Female joint and joint assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a female joint and a joint assembly, the female joint comprises a female joint shell and a clamping piece, and the clamping piece comprises a holding part and a locking part. The retaining part is elastically deformable, the retaining part and the locking part can enter the receiving channel through the retaining channel and the locking channel respectively, and the clamping piece is provided with a first position and a second position and can move between the first position and the second position in the radial direction of the female connector shell. And the retaining part can elastically deform under the action of the male joint so as to provide a force for driving the clamping piece to move from the first position to the second position. The clamping piece located at the first position can move to the second position only after the male connector and the female connector are fixed, and therefore whether the male connector and the female connector are fixed or not can be judged visually.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on May 23, 2024, with application number 202410649550.X, entitled "Female Connector and Connector Assembly", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of connector assembly technology, and more specifically, to a quick-connect type female connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0004] Quick-connect fittings are tool-free connectors that allow for the connection or disconnection of pipes. They typically consist of a male and a female connector, which are respectively attached to the two pipes to be connected. Without the need for external tools, the user can directly insert the male connector into the female connector to achieve the assembly connection, allowing fluid to flow through the fitting assembly and thus connecting the two pipes.

[0005] Since the male connector is inserted into the female connector, it is difficult to determine from the outside whether the male connector is fully inserted. Therefore, connector assemblies usually also include indicator components, such as clips or retainers, to show whether the male connector is fully inserted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Through long-term observation and research, the inventors of this application discovered that during the process of inserting the male connector into the female connector, the indicating state of the indicator component is the same when the male connector is in certain insertion positions as the indicating state after the male connector is fully inserted, which may make it difficult for the operator to clearly identify whether the male connector is fully inserted.

[0007] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to a first aspect of this application, a female connector is provided for receiving and securing a male connector. The male connector includes a male connector recess disposed on its outer side. The female connector includes a female connector housing and a retaining member. The female connector housing defines a receiving channel extending axially therein to receive the male connector axially. The female connector housing includes a retaining channel and a locking channel communicating with the receiving channel, the retaining channel and the locking channel being located on opposite sides of the receiving channel. The retaining member is movably connected to the female connector housing. The retaining member includes a retaining portion and a locking portion. The retaining portion is elastically deformable. The retaining portion and the locking portion are respectively capable of entering the receiving channel through the retaining channel and the locking channel. The retaining member has a first position and a second position and is movable radially between the first position and the second position of the female connector housing. The retaining portion is elastically deformable under the action of the male connector to provide a force driving the retaining member from the first position to the second position.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the female connector has not yet received the male connector, the locking member is in the first position, and the retaining portion extends at least partially through the retaining channel into the receiving channel; and when the male connector is received by the female connector and secured in place in the female connector by the locking member, the locking member is in the second position, the male connector recess is aligned with the locking channel, the locking portion enters at least partially through the locking channel into the male connector recess, and the retaining portion exits the receiving channel and abuts against the outside of the male connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the male connector is received by the female connector but has not yet been fixed in place in the female connector, the locking member is in the first position, and the retaining part is elastically deformed under the action of the male connector, and exits the receiving channel and abuts against the outside of the male connector.

[0010] In some embodiments, the retaining portion includes a connecting end and a free end, the free end of the retaining portion being movable about the connecting end in a direction away from the receiving channel to cause the retaining portion to elastically deform, and the free end of the retaining portion extending through the retaining channel into the receiving channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the retaining portion includes an engaging portion, and the female connector housing includes a mating portion, wherein the engaging portion and the mating portion engage to retain the locking member in the first position before the female connector receives the male connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the engagement portion includes a hook portion, and the mating portion is formed by the edge of the retaining channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the retaining portion includes a guide surface disposed at the free end, the guide surface being an inclined surface extending radially at an angle relative to the female connector housing, configured to guide the locking member to move radially from the second position to the first position along the female connector housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mating portion of the female connector housing includes an inclined wall, the top of which is a slope complementary to the guide surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining portion includes an inclined section, a bent section, and a vertical section. The inclined section connects the connecting end and the bent section and extends radially inclined relative to the female connector housing. The vertical section connects the bent section and the free end and extends radially along the female connector housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the locking element further includes a cover portion located radially outside the retaining portion and outside the female connector housing; wherein, when the locking element is in the first position, the cover portion abuts against the female connector housing, and when the locking element is in the second position, the cover portion is away from the female connector housing by a certain distance.

[0017] In some embodiments, the female connector further includes an indicator detachably connected to the outside of the female connector housing, the indicator including a receiving groove; wherein, when the locking member is in the first position, at least a portion of the locking member extends into the receiving groove to prevent the indicator from being disassembled, and when the locking member is in the second position, the locking member retracts from the receiving groove to allow the indicator to be disassembled, thereby indicating that the male connector and the female connector are securely in place.

[0018] In some embodiments, the indicator is slidably connected to the female connector housing along the axial direction.

[0019] According to a second aspect of this application, this application provides a connector assembly including a male connector and a female connector according to any one of the first aspects.

[0020] In this application, "male connector" refers to a connector used for active insertion, and "female connector" refers to a connector used for passive reception.

