Anti-mislock connector

Abstract

The application discloses a mistaken locking prevention connector, when a locking piece is pre-installed, a locking end of a sheath is installed in a locking groove of the locking piece, a limiting protrusion is located in a limiting opening, and a protruding block of an elastic arm is clamped in an unlocking groove; when primary locking is performed, a terminal is inserted into the sheath from back to front, a locking block of the elastic arm is clamped in a primary locking opening, an auxiliary protrusion is inserted into the unlocking groove, and the protruding block of the elastic arm is pushed out of the unlocking groove; when secondary locking is performed, the locking piece is pushed, the protruding block of the elastic arm is made to pass the limiting protrusion, and a secondary locking protruding part is clamped into a secondary locking opening. The application has the beneficial effects that the problem of the locking piece being locked in error before the terminal is completely installed into the connector due to non-standard operation, error operation or collision in a transportation process is effectively avoided, the number of connector rework and the scrappage rate during wire harness production are reduced and lowered, and good contact of the terminal pair in a subsequent connector use process is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors, and more particularly to a connector designed to prevent accidental locking. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are commonly used to establish electrical connections between devices and cables, and are typically designed as plugs and sockets. To ensure a reliable electrical connection, the terminals must be properly locked inside the connector.

[0003] For some larger connectors, in addition to the primary locking mechanism, the power terminals (hereinafter referred to as terminals) typically require a terminal locking mechanism (TPA) for further reinforcement to improve locking reliability. Furthermore, for connectors lacking visual, auditory, or tactile feedback after primary locking, the TPA is often used to assist the operator in confirming the completion of the primary locking. Conventional technology employs a recessed-convex nesting mechanism to provide greater terminal holding force. This type of mechanism typically has an opening on the terminal and a protrusion on the TPA. The TPA protrusion can embed into the opening of the terminal, preventing terminal movement. The TPA is mounted on the sheath containing the terminal and can move relative to the sheath, having both locked and unlocked positions. After the terminal is inserted into the sheath and primary locking is completed, moving the TPA from the unlocked position to the locked position allows the TPA protrusion to embed into the terminal opening, completing the secondary locking of the terminal.

[0004] Before the connector using this type of mechanism completes the first locking, the TPA (Transmitter Plate Apparatus) may mistakenly move from the unlocked position to the locked position prematurely due to operator error, accidental contact, or impact during connector transportation. This forces the operator to retract the TPA from the locked position to the unlocked position when installing the terminal, increasing the process steps and reducing production efficiency. Furthermore, some TPAs ​​are designed for irreversible operation, meaning they cannot be unlocked after locking, or are difficult to unlock. If a mis-lock occurs, the entire connector will be scrapped, increasing material waste for the manufacturer. If the first locking of the connector terminal is not actually completed, but the operator moves the TPA to the locked position, mistakenly believing that both the first and second locking are complete, and proceeds to the next process, this can also lead to serious terminal contact problems and safety hazards due to improper terminal installation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a connector that prevents accidental locking.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a connector for preventing accidental locking, comprising a terminal, a locking member and a sheath, wherein a primary locking opening is provided on the plate surface of the locking end of the terminal, and a secondary locking opening is provided on the side wall of the plate surface of the locking end of the terminal, and a raised auxiliary protrusion is also provided on the end face of the locking end of the terminal, wherein the primary locking opening is located between the auxiliary protrusion and the secondary locking opening on the front projection plane;

[0007] The locking end of the sheath has a slot that extends backward. A primary locking spring arm that extends forward is provided in the slot. A locking block is provided on the inner side wall of the primary locking spring arm. Limiting protrusions are provided on the outer side wall of the locking end of the sheath. Two spaced recesses are also provided at the bottom of the front end face of the sheath. A limiting protrusion is provided at the bottom of the recess. An unlocking groove is also provided at the bottom of the recess. The unlocking groove extends backward and communicates with the inner cavity of the sheath.

[0008] The locking member has a locking groove, and one side wall of the locking groove is open. The side wall of the locking groove away from the opening is provided with an inward secondary locking protrusion. The bottom of the locking groove is provided with two spaced elastic arms. The elastic arms extend toward the opening of the locking groove, and the ends of the elastic arms are provided with rearward protrusions. Limit openings are also provided on the front and rear side walls of the locking member.

