Rear-mounted self-contained tpa connector

Abstract

The application discloses a rear-mounted self-provided TPA connector, which comprises a shell and a ferrule shell body clamped at the tail end of the shell, the ferrule shell body is internally provided with power terminals and signal terminals, a group of first accommodating cavities are arranged in the shell, a group of second accommodating cavities are arranged in the ferrule shell body and are communicated with the first accommodating cavities one by one, the first accommodating cavities and the second accommodating cavities jointly form an accommodating space for accommodating the power terminals, the tail end port of the first accommodating cavity is reduced in diameter and forms a first clamping surface with the inner wall, the power terminal is provided with a clamping part, the length of the clamping part is matched with the first accommodating cavity, the outer side wall of the clamping part is provided with an elastic fin which is inclinedly extended from front to back, when the clamping part is inserted into the first accommodating cavity from the tail end of the accommodating space and abuts against the front end of the first accommodating cavity, the elastic fin is opened and clamped with the first clamping surface, so that the power terminal is limited in the accommodating space. The scheme is more simple in structure and higher in connection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically to a rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA. Background Technology

[0002] The Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) is a component installed inside the connector housing to provide secondary locking of the terminals, ensuring the safety of high-voltage connectors. As disclosed in CN 117175286 B, a connector with a terminal locking component uses the TPA as a separate part, which is prone to loss. Therefore, it is typically pre-installed in a matching slot inside the connector housing, and then the terminal locking component is further pushed into place by the mating of the connector plug and socket. This structure is complex, difficult to manufacture, and cumbersome to assemble. Furthermore, the connector is not a transparent housing, making it impossible to detect whether a terminal locking component is pre-installed or properly installed. This can easily lead to locking failure due to a missing terminal locking component. Therefore, a new connector structure with terminal locking function and easy assembly is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a rear-mounted connector with built-in TPA.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA includes a housing and a ferrule housing that snaps into its tail end. The ferrule housing houses power terminals and signal terminals. The housing contains a first accommodating cavity, and the ferrule housing contains a second accommodating cavity that communicates with each of the first accommodating cavities. The first and second accommodating cavities together form an accommodating space for accommodating the power terminals. The inner diameter of the tail end of the first accommodating cavity is reduced and forms a first snap-fit ​​surface with its inner wall. The power terminal has a snap-fit ​​portion whose length is adapted to the first accommodating cavity. An elastic fin extending obliquely from front to back is provided on the outer wall of the snap-fit ​​portion. When the snap-fit ​​portion extends from the tail end of the accommodating space into the first accommodating cavity and abuts against the front end of the first accommodating cavity, the elastic fin opens and snaps into the first snap-fit ​​surface to confine the power terminal within the accommodating space.

[0006] Preferably, the front end of the second accommodating cavity is provided with an elastic claw, and the inner sidewall of the elastic claw protrudes to form a second engagement surface. When the elastic fin engages with the first engagement surface, the second engagement surface abuts against the tail end of the engagement part.

[0007] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a third accommodating cavity that communicates with the first accommodating cavity. The third accommodating cavity is located at the front end of the first accommodating cavity. The front end of the power terminal is a connecting plate for insertion. The front end of the first accommodating cavity has a through hole adapted to the connecting plate, so that the connecting plate passes through the through hole and extends into the third accommodating cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the front end of the snap-fit ​​portion is provided with a set of forward-sloping connecting pieces along its side, so that the front end of the snap-fit ​​portion forms a cone shape, and the outer sides of the tail end port of the first accommodating cavity form inclined surfaces that match the slope of the connecting pieces.

[0009] Preferably, the outer walls of the third accommodating cavity and the first accommodating cavity are connected as one unit, and a shielding layer is also provided on the outer walls of both. The shielding layer has a second elastic fin extending inward from the rear to the front, and a groove is provided on the outside of the third accommodating cavity to engage with the second elastic fin.

[0010] Preferably, the tail end of the outer shell has a socket that is compatible with the ferrule housing, and the outer walls of the outer shell are provided with protruding locking blocks on both sides. The outer walls of the ferrule housing are provided with buckles that match the locking blocks. The buckles engage with the locking blocks so that the ferrule housing and the outer shell are inserted into each other as one unit.

