Waterproof quick connector

Abstract

A waterproof quick connector disclosed by the present invention comprises a male joint and a female joint, the male joint comprises a male shell and a female terminal, the female joint comprises a female shell and a male terminal, the male shell is provided with a plurality of fool-proof columns, the fool-proof columns are internally provided with terminal cavities, the female terminal is installed in the terminal cavities, the female shell is internally provided with a plurality of fool-proof holes, and the fool-proof holes are communicated with the fool-proof columns. The male terminal is installed in the fool-proof holes, the fool-proof columns comprise at least two different shapes, the number and the shape of the fool-proof holes are consistent with those of the fool-proof columns, the male shell and the female shell are provided with guide structures, the fool-proof columns are inserted into the fool-proof holes, the male shell is sleeved with a waterproof sealing ring, and the female shell is sleeved with a waterproof sealing ring. And after the male shell and the female shell are butted, the male terminal and the female terminal are electrically conducted. The LED lamp is convenient to assemble, quick to disassemble and assemble and high in stability, and has a waterproof function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector, and more specifically to a waterproof quick-connect connector for electrical connections in an electric vehicle controller. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic connectors, also known as circuit connectors or electrical connectors, are conductive devices that bridge two conductors in a circuit, allowing current or signals to flow from one conductor to the other. They are commonly used in various devices. For example, electric vehicle controllers also require connectors to achieve wire-to-wire connections for the transmission and conduction of electrical signals. However, the wire-to-wire connectors in existing electric vehicle controllers have poor waterproofing. If an electric vehicle is parked outdoors and accidentally tipped over, water can enter the connector. Similarly, rainwater on the road can flood the controller, causing water ingress into the connector, leading to a short circuit and damage to the controller, rendering the electric vehicle unable to start or move.

[0003] Furthermore, this type of connector typically includes male and female connectors, each with corresponding regular mounting posts and holes for mating. Due to the lack of sufficient foolproof structures, assembly errors are prone to occur, reducing assembly efficiency. In practical applications of existing multi-core miniature connectors, although the battery cells are grouped and arranged in a specific layout, both the socket and plug have cylindrical mating sections. Even with alignment markings on the plug's insulating surface, the ease of mating cannot be improved. Moreover, human error during mating can easily cause accidental damage to the battery cells, leading to connection failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a waterproof quick-connect connector that is quick to install and remove, easy to connect, and highly waterproof.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A waterproof quick-connect connector includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a male housing and a female terminal, and the female connector includes a female housing and a male terminal. The male housing has a plurality of anti-fooling posts, each with a terminal cavity. The female terminal is installed in the terminal cavity. The female housing has a plurality of anti-fooling holes, each with a male terminal installed in one of the anti-fooling holes. The anti-fooling posts include at least two different shapes. The number and shape of the anti-fooling holes are consistent with the anti-fooling posts. The male and female housings have guide structures for inserting the anti-fooling posts into the anti-fooling holes. A waterproof sealing ring is fitted on the male housing. After the male and female housings are connected, the male terminal and the female terminal are electrically connected.

[0006] As a further improvement, the guide structure includes a guide post and a guide groove, wherein the guide post is installed inside the female housing and the guide groove is located on the male housing; or the guide post is installed on the male housing and the guide groove is located on the female housing.

[0007] As a further improvement, the part where the female shell connects to the male shell is set as a concave cavity, the corresponding area of ​​the male shell is set as a convex block, the convex block of the male shell is inserted into the concave cavity of the female shell, the anti-fool hole is located in the concave cavity, and the anti-fool post is connected to the convex block.

[0008] As a further improvement, the guide post is mounted on the inner surface of the concave cavity of the female shell, and the guide groove is provided on the upper surface of the concave block of the male shell.

[0009] As a further improvement, the male housing is provided with a sealing groove, a positioning groove is provided on one side of the sealing groove, and a positioning block is provided on the waterproof sealing ring. The waterproof sealing ring is fitted into the sealing groove in an interference fit manner, and the positioning block is embedded in the positioning groove.

[0010] As a further improvement, the male and female housings are provided with locking mechanisms for locking the male and female housings after they are inserted.

[0011] As a further improvement, the locking mechanism includes a hook and a boss. The hook is mounted on the male housing and has barbs. The boss is mounted on the female housing. After the male and female housings are connected, the barbs lock the boss.

[0012] As a further improvement, the hook is provided with a support post, which is connected to the male housing, so that there is a gap between the hook and the outer surface of the male housing, and a barb is provided at one end of the hook.

