Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A connector and a connector assembly are provided, the connector is used for plugging cooperation with a mating connector, and the connector comprises a body, a limiting member and a lever. A containing space is formed in the side wall of at least one side of the body. The limiting piece is rotatably connected to the body, and when the limiting piece is not pressed, at least part of the limiting piece protrudes out of the outer surface of the body. The lever is rotatably clamped on the two sides of the body, and the lever is rotatably connected with the part, protruding out of the outer surface of the body, of the limiting piece. According to the connector provided by the utility model, under the condition that the connector is not provided with the lever, the limiting piece is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever, and the part, which is used for being clamped by the lever, on the limiting piece naturally protrudes out of the outer surface of the body; when the connector is inserted into the body, the part, protruding out of the outer surface of the body, of the limiting piece interferes with the paired connector, so that the connector provided by the invention cannot be normally inserted into the paired connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of circuit connection, and particularly relates to a connector and a connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] A large number of connectors are usually used in automobiles to achieve electrical connection. A connector assembly generally includes a male connector and a female connector, and the male connector and the female connector achieve electrical connection by means of plugging. In order to ensure the reliability of the plugging between the male connector and the female connector, a rotatable lever is usually assembled on the female connector or the male connector. After the male connector and the female connector are plugged, the male connector and the female connector can be locked by rotating the lever to a suitable position.

[0003] However, in the case of missing installation of the existing lever, the male connector and the female connector can still be normally plugged, which will result in the inability to lock the male connector and the female connector by the lever after plugging. After the connector is jolted or collided, it is easy for the male connector and the female connector to be separated from each other, resulting in the loss of high voltage of the whole vehicle and the inability to achieve normal functions. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a connector and a connector assembly to solve the problem that the male connector and the female connector can still be normally plugged in the case of missing installation of the lever in the above-mentioned prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a connector for plugging and cooperating with a mating connector. The connector includes a body, a limiting member, and a lever. A receiving space is provided on the side wall of at least one side of the body. The limiting member is rotatably connected to the body, at least a part of the limiting member is disposed in the receiving space, and when the limiting member is not subjected to pressure, at least a part of the limiting member protrudes from the outer surface of the body. The lever is rotatably clamped on both sides of the body, wherein the lever is rotatably connected to the part of the limiting member protruding from the outer surface of the body, and the lever is used to provide the pressure for the limiting member to press the part of the limiting member protruding from the outer surface of the body into the receiving space.

[0006] In this application, in the case where the lever is missing or damaged and causes abnormal detachment, the limiting member will not be subjected to the clamping force of the lever. The portion of the limiting member that is used to be clamped by the lever will naturally protrude from the outer surface of the body. Or for the female terminal connector provided in this application that is provided with a slot, at least part of the limiting member will also naturally protrude from the inner wall surface of the slot. When the connector provided in this application is inserted into the mating connector, the portion of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body or the inner wall surface of the slot will interfere with the mating connector, making it impossible for the connector provided in this application to be normally inserted into the mating connector. Thus, the operator can intuitively perceive that the insertion state is abnormal, enabling the operator to promptly notice the problem of the missing or detached lever and preventing the connector without the lever from being left at the driving site. In addition, after the lever is assembled on the connector, the clamping force provided by the lever can cause the limiting member to be received in the accommodation space, thereby preventing interference between the connector provided in this application and the mating connector during normal insertion. At the same time, since the lever is rotatably connected to the limiting member, after the connector provided in this application is normally inserted into the mating connector, the lever can rotate relative to the limiting member to the end position to lock the connector and ensure that the two connectors maintain a stable insertion state.