[0009] When the locking component is pre-installed, the locking end of the sheath is installed in the locking groove of the locking component, and the limiting protrusion is located in the limiting opening. The protrusion of the elastic arm is stuck in the unlocking groove. The limiting protrusion and the limiting opening have a movable gap in the vertical direction. The distance of the movable gap is greater than or equal to the distance between the unlocking groove and the bottom of the locking end of the sheath.

[0010] During the first locking, the terminal is inserted into the sheath from back to front, and the locking block of the first locking spring arm is stuck in the first locking opening. At this time, the auxiliary protrusion is inserted into the unlocking groove and pushes the protrusion of the spring arm out of the unlocking groove.

[0011] During secondary locking, the locking component is pushed so that the protrusion of the elastic arm passes over the limiting protrusion and the secondary locking protrusion is engaged in the secondary locking opening. At this time, the elastic arm is reset.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the locking groove is provided with a clearance groove corresponding to the elastic arm, and there is a clearance gap between the clearance groove and the corresponding elastic arm.

[0013] Optionally, the left and right side walls of the locking groove are provided with forward-extending notches, and the bottom of the notches is flush with the bottom of the locking groove.

[0014] Optionally, a reinforcing rib is provided on the outer side of the primary locking arm.

[0015] Optionally, when the locking member is in the primary locking position, the limiting protrusion contacts the side wall of the limiting opening near the unlocking groove, and when the locking member is in the secondary locking position, the limiting protrusion contacts the side wall of the limiting opening away from the unlocking groove.

[0016] Optionally, the rear sidewall of the locking block is a wedge-shaped surface.

[0017] Optionally, the sidewall of the limiting protrusion near the unlocking groove is the limiting end face, and the sidewall of the limiting protrusion away from the unlocking groove is the inclined sidewall.

[0018] The present invention has the following advantages: The anti-locking connector of the present invention effectively avoids the problem of premature locking of the connector TPA before the terminal is fully inserted into the connector caused by operator non-standard operation, incorrect operation or collision during transportation. It fundamentally eliminates the problems of connector rework, connector scrapping and improper terminal installation caused by TPA mislocking, reduces the number of connector rework and scrap rate during wire harness production, and ensures good contact of terminal pairs during subsequent connector use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the locking component

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the sheath

[0023] Figure 5 This is a partial sectional view of the locking element in pre-locking mode;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of point A in the diagram;

[0025] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of point B in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view after the terminal has been locked once;

[0027] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of point C in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view of point D in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a partial sectional view after the terminal secondary locking is completed;

[0030] Figure 12This is an enlarged view of point E in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 13 This is an enlarged view of point F in the diagram;

[0032] In the figure, 1-terminal, 2-locking component, 3-sheath, 11-primary locking opening, 12-auxiliary protrusion, 13-secondary locking opening, 21-limiting opening, 22-elastic arm, 23-secondary locking protrusion, 31-limiting protrusion, 32-primary locking spring arm, 33-unlocking groove, 34-locking groove. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0035] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other.

