Multi-angle plug-in interlocking structure and connector assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to an interlocking structure and connector assembly capable of multi-angle mating. The interlocking structure includes a first interlocking terminal and a second interlocking terminal disposed on the board-end connector, and an annular conductive element disposed on the mating-end connector. The first and second interlocking terminals are spaced apart from each other and arranged around the central axis of the mating holes of the board-end connector. When the mating-end connector is mated relative to the board-end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can simultaneously maintain electrical contact with the first and second interlocking terminals, thereby forming the electrical circuit required for interlock detection. The beneficial effect is that when the mating-end connector is mated relative to the board-end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can always maintain electrical contact with the first and second interlocking terminals, thereby stably forming the electrical circuit required for interlock detection, achieving reliable mating of the connector at any angle within a 360° range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to an interlocking structure and connector assembly that can be plugged in at multiple angles. Background Technology

[0002] In electrical connection systems of automobiles and other equipment, connectors, as key components for power and signal transmission, directly impact the safety and stability of the system due to the reliability of their interlocking structures. High-voltage interlocking (HVIL) structures ensure that the power circuit is connected only after the signal circuit is turned on and disconnected before the signal circuit is turned off, thus avoiding safety risks such as arcing during insertion and removal. Secondary locking structures (CPA) prevent connectors from accidentally loosening due to vibration or other factors. Effectively integrating these functions into connectors, especially corner connectors, has become an important research direction in this field.

[0003] In the prior art, Chinese invention patent application CN118073896A discloses a high-voltage interlocking corner connector and connector assembly. The connector includes a connector body and a locking housing slidably mounted thereon. The connector body is provided with power terminals and signal terminals. The locking housing cooperates with the adapter connector through a guide linkage structure and has a fully locked position, a partially locked position, and a fully disengaged position during its sliding stroke. This, combined with a secondary interlocking mechanism, enables the step-by-step switching of the signal circuit and the power circuit. This solution, to a certain extent, integrates high-voltage interlocking and secondary locking functions.

[0004] However, the signal terminals in the aforementioned prior art still employ a traditional fixed-direction pin and socket structure, with a fixed mating direction, which cannot adapt to multi-angle mating scenarios. In practical applications, when the connector needs to be mated at any angle within a 360° range, the traditional power terminals will rotate relative to each other. However, because the orientation of the signal terminals relative to the power terminals is fixed, this can lead to the signal terminals failing to mate, thus failing to meet the reliability requirements of omnidirectional mating. Furthermore, this type of structure still relies on complex linkage mechanisms and multiple independent components during the mating process, resulting in numerous assembly steps and inconvenient operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes an interlocking structure and connector assembly that can be plugged into at multiple angles, solving the problem that the interlocking structure of the connector in the prior art cannot adapt to 360° multi-angle plugging.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] A multi-angle mating interlocking structure includes: a first interlocking terminal and a second interlocking terminal, which are spaced apart from each other and jointly disposed on a board-end connector; and an annular conductive element disposed on a mating end connector that can mate with the board-end connector. When the mating end connector is mated relative to the board-end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can make electrical contact with the first and second interlocking terminals to form an electrical circuit. The annular conductive element acts as a conductive medium to realize the electrical connection between the two interlocking terminals.

[0008] The first and second interlocking terminals are disposed within the board end sleeve of the board end connector, and are arranged around the central axis of the mating holes on the board end sleeve. This ensures that the annular conductive component can simultaneously contact both interlocking terminals when rotated to any angle, guaranteeing the reliability of 360° multi-angle mating.

[0009] An interlocking sleeve is installed on the plate end sleeve, and a first interlocking terminal and a second interlocking terminal are disposed on the interlocking sleeve. The interlocking sleeve enables assembly and fixation with the plate end sleeve, facilitating later maintenance and replacement.

[0010] The interlocking sleeve engages with the mounting holes on the plate end sleeve via a boss structure. Assembly is convenient and the connection is secure, effectively preventing relative displacement between the interlocking sleeve and the plate end sleeve, thus ensuring the installation stability of the interlocking terminals.

[0011] The first and second interlocking terminals are provided with elastic contact portions at their heads, which extend into the mating holes of the plate end sheath. When the annular conductive element is inserted into the mating hole and contacts the interlocking terminal, the elastic contact portion can undergo elastic deformation, tightly fitting the outer wall surface of the annular conductive element, improving contact reliability, compensating for assembly errors, and avoiding electrical connection failure due to poor contact.

