Locking assembly and electrical connector

Abstract

The application discloses a locking assembly and an electric connector. The locking assembly is applied to the electric connector with a plug and a cable, and comprises a first locking part fixed to the plug and a second locking part movably arranged thereon. The second locking part reciprocally moves along a first direction and switches between an unlocking position and a locking position. An extension part protruding along the first direction is arranged at an end of the second locking part away from the cable. The extension part abuts against an external tool and bears a pushing force of the external tool along the first direction, so as to drive the second locking part to move to the locking position. The extension part has an extension length not less than a moving stroke. A limiting protrusion is arranged at a side of the second locking part facing the first locking part. The first locking part is provided with a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole arranged at intervals along the first direction. When being unlocked, the limiting protrusion is located in the first limiting hole, and when being locked, the limiting protrusion is located in the second limiting hole, so as to respectively limit the second locking part from moving relative to the first locking part along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are respectively a length direction and a width direction of the first locking part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and in particular to a locking assembly and an electrical connector equipped with the locking assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors typically consist of mating plugs and sockets. The plug connects to a cable to transmit electrical signals. For connectors used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, their overall size and assembly space are relatively small. Cables have a degree of flexibility; when subjected to pulling or bending, the force can easily be transmitted through the cable to the connection point between the plug and socket, potentially causing them to loosen. To improve the stability of the plug-socket connection, existing electrical connectors usually incorporate a locking mechanism on the plug that can move between an unlocked and locked position.

[0003] Existing locking assemblies generally include a fixed locking element attached to the plug and a movable locking element that can move relative to the fixed locking element. During assembly, an external fixture is required to move the movable locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position. Due to the small size of the electrical connector and locking assembly, existing external fixtures typically require precise alignment of local positions on both sides of the movable locking element before pushing it. The structure and alignment requirements of the external fixture are high; even a slight misalignment of the movable locking element can affect the locking operation. At the same time, the area of ​​the movable locking element that the external fixture can operate on is small, making it difficult for the external fixture to continuously push the movable locking element to complete the entire locking stroke within a large alignment range.

[0004] Furthermore, to restrict the movement of the movable locking member relative to the fixed locking member along its width, existing locking assemblies employ a protrusion on the fixed locking member that mates with a groove on the movable locking member. While this limiting structure restricts the free movement of the movable locking member along the width of the fixed locking member, the protrusion of the protrusion outwards from the movable locking member increases the overall height of the locking assembly, thereby increasing the mating height of the plug and socket. This is detrimental to the installation and use of electrical connectors in confined spaces. This is especially true for electrical connectors used in portable electronic devices, where installation space is limited and high connector height requirements are necessary.

