Electric connector and connector assembly

Abstract

An electric connector comprises a shell, a conductive terminal and a locking device. The shell is provided with a butt joint face. The conductive terminal comprises an abutting elastic arm protruding out of the butt joint surface, and the abutting elastic arm is configured to elastically abut against a conductive sheet of a circuit board. And the locking device is arranged on the shell. The locking device comprises a crank and a first gear assembly. The crank comprises a first rotating arm and a first driving gear connected with the first rotating arm. The first driving gear is provided with first driving teeth. The first driving gear can be driven by the first rotating arm to rotate. The first gear assembly comprises a first gear, and the first gear comprises first clamping teeth and a first clamping groove. And the first driving teeth are meshed with the first clamping teeth. According to the arrangement, the locking force and the unlocking force can be uniformly applied through gear meshing, and the reliability when the electric connector is electrically connected with the circuit board is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector and a connector assembly, belonging to the field of connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] The connector assembly in the related technology includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector that mates with the first electrical connector. To improve mating reliability, the first electrical connector is provided with a first locking structure (e.g., a locking spring arm), and the second electrical connector is provided with a second locking structure (e.g., a locking hole), the first locking structure mates with the second locking structure.

[0003] However, there is still room for improvement in the locking structure of the relevant technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector and connector assembly having an improved locking structure.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an electrical connector, comprising: The housing has a mating surface; A conductive terminal, disposed in the housing, includes an abutment arm protruding from the mating surface, the abutment arm being configured to elastically abut against a conductive sheet of the circuit board; and A locking device is installed on the housing. The locking device includes a crank and a first gear assembly. The crank includes a first rotating arm and a first drive gear connected to the first rotating arm. The first drive gear has a first drive tooth. The first drive gear can rotate under the drive of the first rotating arm. The first gear assembly includes a first gear, which includes a first locking tooth and a first retaining groove. The first drive tooth meshes with the first locking tooth.

[0006] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion including a first sidewall surface and a first pivot protruding outward from the first sidewall surface; The first drive gear is provided with a first pivot hole, which is sleeved on the first pivot, so that the first drive gear can rotate around the first pivot.

[0007] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a first concave hole that penetrates the first side wall and is recessed into the first side wall portion; The first gear assembly includes a first shaft inserted into the first recess, and the first gear is connected to the first shaft.

[0008] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating shaft is cylindrical, the first concave hole is a cylindrical hole, and the first rotating shaft can rotate in the first concave hole.

[0009] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the first rotating shaft is provided with a first retaining groove; The first sidewall portion is provided with a first retaining hole located in the first recess, the first retaining hole is a round hole, and the diameter of the first retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the first recess. The first gear assembly includes a first elastic retaining ring that is held in the first retaining groove, a portion of the first elastic retaining ring being held in the first retaining groove, and another portion of the first elastic retaining ring being held in the first retaining hole.

[0010] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the locking device includes a second gear assembly; the second gear assembly includes a second gear, the first gear and the second gear are spaced apart, the second gear includes a second locking tooth and a second locking groove, and the first driving tooth meshes with the second locking tooth.

[0012] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a second recessed hole that penetrates the first side wall and is recessed into the first side wall portion, and the first recessed hole and the second recessed hole are spaced apart. The second gear assembly includes a second shaft inserted into the second recess, and the second gear is connected to the second shaft.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the second rotating shaft is cylindrical, the second concave hole is a cylindrical hole, and the second rotating shaft can rotate in the second concave hole.

[0014] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the second rotating shaft is provided with a second retaining groove; The first sidewall portion is provided with a second retaining hole located within the second recess. The second retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the second retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the second recess. The second gear assembly includes a second resilient retaining ring that is held in the second retaining groove, a portion of which is held in the second retaining groove and another portion of which is held in the second retaining hole.

[0015] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the second elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

[0016] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the crank includes a second rotating arm and a second driving gear connected to the second rotating arm, the second driving gear being provided with a second driving tooth; the second driving gear is capable of rotating under the drive of the second rotating arm; The locking device includes a third gear assembly, which includes a third gear, a third locking tooth, and a third retaining groove, wherein the second driving tooth meshes with the third locking tooth.

[0017] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the housing is provided with a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion. The second sidewall portion includes a second sidewall surface, a second pivot protruding outward from the second sidewall surface, and a third recessed hole that penetrates the second sidewall surface and is recessed into the second sidewall portion. The second drive gear is provided with a second pivot hole, which is sleeved on the second pivot shaft, so that the second drive gear can rotate around the second pivot shaft; The third gear assembly includes a third rotating shaft inserted into the third recess, and the third gear is connected to the third rotating shaft; The third rotating shaft is cylindrical, and the third concave hole is a cylindrical hole, allowing the third rotating shaft to rotate within the third concave hole.

