Connector with rotary TPA structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a connector with a rotary TPA structure, which comprises a sheath, a terminal and a TPA piece, the terminal is arranged in a terminal cavity of the sheath, a locking cavity is arranged on one side of the terminal cavity in the sheath, the TPA piece comprises a body and a locking plate, and the locking plate is arranged on the body. At least part of the body is rotationally arranged in the locking cavity, the rotating axis of the body is parallel to the extending direction of the terminal cavity, and the end, away from the body, of the locking plate extends into the terminal cavity. The body is provided with a first rotating position and a second rotating position in the locking cavity, and when the body is located at the second rotating position, the locking plate is matched with the terminal in a blocking mode so as to prevent the terminal from retreating from the terminal cavity. According to the utility model, the TPA piece does not linearly move relative to the sheath, so that the TPA piece can be effectively operated in a narrow space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a connector, in order to obtain a higher terminal anti-withdrawal effect, a terminal position assurance (TPA) structure is usually required to perform secondary anti-withdrawal locking on the terminal.

[0003] In common connectors, the TPA structure is a TPA part inserted from the side wall, front end or rear end of the sheath. After being inserted, part of the structure of the TPA part abuts against the corresponding edge of the terminal, thereby increasing the anti-withdrawal holding force of the terminal. However, for these common types of TPA parts, they all need to move linearly before they can abut against the edge of the terminal. Therefore, a certain operating space is required during actual disassembly and assembly operations. However, in some actual scenarios, the operating space may be limited, and it is impossible to operate the TPA part smoothly. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The utility model provides a connector with a rotary TPA structure to solve the problem that the TPA part in the prior art cannot be applied to the scenario with a small operating space due to the need for linear movement.

[0005] A connector with a rotary TPA structure provided by the utility model includes a sheath, a terminal installed in a terminal cavity of the sheath, and a TPA part for secondary locking of the terminal. The characteristic lies in that a locking cavity communicated with the terminal cavity and used for installing the TPA part is arranged on one side of the terminal cavity in the sheath. The TPA part includes a body and a locking plate integrally provided with the body. At least part of the body is rotatably arranged in the locking cavity, and the rotation axis of the body is parallel to the extending direction of the terminal cavity. One end of the locking plate far away from the body extends into the terminal cavity. The body has a first rotation position and a second rotation position in the locking cavity. When the body is in the second rotation position, the locking plate is in blocking cooperation with the terminal to prevent the terminal from withdrawing from the terminal cavity.

[0006] Optionally, a first boss structure is arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the locking cavity, and a second boss structure is arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the body. At least one of the first boss structure and the second boss structure is an annular structure. After the body is installed in the locking cavity, the second boss structure crosses the first boss structure and is in anti-withdrawal cooperation with it. One end of the locking cavity facing the locking plate has a limiting surface for front stop position limitation of the installation of the body.

[0007] Optionally, both the first boss structure and the second boss structure are annular structures to maintain the stability of the anti-withdrawal cooperation between the two during the rotation of the body.

[0008] Optionally, one end of the body close to the mating end of the sheath is a conical structure, and the edge at the bottom of the conical structure protrudes radially from the outer peripheral wall of the body to form the second boss structure.

[0009] Optionally, a clamping arm with a free end extending radially is provided at one end of the body away from the mating end of the sheath, and a receiving groove for receiving the free end of the clamping arm is provided on the inner wall of the locking cavity when the body is in the second rotation position.

[0010] Optionally, a third boss structure is axially provided on the inner wall of the locking cavity, and the third boss structure is axially located on the side of the clamping arm away from the mating end of the sheath. The receiving groove is formed at one end of the third boss structure close to the mating end of the sheath. When the body is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the clamping arm rotates to the receiving groove and is clamped with it to realize the positioning of the body in the second rotation position.