[0007] In a possible implementation manner, the limiting member includes a rotating portion, and a flexible connecting rib is provided on the rotating portion. The rotating portion is connected to the body through the flexible connecting rib. The lever is rotatably connected to the rotating portion. Among them, the material of the flexible connecting rib can be a flexible material such as plastic. When the rotating portion is subjected to the clamping force of the lever, the flexible connecting rib will also be subjected to a torsional force and can undergo a certain amount of elastic deformation to enable the rotation of the rotating portion, and can enable the rotating portion to rotate integrally into the accommodation space after being subjected to the clamping force of the lever. In addition, in the case where the lever is missing or damaged and causes abnormal detachment, the rotating portion is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever, the flexible connecting rib returns to its original state, and can maintain a stable structural shape, enabling the rotating portion to maintain a natural inclined posture, that is, at least part of the rotating portion can protrude from the outer surface of the body.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the body and the limiting member are integrally formed. Exemplarily, the rotating portion, the flexible connecting rib, and the body can be integrally formed by an injection molding process, which can ensure the reliability of the structure, facilitate processing and manufacturing, reduce parts, and save costs.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the limiting member includes a rotating portion, a connecting shaft, and an elastic portion. The rotating portion is rotatably connected to the body through the connecting shaft. The two ends of the elastic portion are respectively connected to the rotating portion and the body. Among them, by assembling the rotating portion, the connecting shaft, and the body, the service life of each part can be extended, and the reliability of the long-term operation of the limiting member can be ensured. The elastic portion can be disposed between the limiting member and the body in the direction of rotation of the limiting member, so that the limiting member can be supported by the elastic portion. In the natural state where the limiting member is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever, at least part of the limiting member can protrude from the outer surface of the body. When the limiting member is subjected to the clamping force of the lever, the clamping force applied by the lever can cause the elastic portion to undergo elastic compression deformation, so that the part of the limiting portion protruding from the outer surface of the body can be squeezed into the accommodating space of the body by the lever.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the elastic portion is a spring, a spring sheet, or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Among them, the elastic portion with these structures can have a certain ability of elastic deformation.

[0011] In a possible implementation, one end of the limiting member away from the mating connector is rotatably connected to the body. Among them, one end of the limiting member close to the mating connector can protrude from the outer surface of the body when not subjected to the clamping force of the lever. For the male terminal connector provided in this application, it is only necessary that one end of the limiting member close to the mating female terminal connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body. Thus, through the interference between the limiting member and the female terminal connector, it is possible to prevent the connector without the assembled lever from being inserted into the mating female terminal connector. Therefore, in this application, the limiting member can rotate around the end of the limiting member away from the mating connector, so that one end of the limiting member close to the mating connector can protrude from the outer surface of the body when not under force.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the body. Exemplarily, the middle part of the limiting member can be rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through hole through a flexible connecting rib. When the limiting member is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever, one end of the limiting member protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot, and the other end of the limiting member protrudes from the outer surface of the body. The lever is connected to the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body. Among them, since the middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the body, the limiting member can form a lever structure. Taking the connector provided in this application as a female terminal connector with a slot, and the mating connector as a male terminal connector as an example, when the lever clamps one end of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body, the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body can be rotated and received into the accommodating space. At the same time, the other end of the limiting member (the end that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot) can also be synchronously received into the accommodating space as the limiting member rotates, so as to avoid interference when the male terminal connector is inserted into the slot, and the normal insertion of the connector provided in this embodiment and the male terminal connector can be realized.

[0013] In a possible implementation, accommodating spaces are respectively arranged on two opposite side walls of the body. Two limiting members are provided, and each limiting member cooperates with the corresponding accommodating space. Two ends of the lever are respectively rotatably connected to the corresponding limiting members. Among them, two ends of the lever can be respectively clamped on the corresponding limiting members. When the lever is not installed or damaged and causes abnormal detachment, there are partial parts of the limiting members on both sides of the body that can naturally protrude from the outer surface of the body. Or for the female terminal connector with a slot provided in this application, at least part of the limiting member will also naturally protrude from the inner wall surface of the slot, so as to effectively avoid the normal insertion of the connector provided in this embodiment and the mating connector without installing the lever, and further avoid the connector assembly without lever locking being left at the driving site.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the lever includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm and a connecting arm. Two ends of the connecting arm are respectively connected to the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. The first clamping arm is rotatably connected to the limiting member on one side of the body. When one limiting member is provided, the second clamping arm is rotatably connected to the side wall of the body far from the first clamping arm; or when two limiting members are provided, the second clamping arm is rotatably connected to the other limiting member on the body far from the first clamping arm. Among them, the lever provided in this application has a simple structure, is convenient for processing and manufacturing, can limit the limiting member in the accommodating space, and at the same time can lock the insertion position of the connector through its own rotation, ensuring the reliability of the connector insertion.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the limiting member is provided with mounting posts, and the lever is provided with a rotating hole. The lever is rotatably connected to the limiting member through the cooperation of the rotating hole and the mounting posts, so as to facilitate the assembly of the lever.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the accommodating space includes a groove or a through hole provided on the side wall of the body. Among them, by forming the accommodating space by opening a groove or a through hole on the side wall of the body, it is convenient for processing and manufacturing.

