Connector plug housing assembly

Abstract

An outer shell of a shell is communicated with a cavity, the cavity and an inner groove are integrally provided with a latch, the inner side of a latch hole plate is connected with the middle section of a swing arm through a fulcrum, the rear end of the swing arm is provided with a front key position, the front end of the swing arm is connected with a front latch plate, and the outer side of the hole plate is connected with a rear latch plate. The front end of the front latch plate is provided with a front key position, the rear end of the rear latch plate is provided with a rear key position, the front latch plate and the rear latch plate are attached to or cross over the wedge-shaped block of the socket, the front latch plate, the rear latch plate, the corresponding front key position and the corresponding rear key position are integrated in the latch, the front latch plate and the rear latch plate are independent, and the two key positions are arranged at intervals, so that the unlocking is accurate when the operation is performed twice, and the unlocking accuracy is improved; the stroke of the front latch plate and the stroke of the rear latch plate are independent, the positions of two times of unlocking can be clearly judged in the latch operation process, the unlocking process is carried out in order, and the unlocking action process is smooth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to a housing assembly for a connector plug. Background Technology

[0002] Most of the in-vehicle electrical equipment in new energy electric vehicles operates in a high-voltage environment. The power distribution unit transmits high-voltage power to the electrical equipment through electrical connectors, and the high-voltage electrical connectors play a crucial role in the safety of the vehicle's electrical circuits. According to the technical requirements of high-voltage wiring harnesses, two sets of circuit systems must be provided: one for power circuits and the other for signal circuits. Therefore, the high-voltage connectors must have a high-voltage interlock design, which results in a double-locking structure and a corresponding double-unlocking structure.

[0003] Existing connectors with dual-locking functions are found in Chinese patent document CN108400489A. The plug housing extends out a rocker plate (key). The front or rear end of the rocker plate corresponds to the secondary key and the primary key, respectively. The secondary key and the primary key are adjacent. When pressing the key, it is often pressed by mistake. Moreover, since the lever forces corresponding to the secondary key and the primary key are different, when there is only one rocker plate, there is bound to be an imbalance in the distribution of lever forces. Ultimately, this will cause the lever force of the other key to not reach the required lever force, and unlocking failure will often occur.

[0004] It can also be seen in Chinese patent document CN219046351U, which achieves secondary unlocking through an outer latch (latch). However, the outer latch only has one engagement surface (barb). The secondary unlocking is achieved by the first and second positioning protrusions of the socket. These two positioning protrusions are integrally formed. Since the first and second positioning protrusions are adjacent, the engagement surface (barb) of the outer latch has a very short stroke over these two positioning protrusions. A slight error will cause jamming, resulting in unlocking failure.

[0005] The swing fulcrum of the latch described in the two patent documents above is located at a non-fixed position on the housing. Since the latch needs to swing and move, the swing fulcrum must be able to slide and have degrees of freedom, which often causes slippage when pressing the latch, resulting in failure to lock or stop. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, which often fails to unlock due to the combination of two latch strokes and two key positions, the present invention proposes a connector plug housing assembly with two separate latch strokes and two separate key positions to improve unlocking accuracy and success rate.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a connector plug housing assembly for mating with a connector socket, comprising a housing and a latch and locking member assembled in the housing, the outer shell of the housing communicating with a cavity, the cavity and the inner groove integrally assembling the latch, the locking member unlocking or locking the latch, the latch comprising a perforated plate, the inner side of the perforated plate being connected to the middle section of a swing arm through a fulcrum, the rear end of the swing arm being configured as a front key position, the front end of the swing arm being connected to a front latch plate; the outer side of the perforated plate being connected to a rear latch plate, the rear end of the rear latch plate being configured as a rear key position; the front latch plate and the rear latch plate successively abutting or passing over the wedge block of the socket.

