Connector with TPA structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a connector with a TPA structure, which comprises a shell, terminals and a TPA piece, a plurality of terminal sheaths are arranged on the end face of the shell facing the matched connector, the terminal sheaths protrude out of the end face and are used for installing the terminals, and the TPA piece is arranged on the end face of the shell. A locking hole extending along the plug-in direction is formed in the side wall of the terminal sheath, at least one avoiding hole is formed in the TPA piece, a locking arm with a free end facing the matched connector is arranged on the side edge of the avoiding hole, and a locking part is arranged on the side wall of the locking arm in a protruding manner; after the TPA piece is installed in the shell, the avoiding hole is connected to the outer side of the terminal sheath in a sleeved mode, and at least part of the locking part is embedded into the locking hole and matched with the terminal in a blocking mode so as to prevent the terminal from exiting from the terminal sheath. According to the utility model, the installation force of the terminal is small, and the free end of the locking arm faces the mating connector and is embedded into the locking hole when the terminal is locked, so that the locking arm is not easy to deform outwards under the pulling-out force of the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, and more specifically, to a connector with a TPA structure. Background Art

[0002] In the connector, after the terminal enters the terminal sheath, the terminal is prevented from retreating by engaging the spring piece / groove on the side wall of the terminal with the preset slot / boss on the inner wall of the terminal sheath. In order to obtain a higher terminal anti-retreat effect, it is usually necessary to fix the terminal again, which leads to the terminal position assurance (TPA) structure.

[0003] In some types of connectors, the TPA structure is an elastic arm arranged on the side wall of the terminal sleeve. After the terminal enters the terminal sleeve, the free end of the elastic arm abuts against the corresponding edge of the terminal, thereby increasing the anti-retraction holding force of the terminal. However, with this TPA structure, the terminal needs to overcome the elastic force of the elastic arm when installing, and the large installation force causes inconvenience in assembly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a connector with a TPA structure to solve the problem that the existing elastic arm type TPA structure causes a large terminal installation force and thus leads to inconvenient assembly.

[0005] The utility model provides a connector with a TPA structure, which is plugged into a mating connector and comprises a shell, terminals installed inside the shell, and a TPA component installed at the front end of the shell for secondary locking of the terminals. The shell is provided with a plurality of terminal sleeves protruding from the end face and used for installing the terminals on the end face facing the mating connector, and the side walls of the terminal sleeves are provided with locking holes extending along the plugging direction. The TPA component is provided with at least one avoidance hole, and a locking arm with a free end facing the mating connector is provided on the side edge of the avoidance hole, and a locking portion is protrudingly provided on the side wall of the locking arm. After the TPA component is installed in the shell, the avoidance hole is sleeved on the outside of the terminal sleeve, and the locking portion is at least partially embedded in the locking hole and cooperates with the terminal stop to prevent the terminal from withdrawing from the terminal sleeve.

[0006] Optionally, the free end of the locking arm is tilted toward the direction of the terminal sleeve and is elastic. During the process of installing the TPA component into the shell, the free end of the locking arm is squeezed by the terminal sleeve and offset in the direction away from the terminal sleeve. After the TPA component is installed into the shell, the free end of the locking arm returns to its original state so that the locking part is at least partially embedded in the locking hole.

[0007] Optionally, the locking portion is a rib structure extending along the insertion direction, the locking hole includes a pre-installed hole section matching the width of the rib structure and a locking hole section matching the width of the locking arm, and the width of the pre-installed hole section is smaller than the width of the locking hole section, and the TPA component has a pre-installed position and a locking position during the process of being installed into the shell, when the TPA component is in the pre-installed position, the rib structure is at least partially embedded in the pre-installed hole section in its extension direction, and when the TPA component is in the locking position, both the rib structure and the locking arm are embedded in the locking hole section in the extension direction.

[0008] Optionally, the cross-section of the locking arm is a T-shaped structure.

