Locking member and connector

Abstract

The application discloses a locking piece and a connector, which comprises a piece body, an elastic part is arranged on the piece body, the elastic part is positioned and matched with a corresponding position on a shell, the elastic part is configured to be elastically deformed after the piece body is driven, and the piece body is driven to move from an initial position to a locking position in a direction of a terminal; the piece body is further provided with a locking part which is at least partially protruded to the locking position of the piece body, when the piece body is located at the locking position, the locking part is moved to the terminal to be positioned and matched with the terminal to lock the terminal, the elastic part of the locking piece is positioned and matched with the corresponding position on the shell, so that the piece body is driven to move from the initial position to the locking position in a predetermined direction, the locking part is positioned and matched with the terminal to lock the terminal, the problem of the slight displacement of the terminal is solved, and the holding force on the terminal is strengthened, the locking piece is independent, movable and detachable, after the matched parts are removed, the locking part can be released from the positioning and matching with the terminal, and the terminal is convenient for repair or replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connections, and more specifically, to a locking element and a connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the demand for high-voltage connectors is also increasing. One of the main functions of the terminals inside the connector in the vehicle is to transmit electrical energy. Currently, the terminals of the connector are fixed in two ways: one is by fixing them to the plastic shell through the elastic arm structure on the terminal.

[0003] Secondly, the TPA provides sufficient terminal holding force. However, in the first fixing method, the elastic arm is compressed during insertion. In order for the elastic arm to be ready to fall into the slot, a gap is reserved between the elastic arm and the slot. After the terminal is inserted, the terminal can move back and forth slightly due to the reserved gap, which will cause fretting wear in the vibration environment. Although the second fixing method solves the problems of terminal fretting and holding force, the TPA has an extra component, and it is more difficult to repair after the TPA is installed.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new locking component and connector structure to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a new technical solution for locking components and connectors to solve the problems of minute displacement of terminals within the connector housing and the difficulty in repairing or replacing terminals.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a locking member is provided for locking a terminal within a housing, comprising a sheet having an elastic portion thereon, the elastic portion being positioned and engaged with a corresponding position on the housing, the elastic portion being configured to elastically deform after the sheet is driven, thereby moving the sheet from an initial position toward the terminal to a locked position; the sheet also having a locking portion at least partially protruding toward the locked position of the sheet, wherein when the sheet is in the locked position, the locking portion moves with the sheet to position and engage with the terminal to lock the terminal.

[0007] Optionally, the sheet body includes a substrate and wing plates on both sides of the substrate, the elastic part is an assisting spring on the wing plate, and the locking part is a snap-fit ​​spring on the substrate.

[0008] Optionally, the wing plate is positioned at a height higher than the substrate in the thickness direction of the sheet.

[0009] Optionally, one end of the snap-fit ​​spring is connected to the substrate, and the other end is configured as a free end extending at an angle towards the terminal. The free end of the snap-fit ​​spring engages with the terminal to lock the terminal.

[0010] Optionally, one end of the assisting spring is connected to the wing plate, and the other end is a free end extending in the same direction as the snap-fit ​​spring. The free end of the assisting spring is constructed as a plate-like body, used to position and cooperate with the corresponding position of the housing in the predetermined direction.

[0011] The present invention also provides a connector, comprising a housing, terminals, end caps, and a locking member as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing has a mounting cavity, and the terminals are disposed within the mounting cavity. The housing has a locking cavity adjacent to the mounting cavity, the locking member is disposed in the locking cavity, the elastic part is positioned and engaged with the inner wall of the locking cavity, and the locking cavity has a clearance channel communicating with the mounting cavity for avoiding the locking part. The end cap is fixedly connected to the housing and has a driving part extending into the locking cavity. When the end cap is fixedly connected to the housing, the driving part presses the sheet towards the terminal so that the sheet moves to the locking position, thereby driving the locking part to position and engage with the terminal and lock the terminal.

[0012] Optionally, the locking cavity has a mounting opening facing the end cap, and a stop is provided at the mounting opening. The locking member enters the locking cavity through the mounting opening, and the plate of the locking member is stopped and engaged with the stop to be limited within the locking cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the driving part is a protruding rib provided on the inner wall of the end cap, and the side wall of the locking cavity is provided with a clearance extending from the assembly port. When the end cap is fixedly connected to the housing, the rib at least partially enters the locking cavity from the clearance opening and presses onto the plate to drive the plate to move to the locking position.

