Electric connector

Abstract

An electric connector comprises a shell, a conductive assembly and a secondary lock. The shell is provided with a lock catch elastic arm, the middle position of the lock catch elastic arm is connected to the shell, the conductive assembly comprises a conductive terminal and a cable connected to the rear end of the conductive terminal, and the secondary lock is characterized by comprising a pair of mounting beams, a first locking part extending forwards and a second locking part located at the rear, the secondary lock is mounted above the lock catch elastic arm; after the secondary lock moves forwards, the first locking part downwards abuts against the front end of the lock catch elastic arm, the second locking part upwards abuts against the rear end of the lock catch elastic arm, and the lock catch elastic arm can be reliably locked in the vertical direction. The secondary lock is simple in structure, good in locking effect and convenient to operate in a narrow space, so that the risk that the lock catch elastic arm deforms due to improper stress is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention discloses an electrical connector.

Background Art

[0002] The prior art related to the present invention can refer to CN106463889B, which discloses an electrical connector including a secondary lock. The secondary lock is sleeved on the tail of the electrical connector. When installed in the locking position, it can press against the front end of the locking spring arm. However, there is still a gap between the rear end of the locking spring arm and the insulating housing. When encountering a vibration state or other improper forces, there is a risk of loosening of the locking spring arm, and the secondary lock is relatively large in size, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the product.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new electrical connector to solve the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector with a firmly locked secondary lock.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: An electrical connector includes a housing, a conductive component, and a secondary lock; the housing is provided with a locking spring arm, and the locking spring arm is connected to the housing at its middle position. The conductive component includes a conductive terminal and a cable connected to the rear end of the conductive terminal. It is characterized in that: the secondary lock includes a pair of mounting beams, a first locking portion extending forward, and a second locking portion located at the rear. The secondary lock is installed above the locking spring arm; after the secondary lock moves forward, the first locking portion presses downward against the front end of the locking spring arm, and the second locking portion presses upward against the rear end of the locking spring arm.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The secondary lock is installed above the locking spring arm. Only by translating the secondary lock can the first and second locking portions be respectively locked to the front end of the locking spring arm and between the locking spring arm and the housing, so as to prevent the locking spring arm from loosening due to improper force deformation. The structure is simple, the locking effect is reliable, and it is convenient to operate in a narrow space.

Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the exploded view of the electrical connector in

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 2 another perspective view of

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 1Another perspective three-dimensional view of the electrical connector, where the secondary lock state is separated from the housing.

[0011] Figure 5 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line A-A.

[0012] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line B-B.

[0013] Figure 7 is the Figure 6 Corresponding cross-sectional view, where the secondary lock is in the locked state.

[0014] Figure 8 Is an exploded view of the conductive component.

[0015] Figure 9 is Figure 8 A cross-sectional view from another angle.

[0016] Figure 10 Is a three-dimensional view of the terminal position assurance part.

[0017] Figure 11 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line C-C.

[0018] Figure 12 is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line D-D, where the terminal position assurance part is in the pre-installed state.

[0019] Figure 13 is the Figure 12 Corresponding cross-sectional view, where the terminal position assurance part is in the locked state.

[0020]

Component Symbol Explanation

[0021]

[0022]

[0023] The following specific embodiments will further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings.

