Connector and connecting assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and discloses a connector and a connecting assembly, the connector is in plug-in fit with a mating connector, the mating connector is provided with a first rack arranged along the plug-in direction, the connector comprises a shell, and a transmission gear meshed with the first rack is rotatably arranged on the outer side of the shell. A sliding piece is arranged on the outer side of the shell in a sliding mode in the preset direction, a second rack meshed with the transmission gear is arranged on the sliding piece when the sliding piece slides in the preset direction, and the second rack can drive the transmission gear to rotate by sliding the sliding piece. The rotation of the transmission gear enables the first rack to translate so as to drive the matching connector to approach the connector until the matching connector and the connector are plugged. According to the invention, an operator pushes the sliding part to assist the insertion of the two connectors through the first rack, the transmission gear and the second rack, and the sliding operation space of the sliding part is small, so that the connector is more suitable for narrow application occasions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and more specifically, to a connector and a connecting assembly. Background Art

[0002] Based on the needs of plug-in assistance and plug-in locking, existing connectors are usually provided with a locking rocker, which has a locking groove or gear, and a lifting ear or rack is provided on the mating connector. Then, when the connector and the mating connector are plugged in, the locking rocker is rotated to make the locking groove and the lifting ear or the gear and the rack cooperate with each other to assist the plug-in of the connector and the mating connector. The locking rocker is usually also provided with a connector position assurance mechanism (CPA, Connector Position Assurance) to keep the connector and the mating connector in a locked state after they are plugged in.

[0003] However, the existing locking rocker requires a large operating space to rock, which is not suitable for narrow application occasions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a connector and a connecting assembly to solve the problem that the prior art is not suitable for narrow occasions because it requires a large operating space.

[0005] The present invention provides a connector, which is plugged into and matched with a mating connector. The mating connector has a first rack arranged along the plug-in direction. The connector includes a shell, and a transmission gear meshing with the first rack is rotatably provided on the outer side of the shell. A sliding member is slidably provided on the outer side of the shell along a predetermined direction. The sliding member has a second rack that meshes with the transmission gear when the sliding member slides along the predetermined direction. The second rack can drive the transmission gear to rotate by sliding the sliding member. The rotation of the transmission gear causes the first rack to translate to drive the mating connector to approach the connector until the two are plugged in.

[0006] Optionally, the sliding member has a pre-installed position and a locked position when sliding on the shell. The sliding member can drive the transmission gear to rotate during the process of sliding from the pre-installed position to the locked position, so as to drive the mating connector and the connector to approach each other until the two are completely plugged in. A position ensuring member is provided on the sliding member / shell. When the sliding member is in the pre-installed position or the locked position, the position ensuring member is positioned and cooperated with the shell / sliding member to position the sliding member.

[0007] Optionally, the position ensuring member is provided on the sliding member, and the position ensuring member is at least partially inserted into the sliding member and moves in a moving direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the position ensuring member has an initial position and an unlocking position in the moving direction; a locking positioning block is protrudingly provided on the end surface of the shell facing the sliding member, and when the position ensuring member is in the initial position, it at least partially interferes with the path of the locking positioning block in the sliding direction, and when the position ensuring member is in the unlocking position, it releases the path interference with the locking positioning block in the sliding direction; when the sliding member is close to the locking position, the position ensuring member is driven to move to the unlocking position to pass through the locking positioning block, and when the sliding member reaches the locking position, the position ensuring member is driven in reverse to move to the initial position, and the position ensuring member partially cooperates with the positioning portion to achieve the positioning cooperation between the position ensuring member and the shell and prevent the sliding member from sliding to the pre-installed position.

[0008] Optionally, the locking positioning block is located between the sliding member and the shell, and an avoidance groove for avoiding the locking positioning block is provided on the end surface of the sliding member facing the shell, one end of the position ensuring member extends inwardly into the avoidance groove, and the other end extends outwardly and has a driving part, and one end of the position ensuring member is provided with an unlocking groove that is adapted to the shape of the locking positioning block along the sliding direction; when the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the unlocking groove and the locking positioning block are misaligned in the sliding direction so that the path of the position ensuring member and the locking positioning block interferes; when the position ensuring member is in the unlocking position, the unlocking groove and the locking positioning block are aligned in the sliding direction to eliminate the path interference between the position ensuring member and the locking positioning block.

[0009] Optionally, a spring is provided between the driving part and the sliding part. When the driving part is pressed inward, the elastic force of the spring is overcome to drive the position ensuring part to move from the initial position to the unlocked position. When the pressure on the driving part is released, the spring pushes the driving part outward so that the driving part drives the position ensuring part to move from the unlocked position to the initial position.