[0017] In a possible implementation, a slot for plugging the mating connector is provided inside the body. The accommodating space includes a through hole that penetrates at least one side wall of the slot. The middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through hole. When the limiting member is not under pressure, one end of the limiting member protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot, and the other end of the limiting member protrudes from the outer surface of the body. The lever is connected to the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body. Among them, since the middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the body, the limiting member can form a lever structure. Taking the connector provided in this application as the female end connector with a slot and the mating connector as the male end connector as an example, when the lever clamps one end of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body, the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body can be rotated and received into the accommodating space. At the same time, the other end of the limiting member (the end that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot) can also be synchronously received into the accommodating space as the limiting member rotates, so as to avoid interference when the male end connector is inserted into the slot and enable the normal plugging of the connector provided in this application and the male end connector.

[0018] In a possible implementation, along the direction in which the body is plugged with the mating connector, when the limiting member is not under the pressure, the end of the limiting member away from the mating connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body, and the end of the limiting member facing the mating connector protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot. Thus, when the mating male end connector is plugged with the connector provided in this application without the lever assembled, the end of the limiting member that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot will interfere with the mating male end connector, causing the end of the limiting member that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot to rotate away from the accommodating space, so that the limiting member blocks the path of the mutual plugging of the two connectors, avoiding the limiting member being received into the accommodating space, and thus effectively preventing the normal plugging between the two connectors without the lever assembled.

[0019] In a possible implementation, along the direction in which the body is plugged into the mating connector, when the limiting member is not subjected to the pressure, one end of the limiting member facing the mating connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body. Thus, when the limiting member interferes with the corresponding structure on the female connector, the end of the limiting member protruding from the outer surface of the body will rotate in a direction away from the accommodation space, so that the limiting member blocks the path of the mutual plugging of the two connectors, preventing the limiting member from being received in the accommodation space, and effectively preventing the normal plugging between the two connectors without a lever assembled.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a connector assembly, which includes a male connector and a female connector that are plugged and matched with each other. One of the male connector and the female connector is the connector provided in the first aspect of the present application. Among them, the connector assembly including the connector provided in the first aspect of the present application has similar technical effects to the aforementioned connector, which will not be elaborated here.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and do not limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the body in the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member in the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application before being plugged into the mating connector;

[0027] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application after being plugged into the mating connector;

[0028] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the connector provided by another embodiment of the present application before being plugged into the mating connector;

[0029] Figure 7 Side view of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member in the connector provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the interference during the insertion of the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application with the mating connector when the lever is not assembled;

[0032] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the interference during the insertion of the connector provided by another embodiment of the present application with the mating connector when the lever is not assembled;

[0033] Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 12 Side view of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 13 Cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the body and the limiting member provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the lever provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the lever before being assembled to the limiting member provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body and the lever provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body and the lever provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Reference numerals:

[0041] 1 - Body;

[0042] 11 - Accommodating space;

[0043] 12 - Slot;

[0044] 2 - Limiting member;

[0045] 21 - Flexible connecting rib;

[0046] 22 - Rotating part;

[0047] 23 - Connecting shaft;

[0048] 24 - Elastic part;

[0049] 25 - Middle part;

[0050] 26 - Mounting post;

[0051] 3 - Lever;

[0052] 31 - First clamping arm;

[0053] 32 - Second clamping arm;

[0054] 33 - Connecting arm;

[0055] 34 - Rotating hole;

[0056] 10 - Connector;

[0057] 20 - Mating connector. Detailed implementation manner

[0058] For a better understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms of "a", "the" and "said" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0061] It should be understood that the term " / and / " used herein is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0062] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or stated, the term "plurality" means two or more; the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0063] In fields such as vehicle-mounted and industrial, connectors are usually widely used to achieve electrical connection. For example, in the automotive field, a large number of connectors are used to achieve electrical connection between various components. Connectors can generally be divided into male connectors and female connectors. The male connector can be installed on one component, and the female connector can be installed on another component. Since both the male connector and the female connector have terminals, after the male connector and the female connector are plugged together, the terminals in the male connector and the terminals in the female connector can achieve electrical connection, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the two components.

[0064] In the related art, in order to ensure a reliable plugged state between the male connector and the female connector, a rotatable lever can be assembled on the female connector or the male connector, thereby forming a lever connector. Exemplarily, a lever is rotatably connected to the male connector, and the lever can rotate between an initial position and a termination position. When the lever is in the initial position, the male connector and the female connector can be normally plugged together. After the male connector and the female connector are plugged together, by rotating the lever to the termination position, the male connector and the female connector can be locked by the lever, thereby ensuring a reliable plugged state between the male connector and the female connector.

