Connector housing, connector housing assembly, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector housing, a connector housing assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The connector housing includes a first sidewall having an opening and a cantilever suspended in the opening formed thereon. The cantilever extends in the height direction of the connector shell by a preset length, the lower end of the cantilever is connected with the lower edge of the opening, a supporting step and a first release protrusion are formed at the upper end of the cantilever, and the supporting step is used for abutting against the supporting protrusion of the terminal protection piece so that the terminal protection piece can be kept at the initial position. The first release protrusion is suitable for driving the cantilever to move in the direction parallel to the first side wall under pushing of the inserted matching shell, so that the supporting step is moved to the release position separated from the supporting protrusion. According to the connector, the cantilever moves in the direction parallel to the first side wall, the size of the connector shell in the thickness direction of the first side wall does not need to be increased, and miniaturization of the size of the connector is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector housing, a connector housing assembly including the connector housing, a connector including the connector housing assembly, and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, if the terminals in a connector are relatively long, the terminals are prone to being bent during mating, which may cause damage to the terminals and the connector. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a floating support member (or called a terminal protection member) that can move along the length direction of the terminals. A terminal holding hole allowing the terminals to pass through is formed in the floating support member. Before mating, the floating support member is in an initial position where it supports the end portion of the terminals. During the mating process, the floating support member gradually moves toward the root of the terminals under the push of the mating connector until it moves to its termination position.

[0003] In the prior art, a cantilever is formed on the side wall of the connector housing, and a support step and a release protrusion are formed at the top end of the cantilever. The support step is used to abut against the support protrusion on the floating support member to hold the floating support member in the initial position. The release protrusion is adapted to drive the cantilever to move along the thickness direction of the side wall of the connector housing (i.e., the transverse direction of the connector housing) under the push of the inserted mating connector, so as to move the support step to a release position separated from the support protrusion on the floating support member, thereby enabling the floating support member to move from the initial position to the termination position under the push of the mating connector.

