Electric connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric connector and a connector assembly. The electric connector comprises an insulating body and a locking device. An accommodating space is formed on the outer wall of the insulating body. The locking device comprises a pair of locking arms and an elastic clamp. Each lock catch arm is rotatably connected to the insulating body, and the lock catch arm is provided with a front part and a rear part; the front part extends out of the accommodating space, and the rear part is positioned in the accommodating space; the front parts of the pair of locking arms are provided with a pair of clasps for locking to a complementary connector; the elastic clamp is located in the containing space, elastically clamps the rear portion and is used for providing lock catch retaining force for the pair of clasps. The connector assembly comprises a plug connector and a socket connector, and one of the plug connector and the socket connector adopts the electric connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an electrical connector and connector assembly, wherein a locking device is provided on the electrical connector to achieve a locking function. Background Technology

[0002] Both existing plug and socket connectors are equipped with locking devices to prevent the two connectors from coming loose due to vibration or other accidents after they are mated.

[0003] For example, a pair of locking arms can be provided on an existing plug connector, with the base of the locking arms set on an insulating housing and the head of the locking arms extending to form a pair of hooks; a pair of blocking blocks can be provided on an existing socket connector. When the plug connector and the socket connector are mated, the locking arms deform around their bases, causing the hooks to engage with the blocking blocks, thereby achieving locking. When unlocking, an external force is used to deform the locking arms around their bases, causing the hooks to disengage from the blocking blocks.

[0004] However, if the elasticity at the base of the locking arm deteriorates, it can cause the locking or unlocking operation to fail. Furthermore, after frequent locking and unlocking operations, the locking arm can easily break at its base.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrical connector with a new locking device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector in which a locking device provides a locking force to a pair of locking arms through an elastic clamp, the locking device having the characteristics of high locking strength and long service life.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly in which the electrical connector and the complementary connector have the characteristics of high locking strength and easy unlocking.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An electrical connector includes an insulating body and a locking device. A receiving space is formed on the outer wall of the insulating body. The locking device includes a pair of locking arms and a resilient clip. Each locking arm is rotatably connected to the insulating body, and the locking arm has a front portion and a rear portion; the front portion extends out of the receiving space, and the rear portion is located in the receiving space; the front portion of the pair of locking arms is provided with a pair of hooks, which are forced to come closer together when entering a complementary connector, and then open and lock onto the complementary connector. The resilient clip is located in the receiving space and resiliently clamps the rear portion, providing a locking retaining force for the pair of hooks.

[0010] In one embodiment, the elastic clip is a metal sheet having an arched body and a pair of ends, the pair of ends being fixedly connected to the rear of the pair of locking arms.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the rear portions of the pair of locking arms is provided with a groove, and the pair of ends are embedded in the groove; each of the pair of ends is provided with a protrusion, and the protrusion forms an interference fit with the corresponding groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the arched body is provided with a fixing foot for inserting into the insulating body.

[0013] In one embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the accommodating space, the protrusion forming a socket; the fixing foot extends along a vertical direction to be inserted into the socket and to form an interference fit with the socket.

[0014] In one embodiment, the arched body is provided with multiple wavy bending structures.

