Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector includes: a housing; and the locking piece is rotationally connected to the shell and can rotate between a locking position and an unlocking position. The lock includes: a pair of force arm portions, one end of which is rotatably connected to an outer side of the housing; a pair of hook-shaped locking parts respectively formed on the other ends of the pair of force arm parts; and a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the ends of the pair of hook-like locking portions, respectively. When the locking piece is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking part of the locking piece is locked to the columnar locking part of the matched shell; in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking part to the columnar locking part, the roller on the hook-shaped locking part is in rolling contact with the columnar locking part, so that the friction between the roller and the columnar locking part is reduced. Therefore, the service lives of the locking piece and the columnar locking part can be prolonged, and the connector and the matching connector can be ensured to be stably locked in the matching state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly comprising the connector. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a locking member is rotatably provided on the housing of the heavy-duty connector, and the locking member has a hook-shaped locking portion. A columnar locking portion is fixedly provided on the matching housing of the counter-matching heavy-duty connector. The locking member can rotate between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the locking member is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion on the locking member is locked to the columnar locking portion of the matching housing to lock the housing of the heavy-duty connector and the matching housing of the counter-matching heavy-duty connector together. When the locking member is rotated to the unlocking position, the hook-shaped locking portion on the locking member is separated from the columnar locking portion of the matching housing. In the prior art, in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion to the columnar locking portion, the end of the hook-shaped locking portion slides and rubs against the columnar locking portion, resulting in severe wear between the hook-shaped locking portion and the columnar locking portion, reducing the service life of the locking member and the columnar locking portion. In the prior art, after the hook-shaped locking portion and the columnar locking portion are locked multiple times, the locking function will be lost due to severe wear, resulting in that the heavy-duty connector and the counter-matching heavy-duty connector cannot be firmly locked together. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: a housing; and a locking member rotatably connected to the housing and capable of rotating between a locking position engaged with a mating housing and an unlocking position separated from the mating housing. The locking member comprises: a pair of force arms, one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer side of the housing; a pair of hook-shaped locking portions, respectively formed on the other ends of the pair of force arms; and a pair of rollers, respectively rotatably mounted on the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions. When the locking member is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion of the locking member is locked onto the columnar locking portion of the mating housing to lock the housing and the mating housing together; in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion onto the columnar locking portion, the roller on the hook-shaped locking portion rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion to reduce friction between the two.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member further comprises: a pair of connecting shafts respectively fixed to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions, and the pair of rollers are respectively rotatably mounted on the pair of connecting shafts.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting hole is formed at the end of the hook-shaped locking portion; the connecting shaft includes: a first shaft portion, which is located at one end of the connecting shaft and is fixedly connected to the connecting hole; and a second shaft portion, one end of which is connected to the first shaft portion and has a diameter larger than the first shaft portion, and the roller is rotatably mounted on the second shaft portion.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first shaft portion is riveted or welded to a connecting hole on the hook-shaped locking portion.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pair of hook-shaped locking portions have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other, and the second shaft portion protrudes from the outer sides of the hook-shaped locking portions so that the roller mounted on the second shaft portion is located on the outer sides of the hook-shaped locking portions.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting shaft further includes: a limiting flange formed on the other end of the second shaft portion and protruding radially, and the roller is axially restricted between the limiting flange and the outer side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion to ensure that the roller will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pair of hook-shaped locking portions have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other, and the second shaft portion protrudes from the inner sides of the hook-shaped locking portions so that the roller mounted on the second shaft portion is located on the inner sides of the hook-shaped locking portions.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting shaft further includes: a limiting flange formed on the other end of the second shaft portion and protruding radially, and the roller is axially restricted between the limiting flange and the inner side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion to ensure that the roller will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pivot hole is formed on one end of the force arm portion, and a support shaft is fixedly provided on the outer side of the shell, and the support shaft is rotatably engaged with the pivot hole, so that the locking member can rotate around the support shaft between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support shaft is riveted or welded to the housing.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an axis of the supporting shaft is parallel to an axis of the connecting shaft.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member further comprises: a connecting arm connected between the other ends of the pair of force arm portions to ensure synchronous rotation of the pair of force arm portions.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member further comprises: a handle portion connected to the connecting arm, for driving the locking member to rotate between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pair of force arm portions, the pair of hook-shaped locking portions, the connecting arm and the handle portion are formed as an integral piece.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes: an insulator disposed in the housing; and a terminal disposed in the insulator.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector is a heavy-duty connector.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: a connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating housing for mating with the housing of the connector; and a columnar locking portion fixedly arranged on the outer side of the mating housing. The hook-shaped locking portion of the locking member of the connector is used to lock onto the columnar locking portion of the mating housing to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mating state; in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion onto the columnar locking portion, the roller on the hook-shaped locking portion rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion to reduce friction between the two.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the columnar locking portion is riveted or welded to the mating housing.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes: a mating insulator, disposed in the mating housing, for mating with the insulator of the connector; and a mating terminal, disposed in the mating insulator, for mating and connecting with the terminal of the connector.