[0018] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the third rotating shaft is provided with a third retaining groove; The second sidewall portion is provided with a third retaining hole located within the third recessed hole. The third retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the third retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the third recessed hole. The third gear assembly includes a third elastic retaining ring that is held in the third retaining groove, a portion of the third elastic retaining ring being held in the third retaining groove, and another portion of the third elastic retaining ring being held in the third retaining hole; The third elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

[0019] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the locking device includes a fourth gear assembly; the fourth gear assembly includes a fourth gear, the fourth gear includes a fourth locking tooth and a fourth retaining groove, and the second driving tooth meshes with the fourth locking tooth.

[0020] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the second sidewall portion includes a fourth recessed hole that penetrates the second sidewall surface and is recessed into the second sidewall portion, and the third recessed hole and the fourth recessed hole are spaced apart. The fourth gear assembly includes a fourth rotating shaft inserted into the fourth recess, and the fourth gear is connected to the fourth rotating shaft; The fourth rotating shaft is cylindrical, and the fourth concave hole is a cylindrical hole, allowing the fourth rotating shaft to rotate within the fourth concave hole.

[0021] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the fourth rotating shaft is provided with a fourth retaining groove; The second sidewall portion is provided with a fourth retaining hole located within the fourth recessed hole. The fourth retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the fourth retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the fourth recessed hole. The fourth gear assembly includes a fourth elastic retaining ring that is held in the fourth retaining groove, a portion of the fourth elastic retaining ring being held in the fourth retaining groove, and another portion of the fourth elastic retaining ring being held in the fourth retaining hole; The fourth elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a connector assembly comprising: A circuit board, wherein the circuit board is provided with a plurality of conductive sheets; A bracket, mounted and fixed on the circuit board, includes a first wall, a second wall opposite to the first wall, and a receiving space between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall has a first retaining protrusion protruding towards the second wall and extending into the receiving space. The conductive sheet is exposed in the receiving space. An electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector is the aforementioned electrical connector, and the electrical connector is at least partially housed in the housing space; the abutting arm of the electrical connector elastically abuts against the conductive sheet; The locking device is rotatable between the unlocked position and the locking position bracket; when the locking device is in the unlocked position, the first holding protrusion is located at the first guide opening of the first holding groove; when the locking device rotates from the unlocked position to the locking position, the first drive gear rotates under the drive of the first rotating arm, and the first drive gear drives the first gear to rotate, so that the first holding protrusion is locked in the first holding groove.

[0023] As a further improved technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the first gear includes a first arcuate surface connected to one side of the first guide port, a first limiting surface connected to the other side of the first guide port, and a first U-shaped surface connecting the first arcuate surface and the first limiting surface; the first limiting surface and the first arcuate surface are disposed opposite to each other; the first retaining groove is formed by the first arcuate surface, the first U-shaped surface and the first limiting surface. When the locking device is in the locking position, the first holding protrusion abuts against the top of the first arc-shaped surface.

[0024] As a further improvement of the embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board includes a positioning hole located in the receiving space; the electrical connector is provided with a mounting protrusion, which is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0025] The electrical connector and connector assembly in this embodiment of the invention include a locking device, which includes a crank and a first gear assembly. The crank includes a first rotating arm and a first drive gear connected to the first rotating arm. The first drive gear has a first drive tooth. The first drive gear is capable of rotating under the drive of the first rotating arm. The first gear assembly includes a first gear, which includes a first locking tooth and a first retaining groove. The first drive tooth meshes with the first locking tooth. With this configuration, the present invention can uniformly apply locking and unlocking forces through gear meshing, thereby improving reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the electrical connector and the bracket are separate from each other; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the brackets and circuit boards in the middle; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the bracket and circuit board in the image; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional exploded view from another angle; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The right view; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The left view; Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The left view of the electrical connector in the figure, schematically showing the positions of the first retaining protrusion and the second retaining protrusion in the first retaining groove and the second retaining groove, respectively, when the electrical connector is installed on the bracket; Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The left view of the electrical connector in the figure shows, schematically, the positions of the third and fourth retaining protrusions in the third and fourth retaining slots, respectively, when the electrical connector is mounted on the bracket. Figure 10 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the electrical connector in the image; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Partial 3D exploded view from another angle; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 Further partial exploded view; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Partial 3D exploded view from another angle; Figure 14 Yes, yes Figure 12 Further exploded view; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional exploded view from another angle; Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention when the electrical connector and the bracket are in a locking state; Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A partial exploded perspective view, in which the electrical connector is separated; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The right view; Figure 19 yes Figure 17 The left view; Figure 20 yes Figure 18 The image shows a right view of the electrical connector, schematically illustrating the positions of the first retaining protrusion and the second retaining protrusion in the first retaining groove and the second retaining groove, respectively, when the electrical connector is locked to the bracket. Figure 21 yes Figure 19 The image shows a right view of the electrical connector, schematically illustrating the positions of the third and fourth retaining protrusions in the third and fourth retaining slots, respectively, when the electrical connector is locked into the bracket.