[0015] In one embodiment, the insulating body is provided with two pivot portions located in the accommodating space; each latch arm also has a middle portion located between the front portion and the rear portion, and a pivot engagement portion is provided in the middle portion for engaging with the corresponding pivot portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pivot portion is one of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; the pivot fitting portion is the other of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a sliding cover for covering the accommodating space and cooperating with the locking device; the sliding cover is provided with an unlocking protrusion; an unlocking channel is formed by the inner contour wall of the rear portion of the pair of locking arms, the unlocking protrusion enters the unlocking channel, and the unlocking protrusion at least partially abuts against the rear portion; when the sliding cover is slid backward, the unlocking protrusion moves backward along the unlocking channel, forcing the rear portion to open, the pair of locking arms to rotate, and the pair of hooks to move closer to each other; when the sliding cover is released, under the elastic force of the elastic clip, the rear portions of the pair of locking arms are forced to close and reset, the unlocking protrusion moves forward along the unlocking channel, the sliding cover slides forward and resets, and the pair of hooks open and resets.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sliding cover is provided with a flange; the receiving space forms a groove; and the flange is slidably received in the groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the unlocking channel has a different width; at least a portion of the outer contour of the unlocking protrusion is adapted to the inner contour of the unlocking channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the unlocking channel has a first width near the front position and a second width away from the front position; the second width is smaller than the first width; the inner contour of the unlocking channel is triangular; and the outer contour of the unlocking protrusion is triangular.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inner contour wall of the rear portion of the pair of locking arms is an inclined surface inclined along a front-rear direction; the unlocking protrusion has an outer contour wall, and at least a portion of the outer contour wall is an inclined surface inclined along the front-rear direction; at least a portion of the outer contour wall of the unlocking protrusion abuts against the inner contour wall of the rear portion; when the sliding cover is moved rearward, at least a portion of the outer contour wall pushes the inner contour wall outward, forcing the rear portion to open relative to each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the insulating body has a main body and a connector; the accommodating space is formed in the top wall of the main body; the connector protrudes forward from the front wall of the main body, and each of the two side walls of the connector forms an exposed terminal receiving groove; the bottom wall of the main body forms an upwardly extending limiting groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a pair of sheet-like conductive terminals and a U-shaped plug; each conductive terminal has a front section, a rear section, and a notch located between the front section and the rear section; the front section enters the terminal receiving groove of the plug and is exposed to the outside for forming an electrical connection with the mating terminal of the complementary connector; the rear section is located in the body and connected to a cable; the notch is aligned with the limiting groove; the plug is placed in the limiting groove and engages in the notch to restrict the forward and backward movement of the conductive terminal.

[0024] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also adopts the following technical solution: a connector assembly includes a plug connector and a socket connector. One of the plug connector and the socket connector adopts the electrical connector described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the other of the plug connector and the socket connector is the complementary connector; the complementary connector includes a mating insulating body and a mating cavity formed in the mating insulating body, and a hook engagement portion is provided in the mating cavity; the hook of the electrical connector can selectively hook or disengage from the hook engagement portion.

[0026] Compared to existing technologies, the electrical connector of the present invention is equipped with a locking device. This locking device clamps the rear portions of the pair of locking arms via an elastic clip, providing a locking force to the pair of hooks. Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention has high locking strength after the electrical connector and the complementary connector are locked together. The electrical connector of the present invention also unlocks the locking device by pulling the sliding cover backward, allowing the electrical connector to safely and conveniently exit the complementary connector. Furthermore, since the pair of locking arms do not require material deformation to lock or unlock, the risk of breakage is avoided, thereby increasing their service life. In summary, the locking device of the present invention features high safety and long service life. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector, mainly illustrating the relationship between the locking device and the insulating body after the sliding cover is removed.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the disassembly of the electrical connector.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The electrical connector shown is disassembled from another angle.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The sliding cover and locking device are shown in the diagram.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the disassembly of the locking device.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the assembly of the locking device.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a complementary connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector.

[0037] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the sliding cover and locking device.

[0038] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the disassembly of the locking device.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connector assembly of the present invention, which mainly shows... Figure 9 The electrical connector shown is Figure 8 The locking state of the complementary connector is shown.

