Ethernet connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an Ethernet connector, relating to the connector technology field, the Ethernet connector comprises a housing, a terminal assembly, an outer conductor and a conducting wire, the housing is internally provided with an installation channel, the terminal assembly is arranged in the installation channel, the outer conductor is arranged in the installation channel and is directly or indirectly fixed with the housing, and the conducting wire is arranged in the installation channel. The outer conductor comprises a first conductor and a second conductor which are integrally connected, the first conductor and the second conductor are both of a cylindrical structure, and the first conductor is arranged on the peripheral side of the terminal assembly in a sleeving mode and used for achieving signal shielding for the terminal assembly; the wire is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor to be electrically connected with the terminal assembly, and the second conductor is used for providing physical support for the wire. According to the outer conductor in the Ethernet connector, the integrated design of the shielding shell and the riveting shell is realized, the step of welding is reduced, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the problem of performance reduction of the connector possibly caused by poor welding can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to an Ethernet connector. Background Art

[0002] An Ethernet connector is a type of connector used for network communications and is a crucial component of the Ethernet physical layer, converting digital signals into physical signals for transmission. Ethernet connectors primarily rely on signal terminals for data transmission. To protect these terminals from electromagnetic interference, Ethernet connectors are typically equipped with shielding sleeves around the signal terminals. To provide stable mechanical support for the plug-in and unplug ends of the cable, the connectors also feature riveted sleeves around the cable.

[0003] Currently, the shielding shell and riveted shell in Ethernet connectors are typically separate components, which are then welded together. However, this welding process not only increases manufacturing complexity but also easily leads to empty welds, which in turn affects the performance and reliability of the connector. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide an Ethernet connector, aiming to realize the integrated setting of the shielding shell and the riveted shell, and avoid the problem of connector performance degradation caused by poor welding.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the Ethernet connector proposed in the present invention includes a housing, a terminal assembly, an outer conductor and a wire. The housing is provided with a mounting channel, the terminal assembly is provided in the mounting channel, the outer conductor is provided in the mounting channel and is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing, the outer conductor includes a first conductor and a second conductor connected as one piece, the first conductor and the second conductor are both cylindrical structures, the first conductor is sleeved on the circumference of the terminal assembly, and is used to achieve signal shielding for the terminal assembly; the wire is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor to be electrically connected to the terminal assembly, and the second conductor is used to provide physical support for the wire.

[0006] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly includes an insulating member and a signal terminal, the insulating member is arranged in the mounting channel, a signal channel is provided in the insulating member, the signal terminal is limitedly arranged in the signal channel, and the first conductor is sleeved on the circumferential side of the insulating member and is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

[0007] In one embodiment, the outer conductor further includes a limiting portion, which is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor and connected to the first conductor and the second conductor; a limiting channel is disposed in the limiting portion, the limiting channel connecting the hollow chamber of the first conductor and the hollow chamber of the second conductor, and the limiting channel is coaxially disposed with the signal terminal, thereby ensuring that the core of the wire can be precisely aligned with the signal terminal.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure are provided on the circumferential side of the signal channel, the first limiting structure is provided at an end of the signal channel facing away from the wiring harness, and the first limiting mechanism abuts against the end face of the signal terminal, thereby preventing the signal terminal from being excessively inserted into the signal channel; the second limiting structure is spaced apart from the first limiting structure, and a third limiting structure is provided on the circumferential side of the signal terminal, and the third limiting structure is engaged with the second limiting structure to limit the position, thereby preventing the signal terminal from withdrawing from the signal channel.

[0009] In one embodiment, an annular rib is protruded inward at the end of the signal channel to form the first limiting structure, and a socket is formed at the center of the annular rib. The socket has a first end facing away from the wiring harness and a second end facing the wiring harness, and the cross-sectional size of the socket gradually shrinks from the first end to the second end.