[0011] Preferably, a slot is provided on one side of the ferrule housing. The slot is composed of two elastic locking arms. A recessed limiting groove is provided on the inner side of the slot. First protrusions are provided on both outer sides of the signal terminal housing, and a second protrusion is provided on the back of the housing. The two first protrusions are respectively engaged with one of the elastic locking arms to limit the tail position of the signal terminal. The second protrusion is engaged with the front end of the limiting groove to limit the front end position of the signal terminal. The front end of the signal terminal does not protrude beyond the front end of the power terminal.

[0012] Preferably, the bottom of the housing is provided with a flange for connection, and a sealing ring is embedded on the inner end face of the flange.

[0013] Preferably, the flange has a connecting hole on its outer end face, the sealing ring has protruding ears at its four corners, and a connecting pin is provided on the back of the ears. The connecting pin is engaged in the connecting hole to fix the sealing ring.

[0014] Preferably, the flange has connection through holes at its four corners, and a steel ring is embedded in the connection through hole. The steel ring is formed by connecting steel plates extending along the inner wall of the connection through hole, and the two ends of the steel plates are not connected.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in:

[0016] A snap-fit ​​part with elastic fins is provided on the power terminal, which can be directly connected to the accommodating space formed by the outer shell and the insert housing, thereby eliminating the need for the TPA structure. The first accommodating cavity formed by the outer shell can be snapped into the power terminal to form a limit, resulting in a simpler structure and higher connection efficiency.

[0017] A second engaging surface composed of elastic claws is formed at the front end of the second accommodating cavity, which limits the position of the power terminal by the insert housing, forming a double limiting with the engagement between the outer shell and the power terminal, ensuring the positional stability and reliability of the power terminal;

[0018] The slot is designed with flexible snap-fit ​​arms to increase its elasticity, allowing signal terminals to be directly fixed by insertion, which facilitates snap-fit ​​and improves assembly efficiency. Similarly, the ferrule housing is also snapped into the outer shell by snap-fit, which is convenient and quick. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 : A cross-sectional view of the first snap-fit ​​surface in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 : A cross-sectional view of the second snap-fit ​​surface in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the ferrule housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of the power terminals in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 : A cross-sectional view of the signal terminals in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view of the signal terminal in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 : A cross-sectional view of the sealing ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the shielding layer in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments are not limited to the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the solution, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience and simplification of 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 the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Also, in the description of the solution, with the operator as a reference, the direction closer to the operator is the proximal end, and the direction farther from the operator is the distal end.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, this invention discloses a rear-mounted connector with a built-in TPA, including a housing 1 and a ferrule housing 2 snapped onto its tail end. The ferrule housing 2 houses a power terminal 3 and a signal terminal 4. The housing 1 has a set of first receiving cavities 101, and the ferrule housing 2 has a set of second receiving cavities 201 that are sequentially connected to the first receiving cavities 101. The first receiving cavities 101 and the second receiving cavities 201 together constitute a receiving space for accommodating the power terminal 3. The inner diameter of the tail end port of the first receiving cavity 101 is reduced and close to the inner diameter of the first receiving cavity 101. The wall forms a first snap-fit ​​surface 102. The power terminal 3 has a snap-fit ​​portion 301. The length of the snap-fit ​​portion 301 is adapted to the first accommodating cavity 101. An elastic fin 302 extending obliquely from front to back is provided on the outer wall of the snap-fit ​​portion 301. When the snap-fit ​​portion 301 extends from the tail end of the accommodating space into the first accommodating cavity 101 and abuts against the front end of the first accommodating cavity 101, the elastic fin 302 opens and snaps into the first snap-fit ​​surface 102 to confine the power terminal 3 within the accommodating space.

[0032] This solution provides a snap-fit ​​part 301 with elastic fins 302 on the power terminal 3, which is directly connected to the accommodating space formed by the outer shell 1 and the insert shell 2, thereby eliminating the need for the TPA structure. This allows the first accommodating cavity 101 formed by the outer shell 1 to be snapped into the power terminal 3 to form a limit, resulting in a simpler structure and higher connection efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, an elastic claw 202 is provided on the front end side of the second accommodating cavity 201. The inner sidewall of the elastic claw 202 protrudes to form a second engaging surface 203. When the elastic fin 302 engages with the first engaging surface 102, the second engaging surface 203 abuts against the tail end of the engaging portion 301. The elastic claw 202 itself is elastic, allowing it to deform relative to the second accommodating cavity 201, so that the engaging portion 301 passes through and abuts against the tail end of the engaging portion 301, forming a double limiting with the engagement between the outer shell 1 and the power terminal 3, ensuring the positional stability and reliability of the power terminal 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the outer casing 1 is also provided with a third accommodating cavity 103 that communicates with the first accommodating cavity 101. The third accommodating cavity 103 is located at the front end of the first accommodating cavity 101. The front end of the power terminal 3 is a connecting plug 303 for insertion. The front end of the first accommodating cavity 101 has a through hole that is adapted to the connecting plug 303, so that the connecting plug 303 passes through the through hole and extends into the third accommodating cavity 103.

