Terminal connector

Abstract

The invention provides a terminal connector, and relates to the field of terminal fixation. The terminal connector comprises a female shell, a female terminal and a front cover, a mounting cavity and a first abutting piece are arranged in the female shell; the first abutting piece is used for abutting against the female terminal to limit the movement of the female terminal in the mounting cavity; the locking body of the front cover extends into the female shell from the front end of the female shell in the first direction and limits deformation of the first abutting piece so as to limit the female terminal in the installation cavity. According to the invention, through the arrangement of the first abutting member and the locking body, the limiting of the first abutting member and the locking of the female terminal are realized, and the risk that the female terminal goes out of the mounting cavity in a shaking environment is reduced. Meanwhile, the female terminal and the front cover are installed in the female shell in the same direction, the defect that assembling operation needs to be carried out in two directions in the traditional mode that a positioning piece is inserted from the side face is overcome, and therefore the production process is optimized, occupied production space is reduced, and assembling operation of a mechanical arm or manual work is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of terminal fixing, and in particular relates to a terminal connector. Background Art

[0002] Terminal connectors, as core components for achieving electrical connections, are widely used in a variety of fields, including electronic equipment and power systems. They consist of a female housing and removably embedded female terminals. To ensure the stability of the female terminals, they are often equipped with positioning elements.

[0003] In current technology, positioning members are typically inserted into the female housing from the side. However, this method of inserting the positioning member from the side means that during production, especially in automated production, the female and male housings are assembled along the extension direction of the female or male terminals, while the positioning member is assembled into the female housing along the radial direction of the female terminals. Since assembly must be performed in both directions, space must be reserved for both operations. This not only increases production space but also complicates robotic or manual operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a terminal connector, which aims to optimize the production process, reduce the production space occupied, and simplify the assembly operation.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal connector, comprising: a female shell, provided with an installation cavity and a first abutment; a female terminal, detachably installed in the installation cavity along a first direction; the first abutment can be deformed to avoid the female terminal, so as to allow the female terminal to enter and exit the installation cavity; the first abutment is used to abut the female terminal to limit the movement of the female terminal in the installation cavity; a front cover, comprising a cover body and a locking body arranged on a first side of the cover body; the cover body is used to abut the front end of the female shell; wherein the locking body extends from the front end of the female shell into the interior of the female shell along the first direction, and limits the deformation of the first abutment to limit the female terminal in the installation cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first abutment member has a first inclined surface inclined relative to the first direction, and an angle space is formed between the first inclined surface and the inner wall of the female shell; along the first direction, the angle space gradually shrinks; wherein, the locking body extends into the angle space; the locking body has a second inclined surface adapted to the first inclined surface, and the second inclined surface abuts against the first inclined surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first card slot is formed on the inner wall of the female shell, and the locking body includes: a connecting portion connected to the cover body; the connecting portion is provided with a first card protrusion adapted to the first card slot; a locking portion connected to the connecting portion; wherein, when the first card protrusion is engaged with the first card slot, the locking portion abuts against the first abutment to limit the deformation of the first abutment; when the first card protrusion is disengaged from the first card slot, the locking portion releases the first abutment.

[0009] In one embodiment, a second card slot is further formed on the inner wall of the mother shell, and the connecting portion is further provided with a second card protrusion, and the second card protrusion can move along the first direction in the second card slot; wherein, when the locking portion releases the first abutment, the second card slot can limit the second card protrusion in the second card slot to form a primary lock state; when the second card protrusion is engaged in the second card slot and the first card protrusion is engaged in the first card slot, the locking portion abuts against the first abutment to form a secondary lock state.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first latching protrusion protrudes toward a second direction relative to the connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion protrudes toward a third direction relative to the connecting portion; the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting portion includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion is connected to the cover body, and the second connecting portion is connected to an end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body; the locking portion is also connected to an end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body, and the second connecting portion is located on the outside of the locking portion; wherein, the first latching protrusion is arranged on the outside of the first connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion is arranged on the outside of the second connecting portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the front cover further includes a positioning post extending along the first direction, the positioning post is disposed on the first side of the cover body, and the positioning post is spaced apart from the locking body.

[0013] In one embodiment, it also includes: a first sealing member clamped between the cover body and the female shell; a rear cover clamped to an end of the female shell away from the front cover; and a second sealing member clamped between the rear cover and the female shell.

