Self-locking plug assembly and electrical connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a self-locking plug-in terminal assembly and an electrical connector. The self-locking plug-in terminal assembly includes a shell component and a flip card plate. The shell component includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has an inner cavity for plugging in a plug-in structure. The inner sleeve is provided with a connecting window connecting the inner cavity and the circumferential outer side of the inner sleeve. The flip card plate is located on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The flip card plate includes a first end, an adapter and a second end distributed in sequence. The adapter portion is rotatably matched with the inner sleeve. The first end extends into the inner cavity through the connecting window, and the second end is located outside the inner sleeve. When driven, the second end drives the first end to flip outward. The outer sleeve is covered with the inner sleeve and the flip card plate.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrical connectors, key components for achieving circuit connections, typically consist of a plug and a socket. Traditional electrical connectors often feature a self-locking function, typically achieved by providing matching locking structures, such as a steel ball snap-on locking mechanism, on the plug and socket housings. When the plug and socket are connected, the steel ball engages with the matching slot-shaped structure to achieve self-locking.

[0003] However, current self-locking electrical connectors are limited by the installation and layout space of the locking structure, making it difficult to achieve miniaturization and integrated design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a self-locking plug assembly and an electrical connector to address the problem that current self-locking electrical connectors are difficult to achieve miniaturization and integrated design.

[0005] On the one hand, the present application provides a self-locking plug-in assembly, which includes a shell component and a flip card plate. The shell component includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has an inner cavity for plugging a plug-in structure, and the inner sleeve is provided with a connecting window connecting the inner cavity with the circumferential outer side of the inner sleeve; the flip card plate is located on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve, and the flip card plate includes a first end, an adapter and a second end distributed in sequence, the adapter portion is rotatably matched with the inner sleeve, the first end extends into the inner cavity through the connecting window, the second end is located outside the inner sleeve, and the second end drives the first end to turn outward when driven; wherein, the outer sleeve is sleeved outside the inner sleeve and the flip card plate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the housing has a locking portion, and the housing can move to a position where the locking portion abuts against the first end, and a position offset from the first end.

[0007] In one embodiment, the inner side of the outer shell has a thrust surface, at least a portion of the thrust surface is located on the side of the second end away from the first end, and the distance from the thrust surface to the inner sleeve gradually increases along the direction of the inner sleeve axis approaching the first end, and the outer shell can move axially relative to the inner sleeve between a locked position and an unlocked position; when the outer shell is in the locked position, the locking portion is radially aligned with the first end and abuts against the first end; when the outer shell is in the unlocked position, the thrust surface abuts against the second end, and the locking portion is staggered from the first end.

[0008] In one embodiment, the self-locking plug-end assembly further includes a reset member, which elastically connects the outer shell and the inner sleeve to drive the outer shell to move to or restore to the locked position when the outer shell is not driven.

[0009] In one embodiment, the self-locking plug-in assembly further includes a hoop, which is sleeved outside the inner sleeve and located on the outer periphery of the first end, and the hoop is an elastic member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner sleeve has a receiving ring groove located on the outer peripheral side, the hoop is arranged in the receiving ring groove, the connecting window is opened on the bottom wall of the receiving ring groove, and the first end is passed through the receiving ring groove and extends to the connecting window.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inner sleeve includes a support body located on the outer circumference, the adapting portion has an adapting groove, and the support body can be movably inserted into the adapting groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inner sleeve has a receiving groove, the second end is movably located in the receiving groove, and the opposite sides of the support body are respectively used to enclose the receiving groove and the connecting window; when the second end is driven to abut against the bottom wall of the receiving groove, at least part of the structure of the first end is located in the connecting window.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner sleeve includes a sleeve body, a first ring body and a second ring body, the first ring body and the second ring body are arranged at intervals on the outer circumference of the sleeve body along the axis of the sleeve body, and the sides of the first ring body and the second ring body facing away from each other are respectively used to abut against the outer shell to limit the movable stroke of the outer shell; the accommodating groove is recessed in a partial area of ​​the second ring body, and another partial area of ​​the second ring body protrudes relative to the bottom wall of the accommodating groove to form a protruding part of the support body.