[0013] As a further improvement, the hook and the male housing are integrally formed.

[0014] As a further improvement, the anti-foolproof posts and anti-foolproof holes are provided in one or two rows.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: By setting different shaped anti-misalignment posts and holes, guide structures, and waterproof sealing rings, the problems of insufficient waterproofing and misalignment prevention in the background technology are effectively solved. It has excellent waterproof performance and misalignment prevention function, and the locking structure ensures connection reliability and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the male connector of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the male connector of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the male connector and waterproof sealing ring of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the male connector and the waterproof sealing ring of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the female connector of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the female connector of the present invention from another perspective.

[0017] Figure label: Male housing 1, female housing 2, anti-fool post 3, terminal cavity 4, female terminal 5, waterproof sealing ring 6, hook 7, sealing groove 8, guide groove 9, positioning block 10, protective sleeve 11, 18, guide post 12, anti-fool hole 13, concave cavity 14, male terminal 15, boss 16, convex block 17, positioning groove 19. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] Example 1 like Figure 1-3 As shown in Figure 8, a waterproof quick-connect connector includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a male housing 1 and a female terminal 5, and the female connector includes a female housing 2 and a male terminal 15. The male housing 1 is provided with a plurality of anti-misalignment posts 3, and a terminal cavity 4 is provided inside the anti-misalignment posts 3. The female terminal 5 is installed in the terminal cavity 4. The female housing 2 is provided with a plurality of anti-misalignment holes 13, and the male terminal 15 is installed in the anti-misalignment holes 13. The plurality of anti-misalignment posts 3 include at least two different shapes. The number and shape of the anti-misalignment holes are consistent with the anti-misalignment posts. The male housing 1 and the female housing 2 are provided with a guide structure. The anti-misalignment posts 3 are inserted into the anti-misalignment holes 13. A waterproof sealing ring 6 is fitted on the male housing 1. After the male housing 1 and the female housing 2 are connected, the male terminal 15 and the female terminal 5 are electrically connected. The male connector can be connected to a protective sleeve 11, and the female connector can also be fitted with a protective sleeve 18. Electrical conduction is achieved by inserting a wire through the protective sleeve. The wire of the female connector extends into the female housing and is electrically connected to the male terminal. The wire of the male connector extends into the male housing and is electrically connected to the female terminal. At the same time, the wires can be easily connected to external electronic components, thereby realizing the transmission and conduction of electrical signals.

[0022] The anti-mistake pillars and anti-mistake holes can be arranged in one row or two rows to create a variety of connections.

[0023] The male housing is the outer shell of the male connector, used to house and protect the internal female terminals and other components. The female terminals are the electrical contacts inside the male connector, typically in the form of sockets or slots, used for electrical connection with the male terminals.

[0024] The female housing is the outer shell of the female connector, used to house and protect the internal male terminals and other components. The male terminals are the electrical contacts inside the female connector, typically in the form of pins or tabs, used for electrical connection with the female terminals.

[0025] Anti-misalignment posts are raised structures on the male housing, whose shape and arrangement are designed to prevent connectors from being inserted in the wrong direction or position. Anti-misalignment holes are recessed structures on the female housing, whose shape and arrangement correspond to the anti-misalignment posts, designed to receive the anti-misalignment posts and prevent mis-insertion.

[0026] A guide structure refers to a mechanism installed on the male and female housings to guide the male and female connectors to align and insert during the connector mating process.

[0027] A waterproof sealing ring is a ring-shaped seal made of elastic material, used to form a seal at the connection interface when the male and female housings are mated, preventing water or other liquids from entering the connector.

[0028] The anti-misalignment post can be an integrally formed protrusion from the male housing surface or mounted on the male housing as a separate component. Terminal cavities are provided inside the anti-misalignment post or adjacent to it, and female terminals are installed in these cavities. Correspondingly, several anti-misalignment holes are provided within the female housing, and male terminals are installed in these holes. The anti-misalignment post and anti-misalignment holes are designed to provide alignment and protection for connector mating.

[0029] In terms of shape, the anti-misfit pin is typically a rectangular column with a slanted edge at a certain angle. Different anti-misfit pins have different slanted edge positions, thus achieving different shapes. The shape of the anti-misfit hole corresponds to this shape; that is, each anti-misfit pin has a precisely matched anti-misfit hole to ensure assembly accuracy and prevent misassembly. Therefore, the anti-misfit pin can only be smoothly inserted into the anti-misfit hole when the male and female connectors are aligned in the correct direction and position, thereby avoiding connector damage or malfunction caused by mis-insertion.