[0011] Optionally, a fourth boss structure arranged side by side with the third boss structure in the circumferential direction is further provided at one end of the locking cavity away from the mating end of the sheath. A guiding groove is formed between the third boss structure and the fourth boss structure to cooperate with the clamping arm provided on the body to guide the body into the first rotation position. When the body is in the first rotation position, the clamping arm and the fourth boss structure are in a blocking cooperation in the rotation direction away from the third boss structure to prevent the body from rotating reversely when it is in the first rotation position.

[0012] Optionally, the extending plane of the locking plate is tangent to the outer peripheral wall of the body, and the extending direction of the clamping arm is perpendicular to the extending plane of the locking plate.

[0013] Optionally, a screwing groove for rotating the body is provided at one end of the body close to the mating end of the sheath, and a screwing hole for exposing the screwing groove is provided at one end of the locking cavity close to the mating end of the sheath.

[0014] Optionally, the locking cavity and the terminal cavity are at least conductively arranged on the path passed by the locking plate.

[0015] The utility model has the following effects:

[0016] The TPA part of the utility model is rotatably installed in the locking cavity. When unlocking or locking the terminal, only the TPA part needs to be rotated by a tool. The TPA part does not have a relative linear movement with the sheath, and the TPA part can be effectively operated in a narrow space. In addition, the TPA part of the utility model utilizes the original idle area in the sheath, has a simple structure and is more compact, and does not affect the shape of the sheath.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present utility model will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0018] The drawings incorporated in and constituting a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the present utility model and, together with the description thereof, are used to explain the principles of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 1 Perspective view of the connector at the mating end of the sheath (the body is in the first rotational position);

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 opposite perspective view;

[0021] Figure 3 Perspective view of the connector at the mating end of the sheath (the body is in the second rotational position);

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 3 opposite perspective view;

[0023] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the sheath from one perspective;

[0024] Figure 6 Structural schematic diagram of the sheath from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 7 Structural schematic diagram of the sheath after being cut along a plane;

[0026] Figure 8 Structural schematic diagram of the TPA part from one perspective;

[0027] Figure 9 Structural schematic diagram of the TPA part from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 10 Structural schematic diagram of the sheath after being cut along another plane and installed with the TPA part (the body is in the second rotational position).

[0029] The labels in the drawings are as follows:

[0030] 1. Sheath; 11. Terminal cavity; 12. Locking cavity; 121. First boss structure; 122. Third boss structure; 123. Receiving groove; 124. Fourth boss structure; 125. Guide groove; 126. Screwing hole; 13. Limiting surface;

[0031] 2. TPA part; 21. Locking plate; 22. Clamping arm; 23. Body; 24. Second boss structure; 25. Screwing groove; 26. Conical structure;

[0032] 3. Terminals Detailed Implementation Modes

[0033] Now, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will 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.

[0034] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way a limitation on the present invention or its application or use.

[0035] Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the specification.

[0036] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0037] As Figures 1-10 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a connector with a rotary TPA structure, including a sheath 1, a terminal 3 installed in a terminal cavity 11 of the sheath 1, and a TPA member 2 for secondary locking of the terminal 3. One end of the terminal 3 away from the mating end of the sheath 1 can be connected to a cable. A locking cavity 12 communicating with the terminal cavity 11 and used for installing the TPA member 2 is provided on one side of the terminal cavity 11 inside the sheath 1. The TPA member 2 includes a body 23 and a locking plate 21 integrally provided with the body 23. The body 23 is partially or entirely rotatably arranged in the locking cavity 12, and the rotation axis of the body 23 is parallel to the extension direction of the terminal cavity 11. One end of the locking plate 21 away from the body 23 extends into the terminal cavity 11; the body 23 has a first rotation position and a second rotation position in the locking cavity 12, and when the body 23 is in the second rotation position, the locking plate 21 is in blocking cooperation with the terminal 3 to prevent the terminal 3 from withdrawing from the terminal cavity 11.

[0038] The above-mentioned TPA member 2 is rotatably installed in the locking cavity 12. When releasing or locking the terminal 3, only the TPA member 2 needs to be rotated by a tool. The TPA member 2 does not undergo relative linear movement with the sheath 1, and the TPA member 2 can be effectively operated in a narrow space. Moreover, the above-mentioned TPA member 2 utilizes the original idle area inside the sheath 1, has a simple structure and is more compact, and does not affect the outer shape of the sheath 1.