[0021] In the female connector and connector assembly of this application, the female connector achieves the assembly of the male connector and the female connector through the cooperation structure of the retaining part and the locking part. The retaining part can block the insertion path of the male connector, eliminating the need for the locking part to block the insertion path of the male connector. Therefore, the locking member can move to the second position only after the male connector is inserted and in place. Thus, the locking member in the first position will only move to the second position after the male connector and the female connector are fixed, making the appearance of the female connector before and after the male connector is installed inconsistent. Therefore, it is possible to visually determine whether the male connector and the female connector are fixed.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following description of the application with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A This is a perspective structural diagram of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 1B for Figure 1A Exploded view of the connector assembly;

[0025] Figure 2A When the card is in the first position, Figure 1A Side view of the female connector in the middle;

[0026] Figure 2B When the card is in the second position, Figure 1A Side view of the female connector in the middle;

[0027] Figure 2C for Figure 1A Exploded view of the female connector in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 3A for Figure 1A A 3D structural diagram of the card components;

[0029] Figure 3B for Figure 3A The card shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0030] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This shows the mating structure of the connector assembly when the male connector is not inserted;

[0031] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The mating structure of the connector assembly is shown during the insertion of the male connector;

[0032] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This shows the mating structure of the connector assembly after the male connector is inserted and in place;

[0033] Figure 7A A perspective structural view of a female connector according to another embodiment of this application is shown;

[0034] Figure 7B Show Figure 7A The female connector shown is a cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0035] Figure 7C Show Figure 7A An exploded view of the female connector shown;

[0036] Figure 8A and Figure 8B When the card is in the first position, Figure 7A The structure of the female connector in the middle;

[0037] Figure 9A and Figure 9B When the card is in the second position, Figure 7A The structure of the female connector in the middle.

[0038] Main Identification Description

[0039] Connector assembly 100; Female connector 102; Male connector 104; Female connector housing 110; Receiving channel 111; Locking element 120; Male connector channel 124; Male connector recess 125; Outer surface 127; Guide portion 181; Slot 208; Body 212; Locking channel 215; Top receiving opening 216; Retaining portion 230; Top 231; Locking portion 232; Bottom 233; Side portion 234; Cover portion 235; Retaining channel 238; Connection 240; 241; 252; 253; 254; 273; 277; 277; 336; 337; 342; 343; 344; 345; 346; 358; 471; 702; 750; 751; 755; 756; 757; 759. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," are used herein to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are illustrative only and should not be considered limiting.

[0041] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The general structure of a connector assembly 100 including a female connector 102 according to one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1A This diagram shows a perspective view of a connector assembly 100 including a female connector 102 according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the connector assembly 100, wherein the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 are separated. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the connector assembly 100 includes a male connector 104 and a female connector 102, with the female connector 102 including a locking member 120. The male connector 104 and the female connector 102 are fixedly connected by a plug-in connection and locked relative to each other by the locking member 120. In this embodiment, the male connector 104 is partially inserted into the female connector 102, thereby achieving fluid communication between the male connector 104 and the female connector 102.

[0042] In this embodiment, the female connector 102 and the male connector 104 are generally coaxially arranged cylindrical shapes, sharing a common axis i. For ease of description, in this application, the extension direction of axis i is defined as axial, the direction around axis i is defined as circumferential, and the direction perpendicular to axis i is defined as radial. The male connector 104 is inserted axially into the receiving channel 111 of the female connector 102. Both the male connector channel 124 and the receiving channel 111 extend axially. In some other embodiments, the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 may also be any other shape and may be non-axially arranged. In this application, the direction on the female connector 102 side is referred to as front, and the direction on the male connector 104 side is referred to as rear. The direction closer to the axis is referred to as inward, and the direction farther from the axis is referred to as outward.

[0043] The male connector 104 is generally a straight cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the male connector 104 may also be a bent tube or a cylindrical shape with other cross-sectional shapes. The male connector 104 has an internal male connector channel 124. The male connector channel 124 extends through the male connector 104. The outer surface 127 of the male connector 104 has an inwardly recessed male connector recess 125. The male connector recess 125 is used to receive a locking portion 232 of the female connector 102's latch 120 (see further details). Figure 8B This allows for the fixed connection and locking of the male connector 104 and female connector 102 relative to each other. In this embodiment, the male connector recess 125 is annular and surrounds the outer periphery of the male connector 104. The male connector 104 has a guide portion 181 at one end for insertion into the female connector 102 (see further details). Figure 4AThe guide surface 342 on the guide portion 181 and the retaining portion 230 of the locking piece 120 cooperates to guide the male connector 104 into the locking piece 120 of the female connector 102, and drives the retaining portion 230 to undergo elastic deformation (see further details). Figure 4B and Figure 5B In this embodiment, the guide portion 181 and the guide surface 342 are inclined slopes extending radially and have complementary shapes. When the male connector 104 is forcefully inserted into the female connector 102, the guide portion 181 and the guide surface 342 generate a component force on the contact surface that drives the retaining portion 230 to elastically deform. In other embodiments, the guide portion 181 and the guide surface 342 may also have other shapes and structures.

[0044] The female connector 102 is generally a straight cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. To adapt to different application environments, in other embodiments, the female connector 102 may also be a bent pipe shape or a cylindrical shape with other cross-sectional shapes. The female connector 102 includes a female connector housing 110. The inner diameter of the female connector 102 at the proximal end of the female connector housing 110 for receiving the male connector 104 matches the outer diameter of the male connector 104, so that the male connector 104 can be inserted precisely into the female connector 102. In this embodiment, the distal end of the female connector housing 110 is provided with external threads, so that the female connector 102 can be threadedly connected to an external pipe (not shown in the figure) through the external threads. In other embodiments, the female connector 102 can also be connected to an external pipe in other ways, such as a clamp connection.

[0045] The female connector housing 110 defines an axially extending and penetrating receiving channel 111 for receiving and securing the male connector 104 axially through the receiving channel 111. When the male connector 104 is inserted axially into the female connector 102 in the direction of arrow x, the male connector channel 124 communicates with the receiving channel 111 of the female connector housing 110, thereby enabling fluid communication between the pipe connected to the male connector 104 and the pipe connected to the female connector 102.

