A terminal connector

Abstract

The application provides a terminal connector, and relates to the field of terminal fixing. The terminal connector comprises a female shell, a female terminal and a front cover. The female shell is internally provided with a mounting cavity and a first abutting piece. 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 interior of the female shell from the front end of the female shell along a first direction, and limits the deformation of the first abutting piece, so as to limit the female terminal in the mounting cavity. Through the arrangement of the first abutting piece and the locking body, the limitation of the first abutting piece and the locking of the female terminal are realized, and the risk of the female terminal out of the mounting cavity in a shaking environment is reduced. Meanwhile, the direction of the installation of the female terminal and the front cover in the female shell is unified as one direction, the defects that the assembly operation needs to be performed in two directions in the traditional side insertion positioning piece mode are avoided, the production process is optimized, the occupation of the production space is reduced, and the assembly operation of the mechanical hand or the manual operation is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of terminal fixing technology, and in particular relates to a terminal connector. Background Technology

[0002] Terminal connectors, as core components for achieving electrical connections, are widely used in various fields such as electronic equipment and power systems. They consist of a female housing and female terminals that are detachably embedded within the housing. To ensure the stability of the female terminals, positioning elements are typically provided.

[0003] In current technology, positioning components are typically inserted into the female housing from the side. However, this side-insertion method presents challenges in production processes, particularly in automated manufacturing. Assembly of the female and male housings occurs along the extension direction of the female or male terminal, while assembly of the positioning component with the female housing occurs radially along the female terminal. Since assembly needs to be performed in both directions, operational space must be reserved in both. This not only increases the required production space but also enhances the complexity of robotic or manual operations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a terminal connector designed to optimize the production process, reduce production space occupation, and simplify assembly operations.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a terminal connector, comprising: a female housing having an internal mounting cavity and a first abutment member; a female terminal detachably mounted in the mounting cavity along a first direction; the first abutment member being deformable to avoid the female terminal, allowing the female terminal to enter and exit the mounting cavity; the first abutment member being used to abut the female terminal to restrict the movement of the female terminal within the mounting cavity; a front cover including a cover body and a locking body disposed on a first side of the cover body; the cover body being used to abut the front end of the female housing; wherein the locking body extends from the front end of the female housing into the interior of the female housing along the first direction and restricts the deformation of the first abutment member to limit the female terminal within the mounting cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first abutting member has a first inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first direction, and an angled space is formed between the first inclined surface and the inner wall of the mother shell; the angled space gradually narrows along the first direction; wherein the locking body extends into the angled 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, the inner wall of the mother shell is formed with a first slot, and the locking body includes: a connecting part connected to the cover body; the connecting part is provided with a first protrusion adapted to the first slot; and a locking part connected to the connecting part; wherein, when the first protrusion is engaged with the first slot, the locking part abuts against the first abutment to limit the deformation of the first abutment; and when the first protrusion is disengaged from the first slot, the locking part releases the first abutment.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the mother shell is further formed with a second slot, and the connecting part is further provided with a second protrusion. The second protrusion is capable of moving along the first direction within the second slot. When the locking part releases the first abutment, the second slot can limit the second protrusion within the second slot to form a primary locking state. When the second protrusion is engaged in the second slot and the first protrusion is engaged in the first slot, the locking part abuts against the first abutment to form a secondary locking state.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first latching protrusion protrudes in a second direction relative to the connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion protrudes in 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 being connected to the cover body, and the second connecting portion being connected to the end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body; the locking portion is also connected to the end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body, and the second connecting portion is located outside the locking portion; wherein, the first latching protrusion is disposed outside the first connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion is disposed outside the second connecting portion.

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

[0013] In one embodiment, it further includes: a first sealing member sandwiched between the cover body and the mother housing; a rear cover snapped onto the end of the mother housing away from the front cover; and a second sealing member sandwiched between the rear cover and the mother housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the front cover has a through hole; the terminal connector further includes: a male housing; a male terminal, which is integrally injection molded 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 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 housing is provided with a pressing body, and a third latching protrusion is provided on the outer side of the pressing body; the male housing is provided with a third latching groove; wherein, at least a portion of the pressing body is movable back and forth relative to the front end of the female housing, so that the third latching protrusion switches between engaging and disengaging from the third latching groove.