[0065] However, in the case where the lever is not installed or the lever is damaged and causes abnormal detachment, the male connector and the female connector can still be normally plugged together, but cannot be locked by the lever after being plugged. After the connector is jolted or collided, it is easy for the male connector and the female connector to become disengaged from each other, resulting in the loss of high-voltage power of the whole vehicle and the loss of communication signals, and the normal functions cannot be realized.

[0066] An embodiment of the present application provides a connector, which can be a male connector or a female connector that are plugged together in a connector assembly. The type of the connector is not limited in this embodiment.

[0067] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the body in the connector provided in an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1As shown in the figure, the connector provided by the embodiment of the present application includes a body 1. Terminals can be arranged in the body 1. When the body 1 is plugged into a mating connector, the body 1 can be electrically connected to the mating connector through the terminals. Among them, the mating connector is another connector that can be plugged into the connector provided by the embodiment of the present application to achieve electrical connection. Among them, a receiving space 11 is provided on at least one side wall of the body 1. Exemplarily, the receiving space 11 can be provided only on one side wall of the body 1; or the receiving space 11 can also be provided on the opposite side walls of the body 1 respectively. The side wall of the body 1 has a certain wall thickness. In one embodiment, the receiving space 11 can be formed by opening a groove on the side wall of the body 1 so that the space in the groove forms the receiving space 11. In one embodiment, a through hole can also be opened on the side wall so that the space in the through hole forms the receiving space 11. Thus, forming the receiving space 11 by opening a groove or a through hole on the side wall of the body 1 can facilitate processing and manufacturing.

[0068] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 in the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the connector provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes a limiting member 2. The limiting member 2 is rotatably connected to the body 1, and at least a part of the limiting member 2 is arranged in the receiving space 11. In the natural state where the limiting member 2 is not stressed, the limiting member 2 presents an inclined posture relative to the outer surface of the body 1, and a part of the limiting member 2 can protrude from the outer surface of the body 1. Among them, the limiting member 2 can be connected to the inner wall of the body 1 for forming the receiving space 11. Exemplarily, the side wall of the body 1 has a certain thickness, a groove can be provided on the side wall of the body 1, and the space in the groove can form the receiving space 11, and the limiting member 2 can be connected to the inner wall of the groove. Exemplarily, a through hole can be provided on the side wall of the body 1, and the space in the through hole can form the receiving space 11, and the limiting member 2 can be connected to the inner wall of the through hole. Among them, the limiting member 2 can be rotated by connecting to the position of the body 1, and the position where the limiting member 2 is connected to the body 1 can always be located in the receiving space 11.

[0069] When the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 is subjected to external force extrusion, the limiting member 2 can rotate in the receiving space 11, and through the external force extrusion, the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 can be rotated into the receiving space 11, so that the whole limiting member 2 can be located in the receiving space 11.

[0070] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the connector provided by an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 3As shown in the figure, the connector provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes a lever 3, and the lever 3 is rotatably clamped on both sides of the body 1. The lever 3 has a set rotation range. Exemplarily, the lever 3 has a starting position and an ending position of rotation, and the lever 3 can rotate between the starting position and the ending position. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided by an embodiment of the present application before being inserted into the mating connector 20, as Figure 4 shown. When the lever 3 is at the starting position M1, the connector 10 provided by this embodiment can be normally inserted into the mating connector 20. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided by an embodiment of the present application after being inserted into the mating connector 20, as Figure 5 shown. After the connector 10 provided by this embodiment is inserted into the mating connector 20, the lever 3 can be rotated to the ending position M2, so that the lever 3 can lock the position of the mating connector 20 to prevent the connector 10 provided by this embodiment from being disengaged from the mating connector 20. Among them, the mating connector 20 may have a mating structure for connecting with the lever 3. After the connector 10 provided by this embodiment is inserted into the mating connector 20 and the lever 3 is rotated to the ending position, the lever 3 can be connected to the mating structure on the mating connector 20, so as to realize the locking of the position of the mating connector 20 and ensure the reliable insertion of the connector 10 provided by this embodiment into the mating connector 20 and prevent disengagement.

[0071] Among them, as Figure 5 shown, the lever 3 is rotatably connected to the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1, and the lever 3 can apply pressure to the limiting member 2 to press the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 into the accommodation space 11. Part of the lever 3 can be clamped on opposite sides of the body 1, that is to say, the lever 3 can provide a certain clamping force. Since the lever 3 is connected to the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1, the clamping force provided by the lever 3 will act on the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1, so as to be able to squeeze the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 into the accommodation space 11, so that there is no part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1.