[0046] Figure 2A-2C The specific structure of the female connector 102 is shown. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The side views of the female connector 102 are shown when the locking piece 120 is in the first position and when the locking piece 120 is in the second position, respectively. Figure 2C for Figure 2A An exploded view of the female connector 102. (See diagram below.) Figures 2A-2C As shown, the female connector 102 includes a female connector housing 110 and a retaining member 120. The retaining member 120 is connected to the rear side of the female connector housing 110, that is, the housing portion for inserting the male connector 104. Furthermore, the retaining member 120 is movable relative to the female connector housing 110, and when the retaining member 120 moves to different positions, the retaining member 120 can perform different functions.

[0047] Specifically, the female connector housing 110 includes a retaining channel 238 and a locking channel 215, which are located on opposite sides of the receiving channel 111 and communicate with it. In this embodiment, the retaining channel 238 is located at the top of the female connector housing 110, and the locking channel 215 is located at the bottom of the female connector housing 110. More specifically, the female connector housing 110 includes a slot 208, into which a locking member 120 can be inserted and moved to movably connect the locking member 120 to the female connector housing 110. The slot 208 is disposed on the rear side of the female connector housing 110 and extends radially through the female connector housing 110 to form a top receiving opening 216 at the top of the female connector housing 110 and a locking channel 215 at the bottom of the female connector housing 110. In this embodiment, both the top receiving opening 216 and the locking channel 215 are open to communicate the receiving channel 111 with the outside. In some other embodiments, the slot 208 may not completely penetrate the female connector housing 110, and one of the top receiving opening 216 and locking channel 215 may be open to facilitate the insertion of the card 120 into the slot 208.

[0048] Card 120 has such Figure 2A The first position shown and as Figure 2B The second position is shown. The locking member 120 includes a locking portion 232 disposed on the inner wall of its bottom. In this embodiment, the slot 208 extends radially along the female connector housing 110, meaning that the locking member 120 moves radially relative to the female connector housing 110 between a first position and a second position, for example, moving up and down. When the locking member 120 is in the first position, the locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 retracts from the receiving channel 111 to allow for the insertion path of the male connector 104, so that the locking member 120 does not interfere with the insertion process of the male connector 104. When the locking member 120 is in the second position, the locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 can at least partially enter the receiving channel 111 through the locking channel 215 to lock the male connector 104 relative to the female connector 102 after the male connector 104 is in place, thereby maintaining a fixed connection between the two.

[0049] The locking member 120 also includes a retaining portion 230, which is connected to the top of the locking member 120 and enters the receiving channel 111 through a retaining channel 238. The retaining portion 230 is elastically deformable, capable of being in an initial state and elastically deforming to a deformed state. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 230 includes an engaging portion, and the female connector housing 110 includes a mating portion. The engaging portion and the mating portion engage to hold the locking member 120 in a first position before the female connector 102 receives the male connector 104. The retaining portion 230 is elastically deformable under the action of the male connector 104 to provide a force driving the locking member 120 from the first position to a second position. Specifically, when the male connector 104 has not yet been inserted into the female connector 102, the locking member 120 is in the first position, the retaining portion 230 is in the initial state, and the retaining portion 230 extends at least partially through the retaining channel 238 into the receiving channel 111. When the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 but not yet in place, the locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 abuts against the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104, keeping the locking member 120 in the first position. The outer surface 127 of the male connector 104 presses against the retaining portion 230, causing the retaining portion 230 to elastically deform into a deformed state, and pushing the retaining portion 230 out of the receiving channel 111. The retaining portion 230 abuts against the outside of the male connector 104 and provides an upward restoring force to the locking member 120. When the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 and in place, the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104 aligns with the locking channel 215. Under the action of the restoring force, the locking member 120 moves to the second position, the locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 inserts into the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104, the retaining portion 230 returns to its initial state, abuts against the outside of the male connector 104, and exits the receiving channel 111. In other words, the locking element 120 is only in the second position when the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102. When the male connector 104 is not yet inserted into the female connector 102, or is not yet in place, the locking element 120 is in the first position.

[0050] More specifically, in this embodiment, the locking member 120 is annular in shape, including a top 231, a bottom 233, and a pair of sides 234, which are interconnected to form the locking member 120. The top 231 and bottom 233 are disposed opposite each other, and the pair of sides 234 are disposed opposite each other and connected generally vertically between the top 231 and bottom 233. The locking member 120 also includes a cover 235, which is located radially outside the retaining portion 230 and outside the female connector housing 110. In this embodiment, the cover 235 extends axially forward approximately from the front edge of the top 231. The cover 235 protrudes from the top 231. This arrangement allows the cover 235 to protect the retaining portion 230 from above and facilitates deformation of the retaining portion 230 by pressing the cover 235. Further integration Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, when the locking piece 120 is in the first position, both the top 231 and bottom 233 of the locking piece 120 are lower than and spaced a certain distance from the outer surface of the adjacent female connector housing 110, and the cover 235 abuts against the outer surface of the female connector housing 110 to prevent the locking piece 120 from falling out of the locking slot 208. When the locking piece 120 is in the second position, the top 231 and bottom 233 of the locking piece 120 are approximately flush with the outer surface of the adjacent female connector housing 110, and the cover 235 is a distance away from the female connector housing 110. Therefore, it is obvious from the appearance that the locking piece 120 is in the first or second position. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the locking piece 120 may not be annular but may have a notch, as long as it does not affect the movement of the locking piece 120.

