Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector includes: a housing in which a slot allowing a mating plug to be inserted is formed; the row of terminals are arranged in the shell; and the insulated preloading piece is arranged in the shell, and a row of positioning grooves are formed in the insulated preloading piece. Each terminal comprises an elastic arm and a contact part positioned at the tail end of the elastic arm, and the contact parts of the row of terminals are respectively positioned in the row of positioning grooves; an opening and a supporting part are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove, and a main body part of the contact part protrudes from the opening at the bottom of the positioning groove so as to be in electric contact with an inserted matching plug; before the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the root part and / or the guide end of the contact part are / is pre-supported on the supporting part, so that the terminal is in a pre-loading position; after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the main body portion of the contact portion contacts the mating plug and is supported on the mating plug. According to the connector, the guide ends of the terminals can be shortened and even removed, so that the signal transmission quality of the connector is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The connector generally includes a housing and a terminal disposed in the housing. In the prior art, in order to prevent the terminal from being crushed when mating with a mating plug, a leading tip extending forward obliquely needs to be formed on the contact portion of the terminal. The leading tip of the existing terminal is relatively long, which will lead to poor signal integrity of the connector and cause impedance mismatch and resonance problems. 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, formed with a slot allowing a mating plug to be inserted; a row of terminals, arranged in the housing; and an insulating preload member, arranged in the housing and formed with a row of positioning grooves. The terminal comprises an elastic arm and a contact portion located at the end of the elastic arm, and the contact portions of the row of terminals are respectively positioned in the row of positioning grooves; an opening and a support portion are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove, and the main body of the contact portion protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove to make electrical contact with the inserted mating plug; before the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the root and / or the guide end of the contact portion are pre-supported on the support portion, so that the terminal is in a preloaded position; after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the main body of the contact portion contacts the mating plug and is supported on the mating plug.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the terminal moves from the preloaded position to an electrical contact position in electrical contact with the mating plug under the push of the mating plug; when the terminal is in the preloaded position, the terminal applies a first contact force on the preloaded member; when the terminal is in the electrical contact position, the terminal applies a second contact force on the mating plug, and the second contact force is greater than the first contact force.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the preloading member is rotatably mounted in the housing so that the preloading member can be rotated upward from an initial position; before the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the preloading member is in the initial position to support the terminal in the preloading position.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the preloader includes a main body portion extending in a transverse direction of the shell, and the row of positioning grooves is formed on the main body portion; the main body portion has two opposite ends in a transverse direction of the shell, and mounting shafts are respectively formed on the two ends of the main body portion; the shell has two side walls opposite in a transverse direction thereof, and mounting holes are respectively formed on the two side walls of the shell; the mounting shaft is rotatably installed in the mounting hole, so that the preloader can rotate relative to the shell along an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the shell.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the mounting shaft is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole, so that the mounting shaft and the mounting hole are interference fit, and the preload member can rotate relative to the housing under a predetermined rotational torque.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the hole wall of the mounting hole is removed so that the cross section of the mounting hole is C-shaped, so as to facilitate the installation of the mounting shaft into the mounting hole.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the preloading member and the shell are formed as an integral piece, and the preloading member has an elastic connecting portion connected to the front side wall of the shell, so that the preloading member can be rotated upward from an initial position; before the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the preloading member is in the initial position to support the terminal in the preloading position.