Electrical connector with built-in spring lock securing structure

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of electric connectors, and particularly relates to an electric connector with a built-in spring locking structure. The electric connector comprises a female connector and a male connector. The female connector comprises a female plastic shell and a female copper piece installed in the female plastic shell. The male connector comprises a male plastic shell and a male copper piece installed in the male plastic shell. The female connector is inserted into the male connector. The part of the female plastic shell inserted into the male connector is an insertion shell body. The other part of the female connector is an outer shell body. A retaining assembly is installed in the outer shell body and moves up and down along the thickness direction of the outer shell body. The retaining assembly extends to the insertion shell body. The male plastic shell is provided with a retaining structure matched with the retaining assembly. The retaining assembly and the retaining structure cooperate to retain the female plastic shell and the male plastic shell after the insertion. The application overcomes the problems of insufficient pressing life, difficult unlocking and poor unlocking feeling of the cantilever type locking structure in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connectors, and specifically relates to an electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a locking mechanism is installed on the two mating plug and socket connectors to prevent them from loosening due to external force after mating, thus ensuring the reliability and safety of the mechanical connection. Existing locking devices are rigid interference devices, making unlocking difficult after the two connectors are mated, and sometimes even requiring damage to the connectors to unlock them.

[0003] The commonly used locking structure is the cantilever locking structure. However, the connection between the cantilever locking structure and the electrical connector housing is prone to breakage after repeated pressing, and its service life cannot be guaranteed.

[0004] Furthermore, the unlocking process of the cantilever latch structure requires pressing the movable end of the cantilever to move the cantilever downwards, thereby moving the locking block below the crossbar to achieve physical unlocking and allow the connector to be separated. However, there may be situations where the pressing force is different, and the locking block and the crossbar cannot be completely separated, resulting in unlocking difficulties. Applying further pressing force will make the cantilever more prone to breakage. Therefore, the existing latch has problems such as insufficient pressing life, difficulty in unlocking, and poor unlocking feel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention designs an electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a female end plastic shell and a female end copper component installed inside the female end plastic shell. The male connector includes a male end plastic shell and a male end copper component installed inside the male end plastic shell. The female connector is inserted into the male connector. The portion of the female end plastic shell inserted into the male connector is the insertion shell. The other portion of the female connector, excluding the insertion shell, is the outer shell. A retaining component that moves up and down along the thickness direction of the outer shell is installed inside the outer shell. The retaining component extends onto the insertion shell. The male end plastic shell is provided with a retaining structure that mates with the retaining component. After the retaining component mates with the retaining structure, it retains the female end plastic shell and the male end plastic shell after they are inserted.

[0007] Furthermore, the retaining assembly includes a recessed mounting cavity on the surface of the outer shell and a mounting groove on the insert housing that communicates with the mounting cavity. The surface of the outer shell is recessed around the mounting cavity to form mounting countersunk holes. It also includes a first latch, which includes a first latch cap and a guide housing connected to the lower end of the first latch cap. The guide housing fits into the mounting cavity, and the first latch cap is located in the mounting countersunk hole. The first latch cap also has an integrally formed locking arm with a locking protrusion at the front end. The locking arm is located in the mounting groove. It also includes a first locking spring, which is inserted into the guide housing and its lower end abuts against the bottom surface of the mounting cavity.

[0008] Furthermore, the guide housing has symmetrically opened windows, each containing a spring plate. The spring plate has a limiting boss, and the side wall of the mounting cavity has a recessed limiting groove, with the limiting boss fitting into the limiting groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the retaining structure is a locking hole or locking groove provided on the male end plastic shell.