[0010] In one embodiment, the side wall of the signal channel is recessed with a retaining groove to form the second limiting structure, the side wall of the signal terminal is provided with an opening, a spring sheet is provided in the opening, the spring sheet is bent outward to form the third limiting structure, and the spring sheet is inserted into the retaining groove to prevent the signal terminal from withdrawing from the signal channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the insulating member is provided with a stop block and a stop groove, the stop block is provided at the end of the insulating member away from the wire, the stop groove is spaced apart from the stop block, and the stop block abuts against the end face of the first conductor, thereby preventing the first conductor from moving in a direction away from the wiring harness; the first conductor is provided with a limit block protruding inwardly, and the limit block is inserted in the stop groove, thereby preventing the first conductor from moving in the direction of the wiring harness.

[0012] In one embodiment, the Ethernet connector further comprises a snap ring sleeve, which is sleeved on the first conductor and is respectively snap-fitted and fixed to the first conductor and the housing, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the first conductor and the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer side wall of the first conductor is recessed with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove spaced apart from each other, and the snap ring sleeve is protruded inwardly with a first limiting member and a second limiting member, and the first limiting member and the second limiting member are respectively inserted into the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove, thereby achieving a snap-fit fixation between the snap ring sleeve and the first conductor.

[0014] In one embodiment, a limit boss is protruded from the outer wall of the snap ring sleeve, and a limit block is protruded from the inner wall of the shell, and the limit block abuts against the limit boss, thereby realizing the top-butting limit of the shell and the snap ring sleeve; the Ethernet connector also includes a stop member, and the stop member has a stop portion, and the stop portion is passed through the shell to abut against the end face of the snap ring sleeve facing away from the limit block, and the stop member is fixed to the shell by a buckle.

[0015] The outer conductor of this Ethernet connector consists of an integrally formed first and second conductors. The first conductor is sleeved around the terminal assembly to shield the terminal assembly and reduce electromagnetic interference, fulfilling the role of the shielding shell in traditional Ethernet connectors. The second conductor is sleeved around the conductor to provide physical support for the conductor, preventing excessive bending at the plug-in and unplug ends, fulfilling the role of the riveted shell in traditional Ethernet connectors. This Ethernet connector integrates the shielding shell and riveted shell into a single design, eliminating the need for welding. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also prevents poor welding that could degrade connector performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 An exploded view of an embodiment of an Ethernet connector provided by the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 An exploded view of a terminal assembly in an embodiment of an Ethernet connector provided by the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a terminal assembly in an embodiment of an Ethernet connector provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the outer conductor of an embodiment of the Ethernet connector provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled terminal assembly and outer conductor of an Ethernet connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a snap ring sleeve in an embodiment of an Ethernet connector provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of an Ethernet connector according to an embodiment of the present invention after the clamping ring and the outer conductor are assembled;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an Ethernet connector provided by the present invention.

[0025] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0026] 100. Ethernet connector; 1. Housing; 11. Stop block; 2. Terminal assembly; 21. Insulator; 211. Annular rib; 212. Retraction groove; 213. Advance block; 214. Retraction groove; 22. Signal terminal; 221. Spring clip; 3. Outer conductor; 31. First conductor; 311. Stop block; 312. First limiting groove; 313. Second limiting groove; 32. Second conductor; 33. Limiting portion; 331. Limiting channel; 4. Conductor; 41. Wire core; 42. Insulation layer; 43. Braided layer; 5. Snap ring; 51. Limiting boss; 52. First limiting member; 53. Second limiting member; 6. Retraction member; 61. Retraction portion.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0030] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0031] The present invention provides an Ethernet connector 100 .

[0032] See also Figure 1 An embodiment of the Ethernet connector 100 includes a housing 1, a terminal assembly 2, a wire 4 and an outer conductor 3. A mounting channel is provided in the housing 1, the terminal assembly 2 is provided in the mounting channel, the wire 4 is inserted in the mounting channel to be electrically connected to the terminal assembly 2, the outer conductor 3 is provided in the mounting channel and is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 1, the outer conductor 3 includes a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 connected as one piece, the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 are both cylindrical structures, the first conductor 31 is sleeved on the peripheral side of the terminal assembly 2, and is used to achieve signal shielding for the terminal assembly 2, the wire 4 is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor 32 to be electrically connected to the terminal assembly 2, and the second conductor 32 is used to provide physical support for the wire 4.