[0040] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0041] Electrical connectors 1 and 1a; insulating bodies 10 and 10a

[0042] Outer walls 101, 101a Accommodating spaces 102, 102a

[0043] Pivot joint 103 bump 104

[0044] Socket 105, Slide 106

[0045] Main body 11, 11a; Top wall 110, 110a

[0046] Bottom wall 111 Front wall 112

[0047] Limiting groove 113 Plug 12

[0048] Side wall 120 Terminal receiving groove 121

[0049] Locking devices 20, 20a; Locking arms 21, 21a

[0050] Front part 210, 210a; Rear part 211, 211a

[0051] Inner contour wall 2111 of grooves 2110 and 2110a

[0052] Middle section 212 Pivot joint 213

[0053] Unlocking channel 214, elastic clips 22, 22a

[0054] Arched bodies 220, 220a, ends 221, 221a

[0055] Fixed foot 222 Thrust 223

[0056] Protrusion 224, hooks 23, 23a

[0057] Guide slope 230 Stop surface 231

[0058] Conductive terminal 30 Front end 31

[0059] Rear section 32, notch 33

[0060] Block 40, Crossbeam 41

[0061] 410 convex rib, 42 vertical bar

[0062] Cable 50, Sliding cover 60, 60a

[0063] Unlock bump 61, outer contour wall 610

[0064] Flange 62, Straps 63, 63a

[0065] Backend 64, 64a Narrow board 65a

[0066] Bending structure 2201a, notch 114a

[0067] Complementary connector 8, mating insulating body 80

[0068] Dating cavity 81 Dating terminal 82

[0069] Hook and latch mating part 83 Connector assembly 9

[0070] Up / down direction D1, left / right direction D2

[0071] Front and back direction D3 First width W1

[0072] Second width W2 Detailed Implementation

[0073] The following description of embodiments is with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. Directional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrating and understanding the invention, and not for limiting the invention.

[0074] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 The electrical connector 1 of the present invention shown is, in one embodiment, a plug connector for transmitting power. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 1 of the present invention can be modified into a socket connector.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: an insulating body 10 and a locking device 20.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, an accommodating space 102 is formed on the outer wall 101 of the insulating body 10; the locking device 20 includes a pair of locking arms 21 and an elastic clip 22. Each locking arm 21 is rotatably connected to the insulating body 10, and the locking arm 21 has a front portion 210 and a rear portion 211; the front portion 210 extends out of the accommodating space 102, and the rear portion 211 is located in the accommodating space 102. The front portion 210 of the pair of locking arms 21 is provided with a pair of hooks 23 for entering a complementary connector 8 (see... Figure 8 When forced to come close together, they then open and lock onto the complementary connector 8. The elastic clip 22 is located in the receiving space 102 and elastically clamps the rear portion 211 to provide locking retention force for the pair of hooks 23.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the hook 23 has a guide slope 230 and a stop surface 231.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the insulating body 10 has a main body 11 and a connector 12. The outer wall 101 of the insulating body 10 includes the top wall 110 of the main body 11. The accommodating space 102 is recessed in the top wall 110 of the main body 11, and an upwardly extending limiting groove 113 is provided in the bottom wall 111 of the main body 11. The connector 12 protrudes forward from the front wall 112 of the main body 11, and each of the two side walls 120 of the connector 12 forms an exposed terminal receiving groove 121. The front portion 210 of the pair of locking arms 21 is located above the connector 12, as shown... Figure 2 As shown.

[0079] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, two pivot portions 103 are provided on the bottom surface of the accommodating space 102.

[0080] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, each locking arm 21 also has a middle portion 212 located between the front portion 210 and the rear portion 211, and a pivot fitting portion 213 is provided on the bottom surface of the middle portion 212 (see...). Figure 5 ), used to cooperate with the corresponding pivot portion 103 in the accommodating space 102.

[0081] In this embodiment, the pivot portion 103 is a shaft hole, for example, a hole extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the accommodating space 102. Correspondingly, the pivot fitting portion 213 is a rotating shaft, for example, a shaft extending downward from the bottom surface of the middle portion 212.

[0082] Of course, in other embodiments, the pivot portion 103 may be a rotating shaft, such as a shaft extending vertically upward from the bottom surface of the accommodating space 102. Correspondingly, the pivot fitting portion 213 may be a shaft hole, such as a hole extending vertically upward from the bottom surface of the central portion 212.

[0083] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the front portion 210, the rear portion 211, and the middle portion 212 of the locking arm 21 are only defined according to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings, indicating their relative positions. The middle portion 212 represents only the middle area of ​​the locking arm 21, and is not a precise geometric midpoint or center position.