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the preloader includes a main body portion extending in a transverse direction of the shell, the row of positioning grooves is formed on the main body portion, and the elastic connecting portion is connected between the main body portion and a front side wall of the shell.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a semicircular groove extending in a transverse direction of the shell is formed on the elastic connection portion to reduce the thickness of the elastic connection portion and improve the elasticity of the elastic connection portion.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a limiting portion is formed in the housing, and the limiting portion is used to support the preloading member at the initial position so that the preloading member cannot rotate downward from the initial position.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shell has two side walls opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and the limiting portions are respectively formed on the inner sides of the two side walls of the shell, and the limiting portions protrude from the inner side of the shell; a step portion corresponding to the limiting portion is formed on the preloading member, and the step portion is suitable for being supported on the top surface of the limiting portion to limit the preloading member to the initial position.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the pre-loading member is not in contact with the mating plug.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the preloading member contacts the mating plug and rotates upward from the initial position to the end position under the push of the mating plug.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the contact portion of the terminal is arc-shaped, the root of the contact portion is connected between one end of the main body of the contact portion and the end of the elastic arm of the terminal, and the contact portion does not include a guide end extending forward from the other end of the main body, the supporting portion on the preloading member corresponds to the root of the contact portion, and the root of the contact portion is supported on the supporting portion of the preloading member, so that the terminal is in the preloading position.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the contact portion of the terminal is arc-shaped, the root of the contact portion is connected between one end of the main body of the contact portion and the end of the elastic arm of the terminal, the guiding end of the contact portion extends forward from the other end of the main body, the supporting portion on the preloading member corresponds to the guiding end of the contact portion, and the guiding end of the contact portion is supported on the supporting portion of the preloading member, so that the terminal is in the preloading position.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the contact portion of the terminal is arc-shaped, the root of the contact portion is connected between one end of the main body of the contact portion and the end of the elastic arm of the terminal, the guide end of the contact portion extends forward from the other end of the main body, and the supporting portion on the preloading member corresponds to the root or the guiding end of the contact portion, and the root or the guiding end of the contact portion is supported on the supporting portion of the preloading member, so that the terminal is in the preloading position.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the contact portion of the terminal is arc-shaped, the root of the contact portion is connected between one end of the main body of the contact portion and the end of the elastic arm of the terminal, the guiding end of the contact portion extends forward from the other end of the main body, and the supporting portion on the preloading member includes a first supporting portion corresponding to the root of the contact portion and a second supporting portion corresponding to the guiding end of the contact portion, the root and the guiding end of the contact portion are respectively supported on the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion of the preloading member, so that the terminal is in the preloading position.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises: a terminal holding body installed in the housing and used for holding the row of terminals.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal retaining body is directly injection-molded on the row of terminals by insert injection molding, so that the terminal retaining body and the row of terminals are formed as an integral piece.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector. The mating connector comprises a mating plug, and the mating plug has a row of mating terminals. When the mating plug is inserted into a slot on the housing of the connector, the row of mating terminals are electrically contacted with a row of terminals of the connector.