[0010] Furthermore, the retaining assembly includes a through mounting hole on the surface of the outer casing and a mounting groove on the outer casing that communicates with the mounting hole. The surface of the outer casing is recessed around both ends of the mounting hole to form mounting countersunk holes. It also includes a set of symmetrically arranged second latches. The second latches include a second latch cap, the lower surface of which is provided with a mounting sleeve. The second latch cap is located in the mounting countersunk hole, and the mounting sleeve fits into the mounting hole. The second latch cap is also integrally formed with a locking arm. The front end of the locking arm is formed with a locking protrusion. The locking arm is located in the mounting groove. It also includes a second locking spring, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the mounting sleeves of the two second latch caps.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting sleeve of the second lock cap is symmetrically provided with a first plane and a second plane. The corresponding mounting hole is provided with a sliding plane that cooperates with the first plane and the second plane. A set of limiting latches are symmetrically arranged on the first plane, and a guide groove is formed between the two limiting latches. A set of limiting protrusions is provided on the sliding plane opposite to the first plane. The limiting protrusions cooperate with the limiting latches. The end face of the mounting sleeve at the guide groove extends to form a limiting spring arm. The end plate of the limiting spring arm is provided with a spring arm limiting protrusion. The end face of the mounting sleeve at the second plane extends to form a guide arm. A guide through hole is opened on the guide arm and the mounting sleeve. When the two second latches are assembled, the spring arm limiting protrusion of one second latch cooperates in the guide through hole of the guide arm of the other second latch, and the guide arm is located in the guide groove.

[0012] Furthermore, one surface of the insert housing is recessed to form a concave area, and the inner wall of the male end plastic shell is provided with an outward protrusion that mates with the concave area.

[0013] Furthermore, a guide edge is provided at the edge of the mounting groove in the concave area, and a guide groove that mates with the guide edge is provided on the convex part.

[0014] Furthermore, the retaining structure is a locking hole or locking groove provided on the male end plastic shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the locking groove extends to the tail of the male end of the plastic shell and forms two connecting through holes, and also includes a plastic tail plug, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the two connecting through holes.

[0016] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention improves the locking structure of electrical connectors, providing an electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure that allows for up-and-down movement and pressing to unlock. This overcomes the problems of insufficient pressing life, difficulty in unlocking, and poor unlocking feel in the cantilever locking structure of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the female connector (excluding the first locking buckle) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first latch (including the first locking spring) of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a front view schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the cross section of AA; Figure 9 This is a front view schematic diagram of the female connector (excluding the second locking buckle) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the two second latches (including the second locking spring) of the present invention in a combined state; Figure 11 This is a front view schematic diagram of the second latch in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the second latch in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; In the diagram, 1 is the female connector, 10 is the female plastic shell, 11 is the female copper component, 100 is the insertion shell, 101 is the outer shell, 1010 is the mounting cavity, 1001 is the mounting groove, 1011 is the mounting countersunk hole, and 10101 is the limiting groove. 1002 is the concave area, and 1003 is the guide edge. 2 is the male connector, 20 is the male plastic shell, 21 is the male copper part, 201 is the retaining structure; 200 is the outward protrusion, 2001 is the edge guide groove, 2011 is the connection through hole, and 2012 is the plastic tail plug. 3 is the retaining component, 30 is the first latch, 301 is the first lock cap, 305 is the guide housing, 302 is the locking arm, 3020 is the locking protrusion, and 303 is the first locking spring. 3050 is the window, 3051 is the spring plate, and 3052 is the limiting boss. 1012 is the mounting hole, and 10120 is the sliding surface. 31 is the second latch, 310 is the second lock cap, 311 is the mounting sleeve, and 304 is the second locking spring. 3110 is the first plane, 3112 is the second plane, 3112 is the limiting latch, 3113 is the guide groove, 312 is the limiting protrusion, 313 is the limiting spring arm, 3130 is the spring arm limiting protrusion, 314 is the guide arm, and 3140 is the guide through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "set on" or "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is referred to as being "fixed to" another component, or "fixedly connected" to another component, the fixing method can be detachable or non-detachable. When a component is considered to be "connected" or "rotatably connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and similar expressions used are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] In this invention, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used not to represent specific quantities or orders, but merely to distinguish names.

