Connection, connector, connector assembly and vehicle
By designing the contact and grounding parts of the connector, the problem of FFC cable connectors being unable to ground in vehicles was solved, achieving effective grounding of flat cables and improving the stability and reliability of the connector assembly.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BYD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The existing FFC cable connector cannot be grounded in the vehicle, which prevents the flat cable from being electrically connected to the vehicle body.
A connector was designed that electrically connects to a flat cable via a contact part and electrically connects to the vehicle body via a grounding part, thereby achieving the grounding effect of the flat cable.
This technology enables grounding of flat cables in vehicle applications, ensuring effective grounding of electrical components and improving the stability and reliability of connector assemblies.
Smart Images

Figure CN121726772B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a connector, connector assembly, and vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, FFC cable connectors are used in low-voltage wiring harness systems in vehicles. However, existing FFC cable connectors do not have a grounding function, meaning the cables connected to FFC connectors cannot be grounded in vehicle applications. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the grounding problem of FFC cables in vehicle applications. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a connector that electrically connects a flat cable to the vehicle body via a contact portion, enabling the flat cable to have a grounding function, thereby achieving a grounding effect in vehicle applications and solving the grounding problem of flat cables in vehicle applications.
[0004] The present invention further proposes a connector.
[0005] The present invention further proposes a connector.
[0006] The present invention further proposes a connector assembly.
[0007] The present invention further proposes a vehicle.
[0008] The connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0009] The contact section is used for electrical connection of the flat cable; the ground section is connected to the contact section and is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body to ground the flat cable to the vehicle body.
[0010] According to the connector of the present invention, the flat cable and the vehicle body are electrically connected through the connector, which enables the flat cable to have a grounding function. In the whole vehicle application, the grounding effect can be achieved, thus solving the grounding problem of flat cable in the whole vehicle application.
[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the contact portion includes: at least one conductive terminal, each conductive terminal including: a terminal body and two elastic contact structures, the terminal body being connected to a ground portion, both elastic contact structures being connected to the terminal body, and the two elastic contact structures being opposite to and spaced apart to form a clamping space for assembling a flat cable between the two elastic contact structures.
[0012] In some examples of the present invention, each resilient contact structure includes: a resilient contact claw extending along the arrangement direction of the terminal body and the ground portion, the end of the resilient contact claw near the terminal body being connected to the terminal body, and the end of the resilient contact claw away from the terminal body having a contact boss formed thereon for contacting and connecting the flat cable.
[0013] In some examples of the present invention, each elastic contact structure includes: a plurality of elastic contact claws, the plurality of elastic contact claws being arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of two elastic contact structures, the elastic contact claws extending along the arrangement direction of the terminal body and the grounding portion, the end of the elastic contact claw near the terminal body being connected to the terminal body, and the end of the elastic contact claw away from the terminal body forming a contact boss, the contact boss being used to contact and connect a flat cable, and the plurality of contact bosses of the plurality of elastic contact claws being arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the terminal body and the grounding portion.
[0014] In some examples of the present invention, the grounding portion is formed with an assembly hole for fasteners to pass through; and / or the connector further includes: a support structure, the grounding portion including: a first conductive structure and a second conductive structure, the first conductive structure being connected between the contact portion and the second conductive structure, the second conductive structure including a first plate and a second plate that are bent and connected, the second plate being used for electrical connection with the vehicle body, the support structure being located on the side of the first plate facing the first conductive structure and fixed to the first conductive structure, and the support structure being in contact with and limited by the first plate; and / or the grounding portion including a first anti-misalignment structure, the first anti-misalignment structure being used for assembly with the anti-misalignment mating structure; and / or the connector being integrally formed.
[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector includes: a first housing; and the aforementioned connector, wherein a contact portion is disposed within the first housing, and at least a portion of a ground portion is disposed outside the first housing.
[0016] In some examples of the present invention, the first housing is formed with a plug groove for inserting a flat cable. The first housing has a first plug wall, which is the bottom wall of the plug groove. A connector passes through the first plug wall so that at least a portion of the contact portion is located in the plug groove and at least a portion of the ground portion is located outside the first housing.
[0017] In some examples of the present invention, a second anti-misalignment structure is formed on the side of the first plug wall away from the plug groove, and the second anti-misalignment structure and the connector are fitted together; and / or the grounding part is located on the side of the first plug wall away from the plug groove, and the grounding part and the first plug wall are in contact and limited.
[0018] In some examples of the present invention, the connector further includes: a pin structure, a contact portion having a first insertion interface, the pin structure being inserted into and fixed to the first housing, and the pin structure being assembled to the first insertion interface to limit the relative position of the connector and the first housing.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector includes: a second housing; a flat cable, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second housing, the flat cable being used for electrically connecting to the aforementioned connector.
[0020] In some examples of the invention, a second housing defines an installation space in which at least a portion of the flat cable is fitted. The second housing has two opposing and spaced-apart second plug-in walls, and the installation space is located between the two second plug-in walls. At least one second plug-in wall is formed with a second plug-in interface corresponding to the flat cable. The second plug-in interface is used for insertion of a connector to electrically connect the flat cable to the connector.
[0021] In some examples of the present invention, the first end of the installation space is open to form a cable assembly port, the flat cable has an insertion end that can be inserted into the installation space through the cable assembly port, the insertion end is formed with a plurality of third anti-misalignment structures, the second housing also has a space end wall of the installation space, the installation space is located between the space end wall and the cable assembly port, and a plurality of fourth anti-misalignment structures are formed on the side of the space end wall facing the installation space, which are respectively fitted and assembled with the plurality of third anti-misalignment structures.
[0022] In some examples of the present invention, the third anti-mistake structure is one of the anti-mistake groove and the anti-mistake protrusion, and the fourth anti-mistake structure is the other of the anti-mistake groove and the anti-mistake protrusion. The corresponding anti-mistake groove and anti-mistake protrusion are adapted in shape and size. At least two anti-mistake protrusions are different in shape and / or size, and at least two anti-mistake grooves are different in shape and / or size.
[0023] In some examples of the present invention, a first limiting boss is formed on the inner sidewall of the installation space, and a second limiting boss is formed on the flat cable. The first limiting boss and the second limiting boss are opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the flat cable.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly includes: a first connector, the first connector including the connector described above; and a second connector, the second connector including the connector described above, wherein when the second connector mates with the first connector, a flat cable and a connector are electrically connected.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes the connector assembly described above, wherein the grounding portion is electrically connected to the vehicle body to ground the flat cable and the vehicle body.
[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the first connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connector from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the pin structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the second housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a flat cable according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Figure label:
[0044] Connector assembly 100;
[0045] Second connector 10;
[0046] Flat cable 11; insertion end 111; third anti-misalignment structure 112; second limiting boss 113; wire 114; third plug interface 115; cable body 116;
[0047] Second housing 12; Installation space 121; Second insertion wall 122; Second insertion interface 1223; Cable assembly port 1224; Space end wall 1225; Fourth anti-misinstallation structure 1226; First limiting boss 1227; Third insertion hole 1228; Second snap-fit part 1229;
[0048] Limiting structure 13; locking post 131; main structure 132; second mounting ear 133;
[0049] First connector 20;
[0050] Connector 21;
[0051] Conductive terminal 211; terminal body 2111; elastic contact structure 2112; clamping space 2113; elastic contact claw 2114; contact boss 2115; first insertion interface 2116; spatial insertion port 2117; contact part 2118.