[0084] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a pair of sheet-like conductive terminals 30 and a U-shaped plug 40, which are installed in the insulating body.

[0085] Specifically, each conductive terminal 30 has a front section 31, a rear section 32, and a recess 33 located between the front section 31 and the rear section 32. The front section 31 enters into the terminal receiving groove 121 of the connector 12 and is exposed to the outside for mating with the mating terminal 82 of the complementary connector 8 (see Figure 8 An electrical connection is formed. The rear section 32 is located in the main body 11 and is connected to at least one cable 50. The notch 33 is aligned with the limiting groove 113.

[0086] The plug 40 has a crossbeam 41 and two vertical rods 42, such as Figure 4 As shown, the plug 40 is inserted into the limiting groove 113 via the vertical rod 42, and the protruding rib 410 on the crossbeam 41 forms an interference fit with the limiting groove 113. The crossbeam 41 is inserted into the recess 33 to restrict the forward and backward movement of the conductive terminal 30.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic clip 22 is a metal sheet with an arched body 220 and a pair of ends 221.

[0088] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the arched body 220 is provided with a fixing foot 222, which is a sheet extending along a vertical direction (e.g., the up-down direction D1). The fixing foot 222 is provided with protrusions 223 for inserting into and fixing to the insulating body 10. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, a protrusion 104 is provided on the bottom surface of the accommodating space 102, the protrusion 104 forms a socket 105, and the fixing foot 222 is used to insert into the socket 105 and can form an interference fit with the socket 105.

[0089] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the pair of end portions 221 are used to be fixedly connected to the rear portions 211 of the pair of locking arms 21, respectively. Specifically, the end portion 221 is a piece extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., left-right direction D2), and a groove 2110 is provided on the top surface of the rear portion 211 of the locking arm 21, allowing the end portion 221 to be inserted into the groove 2110 from the top surface of the rear portion 211. Of course, in other embodiments, the groove 2110 may be provided on the bottom surface of the rear portion 211, allowing the end portion 221 to be inserted into the groove 2110 from the bottom surface of the rear portion 211.

[0090] like Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the end 221 is provided with a protrusion 224, which is engaged in the groove 2110 to form an interference fit, thereby fixing the elastic clip 22 to the rear part 211 of the pair of locking arms 21.

[0091] It should be noted that the structure of the end portion 221 is not limited to the above description. The shape or extension direction of the end portion 221 can be changed according to the specific structure of the locking arm 21 to achieve fixation between the elastic clip 22 and the locking arm 21. Similarly, the structure of the fixing foot 222 is not limited to the above description. The shape or extension direction of the fixing foot 222 can be changed according to the specific structure of the accommodating space 102 or the insulating body 10 to also achieve fixation between the elastic clip 22 and the insulating body 10.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, when the locking device 20 is installed on the insulating body 10 by means of the cooperation between the pivot part 103 and the pivot mating part 213, an unlocking channel 214 is formed by the inner contour wall 2111 of the rear part 211 of the pair of locking arms 21. In the original state (or natural state) of the locking device 20, that is, in the original state where the elastic clip 22 is completely free from external force, the unlocking channel 214 has a different width.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, the unlocking channel 214 has a first width W1 near the front portion 210 and a second width W2 away from the front portion 210; the second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the unlocking channel 214 is approximately triangular. The inner contour wall 2111 of the rear portion 211 of the pair of latching arms 21 is an inclined surface that slopes along the front-rear direction D3.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a sliding cover 60 for covering the accommodating space 102 (see reference numerals). Figure 2 It also works in conjunction with the locking device 20.

[0095] Specifically, an unlocking protrusion 61 is provided on the bottom surface of the sliding cover 60 facing the locking device 20, and at least a portion of the outer contour of the unlocking protrusion 61 is adapted to the inner contour of the unlocking channel 214. For example, the unlocking protrusion 61 has an outer contour wall 610, and at least a portion of the outer contour wall 610 corresponds to the inner contour wall 2111 of the rear portion 211. At least a portion of the outer contour wall 610 is an inclined surface inclined along the front-rear direction D3. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the unlocking protrusion 61 is triangular.