[0024] In the aforementioned various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the contact portion of the terminal is supported by an insulating preload member so that the leading end of the terminal can be shortened or even removed, which greatly improves the signal transmission quality of the connector.

[0025] 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

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an assembly of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 A plan cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention mating with a mating plug;

[0032] Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing an assembly of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.11 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.12 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention mating with a mating plug;

[0038] Fig.13 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.14 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.15 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing, formed with a slot allowing a mating plug to be inserted; a row of terminals, arranged in the housing; and an insulating preload member, arranged in the housing and formed with a row of positioning grooves. The terminal includes an elastic arm and a contact portion located at the end of the elastic arm, and the contact portions of the row of terminals are respectively positioned in the row of positioning grooves; an opening and a support portion are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove, and the main body of the contact portion protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove to electrically contact the inserted mating plug; before the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the root and / or the guide end of the contact portion are pre-supported on the support portion, so that the terminal is in a preloaded position; after the mating plug is inserted into the slot, the main body of the contact portion contacts the mating plug and is supported on the mating plug.

[0044] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating plug, and the mating plug has a row of mating terminals. When the mating plug is inserted into a slot on the housing of the connector, the row of mating terminals are electrically contacted with a row of terminals of the connector.

[0045] First embodiment

[0046] Figures 1 to 6 A connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an assembly of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A plan cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention mating with a mating plug.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a row of terminals 2 and a preload 3. A slot 101 is formed on the housing 1 to allow a mating plug 5 to be inserted. A row of terminals 2 is arranged in the housing 1. The preload 3 is made of an insulating material. The preload 3 is arranged in the housing 1 and is formed with a row of positioning grooves 301. The terminal 2 includes an elastic arm 20 and a contact portion 21 located at the end of the elastic arm 20. The contact portions 21 of a row of terminals 2 are respectively positioned in a row of positioning grooves 301. An opening and a support portion 31 are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove 301, and the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove 301 to electrically contact the inserted mating plug 5.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the root portion 21a of the contact portion 21 is pre-supported on the support portion 31, so that the terminal 2 is in a preloaded position. After the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 contacts the mating plug 5 and is supported on the mating plug 5.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 of the terminal 2 is arc-shaped, the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is connected between one end of the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 and the end of the elastic arm 20 of the terminal 2, and the contact portion 21 does not include a guide end extending forward from the other end of the main body 210. The support portion 31 on the preloaded member 3 corresponds to the root 21a of the contact portion 21, and the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is supported on the support portion 31 of the preloaded member 3, so that the terminal 2 is in a preloaded position.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the terminal 2 is pushed by the mating plug 5 to move from the preload position to the electrical contact position in electrical contact with the mating plug 5. When the terminal 2 is in the preload position, the terminal 2 applies a first contact force on the preload member 3. When the terminal 2 is in the electrical contact position, the terminal 2 applies a second contact force on the mating plug 5, and the second contact force is greater than the first contact force.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloaded member 3 is rotatably mounted in the housing 1 so that the preloaded member 3 can be rotated upward from the initial position. Before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preloaded member 3 is in the initial position to support the terminal 2 in the preloaded position.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloading member 3 includes a body portion 30 extending in the transverse direction of the housing 1, and a row of positioning grooves 301 is formed on the body portion 30. The body portion 30 has two opposite ends in the transverse direction of the housing 1, and mounting shafts 32 are respectively formed on the two ends of the body portion 30. The housing 1 has two side walls 11 opposite in the transverse direction thereof, and mounting holes 112 are respectively formed on the two side walls 11 of the housing 1. The mounting shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in the mounting hole 112, so that the preloading member 3 can rotate relative to the housing 1 along an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the housing 1.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the mounting shaft 32 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 112, so that the mounting shaft 32 and the mounting hole 112 are interference fit, and the preload member 3 can rotate relative to the housing 1 under the action of a predetermined rotational torque.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the hole wall of the mounting hole 112 is removed, so that the cross section of the mounting hole 112 is C-shaped, so as to facilitate the installation of the mounting shaft 32 into the mounting hole 112 .

[0055] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting portion 113 is formed in the housing 1, and the limiting portion 113 is used to support the preloading component 3 in an initial position so that the preloading component 3 cannot rotate downward from the initial position.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 has two side walls 11 opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and limiting portions 113 are respectively formed on the inner sides of the two side walls 11 of the housing 1, and the limiting portions 113 protrude from the inner side of the housing 1. A step portion 33 corresponding to the limiting portion 113 is formed on the preloading member 3, and the step portion 33 is suitable for being supported on the top surface of the limiting portion 113 to limit the preloading member 3 to the initial position.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively small, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 , the preload member 3 does not contact the mating plug 5 .

[0058] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively large, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preload member 3 will contact the mating plug 5 and can be rotated upward from the initial position to the end position under the push of the mating plug 5.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a terminal holding body 4 , which is installed in the housing 1 and is used to hold a row of terminals 2 .

[0060] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal holding body 4 is directly injection molded on the row of terminals 2 by insert injection molding, so that the terminal holding body 4 and the row of terminals 2 are formed as an integral part.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: the connector shown in the figure and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is mated with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating plug 5. The mating plug 5 has a row of mating terminals (not shown). When the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 on the housing 1 of the connector, the row of mating terminals are electrically contacted with the row of terminals 2 of the connector.

[0062] Second embodiment

[0063] Figures 7 to 12 A connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing an assembly of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.11 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.12 A plan cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention mating with a mating plug.