[0009] Optionally, the TPA component is also provided with a mounting column extending axially, and the mounting column is inserted into a preset mounting hole in the shell. A mutually cooperating snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the mounting column and the mounting hole to position the TPA component in a pre-installed position and a locked position in the shell.

[0010] Optionally, the TPA part is a cylindrical structure, the avoidance hole is a through hole of the cylindrical structure, the locking arm is arranged on the inner wall of the cylindrical structure and gradually extends toward the inside of the cylindrical structure, the terminal sleeve is installed in the cylindrical structure, and the end of the cylindrical structure away from the mating connector is connected to the shell through a snap-on structure.

[0011] Optionally, the TPA part is a plate-like structure, the avoidance hole is a through hole that penetrates the plane of the plate-like structure, the locking arm is arranged at the edge of the avoidance hole, and the locking arm and the mounting column are respectively arranged on two opposite end faces of the plate-like structure.

[0012] Optionally, a first claw and a second claw are arranged on the side wall of the mounting column at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column, and a first clamping platform and a second clamping platform are arranged on the mounting hole at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column. When the second claw is engaged with the second clamping platform, the TPA component is in a pre-installed position. When the TPA component is continued to be installed so that the first claw is engaged with the first clamping platform, the TPA component is in a locked position. The second clamping platform and the second claw, the first clamping platform and the first claw constitute the buckle structure.

[0013] Optionally, the TPA component is provided with a disassembly hole that penetrates the plate-like structure and corresponds to the positions of the first claw and the second claw.

[0014] Optionally, an interlocking sheath is integrally formed on an end surface of the plate-like structure facing the mating connector, and an interlocking terminal is installed in the interlocking sheath.

[0015] The utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The elastic arm structure on the terminal cover is cancelled, the terminal installation force is small, and it will not be hindered by the elastic arm structure. The terminal installation is labor-saving and convenient, and it is not easy to cause terminal deformation under a small installation force. The anti-retraction effect can be enhanced by TPA parts after the terminal is installed.

[0017] 2. The free end of the locking arm faces the mating connector and is embedded in the locking hole when locking the terminal. The locking arm is not easily deformed outward under the terminal pull-off force, thereby avoiding locking failure caused by outward deformation of the locking arm.

[0018] 3. The TPA part is located at the end of the connector facing the mating connector. There is no need to open an installation window on the side or rear end of the shell, nor is there any need to consider the sealing problem at the installation window. The shell has a simple appearance and is suitable for multiple terminal housings.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connector of the first embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the TPA component of the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the connector of the first embodiment when the TPA component is not assembled;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a mounting hole and a terminal cover;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the local structure of the connector of the first embodiment when the TPA part is assembled;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view through three terminal sheaths;

[0029] Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of a connector of Embodiment 2;

[0030] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 Assembly diagram of the middle housing and TPA parts;

[0031] Fig.11 for Fig.10 Schematic cross-sectional view of .

[0032] The following are marked in the figure:

[0033] Embodiment 1:

[0034] 1. housing; 11. plug-in retaining ring; 12. mounting hole; 121. first clamping claw; 122. second clamping claw;

[0035] 2. Terminal sheath; 21. Locking hole; 211. Pre-installed hole section; 212. Locking hole section;

[0036] 3. TPA part; 31. avoidance hole; 32. locking arm; 321. locking part; 33. mounting column; 331. first clamping platform; 332. second clamping platform; 34. interlocking sleeve; 35. disassembly hole;

[0037] 4. Terminal.

[0038] Embodiment 2:

[0039] 5. Protective shell;

[0040] 6. TPA part; 61. locking arm; 62. locking part;

[0041] 7. Housing; 71. Terminal sheath; 72. Pre-installed hole section; 73. Locking hole section;

[0042] 8. Buckle structure;

[0043] 9. Terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] 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 arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0045] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present invention, its application, or uses.