[0051] A locking portion 232 is disposed on the inner wall of the bottom 233. In this embodiment, the locking portion 232 protrudes from the inner wall of the bottom 233 toward the receiving channel 111, for example, protruding radially. In other embodiments, the locking portion 232 may also include two or more protrusions protruding into the receiving channel 111. At least one of a pair of side portions 234 includes a boss 252 protruding outward from the outer surface of the side portion 234, the boss 252 having an identification area 253 for setting an identification element. In this application, the identification element may be a QR code or a trademark or other identification code. The boss 252 of the card 120 also has at least one further outwardly protruding protrusion 241, the protrusion 241 cooperating with the window 254 of the female connector housing 110 to restrict radial movement of the card 120 and prevent the card 120 from falling off from above the card slot 208.

[0052] The female connector housing 110 includes a body 212 and a connecting seat 240. The body 212 is used to provide a connection structure for connecting to an external pipe, and the connecting seat 240 is used to provide a connection structure for receiving and fixing the male connector 104. The body 212 and the connecting seat 240 are detachably connected together, for example, by engaging with corresponding snap-fit ​​structures provided on the rear side of the body 212 and the front side of the connecting seat 240, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process of the female connector housing 110. A groove 208 is provided on the rear side of the connecting seat 240 and extends radially through the connecting seat 240. In some embodiments, at least one sealing ring is also provided between the body 212 and the connecting seat 240 to prevent fluid leakage from the snap-fit ​​structure, for example, sealing ring 471 (see...). Figure 4B (As shown).

[0053] A retaining channel 238 is disposed on the connecting seat 240 on the front side of the top receiving opening 216, and a mating portion is formed by the edge of the retaining channel 238. When the locking piece 120 is inserted into the locking slot 208, the top 231 is at least partially located in the top receiving opening 216, the bottom 233 is at least partially located in the locking channel 215, and the retaining portion 230 is at least partially located in the retaining channel 238. In this embodiment, the retaining channel 238 is generally square in shape. The mating portion includes an inclined wall 277 disposed at the rear edge of the retaining channel 238. The inclined wall 277 extends forward and inwardly from the outer surface of the connecting seat 240. The inclined wall 277 matches the shape of the retaining portion 230, and the top of the inclined wall 277 is a slope complementary to the guide surface 342 of the retaining portion 230 (see [link]). Figure 6B This is such that when the retainer 120 moves radially between the first and second positions, the inclined wall 277 is positioned to abut against different portions of the retaining portion 230. This will be described in detail later regarding the specific structure of the retaining portion 230. Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the mating portion may have other structures, as long as the structure of the engaging portion is provided accordingly.

[0054] The connector 240 also includes at least one window 254, which is generally square in shape and its shape and size roughly match the protrusion 241 of the card 120, and its position corresponds to the marking area 253 on the boss 252. The window 254 communicates with the card slot 208. When the card 120 is in the second position, the window 254 fully exposes the marking on the marking area 253, while when the card 120 is in the first position, the marking on the marking area 253 is at least partially blocked by the connector 240. When the marking is set as a QR code, the operator can scan the QR code to determine whether the QR code is fully exposed. This arrangement allows the customer to easily confirm whether the card 120 is in the second position when the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102, thereby confirming whether the male connector 104 is properly installed.

[0055] In various embodiments of this application, both the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 are made of non-metallic materials, enabling the connector assembly 100 to be used in corrosive environments such as seawater and deserts. That is, the female connector housing 110 and the retaining element 120 are made of non-metallic materials, such as plastic or rubber. In this embodiment, both the female connector housing 110 and the retaining element 120 are made of plastic using a molding process. Therefore, the retaining element 120 ensures the strength of the fixed connection between the male connector 104 and the female connector 102, and the retaining portion 230 can have a certain degree of elasticity. Furthermore, the molding process is convenient.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the body 212 is further provided with a plurality of mounting grooves 273 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The mounting grooves 273 are recessed inward from the outer surface of the body 212, and each mounting groove 273 extends axially. An indicator (see [reference]) can be connected to the outside of the body 212 via the mounting grooves 273. Figures 7A-7C (Example shown).

[0057] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A more detailed structure of card 120 is shown. (The diagram shows the structure of the card 120.) Figure 3A This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of card 120 viewed from below. Figure 3B for Figure 3A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the card 120 along line AA, with the dashed box indicating a partial enlarged view of the card 120 at the retaining portion 230. (See diagram below.) Figures 3A-3B As shown, the clip 120 has a certain thickness in the axial direction to ensure the strength of the plastic clip 120.

[0058] The shape of the locking part 232 approximately matches the shape of the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104, so that the locking part 232 can be inserted into the male connector recess 125. Furthermore, the protrusion height of the locking part 232 is set such that when the locking member 120 is in the first position, the locking part 232 is approximately flush with or lower than the inner wall of the receiving channel 111, thus not affecting the insertion of the male connector 104 into the female connector 102; when the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 are installed in place, the locking member 120 is in the second position, and the locking part 232 can protrude from the inner wall of the receiving channel 111 and extend into the receiving channel 111, thereby inserting into the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104 to securely connect the male connector 104 and the female connector 102.

[0059] Each of the inner walls of a pair of sides 234 of the locking member 120 is provided with a recess 358, which is formed by recessing from the inner surface of the side 234. The shape of the recess 358 is configured such that when the locking member 120 moves up and down between the first position and the second position, the side 234 does not obstruct the insertion of the male connector 104, but rather allows the male connector 104 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the outer contours of the recess 358 and the locking part 232 (i.e., the inner contour of the locking member 120) are approximately matched with the shape of the outer surface of the male connector 104, for example, a circle.

