Position retainer, connector housing assembly, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a position retainer, a connector housing assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The position retaining piece is suitable for being movably inserted into a shell of the connector and is used for retaining an elastic buckle on the shell at a locking position where the elastic buckle is jointed with a locking bulge on a matched shell. And when the elastic buckle is kept at the locking position by the position keeping piece and the elastic buckle is jointed with the locking bulge, the locking bulge applies a preset jacking force on the position keeping piece so as to increase the frictional resistance between the position keeping piece and the shell and the insertion and extraction force for inserting and extracting the position keeping piece. According to the utility model, because the position retaining piece can be pushed by the locking bulge of the matched shell, the frictional resistance between the position retaining piece and the shell and the insertion and extraction force for inserting and extracting the position retaining piece can be increased, so that the position retaining piece is not easy to move accidentally, and the use safety is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a position keeping piece, a connector housing assembly comprising the position keeping piece, a connector comprising the connector housing assembly and a connector assembly comprising the connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, a connector generally comprises a housing, a terminal and a position keeping piece. The terminal is disposed in the housing. An elastic catch for engaging with a locking protrusion on a counter-housing is formed on the housing. The position keeping piece is movably inserted into the housing and is movable between a pre-locking position and a final-locking position. When the position keeping piece is in the pre-locking position, the position keeping piece allows the elastic catch to move between a locking position in which the elastic catch is engaged with the locking protrusion and an unlocking position in which the elastic catch is disengaged from the locking protrusion; when the position keeping piece is in the final-locking position, the position keeping piece is in a blocking position that blocks the elastic catch from moving from the locking position to the unlocking position to prevent the elastic catch from being accidentally unlocked. However, the existing position keeping piece has a small insertion and extraction force and is easily moved accidentally, which can result in unsafe use. SUMMARY

[0003] The utility model aims to solve at least one aspect of the above problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the utility model, a position keeping piece is provided. The position keeping piece is adapted to be movably inserted into a housing of a connector for keeping an elastic catch on the housing in a locking position in which the elastic catch is engaged with a locking protrusion on a counter-housing. When the elastic catch is kept in the locking position by the position keeping piece and the elastic catch is engaged with the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion exerts a predetermined thrusting force on the position keeping piece to increase a frictional resistance between the position keeping piece and the housing and an insertion and extraction force of the position keeping piece.