[0010] Optionally, a through hole connected to the avoidance groove is provided on the side surface of the sliding part in the sliding direction, and the position ensuring part is installed in the through hole; an assembly groove located between the driving part and the avoidance groove is also provided on the end surface of the sliding part facing the shell, one end of the spring abuts against the groove wall of the assembly groove close to the avoidance groove, and the other end passes through the groove wall of the assembly groove away from the avoidance groove and abuts against the driving part; an anti-slip structure is also provided between the driving part and the sliding part to prevent the position ensuring part from slipping out of the through hole.

[0011] Optionally, the anti-slip structure includes a positioning column arranged on the end face of the driving part facing the sliding part, and the end of the positioning column away from the driving part constitutes an expansion end. The expansion end of the positioning column is inserted inward into the assembly groove, and when the position ensuring part is in the initial position, the expansion part and the groove wall of the assembly groove away from the avoidance groove are stopped and cooperated.

[0012] Optionally, a countersunk hole is further provided on the corresponding side surface in the sliding direction of the sliding member, and the end of the insertion hole away from the avoidance groove is connected to the bottom of the countersunk hole. The driving part is accommodated in the countersunk hole. When the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the driving part does not protrude from the corresponding side surface of the sliding member, and there is a predetermined distance between the driving part and the bottom of the countersunk hole, and the predetermined distance is not less than the moving distance when the position ensuring member moves from the initial position to the unlocking position.

[0013] Optionally, the predetermined distance is equal to the moving distance of the position ensuring member when it moves from the initial position to the unlocked position, so that when the end surface of the driving part facing the sliding member abuts against the bottom of the countersunk hole, the position ensuring member moves to the unlocked position to achieve positioning of the unlocked position of the position ensuring member.

[0014] Optionally, the driving portion is a plate-shaped structure, and an anti-slip pattern is provided on the end surface of the driving portion facing away from the sliding member.

[0015] Optionally, the shell includes a main body and a plug-in portion which forms a predetermined angle with the main body, a slide rail is provided on one of the main body and a slide groove is provided on the other, the slide rail and the slide groove both extend in a direction approaching and away from the plug-in portion, the slide rail and the slide groove are slidably assembled to achieve sliding cooperation between the slide and the main body, and the slide is in a pre-installed position when the slide is close to the plug-in portion and in a locked position when it is away from the plug-in portion.

[0016] Optionally, the slide rail and the slide groove are both T-shaped structures with matching shapes.

[0017] Optionally, a stopping structure away from the plug-in portion is provided on the main body, and when the sliding member slides to the locking position, the stopping structure cooperates with the sliding member to stop and limit the locking position of the sliding member.

[0018] Optionally, two slide rails are provided and arranged on the main body, the locking positioning block is located between the two slide rails, and the slide rail is provided with an avoidance groove for the position ensuring member to pass through and adapted to the movement trajectory of the position ensuring member in the sliding direction; when the sliding member is in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the position ensuring member and the end of the avoidance groove close to the pre-installed position are blocked and cooperated to prevent the sliding member from falling off in the direction away from the locking position; when the sliding member is in the locking position and the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the position ensuring member and the end of the avoidance groove close to the locking position are blocked and cooperated, and the end of the avoidance groove close to the locking position and the locking positioning block jointly clamp and position the position ensuring member in the sliding direction, so that the sliding member is kept in the locked position.

[0019] Optionally, a pre-installed positioning block is protruding on the end surface of the shell facing the sliding part, and the pre-installed positioning block is aligned with the locking positioning block in the sliding direction. When the sliding part is in the pre-installed position, the end of the avoidance groove close to the pre-installed position and the pre-installed positioning block jointly clamp and position the position ensuring part in the sliding direction to keep the sliding part in the pre-installed position.

[0020] Optionally, a toothed structure is formed on the outer side of the transmission gear along the circumferential direction, and a baffle structure for radially shielding the toothed structure is provided on at least one of the two axial sides of the transmission gear to protect the toothed structure.

[0021] The present invention also provides a connection assembly, comprising the connector as described above and a mating connector that is plugged into and mates with the connector, the mating connector having a first rack arranged along the plugging direction, the connector comprising a shell, the outer side of the shell being rotatably provided with a transmission gear that is slidably mated with the first rack; the transmission gear can be driven to rotate by sliding the sliding member, so as to drive the mating connector and the connector to approach each other until the two are plugged into each other.

[0022] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] In the present invention, the operator pushes the sliding member to assist the plugging of the two connectors through the first rack, the transmission gear, and the second rack. The sliding operation space requirement of the sliding member is small, and it is more suitable for narrow application occasions.