[0052] Grounding part 212; First anti-misalignment structure 2121; First conductive structure 2122; Second conductive structure 2123; Support structure 2124; First plate 2125; Second plate 2126; Assembly hole 2127;
[0053] First housing 22; insertion slot 221; first insertion wall 222; second anti-misalignment structure 223; first housing sidewall 224; first insertion hole 225; second insertion hole 226; assembly slot 227; first snap-fit part 228;
[0054] Pin structure 23; fixing part 231; insertion rod 232; fixing part body 233; first mounting ear 234; first snap-fit hole 235; first snap-fit boss 236. Detailed Implementation
[0055] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments 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.
[0056] The following is for reference. Figures 1-15 A connector assembly 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The connector assembly 100 is used to connect electrical components of a vehicle to the vehicle body, thereby electrically connecting the electrical components to the vehicle body and grounding the electrical components. Exemplarily, the connector assembly 100 may include a first connector 20 and a second connector 10. The second connector 10 may include a flat cable 11, which can be connected to the vehicle's electrical components. The first connector 20 may include a connector 21. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are mated, the connector 21 is electrically connected to the flat cable 11. The connector 21 may also be connected to the vehicle body, enabling the flat cable 11 to have a grounding function.
[0057] like Figures 1-4 , Figure 7 As shown, the connector 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a contact portion 2118 for electrically connecting the flat cable 11; and a ground portion 212 connected to the contact portion 2118 for electrically connecting to the vehicle body, so that the flat cable 11 is grounded to the vehicle body.
[0058] The connector 21 is made of a conductive material; exemplarily, it is made of a metal material. The connector 21 includes a contact portion 2118 and a ground portion 212, which are connected and electrically connected. The contact portion 2118 is used to contact the wire 114 of the flat cable 11, achieving an electrical connection between the contact portion 2118 and the flat cable 11. The connector 21 is used to be installed on the vehicle body. As an example, the connector 21 is fixed to the vehicle body by bolts; as another example, it is fixed to the vehicle body by a snap-fit method. After the connector 21 is installed on the vehicle body, it is electrically connected to the vehicle body.
[0059] Specifically, when the connector 21 is applied to a vehicle, the flat cable 11 is electrically connected to the electrical components, the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are inserted and fitted together, and the connector 21 contacts the wire 114 of the flat cable 11 so that the connector 21 is electrically connected to the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body. The current on the electrical components can be transmitted to the vehicle body along the flat cable 11 and the connector 21, so as to achieve the grounding effect of the flat cable 11 and thus achieve the grounding effect of the electrical components.
[0060] Therefore, by connecting the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body through the connector 21, the flat cable 11 can be grounded, and grounding can be achieved in the whole vehicle application, thus solving the grounding problem of the flat cable 11 in the whole vehicle application.
[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the contact portion 2118 includes at least one conductive terminal 211, each conductive terminal 211 including a terminal body 2111 and two elastic contact structures 2112. The terminal body 2111 is connected to the ground portion 212, and the two elastic contact structures 2112 are both connected to the terminal body 2111. The two elastic contact structures 2112 are opposite to each other and spaced apart to form a clamping space 2113 for assembling the flat cable 11 between the two elastic contact structures 2112.
[0062] The conductive terminals 211 can be configured in the form of one, two, three, four, five, six, or other numbers, with the number of conductive terminals 211 selected appropriately based on actual conditions. Each conductive terminal 211 includes a terminal body 2111 and two elastic contact structures 2112. For example, the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are inserted and mated along a first direction, where the first direction is... Figure 1 In the X direction, this application uses the insertion and mating of the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 along the first direction as an example. The terminal body 2111 can extend along the first direction. Along the first direction, the end of the terminal body 2111 near the ground portion 212 is fixedly connected to the ground portion 212. For example, the terminal body 2111 can be soldered to the ground portion 212, or the terminal body 2111 and the ground portion 212 can be integrally formed. The two elastic contact structures 2112 can be arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along the second direction, thereby forming a clamping space 2113 between the two elastic contact structures 2112, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the second direction is Figure 2 The Z-direction in [the context]. For example... Figure 7 As shown, along the first direction, the end of the elastic contact structure 2112 near the ground portion 212 is connected to the terminal body 2111. The clamping space 2113 is located on the side of the terminal body 2111 facing away from the ground portion 212, and the end of the clamping space 2113 facing away from the ground portion 212 is open to form a spatial socket 2117. Multiple conductive terminals 211 can be arranged sequentially along a third direction, with the first direction, second direction, and third direction being perpendicular to each other.
[0063] Specifically, along the second direction, conductors 114 are formed on both sides of the flat cable 11. During the insertion of the second connector 10 and the first connector 20, the flat cable 11 is inserted into the clamping space 2113 through the spatial insertion port 2117. Two elastic contact structures 2112 clamp the flat cable 11, and the two elastic contact structures 2112 respectively contact the conductors 114 on the corresponding sides, thereby making the flat cable 11 and the connector 21 stably electrically connected. By setting two elastic contact structures 2112 through the contact portion 2118, the contact portion 2118 can simultaneously contact and conduct electricity with multiple conductors 114, and the connector 21 can simultaneously connect to multiple conductors 114. This is beneficial to achieve the effect of simultaneous grounding of multiple conductors 114, so that the same connector 21 can simultaneously meet the grounding requirements of more electrical components. By inserting the flat cable 11 into the clamping space 2113 and contacting the elastic contact structures 2112 for conduction, the overall structure of the connector 21 and the flat cable 11 can be made compact, which is beneficial to reducing the size of the connector assembly 100 and also beneficial to the miniaturization design of the connector assembly 100.
[0064] It is understood that, in some embodiments of the present invention, each elastic contact structure 2112 may further include: an elastic contact claw 2114, the elastic contact claw 2114 extending along the arrangement direction of the terminal body 2111 and the ground portion 212, the end of the elastic contact claw 2114 near the terminal body 2111 being connected to the terminal body 2111, and the end of the elastic contact claw 2114 away from the terminal body 2111 having a contact boss 2115, the contact boss 2115 being used to contact and connect the flat cable 11.
[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, each elastic contact structure 2112 includes: multiple elastic contact claws 2114, which are arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the two elastic contact structures 2112. The elastic contact claws 2114 extend along the arrangement direction of the terminal body 2111 and the ground portion 212. The end of the elastic contact claw 2114 near the terminal body 2111 is connected to the terminal body 2111. The end of the elastic contact claw 2114 away from the terminal body 2111 has a contact boss 2115. The contact boss 2115 is used to contact and connect the flat cable 11. The multiple contact bosses 2115 of the multiple elastic contact claws 2114 are arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the terminal body 2111 and the ground portion 212.
[0066] The elastic contact structure 2112 includes multiple elastic contact claws 2114. The elastic contact structure 2112 may include two, three, four, or other equal numbers of elastic contact claws 2114. The number of elastic contact claws 2114 in each elastic contact structure 2112 can be reasonably selected and designed according to actual conditions. This application uses two elastic contact claws 2114 in each elastic contact structure 2112 as an example for illustration. Figure 7 As shown, each elastic contact claw 2114 extends along the first direction. Multiple elastic contact claws 2114 of the same elastic contact structure 2112 are arranged alternately along the second direction. The lengths of the multiple elastic contact claws 2114 of the same elastic contact structure 2112 along the first direction are different. Along the second direction, the length of the elastic contact claw 2114 closer to the clamping space 2113 in any two adjacent elastic contact claws 2114 is less than the length of the elastic contact claw 2114 away from the clamping space 2113. Along the first direction, the end of the elastic contact claw 2114 near the ground portion 212 is fixedly connected to the terminal body 2111. The end of the elastic contact claw 2114 away from the ground portion 212 has a contact boss 2115. The contact boss 2115 of any two adjacent elastic contact claws 2114 that is closer to the clamping space 2113 is the first boss, and the contact boss 2115 of the elastic contact claw 2114 that is away from the clamping space 2113 is the second boss. Along the first direction, the second boss is located on the side of the first boss away from the ground portion 212.