[0016] This invention provides a terminal connector comprising a female housing, a female terminal, and a front cover. The female housing contains a mounting cavity and a first abutment. The female terminal is detachably mounted within the mounting cavity along a first direction. The first abutment is deformable to avoid the female terminal, allowing it to enter and exit the mounting cavity. The first abutment abuts against the female terminal to restrict its movement within the mounting cavity. The front cover includes a cover body and a locking body disposed on a first side of the cover body. The cover body abuts 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 restricts the deformation of the first abutment, thereby confining the female terminal within the mounting cavity. This invention, through the provision of the first abutment, achieves the confinement of the terminal within the mounting cavity; and through the provision of the locking body on the front cover, it achieves the confinement of the first abutment, thereby locking the female terminal within the mounting cavity and reducing the risk of the female terminal exiting the mounting cavity under vibration. Meanwhile, by unifying the direction of the female terminal being installed in the mounting cavity and the direction of the front cover being installed in the female housing into one direction, the drawback of the traditional side-insertion positioning method, which requires assembly operations in two directions, is avoided. This optimizes the production process, reduces the occupation of production space, and reduces the complexity of robotic or manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[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 part of the parent structure;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A first-view structural diagram of the mother shell in the image;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 First sectional view of the middle parent body;

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

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second-view structure of the mother shell in the image;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Second sectional view of the middle parent body;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The third sectional view of the middle parent body.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] A. Mother body; B. Male body; 1. Mother shell; 101. Angle space; 102. First slot; 103. Second slot; 104. Clearance groove; 105. Positioning groove; 11. Mounting cavity; 12. First abutment; 121. First contact surface; 122. Second contact surface; 123. First inclined surface; 13. Pressing body; 14. Third protrusion; 15. Limiting groove; 16. Second limiting protrusion; 17. Second guide part; 2. Female terminal; 21. First limiting protrusion; 3. Front cover; 31. Cover body; 32. Locking body; 321. Connecting part; 3211. First connecting part; 3212. Second connecting part; 322. Locking part; 323. First latching protrusion; 324. Second latching protrusion; 320. Second inclined surface; 33. Through hole; 34. Positioning post; 4. First sealing element; 5. Rear cover; 6. Second sealing element; 7. Male housing; 8. Male terminal; 71. Third slot; 72. First guide part. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are 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 positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0031] Terminal connectors, as core components for achieving electrical connections, are widely used in various fields such as electronic equipment and power systems. They consist of a female housing and female terminals that are detachably embedded within the housing. To ensure the stability of the female terminals, positioning elements are typically provided.

[0032] In current technology, positioning components are typically inserted into the female housing from the side. However, this side-insertion method presents challenges in production processes, particularly in automated manufacturing. Assembly of the female and male housings occurs along the extension direction of the female or male terminal, while assembly of the positioning component with the female housing occurs radially along the female terminal. Since assembly needs to be performed in both directions, operational space must be reserved in both. This not only increases the required production space but also enhances the complexity of robotic or manual operations.

[0033] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal connector designed to optimize the production process, reduce production space requirements, and simplify operational complexity. This terminal connector is applicable to electrical applications such as vehicles and communication equipment.

[0034] Please see Figure 1The terminal connector provided by this invention may include only one of the female part A and the male part B, or it may include both the female part A and the male part B. The female part A has holes or slots for receiving pins from 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] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The female part A of this terminal connector includes a female housing 1 and a female terminal 2. The female terminal 2 is typically made of metal, preferably copper; the front end of the female terminal 2 is used to receive the male terminal 8 (e.g., ...). 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. Specifically, the connection structure between the female housing 1 and the female terminal 2 is as follows: the female housing 1 has a mounting cavity 11, and the female terminal 2 is detachably mounted in the mounting cavity 11 along a first direction. The mounting direction of the female terminal 2 when inserted into the mounting cavity 11 can be consistent with the extension direction of the female terminal 2 itself. This first direction is represented by the dashed line a in the figure.