[0005] According to one exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the position keeping piece comprises a plate-shaped body, an elastic arm structure formed on the plate-shaped body and a thrusting boss formed on the elastic arm structure. When the position keeping piece is inserted into the housing of the connector, the thrusting boss is located in a clamping groove of the elastic catch for engaging with the locking protrusion. When the elastic catch is kept in the locking position by the position keeping piece and the elastic catch is engaged with the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion exerts the predetermined thrusting force on the thrusting boss of the position keeping piece.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position holding member is capable of moving along the lateral direction of the housing between a pre-lock position and a final-lock position; when the position holding member is in the pre-lock position, the position holding member allows the elastic buckle to move between a locked position engaging with the locking protrusion on the counter-housing and an unlocked position disengaging from the locking protrusion; when the position holding member is in the final-lock position, the position holding member is in a blocking position blocking the elastic buckle from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, so as to prevent the elastic buckle from being unlocked accidentally.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, when the housing is not counter-housed with the counter-housing and the position holding member is in the pre-lock position, the position holding member interferes with the elastic buckle in the lateral direction, so that the position holding member cannot be moved from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position; when the housing has been counter-housed with the counter-housing, the locking protrusion exerts the predetermined pushing force on the position holding member and pushes the position holding member upward to a position where the position holding member does not interfere with the elastic buckle in the lateral direction, so as to allow the position holding member to move between the pre-lock position and the final-lock position.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position holding member comprises: a plate-shaped body; and an elastic pressing arm connected to the bottom of the plate-shaped body, the elastic pressing arm pressing on the elastic buckle to increase the elastic restoring force of the elastic buckle, so that the elastic buckle can be reliably restored from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the position holding member further comprises: a limiting boss formed on the elastic arm structure. The bottom surface of the pushing boss is lower than the bottom surface of the limiting boss. When the housing is not counter-housed with the counter-housing and the position holding member is in the pre-lock position, the limiting boss of the position holding member is in a first position blocking the position holding member from moving from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position. When the housing has been counter-housed with the counter-housing and the position holding member is in the pre-lock position, the locking protrusion pushes the pushing boss upward so that the limiting boss is moved upward to a second position allowing the position holding member to move from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, when the housing is not counter-housed with the counter-housing and the position holding member is in the pre-lock position, the limiting boss and the pushing boss of the position holding member are accommodated in the clamping groove of the elastic buckle and the bottom surface of the limiting boss is lower than the top surface of the elastic buckle, so as to block the position holding member from moving from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, when the limiting boss is pushed upwards by the locking protrusion to the second position, the bottom surface of the limiting boss is slightly higher than the top surface of the elastic buckle, to allow the position holder to move between the pre-locking position and the final locking position; when the shell has been mated with the mating shell and the position holder is moved to the final locking position, the limiting boss is above the top surface of the elastic buckle and is adapted to abut on the top surface of the elastic buckle, to block the elastic buckle from being moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, two first grooves are formed on the plate-shaped body of the position holder, the two first grooves are arranged side by side and extend along the transverse direction of the shell for a predetermined length; the elastic arm structure is defined between the two first grooves, the limiting boss is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure, and the pushing boss is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present utility model, a connector shell assembly is provided. The connector shell assembly comprises: a shell, a top portion of which is formed with an elastic buckle for engaging with a locking protrusion on a mating shell; and the aforementioned position holder, which is movably inserted into the shell. When the elastic buckle is held in the locking position by the position holder and the elastic buckle is engaged with the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position holder, to increase the frictional resistance between the position holder and the shell and the insertion and extraction force for inserting and extracting the position holder.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the position holder is movable relative to the shell along the transverse direction of the shell between a pre-locking position and a final locking position; when the position holder is in the pre-locking position, the position holder allows the elastic buckle to move between a locking position in which the elastic buckle is engaged with the locking protrusion on the mating shell and an unlocking position in which the elastic buckle is disengaged from the locking protrusion; when the position holder is in the final locking position, the position holder is in a blocking position that blocks the elastic buckle from moving from the locking position to the unlocking position, to prevent the elastic buckle from being unlocked accidentally.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, when the shell is not mated with the mating shell and the position retaining member is in the pre-lock position, the position retaining member is laterally interfered with the elastic buckle, so that the position retaining member cannot be moved from the pre-lock position to the final lock position; when the shell has been mated with the mating shell, the locking protrusion exerts the predetermined pushing force on the position retaining member and pushes the position retaining member upward to a position where the position retaining member is not laterally interfered with the elastic buckle, to allow the position retaining member to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a clamping groove is formed on the elastic buckle for engaging with the locking protrusion; when the shell is not mated with the mating shell and the position retaining member is in the pre-lock position, the limiting boss and the pushing boss of the position retaining member are accommodated in the clamping groove of the elastic buckle and the bottom surface of the limiting boss is lower than the top surface of the elastic buckle, to block the position retaining member from being moved from the pre-lock position to the final lock position.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, when the limiting boss is pushed upward to the second position by the locking protrusion, the bottom surface of the limiting boss is slightly higher than the top surface of the elastic buckle, to allow the position retaining member to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position; when the shell has been mated with the mating shell and the position retaining member is moved to the final lock position, the limiting boss is located above the top surface of the elastic buckle and is adapted to abut against the top surface of the elastic buckle, to block the elastic buckle from being moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, two first grooves are formed on the plate-shaped body of the position retaining member, the two first grooves are arranged side by side and extend a predetermined length along the lateral direction of the shell; the elastic arm structure is defined between the two first grooves, the limiting boss is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure, and the pushing boss is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the elastic buckle comprises: an elastic arm, which is formed with the clamping groove; and a support rib, which is connected between the elastic arm and the top wall of the shell, the elastic arm is suspended by the support rib above the top wall of the shell, the support rib is close to the rear end of the elastic arm, and the rear end of the elastic arm serves as an unlocking portion, so that the elastic buckle can be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position by pressing the rear end of the elastic arm.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a pair of vertical side plates are formed on the top wall of the housing and are opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and the elastic buckle is located between the pair of vertical side plates; and a slot is formed on each of the pair of vertical side plates, and the position retaining member is movably inserted into the slot of the pair of vertical side plates.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a pair of vertical side plates are formed on the top wall of the housing and are opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and the elastic buckle is located between the pair of vertical side plates; and a slot is formed on each of the pair of vertical side plates, and the position retaining member is movably inserted into the slot of the pair of vertical side plates.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, a pair of vertical side plates are formed on the top wall of the housing and are opposite to each other in the lateral direction, and the elastic buckle is located between the pair of vertical side plates; and a slot is formed on each of the pair of vertical side plates, and the position retaining member is movably inserted into the slot of the pair of vertical side plates.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present application, a connector is provided. The connector includes: the aforementioned connector housing assembly; and a terminal disposed in the housing.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present application, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the mating connector includes: a mating housing mating with the housing; and a mating terminal disposed in the mating housing and mating with the terminal. A locking protrusion is formed on the mating housing, and the locking protrusion engages with the elastic buckle on the housing and pushes the position retaining member upward to increase the insertion and extraction force of the position retaining member.