[0005] Therefore, existing locking components have at least the following problems: high requirements for the alignment accuracy of the external fixture, difficulty in continuously pushing the movable locking part to complete the locking stroke, and the aforementioned limiting structure easily increases the overall height of the locking component. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The locking assembly and electrical connector provided by the present invention aim to solve at least some of the defects of existing locking assemblies.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a locking assembly. The locking assembly is applied to an electrical connector having a plug and a cable, the cable being connected to the plug, and the locking assembly includes: A first locking member and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member is fixedly disposed on the plug, and the second locking member is movably disposed on the first locking member; The second locking member can reciprocate relative to the first locking member along a first direction and switch between an unlocked position and a locked position; The second locking member has an extension for engaging with an external fixture, the extension protruding from one end of the second locking member away from the cable in the first direction; The extension is used to withstand the thrust applied by the external fixture along the first direction, and the thrust drives the second locking member to move toward the locking position; The extension length of the extension portion along the first direction is not less than the travel distance of the second locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position; The second locking member has a limiting protrusion on the side facing the first locking member, and the first locking member has a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole spaced apart along the first direction. When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion is located inside the first limiting hole; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the limiting protrusion is located inside the second limiting hole; When the second locking member is in the unlocked position and the locked position, the limiting protrusion cooperates with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole respectively to restrict the second locking member from moving relative to the first locking member in the second direction; Wherein, the first direction is the length direction of the first locking member, and the second direction is the width direction of the first locking member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first locking member includes: A first substrate is fixed on the plug, and both the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole are formed on the first substrate; A pair of side plates, the pair of side plates protruding from the opposite side edges of the first substrate in the second direction; At least one pair of pressing parts, the at least one pair of pressing parts being connected to one end of the pair of side plates facing away from the first substrate in a third-order direction; Wherein, the third direction is the thickness direction of the first substrate, and the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first substrate and the pair of side plates together enclose a first cavity, and at least one pair of pressing portions are located outside the first cavity; At least a portion of the plug is located inside the first cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first substrate includes: The cable has a head and a tail, the tail protruding from the head at one end near the cable in the first direction, and the tail is provided with an unlocking mark. When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the unlocking indicator is exposed; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the unlocking mark is blocked by the second locking member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tail portion has a recognition end, and the unlocking mark is located between the recognition end and the head portion; When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the identification end is exposed; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the identification end is blocked by the second locking member.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the side plate and the pressure portion together form a guide cavity, and the second locking member includes: The second substrate, a pair of first upright plates, a pair of second upright plates, a pair of guide portions and a pair of locking portions; Both the first pair of upright plates and the second pair of upright plates protrude from the opposite side edges of the second substrate in the second direction; The pair of guide portions protrude from the end of the pair of first upright plates facing away from the second substrate in the third direction; The guide portion is disposed within the guide cavity and moves reciprocally along the first direction under the guidance of the guide cavity; The pair of locking portions protrude from one end of the pair of second upright plates facing away from the second base plate in the third direction; The pair of guide portions and the pair of locking portions have opposite protruding directions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second substrate and a pair of first upright plates together enclose a second cavity, and a pair of guide portions are located outside the second cavity; Wherein, at least a portion of the first substrate and at least a portion of the pair of side plates are located inside the second cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the limiting protrusion protrudes from the second substrate along the third direction and faces the interior of the second cavity.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: Plugs, sockets, cables, and the aforementioned locking components; When the second locking member of the locking assembly is in the locked position, the plug cannot be separated from the socket; When the second locking member of the locking assembly is in the unlocked position, the plug can engage and / or disengage from the socket; One end of the cable is connected to the plug, and the other end of the cable extends away from the plug.

[0016] In some embodiments, the socket is provided with a locking cavity and a locking groove communicating with the locking cavity; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the second upright plate of the second locking member is locked in the locking groove, and the locking part is located inside the locking cavity; When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the second upright plate of the second locking member disengages from the locking groove, and the locking part is located outside the locking cavity.

[0017] Unlike existing technologies, at least one beneficial effect of the locking assembly and electrical connector provided in this embodiment of the invention is that the locking assembly, by providing an extension for abutting and engaging with an external fixture at the end of the second locking member away from the cable, allows the external fixture to directly apply a thrust along a first direction to the extension, driving the second locking member to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. This increases the range of engagement between the external fixture and the second locking member, reduces the alignment accuracy requirements of the external fixture on the second locking member, and facilitates locking operations on smaller locking assemblies. Simultaneously, the extension length along the first direction is not less than the travel distance of the second locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position, enabling the external fixture to continuously push the second locking member through the extension to complete the entire travel distance from the unlocked position to the locked position. This reduces the need for re-alignment or adjustment of the external fixture during the locking process, simplifying the structure of the locking fixture and the locking operation process. Furthermore, the locking assembly provides a limiting protrusion on the side of the second locking member facing the first locking member, and provides a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole at intervals along the first direction on the first locking member. This allows the limiting protrusion to engage with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole respectively when the second locking member is in the unlocked and locked positions, thereby positioning the unlocked and locked positions of the second locking member and restricting the movement of the second locking member relative to the first locking member along the second direction. This reduces the movement of the second locking member in the second direction, improves the stability of the movement and position holding of the second locking member, and reduces the overall height of the locking assembly after assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are designated as the same elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector and external fixture in the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion at point A; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector and external fixture in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 A magnified view of the area at point B; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an electrical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector in the unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 6 A magnified view of the area at point C; Figure 8 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 6 A magnified view of the area at point D; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector in the locked state provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 Provided for embodiments of the present invention Figure 9 A magnified view of the area at point E; Figure 11 A front view schematic diagram of an electrical connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first locking member provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second locking member provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 A partial structural diagram of a traditional locking assembly, a traditional external fixture, a traditional plug, and a traditional socket; Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the interaction between a fixed locking element and a movable locking element in a traditional locking assembly, showing a convex hull and a partial structural diagram located within a groove.