[0030] In addition, the guide structure allows for more accurate installation of the male and female housings.

[0031] The waterproof sealing ring 6 can be in the form of an O-ring, rectangular ring, or other irregularly shaped sealing ring, made of elastic and weather-resistant rubber or silicone material. When the male and female housings are mated, the waterproof sealing ring is compressed and undergoes elastic deformation, forming a seal between them, preventing external moisture, dust, or other contaminants from entering the connector, thereby protecting the internal electrical connection.

[0032] By incorporating various misaligned anti-misfit posts and holes of different shapes on the male housing 1 and female housing 2, the problems of easy mis-insertion and low assembly efficiency of existing connectors are solved, preventing cell damage. Simultaneously, the waterproof sealing ring fitted on the male housing, combined with the guiding structure, ensures a seal after connector mating, improving the connector's waterproof performance and preventing water from entering the connector and causing short circuit damage to the electric vehicle controller. This ensures the electric vehicle's starting and driving in harsh environments, enhancing the reliability and safety of the connection.

[0033] Example 2 like Figure 1-3As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the guiding structure includes a guide post 12 and a guide groove 9. The guide post 12 is installed inside the female housing 2, and the guide groove 9 is provided on the outer surface of the male housing 1. The guide post 12 and the guide groove 9 are matched. After the male housing and the female housing are connected, the guide post is inserted into the guide groove.

[0034] The depth and width of the guide groove 9 must ensure that the guide post 12 can be smoothly inserted and provide stable guidance. The entrance of the guide groove can be designed as a flared or beveled shape to further facilitate the insertion of the guide post. The function of the guide groove is to receive the guide post and guide it to the correct position. The guide post in the female housing will insert into the guide groove on the male housing, thereby guiding the male and female connectors to align.

[0035] This significantly improves the alignment accuracy and smoothness of male and female connectors during the mating process. The precise fit between the guide post and the guide groove effectively eliminates wobbling and jamming during connection, ensuring that the anti-misalignment post is accurately inserted into the anti-misalignment hole, thereby avoiding terminal damage or connection failure due to misalignment. This clear guiding mechanism not only simplifies operation and improves connection efficiency, but also enhances the overall reliability and service life of the connector.

[0036] Of course, the guide post can also be installed on the male housing and the guide groove can be located on the female housing.

[0037] In addition, the part where the female shell 2 connects with the male shell 1 is set as a concave cavity 14, and the corresponding area of ​​the male shell 1 is set as a convex block 17. The convex block 17 of the male shell 1 is inserted into the concave cavity 14 of the female shell 2. The anti-fool hole 13 is located in the concave cavity 14. The anti-fool post 3 is connected to the convex block 17. The guide post 12 is installed on the inner surface of the concave cavity 14 of the female shell 2, and the guide groove 9 is provided on the upper surface of the concave block 17 of the male shell 1.

[0038] The convex block design allows the male housing to be surrounded and supported by the concave cavity when inserted into the female housing, further enhancing the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the connection. During the insertion of the male and female connectors, the convex block on the male housing is designed to precisely insert into the concave cavity on the female housing. This insertion method not only provides additional mechanical support and positioning but also creates a preliminary mechanical lock before the male and female housings are fully mated, effectively preventing the connector from shaking or accidentally separating during insertion, providing a stable foundation for subsequent electrical connections.

[0039] When the convex block is inserted into the concave cavity, the anti-misalignment post also enters the concave cavity and eventually aligns with and engages with the anti-misalignment hole therein. This connection method ensures that the anti-misalignment post is supported and protected by the convex block during the insertion process, and is guided into the concave cavity together with the convex block, further enhancing the reliability of the anti-misalignment function and the smoothness of the insertion.

[0040] Example 3 refer to Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the male housing 1 is provided with a sealing groove 8, a positioning groove 19 is provided on one side of the sealing groove 8, and a positioning block 10 is provided on the waterproof sealing ring 6. The waterproof sealing ring 6 is fitted into the sealing groove 8 in an interference fit manner, and the positioning block 19 is embedded in the positioning groove 10.

[0041] The positioning groove 19 is a partial recessed structure provided on the side wall of the sealing groove 8, and its shape and size are matched with the positioning block on the waterproof sealing ring. The function of the positioning groove is to form a mechanical interlock with the positioning block, thereby effectively preventing the waterproof sealing ring from rotating undesirably within the sealing groove. The positioning groove can be a rectangular groove, a semi-circular groove, or any other geometric shape that can effectively mate with the positioning block.

