plastic part cooperate to clamp and position the middle clip, and the first plastic part is wrapped around the support tongue and the fourth plastic part.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the front side of the base portion is provided with a first positioning groove and a second positioning groove for matching and positioning with the third plastic part, and the rear side of the third plastic part is provided with a first positioning block and a second positioning block respectively in the first positioning groove and the second positioning groove. The first positioning block and the second positioning block are respectively located on both sides of the third plastic part and are L-shaped.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the support tongue is provided with a plurality of third positioning posts for positioning the middle clamp piece, and the middle clamp piece is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes that match the third positioning posts; the fourth plastic part is provided with a plurality of fourth positioning posts for positioning the middle clamp piece, and the middle clamp piece is also provided with a plurality of second positioning holes that match the third positioning posts.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the middle clamping piece adopts a symmetrical structure on both sides, with multiple first positioning holes and multiple second positioning holes distributed symmetrically on both sides of the middle clamping piece, and multiple third positioning grooves that can match and position with the fourth positioning post are provided on the support tongue platform, and multiple fourth positioning grooves that can match and align with the third positioning post are provided on the fourth plastic part.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the metal inner shell is sleeved on the first plastic part and bent at the rear end to form a first baffle for limiting the second plastic part and the third plastic part. The two sides of the metal inner shell are provided with a first welding pin and a second welding pin for extending downward. The upper end surface of the metal inner shell is symmetrically provided with a first elastic limiting block and a second elastic limiting block that can be stamped and bent to lock the second plastic part.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the rear end of the insulating body is provided with a first mounting hole for inserting the metal inner shell, and the front end cavity of the insulating body is provided with an upper positioning groove and a lower positioning groove that are staggered to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the insulating body has a left slot and a right slot on both sides for inserting and installing the metal shell, the metal shell has a grounding spring in the middle for contacting the metal of the vehicle, the metal shell has a first conductive contact piece and a second conductive contact piece on both sides of the rear end for contacting the inner metal shell, and the metal shell has a first elastic contact piece and a second elastic contact piece on both side walls for increasing the clamping force on the plug.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the metal shell is provided with a third welding pin, a fourth welding pin, a fifth welding pin, and a sixth welding pin that pass downward through the insulating body on both sides; the upper positioning groove is located on the upper end face of the cavity and there are two of them respectively located on both sides of the cavity; the lower positioning groove is located on the lower end face of the cavity and there are two of them; the cavity is also provided with a boss groove located below the first mounting hole and used to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards, and the boss groove is located in the middle of the two lower positioning grooves.

[0015] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art: In the present invention, the upper row terminal module, the lower row terminal module, and the middle clip are stacked together, and a first plastic part is formed by in-mold injection molding around the upper row terminal module, the lower row terminal module, and the middle clip. This makes the overall structural strength of the connector tongue part superior, able to pass various destructive tests, and the structure is more compact, less prone to falling apart, and has a longer service life. At the same time, it can reduce assembly steps and improve assembly efficiency. Secondly, by setting a first locking hole at the front end of the insulating body, after the plug is inserted into the insulating body, the first locking hole is used to fix the plug in place, preventing the plug from falling off due to vibration during vehicle operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is the three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 2 This is the three-dimensional representation of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 5 This is the decomposition state of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 6This is the decomposition state of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 7 This is the decomposition state of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second plastic part in this invention;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the clip in this invention;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the fourth plastic part in this invention;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the third plastic part in this invention;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0029] See Figures 1 to 12 The image shows a 24-pin USB Type-C automotive connector, comprising: an upper terminal module 1, a lower terminal module 2, a middle clip 3 disposed between the upper terminal module 1 and the lower terminal module 2, a first plastic part 4 integrally molded and wrapped around the upper terminal module 1, the lower terminal module 2, and the middle clip 3, a metal inner shell 5 sleeved on the first plastic part 4, an insulating body 6 for mounting and supporting the metal outer shell 7, and a metal outer shell 7 mounted on the insulating body 6. The front end of the insulating body 6 is provided with a first locking hole 62 for locking the plug. By stacking the upper terminal module 1, the lower terminal module 2, and the middle clip 3 together, and then molding the first plastic part 4 around the upper terminal module 1, the lower terminal module 2, and the middle clip 3 through in-mold injection molding, the overall structural strength of the connector's tongue portion is superior, enabling it to pass various destructive tests. The structure is also more compact, less prone to falling apart, and has a longer service life. Simultaneously, it reduces assembly steps and improves assembly efficiency. Secondly, by setting a first locking hole 62 at the front end of the insulating body 6, after the plug is inserted into the insulating body 6, the first locking hole 62 is used to cooperate with the plug to fix the tap inside the insulating body 6, preventing the plug from falling off due to vibration during vehicle operation.