[0027] Those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments of the invention, and the scale shown in the drawings is only for illustrative embodiments; other embodiments are not necessarily implemented to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0029] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 21 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a connector assembly, which includes a circuit board 300, a bracket 200 mounted on the circuit board 300 along a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., vertical direction), and an electrical connector 100 that cooperates with the bracket 200 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 300.

[0032] Please combine Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 300 includes a first surface 301 (e.g., an upper surface), a second surface 302 (e.g., a lower surface) opposite to the first surface 301, a plurality of conductive sheets 303 disposed on the first surface 301, a plurality of mounting holes 304 penetrating the first surface 301 and the second surface 302, and a plurality of positioning holes 305 penetrating the first surface 301 and the second surface 302. The plurality of conductive sheets 303 includes a plurality of first conductive sheets 3031, a plurality of second conductive sheets 3032, a plurality of third conductive sheets 3033, and a plurality of fourth conductive sheets 3034. The plurality of first conductive sheets 3031 are arranged in a first row L1 along a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., a left-right direction). The plurality of second conductive sheets 3032 are arranged in a second row L2 along the second direction A2-A2. The plurality of third conductive sheets 3033 are arranged in a third row L3 along the second direction A2-A2. The plurality of fourth conductive sheets 3034 are arranged in a fourth row L4 along the second direction A2-A2. The first row L1, the second row L2, the third row L3, and the fourth row L4 are spaced apart along a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., the front-to-back direction). The first row L1, the second row L2, the third row L3, and the fourth row L4 are parallel to each other.

[0033] The bracket 200 is an insulating bracket or a metal bracket, comprising a first wall portion 201 (e.g., the right side wall), a second wall portion 202 (e.g., the left side wall) opposite to the first wall portion 201, a third wall portion 203 connecting one end of the first wall portion 201 to one end of the second wall portion 202, and a fourth wall portion 204 connecting the other end of the first wall portion 201 to the other end of the second wall portion 202. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the bracket 200 is frame-shaped, and the first wall portion 201, the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, and the fourth wall portion 204 together enclose a receiving space 205 for accommodating the electrical connector 100. The receiving space 205 is hollow and extends vertically through the bracket 200. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first wall portion 201, the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, and the fourth wall portion 204 are each provided with mounting protrusions 206 extending downward along the first direction A1-A1. The mounting protrusions 206 are inserted into the positioning holes 305 to position the bracket 200 on the circuit board 300. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mounting protrusions 206 extending downward along the first direction A1-A1 in the first wall portion 201, the second wall portion 202, the third wall portion 203, and the fourth wall portion 204, all surround each other, which improves the structural reliability when mounting the bracket 200 on the circuit board 300.

[0034] The bracket 200 also includes a first retaining protrusion 2011 and a second retaining protrusion 2012 protruding from the inner wall of the first wall portion 201 into the receiving space 205. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the first retaining protrusion 2011 and the second retaining protrusion 2012 are integrally formed with the first wall portion 201 to increase its structural strength. Of course, the first retaining protrusion 2011 and the second retaining protrusion 2012 can also be separately provided from the first wall portion 201 and fixed to the first wall portion 201. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the first retaining protrusion 2011 and the second retaining protrusion 2012 are cylindrical.

[0035] Similarly, the bracket 200 also provides a third retaining protrusion 2021 and a fourth retaining protrusion 2022 protruding from the inner wall of the second wall portion 202 towards the receiving space 205. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the third retaining protrusion 2021 and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 are integrally formed with the second wall portion 202 to increase its structural strength. Of course, the third retaining protrusion 2021 and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 can also be separately provided from the second wall portion 202 and fixed to the second wall portion 202. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the third retaining protrusion 2021 and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 are cylindrical.

[0036] The third wall portion 203 is provided with positioning ribs 2031 protruding from the inner wall of the third wall portion 203 into the receiving space 205. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the positioning ribs 2031 include a first positioning rib 2031a and a second positioning rib 2031b, both extending along the first direction A1-A1. The first positioning ribs 2031a and the second positioning ribs 2031b are arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the first positioning ribs 2031a and the second positioning ribs 2031b are generally triangular. The first positioning ribs 2031a and the second positioning ribs 2031b are respectively provided with a first pointed corner portion 2031a1 and a second pointed corner portion 2031b1 located at their ends.

[0037] The fourth wall portion 204 is provided with a downwardly recessed groove 2041, which is configured to allow the cable of the electrical connector 100 to pass through.