[0067] The elastic contact structure 2112 includes multiple elastic contact claws 2114, and the multiple contact protrusions 2115 of the multiple elastic contact claws 2114 are arranged sequentially along the first direction. After the flat cable 11 is inserted into the clamping space 2113 from the spatial socket 2117, the multiple contact protrusions 2115 of the multiple elastic contact claws 2114 of the same elastic contact structure 2112 can simultaneously contact the same wire 114, which can achieve the effect of multiple contact points between the elastic contact structure 2112 and the corresponding wire 114. After one elastic contact claw 2114 of the elastic contact structure 2112 is separated from the corresponding wire 114, the other elastic contact claws 2114 of the elastic contact structure 2112 can also contact the corresponding wire 114 to conduct electricity, thereby making the connector 21 and the flat cable 11 in stable electrical contact, and thus making the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 in stable electrical connection.
[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 7 As shown, the grounding portion 212 has a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through; and / or
[0069] like Figure 7As shown, the connector 21 further includes a support structure 2124, and the grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 contacts and limits the contact with the first plate 2125; and / or
[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the grounding part 212 includes a first anti-misalignment structure 2121, which is used to mate with the anti-misalignment fitting structure; and / or
[0071] Connector 21 is integrally molded.
[0072] As an example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the grounding part 212 has a mounting hole 2127. The mounting hole 2127 is formed in the second plate 2126. The mounting hole 2127 is used for fasteners to pass through. The fasteners can be bolts. The fasteners pass through the mounting hole 2127 and are fixed to the vehicle body, thereby fixing the connector 21 to the vehicle body and making the connector 21 electrically connected to the vehicle body.
[0073] As another example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the connector 21 further includes a support structure 2124. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The first plate 2125 and the first conductive structure 2122 are opposite to each other along a first direction. The second plate 2126 is used to be installed on the vehicle body. Along the first direction, the support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 is in contact with and limited by the first plate 2125.
[0074] The support structure 2124 can be a plate-like structure. The first plate 2125 can be arranged perpendicular to the first direction, and the second plate 2126 can have the assembly holes 2127 as described in the above embodiment, thereby allowing the second plate 2126 to be installed on the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. For example, the support structure 2124 can be welded to the first conductive structure 2122, or the support structure 2124 can be snap-fitted to the first conductive structure 2122. Along the first direction, at least a portion of the structure of the support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122, and the support structure 2124 is in contact with and limited by the surface of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122. By providing the support structure 2124, the support structure 2124 can support the second conductive structure 2123, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the connector 21 and also to improving the assembly reliability of the second plate 2126 and the vehicle body.
[0075] As another example, the grounding part 212 includes a first anti-misfit structure 2121, and the first housing 22 of the first connector 20 has a second anti-misfit structure 223 (i.e., the anti-misfit mating structure in the above embodiment). When the connector 21 is assembled into the first housing 22, the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223 are fitted together. During the assembly of the connector 21 into the first housing 22, if the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223 can fit together, the connector 21 is correctly assembled into the first housing 22. If the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223 do not fit together, the connector 21 is incorrectly inserted. Therefore, by setting the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223, the connector 21 is protected against mis-insertion, which helps to correctly assemble the connector 21 into the first housing 22 and reduces the risk of mis-installation of the connector 21.
[0076] As another example, the connector 21 is integrally formed. The contact portion 2118 and the ground portion 212 are integrally formed. The connector 21 can be integrally stamped or formed by bending. The connector 21 of this application does not require pressing, welding, or other complex processes during manufacturing, which facilitates the production of the connector 21, reduces its production cost, and improves its structural stability.
[0077] As another example, the grounding portion 212 has a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through. The connector 21 also includes a support structure 2124. The grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 contacts and limits the contact with the first plate 2125.
[0078] As another example, the grounding part 212 is formed with a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through, and the grounding part 212 includes a first anti-misalignment structure 2121 for assembly with an anti-misalignment mating structure.
[0079] As another example, the grounding part 212 is formed with a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through, and the connector 21 is integrally formed.
[0080] As another example, the grounding portion 212 has a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through. The connector 21 also includes a support structure 2124. The grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 contacts and limits the contact with the first plate 2125. The grounding portion 212 includes a first anti-misalignment structure 2121 for assembly with the anti-misalignment mating structure.
[0081] As another example, the grounding portion 212 has a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through. The connector 21 also includes a support structure 2124. The grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 contacts and limits the contact with the first plate 2125. The connector 21 is integrally formed.
[0082] As another example, the grounding portion 212 has a mounting hole 2127 for fasteners to pass through. The connector 21 also includes a support structure 2124. The grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 contacts and limits the contact with the first plate 2125. The grounding portion 212 includes a first anti-misalignment structure 2121 for assembly with the anti-misalignment mating structure. The connector 21 is integrally formed.
[0083] As another example, connector 21 further includes a support structure 2124, and grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 is in contact with and limited by the first plate 2125.
[0084] As another example, connector 21 further includes a support structure 2124, and grounding portion 212 includes a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact portion 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The second conductive structure 2123 includes a first plate 2125 and a second plate 2126 that are bent and connected. The second plate 2126 is used for electrical connection with the vehicle body. The support structure 2124 is located on the side of the first plate 2125 facing the first conductive structure 2122 and is fixed to the first conductive structure 2122. The support structure 2124 is in contact with and limited by the first plate 2125. Grounding portion 212 includes a first anti-misalignment structure 2121, which is used for assembly with the anti-misalignment mating structure. Connector 21 is integrally formed.
[0085] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first housing 22; a connector 21 as described in the above embodiment, wherein a contact portion 2118 is disposed inside the first housing 22, and at least a portion of a ground portion 212 is disposed outside the first housing 22.
[0086] The connector can be the first connector 20 in the above embodiments, and will be described below as the first connector 20. The first housing 22 can be made of non-metallic materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber. The connector 21 is fixed to the first housing 22. As an example, the connector 21 is snapped to the first housing 22. As another example, the connector 21 is fixed to the first housing 22 by bolts. Part of the structure of the contact portion 2118 is located inside the first housing 22, or the entire structure of the contact portion 2118 is located inside the first housing 22. By setting at least a part of the contact portion 2118 inside the first housing 22, after the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 are inserted into place, the contact portion 2118 contacts the wire 114 of the flat cable 11, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the contact portion 2118 and the flat cable 11. At least a portion of the structure of the grounding part 212 is located outside the first housing 22. Alternatively, the entire structure of the grounding part 212 may be located outside the first housing 22. By placing the grounding part 212 outside the first housing 22, it is easier to install the grounding part 212 onto the vehicle body, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the connector 21 and the vehicle body, and thus improving the assembly efficiency of the connector 21 and the vehicle body.
[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, the first housing 22 has a plug groove 221 for inserting a flat cable 11. The first housing 22 has a first plug wall 222, which is the bottom wall of the plug groove 221. The connector 21 passes through the first plug wall 222 so that at least a portion of the contact portion 2118 is located in the plug groove 221, and at least a portion of the ground portion 212 is located outside the first housing 22.
[0088] In this configuration, along the first direction, the insertion slot 221 is open towards the second connector 10. The flat cable 11 of the second connector 10 can be inserted into the insertion slot 221 through its open end, achieving the effect of insertion and engagement between the second connector 10 and the first connector 20. A portion of the contact portion 2118 is located within the insertion slot 221, or the entire structure of the contact portion 2118 is located within the insertion slot 221. By placing at least a portion of the contact portion 2118 within the insertion slot 221, after the second connector 10 is inserted into the insertion slot 221 and fully engaged, the contact portion 2118 contacts the wire 114 of the flat cable 11, achieving an electrical connection between the contact portion 2118 and the flat cable 11. By placing the ground portion 212 outside the first housing 22, it is easier to install the ground portion 212 onto the vehicle body, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the connector 21 and the vehicle body, and thus improving the assembly efficiency of the connector 21 and the vehicle body.