[0036] After the female terminal 2 is pushed into the mounting cavity 11, it is easy for it to come out of the mounting cavity 11 if it is not positioned. Therefore, a first abutment member 12 is also provided inside the female housing 1. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 The first abutment 12 is used to abut against the female terminal 2 to restrict the movement of the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11, thereby achieving positioning of the female terminal 2. To facilitate the installation and removal of the female terminal 2, the first abutment 12 should also be deformable to avoid the female terminal 2, thereby allowing the female terminal 2 to enter the mounting cavity 11. The avoidance deformation of the first abutment 12 is formed due to the compression from the female terminal 2.

[0037] It is understandable that the first abutment 12 will deform when it is squeezed by the female terminal 2. If the female terminal 2 is installed in the mounting cavity and the entire terminal connector is in a vibrating environment, the female terminal 2 and the first abutment 12 will squeeze each other, thereby deforming the first abutment 12, and the female terminal 2 will easily come out of the mounting cavity 11.

[0038] Please see Figure 4To avoid the aforementioned 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 disposed on a first side of the cover body 31. The cover body 31 is used to abut against the front end of the female housing 1; the front end of the female housing 1 can be understood as the end for the male terminal to pass through, and the rear end of the female housing 1 can be understood as the end for the wire to pass through. The cover body 31 abuts against the front end of the female housing 1, thereby sealing the front end of the female housing 1 and preventing dust, moisture, etc. from entering the female housing and affecting the connection between the female terminal 2 and the male terminal 8. The locking body 32 extends from the front end of the female housing 1 into the female housing 1 along a first direction and restricts the deformation of the first abutment member 12, thereby limiting the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11.

[0039] Specifically, when the locking body 32 extends into the female housing 1, it interacts with the first abutting member 12 to prevent or reduce the deformation of the first abutting member 12 due to external forces such as vibration, thereby making the female terminal 2 firmly placed in the mounting cavity 11 and improving the stability of the terminal connector in complex environments.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The assembly process of the mother housing 1, the mother terminal 2, and the front cover 3 is as follows: First, the mother terminal 2 is pushed into the mounting cavity 11 inside the mother housing 1 along the first direction, i.e., its own extension direction. During this process, the mother terminal 2 will press the first abutment member 12, causing the first abutment member 12 to deform, thereby allowing it to smoothly enter the mounting cavity 11. After the mother terminal 2 is fully inside the mounting cavity 11, the first abutment member 12 returns to its original shape and abuts against the mother terminal 2, thereby preventing the mother terminal 2 from leaving the mounting cavity 11. Next, the cover body 31 of the front cover 3 is aligned with the front end of the mother housing 1, so that the locking body 32 extends into the mother housing 1 from the front end along the first direction. When the locking body 32 enters the mother housing, it will contact the first abutment member 12 and produce a limiting effect, thereby limiting the deformation of the first abutment member 12 and firmly limiting the mother terminal 2 in the mounting cavity 11. In this way, the mother housing 1, the mother terminal 2, and the front cover 3 have completed the initial assembly, forming a relatively stable structure. Meanwhile, throughout the assembly process, this structural design avoids the complex operations and space-consuming problems associated with traditional side-insertion positioning components, greatly optimizing the production process.

[0041] Of course, the female part A of the terminal connector may also include two seals for sealing the front and rear ends of the female housing 1, respectively. Furthermore, in order to seal 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 mother housing 1; the rear cover 5 is snapped onto the end of the mother housing 1 away from the front cover 3; and the second seal 6 is sandwiched between the rear cover 5 and the mother housing 1. During assembly, the first seal 4, the second seal 6, and the rear cover 5 can also be assembled along the first direction, which also meets the technical objective of reducing the space required for assembly and reducing operational complexity.

[0043] The terminal connector provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a female housing 1, a female terminal 2, and a front cover 3. The female housing 1 has a mounting cavity 11 and a first abutment member 12. The female terminal 2 is detachably mounted in the mounting cavity 11. The first abutment member 12 can deform 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 member 12 is used to abut against the female terminal 2 to restrict 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 disposed on a first side of the cover body 31. The cover body 31 is used to abut against the front end of the female housing 1. The locking body 32 extends into the female housing 1 from the front end along a first direction and restricts the deformation of the first abutment member 12 to limit the female terminal 2 in the mounting cavity 11.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, the first abutment member 12 is used to limit the position of the terminal inside the mounting body; and the locking body 32 of the front cover 3 is used to limit the position of the first abutment member 12, thereby locking the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11 and reducing the risk of the female terminal 2 falling out of the mounting cavity 11 under vibration. In the automotive field, this terminal connector can ensure that the vehicle's electrical system maintains a stable electrical connection under complex driving environments, such as bumps and vibrations, avoiding circuit failures caused by loosening of the female terminal 2 and ensuring safe vehicle operation.