[0014] In one embodiment, the front cover is provided with a through hole; the terminal connector further includes: a male housing; a male terminal, which is injection molded as one piece with the male housing; one end of the male terminal is located inside the male housing, and the other end is exposed outside the male housing; wherein the male housing is sleeved on the outside of the female housing along the first direction, and the male terminal passes through the through hole and is connected to the female terminal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the female shell is provided with a pressing body, and a third latching protrusion is provided on the outer side of the pressing body; the male shell is provided with a third latching slot; wherein, at least a portion of the pressing body can move back and forth relative to the front end of the female shell so that the third latching protrusion can switch between a state of being engaged with and disengaged from the third latching slot.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal connector, which includes a female shell, a female terminal and a front cover; a mounting cavity and a first abutment member are provided in the female shell; the female terminal is detachably mounted in the mounting cavity along a first direction; the first abutment member can deform to avoid the female terminal, so as to allow the female terminal to enter and exit the mounting cavity; the first abutment member is used to abut the female terminal to limit the movement of the female terminal in the mounting cavity; the front cover includes a cover body and a locking body provided on a first side of the cover body; the cover body is used to abut the front end of the female shell; wherein the locking body extends from the front end of the female shell into the interior of the female shell along the first direction and limits the deformation of the first abutment member to limit the female terminal in the mounting cavity. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first abutment member is provided to limit the terminal in the mounting body; and the locking body of the front cover is provided to limit the first abutment member, thereby locking the female terminal in the mounting cavity, reducing the risk of the female terminal coming out of the mounting cavity in a shaking environment. At the same time, the direction in which the female terminal is installed in the mounting cavity and the direction in which the front cover is installed in the female housing are unified into one direction, avoiding the disadvantage of the traditional side insertion positioning part method that requires assembly operations in two directions, thereby optimizing the production process, reducing the occupancy of production space, and reducing the complexity of robotic or manual operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of an embodiment of the terminal connector provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1Exploded view of the middle mother body;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first perspective structure of the mother shell in FIG.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 a first cross-sectional view of the middle parent body portion;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the front cover;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A second perspective structural diagram of the mother shell in FIG.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 1 a second cross-sectional view of the middle parent body portion;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The third cross-sectional view of the middle mother part.

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] A. Female body; B. Male body; 1. Female housing; 101. Angle space; 102. First latching slot; 103. Second latching slot; 104. Avoidance slot; 105. Positioning slot; 11. Mounting cavity; 12. First abutting member; 121. First latching surface; 122. Second latching surface; 123. First inclined surface; 13. Pressing body; 14. Third latching protrusion; 15. Limiting slot; 16. Second limiting protrusion; 17. Second guide portion; 2. Female terminal; 21. First limiting protrusion; 3. Front cover; 31. Cover body; 32. Locking body; 321. Connecting portion; 3211. First connecting portion; 3212. Second connecting portion; 322. Locking portion; 323. First latching protrusion; 324. Second latching protrusion; 320. Second inclined surface; 33. Through hole; 34. Positioning column; 4. First sealing member; 5. Back cover; 6. Second sealing member; 7. Male housing; 8. Male terminal; 71. Third latching slot; 72. First guide portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0030] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0031] Terminal connectors, as core components for achieving electrical connections, are widely used in a variety of fields, including electronic equipment and power systems. They consist of a female housing and removably embedded female terminals. To ensure the stability of the female terminals, they are often equipped with positioning elements.

[0032] In current technology, positioning members are typically inserted into the female housing from the side. However, this method of inserting the positioning member from the side means that during production, especially in automated production, the female and male housings are assembled along the extension direction of the female or male terminals, while the positioning member is assembled into the female housing along the radial direction of the female terminals. Since assembly must be performed in both directions, space must be reserved for both operations. This not only increases production space but also complicates robotic or manual operations.

[0033] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal connector, which aims to optimize the production process, reduce the production space occupied, and simplify the complexity of operation. The terminal connector can be applied to electrical fields such as vehicles and communication equipment.

[0034] See also Figure 1The terminal connector provided by the present invention may include only one of the female part A and the male part B, or may include both the female part A and the male part B. The female part A has holes or slots for receiving the pins of the male part B. The male part B has protruding pins or pins that can be inserted into corresponding holes in the female part A to complete the circuit connection.