[0089] The open ends of the first insertion wall 222 and the insertion slot 221 can be arranged at intervals along a first direction. The contact portion 2118 and the ground portion 212 are arranged along the first direction, and the connector 21 passes through the first insertion wall 222 along the first direction. The first housing sidewall 224 can be annular. The first housing sidewall 224 is arranged around the first insertion wall 222 along the edge of the first insertion wall 222, so that the first housing sidewall 224 and the first insertion wall 222 together define the insertion slot 221, thereby allowing the first housing 22 to define the insertion slot 221. The contact portion 2118 and the ground portion 212 are arranged and connected along the first direction. Along the first direction, the ground portion 212 is located on the side of the contact portion 2118 opposite to the second connector 10. The connector 21 passes through the first plug-in wall 222 along the first direction. For example, the first plug-in wall 222 is formed with a first plug-in hole 225. The first plug-in hole 225 passes through the first plug-in wall 222 along the first direction. The connector 21 passes through the first plug-in hole 225, thereby achieving the effect of the connector 21 passing through the first plug-in wall 222, so that at least a portion of the contact portion 2118 is assembled in the plug-in groove 221.
[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, a second anti-misalignment structure 223 is formed on the side of the first insertion wall 222 opposite to the insertion slot 221, and the second anti-misalignment structure 223 and the connector 21 are fitted together; and / or
[0091] The grounding part 212 is located on the side of the first plug wall 222 away from the plug groove 221, and the grounding part 212 and the first plug wall 222 are in contact and limited.
[0092] As an example, a second anti-misalignment structure 223 is formed on the side of the first plug-in wall 222 opposite to the plug-in slot 221, and the second anti-misalignment structure 223 and the first anti-misalignment structure 2121 of the connector 21 are fitted together.
[0093] In this configuration, along the first direction, the second anti-misalignment structure 223 is located on the side of the first insertion wall 222 opposite to the insertion slot 221. The grounding part 212 includes the first anti-misalignment structure 2121, which is located on the side of the first insertion wall 222 opposite to the insertion slot 221 along the first direction. It should be noted that the connector 21 assembles the contact portion 2118 into the insertion groove 221 by passing through the first insertion hole 225. During the process of the connector 21 being inserted into the first insertion hole 225 from the outside of the first housing 22, if the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223 can be assembled together, the connector 21 is correctly assembled into the first housing 22. If the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223 do not cooperate, the connector 21 is incorrectly inserted. Therefore, by setting the first anti-misfit structure 2121 and the second anti-misfit structure 223, the connector 21 is protected against misinsertion, which helps to assemble the connector 21 correctly into the first housing 22 and reduces the risk of misinsertion of the connector 21.
[0094] As another example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the grounding part 212 is located on the side of the first plug-in wall 222 away from the plug-in groove 221, and the grounding part 212 and the first plug-in wall 222 are in contact and limited.
[0095] In this configuration, along the first direction, the grounding portion 212 is located on the side of the first insertion wall 222 away from the insertion groove 221. During the process of the connector 21 being inserted from the side of the first housing 22 away from the second connector 10 into the first insertion hole 225, when the grounding portion 212 and the surface of the first insertion wall 222 away from the insertion groove 221 come into contact, the first insertion wall 222 limits the grounding portion 212, thereby assembling the connector 21 relative to the first housing 22, reducing the risk of over-assembly of the connector 21, and thus reliably assembling the connector 21 to the first housing 22.
[0096] As another example, a second anti-misalignment structure 223 is formed on the side of the first plug-in wall 222 away from the plug-in groove 221. The second anti-misalignment structure 223 and the connector 21 are assembled together. The grounding part 212 is located on the side of the first plug-in wall 222 away from the plug-in groove 221, and the grounding part 212 and the first plug-in wall 222 are in contact and limited.
[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the grounding part 212 includes: a first conductive structure 2122 and a second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 is connected between the contact part 2118 and the second conductive structure 2123. The first conductive structure 2122 and the first plug-in wall 222 are in contact and limited. The second conductive structure 2123 is used for mounting on the vehicle body.
[0098] In this configuration, along a first direction, a first conductive structure 2122 is connected between a contact portion 2118 and a second conductive structure 2123. The contact portion 2118 is inserted into the first housing 22 through a first insertion hole 225, and at least a portion of the first conductive structure 2122 is located within an insertion groove 221. During the insertion of the connector 21 from the side of the first housing 22 away from the second connector 10 into the first insertion hole 225, the connector 21 is assembled relative to the first housing 22 when the first conductive structure 2122 contacts the first insertion wall 222.
[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the first conductive structure 2122 is constructed as a bent structure. For example, the first conductive structure 2122 is constructed as a wavy structure. The first conductive structure 2122 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. By setting the first conductive structure 2122 as a bent structure, it is beneficial to increase the installation area of the first conductive structure 2122. When the first conductive structure 2122 and the first plug-in wall 222 are in contact, it is beneficial to increase the contact area between the first conductive structure 2122 and the first plug-in wall 222, which is beneficial to improve the limiting effect of the connector 21 and the first plug-in wall 222.
[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second anti-misfit structure 223 is an alignment boss, and the first anti-misfit structure 2121 is an anti-misfit boss. During the process of inserting the connector 21 from the outside of the first housing 22 into the first insertion hole 225, if the alignment boss and the anti-misfit boss are opposite to each other in the first direction, the connector 21 is correctly assembled into the first housing 22. If the alignment boss and the anti-misfit boss are not opposite to each other in the first direction, the connector 21 is incorrectly inserted.
[0101] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the second error-proofing structure 223 is one of the first error-proofing groove and the error-proofing body, and the first error-proofing structure 2121 is the other of the first error-proofing groove and the error-proofing body, with the error-proofing body assembled in the first error-proofing groove.
[0102] As an example, the second error-proofing structure 223 is the first error-proofing groove, and the first error-proofing structure 2121 is the error-proofing body. As another example, the second error-proofing structure 223 is the error-proofing body, and the first error-proofing structure 2121 is the first error-proofing groove. This application uses the example of the second error-proofing structure 223 being the first error-proofing groove and the first error-proofing structure 2121 being the error-proofing body for illustration.
[0103] During the process of inserting the connector 21 into the first insertion hole 225 from the outside of the first housing 22, if the anti-misalignment body can be assembled into the first anti-misalignment groove, the connector 21 is correctly assembled into the first housing 22. If the first anti-misalignment groove and the anti-misalignment body are misaligned, the anti-misalignment body cannot be assembled into the first anti-misalignment groove, and the connector 21 is incorrectly inserted. Therefore, by setting the first anti-misalignment groove and the anti-misalignment body, the connector 21 is effectively prevented from being incorrectly installed into the first housing 22. Furthermore, by setting the first anti-misalignment groove and the anti-misalignment body, the structure of the first anti-misalignment structure 2121 and the second anti-misalignment structure 223 is simplified, the manufacturing difficulty of the first housing 22 and the connector 21 is reduced, and the production and manufacturing of the first housing 22 and the connector 21 are facilitated, thereby improving the production efficiency of the first connector 20.
[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anti-misalignment body can be snapped into the first anti-misalignment groove, which can limit the connection 21, reduce the risk of movement of the connection 21 relative to the first housing 22, and facilitate the secure installation of the connection 21 on the first housing 22.