[0064] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a row of terminals 2 and a preload 3. A slot 101 is formed on the housing 1 to allow a mating plug 5 to be inserted. A row of terminals 2 is arranged in the housing 1. The preload 3 is made of an insulating material. The preload 3 is arranged in the housing 1 and is formed with a row of positioning grooves 301. The terminal 2 includes an elastic arm 20 and a contact portion 21 located at the end of the elastic arm 20. The contact portions 21 of a row of terminals 2 are respectively positioned in a row of positioning grooves 301. An opening and a support portion 31 are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove 301. The main body 210 of the contact portion 21 protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove 301 to electrically contact the inserted mating plug 5.

[0065] like Figures 7 to 12As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the leading end 21b of the contact portion 21 is pre-supported on the support portion 31, so that the terminal 2 is in a pre-loaded position. After the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 contacts the mating plug 5 and is supported on the mating plug 5.

[0066] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 of the terminal 2 is arc-shaped, the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is connected between one end of the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 and the end of the elastic arm 20 of the terminal 2, and the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21 extends forward from the other end of the main body 210. The support portion 31 on the preloaded member 3 corresponds to the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21, and the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21 is supported on the support portion 31 of the preloaded member 3, so that the terminal 2 is in the preloaded position.

[0067] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the terminal 2 is pushed by the mating plug 5 to move from the preload position to the electrical contact position in electrical contact with the mating plug 5. When the terminal 2 is in the preload position, the terminal 2 applies a first contact force on the preload member 3. When the terminal 2 is in the electrical contact position, the terminal 2 applies a second contact force on the mating plug 5, and the second contact force is greater than the first contact force.

[0068] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloaded member 3 is rotatably mounted in the housing 1 so that the preloaded member 3 can be rotated upward from the initial position. Before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preloaded member 3 is in the initial position to support the terminal 2 in the preloaded position.

[0069] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloading member 3 includes a body portion 30 extending in the transverse direction of the housing 1. A row of positioning grooves 301 is formed on the body portion 30. The body portion 30 has two opposite ends in the transverse direction of the housing 1, and mounting shafts 32 are respectively formed on the two ends of the body portion 30. The housing 1 has two side walls 11 opposite in the transverse direction thereof, and mounting holes 112 are respectively formed on the two side walls 11 of the housing 1. The mounting shaft 32 is rotatably mounted in the mounting hole 112, so that the preloading member 3 can rotate relative to the housing 1 along an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the housing 1.

[0070] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the mounting shaft 32 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole 112, so that the mounting shaft 32 and the mounting hole 112 are interference fit, and the preload member 3 can rotate relative to the housing 1 under the action of a predetermined rotational torque.

[0071] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the hole wall of the mounting hole 112 is removed, so that the cross section of the mounting hole 112 is C-shaped, so as to facilitate the installation of the mounting shaft 32 into the mounting hole 112 .

[0072] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting portion 113 is formed in the housing 1, and the limiting portion 113 is used to support the preloading component 3 in an initial position so that the preloading component 3 cannot rotate downward from the initial position.

[0073] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 has two side walls 11 opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and limiting portions 113 are respectively formed on the inner sides of the two side walls 11 of the housing 1, and the limiting portions 113 protrude from the inner side of the housing 1. A step portion 33 corresponding to the limiting portion 113 is formed on the preloading member 3, and the step portion 33 is suitable for being supported on the top surface of the limiting portion 113 to limit the preloading member 3 to the initial position.

[0074] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively small, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 , the preload member 3 does not contact the mating plug 5 .

[0075] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively large, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preload member 3 will contact the mating plug 5 and can be rotated upward from the initial position to the end position under the push of the mating plug 5.

[0076] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a terminal holding body 4 , which is installed in the housing 1 and is used to hold a row of terminals 2 .

[0077] like Figures 7 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal holding body 4 is directly injection molded on the row of terminals 2 by insert injection molding, so that the terminal holding body 4 and the row of terminals 2 are formed as an integral part.

[0078] like Figures 7 to 12As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: the connector shown in the figure and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is mated with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating plug 5. The mating plug 5 has a row of mating terminals (not shown). When the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 on the housing 1 of the connector, the row of mating terminals are electrically contacted with the row of terminals 2 of the connector.