[0096] Furthermore, flanges 62 are provided on both sides of the sliding cover 60, and correspondingly, grooves 106 (see reference numerals) are formed on both sides of the accommodating space 102. Figure 3 ).

[0097] The sliding cover 60 is mounted to the insulating body 10, the flange 62 is slidably received in the groove 106, and the unlocking protrusion 61 enters the unlocking channel 214 and at least partially abuts against the rear portion 211. For example, at least a portion of the outer contour wall 610 of the unlocking protrusion 61 abuts against the inner contour wall 2111 of the rear portion 211.

[0098] When the sliding cover 60 is slid backward, the unlocking protrusion 61 moves backward along the unlocking channel 214. At least a portion of the outer contour wall 610 of the unlocking protrusion 61 pushes outward the inner contour wall 2111 of the rear portion 211, forcing the rear portion 211 to open relative to each other after overcoming the clamping force of the elastic clip 22. At the same time, the pair of locking arms 21 rotate relative to each other, while the pair of hooks 23 move closer (or come together) to each other.

[0099] When the sliding cover 60 is released, the elastic clip 22 forces the rear part 211 to move closer to reset, the unlocking protrusion 61 moves forward along the unlocking channel 214, the sliding cover 60 slides forward to reset, and the pair of hooks 23 open to reset.

[0100] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a pull strap 63, which is connected to the rear end 64 of the sliding cover 60. The operator can pull the pull strap 63 backward, thereby forcing the sliding cover 60 to slide backward with the unlocking protrusion 61.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the complementary connector 8 can be a socket connector. In other embodiments, the complementary connector 8 can be modified into a plug connector.

[0102] In this embodiment, the complementary connector 8 includes a mating insulating body 80, a mating cavity 81 formed in the mating insulating body 80, and a pair of mating terminals 82 installed in the mating insulating body 80. A pair of hook-fitting portions 83 are provided within the mating cavity 81 for engaging with the pair of hooks 23 of the electrical connector 1. In this embodiment, the hook-fitting portion 83 is a vertical retaining wall located within the mating cavity 81.

[0103] The hook 23 of the electrical connector 1 can selectively hook onto or disengage from the hook engagement portion 83, as detailed below.

[0104] Can be combined Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, when the electrical connector 1 mates with the complementary connector 8, the plug 12 first enters the mating cavity 81, and then the pair of hooks 23, guided by their guide slope 230, enter the mating cavity 81, and the pair of hooks 23 are forced together by external force. When the stop surface 231 of the pair of hooks 23 reaches the hook mating part 83, the stop surface 231 automatically slides into the rear of the vertical retaining wall under the elastic force of the elastic clip 22, forming a locking state with the vertical retaining wall. At this time, the pair of hooks 23 are in a naturally open state, while the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8 are in a locked state. The elastic clip 22 provides a retaining force for the pair of hooks 23.

[0105] Can be combined Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, when unlocking is required, the sliding cover 60 is pulled back, the pair of locking arms 21 rotate, the pair of hooks 23 come together and successfully disengage from the hook engagement part 83 to achieve unlocking, and the electrical connector 1 can be pulled out from the mating cavity 81.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 9 to 12 As shown, it illustrates an electrical connector 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The elements or structure in this other embodiment are similar to... Figures 1 to 8 Similar elements or structures in the illustrated embodiments share the same markings and are additionally suffixed with 'a'.

