Self-locking plug structure and electrical connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a self-locking plug-in structure and an electrical connector, the self-locking plug-in structure comprising a plug-in core component, a first shell and a locking sleeve, the first shell having a first accommodating cavity and a receiving groove, the receiving grooves being distributed in one or more areas on the outer peripheral side of the first accommodating cavity, the plug-in core component being inserted into the first accommodating cavity, the first shell having an undercut portion, the undercut portion being a partial structure enclosing and forming the receiving groove; the locking sleeve being located in the first shell, the locking sleeve comprising a sleeve and a locking tongue, the locking tongue being an elastic body, the locking tongue being connected to the sleeve and extending in a direction away from the sleeve, the sleeve being sleeved outside the plug-in core component, the locking tongue being located on the outer peripheral side of the plug-in core component, the locking tongue extending axially outward relative to the plug-in core component and being inserted into the receiving groove; wherein the locking tongue is used to be locked and connected with the snap-fitting portion of the adapter plug-in structure, and when the first shell is driven to move relative to the locking sleeve, the undercut portion drives the locking tongue to turn inside and outside the receiving groove to separate from the snap-fitting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and in particular to a self-locking plug-end structure and an electrical connector. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors, as key components for achieving circuit connections, typically consist of a plug and a socket. Conventional electrical connectors often also feature a self-locking function, typically achieved by providing matching locking structures, such as snap-on structures, on the plug and socket housings. Once the two are plugged in, the locking structures cooperate to achieve self-locking. However, due to the high requirements for sealing, insertion stability, and overall size of the electrical connector, the size of the locking structure is often limited, typically to a relatively small size. This results in an unstable locking connection, impacting the reliability of the electrical connector connection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a self-locking plug structure and an electrical connector to address the problem of insufficient locking stability of connectors with a self-locking function.

[0004] On the one hand, the present application provides a self-locking plug-in structure, which includes a core component, a first shell and a locking sleeve, the first shell having a first accommodating cavity and a receiving groove, the receiving grooves being distributed in one or more areas on the outer peripheral side of the first accommodating cavity, the core component being inserted into the first accommodating cavity, the first shell having an undercut portion, and the undercut portion being a partial structure that encloses and forms the receiving groove; the locking sleeve is located in the first shell, the locking sleeve including a sleeve and a lock tongue, the lock tongue being an elastic body, the lock tongue being connected to the sleeve and extending in a direction away from the sleeve, the sleeve being sleeved outside the core component, the lock tongue being located on the outer peripheral side of the core component, the lock tongue extending axially outward relative to the core component and passing through the receiving groove; wherein the lock tongue is used to be locked and connected with the snap-fitting part of the adapter plug-in structure, and when the first shell is driven to move relative to the locking sleeve, the undercut portion drives the lock tongue to turn inside and outside the receiving groove to separate from the snap-fitting part.

[0005] In one embodiment, the locking tongue includes a connecting end and a clamping end that are relatively arranged, the connecting end is connected to the kit, the clamping end has a clamping portion, the clamping portion is used to clamp with the matching portion, and the clamping portion is constructed as a clamping hole or a clamping block.

[0006] In one embodiment, the lock tongue includes an introduction surface distributed on the inner side surface of the clamping end, and the introduction surface is gradually bent or inclined toward the outer side of the lock tongue in the direction away from the kit along the axis of the self-locking plug end structure, and the undercut portion abuts against the introduction surface.

[0007] In one embodiment, the introduction surface extends from the inner side surface of the lock tongue to the end face of the clamping end, and the boundary side of the introduction surface and the end face of the clamping end is the introduction side, and the middle area of the introduction side in the circumferential direction around the axis of the self-locking plug end structure is farther away from the inner side surface of the lock tongue than the two side areas; the undercut portion is located at the end of the first shell away from the kit, and the undercut portion has a through avoidance groove, which is connected to the receiving groove, and the undercut portion also includes a first fastener and a second fastener located on both sides of the avoidance groove; wherein, the clamping portion is constructed as a clamping hole, and along the axis of the self-locking plug end structure, the avoidance groove, the middle area of the introduction side and the clamping portion are aligned in sequence, and the first fastener and the second fastener are aligned with the two side areas of the introduction side respectively.

[0008] In one embodiment, the lock tongue includes an interconnected tongue tip section and a tongue root section, the clamping portion is provided on the tongue tip section, the tongue tip section has an avoidance surface, the avoidance surface is distributed on at least a portion of the outer side of the tongue tip section, and the avoidance surface gradually bends or tilts toward the inner side of the lock tongue in the direction away from the kit along the axis of the self-locking plug end structure; the tongue root section is connected to the kit, and a cutting groove is provided on the inner side and / or outer side of the tongue root section.