[0004] However, in the prior art, since the cantilever needs to move in the thickness direction of the side wall of the connector housing, it is necessary to increase the size of the connector housing in the thickness direction of the side wall, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the connector size. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector housing is provided. The connector housing includes: a first side wall, on which an opening is formed and a cantilever is suspended in the opening. The cantilever extends a predetermined length in the height direction of the connector housing, the lower end of the cantilever is connected to the lower edge of the opening, a support step and a first release protrusion are formed at the upper end of the cantilever, the support step is used to abut against a support protrusion of a terminal protection member of the connector to hold the terminal protection member in an initial position. The first release protrusion is adapted to be driven by the pushing of a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing to drive the cantilever to move in a direction parallel to the first side wall, so that the support step is moved to a release position separated from the support protrusion, thereby allowing the terminal protection member to be moved from the initial position to a termination position under the pushing of the inserted mating housing.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing includes a pair of first side walls that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction of the connector housing; the connector housing further includes: a pair of second side walls that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing; and a bottom wall, connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side walls and the pair of second side walls. The connector housing has a top opening that allows the insertion of a mating housing, and the cantilever is adapted to move in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing under the pushing of the inserted mating housing, so that the support step is moved to the release position.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes: the aforementioned connector housing; and a terminal protection member, movably mounted in the connector housing. The terminal protection member can move between an initial position and a termination position in the height direction of the connector housing. A support protrusion is formed on the terminal protection member, and the support step on the connector housing is used to abut against the support protrusion to hold the terminal protection member in the initial position.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal protection member includes: a pair of first side plates that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction of the connector housing; a pair of second side plates that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing; and a bottom plate, connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side plates and the pair of second side plates, a receiving opening for receiving the support step is formed on the first side plate, and the support protrusion is formed on the first side plate and located in the receiving opening.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the terminal protection member is in the initial position, the bottom plate of the terminal protection member is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the connector housing by a predetermined distance; when the terminal protection member is in the termination position, the bottom plate of the terminal protection member is adjacent to or in contact with the bottom wall of the connector housing.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, terminal jacks for inserting terminals are formed on the bottom wall of the connector housing, and terminal holding holes allowing the terminals to pass through are formed on the bottom plate of the terminal protection member. The terminal protection member is used to prevent the terminals from being bent when mating with the mating terminals of the mating connector.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, blocking protrusions are respectively formed on the outer sides of the first side plate and the second side plate of the terminal protection member, and blocking steps are respectively formed on the inner sides of the first side wall and the second side wall of the connector housing; when the terminal protection member is in the initial position, the blocking protrusions abut against the blocking steps to prevent the terminal protection member from moving from the initial position to a position disengaged from the connector housing.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, elastic buckles are respectively formed on the first side plate and the second side plate of the terminal protection member. The elastic buckles are adapted to engage with the engaging protrusions on the mating housing inserted into the connector housing, so that the terminal protection member can be pulled from the termination position to the initial position by the mating housing during the process of pulling out the mating housing.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an inclined sliding groove inclined in the height direction of the connector housing is formed on the outer side of the first side wall of the connector housing. The inclined sliding groove is used for sliding cooperation with the protrusion on the driving member of the mating connector to convert the movement of the driving member along the longitudinal direction of the connector housing into the movement of the mating housing of the mating connector along the height direction of the connector housing, so that the mating housing can be inserted or pulled out along the height direction of the connector housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flange portion and an elastic arm are formed on the outer side of the connector housing. A positioning step is formed on the elastic arm. The positioning step and the flange portion are spaced apart in the height direction of the connector housing to allow the mounting panel to be inserted between the positioning step and the flange portion; the connector housing assembly further includes a sealing ring. The sealing ring is sleeved on the flange portion and is adapted to be squeezed between the flange portion and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly; and terminals inserted in the bottom wall of the connector housing and passing through the terminal protection member.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector that mates with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating housing adapted to be inserted into the connector housing; and mating terminals provided in the mating housing for mating with the terminals of the connector.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a second release projection is formed on the outer side of the mating housing. During the process of inserting the mating housing into the connector housing, the second release projection drives the cantilever to move longitudinally along the connector housing by pushing the first release projection, so as to move the support step to a release position separated from the support projection.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pair of the cantilevers are formed on the first side wall of the connector housing, and the second release projection is adapted to simultaneously drive the pair of cantilevers to move longitudinally along the connector housing in a direction away from each other, so that the support step on the cantilever is moved to the release position.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes: a driving member movably mounted on the mating housing and capable of moving longitudinally along the connector housing. The driving member includes: a pair of arm portions; and a connecting portion connecting between one ends of the pair of arm portions. A columnar projection portion is formed on the arm portion, and the projection portion cooperates with an inclined sliding groove on the outer side of the connector housing to convert the longitudinal movement of the driving member along the connector housing into the movement of the mating housing of the mating connector in the height direction of the connector housing, so that the mating housing can be inserted or pulled out in the height direction of the connector housing.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driving member is capable of moving longitudinally between a pre-assembly position and a final assembly position along the connector housing; when the driving member moves from the pre-assembly position to the final assembly position, the mating housing is inserted and mated into the connector housing; when the driving member moves from the final assembly position to the pre-assembly position, the mating housing is pulled out from the connector housing.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an elastic latch is further formed on the arm portion of the driving member, and a pre-locking groove and a final-locking groove are formed on the mating housing; when the driving member is moved to the pre-assembly position, the elastic latch engages with the pre-locking groove to lock the driving member at the pre-assembly position; when the driving member is moved to the final-assembly position, the elastic latch engages with the final-locking groove to lock the driving member at the final-assembly position.

[0023] In the foregoing various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, during the process of the separation between the support step on the cantilever of the driving connector housing and the support protrusion on the terminal protection member, the cantilever moves in a direction parallel to the first side wall of the connector housing. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the size of the connector housing in the thickness direction of the first side wall, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the connector size.

[0024] Through the description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings hereinafter, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious and can help to have a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

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

[0026] Figure 2 Longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal protection member has not been assembled into the connector housing yet;

[0027] Figure 3 Transverse sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal protection member has not been assembled into the connector housing yet;

[0028] Figure 4 Longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal protection member has been assembled into the connector housing and is in the initial position;

[0029] Figure 5 Transverse sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal protection member has been assembled into the connector housing and is in the initial position;

[0030] Figure 6 Longitudinal sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal protection member has been assembled into the connector housing and is in the termination position;

[0031] Figure 7 Stereoscopic schematic diagram showing the terminal protection member of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 A perspective schematic view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating connector has not been inserted into the connector;

[0033] Figure 9 A perspective schematic view of a driving member of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 A perspective schematic view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the driving member of the mating connector is in a pre-installed position;

[0035] Figure 11 A perspective schematic view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the driving member of the mating connector is in a final-installed position;

[0036] Figure 12 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating connector has not been inserted into the connector;

[0037] Figure 13 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating connector has been inserted into the connector;

[0038] Figure 14 A longitudinal sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating connector and the connector have been mated together. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further specifically described below through embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The 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 on the present invention.