[0020] Figure label: 100. Electrical connector; 10. Locking assembly; 20. Plug; 30. Cable; 40. Socket; 11. First locking member; 111. First base plate; 112. Side plate; 113. Pressing part; 1101. First cavity; 1102. First limiting hole; 1103. Second limiting hole; 1104. Unlocking mark part; 1105. Identification end; 1111. Head; 1112. Tail; 1131. Guide cavity; 12. Second locking member; 121. Extension; 122. Second base plate; 123. First upright plate; 124. Second upright plate; 125. Guide portion; 126. Locking portion; 1201. Second cavity; 1221. Limiting protrusion; 401. Locking cavity; 402. Locking groove; 200. External fixtures; 300. Traditional locking assembly; 3001. Fixed locking component; 3002. Movable locking component; 3003. Protrusion; 3004. Groove; 400, conventional plug; 500, conventional external fixture; 600, conventional socket. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope and application of the present invention.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first direction," "second direction," "third direction," "inner," "outer," "thickness direction," "length direction," "width direction," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. The terms "installation," "fitting," "connection," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixing" can be bolted, clipped, or glued. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. "A plurality" or "several" means two or more. In addition, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of the "locking component and electrical connector" is not limited. Those skilled in the art can selectively use any suitable implementation method according to actual needs.

[0025] The term “exposed” means that the corresponding structure (e.g., the unlocking mark 1104 and the identification end 1105) is not completely obscured by another component (e.g., the second locking member 12) and can be observed from the outside of the locking assembly 10.

[0026] The term “obstruction” means that at least the main visible area of ​​a corresponding structure (e.g., the unlocking identifier 1104 and the identification end 1105) is covered by another component (e.g., the second locking member 12).

[0027] In the following description, such as Figures 1-13As shown, the following situation exists: the first direction, the length direction of the first locking member 11, the length direction of the second locking member 12, the length direction of the first substrate 111 or the length direction of the second substrate 122 are defined as the X direction, the second direction, the width direction of the first locking member 11, the width direction of the second locking member 12, the width direction of the first substrate 111 or the width direction of the second substrate 122 are defined as the Y direction, and the third direction, the thickness direction of the first substrate 111 or the thickness direction of the second substrate 122 are defined as the Z direction; wherein, the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0028] It should be noted that the electrical connector 100 can electrically connect the signal transmission medium such as the cable 30 to the printed circuit board, such as an RF (Radio Frequency) connector; where the so-called signal transmission medium refers to the medium used to transmit various signals; that is, the electrical connector 100 in this embodiment of the application electrically connects the RF cable to the RF connector on the printed circuit board.

[0029] It is understood that the plug 20 engages with the socket 40, which is a connector mounted on the printed circuit board, thereby electrically connecting the cable 30 to the printed circuit board.

[0030] Specifically, the plug 20 serves as the active connection component of the electrical connector 100, used to insert into the socket 40 to achieve electrical connection; the socket 40 serves as the passive connection component of the electrical connector 100, fixedly mounted on the printed circuit board, providing a connection interface for the plug 20.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-15 The locking component 10 is applied to an electrical connector 100 having a plug 20 and a cable 30 connected to the plug 20.

[0032] The locking assembly 10 includes a first locking member 11 and a second locking member 12.

[0033] The first locking member 11 is fixedly disposed on the plug 20, and the second locking member 12 is movably disposed on the first locking member 11.

[0034] The second locking member 12 can reciprocate relative to the first locking member 11 in the X direction and switch between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0035] It should be noted that the "unlocked position" refers to the position where the second locking element 12 releases the restriction on the separation action of the plug 20 and the socket 40.

[0036] Understandably, the “locked position” refers to the position where the second locking element 12 restricts the separation action of the plug 20 and the socket 40.