[0009] In one embodiment, the core component includes an insulator, the insulator includes a snap-fit block, the snap-fit portion is constructed as a snap-fit hole, and the insulator can also be used as an insulator for the adapter plug structure. When the insulator is used as an insulator for the adapter plug structure, the snap-fit block is snap-fitted with the snap-fit portion of the self-locking plug structure; the reduction groove is distributed on the inner side of the tongue root segment, and the snap-fit block is arranged in the reduction groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the insert component includes an insulator and a conductive terminal, the conductive terminal is passed through the insulator, and a plurality of the conductive terminals are arranged in an array on the insulator; the insulator has a stop surface, the number of the stop surfaces corresponds to the number of the locking tongues, and the inner side surface of the locking tongue corresponds to the stop surface to limit the rotation of the insert component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the insulator includes a main body and a boss, the boss protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body, the connecting end extends into the sleeve and protrudes relative to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve, and the connecting end abuts against the boss for positioning.

[0012] In one embodiment, the self-locking plug end structure also includes a second shell and a wire clamp, part of the structure of the wire clamp is passed through the kit, the wire clamp is located on the side of the boss away from the lock tongue and abuts against the boss, the second shell is sleeved over the kit and the wire clamp, the second shell abuts against the end of the wire clamp away from the boss and is connected to the kit.

[0013] In one embodiment, there are multiple lock tongues, and the multiple lock tongues are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis of the self-locking plug end structure. The number and distribution positions of the receiving grooves and the number and distribution positions of the undercut portions correspond to the lock tongues.

[0014] On the other hand, the present application further provides an electrical connector, which includes the self-locking plug structure as described above.

[0015] In the above-mentioned self-locking plug-in structure, the core component is inserted into the first accommodating cavity, and the receiving groove is located at one or more areas on the outer peripheral side of the first accommodating cavity, so that there is a gap between one or more areas on the outer periphery of the core component and the inner peripheral surface of the first shell, thereby providing space for the arrangement of the lock tongue. In the present application, by configuring the receiving groove, the lock tongue can be distributed between the core component and the first shell. Thus, by adaptively reducing the size of the core component, the size of the lock tongue can be increased to increase the stability of the locking connection between the lock tongue and the snap-fitting part. Moreover, in the present application, the lock tongue is inserted into the receiving groove, and the undercut part is a part of the structure forming the receiving groove, so the undercut part can be easily matched with the lock tongue. Thus, when the first shell is driven to move, the lock tongue can be easily buckled to turn outward and separate from the snap-fitting part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical connector provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an axonometric diagram of a self-locking plug-end structure provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A front view of the self-locking plug end structure shown.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The self-locking plug-in structure is shown in a cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the locking sleeve in the self-locking plug-in structure shown.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 2An axonometric diagram of the locking sleeve in the self-locking plug-end structure shown.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Front view of the locking sleeve shown.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 2 An axonometric diagram of the first housing in the self-locking plug-in structure shown.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 3 The self-locking plug-in structure is shown in a cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0025] Figure 10 for Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of the self-locking plug-in structure is shown.

[0026] Reference numerals: 10, electrical connector; 20, self-locking plug structure; 30, adapter plug structure; 31, snap-fitting portion; 100, ferrule component; 110, insulator; 111, snap-fitting block; 112, main body; 113, boss; 114, anti-rotation surface; 115, snap-fitting groove; 116, guide block; 120, conductive terminal; 200, first housing; 201, first accommodating cavity; 202, receiving groove; 203, second accommodating cavity; 204, first limiting portion; 210, undercut portion; 211, avoidance groove; 212 , first fastener; 213, second fastener; 220, rib; 300, locking sleeve; 310, kit; 311, second limiting portion; 320, locking tongue; 321, connecting end; 322, snap-on end; 323, snap-on portion; 324, introduction surface; 325, introduction side; 326, tongue tip section; 326a, avoidance surface; 327, tongue root section; 327a, cutting groove; 328, tongue section; 329, abutment surface; 400, second shell; 500, wire clamp; 510, clamp arm; O, axis; C, circumferential direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0029] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, if a first feature is described as being "above" or "below" a second feature, or similar descriptions, this may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is described as being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is described as being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0032] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0033] In conventional technology, an electrical connector is usually composed of a plug and a socket. For an electrical connector with a self-locking function, it usually relies on the mutual cooperation of the locking structures configured on the plug housing and the socket housing to achieve self-locking. For example, a first snap may be provided on the plug housing, and a second snap may be provided on the socket housing. When the plug and the socket are plugged in, the first snap and the second snap engage and cooperate to achieve self-locking. However, due to the requirements of the sealing performance, plug-in stability and overall size of the electrical connector between the plug housing and the socket housing, the sizes of the first snap and the second snap are often designed to be smaller. As a result, the self-locking function of the self-locking electrical connector is unstable, especially when the electrical connector is used in a high-speed movement environment.