[0040] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in a schematic manner to simplify the drawings.

[0041] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a connector housing is provided. The connector housing includes: a first side wall, on which an opening is formed and a cantilever is suspended in the opening. The cantilever extends a predetermined length in the height direction of the connector housing, a lower end of the cantilever is connected to a lower edge of the opening, a support step and a first release protrusion are formed at an upper end of the cantilever, the support step is adapted to abut against a support protrusion of a terminal protection member of the connector to hold the terminal protection member in an initial position. The first release protrusion is adapted to be driven by a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the connector housing to move the cantilever in a direction parallel to the first side wall, so that the support step is moved to a release position separated from the support protrusion, thereby allowing the terminal protection member to be moved from the initial position to a termination position under the push of the inserted mating housing.

[0042] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes: the aforementioned connector housing; and a terminal protection member movably mounted in the connector housing. The terminal protection member is capable of moving between an initial position and a termination position in the height direction of the connector housing. A support protrusion is formed on the terminal protection member, and the support step on the connector housing is adapted to abut against the support protrusion to hold the terminal protection member in the initial position.

[0043] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly; and a terminal inserted into a bottom wall of the connector housing and passing through the terminal protection member.

[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 housing adapted to be inserted into the connector housing; and a mating terminal disposed in the mating housing for mating with the terminal of the connector.

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective schematic view showing a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view showing the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal protection member 2 has not been assembled into the connector housing 1 yet; Figure 3 A transverse sectional view showing the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal protection member 2 has not been assembled into the connector housing 1 yet; Figure 4Shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a terminal protection member 2 has been assembled into the connector housing 1 and is in an initial position; Figure 5 Shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a terminal protection member 2 has been assembled into the connector housing 1 and is in an initial position; Figure 6 Shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where a terminal protection member 2 has been assembled into the connector housing 1 and is in a terminated position; Figure 7 Shows a perspective schematic view of a terminal protection member 2 of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing 1 is disclosed. The connector housing 1 includes a first side wall 11, on which an opening 14 is formed and a cantilever 15 is suspended in the opening 14. The cantilever 15 extends a predetermined length in the height direction Z of the connector housing 1. The lower end of the cantilever 15 is connected to the lower edge of the opening 14, and a support step 15a and a first release protrusion 15b are formed at the upper end of the cantilever 15. The support step 15a is used to abut against the support protrusion 25a of the terminal protection member 2 of the connector 100 to hold the terminal protection member 2 in the initial position.

[0047] Figure 8 Shows a perspective schematic view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the mating connector 100' has not been inserted into the connector 100; Figure 9 Shows a perspective schematic view of a driving member 4 of a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 Shows a perspective schematic view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the driving member 4 of the mating connector 100' is in a pre-assembled position; Figure 11 Shows a perspective schematic view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the driving member 4 of the mating connector 100' is in a final-assembled position; Figure 12 Shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the mating connector 100' has not been inserted into the connector 100; Figure 13 Shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the mating connector 100' has been inserted into the connector 100; Figure 14A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 100' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating connector 100' and the connector 100 have been mated together.

[0048] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first release projection 15b is adapted to drive the cantilever 15 to move in a direction parallel to the first side wall 11 under the push of the mating housing 1' of the mating connector 100' inserted into the connector housing 1, so that the support step 15a is moved to a release position separated from the support projection 25a, thereby allowing the terminal protection member 2 to move from the initial position to the terminal position under the push of the inserted mating housing 1'.

[0049] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 includes a pair of first side walls 11 that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction X of the connector housing 1. The connector housing 1 further includes a pair of second side walls 12 and a bottom wall 13. The pair of second side walls 12 are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1. The bottom wall 13 is connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side walls 11 and the pair of second side walls. The connector housing 1 has a top opening 101 that allows the mating housing 1' to be inserted, and the cantilever 15 is adapted to move in the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1 under the push of the inserted mating housing 1', so that the support step 15a is moved to the release position.

[0050] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is also disclosed. The connector housing assembly includes: the aforementioned connector housing 1 and a terminal protection member 2. The terminal protection member 2 is movably mounted in the connector housing 1, and the terminal protection member 2 can move between an initial position and a terminal position in the height direction Z of the connector housing 1. A support projection 25a is formed on the terminal protection member 2, and the support step 15a on the connector housing 1 is adapted to abut against the support projection 25a to hold the terminal protection member 2 in the initial position.