[0046] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0047] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0048] like Figure 1-8 As shown, a connector with a TPA structure provided in Embodiment 1 of the utility model is plug-connected with a mating connector, and includes a shell 1, terminals 4 installed inside the shell 1, and a TPA component 3 installed at the front end of the shell 1 for secondary locking of the terminals 4. A plurality of terminal sleeves 2 protruding from the end surface and used for mounting the terminals 4 are provided on the end surface of the shell 1 facing the mating connector, a locking hole 21 extending along the plug-in direction is provided on the side wall of the terminal sleeve 2, at least one avoidance hole 31 is provided on the TPA component 3, a locking arm 32 with a free end facing the mating connector is provided on the side edge of the avoidance hole 31, and a locking portion 321 is protruding from the side wall of the locking arm 32.

[0049] After the TPA member 3 is installed in the housing 1 , the avoidance hole 31 is sleeved on the outside of the terminal sleeve 2 , and the locking portion 321 is at least partially embedded in the locking hole 21 and cooperates with the terminal 4 to prevent the terminal 4 from withdrawing from the terminal sleeve 2 .

[0050] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 is also provided with a plug-in retaining ring 11 surrounding the terminal sheath 2. The terminal sheath 2 and the TPA part 3 are actually located in the plug-in retaining ring 11. The avoidance hole 31 and the locking arm 32 on the TPA part 3 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the terminal sheath 2.

[0051] The above technical scheme eliminates the elastic arm structure on the terminal sleeve 2 in the traditional technology, the terminal 4 has a smaller installation force, and the terminal 4 will not be hindered by the elastic arm structure when it is installed. The terminal 4 is easy to install and labor-saving, and it is not easy to cause the terminal 4 to deform under a smaller installation force. The above technical scheme can enhance the anti-retraction ability by installing the TPA component 3 after the terminal 4 is installed; in addition, in the above technical scheme, the free end of the locking arm 32 faces the mating connector, and is embedded in the locking hole 21 when locking the terminal 4. The locking arm 32 is not easy to deform outward under the pulling force of the terminal 4, thereby avoiding the locking failure caused by the outward deformation of the locking arm 32. The locking effect is better and it is not easy to fail; and in the above technical scheme, the TPA component 3 is located at the end of the connector facing the mating connector, and there is no need to open an installation window on the side or rear end of the shell 1, and there is no need to consider the sealing problem at the installation window. The shell 1 has a simple appearance and is suitable for the situation of multiple terminal sleeves 2.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the locking portion 321 of the locking arm 32 can be smoothly and effectively embedded in the locking hole 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 2-4As shown, in this embodiment, the free end of the locking arm 32 is tilted toward the direction of the terminal sleeve 2 and is elastic. During the process of the TPA component 3 being installed into the housing 1, the free end of the locking arm 32 is squeezed by the terminal sleeve 2 and deviates in the direction away from the terminal sleeve 2. After the TPA component 3 is installed into the housing 1, the free end of the locking arm 32 returns to its original state so that the locking portion 321 is at least partially embedded in the locking hole 21.

[0053] Furthermore, in order to make the TPA component 3 and the locking arm 32 have a pre-installation position and a locking position, it is convenient for pre-installation, transportation, locking, etc. Figure 2-4 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the locking portion 321 is a rib structure extending along the insertion direction, the locking hole 21 includes a pre-installed hole section 211 matching the width of the rib structure and a locking hole section 212 matching the width of the locking arm 32, and the width of the pre-installed hole section 211 is smaller than the width of the locking hole section 212. The TPA component 3 has a pre-installed position and a locked position during the process of being installed into the housing 1. When the TPA component 3 is in the pre-installed position, the rib structure is at least partially embedded in the pre-installed hole section 211 in its extension direction. When the TPA component 3 is in the locking position, both the rib structure and the locking arm 32 are embedded in the locking hole section 212 in the extension direction. That is, when the TPA component 3 is in the pre-installed position, the rib structure is embedded in the pre-installed hole section 211, and the locking arm 32 abuts against the two sides of the pre-installed hole section 211 and cannot be embedded in the pre-installed hole section 211. At this time, the rib structure does not interfere with the installation and withdrawal of the terminal 4, and the end of the rib structure facing the mating connector abuts against the end of the pre-installed hole section 211 facing the mating connector, so that the TPA component 3 cannot be separated from the pre-installed position in the direction of the mating connector, thereby realizing the pre-installation function of the TPA component 3. When the TPA component 3 continues to be installed until the locking arm 32 and the rib structure correspond to the locking hole section 212, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 , 8 As shown, both the locking arm 32 and the rib structure are embedded in the locking hole section 212. At this time, the rib structure cooperates with the terminal 4 to prevent the terminal 4 from withdrawing from the terminal sleeve 2, and the end of the locking arm 32 facing the mating connector abuts against the end of the locking hole section 212 facing the mating connector, so that the TPA part 3 cannot be released from the locking position in the direction of the mating connector.