[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the terminal body 2111 extends along the first direction and is connected to the grounding part 212. Both elastic contact structures 2112 are connected to the terminal body 2111. The two elastic contact structures 2112 are arranged at intervals along the second direction to form a clamping space 2113 for assembling the flat cable 11 between the two elastic contact structures 2112. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.
[0106] The contact portion 2118 may include a terminal body 2111 and two elastic contact structures 2112. The terminal body 2111 extends along a first direction, and the end of the terminal body 2111 near the ground portion 212 is fixedly connected to the ground portion 212 along the first direction. For example, the terminal body 2111 may be fixed to the first conductive structure 2122 of the ground portion 212, and the terminal body 2111 may be soldered to the first conductive structure 2122. The elastic contact structures 2112 are all located within the insertion groove 221, and the two elastic contact structures 2112 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along a second direction, thereby forming a clamping space 2113 between the two elastic contact structures 2112. Figure 2 As shown, the second direction is Figure 2 The Z-direction in [the context]. For example... Figure 7 As shown, along the first direction, the end of the elastic contact structure 2112 near the ground portion 212 is connected to the terminal body 2111, and the clamping space 2113 is located on the side of the terminal body 2111 away from the ground portion 212. The end of the clamping space 2113 away from the ground portion 212 is open to form a space socket 2117.
[0107] Specifically, along the second direction, conductors 114 are formed on both sides of the flat cable 11. During the insertion of the second connector 10 into the insertion slot 221 through the open end of the insertion slot 221, the flat cable 11 is inserted into the clamping space 2113 from the spatial insertion port 2117. Two elastic contact structures 2112 clamp the flat cable 11, and the two elastic contact structures 2112 respectively contact the conductors 114 on the corresponding sides, thereby making the flat cable 11 and the connector 21 stably electrically connected. By providing two elastic contact structures 2112 through the contact portion 2118, the contact portion 2118 can simultaneously contact and conduct electricity with multiple wires 114, and the connector 21 can simultaneously connect to multiple wires 114, which is beneficial to achieve the effect of simultaneous grounding of multiple wires 114, so that the same connector assembly 100 can simultaneously meet the grounding requirements of more electrical components. By inserting the flat cable 11 into the clamping space 2113 and contacting the elastic contact structure 2112 for conduction, the connector assembly 100 can be made compact, which is beneficial to reducing the size of the connector assembly 100 and also beneficial to the miniaturization design of the connector assembly 100.
[0108] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, there are multiple conductive terminals 211, which are arranged along a third direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.
[0109] The conductive terminals 211 and the first insertion holes 225 are assembled one-to-one. The number of conductive terminals 211 can be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, etc., and the number of conductive terminals 211 is reasonably selected according to the actual situation. This application uses six conductive terminals 211 as an example for explanation. Multiple conductive terminals 211 are arranged along a third direction, which is... Figure 6 In the Y direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction can be perpendicular to each other.
[0110] It should be noted that, along the second direction, multiple conductors 114 are formed on both sides of the flat cable 11. The number of conductors 114 on each side of the flat cable 11 can be the same as the number of conductive terminals 211. The multiple conductors 114 on each side of the flat cable 11 are arranged sequentially along the third direction. The multiple conductors 114 on each side of the flat cable 11 and the multiple conductive terminals 211 make contact and conduct electricity in a one-to-one manner. After the flat cable 11 is inserted into the clamping space 2113 from the spatial socket 2117, the two elastic contact structures 2112 of each conductive terminal 211 make contact with the corresponding conductors 114 on both sides of the flat cable 11. By setting multiple conductive terminals 211, and the multiple conductive terminals 211 are arranged sequentially along the third direction, the connector 21 can be electrically connected to more conductors 114 at the same time, so that the same connector assembly 100 can simultaneously meet the grounding requirements of more electrical components.
[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the connector also includes: a pin structure 23, a contact portion 2118 having a first insertion interface 2116, the pin structure 23 being inserted into and fixed to the first housing 22, and the pin structure 23 being assembled to the first insertion interface 2116 to limit the relative position of the connector 21 and the first housing 22.
[0112] At least one conductive terminal 211 has a first insertion interface 2116 formed therein. This application will describe an example where each conductive terminal 211 has a first insertion interface 2116 formed therein. The first insertion interface 2116 penetrates the corresponding conductive terminal 211 along a third direction. As an example, the terminal body 2111 of the conductive terminal 211 has a first insertion interface 2116 formed therein. As another example, the elastic contact structure 2112 of the conductive terminal 211 has a first insertion interface 2116 formed therein. This application will describe an example where the terminal body 2111 of the conductive terminal 211 has a first insertion interface 2116 formed therein. Figure 5 As shown, the first housing 22 has a second insertion hole 226 extending in a third direction. At least one end of the second insertion hole 226 extends to the surface of the first housing 22 in this third direction. Figure 6 As shown, this application uses the example of one end of the second insertion hole 226 extending to the surface of the corresponding side of the first housing 22 for illustration.
[0113] After the connector 21 is assembled into the first housing 22 and in place, in other words, after the first conductive structure 2122 and the first insertion wall 222 come into contact, the second insertion hole 226 and the first insertion interface 2116 are opposite to and connected in a third direction. The pin structure 23 is inserted into the first housing 22 in a third direction and passes through the multiple first insertion interfaces 2116 of the multiple conductive terminals 211. The pin structure 23 can contact the inner wall of the first insertion interface 2116, or an assembly gap can be formed between the pin structure 23 and the inner wall of the first insertion interface 2116. When the pin structure 23 contacts the inner wall of the first insertion interface 2116, the pin structure 23 can limit the connector 21 in the first direction, reducing the risk of the connector 21 moving out of the first housing 22 in the first direction, thereby making the connector 21 stably installed in the first housing 22. After the pin structure 23 is assembled in place, the pin structure 23 is fixed to the first housing 22. As an example, the pin structure 23 is snapped and fixed to the first housing 22. As another example, the pin structure 23 is fixed to the first housing 22 by bolts, so that the pin structure 23 is securely installed in the first housing 22, reducing the risk of the pin structure 23 moving out of the second insertion hole 226.
[0114] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the pin structure 23 may include a fixing part 231 and a insertion rod 232. The insertion rod 232 is located on one side of the fixing part 231 and is fixedly connected to the fixing part 231. The fixing part 231 and the insertion rod 232 may be integrally formed, or they may be snapped together. The insertion rod 232 is inserted into the second insertion hole 226 and the first insertion interface 2116 in a third direction. The fixing part 231 is located outside the first housing 22 and is fixed to the first housing 22. By including the fixing part 231 and the insertion rod 232, the pin structure 23 can be reasonably configured. While satisfying the requirement that the insertion rod 232 be inserted into the second insertion hole 226 and the first insertion interface 2116 in a third direction, the pin structure 23 can be fixed to the first housing 22.
[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 5-7As shown, two insertion rods 232 and two second insertion holes 226 can be configured. The two second insertion holes 226 are arranged sequentially along the second direction. Along the second direction, a first insertion interface 2116 is formed on both sides of each conductive terminal 211. The first insertion interfaces 2116 on both sides of each conductive terminal 211 are respectively configured to correspond to the two second insertion holes 226. The two insertion rods 232 are arranged sequentially along the second direction and are respectively inserted into the two second insertion holes 226. The two insertion rods 232 are respectively passed through the first insertion interfaces 2116 on both sides of the conductive terminal 211. By setting two insertion rods 232, the two insertion rods 232 can simultaneously limit the connector 21 in the first direction, further reducing the risk of the connector 21 moving out of the first housing 22 in the first direction, thereby making the connector 21 more stably installed in the first housing 22.