[0008] Furthermore, the front latch and the rear latch are respectively provided with front barbs and rear barbs, and the front latch and the rear latch are attached to or pass over the wedge block of the socket by the front barbs or the rear barbs.

[0009] Furthermore, the perforated plate is connected to the rear latch plate via a frame plate, and the frame plate is provided with a buckle that is embedded into the inner groove. The buckle of the latch cooperates with the inner groove of the housing, so that the latch and the housing are assembled as one unit.

[0010] Furthermore, a support leg connects the frame plate and the rear latch plate, allowing the rear latch plate to swing around the support leg. The function of the support leg is to support the rear latch plate and align it with the front latch plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the front key is located on the inside of the perforated plate, while the rear key is located on the outside of the perforated plate. The inside and outside of the perforated plate separate the front and rear keys to create a certain distance, allowing for accurate pressing of a specific key.

[0012] Furthermore, the locking member includes a base, and a boss is provided at the rear end of the base. The base blocks or avoids the front key, while the boss blocks or avoids the rear key. The base and the boss have the same function, both serving to lock or unlock the keys.

[0013] Furthermore, the cavity is also connected to an outer groove, which has a through groove and a sliding groove; the locking member is also provided with a cantilever, which has a cone point and a buckle. The cantilever is inserted into the channel formed by the inner groove and the outer groove, the buckle cooperates with the sliding groove, and the cone point moves between the sliding groove and the through groove. The function of the buckle is to prevent the locking member from falling off in the unlocked state, and the function of the cone point is to position the locking member in the locked and unlocked states.

[0014] Furthermore, tongue plates are provided on both sides of the base of the locking member, and the tongue plates are inserted between the support leg and the frame plate. The tongue plates serve a guiding function, ensuring that the locking member maintains a linear displacement without tilting, guaranteeing smooth movement of the locking member, and ensuring that the locking and unlocking actions are accurate and in place.

[0015] Furthermore, the frame connects two legs via a front crossbeam; the locking element also includes an elastic element inserted between the two legs, with a stop provided on the elastic element that abuts against or extends beyond the front crossbeam. The function of the stop is to prevent the locking element from accidentally moving forward during the unlocking or locking process, ensuring that the latch can perform unlocking or locking actions.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The front and rear latch plates, along with corresponding front and rear keys, are integrated into the latch. Since the front and rear latch plates are independent and the two keys are spaced apart, the unlocking operation is accurate and error-free, improving unlocking accuracy. The travel of the front and rear latch plates is independent, allowing for clear judgment of the two unlocking positions during latching operations, ensuring an orderly and smooth unlocking process. Compared to the difficulties in the injection molding process caused by designing the keys within the housing in the prior art, the present invention simplifies the housing structure and facilitates manufacturing because both the latch plate and keys are integrated into the latch. Since the swing fulcrum of the front and rear latch plates rests on the latch itself, the swing and displacement of the latch do not interfere with each other, improving the accuracy of latch displacement and latch plate swing, thereby increasing the success rate of unlocking and locking actions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connector structure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the plug housing assembly.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial sectional view of the shell.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the latch structure.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the latch.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the housing and the latch.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the housing and the locking component.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the latch and locking components.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the plug in a fully locked position.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking element in the retracted state or the plug in a secondary locking state.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the plug in an unlocked state.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the plug in a second unlocked state.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the plug in a locked state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better understand the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention; however, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector consists of a plug A and a socket B. Plug A comprises a housing assembly, terminals, and a wire harness, etc. Figure 2 As shown, the housing assembly of this invention is part of the plug A, and the housing assembly consists of a housing 1, a latch 2, and a locking member 3. In the field of connector technology, the locking member is also known as a CPA.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, housing 1 is used to install latch 2 and locking element 3, including outer shell 1.1 and inner shell 1.2. The inner shell is used to assemble terminals and wire harnesses. Outer shell 1 connects to cavity 1.3, cavity 1.3 connects outer groove 1.4 and inner groove 1.5, inner groove 1.5 connects to cavity 1.4, a step 1.6 is formed at the transition between cavity 1.4 and inner groove 1.5, and a channel 1.7 is formed between inner groove 1.5 and outer groove 1.4. Through hole 1.8 is opened in the side wall of inner groove 1.5, through groove 1.10 and sliding groove 1.9 are opened in the side wall of outer groove 1.4, sliding groove 1.9 is located at the front end of outer groove 1.4, and through groove 1.10 is located at the rear end of outer groove 1.4.