[0051] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal protection member 2 includes: a pair of first side plates 21, a pair of second side plates 22, and a bottom plate 23. The pair of first side plates 21 are opposite to each other in the transverse direction X of the connector housing 1. The pair of second side plates 22 are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1. The bottom plate 23 is connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side plates 21 and the pair of second side plates 22. A receiving opening 24 for receiving the support step 15a is formed on the first side plate 21, and the support projection 25a is formed on the first side plate 21 and is located in the receiving opening 24.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 14As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the terminal protection member 2 is in the initial position, the bottom plate 23 of the terminal protection member 2 is spaced apart from the bottom wall 13 of the connector housing 1 by a predetermined distance. When the terminal protection member 2 is in the terminal position, the bottom plate 23 of the terminal protection member 2 is adjacent to or in contact with the bottom wall 13 of the connector housing 1.

[0053] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, terminal insertion holes 13a for inserting terminals are formed in the bottom wall 13 of the connector housing 1, and terminal holding holes 23a allowing the terminals to pass through are formed in the bottom plate 23 of the terminal protection member 2. The terminal protection member 2 is used to prevent the terminals from being bent when mating with the mating terminals of the mating connector 100'.

[0054] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, blocking protrusions 27 are respectively formed on the outer sides of the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 of the terminal protection member 2, and blocking steps 17a are respectively formed on the inner sides of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall of the connector housing 1. When the terminal protection member 2 is in the initial position, the blocking protrusions 27 abut against the blocking steps 17a to prevent the terminal protection member 2 from moving from the initial position to a position disengaged from the connector housing 1.

[0055] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, elastic latches 26 are respectively formed on the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 of the terminal protection member 2. The elastic latches 26 are adapted to engage with engaging protrusions 16' on the mating housing 1' inserted into the connector housing 1, so that the terminal protection member 2 can be pulled from the terminal position to the initial position by the mating housing 1' during the process of pulling out the mating housing 1'.

[0056] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an inclined sliding groove 11a inclined with respect to the height direction Z of the connector housing 1 is formed on the outer side of the first side wall 11 of the connector housing 1. The inclined sliding groove 11a is used for sliding cooperation with a protrusion 41a on a driving member 4 of the mating connector 100' to convert the movement of the driving member 4 along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1 into the movement of the mating housing 1' of the mating connector 100' along the height direction Z of the connector housing 1, so that the mating housing 1' can be inserted or pulled out along the height direction Z of the connector housing 1.

[0057] As Figures 1 to 14As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a flange portion 17 and an elastic arm 16 are formed on the outer side of the connector housing 1. A positioning step 16a is formed on the elastic arm 16. The positioning step 16a and the flange portion 17 are spaced apart in the height direction Z of the connector housing 1 to allow an installation panel (not shown, such as a body sheet metal) to be inserted between the positioning step 16a and the flange portion 17. The connector housing assembly further includes a sealing ring 3, which is sleeved on the flange portion 17 and is adapted to be squeezed between the flange portion 17 and the installation panel to achieve sealing therebetween.

[0058] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 100 is also disclosed. The connector 100 includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly and terminals. The terminals are inserted into the bottom wall 13 of the connector housing 1 and pass through the terminal protection member 2.

[0059] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: a connector 100 and a mating connector 100'. The mating connector 100' mates with the connector 100. The mating connector 100' includes: a mating housing 1' and mating terminals (not shown). The mating housing 1' is adapted to be inserted into the connector housing 1. The mating terminals are disposed in the mating housing 1' for mating with the terminals of the connector 100.

[0060] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a second release projection 15b' is formed on the outer side of the mating housing 1'. During the process of inserting the mating housing 1' into the connector housing 1, the second release projection 15b' drives the first release projection 15b and the driving cantilever 15 to move along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1, so as to move the support step 15a to a release position separated from the support projection 25a.

[0061] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cantilevers 15 are formed on the first side wall 11 of the connector housing 1. The second release projection 15b' is adapted to simultaneously drive the pair of cantilevers 15 to move away from each other along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1, so that the support step 15a on the cantilever 15 is moved to the release position.

