USB TYPE-C anti-corrosion modular connector

Abstract

The invention provides a USB TYPE-C anti-corrosion modular connector which comprises two middle clamping pieces which are symmetrically arranged in a spaced mode, the two middle clamping pieces are provided with a female base through injection molding of a first MD piece, the front end of the female base extends to form an exposed tongue piece, the middle end and the outer end of the front portion of the first MD piece are provided with a plurality of first PINs and second PINs which are distributed in an upper row and a lower row respectively, and the first PINs and the second PINs are arranged in a staggered mode. The first PINs and the second PINs located on the upper row are connected with upper-row terminals, the first PINs and the second PINs located on the lower row are connected with lower-row terminals, and second MD pieces are connected between the tail portions of the first MD pieces and the upper-row terminals and between the tail portions of the first MD pieces and the lower-row terminals. According to the USB TYPE-C anti-corrosion modular connector, through innovative structures such as an integrally injection-molded tongue piece structure, a modular split design, scattered PIN terminals and a liquid guide groove, the problems of micro short circuit of accumulated liquid, poor universality, high development cost, too high electroplating cost and the like of an existing connector are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically, to a USB TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector. Background Technology

[0002] USB Type-C (USB C) connectors, as the core charging interface for chargers, mobile phones, and other electronic products, are widely used in consumer electronics and industrial electronics due to their reversible plug-in / plug-out capabilities, high-speed transmission, and high-power supply. With the diversification of electronic product usage scenarios, the demand for USB C connectors in harsh environments such as outdoor spaces and industrial workshops is increasing. These connectors not only require fast charging functionality but also need to meet requirements such as a plug-in / plug-out lifespan of over 10,000 cycles and excellent corrosion resistance and environmental tolerance.

[0003] Currently, USB-C connectors on the market suffer from two major design flaws: First, the terminal injection molding process is unreasonable. The upper and lower rows of terminals are assembled by injection molding separately followed by multiple subsequent molding processes. Each injection creates noticeable joint lines or surfaces between the plastic parts. This joint has poor structural stability, and in harsh environments such as high temperature and humidity, moisture or corrosive media can easily accumulate in the joint gaps, leading to micro-short circuits between the terminals. This severely affects the product's charging performance and lifespan, and may even cause equipment failure. Second, the connector structure is overly integrated. The exposed part of the Type-C female connector and the subsequent soldered part are designed as a single unit, while the USB-C connector's mating tongue part uses a customized standard structure from the industry association. This integrated design requires different specifications of products to be completely redeveloped, making it impossible to reuse the core structure. This not only results in poor compatibility but also significantly increases development costs and time. At the same time, the complex integrated structure also restricts the realization of fully automated production.

[0004] In addition, the terminals of existing USB C connectors are mostly of uniform electroplating specifications. In order to meet the corrosion resistance requirements in harsh environments, all terminals need to be treated with high-specification corrosion-resistant electroplating, which results in high electroplating process costs and further increases the manufacturing cost of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art and provide a USB TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a USB TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector, comprising: two symmetrically separated middle clips, the two middle clips being injection molded with a female socket by a first MD component, the front end of the female socket extending to form an exposed tongue, the front middle and outer ends of the first MD component being respectively arranged with a plurality of first PIN pins and second PIN pins distributed in two rows, the plurality of first PIN pins and second PIN pins located in the upper row being connected to upper row terminals, the plurality of first PIN pins and second PIN pins located in the lower row being connected to lower row terminals, and a second MD component being connected between the tail end of the first MD component and the upper row terminals and the lower row terminals.

[0007] A further preferred embodiment: a liquid guiding groove is provided between adjacent terminals of the exposed tongue.

[0008] A further preferred embodiment: the length of the first PIN pin is shorter than the length of the second PIN pin, and the first PIN pin and the second PIN pin are loose PINs.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment: the second MD component is externally fixed with a housing.

[0010] Beneficial effects:

[0011] 1. By integrally injection molding the middle clip and the first MD part into the exposed tongue of the female base, the plastic joint line or gap caused by traditional multiple injection molding is avoided, reducing the accumulation space of moisture and corrosive media from the structural source; at the same time, the liquid guide groove between adjacent terminals of the exposed tongue can quickly drain the seepage liquid. The double protection effectively reduces the risk of micro short circuits and corrosion in high temperature and humid environment, and improves the reliability of the product in harsh environment.