[0079] Third embodiment

[0080] Figures 13 to 15 A connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.13 A perspective schematic diagram showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig.14 A longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig.15 A plan cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a row of terminals 2 and a preload 3. A slot 101 is formed on the housing 1 to allow a mating plug 5 to be inserted. A row of terminals 2 is arranged in the housing 1. The preload 3 is made of an insulating material. The preload 3 is arranged in the housing 1 and is formed with a row of positioning grooves 301. The terminal 2 includes an elastic arm 20 and a contact portion 21 located at the end of the elastic arm 20. The contact portions 21 of a row of terminals 2 are respectively positioned in a row of positioning grooves 301. An opening and a support portion 31 are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove 301, and the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove 301 to electrically contact the inserted mating plug 5.

[0082] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the root portion 21a of the contact portion 21 is pre-supported on the support portion 31, so that the terminal 2 is in a preloaded position. After the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 contacts the mating plug 5 and is supported on the mating plug 5.

[0083] like Figures 13 to 15As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 of the terminal 2 is arc-shaped, the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is connected between one end of the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 and the end of the elastic arm 20 of the terminal 2, and the contact portion 21 does not include a guide end extending forward from the other end of the main body 210. The support portion 31 on the preloaded member 3 corresponds to the root 21a of the contact portion 21, and the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is supported on the support portion 31 of the preloaded member 3, so that the terminal 2 is in a preloaded position.

[0084] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, in the mating plug 5 (see Figure 6 ) is inserted into the slot 101, the terminal 2 moves from the preload position to the electrical contact position in electrical contact with the mating plug 5 under the push of the mating plug 5. When the terminal 2 is in the preload position, the terminal 2 applies a first contact force on the preload member 3. When the terminal 2 is in the electrical contact position, the terminal 2 applies a second contact force on the mating plug 5, and the second contact force is greater than the first contact force.

[0085] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloading member 3 and the housing 1 are formed as an integral piece, and the preloading member 3 has an elastic connection portion 34 connected to the front side wall 12 of the housing 1, so that the preloading member 3 can be rotated upward from the initial position. Before the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preloading member 3 is in the initial position to support the terminal 2 in the preloading position.

[0086] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the preloader 3 includes a main body 30 extending transversely of the shell 1 , a row of positioning grooves 301 are formed on the main body 30 , and an elastic connecting portion 34 is connected between the main body 30 and the front side wall 12 of the shell 1 .

[0087] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a semicircular groove 34 a extending in the transverse direction of the housing 1 is formed on the elastic connection portion 34 to reduce the thickness of the elastic connection portion 34 and improve the elasticity of the elastic connection portion 34 .

[0088] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting portion 113 is formed in the housing 1, and the limiting portion 113 is used to support the preloading component 3 in an initial position so that the preloading component 3 cannot rotate downward from the initial position.

[0089] like Figures 13 to 15As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 has two side walls 11 opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and limiting portions 113 are respectively formed on the inner sides of the two side walls 11 of the housing 1, and the limiting portions 113 protrude from the inner side of the housing 1. A step portion 33 corresponding to the limiting portion 113 is formed on the preloading member 3, and the step portion 33 is suitable for being supported on the top surface of the limiting portion 113 to limit the preloading member 3 to the initial position.

[0090] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively small, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 , the preload member 3 does not contact the mating plug 5 .

[0091] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the thickness of the mating plug 5 is relatively large, after the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101, the preload member 3 will contact the mating plug 5 and can be rotated upward from the initial position to the end position under the push of the mating plug 5.

[0092] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a terminal holding body 4 , which is installed in the housing 1 and is used to hold a row of terminals 2 .

[0093] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal holding body 4 is directly injection molded on the row of terminals 2 by insert injection molding, so that the terminal holding body 4 and the row of terminals 2 are formed as an integral part.

[0094] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: the connector shown in the figure and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is mated with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating plug 5. The mating plug 5 has a row of mating terminals (not shown). When the mating plug 5 is inserted into the slot 101 on the housing 1 of the connector, the row of mating terminals are electrically contacted with the row of terminals 2 of the connector.