[0033] The Ethernet connector 100 is an in-vehicle Ethernet connector 100, wherein the housing 1 is a plastic housing, and a mounting channel is provided in the housing 1, and the terminal assembly 2 and the outer conductor 3 are both provided in the mounting channel. Figure 2 and Figure 3The terminal assembly 2 includes an insulating member 21 and at least one pair of signal terminals 22. The insulating member 21 is arranged in the installation channel of the housing 1. A signal channel is arranged in the insulating member 21. The number of signal channels is the same as the number of signal terminals 22. The signal terminals 22 are limitedly arranged in the signal channel. The outer conductor 3 is made of metal and includes a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 connected as one piece. The first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 are both cylindrical structures. The first conductor 31 is sleeved on the circumference of the insulating member 21 and is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 1. Direct fixation refers to the first conductor 31 being directly clamped and fixed to the housing 1. Indirect fixation refers to the first conductor 31 being clamped and fixed to a third object, and then the third object is clamped and fixed to the housing 1. Then, the plug-in end of the wire 4 is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor 32 to be electrically connected to the signal terminal 22.

[0034] The outer conductor 3 of the present Ethernet connector 100 comprises an integrally formed first conductor 31 and second conductor 32. The first conductor 31 is sleeved around the periphery of the terminal assembly 2 to shield the terminal assembly 2 and reduce electromagnetic interference, fulfilling the role of a shielding shell in conventional Ethernet connectors. The second conductor 32 is sleeved around the periphery of the wire 4 to provide physical support for the wire 4, preventing excessive bending at the plug-in and unplug ends of the wire 4, fulfilling the role of a riveted shell in conventional Ethernet connectors. In other words, the outer conductor 3 of the present Ethernet connector 100 achieves an integrated design of a shielding shell and a riveted shell, eliminating the need for welding. This not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also avoids the potential performance degradation of the connector due to poor welding.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The wire 4 includes a core 41, an insulating layer 42, a braided layer 43 and an outer layer arranged in sequence from the inside to the outside. The braided layer 43 partially protrudes from the outer layer, the insulating layer 42 partially protrudes from the braided layer 43, and the core 41 partially protrudes from the insulating layer 42.

[0036] In one embodiment, the outer conductor 3 further includes a limiting portion 33, which is disposed between the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 and connected to the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32. Figure 5 A limiting channel 331 is provided in the limiting portion 33. The limiting channel 331 connects the hollow chamber of the first conductor 31 and the hollow chamber of the second conductor 32. The limiting channel 331 is coaxially arranged with the signal terminal 22. The diameter of the limiting channel 331 matches the outer diameter of the insulating layer 42, thereby ensuring that the core 41 of the wire 4 can be accurately aligned with the signal terminal 22 when the wire 4 is inserted.

[0037] When the wire 4 is assembled with the signal terminal 22, the plug-in end of the wire 4 is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor 32. The braid 43 of the wire 4 is fixedly attached to the inner wall of the second conductor 32, and the end surface of the braid 43 is fixedly abutted against the end surface of the limiting portion 33. The insulating layer 42 protruding from the braid 43 is inserted into the limiting channel 331. During this process, the wire core 41 gradually approaches the signal terminal 22 until it contacts and is electrically connected to the signal terminal 22. The provision of the limiting channel 331 ensures that the wire core 41 moves along a predetermined path, achieving precise alignment with the signal terminal 22.

[0038] There are at least two signal terminals 22, and the number of limiting channels 331 matches the number of signal terminals 22, with two or more limiting channels 331 spaced apart. Thus, each signal terminal 22 corresponds to a limiting channel 331, ensuring that the wire core 41 can accurately align and contact with the corresponding signal terminal 22, while preventing crosstalk between different signal paths.

[0039] Regarding the connection between the signal terminal 22 and the insulating member 21, a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure are provided around the periphery of the signal channel. The first limiting structure is provided at the end of the signal channel facing away from the wiring harness. The first limiting structure abuts the end face of the signal terminal 22, thereby preventing the signal terminal 22 from being excessively inserted into the signal channel. The second limiting structure is spaced apart from the first limiting structure. A third limiting structure is provided around the periphery of the signal terminal 22. The third limiting structure engages with the second limiting structure to prevent the signal terminal 22 from exiting the signal channel. The provision of the first and second limiting structures ensures that the signal terminal 22 is always correctly positioned within the signal channel, preventing displacement of the signal terminal 22 within the signal channel and ensuring the stability of the connection between the signal terminal 22 and the insulating member 21.