[0116] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing part 231 may include: a fixing part body 233 and two first mounting ears 234. The fixing part body 233 is connected between the two first mounting ears 234. The fixing part body 233 is bent and connected to the two first mounting ears 234. The two first mounting ears 234 are bent toward the same side of the fixing part body 233. Along the third direction, the fixing part body 233 is located on one side of the first housing 22 and is in contact with the first housing 22. The fixing part body 233 is fixedly connected to the insertion rod 232. The insertion rod 232 and the two first mounting ears 234 are located on the same side of the fixing part body 233. Along the second direction, the two first mounting ears 234 are respectively located on both sides of the first housing 22. Both first mounting ears 234 are fixed to the first housing 22, thereby fixing the fixing part 231 to the first housing 22.
[0117] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first mounting ear 234 has one of a first snap-fit hole 235 and a first snap-fit boss 236. Along the second direction, the other of the first snap-fit hole 235 and the first snap-fit boss 236 is formed on the outer surfaces of both sides of the first housing 22. This application uses the example of the first mounting ear 234 having a first snap-fit hole 235 and the first housing 22 having a first snap-fit boss 236 for explanation. The first snap-fit boss 236 snaps into the first snap-fit hole 235, thereby achieving the effect of detachably fixing the fixing part 231 to the first housing 22, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the fixing part 231.
[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, along the third direction, the first housing 22 has an assembly groove 227 formed on the side facing the fixing body 233. The assembly groove 227 extends along the second direction and extends to the end of the first housing 22. At least a part of the fixing body 233 is assembled in the assembly groove 227. The inner sidewall of the assembly groove 227 can contact and limit the fixing body 233, thereby realizing the stable assembly of the pin structure 23 and the first housing 22, and thus making the connector 21 firmly assembled in the first housing 22.
[0119] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a second housing 12; a flat cable 11, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second housing 12, and the flat cable 11 is used for electrically connecting to the connector 21 of the above embodiment.
[0120] The connector is the second connector 10 in the above embodiment, and will be described below as the second connector 10. The second housing 12 can be made of non-metallic materials, such as plastic or carbon fiber. At least a portion of the flat cable 11 is assembled inside the second housing 12. This application describes the example of a portion of the flat cable 11 being assembled inside the second housing 12. The flat cable 11 can be fixed to the second housing 12. As an example, the flat cable 11 is snapped and fixed to the second housing 12. As another example, the flat cable 11 is fixed to the second housing 12 by bolts. After the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are plugged in, the flat cable 11 can be electrically connected to the connector 21 and to the electrical components of the vehicle, thereby achieving a grounding effect between the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body. Furthermore, by setting the flat cable 11, the flat cable 11 has characteristics such as small size, light weight, and flexibility, which is beneficial to the lightweight design of the second connector 10 and also to the miniaturization design of the second connector 10.
[0121] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 , Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the second housing 12 defines an installation space 121, in which at least a portion of the flat cable 11 is fitted. The second housing 12 has two opposing and spaced-apart second insertion walls 122, and the installation space 121 is located between the two second insertion walls 122. At least one second insertion wall 122 forms a second insertion interface 1223 corresponding to the flat cable 11. The second insertion interface 1223 is used for the insertion of the connector 21 to electrically connect the flat cable 11 to the connector 21.
[0122] The second housing 12 is inserted into the insertion slot 221 of the first housing 22 through the open end of the insertion slot 221. The second housing 12 defines an installation space 121, which can extend along a first direction. The second housing 12 has two second insertion walls 122, which are the side walls of the installation space 121. The two second insertion walls 122 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart along a second direction.
[0123] At least one second insertion wall 122 has a second insertion interface 1223. The second insertion interface 1223 penetrates the corresponding second insertion wall 122 along a second direction, thereby communicating with the installation space 121. The second insertion interface 1223 and the corresponding wire 114 of the flat cable 11 are arranged in a corresponding manner along the second direction. This application uses the example of two second insertion walls 122 each having multiple second insertion interfaces 1223. The multiple second insertion interfaces 1223 on each second insertion wall 122 are arranged sequentially along a third direction, and the multiple second insertion interfaces 1223 on the second insertion wall 122 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple wires 114 on the corresponding side of the flat cable 11. After the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 are inserted into place, the two elastic contact structures 2112 of the same conductive terminal 211 are respectively inserted into the corresponding second insertion interfaces 1223 on the two second insertion walls 122, thereby making contact and conducting electricity with the two elastic contact structures 2112 of the same conductive terminal 211 respectively with the corresponding wires 114 on both sides of the flat cable 11. By setting the second insertion interface 1223, after the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 are inserted into place, the elastic contact structure 2112 can be inserted into the second insertion interface 1223, thereby electrically connecting the elastic contact structure 2112 with the corresponding wire 114 of the flat cable 11.
[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second connector 1223 extends from the end near the first connector 20 to the end of the second connector wall 122. During the process of inserting the second connector 10 into the first connector 20, the elastic contact structure 2112 can be inserted into the second connector 1223 through the open end of the second connector 1223, thereby facilitating the insertion of the elastic contact structure 2112 into the corresponding second connector 1223 and facilitating the contact of the elastic contact structure 2112 with the corresponding wire 114 of the flat cable 11.
[0125] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 12As shown, the first end of the installation space 121 is open to form a cable assembly port 1224. The flat cable 11 has an insertion end 111 that can be inserted into the installation space 121 through the cable assembly port 1224. The insertion end 111 has a plurality of third anti-misalignment structures 112. The second housing 12 also has a spatial end wall 1225 of the installation space 121. The installation space 121 is located between the spatial end wall 1225 and the cable assembly port 1224. On the side of the spatial end wall 1225 facing the installation space 121, a plurality of fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 are formed, which are respectively fitted and assembled with the plurality of third anti-misalignment structures 112.
[0126] Along the length of the flat cable 11, one end of the flat cable 11 is configured as an insertion end 111. During the assembly of the flat cable 11 into the second housing 12, the insertion end 111 of the flat cable 11 is opposite to the cable assembly port 1224. Then, the flat cable 11 is assembled into the installation space 121 through the cable assembly port 1224, thereby assembling the flat cable 11 into the installation space 121.
[0127] The insertion end 111 has a third error prevention structure 112. There are multiple third error prevention structures 112. The multiple third error prevention structures 112 can be arranged sequentially along a third direction. The number of third error prevention structures 112 can be set to two, three, four, etc. This application takes setting two third error prevention structures 112 as an example for explanation.
[0128] The second housing 12 also has a spatial end wall 1225, which is the end wall of the installation space 121. Along the first direction, the installation space 121 is located between the spatial end wall 1225 and the cable assembly port 1224. A fourth anti-misalignment structure 1226 is formed on the side of the spatial end wall 1225 facing the installation space 121. There are multiple fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226, which are arranged sequentially along the third direction. The number of fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 can be set to two, three, four, etc. The number of fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 is the same as the number of third anti-misalignment structures 112. The multiple fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 and the multiple second anti-misalignment structures 223 are set in a one-to-one correspondence. This application takes the setting of two fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 as an example for explanation.
[0129] It should be noted that the flat cable 11 has a flat structure, and along the second direction, the two sides of the flat cable 11 are easily installed backwards. In this application, as an example, along the third direction, from one side of the second housing 12 to the other side, the spacing between two adjacent third anti-misalignment structures 112 gradually increases, and the spacing between two adjacent fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 also gradually increases. When the flat cable 11 is inserted into the installation space 121 through the cable assembly port 1224 at the insertion end 111, if the flat cable 11 is not installed backwards, the multiple third anti-misinstallation structures 112 and the multiple fourth anti-misinstallation structures 1226 can be assembled one by one, and the flat cable 11 is correctly assembled in the second housing 12. If the flat cable 11 is installed backwards, the multiple third anti-misinstallation structures 112 and the multiple fourth anti-misinstallation structures 1226 cannot be assembled one by one, and the flat cable 11 is inserted incorrectly. Therefore, by setting the third anti-misinstallation structure 112 and the fourth anti-misinstallation structure 1226, the effect of preventing the flat cable 11 from being incorrectly installed in the second housing 12 is achieved, which is conducive to correctly assembling the flat cable 11 in the second housing 12, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect installation of the flat cable 11.
