Connector with secondary locking structure

Abstract

The invention provides a connector with a secondary locking structure. The connector comprises a socket sheath assembly and a matching end, the socket sheath assembly is provided with a large terminal and at least two small terminals, and the small terminals are interconnected to form an interlocking loop; the contact positions of the large terminal and the small terminal with the matching end are arranged front and back along the insertion direction; a pre-assembling matching structure for positioning the socket sheath assembly and the matching end at a pre-assembling matching position is arranged between the socket sheath assembly and the matching end, so that the large terminal is meshed with the large-specification contact pin of the matching end, the power supply loop is switched on, the small terminal is separated from the small-specification contact pin of the matching end, and the interlocking loop is switched off; and a final matching structure for positioning the socket sheath assembly and the matching end at a final matching position is arranged between the socket sheath assembly and the matching end, so that the small terminal is meshed with the small-specification contact pin, and an interlocking loop is switched on. According to the invention, the matching contact positions of the large and small terminals are arranged in a staggered manner, and mechanical positioning of pre-assembling and final matching is matched, so that the on-off sequence control of an interlocking loop on a power supply loop is forcibly realized, the electric arc risk caused by hot plugging is effectively avoided, and the safety and reliability of the connector in a 48V high-voltage environment are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a connector with a secondary locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued advancement of automotive intelligence and electrification, the widespread adoption of in-vehicle entertainment systems, intelligent driving systems, and various electronic control modules has placed higher demands on automotive power supply. The traditional 12V electrical architecture can no longer meet the ever-increasing power requirements, leading to the emergence of the 48V electrical architecture, which is gradually becoming an industry trend.

[0003] Under 48V voltage conditions, connectors face significantly higher safety risks than traditional 12V systems. In a 12V circuit, the electric arc generated upon disconnection is typically weak and extinguishes quickly on its own; however, at 48V, the arc energy is higher and the duration is longer. If not properly controlled, it can easily cause severe burning of the terminals and connector body, or even lead to safety accidents. Therefore, ensuring that the power circuit is switched on and off under no-load conditions during connector assembly and disassembly has become a critical safety requirement in 48V connector design.

[0004] In existing technologies, some connectors improve mating reliability and prevent accidental detachment under conditions such as vibration by incorporating secondary locking structures, such as CPA. However, the locking structures of these connectors are primarily used to ensure mechanical connection strength, and their safety remains insufficient in 48V high-voltage applications.

[0005] A patent application, CN118889122A, published on November 1, 2024, discloses a connector assembly including a connector and a mating connector. The connector includes: a connector housing; at least one terminal configured to be inserted into a cavity formed in the connector housing; and a connector position guarantee member slidably mounted on the connector housing between an initial position, an intermediate position, and a final position. Movement of the connector position guarantee member between the intermediate and final positions is released by mating of the connector and the mating connector. The connector position guarantee member integrates a terminal position guarantee element configured to move together with the connector position guarantee member at least between a released position and a locked position. In the released position, the terminal position guarantee element allows at least one terminal to be fully inserted into its respective cavity; in the locked position, the terminal position guarantee element locks the at least one terminal fully inserted into its respective cavity. However, the CPA component in this design is mainly used to ensure connector mating and lock the terminals, making it difficult to address the risk of arcing caused by hot-plugging in a 48V high-voltage environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a connector with a secondary locking structure, which solves the safety issues that existing secondary locking structure connectors struggle to address under 48V high-voltage conditions.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] A connector with a secondary locking structure includes a socket housing assembly and mating terminals. The socket housing assembly has a large terminal and at least two small terminals, which are interconnected by short wires to form an interlocking circuit. The contact positions of the large terminal and the mating terminal and the contact positions of the small terminal and the mating terminal are staggered along the insertion direction. A pre-installation mating structure is provided between the socket housing assembly and the mating terminal to position them in a pre-installed mating position, so that the large terminal engages with the large-gauge pin of the mating terminal and the power circuit is connected, and the small terminal separates from the small-gauge pin of the mating terminal and the interlocking circuit is disconnected. A final mating structure is provided between the socket housing assembly and the mating terminal to position them in a final mating position, so that the small terminal engages with the small-gauge pin and the interlocking circuit is connected.