[0040] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, an annular rib 211 protrudes inward from the end of the signal channel to form a first limiting structure. A socket is formed in the center of the annular rib 211. The socket has a first end facing away from the wiring harness and a second end facing the wiring harness. The cross-sectional dimensions of the socket gradually decrease from the first end to the second end, that is, the socket is arranged in a trumpet shape. When the user plugs the connector into the male pin, the annular rib 211 can guide the male pin, gradually correcting the position of the male pin during the plug-in process to ensure that the male pin can be accurately inserted into the predetermined position. At this time, the annular rib 211 not only stops the signal terminal 22 from advancing, but also guides the male pin to be plugged in, thereby preventing problems such as the plug terminal collapsing or retreating.

[0041] In addition, the side wall of the signal channel is recessed with a retaining groove 212 to form a second limiting structure. The side wall of the signal terminal 22 is provided with an opening, and a spring piece 221 is provided in the opening. The spring piece 221 is bent outward to form a third limiting structure. The spring piece 221 is inserted into the retaining groove 212, thereby preventing the signal terminal 22 from withdrawing from the signal channel.

[0042] When the signal terminal 22 is inserted into the signal channel, the spring piece 221 will be squeezed by the side wall and elastically contracted. When the end face of the signal terminal 22 hits the annular rib 211, the spring piece 221 just moves to face the anti-retraction groove 212. The spring piece 221 will automatically insert into the anti-retraction groove 212 under the action of its own elastic force, thereby realizing automatic locking of the signal terminal 22.

[0043] Regarding the connection between the first conductor 31 and the insulating member 21, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The outer surface of the insulating member 21 is provided with a stop block 213 and a stop groove 214. The stop block 213 is located at the end of the insulating member 21 facing away from the wire 4. The stop groove 214 is spaced apart from the stop block 213. The stop block 213 abuts the end surface of the first conductor 31, thereby preventing the first conductor 31 from moving away from the wiring harness. The first conductor 31 is provided with an inwardly protruding stop block 311, which is inserted into the stop groove 214, thereby preventing the first conductor 31 from moving toward the wiring harness.

[0044] The provision of the advance stop block 213 , the retreat stop groove 214 and the limit block 311 ensures the stability of the first conductor 31 in two directions, thereby preventing the first conductor 31 from being displaced during installation or use, and ensuring that the first conductor 31 is always in the correct installation position.

[0045] Regarding the connection between the first conductor 31 and the housing 1, refer to Figures 6 to 8 One embodiment of the Ethernet connector 100 further includes a snap ring 5, which is sleeved over the first conductor 31. The snap ring 5 is respectively engaged and fixed to the first conductor 31 and the housing 1, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the first conductor 31 and the housing 1. In other words, in this embodiment, the first conductor 31 is indirectly fixed to the housing 1, with the first conductor 31 being fixedly connected to the housing 1 via the snap ring 5.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The outer wall of the first conductor 31 is recessed with a first limiting groove 312 and a second limiting groove 313 arranged at intervals, and the snap ring sleeve 5 is protruded inward with a first limiting member 52 and a second limiting member 53. The first limiting member 52 and the second limiting member 53 are respectively inserted into the first limiting groove 312 and the second limiting groove 313, thereby realizing the clamping and fixing of the snap ring sleeve 5 and the first conductor 31.

[0047] A limiting boss 51 is protruded from the outer wall of the snap ring sleeve 5 , and a limiting block 11 is protruded from the inner wall of the shell 1 . The limiting block 11 abuts against the limiting boss 51 , thereby achieving abutment and limiting between the shell 1 and the snap ring sleeve 5 .

[0048] In addition, the Ethernet connector 100 further includes a retaining member 6 having a retaining portion 61 . The retaining portion 61 is passed through the housing 1 to abut against the end face of the retaining ring sleeve 5 facing away from the limit block 11 for limiting the position, and the retaining member 6 is fixed to the housing 1 by snapping.

[0049] The arrangement of the limiting boss 51 , the limiting block 11 and the stopper 61 ensures the stability of the snap ring 5 in two directions, thereby preventing the snap ring 5 from being displaced during installation or use, and ensuring that the first conductor 31 is always in the correct installation position.