[0062] As Figures 1 to 14As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 100' further includes a driving member 4. The driving member 4 is movably mounted on the mating housing 1' and can move along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1. The driving member 4 includes a pair of arm portions 41 and a connecting portion 42. The connecting portion 42 is connected between one ends of the pair of arm portions 41. The pair of arm portions 41 are inserted into the slots of the mating housing 1'. A columnar protrusion 41a is formed on the arm portion 41 of the driving member 4. The protrusion 41a cooperates with the inclined sliding groove 11a on the outer side of the connector housing 1 to convert the movement of the driving member 4 along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1 into the movement of the mating housing 1' of the mating connector 100' along the height direction Z of the connector housing 1, so that the mating housing 1' can be inserted into or pulled out from the connector housing 1 along the height direction Z of the connector housing 1.

[0063] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the driving member 4 can move between a pre-assembly position and a final-assembly position along the longitudinal direction Y of the connector housing 1. When the driving member 4 moves from the pre-assembly position to the final-assembly position, the mating housing 1' is inserted and mated with the connector housing 1. When the driving member 4 moves from the final-assembly position to the pre-assembly position, the mating housing 1' is pulled out from the connector housing 1.

[0064] As Figures 1 to 14 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an elastic latch 41b is further formed on the arm portion 41 of the driving member 4, and a pre-locking groove 1a and a final-locking groove 1b are formed on the mating housing 1'. When the driving member 4 is moved to the pre-assembly position, the elastic latch 41b engages with the pre-locking groove 1a to lock the driving member 4 in the pre-assembly position. When the driving member 4 is moved to the final-assembly position, the elastic latch 41b engages with the final-locking groove 1b to lock the driving member 4 in the final-assembly position.

[0065] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-described embodiments are all exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make improvements to them. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without conflicts in structure or principle. These changes should reasonably fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0067] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0068] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the terms "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Additionally, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector housing, characterized in that, it includes: A first side wall (11) on which an opening (14) is formed and a cantilever (15) suspended in the opening (14), The cantilever (15) extends a predetermined length in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1), the lower end of the cantilever (15) is connected to the lower edge of the opening (14), a support step (15a) and a first release projection (15b) are formed at the upper end of the cantilever (15), and the support step (15a) is used to abut against a support projection (25a) of a terminal protection member (2) of the connector (100) to hold the terminal protection member (2) in the initial position. The first release projection (15b) is adapted to drive the cantilever (15) to move in a direction parallel to the first side wall (11) under the push of a mating housing (1') of a mating connector (100') inserted into the connector housing (1), so that the support step (15a) is moved to a release position separated from the support projection (25a), thereby allowing the terminal protection member (2) to move from the initial position to the termination position under the push of the inserted mating housing (1').

2. The connector housing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector housing (1) includes a pair of first side walls (11) that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction (X) of the connector housing (1); The connector housing (1) further includes: A pair of second side walls (12) that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1); and A bottom wall (13) connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side walls (11) and the pair of second side walls (12), The connector housing (1) has a top opening (101) allowing the insertion of the mating housing (1'), and the cantilever (15) is adapted to move in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1) under the push of the inserted mating housing (1'), so that the support step (15a) is moved to the release position.

3. A connector housing assembly, characterized in that, it includes: The connector housing (1) according to claim 2; and A terminal protection member (2) movably mounted in the connector housing (1), The terminal protection member (2) can move between an initial position and a termination position in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1), A support projection (25a) is formed on the terminal protection member (2), and the support step (15a) on the connector housing (1) is used to abut against the support projection (25a) to hold the terminal protection member (2) in the initial position.

4. The connector housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The terminal protection member (2) includes: A pair of first side plates (21) that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction (X) of the connector housing (1); A pair of second side plates (22) that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1); and A bottom plate (23) is connected to the bottoms of the pair of first side plates (21) and the pair of second side plates (22). An accommodation opening (24) for accommodating the support step (15a) is formed in the first side plate (21), and a support protrusion (25a) is formed on the first side plate (21) and is located in the accommodation opening (24).

5. The connector housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the terminal protection member (2) is in the initial position, the bottom plate (23) of the terminal protection member (2) is spaced apart from the bottom wall (13) of the connector housing (1) by a predetermined distance; When the terminal protection member (2) is in the termination position, the bottom plate (23) of the terminal protection member (2) is adjacent to or in contact with the bottom wall (13) of the connector housing (1).

6. The connector housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A terminal insertion hole (13a) for inserting a terminal is formed in the bottom wall (13) of the connector housing (1), and a terminal holding hole (23a) allowing the terminal to pass through is formed in the bottom plate (23) of the terminal protection member (2). The terminal protection member (2) is used to prevent the terminal from being bent when mating with the mating terminal of the mating connector (100').