[0035] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 The female part A of the terminal connector includes a female housing 1 and a female terminal 2. The female terminal 2 is usually made of metal, preferably copper; the front end of the female terminal 2 is used to receive the male terminal 8 (such as Figure 1 (as shown), the rear end of the female terminal 2 is used to wrap the wire. The female housing 1 serves as a protective shell for the female terminal 2, providing insulation and waterproofing. The connection structure between the female housing 1 and the female terminal 2 is as follows: the female housing 1 defines a mounting cavity 11, and the female terminal 2 is removably mounted within the mounting cavity 11 along a first direction. The orientation of the female terminal 2 when placed in the mounting cavity 11 can be aligned with the extension direction of the female terminal 2 itself. This first direction is indicated by the dashed line a in the figure.

[0036] After the female terminal 2 is pushed into the installation cavity 11, if the female terminal 2 is not positioned, the female terminal 2 is easy to fall out of the installation cavity 11. For this purpose, a first abutment member 12 is further provided in the female housing 1. Figure 4 The first abutting member 12 is used to abut the female terminal 2 to limit the movement of the female terminal 2 within the installation cavity 11, thereby achieving the positioning of the female terminal 2. To facilitate the installation and removal of the female terminal 2, the first abutting member 12 should also be able to deform to avoid the female terminal 2, thereby allowing the female terminal 2 to enter the installation cavity 11. The avoidance deformation of the first abutting member 12 is caused by the compression of the female terminal 2.

[0037] It can be understood that since the first abutment 12 will be deformed when squeezed by the female terminal 2, if the female terminal 2 is installed in the mounting cavity and the terminal connector as a whole is in a vibrating environment, the female terminal 2 and the first abutment 12 will be squeezed against each other, so that the first abutment 12 is deformed, and the female terminal 2 will easily come out of the mounting cavity 11.

[0038] See also Figure 4In order to avoid the above situation, the female part A of the terminal connector is also equipped with a front cover 3. The front cover 3 includes a cover body 31 and a locking body 32 arranged on the first side of the cover body 31. The cover body 31 is used to abut the front end of the female shell 1; the front end of the female shell 1 can be understood as an end for the male terminal to pass through, and the rear end of the female shell 1 can be understood as an end for the wire to pass through. The cover body 31 abuts against the front end of the female shell 1, so that the front end of the female shell 1 is sealed to prevent dust, water vapor, etc. from entering the female shell and affecting the connection between the female terminal 2 and the male terminal 8. The locking body 32 extends into the female shell 1 from the front end of the female shell 1 along the first direction, and limits the deformation of the first abutment 12 to limit the female terminal 2 in the mounting cavity 11.

[0039] Specifically, when the locking body 32 extends into the female shell 1, it will interact with the first abutment 12 to prevent or reduce the deformation of the first abutment 12 due to external forces such as vibration, thereby making the female terminal 2 firmly located in the installation cavity 11, thereby improving the stability of the terminal connector working in complex environments.

[0040] See also Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The assembly process of the female housing 1, female terminal 2, and front cover 3 is as follows: First, the female terminal 2 is pushed into the mounting cavity 11 within the female housing 1 along a first direction, i.e., its own extension direction. During this process, the female terminal 2 presses against the first abutment 12, causing it to deform, allowing it to smoothly enter the mounting cavity 11. After the female terminal 2 is fully inserted into the mounting cavity 11, the first abutment 12 recovers its deformation and abuts the female terminal 2, thereby preventing it from leaving the mounting cavity 11. Next, the cover body 31 of the front cover 3 is aligned with the front end of the female housing 1, and the locking body 32 is extended from the front end of the female housing 1 into the female housing 1 along the first direction. Once the locking body 32 enters the female housing, it contacts the first abutment 12 and acts as a retaining force, thereby limiting the deformation of the first abutment 12 and firmly retaining the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11. In this way, the female housing 1, female terminal 2, and front cover 3 are initially assembled, forming a relatively stable structure. At the same time, during the entire assembly process, this structural design avoids the complex operations and space occupation problems caused by the traditional insertion of positioning parts from the side, greatly optimizing the production process.

[0041] Of course, the female part A of the terminal connector may also include two sealing members, respectively used to seal the front end and the rear end of the female housing 1. Furthermore, in order to block the rear end of the female housing 1, the terminal connector may also be equipped with a rear cover 5.