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

[0015] In the above-mentioned self-locking plug-in end assembly, the flip card is located on the outer peripheral side of the inner sleeve, and its adapter is rotatably matched with the inner sleeve, so the first end and the second end of the flip card can be flipped around the adapter accordingly. The flip card is configured to be similar to a lever in a lever mechanism, and the first end can be flipped into the inner cavity through the connecting window to engage with the plug-in structure for self-locking. The second end is located outside the inner sleeve, and when the second end is driven, the flip card can be flipped as a whole, driving the first end to flip outward and disengage from the plug-in structure to achieve unlocking. In the present application, since the flip card is located on the outer peripheral side of the inner sleeve, rather than embedded in the interior of the inner sleeve, the thickness of the inner sleeve is not limited by the flip card, and the thickness of the inner sleeve can be flexibly set according to the requirements of integration and miniaturization, which facilitates the realization of miniaturization and integrated design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a self-locking portion of an exemplary self-locking connector provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic isometric view of a self-locking plug assembly provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A front view of the self-locking spigot assembly is shown.

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

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Axonometric diagram of the self-locking plug assembly with the housing hidden.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the inner sleeve in the self-locking plug-end assembly shown.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Axonometric diagram of the inner sleeve in the self-locking plug-end assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A top view of the flip card in the self-locking plug-in terminal assembly is shown.

[0024] Reference numerals: 10, self-locking plug assembly; 21, inner housing; 21a, communicating hole; 22, steel ball; 23, mating cavity; 100, housing component; 110, inner sleeve; 111, inner cavity; 112, communicating window; 113, receiving ring groove; 114, support body; 114a, supporting surface; 114b, first side; 114c, second side; 115, receiving groove; 116, sleeve; 117, first ring body; 118, second ring body; 118a, lead-in surface; 120, housing; 121, locking portion; 122, push surface; 123, third ring body; 200, flip card; 210, first end; 220, adapter; 221, adapter groove; 230, second end; 300, reset member; 400, hoop; 500, snap ring; 600, conductive component; 610, insulator; 620, terminal; O, axis; H, thickness; S, depth; r, radius. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Combine Figure 1 , the self-locking connector in traditional technology usually includes an inner shell 21 and a steel ball 22. The inner shell 21 has a plug-in cavity 23, and the plug-in cavity 23 is for another plug-in structure (plug or socket) to be inserted. The inner shell 21 is also provided with a connecting hole 21a, which is connected to the plug-in cavity 23. The steel ball 22 is located in the connecting hole 21a, and part of the spherical body of the steel ball 22 protrudes and extends into the plug-in cavity 23. Therefore, when another plug-in structure is inserted into the plug-in cavity 23, the steel ball 22 can be engaged with the plug-in structure to achieve self-locking. In addition, the steel ball 22 can also move in the connecting hole 21a to retract into the connecting hole 21a to unlock the plug-in structure. As shown Figure 1As shown, due to the limited fit between the steel ball 22 and the inner shell 21, the inner shell 21 must be configured with a sufficiently large thickness dimension H to prevent the steel ball 22 from falling into the mating cavity 23 and from slipping out of the communicating hole 21a from the outer circumference of the inner shell 21 when unlocked. Furthermore, the fit between the steel ball 22 and the inner shell 21 dictates that the volume of the portion of the steel ball 22 that extends into the mating cavity 23 must be less than half the volume of the steel ball 22 (otherwise, the steel ball 22 would fall into the mating cavity 23). In other words, the insertion depth S of the steel ball 22 is less than its radius r, resulting in a small effective engagement dimension for the steel ball 22. In other words, the self-locking method of the steel ball 22 in conventional technology not only requires the inner shell 21 to have a relatively large thickness dimension H, but also suffers from the problem of insufficient effective engagement dimension.

