Connector housing assembly and connector

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector housing assembly and a connector. The connector shell assembly comprises a base which is suitable for being fixed on a mounting panel and is provided with an inner cavity; the shell is provided with a first end part suitable for being inserted into the inner cavity in the axial direction of the inner cavity; and the spring is axially compressed between the first end part of the shell and the base, so that the shell can float between a pre-assembling position and a final assembling position. An inner gear is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base, and an outer gear is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end part of the shell; when the shell is located at the final assembly position, the inner gear is meshed with the outer gear so as to prevent the shell from rotating relative to the base. When the shell is in the preassembled position, the inner gear is separated from the outer gear, so that the shell is allowed to rotate around the axis of the inner cavity relative to the base. According to the invention, after the connector is mounted on the mounting panel, the shell of the connector can rotate relative to the mounting panel, so that the direction of the shell can be adjusted as required, and the application range of the connector is expanded.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the prior art, the housing of a connector is fastened to a mounting panel by using bolts. Therefore, in the prior art, after being mounted on the mounting panel, the housing of the connector cannot rotate relative to the mounting panel. However, in some applications, it is required that the orientation (or angle) of the housing of the connector can be adjusted as needed. Therefore, the existing connectors are not suitable for such situations, which limits the application scope of the connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes: a base adapted to be fixed to a mounting panel and formed with a hollow inner cavity; a housing having a first end adapted to be inserted axially into the inner cavity of the base along the axis of the inner cavity; and a spring axially compressed between the first end of the housing and the base, such that the housing can float axially between a pre-assembled position and a final-assembled position relative to the base. An internal gear is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base, and an external gear adapted to mesh with the internal gear is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the housing; when the housing is in the final-assembled position, the internal gear meshes with the external gear to prevent the housing from rotating relative to the base about the axis of the inner cavity; when the housing is in the pre-assembled position, the internal gear is separated from the external gear to allow the housing to rotate relative to the base about the axis of the inner cavity.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is adapted to automatically reset from the pre-assembled position to the final-assembled position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the spring; and when the housing is in the final-assembled position, the spring applies a predetermined axial thrust on the housing to hold the housing in the final-assembled position.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the external gear has a plurality of first teeth evenly spaced circumferentially on the first end of the housing; the internal gear has a plurality of second teeth evenly spaced circumferentially in the inner cavity of the base; the first teeth are adapted to engage into the tooth gaps between adjacent two second teeth, and the second teeth are adapted to engage into the tooth gaps between adjacent two first teeth.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner cavity of the base has a top opening and a bottom opening that are axially opposite to each other. The first end of the housing is inserted into the inner cavity of the base from the top opening of the base, and the internal gear is close to the top opening of the base.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blocking flange is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base, and a clamping groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the housing; the connector housing assembly further includes a blocking washer, and the blocking washer is clamped in the clamping groove of the first end of the housing; the upper end and the lower end of the spring are respectively abutted against the blocking flange and the blocking washer, so that the spring is axially compressed between the first end of the housing and the base.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the blocking washer is in a C-shaped snap ring shape.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the spring is in a spiral shape and is sleeved on the first end of the housing.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper limit step and a lower limit step that are axially opposite to each other are further formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base; when the housing is in the final installation position, the lower limit step abuts against the blocking washer to limit the housing in the final installation position; when the housing is in the pre-installation position, the upper limit step abuts against the blocking washer to limit the housing in the pre-installation position.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower limit step is close to the bottom opening of the inner cavity of the base, and the blocking flange is located above the upper limit step and is axially spaced from the upper limit step by a predetermined distance.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing assembly further includes: a sealing ring, which is arranged on the lower end surface of the base and is adapted to be squeezed between the base and the mounting panel to achieve sealing therebetween.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring installation groove is formed on the lower end surface of the base, and the sealing ring is installed in the sealing ring installation groove.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, connection holes allowing threaded connectors to pass through are formed in the base, so that the base can be fastened to the mounting panel by the threaded connectors passing through the connection holes.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly; an insulator disposed in the housing; and terminals held in the housing by the insulator.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a first port at the first end, and the terminal has a connection end at the first port of the housing. The connection end of the terminal is used for electrically connecting with a cable extending into the first port.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing further has a second end and a second port at the second end. The terminal has a mating end at the second port of the housing, and the mating end is used for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the second port.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the axis of the first end of the housing is perpendicular to the axis of the second end of the housing, such that the housing is in an L shape.