[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. This avoids the drawback of the traditional side insertion positioning method, which requires assembly operations in two directions. This optimizes the production process, reduces the occupation of production space, and reduces the complexity of robotic arms or manual labor.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4To better accommodate the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11, a limiting structure is provided within 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 female housing 1. A second limiting protrusion 16 is provided at the front end of the female housing 1 to prevent movement of the female terminal 2. During installation, the female terminal 2 is pushed into the mounting cavity 11 from the rear end of the female housing 1 along a first direction. As the female terminal 2 is pushed in, the first limiting protrusion 21 slides within the limiting groove 15 until the front end of the female terminal 2 abuts against the second limiting protrusion 16. This embodiment of the invention achieves multi-directional limiting of the female terminal 2 through the provision of the first limiting protrusion 21, the second limiting protrusion 16, and the limiting groove 15.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 To better limit or abut the female terminal 2, the first abutment 12 is provided with a vertical first locking surface 121 and an inclined second locking surface 122. The first locking surface 121 and the second locking surface 122 are connected and form an obtuse angle. The first locking surface 121 is used to limit the movement of the female terminal 2 in a first direction, and the second locking 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, making it stably placed in the mounting cavity 11. When the female terminal 2 is inserted into the mounting cavity 11 along the first direction, it will pass over the first locking surface 121 and enter the space between the first locking surface 121 and the second locking surface 122 to complete the positioning. After the female terminal 2 is in place, the first locking surface 121 prevents the female terminal 2 from coming out along the first direction, while the second locking surface 122 can prevent the female terminal 2 from shaking in the cross-sectional direction, thereby achieving multi-directional limiting of the female terminal 2 and further improving the stability and reliability of the terminal connector. Furthermore, since the second snap-fit ​​surface 122 is inclined, the guide female terminal 2 falls into the mounting cavity.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 To enhance the limiting effect on the first abutment 12, the first abutment 12 and the locking body 32 are designed to resemble a conical fit. Specifically, the first abutment 12 has a first inclined surface 123 that is inclined relative to the first direction, and an angled space 101 is formed between the first inclined surface 123 and the inner wall of the mother shell 1; the angled space 101 gradually narrows along the first direction; wherein, the locking body 32 extends into the angled space 101; the locking body 32 has a second inclined surface 320 that is adapted to the first inclined surface 123, and the second inclined surface 320 abuts against the first inclined surface 123.

[0049] Thus, a conical-like fit is formed between the first inclined surface 123 and the second inclined surface 320. When the locking body 32 is inserted into the included angle space 101, the contact between the second inclined surface 320 and the first inclined surface 123 gradually increases, making the second inclined surface 320 and the first inclined surface 123 fit tightly together. Due to the tight fit between the second inclined surface 320 and the first inclined surface 123, the first abutting member 12 with the first inclined surface 123 is restricted by the locking body 32 with the second inclined surface 320, and cannot move or deform, thereby fixing the first abutting member 12. Since the first abutting member 12 is fixed, the female terminal 2 limited by it is also fixed.

[0050] This embodiment of the invention, through its conical fit design, further enhances the stability of the female terminal 2 within the mounting cavity 11, enabling the terminal connector to maintain good electrical connection performance even in complex working environments. In practical applications, this improved stability helps reduce electrical faults caused by loosening of the female terminal 2, thereby improving the reliability of the entire electronic device or power system.