[0130] In some embodiments of the present invention, the space end wall 1225 is a transparent structure, the third anti-misinstallation structure 112 is a first positioning line, and the third anti-misinstallation structure 112 is a second positioning line. When the insertion end 111 of the flat cable 11 is inserted into the installation space 121 from the cable assembly port 1224, if the flat cable 11 is not installed backwards, the multiple first positioning lines and multiple second positioning lines can correspond one-to-one along the first direction. At this time, the flat cable 11 is correctly assembled into the second housing 12. If the flat cable 11 is installed backwards, the multiple first positioning lines and multiple second positioning lines cannot correspond one-to-one along the first direction. At this time, the flat cable 11 is incorrectly inserted. Therefore, by setting multiple first positioning lines and multiple second positioning lines, the effect of preventing the flat cable 11 from being incorrectly installed into the second housing 12 is achieved.
[0131] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 12 As shown, the third error-proofing structure 112 is one of the error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion, and the fourth error-proofing structure 1226 is the other of the error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion. The corresponding error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion are adapted in shape and size. At least two error-proofing protrusions have different shapes and / or sizes, and at least two error-proofing grooves have different shapes and / or sizes.
[0132] As an example, the third error-proofing structure 112 is an error-proofing groove (i.e., the second error-proofing groove), and the fourth error-proofing structure 1226 is an error-proofing protrusion. As another example, the third error-proofing structure 112 is an error-proofing protrusion, and the fourth error-proofing structure 1226 is a second error-proofing groove. This application uses the third error-proofing structure 112 as a second error-proofing groove and the fourth error-proofing structure 1226 as an error-proofing protrusion as an example for explanation. The shape of the corresponding second error-proofing groove is the same as or substantially the same as the shape of the error-proofing protrusion, and the size of the corresponding second error-proofing groove is the same as or substantially the same as the size of the error-proofing protrusion. At least two error-proofing protrusions have different shapes, or at least two error-proofing protrusions have different sizes, or at least two error-proofing protrusions have different shapes and sizes. At least two second error-proofing grooves have different shapes, or at least two second error-proofing grooves have different sizes, or at least two second error-proofing grooves have different shapes and sizes. This application uses the example of multiple error-proofing protrusions having different shapes and sizes, and multiple second error-proofing grooves having different shapes and sizes, for explanation.
[0133] This application uses two third anti-misalignment structures 112 and two fourth anti-misalignment structures 1226 as an example for explanation. When the insertion end 111 of the flat cable 11 is inserted into the installation space 121 from the cable assembly port 1224, the third anti-misalignment structure 112 and the fourth anti-misalignment structure 1226 are set one-to-one in the first direction. If the two anti-misalignment protrusions are inserted into the two second anti-misalignment slots respectively, the flat cable 11 is correctly assembled into the second housing 12. If the two anti-misalignment protrusions cannot be inserted into the two second anti-misalignment slots respectively, the flat cable 11 is incorrectly inserted, thus achieving the effect of preventing the flat cable 11 from being incorrectly installed into the second housing 12.
[0134] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 12 As shown, a first limiting boss 1227 is formed on the inner sidewall of the installation space 121, and a second limiting boss 113 is formed on the flat cable 11. The first limiting boss 1227 and the second limiting boss 113 are opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the flat cable 11.
[0135] The inner sidewall of the installation space 121 is provided with a first limiting boss 1227. For example, at least one inner sidewall of the installation space 121 is provided with a first limiting boss 1227 along a third direction. A second limiting boss 113 is provided on the corresponding side of the flat cable 11 along a third direction. When the insertion end 111 of the flat cable 11 is inserted into the installation space 121 from the cable assembly port 1224, the first limiting boss 1227 and the second limiting boss 113 are opposite each other along a first direction. When the first limiting boss 1227 and the second limiting boss 113 are in contact, the flat cable 11 is inserted into place, thereby prompting the operator that the flat cable 11 is in place.
[0136] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the second connector 10 may further include: a limiting structure 13, a second insertion wall 122 forming a third insertion hole 1228, the third insertion hole 1228 penetrating through the corresponding third insertion hole 1228 along the second direction, the flat cable 11 forming a third insertion interface 115, the third insertion interface 115 and the third insertion hole 1228 being arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, the limiting structure 13 being snapped and fixed to the second housing 12, and the limiting structure 13 including a locking post 131, the locking post 131 passing through the third insertion hole 1228 and inserted into the third insertion interface 115, after the locking post 131 contacts the inner wall of the third insertion interface 115, the locking post 131 can restrict the flat cable 11 from moving along the first direction, thereby reducing the effect of the flat cable 11 moving out of the second housing 12 from the cable assembly port 1224, and thus reliably assembling the flat cable 11 into the second housing 12.
[0137] In some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple locking pins 131, third insertion interfaces 115 and third insertion holes 1228. Multiple locking pins 131, multiple third insertion interfaces 115 and multiple third insertion holes 1228 are assembled one-to-one, thereby further reducing the effect of the flat cable 11 being removed from the cable assembly port 1224 from the second housing 12, and thus making the flat cable 11 more reliably assembled in the second housing 12.
[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the limiting structure 13 also includes a main body 132 and two second mounting ears 133. The main body 132 is connected between the two second mounting ears 133. The main body 132 and the two second mounting ears 133 are bent and connected. The two second mounting ears 133 are bent toward the same side of the main body 132. Along the second direction, the main body 132 is located on one side of the second housing 12 and is in contact with the second housing 12. The locking post 131 and the two second mounting ears 133 are located on the same side of the main body 132. Along the third direction, the two second mounting ears 133 are located on both sides of the second housing 12. The two second mounting ears 133 are both locked and fixed to the second housing 12, thereby fixing the limiting structure 13 to the second housing 12.
[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 14 As shown, the flat cable 11 may include two cable bodies 116, which are stacked on top of each other. Each cable body 116 has multiple conductors 114 on the side opposite to the other cable body 116, thereby integrating more conductors 114 into the flat cable 11, and thus enabling the second connector 10 to meet the grounding requirements of more electrical components at the same time.
[0140] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 22 may be provided with a first snap-fit portion 228, and the second housing 12 may be provided with a second snap-fit portion 1229. After the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 are inserted into place, the second snap-fit portion 1229 and the first snap-fit portion 228 snap-fit together, thereby making the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 detachably connected.
[0141] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first connector 20, which includes the connector of the above embodiment; and a second connector 10, which includes the connector of the above embodiment. When the second connector 10 and the first connector 20 are engaged, the flat cable 11 and the connector 21 are electrically connected.
[0142] The flat cable 11 can be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), a data transmission cable made of flat copper foil laminated with insulating material. It is characterized by its small size, light weight, and flexibility. The number and spacing of the conductors 114 in the flat cable 11 can be customized according to requirements. The flat cable 11 is a conductive component in the vehicle's low-voltage wiring harness system used to connect the negative terminal of electrical components. It serves to collect and transmit current and acts as a grounding path. The flat cable 11 has at least one conductor 114. This application describes an example where the flat cable 11 has multiple conductors 114. These multiple conductors 114 are electrically connected to multiple electrical components. This application further describes an example where multiple conductors 114 are connected one-to-one to multiple electrical components, which may include a battery, dashboard, engine, etc.