[0034] To address the aforementioned issues, the present application proposes a self-locking plug structure comprising a ferrule assembly, a first housing, and a locking sleeve. The locking sleeve is positioned over the ferrule assembly and within the first housing. The locking sleeve includes a locking tongue, which is used to securely connect with another ferrule assembly (i.e., the adapter ferrule assembly described below). Furthermore, the locking tongue is disposed between the ferrule assembly and the first housing. This allows the ferrule assembly to be adaptively reduced in size, resulting in a larger locking tongue (primarily in thickness) between the ferrule assembly and the first housing, thereby improving the stability of the locked connection. It should be noted that the ferrule assembly typically includes an insulator and multiple conductive terminals. The conductive terminals are disposed within the insulator, providing mounting support and insulation protection for the conductive terminals. In current electrical connectors, the distribution of the conductive terminals on the insulator is often relatively loose. Therefore, the arrangement of the multiple conductive terminals can be replanned. By reorganizing the distribution of the conductive terminals, the ferrule assembly can provide sufficient space for the installation of the locking tongue while meeting basic requirements such as creepage distance between the conductive terminals and installation stability. It should be emphasized that the conductive terminals of electrical connectors in conventional technology mostly do not have special distribution requirements, such as a loose circular distribution. Therefore, a certain amount of space can be freed up by simply adjusting the arrangement of the conductive terminals. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the conductive terminals to a specific array distribution in order to meet the requirements of arranging the lock tongue. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the distribution plan of the conductive terminals according to actual requirements. The following is a detailed description of the self-locking plug structure provided in each embodiment of the present application and the electrical connector including the self-locking plug structure in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments of the specification.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrical connector provided in one embodiment of the present application is shown. The electrical connector 10 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a self-locking plug structure 20. The electrical connector 10 also includes an adapter plug structure 30. The self-locking plug structure 20 and the adapter plug structure 30 can form a self-locking state after being plugged in, thereby improving the structural stability and the stability of electrical conduction. Among them, one of the self-locking plug structure 20 and the adapter plug structure 30 can be configured as a plug, and the other can be configured as a socket. This application does not specifically limit which one is the plug and which is the socket, and it can be set according to needs. Furthermore, the adapter plug structure 30 includes a snap-fit portion 31. The self-locking plug structure 20 can form a self-locking state with the adapter plug structure 30 by being locked and connected with the snap-fit portion 31. Furthermore, the self-locking plug structure 20 can be axially plugged into the adapter plug structure 30, that is, the self-locking plug structure 20 can be plugged into the adapter plug structure 30 along its own axis O.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 4 ,in Figure 2The figure shows an axonometric diagram of a self-locking plug end structure provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 The front view of the self-locking plug end structure shown, Figure 4 for Figure 3 The self-locking plug structure shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA. The self-locking plug structure 20 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a core component 100, a first shell 200 and a locking sleeve 300. The core component 100 and the locking sleeve 300 are both located in the first shell 200. The core component 100 is used to transmit electrical energy or electrical signals. The first shell 200 has a first accommodating cavity 201 and a receiving groove 202. The receiving groove 202 is distributed in one or more areas on the outer peripheral side of the first accommodating cavity 201. The core component 100 is inserted into the first accommodating cavity 201. The first shell 200 has an undercut portion 210, which is a partial structure that encloses and forms the receiving groove 202. The locking sleeve 300 includes a kit 310 and a lock tongue 320. The lock tongue 320 is an elastic body. The lock tongue 320 is connected to the kit 310 and extends in a direction away from the kit 310. The sleeve 310 fits over the ferrule assembly 100, with the locking tongue 320 located on the outer periphery of the ferrule assembly 100. The locking tongue 320 extends axially outward from the ferrule assembly 100 and penetrates the receiving slot 202. The locking tongue 320 is configured to securely engage the engaging portion 31 of the adapter plug structure 30. When the first housing 200 is driven to move relative to the locking sleeve 300, the undercut portion 210 forces the locking tongue 320 to turn inside out within the receiving slot 202, disengaging it from the engaging portion 31.

[0037] In the above-mentioned self-locking plug-in structure 20, the ferrule component 100 is inserted into the first accommodating cavity 201, and the receiving groove 202 is located at one or more areas on the outer peripheral side of the first accommodating cavity 201. Therefore, there is a gap between one or more areas on the outer periphery of the ferrule component 100 and the inner peripheral surface of the first shell 200, thereby providing space for the arrangement of the lock tongue 320. In the present application, by configuring the receiving groove 202, the lock tongue 320 can be distributed between the ferrule component 100 and the first shell 200. Thus, by adaptively reducing the size of the ferrule component 100, the size of the lock tongue 320 can be increased to increase the stability of the locking connection between the lock tongue 320 and the snap-fit portion 31. In addition, in the present application, the lock tongue 320 is inserted into the receiving groove 202, and the undercut portion 210 is a part of the structure forming the receiving groove 202, so the undercut portion 210 can be easily matched with the lock tongue 320. Thus, when the first housing 200 is driven to move, the locking tongue 320 can be easily buckled to turn outward and separate from the engaging portion 31. It can be understood that since the receiving grooves 202 are only distributed in one or several areas around the outer periphery of the ferrule component 100, there is still sufficient space for the arrangement of the ferrule component 100.

[0038] See also Figure 3In one embodiment, the ferrule component 100 includes an insulator 110 and conductive terminals 120. The conductive terminals 120 are disposed within the insulator 110 and provide mounting support and insulation protection for the conductive terminals 120. Multiple conductive terminals 120 are arranged in an array within the insulator 110. By adjusting the arrangement of the multiple conductive terminals 120, the space required for the multiple conductive terminals 120 is reduced without changing the size and number of the conductive terminals 120. This allows the volume of the insulator 110 to be smaller, facilitating the formation of the receiving slots 202 between the insulator 110 and the inner wall of the first housing 200. The array arrangement of the multiple conductive terminals 120 can be configured as, but is not limited to, a rectangular array. Of course, it should be emphasized that the conductive terminals 120 are not limited to an array arrangement; the arrangement of the conductive terminals 120 can be adaptively adjusted according to other requirements to minimize the space occupied by the multiple conductive terminals 120.