[0020] In the foregoing various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, after being installed on the mounting panel, the housing of the connector can rotate relative to the mounting panel, so that the orientation of the housing of the connector can be adjusted according to actual needs, expanding the application range of the connector.

[0021] Through the description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings hereinafter, other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and can help to have a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. 。 Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 A three-dimensional assembly schematic diagram showing a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing the housing, spring and retaining washer of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 An axial sectional view showing the base of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing of the connector is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 A sectional view showing a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the housing of the connector is in the final assembly position;

[0027] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, where the housing of the connector is in a pre-assembled position. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be further specifically described below through embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0029] In addition, in the following detailed description, for the sake of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in a schematic manner to simplify the drawings.

[0030] According to a general inventive concept of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes: a base adapted to be fixed to a mounting panel and formed with a hollow inner cavity; a housing having a first end adapted to be inserted axially into the inner cavity of the base; and a spring axially compressed between the first end of the housing and the base such that the housing can float axially relative to the base between a pre-assembled position and a final-assembled position. An internal gear is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base, and an external gear adapted to mesh with the internal gear is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the housing; when the housing is in the final-assembled position, the internal gear meshes with the external gear to prevent the housing from rotating relative to the base about the axis of the inner cavity; when the housing is in the pre-assembled position, the internal gear is separated from the external gear to allow the housing to rotate relative to the base about the axis of the inner cavity.

[0031] According to another general inventive concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly; an insulator disposed in the housing; and terminals held in the housing by the insulator.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective assembly schematic diagram of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram of the housing 1, the spring 3, and the blocking washer 4 of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 An axial cross-sectional view of the base 2 of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the housing 1 of the connector is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the housing 1 of the connector is in the final installation position; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the housing 1 of the connector is in the pre-installation position.

[0034] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is disclosed. The connector housing assembly includes: a housing 1, a base 2, and a spring 3. The base 2 is adapted to be fixed to an installation panel (not shown) and is formed with a hollow inner cavity 201. The housing 1 has a first end 11 adapted to be axially inserted into the inner cavity 201 of the base 2 along the axis of the inner cavity 201. The spring 3 is axially compressed between the first end 11 of the housing 1 and the base 2, such that the housing 1 can float axially relative to the base 2 between a pre-installation position and a final installation position along the axis of the inner cavity 201.

[0035] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an internal gear 23 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base 2, and an external gear 13 adapted to mesh with the internal gear 23 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end 11 of the housing 1. When the housing 1 is in the final installation position, the internal gear 23 meshes with the external gear 13 (see Figure 5 ), to prevent the housing 1 from rotating relative to the base 2 about the axis of the inner cavity 201. When the housing 1 is in the pre-installation position, the internal gear 23 is separated from the external gear 13 (see Figure 6 ), to allow the housing 1 to rotate relative to the base 2 about the axis of the inner cavity 201. Therefore, in the present invention, after the connector is installed on the installation panel, the housing 1 of the connector can rotate relative to the installation panel, such that the orientation of the housing 1 of the connector can be adjusted according to actual needs, expanding the application range of the connector.

[0036] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is adapted to automatically reset from the pre-installation position ( Figure 6 the position shown) to the final installation position ( Figure 5 the position shown) under the action of the elastic restoring force of the spring 3. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, after the housing 1 of the connector is rotated to a predetermined orientation, once the housing 1 is released, the housing 1 will automatically reset from the pre-installation position to the final installation position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the spring 3, which is very convenient to use.

[0037] As Figures 1 to 6As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the housing 1 is in the final assembly position, the spring 3 applies a predetermined axial thrust on the housing 1 to hold the housing 1 in the final assembly position.