[0009] Furthermore, the pre-installed mating structure includes a secondary lock disposed on the socket sheath assembly and a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate disposed on the mating end; the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction of the mating end; during pre-installed mating, at least a portion of the secondary lock is restricted between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the secondary lock has an inwardly extending square mounting plate at one end near the mating end, which is used to be restricted between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate during pre-installation of the mating position; the secondary lock has an outwardly extending boss at one end away from the mating end, which is used to press the secondary lock to deform and unlock it.

[0011] Furthermore, the final mating structure includes a main lock disposed on the socket housing assembly and a mating end boss disposed on the mating end; the main lock has a crossbeam at one end near the mating end and a pressing protrusion at the other end; the crossbeam is engaged with the mating end boss.

[0012] Furthermore, the socket housing assembly includes a socket housing and a housing skirt fitted over the socket housing, with the secondary lock disposed on the housing skirt; connecting ribs are provided between the two sides of the middle portion of the secondary lock and the housing skirt to allow for deformation of the secondary lock; the main lock is disposed between the socket housing and the housing skirt, and the pressing protrusion extends out of the housing skirt.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a CPA that engages with the main lock. The insertion end of the CPA is provided with a stop hook, which engages with the side of the crossbeam away from the mating end boss. The rear end of the CPA is provided with a pressing boss for the CPA to deform and unlock. When the CPA is in the final position, the CPA prevents the crossbeam from disengaging from the mating end boss.

[0014] Furthermore, the socket sleeve assembly is fitted with a TPA; a horizontal opening is provided in the middle of one side of the sleeve skirt, and a TPA slot is provided at the corresponding position of the socket sleeve, which intersects and communicates with the small terminal hole. The TPA passes through the opening and the TPA slot of the sleeve skirt and is then inserted horizontally into both sides of the small terminal hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the TPA has cantilever arms on both sides, and a trapezoidal boss on the inner front side of the cantilever arms. The small terminal hole has hanging cantilever arms on both sides, and pre-installation bosses and final position bosses arranged in a front-to-back pattern on the outer side of the hanging cantilever arms. The trapezoidal bosses are engaged between the pre-installation bosses and the final position bosses or engaged after the final position bosses to form the pre-installation position and the final position, respectively. The TPA has a rectangular block. When the TPA is in the final position, the rectangular block is engaged behind the housing of the small terminal to form a secondary terminal lock.

[0016] Furthermore, the protective skirt has secondary lock guardrails on both sides of the secondary lock, which protrude from the outer surface of the secondary lock to protect the secondary lock from impact and breakage; the socket sleeve has a support rib on the bottom inner side of the secondary lock to limit the maximum deformation angle when the secondary lock is pressed.

[0017] Furthermore, a protruding main lock guard is provided on the outer side of the main lock on the sheath skirt. The main lock guard protrudes from the outer surface of the main lock to protect the main lock.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] 1. This invention achieves secondary positioning during connector mating through the main lock and secondary lock structure set on the socket sleeve. It provides different mechanical locking positions during assembly and disassembly, effectively preventing the connector from being accidentally separated without complete electrical isolation, and significantly improving operational safety.

[0020] 2. This invention utilizes the mechanical position change of the secondary lock to control the on / off sequence of the interlock circuit and the power circuit. During connector assembly, when the secondary lock is in the pre-locked position, only the power circuit is connected while the interlock circuit is disconnected, keeping the power circuit in a de-energized state. Only after pressing the secondary lock to the final position can the interlock circuit be connected, energizing the power circuit. This purely mechanically enforces the safety logic of "disconnecting the signal first, then connecting the power," avoiding the risk of electric arcs caused by hot-plugging.

[0021] 3. During the connector separation process, the present invention, through the cooperation of the secondary lock and the pin sleeve mounting platform after the main lock is unlocked, keeps the connector in a state where the interlock circuit is disconnected but the power circuit remains connected. At this time, the control power circuit has been de-energized in advance, and then the secondary lock can be pressed to complete the complete separation. This realizes the safe separation sequence of "disconnecting the signal first and then the power supply", which further improves the operational safety under 48V high voltage applications.