[0039] See also Figure 4 In one embodiment, there are multiple locking tongues 320, spaced apart in a circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug-end structure 20. Each of the multiple locking tongues 320 is locked and connected to the multiple engaging portions 31. By configuring multiple locking tongues 320 to achieve a locked connection, the stability of the self-locking mechanism can be further improved. The number and distribution of the receiving grooves 202 and the number and distribution of the undercut portions 210 correspond to the number and distribution of the locking tongues 320. For ease of understanding and explanation, the figures and embodiments of this specification illustrate a configuration in which two locking tongues 320 are used. The same applies to other numbers of locking tongues, and therefore no further explanation is given.

[0040] See also Figure 5 , combined with Figure 4 In one embodiment, the locking tongue 320 includes a connecting end 321 and a snap-fit end 322 disposed opposite each other. The connecting end 321 is connected to the kit 310, and the snap-fit end 322 has a snap-fit portion 323. The snap-fit portion 323 is used to snap-fit with the snap-fit portion 31 of the adapter plug structure 30. The snap-fit portion 323 is configured as a snap-fit hole or a snap-fit block. For example, when the snap-fit portion 323 is configured as a snap-fit hole, the snap-fit portion 31 is configured as a snap-fit block, and the snap-fit portion 31 and the snap-fit portion 323 are plugged together to achieve a locked connection. Of course, when the snap-fit portion 323 is configured as a snap-fit block, the snap-fit portion 31 can also be configured as a snap-fit hole.

[0041] See also Figure 5In one embodiment, the engaging end 322 has an abutment surface 329, which is used to contact the engaging portion 31 of the adapting plug structure 30. The abutment surface 329 can be perpendicular to the axis O of the self-locking plug structure 20, that is, the abutment surface 329 can be perpendicular to the direction of insertion and separation between the self-locking plug structure 20 and the adapting plug structure 30, thereby providing a sufficient abutment and limiting effect. It will be understood that the abutment surface 329 is perpendicular to the axis O of the self-locking plug structure 20 (that is, perpendicular to the aforementioned insertion and separation direction), that is, the abutment surface 329 itself is neither inclined relative to the axis O nor includes any area inclined relative to the axis O. Because the locking tongue 320 is triggered by the undercut portion 210 to turn outward, causing the engaging portion 323 to separate from the engaging portion 31, the outward turning of the locking tongue 320 does not rely on the structural shape of the engaging portion 323 itself. Therefore, when the abutting surface 329 is configured perpendicular to the aforementioned axis O, the engaging portion 323 can still be conveniently and smoothly separated from the engaging portion 31 on the adapter plug structure 30. When the engaging portion 323 is configured as a locking hole, the abutting surface 329 may include, but is not limited to, the inner wall of the engaging portion 323 on the side away from the sleeve 310.

[0042] See also Figure 6 , combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the lock tongue 320 includes an introduction surface 324, which is distributed on the inner side surface of the clamping end 322. The introduction surface 324 can be distributed in a partial area of the inner side surface of the clamping end 322 to reduce processing requirements and reduce processing difficulty. In the direction away from the kit 310 along the axis O of the self-locking plug end structure 20, the introduction surface 324 gradually bends or tilts toward the outside of the lock tongue 320, and the undercut portion 210 abuts against the introduction surface 324. Since the introduction surface 324 is curved or tilted, when the first shell 200 is driven to move along the axis O of the self-locking plug end structure 20, the introduction surface 324 can gradually buckle and push the lock tongue 320 outward, so that the clamping portion 323 is separated from the fitting portion 31, and the self-locking plug end structure 20 and the matching plug end structure 30 are released from the self-locking relationship. It is easy to understand that because the lead-in surface 324 is curved or inclined, when the driving force applied to the first housing 200 is removed, the elastic restoring force of the lead-in surface 324 can also reversely drive the first housing 200 to approximately return to its pre-driven position. It should be noted that this embodiment does not require the undercut portion 210 to maintain contact with the lead-in surface 324; a certain axial spacing may exist between the two. The undercut portion 210 can be configured to move to a position where it contacts and abuts the lead-in surface 324.

[0043] Furthermore, the first housing 200 is driven to move the undercut portion 210 toward the sleeve 310 , thereby driving the locking tongue 320 to turn outward.

[0044] Please refer again Figure 4In one embodiment, the first housing 200 includes a first limiting portion 204, and the locking sleeve 300 includes a second limiting portion 311. The first limiting portion 204 and the second limiting portion 311 cooperate to limit the axial movement of the first housing 200 relative to the locking sleeve 300. Furthermore, the first limiting portion 204 can be configured as a limiting groove, which is formed on the inner wall of the first housing 200. The second limiting portion 311 can be configured as a limiting block, which protrudes from the outer wall of the sleeve 310. The movement range of the first housing 200 can be limited by the groove walls of the limiting groove in the direction of the axis O of the self-locking plug end structure 20 abutting against the limiting blocks.