[0038] When the bracket 200 is installed on the circuit board 300, the first conductive sheet 3031, the second conductive sheet 3032, the third conductive sheet 3033, the fourth conductive sheet 3034, and the positioning hole 305 are all exposed in the receiving space 205.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the electrical connector 100 is a wire-to-board connector, which achieves a reliable electrical connection to the circuit board 300 by means of the bracket 200. The electrical connector 100 includes a housing 1, a plurality of conductive terminals 2 disposed on the housing 1, a cable 3 electrically connected to the conductive terminals 2, and a locking device 4 mounted on the housing 1.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 is an insulating housing, i.e., it is made of insulating material. The housing 1 includes a mating surface 11 (e.g., a lower surface), a top surface 12 opposite to the mating surface 11, a first sidewall portion 13, a second sidewall portion 14 opposite to the first sidewall portion 13, a first end wall portion 15 connecting one side of the first sidewall portion 13 and one side of the second sidewall portion 14, and a second end wall portion 16 opposite to the first end wall portion 15. The housing 1 is provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions 111 protruding downward along the first direction A1-A1 from the mating surface 11 and a plurality of support blocks 112 protruding downward along the first direction A1-A1 from the mating surface 11. The positioning protrusions 111 are configured to be inserted into the positioning holes 305 for positioning. The support blocks 112 are configured to be supported on the first surface 301 of the circuit board 300.

[0041] The first sidewall portion 13 is provided with a first sidewall surface 131, a first pivot 132 protruding outward from the first sidewall surface 131 along the second direction A2-A2, a first recess 133 penetrating the first sidewall surface 131 and recessed inward into the first sidewall portion 13, and a second recess 134 penetrating the first sidewall surface 131 and recessed inward into the first sidewall portion 13. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first pivot 132 is cylindrical, and the first recess 133 and the second recess 134 are cylindrical holes. The first pivot 132, the first recess 133, and the second recess 134 are arranged in a triangle, wherein the first recess 133 and the second recess 134 are aligned along the third direction A3-A3, and the first pivot 132 is located between the first recess 133 and the second recess 134, and is located above the first recess 133 and the second recess 134. Preferably, the center of the first pivot 132 is located on the central axis of the first recess 133 and the second recess 134. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first sidewall portion 13 is further provided with a first retaining hole 135 located within the first recess 133. The first retaining hole 135 is a circular hole with a diameter larger than that of the first recess 133. Similarly, the first sidewall portion 13 is further provided with a second retaining hole 136 located within the second recess 134. The second retaining hole 136 is a circular hole with a diameter larger than that of the second recess 134.

[0042] The second sidewall portion 14 is provided with a second sidewall surface 141, a second pivot 142 protruding outward from the second sidewall surface 141 along the second direction A2-A2, a third recessed hole 143 penetrating the second sidewall surface 141 and recessed inward into the second sidewall portion 14, and a fourth recessed hole 144 penetrating the second sidewall surface 141 and recessed inward into the second sidewall portion 14. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second pivot 142 is cylindrical, and the third recessed hole 143 and the fourth recessed hole 144 are cylindrical holes. The second pivot 142, the third recessed hole 143, and the fourth recessed hole 144 are arranged in a triangle, wherein the third recessed hole 143 and the fourth recessed hole 144 are aligned along the third direction A3-A3, and the second pivot 142 is located between the third recessed hole 143 and the fourth recessed hole 144, and is located above the third recessed hole 143 and the fourth recessed hole 144. Preferably, the center of the second pivot 142 is located on the central axis of the third recess 143 and the fourth recess 144. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second sidewall portion 14 is further provided with a third retaining hole 145 located within the third recess 143. The third retaining hole 145 is a circular hole with a diameter larger than that of the third recess 143. Similarly, the second sidewall portion 14 is further provided with a fourth retaining hole 146 located within the fourth recess 144. The fourth retaining hole 146 is a circular hole with a diameter larger than that of the fourth recess 144.

[0043] The first end wall portion 15 is provided with a positioning groove 151 that mates with the positioning protrusion 2031. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the positioning groove 151 includes a first positioning groove 151a and a second positioning groove 151b. The first positioning groove 151a is adapted to the shape of the first positioning protrusion 2031a, and the second positioning groove 151b is adapted to the shape of the second positioning protrusion 2031b.

[0044] The plurality of conductive terminals 2 include a plurality of first conductive terminals 21, a plurality of second conductive terminals 22, a plurality of third conductive terminals 23, and a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 24. The plurality of first conductive terminals 21 are arranged in a row and are in elastic contact with the first conductive sheet 3031. The plurality of second conductive terminals 22 are arranged in a row and are in elastic contact with the second conductive sheet 3032. The plurality of third conductive terminals 23 are arranged in a row and are in elastic contact with the third conductive sheet 3033. The plurality of fourth conductive terminals 24 are arranged in a row and are in elastic contact with the fourth conductive sheet 3034.