[0012] 2. By adopting a modular design for the front tongue-and-mating section and the rear welding section, where the tongue-and-mating section conforms to industry association customization standards, subsequent development of different specifications only requires adjustment of the rear welding section (such as the adaptation structure of the upper row of terminals, lower row of terminals, and the second MD component), without having to redevelop the entire connector. This significantly improves the reusability of the core structure, shortens the development cycle, and reduces development costs. In addition, the modular structure simplifies the assembly process, making it easier to achieve fully automated production and further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] 3. By setting the terminals to a discrete pin structure, different electroplating specifications can be adopted according to the functional requirements of different pins (such as using high-specification anti-corrosion electroplating for signal pins with high corrosion resistance requirements, and using conventional electroplating for pins with lower performance requirements), avoiding the cost waste caused by traditional uniform high-specification electroplating, and significantly reducing the cost of electroplating process while meeting the corrosion resistance requirements of harsh environments.

[0014] 4. In summary, this USB TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector, through its integrated injection-molded tongue structure, modular split design, distributed pin terminals, and liquid guide groove, solves the problems of liquid accumulation micro-short circuits, poor compatibility, high development costs, and excessive electroplating costs of existing connectors, comprehensively improving the product's environmental adaptability, economy, and production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the outer shell and the second injection-molded semi-finished product of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a bottom-view exploded view of the outer shell and the second injection-molded semi-finished product of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a rear-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the second injection-molded semi-finished product of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a rear-view perspective structural diagram of the second MD component of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a front-view perspective three-dimensional structural diagram of the second MD component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the semi-finished product structure of the terminals after welding according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is an exploded structural diagram of the tail welding terminal and the tongue after terminal assembly according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the upper and lower rows of terminals of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tongue piece after the terminal assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the structure of the first injection-molded semi-finished product of the middle clip and the universal terminal of the tongue piece of the present invention; (terminal PIN plug end)

[0026] Figure 12 This is an exploded structural diagram of the universal terminal of the tongue located in the upper row of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of the universal tongue terminal located in the lower row of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first injection-molded semi-finished product of the middle clip of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 15 This is an exploded structural diagram of the middle clip and the first MD component of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 16 This is a front-view three-dimensional structural diagram of the first MD component of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 1-16 In the middle: 1. Middle clip; 2. First MD component; 3. Tongue; 4. Liquid guide groove; 5. First PIN pin; 6. Second PIN pin; 7. Upper row of terminals; 8. Lower row of terminals; 9. Second MD component; 10. Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figures 1-16 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described.

[0033] Please see Figure 1-16 In this embodiment of the invention, a USB Type-C corrosion-resistant modular connector includes: two symmetrically separated middle clips 1, the middle clips 1 being made of metal (such as brass or stainless steel), which serve to provide rigid support for the terminals and ensure the spacing accuracy of the upper and lower rows of terminals; the two middle clips 1 are injection molded with a female connector through a first MD part 2 (i.e., the first injection molded plastic part), and the front end of the female connector extends to form an exposed tongue 3. The shape and terminal layout of the tongue 3 conform to the customization standards of the USB Type-C industry association, and are used to achieve precise docking with male connectors (such as charging cable plugs). The middle clips 1 are injection molded with the female connector exposed tongue in one injection, which effectively prevents the problem of liquid accumulation and micro-short circuit caused by the joint surface due to multiple injection molding. A liquid guiding groove 4 is opened between adjacent terminals (first PIN 5 and second PIN 6) of the exposed tongue 3 (see Figure 15-16The liquid guiding groove 4 extends along the length of the tongue 3 to the edge of the tongue 3. When a small amount of liquid (such as water vapor condensate or splashed liquid) seeps into the terminal gap, it can be quickly discharged to the outside through the liquid guiding groove 4, avoiding the liquid from stagnating between the terminals and forming a conductive path. The front middle and outer ends of the first MD part 2 are respectively arranged with multiple first PIN pins 5 and second PIN pins 6 arranged in two rows (the upper row corresponds to the upper row terminal 7, and the lower row corresponds to the lower row terminal 8). The length of the first PIN pin 5 is shorter than that of the second PIN pin 6 to adapt to the electrical connection requirements of different functions (such as the first PIN pin 5 can be used as a ground PIN, and the second PIN pin 6 can be used as a signal transmission PIN). It adapts to the different electroplating specifications of different functional PINs, meets the corrosion resistance requirements in harsh environments, and reduces the electroplating cost of all terminals requiring corrosion resistance specifications due to corrosion prevention. The first PIN pin 5 and the second PIN pin 6 are loose PINs (not integrated continuous material design) and can be electroplated separately: for example, for exposed The second PIN 6, which has high requirements for external environment and corrosion resistance, adopts high-specification anti-corrosion electroplating with gold and nickel layers. The first PIN 5, which is internally grounded, is only nickel-plated, thereby reducing electroplating costs while meeting corrosion resistance requirements. The multiple first PINs 5 and second PINs 6 in the upper row are connected to the upper row terminal 7, and the multiple first PINs 5 and second PINs 6 in the lower row are connected to the lower row terminal 8. The connection method between the tail terminals (upper row terminal 7 and lower row terminal 8) and the tongue 3 terminals (multiple first PINs 5 and second PINs 6) is not limited to welding, laser spot welding, high-frequency welding, and contact connection. The rear end of the first MD component 2 is connected to the upper row terminal 7 and the lower row terminal 8 by a second MD component 9. The second MD component 9 is externally fixed with a shell 10. The shell 10 is made of metal (such as aluminum alloy or tinplate) to shield electromagnetic interference, protect the internal structure, and enhance insertion and removal strength. The tail connection method is not limited to board type, recessed type, upright type, and side-standing type. USB The TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector consists of a front tongue 3 mating section and a rear soldering section. Since the front tongue 3 mating section is a customized part of the association, subsequent development of specifications only requires the development of the rear soldering section, resulting in strong commonality, low development costs, and structural optimization that facilitates fully automated production. The USB TYPE-C corrosion-resistant modular connector uses a middle clip for the first injection molding, followed by automatic insertion of the loose pins and a second injection molding. Liquid guide grooves 4 are reserved in the adjacent terminals of the mating tongue 3. This structure effectively solves the problem of micro-short circuits and corrosion caused by moisture accumulation at the joint in high-temperature or humid environments, improving product quality and solving the problem of terminals not charging due to environmental factors.