[0045] See also Figures 6 to 9 In one embodiment, the lead-in surface 324 extends from the inner side surface of the lock tongue 320 to the end surface of the clamping end 322, and the boundary side of the lead-in surface 324 and the end surface of the clamping end 322 is the lead-in side edge 325. The middle area of the lead-in side edge 325 in the circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug end structure 20 is farther away from the inner side surface of the lock tongue 320 than the areas on both sides. It should be noted that the above-mentioned "farther away" refers to farther away in the direction of the clamping portion 323 and the engaging portion 31, that is, in the middle area of the lead-in side edge 325 in the circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug end structure 20. Figure 7 Each area of the lead-in surface 324 is bent or tilted starting from the inner side surface of the lock tongue 320, so the middle area of the lead-in side edge 325 is farther away from the inner side surface of the lock tongue 320 than the two side areas, which means that the middle area of the lead-in surface 324 (corresponding to the middle area of the lead-in side edge 325) has a larger turning amplitude span, so it usually has a thinner thickness dimension; the two side areas of the lead-in surface 324 (corresponding to the two side areas of the lead-in side edge 325) usually have a thicker thickness dimension. See the middle area of the lead-in surface 324 and the lead-in side edge 325 for details. Figure 7 The areas on both sides of the lead-in surface 324 and the lead-in side edge 325 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 It should be noted that, whether the introduction side 325 or the introduction surface 324, the middle area and the two side areas are relative, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit their dividing lines. Figure 7 The middle marks are only for the convenience of understanding the distribution of each area.

[0046] like Figure 8 The undercut portion 210 is located at the end of the first shell 200 away from the sleeve 310, that is, the end corresponding to the position of the clamping end 322 and the guide surface 324. The undercut portion 210 has a through avoidance groove 211, which is connected to the receiving groove 202. The undercut portion 210 also includes a first fastener 212 and a second fastener 213 located on both sides of the avoidance groove 211. Similarly, the first fastener 212 and the second fastener 213 can also be located on both sides of the avoidance groove 211 in the circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug-in end structure 20. Figure 9 , the clamping portion 323 can be constructed as a clamping hole. Along the axis O of the self-locking plug-in structure 20, the avoidance groove 211, the middle area of the introduction side 325 and the clamping portion 323 are aligned in sequence. As a result, when the adapter plug-in structure 30 is plugged into the self-locking plug-in structure 20, the clamping portion 31 can enter the receiving groove 202 from the avoidance groove 211 without hindrance, and enter the area where the introduction surface 324 is located from the middle area of the introduction side 325. The introduction surface 324 is curved or inclined, so that the clamping portion 31 can push the introduction surface 324 to turn the lock tongue 320 outward, and move to a position aligned with the clamping portion 323 to be inserted into the clamping portion 323 to form a self-locking state. Since the middle area of the introduction side 325 is farther away from the inner side of the lock tongue 320, the risk of the locking portion 31 interfering with the lock tongue 320 when entering the area where the introduction surface 324 is located from the middle area of the introduction side 325 is smaller. In other words, such a setting can improve the smoothness of the insertion.

[0047] The first and second latches 212, 213 are aligned with the respective areas on either side of the lead-in side edge 325. This means that the undercut portion 210 primarily acts on the areas on either side of the lead-in surface 324 to cause the lock tongue 320 to flip outward. The areas on either side of the lead-in side edge 325 are relatively close to the inner side of the lock tongue 320. Therefore, the first and second latches 212, 213 acting on the areas on either side of the lead-in surface 324 can more directly and effectively drive the lock tongue 320 outward to a position where the engaging portion 323 is separated from the engaging portion 31.

[0048] It will be understood that, similar to the lead-in side edge 325, the central region of the lead-in surface 324 refers to the region located relatively centrally in the circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug-end structure 20, while the lateral regions of the lead-in surface 324 refer to the lateral regions located at opposite edges in the circumferential direction C around the axis O of the self-locking plug-end structure 20. As one example, the central region of the lead-in surface 324 can be tilted and curved more significantly relative to the lateral regions, thereby causing the central region of the lead-in side edge 325 to be further away from the inner side surface of the lock tongue 320 than the lateral regions. Alternatively, the central region of the lead-in surface 324 can be configured to have a larger distribution area relative to the lateral regions along the axis O of the self-locking plug-end structure 20, giving the lead-in surface 324 a crescent shape. Thus, even if the curvature and tilt are the same, the central region of the lead-in side edge 325 can be further away from the inner and outer sides of the lock tongue 320 than the lateral regions. The middle area of the lead-in surface 324 has a larger distribution area, which allows the lead-in surface 324 to be closer to the location of the engaging portion 323, so as to directly and effectively guide the engaging portion 31 to be inserted into the engaging portion 323. Of course, the above two methods can also be used simultaneously to achieve a differentiated design between the middle area and the two side areas of the lead-in surface 324, so that the lead-in surface 324 has an arc-shaped crescent shape.

[0049] In one embodiment, the inner side of the locking tongue 320 may be configured as a flat surface.