[0030] The upper terminal module 1 includes a plurality of sequentially arranged upper terminals 11 and a second plastic part 12 integrally injection molded and wrapped around the upper terminals 11. The bottom of the second plastic part 12 is provided with a first positioning post 121A and a second positioning post 121B for docking and positioning with the PCB board. The lower terminal module 2 includes a plurality of sequentially arranged lower terminals 21 and a third plastic part 22 and a fourth plastic part 23 integrally injection molded and wrapped around both ends of the lower terminals 21. By providing the first positioning post 121A and the second positioning post 121B at the bottom of the second plastic part 12, the first positioning post 121A and the second positioning post 121B serve as positioning references when the PCB board is installed.

[0031] Both the upper row of terminals 11 and the lower row of terminals 21 are L-shaped, and the front ends of the upper row of terminals 11 and the lower row of terminals 21 are embedded in the first plastic part 4 in a "duckbill" structure. The second plastic part 12 includes a base portion 121 wrapped around one end of the upper row of terminals 11 and a support tongue 122 formed on the upper end of the base portion 121 and used to support the other end of the upper row of terminals 11. The support tongue 122 cooperates with the fourth plastic part 23 to clamp and position the middle clip 3. The first plastic part 4 is wrapped around the support tongue 122 and the fourth plastic part 23.

[0032] The front side of the base portion 121 is provided with a first positioning groove 123 and a second positioning groove 124 for matching and positioning with the third plastic part 22. The rear side of the third plastic part 22 is provided with a first positioning block 221 and a second positioning block 222 that are respectively in the first positioning groove 123 and the second positioning groove 124. The first positioning block 221 and the second positioning block 222 are respectively located on both sides of the third plastic part 22 and are L-shaped.

[0033] The support tongue 122 is provided with a plurality of third positioning posts 122A for positioning the middle clamping piece 3, and the middle clamping piece 3 is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes 31 that match the third positioning posts 122A; the fourth plastic part 23 is provided with a plurality of fourth positioning posts 231 for positioning the middle clamping piece 3, and the middle clamping piece 3 is also provided with a plurality of second positioning holes 32 that match the third positioning posts 122A. Positioning is achieved by setting the third positioning posts 122A and the fourth positioning posts 231 on the support tongue 122 and the fourth plastic part 23 respectively, passing through the first positioning holes 31 and the second positioning holes 32 on the middle clamping piece 3. The assembly is smooth due to the fit between the cylinder and the hole, and because it is a surface-to-surface contact structure, the strength is also good, and it is not easy to loosen after stacking. Furthermore, using the plurality of third positioning posts 122A and the fourth positioning posts 231 passing through the first positioning holes 31 and the second positioning holes 32 on the middle clamping piece 3 for positioning ensures that the relative positions of the upper row terminal module 1 and the lower row terminal module 2 are accurate after stacking.