[0034] After positioning the two middle clips 1, they are injection molded by the first MD part 2 to form the front structure of the female connector including the exposed tongue 3. At this time, the front ends of the first PIN 5 and the second PIN 6 are embedded in the first MD part 2, achieving a tight bond between the terminal and the plastic without the gaps found in traditional multi-injection molding. The upper row of terminals 7 and the lower row of terminals 8 are then inserted into the tail of the first MD part 2 using automated equipment. The upper row of terminals 7 is connected to the first PIN 5 and the second PIN 6 of the upper row, and the lower row of terminals 8 is connected to the first PIN 5 and the second PIN 6 of the lower row. The connection method can be soldering (such as tin soldering), laser spot welding, or high-frequency welding to ensure electrical conductivity. The reliability is improved; a second MD part 9 is formed by injection molding at the connection between the tail of the first MD part 2 and the upper row of terminals 7 and the lower row of terminals 8. The second MD part 9 seals and fixes the connection part of the terminals, further preventing liquid infiltration and enhancing the overall structural strength; a shell 10 is sleeved and fixed on the outside of the second MD part 9; since the exposed tongue 3 is an industry standard structure, when it is necessary to develop connectors of different specifications (such as welding ends of different lengths, tails of different interface types), it is only necessary to replace the corresponding structures of the upper row of terminals 7, the lower row of terminals 8 and the second MD part 9, without adjusting the middle clip 1, the first MD part 2 and the exposed tongue 3, realizing the reuse of the core structure and significantly reducing development costs. Meanwhile, the modular design allows each process (such as injection molding, insertion, and welding) to be completed by automated equipment, improving production efficiency and product consistency. When the connector is used in high-temperature and humid environments, the integrated injection-molded first MD part 2 avoids the risk of liquid accumulation on the traditional mating surface, and the liquid guide groove 4 further drains the seeping liquid to prevent micro-short circuits between terminals. The differentiated electroplating of the scattered PIN terminals ensures the corrosion resistance of key parts while reducing costs. The modular design balances product performance and economy through structural reuse and automated production.

Claims

1. A USB TYPE-C corrosion-proof modular connector, characterized in that: The utility model relates to a kind of connector, including: Two pieces of symmetrical middle clamps (1) are arranged, and the two pieces of the middle clamps (1) are injection molded with female seat by first MD piece (2), female seat front end extends and forms exposed tongue (3), the first MD piece (2) front part middle end and outer end are respectively arranged with multiple first PIN pin (5) and second PIN pin (6) in two rows distribution, multiple first PIN pin (5) and second PIN pin (6) in upper row are connected with upper row terminal (7), multiple first PIN pin (5) and second PIN pin (6) in lower row are connected with lower row terminal (8), and the second MD piece (9) is connected between the tail of the first MD piece (2) and upper row terminal (7), lower row terminal (8).

2. The USB TYPE-C corrosion-proof modular connector of claim 1, wherein: Exposed tongue (3) is provided with liquid guide groove (4) between adjacent terminals.

3. The USB TYPE-C corrosion-proof modular connector of claim 1, wherein: The length of the first PIN pin (5) is shorter than the length of the second PIN pin (6), and the first PIN pin (5) and the second PIN pin (6) are scattered PIN.

4. The USB TYPE-C corrosion-proof modular connector of claim 1, wherein: The second MD piece (9) is fixed with an outer shell (10).

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