[0060] The retaining portion 230 is connected to the inner surface of the front side of the top 231 of the card 120 and extends forward and downward from the inner surface of the top 231. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 230 is an integrally formed sheet-like spring that provides a restoring force through the elastic deformation of the spring. Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the retaining portion can also be a separately formed assembly, as long as it is elastic and can enter and exit the receiving channel 111. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the retaining portion can also be separately disposed from the card, as long as it can provide a restoring force to move the card to the second position.

[0061] The retaining portion 230 includes a connecting end 336 and a free end 337. The free end 337 is movable about the connecting end 336 in a direction away from the receiving channel 111 to undergo elastic deformation, and the free end 337 can extend into the receiving channel 111 through the retaining channel 238. In this embodiment, the free end 337 moves forward and outward. Specifically, in this embodiment, the retaining portion 230 includes an inclined section 344, a bent section 343, and a vertical section 345, with the inclined section 344 and the vertical section 345 connected to each other at the bent section 343. The inclined section 344 is connected to the connecting end 336, and the vertical section 345 is connected to the free end 337. The inclined section 344 connects the connecting end 336 and the bent section 343 and extends inclined relative to the radial direction. The vertical section 345 connects the bent section 343 and the free end 337 and extends radially. In this embodiment, the inclined segment 344 extends downward (i.e., inward) relative to the radial direction from the connecting end 336 to the bending segment 343. In some embodiments, the inclination angle of the inclined segment 344 coincides with the inclination angle of the inclined wall 277 of the female connector housing 110, so as to abut against the inclined wall 277 when the locking member 120 is in the first position and the retaining part 230 is in the initial state. The vertical segment 345 extends radially vertically from the bending segment 343, approximately downward (i.e., inward), to the free end 337. Thus, in the radial direction, the free end 337 is spaced a certain distance from the connecting end 336, so as to ensure that the free end 337 can extend into the receiving channel 111 when the distance between the top 231 of the locking member 120 and the female connector housing 110 is limited. In the axial direction, the free end 337 is located in front of the connecting end 336 so as to allow the free end 337 to deform forward around the connecting end 336. When subjected to a forward thrust at the free end 337, the retaining part 230 not only elastically deforms around the connecting end 336, but also elastically deforms at the bending section 343. By providing two deformable parts on the retaining part 230, the thrust required for the retaining part 230 to deform can be further reduced.

[0062] The retaining portion 230 includes a guide surface 342 disposed at the free end 337, the guide surface 342 being an inclined surface extending radially. In some embodiments, the guide surface 342 is further configured as an inclined surface complementary to the top of the inclined wall 277. In this embodiment, the guide surface 342 is disposed on the front side of the bottom of the vertical section 345. When the retaining portion 230 is in its initial state, during the forward insertion of the male connector 104 into the receiving channel 111, the male connector 104 applies a forward pushing force to the free end 337 of the retaining portion 230. This pushing force generates a component force on the guide portion 181 of the male connector 104 and the guide surface 342 of the retaining portion 230, causing the retaining portion 230 to elastically deform around the connecting end 336, and the free end 337 to move upward (i.e. outward) until it exits the receiving channel 111. When the retaining part 230 is in the initial state, during the process of disassembling the male connector 104, when the operator applies downward pressing pressure to the locking piece 120, a component force that drives the retaining part 230 to undergo elastic deformation can be generated at the contact point between the guide surface 342 and the inclined wall 277, so as to guide the retaining part 230 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby allowing the locking piece 120 to move from the second position to the first position.

[0063] The engaging portion of the retaining part 230 includes a hook portion 346, which protrudes axially from the front sidewall of the vertical section 345. The hook portion 346 is used to engage with the mating portion of the female connector housing 110, that is, to engage with the edge of the retaining channel 238. When the retaining part 230 is in the initial state and the locking member 120 is in the first position, the hook portion 346 hooks the front edge of the retaining channel 238 to prevent the locking member 120 from sliding upward and dislodging in the locking groove 208. Thus, the locking member 120 can be held in the first position by the cover portion 235 of the locking member 120 and the hook portion 346 of the retaining part 230.

[0064] In this embodiment, the shape and size of the retaining part 230 match the shape and size of the retaining channel 238. In this embodiment, the width of the retaining part 230 is set within a certain range. If the width is too large, the retaining part 230 will lack elasticity; if the width is too small, it will affect the service life of the spring.

[0065] The retaining part 230 of this application has a structure that combines an inclined section 344 and a vertical section 345, which ensures that the elastic deformation of the retaining part 230 has sufficient radial deformation size and no excessive axial deformation size.

[0066] Figures 4A-4B , Figures 5A-5B and Figures 6A-6B The installation process of inserting the male connector 104 into the female connector 102 is shown. Figures 4A-4B and Figures 5A-5B Card 120 is in the first position. Figures 6A-6B Card 120 is in the second position.

[0067] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This illustrates the mating structure of the connector assembly 100 when the male connector 104 is not yet inserted into the female connector 102. Figure 4A A side view of the connector assembly 100 is shown. Figure 4B An axial sectional view of the connector assembly 100 at the retaining portion 230 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, when the male connector 104 is not yet inserted into the female connector 102, the locking member 120 is in the first position. The top 231 and bottom 233 of the locking member 120 are both below the outer surface of the female connector housing 110. The locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 is withdrawn from the receiving channel 111 and located in the locking channel 215. That is, the locking portion 232 is not located on the insertion path of the male connector 104. At this time, the retaining portion 230 is in the initial state. The free end 337 of the retaining portion 230 extends into the receiving channel 111 through the retaining channel 238, the hook portion 346 of the retaining portion 230 hooks the front edge of the retaining channel 238, and the inclined section 344 abuts against the inclined wall 277 of the female connector housing 110. Furthermore, the cover portion 235 of the locking member 120 abuts against the outer surface of the female connector housing 110. At this time, the marking on the marking area 253 of the locking member 120 is at least partially obscured by the female connector housing 110.