[0034] The middle clamp 3 adopts a symmetrical structure on both sides. Multiple first positioning holes 31 and multiple second positioning holes 32 are distributed on both sides of the middle clamp 3 and are symmetrical in pairs. The support tongue 122 is provided with multiple third positioning grooves 122B that can match and position with the fourth positioning post 231. The fourth plastic part 23 is provided with multiple fourth positioning grooves 232 that can match and align with the third positioning post 122A.

[0035] The metal inner shell 5 is sleeved on the first plastic part 4 and bent at the rear end to form a first baffle 51 for limiting the second plastic part 12 and the third plastic part 22. The metal inner shell 5 has a first welding pin 52 and a second welding pin 53 for extending downward on both sides. The upper end surface of the metal inner shell 5 is symmetrically provided with a first elastic limiting block 54 and a second elastic limiting block 55 that can be stamped and bent to lock the second plastic part 12.

[0036] The rear end of the insulating body 6 is provided with a first mounting hole 61 for the metal inner shell 5 to be inserted. The cavity at the front end of the insulating body 6 is provided with an upper positioning groove 63 and a lower positioning groove 64 that are staggered to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards. By providing the upper positioning groove 63 and the lower positioning groove 64 staggered on the insulating body 6, and by using the upper positioning groove 63 and the lower positioning groove 64 to match and mate with the plug, the tap is prevented from being inserted backwards.

[0037] The insulating body 6 has a left slot 65 and a right slot 66 on both sides for inserting the metal housing 7. The metal housing 7 has a grounding spring 71 in the middle for contact with the metal of the vehicle. The rear sides of the metal housing 7 have a first conductive contact 72 and a second conductive contact 73 for contact with the inner metal housing 5. The side walls of the metal housing 7 have a first elastic contact 74 and a second elastic contact 75 to increase the clamping force on the plug. By providing the grounding spring 71 on the metal housing 7 for contact with the metal of the vehicle, after installation on the vehicle, the grounding spring 71 contacts the metal parts of the vehicle, achieving grounding and absorbing static electricity. Furthermore, the first elastic contact 74 and the second elastic contact 75 are provided on both sides of the inner side of the metal housing 7 to increase the clamping force after the plug is inserted. Furthermore, by providing first conductive contact pieces 72 and second conductive contact pieces 73 on both sides of the rear end of the metal outer shell 7 to contact the metal inner shell 5, the metal outer shell 7 and the metal inner shell 6 are made to conduct electricity after the finished product is assembled, thereby improving the electrical performance of the product.

[0038] The metal outer casing 7 is also provided with a third welding pin 76, a fourth welding pin 77, a fifth welding pin 78, and a sixth welding pin 79 that pass downward through the insulating body 6 on both sides; the upper positioning groove 63 is located on the upper end face of the cavity and two are respectively located on both sides of the cavity; the lower positioning groove 64 is located on the lower end face of the cavity and two are provided; the cavity is also provided with a boss groove 67 located below the first mounting hole 61 and used to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards, and the boss groove 67 is located between the two lower positioning grooves 64.

[0039] The rear end of the first mounting hole 61 is provided with a second mounting groove 610 for positioning the metal inner shell 5. The second mounting groove 610 has a first positioning slot 611 and a second positioning slot 612 on both sides. The upper ends of the first welding pin 52 and the second welding pin 53 are bent to provide a first folded ear portion 521 and a second folded ear portion 531 that can be inserted into the first positioning slot 611 and the second positioning slot 612. The lower part of the first folded ear portion 521 and the second folded ear portion 531 is respectively provided with a first wedge-shaped protrusion 522 and a second wedge-shaped protrusion 532 that can match and limit the groove wall of the second mounting groove 610. The lower part of the first positioning slot 611 and the second positioning slot 612 is respectively provided with a first slot 613 and a second slot 614 that match and lock with the first wedge-shaped protrusion 522 and the second wedge-shaped protrusion 532.