[0072] In one embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, for the connector 10 provided in this embodiment being a male connector and the aforementioned mating connector 20 being a female connector, the connector 10 provided in this embodiment needs to be inserted into the slot of the female connector. When a lever 3 is assembled on the connector 10 provided in this embodiment, the clamping force exerted by the lever 3 on the limiting member 2 can cause the part of the limiting member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 to rotate into the accommodation space 11, so that the part of the limiting member 2 that does not protrude from the outer surface of the body 1, thereby enabling the connector 10 provided in this embodiment not to interfere during the insertion process into the mating female connector, and enabling the normal insertion of the connector 10 provided in this embodiment and the female connector. In this embodiment, since at least part of the limiting member 2 only needs to protrude from the outer surface of the body 1, the accommodation space 11 can include a groove or a through hole, and the depth of the groove or the through hole only needs to enable the effective rotation of the limiting member 2.

[0073] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the connector 10 provided in another embodiment of the present application before being inserted into the mating connector 20, as Figure 6 shown, for the connector 10 provided in this embodiment being a female connector and the aforementioned mating connector 20 being a male connector, a slot 12 for inserting the male connector can be provided on the connector 10 provided in this embodiment. A through hole can be provided on the body 1, and an accommodation space 11 for accommodating the limiting member 2 is formed in the through hole. Specifically, the through hole is provided on the side wall of the slot 12. Figure 7 FIG. is a side view of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 provided in an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 7 shown, the middle part 25 of the limiting member 2 can be rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through hole. For example, the middle part 25 of the limiting member 2 can be rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through hole through a flexible connecting rib 21.

[0074] Since the middle part 25 of the limiting member 2 is rotatably connected to the body 1, the limiting member 2 can thus form a lever structure. Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 in the connector provided in another embodiment of the present application, as Figure 8As shown, when the limiting member 2 is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever 3, one end 2a of the limiting member 2 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot 12, and the other end 2b of the limiting member 2 protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1. The lever 3 is connected to the part of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1. Taking the connector provided in this embodiment as the female connector with the slot 12 and the mating connector 20 as the male connector as an example, when the lever 3 clamps one end 2b of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1, the part of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1 can be rotated and received into the accommodation space 11. At the same time, the other end of the limiting member 2 (one end 2a that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot 12) can also be synchronously received into the accommodation space 11 as the limiting member 2 rotates, so as to avoid interference when the male connector is inserted into the slot 12, and the normal insertion of the connector provided in this embodiment and the male connector can be realized.

[0075] At the same time, since the lever 3 is rotatably connected to the limiting member 2, after the connector provided in this embodiment and the mating connector 20 are normally inserted, the lever 3 can rotate relative to the limiting member 2 to the end position to realize the locking of the connector and ensure that the two connectors maintain a stable inserted state.

[0076] In addition, if the lever 3 is omitted or damaged and causes abnormal detachment, the limiting member 2 will not be subjected to the clamping force of the lever 3, and the part of the limiting member 2 for being clamped by the lever 3 will naturally protrude from the outer surface of the body 1. Or for the female connector provided in this embodiment with the slot 12, at least part of the limiting member 2 will also naturally protrude from the inner wall surface of the slot 12. When the connector provided in this embodiment is inserted into the mating connector 20, the part of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1 or the inner wall surface of the slot 12 will interfere with the mating connector, making the connector provided in this embodiment and the mating connector unable to be normally inserted. Thus, the operator can intuitively perceive that the insertion state is abnormal, enabling the operator to notice the problem of omission or detachment of the lever 3 in time, and avoiding the connector without the lever 3 being left at the driving site.

[0077] In one embodiment, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the interference when the connector 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application is inserted into the mating connector 20 without the lever 3 assembled, as Figure 9As shown, for the connector 10 provided in this embodiment being a male connector and the aforementioned mating connector 20 being a female connector, the connector 10 provided in this embodiment needs to be inserted into the slot of the female connector. Among them, along the direction in which the body 1 of the connector 10 provided in this embodiment is inserted into the mating female connector, when the limiting member 2 is not under pressure, one end of the limiting member 2 facing the female connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1. Thus, when the limiting member 2 interferes with the corresponding structure on the female connector, the end of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1 will rotate away from the accommodation space 11, so that the limiting member 2 blocks the path of the mutual insertion of the two connectors, preventing the limiting member 2 from being received into the accommodation space 11, and thus effectively preventing the normal insertion between the two connectors without the lever 3 being assembled.