[0039] To obtain more stable rotational performance, as Figure 5 、 6As shown in FIGS. 10, in this embodiment, the entire body 23 of the TPA member 2 is located within the locking cavity 12, and the locking plate 21 is located at the end of the body 23 away from the mating end of the sheath 1.

[0040] Further, in order to effectively position the body 23 axially and ensure effective axial positioning between the body 23 and the locking cavity 12 during rotation, as Figures 5-10 shown, in this embodiment, a first boss structure 121 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the locking cavity 12, and a second boss structure 24 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the body 23. At least one of the first boss structure 121 and the second boss structure 24 is a ring structure. After the body 23 is inserted into the locking cavity 12, the second boss structure 24 passes over the first boss structure 121 and is in anti-rotation cooperation with it, thereby realizing the rear stop limit for the insertion of the body 23; one end of the locking cavity 12 facing the locking plate 21 has a limiting surface 13 for the front stop limit of the insertion of the body 23.

[0041] As Figure 5 、 6 shown, in this embodiment, the locking cavity 12 and the terminal cavity 11 are conductively arranged on the path passed or moved by the locking plate 21, and the above-mentioned limiting surface 13 is constituted by the end surface of the conductive position; in order to ensure the positioning effect of the body 23 to the greatest extent, as Figure 5 、 6 、8, 9 shown, in this embodiment, both the first boss structure 121 and the second boss structure 24 are ring structures to maintain the stability of the anti-rotation cooperation between the two during the rotation of the body 23. The body 23 is actually held by the ring-shaped first boss structure 121 and rotates.

[0042] It can be understood that in other embodiments, when the components can be normally installed, operated, and the structure is stable, the locking cavity and the terminal cavity can also be conductively arranged at more adjacent positions. For example, the locking cavity and the terminal cavity can also be conductively arranged to a certain extent at one end close to the mating end of the sheath; for the above-mentioned first boss structure and the second boss structure, one can be a ring structure and the other can be a matching convex structure such as a block, tooth, or hemisphere (this convex structure is a structure that those skilled in the art can understand and know, so no more detailed description is given). The effect of positioning the body can also be achieved, but the stability is slightly worse than when both are ring structures. In short, ensuring that at least one of the first boss structure and the second boss structure is a ring structure can realize the positioning of the body.

[0043] Further, in order to facilitate the second boss structure 24 to pass over the first boss structure 121, as Figure 8 、 9As shown, in this embodiment, one end of the body 23 close to the mating end of the sheath 1 is a conical structure 26, and the edge at the bottom of the conical structure 26 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral wall of the body 23 to form the above-mentioned second boss structure 24.

[0044] Further, in order to position the body 23 at the second rotation position after it rotates to the second rotation position and prevent the body 23 from rotating back to the first rotation position unexpectedly, resulting in the accidental release of the blocking of the terminal 3, as Figures 6-9 shown, in this embodiment, a clamping arm 22 with a free end extending radially is provided at one end of the body 23 away from the mating end of the sheath 1, and a receiving groove 123 for receiving the free end of the clamping arm 22 is provided on the inner wall of the locking cavity 12 when the body 23 is in the second rotation position.

[0045] Specifically, considering the rotation of the clamping arm 22 and its cooperation relationship with the receiving groove 123, as well as the manufacturing factors, as a preferred solution for the structure of the receiving groove 123, as Figures 1-7 、 Figure 10 shown, in this embodiment, a third boss structure 122 is axially provided on the inner wall of the locking cavity 12, and the third boss structure 122 is located on the side of the clamping arm 22 away from the mating end of the sheath 1 in the axial direction. The receiving groove 123 is formed at one end of the third boss structure 122 close to the mating end of the sheath 1. When the body 23 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the clamping arm 22 rotates to the receiving groove 123 and is clamped with it to realize the positioning of the body 23 at the second rotation position, that is, to keep the body 23 at the second rotation position.