[0024] More beneficial effects will be described in conjunction with the examples in the specific implementation manner.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a connection assembly including a connector and a mating connector (final plug-in);

[0028] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the mating connector;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connector housing from one perspective;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector housing from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the sliding part and the position ensuring part from one perspective (initial position);

[0032] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the sliding member and the position ensuring member from another perspective (initial position);

[0033] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure after the sliding member and the position ensuring member are assembled (one position ensuring member is in the unlocking position, and the other position ensuring member is in the initial position);

[0034] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a position assurance component;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding member;

[0036] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the sliding member and the housing;

[0037] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of assembling the position guarantee member and the sliding member;

[0038] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the assembled connector (the sliding part is in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring part is in the initial position);

[0039] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure after the assembled connector is pre-plugged with the mating connector and the sliding part is hidden (the sliding part is in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring part is in the initial position);

[0040] Fig.14 for Fig.13 An enlarged structural diagram of the middle unlocking slot and the pre-installed positioning block;

[0041] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the assembled connector pre-plugged with the mating connector (the sliding member is in the pre-installed position, and the position ensuring member is in the unlocked position);

[0042] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the structure after the assembled connector is pre-plugged with the mating connector and the sliding part is hidden (the sliding part is in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring part is in the unlocked position);

[0043] Fig.17 for Fig.16 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section structure through a position assurance component;

[0044] Fig.18 for Fig.16 An enlarged structural diagram of the middle unlocking slot and the pre-installed positioning block;

[0045] Fig.19 A schematic diagram of the structure of the assembled connector and the mating connector after plugging together (the sliding member is in the locked position, and the position ensuring member is in the unlocked position);

[0046] Fig. 20 for Fig.19 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section structure after the sliding member is hidden and the position ensuring member is passed;

[0047] Fig.21 It is a structural schematic diagram of the assembled connector locked and plugged with the mating connector (the sliding member is in the locking position and the position ensuring member is in the initial position);

[0048] Fig. 22 for Fig.21 Schematic diagram of the structure after the slider is hidden;

[0049] Fig.23 for Fig. 22 An enlarged structural diagram of the middle unlocking slot and locking positioning block.

[0050] The following are marked in the figure:

[0051] 1. Connector; 11. Shell; 111. Main body; 112. Plug-in portion; 12. Slide rail; 13. Stop structure; 14. Avoidance groove; 15. Pre-installed positioning block; 16. Locking positioning block;

[0052] 2. Mating connector; 21. First rack;

[0053] 3. Sliding member; 31. Second rack; 32. Avoidance groove; 33. Sliding groove; 34. Assembly groove; 35. Countersunk hole; 36. Through hole;

[0054] 4. Transmission gear; 41. Baffle structure; 42. Tooth structure;

[0055] 5. Position guarantee member; 51. Driving unit; 52. Unlocking groove; 53. Spring; 54. Expansion unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0057] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0058] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0059] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0060] like Figure 1-23 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector for plugging and mating with a mating connector, the mating connector having a first rack 21 arranged along the plugging direction, the connector 1 including a shell 11, the outer side of the shell 11 is rotatably provided with a transmission gear 4 meshing with the first rack 21, the outer side of the shell 11 is slidably provided with a sliding member 3 along a predetermined direction, the sliding member 3 has a second rack 31 meshing with the transmission gear 4 when the sliding member 3 slides along the predetermined direction, the second rack 31 can drive the transmission gear 4 to rotate by sliding the sliding member 3, the rotation of the transmission gear 4 causes the first rack 21 to translate to drive the mating connector 2 to approach the connector 1 until the two are plugged in.

[0061] The operator pushes the sliding member 3 to assist the plugging of the two connectors 1 through the first rack 21, the transmission gear 4, and the second rack 31. Since the sliding operation space requirement of the sliding member 3 is small, the connector 1 of this solution is more suitable for narrow application occasions.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the movement of the sliding member 3 has an exact position and avoid its unexpected movement, as Figure 12-23 As shown, in this embodiment, the sliding member 3 has a pre-installed position and a locked position when sliding on the shell 11. During the process of sliding from the pre-installed position to the locked position, the sliding member 3 can drive the transmission gear 4 to rotate, so as to drive the mating connector 2 and the connector 1 to approach each other until the two are completely plugged in.

[0063] like Figure 3-23 As shown, in this embodiment, a position ensuring member 5 is provided on the sliding member 3 , and when the sliding member 3 is in the pre-installed position or the locked position, the position ensuring member 5 is positioned and matched with the housing 11 to position the sliding member 3 .

[0064] Obviously, in other embodiments, as a conventional position interchange means, the position ensuring member may also be provided on the housing, and when the sliding member is in the pre-installed position or the locked position, the position ensuring member cooperates with the sliding member to position the sliding member.

