A light strip connector

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of LED strip connector technology and provides an LED strip connector comprising a connector body having LED strip mounting slots for mounting two LED strips in an L-shape or T-shape. The mounting slots include a first LED strip slot for mounting a first LED strip and a second LED strip slot for mounting a second LED strip. The connector further includes a terminal assembly for conducting the first and second LED strips, the terminal assembly including a first L-shaped terminal and a second L-shaped terminal. A terminal slot is provided on the back of the connector body, and the first and second L-shaped terminals are respectively inserted into the terminal slot, with contact portions extending into the first and second LED strip slots. The LED strip connector provided by this invention allows LED strips to be connected in an L-shape or T-shape, eliminating the need to design, manufacture, and procure different connectors for L-shape and T-shape connections. This results in convenient, flexible, and low-cost application, and a superior user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of LED strip connector technology, and particularly relates to an LED strip connector with good versatility. Background Technology

[0002] Current LED strip connectors are generally designed for a single application scenario, such as connecting two LED strips in a straight line or connecting two LED strips vertically. Their versatility is poor, and different connectors need to be designed, manufactured, and purchased for different application scenarios, which is inconvenient to use and results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a light strip connector that allows light strips to be connected in an L-shape or a T-shape. The light strip connector has good versatility and can meet different application scenarios. There is no need to design, manufacture, or purchase different connectors for L-shape and T-shape connections. It is convenient, flexible, low-cost, and provides a good user experience.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is: a light strip connector, comprising a connector body, the connector body having a light strip mounting groove for mounting two light strips in an L-shape or T-shape, the light strip mounting groove including a first light strip groove for mounting a first light strip and a second light strip groove for mounting a second light strip, the connector body having opposing first and second sides, the two ends of the first light strip groove passing through the first and second sides, the connector body having a third side, the second light strip groove passing through the third side;

[0005] The light strip connector further includes a terminal assembly for conducting the first light strip and the second light strip. The terminal assembly includes a first L-shaped terminal and a second L-shaped terminal. Both the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal have a front end face and a rear end face. The front end face faces the first light strip and the second light strip. The front end face is provided with a contact portion that abuts against or passes through the conductive part of the light strip.

[0006] The back of the connector body is provided with a terminal slot, and the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal are respectively inserted into the terminal slot and the contact part can extend into the first light strip groove and the second light strip groove.

[0007] Optionally, the light strip connector further includes a stop member connected to the connector body and acting on the terminal assembly to keep the terminal assembly abutting or passing through the conductive part of the light strip;

[0008] The anti-reverse component is in the shape of a cover, and one side of the anti-reverse component is integrally connected to the connector body by a folding strap, or the anti-reverse component and the connector body are formed independently.

[0009] Optionally, an undercut structure is provided between the anti-reverse component and the connector body.

[0010] Optionally, the back of the connector body is provided with a groove, and the anti-reverse component is provided with a protruding rib on the side facing the groove that can be inserted into the groove.

[0011] Optionally, the undercut structure includes an undercut protrusion integrally formed on the side of the rib.

[0012] Optionally, the groove is an annular groove, and a boss structure is formed inside the annular groove. The terminal slot is located on the boss structure. The terminal slot includes an L-shaped main groove and a connecting groove that communicates with the main groove. The connecting groove also communicates with the light strip mounting groove.

[0013] Both the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal include a metal terminal body bent at 90 degrees. The bottom of the metal terminal body is provided with a contact portion that can pass through the connecting groove near both ends. The contact portion is sharp or serrated. Both ends of the metal terminal body are integrally provided with an anti-detachment tooth-shaped structure.

[0014] Optionally, the connector body is provided with an indicator structure for marking the position of the first light strip end, or the connector body is provided with a positioning structure for defining the position of the first light strip end.

[0015] Optionally, the second LED strip groove is perpendicularly connected to the first LED strip groove, or a stop wall is provided between the second LED strip groove and the first LED strip groove.