[0051] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 To make the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother shell 1 more secure and easier to disassemble, a first latching protrusion 323 and a first latching groove 102 are provided to cooperate with each other. Specifically, the inner wall of the mother shell 1 forms a first latching groove 102, and the locking body 32 includes a connecting part 321 and a locking part 322; the connecting part 321 is connected to the cover body 31; the connecting part 321 is provided with a first latching protrusion 323 that is adapted to the first latching groove 102; the locking part 322 is connected to the connecting part 321; wherein, when the first latching protrusion 323 is engaged with the first latching groove 102, the locking part 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 part 322 releases the first abutting member 12.

[0052] In this process, due to the cooperation between the first protrusion 323 and the first slot 102, as well as the coordinated work with the locking part 322 and the first abutting member 12, when the first protrusion 323 is inserted into the first slot 102, the locking part 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 inside of the mother housing 1, so that the first latching protrusion 323 on the connecting part 321 accurately engages with the first latching groove 102 inside the mother housing 1. During this process, the locking part 322 gradually approaches and finally abuts against the first abutting member 12 as the connecting part 321 is pushed forward, thereby limiting the deformation of the first abutting member 12 and keeping the female terminal 2 firmly positioned in the mounting cavity 11. When the front cover 3 needs to be removed, through a specific operation, such as pulling out the front cover 3 with a little force, the first latching protrusion 323 disengages from the first latching groove 102. At this time, the locking part 322 will release the first abutting member 12, and the front cover 3 can be smoothly removed from the inside of the mother housing 1. This design not only improves the stability of the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother housing 1, but also provides convenience for subsequent possible maintenance, repair and other operations.

[0054] This embodiment of the invention achieves the engagement of the first latching protrusion 323 with the first latching groove 102, as well as their collaborative operation with the locking part 322 and the first abutment member 12, by setting the first latching protrusion 323 into the first latching groove 102. When the first latching protrusion 323 engages with the first latching groove 102, the locking part 322 simultaneously locks the first abutment member 12. This engagement method not only simplifies the installation and disassembly 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 easily complete the installation and disassembly operations of the front cover 3, thus improving production efficiency.

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

[0056] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7To prevent the front cover 3 from being lost during disassembly, 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 housing 1. Specifically, the inner wall of the mother housing 1 also forms a second latching groove 103, and the connecting part 321 is also provided with a second latching protrusion 324. The second latching protrusion 324 can move along a first direction within the second latching groove 103. When the locking part 322 releases the first abutment 12, the second latching groove 103 can limit the second latching protrusion 324 within the second latching groove 103 to form a primary lock state. When the second latching protrusion 324 is engaged within the second latching groove 103 and the first latching protrusion 323 is engaged within the first latching groove 102, the locking part 322 abuts against the first abutment 12 to form a secondary lock state. Therefore, 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, which enables the terminal connector to form a primary locking state and a secondary locking state.

[0057] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 During assembly, the locking body 32 of the front cover 3 is first aligned with the inside of the mother housing 1, so that the second latching protrusion 324 on the connecting part 321 first enters the second latching groove 103 on the inner wall of the mother 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 locking state. Even if the first latching protrusion 323 has not yet been engaged in 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 part 321 accurately engages in the first latching groove 102 on the inner wall of the mother housing 1, and the locking part 322 abuts against the first abutting member 12, achieving a secondary locking state and realizing a more stable limit on the female terminal 2. During disassembly, when the first latching protrusion 323 disengages from the first latching groove 102, the locking part 322 releases the first abutting member 12. Since the second latching protrusion 324 is still within the second latching groove 103, the front cover 3 will not completely detach from the mother housing 1 and will remain in a primary locking 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 enhances the stability and reliability of the entire connector structure to a certain extent.

[0058] This invention improves the convenience and stability of the terminal connector in practical use by setting the second latching protrusion 324 and the second latching groove 103 to form a primary and secondary locking state. Especially in automated production lines where terminal connectors need to be frequently replaced, operators do not need to worry about the front cover 3 being accidentally lost during disassembly, saving time in finding 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 of safety is provided for the slot. Specifically, the first latching slot 102 is extended along its length to create sufficient space for exit. This design allows the first latching protrusion 323 to easily exit from the first latching slot 102 during disassembly.

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

[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The first locking protrusion 323 protrudes in a second direction relative to the connecting portion 321, and the second locking protrusion 324 protrudes in a third direction relative to the connecting portion 321; the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are all 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 dashed line 'b' represents the third party in the middle. Figure 5 The dashed line 'c' represents the middle part.