[0065] Furthermore, considering the function and working process of the position guarantee member 5, in order to ensure the rationality of the position and movement of the position guarantee member 5, as Figure 7 and Figure 12-23As shown, in this embodiment, when the above-mentioned position ensuring member 5 is provided on the sliding member 3, the position ensuring member 5 is at least partially installed in the sliding member 3 and moves along a moving direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the position ensuring member 5 has an initial position and an unlocking position in the moving direction.

[0066] Correspondingly, for the positioning of the locking position of the sliding member 3, a locking positioning block 16 is protrudingly provided on the end face of the shell 11 facing the sliding member 3. When the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, it at least partially interferes with the path of the locking positioning block 16 in the sliding direction. When the position ensuring member 5 is in the unlocking position, the path interference with the locking positioning block 16 in the sliding direction is eliminated.

[0067] When the sliding member 3 is close to the locking position, the position ensuring member 5 is driven to move to the unlocking position to pass through the locking positioning block 16. When the sliding member 3 reaches the locking position, the position ensuring member 5 is driven in reverse to move to the initial position. Part of the position ensuring member 5 cooperates with the positioning portion to achieve the positioning cooperation between the position ensuring member 5 and the housing 11 and prevent the sliding member 3 from sliding to the pre-installed position, thereby achieving the positioning of the sliding member 3 in the locking position.

[0068] Furthermore, considering the rationality of the structural layout, the structure is kept as simple as possible and the impact on the appearance is reduced, as well as possible interference with other structures and parts is avoided, such as Figure 4 and Figure 12-23 As shown, in the present embodiment, the locking positioning block 16 is located between the sliding member 3 and the shell 11, specifically, is integrally formed on the shell 11, and an avoidance groove 32 for avoiding the locking positioning block 16 is provided on the end surface of the sliding member 3 facing the shell 11, one end of the position ensuring member 5 extends inwardly into the avoidance groove 32, and the other end extends outwardly and has a driving part 51, and one end of the position ensuring member 5 is provided with an unlocking groove 52 that is adapted to the shape of the locking positioning block 16 along the sliding direction.

[0069] When the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, the unlocking groove 52 and the locking positioning block 16 are misaligned in the sliding direction so that the paths of the position ensuring member 5 and the locking positioning block 16 interfere with each other, and the position ensuring member 5 cannot pass through the locking positioning block 16. When the position ensuring member 5 is in the unlocking position, the unlocking groove 52 and the locking positioning block 16 are aligned in the sliding direction to eliminate the path interference between the position ensuring member 5 and the locking positioning block 16. The position ensuring member 5 can pass through the locking positioning block 16, thereby realizing the positioning of the sliding member 3 in the locked position.

[0070] Furthermore, considering the convenience of operation and the self-returning function, it is ensured that the position guarantee member 5 remains in the initial position without human operation, such as Figure 6-23As shown, in this embodiment, a spring 53 is provided between the driving part 51 and the sliding member 3. When the driving part 51 is pressed inward, the elastic force of the spring 53 is overcome to drive the position ensuring member 5 to move from the initial position to the unlocking position. When the pressure on the driving part 51 is released, the spring 53 pushes the driving part 51 outward so that the driving part 51 drives the position ensuring member 5 to move from the unlocking position to the initial position.

[0071] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the assembly of the position assurance member 5 and to accommodate the position assurance member 5 in the interior of the sliding member 3 as much as possible to reduce the impact on the appearance of the connector 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 5-9 As shown, in this embodiment, a through hole 36 connected to the avoidance groove 32 is provided on the side surface of the sliding direction of the sliding member 3, and the position ensuring member 5 is installed in the through hole 36; an assembly groove 34 located between the driving part 51 and the avoidance groove 32 is also provided on the end surface of the sliding member 3 facing the shell 11, and one end of the spring 53 abuts against the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 close to the avoidance groove 32, and the other end passes through the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 away from the avoidance groove 32 and then abuts against the driving part 51. In this embodiment, the spring 53 is installed on the outside of the position ensuring member 5 to make the installation and movement of the spring 53 more stable; an anti-slip structure is also provided between the driving part 51 and the sliding member 3 to prevent the position ensuring member 5 from slipping out of the through hole 36.

[0072] Furthermore, in order to facilitate assembly and ensure good anti-slip effect, Figure 5-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the anti-slip structure includes a positioning column arranged on the end face of the driving part 51 facing the sliding part 3, and the end of the positioning column away from the driving part 51 constitutes an expansion end. The expansion end of the positioning column is inserted inward into the assembly groove 34, and when the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, the expansion part 54 and the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 away from the avoidance groove 32 are blocked and cooperated. When the position ensuring member 5 moves to the unlocking position, the blocking cooperation between the expansion part 54 and the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 away from the avoidance groove 32 is released and enters the assembly groove 34. The size and position of the expansion part 54 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions to avoid interference with the shell 11 while having the predetermined function and movement.