Specific Embodiments

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1-4As shown, the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 10, a conductive component 12 and a secondary lock 11. Specifically, the housing 10 is provided with a locking spring arm 101, and the locking spring arm 101 is connected to the housing 10 at its middle position. The conductive component 12 includes a conductive terminal, an insulator 123 supporting the conductive terminal and a cable 124 connected to the rear end of the conductive terminal. Among them, the conductive terminal includes an inner conductor 121 and an outer conductor 122. The secondary lock 11 includes a pair of mounting beams 112, a first locking portion 114 extending forward and a second locking portion 115 located at the rear. The secondary lock 11 is mounted above the locking spring arm 101. Further combined Figure 6-7 , after the secondary lock 11 moves forward, the first locking portion 114 presses downward against the front end of the locking spring arm 101, and the second locking portion 115 presses upward against the rear end of the locking spring arm 101. Preferably, a gap 103 is formed between the rear end of the locking spring arm 101 and the upper surface of the housing 10. After the secondary lock 11 moves forward into the locked state, the second locking portion 115 slides into the gap 103, that is, the second locking portion 115 enters the gap 103 and interferes with the lower part of the locking spring arm 101, reducing the risk of deformation.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 2-4As shown, the secondary lock 11 includes a base 111 that is laterally connected to the middle position of two mounting beams 112, a first locking portion 114 extends forward from the base 111, and a second locking portion 115 is laterally connected to the rear ends of the two mounting beams 112. The rear end of the secondary lock 11 is surrounded by the base 111, a pair of mounting beams 112 and the second locking portion 115 to form a frame structure. The secondary lock 11 is sleeved from the rear end of the locking spring arm 101 to the top thereof through the frame structure. As the secondary lock 11 is pushed forward, the rear end of the locking spring arm 101 passes through the frame, and the second locking portion 115 moves into the gap 103; the surface of the base 111 is provided with a transverse groove or a transverse rib 1111 to form an operating surface, so as to facilitate the secondary lock 11 to be moved from the upper surface of the shell 10. In this embodiment, a pair of side walls 104 are extended upward from both sides of the shell 10, and the upper surface of the base 111 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the side wall 104; further, at least one stopper 113 is provided at the front end of the mounting beam 112, which can also drive the secondary lock 11 to slide. Preferably, two stoppers 113 protruding outward are provided at the front end of the pair of mounting beams 112, and the stoppers 113 are symmetrically arranged along both sides, so as to enable the secondary lock 11 to be moved from the side of the shell 10; in this embodiment, a stopper 102 is protruded upward from the front end of the shell 10, preferably The blocking bar 102 is arched upward from both sides of the upper surface of the shell 10 and spans above the lock spring arm 101. The stopper 113 is located between the blocking bar 102 and the side wall 104. The stopper 113 interferes with the blocking bar 102 and the side wall 104 on the corresponding side, thereby limiting the movement of the secondary lock 11 between the initial state and the locked state. In addition, depending on different installation environments, especially when installed in a narrow space, the secondary lock 11 can be driven to move by moving the stopper 113 from the upper surface or side of the shell 10.

[0026] See also Figure 4-5 As shown, an ear portion 1121 protrudes from the outer side of the mounting beam 112 of the secondary lock 11, and a sliding groove 1041 is provided on the side wall 104. The ear portion 1121 is installed in the sliding groove 1041, and the secondary lock 11 can slide along the sliding groove 1041; a protrusion 1042 is provided on the inner side of the side wall 104, which protrudes from the side wall 104 to the upper surface of the shell 10. At the same time, the outer side of the mounting beam 112 is partially recessed to form a groove 1122, and a clamping protrusion 1123 is provided inside. When the secondary lock 11 slides, the protrusion 1042 interferes with the clamping protrusion 1123 in the groove 1122, so that the secondary lock 11 can be docked at different positions to achieve a locked or released state conversion; in this embodiment, the groove 1122 is located below the ear portion 1121, and the protrusion 1042 protrudes from one side wall 104 to the opposite side wall 104, so that the bottom of the secondary lock 11 can slide against the upper surface of the shell 10.

[0027] See also Figure 6-7As shown, the lock spring arm 101 extends forward to the bottom of the stop bar 102, and an opening 1011 is provided on the front side of the lock spring arm 101. Further, the first locking portion 114 extends a lock tongue 1141 forward. When the secondary lock 11 does not move forward, that is, when the secondary lock is in the initial position, the lock tongue 1141 is accommodated in the opening 1011. At this time, the secondary lock 11 is in a released state; when the retaining portion (not shown) of the docking connector enters the opening 1011 from the bottom of the lock spring arm 101, the lock tongue 1141 can be pushed out, and then the secondary lock 11 is moved to insert the lock tongue 1141 between the stop bar 102 and the lock spring arm 101, and the second locking portion 115 is accommodated in the gap 103. At this time, the secondary lock 11 moves to the locked position and is in a locked state; preferably, the stop bar 102 is provided with a notch 1021 to prevent interference between the stop bar 102 and the first locking portion 114 when the secondary lock 11 moves forward.