[0037] The second locking member 12 is provided with an extension 121 for engaging with the external fixture 200. The extension 121 protrudes from one end of the second locking member 12 that is away from the cable 30 in the X direction.

[0038] The extension 121 is used to withstand the thrust applied by the external fixture 200 in the X direction, which drives the second locking member 12 to move toward the locking position. That is, during the locking operation, the external fixture 200 contacts the extension 121 and applies a thrust in the X direction toward the cable 30 side to the extension 121.

[0039] The extension length of the extension portion 121 in the X direction is not less than the travel distance of the second locking member 12 from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other words, the extension length of the extension portion 121 in the X direction is not less than the travel distance required for the second locking member 12 to complete the locking action.

[0040] Since the extension 121 protrudes from the end of the second locking member 12 opposite to the cable 30, the external fixture 200 can act directly on the extension 121 without needing to align the local positions on both sides of the second locking member 12 separately. The external fixture 200 can move the second locking member 12 from the unlocked position to the locked position in a single continuous push.

[0041] The second locking member 12 is provided with a limiting protrusion 1221 on the side facing the first locking member 11, and the first locking member 11 is provided with a first limiting hole 1102 and a second limiting hole 1103 spaced apart along the X direction.

[0042] When the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 1221 is located inside the first limiting hole 1102.

[0043] When the second locking member 12 is in the locked position, the limiting protrusion 1221 is located inside the second limiting hole 1103.

[0044] In other words, the opening position of the first limiting hole 1102 corresponds to the unlocking position of the second locking member 12, and the opening position of the second limiting hole 1103 corresponds to the locking position of the second locking member 12.

[0045] When the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position and the locked position, the limiting protrusion 1221 cooperates with the first limiting hole 1102 and the second limiting hole 1103 respectively to restrict the second locking member 12 from moving relative to the first locking member 11 in the Y direction.

[0046] To facilitate readers' understanding of the improvements made to the embodiments of this application, the conventional locking component 300 is described below.

[0047] The conventional locking assembly 300 also includes a fixed locking member 3001 fixed to the conventional plug 400 and a movable locking member 3002 movable relative to the fixed locking member 3001. Due to the small overall size of the RF coaxial connector, the conventional external fixture 500 needs to align with specific locations on both sides of the movable locking member 3002 and make room in the middle area. The conventional external fixture 500 can only push the movable locking member 3002 to complete the locking action after accurate alignment with both sides. This results in a relatively complex structure for the conventional external fixture 500 and places high demands on the alignment accuracy between the conventional external fixture 500 and the movable locking member 3002.

[0048] The conventional locking assembly 300 employs a protrusion 3003 on the fixed locking member 3001 that engages with a groove 3004 on the movable locking member 3002 to restrict the relative movement of the movable locking member 3002 and the fixed locking member 3001 in the Y direction. The protrusion 3003 protrudes upwards, and the groove 3004 causes the top surface of the movable locking member 3002 to bulge upwards. This increases the overall size of the conventional locking assembly 300 in the Z direction and correspondingly increases the overall engagement height of the conventional plug 400 and the conventional socket 600 after they are engaged.

[0049] Traditional locking components 300 lack an intuitive visual recognition structure before and after locking. Operators usually need to rely on the feel or sound when locking to judge the locking status, which is not convenient for direct observation of whether the locking component is in the unlocked or locked position.

[0050] In this embodiment, an extension 121 is provided at one end of the second locking member 12 away from the cable 30. The external fixture 200 directly acts on the extension 121 to push the second locking member 12 toward the locking position. At the same time, a limiting protrusion 1221 is provided on the side of the second locking member 12 facing the first locking member 11, and a first limiting hole 1102 and a second limiting hole 1103 are provided on the first locking member 11, thereby reducing the overall size of the locking assembly 10 in the Z direction while achieving position limitation.

[0051] In this embodiment, an unlocking mark 1104 and an identification end 1105 are provided to form a visual recognition of the locked state.

[0052] Specifically, the first locking member 11 provides support and guidance for the second locking member 12; the second locking member 12 is used to restrict the plug 20 from separating from the socket 40 in the locked position and to release the restriction in the unlocked position.