[0046] In fact, based on the overhanging setting of the clamping arm 22, the clamping arm 22 has the ability of elastic deformation. When the body 23 is driven to rotate, since the notch of the receiving groove 123 faces the mating end of the sheath 1, the free end of the clamping arm 22 can enter the receiving groove 123 only after being elastically deformed by extrusion and then immediately returns to its original state. That is, the free end of the clamping arm 22 is "squeezed" into the receiving groove 123, and a "click" sound can be emitted as a prompt after being "squeezed" in. Therefore, the clamping cooperation between the free end of the clamping arm 22 and the receiving groove 123 can prevent the free end of the clamping arm 22 from being disengaged from the receiving groove 123 unexpectedly. The receiving groove 123 has good ability to receive and retain the clamping arm 22, and at the same time has a prompting function, meeting the need to keep the body 23 at the second rotation position; in addition, the receiving groove 123 in this embodiment can also prevent the body 23 from exiting the locking cavity 12 after being clamped with the free end of the clamping arm 22, realizing further limitation of the rear stop position of the body 23. When the locking plate 21 is in blocking cooperation with the terminal 3 and the pulling force of the terminal 3 is too large, the clamping arm 22 and the receiving groove 123 cooperate with the first boss structure 121 and the second boss structure 24 to jointly limit the rear stop position of the body 23.

[0047] Further, in order to prevent the body 23 from moving in the reverse direction when in the first rotation position and ensure that the body 23 can only rotate between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, as Figures 1-7 shown, in this embodiment, at one end of the locking cavity 12 away from the insertion end of the sheath 1, a fourth boss structure 124 arranged side by side with the third boss structure 122 in the circumferential direction is further provided. A guiding groove 125 that cooperates with the clamping arm 22 provided on the body 23 is formed between the third boss structure 122 and the fourth boss structure 124 to guide the body 23 into the first rotation position. When the body 23 is in the first rotation position, the clamping arm 22 and the fourth boss structure 124 are in a blocking and cooperating relationship in the rotation direction away from the third boss structure 122 to prevent the body 23 from rotating in the reverse direction when in the first rotation position. At the same time, based on the aforementioned cooperation structure between the clamping arm 22 and the receiving groove 123, when the body 23 is not driven to rotate, the clamping arm 22 cannot automatically enter the receiving groove 123. Thus, actually, when the body 23 is in the first rotation position, the clamping arm 22 is held between the receiving groove 123 and the fourth boss structure 124, and further enables the body 23 to be held in the first rotation position.

[0048] Further, considering the rotation of the locking plate 21 and the clamping arm 22 and their relative positions with respect to the terminal cavity 11 and the receiving groove 123, and in order to prevent the locking plate 21 from obstructing the terminal 3 from entering and exiting the terminal cavity 11 when the body 23 is in the first rotation position, as an optimized structural design solution, as Figures 1-4 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 shown, in this embodiment, the extending plane of the locking plate 21 is tangent to the outer peripheral wall of the body 23, and the extending direction of the clamping arm 22 is perpendicular to the extending plane of the locking plate 21.

[0049] Further, in order to facilitate the operator to rotate the body 23 using an operating tool, as Figure 1 、 3 and Figures 6-10 shown, in this embodiment, at one end of the body 23 close to the insertion end of the sheath 1, a screwing groove 25 for rotating the body 23 is provided, and a screwing hole 126 for exposing the screwing groove 25 is formed at one end of the locking cavity 12 close to the insertion end of the sheath 1.