[0032] To address the aforementioned issues, the present application provides a self-locking plug-in terminal assembly comprising an inner sleeve and a flip-type clip. The inner sleeve has an inner cavity for receiving another plug-in structure (i.e., a plug or socket). The flip-type clip is positioned outside the inner sleeve and rotatably engages with the inner sleeve. One end of the flip-type clip can be flipped into the inner cavity through the inner sleeve to engage with the plug-in structure, achieving self-locking. The other end of the flip-type clip remains outside the inner sleeve. When actuated, it drives the flip-type clip as a whole to rotate, causing the end of the flip-type clip extending within the inner cavity to flip outward, achieving unlocking. In the self-locking plug-in terminal assembly, the flip-type clip is not positioned within the inner sleeve. Therefore, the thickness of the inner sleeve is not limited by the flip-type clip, allowing for flexible adjustment based on integration and miniaturization requirements. Furthermore, compared to conventional self-locking methods using steel ball clips, the flip-type clip provided in the present application resembles a lever in a lever mechanism. Without the aforementioned dimension constraint that the insertion depth S of the flip-type clip must be less than the radius r, the insertion depth of the flip-type clip within the inner cavity can be freely designed based on the desired attachment requirements. In short, with the same effective snap-fit ​​dimensions, the inner sleeve provided in the present application can have a smaller size, and the overall size of the self-locking plug-end assembly can also be configured to be smaller accordingly.

[0033] It is understandable that, unlike conventional techniques in which the steel ball 22 is embedded within the inner shell 21, the flip card in this application is located outside the inner sleeve, and the flip card and the inner sleeve no longer have a thickness correlation. Thus, as one example, while meeting strength requirements, the flip card can be accommodated by locally slotting (for example, providing a receiving groove 115 as described in the following embodiments), thereby reducing the flip card's impact on the overall dimensions of the self-locking plug assembly. The following, combined with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a detailed description of the self-locking plug assembly and the electrical connector used in the self-locking plug assembly provided in various embodiments of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that in each embodiment, the axis O of the self-locking spigot assembly will be used as a reference to describe the movement direction, positional arrangement, and general structural features of the various components of the self-locking spigot assembly. The axial direction described in each embodiment refers to the direction along the axis O. Furthermore, the axis O of the self-locking spigot assembly is the axis O of its inner sleeve.

[0035] One embodiment of the present application provides an electrical connector, comprising a self-locking plug assembly and a plug structure, wherein the self-locking plug assembly and the plug structure are plugged together to form a conductive connection. Furthermore, one of the self-locking plug assembly and the plug structure can be configured as a plug, and the other as a socket.

[0036] See also Figures 2 to 4 The self-locking plug assembly 10 provided in one embodiment of the present application includes a housing component 100 and a flip card plate 200, which is disposed on the housing component 100. The housing component 100 includes an inner sleeve 110 and an outer sleeve 120. The flip card plate 200 is disposed on the inner sleeve 110, and the outer sleeve 120 is disposed over the inner sleeve 110 and the flip card plate 200. The inner sleeve 110 has an inner cavity 111 for receiving a plug-in structure. The inner sleeve 110 also defines a communication window 112, which connects the inner cavity 111 with the circumferential outer side of the inner sleeve 110.

[0037] The flip card 200 is located on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve 110 and includes a first end 210, an adapter portion 220, and a second end 230. The adapter portion 220 rotates with the inner sleeve 110. The first end 210 extends into the inner cavity 111 through the connecting window 112, allowing the first end 210 to engage with the plug-in structure, achieving a self-locking connection. The second end 230 is located outside the inner sleeve 110. When driven, the second end 230 causes the first end 210 to flip outward. Therefore, by operating the second end 230, the flip card 200 can be flipped as a whole, causing the first end 210 to flip outward and disengage from the plug-in structure, achieving unlocking.

[0038] In the self-locking plug-in assembly 10, the flip plate 200 is positioned on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve 110. Its adaptor 220 rotates with the inner sleeve 110, allowing the first end 210 and second end 230 of the flip plate 200 to rotate about the adaptor 220. The flip plate 200 is configured similarly to a lever in a lever mechanism. The first end 210 can be tilted into the inner cavity 111 through the connecting window 112 to engage the plug-in structure for self-locking. The second end 230 is positioned outside the inner sleeve 110. When actuated, the flip plate 200 flips the entire flip plate 200, causing the first end 210 to flip outward and disengage from the plug-in structure, thereby unlocking the plug. In this application, because the flip plate 200 is positioned on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve 110 rather than embedded within it, the thickness of the inner sleeve 110 is not limited by the flip plate 200, allowing the thickness of the inner sleeve 110 to be flexibly adjusted based on the requirements of integration and miniaturization.