[0022] 4. The present invention has a guardrail structure on the socket sleeve to protect the secondary lock and the main lock from external impact damage; at the same time, a support rib is provided on the inner side of the bottom of the secondary lock to limit the travel angle when pressing the secondary lock, preventing the secondary lock from breaking due to excessive pressing during use, thereby improving the structural reliability and service life of the connector.

[0023] 5. The present invention has a TPA slot on one side of the small terminal hole of the socket sheath, and a skirt on the TPA. After assembly, the skirt covers the sealing ring, which effectively prevents the sealing ring from falling off during transportation and mating of the socket sheath assembly, and ensures the stability of the connector's waterproof performance.

[0024] 6. Through the cooperative design of the main lock and CPA, after the connector is properly mated, the CPA can be pushed to the final position to limit the main lock position, preventing the main lock from being accidentally unlocked during operation, further enhancing the holding force of the connector in a vibration environment and improving the reliability of the wire harness transmission.

[0025] 7. This invention is specifically designed for 48V electrical architecture. It achieves on / off control of the power circuit through mechanical interlocking, avoiding the uncertainty caused by relying on electrical signals or manual operation sequences, and providing a safe and reliable electrical connection solution for 48V high-voltage systems. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the socket sheath assembly of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the socket sheath of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the mating pre-assembly position of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the final cross-section of the mating parts in this invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the TPA assembly of the present invention.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Socket housing assembly; 1-1. Socket housing; 1-1-1. Large terminal hole; 1-1-2. Small terminal hole; 1-1-3. TPA slot; 1-1-4. Secondary lock; 1-1-41. Square mounting platform; 1-1-42. Connecting rib; 1-1-43. Boss; 1-1-5. Housing skirt; 1-1-6. Secondary lock guardrail; 1-1-7. Support rib; 1-1-8. Main lock; 1-1-81. Crossbeam; 1-1-82. Press-down protrusion; 1-1 -9. Main lock guardrail; 1-1-10. Pre-installation boss; 1-1-11. Final position boss; 1-2. TPA; 1-2-1. Skirt; 1-2-2. Cantilever; 1-2-3. Trapezoidal boss; 1-2-4. Rectangular block; 1-3. Sealing ring; 1-4. CPA; 2. Matching end; 2-1. First mounting platform; 2-2. Second mounting platform; 2-3. Large-size pin; 2-4. Small-size pin; 2-5. Matching end boss; 3. Large terminal; 4. Small terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] The connector with a secondary locking structure described in Embodiment 1 of this invention is mainly used for controller connections under a 48V electrical architecture. The mechanical secondary locking structure realizes the interlocking circuit to control the on / off state of the power circuit, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the connector assembly and disassembly process.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the waterproof connector includes a socket housing assembly 1 and a mating end 2. In this embodiment, the mating end is the pin housing assembly, and the pin housing assembly and the socket housing assembly 1 mate to form a complete electrical connection. Figure 2 As shown, the socket housing assembly 1 includes a socket housing 1-1, a TPA 1-2, a sealing ring 1-3, and a CPA 1-4.

[0037] like Figure 3As shown, one end of the socket sleeve 1-1 has an island platform with two large terminal holes 1-1-1 (large-specification terminals). The side of the island platform has a small platform lower than the island platform plane, with two small terminal holes 1-1-2 (small-specification terminals). The other end of the socket sleeve 1-1 is used to connect wires. Large terminals 3 are installed in the two large terminal holes 1-1-1, serving as a power circuit; small terminals 4, interconnected by short wires, are installed in the two small terminal holes 1-1-2, serving as an interlocking circuit. The mating plane of the small terminal hole 1-1-2 is lower than the mating plane of the large terminal hole 1-1-1. That is, in the insertion direction of the mating ends, the contact position of the small terminal 4 with the mating end is relatively later than the contact position of the large terminal 3 with the mating end, thus achieving the timing sequence of large terminal 3 contacting first and small terminal 4 contacting later during the mating process.