[0045] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each conductive terminal 2 is provided with an abutment arm 20 protruding from the mating surface 11. The abutment arm 20 is cantilevered to allow for detachable contact with the conductive sheet 303.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the locking device 4 includes a first gear assembly 41 mounted in the first recess 133, a second gear assembly 42 mounted in the second recess 134, a third gear assembly 43 mounted in the third recess 143, a fourth gear assembly 44 mounted in the fourth recess 144, a crank 45 mounted on the first pivot 132 and the second pivot 142, and a pull strap 46 connected to the crank 45.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first gear assembly 41 includes a first rotating shaft 411 inserted into the first recess 133, a first gear 412 connected to the first rotating shaft 411, and a first elastic retaining ring 413 mounted on the first rotating shaft 411. The first rotating shaft 411 is cylindrical and rotatable within the first recess 133. The first rotating shaft 411 is provided with a first retaining groove 4111, and the first elastic retaining ring 413 is C-shaped and can be held in the first retaining groove 4111. The first gear 412 is provided with a plurality of first retaining teeth 4121 and a first retaining groove 4122. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining teeth 4121 are at least partially located on the outer periphery of the first gear 412. The first retaining groove 4122 is generally C-shaped and includes a first guide opening 4122a penetrating the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 412. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first gear 412 includes a first arcuate surface 4122b connected to one side of the first guide port 4122a, a first limiting surface 4122c connected to the other side of the first guide port 4122a, and a first U-shaped surface 4122d connecting the first arcuate surface 4122b and the first limiting surface 4122c. The first limiting surface 4122c is planar and is disposed opposite to the first arcuate surface 4122b. The first retaining groove 4122 is formed by the first arcuate surface 4122b, the first U-shaped surface 4122d, and the first limiting surface 4122c.

[0048] During assembly, the first elastic retaining ring 413 is held in the first retaining groove 4111. If necessary, a tooling fixture can be used to reduce the diameter of the first elastic retaining ring 413 to be smaller than the diameter of the first recess 133, so that the first rotating shaft 411 together with the first elastic retaining ring 413 can be inserted into the first recess 133. When the first rotating shaft 411 is installed in place, the first elastic retaining ring 413 releases tension, causing its diameter to increase and be held in the first retaining hole 135. At this time, a part of the first elastic retaining ring 413 is held in the first retaining hole 135, and another part is held in the first retaining groove 4111. The first elastic retaining ring 413 can hold the first rotating shaft 411 in the first recess 133, preventing the first gear 412 from falling out. At the same time, the first rotating shaft 411 can rotate in the first recess 133.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second gear assembly 42 includes a second rotating shaft 421 inserted into the second recess 134, a second gear 422 connected to the second rotating shaft 421, and a second elastic retaining ring 423 mounted on the second rotating shaft 421. The second rotating shaft 421 is cylindrical and rotatable within the second recess 134. The second rotating shaft 421 is provided with a second retaining groove 4211, and the second elastic retaining ring 423 is C-shaped and can be held in the second retaining groove 4211. The second gear 422 is provided with a plurality of second retaining teeth 4221 and a second retaining groove 4222. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second retaining teeth 4221 are at least partially located on the outer periphery of the second gear 422. The second retaining groove 4222 is generally C-shaped and includes a second guide opening 4222a penetrating the outer peripheral surface of the second gear 422. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second gear 422 includes a second arcuate surface 4222b connected to one side of the second guide port 4222a, a second limiting surface 4222c connected to the other side of the second guide port 4222a, and a second U-shaped surface 4222d connecting the second arcuate surface 4222b and the second limiting surface 4222c. The second limiting surface 4222c is planar and is disposed opposite to the second arcuate surface 4222b. The second retaining groove 4222 is formed by the second arcuate surface 4222b, the second U-shaped surface 4222d, and the second limiting surface 4222c.

[0050] During assembly, the second elastic retaining ring 423 is engaged in the second retaining groove 4211. If necessary, a tooling fixture can be used to reduce the diameter of the second elastic retaining ring 423 to be smaller than the diameter of the second recess 134, so that the second rotating shaft 421 together with the second elastic retaining ring 423 can be inserted into the second recess 134. When the second rotating shaft 421 is installed in place, the second elastic retaining ring 423 releases tension, causing its diameter to increase and engage in the second retaining hole 136. At this time, a portion of the second elastic retaining ring 423 is engaged in the second retaining hole 136, and another portion is engaged in the second retaining groove 4211. The second elastic retaining ring 423 can hold the second rotating shaft 421 in the second recess 134, preventing the second gear 422 from falling out. At the same time, the second rotating shaft 421 can rotate in the second recess 134.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third gear assembly 43 includes a third rotating shaft 431 inserted into the third recess 143, a third gear 432 connected to the third rotating shaft 431, and a third elastic retaining ring 433 mounted on the third rotating shaft 431. The third rotating shaft 431 is cylindrical and rotatable within the third recess 143. The third rotating shaft 431 is provided with a third retaining groove 4311, and the third elastic retaining ring 433 is C-shaped and can be held in the third retaining groove 4311. The third gear 432 is provided with a plurality of third retaining teeth 4321 and a third retaining groove 4322. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the third retaining teeth 4321 are at least partially located on the outer periphery of the third gear 432. The third retaining groove 4322 is generally C-shaped and includes a third guide opening 4322a penetrating the outer peripheral surface of the third gear 432. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third gear 432 includes a third arcuate surface 4322b connected to one side of the third guide port 4322a, a third limiting surface 4322c connected to the other side of the third guide port 4322a, and a third U-shaped surface 4322d connecting the third arcuate surface 4322b and the third limiting surface 4322c. The third limiting surface 4322c is planar and is disposed opposite to the third arcuate surface 4322b. The third retaining groove 4322 is formed by the third arcuate surface 4322b, the third U-shaped surface 4322d, and the third limiting surface 4322c.