[0073] In other embodiments, it is obvious that, as a conventional means, the anti-slip structure may also be other blocking structures, such as a snap-on structure, that is, a snap-on is provided on the side surface in the sliding direction of the sliding part, and when the position ensuring part is inserted into the insertion hole and is in the initial position, the driving part passes over the snap-on and engages with the snap-on to prevent the position ensuring part from falling out of the mounting hole. This structure can be understood and obtained by technicians in this field through conventional means, so it will not be described in detail.

[0074] Furthermore, in order to make the driving part 51 immersed in the sliding member 3 and maintain the flatness of the appearance of the sliding member 3, the structure is further optimized, such as Figure 5-9As shown, in this embodiment, a countersunk hole 35 is further provided on the corresponding side surface in the sliding direction of the sliding member 3, and the end of the insertion hole 36 away from the avoidance groove 32 is connected to the bottom of the countersunk hole 35 and can allow the spring 53 to pass through, and the driving part 51 is accommodated in the countersunk hole 35. When the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, the driving part 51 does not protrude from the corresponding side surface of the sliding member 3. In this embodiment, the driving part 51 is flush with the corresponding side surface of the sliding member 3, and there is a predetermined distance L1 between the driving part 51 and the bottom of the countersunk hole 35, and the predetermined distance L1 is not less than the moving distance L2 when the position ensuring member 5 moves from the initial position to the unlocking position.

[0075] Furthermore, in order to ensure the convenience of operation, the position guarantee member 5 can quickly and accurately reach the unlocking position, such as Figure 5-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the predetermined distance L1 is equal to the moving distance L2 of the position ensuring member 5 when it moves from the initial position to the unlocking position, so that when the end surface of the driving part 51 facing the sliding member 3 abuts against the bottom of the countersunk hole 35, the position ensuring member 5 moves to the unlocking position, thereby realizing the positioning of the unlocking position of the position ensuring member 5.

[0076] Furthermore, in order to improve the convenience of operation and combine the rationality of the structure, such as Figure 5-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the driving portion 51 is a plate-shaped structure, and an anti-slip pattern is provided on the end surface of the driving portion 51 facing away from the sliding member 3.

[0077] Furthermore, the housing 11 includes a main body 111 and a plug-in portion 112 which is at a predetermined angle α with the main body 111. A slide rail 12 is provided on one of the main body 111 and a slide groove 33 is provided on the other. Both the slide rail 12 and the slide groove 33 extend in a direction close to and away from the plug-in portion 112. The slide rail 12 and the slide groove 33 are slidably assembled to achieve a sliding fit between the slide 3 and the main body 111. When the slide 3 is close to the plug-in portion 112, it is in a pre-installed position, and when it is away from the plug-in portion 112, it is in a locked position. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the predetermined angle α is 90°. In addition, as a preferred structure, the slide rail 12 in this embodiment is arranged on the main body 111 , the slide groove 33 is arranged on the sliding member 3 , and the aforementioned insertion hole 36 passes through the slide groove 33 .

[0078] In other embodiments, the predetermined angle can also be 180°. In this case, related structures such as the first rack, the transmission gear and the sliding member, and the second rack only need to be adaptively changed in the conventional position. In addition, the insertion hole can also pass through the slide groove without passing through the slide groove, and can pass through the top of the slide groove to avoid interference with the slide rail. At this time, it is necessary to reasonably configure the groove depth of the slide groove and the thickness of the sliding member. This solution is easily obtained by technical personnel in this field through conventional structural design means, so it will not be described in detail.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to make the sliding more stable and prevent the sliding member 3 from being separated from the main body 111, as shown in FIG. Figure 3-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the slide rail 12 and the slide groove 33 are both T-shaped structures with matching shapes.

[0080] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the positioning of the sliding member 3 in the locking position and prevent the sliding member 3 from continuing to move after reaching the locking position, a stopping structure 13 away from the plug-in portion 112 is provided on the main body 111. When the sliding member 3 slides to the locking position, the stopping structure 13 stops and cooperates with the sliding member 3 to limit the locking position of the sliding member 3. Figure 3-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the stopping structure 13 is a stopper structure integrally formed with the main body 111 and the end of the slide rail 12 .

[0081] Furthermore, considering the stability of the sliding fit, the rationality of the structure, and the aesthetics of the appearance, as Figure 3-23 As shown, in this embodiment, two slide rails 12 are provided and arranged on the main body 111, and the locking positioning block 16 is located between the two slide rails 12. Based on the penetration hole 36 passing through the slide groove 33, and the position ensuring member 5 is penetrated in the penetration hole 36, therefore, the slide rail 12 is provided with a avoidance groove 14 for the position ensuring member 5 to pass through and adapted to the movement trajectory of the position ensuring member 5 in the sliding direction.