[0035] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the latch 2 is integrally injection molded. The latch 2 includes a horizontally lying elongated perforated plate 2.1, with a through structure in the middle. A swing arm 2.3 is connected to the inner side of the perforated plate 2.1, with both ends of the swing arm suspended. The connection point between the middle section of the swing arm 2.3 and the perforated plate 2.1 serves as a fulcrum 2.4, allowing the swing arm 2.3 to swing around the fulcrum 2.4. The rear end of the swing arm 2.3 is designated as a front key 2.6, located inside the rear end of the perforated plate 2.1. A front latch plate 2.7 connects the front end of the swing arm 2.3 to the front end of the perforated plate 2.1, located inside the perforated plate 2.1 and the swing arm 2.3, and is equipped with a front barb 2.8. Two vertical frame plates 2.2 are connected to the outer side of the perforated plate 2.1, with buckles 2.11 on the frame plates 2.2. A front crossbeam 2.9 and a rear crossbeam 2.10 are provided between the two frame plates 2.2. The front crossbeam 2.3 extends rearward with a pair of legs 2.12, which are located inside the frame plate 2.2. The legs 2.12 are connected to a rear latch plate 2.13, which is located inside the hole plate 2.1 and the swing arm 2.3. The rear latch plate 2.13 can swing around the legs 2.12. A rear barb 2.14 is provided at the front end of the rear latch plate 2.13, and a rear key 2.5 is provided at the rear end of the rear latch plate 2.13, which is located outside the rear end of the hole plate 2.1.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the latch 2 is inserted into the housing 1 and assembled as a whole. The front latch plate 2.7, the front end of the hole plate 2.1, and the front end of the rear latch plate 2.13 are located in the cavity 1.3. The front key position 2.6, the frame plate 2.2, and the rear key position 2.5 are located in the inner groove 1.5. The buckle 2.11 is embedded in the through hole 1.8. The buckle serves to prevent the latch from falling off the housing.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, the base 3.1 of the locking member 3 is connected to the end plate 3.2. The end plate 3.2 connects two cantilever arms 3.3 and two tongue plates 3.4. The tongue plates serve a guiding function. The tongue plates 3.4 are located on both sides of the base 3.1, and the cantilever arms 3.3 are located on the outside of the tongue plates 3.4. The outer side of the cantilever arm 3.3 is provided with a cone point 3.5 and a buckle 3.6. The buckle 3.6 is located at the front end of the cantilever arm 3.6. The function of the buckle 3.6 is to prevent the locking member 3 from disengaging from the housing when it retracts, thus preventing the locking member 3 from being lost. The rear end of the base 3.1 is provided with a boss 3.7. The boss 3.7 protrudes from the outer side of the base 3.1 or can be provided independently. The front end of the base 3.1 extends an elastic plate 3.8, and the end face of the elastic plate 3.8 is set as an inclined surface 3.10.

[0038] A stop 3.9 is provided on the inner side of the elastic plate 3.8. The stop 3.9 abuts against the front crossbeam 2.9 of the latch 2. When the plug housing assembly is in the first unlocking and second unlocking, first locking and second locking of the latch, it prevents the locking member 3 from moving forward, so as to ensure that the front key position 2.6 and the rear key position 2.5 of the latch 2 avoid the locking member 3, thereby enabling the front latch plate 2.7 and the rear latch plate 2.13 to perform the unlocking and locking functions.