[0042] In one embodiment, the two seals are specifically a first seal 4 and a second seal 6. The first seal 4 is sandwiched between the cover body 31 and the female housing 1; the rear cover 5 is snap-fitted to the end of the female housing 1 away from the front cover 3; and the second seal 6 is sandwiched between the rear cover 5 and the female housing 1. During assembly, the first seal 4, second seal 6, and rear cover 5 can also be assembled along the first direction, similarly achieving the goal of reducing assembly space and operational complexity.

[0043] The terminal connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a female shell 1, a female terminal 2 and a front cover 3, and the female shell 1 is provided with a mounting cavity 11 and a first abutment 12; the female terminal 2 is detachably mounted in the mounting cavity 11; the first abutment 12 can be deformed to avoid the female terminal 2, so as to allow the female terminal 2 to enter and exit the mounting cavity 11; the first abutment 12 is used to abut the female terminal 2 to limit the movement of the female terminal 2 in the mounting cavity 11; the front cover 3 includes a cover body 31 and a locking body 32 arranged on a first side of the cover body 31; the cover body 31 is used to abut the front end of the female shell 1; wherein the locking body 32 extends into the female shell 1 from the front end of the female shell 1 along the first direction, and limits the deformation of the first abutment 12 to limit the female terminal 2 in the mounting cavity 11.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first abutment member 12 is provided to limit the position of the terminal within the mounting body; and the locking body 32 of the front cover 3 is provided to limit the position of the first abutment member 12, thereby locking the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11, reducing the risk of the female terminal 2 coming out of the mounting cavity 11 in a shaking environment. In the field of vehicles, this terminal connector can ensure that the vehicle's electrical system maintains a stable electrical connection under complex driving conditions, such as bumps and vibrations, avoiding circuit failures caused by loose female terminals 2 and ensuring safe driving of the vehicle.

[0045] At the same time, the direction in which the female terminal 2 is installed in the mounting cavity 11 and the direction in which the front cover 3 is installed in the female housing 1 are unified into one direction, namely the first direction, thereby avoiding the disadvantage of the traditional side insertion positioning member method requiring assembly operations in two directions, thereby optimizing the production process, reducing the occupancy of production space, and reducing the complexity of robots or manual labor.

[0046] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4In order to better install the female terminal 2 in the installation cavity 11, a limiting structure is provided in the terminal connector. Specifically, a first limiting protrusion 21 is provided on the outer side of the female terminal 2, and a limiting groove 15 is formed on the inner wall of the mother shell 1. A second limiting protrusion 16 is provided at the front end of the mother shell 1 to prevent the movement of the female terminal 2. During installation, the female terminal 2 is pushed into the installation cavity 11 from the rear end of the mother shell 1 along the first direction. In the process of pushing the female terminal 2 in, the first limiting protrusion 21 slides in the limiting groove 15 until the front end of the female terminal 2 abuts against the second limiting protrusion 16. The embodiment of the present invention realizes multi-directional limiting of the female terminal 2 by setting the first limiting protrusion 21, the second limiting protrusion 16 and the limiting groove 15.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 To better position or abut the female terminal 2, the first abutment member 12 is provided with a vertical first engaging surface 121 and an inclined second engaging surface 122. The first engaging surface 121 and the second engaging surface 122 are connected and form an obtuse angle. The first engaging surface 121 is used to limit the movement of the female terminal 2 in a first direction, while the second engaging surface 122 is used to limit the movement of the female terminal 2 in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the first direction. This arrangement can more comprehensively constrain the position of the female terminal 2, allowing it to be firmly placed within the mounting cavity 11. When the female terminal 2 is inserted into the mounting cavity 11 along the first direction, it passes over the first engaging surface 121 and enters the space between the first and second engaging surfaces 121, 122, completing its position. Once the female terminal 2 is in place, the first engaging surface 121 prevents it from dislodging in the first direction, while the second engaging surface 122 prevents it from shaking in the cross-sectional direction. This achieves multi-directional positioning of the female terminal 2, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the terminal connector. Furthermore, since the second clamping surface 122 is inclined, it guides the female terminal 2 to fall into the installation cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 To enhance the limiting effect on the first abutting member 12, a design similar to a tapered fit is employed for the first abutting member 12 and the locking body 32. Specifically, the first abutting member 12 has a first inclined surface 123 that is inclined relative to the first direction. An angled space 101 is formed between the first inclined surface 123 and the inner wall of the female housing 1. Along the first direction, the angled space 101 gradually contracts. The locking body 32 extends into the angled space 101. The locking body 32 has a second inclined surface 320 that mates with the first inclined surface 123 and abuts against the first inclined surface 123.