[0038] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the external gear 13 has a plurality of first gear teeth 13a, and the plurality of first gear teeth 13a are evenly spaced circumferentially on the first end portion 11 of the housing 1. The internal gear 23 has a plurality of second gear teeth 23a, and the plurality of second gear teeth 23a are evenly spaced circumferentially in the inner cavity 201 of the base 2. The first gear teeth 13a are adapted to engage in the tooth spaces between two adjacent second gear teeth 23a, and the second gear teeth 23a are adapted to engage in the tooth spaces between two adjacent first gear teeth 13a.

[0039] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner cavity 201 of the base 2 has a top opening 201a and a bottom opening 201b that are axially opposite to each other. The first end portion 11 of the housing 1 is inserted into the inner cavity 201 of the base 2 from the top opening 201a of the base 2, and the internal gear 23 is close to the top opening 201a of the base 2.

[0040] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a blocking flange 2a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base 2, and a clamping groove 14 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end portion 11 of the housing 1. The connector housing assembly further includes a blocking washer 4, and the blocking washer 4 is clamped in the clamping groove 14 of the first end portion 11 of the housing 1. The upper end and the lower end of the spring 3 are respectively abutted against the blocking flange 2a and the blocking washer 4, so that the spring 3 is axially compressed between the first end portion 11 of the housing 1 and the base 2.

[0041] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the blocking washer 4 is in the shape of a C-shaped snap ring, so that the blocking washer 4 can be elastically deformed in the radial direction.

[0042] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring 3 is in a spiral shape and is sleeved on the first end portion 11 of the housing 1. However, the shape of the spring 3 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and it can also be an elastic component with other suitable shapes.

[0043] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, upper limit steps 2c and lower limit steps 2b that are axially opposite to each other in the inner cavity 201 are further formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base 2. When the housing 1 is in the final assembly position (see Figure 5 ), the lower limit step 2b abuts against the blocking washer 4 to limit the housing 1 in the final assembly position. When the housing 1 is in the pre-assembly position (see Figure 6), the upper limit step 2c abuts against the blocking gasket 4 to limit the housing 1 to the pre-installed position.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower limit step 2b is close to the bottom opening 201b of the inner cavity 201 of the base 2, and the blocking flange 2a is located above the upper limit step 2c and is axially spaced a predetermined distance from the upper limit step 2c.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing assembly further includes a sealing ring 5 , which is disposed on the lower end surface of the base 2 and is adapted to be squeezed between the base 2 and the mounting panel to achieve sealing therebetween.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring installation groove is formed on the lower end surface of the base 2, and the sealing ring 5 is installed in the sealing ring installation groove.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a connection hole 20a is formed on the base 2 to allow a threaded connection member (not shown, for example, a bolt or a screw) to pass through, so that the base 2 can be fastened to the mounting panel by the threaded connection member passing through the connection hole 20a.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly, an insulator (not shown), and a terminal (not shown). The insulator is disposed in the housing 1. The terminal is retained in the housing 1 by the insulator.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 has a first port 101 located in the first end 11, and the terminal has a connecting end located in the first port 101 of the housing 1, and the connecting end of the terminal is used to electrically connect to a cable (not shown) extending into the first port 101.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 further has a second end 12 and a second port 102 located in the second end 12, and the terminal has a mating end located in the second port 102 of the housing 1, and the mating end of the terminal is used to mate with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown) inserted into the second port 102.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction of the first end portion 11 of the housing 1 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second end portion 12 of the housing 1 , so that the housing 1 is L-shaped.

[0052] Those skilled in the art can understand that the embodiments described above are all exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make improvements to them. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without conflicts in terms of structure or principle, and these changes should reasonably fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

[0054] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0055] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the terms "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Additionally, any element number in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector housing assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A base (2), adapted to be fixed to a mounting panel and formed with a hollow inner cavity (201); A housing (1) having a first end portion (11) adapted to be axially inserted into the inner cavity (201) of the base (2) along the axis of the inner cavity (201); and A spring (3) axially compressed between the first end portion (11) of the housing (1) and the base (2), such that the housing (1) can float axially relative to the base (2) between a pre-assembled position and a final-assembled position, An internal gear (23) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base (2), and an external gear (13) adapted to mesh with the internal gear (23) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end portion (11) of the housing (1), When the housing (1) is in the final-assembled position, the internal gear (23) meshes with the external gear (13) to prevent the housing (1) from rotating relative to the base (2) about the axis of the inner cavity (201), When the housing (1) is in the pre-assembled position, the internal gear (23) is separated from the external gear (13) to allow the housing (1) to rotate relative to the base (2) about the axis of the inner cavity (201).