[0052] During assembly, the third elastic retaining ring 433 is held in the third retaining groove 4311. If necessary, a tooling fixture can be used to reduce the diameter of the third elastic retaining ring 433 to be smaller than the diameter of the third recess 143, so that the third rotating shaft 431 together with the third elastic retaining ring 433 can be inserted into the third recess 143. When the third rotating shaft 431 is installed in place, the third elastic retaining ring 433 releases tension, increases its diameter, and is held in the third retaining hole 145. At this time, a part of the third elastic retaining ring 433 is held in the third retaining hole 145, and another part is held in the third retaining groove 4311. The third elastic retaining ring 433 can hold the third rotating shaft 431 in the third recess 143, preventing the third gear 432 from falling out. At the same time, the third rotating shaft 431 can rotate in the third recess 143.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth gear assembly 44 includes a fourth rotating shaft 441 inserted into the fourth recess 144, a fourth gear 442 connected to the fourth rotating shaft 441, and a fourth elastic retaining ring 443 mounted on the fourth rotating shaft 441. The fourth rotating shaft 441 is cylindrical and rotatable within the fourth recess 144. The fourth rotating shaft 441 is provided with a fourth retaining groove 4411, and the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 is C-shaped and can be held in the fourth retaining groove 4411. The fourth gear 442 is provided with a plurality of fourth retaining teeth 4421 and a fourth retaining groove 4422. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the fourth retaining teeth 4421 are at least partially located on the outer periphery of the fourth gear 442. The fourth retaining groove 4422 is generally C-shaped and includes a fourth guide opening 4422a penetrating the outer peripheral surface of the fourth gear 442. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the fourth gear 442 includes a fourth arcuate surface 4422b connected to one side of the fourth guide port 4422a, a fourth limiting surface 4422c connected to the other side of the fourth guide port 4422a, and a fourth U-shaped surface 4422d connecting the fourth arcuate surface 4422b and the fourth limiting surface 4422c. The fourth limiting surface 4422c is planar and is disposed opposite to the fourth arcuate surface 4422b. The fourth retaining groove 4422 is formed by the fourth arcuate surface 4422b, the fourth U-shaped surface 4422d, and the fourth limiting surface 4422c.

[0054] During assembly, the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 is held in the fourth retaining groove 4411. If necessary, a tooling fixture can be used to reduce the diameter of the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 to be smaller than the diameter of the fourth recess 144, so that the fourth rotating shaft 441 together with the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 can be inserted into the fourth recess 144. When the fourth rotating shaft 441 is installed in place, the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 releases tension, causing its diameter to increase and become held in the fourth retaining hole 146. At this time, a portion of the fourth elastic retaining ring 443 is held in the fourth retaining hole 146, and another portion is held in the fourth retaining groove 4411. The fourth elastic retaining ring 443 can hold the fourth rotating shaft 441 in the fourth recess 144, preventing the fourth gear 442 from falling out. At the same time, the fourth rotating shaft 441 can rotate in the fourth recess 144.

[0055] The crank 45 includes a first rotating arm 451, a first drive gear 452 connected to the first rotating arm 451, a second rotating arm 453 opposite to the first rotating arm 451, a second drive gear 454 connected to the second rotating arm 453, and a connecting portion 455 connecting the first rotating arm 451 and the second rotating arm 453.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first drive gear 452 is provided with a first pivot hole 4521 and a plurality of first drive teeth 4522 located on the outer side. The first pivot hole 4521 is sleeved on the first pivot 132, so that the first drive gear 452 can rotate around the first pivot 132.

[0057] Similarly, the second drive gear 454 is provided with a second pivot hole 4541 and a plurality of second drive teeth 4542 located on the outer side. The second pivot hole 4541 is sleeved on the second pivot 142, so that the second drive gear 454 can rotate about the second pivot 142.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first drive tooth 4522 meshes with the first locking tooth 4121 and the second locking tooth 4221, and the second drive tooth 4542 meshes with the third locking tooth 4321 and the fourth locking tooth 4421. With this configuration, when the crank 45 rotates, the first drive tooth 4522 can drive the first gear 412 and the second gear 422 to rotate, and the second drive tooth 4542 can drive the third gear 432 and the fourth gear 442 to rotate.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the pull strap 46 facilitates the application of external force to the crank 45 to drive the crank 45 to rotate. Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the pull strap 46 may be omitted. In this case, the external force acts directly on the crank 45, which can also drive the crank 45 to rotate.