[0049] In this way, a conical fit is formed between the first bevel 123 and the second bevel 320. When the locking body 32 is inserted into the angled space 101, the contact between the second bevel 320 and the first bevel 123 gradually increases, causing the second bevel 320 to fit tightly against the first bevel 123. Due to the tight fit between the second bevel 320 and the first bevel 123, the first abutting member 12 having the first bevel 123 is restrained by the locking body 32 having the second bevel 320, preventing it from moving or deforming, thereby securing the first abutting member 12. Since the first abutting member 12 is secured, the female terminal 2, which is restrained by it, is also secured.

[0050] The embodiment of the present invention further enhances the stability of female terminal 2 within mounting cavity 11 through this tapered surface fit design, enabling the terminal connector to maintain good electrical connection performance even in complex operating environments. In practical applications, this increased stability helps reduce electrical failures caused by loose female terminal 2, thereby improving the reliability of the entire electronic device or power system.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 In order to make the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother shell 1 more stable and easy to disassemble, a first latching protrusion 323 and a first latching groove 102 that cooperate with each other are provided. Specifically, the inner wall of the mother shell 1 is formed with a first latching groove 102, and the locking body 32 includes a connecting portion 321 and a locking portion 322; the connecting portion 321 is connected to the cover body 31; the connecting portion 321 is provided with a first latching protrusion 323 that adapts to the first latching groove 102; the locking portion 322 is connected to the connecting portion 321; wherein, when the first latching protrusion 323 is engaged with the first latching groove 102, the locking portion 322 abuts against the first abutting member 12 to limit the deformation of the first abutting member 12; when the first latching protrusion 323 is disengaged from the first latching groove 102, the locking portion 322 releases the first abutting member 12.

[0052] In which, due to the cooperation between the first latching protrusion 323 and the first latching slot 102 , and the coordinated work between the locking portion 322 and the first abutting member 12 , when the first latching protrusion 323 is inserted into the first latching slot 102 , the locking portion 322 simultaneously locks the first abutting member 12 .

[0053] When the front cover 3 needs to be installed, the locking body 32 of the front cover 3 is aligned with the female housing of the female housing 1, so that the first latching protrusion 323 on the connecting portion 321 is accurately locked into the first latching groove 102 in the female housing 1. In this process, the locking portion 322 gradually approaches and finally abuts the first abutting member 12 as the connecting portion 321 is advanced, thereby limiting the deformation of the first abutting member 12 and firmly limiting the female terminal 2 in the installation cavity 11. When the front cover 3 needs to be removed, through specific operations, such as pulling out the front cover 3 with a little force, the first latching protrusion 323 is disengaged from the first latching groove 102. At this time, the locking portion 322 will release the first abutting member 12, and the front cover 3 can be smoothly removed from the interior of the female housing 1. This design not only improves the stability of the connection between the front cover 3 and the female housing 1, but also provides convenience for subsequent possible maintenance, inspection and other operations.

[0054] The embodiment of the present invention achieves the cooperation between the first latching protrusion 323 and the first latching slot 102, as well as the coordinated operation between the first latching protrusion 323 and the first latching slot 102, and the locking portion 322 and the first abutment 12 by providing the first latching protrusion 323 and the first latching slot 102. When the first latching protrusion 323 is inserted into the first latching slot 102, the locking portion 322 simultaneously locks the first abutment 12. This cooperation method not only simplifies the installation and removal steps of the front cover 3, but also further optimizes the overall structure of the terminal connector, improving its reliability and practicality in actual use. At the same time, this structural design also has significant advantages in automated production lines, enabling robots to more conveniently complete the installation and removal operations of the front cover 3, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0055] Furthermore, in applications where terminal connectors are frequently replaced, this ease of disassembly and installation reduces maintenance time and costs. Furthermore, from a design perspective, the fit between the first latching protrusion 323 and the first latching groove 102 enhances the seal between the front cover 3 and the female housing 1, reducing the erosion of external factors such as dust and moisture on the internal female terminal 2 and other components.