[0050] See also Figure 5 , combined with Figure 4 In one embodiment, the lock tongue 320 includes a tongue tip section 326 and a tongue root section 327, which are interconnected. A locking portion 323 is provided on the tongue tip section 326. Specifically, the tongue tip section 326 is configured to engage with the engaging portion 31, while the tongue root section 327 is connected to the housing 310. The locking end 322 is the end of the tongue tip section 326 distal from the tongue root section 327, while the connecting end 321 is the end of the tongue root section 327 distal from the tongue tip section 326. The tongue tip section 326 has a relief surface 326a extending along at least a portion of the outer side of the tongue tip section 326. As the self-locking plug structure 20 moves away from the housing 310, the relief surface 326a gradually curves or slopes inwardly toward the lock tongue 320, creating a gap between the tongue tip section 326 and the inner wall of the first housing 200, allowing the lock tongue 320 to rotate outward. Since the tongue tip section 326 is used to engage with the engaging portion 31, the tongue tip section 326 is the main area of the lock tongue 320 that needs to be deformed outward. Therefore, the avoidance surface 326a is provided to form a certain spacing to facilitate the full outward deformation of the lock tongue 320. Of course, the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the deformation of only the tongue tip section 326 of the lock tongue 320. A certain spacing can be preset between the first housing 200 and the lock tongue 320 to allow the entire lock tongue 320 to deform outward.

[0051] See also Figure 5 , combined with Figure 4 In one embodiment, the tongue root segment 327 has a reduction groove 327a. The reduction groove 327a can be provided on the inner or outer side of the tongue root segment 327. Alternatively, the reduction groove 327a can be provided on both the inner and outer sides of the tongue root segment 327. The reduction groove 327a can reduce the thickness of the tongue root segment 327, thereby facilitating the flipping and deformation of the lock tongue 320.

[0052] Please continue reading Figure 5In one embodiment, the lock tongue 320 further includes a tongue body section 328, which is connected between the tongue tip section 326 and the tongue root section 327. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the thickness of the lock tongue 320 to be uniform throughout or throughout the clamping end 322. When the above structural requirements are met, the thickness can be adjusted according to flexible design. As one example, when the structural requirements of the avoidance surface 326a and the introduction surface 324 are met, as well as the requirements for the flipping and deformation of the lock tongue 320, the thickness of the tongue tip section 326 can be configured to be relatively large so that the clamping portion 323 and the fitting portion 31 are fully in contact and limited. The thickness of the tongue body section 328 can be the largest so that it can withstand the stress when the lock tongue 320 is flipped and deformed together with the tongue tip section 326 and the tongue root section 327. The thickness of the tongue root section 327 can be relatively small to facilitate flipping and deformation. Of course, the thickness dimensions of the various sections of the lock tongue 320 described above are merely exemplary of one design approach for the lock tongue 320. The lock tongue 320 can also be configured with other thickness distributions based on actual needs. It should be understood that the thickness dimensions described in the various embodiments of this application refer to dimensions perpendicular to the axis O of the self-locking plug-end structure 20. Unless otherwise specified, each inner side surface is the side facing inward in the thickness direction, and each outer side surface is the side facing outward in the thickness direction.

[0053] See also Figure 4 , combined with Figure 1 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the insulator 110 can be configured to be universal for the self-locking plug structure 20 and the adapter plug structure 30, that is, the self-locking plug structure 20 can adopt the insulator 110 as described in each embodiment, and the adapter plug structure 30 can also adopt the insulator 110 to reduce costs such as mold design and production line configuration. At this time, the insulator 110 includes a snap-fit block 111, and the snap-fit portion 323 is constructed as a snap-fit hole. As mentioned above, the insulator 110 can also be used as an insulator for the adapter plug structure 30. When the insulator 110 is used as an insulator for the adapter plug structure 30, the snap-fit block 111 is snap-fitted with the snap-fit portion 323 of the self-locking plug structure 20, that is, when the insulator 110 is used for the adapter plug structure 30, the snap-fit block 111 is the snap-fit portion 31 of the adapter plug structure 30. In this embodiment, the reduced groove 327a can be located on the inner side of the tongue base section 327, and the snap-fit block 111 is disposed within the reduced groove 327a. In other words, the reduced groove 327a not only reduces the thickness of the tongue base section 327 but also accommodates the snap-fit block 111 of the insulator 110, making the insulator 110 compatible with both the self-locking plug structure 20 and the adapter plug structure 30.

[0054] In one embodiment, the recessed structures such as the avoidance surface 326a, the introduction surface 324 and the reduction groove 327a provided in each embodiment of the present application can all be constructed to have a smooth surface or a rounded surface transition extension to reduce the stress concentration problem that may exist on the lock tongue 320.

[0055] Please refer again Figure 4 In one embodiment, the locking sleeve 300 can be used to secure the ferrule component 100. As one example, the locking sleeve 300 can be configured to independently restrict the position of the ferrule component 100 to secure it. For example, the locking tongue 320 can secure the ferrule component 100. Alternatively, the locking sleeve 300 can be configured to work in conjunction with other components of the self-locking plug structure 20 to secure the ferrule component 100.