[0062] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The connection structure between the front cover 3 and the mother housing 1 is further optimized through the design of protruding tabs in different directions. This design enables the front cover 3 to achieve a tight connection with the mother housing 1 from multiple dimensions during the mating process. Simultaneously, when the first tab 323 moves within the first slot 102, the first slot 102 provides a third-direction upward limit on the first tab 323; when the second tab 324 moves within the second slot 103, the second slot 103 provides a second-direction upward limit on the second tab 324. Therefore, the installation of the front cover 3 on the mother housing 1 is more stable and less prone to loosening under vibration or external force. This multi-directional limiting design further enhances 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 protruding tabs in different directions provide guidance for the assembly of the terminal connectors. When installing the front cover 3, operators can observe the direction of the tabs to more accurately align the front cover 3 with the inner cavity of the mother housing 1, improving assembly efficiency and reducing connection problems caused by improper installation. Simultaneously, 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, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6To optimize the layout of the first latching protrusion 323 and the second latching protrusion 324, a corresponding structural design was implemented for the connecting portion 321. Specifically, the connecting portion 321 includes a first connecting portion 3211 and a second connecting portion 3212. The first connecting portion 3211 is connected to the cover body 31, and the second connecting portion 3212 is connected to the end of the first connecting portion 3211 away from the cover body 31. The locking portion 322 is also connected to the end of the first connecting portion 3211 away from the cover body 31, and the second connecting portion 3212 is located outside the locking portion 322. The first latching protrusion 323 is located outside the first connecting portion 3211, and the second latching protrusion 324 is located on the second connecting portion 3212.

[0065] This design, with the first locking protrusion 323 and the second locking protrusion 324 rationally arranged on the first connecting portion 3211 and the second connecting portion 3212, ensures more even force transmission when the front cover 3 is connected to the mother shell 1, further enhancing the stability of the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother shell 1. In actual production, this structural design facilitates mold development and manufacturing, reducing production costs.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 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 located 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 pin 34 plays a crucial role in accurate positioning during the installation of the front cover 3. When the operator or automated equipment aligns the front cover 3 with the inner cavity of the mother housing 1, the positioning pin 34 first inserts into the pre-set positioning groove 105 within the mother housing 1. This provides clear guidance for the installation of the front cover 3, ensuring that the locking body 32 can accurately extend into the mother housing 1, allowing the first latching protrusion 323 to smoothly engage with the first latching groove 102, and the second latching protrusion 324 to smoothly engage with the second latching groove 103. Furthermore, the positioning pin 34 and the locking body 32 are spaced apart, avoiding structural interference between them and enhancing the overall structural stability of the front cover 3. In addition, the positioning pin further improves the tightness of the connection between the front cover 3 and the mother housing 1, reducing the possibility of the front cover 3 loosening due to external forces such as vibration, thereby improving the reliability of the terminal connector in actual use.

[0068] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1The terminal connector also includes a male body part B, namely a male housing 7 and a male terminal 8. The front cover 3 has a through hole 33, and the male terminal 8 is injection molded integrally with the male housing 7; specifically, the male terminal 8 can be injection molded inside the male housing 7. This integrated design enhances the stability of the male terminal 8, making it less prone to loosening or displacement 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 inside the male housing 7, while the other end is exposed outside the male housing 7.

[0069] During assembly, the male housing 7 is fitted onto the female housing 1 along the first direction, and the male terminal 8 passes through the through hole 33 and connects to the female terminal 2. In other words, the assembly direction of the male housing 7 and the female housing 1 is also along the first direction. This assembly method along the same direction continues the technical objective of unifying the installation direction of the female terminal 2 and the female housing 1, as well as the installation direction of the front cover 3 and the female housing 1, further optimizing the overall assembly process and making the assembly of the entire terminal connector more convenient and efficient. After the male housing 7 and the female housing 1 are fitted and connected, the male terminal 8 and the female terminal 2 smoothly connect, forming an electrical connection path.

[0070] It is understandable 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 then assembled into a larger whole.