[0016] Optionally, the connector body is L-shaped.

[0017] Optionally, the connector body and the anti-reverse component are integrally injection molded.

[0018] The present invention provides a light strip connector that allows light strips to be connected in an L-shape or a T-shape. The light strip connector has good versatility and can meet different application scenarios. There is no need to design, manufacture, or purchase different connectors for L-shape and T-shape connections. It is convenient, flexible, low-cost, and provides a good user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a light strip connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of a light strip connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of a light strip connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a light strip connector (a first light strip and a second light strip are connected in a T-shape) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a light strip connector (a first light strip and a second light strip are connected in a T-shape) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a light strip connector (the first light strip and the second light strip are connected in a T-shape, and the anti-reverse component is open) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is another exploded perspective view of a light strip connector (including a first light strip, a second light strip, and the anti-reverse component when it is open) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is another exploded perspective view of a light strip connector (including a first light strip, a second light strip, and the anti-reverse component when it is open) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of a light strip connector (when the anti-reverse component is open) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is another exploded perspective view of a light strip connector (when the anti-reverse component is open) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a light strip connector (a first light strip and a second light strip are connected in a T-shape) provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 This is another perspective view of a light strip connector (the first light strip and the second light strip are connected in a T-shape) provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to direct setup or connection, or indirect setup or connection through centered components or centered structures.

[0034] Furthermore, in embodiments of this invention, terms such as "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or in a conventional placement or usage state. These terms are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the structures, features, devices, or elements referred to must have a specific orientation or positional relationship, nor that they must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the detailed embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / embodiments in this invention will not be described separately.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a light strip connector, including a connector body 100. The connector body 100 has a light strip mounting groove, which can accommodate two light strips in an L-shape or T-shape. In specific applications, the light strip can be a COB light strip or an SMD light strip, etc. The light strip mounting groove includes a first light strip groove 110 for mounting a first light strip 910 and a second light strip groove 120 for mounting a second light strip 920. The first light strip groove 110 and the second light strip groove 120 can be perpendicular to each other. The connector body 100 has opposing first and second sides. The two ends of the first light strip groove 110 pass through the first and second sides, forming a first opening 101 and a second opening 102, respectively. The connector body 100 has a third side, through which the second light strip groove 120 passes, forming a third opening 103; the second light strip groove 120 can be close to the first side. In the first installation mode (T-shaped installation), the first light strip 910 can pass laterally through the first opening 101 on the first side and the second opening 102 on the second side, and the front end of the second light strip 920 can be close to (or abut against) the side of the first light strip 910, forming a T-shape installation. In the second installation mode (L-shaped installation), as... Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the first light strip 910 enters through the second opening 102 on the second side but does not exit through the first opening 101 on the first side. The front end of the second light strip 920 can be close to the side of the first light strip 910 (or the front end of the first light strip 910 can be close to the side of the second light strip 920). The first light strip 910 and the second light strip 920 are installed in an L-shape. The LED strip connector further includes a terminal assembly 300 for conducting the first LED strip 910 and the second LED strip 920. The terminal assembly 300 includes a first L-shaped terminal 310 and a second L-shaped terminal 320. Both the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 have a front end face and a rear end face. The front end face faces the first LED strip 910 and the second LED strip 920. The front end face is provided with a contact portion 301 that abuts against or passes through the conductive part of the LED strip. Both the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 are right angled (90-degree bend). The second L-shaped terminal 320 is closer to the inside of the right angle and its side is shorter. The first L-shaped terminal 310 is closer to the outside of the right angle and its side is longer, so as to conduct the two LED strips that are L-shaped or T-shaped. The connector body 100 has a terminal slot 131 on its back side. The first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 are respectively inserted into the terminal slot 131. The contact portion 301 of the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 can extend into the first LED strip groove 110 and the second LED strip groove 120 to abut against or pass through (pierce) the conductive portion (copper foil / pad) 901 of the first LED strip 910 and the second LED strip 920. In this embodiment... The contact portion 301 has a pointed tip that penetrates the conductive portion 901 (conductive layer) of the light strip. The first light strip 910 and the second light strip 920 can be reliably fixed to the light strip connector, and the electrical conductivity is reliable, avoiding poor contact that could affect the operation of the light strip. The two light strips can be connected in an L-shape or a T-shape. The light strip connector has good versatility and can meet different application scenarios. There is no need to design, manufacture, or purchase different connectors for L-shape and T-shape connections. It is convenient, flexible, low-cost, and provides a good user experience.