[0038] The socket sleeve 1-1 is fitted with a sleeve skirt 1-1-5. A horizontal opening is provided in the center of one side of the sleeve skirt 1-1-5 for the horizontal insertion of TPA 1-2. The socket sleeve 1-1 has a TPA slot 1-1-3 on one side of the small terminal hole 1-1-2. After TPA 1-2 is inserted horizontally through the opening in the outer sleeve, it passes through the TPA slot 1-1-3 in the inner sleeve and is inserted into both sides of the small terminal hole 1-1-2 to lock the small terminal a second time. An annular receiving space is formed between the sleeve skirt 1-1-5 and the socket sleeve 1-1. The sealing ring 1-3 is located within this receiving space between the socket sleeve 1-1 and the sleeve skirt 1-1-5, on the side of the TPA slot 1-1-3 furthest from the island.

[0039] A pre-installation mating structure is provided between the socket sheath assembly 1 and the mating end 2 to position them in a pre-installation mating position, so that the large terminal 3 engages with the large-specification pin 2-3 of the mating end 2 and the power circuit is connected, and the small terminal 4 separates from the small-specification pin 2-4 of the mating end 2 and the interlocking circuit is disconnected; a final mating structure is provided between the socket sheath assembly 1 and the mating end 2 to position them in a final mating position, so that the small terminal 4 engages with the small-specification pin 2-4 and the interlocking circuit is connected.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the pre-installed mating structure includes a secondary lock 1-1-4 located on one side of the sheath skirt 1-1-5, and a first mounting platform 2-1 and a second mounting platform 2-2 located on the outer wall of the pin sheath assembly, used to lock the pre-installed mating position of the socket sheath assembly 1 and the mating end 2. Figure 2 As shown, the secondary lock 1-1-4 is located at the end furthest from the mating end 2 (i.e., the pin sheath assembly) of the opening in the sheath skirt 1-1-5, above the opening in the sheath skirt 1-1-5. The middle two sides of the secondary lock 1-1-4 are connected to the sheath skirt 1-1-5, while the remaining part is disconnected, allowing the secondary lock 1-1-4 to have a certain degree of elastic deformation. Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the secondary lock 1-1-4, near the pin sheath assembly, has an inwardly extending square mounting platform 1-1-41, and the upper end has an outwardly extending boss 1-1-43, facilitating the deformation of the secondary lock 1-1-4 by pressing. Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall of the pin sheath assembly is provided with a first mounting platform 2-1 and a second mounting platform 2-2 at the position corresponding to the square mounting platform 1-1-41; the first mounting platform 2-1 and the second mounting platform 2-2 are arranged back and forth along the insertion direction. During insertion, the square mounting platform 1-1-41 mates with the first mounting platform 2-1 and the second mounting platform 2-2 on the pin sheath assembly in sequence.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the final mating structure includes a main lock 1-1-8 on the socket sleeve assembly and a mating end boss 2-5 on the mating end 2, i.e., the pin sleeve assembly. The mating end boss 2-5 is engaged with the crossbeam 1-1-81. The main lock 1-1-8 is located on the side away from the secondary lock 1-1-4 within the receiving space between the socket sleeve 1-1 and the sleeve skirt 1-1-5, and is positioned outside the sealing ring 1-3. The main lock 1-1-8 provides retaining force between the connectors after they are fully mated, preventing accidental disengagement during operation. A central cutout in the main lock 1-1-8 allows for the insertion of the CPA1-4 for secondary locking. The main lock 1-1-8 has a crossbeam 1-1-81 at one end near the pin sleeve assembly and a pressing protrusion 1-1-82 at the other end. The pressing protrusion 1-1-82 extends beyond the sheath skirt 1-1-5 and is located outside CPA1-4, with a gap between the pressing protrusion 1-1-8 and CPA1-4. The mating end protrusion 2-5 is provided on the side of the pin sheath assembly away from the first mounting platform 2-1 and the second mounting platform 2-2. The insertion end of CPA1-4 is provided with a stop hook that mates with the side of the crossbeam 1-1-81 away from the mating end protrusion 2-5. Specifically, the insertion direction side of the mating end protrusion 2-5 is beveled to facilitate the crossbeam 1-1-81 passing over the mating end protrusion 2-5, while the other side of the mating end protrusion 2-5 is straight to facilitate hooking with the crossbeam 1-1-81. The mating surface between the crossbeam 1-1-81 and the mating end protrusion 2-5 is also straight, while the other side is beveled for mates with the stop hook of CPA1-4.