[0050] During specific assembly, first, the TPA part 2 is installed in place, that is, the body 23 of the TPA part 2 is inserted into the locking cavity 12 from the end of the locking cavity 12 far away from the insertion end of the sheath 1. During this period, the locking plate 21 passes through the position where the locking cavity 12 and the terminal cavity 11 are communicated, and the clamping arm 22 passes through the guiding groove 125 until the locking plate 21 is in blocking cooperation with the limiting surface 13, and the second boss structure 24 passes over the first boss structure 121 and is in anti-retreat cooperation with it. At this time, the body 23 is in and remains in the first rotation position, which can also be called the pre-installation position. In this position, the locking plate 21 does not obstruct the insertion and withdrawal of the terminal 3. Then, a suitable operating tool is inserted into the screwing hole 126 until the end of the operating tool is in screwing cooperation with the screwing groove 25. At this time, the body 23 can be screwed and driven to rotate from the first rotation position to the second rotation position. After the clamping arm 22 is clamped with the receiving groove 123, the body 23 remains in the second rotation position, which can also be called the locking position. At this time, the locking plate 21 rotates to the position where it is in blocking cooperation with the terminal 3, preventing the terminal 3 from withdrawing from the terminal cavity 11 and realizing the predetermined terminal 3 locking function.

[0051] Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for illustration and not for limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments can 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 rotary TPA structure, comprising a sheath, a terminal installed in a terminal cavity of the sheath, and a TPA member for secondary locking of the terminal, characterized in that: A locking cavity connected to the terminal cavity and used for installing the TPA component is provided on one side of the terminal cavity in the sleeve, and the TPA component includes a main body and a locking plate integrally provided with the main body, the main body is at least partially rotatably provided in the locking cavity and the rotation axis of the main body is parallel to the extension direction of the terminal cavity, and one end of the locking plate away from the main body extends into the terminal cavity; the main body has a first rotation position and a second rotation position in the locking cavity, and when the main body is in the second rotation position, the locking plate cooperates with the terminal stop to prevent the terminal from withdrawing from the terminal cavity.

2. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: A first boss structure is provided on the inner circumferential wall of the locking cavity, and a second boss structure is provided on the outer circumferential wall of the main body. At least one of the first boss structure and the second boss structure is an annular structure. After the main body is inserted into the locking cavity, the second boss structure passes over the first boss structure and cooperates with the stopper. The end of the locking cavity facing the locking plate has a limiting surface for limiting the front stop position of the main body.

3. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first boss structure and the second boss structure are both annular structures, so as to maintain the stability of the stop fit between the two when the body rotates.

4. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the body close to the inserting end of the sheath is a cone-shaped structure, and the edge of the bottom of the cone-shaped structure protrudes radially from the outer peripheral wall of the body to form the second boss structure.

5. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: An end of the body away from the inserting end of the sheath is provided with a clamping arm with a free end radially cantilevered, and an accommodating groove for accommodating the free end of the clamping arm when the body is in the second rotation position is provided on the inner wall of the locking cavity.

6. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: A third boss structure is axially arranged on the inner wall of the locking cavity, and the third boss structure is axially located on the side of the clamping arm away from the sleeve plug-in end, and the receiving groove is formed at one end of the third boss structure close to the sleeve plug-in end. When the main body is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the clamping arm rotates to the receiving groove and clamps with it to realize the positioning of the main body at the second rotation position.

7. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The locking cavity is also provided with a fourth boss structure circumferentially parallel to the third boss structure at one end away from the plug-in end of the sleeve, and a guide groove is formed between the third boss structure and the fourth boss structure to cooperate with a clamping arm provided on the main body to guide the main body into the first rotation position, and when the main body is in the first rotation position, the clamping arm and the fourth boss structure are blocked and cooperated in the rotation direction away from the third boss structure to prevent the main body from rotating in the opposite direction when it is in the first rotation position.

8. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The extension plane of the locking plate is tangent to the outer peripheral wall of the body, and the extension direction of the clamping arm is perpendicular to the extension plane of the locking plate.

9. A connector with a rotary TPA structure as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the body close to the inserting end of the sheath is provided with a screwing groove for rotating the body, and one end of the locking cavity close to the inserting end of the sheath is provided with a screwing hole for exposing the screwing groove.

10. The connector with a rotary TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking cavity and the terminal cavity are both connected at least on a path passed by the locking plate.

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