[0078] In one embodiment, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the interference during the insertion of the connector 10 provided in another embodiment of the present application and the mating connector 20 without the lever 3 assembled. As Figure 10 shown, for the connector 10 provided in this embodiment being a female connector and the aforementioned mating connector 20 being a male connector, a slot 12 for inserting the male connector can be provided on the connector 10 provided in this embodiment. Among them, along the direction in which the body 1 of the connector 10 provided in this embodiment is inserted into the mating male connector, when the limiting member 2 is not under pressure, one end of the limiting member 2 away from the mating male connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body 1, and one end of the limiting member 2 facing the mating male connector protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot 12. Thus, when the mating male connector is inserted into the connector provided in this embodiment without the lever 3 assembled, the end of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot 12 will interfere with the mating male connector, causing the end of the limiting member 2 that protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot 12 to rotate away from the accommodation space 11, so that the limiting member 2 blocks the path of the mutual insertion of the two connectors, preventing the limiting member 2 from being received into the accommodation space 11, and thus effectively preventing the normal insertion between the two connectors without the lever 3 being assembled.

[0079] In one embodiment, as Figure 10As shown in the figure, receiving spaces 11 are respectively provided on two opposite side walls of the body 1. There are two limiting members 2, and each limiting member 2 is matched with the corresponding receiving space 11. Both ends of the lever 3 are rotatably connected to the corresponding limiting members 2. Both ends of the lever 3 can be respectively clamped on the corresponding limiting members 2. When the lever 3 is not installed or the lever 3 is damaged and causes abnormal detachment, there are partial parts of the limiting members 2 on both sides of the body 1 that can naturally protrude from the outer surface of the body 1. Or for the female connector provided in this embodiment with a slot 12, at least part of the limiting member 2 will also naturally protrude from the inner wall surface of the slot 12. Thus, it can effectively prevent the connector provided in this embodiment from being normally inserted into the mating connector 20 when the lever 3 is not assembled, and further avoid the connector assembly without the lever 3 locked from being left at the driving site.

[0080] In one embodiment, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 provided in one embodiment of the present application. As Figure 11 shown, the receiving space 11 is provided on only one side wall of the body 1, and correspondingly, only one limiting member 2 can be provided. That is to say, the limiting member 2 on one side of the body 1 can also prevent the connector provided in this embodiment from being inserted into the mating connector when the lever 3 is not assembled, which will not be elaborated here.

[0081] In one embodiment, Figure 12 is a side view of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 provided in another embodiment of the present application. As Figure 12 shown, the limiting member 2 can include a rotating part 22. A flexible connecting rib 21 can be provided on the rotating part 22. The rotating part 22 is connected to the body 1 through the flexible connecting rib 21. The lever 3 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 22. Among them, the rotating part 22 can rotate in the receiving space 11 of the body 1. In the natural state where the rotating part 22 is not stressed, at least part of the rotating part 22 can protrude from the outer surface of the body 1. The material of the flexible connecting rib 21 can be a flexible material such as plastic. When the rotating part 22 is subjected to the clamping force of the lever 3, the flexible connecting rib 21 will also be subjected to a torsional force and can undergo a certain elastic deformation to realize the rotation of the rotating part 22, and can realize that the rotating part 22 can rotate integrally into the receiving space 11 after being subjected to the clamping force of the lever 3. In addition, when the lever 3 is not installed or the lever 3 is damaged and causes abnormal detachment, the rotating part 22 is not subjected to the clamping force of the lever 3, the flexible connecting rib 21 returns to the original state, and can maintain a stable structural shape, so that the rotating part 22 can maintain a natural inclined posture, that is, at least part of the rotating part 22 can protrude from the outer surface of the body 1. In this embodiment, the flexible connecting rib 21 is used to realize the rotational connection between the rotating part 22 and the body 1, which can simplify the structure, facilitate processing and manufacturing, reduce parts, and save costs.

[0082] Among them, the rotating part 22, the flexible connecting rib 21 and the body 1 can be made of the same material. Exemplarily, the rotating part 22, the flexible connecting rib 21 and the body 1 can all be integrally formed by plastic. Exemplarily, the rotating part 22, the flexible connecting rib 21 and the body 1 can be integrally formed by injection molding process, so as to ensure the reliability of the structure, facilitate processing and manufacturing, reduce parts and save costs.