[0082] When the sliding member 3 is located in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring member 5 is located in the initial position, the position ensuring member 5 cooperates with the end of the avoiding groove 14 close to the pre-installed position to prevent the sliding member 3 from falling off in the direction away from the locking position. When the sliding member 3 is located in the locking position and the position ensuring member 5 is located in the initial position, the position ensuring member 5 cooperates with the end of the avoiding groove 14 close to the locking position to stop and stop. The end of the avoiding groove 14 close to the locking position and the locking positioning block 16 jointly clamp and position the position ensuring member 5 in the sliding direction to keep the sliding member 3 in the locking position. At the same time, based on the existence of the above-mentioned stopping structure 13, the stopping structure 13 also assists the sliding member 3 to remain in the locking position by directly cooperating with the stopping structure 13.

[0083] Furthermore, in order to position the sliding member 3 in the pre-installed position and prevent the sliding member 3 from being separated from the housing 11 when in the pre-installed position, Figure 3-23 As shown, in this embodiment, a pre-installed positioning block 15 is protruding from the end surface of the shell 11 facing the sliding member 3 and is aligned with the locking positioning block 16 in the sliding direction. When the sliding member 3 is in the pre-installed position and the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, the end of the avoidance groove 14 close to the pre-installed position and the pre-installed positioning block 15 jointly clamp and position the position ensuring member 5 in the sliding direction to keep the sliding member 3 in the pre-installed position.

[0084] Furthermore, a toothed structure 42 is formed on the outer side of the transmission gear 4 along the circumferential direction, and a baffle structure 41 is provided on at least one of the two axial sides of the transmission gear 4 to shield the toothed structure 42 in the radial direction, so as to protect the toothed structure 42. Fig.13 , 16 As shown, in this embodiment, a baffle structure 41 is provided on the side of the transmission gear 4 facing away from the housing 11 .

[0085] An embodiment of the present invention also includes a connection assembly, including the connector 1 as described above and a mating connector 2 that is plugged into and mates with the connector 1, the mating connector 2 having a first rack 21 arranged along the plugging direction, the connector 1 including a shell 11, and a transmission gear 4 that is slidably matched with the first rack 21 is rotatably provided on the outer side of the shell 11; the transmission gear 4 can be driven to rotate by a sliding member 3 on the sliding connector 1 to drive the mating connector 2 and the connector 1 to approach each other until the two are plugged into each other.

[0086] The following is a reference introduction to the assembly process of the connector 1 and the connection components.

[0087] 1. Assemble the connector 1.

[0088] 1. Assemble the sliding part 3 and the position ensuring part 5.

[0089] After the slide groove 33 on the sliding member 3 corresponds to the slide rail 12, the sliding member 3 is assembled on the main body 111 and the sliding member 3 is pushed to slide to the pre-installed position. Then, the spring 53 is passed through the position ensuring member 5 and the position ensuring member 5 is passed through the insertion hole 36 until the driving part 51 is accommodated in the countersunk hole 35. The expanded end of the positioning column is passed inwardly into the assembly groove 34 and cooperates with the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 away from the avoidance groove 32. One end of the spring 53 abuts against the groove wall of the assembly groove 34 close to the avoidance groove 32, and the other end passes through the assembly groove 34 away from the groove wall of the avoidance groove 32 and abuts against the driving part 51. The unlocking groove 52 enters the avoidance groove 32 and is misaligned with the pre-installed positioning block 15 and the locking positioning block 16 in the sliding direction. At this time, the position ensuring member 5 is in the initial position, and the end of the avoidance groove 14 close to the pre-installed position and the pre-installed positioning block 15 jointly clamp and position the position ensuring member 5 in the sliding direction. At this time, the installation of the sliding member 3 and the position ensuring member 5 is completed.

[0090] 2. Assemble the transmission gear 4.

[0091] The transmission gear 4 is assembled on the main body 111 and meshed with the second rack 31 of the sliding member 3 to complete the assembly of the transmission gear 4 .

[0092] In addition, if Fig.11 , 12As shown in Figures 15, in this embodiment, since the end of the second rack 31 extends to the countersunk hole 35, after the transmission gear 4 is assembled, the portion of the sliding member 3 at the countersunk hole 35 cannot continue to engage with the transmission gear 4. Therefore, the sliding member 3 cannot slide away from the locking position when in the pre-installed position, so that the transmission gear 4 assists the avoidance groove 14, the pre-installed positioning block 15 and the position ensuring member 5 to jointly position the sliding member 3 in the pre-installed position.

[0093] 2. Assemble the connection components.

[0094] 1. Pre-plugging.