[0026] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present application, the position retaining member can be pushed by the locking protrusion of the mating housing, thereby increasing the frictional resistance between the position retaining member and the housing and the insertion and extraction force of the position retaining member, so that the position retaining member is not easily moved accidentally, and the safety in use is improved.

[0027] Other objects and advantages of the present application will be readily understood through the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to fully understand the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a housing of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a position retainer of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the bottom;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a pre-lock position;

[0032] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a final lock position;

[0033] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a pre-lock position;

[0034] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a connector housing assembly and a counter housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a pre-lock position;

[0035] Figure 8 shows an assembled view of a connector housing assembly and a counter housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a pre-lock position;

[0036] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly and a counter housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a pre-lock position;

[0037] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector housing assembly and a counter housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, with the position retainer in a final lock position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The technical solutions of the present application will be further described below by way of examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the description, identical or similar reference numerals indicate identical or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept of the present application, and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0039] Additionally, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the accompanying drawings.

[0040] According to another general inventive concept of the present application, a position retainer is provided. The position retainer is adapted to be movably fitted to a housing of a connector for retaining a resilient catch on the housing in a locked position in engagement with a locking protrusion on a mating housing. When the resilient catch is retained in the locked position by the position retainer and the resilient catch is in engagement with the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position retainer to increase a frictional resistance between the position retainer and the housing and a plug-in force for plugging in the position retainer.

[0041] According to another general inventive concept of the present application, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes a housing having a resilient catch formed at a top portion thereof for engagement with a locking protrusion on a mating housing, and the aforementioned position retainer movably fitted to the housing. When the resilient catch is retained in the locked position by the position retainer and the resilient catch is in engagement with the locking protrusion, the locking protrusion exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position retainer to increase a frictional resistance between the position retainer and the housing and a plug-in force for plugging in the position retainer.

[0042] According to another general inventive concept of the present application, a connector is provided. The connector includes the aforementioned connector housing assembly, and a terminal disposed in the housing.

[0043] According to another general inventive concept of the present application, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector, and a mating connector mated with the connector.