[0053] To further explain, both the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12 can be formed by stamping and bending metal sheets. In other embodiments, the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12 can also be formed by connecting multiple components, as long as the corresponding fixing, guiding, limiting and locking functions can be achieved.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the first locking member 11 includes: a first base plate 111, a pair of side plates 112 and at least a pair of pressing parts 113.

[0055] In this embodiment, the clamping part 113 is formed by clamping design; the number of clamping parts 113 can be set according to the length of the plug 20, the length of the locking assembly 10, and the assembly strength requirements (for example, the clamping parts 113 can be set as one pair, two pairs, or more pairs, and multiple pairs of clamping parts 113 can be distributed at intervals along the X direction). The locking assembly 10 can adapt to plugs 20 of different sizes or different structural forms by adjusting the number and spacing of the clamping parts 113.

[0056] The first substrate 111 is fixed on the plug 20, and the first limiting hole 1102 and the second limiting hole 1103 are both formed on the first substrate 111.

[0057] It should be noted that the first limiting hole 1102 and the second limiting hole 1103 can be a round hole, an elliptical hole, an oblong hole, or other hole-shaped structures that are compatible with the shape of the limiting protrusion 1221; in the embodiments of this application, the first limiting hole 1102 and the second limiting hole 1103 preferably penetrate the first substrate 111 along the Z direction.

[0058] A pair of side plates 112 protrude from the opposite side edges of the first substrate 111 in the Y direction.

[0059] At least one pair of pressing parts 113 are connected to one end of a pair of side plates 112 that is away from the first substrate 111 in the Z direction.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the first substrate 111 and a pair of side plates 112 together form a first cavity 1101, and the first cavity 1101 is open to the side away from the first substrate 111.

[0061] At least one pair of pressing parts 113 are located outside the first cavity 1101.

[0062] Additionally, at least a portion of the plug 20 is located inside the first cavity 1101; that is, a pair of side plates 112 are located on both sides of the plug 20 and the socket 40, respectively, so that the first locking member 11 can cover the corresponding area of ​​the plug 20 from the outside of the plug 20.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the first substrate 111 includes a head 1111 and a tail 1112.

[0064] The tail 1112 protrudes from the head 1111 at one end of the cable 30 in the X direction, that is, the tail 1112 extends toward the side of the cable 30 relative to the head 1111.

[0065] The tail section 1112 is provided with an unlocking mark 1104. The unlocking mark 1104 can be text, patterns, color blocks, lines, or other visible marks set on the surface of the tail section 1112. The unlocking mark 1104 can be formed by inkjet printing, laser marking, etching, printing, or coating. In the embodiments of this application, the unlocking mark 1104 is preferably an inkjet mark or a laser mark.

[0066] When the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position, the second locking member 12 does not completely cover the tail 1112, and the unlocking mark 1104 is exposed and can be observed from the outside of the locking assembly 10.

[0067] When the second locking member 12 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the second locking member 12 moves toward the side where the cable 30 is located and gradually covers the unlocking mark 1104.

[0068] When the second locking member 12 reaches the locked position, the unlocking indicator 1104 is blocked by the second locking member 12.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the tail 1112 has an identification end 1105 at its end, and the unlocking mark 1104 is located between the identification end 1105 and the head 1111.

[0070] The surface color of the identification end 1105 is different from the surface color of the rest of the first locking member 11. For example, the identification end 1105 may be provided with a color coating, an electroplated layer, or a laser color-changing layer.

[0071] When the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position, at least a portion of the identification end 1105 is exposed. When the second locking member 12 is in the locked position, the identification end 1105 is obscured by the second locking member 12. Thus, the operator can determine the position of the second locking member 12 by observing whether the unlock mark 1104 and / or the identification end 1105 are exposed.

[0072] To further explain, the unlocking indicator 1104 indicates that the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position, and the identification end 1105 is used to assist in confirming whether the second locking member 12 has moved to the locked position. When both the unlocking indicator 1104 and the identification end 1105 are blocked by the second locking member 12, it indicates that the second locking member 12 has moved to the predetermined locked position.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, at least a portion of the side plate 112 and the pressing part 113 together form a guide cavity 1131.