[0039] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the outer shell 120 is sleeved on the outside of the inner sleeve 110 and the flip card plate 200, that is, the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 are connected inside and outside, and the flip card plate 200 is clamped between the two. The outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 cooperate with each other to limit the position of the flip card plate 200 within a certain range, so that the flip card plate 200 always maintains rotational cooperation with the inner sleeve 110.

[0040] See also Figure 4 In one embodiment, the outer shell 120 further includes a locking portion 121, which abuts the first end 210 from the outside toward the inside, thereby preventing the first end 210 from turning outward, allowing the first end 210 to stably extend inward within the inner cavity 111 and stably engage with the plug-in structure. Furthermore, the outer shell 120 is axially movable and can move relative to the inner sleeve 110 to a position where the locking portion 121 and the first end 210 are radially aligned, thereby supporting the first end 210 and improving the stability of the engagement between the first end 210 and the plug-in structure. The outer shell 120 can also move relative to the inner sleeve 110 to a position where the locking portion 121 and the first end 210 are offset, allowing the flip card 200 to flip freely. It is easy to understand that the radial alignment of the locking portion 121 and the first end 210 means that the radial projection of the locking portion 121 overlaps with the first end 210, thereby abutting and supporting the first end 210.

[0041] Regarding the driving method for driving the flip card plate 200 to flip, for example, in one embodiment, the housing 120 may be configured to have an exposure window (not shown in the figure, the same below), which allows the second end 230 to be exposed outside the housing 120. Thus, by directly pressing the second end 230, the first end 210 can be flipped outward and exited from the inner cavity 111, thereby achieving unlocking.

[0042] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the flip card 200 can be indirectly driven to flip by driving the housing 120 to move. Specifically, since the housing 120 is axially movable, the flip card 200 can be driven to rotate accordingly by operating the housing 120 to move and push the second end 230. Figure 4 The outer shell 120 is movably mounted on the inner sleeve 110 and the flip card 200. The outer shell 120 can move axially relative to the inner sleeve 110 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The inner side of the outer shell 120 has a push surface 122. At least a portion of the push surface 122 is located on the side of the second end 230 that is away from the first end 210. Furthermore, as the axis O of the inner sleeve 110 approaches the first end 210, the distance between the push surface 122 and the inner sleeve 110 gradually increases. In other words, the push surface 122 faces the flip card 200 and forms an outwardly flared trumpet shape.

[0043] When the housing 120 is in the locked position, the locking portion 121 is radially aligned with the first end 210 and abuts against the first end 210. At this point, the locking portion 121 can abut and support the first end 210 from the outside inward, allowing the first end 210 to maintain a stable engagement with the plug-in structure. Furthermore, the pushing surface 122 can be spaced apart from the second end 230, and the pushing surface 122 does not apply a driving force to the second end 230. Of course, the pushing surface 122 can also contact the second end 230 at this point, and the depth of the first end 210's inward extension can be controlled by the amplitude of the pushing surface 122 pressing the second end 230.

[0044] When the housing 120 is in the unlocked position, the push surface 122 abuts against the second end 230, and the locking portion 121 is offset from the first end 210. It is understandable that since the push surface 122 is located on the side of the second end 230 away from the first end 210, and the push surface 122 expands outward in a trumpet-like manner, when the housing 120 moves from the locked position toward the direction close to the flip card 200 (i.e., toward the unlocked position), the push surface 122 can gradually push the second end 230 inward, so that the first end 210 is correspondingly turned outward, completing the unlocking. It should be noted that when the housing 120 is in the locked position, the locking portion 121 is radially aligned with the first end 210. Therefore, when the housing 120 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking portion 121 can correspondingly move to a position offset from the first end 210, allowing the first end 210 to turn outward.

[0045] In short, by operating the axial movement of the housing 120, the electrical connector can be locked and unlocked. Figure 1In the conventional self-locking method of steel ball locking, the steel ball 22 needs to be pushed back into the communication hole 21a by the separation force during separation. However, in the present application, the flip card 200 can be actively flipped outward and separated from the plug structure by operating the axial movement of the housing 120, thus achieving active unlocking. Therefore, the plug structure and the self-locking plug end assembly 10 have little resistance when being separated, and the separation is smooth.