[0042] During connector mating, the sheath of the pin sleeve assembly is inserted into the receiving space between the socket sleeve 1-1 and the sleeve skirt 1-1-5, located outside the sealing ring 1-3 and inside the main lock 1-1-8. During the insertion process, the square mounting plate 1-1-41 of the secondary lock 1-1-4 slides along the inclined surface of the first mounting plate 2-1, causing the secondary lock 1-1-4 to undergo elastic deformation, and the square mounting plate 1-1-41 is engaged between the first mounting plate 2-1 and the second mounting plate 2-2. At this time, since the insertion direction of the second mounting plate 2-2 is straight, it prevents the square mounting plate 1-1-41 from moving forward, and the socket sleeve assembly 1 is positioned in the pre-installed position.

[0043] In the pre-installed state, such as Figure 4 As shown, the large terminal 3 engages with the large pin 2-3 in the middle of the pin sleeve assembly, connecting the power circuit; while the small terminal 4 does not contact the small pin 2-4 on the pin sleeve assembly, and the interlock circuit is in the open state. At this time, the crossbeam 1-1-81 at the top of the main lock 1-1-8 is not engaged with the mating boss 2-5. Because the interlock circuit is open, the control system's power circuit is de-energized, ensuring that the power circuit is not energized at this time.

[0044] Subsequently, the operator presses the boss 1-1-43 at the bottom of the secondary lock 1-1-4, causing the square mounting platform 1-1-41 of the secondary lock 1-1-4 to deform outward, allowing the square mounting platform 1-1-41 to pass over the straight surface of the second mounting platform 2-2, continuing to push the socket housing assembly 1 or the pin housing assembly forward. When the socket housing assembly 1 and the pin housing assembly are aligned to their final positions, the small terminal 4 engages with the small-sized pin 2-4 on the pin housing assembly, the interlock circuit is connected, and the control system receives the interlock signal and controls the power circuit to be energized. At the same time, the secondary lock 1-1-4 passes over the second mounting platform 2-2, and the crossbeam 1-1-81 on the main lock 1-1-8 engages with the mating end boss 2-5, forming a main lock lock to prevent the connector from falling off during operation. At this point, CPA1-4 can be pushed to its final position, preventing the crossbeam 1-1-81 from disengaging from the mating end boss 2-5, further limiting the position of the main lock 1-1-8, as follows: Figure 5 As shown. CPA1-4 restricts the elastic deformation space of the main lock 1-1-8, preventing the main lock 1-1-8 from accidentally unlocking under vibration, thereby further improving the connector's holding force.

[0045] When the connector needs to be separated, the operator first presses the pressing boss at the end of CPA1-4 to remove CPA1-4 from its final position, releasing CPA1-4 from its restriction on the crossbeam 1-1-81 of the main lock 1-1-8. Then, the operator presses the pressing protrusion 1-1-82 at the bottom of the main lock 1-1-8 to unlock it. Next, the operator presses the boss 1-1-43 at the bottom of the secondary lock 1-1-4, causing the square mounting plate 1-1-41 of the secondary lock 1-1-4 to deform outwards. Then, the socket housing assembly 1 is pulled outwards. During the pulling process, when the socket housing assembly 1 retracts until the square mounting plate 1-1-41 of the secondary lock 1-1-4 makes direct contact with the first mounting plate 2-1, the first mounting plate 2-1, being pulled out in a straight direction, prevents the socket housing assembly 1 from retracting further, and the connector remains in the pre-installed position. At this point, the small terminal 4 has separated from the small-diameter pin 2-4, the interlock circuit is disconnected, and the control system's power supply circuit is de-energized; while the large terminal 3 remains engaged with the large-diameter pin 2-3, but the power supply circuit is no longer energized. Subsequently, the operator presses the protrusion 1-1-43 at the bottom of the secondary lock 1-1-4 again, causing the square mounting plate 1-1-41 to pass over the straight surface of the first mounting plate 2-1, thus completely pulling out the socket sheath assembly 1 and achieving complete separation of the connector.