[0022] Example 1 See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure includes a female connector 1 and a male connector 2. The female connector 1 includes a female end plastic shell 10 and a female end copper component 11 installed inside the female end plastic shell. The male connector 2 includes a male end plastic shell 20 and a male end copper component 21 installed inside the male end plastic shell. The female connector 10 is inserted into the male connector 20. The part of the female end plastic shell 10 inserted into the male connector is the insertion shell 100. The other part of the female connector 10, excluding the insertion shell, is the outer shell 101. A retaining component 3 that moves up and down along the thickness direction of the outer shell 101 is installed inside the outer shell 101. The retaining component 3 extends onto the insertion shell 100. The male end plastic shell 20 is provided with a retaining structure 201 that cooperates with the retaining component. After the retaining component cooperates with the retaining structure, it retains the female end plastic shell and the male end plastic shell after insertion. This invention designs an electrical connector with a built-in locking structure. When the female connector and the male connector are inserted, people press the retaining component, causing the retaining component to move downward. During the insertion process of the female connector and the male connector, the retaining component does not interfere with the male connector. To reduce resistance during the insertion process, once the female connector and male connector are in place, the retaining component is released. The retaining component resets and engages with the retaining structure on the male end's plastic shell, thus locking the female connector and male connector in place and ensuring the reliability of the male connector after insertion.

[0023] In this embodiment, see Figures 2 to 4As shown, the retaining assembly 3 includes a recessed mounting cavity 1010 on the surface of the outer shell 101. In this embodiment, the mounting cavity is a non-through cavity. The insert housing 100 has a mounting groove 1001 communicating with the mounting cavity. The surface of the outer shell 101 is recessed around the mounting cavity to form mounting countersunk holes 1011. It also includes a first latch 30, which includes a first latch 301 and a guide housing 305 connected to the lower end of the first latch 301. The guide housing 305 is fitted into the mounting cavity 1010. The first latch 301 is located in the mounting countersunk hole 1011. A locking arm 302 is integrally formed on the first latch 301. A locking protrusion 3020 is formed at the front end of the locking arm 302. The locking arm 302 is located in the mounting groove 1001. It also includes a first locking spring 303, which is inserted into the mounting groove 1001. The first locking spring is fitted inside the guide housing and its lower end abuts against the bottom surface of the mounting cavity. Here, there is a fixed connection between the lower end of the first locking spring and the bottom surface of the mounting cavity. In this embodiment, the mounting cavity is specifically provided on one surface of the outer shell. After assembly, the first locking spring is in a balanced state. At this time, the upper surface of the first locking cap is flush with the upper end surface of the mounting countersunk hole. The locking protrusion of the locking arm cooperates with the retaining mechanism on the male end plastic shell to achieve a locking effect. When unlocking, people press the first locking cap, driving the first locking cap and the guide housing to move downward in the mounting cavity. Finally, the lower end surface of the first locking cap abuts against the end surface of the mounting countersunk hole. At this time, the first locking spring is compressed, and the locking arm and locking protrusion follow the first locking cap down to their positions. The locking protrusion separates from the retaining structure inside the male end plastic shell, achieving the purpose of unlocking. At this time, the male end plastic shell and the female end plastic shell can be separated.

[0024] See Figure 4 As shown, the guide housing 305 has symmetrically opened windows 3050, and a spring plate 3051 is provided in the window. The spring plate 3051 is provided with a limiting boss 3052. The side wall of the mounting cavity 1010 is provided with a recessed limiting groove 10101. The limiting boss 3052 fits in the limiting groove 10101. In order to prevent the first locking spring from popping out of the mounting cavity during the reset process, the limiting boss and the limiting groove are matched to limit the first locking cap in the direction of the mounting cavity axis, so as to avoid the problem of the first locking cap coming out of the mounting cavity. Furthermore, the spring plate structure design is adopted. During the assembly process, the spring plate of the guide housing is compressed, which facilitates the assembly of the limiting boss and the limiting groove of the guide housing.