[0095] Connector Variations

[0096] For ordinary technicians in this field, Figures 1 to 15 The various embodiments shown can be combined to obtain different variations.

[0097] In a variation of the present invention, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 of the terminal 2 is arc-shaped, the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is connected between one end of the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 and the end of the elastic arm 20 of the terminal 2, and the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21 extends forward from the other end of the main body 210. The support portion 31 on the preloaded member 3 includes a first support portion 31a corresponding to the root 21a of the contact portion 21 and a second support portion 31b corresponding to the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21. The root 21a and the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21 are supported on the first support portion 31a and the second support portion 31b of the preloaded member 3, respectively, so that the terminal 2 is in a preloaded position.

[0098] In another variation of the present invention, the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 of the terminal 2 is arc-shaped, the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is connected between one end of the main body 210 of the contact portion 21 and the end of the elastic arm 20 of the terminal 2, and the guide end 21b of the contact portion 21 extends forward from the other end of the main body 210. The support portion 31 on the preloaded member 3 corresponds to the root 21a of the contact portion 21, and the root 21a of the contact portion 21 is supported on the support portion 31 of the preloaded member 3, so that the terminal 2 is in the preloaded position.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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: The housing (1) is formed with a slot (101) for allowing a mating plug (5) to be inserted; A row of terminals (2) is arranged in the housing (1); and An insulating preloading member (3) is arranged in the housing (1) and is formed with a row of positioning grooves (301); The terminal (2) comprises an elastic arm (20) and a contact portion (21) located at the end of the elastic arm (20), and the contact portions (21) of the row of terminals (2) are respectively positioned in the row of positioning grooves (301). An opening and a supporting portion (31) are formed at the bottom of the positioning groove (301), and a main body portion (210) of the contact portion (21) protrudes from the bottom opening of the positioning groove (301) to electrically contact with an inserted mating plug (5). Before the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the root (21a) and / or the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) are pre-supported on the support portion (31), so that the terminal (2) is in a pre-loaded position. After the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the main body (210) of the contact portion (21) contacts the mating plug (5) and is supported on the mating plug (5).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the terminal (2) is pushed by the mating plug (5) to move from the preloaded position to an electrical contact position for electrical contact with the mating plug (5); When the terminal (2) is in the preloaded position, the terminal (2) applies a first contact force on the preloaded member (3); When the terminal (2) is in the electrical contact position, the terminal (2) applies a second contact force on the mating plug (5), and the second contact force is greater than the first contact force.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preloading member (3) is rotatably mounted in the housing (1) so that the preloading member (3) can be rotated upward from an initial position; Before the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the preloading member (3) is in the initial position to support the terminal (2) in the preloading position.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The preloading member (3) comprises a main body portion (30) extending in the transverse direction of the housing (1), and the row of positioning grooves (301) is formed on the main body portion (30); The main body (30) has two opposite ends in the transverse direction of the housing (1), and mounting shafts (32) are respectively formed on the two ends of the main body (30); The housing (1) has two side walls (11) opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and mounting holes (112) are respectively formed on the two side walls (11) of the housing (1); The mounting shaft (32) is rotatably mounted in the mounting hole (112), so that the preloading member (3) can rotate relative to the housing (1) along an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the housing (1).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the mounting shaft (32) is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mounting hole (112), so that the mounting shaft (32) and the mounting hole (112) are interference-fitted, and the preloading component (3) can rotate relative to the housing (1) under the action of a predetermined rotational torque.

6. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A portion of the hole wall of the mounting hole (112) is removed, so that the cross section of the mounting hole (112) is C-shaped, so as to facilitate the installation of the mounting shaft (32) in the mounting hole (112).

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preloading member (3) and the housing (1) are formed as an integral piece, and the preloading member (3) has an elastic connection portion (34) connected to the front side wall (12) of the housing (1), so that the preloading member (3) can rotate upward from an initial position; Before the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the preloading member (3) is in the initial position to support the terminal (2) in the preloading position.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The preloading member (3) comprises a main body portion (30) extending in the transverse direction of the shell (1), the row of positioning grooves (301) being formed on the main body portion (30), and the elastic connecting portion (34) being connected between the main body portion (30) and the front side wall (12) of the shell (1).

9. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: A semicircular groove (34a) extending in the transverse direction of the shell (1) is formed on the elastic connection part (34) to reduce the thickness of the elastic connection part (34) and improve the elasticity of the elastic connection part (34).

10. The connector according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that: A limiting portion (113) is formed in the housing (1), and the limiting portion (113) is used to support the preloading component (3) at the initial position so that the preloading component (3) cannot rotate downward from the initial position.

11. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The housing (1) has two side walls (11) opposite to each other in the transverse direction, and the limiting portions (113) are respectively formed on the inner sides of the two side walls (11) of the housing (1), and the limiting portions (113) protrude from the inner side of the housing (1); A step portion (33) corresponding to the limiting portion (113) is formed on the preloading member (3), and the step portion (33) is suitable for being supported on the top surface of the limiting portion (113) to limit the preloading member (3) to the initial position.

12. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: After the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the preloading member (3) is not in contact with the mating plug (5).

13. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: After the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101), the preloading member (3) contacts the mating plug (5) and rotates upward from the initial position to the end position under the push of the mating plug (5).

14. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (210) of the contact portion (21) of the terminal (2) is arc-shaped, the root (21a) of the contact portion (21) is connected between one end of the main body (210) of the contact portion (21) and the end of the elastic arm (20) of the terminal (2), and the contact portion (21) does not include a guide end (21b) extending forward from the other end of the main body (210), The support portion (31) on the preloading member (3) corresponds to the root portion (21a) of the contact portion (21), and the root portion (21a) of the contact portion (21) is supported on the support portion (31) of the preloading member (3), so that the terminal (2) is in the preloading position.

15. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (210) of the contact portion (21) of the terminal (2) is arc-shaped, the root (21a) of the contact portion (21) is connected between one end of the main body (210) of the contact portion (21) and the end of the elastic arm (20) of the terminal (2), and the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) extends forward from the other end of the main body (210). The support portion (31) on the preloading member (3) corresponds to the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21), and the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) is supported on the support portion (31) of the preloading member (3), so that the terminal (2) is in the preloading position.

16. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (210) of the contact portion (21) of the terminal (2) is arc-shaped, the root (21a) of the contact portion (21) is connected between one end of the main body (210) of the contact portion (21) and the end of the elastic arm (20) of the terminal (2), and the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) extends forward from the other end of the main body (210). The support portion (31) on the preloading member (3) corresponds to the root portion (21a) or the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21); the root portion (21a) or the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) is supported on the support portion (31) of the preloading member (3), so that the terminal (2) is in the preloading position.

17. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (210) of the contact portion (21) of the terminal (2) is arc-shaped, the root (21a) of the contact portion (21) is connected between one end of the main body (210) of the contact portion (21) and the end of the elastic arm (20) of the terminal (2), and the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) extends forward from the other end of the main body (210). The support portion (31) on the preloading member (3) comprises a first support portion (31a) corresponding to the root portion (21a) of the contact portion (21) and a second support portion (31b) corresponding to the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21); the root portion (21a) and the guide end (21b) of the contact portion (21) are respectively supported on the first support portion (31a) and the second support portion (31b) of the preloading member (3), so that the terminal (2) is in the preloading position.

18. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A terminal retaining body (4) is installed in the housing (1) and is used to retain the row of terminals (2).

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The terminal retaining body (4) is directly injection-molded onto the row of terminals (2) by means of insert injection molding, so that the terminal retaining body (4) and the row of terminals (2) are formed as an integral part.

20. A connector assembly, characterized in that: include: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and A mating connector, mating with the connector, The mating connector comprises a mating plug (5), wherein the mating plug (5) has a row of mating terminals. When the mating plug (5) is inserted into the slot (101) on the housing (1) of the connector, the row of mating terminals are respectively in electrical contact with the row of terminals (2) of the connector.

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