2. The connector housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is adapted to automatically reset from the pre-assembled position to the final-assembled position under the action of the elastic restoring force of the spring (3); and When the housing (1) is in the final-assembled position, the spring (3) exerts a predetermined axial thrust on the housing (1) to hold the housing (1) in the final-assembled position.

3. The connector housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external gear (13) has a plurality of first gear teeth (13a), and the plurality of first gear teeth (13a) are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction of the first end portion (11) of the housing (1); The internal gear (23) has a plurality of second gear teeth (23a), and the plurality of second gear teeth (23a) are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction of the inner cavity (201) of the base (2); The first gear teeth (13a) are adapted to engage into the tooth spaces between two adjacent second gear teeth (23a), and the second gear teeth (23a) are adapted to engage into the tooth spaces between two adjacent first gear teeth (13a).

4. The connector housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner cavity (201) of the base (2) has a top opening (201a) and a bottom opening (201b) axially opposite to each other, the first end portion (11) of the housing (1) is inserted into the inner cavity (201) of the base (2) from the top opening (201a) of the base (2), and the internal gear (23) is close to the top opening (201a) of the base (2).

5. The connector housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: A blocking flange (2a) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base (2), and a card slot (14) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first end portion (11) of the housing (1); The connector housing assembly further includes a blocking washer (4), and the blocking washer (4) is clamped in a card slot (14) at a first end portion (11) of the housing (1); The upper end and the lower end of the spring (3) are respectively abutted against the blocking flange (2a) and the blocking washer (4), such that the spring (3) is axially compressed between the first end portion (11) of the housing (1) and the base (2).

6. The connector housing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The blocking washer (4) is in a C-shaped snap ring form.

7. The connector housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The spring (3) is in a spiral shape and is sleeved on the first end portion (11) of the housing (1).

8. The connector housing assembly according to claim 5, wherein: Upper and lower limiting steps (2c) and (2b) that are axially opposite are further formed on an inner circumferential surface of the base (2); When the housing (1) is in the final installation position, the lower limiting step (2b) abuts against the blocking washer (4) to limit the housing (1) in the final installation position; When the housing (1) is in the pre-installation position, the upper limiting step (2c) abuts against the blocking washer (4) to limit the housing (1) in the pre-installation position.

9. The connector housing assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The lower limiting step (2b) is close to a bottom opening (201b) of an inner cavity (201) of the base (2), and the blocking flange (2a) is located above the upper limiting step (2c) and is axially spaced from the upper limiting step (2c) by a predetermined distance.

10. The connector housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further included is: A sealing ring (5), disposed on a lower end surface of the base (2) and adapted to be squeezed between the base (2) and the mounting panel to achieve sealing therebetween.

11. The connector housing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: A sealing ring installation groove is formed on the lower end surface of the base (2), and the sealing ring (5) is installed in the sealing ring installation groove.

12. The connector housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A connection hole (20a) allowing a threaded connector to pass through is formed in the base (2), such that the base (2) can be fastened to the mounting panel by the threaded connector passing through the connection hole (20a).

13. A connector, characterized in that, Including: The connector housing assembly according to any one of claims 1-12; An insulator, disposed in the housing (1); And Terminals, held in the housing (1) by the insulator.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein: The housing (1) has a first port (101) located in the first end portion (11), the terminal has a connection end located in the first port (101) of the housing (1), and the connection end of the terminal is used for electrically connecting to a cable extending into the first port (101).

15. The connector according to claim 14, wherein: The housing (1) further has a second end portion (12) and a second port (102) located in the second end portion (12). The terminal has a mating end located in the second port (102) of the housing (1), and the mating end is used to mate with the mating terminal of a mating connector inserted into the second port (102).

16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein: The axis of the first end portion (11) of the housing (1) is perpendicular to the axis of the second end portion (12) of the housing (1), such that the housing (1) is in an L shape.

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