[0037] Specifically, the LED strip connector further includes a retaining member 200 connected to the connector body 100 and acting on the terminal assembly 300. The retaining member 200 may be in the shape of a cover, or a rear cover. The retaining member 200 (rear cover) can abut against the rear end face of the terminal assembly 300 to prevent the terminal assembly 300 from loosening, thus ensuring that the terminal assembly 300 stably abuts against or passes through the conductive part 901 of the LED strip, resulting in high reliability. Furthermore, the retaining member 200 (rear cover) can insulate and protect the terminal assembly 300, avoiding the risk of short circuits when fixed on the conductive plate.

[0038] In this embodiment, one side of the anti-reverse component 200 is integrally connected to the connector body 100 via a folding strap 290. The connector body 100 and the anti-reverse component 200 can be integrally injection molded. The anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) adopts a flip-top structure. The anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) and the connector body 100 are matched one-to-one to avoid problems such as the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) not matching the connector body 100 or the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) being accidentally lost.

[0039] Alternatively, the anti-reverse component 200 (rear cover) can be formed independently from the connector body 100, with the anti-reverse component 200 (rear cover) directly fastened to the connector body 100. Alternatively, the anti-reverse component 200 (rear cover) can be connected to the connector body 100 via a pivot structure. Of course, the anti-reverse component 200 can also adopt a pin structure, inserted into the connector body 100 from the side, which can also prevent the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 from loosening.

[0040] In this embodiment, the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) adopts a flip-top connection structure. An inverted buckle structure is provided between the anti-reverse component 200 and the connector body 100 to prevent the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) from accidentally coming loose, and to facilitate installation.

[0041] Specifically, the back of the connector body 100 is provided with a groove 141, and the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) has a protruding rib 241 on the side (edge) facing the groove 141 that can be inserted into the groove 141. The anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) provides better stability and reliability, and is also beneficial for waterproofing and dustproofing. The protruding rib 241 can be provided around the edge of the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover), and the groove 141 can be an annular groove.

[0042] In specific applications, injection holes can be provided on the side of the connector body 100 and / or the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover). Glue can be injected through the injection holes, filling the space between the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) and the connector body 100, and at the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320. After the glue cures, it has excellent waterproof sealing effect, and the connection between the connector body 100 and the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) is reliable. Water is not easily allowed to enter between the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 and the connector body 100, resulting in high reliability.

[0043] Specifically, the undercut structure includes an undercut protrusion 242 integrally formed on the side of the rib 241. The undercut protrusion 242 can be formed on one side or both opposite sides of the rib 241. An undercut groove 142 is provided on one side wall or both opposite side walls of the groove 141, resulting in high connection stability. At least three sets of undercut protrusions 242 are provided, respectively near the first opening 101, the second opening 102, and the third opening 103.

[0044] Specifically, the groove 141 is an annular groove (located near the edge of the connector body 100), and a boss structure 151 is formed inside the annular groove. The terminal slot 131 is located on the boss structure 151. The boss is used for waterproofing, which helps to improve waterproof reliability.

[0045] Specifically, the terminal slot 131 includes an L-shaped main slot and a connecting slot connected to the main slot, and the connecting slot is also connected to the light strip mounting slot; the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 are both integrally formed, and the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 both include a metal terminal body bent at 90 degrees, and the bottom of the metal terminal body is provided with a contact portion 301 near both ends that can pass through the connecting slot; the contact portion 301 is sharp or serrated.