[0025] In this embodiment, see Figure 1As shown, the retaining structure 201 is a locking hole or locking groove provided on the male end plastic shell. In the attached figure of this embodiment, the retaining structure is a locking hole provided on the male end plastic shell. The locking protrusion fits into the locking hole. The structure of the locking hole makes it easier for the user to judge the insertion direction. Alternatively, the structure of the locking groove can be used. This makes the overall integrity of the male end plastic shell better, reduces the openings on the male end plastic shell, and is also more conducive to the waterproof requirements of the male end plastic shell.

[0026] Example 2 In this embodiment, the retaining component differs from that in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, the retaining component has a locking cap on only one surface of the female end plastic shell, while in this embodiment, locking caps are provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the female end plastic shell.

[0027] See Figures 5 to 12 As shown, the retaining assembly 3 includes a through mounting hole 1012 on the surface of the outer shell 101, and a mounting groove 1001 on the insert housing 100 communicating with the mounting hole. The surface of the outer shell 101 is recessed around both ends of the mounting hole to form mounting countersunk holes 1011. It also includes a set of symmetrically arranged second latches 31. Each second latch 31 includes a second locking cap 310, the lower surface of which is provided with a mounting sleeve 311. The second locking cap 310 is located within the mounting countersunk hole 1011, and the mounting sleeve 311 engages with the mounting... Inside the hole 1012, the second lock cap 310 is also integrally formed with a lock arm 302. The front end of the lock arm 302 forms a locking protrusion 3020. The lock arm 302 is located in the mounting groove and also includes a second locking spring 304. The two ends of the second locking spring are respectively inserted into the mounting sleeves of the two second lock caps. In this embodiment, a double-sided locking structure is designed so that there is a locking structure between the upper and lower surfaces of the male end plastic shell and the female end plastic shell, providing a more stable holding force and improving the problem that there is no holding force on one side in the single-sided locking in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the mounting sleeve 311 of the second lock cap 310 is symmetrically provided with a first plane 3110 and a second plane 3111. The corresponding mounting hole 1012 contains a sliding plane 10120 that mates with the first and second planes. A set of limiting latches 3112 are symmetrically arranged on the first plane 3110, forming a guide groove 3113 between the two limiting latches 3112. A set of limiting protrusions 312 are provided on the sliding plane opposite the first plane, engaging with the limiting latches 3112. The end face of the mounting sleeve 311 at the guide groove extends to form a limiting spring arm 313. The end plate of the limiting spring arm 313 has a spring arm limiting protrusion 3130. The end face of the mounting sleeve 311 at the second plane extends... A guide arm 314 is formed, and a guide through hole 3140 is formed on the guide arm and the mounting sleeve. When the two second latches are assembled, the spring arm limiting protrusion 3130 of one second latch 31 engages in the guide through hole 3140 of the guide arm of the other second latch 31, and the guide arm is located in the guide groove. Here, the upper and lower directions of one side of the mounting sleeve are limited by the cooperation of the limiting latch and the limiting protrusion. Furthermore, the upper and lower directions of the other side of the mounting sleeve are limited by the limiting spring arm, the spring arm limiting protrusion and the guide through hole. At the same time, the first plane and the second plane of the mounting sleeve of the second latch are limited, ensuring that the second latch can be stably and reliably set in the mounting through hole, and there will be no problem of the second latch slipping out of the mounting hole.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a concave region 1001 is formed on one surface of the insert housing 100, and an outward protrusion 200 that mates with the concave region is provided on the inner wall of the male end plastic housing 20. The setting of the outward protrusion and the concave region forms a corresponding mating relationship, which has the function of preventing mistaken insertion. Users can determine the direction of insertion by observing the concave region and the outward protrusion, thus avoiding the problem of incorrect insertion in the usage scenario.