[0042] An interference fit means that the uncompressed outer diameter of the waterproof sealing ring is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sealing groove. During installation, a certain amount of pressure is required to press it into the sealing groove. This fit ensures a tight radial contact between the waterproof sealing ring and the sealing groove, providing continuous radial support, thereby significantly improving the fixing effect of the waterproof sealing ring and the overall sealing performance.

[0043] Example 4 like Figure 1-8 As shown, the male housing 1 and the female housing 2 are provided with locking mechanisms for locking the male housing 1 and the female housing 2 after they are inserted. After the male connector and the female connector are connected, the locking mechanism can ensure the stability of the connection between the male connector and the female connector without external force unlocking.

[0044] The locking mechanism includes a hook 7 and a boss 6. The hook 7 is mounted on the male housing 1 and has barbs. The boss 6 is mounted on the female housing 2. After the male housing 1 and the female housing 2 are connected, the barbs lock the boss, thereby forming a hooking force. When unlocking without applying an external force, the hook is caught, preventing the male and female connectors from loosening and detaching.

[0045] The hook 7 is equipped with a support post, which is connected to the male housing 1, creating a gap between the hook and the outer surface of the male housing. A barb is located at one end of the hook. The hook is a mechanical structure with an elastic or deformable portion. The support post is located off-center from the hook, dividing it into two parts. One part has a barb for engaging the boss. To unlock, simply press the other end of the hook, causing the end with the barb to tilt upwards and separate from the boss, thus disassembling the male and female connectors. The boss can be integrally formed with the female housing, and the hook can be integrally formed with the male housing.

[0046] When the male housing 1 and female housing 2 are mated, the hook 7 on the male housing 1 contacts the boss 6 on the female housing 2. As the mating progresses, the barb on the hook elastically deforms upon contact with the boss and slides past it. Once the barb has completely passed the boss, the hook returns to its initial position due to its elasticity, firmly locking the barb into the boss, thus achieving mechanical locking between the male and female housings. This locking structure effectively prevents the connector from loosening or disengaging when subjected to vibration, impact, or accidental pulling, significantly improving the reliability and stability of the connection and ensuring continuous and effective electrical conduction between the male and female terminals.

[0047] After the male and female connectors are mated, the waterproof sealing ring is positioned precisely at the interface, effectively preventing rainwater from entering the connector. Furthermore, the locking mechanism ensures that the male and female connectors will not easily loosen even under vibration, enhancing stability.

[0048] It should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof quick-connect connector, comprising a male connector and a female connector, the male connector comprising a male housing and a female terminal, the female connector comprising a female housing and a male terminal, characterized in that, The male housing is provided with several anti-mistake posts, each with a terminal cavity. The female terminal is installed in the terminal cavity. The female housing is provided with several anti-mistake holes, each with a male terminal installed in one of the anti-mistake holes. The anti-mistake posts include at least two different shapes. The number and shape of the anti-mistake holes are consistent with the anti-mistake posts. The male and female housings are provided with guide structures. The anti-mistake posts are inserted into the anti-mistake holes. A waterproof sealing ring is fitted on the male housing. After the male and female housings are connected, the male terminal and the female terminal are electrically connected.

2. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes a guide post and a guide groove. The guide post is installed inside the female shell and the guide groove is located on the male shell; or the guide post is installed on the male shell and the guide groove is located on the female shell.

3. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The portion connecting the female shell and the male shell is a concave cavity, and the corresponding area of ​​the male shell is a convex block. The convex block of the male shell is inserted into the concave cavity of the female shell, the anti-fool hole is located in the concave cavity, and the anti-fool post is connected to the convex block.

4. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide post is mounted on the inner surface of the concave cavity of the female shell, and the guide groove is located on the upper surface of the concave block of the male shell.

5. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The male shell is provided with a sealing groove, and a positioning groove is provided on one side of the sealing groove. A positioning block is provided on the waterproof sealing ring. The waterproof sealing ring is fitted into the sealing groove in an interference fit manner, and the positioning block is embedded in the positioning groove.

6. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The male and female housings are provided with locking mechanisms for locking the male and female housings after they are inserted together.

7. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a hook and a boss. The hook is mounted on the male housing and has barbs. The boss is mounted on the female housing. After the male and female housings are connected, the barbs lock the boss.

8. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hook is provided with a support column, which is connected to the male housing, so that there is a gap between the hook and the outer surface of the male housing, and a barb is provided at one end of the hook.

9. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hook and the male housing are integrally formed.

10. The waterproof quick-connect connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The anti-foolproof posts and anti-foolproof holes are provided in one or two rows.

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