[0074] The second locking member 12 includes: an extension 121, a second base plate 122, a pair of first upright plates 123, a pair of second upright plates 124, a pair of guide portions 125, and a pair of locking portions 126.

[0075] A pair of first upright plates 123 and a pair of second upright plates 124 both protrude from the opposite side edges of the second substrate 122 in the Y direction. The first upright plates 123 and the second upright plates 124 can be arranged in segments along the X direction, or they can be connected to each other to form a continuous sidewall structure.

[0076] A pair of guide portions 125 protrude from one end of a pair of first upright plates 123 in the Z direction away from the second substrate 122.

[0077] The guide portion 125 is disposed in the guide cavity 1131 and moves back and forth in the X direction under the guidance of the guide cavity 1131 (that is, the guide cavity 1131 can be used to accommodate and guide the guide portion 125).

[0078] The guide cavity 1131 restricts the displacement of the guide portion 125 in the Y and Z directions, enabling the second locking member 12 to move stably along the first direction.

[0079] A pair of locking portions 126 protrude from one end of a pair of second upright plates 124 in the Z direction away from the second base plate 122.

[0080] In this configuration, the protruding directions of a pair of guide portions 125 and a pair of locking portions 126 are opposite; that is, the guide portions 125 and the locking portions 126 extend in opposite directions relative to their respective connected upright plates (the upright plate corresponding to the guide portion is the first upright plate 123, and the upright plate corresponding to the locking portion 126 is the second upright plate 124). The locking portions 126 are used to form a locking engagement with the socket 40 when the second locking member 12 is in the locked position.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the second substrate 122 and a pair of first upright plates 123 together form a second cavity 1201, and a pair of guide portions 125 are located outside the second cavity 1201.

[0082] At least a portion of the first substrate 111 and at least a portion of the pair of side plates 112 are located inside the second cavity 1201, so that the second locking member 12 covers at least a portion of the first locking member 11 from the outside of the first locking member 11.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the limiting protrusion 1221 protrudes from the second substrate 122 along the Z direction and faces the interior of the second cavity 1201.

[0084] The limiting protrusion 1221 can be formed by stamping the second substrate 122, so that the limiting protrusion 1221 protrudes toward the first substrate 111, but does not protrude toward the side of the second substrate 122 away from the first locking member 11. This can reduce the outward protrusion dimension of the second locking member 12 in the Z direction.

[0085] Please see Figures 1-13 The electrical connector 100 includes a plug 20, a socket 40, a cable 30, and the aforementioned locking assembly 10.

[0086] When the second locking member 12 of the locking assembly 10 is in the locked position, the plug 20 cannot be separated from the socket 40.

[0087] When the second locking member 12 of the locking assembly 10 is in the unlocked position, the plug 20 can engage and / or disengage from the socket 40.

[0088] One end of the cable is connected to the plug 20, and the other end of the cable extends away from the plug 20.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, the socket 40 is provided with a locking cavity 401 and a locking groove 402 communicating with the locking cavity 401.

[0090] When the second locking member is in the locked position, the second vertical plate 124 of the second locking member 12 is engaged in the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 is located inside the locking cavity 401.

[0091] When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the second vertical plate 124 of the second locking member 12 disengages from the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 is located outside the locking cavity 401.

[0092] Specifically, when the cable 30 is pulled and a force is generated that separates the plug 20 from the socket 40, the locking part 126 can abut against the inner wall of the locking cavity 401, and the second upright plate 124 can abut against the groove wall of the locking groove 402, thereby restricting the movement of the second locking member 12 and the plug 20 relative to the socket 40 along its mating direction (i.e., the Z direction).

[0093] like Figures 1-13As shown, the locking process of the locking component 10 is described in detail below: (1) In the initial state, the second locking member 12 is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 1221 is located in the first limiting hole 1102, the unlocking mark 1104 and the identification end 1105 are exposed, the second upright plate 124 is dislodged from the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 is located outside the locking cavity 401.