[0095] Plug the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 into correspondence. When the first rack 21 is meshed with the transmission gear 4, the operator presses the driving part 51 of the position assurance member 5 until the driving part 51 abuts against the bottom of the countersunk hole 35. At this time, the position assurance member 5 overcomes the elastic force of the spring 53 and moves to the unlocking position. The unlocking groove 52 is aligned with the pre-installed positioning block 15 and the locking positioning block 16 in the sliding direction, and the sliding member 3 is allowed to slide to the locking position.

[0096] 2. Complete the connection.

[0097] The operator keeps pressing the driving part 51 and drags the sliding part 3 to make it slide to the locking position. During this period, since the driving part 51 is sunken into the countersunk hole 35, the operator's fingers are also partially embedded in the countersunk hole 35. Combined with the anti-slip grooves on the driving part 51, the dragging ability of the sliding part 3 is improved, so that the sliding part 3 can slide smoothly. In addition, due to the sliding of the sliding part 3 and the engagement of the second rack 31 with the transmission gear 4, the transmission gear 4 is driven, and then the mating connector 2 and the connector 1 are brought close to each other through the engagement of the transmission gear 4 with the first rack 21, until the two are completely plugged in, and the sliding part 3 reaches the locking position.

[0098] 3. Lock the plug.

[0099] When the sliding member 3 reaches the locked position, the position guarantee member 5 and the end of the avoidance groove 14 near the locked position are blocked and matched, and the blocking structure 13 also blocks and matches the sliding member 3, so that the sliding member 3 cannot continue to slide. At this time, the pressure on the driving part 51 is released, and the position guarantee member 5 returns to the initial position under the push of the spring 53, and the unlocking groove 52 and the locking positioning block 16 and the pre-installed positioning block 15 are no longer aligned, so that the end of the avoidance groove 14 near the locked position and the locking positioning block 16 together clamp and position the position guarantee member 5 in the sliding direction, so that the sliding member 3 remains in the locked position. Since the sliding member 3 can no longer move, the meshing state of the second rack 31, the transmission gear 4 and the third rack no longer changes, so that the plug-in state of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 no longer changes, achieving the purpose of locking and plugging, and completing the final plug-in of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0100] In addition to the above-mentioned assembly steps, the steps of unplugging the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 can be performed by referring to the above-mentioned step 2 and performing the reverse operation.

[0101] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector, which is plugged into a mating connector, wherein the mating connector has a first rack arranged along the plugging direction, and the connector comprises a housing, wherein a transmission gear meshing with the first rack is rotatably provided on the outer side of the housing, wherein: A sliding member is provided on the outer side of the shell for sliding along a predetermined direction. The sliding member has a second rack that meshes with the transmission gear when the sliding member slides along the predetermined direction. The second rack can drive the transmission gear to rotate by sliding the sliding member. The rotation of the transmission gear causes the first rack to translate to drive the mating connector to approach the connector until the two are fully plugged in.

2. A connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding member has a pre-installed position and a locked position when sliding on the housing. The sliding member can drive the transmission gear to rotate during the process of sliding from the pre-installed position to the locked position, so as to drive the mating connector and the connector to approach each other until the two are plugged in. The sliding member / housing is provided with a position ensuring member, and when the sliding member is in the pre-installed position or the locked position, the position ensuring member is positioned and matched with the housing / sliding member to position the sliding member.

3. A connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The position ensuring member is arranged on the sliding member, the position ensuring member is at least partially installed in the sliding member and moves along a moving direction perpendicular to the sliding direction, and the position ensuring member has an initial position and an unlocking position in the moving direction; A locking positioning block is protrudingly provided on the end surface of the housing facing the sliding member, and when the position ensuring member is in the initial position, at least part of the position ensuring member interferes with the path of the locking positioning block in the sliding direction, and when the position ensuring member is in the unlocking position, the position ensuring member no longer interferes with the path of the locking positioning block in the sliding direction; When the sliding member is close to the locking position, the position ensuring member is driven to move to the unlocking position to pass through the locking positioning block. When the sliding member reaches the locking position, the position ensuring member is driven in reverse to move to the initial position. The position ensuring member partly cooperates with the positioning portion to achieve the positioning cooperation between the position ensuring member and the shell and prevent the sliding member from sliding to the pre-installed position.

4. A connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking positioning block is located between the sliding member and the housing, and an avoidance groove for avoiding the locking positioning block is provided on the end surface of the sliding member facing the housing, one end of the position guarantee member extends inwardly into the avoidance groove, and the other end extends outwardly and has a driving part, and one end of the position guarantee member is provided with an unlocking groove that matches the shape of the locking positioning block through the sliding direction; When the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the unlocking groove and the locking positioning block are offset in the sliding direction so that the paths of the position ensuring member and the locking positioning block interfere with each other. When the position ensuring member is in the unlocking position, the unlocking groove and the locking positioning block are aligned in the sliding direction so as to eliminate the path interference between the position ensuring member and the locking positioning block.