[0036] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an anti-lock connector includes a terminal 1, a locking member 2, and a sheath 3. In this embodiment, the terminal 1 is a rigid member, and the locking end of the terminal 1 consists of two spaced rigid plates. During use, the distance between the two rigid plates remains essentially unchanged. A primary locking opening 11 is provided on the plate surface of the locking end of the terminal 1. Further, the primary locking opening 11 is a rectangular hole, and a secondary locking opening 13 is provided on the side wall of the plate surface of the locking end of the terminal 1. The secondary locking opening 13 is a rectangular notch. A raised auxiliary protrusion 12 is also provided on the end face of the locking end of the terminal 1. On the front projection plane, the primary locking opening 11 is located between the auxiliary protrusion 12 and the secondary locking opening 13. Further, the front end of the auxiliary protrusion 12 is a rounded or chamfered structure, which facilitates the easy insertion of the auxiliary protrusion 12 into the unlocking groove 33. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the locking end of the sheath 3 has a slot that extends rearward. In this embodiment, the slot is also a rectangular notch. A primary locking spring arm 32 extending forward is provided inside the slot. A locking block is provided on the inner sidewall of the primary locking spring arm 32. The rear sidewall of the locking block is a wedge-shaped surface. Furthermore, a reinforcing rib is provided on the outer side of the primary locking spring arm 32. The reinforcing rib can increase the structural strength of the primary locking spring arm 32. Although the structural strength of the primary locking spring arm 32 is increased, it is still far inferior to that of the rigid terminal 1. That is to say, when the locking block interferes with the terminal 1, the primary locking spring arm 32 will move backward. The locking arm 32 flips outward, undergoing elastic deformation. When the primary locking arm 32 loses its compressive force, it can return to its original position under the action of elastic restoring force. The addition of reinforcing ribs increases the number of times the primary locking arm 32 flips outward, thus ensuring the reliability of its use. Limiting protrusions 31 are provided on the outer side wall of the locking end of the sheath 3. Two spaced grooves are also provided at the bottom of the front end face of the sheath 3. The bottom of each groove has a forward-protruding limiting protrusion, and an unlocking groove 33 is also provided at the bottom of the groove. The unlocking groove 33 extends backward and communicates with the inner cavity of the sheath 3, while the groove outside the limiting protrusion forms a locking groove. Figure 3As shown, the locking member 2 has a locking groove, and one side wall of the locking groove is open. The side wall of the locking groove away from the opening is provided with an inward secondary locking protrusion 23. In this embodiment, the side wall opening of the locking groove is close to the unlocking groove 33, which facilitates the locking groove to be pushed on the sleeve 3, that is, the change from the primary locking state to the secondary locking state. The bottom of the locking groove is provided with two spaced elastic arms 22. The elastic arms 22 extend towards the opening of the locking groove, and the ends of the elastic arms 22 are provided with rearward protrusions. Furthermore, the bottom of the locking groove is provided with a relief groove corresponding to the elastic arm 22. There is a relief gap between the relief groove and the corresponding elastic arm 22, which increases the activity space of the elastic arm 22. When the auxiliary protrusion 12 pushes the protrusion out of the unlocking groove 33, the elastic arm 22 deforms in the relief groove without being interfered with by other components, thereby ensuring the reliability of the deformation of the elastic arm 22.

[0040] In this embodiment, the sheath 3 and the locking element 2 are both plastic parts, manufactured using injection molding. Figure 1 As shown, limiting openings 21 are also provided on the front and rear side walls of the locking member 2. When the locking member 2 is installed, the limiting protrusion 31 enters the limiting opening 21 to prevent the locking member 2 from retracting in the fastening direction. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the front end face of the limiting protrusion 31 is an inclined surface, while the rear end face of the limiting protrusion 31 is a stop end face. During installation, the locking member 2 and the protective sleeve 3 are close together. When the limiting protrusion 31 contacts the corresponding side wall of the locking member 2, the limiting protrusion 31 will push up the side wall of the locking member 2. Furthermore, the left and right side walls of the locking groove are provided with forward-extending notches, and the bottom of the notches is flush with the bottom of the locking groove. Through the notches, the front and rear side walls of the locking member 2 are divided into two sections, so that after the limiting protrusion 31 interferes with the side wall of the locking member 2, the left and right side walls of the locking member 2 can be pushed outward. Since the end of the left and right side walls away from the notch is also connected to the corner of the locking member 2, the structural strength of the locking member 2 is guaranteed, thereby preventing the limiting protrusion 31 from damaging the side wall of the locking member 2. Moreover, when the limiting protrusion 31 enters the limiting slot, the pushed side wall can be reset.

[0041] In this embodiment, during the assembly process of the locking member 2, the sheath 3 and the terminal 1, the locking member 2 has three states: pre-installation of the locking member 2, first locking, and second locking. The assembly process of the locking member 2, the sheath 3 and the terminal 1 will be described in detail below according to the three states of the locking member 2.