[0046] Please continue reading Figure 4 In one embodiment, the self-locking plug assembly 10 further includes a reset member 300 , which elastically connects the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 . This reset member 300 drives the outer shell 120 to or returns to the locked position when the outer shell 120 is not being actuated, thereby improving locking stability. Furthermore, the reset member 300 can be clamped between the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 , conveniently connecting to the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 and driving the outer shell 120 to move relative to the inner sleeve 110.

[0047] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the self-locking plug assembly 10 further includes a hoop 400, which is positioned outside the inner sleeve 110 and on the outer periphery of the first end 210. The hoop 400 is an elastic member. Thus, the hoop 400 can be elastically tightened, so that the first end 210 always remains in a relatively inward-turned state when not driven by the outer shell 120 or other forces, so that it can be engaged with the plug-in structure and remain engaged with the plug-in structure at any time. It will be understood that the present application uses an elastic hoop 400 as a self-locking retaining element. The hoop 400 itself does not serve as a directly engaging structure, so the hoop 400 can be made of a material with better elastic properties. Compared to traditional technologies that use polymer elastic hooks to achieve self-locking, and achieve locking and unlocking by overcoming the elastic force of the elastic hook itself, this embodiment uses an independent hoop 400 to provide reset and retention functions, which has high reliability and long service life.

[0048] Furthermore, the locking portion 121 can abut the first end 210 by abutting the hoop 400. The hoop 400 can be configured as an annular tension spring. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the hoop 400 can also be configured as an elastic annular structure such as a silicone ring or a rubber ring.

[0049] In addition, when the self-locking plug-in assembly 10 does not include the hoop 400 , the locking portion 121 may be configured to have a push structure similar to the push surface 122 to push the first end 210 inwardly to extend into the inner cavity 111 and maintain this state.

[0050] In one embodiment, the flip card plate 200 can be hinged to the inner sleeve 110 to form a lever in a lever mechanism.

[0051] In one embodiment, one of the flip card plate 200 and the inner sleeve 110 may have a hook (not shown, the same applies below), while the other may have a rotating shaft (not shown, the same applies below). The hook is an incomplete annular structure with an opening along its circumference. The hook can be expanded to fit over the rotating shaft, allowing the flip card plate 200 and the inner sleeve 110 to rotate in unison. This arrangement balances the stability of the rotational engagement between the flip card plate 200 and the inner sleeve 110 with ease of installation. For example, in this embodiment, the adapter portion 220 may be configured as the hook, while the inner sleeve 110 may have a rotating shaft.

[0052] See also Figure 6 , combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 110 includes a support body 114 located on the outer peripheral side. Figure 4 The adapter portion 220 has an adapter groove 221, which is located on the inner side of the adapter portion 220. The support body 114 is movably inserted into the adapter groove 221. That is, the support body 114 serves as a fulcrum in the lever mechanism to support the flipping movement of the flip card 200. In this embodiment, the flip card 200 can be installed by simply plugging the support body 114 into the adapter groove 221, which facilitates assembly. In addition, in this embodiment, the support body 114 and the adapter groove 221 adopt a simple plug-in fit method to achieve rotational fit between the flip card 200 and the inner sleeve 110, reducing the processing difficulty of the inner sleeve 110 and facilitating automated processing.

[0053] As will be readily understood, the outer shell 120 and inner sleeve 110 cooperate to sandwich the flip plate 200 therebetween, thereby restricting lateral flipping of the flip plate 200, i.e., limiting deflection of the flip plate 200 along an axis parallel to and passing through the flip plate 200. The first end 210 is disposed within the communication window 112, thereby limiting the position of the first end 210 by the inner wall of the communication window 112, reducing end deflection of the first end 210 and, in other words, limiting radial rotational deflection of the first end 210. In other words, although the flip plate 200 and the inner sleeve 110 in this embodiment simply plug and play with the support body 114 via the adapting groove 221, the combination of the internal and external clamping and limiting mechanisms of the inner sleeve 110 and outer shell 120, as well as the limiting mechanisms of the inner wall of the communication window 112, ensures that the flip plate 200 has limited movement in other directions, except for lever rotation around the support body 114. This ensures that the flip plate 200 maintains a clear and stable position.