[0068] As the operator inserts the male connector 104 into the receiving channel 111 of the female connector 102 from the right end to the left (i.e., from the rear end of the female connector 102 forward), the male connector 104 moves axially forward relative to the female connector 102. After the guide portion 181 of the male connector 104 contacts the guide surface 342 of the retaining portion 230, it pushes the free end 337 of the retaining portion 230 forward and upward around the connecting end 336, causing the free end 337 to exit the receiving channel 111, thus clearing the insertion path of the male connector 104. Furthermore, since the locking member 120 is in the first position, the locking part 232 will not obstruct the insertion of the male connector 104, allowing the male connector 104 to reach... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The location shown.

[0069] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The diagram shows the mating structure of the connector assembly 100 when the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102, but not yet in place. Figure 5A A side view of the connector assembly 100 is shown. Figure 5B An axial sectional view of the connector assembly 100 at the retaining portion 230 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, since the outer contours of the recess 358 and locking portion 232 of the locking member 120 (i.e., the inner contour of the locking member 120) match the outer contour of the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104, during the insertion of the male connector 104 into the female connector 102, although the male connector 104 pushes the retaining portion 230 to undergo elastic deformation, the position of the locking member 120 will not change due to the obstruction of the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104, and it will remain in the first position. At this time, the retaining portion 230 undergoes elastic deformation due to the push of the male connector 104, and the free end 337 of the retaining portion 230 elastically deforms forward and upward around the connecting end 336, and the free end 337 exits the receiving channel 111 to a position on the front side within the retaining channel 238. The hook portion 346 leaves the front edge of the retaining channel 238, and the inclined section 344 also leaves the inclined wall 277. Under the elastic force of the retaining part 230, the free end 337 still abuts against the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104 and applies an upward restoring force to the locking piece 120, causing the locking piece 120 to tend to move upward to the second position. At this time, the markings on the marking area 253 of the locking piece 120 are still at least partially obscured by the female connector housing 110.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, there may be a slight gap between the male connector 104 and the inner contour of the locking piece 120, so that the locking piece 120 can move slightly upward, but cannot reach the second position.

[0071] As the operator continues to insert the male connector 104 to the left into the receiving channel 111 of the female connector 102, until the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104 is aligned with the locking channel 215 of the female connector 102, the male connector 104 reaches the desired position. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The location shown.

[0072] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates the mating structure of the connector assembly 100 when the male connector 104 is inserted and in place, and the male connector 104 is fixedly connected to the female connector 102. Figure 6A A side view of the connector assembly 100 is shown. Figure 6B An axial sectional view of the connector assembly 100 at the retaining portion 230 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, the male connector 104 and female connector 102 are in the installed position, with the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104 aligned with the locking channel 215 of the female connector 102. The locking part 232 is no longer obstructed by the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104, thus the locking member 120 can move upward to the second position under the restoring force of the retaining part 230. The top 231 and bottom 233 of the locking member 120 are approximately flush with the outer surface of the female connector housing 110. The locking part 232 of the locking member 120 is inserted into the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104 through the locking channel 215, locking the male connector 104 and female connector 102 relative to each other. At this time, the retaining part 230 returns to its initial state, and the free end 337 of the retaining part 230 moves rearward and upward around the connecting end 336, so that the free end 337 is accommodated in the rearward position within the retaining channel 238, the inclined section 344 moves away from the retaining channel 238, and the guide surface 342 abuts against the inclined wall 277 of the female connector housing 110. The free end 337 abuts against the outer surface 127 of the male connector 104, so that the retaining part 230 and the locking part 232 together hold the locking member 120 in the second position. At this time, as the locking member 120 moves to the second position, the markings on the marking area 253 of the locking member 120 are fully exposed.

[0073] In this application, when the male connector 104 is not inserted into the female connector 102, or is not fully inserted, the locking member 120 is in the first position. Only when the male connector 104 is fully inserted into the female connector 102 can the locking member 120 reach the second position. Therefore, the operator can visually determine the position and status of the male connector 104 relative to the female connector 102 by observing the position of the locking member 120. In some embodiments, the operator can visually determine whether the locking member 120 is in the second position by checking whether the outer surface of the bottom 233 of the locking member 120 is flush with the bottom of the female connector housing 110, and thus determine whether the male connector 104 is fully inserted. In some embodiments, the operator can also determine whether the male connector 104 is fully inserted by checking whether the markings on the marking area 253 are fully exposed.

[0074] When it is necessary to disassemble the installed connector assembly 100, follow the instructions. Figures 6A-6B , Figures 5A-5B and Figures 4A-4B The parts can be disassembled in the following order. Specifically, the operator first presses the cover 235 of the clip 120, causing the retaining part 230 to elastically deform to a deformed state. The clip 120 can then move to the first position, and the locking part 232 of the clip 120 will disengage from the male connector recess 125 of the male connector 104. Then, the male connector 104 can be pulled out of the female connector 102.