[0050] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An Ethernet connector, characterized in that: include: a housing, wherein a mounting channel is provided in the housing; a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly being disposed in the mounting channel; an outer conductor, the outer conductor being disposed in the mounting channel and being directly or indirectly fixed to the housing, the outer conductor comprising a first conductor and a second conductor connected as one body, the first conductor and the second conductor both being cylindrical in structure, the first conductor being sleeved around the circumference of the terminal assembly for providing signal shielding for the terminal assembly; A wire is inserted into the hollow channel of the second conductor to be electrically connected to the terminal assembly, and the second conductor is used to provide physical support for the wire.

2. The Ethernet connector according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal assembly includes an insulating member and a signal terminal. The insulating member is arranged in the installation channel. A signal channel is provided in the insulating member. The signal terminal is limitedly provided in the signal channel. The first conductor is sleeved on the circumference of the insulating member and is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing.

3. The Ethernet connector according to claim 2, wherein: The outer conductor further includes a limiting portion, which is disposed between the first conductor and the second conductor and connected to the first conductor and the second conductor; A limiting channel is provided in the limiting portion, the limiting channel communicating with the hollow chamber of the first conductor and the hollow chamber of the second conductor, and the limiting channel is coaxially arranged with the signal terminal, thereby ensuring that the core of the wire can be precisely aligned with the signal terminal.

4. The Ethernet connector according to claim 2, wherein: A first limiting structure and a second limiting structure are provided on the circumference of the signal channel, wherein the first limiting structure is provided at an end of the signal channel away from the wire, and the first limiting structure abuts against an end surface of the signal terminal, thereby preventing the signal terminal from being excessively inserted into the signal channel; The second limiting structure is spaced apart from the first limiting structure. A third limiting structure is provided around the signal terminal. The third limiting structure engages with the second limiting structure to prevent the signal terminal from exiting the signal channel.

5. The Ethernet connector according to claim 4, wherein: An annular rib is protruded inward at the end of the signal channel to form the first limiting structure. A socket is formed in the center of the annular rib. The socket has a first end facing away from the wire and a second end facing the wire. The cross-sectional size of the socket gradually shrinks from the first end to the second end.

6. The Ethernet connector according to claim 4, wherein: The side wall of the signal channel is recessed with a retaining groove to form the second limiting structure. The side wall of the signal terminal is provided with an opening, and a spring piece is provided in the opening. The spring piece is bent outward to form the third limiting structure. The spring piece is inserted into the retaining groove to prevent the signal terminal from withdrawing from the signal channel.

7. The Ethernet connector according to claim 2, wherein: The outer surface of the insulating member is provided with a stop block and a stop groove, the stop block is provided at an end of the insulating member away from the wire, the stop groove is spaced apart from the stop block, and the stop block abuts against the end surface of the first conductor, thereby preventing the first conductor from moving in a direction away from the wire; A limiting block is protruded inwardly from the first conductor, and the limiting block is inserted into the anti-retraction groove, thereby preventing the first conductor from moving toward the direction where the wire is located.

8. The Ethernet connector according to claim 1, wherein: The Ethernet connector further includes a snap ring sleeve, which is sleeved on the first conductor and is respectively snap-connected and fixed to the first conductor and the shell, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the first conductor and the shell.

9. The Ethernet connector according to claim 8, wherein: The outer side wall of the first conductor is recessed with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove arranged at intervals, and the clamping ring sleeve is protruded inwardly with a first limiting piece and a second limiting piece, and the first limiting piece and the second limiting piece are respectively inserted into the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove, thereby realizing the clamping fixation of the clamping ring sleeve and the first conductor.

10. The Ethernet connector according to claim 8, wherein The outer wall of the snap ring sleeve is provided with a limit boss, and the inner wall of the shell is provided with a limit block, and the limit block abuts against the limit boss, thereby achieving the abutment and limiting of the shell and the snap ring sleeve; The Ethernet connector further comprises a retaining member having a retaining portion, the retaining portion being passed through the housing to abut against the end face of the snap ring sleeve facing away from the limit block for limiting position, and the retaining member is fixed to the housing by snapping.

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