[0040] The traditional manufacturing process for connectors involves molding the terminals and the plastic base together as a single piece. This method is typically suitable for single-row terminals. However, for connectors with double-row terminal designs, it is usually difficult to achieve this method of molding the terminals and the plastic base together in one step. Therefore, this invention adopts the following solution:

[0041] First, a second plastic part 12 is integrally molded onto the 12 spaced upper row terminals 11 in the mold using in-mold injection molding, thereby forming an upper terminal module 1 including the upper row terminals 11 and the second plastic part 12. Next, a third plastic part 22 and a fourth plastic part 23 located at both ends of the lower row terminals 21 are integrally molded onto the 12 spaced lower row terminals 21 in the mold using in-mold injection molding, thereby forming a lower terminal module 2 including the lower row terminals 21, the third plastic part 22, and the fourth plastic part 23. Further, a middle clamping piece 3 is stacked together with one end of the upper terminal module 1 and the lower terminal module 2, and the fourth plastic part 23 is fastened and fixed to the second plastic part 12 by the first positioning block 221 and the second positioning block 222 engaging with the first positioning groove 123 and the second positioning groove 124. Finally, the fourth plastic part 23 is integrally molded and wrapped around the upper terminal module 1 and the lower terminal module 2 using in-mold injection molding. The first plastic part 4 is inserted into the metal inner shell 5, and the middle clip 3 is located between the upper row of terminals 11 and the lower row of terminals 21. Further, the first plastic part 4 is inserted into the metal inner shell 5, and the upper terminal module 1 and the lower terminal module 2 are limited in the metal inner shell 5 by bending the first baffle 51 against the rear end of the second plastic part 12. The second plastic part 23 is then positioned by stamping the first elastic limiting block 54 and the second elastic limiting block 55 on the metal inner shell 5. Further, the metal inner shell 5 is inserted into the first mounting hole 61 of the insulating body 6, and the first wedge protrusion 522 and the second wedge protrusion 532 are fixed in the first slot 613 and the second slot 614. Further, the metal outer shell 7 is inserted into the left slot 65 and the right slot 66 of the insulating body 6, and the third welding pin 76, the fourth welding pin 77, the fifth welding pin 78, and the sixth welding pin 79 extend through the insulating body 6 to the bottom, thus completing the production and assembly of the connector.

[0042] The upper terminal 11 and lower terminal 21 are first positioned by in-mold injection molding to form an upper terminal module 1, which includes the upper terminal 11 and the second plastic part 12, and a lower terminal module 2, which includes the lower terminal 21, the third plastic part 22, and the fourth plastic part 23. Then, a middle clamping piece 3 is placed between the upper terminal module 1 and the lower terminal module 2, and the first plastic part 4 is formed by in-mold injection molding to wrap the outside. In this way, the upper terminal 11, the lower terminal 21, and the middle clamping piece 3 are formed into a whole by three in-mold injection molding processes. This not only solves the problem that it is difficult to integrally mold and fix the double-row terminals together, but also ensures that the position of each terminal is accurate. This reduces the number of parts when assembling with the metal inner shell 5, the insulating body 6, and the metal outer shell 7, improves assembly efficiency, and enhances overall strength.

[0043] Of course, the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles described in the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted 24PIN USB TYPE-C connector, characterized in that, include: Upper row terminals (11), lower row terminals (21), middle clip (3), metal inner shell (5), insulating body (6), metal outer shell (7); a second plastic part (12) formed by in-mold injection molding and wrapped around the upper row terminals (11) to form an upper row terminal module (1); a third plastic part (22) and a fourth plastic part (23) formed by in-mold injection molding and wrapped around both ends of the lower row terminals (21) to form a lower row terminal module (2); and an integrally molded part wrapped around the upper row terminals (11). The first plastic part (4) outside the terminal block module (1), the lower terminal block module (2), and the middle clip (3) is located between the upper terminal block module (1) and the lower terminal block module (2). The metal inner shell (5) is sleeved and installed outside the first plastic part (4) and inserted into the insulating body (6). The metal outer shell (7) is installed outside the insulating body (6). The front end of the insulating body (6) is provided with a first locking hole (62) for locking the plug.