[0143] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 20 can be inserted and mated with the second connector 10 along a first direction, and the first connector 20 can be fixedly assembled with the second connector 10. The first direction is... Figure 1 In the X direction, as an example, the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are snap-fitted together; as another example, the first connector 20 is fixedly connected to the second connector 10 by bolts. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are plugged in, the connector 21 contacts the wire 114 of the flat cable 11, thereby electrically connecting the connector 21 to the flat cable 11.
[0144] Specifically, when the connector assembly 100 is applied to a vehicle, the flat cable 11 is electrically connected to the electrical components, the first connector 20 and the second connector 10 are plugged in and engaged, and the connector 21 contacts the wire 114 of the flat cable 11 so that the connector 21 is electrically connected to the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body. The current on the electrical components can be transmitted to the vehicle body along the flat cable 11 and the connector 21, so as to achieve the grounding effect of the flat cable 11 and thus achieve the grounding effect of the electrical components.
[0145] Therefore, by connecting the connector 21 to the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body, the connector assembly 100 can have a grounding function, which can realize the grounding effect of the connector assembly 100 in the whole vehicle application and solve the grounding problem of the connector assembly 100 in the whole vehicle application.
[0146] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 14 As shown, the flat cable 11 may include multiple wires 114, which are electrically connected to multiple different electrical components. The connector 21 is electrically connected to multiple wires 114, achieving the effect of simultaneous grounding of multiple wires 114. This allows the same connector assembly 100 to simultaneously meet the grounding requirements of multiple electrical components, which helps to reduce the number of connector assemblies 100 on the vehicle, thereby reducing the vehicle's manufacturing cost.
[0147] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the connector assembly 100 of the above embodiment, wherein the grounding part 212 is electrically connected to the vehicle body so that the flat cable 11 is grounded to the vehicle body. The connector assembly 100 is mounted on the vehicle, and the connector 21 is electrically connected to the flat cable 11 and the vehicle body, enabling the connector assembly 100 to have a grounding function. In whole-vehicle applications, this achieves a grounding effect and solves the grounding problem of the connector assembly 100 in whole-vehicle applications.
[0148] Other configurations and operations of the connector assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.
[0149] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0150] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A connector (21), characterized in that, include: Contact portion (2118), the contact portion (2118) is used for electrically connecting the flat cable (11); Grounding part (212), which is connected to the contact part (2118), is used to electrically connect to the vehicle body so that the flat cable (11) is grounded to the vehicle body; The contact portion (2118) includes a plurality of conductive terminals (211), each of the conductive terminals (211) including a terminal body (2111) and two elastic contact structures (2112), the terminal body (2111) being connected to the ground portion (212), both of the elastic contact structures (2112) being connected to the terminal body (2111), and the two elastic contact structures (2112) being opposite to and spaced apart to form a clamping space (2113) for assembling the flat cable (11) between the two elastic contact structures (2112). Each of the elastic contact structures (2112) includes: a plurality of elastic contact claws (2114), the plurality of elastic contact claws (2114) being arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the two elastic contact structures (2112), the elastic contact claws (2114) extending along the arrangement direction of the terminal body (2111) and the ground portion (212), the end of the elastic contact claw (2114) near the terminal body (2111) being connected to the terminal body (2111), and the end of the elastic contact claw (2114) away from the terminal body (2111) having a contact boss (2115), the contact boss (2115) being used to contact and connect the flat cable (11), the plurality of contact bosses (2115) of the plurality of elastic contact claws (2114) being arranged sequentially along the arrangement direction of the terminal body (2111) and the ground portion (212); The connector (21) further includes a support structure (2124). The grounding part (212) includes a first conductive structure (2122) and a second conductive structure (2123). The first conductive structure (2122) is connected between the contact part (2118) and the second conductive structure (2123). The second conductive structure (2123) includes a first plate (2125) and a second plate (2126) that are bent and connected. The second plate (2126) is used to be electrically connected to the vehicle body. The support structure (2124) is located on the side of the first plate (2125) facing the first conductive structure (2122) and is fixed to the first conductive structure (2122). The support structure (2124) is in contact with and limited by the first plate (2125). A plurality of conductive terminals (211) are electrically connected to the bent first conductive structure (2122). The connector (21) is integrally formed.
2. The connector (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grounding portion (212) has a mounting hole (2127) for fasteners to pass through; and / or The grounding part (212) includes a first anti-misalignment structure (2121), which is used to assemble with the anti-misalignment mating structure.
3. A connector, characterized in that, include: First shell (22); The connector (21) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion (2118) is disposed inside the first housing (22), and at least a portion of the ground portion (212) is disposed outside the first housing (22).
4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first housing (22) has a plug groove (221) for inserting the flat cable (11). The first housing (22) has a first plug wall (222), which is the bottom wall of the plug groove (221). The connector (21) passes through the first plug wall (222) so that at least a portion of the contact portion (2118) is located in the plug groove (221) and at least a portion of the ground portion (212) is located outside the first housing (22).
5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second anti-misalignment structure (223) is formed on the side of the first insertion wall (222) opposite to the insertion slot (221), and the second anti-misalignment structure (223) is assembled with the connector; and / or The grounding part (212) is located on the side of the first plug wall (222) away from the plug groove (221), and the grounding part (212) and the first plug wall (222) are in contact and limited.
6. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector further includes: a pin structure (23), the contact portion (2118) having a first insertion interface (2116), the pin structure (23) being inserted into and fixed to the first housing (22), and the pin structure (23) being fitted to the first insertion interface (2116) to limit the relative position of the connector (21) and the first housing (22).
7. A connector, characterized in that, include: Second shell (12); A flat cable (11), at least a portion of which is disposed within the second housing (12), the flat cable (11) being used for electrical connection to the connector (21) as claimed in claim 1 or 2.
8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing (12) defines an installation space (121) in which at least a portion of the flat cable (11) is fitted. The second housing (12) has two opposing and spaced-apart second plug-in walls (122), and the installation space (121) is located between the two second plug-in walls (122). At least one of the second plug-in walls (122) is formed with a second plug-in interface (1223) corresponding to the flat cable (11). The second plug-in interface (1223) is used for the connector (21) to be inserted so that the flat cable (11) is electrically connected to the connector (21).
9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first end of the installation space (121) is open to form a cable assembly port (1224). The flat cable (11) has an insertion end (111) that can be inserted into the installation space (121) through the cable assembly port (1224). The insertion end (111) is formed with a plurality of third anti-misalignment structures (112). The second housing (12) also has a space end wall (1225) of the installation space (121). The installation space (121) is located between the space end wall (1225) and the cable assembly port (1224). The side of the space end wall (1225) facing the installation space (121) is formed with a plurality of fourth anti-misalignment structures (1226) that are respectively fitted and assembled with the plurality of third anti-misalignment structures (112).
10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third error-proofing structure (112) is one of the error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion, and the fourth error-proofing structure (1226) is the other of the error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion. The corresponding error-proofing groove and the error-proofing protrusion are adapted in shape and size. At least two of the error-proofing protrusions have different shapes and / or sizes, and at least two of the error-proofing grooves have different shapes and / or sizes.
11. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the installation space (121) is provided with a first limiting boss (1227), and the flat cable (11) is provided with a second limiting boss (113). The first limiting boss (1227) and the second limiting boss (113) are opposite to each other along the insertion direction of the flat cable (11).
12. A connector assembly (100), characterized in that, include: The first connector (20) comprises the connector according to any one of claims 3-6; The second connector (10) comprises the connector of any one of claims 7-11, wherein when the second connector (10) mates with the first connector (20), the flat cable (11) and the connector (21) are electrically connected.
13. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the connector assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the grounding portion (212) is electrically connected to the vehicle body to ground the flat cable (11) and the vehicle body.