[0023] In the aforementioned various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion to the columnar locking portion, the roller on the hook-shaped locking portion is in rolling contact with the columnar locking portion, thereby greatly reducing the friction between the two, extending the service life of the locking piece and the columnar locking portion, and ensuring that the connector and the mating connector are firmly locked in the mating state.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a locking member of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic plan view showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is in an unlocked position;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic plan view showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the process of the locking member being locked to the columnar locking portion is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic plan view showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is in a locked position;

[0031] Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view showing a locking member of a connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0035] In addition, in the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are embodied in a schematic manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0036] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing; and a locking member rotatably connected to the housing, capable of rotating between a locking position engaged with a mating housing and an unlocking position separated from the mating housing. The locking member includes: a pair of force arms, one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer side of the housing; a pair of hook-shaped locking portions, respectively formed on the other ends of the pair of force arms; and a pair of rollers, respectively rotatably mounted on the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions. When the locking member is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion of the locking member is locked onto the columnar locking portion of the mating housing to lock the housing and the mating housing together; in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion to the columnar locking portion, the roller on the hook-shaped locking portion rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion to reduce friction between the two.

[0037] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector, which is mated with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating shell, which is used to mate with the shell of the connector; and a columnar locking portion, which is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the mating shell. The hook-shaped locking portion of the locking member of the connector is used to lock onto the columnar locking portion of the mating shell to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mating state; in the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion to the columnar locking portion, the roller on the hook-shaped locking portion rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion to reduce friction between the two.

[0038] First embodiment

[0039] Figures 1 to 6 A connector and a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a locking member 11 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic plan view showing a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member 11 is in an unlocked position; Figure 5A schematic plan view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the process of the locking member 11 being locked to the columnar locking portion 21 is shown; Figure 6 A schematic plan view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the locking member 11 is in a locked position.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is disclosed, which includes: a housing 10 and a locking member 11. The locking member 11 is rotatably connected to the housing 10, and can rotate between a locking position engaged with the mating housing 20 and an unlocking position separated from the mating housing 20. The locking member 11 includes: a pair of force arm portions 110, a pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 and a pair of rollers 112. One end (the lower end in the figure) of the pair of force arm portions 110 is rotatably connected to the outer side of the housing 10. The pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 are respectively formed on the other end (the upper end in the figure) of the pair of force arm portions 110. A pair of rollers 112 are rotatably mounted to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111, respectively.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the locking member 11 is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion 111 of the locking member 11 is locked onto the columnar locking portion 21 of the mating housing 20 to lock the housing 10 and the mating housing 20 together. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion 111 onto the columnar locking portion 21, the roller 112 on the hook-shaped locking portion 111 rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion 21 to reduce friction therebetween. Therefore, the present invention can extend the service life of the locking member 11 and the columnar locking portion 21, and can ensure that the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are firmly locked in the mating state.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further comprises a pair of connecting shafts 113, which are respectively fixed to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111. A pair of rollers 112 are rotatably mounted on the pair of connecting shafts 113, respectively.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a connecting hole 111a is formed at the end of the hook-shaped locking portion 111. The connecting shaft 113 includes: a first shaft portion 113a and a second shaft portion 113b. The first shaft portion 113a is located at one end of the connecting shaft 113 and is fixedly connected to the connecting hole 111a. One end of the second shaft portion 113b is connected to the first shaft portion 113a and has a larger diameter than the first shaft portion 113a. The roller 112 is rotatably mounted on the second shaft portion 113b.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first shaft portion 113a is riveted into the connection hole 111a on the hook-shaped locking portion 111. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first shaft portion 113a may also be welded into the connection hole 111a on the hook-shaped locking portion 111.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other. The second shaft portion 113b protrudes from the outer side of the hook-shaped locking portion 111, so that the roller 112 mounted on the second shaft portion 113b is located on the outer side of the hook-shaped locking portion 111.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting shaft 113 further includes a limiting flange 113c, which is formed on the other end of the second shaft portion 113b and protrudes radially. The roller 112 is axially limited between the limiting flange 113c and the outer side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion 111 to ensure that the roller 112 will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft 113.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pivot hole 110a is formed on one end of the force arm portion 110, and a support shaft 12 is fixedly provided on the outer side of the shell 10. The support shaft 12 is rotatably matched with the pivot hole 110a, so that the locking member 11 can rotate around the support shaft 12 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the support shaft 12 is riveted or welded to the housing 10 .