[0107] The electrical connector 1a of this other embodiment has a structure substantially the same as the electrical connector 1 of the above embodiment. For example, in this other embodiment, as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the electrical connector 1a includes: an insulating body 10a and a locking device 20a, with a receiving space 102a formed on the outer wall 101a of the insulating body 10a; the locking device 20a includes a pair of locking arms 21a and an elastic clip 22a. Each locking arm 21a is rotatably connected to the insulating body 10a, and the locking arm 21a has a front portion 210a and a rear portion 211a; the front portion 210a extends out of the receiving space 102a, and the rear portion 211a is located in the receiving space 102a. The front portion 210a of the pair of locking arms 21a is provided with a pair of hooks 23a for entering the complementary connector 8 (see Figure 8When forced to move closer together, they then open and lock onto the complementary connector 8. The elastic clip 22a is located in the receiving space 102a and elastically clamps the rear portion 211a to provide locking retention force for the pair of hooks 23a.

[0108] The other similarities between this embodiment and the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0109] The main difference between the electrical connector 1a of this other embodiment and the electrical connector 1 of the above embodiment is that: in this other embodiment, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the arched body 220a of the elastic clip 22a is provided with multiple wavy bending structures 2201a to disperse stress and prevent local plastic deformation of the elastic clip 22a. The end 221a of the elastic clip 22a is embedded into the groove 2110a from the bottom surface of the rear part 211a of the locking arm 21a.

[0110] Furthermore, the shape or structure of the insulating body 10a and / or the accommodating space 102a may differ slightly from the embodiments described above. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, a notch 114a is provided on the top wall 110a of the main body 11a of the insulating body 10a, and correspondingly, a narrow plate 65a is formed at the rear end 64a of the sliding cover 60a to fit the notch 114a. The narrow plate 65a is located in the notch 114a and is used to connect a pull strap 63a.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 13 The diagram shown is a partial structural schematic of the connector assembly 9 of the present invention, which includes a plug connector and a socket connector.

[0112] One of the plug connector and the socket connector, for example, the plug connector adopts such as Figure 9 The electrical connector 1a shown (or may also be as follows) Figure 1 The electrical connector 1 shown. The other of the plug connector and the socket connector, for example, the socket connector uses... Figure 8 The complementary connector 8 shown.

[0113] like Figure 13 As shown, the electrical connector 1a mates with the complementary connector 8 along a mating direction. In this embodiment, referring to the orientation of the accompanying drawings, the mating direction refers to the front-to-back direction D3. Of course, in actual use, the mating direction can be any direction.

[0114] like Figure 13As shown, the connector assembly 9 of the present invention achieves the locking function through the locking device 20a. The connector assembly 9 of the present invention achieves the unlocking function through the cooperation of the sliding cover 60a and the locking device 20a. For specific locking or unlocking, please refer to the above description of the locking device 20a (20), which will not be repeated here.

[0115] In summary, the locking device 20 (20a) of the present invention can securely lock the electrical connector 1 (1a) and the complementary connector 8. Briefly, by clamping the rear portions 211 (211a) of the pair of locking arms 21 (21a) with the elastic clip 22 (22a), a locking force is provided to the pair of hooks 23 (23a), thereby achieving a high locking strength after the electrical connector 1 (1a) and the complementary connector 8 are locked. The locking device 20 (20a) of the present invention can also easily unlock the electrical connector 1 (1a) and the complementary connector 8. Briefly, by pulling the sliding cover 60 (60a) backward, the rear portions 211 (211a) of the pair of locking arms 21 (21a) are forced open, while the pair of hooks 23 (23a) come together, thereby allowing the electrical connector 1 (1a) to be safely and easily disengaged from the complementary connector 8.

[0116] It can be seen that the pair of locking arms 21 (21a) achieve locking or unlocking by means of the deformation of the elastic clip 22 (22a), without the need to achieve locking or unlocking by the deformation of their own material, thus avoiding the problem of locking arms being easily crushed in the prior art and improving their service life.

[0117] In summary, the locking device 20 (20a) of the present invention has the characteristics of high safety and long service life.