[0046] Through the above structure, the present invention realizes the on / off control of the power circuit by the interlocking circuit in a purely mechanical way, and forcibly ensures the safety logic of "disconnecting the signal first and then disconnecting the power supply" or "connecting the signal first and then connecting the power supply" during the assembly and disassembly of the connector, effectively avoiding the risk of electric arc caused by hot plugging and unplugging.

[0047] In addition, the inner side of the insert sheath assembly is provided with a groove that matches the 1-3 sealing rings.

[0048] Example 2: Based on Example 1, this example further optimizes the structure of the secondary lock 1-1-4.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, connecting ribs 1-1-42 are provided between the two sides of the middle part of the secondary lock 1-1-4 and the main body of the socket sleeve 1-1. The connecting ribs 1-1-42 fix the secondary lock 1-1-4 to the skirt 1-1-5 of the sleeve, so that the secondary lock 1-1-4 maintains its initial position in its natural state, and can undergo elastic deformation when pressed, and automatically reset after being released.

[0050] The secondary lock 1-1-4 is provided with secondary lock guardrails 1-1-6 on both sides. The secondary lock guardrails 1-1-6 protrude from the outer surface of the secondary lock 1-1-4. During transportation, assembly or use, if it is subjected to a side impact, the secondary lock guardrails 1-1-6 can bear the external force first, effectively protecting the secondary lock 1-1-4 from breakage due to impact.

[0051] The bottom inner side of the secondary lock 1-1-4, which is the corresponding position of the socket sleeve, is provided with a support rib 1-1-7. There is a gap between the support rib 1-1-7 and the secondary lock 1-1-4. When the operator presses the boss 1-1-43 at the bottom of the secondary lock 1-1-4, the support rib 1-1-7 limits the maximum deformation angle of the secondary lock 1-1-4, so that the pressing stroke is controlled within a safe range, and the secondary lock 1-1-4 is prevented from breaking due to excessive pressing.

[0052] Example 3: Based on Example 1, this example further optimizes the structure of the main lock 1-1-8.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer side of the main lock 1-1-8 is provided with a protruding main lock guard 1-1-9. The main lock guard 1-1-9 protrudes from the outer surface of the main lock 1-1-8. During transportation, assembly or use, if it is bumped by external force, the main lock guard 1-1-9 can bear the external force first and effectively protect the main lock 1-1-8 from damage.

[0054] Example 4: Based on Example 1, this example further optimizes TPA1-2 and the sealing structure.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, a TPA slot 1-1-3 is provided on one side of the small terminal hole 1-1-2 for assembling TPA1-2. A skirt 1-2-1 is provided on TPA1-2. After TPA1-2 is assembled, the skirt 1-2-1 covers the sealing ring 1-3, effectively preventing the sealing ring 1-3 from falling off during transportation and mating of the socket housing assembly 1, thus ensuring the waterproof performance of the connector.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, TPA1-2 has cantilever arms 1-2-2 on both sides, and a trapezoidal boss 1-2-3 at the front end of the cantilever arms 1-2-2. Small terminal holes 1-1-2 have hanging cantilever arms on both sides. Each hanging cantilever arm has a pre-installation boss 1-1-10 and a final-installation boss 1-1-11 arranged in a front-to-back pattern on its outer side. The pre-installation boss 1-1-10 is located on the side of the final-installation boss 1-1-11 closest to the insertion direction of TPA1-2.

[0057] During assembly, first install TPA1-2 into the pre-installation position. At this time, trapezoidal boss 1-2-3 is engaged between pre-installation boss 1-1-10 and final boss 1-1-11. In the pre-installation position, insert small terminal 4 into small terminal hole 1-1-2. After small terminal 4 is fully inserted, continue pushing TPA1-2 forward so that trapezoidal boss 1-2-3 passes over final boss 1-1-11 and engages behind final boss 1-1-11. At this point, TPA1-2 is installed in the final position.