[0044] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of a housing 1 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a position retainer 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown as viewed from a bottom;

[0045] Figure 4 A perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown, in which a position retainer 2 is in a pre-lock position;Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the final lock position; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the pre-lock position; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the connector housing assembly and the mating housing 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the pre-lock position; Figure 8 shows an assembled view of the connector housing assembly and the mating housing 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the pre-lock position; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector housing assembly and the mating housing 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the pre-lock position; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector housing assembly and the mating housing 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the position retainer 2 is in the final lock position.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 10 In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a position retainer 2 is disclosed. The position retainer 2 is adapted to be movably inserted into a housing 1 of a connector for retaining a resilient catch 10 on the housing 1 in a locked position for engaging with a locking protrusion 30 on a mating housing 3. When the resilient catch 10 is retained in the locked position by the position retainer 2 and the resilient catch 10 is engaged with the locking protrusion 30, the locking protrusion 30 exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position retainer 2 to increase the frictional resistance between the position retainer 2 and the housing 1 and the insertion and extraction force for inserting and extracting the position retainer 2.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the position retainer 2 includes a plate-shaped body 20, a spring arm structure 23, and a pushing boss 22. The spring arm structure 23 is formed on the plate-shaped body 20. The pushing boss 22 is formed on the spring arm structure 23. When the position retainer 2 is inserted into the housing 1 of the connector, the pushing boss 22 is located in a clamping groove 101 of the resilient catch 10 for engaging with the locking protrusion 30. When the resilient catch 10 is retained in the locked position by the position retainer 2 and the resilient catch 10 is engaged with the locking protrusion 30, the locking protrusion 30 pushes the spring arm structure 23 of the position retainer 2 to exert a predetermined pushing force on the position retainer 2.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing has a transverse direction (X), a longitudinal direction (Y), and a height direction (Z). The position retainer 2 is movable relative to the housing 1 along the transverse direction (X) between a pre-locked position and a final-locked position. When the position retainer 2 is in the pre-locked position, it allows the resilient latch 10 to move between a locked position engaging with a locking protrusion 30 on the mating housing 3 and an unlocked position disengaging from the locking protrusion 30. When the position retainer 2 is in the final-locked position, it is in a blocking position that prevents the resilient latch 10 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, thus preventing accidental unlocking of the resilient latch 10.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the housing 1 is not mated with the mating housing 3 and the position retainer 2 is in the pre-locked position, the position retainer 2 interferes laterally with the elastic buckle 10, preventing the position retainer 2 from being moved from the pre-locked position to the final locked position. When the housing 1 is mated with the mating housing 3, the locking protrusion 30 applies a predetermined pushing force to the position retainer 2 and pushes the position retainer 2 upward to a position where it does not interfere laterally with the elastic buckle 10, allowing the position retainer 2 to move between the pre-locked position and the final locked position.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the position retainer 2 further includes an elastic pressing arm 25, which is connected to the bottom of the plate-like body 20. The elastic pressing arm 25 presses against the elastic buckle 10 to increase the elastic restoring force of the elastic buckle 10, so that the elastic buckle 10 can reliably return from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the position retainer 2 further includes a limiting boss 21. The limiting boss 21 is formed on the spring arm structure 23. A pushing boss 22 is formed on the spring arm structure 23, and its bottom surface is lower than the bottom surface of the limiting boss 21. When the housing 1 is not mated with the mating housing 3 and the position retainer 2 is in the pre-locked position, the limiting boss 21 of the position retainer 2 is in a first position that prevents the position retainer 2 from moving from the pre-locked position to the final locked position. When the housing 1 has mated with the mating housing 3 and the position retainer 2 is in the pre-locked position, the locking protrusion 30 pushes the pushing boss 22 upward, causing the limiting boss 21 to be moved upward to a second position that allows the position retainer 2 to move from the pre-locked position to the final locked position.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the housing 1 is not mated with the mating housing 3 and the position retainer 2 is in the pre-locked position, the limiting boss 21 and the pushing boss 22 of the position retainer 2 are accommodated in the slot 101 of the elastic buckle 10, and the bottom surface of the limiting boss 21 is lower than the top surface of the elastic buckle 10, so as to prevent the position retainer 2 from moving from the pre-locked position to the final locked position.