2. The automotive 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper row of terminals (11) and the lower row of terminals (21) are both L-shaped, and the front ends of the upper row of terminals (11) and the lower row of terminals (21) are embedded in the first plastic part (4) in a "duckbill" structure; the second plastic part (12) includes a base part (121) wrapped around one end of the upper row of terminals (11) and a support tongue (122) formed on the upper end of the base part (121) and used to support the other end of the upper row of terminals (11). The support tongue (122) and the fourth plastic part (23) cooperate to clamp and position the middle clip (3). The first plastic part (4) is wrapped around the support tongue (122) and the fourth plastic part (23).

3. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the second plastic part (12) is provided with a first positioning post (121A) and a second positioning post (121B) for docking and positioning with the PCB board.

4. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base portion (121) is provided with a first positioning groove (123) and a second positioning groove (124) for matching and positioning with the third plastic part (22) on the front side. The third plastic part (22) is provided with a first positioning block (221) and a second positioning block (222) respectively in the first positioning groove (123) and the second positioning groove (124). The first positioning block (221) and the second positioning block (222) are located on both sides of the third plastic part (22) and are L-shaped.

5. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support tongue platform (122) is provided with a plurality of third positioning posts (122A) for positioning the middle clamping piece (3), and the middle clamping piece (3) is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes (31) matching the third positioning posts (122A); the fourth plastic part (23) is provided with a plurality of fourth positioning posts (231) for positioning the middle clamping piece (3), and the middle clamping piece (3) is also provided with a plurality of second positioning holes (32) matching the third positioning posts (122A).

6. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The middle clamp (3) adopts a symmetrical structure on both sides. Multiple first positioning holes (31) and multiple second positioning holes (32) are distributed on both sides of the middle clamp (3) and are symmetrical in pairs. Multiple third positioning grooves (122B) that can match and position with the fourth positioning post (231) are provided on the support tongue (122). Multiple fourth positioning grooves (232) that can match and align with the third positioning post (122A) are provided on the fourth plastic part (23).

7. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The metal inner shell (5) is fitted onto the first plastic part (4) and bent at the rear end to form a first baffle (51) for limiting the second plastic part (12) and the third plastic part (22). The metal inner shell (5) is provided with a first welding pin (52) and a second welding pin (53) for extending downward on both sides. The upper end surface of the metal inner shell (5) is symmetrically provided with a first elastic limiting block (54) and a second elastic limiting block (55) that can be stamped and bent to lock the second plastic part (12).

8. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The rear end of the insulating body (6) is provided with a first mounting hole (61) for inserting the metal inner shell (5), and the front end cavity of the insulating body (6) is provided with an upper positioning groove (63) and a lower positioning groove (64) that are staggered to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards.

9. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The insulating body (6) has a left slot (65) and a right slot (66) on both sides for inserting the metal shell (7) into the installation. The metal shell (7) has a grounding spring (71) in the middle for contacting the metal of the car. The metal shell (7) has a first conductive contact (72) and a second conductive contact (73) on both sides of the rear end for contacting the metal inner shell (5). The metal shell (7) has a first elastic contact (74) and a second elastic contact (75) on both side walls for increasing the clamping force on the plug.

10. A vehicle-mounted 24-pin USB Type-C connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The metal outer shell (7) is also provided with a third welding pin (76), a fourth welding pin (77), a fifth welding pin (78), and a sixth welding pin (79) that pass downward through the insulating body (6) on both sides; the upper positioning groove (63) is located on the upper end face of the cavity and is provided with two on both sides of the cavity respectively; the lower positioning groove (64) is located on the lower end face of the cavity and is provided with two; the cavity is also provided with a boss groove (67) located below the first mounting hole (61) and used to prevent the plug from being inserted backwards, and the boss groove (67) is located in the middle of the two lower positioning grooves (64).

Images