[0094] (2) After the plug 20 is fastened to the socket 40, the external fixture 200 abuts against the extension 121; the external fixture 200 pushes the extension 121 toward the side where the cable 30 is located in the X direction, thereby driving the second base plate 122, the first upright plate 123, the second upright plate 124, the guide part 125 and the locking part 126 to move synchronously.

[0095] (3) During the movement of the second locking member 12, the guide part 125 moves along the guide cavity 1131, and the guide cavity 1131 restricts the second locking member 12 from shifting along the Y and Z directions; the limiting protrusion 1221 disengages from the first limiting hole 1102 and moves along the X direction with the second substrate 122.

[0096] (4) When the second locking member 12 reaches the locking position, the limiting protrusion 1221 enters the second limiting hole 1103, the second upright plate 124 is locked in the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 enters the locking cavity 401; at the same time, the second locking member 12 covers the unlocking mark part 1104 and the identification end 1105; thereby, the connection between the plug 20 and the socket 40 is locked.

[0097] like Figures 1-13 As shown, the locking process of the locking component 10 is described in detail below: First, when it is necessary to release the lock between the plug 20 and the socket 40, a force opposite to the above-mentioned thrust is applied to the second locking member 12, causing the second locking member 12 to move in the X direction toward the side away from the cable 30.

[0098] Second, when the second locking member 12 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 1221 disengages from the second limiting hole 1103, the second upright plate 124 gradually disengages from the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 gradually exits from the locking cavity 401.

[0099] Third, when the second locking member 12 moves to the unlock position, the limiting protrusion 1221 enters the first limiting hole 1102, the unlocking mark 1104 and the identification end 1105 are exposed again, the second upright plate 124 disengages from the locking groove 402, and the locking part 126 is located outside the locking cavity 401; at this time, the plug 20 can be separated from the socket 40.

[0100] The electrical connector 100 in this embodiment can be an RF coaxial connector, suitable for mobile phones, tablets, laptops or other electronic devices that require a certain connector mounting height.

[0101] In this embodiment, the cable 30 can be a coaxial cable, and the locking component 10 can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the cable 30 and the plug 20, and can be applied to electrical connectors corresponding to cables of different diameters. For example, the diameter of the cable 30 can be 0.49 mm, 0.64 mm, 0.81 mm, 1.13 mm, 1.20 mm, 1.37 mm or 1.80 mm.

[0102] The pattern, color, and formation method of the unlocking identification part 1104 can be adjusted according to actual needs; the identification end 1105 can be formed with a color that is different from other parts of the first locking member 11 by electroplating, coating, or laser treatment.

[0103] The first limiting hole 1102 and the second limiting hole 1103 are not limited to holes that completely penetrate the first substrate 111, but can also be grooves or recesses that can accommodate at least a portion of the limiting protrusion 1221. The shape of the limiting protrusion 1221 can be arc-shaped, spherical, cylindrical, or other shapes that can mate with the corresponding limiting hole.

[0104] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. All equivalent substitutions, simple modifications, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0105] In summary, the locking assembly and electrical connector provided in this embodiment of the invention have the following advantages: The locking assembly features an extension at the end of the second locking member facing away from the cable, designed for engagement with an external fixture. This allows the external fixture to directly apply a thrust along a first direction to the extension, driving the second locking member from the unlocked position towards the locked position. This increases the range of engagement between the external fixture and the second locking member, reduces the alignment accuracy requirements of the external fixture on the second locking member, and facilitates locking operations on smaller locking assemblies. Furthermore, the extension length along the first direction is not less than the travel distance of the second locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position. This allows the external fixture to continuously push the second locking member through the extension to complete the entire travel distance from the unlocked position to the locked position, reducing the need for re-alignment or adjustment of the external fixture during locking. This simplifies the structure of the locking fixture and the locking operation process. Furthermore, the locking assembly provides a limiting protrusion on the side of the second locking member facing the first locking member, and provides a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole at intervals along the first direction on the first locking member. This allows the limiting protrusion to engage with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole respectively when the second locking member is in the unlocked and locked positions, thereby positioning the unlocked and locked positions of the second locking member and restricting the movement of the second locking member relative to the first locking member along the second direction. This reduces the movement of the second locking member in the second direction, improves the stability of the movement and position holding of the second locking member, and reduces the overall height of the locking assembly after assembly.