[0056] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7In order to prevent the front cover 3 from being lost during the disassembly process, a second latching protrusion 324 is added to the front cover 3, and a second latching groove 103 is added to the inner wall of the mother shell 1. The specific solution is as follows: the inner wall of the mother shell 1 is further formed with a second latching groove 103, and the connecting portion 321 is further provided with a second latching protrusion 324, and the second latching protrusion 324 can move along the first direction within the second latching groove 103; wherein, when the locking portion 322 releases the first abutting member 12, the second latching groove 103 can limit the second latching protrusion 324 within the second latching groove 103 to form a primary locking state; when the second latching protrusion 324 is engaged with the second latching groove 103 and the first latching protrusion 323 is engaged with the first latching groove 102, the locking portion 322 abuts against the first abutting member 12 to form a secondary locking state. It can be seen that during the installation of the front cover 3 , there is a time difference between the first latching protrusion 323 and the second latching protrusion 324 , so that the terminal connector can form a primary locked state and a secondary locked state.

[0057] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 During assembly, the locking body 32 of the front cover 3 is first aligned with the inner housing of the female housing 1, so that the second latching protrusion 324 on the connecting portion 321 first enters the second latching groove 103 on the inner wall of the female housing 1. At this time, the second latching protrusion 324 can move along the first direction within the second latching groove 103, forming a primary lock state. Even if the first latching protrusion 323 has not yet engaged the first latching groove 102, the front cover 3 will not easily fall off or be lost. As the front cover 3 continues to advance, the first latching protrusion 323 on the connecting portion 321 accurately engages the first latching groove 102 on the inner wall of the female housing 1, and the locking portion 322 abuts the first abutment 12, reaching a secondary lock state, achieving a more secure position for the female terminal 2. During disassembly, when the first latching protrusion 323 disengages from the first latching groove 102, the locking portion 322 releases the first abutment 12. Since the second latching protrusion 324 remains in the second latching groove 103, the front cover 3 will not completely detach from the female housing 1 and will remain in the primary lock state, preventing the front cover 3 from being lost. This design of primary and secondary locks not only solves the problem of the front cover 3 being easily lost during disassembly, but also further optimizes the assembly and maintenance process of the terminal connector, improves the user experience, and also enhances the stability and reliability of the entire connector structure to a certain extent.

[0058] By providing the second latching protrusion 324 and the second latching groove 103 to form a primary and secondary locking state, the embodiment of the present invention improves the convenience and stability of the terminal connector in actual use. Especially in automated production lines where terminal connectors need to be frequently replaced, operators do not need to worry about accidentally losing the front cover 3 during removal, saving time in searching for the front cover 3 and improving equipment maintenance efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, to ensure that the first latching protrusion 323 can smoothly exit the first latching slot 102, a margin is designed into the first latching slot 102. Specifically, the first latching slot 102 is extended along its length to create sufficient clearance. This design allows the first latching protrusion 323 to easily exit the first latching slot 102 during disassembly.

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the female housing 1 is provided with an escape groove 104 , which extends along the first direction. That is, the first latching protrusion 323 moves a distance in the escape groove 104 before entering the first latching groove 102 .

[0061] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 , the first locking protrusion 323 protrudes in the second direction relative to the connecting portion 321, and the second locking protrusion 324 protrudes in the third direction relative to the connecting portion 321; the third direction, the second direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, it can be seen that the first locking protrusion 323 and the second locking protrusion 324 protrude in different directions. The second direction is Figure 5 The third direction is indicated by the dotted line b. Figure 5 Indicated by dotted line c.

[0062] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , through the design of protruding protrusions in different directions, the connection structure between the front cover 3 and the mother shell 1 is further optimized. This design enables the front cover 3 to achieve a tight connection with the mother shell 1 from multiple dimensions during the process of matching. At the same time, when the first protrusion 323 moves in the first slot 102, the first slot 102 limits the first protrusion 323 in the third direction; when the second protrusion 324 moves in the second slot 103, the second slot 103 limits the second protrusion 324 in the second direction. Therefore, the installation of the front cover 3 on the mother shell 1 is more stable and not easy to loosen due to vibration or external force. This multi-directional limit design further improves the stability and reliability of the overall structure of the terminal connector, enabling it to maintain good performance in various complex working environments.