[0075] Figures 7A-7C The specific structure of a female connector 702 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 7AA three-dimensional structural diagram of the female connector 702 is shown. Figure 7B A cross-sectional view of the female connector 702 along line BB at the mounting portion 751 of the indicator 750 is shown. Figure 7C An exploded view of the female connector 702 is shown. (As shown) Figures 7A-7C As shown, the structure of the female connector 702 is largely the same as that of the female connector 102, also including a female connector housing 110 and a locking member 120. The female connector housing 110 includes a body 212 and a connecting seat 240 connected to each other. The locking member 120 is inserted into a slot 208 on the connecting seat 240, and the locking member 120 is movable between a first position and a second position within the slot 208. The locking member 120 includes a retaining part 230 and a locking part 232. The retaining part 230 is capable of elastic deformation. The locking part 232 is disengaged from the receiving channel 111 when the locking member 120 is in the first position, and extends into the receiving channel 111 when the locking member 120 is in the second position. The structure of the female connector 702, which is largely the same as that of the female connector 102, will not be described again.

[0076] The difference between female connector 702 and female connector 102 is that female connector 702 also includes an indicator 750. The indicator 750 is used by the operator to further facilitate confirmation that the male and female connectors are installed in place. In this embodiment, the indicator 750 is detachably connected to the outside of the female connector housing 110, for example, axially slidingly connected to the outside of the female connector housing 110. The indicator 750 includes a receiving groove 756. When the locking member 120 is in a first position, at least a portion of the locking member 120 extends into the receiving groove 756 to prevent the indicator 750 from being disassembled. When the locking member 120 is in a second position, the locking member 120 retracts from the receiving groove 756 to allow the indicator 750 to be disassembled, thereby indicating that the male and female connectors 702 are securely in place. As an example, the indicator 750 is configured as an arcuate piece shape that conforms to the outer surface of the bottom of the female connector housing 110. The receiving groove 756 is located at the bottom of the indicator 750 and extends through the indicator 750. The shape and size of the receiving groove 756 match the shape and size of the bottom 233 of the card 120, so that when the card 120 is in the first position, the bottom 233 of the card 120 is received in the receiving groove 756, and the outer surface of the bottom 233 is flush with the outer surface of the bottom of the indicator 750.

[0077] The indicator 750 includes at least one mounting portion 751 disposed at the rear end of the indicator 750, through which the indicator 750 is connected to the female connector housing 110. As a specific example, each mounting portion 751 includes an inwardly projecting protrusion 755. In this embodiment, there are two mounting portions 751, each disposed at the rear end of the circumferential edge of the indicator 750. In other embodiments, the mounting portions 751 may be configured in other numbers or at other locations.

[0078] As described above, the outer surface of the body 212 is provided with a plurality of mounting grooves 273 arranged circumferentially and extending axially. Each mounting groove 273 includes a connecting snap-fit ​​groove 757 and a disengagement groove 759, with the disengagement groove 759 located in front of the snap-fit ​​groove 757. Both the snap-fit ​​groove 757 and the disengagement groove 759 extend axially, but the depth of the disengagement groove 759 is less than the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove 757. The shape of the snap-fit ​​groove 757 matches the shape of the protrusion 755 of the mounting portion 751, so that the protrusion 755 of the mounting portion 751 can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove 757 of the mounting groove 273. In this embodiment, the protrusion 755 is generally a hook-shaped protrusion inclined radially, and the snap-fit ​​groove 757 is an inclined groove inclined radially.

[0079] Therefore, the indicator 750 can be connected to the outer side of the bottom of the female connector housing 110. Restricted by the snap-fit ​​groove 757, the indicator 750 can only move axially, and not circumferentially or radially. When the mounting portion 751 of the indicator 750 moves axially forward to the release groove 759, the depth of the release groove 759 is less than the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove 757, allowing the indicator 750 to be removed from below the female connector housing 110. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the body 212 at the snap-fit ​​groove 757 is greater than the outer diameter of the body 212 at the release groove 759. Therefore, when the bottoms of the snap-fit ​​groove 757 and the release groove 759 extend substantially continuously, the depth of the release groove 759 can be less than the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove 757.

[0080] Therefore, when the locking member 120 is in the first position, the indicator 750 is restricted by the bottom 233 of the locking member 120 and cannot move axially. Only when the locking member 120 moves to the second position, the indicator 750 is no longer restricted by the bottom 233 of the locking member 120, and the indicator 750 can move forward axially until the protrusion 755 exits the locking groove 757, and then the indicator 750 can be removed from under the female connector housing 110.

[0081] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram shows the structure of the female connector 702 when the card 120 is in the first position. Figure 8A A side view of the female connector 702 is shown. Figure 8B An axial sectional view of the female connector 702 at the retaining portion 230 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 8A and Figure 8BAs shown, when the locking member 120 is in the first position, the locking member 120 is at its bottommost position, and the bottom 233 of the locking member 120 is also at its bottommost position. At this time, the receiving groove 756 of the indicator 750 accommodates the bottom 233 of the locking member 120, so that the indicator 750 cannot move axially. Furthermore, the protrusion 755 of the indicator 750 engages in the engaging groove 757 of the mounting groove 273, so that the indicator 750 cannot move radially or circumferentially.

[0082] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The diagram shows the structure of the female connector 702 when the card 120 is in the second position. Figure 9A A side view of the female connector 702 is shown. Figure 9B An axial sectional view of the female connector 702 at the retaining portion 230 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, when the locking element 120 is in the second position, the locking element 120 is at its topmost position, and the bottom 233 of the locking element 120 is also at its topmost position. The bottom 233 of the locking element 120 disengages from the receiving groove 756 of the indicator 750. At this time, although the protrusion 755 of the indicator 750 is still engaged in the engaging groove 757 of the mounting groove 273, so that the indicator 750 cannot move radially or circumferentially, the indicator 750 can move axially. When the operator pushes the indicator 750 to the left (i.e., forward), the protrusion 755 can move into the disengagement groove 759 of the mounting groove 273, so that the indicator 750 can disengage from the female connector housing 110.