[0035] The outer walls of the third accommodating cavity 103 and the first accommodating cavity 101 are connected as one unit, and a shielding layer 5 is also sleeved on the outer walls of both. The shielding layer 5 has a second elastic fin 501 extending inward from the rear to the front. A groove 105 is provided on the outside of the third accommodating cavity 103 to engage with the second elastic fin 501. This structural arrangement ensures that the shielding layer 5 can provide electromagnetic shielding for the power terminal 3 and the signal terminal 4, ensuring safe use.

[0036] The front end of the snap-fit ​​portion 301 is provided with a set of forward-sloping connecting pieces 304 along its side, making the front end of the snap-fit ​​portion 301 conical. The outer sides of the tail end port of the first receiving cavity 101 form inclined surfaces that match the slope of the connecting pieces 304. This structural design facilitates the smooth insertion of the snap-fit ​​portion 301 into the first receiving cavity 101, further improving assembly efficiency.

[0037] The tail end of the outer casing 1 has a socket adapted to the ferrule housing 2, and protruding locking blocks 104 are provided on both sides of the outer wall of the outer casing 1. The outer walls of the ferrule housing 2 are provided with matching latches 204 on both sides. The latches 204 engage with the locking blocks 104 to allow the ferrule housing 2 and the outer casing 1 to be inserted into each other. This snap-fit ​​method facilitates quick connection between the ferrule housing 2 and the outer casing 1, improving overall assembly efficiency. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 1 and the ferrule housing 2 together form six accommodating spaces to accommodate six power terminals 3. In other feasible embodiments, the specific number of accommodating spaces provided in the outer casing 1 and the ferrule housing 2 depends on actual needs and includes, but is not limited to, six.

[0038] A slot 205 is provided on one side of the ferrule housing 2. The slot 205 is composed of two elastic snap-fit ​​arms 2051. A recessed limiting groove 206 is also provided on the inner side of the slot 205. First protrusions 401 are provided on both sides of the outer side of the housing of the signal terminal 4, and second protrusions 402 are provided on the back side of the housing. The two first protrusions 401 are respectively snapped with one of the elastic snap-fit ​​arms 2051 to limit the tail end position of the signal terminal 4. The second protrusion 402 is snapped with the front end of the limiting groove 206 to limit the front end position of the signal terminal 4. The front end of the signal terminal 4 does not protrude beyond the front end of the power terminal 3. The slot 205 composed of the elastic snap-fit ​​arms 2051 is provided to increase the elasticity of the slot 205, so that the signal terminal 4 can also be fixed by direct insertion, which facilitates the connection between the two and improves the assembly efficiency. The arrangement of the first protrusion 401 and the second protrusion 402 can limit the position of the signal terminal 4, ensuring that the signal terminal 4 does not exceed the position of the power terminal 3, so as to meet the safety requirements of the connector.

[0039] The bottom of the outer casing 1 is provided with a flange 106 for connection, and a sealing ring 6 is embedded on the inner end face of the flange 106. A connecting hole 107 is provided on the outer end face of the flange 106. The sealing ring 6 has protruding ears 601 at its four corners, and a connecting pin 602 is provided on the back of each ear 601. The connecting pin 602 is engaged within the connecting hole 107 to secure the sealing ring 6. This structure can firmly confine the sealing ring 6 within the flange 106, preventing it from falling off during transportation or installation.

[0040] The flange 106 has connection through holes at its four corners. A steel ring 7 is embedded in the connection through hole. The steel ring 7 is made of steel plates extending along the inner wall of the connection through hole. The two ends of the steel plates are not connected to increase the toughness of the steel ring 7 and make it less prone to breakage.