[0056] Please combine Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the self-locking plug-end structure 20 further includes a second housing 400 and a wire clamp 500, both of which are also disposed within the first housing 200. Furthermore, the first housing 200 further defines a second accommodating chamber 203, located at the rear end of the first accommodating chamber 201 and communicating with the first accommodating chamber 201. The wire clamp 500 and the second housing 400 are both disposed within the second accommodating chamber 203. The locking sleeve 300, together with the second housing 400 and the wire clamp 500, can secure the ferrule component 100. Furthermore, the sleeve 310 can be disposed within the second accommodating chamber 203, with the locking tongue 320 connected to the sleeve 310 and extending into the first accommodating chamber 201.

[0057] See also Figure 10 , combined with Figure 4 and Figure 6In one embodiment, the insulator 110 has a rotation-stopping surface 114. The number of rotation-stopping surfaces 114 corresponds to the number of locking tongues 320. The inner side surfaces of the locking tongues 320 mate with the rotation-stopping surfaces 114 to restrict rotation of the ferrule component 100. Furthermore, if there are multiple locking tongues 320, the number of rotation-stopping surfaces 114 can also be multiple. The multiple locking tongues 320 mate with the multiple rotation-stopping surfaces 114 in a one-to-one correspondence, thereby forming a circumferential clamping and fixing of the insulator 110, restricting rotation of the insulator 110 relative to the locking sleeve 300. It is understood that the inner side surfaces of the locking tongues 320 and the rotation-stopping surfaces 114 can be engaged by surface contact, or a certain assembly gap can be left between them. It is easy to understand that the rotation-stopping surface 114 is a planar structure obtained by reducing the outer dimensions of the insulator 110 to accommodate the locking tongues 320. That is to say, the locking tongue 320 designed in this application is distributed between the first shell 200 and the ferrule component 100 , and the reduced structure of the ferrule component 100 can also form a limiting fit with the locking tongue 320 to fix the ferrule component 100 through the locking tongue 320 .

[0058] Please continue reading Figure 10 In one embodiment, the insulator 110 includes a main body 112 and a boss 113. The boss 113 protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body 112, and the anti-rotation surface 114 is provided on the main body 112. The connecting end 321 extends into the sleeve 310 and protrudes relative to the inner periphery of the sleeve 310. The connecting end 321 abuts the boss 113 for positioning. During installation, the ferrule component 100 is inserted into place when the boss 113 and the connecting end 321 abut. At the same time, the connecting end 321 can clamp the boss 113 together with the wire clamp 500 to secure the ferrule component 100. In other words, the locking sleeve 300 can simultaneously fix the ferrule component 100 axially (via the boss 113) and circumferentially (via the anti-rotation surface 114).

[0059] See also Figure 4 , combined with Figure 10 In one embodiment, a portion of the cable clip 500 is inserted through the sleeve 310. The cable clip 500 is located on the side of the boss 113 away from the locking tongue 320 and abuts against the boss 113. The second housing 400 fits over the sleeve 310 and the cable clip 500. The second housing 400 abuts against the end of the cable clip 500 away from the boss 113 and is connected to the sleeve 310. Thus, the second housing 400 securely connects the locking sleeve 300 and the cable clip 500, allowing the connecting end 321 of the locking tongue 320 and the cable clip 500 to clamp the boss 113 from opposite sides, thereby securing the ferrule component 100.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 9. In one embodiment, a wire clamp 500 is located at the rear end of the ferrule component 100. A cable (not shown, hereinafter the same) connected to the conductive terminal 120 can extend outside the electrical connector 10 through the wire clamp 500. The wire clamp 500 is used to clamp and secure the cable, reducing the chance of the cable becoming loose and falling off the conductive terminal 120 due to shaking or pulling. In other words, by configuring the wire clamp 500 to secure the cable, the connection between the cable and the conductive terminal 120 can be improved.

[0061] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the second housing 400 can be fixedly connected to the locking sleeve 300 via a threaded connection. The wire clamp 500 includes multiple clamping arms 510. The boss 113 has multiple securing grooves 115. The multiple clamping arms 510 are secured to the multiple securing grooves 115 by snapping together, securing the wire clamp 500 relative to the ferrule component 100. The wire clamp 500 is fixedly connected to the ferrule component 100, so that during the screwing connection between the second housing 400 and the locking sleeve 300, the wire clamp 500 does not rotate with the second housing 400 but remains fixed relative to the ferrule component 100. This reduces the risk of the wire clamp 500 rotating during the connection between the second housing 400 and the locking sleeve 300, causing the cable inside to become loose and entangled.

[0062] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the first housing 200 includes ribs 220 extending along the axis O of the self-locking plug structure 20. The two ribs 220, in conjunction with the undercut portion 210, together form a receiving groove 202. The receiving groove 202 not only accommodates the locking tongue 320 but also provides guidance for the locking tongue 320 and the locking sleeve 300 as a whole during installation. Furthermore, the insulator 110 includes a guide block 116. A guide groove (not shown) is defined on the inner wall of the sleeve 310. The guide block 116 slidably engages with the guide groove, facilitating quick alignment and installation.

[0063] See also Figure 4 , combined with Figure 8 In one embodiment, the side of the rib 220 facing the first accommodating cavity 201 can be coplanar with the inner side of the corresponding locking tongue 320. The shape of the first accommodating cavity 201 can be adapted to the shape of the portion of the ferrule component 100 located within the first accommodating cavity 201 to fully utilize the space.