[0083] In this embodiment, the female connector 702 is further equipped with an indicator 750, which allows the operator to more intuitively determine whether the male connector has been installed. Furthermore, the indicator 750 does not affect the movement of the locking member 120 or the elastic deformation of the retaining part 230.

[0084] In the female connector and connector assembly of this application, the female connector achieves the assembly of the male connector and the female connector through the cooperation structure of the retaining part and the locking part. The retaining part can block the insertion path of the male connector, eliminating the need for the locking part to block the insertion path of the male connector. Therefore, the locking member can move to the second position only after the male connector is inserted and in place. Thus, the locking member in the first position will only move to the second position after the male connector and the female connector are fixed, making the appearance of the female connector before and after the male connector is installed inconsistent. Therefore, it is possible to visually determine whether the male connector and the female connector are fixed.

[0085] In this application, the operator can visually determine the position of the clamp by checking whether the bottom of the clamp is flush with the outer surface of the female connector housing, and thus determine whether the male and female connectors are properly secured. In some embodiments, the female connector may also be provided with an indicator, and whether the indicator can be detached can be used to determine whether the male and female connectors are properly secured. In other embodiments, the exposure range of the indicator can also be used to indicate whether the male and female connectors are properly secured. The connector assembly of this application has multiple indicating methods during assembly, making the indication results more intuitive and reliable.

[0086] Furthermore, in this application, the retaining part undergoes elastic deformation due to the lateral thrust of the male connector, and the operator only needs to push the male connector to complete the assembly of the male and female connectors, which facilitates the operation of the operator.

[0087] Furthermore, by making the connector assembly from a non-metallic material such as plastic, this application allows the connector assembly to be used in corrosive environments, such as seawater or desert environments. In the female connector of this application, the locking portion of the locking member is used to enter or exit the receiving channel to secure the male connector, and the retaining portion of the locking member provides elasticity. In some embodiments, the retaining portion, shaped like a spring, has a small structure and deforms only during the movement of the locking member, with a small deformation range, thus allowing the retaining portion to be made of plastic. Moreover, the locking member does not need to deform independently; the annular shape further ensures the strength of the locking member, making the structure stable when the locking member secures the male and female connectors.

[0088] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, the disclosures in this specification may be used to solve other technical problems and achieve other technical effects. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A female connector for receiving and securing a male connector, the male connector including a male connector recess disposed on its outer side, characterized in that... The female connector includes: A female connector housing defining a receiving channel extending axially therein for receiving the male connector axially therein, the female connector housing including a retaining channel and a locking channel communicating with the receiving channel, the retaining channel and the locking channel being located on opposite sides of the receiving channel; and A retaining element is movably connected to the female connector housing. The retaining element includes a retaining portion and a locking portion. The retaining portion is elastically deformable. The retaining portion and the locking portion can enter the receiving channel through the retaining channel and the locking channel, respectively. The retaining element has a first position and a second position and is capable of moving radially between the first position and the second position along the female connector housing. The retaining part is elastically deformable under the action of the male connector to provide a force to drive the card from the first position to the second position.

2. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the female connector has not yet received the male connector, the locking member is in the first position, and the retaining part extends at least partially through the retaining channel into the receiving channel; as well as When the male connector is received by the female connector and fixed in place in the female connector by the locking member, the locking member is in the second position, the male connector recess is aligned with the locking channel, the locking part enters the male connector recess at least partially through the locking channel, and the retaining part exits the receiving channel and abuts against the outside of the male connector.

3. The female connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the male connector is received by the female connector but has not yet been fixed in place in the female connector, the locking member is in the first position, and the retaining part is elastically deformed under the action of the male connector, and exits the receiving channel and abuts against the outside of the male connector.

4. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining part includes a connecting end and a free end. The free end of the retaining part is capable of moving around the connecting end in a direction away from the receiving channel, so that the retaining part undergoes elastic deformation, and the free end of the retaining part extends into the receiving channel through the retaining channel.

5. The female connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The retaining portion includes an engaging portion, and the female connector housing includes a mating portion, wherein the engaging portion and the mating portion engage to retain the locking member in the first position when the female connector has not yet received the male connector.

6. The female connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The engagement portion includes a hook portion, and the mating portion is formed by the edge of the retaining channel.

7. The female connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The retaining portion includes a guide surface disposed at the free end, the guide surface being an inclined surface extending radially at an angle relative to the female connector housing, configured to guide the locking member to move radially from the second position to the first position along the female connector housing.

8. The female connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The mating portion of the female connector housing includes an inclined wall, the top of which is an inclined surface complementary to the guide surface.

9. The female connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The retaining portion includes an inclined section, a bent section, and a vertical section. The inclined section connects the connecting end and the bent section and extends radially inclined relative to the female connector housing. The vertical section connects the bent section and the free end and extends radially along the female connector housing.

10. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element also includes a cover portion, which is located radially outside the retaining portion and outside the female connector housing; When the locking element is in the first position, the cover abuts against the female connector housing; when the locking element is in the second position, the cover moves away from the female connector housing by a certain distance.

11. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female connector also includes an indicator detachably connected to the outside of the female connector housing, the indicator including a receiving groove; When the locking element is in the first position, at least a portion of the locking element extends into the receiving groove to prevent the indicator from being disassembled, and when the locking element is in the second position, the locking element retracts from the receiving groove to allow the indicator to be disassembled, thereby indicating that the male connector and the female connector are fixedly in place.

12. The female connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The indicator is slidably connected to the female connector housing along the axial direction.

13. A connector assembly, characterized in that... include: The male connector; as well as The female connector according to any one of claims 1-12.

Images