[0060] Please combine Figures 6 to 9 As shown, when the electrical connector 100 is engaged with the bracket 200, the electrical connector 100 is first housed downward along the first direction A1-A1 in the housing space 205; at this time, the first guide port 4122a, the second guide port 4222a, the third guide port 4322a and the fourth guide port 4422a are respectively downward and respectively facing the first retaining protrusion 2011, the second retaining protrusion 2012, the third retaining protrusion 2021 and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022. Therefore, the first retaining protrusion 2011, the second retaining protrusion 2012, the third retaining protrusion 2021, and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 can respectively enter the first retaining groove 4122, the second retaining groove 4222, the third retaining groove 4322a, and the fourth retaining groove 4422 from the first guide port 4122a, the second guide port 4222a, the third guide port 4322a, and the fourth guide port 4422a.

[0061] Then, the crank 45 is rotated by external force. During the rotation, the first gear 412, the second gear 422, the third gear 432, and the fourth gear 442 all rotate. The positions of the first retaining protrusion 2011, the second retaining protrusion 2012, the third retaining protrusion 2021, and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 in the first retaining groove 4122, the second retaining groove 4222, the third retaining groove 4322, and the fourth retaining groove 4422 also change. When the crank 45 moves from the unlocked position (e.g., ... Figure 8 , Figure 9 Turn it to the locking position (e.g., Figure 20 , Figure 21The first guide port 4122a, the second guide port 4222a, the third guide port 4322a, and the fourth guide port 4422a are rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position. At this time, the first retaining protrusion 2011 abuts against the top of the first arc-shaped surface 4122b, the second retaining protrusion 2012 abuts against the top of the second arc-shaped surface 4222b, the third retaining protrusion 2021 abuts against the top of the third arc-shaped surface 4322b, and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 abuts against the top of the fourth arc-shaped surface 4422b, thereby limiting the electrical connector 100 and preventing it from detaching from the bracket 200. At this time, the first conductive terminal 21 is in elastic contact with the first conductive sheet 3031, the second conductive terminal 22 is in elastic contact with the second conductive sheet 3032, the third conductive terminal 23 is in elastic contact with the third conductive sheet 3033, and the fourth conductive terminal 24 is in elastic contact with the fourth conductive sheet 3034.

[0062] When unlocking is required, an external force is applied to rotate the crank 45 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The positions of the first retaining protrusion 2011, the second retaining protrusion 2012, the third retaining protrusion 2021, and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022 change within the first retaining groove 4122, the second retaining groove 4222, the third retaining groove 4322, and the fourth retaining groove 4422, respectively. When the crank 45 is in the unlocked position, the first guide port 4122a, the second guide port 4222a, the third guide port 4322a, and the fourth guide port 4422a face downwards and are respectively aligned with the first retaining protrusion 2011, the second retaining protrusion 2012, the third retaining protrusion 2021, and the fourth retaining protrusion 2022. At this time, applying an upward pulling force will detach the electrical connector 100 from the bracket 200.

[0063] The electrical connector 100 and connector assembly in this embodiment of the invention include a locking device 4, which can uniformly apply locking and unlocking forces through gear meshing, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connector 100 when electrically connected to the circuit board 300.

[0064] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: The housing has a mating surface; A conductive terminal, disposed in the housing, includes an abutment arm protruding from the mating surface, the abutment arm being configured to elastically abut against a conductive sheet of the circuit board; and A locking device is installed on the housing. The locking device includes a crank and a first gear assembly. The crank includes a first rotating arm and a first drive gear connected to the first rotating arm. The first drive gear has a first drive tooth. The first drive gear can rotate under the drive of the first rotating arm. The first gear assembly includes a first gear, which includes a first locking tooth and a first retaining groove. The first drive tooth meshes with the first locking tooth.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a first sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion including a first sidewall surface and a first pivot protruding outward from the first sidewall surface; The first drive gear is provided with a first pivot hole, which is sleeved on the first pivot, so that the first drive gear can rotate around the first pivot.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a first recessed hole that penetrates the first side wall and is recessed into the first side wall portion; The first gear assembly includes a first shaft inserted into the first recess, and the first gear is connected to the first shaft.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft is cylindrical, the first concave hole is a cylindrical hole, and the first rotating shaft can rotate in the first concave hole.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft is provided with a first retaining groove; The first sidewall portion is provided with a first retaining hole located in the first recess, the first retaining hole is a round hole, and the diameter of the first retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the first recess. The first gear assembly includes a first elastic retaining ring that is held in the first retaining groove, a portion of the first elastic retaining ring being held in the first retaining groove, and another portion of the first elastic retaining ring being held in the first retaining hole.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The first elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The locking device includes a second gear assembly; the second gear assembly includes a second gear, the first gear and the second gear are spaced apart, the second gear includes a second locking tooth and a second retaining groove, and the first driving tooth meshes with the second locking tooth.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a second recessed hole that penetrates the first side wall and is recessed into the first side wall portion, and the first recessed hole and the second recessed hole are spaced apart. The second gear assembly includes a second shaft inserted into the second recess, and the second gear is connected to the second shaft.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The second rotating shaft is cylindrical, and the second concave hole is a cylindrical hole, allowing the second rotating shaft to rotate within the second concave hole.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The second rotating shaft is provided with a second retaining groove; The first sidewall portion is provided with a second retaining hole located within the second recess. The second retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the second retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the second recess. The second gear assembly includes a second resilient retaining ring that is held in the second retaining groove, a portion of the second resilient retaining ring being held in the second retaining groove, and another portion of the second resilient retaining ring being held in the second retaining hole.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The second elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The crank includes a second rotating arm and a second drive gear connected to the second rotating arm. The second drive gear is provided with a second drive tooth. The second drive gear can rotate under the drive of the second rotating arm. The locking device includes a third gear assembly, which includes a third gear, a third locking tooth, and a third retaining groove, wherein the second driving tooth meshes with the third locking tooth.