[0039] like Figure 9 As shown, the locking member 3 is inserted into the housing 1. The locking member 3 has two displacements in the housing: forward and backward. In the forward position, the locking member blocks the key of the latch, thereby limiting the swing of the latch plate. In the backward position, the locking member makes room for the key of the latch to swing, thus allowing the latch plate to swing. The base 3.1 and the tongue plate 3.4 are located in the inner groove 1.5, the cantilever 3.3 is located in the channel 1.7, the undercut 3.6 is located in the slide groove 1.9, and the cone point 3.5 is located in the slide groove 1.9 or the through groove 1.10.

[0040] like Figure 10 As shown, latch 2 and locking element 3 are interlocked. Frame plate 2.2 is located between tongue plate 3.4 and cantilever 3.3. Support leg 2.12 is located between base 3.1 and tongue plate 3.4. Base 3.1 is located between the two support legs 2.12 and is surrounded by frame 2.2 and rear crossbeam 2.10. Tongue plate 3.4 is located between support leg 2.12 and frame plate 2.2. Cantilever 3.3 is located outside frame plate 2.2.

[0041] like Figure 11 As shown, the plug housing assembly and socket B are in an assembled state, and the latch locks the plug. The rear barb 2.14 of the rear latch plate 2.13 of the latch 2 hooks back against the wedge block 4 of the socket B. The hole plate 2.1 of the latch 2 abuts forward against the cavity 1.3 of the housing 1, and the frame plate 2.2 and the front crossbeam 2.9 abut forward against the step 1.6 of the housing 1, thereby locking the housing 1 to the socket B. The base 3.1 of the locking member 3 rests on the rear crossbeam 2.10 of the latch 2, the stop 3.9 of the elastic plate 3.8 rests on the front crossbeam 2.9 of the latch 2, the elastic plate 3.8 is supported by the wedge block 4, the elastic plate 3.8 is in an inclined state, and the cone point 3.5 falls in the groove 1.9. The front key 2.6 of the latch 2 approaches or contacts the base 3.1 of the locking member 3, and the rear key 2.5 approaches or contacts the boss 3.7 of the locking member 3. Since the rear key 2.5 is blocked by the boss 3.7, the rear barb 2.14 of the rear latch plate 2.13 remains attached to the wedge block 4, and the latch securely locks the socket.

[0042] The plug unlocking process involves one rear-shift locking action and two rear-shift latch actions. For example... Figure 12As shown, before unlocking the plug, the latch must be unlocked first. The method to unlock the latch is to release the restriction of the locking member on the latch. Simply push the end plate 3.2 of the locking member 3 backward so that the base 3.1 and the boss 3.7 avoid the front key position 2.6 and the rear key position 2.5 of the latch 2. At this time, the cone point 3.5 of the locking member 3 moves from the slide groove 1.9 to the through groove 1.7, completing one push-back locking action. The through groove restricts the movement of the cone point, thereby restricting the displacement of the latch. The locking member remains in this position relative to the housing during the two push-back processes and two locking processes of the plug.

[0043] like Figure 13 As shown, the rear key 2.5 of the latch 2 avoids the bosses 3 and 7 of the locking member 3. While pressing the rear key 2.5 of the latch 2, the housing 1 is pushed backward. When the rear barb 2.14 of the raised rear latch plate 2.13 passes the wedge block 4 of the socket B, a backward latching action is completed. At this time, the housing 1, latch 2 and locking member 3 move backward one step in sync. The stop 3.9 of the elastic plate 3.8 abuts against the front crossbeam 2.9 of the latch 2, and the elastic plate 3.8 becomes flat.

[0044] like Figure 14 As shown, the front key 2.6 of the latch 2 avoids the base 3.1 of the locking member 3. While pressing the front key 2.6 of the latch 2, the housing 1 is continued to be pushed backward. The front end of the swing arm 2.3 is raised and drives the front latch plate 2.7 to be raised. When the front barb 2.8 of the raised front latch plate 2.7 passes the wedge block 4 of the socket B, the second back latch action is completed. At this time, the housing 1, latch 2 and locking member 3 move backward one step in sync. Thus, the plug A housing assembly is completely unlocked.