[0054] See also Figure 4 and Figure 6In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 110 has a receiving groove 115, and the second end 230 is movably positioned in the receiving groove 115. The opposing sides of the support body 114 are used to enclose the receiving groove 115 and the communication window 112. In other words, the support body 114 is located between the receiving groove 115 and the communication window 112. The positions of the receiving groove 115, the support body 114, and the communication window 112 correspond to the positions of the second end 230, the adapting groove 221, and the first end 210, respectively. Therefore, when the adapting groove 221 is correspondingly plugged into the support body 114, the first end 210 is synchronously aligned with the communication window 112, and the second end 230 is synchronously aligned with the receiving groove 115. In this embodiment, the first end 210 is passed through the connecting window 112, and the second end 230 is located in the recessed accommodating groove 115, so the installation space occupied by the flip card 200 can be reduced, which facilitates the miniaturization and integrated setting of the self-locking plug-in assembly 10 and the electrical connector used therein.

[0055] Combine Figure 4 In one embodiment, after the self-locking plug-in assembly 10 and the plug-in structure are self-locked, the support body 114 can provide support for the first end 210 by abutting the walls of the adapting groove 221, ensuring stable abutment and self-locking between the first end 210 and the plug-in structure. It is easy to understand that the first end 210 passes through the communication window 112 from the outside to the inside and is inserted into the inner cavity 111 in a manner similar to a pin. The inner wall of the communication window 112 (including the portion of the support body 114 used to form the communication window 112) can provide support for the first end 210, ensuring stable and restrained engagement between the first end 210 and the plug-in structure.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the second end 230 is driven to abut the bottom wall of the accommodating groove 115 (i.e., after being unlocked), at least a portion of the structure of the first end 210 is located within the communication window 112. It should be noted that after the self-locking plug-in assembly 10 is unlocked, the first end 210 can completely withdraw from the inner cavity 111 and be located within the communication window 112. Alternatively, in some embodiments, there is a certain gap between the cavity wall of the inner cavity 111 and the outer wall of the plug-in structure. In this case, after the self-locking plug-in assembly 10 is unlocked, a small portion of the structure of the first end 210 can still be located within the inner cavity 111 and within the above-mentioned gap. In other words, the embodiments of the present application do not limit the first end 210 to completely withdrawing from the inner cavity 111 in order to achieve unlocking.

[0057] See also Figure 6 , combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5In one embodiment, the support body 114 has a support surface 114a, which includes a first side 114b and a second side 114c. The first side 114b and the second side 114c are disposed opposite each other, with the first side 114b relatively close to the first end 210 and the second side 114c relatively close to the second end 230. The support surface 114a is inclined relative to the axis O of the inner sleeve 110, such that the first side 114b is closer to the inner cavity 111 than the second side 114c. Specifically, the maximum radial dimension of the area where the second side 114c lies is greater than the maximum radial dimension of the area where the first side 114b lies. When the first end 210 extends into the inner cavity 111, at least a portion of the first side 114b of the support surface 114a abuts the bottom wall of the adapting groove 221. Because the support surface 114a is inclined and the side of the support surface 114a closer to the first end 210 (i.e., the first side 114b) is relatively lower, the support surface 114a allows the flip card 200 to rotate through a predetermined angle to extend into the inner cavity 111. When the flip card 200 rotates through the predetermined angle, the first side 114b (i.e., the lower side) of the support surface 114a abuts the flip card 200, limiting further rotation of the flip card 200 and improving the positional stability of the flip card 200.

[0058] The preset angle can be configured to be 10° to 60°. Further, the preset angle can be 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55° and 60°, etc.

[0059] Please continue reading Figure 6 , combined with Figure 4 In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 110 has a receiving ring groove 113 located on the outer circumference, and the hoop 400 is disposed in the receiving ring groove 113. A communication window 112 is provided in the bottom wall of the receiving ring groove 113, and the first end 210 is penetrated through the receiving ring groove 113 and extends to the communication window 112. With this arrangement, the hoop 400 can be directly aligned with the first end 210 after being installed in the receiving ring groove 113. In addition, the receiving and limiting function provided by the receiving ring groove 113 can improve the positional stability of the hoop 400, allowing the hoop 400 to stably provide an elastic retaining force to the first end 210.