[0042] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, during the pre-installation of the locking component 2, the locking end of the sleeve 3 is installed in the locking groove of the locking component 2, and the limiting protrusion 31 is located within the limiting opening 21. The protrusion of the elastic arm 22 is engaged in the unlocking groove 33. The limiting protrusion 31 and the limiting opening 21 have a vertical clearance. The distance of the vertical clearance is greater than or equal to the distance between the unlocking groove 33 and the bottom of the locking end of the sleeve 3. That is, when the limiting opening 21 of the locking component 2 engages with the limiting protrusion 31 of the sleeve 3, the locking component 2 can move within a certain range on the sleeve 3 without separating. The operator needs to move the locking component 2 so that the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 is engaged in the unlocking groove 33. At this time, the engagement of the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 with the unlocking groove 33 will prevent the locking member 2 from moving along the extension direction of its elastic arm 22, thus realizing the pre-installation of the locking member 2. In this embodiment, after the locking member 2 is pre-installed, the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 is stuck in the unlocking groove 33, and at this time, the limiting protrusion 31 contacts the side wall of the limiting opening 21 near the unlocking groove 33. That is to say, when installing the locking member 2, after the limiting protrusion engages with the limiting protrusion 31, the limiting protrusion is pushed to contact the side wall of the limiting opening 21 near the unlocking groove 33, which can ensure that the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 is stuck in the unlocking groove 33, thereby facilitating the pre-installation of the locking member 2.

[0043] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, during the first locking, terminal 1 is inserted into the sheath 3 from back to front, and the locking block of the first locking spring arm 32 is engaged in the first locking opening 11. At this time, the auxiliary protrusion 12 is inserted into the unlocking groove 33, and pushes the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 out of the unlocking groove 33. During installation, terminal 1 is pushed or pulled to the final position along the axial direction of the sheath 3. At this time, the secondary locking opening 13 of terminal 1 is aligned with the secondary locking protrusion of the locking member 2, and the first locking spring arm 32 of the sheath 3 enters into the first locking opening 11 of terminal 1, thereby completing the first locking. The auxiliary protrusion 12 of terminal 1 enters into the unlocking groove 33, and pushes the protrusion on the elastic arm 22 out of the unlocking groove 33. When the elastic arm 22 is lifted, it undergoes elastic deformation, and the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 disengages from the unlocking groove 33. At this time, the unlocking groove 33 and the limiting protrusion no longer prevent the locking member 2 from moving in the direction of extension of the elastic arm 22. Thus, the connector can only move the locking member 2 after the terminal 1 has been locked once, so as to lock the terminal 1 a second time. Moreover, during operation, if the locking member 2 is observed to be in the unlocked position and the locking member 2 is pushed or pulled to the locked position, and the locking member 2 is difficult to push or pull, the operator can sense that the terminal 1 has not been locked once. Then, the operator can continue to push or pull the terminal 1 so that the terminal 1 is locked once.

[0044] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, during secondary locking, the operator pushes the locking member 2, causing the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 to pass over the limiting protrusion and enter the locking groove 34, and causing the secondary locking protrusion 23 to engage in the secondary locking opening 13. At this time, the elastic arm 22 resets. In actual operation, when the operator pushes the locking member 2, due to the limiting protrusion 31 and the limiting opening 21, the locking member 2 will only move back and forth in the extension direction of the elastic arm 22. After pushing the locking member 2, the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 will pass over the limiting protrusion. At this time, the elastic arm 22 is deformed and resets. The limiting protrusion is located inside the protrusion of the elastic arm 22, and the secondary locking protrusion 23 engages in the secondary locking opening 13, thereby preventing locking. As component 2 continues to move, it also prevents terminal 1 from moving axially, thus achieving secondary locking of terminal 1. Furthermore, the sidewall of the limiting protrusion near the unlocking groove 33 is a limiting end face, and the sidewall of the limiting protrusion away from the unlocking groove 33 is an inclined sidewall. When the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 is located within the unlocking groove 33, the limiting end face of the limiting protrusion can resist the protrusion, thereby restricting the movement of locking component 2. When the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 passes over the limiting protrusion, the sidewall of the limiting protrusion away from the unlocking groove 33 becomes an inclined sidewall. Therefore, during unlocking, the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 needs to pass over the limiting protrusion. Without external force, the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 can hardly pass over the limiting protrusion, thus ensuring the stability of the secondary lock on terminal 1. Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 In the diagram, the arrow indicates the direction of movement of the locking element during the locking process.