[0054] Furthermore, considering the structural rationality of the above-mentioned pre-installed position, it is ensured that the locking arm 32 cannot enter the pre-installed hole section 211 when in the pre-installed position. Figure 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the cross section of the locking arm 32 is a T-shaped structure, wherein the small end of the T-shaped structure faces the terminal sheath 2 and constitutes the above-mentioned rib structure.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to make the installation of the TPA component 3 more stable and firm, as Figure 2 , 3As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the TPA component 3 is further provided with a mounting column 33 extending in the axial direction, and the mounting column 33 is inserted into a preset mounting hole 12 in the shell 1. A matching snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the mounting column 33 and the mounting hole 12 to position the TPA component 3 in the pre-installed position and the locked position in the shell 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, Figure 2-4 As shown, the TPA part 3 is a plate-like structure, the avoidance hole 31 is a through hole that penetrates the plane of the plate-like structure, the locking arm 32 is arranged at the edge of the avoidance hole 31, and the locking arm 32 and the mounting column 33 are respectively arranged on two opposite end surfaces of the plate-like structure.

[0057] Further, in order to adapt the pre-installed position and the locked position of the TPA component 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8, in this embodiment, the first claw 121 and the second claw 122 are arranged on the side wall of the mounting column 33 at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column 33, and the first clamping platform 331 and the second clamping platform 332 are arranged on the mounting hole 12 at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column 33. When the second claw 122 is engaged with the second clamping platform 332, the TPA component 3 is in the pre-installed position. When the TPA component 3 is continuously loaded so that the first claw 121 is engaged with the first clamping platform 331, the TPA component 3 is in the locked position. The second clamping platform 332 and the second claw 122, the first clamping platform 331 and the first claw 121 constitute the above-mentioned buckle structure.

[0058] In order to facilitate the disassembly of the TPA component 3, in this embodiment, Figure 3 , 4 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the TPA component 3 is provided with a disassembly hole 35 that penetrates the plate-like structure and corresponds to the positions of the first clamping claw 121 and the second clamping claw 122 . Obviously, the disassembly hole 35 also corresponds to the positions of the first clamping platform 331 and the second clamping platform 332 .

[0059] Considering the need for interlock signal interaction with the mating connector, in this embodiment, Figure 2-4 As shown, an interlocking sheath 34 is integrally formed on the end surface of the plate-like structure facing the mating connector, and an interlocking terminal is installed in the interlocking sheath 34 .

[0060] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a connector with a TPA structure, such as Figure 9-11As shown, a protective shell 5 is provided outside the shell 7, and the TPA component 6 and the shell 7 are both located inside the protective shell 5; the TPA component 6 is a cylindrical structure, and the avoidance hole is a through hole of the cylindrical structure; the locking arm 61 is arranged on the inner wall of the cylindrical structure and gradually extends toward the inside of the cylindrical structure, and the specific structure of the locking arm 61 and the locking portion 62 is the same as the locking arm and the locking portion of the aforementioned embodiment 1, that is, the cross section is also a T-shaped structure, the terminal sleeve 71 is installed in the cylindrical structure, and has the same locking hole as the aforementioned embodiment 1, that is, the locking hole also includes a pre-installed hole section 72 and a locking hole section 73; the end of the cylindrical structure away from the mating connector is connected to the shell 7 through a snap structure 8, and when the snap structure 8 is connected, the TPA component 6 is in a locked position and locks the terminal 9.