[0045] The plug locking process includes a secondary push-forward latch and a primary push-forward locking element. For example... Figure 15 As shown, when the housing 1 is pushed forward, the front barb 2.8 of the front latch plate 2.7 of the latch 2 passes over the wedge block 4 of the socket B, completing one forward push latch action. At this time, the housing 1, latch 2 and locking member 3 move forward one step in sync.

[0046] like Figure 12 As shown, pushing the housing 1 forward further, the rear barb 2.14 of the rear latch 2.13 of the latch 2 passes over the wedge block 4 of the socket B, completing the second forward latching action. At this time, the housing 1, latch 2, and locking member 3 move forward one step simultaneously. The elastic plate 3.8, relying on the inclined surface 3.10, passes over the terminal cavity of the socket B. The elastic plate 3.8 tilts up so that the stop 3.9 passes over the front crossbeam 2.9 of the latch 2. Finally, pushing the end plate 3.2 of the locking member 3 forward, the base 3.2 of the locking member 3 approaches or contacts the front key 2.6 of the latch 2, the boss 3.7 of the locking member 3 approaches or contacts the rear key 2.5 of the latch, and the cone point 3.5 of the locking member 3 moves from the through groove 1.7 to the slide groove 1.9, completing one forward locking action. At this point, the plug A housing assembly is completely locked, as shown. Figure 11 As shown.

[0047] The cone point 3.5 of the locking member 3 moves from the slide groove 1.9 to the through groove 1.7, completing one back-pull locking action. The through groove restricts the movement of the cone point, thereby restricting the displacement of the latch. The locking member remains in this position relative to the housing during the two back-pull processes and two locking processes of the plug.

[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector plug housing assembly for mating with a connector socket, comprising a housing and a latch and locking member fitted within the housing, the outer shell of the housing communicating with a cavity, the cavity integrally fitted with the latch along with an inner recess, the locking member unlocking or locking the latch. Its features are: The latch includes a perforated plate, the inner side of which is connected to the middle section of the swing arm via a fulcrum, the rear end of the swing arm is set as the front key position, and the front end of the swing arm is connected to the front latch plate. The outer side of the orifice plate is connected to a rear latch plate, and the rear end of the rear latch plate is set as a rear key. The front latch and the rear latch successively abut or pass over the wedge-shaped block of the socket.

2. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front latch and the rear latch are respectively provided with front barbs and rear barbs, and the front latch and the rear latch are attached to or pass over the wedge block of the socket by the front barbs or the rear barbs.

3. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The perforated plate is connected to the rear latch plate via a frame plate, and the frame plate is provided with an undercut, which is embedded into the inner groove.

4. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The frame plate and the rear latch plate are connected by a support leg, and the rear latch plate can swing around the support leg.

5. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front key is located on the inside of the perforated plate, while the rear key is located on the outside of the perforated plate.

6. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking component includes a base, and a boss is provided at the rear end of the base. The base blocks or avoids the front key, while the boss blocks or avoids the rear key.

7. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cavity is also connected to an outer groove, which has a through groove and a sliding groove. The locking component is also provided with a cantilever, which has a cone point and a buckle. The cantilever is inserted into the channel formed by the inner groove and the outer groove. The buckle cooperates with the sliding groove, and the cone point moves between the sliding groove and the through groove.

8. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: Tongue plates are provided on both sides of the base of the locking component, and the tongue plates are inserted between the support leg and the frame plate.

9. The connector plug housing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The frame is connected to two legs by a front crossbeam; The locking element also includes an elastic element that is inserted between the two legs. The elastic element has a stop that abuts against or extends beyond the front crossbeam.

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