[0106] The above description, in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention, but it should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking assembly for use in an electrical connector having a plug and a cable, the cable being connected to the plug, characterized in that, include: A first locking member and a second locking member, wherein the first locking member is fixedly disposed on the plug, and the second locking member is movably disposed on the first locking member; The second locking member can reciprocate relative to the first locking member along a first direction and switch between an unlocked position and a locked position; The second locking member has an extension for engaging with an external fixture, the extension protruding from one end of the second locking member away from the cable in the first direction; The extension is used to withstand the thrust applied by the external fixture along the first direction, and the thrust drives the second locking member to move toward the locking position; The extension length of the extension portion along the first direction is not less than the travel distance of the second locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position; The second locking member has a limiting protrusion on the side facing the first locking member, and the first locking member has a first limiting hole and a second limiting hole spaced apart along the first direction. When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion is located inside the first limiting hole; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the limiting protrusion is located inside the second limiting hole; When the second locking member is in the unlocked position and the locked position, the limiting protrusion cooperates with the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole respectively to restrict the second locking member from moving relative to the first locking member in the second direction; Wherein, the first direction is the length direction of the first locking member, and the second direction is the width direction of the first locking member.

2. The locking assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first locking element includes: A first substrate is fixed on the plug, and both the first limiting hole and the second limiting hole are formed on the first substrate; A pair of side plates, the pair of side plates protruding from the opposite side edges of the first substrate in the second direction; At least one pair of pressing parts, the at least one pair of pressing parts being connected to one end of the pair of side plates facing away from the first substrate in a third-order direction; Wherein, the third direction is the thickness direction of the first substrate, and the third direction, the second direction, and the first direction are orthogonal to each other.

3. The locking assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first substrate and the pair of side plates together form a first cavity, and at least one pair of pressing parts are located outside the first cavity; At least a portion of the plug is located inside the first cavity.

4. The locking assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first substrate includes: The cable has a head and a tail, the tail protruding from the head at one end near the cable in the first direction, and the tail is provided with an unlocking mark. When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the unlocking indicator is exposed; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the unlocking mark is blocked by the second locking member.

5. The locking assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tail section is provided with an identification end, and the unlocking mark is located between the identification end and the head. When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the identification end is exposed; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the identification end is blocked by the second locking member.

6. The locking assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the side plate and the pressure portion together form a guide cavity, characterized in that, The second locking element includes: The second substrate, a pair of first upright plates, a pair of second upright plates, a pair of guide portions and a pair of locking portions; Both the first pair of upright plates and the second pair of upright plates protrude from the opposite side edges of the second substrate in the second direction; The pair of guide portions protrude from the end of the pair of first upright plates facing away from the second substrate in the third direction; The guide portion is disposed within the guide cavity and moves reciprocally along the first direction under the guidance of the guide cavity; The pair of locking portions protrude from one end of the pair of second upright plates facing away from the second base plate in the third direction; The pair of guide portions and the pair of locking portions have opposite protruding directions.

7. The locking assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second substrate and the pair of first upright plates together form a second cavity, and a pair of guide portions are located outside the second cavity; Wherein, at least a portion of the first substrate and at least a portion of the pair of side plates are located inside the second cavity.

8. The locking assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting protrusion protrudes from the second substrate along the third direction and faces the interior of the second cavity.

9. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: Plugs, sockets, cables, and locking components as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; When the second locking member of the locking assembly is in the locked position, the plug cannot be separated from the socket; When the second locking member of the locking assembly is in the unlocked position, the plug can engage and / or disengage from the socket; One end of the cable is connected to the plug, and the other end of the cable extends away from the plug.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The socket is provided with a locking cavity and a locking groove communicating with the locking cavity; When the second locking member is in the locked position, the second upright plate of the second locking member is locked in the locking groove, and the locking part is located inside the locking cavity; When the second locking member is in the unlocked position, the second upright plate of the second locking member disengages from the locking groove, and the locking part is located outside the locking cavity.

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