[0063] Furthermore, the design of protruding tabs in different directions also provides a certain degree of guidance for the assembly of the terminal connector. When installing the front cover 3, the operator can more accurately align the front cover 3 with the inner cavity of the female housing 1 by observing the direction of the protrusions, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing connection problems caused by improper installation. At the same time, this design also helps robots on automated production lines to more accurately identify and operate the installation and removal of the front cover 3, further improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0064] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6In order to optimize the layout of the first latching protrusion 323 and the second latching protrusion 324, the connection portion 321 is structurally designed accordingly. Specifically, the connection portion 321 includes a first connection portion 3211 and a second connection portion 3212. The first connection portion 3211 is connected to the cover body 31, and the second connection portion 3212 is connected to the end of the first connection portion 3211 away from the cover body 31. The locking portion 322 is also connected to the end of the first connection portion 3211 away from the cover body 31, and the second connection portion 3212 is located outside the locking portion 322. The first latching protrusion 323 is located outside the first connection portion 3211, and the second latching protrusion 324 is located on the second connection portion 3212.

[0065] With this arrangement, the first latching protrusion 323 and the second latching protrusion 324 are rationally arranged on the first connecting portion 3211 and the second connecting portion 3212, thereby achieving more uniform force transmission when the front cover 3 is connected to the mother housing 1, further enhancing the stability of the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother housing 1. In actual production, this structural design facilitates mold development and manufacturing, reducing production costs.

[0066] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In order to facilitate the installation of the front cover 3, a positioning post 34 is added to the front cover 3. The front cover 3 also includes a positioning post 34 extending along the first direction. The positioning post 34 is arranged on the first side of the cover body 31, and the positioning post 34 is spaced apart from the locking body 32.

[0067] The positioning post 34 can play a role in accurate positioning when installing the front cover 3. When the operator or automated equipment aligns the front cover 3 with the inner cavity of the mother shell 1, the positioning post 34 is first inserted into the preset positioning groove 105 in the mother shell 1. This provides a clear guide for the installation of the front cover 3, ensuring that the locking body 32 can accurately extend into the mother shell 1, so that the first latching protrusion 323 can be smoothly inserted into the first latching groove 102, and the second latching protrusion 324 can be smoothly inserted into the second latching groove 103. Moreover, the positioning post 34 and the locking body 32 are arranged at intervals to avoid structural interference between the two, while also enhancing the stability of the overall structure of the front cover 3. In addition, the provision of the positioning post can further improve the tightness of the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother shell 1, reduce the possibility of the front cover 3 loosening due to external factors such as vibration, and thus improve the reliability of the terminal connector in actual use.

[0068] In some embodiments, see Figure 1The terminal connector also includes a male portion B, namely, a male housing 7 and a male terminal 8. The front cover 3 is provided with a through-hole 33, and the male terminal 8 and the male housing 7 are injection-molded as one piece. Specifically, the male terminal 8 can be injection-molded within the male housing 7. This integrated design enhances the stability of the male terminal 8, making it less likely to loosen or shift during long-term use, thereby ensuring the overall electrical connection performance of the terminal connector. Furthermore, during the injection molding process, one end of the male terminal 8 is located within the male housing 7, while the other end is exposed outside the male housing 7.

[0069] During assembly, the male housing 7 is sleeved over the female housing 1 along the first direction, with the male terminal 8 passing through the through-hole 33 and connected to the female terminal 2. In other words, the male housing 7 and the female housing 1 are also assembled in the first direction. This unified assembly method continues the previously mentioned technical goal of unifying the installation directions of the female terminal 2 and the female housing 1, as well as the front cover 3 and the female housing 1. It further optimizes the overall assembly process and makes assembly of the entire terminal connector more convenient and efficient. After the male housing 7 and the female housing 1 are sleeved and connected, the male terminal 8 and the female terminal 2 are smoothly docked, forming an electrical connection.

[0070] It can be understood that after the internal structure of the female part A of the terminal connector is assembled into a whole, and the male part is assembled into a whole, the female part A and the male part B are assembled into a larger whole.

[0071] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 To improve assembly efficiency, the female portion A and male portion B of this terminal connector also feature a snap-fit assembly. Specifically, the female housing 1 is equipped with a pressing body 13, on the outside of which is a third latching protrusion 14; the male housing 7 is provided with a third latching groove 71. During assembly, the operator simply slides the male housing 7 toward the female housing 1 in a first direction until the third latching protrusion 14 engages the third latching groove 71, quickly and securely connecting the male housing 7 to the female housing 1. This snap-fit assembly method is simple to operate, requires no additional tools, and significantly reduces assembly time.

[0072] At least a portion of the pressing body 13 is movable relative to the front end of the female housing 1. For example, the end of the pressing body 13 near the rear end of the female housing 1 is movable, thereby forming a deformable avoidance mechanism. This allows the third latching protrusion 14 to switch between engaging and disengaging the third latching slot 71.