[0058] TPA1-2 is equipped with a rectangular block 1-2-4. When TPA1-2 is in the final position, the rectangular block 1-2-4 is engaged with the rear of the housing of the small terminal 4, forming a secondary lock on the terminal, preventing the small terminal 4 from exiting the terminal hole, and further improving the connection reliability of the interlocking circuit.

[0059] Example 5: Based on Example 1, this example further explains the mating structure between the secondary lock 1-1-4 and the pin sheath assembly.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the first mounting plate 2-1 and the second mounting plate 2-2 on the pin sheath assembly are located in different positions. The first mounting plate 2-1 is located on the side closer to the insertion direction, and the second mounting plate 2-2 is located on the side farther away from the insertion direction.

[0061] The first mounting plate 2-1 has an inclined surface in the insertion direction, which facilitates the smooth sliding of the square mounting plate 1-1-41 of the auxiliary lock 1-1-4 during insertion; the first mounting plate 2-1 has a straight surface in the removal direction, which forms a block with the square mounting plate 1-1-41 during removal, preventing the connector from being directly removed from the pre-installed position.

[0062] The second mounting plate 2-2 has a straight surface in the insertion direction, which blocks the square mounting plate 1-1-41 during insertion, preventing the connector from being directly inserted to the final position without pressing the secondary lock 1-1-4; the second mounting plate 2-2 has a slope in the extraction direction, which facilitates the square mounting plate 1-1-41 to slide out smoothly after pressing the secondary lock 1-1-4.

[0063] With the above structure, the square mounting plate 1-1-41 is naturally confined between the first mounting plate 2-1 and the second mounting plate 2-2, forming a stable pre-installed position. It can only move forward or backward after the secondary lock 1-1-4 is pressed, thus realizing a reliable secondary locking function.

[0064] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, there are two large terminal holes 1-1-1 and two small terminal holes 1-1-2, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the number of large terminal holes and small terminal holes can be one or more, depending on the actual application requirements, as long as the timing control requirements of the power supply circuit and the interlocking circuit are met.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the secondary lock 1-1-4 and the main lock 1-1-8 are respectively located on both sides of the socket sleeve 1-1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The positions of the secondary lock and the main lock can be adjusted according to the actual structural layout, as long as the corresponding locking and unlocking functions can be achieved.

[0066] In the above embodiments, components such as the socket sheath 1-1, TPA1-2, and CPA1-4 are preferably injection molded from insulating plastic materials, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), to ensure good mechanical and insulating properties. The sealing ring 1-3 is preferably made of elastic materials such as silicone rubber or fluororubber to ensure good waterproof sealing.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions of some or all of the technical features thereof, within the spirit and principles of the present invention, do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector with a secondary locking structure, characterized in that, The socket housing assembly includes a plug-in socket housing assembly (1) and a mating terminal (2); the socket housing assembly (1) is provided with a large terminal (3) and at least two small terminals (4), the small terminals (4) are interconnected by short wires to form an interlocking circuit; the contact positions of the large terminal (3) and the mating terminal (2) and the contact positions of the small terminals (4) and the mating terminal (2) are staggered along the insertion direction; a space is provided between the socket housing assembly (1) and the mating terminal (2) for positioning them in a pre-installed position. The pre-installed mating structure for matching allows the large terminal (3) to engage with the large pin (2-3) of the mating end (2) and the power circuit to be connected, while the small terminal (4) is separated from the small pin (2-4) of the mating end (2) and the interlocking circuit is disconnected; a final mating structure for positioning the two in the final mating position is provided between the socket sheath assembly (1) and the mating end (2), so that the small terminal (4) engages with the small pin (2-4) and the interlocking circuit is connected.

2. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-installed mating structure includes a secondary lock (1-1-4) disposed on the socket sheath assembly (1) and a first mounting plate (2-1) and a second mounting plate (2-2) disposed on the mating end (2); the first mounting plate (2-1) and the second mounting plate (2-2) are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction of the mating end (2); when the pre-installed mating position is in place, at least a portion of the secondary lock (1-1-4) is restricted between the first mounting plate (2-1) and the second mounting plate (2-2).

3. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The secondary lock (1-1-4) has an inwardly extending square mounting plate (1-1-41) at one end near the mating end (2). The square mounting plate (1-1-41) is used to be restricted between the first mounting plate (2-1) and the second mounting plate (2-2) during pre-installation of the mating position. The secondary lock (1-1-4) has an outwardly extending boss (1-1-43) at one end away from the mating end (2). The boss is used to press the secondary lock (1-1-4) to deform and unlock it.

4. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The final mating structure includes a main lock (1-1-8) on the socket housing assembly (1) and a mating end boss (2-5) on the mating end (2); the main lock (1-1-8) has a crossbeam (1-1-81) at one end near the mating end (2) and a pressing protrusion (1-1-82) at the other end; the crossbeam (1-1-81) is engaged with the mating end boss (2-5).

5. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The socket housing assembly (1) includes a socket housing (1-1) and a housing skirt (1-1-5) fitted outside the socket housing (1-1). The secondary lock (1-1-4) is disposed on the housing skirt (1-1-5). The secondary lock (1-1-4) is provided with connecting ribs (1-1-42) between the two sides of the middle part of the secondary lock (1-1-4) and the housing skirt (1-1-5) to allow the secondary lock (1-1-4) to have deformation margin. The main lock (1-1-8) is disposed between the socket housing (1-1) and the housing skirt (1-1-5), and the pressing protrusion (1-1-82) extends out of the housing skirt (1-1-5).

6. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a CPA (1-4) that is inserted into the main lock (1-1-8). The insertion end of the CPA (1-4) is provided with a stop hook, which is engaged with the side of the crossbeam (1-1-81) away from the mating end boss (2-5). The rear end of the CPA (1-4) is provided with a pressing boss for the deformation unlocking of the CPA (1-4). When the CPA (1-4) is in the final position, the CPA (1-4) restricts the crossbeam (1-1-81) from disengaging from the mating end boss (2-5).

7. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The socket sleeve assembly (1) is fitted with a TPA (1-2); a horizontal opening is provided in the middle of one side of the sleeve skirt (1-1-5), and a TPA slot (1-1-3) is provided at the corresponding position of the socket sleeve (1-1) and intersecting with the small terminal hole (1-1-2). The TPA (1-2) passes through the opening of the sleeve skirt (1-1-5) and the TPA slot (1-1-3) and is then inserted horizontally into both sides of the small terminal hole (1-1-2).

8. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The TPA (1-2) has cantilever arms (1-2-2) on both sides. The inner side of the front end of the cantilever arm (1-2-2) has a trapezoidal boss (1-2-3). The small terminal hole (1-1-2) has a hanging cantilever arm on both sides. The outer side of the hanging cantilever arm has a pre-installation boss (1-1-10) and a final position boss (1-1-11) arranged in front and behind. The trapezoidal boss (1-2-3) is engaged between the pre-installation boss (1-1-10) and the final position boss (1-1-11) or engaged after the final position boss (1-1-11) to form a pre-installation position and a final position respectively. The TPA (1-2) has a rectangular block (1-2-4). When the TPA (1-2) is in the final position, the rectangular block (1-2-4) is engaged behind the box of the small terminal (4) to form a secondary terminal lock.

9. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 5, 6, or 8, characterized in that, The protective skirt (1-1-5) is provided with secondary lock guardrails (1-1-6) on both sides of the secondary lock (1-1-4). The secondary lock guardrails (1-1-6) protrude from the outer surface of the secondary lock (1-1-4) to protect the secondary lock (1-1-4) from bumps and breakage. The socket sleeve (1-1) is provided with a support rib (1-1-7) on the inner side of the bottom of the secondary lock (1-1-4) to limit the maximum deformation angle when the secondary lock (1-1-4) is pressed.

10. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 5, 6, or 8, characterized in that, The sheath skirt (1-1-5) has a protruding main lock guard (1-1-9) located outside the main lock (1-1-8). The main lock guard (1-1-9) protrudes from the outer surface of the main lock (1-1-8) to protect the main lock (1-1-8).

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