[0083] In one embodiment, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cooperation between the body 1 and the limiting member 2 provided by another embodiment of the present application, as Figure 13 shown, the limiting member 2 includes a rotating part 22, a connecting shaft 23 and an elastic part 24. The rotating part 22 is rotatably connected to the body 1 through the connecting shaft 23. Both ends of the elastic part 24 are respectively connected to the rotating part 22 and the body 1. Among them, the rotating part 22, the connecting shaft 23 and the elastic part 24 can be independent parts separately processed and manufactured, and the integral rotation connection between the limiting member 2 and the body 1 can be realized by means of assembly.

[0084] Among them, the rotating part 22 can be a plate-like structure, such as a plastic plate, etc. In one embodiment, the rotating part 22 can be fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 23, and the connecting shaft 23 can be rotatably connected to the body 1. In one embodiment, the rotating part 22 can be rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 23, and the connecting shaft 23 is fixedly connected to the body 1. The above connection methods between the rotating part 22, the connecting shaft 23 and the body 1 can all realize the normal rotation of the rotating part 22 relative to the body 1. In this embodiment, by adopting the assembly method between the rotating part 22, the connecting shaft 23 and the body 1, the service life of each part can be extended, and the reliability of the long-term operation of the limiting member 2 can be ensured.

[0085] In one embodiment, the elastic part 24 can be a spring, a spring sheet or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. The elastic part 24 with these structures can have a certain ability of elastic deformation. Of course, in some other embodiments, the elastic part 24 can also have other structural forms, which are not limited in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the elastic part 24 can be arranged between the limiting member 2 and the body 1 in the rotation direction of the limiting member 2, so as to support the limiting member 2 through the elastic part 24, so that at least part of the limiting member 2 can protrude from the outer surface of the body 1 in the natural state without being clamped by the lever 3. When the limiting member 2 is clamped by the lever 3, the clamping force applied by the lever 3 can cause the elastic part 24 to undergo elastic compression deformation, so that the part of the limiting part protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 can be squeezed into the accommodating space 11 of the body 1 through the lever 3.

[0086] In one embodiment, as Figure 13As shown, for the connector provided in this embodiment being a male connector and the aforementioned mating connector being a female connector, the connector provided in this embodiment needs to be inserted into the slot of the female connector. In the direction of the insertion of the connector provided in this embodiment and the mating connector, one end of the limiting member 2 of the connector provided in this embodiment, which is far from the mating connector, can be rotatably connected to the body 1, and one end of the limiting member 2 close to the mating connector can protrude from the outer surface of the body 1 without being clamped by the lever 3. That is to say, for the connector provided in this embodiment being a male connector, one end of the limiting member 2 close to the mating female connector only needs to protrude from the outer surface of the body 1, so that the interference between the limiting member 2 and the female connector can prevent the connector without the lever 3 assembled from being inserted into the mating female connector.

[0087] In one embodiment, Figure 14 is a schematic structural diagram of the lever 3 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 14 shown, the lever 3 includes a first clamping arm 31, a second clamping arm 32 and a connecting arm 33. Both ends of the connecting arm 33 are respectively connected to the first clamping arm 31 and the second clamping arm 32. The first clamping arm 31, the second clamping arm 32 and the connecting arm 33 can form a U-shaped structure. The lever 3 provided in this embodiment has a simple structure, is convenient for processing and manufacturing, can limit the limiting member 2 in the accommodation space 11, and at the same time can lock the insertion position of the connector through its own rotation, ensuring the reliability of the connector insertion. Among them, a matching structure (not shown in the figure) for connecting with the connecting arm 33 can be provided on the mating connector. When the connector provided in this embodiment and the mating connector are inserted, the lever 3 can be rotated to the end position, and the connecting arm 33 can be connected to the matching structure on the mating connector, so as to realize the locking of the mating connector, ensure the reliability of the insertion of the two connectors, and prevent disconnection. Among them, the matching structure on the mating connector 20 can be a buckle, a hook or other structures, and the present embodiment does not limit this.

[0088] In one embodiment, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the lever 3 provided in an embodiment of the present application before being assembled to the limiting member 2. As Figure 15 shown, an installation post 26 can be provided on the limiting member 2, and a rotation hole 34 can be provided on the clamping arm of the lever 3 connected to the limiting member 2. The lever 3 can be rotatably connected to the limiting member 2 through the cooperation of the rotation hole 34 and the installation post 26, so as to facilitate the assembly of the lever 3.