[0046] Specifically, both ends of the metal terminal body are integrally provided with anti-loosening tooth-shaped structures 302, which are not easy to loosen or come out after insertion, and have high reliability.

[0047] In specific applications, the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 can be pre-installed in the terminal slot 131, and their contact portion 301 does not intrude into the light strip mounting groove to avoid affecting the installation of the light strip. At this time, the anti-detachment toothed structure 302 can act on the main groove. The anti-detachment toothed structure 302 can adopt upward oblique teeth, and the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 can be easily pressed into the terminal slot 131 and are not easy to loosen upward.

[0048] Specifically, after the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 are installed in place, they can be slightly higher than the boss structure 151. After the anti-reverse component 200 (back cover) is installed in place, it can be pressed against the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320.

[0049] Specifically, the first LED strip groove 110 and the second LED strip groove 120 can be T-shaped grooves that extend to the front of the connector body 100, without affecting the light output of the LED strip.

[0050] Specifically, the connector body 100 is provided with an indicator structure 161 for marking the end position of the first light strip 910. This structure can serve as a stop identification point for the light strip when it is used at a 90-degree angle (L-shaped connection). The indicator structure 161 can be an indicator scale line formed on the connector body 100, and can be a raised structure or a groove structure to indicate the end position of the first light strip 910 (when the two light strips are connected in an L-shape). The connector body 100 can be provided with a through groove, through which the position of the first light strip 910 can be observed. When the two light strips are connected in a T-shape, the position of the conductive part 901 of the first light strip 910 can be observed. When the conductive part 901 is located in a set position, such as directly below the through groove, the first L-shaped terminal 310 (for conducting the positive electrode) and the second L-shaped terminal 320 (for conducting the negative electrode) can connect the two light strips.

[0051] In specific applications, the connector body 100 can also be provided with a positioning structure for defining the position of the end of the first light strip 910 (when the two light strips are connected in an L-shape). The positioning structure can be a positioning plug (with a T-shaped cross-section) that fits into the first opening 101. After the positioning plug is inserted into the first opening 101, when the end of the first light strip 910 abuts against the positioning plug and the second light strip 920 abuts against the side of the first light strip 910 or a set position, its first L-shaped terminal 310 (for conducting the positive electrode) and second L-shaped terminal 320 (for conducting the negative electrode) can connect the two light strips. Furthermore, the positioning plug also has a waterproof effect, which helps to further improve the reliability of the connector.

[0052] Specifically, the second LED strip groove 120 is perpendicularly connected to the first LED strip groove 110. Alternatively, the second LED strip 920 can be inserted first until it abuts against the side wall of the first LED strip groove 110, and then the first LED strip 910 can be inserted until it abuts against the side of the second LED strip 920. Or, a stop wall can be provided between the second LED strip groove 120 and the first LED strip groove 110 to facilitate the positioning of the second LED strip 920.

[0053] In specific applications, the connector body 100 can be in a suitable shape such as an L-shape.