[0045] In this embodiment, the movable gap is equal to the distance between the unlocking groove 33 and the bottom of the locking end of the sheath 3. That is, when the locking member 2 is in the first locking position, the limiting protrusion 31 contacts the limiting opening 21 near the side wall of the unlocking groove 33. When the locking member 2 is in the second locking position, the limiting protrusion 31 contacts the limiting opening 21 away from the side wall of the unlocking groove 33. During the initial installation, the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 directly enters the unlocking groove 33.

[0046] When unlocking, push the locking member 2 so that the protrusion of the elastic arm 22 moves in the opposite direction past the limiting protrusion and causes the secondary locking protrusion 23 to exit the secondary locking opening 13. At this time, it contacts the secondary locking of the terminal 1. Then, use a tool (such as a pry bar) to remove the locking block of the primary locking spring arm 32 from the primary locking opening 11, thereby contacting the primary locking of the terminal 1. Then drag the terminal 1 to disassemble the terminal 1 from the sheath 3. Then, use a tool to pry up the left and right side walls of the locking member 2 so that the limiting protrusion 31 exits the limiting opening 21. Then, separate the locking member 2 from the sheath 3 to complete the disassembly of the locking member 2 from the sheath 3.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1.A mistaken lockproof connector, comprising a terminal, a lock piece and a sheath, characterized in that: a primary lock opening is arranged on the plate surface of the terminal lock end, a secondary lock opening is arranged on the side wall of the plate surface of the terminal lock end, and an auxiliary protrusion is arranged on the end surface of the terminal lock end, the primary lock opening is located between the auxiliary protrusion and the secondary lock opening in the front side projection surface; a split slot is arranged on the lock end of the sheath and extends backward, a primary lock spring arm extending forward is arranged in the split slot, a lock block is arranged on the inner side wall of the primary lock spring arm, limit protrusions are arranged on the outer side wall of the lock end of the sheath, two spaced apart sunken grooves are arranged on the bottom of the front end surface of the sheath, a limit convex block extending forward is arranged on the groove bottom of the sunken groove, an unlocking groove is arranged on the groove bottom of the sunken groove and communicates with the inner cavity of the sheath; a lock slot is arranged on the lock piece, one side wall of the lock slot is open, a secondary lock protrusion extending inward is arranged on the side wall of the lock slot far from the opening, two spaced apart elastic arms are arranged on the groove bottom of the lock slot, the elastic arms extend to the opening direction of the lock slot, and a convex block extending backward is arranged on the end of the elastic arm, limit openings are arranged on the front and back side walls of the lock piece; when the lock piece is pre-installed, the lock end of the sheath is installed in the lock slot of the lock piece, the limit protrusions are located in the limit openings, the convex block of the elastic arm is clamped in the unlocking groove, the limit protrusions and the limit openings have a movable gap in the up-down direction, the distance of the movable gap is greater than or equal to the distance between the unlocking groove and the bottom of the lock end of the sheath; when primary locking, the terminal is inserted into the sheath from back to front, and the lock block of the primary lock spring arm is clamped in the primary lock opening, at this time, the auxiliary protrusion is inserted into the unlocking groove, and the convex block of the elastic arm is pushed out of the unlocking groove; when secondary locking, the lock piece is pushed so that the convex block of the elastic arm passes over the limit convex block, and the secondary lock protrusion is clamped into the secondary lock opening, at this time, the elastic arm is reset; a avoiding slot corresponding to the elastic arm is arranged on the bottom of the lock slot, and the avoiding slot and the corresponding elastic arm have a avoiding gap; a notch extending forward is arranged on the left and right side walls of the lock slot, and the bottom of the notch is flush with the groove bottom of the lock slot; a reinforcing rib is arranged on the outer side of the primary lock spring arm; when the lock piece is in primary locking, the limit protrusions contact the side wall of the limit openings close to the unlocking groove, and when the lock piece is in secondary locking, the limit protrusions contact the side wall of the limit openings far from the unlocking groove; the back side wall of the lock block is a wedge surface; the side wall of the limit convex block close to the unlocking groove is a limit end surface, and the side wall of the limit convex block far from the unlocking groove is an inclined side wall. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​ 3. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​ 4. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​ 5. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​ 6. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​ 7. A mistake-proof connector according to claim 1, wherein: ​

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