[0014] Optionally, the end cap is detachably connected to the housing via a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0015] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​structure includes anti-retraction springs provided on both side walls of the end cap, and locking grooves provided on both sides of the housing corresponding to the anti-retraction springs. The anti-retraction springs engage with the locking grooves to fix the end cap onto the housing.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The locking member of this invention has an elastic portion that engages with a corresponding position on the housing. Through assembly with matching parts, the elastic portion is configured to elastically deform after the plate is driven, moving the plate from its initial position toward the terminal to the locking position. The locking portion also moves with the plate toward the terminal until it engages with the terminal to lock the terminal within the housing, thus solving the problem of slight terminal displacement and simultaneously strengthening the terminal holding force. This locking member is independent, movable, and detachable. After removing the matching parts, the locking portion can release its engagement with the terminal, releasing the terminal's locking position and facilitating terminal disassembly, repair, and replacement.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking component of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the end cap of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the connector of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector portion of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the end cap, locking member, and terminal of the present invention when they are assembled in place. Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the connector of the present invention.

[0020] The diagram is marked as follows: 10. Locking component; 11. Base plate; 111. Snap-fit ​​spring; 12. Wing plate; 121. Assist spring; 20. Terminal; 21. Positioning groove; 30. Housing; 31. Mounting cavity; 32. Locking cavity; 33. Clearance channel; 34. Stop block; 35. Clearance opening; 36. Locking groove; 40. End cap; 41. Protruding rib; 42. Anti-reverse spring; 421. Snap-fit ​​protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0022] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0023] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0024] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0025] According to a first aspect of the invention, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, a locking member 10 is provided for locking a terminal 20 inside a housing 30. It includes a sheet body with an elastic portion. The elastic portion is positioned and engaged with a corresponding position on the housing 30. The elastic portion is configured to elastically deform after the sheet body is driven, causing the sheet body to move from an initial position toward the terminal 20 to a locked position. The sheet body also has a locking portion that protrudes at least partially toward the locked position of the sheet body. When the sheet body is in the locked position, the locking portion moves with the sheet body to position and engage with the terminal 20 to lock the terminal 20.

[0026] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the demand for high-voltage connectors is also increasing. One of the main functions of the connector's terminal 20 in the vehicle is to transmit electrical energy. Currently, the terminal 20 of the connector is fixed in two ways: one is by fixing it to the plastic shell through the elastic arm structure on the terminal 20, and the other is by providing sufficient holding force for the terminal 20 through the TPA. However, in the first fixing method, because the elastic arm is compressed during insertion, a gap is reserved between the elastic arm and the slot in order to ensure that the elastic arm can fall into the slot. After the terminal 20 is inserted, it can move back and forth slightly due to the reserved gap, which will cause fretting wear in the vibration environment. Although the second fixing method solves the problems of fretting and holding force of the terminal 20, the TPA is an extra component, and it is more difficult to repair after the TPA is installed.

[0027] The elastic portion of the locking member 10 of the present invention is positioned and engaged with a corresponding position on the housing 30. Through assembly with matching parts, the elastic portion is configured to elastically deform after the plate is driven, causing the plate to move from its initial position toward the terminal 20 to the locking position. The locking portion also moves along with the plate toward the terminal 20 until it is positioned and engaged with the terminal 20 to lock the terminal within the housing, thus solving the problem of slight displacement of the terminal 20 and strengthening the holding force on the terminal 20. Furthermore, this locking member 10 is independent, movable, and detachable. After removing the matching parts, the pressure on the plate is released, and the plate resets under the elastic restoring force of the elastic portion, thereby causing the locking portion to release its positioning engagement with the terminal 20, unlocking the terminal 20 and facilitating disassembly, repair, and replacement of the terminal 20.

[0028] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sheet body includes a base plate 11 and wing plates 12 on both sides of the base plate 11. The elastic part is an assisting spring 121 on the wing plate 12, and the locking part is a snap-fit ​​spring 111 on the base plate 11.

[0029] After the plate is driven, it drives the assisting spring 121 to move from the initial position to the locked position along the predetermined direction, which can drive the snap-fit ​​spring 111 to position and lock the terminal 20.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the wing plate 12 is higher than the substrate 11 in the thickness direction of the sheet.