[0118] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: An insulating body and a locking device, wherein an accommodating space is formed on the outer wall of the insulating body; characterized in that: The locking device includes a pair of locking arms and a spring clip; Each latching arm is rotatably connected to the insulating body, the latching arm having a front portion and a rear portion; the front portion extends out of the receiving space, and the rear portion is located in the receiving space; The front of the pair of locking arms is provided with a pair of hooks for being forced close to each other when entering a complementary connector, and then opening and locking to the complementary connector. The elastic clip is located in the accommodating space and elastically clamps the rear portion to provide locking and retaining force for the pair of hooks.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic clip is a metal sheet with an arched body and a pair of ends, the pair of ends being fixedly connected to the rear of the pair of locking arms.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the rear portions of the pair of locking arms is provided with a groove, and the pair of ends are embedded in the grooves; Each of the two ends is provided with a protrusion, and the protrusion forms an interference fit with the corresponding groove.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The arched body is provided with a fixed foot for inserting into the insulating body.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A protrusion is provided on the bottom surface of the accommodating space, and the protrusion forms an insertion hole; The fixing foot extends vertically and is used to insert into the socket, forming an interference fit with the socket.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The arched body is provided with multiple wave-shaped bending structures.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body is provided with two pivot joints located in the accommodating space; Each locking arm also has a middle section located between the front and the rear, and a pivot engagement portion is provided in the middle section for engaging with the corresponding pivot engagement portion.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The pivot joint is one of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; The pivot joint is the other of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector also includes a sliding cover for covering the accommodating space and cooperating with the locking device; the sliding cover is provided with an unlocking protrusion; An unlocking channel is formed by the inner contour wall of the rear portion of the pair of locking arms, the unlocking protrusion enters the unlocking channel, and the unlocking protrusion at least partially abuts against the rear portion; When the sliding cover is slid backward, the unlocking protrusion moves backward along the unlocking channel, forcing the rear to open, the pair of locking arms to rotate, and the pair of latches to move closer to each other; When the sliding cover is released, the elastic force of the elastic clip forces the rear parts of the pair of locking arms to move closer together and reset, the unlocking protrusion moves forward along the unlocking channel, the sliding cover slides forward and resets, and the pair of hooks open and resets.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The sliding cover is provided with a flange; The accommodating space forms a groove; The flange is slidably accommodated in the groove.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The unlocking channels have different widths; At least a portion of the outer contour of the unlocking protrusion is adapted to the inner contour of the unlocking channel.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The unlocking channel has a first width near the front position and a second width away from the front position; the second width is smaller than the first width. The inner contour of the unlocking channel is triangular; The outer contour of the unlocking bump is triangular.

13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The inner contour wall of the rear portion of the pair of locking arms is an inclined surface that is inclined along a front-back direction. The unlocking protrusion has an outer contour wall, and at least a portion of the outer contour wall is an inclined surface that is inclined along the front-back direction; At least a portion of the outer contour wall of the unlocking protrusion abuts against the inner contour wall at the rear. When the sliding cover is moved backward, at least a portion of the outer contour wall pushes the inner contour wall outward, forcing the rear portion to open relative to the inner contour wall.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body has a main body and a connector; The accommodating space is formed on the top wall of the main body; The connector protrudes forward from the front wall of the main body, and each of the two side walls of the connector forms an exposed terminal receiving groove; The bottom wall of the main body forms an upwardly extending limiting groove.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: The electrical connector also includes a pair of sheet-shaped conductive terminals and a U-shaped plug; Each conductive terminal has a front section, a rear section, and a notch located between the front section and the rear section; The front end enters the terminal receiving groove of the connector and is exposed to the outside to form an electrical connection with the mating terminal of the complementary connector; The rear section is located within the main body and is connected to a cable; The notch is aligned with the limiting groove; The plug is placed in the limiting groove and inserted into the recess to restrict the forward and backward movement of the conductive terminal.

16. A connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector, characterized in that: One of the plug connector and the socket connector is an electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that: The other of the plug connector and the socket connector is the complementary connector; The complementary connector includes a mating insulating body and a mating cavity formed in the mating insulating body, wherein a hook engagement portion is provided in the mating cavity; The hook of the electrical connector selectively engages or disengages from the hook mating portion.

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