[0060] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , combined with Figure 4In one embodiment, the inner sleeve 110 includes a sleeve body 116, a first ring body 117, and a second ring body 118. The first ring body 117 and the second ring body 118 are spaced apart on the outer circumference of the sleeve body 116 along the axis O of the sleeve body 116. The sides of the first ring body 117 and the second ring body 118 facing away from each other abut against the outer shell 120 to limit the range of motion of the outer shell 120. This arrangement limits the range of motion of the outer shell 120 to a controllable range, reducing the risk of the flip card 200 becoming loose due to excessive movement of the outer shell 120 and the risk of the outer shell 120 excessively restricting the range of motion of the flip card 200. The accommodating groove 115 is recessed in a portion of the second ring body 118, while another portion of the second ring body 118 protrudes relative to the bottom wall of the accommodating groove 115 to form the protruding portion of the support body 114. That is, in this embodiment, the accommodating groove 115 is recessed and formed in the relatively protruding second ring body 118, which not only accommodates the second end 230 of the flip card 200 to reduce space occupation, but also allows the remaining area of ​​the second ring body 118 to form a protruding portion of the support body 114, so that the support body 114 serves as a fulcrum to support the flip card 200's flipping movement. With this arrangement, the second ring body 118, with a simple structure, simultaneously achieves three functions: limiting engagement with the housing 120, rotating engagement with the flip card 200, and accommodating the second end 230. In other words, compared to the traditional self-locking method of steel ball 22 engagement, the present application adopts a self-locking method of flip card 200 engagement, which does not require the design of a complex structure, thus facilitating processing and production.

[0061] See also Figure 4 In one embodiment, the self-locking spigot assembly 10 further includes a snap ring 500, which is embedded in and protrudes from the inner circumferential wall of the housing 120. The snap ring 500 is located on the side of the first ring body 117 away from the second ring body 118. The housing 120 further includes a third ring body 123 protruding from the inner circumference. The third ring body 123 is located on the side of the second ring body 118 away from the first ring body 117. The axial spacing between the third ring body 123 and the snap ring 500 is greater than the axial spacing between the first ring body 117 and the second ring body 118.

[0062] When the outer shell 120 is in the unlocked position, the third ring body 123 abuts against the side of the second ring body 118 facing away from the first ring body 117. When the outer shell 120 is in the locked position, the snap ring 500 abuts against the side of the first ring body 117 facing away from the second ring body 118. Because the axial spacing between the third ring body 123 and the snap ring 500 is greater than the axial spacing between the first ring body 117 and the second ring body 118, the snap ring 500 and the third ring body 123 do not abut against the inner sleeve 110 at the same time, thereby allowing the outer shell 120 to move axially relative to the inner sleeve 110.

[0063] Furthermore, the snap ring 500 can be configured as an elastomer and removably mounted on the inner wall of the outer shell 120, facilitating a nested, position-limiting fit between the outer shell 120 and the first and second ring bodies 117, 118 of the inner sleeve 110. Furthermore, the flip card 200 can be positioned between the first and second ring bodies 117, 118. Therefore, when the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 are nested, the flip card 200 is located within the relatively enclosed space formed by the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110, ensuring a stable self-locking effect. In this embodiment, the radial dimensions of the outer shell 120 and the inner sleeve 110 can be adaptively adjusted to balance the flexibility and positional stability of the flip card 200.

[0064] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , combined with Figure 4 In one embodiment, the second ring body 118 includes an introduction surface 118a, which includes the aforementioned support surface 114a. Furthermore, a portion of the introduction surface 118a may be tilted relative to the axis O of the inner sleeve 110, such that the side of the introduction surface 118a near the first end 210 is closer to the inner cavity 111 than other areas of the introduction surface 118a. This facilitates the formation of the tilted support surface 114a as described above. Furthermore, because the side of the introduction surface 118a near the first end 210 is closer to the inner cavity 111 and has a smaller outer diameter, the hoop 400 can be easily guided into the receiving ring groove 113 and its axial position can be limited. The side of the introduction surface 118a near the second end 230 is further away from the inner cavity 111, facilitating contact and limiting engagement with the third ring body 123.