[0073] During the disassembly process, the operator only needs to gently press the movable pressing body 13 to deform and avoid it, so that the third locking protrusion 14 can be disengaged from the third locking groove 71, and the male housing 7 can be easily removed from the female housing 1. This design not only facilitates the installation of the male housing 7 and the female housing 1, but also greatly facilitates subsequent maintenance, component replacement and other operations.

[0074] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The male housing 7 is formed with a first guide portion 72, and the third engaging groove 71 is provided on the first guide portion 72. Correspondingly, the female housing 1 is provided with a second guide portion 17. When the male housing 7 is sleeved on the female housing 1, the second guide portion 17 slides within the first guide portion 72, so that the third engaging protrusion 14 can be smoothly engaged with the third engaging groove 71.

[0075] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal connector, characterized in that: include: A female housing is provided with a mounting cavity and a first abutting member; a female terminal detachably mounted in the mounting cavity along a first direction; The first abutment member can be deformed to avoid the female terminal, so as to allow the female terminal to enter and exit the installation cavity; the first abutment member is used to abut the female terminal to limit the movement of the female terminal in the installation cavity; The front cover comprises a cover body and a locking body provided on a first side of the cover body; the cover body is used to abut against the front end of the female housing; The locking body extends from the front end of the female housing into the interior of the female housing along the first direction, and limits the deformation of the first abutting member to limit the female terminal in the installation cavity.

2. The terminal connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first abutment member has a first inclined surface inclined relative to the first direction, and an angle space is formed between the first inclined surface and the inner wall of the female housing; along the first direction, the angle space gradually shrinks; The locking body extends into the angle space; the locking body has a second inclined surface adapted to the first inclined surface, and the second inclined surface abuts against the first inclined surface.

3. The terminal connector according to claim 1, wherein: The inner wall of the female housing is formed with a first slot, and the locking body includes: A connecting portion connected to the cover body; the connecting portion is provided with a first latching protrusion adapted to the first latching groove; a locking portion connected to the connecting portion; When the first latching protrusion is engaged with the first latching slot, the locking portion abuts against the first abutting member to limit deformation of the first abutting member; when the first latching protrusion is disengaged from the first latching slot, the locking portion releases the first abutting member.

4. The terminal connector according to claim 3, wherein: The inner wall of the female shell is also formed with a second card groove, and the connecting part is also provided with a second card protrusion, and the second card protrusion can move along the first direction in the second card groove; wherein, when the locking part releases the first abutment, the second card groove can limit the second card protrusion in the second card groove to form a primary lock state; when the second card protrusion is engaged in the second card groove and the first card protrusion is engaged in the first card groove, the locking part abuts the first abutment to form a secondary lock state.

5. The terminal connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first latching protrusion protrudes toward a second direction relative to the connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion protrudes toward a third direction relative to the connecting portion; the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

6. The terminal connector according to claim 4, wherein: The connecting part includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is connected to the cover body, and the second connecting part is connected to an end of the first connecting part away from the cover body; the locking part is also connected to an end of the first connecting part away from the cover body, and the second connecting part is located on the outside of the locking part; wherein, the first latching protrusion is arranged on the outside of the first connecting part, and the second latching protrusion is arranged on the outside of the second connecting part.

7. The terminal connector according to claim 1, wherein: The front cover further includes a positioning post extending along the first direction. The positioning post is disposed on the first side of the cover body. The positioning post is spaced apart from the locking body.

8. The terminal connector according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a first sealing member, sandwiched between the cover body and the female housing; A rear cover, snap-connected to an end of the female housing away from the front cover; The second sealing member is sandwiched between the rear cover and the female housing.

9. The terminal connector according to claim 1, wherein: The front cover is provided with a through hole; the terminal connector further comprises: male shell; A male terminal is injection-molded integrally with the male housing; one end of the male terminal is located inside the male housing, and the other end is exposed outside the male housing; The male housing is sleeved outside the female housing along the first direction, and the male terminal passes through the through hole and is connected to the female terminal.

10. The terminal connector according to claim 9, wherein: The female housing is provided with a pressing body, and a third locking protrusion is provided on the outer side of the pressing body; the male housing is provided with a third locking groove; Wherein, at least a portion of the pressing body can move back and forth relative to the front end of the female shell, so that the third latching protrusion switches between a state of being engaged with and disengaged from the third latching slot.

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