[0031] During the specific assembly, the elastic part of the locking member 10 is first positioned and engaged with the corresponding position on the housing 30. Since the height of the wing plate 12 in the thickness direction of the plate is higher than that of the base plate 11, the wing plate 12 is first squeezed and driven by the matching parts, which drives the assisting spring 121 to elastically deform and move towards the locking position, thereby driving the snap-fit ​​spring 111 to snap and lock with the corresponding position of the terminal 20, so as to keep the terminal 20 inside the housing 30 and prevent the terminal 20 from moving back and forth slightly, which would cause fretting wear in the vibration environment.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, one end of the snap-fit ​​spring 111 is connected to the substrate 11, and the other end is constructed as a free end that extends obliquely toward the terminal 20. The free end of the snap-fit ​​spring 111 engages with the terminal 20 to lock the terminal 20.

[0033] This structure utilizes the elastic deformation of the snap-fit ​​spring 111 to generate a continuous positioning and engaging snap-fit ​​force when in contact with the terminal 20, thereby achieving a stable and reliable connection and facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, one end of the assisting spring 121 is connected to the wing plate 12, and the other end is a free end that extends in the same direction as the snap-fit ​​spring 111. The free end of the assisting spring 121 is constructed as a plate-shaped body, which is used to position and cooperate with the corresponding position of the housing 30 in the predetermined direction.

[0035] The corresponding position of the housing 30 matches the plate shape of the assisting spring 121. The lower end face of the plate is attached and fixed to the corresponding position of the housing 30, providing a large contact area and making the positioning and cooperation between the two more stable.

[0036] The present invention also provides a connector, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, the device includes a housing 30, a terminal 20, an end cap 40, and a locking member 10 as described in any of the preceding claims. The housing 30 has a mounting cavity 31, and the terminal 20 is disposed within the mounting cavity 31. The housing 30 has a locking cavity 32 adjacent to the mounting cavity 31. The locking member 10 is disposed in the locking cavity 32. The elastic part is positioned and engaged with the inner wall of the locking cavity 32. The locking cavity 32 has a clearance channel 33 communicating with the mounting cavity 31 for avoiding the locking part. The end cap 40 is fixedly connected to the housing 30 and has a driving part extending into the locking cavity 32. When the end cap 40 is fixedly connected to the housing 30, the driving part presses the sheet towards the terminal 20, causing the sheet to move to the locking position, thereby driving the locking part to position and engage with the terminal 20 and lock the terminal 20.

[0037] The specific assembly process is as follows: first, the terminal 20 is installed into the mounting cavity 31 of the housing 30, then the locking part is installed into the locking cavity 32, and finally the end cover 40 is fixedly connected to the housing 30. During the fixed connection process, the driving part of the end cover 40 presses the sheet towards the terminal 20, causing the sheet to move to the locking position, and drives the elastic part to elastically deform towards the terminal 20 and be in a compressed state. At the same time, the locking part also moves towards the terminal 20 until it is engaged in the corresponding position of the terminal 20, so as to position and lock the terminal 20. Specifically, the outer wall of the terminal 20 is provided with a positioning groove 21, and the locking part is engaged in the positioning groove 21 to lock the terminal 20. When it is necessary to disassemble the terminal 20, it is only necessary to first remove the end cover 40, so that the elastic part elastically resets and drives the locking part to disengage from the positioning lock of the terminal 20, and then the terminal 20 can be disassembled and replaced.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the locking cavity 32 has an assembly port facing the end cap 40, and a stop 34 is provided at the assembly port. The locking member 10 enters the locking cavity 32 through the assembly port, and the plate of the locking member 10 is stopped and engaged with the stop 34 to be limited within the locking cavity 32.

[0039] When the locking member 10 is inserted into the locking cavity 32, the lower wall of the elastic part of the locking member 10 fits and is positioned with the inner wall of the locking cavity 32. The front end, rear end and left and right ends of the locking member 10 are respectively stopped by the stop block 34 and the inner peripheral wall of the locking cavity 32, thus limiting and locking the locking member 10 in the locking cavity 32, preventing the locking member 10 from moving back and forth and left and right, so as to maintain the positioning and engagement of the locking part with the terminal 20.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the driving part is a rib 41 provided on the inner wall of the end cover 40, and a clearance opening 35 extending from the assembly opening is provided on the side wall of the locking cavity 32. When the end cover 40 is fixedly connected to the housing 30, the rib 41 enters the locking cavity 32 from the clearance opening 35 at least partially and presses onto the plate to drive the plate to move to the locking position.