[0054] During installation, the LED strip can be cut into a first LED strip 910 and a second LED strip 920 at a suitable location (such as the midpoint of the conductive part 901). Then, depending on requirements, the first LED strip 910 and the second LED strip 920 can be installed in an L-shape or T-shape into the LED strip mounting slot of the LED strip connector. Pliers or similar tools can be used to press the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 one by one, so that the contact portion 301 of the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 contacts (inserts) the conductive part 901 of the first LED strip 910 and the second LED strip 920. Terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 can be higher than the boss structure by 1510.15mm (maximum). Then, the anti-retraction component 200 (back cover) is covered, so that the anti-retraction component 200 (back cover) abuts against the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 to prevent the first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 from loosening. The first L-shaped terminal 310 and the second L-shaped terminal 320 can maintain contact (insertion) with the conductive part 901 of the first light strip 910 and the second light strip 920. The anti-retraction component 200 (back cover) is connected to the connector body 100 through a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0055] The present invention provides a light strip connector with a light strip mounting slot for mounting two light strips in an L-shape or T-shape. The light strip mounting slot includes a first light strip slot 110 for mounting a first light strip 910 and a second light strip slot 120 for mounting a second light strip 920. The first light strip slot 110 and the second light strip slot 120 can be perpendicular to each other. In a first mounting mode (T-shaped mounting), the first light strip 910 can pass laterally through a first opening 101 on a first side and a second opening 102 on a second side. The front end of the second light strip 920 can be close to (or abut against) the side of the first light strip 910. The first light strip 910 and the second light strip 920 are mounted in a T-shape. In the second installation mode (L-shaped installation), the first light strip 910 enters through the second opening 102 on the second side, but does not exit through the first opening 101 on the first side. The front end of the second light strip 920 can be close to the side of the first light strip 910 (or the front end of the first light strip 910 can be close to the side of the second light strip 920). The first light strip 910 and the second light strip 920 are installed in an L-shape. The two light strips can be connected in an L-shape or a T-shape. The light strip connector has excellent versatility and can meet different application scenarios. There is no need to design, manufacture, or purchase different connectors for L-shaped and T-shaped connections. It is convenient, flexible, low-cost, and provides a good user experience.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light strip connector, characterized in that, The connector body includes a connector body having a light strip mounting groove for mounting two light strips in an L-shape or T-shape. The light strip mounting groove includes a first light strip groove for mounting a first light strip and a second light strip groove for mounting a second light strip. The connector body has opposing first and second sides. The two ends of the first light strip groove pass through the first and second sides. The connector body has a third side, through which the second light strip groove passes. The light strip connector further includes a terminal assembly for conducting the first light strip and the second light strip. The terminal assembly includes a first L-shaped terminal and a second L-shaped terminal. Both the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal have a front end face and a rear end face. The front end face faces the first light strip and the second light strip. The front end face is provided with a contact portion that abuts against or passes through the conductive part of the light strip. The back of the connector body is provided with a terminal slot. The terminal slot includes an L-shaped main slot and a connecting slot that communicates with the main slot. The connecting slot also communicates with the light strip mounting slot. The first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal are respectively inserted into the main slot of the terminal slot, and the contact portion extends through the connecting slot into the first light strip slot and the second light strip slot. The LED strip connector also includes a backstop component connected to the connector body and covering the terminal slot. The back of the connector body is also provided with a groove. The backstop component is engaged in the groove and abuts against the rear end face of the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal to prevent the terminal assembly from loosening and to keep the terminal assembly stably abutting against or passing through the conductive part of the LED strip.

2. The LED strip connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-reverse component is in the shape of a cover, and one side of the anti-reverse component is integrally connected to the connector body by a folding strap, or the anti-reverse component and the connector body are formed independently.

3. A light strip connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, An undercut structure is provided between the anti-reverse component and the connector body.

4. A light strip connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The anti-reverse component has a raised rib on the side facing the groove that can be inserted into the groove.

5. A light strip connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inverted structure includes an inverted protrusion integrally formed on the side of the rib.

6. A light strip connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The groove is an annular groove, and a boss structure is formed inside the annular groove. The terminal slot is located on the boss structure. Both the first L-shaped terminal and the second L-shaped terminal include a metal terminal body bent at 90 degrees. The bottom of the metal terminal body is provided with a contact portion that can pass through the connecting groove near both ends. The contact portion is sharp or serrated. Both ends of the metal terminal body are integrally provided with an anti-detachment tooth-shaped structure.

7. A light strip connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector body is provided with an indicator structure for marking the position of the first light strip end, or the connector body is provided with a positioning structure for defining the position of the first light strip end.

8. A light strip connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second LED strip groove is perpendicularly connected to the first LED strip groove, or a stop wall is provided between the second LED strip groove and the first LED strip groove.

9. A light strip connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector body is L-shaped.

10. A light strip connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connector body and the anti-reverse component are integrally injection molded.

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