[0089] In one embodiment, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body 1 and the lever 3 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 16As shown, when there is one stopper 2, the first clamping arm 31 is rotatably connected to the stopper 2 on one side of the body 1, and the second clamping arm 32 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the body 1 away from the first clamping arm 31. There is a first distance H1 between the first clamping arm 31 and the second clamping arm 32, and the maximum distance between the portion of the stopper 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 and the surface of the body 1 away from the stopper 2 is H2, H1<H2, so that after the lever 3 is assembled with the stopper 2 and the body 1, the first clamping arm 31 can apply a clamping force to the portion of the stopper 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1, so that the stopper 2 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 11 as a whole.

[0090] In one embodiment, Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the cooperation between the body 1 and the lever 3 provided in another embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 17 As shown, when two limit members 2 are provided, the second clamping arm 32 is rotatably connected to another limit member 2 on the body 1 away from the first clamping arm 31. There is a first distance H3 between the first clamping arm 31 and the second clamping arm 32, and the maximum distance between the portion of one limit member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 and the portion of the other limit member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1 is H4, H3<H4, thus, after the lever 3 and the two limit members 2 are assembled, the first clamping arm 31 and the second clamping arm 32 can apply a clamping force to the portion of the corresponding limit member 2 protruding from the outer surface of the body 1, so that the two limit members 2 can be accommodated in the corresponding accommodation space 11 as a whole.

[0091] In one embodiment, the lever 3 provided in this embodiment can be integrally formed, for example, the lever 3 can be integrally injection molded, that is, the first clamping arm 31, the second clamping arm 32 and the connecting arm 33 can be simultaneously formed during the processing and manufacturing of the lever 3, thereby ensuring the structural reliability of the lever 3, facilitating processing and manufacturing, and saving costs.

[0092] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector for plugging and mating with a mating connector, characterized in that, Comprising: A body, with a receiving space provided on the side wall of at least one side of the body; A limiting member, which is rotatably connected to the body, at least a part of the limiting member is disposed in the receiving space, and when the limiting member is not subjected to pressure, at least a part of the limiting member protrudes from the outer surface of the body; A lever, which is rotatably clamped on both sides of the body. Among them, the lever is rotatably connected to the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body, and the lever is used to provide the pressure for the limiting member to press the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body into the receiving space.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member includes a rotating part, and a flexible connecting rib is provided on the rotating part. The rotating part is connected to the body through the flexible connecting rib; The lever is rotatably connected to the rotating part.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein The body and the limiting member are integrally formed.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member includes a rotating part, a connecting shaft and an elastic part. The rotating part is rotatably connected to the body through the connecting shaft; Both ends of the elastic part are respectively connected to the rotating part and the body.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein The elastic part is a spring, a spring sheet or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, One end of the limiting member away from the mating connector is rotatably connected to the body.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the body.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Receiving spaces are respectively provided on the opposite side walls of the body. Two limiting members are provided, and each limiting member cooperates with the corresponding receiving space. Both ends of the lever are respectively rotatably connected to the corresponding limiting members.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The lever includes a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm and a connecting arm. Both ends of the connecting arm are respectively connected to the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. The first clamping arm is rotatably connected to the limiting member on one side of the body; When there is one limiting member, the second clamping arm is rotatably connected to the side wall of the body away from the first clamping arm; or when there are two limiting members, the second clamping arm is rotatably connected to the other limiting member on the body away from the first clamping arm.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An installation post is provided on the limiting member, and a rotating hole is provided on the lever. The lever is rotatably connected to the limiting member through the cooperation of the rotating hole and the installation post.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The receiving space includes a groove or a through hole provided on the side wall of the body; 12. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, A slot for plugging the mating connector is provided in the body; The receiving space includes a through hole that penetrates at least one side wall of the slot; The middle part of the limiting member is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through hole. When the limiting member is not subjected to pressure, one end of the limiting member protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot, and the other end of the limiting member protrudes from the outer surface of the body. The lever is connected to the part of the limiting member that protrudes from the outer surface of the body.

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, Along the direction in which the body is inserted into the mating connector, when the limiting member is not subjected to the pressure, the end of the limiting member away from the mating connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body, and the end of the limiting member facing the mating connector protrudes from the inner wall surface of the slot.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Along the direction in which the body is inserted into the mating connector, when the limiting member is not subjected to the pressure, the end of the limiting member facing the mating connector protrudes from the outer surface of the body.

15. A connector assembly, characterized in that, Comprising a male connector and a female connector, the male connector and the female connector are inserted and matched; one of the male connector and the female connector is the connector according to any one of claims 1-14.

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