[0061] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector with a TPA structure is plugged into a mating connector and comprises a housing, terminals installed inside the housing, and a TPA member installed at the front end of the housing for secondary locking of the terminals. The end surface of the housing facing the mating connector is provided with a plurality of terminal sleeves protruding from the end surface and used for mounting the terminals, characterized in that: A locking hole extending along the plugging direction is provided on the side wall of the terminal sleeve, at least one avoidance hole is provided on the TPA component, a locking arm with a free end facing the mating connector is provided on the side of the avoidance hole, and a locking portion is protrudingly provided on the side wall of the locking arm; after the TPA component is installed in the shell, the avoidance hole is sleeved on the outside of the terminal sleeve, and the locking portion is at least partially embedded in the locking hole and cooperates with the terminal stop to prevent the terminal from withdrawing from the terminal sleeve.

2. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The free end of the locking arm is tilted toward the direction of the terminal sleeve and is elastic. During the process of installing the TPA component into the shell, the free end of the locking arm is squeezed by the terminal sleeve and deviates in the direction away from the terminal sleeve. After the TPA component is installed into the shell, the free end of the locking arm returns to its original state so that the locking part is at least partially embedded in the locking hole.

3. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking portion is a rib structure extending along the insertion direction, the locking hole includes a pre-installed hole section matching the width of the rib structure and a locking hole section matching the width of the locking arm, and the width of the pre-installed hole section is smaller than the width of the locking hole section. The TPA component has a pre-installed position and a locked position during the process of being installed into the shell. When the TPA component is in the pre-installed position, the rib structure is at least partially embedded in the pre-installed hole section in its extension direction. When the TPA component is in the locking position, both the rib structure and the locking arm are embedded in the locking hole section in the extension direction.

4. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross section of the locking arm is in a T-shaped structure.

5. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The TPA component is also provided with a mounting column extending in the axial direction, and the mounting column is inserted into a preset mounting hole in the shell. A mutually cooperating snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the mounting column and the mounting hole to position the TPA component in the pre-installed position and the locked position in the shell.

6. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The TPA part is a cylindrical structure, the avoidance hole is a through hole of the cylindrical structure, the locking arm is arranged on the inner wall of the cylindrical structure and gradually extends toward the inside of the cylindrical structure, the terminal sleeve is installed in the cylindrical structure, and the end of the cylindrical structure away from the mating connector is connected to the shell through a snap structure.

7. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The TPA part is a plate-like structure, the avoidance hole is a through hole penetrating the plane of the plate-like structure, the locking arm is arranged at the edge of the avoidance hole, and the locking arm and the mounting column are respectively arranged on two opposite end surfaces of the plate-like structure.

8. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first clamping claw and the second clamping claw are arranged on the side wall of the mounting column at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column, and the first clamping platform and the second clamping platform are arranged on the mounting hole at intervals along the insertion direction of the mounting column. When the second clamping claw is clamped with the second clamping platform, the TPA component is in the pre-installed position. When the TPA component is continuously loaded to clamp the first clamping claw with the first clamping platform, the TPA component is in the locked position. The second clamping platform and the second clamping claw, the first clamping platform and the first clamping claw constitute the buckle structure.

9. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The TPA part is provided with a disassembly hole which penetrates the plate-like structure and corresponds to the positions of the first clamping claw and the second clamping claw.

10. The connector with TPA structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: An interlocking sheath is integrally formed on an end surface of the plate-like structure facing the mating connector, and an interlocking terminal is installed in the interlocking sheath.

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