[0012] The elastic contact portion includes multiple spring pieces arranged in an arc array around the central axis of the insertion hole. This increases the contact points between the elastic contact portion and the annular conductive component, further improving contact stability and ensuring that the contact points remain continuous and do not shift or break when the annular conductive component rotates.

[0013] The annular conductive component is a metal ring, which is mounted on the sleeve of the mating connector. The metal ring has a spring-loaded structure, and the sleeve has a mounting groove. The spring-loaded structure engages with the mounting groove. This fixes the metal ring within the sleeve, preventing axial displacement and ensuring the stability of the electrical connection.

[0014] The sleeve sheath is provided with a guide groove, which corresponds to the position of the spring-loaded structure. During the assembly of the metal ring, the guide groove can guide the spring-loaded structure, making it easy for the spring-loaded structure to accurately engage with the mounting groove.

[0015] A connector assembly includes a board-end connector, a mating-end connector, and a multi-angle mating interlocking structure. A first interlocking terminal and a second interlocking terminal are disposed on the board-end connector, and an annular conductive element is disposed on the mating-end connector. When the board-end connector and the mating-end connector are fully mated, the annular conductive element simultaneously makes electrical contact with both the first and second interlocking terminals. This achieves an interlocking detection function while ensuring the overall electrical connection reliability of the connector.

[0016] The board end connector has a board end sheath inside which a board end terminal for transmitting power is provided, and the central axis of the board end terminal is the central axis of rotation of the mating end connector relative to the board end connector.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Since the annular conductive element is an annular structure set on the mating end connector, and the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal are arranged at intervals on the board end connector and arranged around the central axis of the mating hole, when the mating end connector is mated with the board end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can always maintain electrical contact with the first interlocking terminal and the second interlocking terminal, thereby stably forming the electrical circuit required for interlock detection, and realizing reliable mating of the connector at any angle within a 360° range.

[0018] This invention achieves rapid assembly and secure fixing of various components through the interlocking sleeve and the plate end sleeve, and the spring tongue-hook groove cooperation between the metal ring and the sleeve sleeve. The assembly is convenient and the structure is reliable. At the same time, the design of the elastic contact part not only improves the contact stability, but also compensates for assembly errors, further ensuring the continuity of electrical connection and reducing the risk of failure during assembly and use.

[0019] In this invention, the elastic contact part adopts a multi-spring sheet arc array arrangement, which increases the contact area with the annular conductive part, reduces the contact resistance, and reduces the heat generation phenomenon. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the interlocking terminal and the metal ring.

[0022] Figure 2 Illustrations for interlocking terminals and interlocking protective sleeves.

[0023] Figure 3Illustrations for interlocking sleeves and plate end sleeves.

[0024] Figure 4 Illustrations for metal rings and sleeve protective sets.

[0025] Figure 5 This is an assembly drawing of the connector assembly.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. First interlock terminal, 2. Metal ring, 3. Second interlock terminal, 4. Interlock sleeve, 5. Plate end sleeve, 6. Sleeve sleeve, 201. Spring tongue structure, 601. Hanging groove, 403. Connecting groove, 404. Boss structure, 501. Hanging hole, 502. Plate end terminal, 503. Interlocking hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] The interlocking structure and connector assembly provided in this invention are particularly suitable for automotive high-voltage connector systems. Their main purpose is to solve the problem that traditional interlocking terminals cannot adapt to 360° multi-angle rotation and mating due to their fixed orientation, and to ensure that the interlocking detection circuit can maintain a continuous and stable electrical connection when the mating angle changes arbitrarily.

[0029] Example 1, such as Figure 1As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a multi-angle interlocking structure, which includes a first interlocking terminal 1, a second interlocking terminal 3, and an annular conductive element. The first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 are spaced apart from each other and are jointly disposed on the board-end connector. The annular conductive element is disposed on the mating end connector. When the mating end connector is mated with the board-end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can simultaneously make electrical contact with the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3, thereby forming an electrical circuit for detection between the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3. The core of this technical solution is that the annular conductive element, as a continuous annular conductor, can always contact the corresponding contact points fixed on the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 regardless of the angle to which the mating end connector rotates around its central axis. This completely solves the problem of contact point offset or detachment caused by rotation, which leads to signal circuit open circuit or short circuit. Meanwhile, since the two interlocking terminals are statically fixed, their contact interface with the annular conductive part is always statically overlapped, which effectively avoids the increase in contact resistance and connection failure caused by fretting wear, and greatly improves the long-term reliability of the interlocking detection function in vibration environment.