[0030] See Figure 9 As shown, a guide edge 1002 is provided at the edge of the mounting groove in the concave area 1001, and a guide groove 2001 that mates with the guide edge is provided on the convex part 200. The added guide edge ensures that the mounting grooves on both sides have the same depth and can hold the locking arm in the up and down direction, avoiding the problem of the locking arm coming out of the mounting groove. The guide groove provides space for the guide edge to be inserted.

[0031] In this embodiment, the retaining structure 201 is a locking groove. Since the concave area and the convex part can make it easy for users to judge the direction of insertion, the locking groove structure design is adopted in this embodiment to ensure the integrity of the male end plastic shell and is more conducive to meeting the waterproof level requirements for electrical connectors.

[0032] See Figure 8As shown, the locking groove extends to the tail of the male end plastic shell and forms two connecting through holes 2011. It also includes a plastic tail plug 2012, with both ends of the plastic tail plug inserted into the two connecting through holes respectively. The above structural design makes it easier to design the manufacturing mold and can reduce the design and manufacturing cost of the manufacturing mold, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector.

[0033] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention improves the locking structure of electrical connectors, providing an electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure that allows for up-and-down movement and pressing to unlock. This overcomes the problems of insufficient pressing life, difficulty in unlocking, and poor unlocking feel in the cantilever locking structure of the prior art.

[0034] Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure, comprising a female connector and a male connector, the female connector comprising a female end plastic shell and a female end copper component installed inside the female end plastic shell, the male connector comprising a male end plastic shell and a male end copper component installed inside the male end plastic shell, the female connector being inserted into the male connector, the portion of the female end plastic shell inserted into the male connector being an insertion shell, and the other portion of the female connector excluding the insertion shell being an outer shell, characterized in that: The outer casing is equipped with a retaining assembly that moves vertically along the thickness of the outer casing. The retaining assembly extends partially into the insert housing. The male end plastic shell has a retaining structure that mates with the retaining assembly. After the retaining assembly mates with the retaining structure, it holds the female end plastic shell and the male end plastic shell after insertion. The retaining assembly includes a through mounting hole on the surface of the outer casing and a mounting groove on the insert housing that communicates with the mounting hole. The surface of the outer casing has recessed mounting countersunk holes around both ends of the mounting hole. It also includes a set of symmetrically arranged second latches. The second latches include a second lock cap with a mounting sleeve on its lower surface. The second lock cap is located within the mounting countersunk hole, and the mounting sleeve fits into the mounting hole. The second lock cap also has an integrally formed locking arm with a locking protrusion at its front end. The locking arm is located within the mounting groove. It also includes a second locking mechanism. The spring, the two ends of the second locking spring are respectively inserted into the mounting sleeves of the two second lock caps. The mounting sleeves of the second lock caps are symmetrically provided with a first plane and a second plane. The corresponding mounting holes are provided with sliding planes that cooperate with the first plane and the second plane. A set of limiting latches are symmetrically arranged on the first plane. A guide groove is formed between the two limiting latches. A set of limiting protrusions is provided on the sliding planes opposite to the first plane. The limiting protrusions cooperate with the limiting latches. The end face of the mounting sleeve at the guide groove extends to form a limiting spring arm. The end plate of the limiting spring arm is provided with a spring arm limiting protrusion. The end face of the mounting sleeve at the second plane extends to form a guide arm. A guide through hole is opened on the guide arm and the mounting sleeve. When the two second latches are assembled, the spring arm limiting protrusion of one second latch cooperates in the guide through hole of the guide arm of the other second latch, and the guide arm is located in the guide groove.

2. The electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insert housing has a recessed area formed on one surface, and the male end plastic housing has an outward protrusion that mates with the recessed area on its inner wall.

3. The electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting groove in the concave area is provided with a guide edge, and the convex part is provided with a guide groove that matches the guide edge.

4. The electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining structure is a locking hole or locking groove provided on the male end plastic shell.

5. The electrical connector with a built-in spring locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking groove extends to the tail of the male end of the plastic shell and forms two connecting through holes, and also includes a plastic tail plug, the two ends of which are respectively inserted into the two connecting through holes.

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