[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 To improve assembly efficiency, the female body A and male body B of this terminal connector are also assembled using a snap-fit ​​method. Specifically, the female housing 1 is provided with a pressing body 13, and a third snap protrusion 14 is provided on the outer side of the pressing body 13; the male housing 7 is provided with a third snap groove 71. During assembly, the operator only needs to slide the male housing 7 onto the female housing 1 along the first direction until the third snap protrusion 14 snaps into the third snap groove 71, thereby quickly and securely connecting the male housing 7 and the female housing 1. This snap-fit ​​assembly method is simple to operate, requires no additional tools, and greatly shortens the assembly time.

[0072] At least a portion of the pressing body 13 is movable back and forth relative to the front end of the mother housing 1; for example, the end of the pressing body 13 near the tail of the mother housing 1 is movable freely, thus forming deformation avoidance. In this way, the third latching protrusion 14 switches between the states of being engaged and disengaged from the third latching groove 71.

[0073] During disassembly, the operator only needs to gently press the movable pressing body 13 to deform it and allow the third locking protrusion 14 to disengage from the third locking groove 71, thus easily removing the male housing 7 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 continue reading Figure 1 The male housing 7 has a first guide portion 72, and a third slot 71 is provided on the first guide portion 72. Correspondingly, the female housing 1 has a second guide portion 17. During the process of the male housing 7 being fitted onto the female housing 1, the second guide portion 17 slides within the first guide portion 72 so that the third latching protrusion 14 can smoothly engage with the third slot 71.

[0075] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A terminal connector, characterized in that, include: The mother shell has an installation cavity and a first abutment member inside; The female terminal is detachably mounted in the mounting cavity along the first direction; The first abutment is deformable to avoid the female terminal, allowing the female terminal to enter and exit the mounting cavity; the first abutment is used to abut the female terminal to restrict the movement of the female terminal within the mounting cavity; The front cover includes a cover body and a locking body disposed on a first side of the cover body; the cover body is used to abut the front end of the mother shell; The locking body extends from the front end of the female housing into the interior of the female housing along the first direction and restricts the deformation of the first abutment member to limit the female terminal within the mounting cavity; The first abutting member has a first inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first direction, and an angled space is formed between the first inclined surface and the inner wall of the mother shell; the angled space gradually narrows along the first direction; The locking body extends into the included 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; The inner wall of the mother shell has a first slot, and the locking body includes: A connecting part is connected to the cover body; the connecting part is provided with a first latching protrusion that is adapted to the first latching slot; A locking part is connected to the connecting part; Specifically, when the first protrusion is engaged with the first slot, the locking part abuts against the first abutment to limit the deformation of the first abutment; when the first protrusion is disengaged from the first slot, the locking part releases the first abutment. The inner wall of the mother shell is further provided with a second slot, and the connecting part is further provided with a second protrusion. The second protrusion can move along the first direction within the second slot. In the state where the locking part releases the first abutment, the second slot can limit the second protrusion within the second slot to form a primary locking state. In the state where the second protrusion is engaged in the second slot and the first protrusion is engaged in the first slot, the locking part abuts against the first abutment to form a secondary locking state.

2. The terminal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protrusion protrudes in a second direction relative to the connecting portion, and the second protrusion protrudes in a third direction relative to the connecting portion; the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

3. The terminal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, 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 the end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body. The locking portion is also connected to the end of the first connecting portion away from the cover body, and the second connecting portion is located outside the locking portion. The first latching protrusion is located outside the first connecting portion, and the second latching protrusion is located outside the second connecting portion.

4. The terminal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front cover also includes a positioning post extending along the first direction, the positioning post being disposed on the first side of the cover body, and the positioning post being spaced apart from the locking body.

5. The terminal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first sealing element is sandwiched between the cover body and the mother shell; The rear cover is snapped onto the end of the mother shell away from the front cover; The second sealing element is sandwiched between the rear cover and the mother shell.

6. The terminal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front cover has a through hole; the terminal connector further includes: male shell; The 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 on the female housing along the first direction, and the male terminal passes through the through hole and is connected to the female terminal.

7. The terminal connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, 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; At least a portion of the pressing body is movable back and forth relative to the front end of the mother shell, so that the third latching protrusion switches between engaging and disengaging from the third latching slot.

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