[0049] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the axis of the support shaft 12 is parallel to the axis of the connecting shaft 113 .

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further includes a connecting arm 114 , and the connecting arm 114 is connected between the other ends of the pair of force arm portions 110 to ensure that the pair of force arm portions 110 rotate synchronously.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further comprises a handle portion 115, which is connected to the connecting arm 114. Therefore, an operator can drive the locking member 11 to rotate between a locking position and an unlocking position by operating the handle portion 115.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of force arm portions 110 , the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 , the connecting arm 114 and the handle portion 115 are formed as an integral piece.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises: an insulator (not shown) and a terminal (not shown). The insulator is disposed in the housing 10. The terminal is disposed in the insulator.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector is a heavy-duty connector.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 is mated with the connector 1. The mating connector 2 includes: a mating shell 20 and a columnar locking portion 21. The mating shell 20 is used to mate with the shell 10 of the connector 1. The columnar locking portion 21 is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the mating shell 20. The hook-shaped locking portion 111 of the locking member 11 of the connector 1 is used to lock onto the columnar locking portion 21 of the mating shell 20 to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 in a mating state. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion 111 to the columnar locking portion 21, the roller 112 on the hook-shaped locking portion 111 rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion 21 to reduce friction between the two.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical locking portion 21 is riveted or welded to the mating housing 20 .

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 further includes: a mating insulator (not shown) and a mating terminal (not shown). The mating insulator is disposed in the mating housing 20 and is used to mate with the insulator of the connector 1. The mating terminal is disposed in the mating insulator and is used to mate and connect with the terminal of the connector 1.

[0058] Second embodiment

[0059] Figures 7 to 9 A connector and a connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 A schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a locking member 11 of a connector 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is disclosed, which includes: a housing 10 and a locking member 11. The locking member 11 is rotatably connected to the housing 10, and can rotate between a locking position engaged with the mating housing 20 and an unlocking position separated from the mating housing 20. The locking member 11 includes: a pair of force arm portions 110, a pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 and a pair of rollers 112. One end (the lower end in the figure) of the pair of force arm portions 110 is rotatably connected to the outer side of the housing 10. The pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 are respectively formed on the other end (the upper end in the figure) of the pair of force arm portions 110. A pair of rollers 112 are rotatably mounted to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111, respectively.

[0061] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the locking member 11 is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion 111 of the locking member 11 is locked onto the columnar locking portion 21 of the mating housing 20 to lock the housing 10 and the mating housing 20 together. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion 111 onto the columnar locking portion 21, the roller 112 on the hook-shaped locking portion 111 rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion 21 to reduce friction therebetween. Therefore, the present invention can extend the service life of the locking member 11 and the columnar locking portion 21, and can ensure that the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are firmly locked in the mating state.