[0064] Furthermore, the side of the undercut portion 210 facing the first accommodating cavity 201 (i.e., its inner side) can also be coplanar with the inner side of the corresponding locking tongue 320. That is, the inner side of the undercut portion 210, the inner side of the rib 220, and the inner side of the corresponding locking tongue 320 can be coplanar, giving the first accommodating cavity 201 a regular shape and facilitating insertion and mating with the adapter plug structure 30. Furthermore, the undercut portion 210 can be provided at the end of the first housing 200 that is intended to be inserted into the adapter plug structure 30, and can extend inwardly into the first housing 200 to form an inverted shape. The undercut portion 210 can have a wedge-shaped surface that is configured to contact and abut against the guide surface 324, so that the undercut portion 210 can engage the locking tongue 320 when the first housing 200 is actuated.

[0065] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0066] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking plug-end structure, characterized in that: The self-locking plug-in structure comprises: Ferrule components; a first housing, the first housing having a first accommodating cavity and a receiving groove, the receiving grooves being distributed in multiple areas on the outer periphery of the first accommodating cavity, the ferrule component being inserted into the first accommodating cavity, and the first housing having an undercut portion, the undercut portion being a partial structure enclosing and forming the receiving groove; A locking sleeve, the locking sleeve being located in the first housing, the locking sleeve comprising a sleeve and a locking tongue, the locking tongue being an elastic body, the locking tongue being connected to the sleeve and extending away from the sleeve, the sleeve being sleeved outside the ferrule component, the locking tongue being located on the outer peripheral side of the ferrule component, the locking tongue extending axially outward relative to the ferrule component and passing through the receiving groove; The locking tongue is used to be locked and connected with the engaging portion of the adapter plug structure. When the first housing is driven to move relative to the locking sleeve, the undercut portion drives the locking tongue to turn inside and outside the receiving groove to separate from the engaging portion. The locking tongue includes a connecting end and a clamping end that are oppositely arranged, the connecting end is connected to the kit, the clamping end has a clamping portion, the clamping portion is used to clamp with the matching portion, and the clamping portion is configured as a clamping hole; The lock tongue includes an introduction surface distributed on the inner side surface of the clamping end, and the introduction surface is gradually curved or inclined toward the outer side of the lock tongue in a direction away from the sleeve along the axis of the self-locking plug end structure, and the undercut portion abuts against the introduction surface; The lead-in surface extends from the inner side surface of the lock tongue to the end surface of the clamping end, and the boundary side of the lead-in surface and the end surface of the clamping end is the lead-in side surface. The middle area of the lead-in side surface in the circumferential direction around the axis of the self-locking plug end structure is farther away from the inner side surface of the lock tongue than the two side areas. The undercut portion is located at an end of the first shell away from the sleeve, the undercut portion has a through avoidance groove, the avoidance groove is connected to the receiving groove, and the undercut portion further includes a first fastener and a second fastener located on both sides of the avoidance groove; Among them, along the axis of the self-locking plug-in structure, the avoidance groove, the middle area of the introduction side and the clamping part are aligned in sequence, and the first fastener and the second fastener are aligned with the two side areas of the introduction side respectively.

2. The self-locking plug-in structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lock tongue includes an interconnected tongue tip section and a tongue root section, the engaging portion is provided on the tongue tip section, and the tongue tip section has an escape surface, the escape surface being distributed over at least a portion of an outer side of the tongue tip section, and gradually curving or tilting toward an inner side of the lock tongue in a direction away from the sleeve along the axis of the self-locking plug end structure; The tongue root section is connected to the kit, and a cutting groove is provided on the inner side of the tongue root section.

3. The self-locking plug-in structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The insert component includes an insulator, and the insulator includes a snap-fit block, and the snap-fit block is arranged in the reduction groove.

4. The self-locking plug-end structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ferrule component includes an insulator and a conductive terminal, wherein the conductive terminal is provided through the insulator, and a plurality of the conductive terminals are arranged in an array on the insulator; The insulator has anti-rotation surfaces, the number of which corresponds to the number of the locking tongues, and the inner side surfaces of the locking tongues correspond to and cooperate with the anti-rotation surfaces to limit the rotation of the core component.

5. The self-locking plug-end structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insulator includes a main body and a boss, wherein the boss is protruding from the outer periphery of the main body, the connecting end extends into the sleeve and protrudes relative to the inner periphery of the sleeve, and the connecting end abuts against the boss for positioning; The self-locking plug end structure also includes a second shell and a wire clamp. Part of the structure of the wire clamp is passed through the kit. The wire clamp is located on the side of the boss away from the lock tongue and abuts against the boss. The second shell is sleeved over the kit and the wire clamp. The second shell abuts against the end of the wire clamp away from the boss and is connected to the kit.

6. The self-locking plug-end structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: There are multiple lock tongues, and the multiple lock tongues are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis of the self-locking plug end structure. The number and distribution positions of the receiving grooves and the number and distribution positions of the undercut portions correspond to the lock tongues.

7. An electrical connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes the self-locking plug structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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