[0028] See also Figure 2 , 6 As shown in Figures 8-9, the insulator 123 includes a base 1231, a docking portion 1232 extending forward from the base 1231, and an inner groove 1233 penetrating the base 1231 from the docking portion 1232 backward, wherein the inner conductor 121 is accommodated in the inner groove 1233. The outer conductor 122 includes a fixed ring portion 1221 fixed to the base 1231, and a docking ring portion 1222 extending forward from the fixed ring portion 1221. The size of the docking ring portion 1222 is larger than that of the fixed ring portion 1221. Preferably, the docking ring portion 1222 is evenly provided with a plurality of spring pieces 1224 along the circumferential direction, which are opened in front of the docking ring portion 1222 to increase the elastic deformation force of the docking ring portion 1222. The fixed ring portion 1221 is provided with a plurality of through holes 1225. The base 1231 passes through the through holes 1225 so that the fixed ring portion 1221 is buried in the base 1231, and then the inner conductor 121 is placed in the inner groove 1233. The conductor 121 is installed in the inner groove 1233. Preferably, the fixing ring portion 1221 is provided with four rows of through holes 1225 along its circumference, and each row is provided with two through holes 1225. The insulator 123 is manufactured by injection molding through the through holes 1225 and the outer conductor 122 to reduce the number of components and improve assembly efficiency; further, the base 1231 includes an inner base 1231b located between the inner and outer conductors 121 and 122 and an outer base 1231a located on the outside of the outer conductor 122, wherein the outer base 1231a extends forward to the rear end of the docking ring portion 1222. In this embodiment, the fixed ring portion 1221 extends backward to have a rear ring portion 1223, which is smaller than the fixed ring portion 1221 and is used to connect the cable 124. The outer base 1231a extends backward to the front section of the rear ring portion 1223. In this way, the outer base 1231a is squeezed between the conductive component 12 and the shell 10, thereby optimizing the overall waterproof effect of the electrical connector 100.

[0029] See also Figure 3 andAs shown in Figure 6-7 , an elastic arm 105 extending forward from the rear is provided inside the housing 10. The outer base 1231a is provided with a circumferentially protruding convex ring, which includes a first convex ring 1234 at the front and a second convex ring 1235 at the rear, and a card slot 1236 is formed therebetween. The elastic arm 105 is clamped in the card slot 1236, and its free end abuts against the rear end of the first convex ring 1234 axially. To facilitate the fixation of the conductive component 12, the housing is provided with a tightening portion 125. The front end face of the first convex ring 1234 abuts against the tightening portion 125 to limit the forward movement of the conductive component 12. Referring to FIGS. 10-11, in order to further fix the conductive component 12, the electrical connector 100 further includes a terminal position ensuring member 13 provided on the housing 10, which includes a substrate 131 and an abutting portion provided on the substrate 131. The abutting portion is stepped and includes a first abutting portion 132 and a second abutting portion 133. Among them, the first abutting portion 132 is higher than the second abutting portion 133 and radially presses against the first convex ring 1234, and the second abutting portion 133 radially presses against the outside of the free end of the elastic arm 105. At the same time, in addition to abutting against the first convex ring 1234, the end of the elastic arm 105 is also pressed against the side surface of the first abutting portion 132, that is, the end face of the elastic arm 105 axially abuts against both the first convex ring 1234 and the first abutting portion 132. Preferably, the first abutting portion 132 is in an arc shape corresponding to the first convex ring 1234. The abutting portion further includes a third abutting portion 134 located behind the first abutting portion 132. The third abutting portion 134 protrudes relative to the inner wall surface of the first convex ring 1234 to limit the backward movement of the conductive component 12.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3 , the terminal position ensuring member 13 further includes retaining plates 135 extending from both sides of the substrate 131, and a plurality of pairs of retaining bars 136 located inside the retaining plates 135. The lower surface and both side surfaces of the housing 10 are recessed inward to form a receiving groove 107. The position ensuring member 13 is received in the receiving groove 107. Thus, the receiving groove 107 is formed with groove side walls on both sides of the housing 10 and a groove bottom wall below the housing 10. A plurality of pairs of retaining grooves 1071 are further formed on the two groove side walls. When the terminal position ensuring member 13 is snapped into the receiving groove 107, its outer side surface is flush with the side wall surface of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the terminal position ensuring member 13 is generally U-shaped. The number of retaining bars 136 on one side is 2 and they are arranged in the vertical direction. The number of retaining grooves 1071 on one side is 3 and they are arranged in the vertical direction. Thus, the terminal position ensuring member 13 can be snapped into different positions of the housing 10 by the 2 retaining bars 136 located in different retaining grooves 1071 in the vertical direction, so as to lock and release the conductive component 12. Preferably, the terminal position ensuring member 13 is installed in the receiving groove 107 by moving upward from the bottom, and it can move between a pre-installed position and a final position. Referring to Figure 12 ​, when it is in the pre-installed position, the two holding bars 136 on one side are respectively located in the two lower holding grooves 1071; combined with Figure 13 , when the terminal position ensuring member 13 moves upward to the final position, that is, when it is in the locking state capable of fixing the conductive component 12, the two holding bars 136 respectively move upward into the two upper holding grooves 1071. It can be understood that in order to facilitate the upward movement of the terminal position ensuring member, the housing 10 is provided with a guiding surface 1072 that is inclined outward and upward between the upper and lower holding grooves 1071. Preferably, the housing 10 is provided with a relief groove 1073 above the holding groove 1071 to facilitate providing a relief space for the finger here, so as to remove the terminal position ensuring member 13.