[0030] In this embodiment, the board-end connector includes a board-end sleeve 5. A first interlocking terminal 1 and a second interlocking terminal 3 are disposed within the board-end sleeve 5. More importantly, the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 are arranged around the central axis of the mating hole 503 on the board-end sleeve 5. This arrangement ensures that after the metal ring 2 rotates with the mating connector and is inserted into the mating hole 503, it can reliably contact the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 located on both sides, regardless of its circumferential direction. This is the basis for achieving 360° omnidirectional mating functionality.

[0031] To facilitate the installation and fixation of the first interlock terminal 1 and the second interlock terminal 3 within the plate end sleeve 5, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an interlocking sleeve 4 is installed on the plate end sleeve 5. The first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 are pre-assembled on the interlocking sleeve 4. The interlocking sleeve 4 has terminal holes for accommodating and fixing the interlocking terminals. A connecting groove 403 is provided on the side wall of the terminal hole. Locking springs are provided on the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3. The locking springs cooperate with the connecting groove 403 to prevent the interlocking terminals from dislodging. During connector assembly, the interlocking sleeve 4 and the first and second interlocking terminals 1 and 2 therein can be treated as an independent sub-assembly, facilitating production assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0032] Furthermore, the interlocking sleeve 4 engages with the mounting hole 501 on the plate end sleeve 5 via its boss structure 404. During assembly, the interlocking sleeve 4 is placed inside the plate end sleeve 5, and the boss structure 404 is aligned and engaged in the mounting hole 501, thus reliably fixing the interlocking sleeve 4 to the plate end sleeve 5. This mounting method is simple to assemble, provides a firm connection, and effectively prevents the interlocking sleeve 4 from loosening or shifting within the plate end sleeve 5, thereby ensuring the stability of the positions of the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 it supports.

[0033] To ensure reliable contact with the metal ring 2, the heads of the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3 are provided with elastic contact portions, which extend into the mating holes 503 of the plate end sleeve 5. When the metal ring 2 is inserted into the mating holes 503, the elastic contact portions are compressed and undergo elastic deformation, thereby tightly fitting against the outer wall surface of the metal ring 2. This elastic contact design provides stable contact pressure, ensuring low contact resistance, and also compensates for manufacturing tolerances and assembly errors, ensuring good electrical contact under different operating conditions.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the resilient contact portion includes multiple spring tabs arranged in an arc-shaped array around the central axis of the interlocking socket 503. For example, each interlocking terminal may have two or more inwardly bent spring tabs at its head. This multi-spring tab design increases the number of contact points between each interlocking terminal and the metal ring 2, making the electrical contact more uniform and reliable. When the metal ring 2 rotates, multiple spring tabs will always maintain contact with it, avoiding the risk of signal interruption due to momentary disengagement of single-point contact, and further improving the stability of the electrical connection under dynamic conditions.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the annular conductive component in this embodiment is specifically a metal ring 2, which is disposed on the sleeve sheath 6 of the mating connector. The metal ring 2 has a spring-loaded structure 201, and correspondingly, the sleeve sheath 6 has a mounting groove 601. During assembly of the metal ring 2, the end of the sleeve sheath 6 pushes the spring-loaded structure 201 outwards. After the metal ring 2 is in place, the spring-loaded structure 201 springs back and engages in the mounting groove 601, thereby fixing the metal ring 2 in the axial direction of the sleeve sheath 6 and preventing it from falling off during subsequent mating or use. To facilitate assembly, the sleeve sheath 6 may also have a guide groove, which corresponds to the position of the spring-loaded structure 201. During assembly, this guide groove guides the spring-loaded structure 201, allowing it to spring outwards more smoothly and slide into the mounting groove 601.

[0036] In this embodiment, the elastic contact portion is located at the bottom of the insertion hole 503, and the metal ring 2 is located at the end of the sleeve sheath 6. When the sleeve sheath 6 is fully inserted into the insertion hole 503, the metal ring 2 is released from the elastic contact portion.