7. The connector housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: Blocking protrusions (27) are respectively formed on the outer sides of the first side plate (21) and the second side plate (22) of the terminal protection member (2), and blocking steps (17a) are respectively formed on the inner sides of the first side wall (11) and the second side wall (12) of the connector housing (1); When the terminal protection member (2) is in the initial position, the blocking protrusion (27) abuts against the blocking step (17a) to prevent the terminal protection member (2) from moving from the initial position to a position separated from the connector housing (1).

8. The connector housing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: Elastic buckles (26) are respectively formed on the first side plate (21) and the second side plate (22) of the terminal protection member (2). The elastic buckles (26) are adapted to engage with the engaging protrusions (16') on the mating housing (1') inserted into the connector housing (1), so that the terminal protection member (2) can be pulled from the termination position to the initial position by the mating housing (1') during the process of pulling out the mating housing (1').

9. The connector housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: An inclined chute (11a) that is inclined with respect to the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1) is formed on the outer side of the first side wall (11) of the connector housing (1). The inclined chute (11a) is used for sliding cooperation with a protrusion (41a) on a driving member (4) of a mating connector (100') to convert the movement of the driving member (4) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1) into the movement of the mating housing (1') of the mating connector (100') along the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1), so that the mating housing (1') can be inserted or withdrawn along the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1).

10. The connector housing assembly according to claim 3, wherein: A flange portion (17) and an elastic arm (16) are formed on the outer side of the connector housing (1). A positioning step (16a) is formed on the elastic arm (16). The positioning step (16a) and the flange portion (17) are spaced apart in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1) to allow an installation panel to be inserted between the positioning step (16a) and the flange portion (17); The connector housing assembly further includes a sealing ring (3). The sealing ring (3) is sleeved on the flange portion (17) and is adapted to be squeezed between the flange portion (17) and the installation panel to achieve sealing therebetween.

11. A connector, wherein, comprises: The connector housing assembly according to any one of claims 3-10; and Terminals, which are inserted into the bottom wall (13) of the connector housing (1) and pass through the terminal protection member (2).

12. A connector assembly, wherein, comprises: The connector (100) according to claim 11; and A mating connector (100'), which mates with the connector (100), The mating connector (100') includes: A mating housing (1'), which is adapted to be inserted into the connector housing (1); and Mating terminals, which are arranged in the mating housing (1') and are used for mating with the terminals of the connector (100).

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein: A second release protrusion (15b') is formed on the outer side of the mating housing (1'). During the process of inserting the mating housing (1') into the connector housing (1), the second release protrusion (15b') drives the cantilever (15) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1) by pushing the first release protrusion (15b), so as to move the support step (15a) to a release position separated from the support protrusion (25a).

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein: A pair of the cantilevers (15) are formed on a first side wall (11) of the connector housing (1). The second release protrusion (15b') is adapted to simultaneously drive the pair of cantilevers (15) to move away from each other along a longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1), so that a support step (15a) on the cantilever (15) is moved to the release position.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein: the mating connector (100') further comprises: a driving member (4) movably mounted on the mating housing (1') and capable of moving along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1), the driving member (4) comprises: a pair of arm portions (41); and a connecting portion (42) connected between one ends of the pair of arm portions (41), a columnar protrusion (41a) is formed on the arm portion (41), and the protrusion (41a) cooperates with an inclined sliding groove (11a) on an outer side of the connector housing (1) to convert the movement of the driving member (4) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1) into the movement of the mating housing (1') of the mating connector (100') along a height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1), so that the mating housing (1') can be inserted into or withdrawn from the connector housing (1) along the height direction (Z) of the connector housing (1).

16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein: the driving member (4) is capable of moving between a pre-assembly position and a final-assembly position along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the connector housing (1); when the driving member (4) moves from the pre-assembly position to the final-assembly position, the mating housing (1') is inserted and mated into the connector housing (1); when the driving member (4) moves from the final-assembly position to the pre-assembly position, the mating housing (1') is withdrawn from the connector housing (1).

17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein: an elastic latch (41b) is further formed on the arm portion (41) of the driving member (4), and a pre-locking groove (1a) and a final-locking groove (1b) are formed on the mating housing (1'); when the driving member (4) is moved to the pre-assembly position, the elastic latch (41b) engages with the pre-locking groove (1a) to lock the driving member (4) in the pre-assembly position; when the driving member (4) is moved to the final-assembly position, the elastic latch (41b) engages with the final-locking groove (1b) to lock the driving member (4) in the final-assembly position.

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