[0041] The protruding rib 41 presses the sheet body, causing the sheet body to be compressed and elastically deformed towards the terminal 20, and moving the sheet body to the locking position, thereby causing the locking part to be positioned and engaged with the terminal 20 and locking the terminal 20.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 40 is detachably connected to the housing 30 via a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0043] This design facilitates the quick installation and removal of the end cap 40 from the housing 30.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-3 As shown, the buckle structure includes anti-retraction spring pieces 42 provided on both side walls of the end cap 40, and locking grooves 36 provided on both sides of the housing 30 corresponding to the anti-retraction spring pieces 42. The anti-retraction spring pieces 42 and the locking grooves 36 are engaged to fix the end cap 40 on the housing 30.

[0045] Specifically, one end of the anti-retraction spring 42 is connected to the side wall of the end cover 40, and the other end is a free end extending along the insertion direction of the terminal 20. The free end has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 421 protruding inward. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 421 snaps into the locking groove 36, fixing the end cover 40 onto the housing 30. This keeps the driving part pressing against the piece, so that the locking member 10 is limited in the locking cavity 32, and the elastic part is in a compressed state. This ensures that the terminal 20 is locked in the housing 30 by the locking part. When it is necessary to disassemble and replace the terminal 20, the end cover 40 can be disassembled by prying the free end of the anti-retraction spring 42 to drive the snap-fit ​​protrusion 421 out of the locking groove 36. This allows the elastic part / assisting spring 121 to elastically reset and drive the locking part / snap-fit ​​spring 111 to release from the positioning lock of the terminal 20.

[0046] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A locking element for locking terminals within a housing, characterized in that, The device includes a sheet body with an elastic portion that is positioned and engaged with a corresponding position on a housing. The elastic portion is configured to elastically deform after the sheet body is driven, thereby moving the sheet body from an initial position toward the terminal to a locked position. The sheet body also has a locking portion that protrudes at least partially toward the locked position of the sheet body. When the sheet body is in the locked position, the locking portion moves with the sheet body to engage with the terminal to lock the terminal.

2. The locking member according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet body includes a base plate and wing plates on both sides of the base plate. The elastic part is an assisting spring on the wing plate, and the locking part is a snap-fit ​​spring on the base plate.

3. The locking member according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the wing plate in the thickness direction of the sheet is higher than the height of the substrate.

4. The locking member according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the snap-fit ​​spring is connected to the substrate, and the other end is constructed as a free end that extends at an angle toward the terminal. The free end of the snap-fit ​​spring engages with the terminal to lock the terminal.

5. The locking member according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the assisting spring is connected to the wing plate, and the other end is a free end that extends in the same direction as the snap-fit ​​spring. The free end of the assisting spring is constructed as a plate-like body, which is used to position and cooperate with the corresponding position of the housing in the predetermined direction.

6. A connector, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, terminals, end caps, and a locking element as described in claims 1-5. The housing has a mounting cavity, and the terminals are disposed within the mounting cavity. The housing has a locking cavity adjacent to the mounting cavity, the locking member is disposed in the locking cavity, the elastic part is positioned and engaged with the inner wall of the locking cavity, and the locking cavity has a clearance channel communicating with the mounting cavity for avoiding the locking part. The end cap is fixedly connected to the housing and has a driving part extending into the locking cavity. When the end cap is fixedly connected to the housing, the driving part presses the sheet towards the terminal so that the sheet moves to the locking position, thereby driving the locking part to position and engage with the terminal and lock the terminal.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking cavity has an assembly port facing the end cap, and a stop is provided at the assembly port. The locking member enters the locking cavity through the assembly port, and the plate of the locking member is stopped and engaged with the stop to be limited within the locking cavity.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving part is a protruding rib provided on the inner wall of the end cap, and the side wall of the locking cavity is provided with a clearance extending from the assembly port. When the end cap is fixedly connected to the housing, the rib at least partially enters the locking cavity from the clearance opening and presses onto the plate to drive the plate to move to the locking position.

9. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end cap is detachably connected to the housing via a snap-fit ​​structure.

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The buckle structure includes anti-retraction spring pieces provided on both side walls of the end cap, and locking grooves provided on both sides of the housing corresponding to the anti-retraction spring pieces. The anti-retraction spring pieces engage with the locking grooves to fix the end cap on the housing.

Images