[0037] Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that it provides an interlocking structure that can be inserted at multiple angles. The mounting groove 601 is an annular groove, and when the metal ring 2 is installed in place, the metal ring 2 and the sleeve sheath 6 can rotate relative to each other.

[0038] Example 2, as Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a connector assembly including a board-end connector, a mating connector, and an interlocking structure disposed between the two. A first interlocking terminal 1 and a second interlocking terminal 3 are disposed on the board-end connector, and a metal ring 2 is disposed on the mating connector. When the board-end connector and the mating connector are fully mated, the metal ring 2 simultaneously makes electrical contact with the first interlocking terminal 1 and the second interlocking terminal 3, forming a complete interlocking detection circuit. This circuit can be used to detect whether the power terminals are correctly connected. If the connectors are not fully mated, this interlocking circuit is in an open circuit state, and the system can issue a warning or take protective measures accordingly.

[0039] Furthermore, the board-end sleeve 5 of the board-end connector is provided with board-end terminals 502 for power transmission. The central axis of the board-end terminal 502 constitutes the central axis for the mating connector to rotate and mate relative to the board-end connector. The metal ring 2 and the sleeve sleeve 6 are both arranged around this axis, ensuring the concentricity and smoothness of the rotational mating action. In the interlocking structure of this invention, the interlock detection circuit and the power transmission circuit are independent of each other, but share the same rotational mating center, perfectly achieving the technical effect of allowing the power terminals to rotate and connect at multiple angles while the interlock signal can still conduct stably.

[0040] In summary, this invention creatively decouples relative rotational motion from electrical connection function by statically fixing the interlocking terminal to the plate end and placing the annular conductive element at the mating end. Furthermore, both the interlocking terminal and the metal ring can be manufactured using standard stamping processes, while the interlocking sleeve, plate end sleeve, and sleeve sleeve can be injection molded. The overall structure is simple, the assembly process is clear, and while achieving high-performance omnidirectional mating functionality, it also possesses good cost controllability and production feasibility.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-angle interlocking structure, characterized in that, include: The first interlock terminal (1) and the second interlock terminal (3) are spaced apart from each other and are both located on the board connector. A ring-shaped conductive element is disposed on the mating end connector that can mate with the board end connector; When the mating end connector is mated to the board end connector at any angle, the annular conductive element can make electrical contact with the first interlock terminal (1) and the second interlock terminal (3) to form an electrical circuit.

2. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first interlock terminal (1) and the second interlock terminal (3) are disposed inside the board end sleeve (5) of the board end connector. The first interlock terminal (1) and the second interlock terminal (3) are arranged around the central axis of the socket (503) on the board end sleeve (5).

3. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 2, characterized in that, An interlocking sleeve (4) is installed on the plate end sleeve (5), and the first interlocking terminal (1) and the second interlocking terminal (3) are disposed on the interlocking sleeve (4).

4. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interlocking sleeve (4) is engaged with the mounting hole (501) on the plate end sleeve (5) through the boss structure (404).

5. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The heads of the first interlock terminal (1) and the second interlock terminal (3) are provided with elastic contact parts, which extend into the mating hole (503) of the plate end sleeve (5).

6. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic contact part includes multiple spring pieces, which are arranged in an arc-shaped array around the central axis of the insertion hole (503).

7. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The annular conductive component is a metal ring (2), which is set on the sleeve sheath (6) of the mating end connector; the metal ring (2) is provided with a spring tongue structure (201), and the sleeve sheath (6) is provided with a hook groove (601), which is engaged with the spring tongue structure (201).

8. The interlocking structure capable of multi-angle insertion according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sleeve sheath (6) is provided with a guide groove, which corresponds to the position of the spring tongue structure (201).

9. A connector assembly, characterized in that, It includes a board-end connector, a mating end connector, and an interlocking structure that can be plugged into at multiple angles as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The first interlocking terminal (1) and the second interlocking terminal (3) are disposed on the board-end connector, and the annular conductive element is disposed on the mating end connector. When the board-end connector and the mating end connector are plugged into place, the annular conductive element simultaneously makes electrical contact with the first interlocking terminal (1) and the second interlocking terminal (3).

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The board end sheath (5) of the board end connector is provided with a board end terminal (502) for transmitting power. The central axis of the board end terminal (502) is the central axis of rotation of the mating end connector relative to the board end connector.

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