5. A connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A spring is provided between the driving part and the sliding part. When the driving part is pressed inward, the elastic force of the spring is overcome to drive the position ensuring part to move from the initial position to the unlocking position. When the pressure on the driving part is released, the spring pushes the driving part outward so that the driving part drives the position ensuring part to move from the unlocking position to the initial position.

6. A connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: A through hole communicating with the avoidance groove is provided on the side surface of the sliding member in the sliding direction, and the position ensuring member is installed in the through hole; The end surface of the sliding member facing the shell is also provided with an assembly groove located between the driving part and the avoidance groove, one end of the spring abuts against the groove wall of the assembly groove close to the avoidance groove, and the other end passes through the groove wall of the assembly groove away from the avoidance groove and abuts against the driving part; An anti-slip structure for preventing the position ensuring member from slipping out of the mounting hole is also provided between the driving part and the sliding member.

7. A connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The anti-slip structure includes a positioning column arranged on the end surface of the driving part facing the sliding part, and the end of the positioning column away from the driving part constitutes an expansion end. The expansion end of the positioning column is inserted inward into the assembly groove, and when the position ensuring part is in the initial position, the expansion part and the groove wall of the assembly groove away from the avoidance groove are blocked and cooperated.

8. A connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: A countersunk hole is also provided on the corresponding side surface in the sliding direction of the sliding part, and the end of the insertion hole away from the avoidance groove is connected to the bottom of the countersunk hole. The driving part is accommodated in the countersunk hole. When the position ensuring part is in the initial position, the driving part does not protrude from the corresponding side surface of the sliding part, and there is a predetermined distance between the driving part and the bottom of the countersunk hole, and the predetermined distance is not less than the moving distance when the position ensuring part moves from the initial position to the unlocking position.

9. A connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The predetermined distance is equal to the moving distance of the position ensuring member when it moves from the initial position to the unlocking position, so that when the end surface of the driving part facing the sliding member abuts against the bottom of the countersunk hole, the position ensuring member moves to the unlocking position to achieve positioning of the unlocking position of the position ensuring member.

10. A connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The driving part is a plate-shaped structure, and an anti-slip pattern is arranged on the end surface of the driving part away from the sliding member.

11. A connector according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that: The shell includes a main body and a plug-in portion that forms a predetermined angle with the main body. A slide rail is provided on one of the main body and the sliding member, and a slide groove is provided on the other. The slide rail and the slide groove both extend in a direction approaching and away from the plug-in portion. The slide rail and the slide groove are slidably assembled to achieve sliding cooperation between the sliding member and the main body, and the sliding member is located in a pre-installed position when approaching the plug-in portion and in a locked position when away from the plug-in portion.

12. A connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The slide rail and the slide groove are both T-shaped structures with matching shapes.

13. A connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The main body is provided with a stopping structure away from the plug-in portion. When the sliding member slides to the locking position, the stopping structure cooperates with the sliding member to limit the locking position of the sliding member.

14. A connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The slide rails are provided with two and are arranged on the main body, the locking positioning block is located between the two slide rails, and the slide rails are provided with a position avoidance groove for the position guarantee member to pass through and adapted to the movement track of the position guarantee member in the sliding direction; When the sliding member is located at the pre-installed position and the position guarantee member is located at the initial position, the position guarantee member is engaged with an end of the avoidance groove close to the pre-installed position to prevent the sliding member from falling off in a direction away from the locking position; When the sliding member is in the locking position and the position ensuring member is in the initial position, the position ensuring member cooperates with the end of the avoiding groove close to the locking position, and the end of the avoiding groove close to the locking position and the locking positioning block jointly clamp and position the position ensuring member in the sliding direction to keep the sliding member in the locking position.

15. A connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: A pre-installed positioning block is also protruding on the end surface of the shell facing the sliding part, and the pre-installed positioning block is aligned with the locking positioning block in the sliding direction. When the sliding part is in the pre-installed position, the end of the avoidance groove close to the pre-installed position and the pre-installed positioning block jointly clamp and position the position ensuring part in the sliding direction to keep the sliding part in the pre-installed position.

16. A connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A toothed structure is formed on the outer side of the transmission gear along the circumferential direction, and a baffle structure for shielding the toothed structure in the radial direction is provided on at least one of the two axial sides of the transmission gear to protect the toothed structure.

17. A connection assembly, characterized in that: The connection assembly comprises a connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 and a mating connector plugged with the connector, the mating connector having a first rack arranged along a plugging direction, the connector comprising a housing, the outer side of the housing being rotatably provided with a transmission gear slidably matched with the first rack; The transmission gear can be driven to rotate by sliding the sliding member, so as to drive the mating connector and the connector to approach each other until the two are plugged in.

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