[0062] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further comprises a pair of connecting shafts 113, which are respectively fixed to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111. A pair of rollers 112 are rotatably mounted on the pair of connecting shafts 113, respectively.

[0063] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a connecting hole 111a is formed at the end of the hook-shaped locking portion 111. The connecting shaft 113 includes: a first shaft portion 113a and a second shaft portion 113b. The first shaft portion 113a is located at one end of the connecting shaft 113 and is fixedly connected to the connecting hole 111a. One end of the second shaft portion 113b is connected to the first shaft portion 113a and has a larger diameter than the first shaft portion 113a. The roller 112 is rotatably mounted on the second shaft portion 113b.

[0064] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first shaft portion 113a is riveted into the connection hole 111a on the hook-shaped locking portion 111. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first shaft portion 113a may also be welded into the connection hole 111a on the hook-shaped locking portion 111.

[0065] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other. The second shaft portion 113b protrudes from the inner side of the hook-shaped locking portion 111, so that the roller 112 mounted on the second shaft portion 113b is located on the inner side of the hook-shaped locking portion 111.

[0066] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting shaft 113 further includes a limiting flange 113c, which is formed on the other end of the second shaft portion 113b and protrudes radially. The roller 112 is axially limited between the limiting flange 113c and the inner side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion 111 to ensure that the roller 112 will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft 113.

[0067] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pivot hole 110a is formed on one end of the force arm portion 110, and a support shaft 12 is fixedly provided on the outer side of the shell 10. The support shaft 12 is rotatably matched with the pivot hole 110a, so that the locking member 11 can rotate around the support shaft 12 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0068] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the support shaft 12 is riveted or welded to the housing 10 .

[0069] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the axis of the support shaft 12 is parallel to the axis of the connecting shaft 113 .

[0070] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further includes a connecting arm 114 , and the connecting arm 114 is connected between the other ends of the pair of force arm portions 110 to ensure that the pair of force arm portions 110 rotate synchronously.

[0071] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 11 further comprises a handle portion 115, which is connected to the connecting arm 114. Therefore, an operator can drive the locking member 11 to rotate between a locking position and an unlocking position by operating the handle portion 115.

[0072] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the pair of force arm portions 110 , the pair of hook-shaped locking portions 111 , the connecting arm 114 and the handle portion 115 are formed as an integral piece.

[0073] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises: an insulator (not shown) and a terminal (not shown). The insulator is disposed in the housing 10. The terminal is disposed in the insulator.

[0074] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector is a heavy-duty connector.

[0075] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 is mated with the connector 1. The mating connector 2 includes: a mating shell 20 and a columnar locking portion 21. The mating shell 20 is used to mate with the shell 10 of the connector 1. The columnar locking portion 21 is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the mating shell 20. The hook-shaped locking portion 111 of the locking member 11 of the connector 1 is used to lock onto the columnar locking portion 21 of the mating shell 20 to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 in a mating state. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion 111 to the columnar locking portion 21, the roller 112 on the hook-shaped locking portion 111 rolls in contact with the columnar locking portion 21 to reduce friction between the two.

[0076] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical locking portion 21 is riveted or welded to the mating housing 20 .

[0077] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 further includes: a mating insulator (not shown) and a mating terminal (not shown). The mating insulator is disposed in the mating housing 20 and is used to mate with the insulator of the connector 1. The mating terminal is disposed in the mating insulator and is used to mate and connect with the terminal of the connector 1.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and may be improved upon by those skilled in the art. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle, and these changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0080] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0081] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: include: Housing (10); and A locking member (11) is rotatably connected to the housing (10) and is rotatable between a locking position for engaging with the mating housing (20) and an unlocking position for separating from the mating housing (20). The locking member (11) comprises: a pair of force arms (110), one end of which is rotatably connected to the outer side of the housing (10); A pair of hook-shaped locking portions (111) are respectively formed on the other ends of the pair of force arm portions (110); and A pair of rollers (112) are rotatably mounted on the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking portions (111), When the locking member (11) is rotated to the locking position, the hook-shaped locking portion (111) of the locking member (11) is locked onto the column-shaped locking portion (21) of the matching housing (20), so as to lock the housing (10) and the matching housing (20) together. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion (111) to the column-shaped locking portion (21), the roller (112) on the hook-shaped locking portion (111) is in rolling contact with the column-shaped locking portion (21) to reduce friction between the two.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (11) further comprises: A pair of connecting shafts (113) are respectively fixed to the ends of the pair of hook-shaped locking parts (111), The pair of rollers (112) are rotatably mounted on the pair of connecting shafts (113) respectively.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting hole (111a) is formed at the end of the hook-shaped locking portion (111); The connecting shaft (113) comprises: A first shaft portion (113a) located at one end of the connecting shaft (113) and fixedly connected to the connecting hole (111a); and a second shaft portion (113b), one end of which is connected to the first shaft portion (113a) and has a diameter greater than that of the first shaft portion (113a), The roller (112) is rotatably mounted on the second shaft portion (113b).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first shaft portion (113a) is riveted or welded into a connecting hole (111a) on the hook-shaped locking portion (111).

5. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pair of hook-shaped locking portions (111) have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other, and the second shaft portion (113b) protrudes from the outer sides of the hook-shaped locking portions (111), so that the roller (112) mounted on the second shaft portion (113b) is located on the outer sides of the hook-shaped locking portions (111).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting shaft (113) further comprises: A limiting flange (113c) is formed on the other end of the second shaft portion (113b) and protrudes radially, The roller (112) is axially restricted between the limiting flange (113c) and the outer side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion (111) to ensure that the roller (112) will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft (113).

7. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pair of hook-shaped locking portions (111) have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other, and the second shaft portion (113b) protrudes from the inner sides of the hook-shaped locking portions (111), so that the roller (112) mounted on the second shaft portion (113b) is located on the inner sides of the hook-shaped locking portions (111).

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting shaft (113) further comprises: A limiting flange (113c) is formed on the other end of the second shaft portion (113b) and protrudes radially, The roller (112) is axially restricted between the limiting flange (113c) and the inner side of the end of the hook-shaped locking portion (111) to ensure that the roller (112) will not be axially separated from the connecting shaft (113).

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pivot hole (110a) is formed at one end of the force arm portion (110), and a support shaft (12) is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the shell (10). The support shaft (12) is rotatably matched with the pivot hole (110a), so that the locking member (11) can rotate around the support shaft (12) between the locking position and the unlocking position.

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The support shaft (12) is riveted or welded to the housing (10).

11. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The axis of the support shaft (12) is parallel to the axis of the connecting shaft (113).

12. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (11) further comprises: The connecting arm (114) is connected between the other ends of the pair of force arm parts (110) to ensure that the pair of force arm parts (110) rotate synchronously.

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The locking member (11) further comprises: The handle portion (115) is connected to the connecting arm (114) and is used to drive the locking member (11) to rotate between the locking position and the unlocking position.

14. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The pair of force arm portions (110), the pair of hook-shaped locking portions (111), the connecting arm (114) and the handle portion (115) are formed as an integral piece.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: Also includes: An insulator, arranged in the housing (10); The terminal is arranged in the insulator.

16. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The connector is a heavy-duty connector.

17. A connector assembly, characterized in that: include: The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and A mating connector (2) is mated with the connector (1), The mating connector (2) comprises: A mating housing (20) used to mate with the housing (10) of the connector (1); and A columnar locking portion (21) is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the mating housing (20), The hook-shaped locking portion (111) of the locking member (11) of the connector (1) is used to lock onto the column-shaped locking portion (21) of the mating housing (20) to lock the connector (1) and the mating connector (2) in a mating state. In the process of locking the hook-shaped locking portion (111) to the column-shaped locking portion (21), the roller (112) on the hook-shaped locking portion (111) is in rolling contact with the column-shaped locking portion (21) to reduce friction between the two.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The columnar locking portion (21) is riveted or welded to the mating housing (20).

19. The connector assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The mating connector (2) further comprises: A mating insulator, arranged in the mating housing (20) and used for mating with the insulator of the connector (1); and The mating terminal is arranged in the mating insulator and is used for mating connection with the terminal of the connector (1).

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