[0041] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rear-mounted, self-contained TPA connector, comprising a housing (1) and a ferrule housing (2) snapped onto its tail end, wherein the ferrule housing (2) has power terminals (3) and signal terminals (4) built into it, characterized in that: The outer casing (1) has a set of first receiving cavities (101), and the insert housing (2) has a set of second receiving cavities (201) that are connected to the first receiving cavities (101) one by one. The first receiving cavities (101) and the second receiving cavities (201) together constitute a receiving space for accommodating the power terminal (3). The inner diameter of the tail end port of the first receiving cavity (101) is reduced and forms a first snap-fit ​​surface (102) with the inner wall. The power terminal (3) has a snap-fit ​​part (301). The length of the snap-fit ​​portion (301) is adapted to the first accommodating cavity (101). An elastic fin (302) extending obliquely from front to back is provided on the outer wall of the snap-fit ​​portion (301). When the snap-fit ​​portion (301) extends from the tail end of the accommodating space into the first accommodating cavity (101) and abuts against the front end of the first accommodating cavity (101), the elastic fin (302) opens and snaps against the first snap-fit ​​surface (102) to confine the power terminal (3) within the accommodating space.

2. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the second accommodating cavity (201) is provided with an elastic claw (202). The inner side wall of the elastic claw (202) protrudes to form a second engagement surface (203). When the elastic fin (302) engages with the first engagement surface (102), the second engagement surface (203) abuts against the tail end of the engagement part (301).

3. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer casing (1) is further provided with a third accommodating cavity (103) that communicates with the first accommodating cavity (101). The third accommodating cavity (103) is located at the front end of the first accommodating cavity (101). The front end of the power terminal (3) is a connecting plug (303) for plugging in. The front end of the first accommodating cavity (101) has a through hole that is adapted to the connecting plug (303) so that the connecting plug (303) passes through the through hole and extends into the third accommodating cavity (103).

4. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front end of the snap-fit ​​part (301) is provided with a set of forward inclined connecting pieces (304) along its side, so that the front end of the snap-fit ​​part (301) forms a cone shape, and the outer sides of the tail end port of the first accommodating cavity (101) form inclined surfaces that match the slope of the connecting pieces (304).

5. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer walls of the third accommodating cavity (103) and the first accommodating cavity (101) are connected as one unit, and a shielding layer (5) is also provided on the outer walls of both. The shielding layer (5) has a second elastic fin (501) that extends inward from the rear to the front. A groove (105) is provided on the outside of the third accommodating cavity (103) to engage with the second elastic fin (501).

6. The rear-mounted self-contained TPA connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The tail end of the outer shell (1) has a socket that is compatible with the ferrule housing (2), and protruding locking blocks (104) are provided on both sides of the outer wall of the outer shell (1). The outer walls of the ferrule housing (2) are provided with buckles (204) that match the locking blocks (104). The buckles (204) engage with the locking blocks (104) so ​​that the ferrule housing (2) and the outer shell (1) are inserted into each other as one unit.

7. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 6, characterized in that: A slot (205) is provided on one side of the ferrule housing (2). The slot (205) is composed of two elastic snap-fit ​​arms (2051). A recessed limiting groove (206) is provided on the inner side of the slot (205). A first protrusion (401) is provided on both sides of the outer side of the housing of the signal terminal (4), and a second protrusion (402) is provided on the back side of the housing. The two first protrusions (401) are respectively snapped with one of the elastic snap-fit ​​arms (2051) to limit the tail end position of the signal terminal (4). The second protrusion (402) is snapped with the front end of the limiting groove (206) to limit the front end position of the signal terminal (4). The front end of the signal terminal (4) does not protrude beyond the front end of the power terminal (3).

8. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the outer casing (1) is provided with a flange (106) for connection, and a sealing ring (6) is embedded on the inner end face of the flange (106).

9. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 8, characterized in that: The flange (106) has a connecting hole (107) on its outer end face. The sealing ring (6) has protruding ears (601) at its four corners. The back of the ears (601) has a connecting pin (602). The connecting pin (602) is engaged in the connecting hole (107) to fix the sealing ring (6).

10. The rear-mounted connector with integrated TPA according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flange (106) has connection through holes at its four corners. A steel ring (7) is embedded in the connection through hole. The steel ring (7) is made of a steel sheet extending along the inner wall of the connection through hole, and the two ends of the steel sheet are not connected.

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