13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a second sidewall portion opposite to the first sidewall portion. The second sidewall portion includes a second sidewall surface, a second pivot protruding outward from the second sidewall surface, and a third recessed hole that penetrates the second sidewall surface and is recessed into the second sidewall portion. The second drive gear is provided with a second pivot hole, which is sleeved on the second pivot shaft, so that the second drive gear can rotate around the second pivot shaft; The third gear assembly includes a third rotating shaft inserted into the third recess, and the third gear is connected to the third rotating shaft; The third rotating shaft is cylindrical, and the third concave hole is a cylindrical hole, allowing the third rotating shaft to rotate within the third concave hole.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The third rotating shaft is provided with a third retaining groove; The second sidewall portion is provided with a third retaining hole located within the third recessed hole. The third retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the third retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the third recessed hole. The third gear assembly includes a third elastic retaining ring that is held in the third retaining groove, a portion of the third elastic retaining ring being held in the third retaining groove, and another portion of the third elastic retaining ring being held in the third retaining hole; The third elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that: The locking device includes a fourth gear assembly; the fourth gear assembly includes a fourth gear, the fourth gear includes a fourth locking tooth and a fourth retaining groove, and the second driving tooth meshes with the fourth locking tooth.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The second sidewall portion includes a fourth recessed hole that penetrates the second sidewall surface and is recessed into the second sidewall portion, and the third recessed hole and the fourth recessed hole are spaced apart; The fourth gear assembly includes a fourth rotating shaft inserted into the fourth recess, and the fourth gear is connected to the fourth rotating shaft; The fourth rotating shaft is cylindrical, and the fourth concave hole is a cylindrical hole, allowing the fourth rotating shaft to rotate within the fourth concave hole.

17. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that: The fourth rotating shaft is provided with a fourth retaining groove; The second sidewall portion is provided with a fourth retaining hole located within the fourth recess. The fourth retaining hole is a circular hole, and the diameter of the fourth retaining hole is larger than the diameter of the fourth recess. The fourth gear assembly includes a fourth elastic retaining ring that is held in the fourth retaining groove, a portion of the fourth elastic retaining ring being held in the fourth retaining groove, and another portion of the fourth elastic retaining ring being held in the fourth retaining hole; The fourth elastic retaining ring is C-shaped.

18. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: A circuit board, wherein the circuit board is provided with a plurality of conductive sheets; A bracket is mounted and fixed on the circuit board. The bracket includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion opposite to the first wall portion, and a receiving space located between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The first wall portion is provided with a first retaining protrusion protruding towards the second wall portion and extending into the receiving space. The conductive sheet is exposed in the receiving space. as well as An electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector is the electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the electrical connector is at least partially housed in the housing space; and the abutting arm of the electrical connector elastically abuts against the conductive sheet. The locking device is rotatable between the unlocked position and the locking position bracket; when the locking device is in the unlocked position, the first holding protrusion is located at the first guide opening of the first holding groove; when the locking device rotates from the unlocked position to the locking position, the first drive gear rotates under the drive of the first rotating arm, and the first drive gear drives the first gear to rotate, so that the first holding protrusion is locked in the first holding groove.

19. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The first gear includes a first arcuate surface connected to one side of the first guide port, a first limiting surface connected to the other side of the first guide port, and a first U-shaped surface connecting the first arcuate surface and the first limiting surface; the first limiting surface and the first arcuate surface are disposed opposite to each other; the first retaining groove is formed by the first arcuate surface, the first U-shaped surface and the first limiting surface. When the locking device is in the locking position, the first holding protrusion abuts against the top of the first arc-shaped surface.

20. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The circuit board includes a positioning hole located in the receiving space; the electrical connector is provided with a mounting protrusion that is inserted into the positioning hole.

Images