[0065] See also Figure 8 In one embodiment, the dimensions of the first end 210 and the communication window 112 are identical or have only a minor manufacturing error in the circumferential direction around the axis O of the inner sleeve 110. As a result, the inner wall of the communication window 112 supports the flip card 200, reducing the chance of the flip card 200 flipping sideways.

[0066] In the circumferential direction around the axis O of the inner sleeve 110 , the size of the second end 230 is larger than that of the first end 210 to reduce the risk of the second end 230 falling into the inner cavity 111 through the connecting window 112 and improve the position stability of the flip card 200 .

[0067] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5In one embodiment, the reset member 300 can be configured as a compression spring, with both ends of the reset member 300 respectively abutting the locking portion 121 and the first ring body 117. The reset member 300 can push the housing 120 to move axially, causing the housing 120 to move to a position where the retaining ring 500 abuts the side of the first ring body 117 facing away from the second ring body 118, i.e., to the locked position.

[0068] See also Figure 3 In one embodiment, the self-locking plug assembly 10 further includes a conductive component 600 disposed within the inner cavity 111 and configured to electrically connect to the plug structure. Furthermore, the conductive component 600 includes an insulator 610 and a terminal 620 . The insulator 610 is fixedly connected to the wall of the inner cavity 111 . There may be multiple terminals 620 , each of which is disposed through the insulator 610 .

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 assembly, characterized in that: The self-locking plug-end assembly comprises: A shell component, the shell component comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the inner sleeve having an inner cavity for plugging the plug-in structure, and the inner sleeve having a communication window connecting the inner cavity and the circumferential outer side of the inner sleeve; a flip card plate, the flip card plate being located on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve, the flip card plate comprising a first end, an adaptor, and a second end, the adaptor being rotatably engaged with the inner sleeve, the first end extending into the inner cavity through the communicating window, the second end being located outside the inner sleeve, and the second end driving the first end to flip outward when driven; The outer shell is sleeved on the outer surface of the inner sleeve and the flip card, and the outer shell has a locking portion. The outer shell can move to a position where the locking portion abuts the first end, and a position offset from the first end. The inner side of the outer shell has a push surface, at least a portion of the push surface is located on a side of the second end away from the first end, and the distance from the push surface to the inner sleeve gradually increases along the direction of the inner sleeve axis approaching the first end. The outer shell can axially move relative to the inner sleeve between a locked position and an unlocked position; When the housing is in the locked position, the locking portion is radially aligned with the first end and abuts against the first end; When the housing is in the unlocking position, the pushing surface abuts against the second end, and the locking portion is offset from the first end.

2. The self-locking plug assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The utility model further comprises a reset member, wherein the reset member elastically connects the outer shell and the inner sleeve so as to drive the outer shell to move to or restore to the locked position when the outer shell is not driven.

3. The self-locking plug assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-locking plug-in end assembly further includes a hoop, which is sleeved outside the inner sleeve and located on the outer peripheral side of the first end, and the hoop is an elastic member.

4. The self-locking plug assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner sleeve has a receiving ring groove located on the outer peripheral side, the hoop is arranged in the receiving ring groove, the connecting window is opened on the bottom wall of the receiving ring groove, and the first end is passed through the receiving ring groove and extends to the connecting window.

5. The self-locking plug assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sleeve includes a support body located on the outer peripheral side, the adapting portion has an adapting groove, and the support body can be movably inserted into the adapting groove.

6. The self-locking spigot assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner sleeve has a receiving groove, the second end is movably located in the receiving groove, and the receiving groove and the communicating window are formed on opposite sides of the support body respectively; When the second end is driven to abut against the bottom wall of the accommodating groove, at least a portion of the structure of the first end is located in the communicating window.

7. The self-locking spigot assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner sleeve includes a sleeve body, a first ring body and a second ring body. The first ring body and the second ring body are arranged at intervals on the outer circumference of the sleeve body along the axis of the sleeve body. The sides of the first ring body and the second ring body facing away from each other are respectively used to abut against the outer shell to limit the movable stroke of the outer shell; the accommodating groove is recessed in a partial area of ​​the second ring body, and another partial area of ​​the second ring body protrudes relative to the bottom wall of the accommodating groove to form a protruding part of the support body.

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

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