[0031] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, in order to facilitate judging whether the terminal position ensuring member 13 is assembled and installed in place, a convex strip 137 with an arc-shaped surface is provided on the inner side of the fastening plate 135, and a slotted opening 108 that can cooperate with the convex strip 137 is provided on the side wall of the groove. Refer to Figure 12 , when the terminal position ensuring member 13 is in the pre-installed position, the convex strip 137 abuts below the bottom wall of the groove. When the terminal position ensuring member 13 moves upward to the locking position, the convex strip 137 snaps into the slotted opening 108. Therefore, the movement and position change of the convex strip 137 will be accompanied by a "click" sound. In this way, the operator can judge whether the position ensuring member 13 has moved in place.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 3 and 13 As shown, when the electrical connector 100 is assembled, first, the insulator 123 is integrally injection-molded with the outer conductor 122 through the through hole 1225. After the tail end of the inner conductor 121 is crimped to the wire core of the cable 124, it is installed into the inner channel 1233 to form the conductive component 12; the conductive component 12 is fed from the rear side of the housing 10 until the elastic arm 105 snaps into the card slot 1236, and then the terminal position ensuring member 13 is snapped into the receiving groove 107, so that the conductive component 12 is firmly connected in the housing 10.

[0033] The above description is only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Any equivalent changes made by those of ordinary skill in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention by reading the specification of the present invention are covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising a housing, a conductive component and a secondary lock; the housing is provided with a locking spring arm, the locking spring arm is connected to the housing at its middle position, the conductive component includes a conductive terminal and a cable connected to the rear end of the conductive terminal, and is characterized in that: The secondary lock includes a pair of mounting beams, a first locking portion extending forward, and a second locking portion located at the rear. The secondary lock is mounted above the latch spring arm. After the secondary lock moves forward, the first locking portion presses downward against the front end of the latch spring arm, and the second locking portion presses upward against the rear end of the latch spring arm.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: A stop bar protrudes upward at the front end of the housing, and the latch spring arm extends forward to below the stop bar.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: An opening is provided on the front side of the latch spring arm, and the first locking portion extends forward to form a locking tongue. When the secondary lock does not move forward, the locking tongue is received in the opening.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The secondary lock includes a base portion that horizontally connects the middle positions of the two mounting beams. The first locking portion extends forward from the base portion, and the second locking portion horizontally connects the rear ends of the two mounting beams.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: A gap is formed between the end of the latch spring arm and the upper surface of the housing. After the secondary lock moves forward, the second locking portion slides into the gap.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: Side walls extend upward from both sides of the housing, and the side walls are provided with sliding grooves. An ear portion protrudes outward from the outer side of the mounting beam, and the ear portion is mounted in the sliding groove, and the secondary lock slides along the sliding groove.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: Protrusions are provided on the inner side surface of the side wall. A groove is formed by partial depression on the outer side of the mounting beam, and a locking protrusion is provided in the groove. The protrusion can move in the groove and forms interference with the locking protrusion.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein: The groove is located below the ear portion, and the protrusion protrudes from the side wall toward the upper surface of the housing, so that the secondary lock can be attached to the upper surface of the housing.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: At least one stop portion is provided at the front end of the mounting beam, and the stop portion can drive the secondary lock to slide.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The stop bar is provided with a notch to prevent interference between the stop bar and the first locking portion when the secondary lock moves forward.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A horizontal groove or a horizontal rib is provided on the upper surface of the base portion to form an operating surface.

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