[0053] As Figures 1 to 10 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the limiting boss 21 is pushed upward by the locking protrusion 30 to the second position, the bottom surface of the limiting boss 21 is slightly higher than the top surface of the elastic buckle 10, to allow the position retaining member 2 to move between the pre-locking position and the final locking position. When the shell 1 has been mated with the counter shell 3 and the position retaining member 2 is moved to the final locking position, the limiting boss 21 is located above the top surface of the elastic buckle 10 and is adapted to abut on the top surface of the elastic buckle 10, to block the elastic buckle 10 from being moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0054] As Figures 1 to 10 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, two first grooves 201 are formed on the plate-shaped body 20 of the position retaining member 2, the two first grooves 201 are arranged side by side and extend along the transverse direction X of the shell 1 for a predetermined length. The elastic arm structure 23 is defined between the two first grooves 201, the limiting boss 21 is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure 23, and the pushing boss 22 is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss 21.

[0055] As Figures 1 to 10 shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the utility model, a connector shell assembly is also disclosed. The connector shell assembly comprises: a shell 1 and a position retaining member 2. An elastic buckle 10 is formed on the top of the shell 1 for engaging with the locking protrusion 30 on the counter shell 3. The position retaining member 2 is movably inserted into the shell 1. When the elastic buckle 10 is kept in the locking position by the position retaining member 2 and the elastic buckle 10 engages with the locking protrusion 30, the locking protrusion 30 exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position retaining member 2, to increase the frictional resistance between the position retaining member 2 and the shell 1 and the plugging force for plugging the position retaining member 2.

[0056] As Figures 1 to 10 shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the position retaining member 2 is movable relative to the shell 1 along the transverse direction X of the shell 1 between the pre-locking position and the final locking position. When the position retaining member 2 is in the pre-locking position, the position retaining member 2 allows the elastic buckle 10 to move between the locking position of engaging with the locking protrusion 30 on the counter shell 3 and the unlocking position of disengaging from the locking protrusion 30. When the position retaining member 2 is in the final locking position, the position retaining member 2 is in a blocking position of blocking the elastic buckle 10 from moving from the locking position to the unlocking position, to prevent the elastic buckle 10 from being unlocked accidentally.

[0057] As Figures 1 to 10As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the housing 1 is not mated with the counter housing 3 and the position holding member 2 is in the pre-lock position, the position holding member 2 interferes with the elastic catch 10 in the lateral direction, so that the position holding member 2 cannot be moved from the pre-lock position to the final lock position. When the housing 1 has been mated with the counter housing 3, the locking protrusion 30 exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position holding member 2 and pushes the position holding member 2 upward to a position where the position holding member 2 does not interfere with the elastic catch 10 in the lateral direction, to allow the position holding member 2 to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position.

[0058] As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a locking protrusion 30 is formed on the top wall of the housing 1. The locking protrusion 30 is adapted to be engaged with the elastic catch 10. When the housing 1 is mated with the counter housing 3, the locking protrusion 30 exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position holding member 2 and pushes the position holding member 2 upward to a position where the position holding member 2 does not interfere with the elastic catch 10 in the lateral direction, to allow the position holding member 2 to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a locking protrusion 30 is formed on the top wall of the housing 1. The locking protrusion 30 is adapted to be engaged with the elastic catch 10. When the housing 1 is mated with the counter housing 3, the locking protrusion 30 exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position holding member 2 and pushes the position holding member 2 upward to a position where the position holding member 2 does not interfere with the elastic catch 10 in the lateral direction, to allow the position holding member 2 to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position.

[0059] Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, when the position holding member 2 is moved to the final lock position, the limiting boss 21 is located above the top surface of the elastic catch 10 and is adapted to abut against the top surface of the elastic catch 10, to block the elastic catch 10 from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the position holding member 2 is moved to the pre-lock position, the limiting boss 21 is located below the top surface of the elastic catch 10, to allow the position holding member 2 to be moved between the pre-lock position and the final lock position.

[0060] As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, two first grooves 201 are formed on the plate-shaped body 20 of the position holding member 2. The two first grooves 201 are arranged side by side and extend along the lateral direction X of the housing 1 for a predetermined length. The elastic arm structure 23 of the position holding member 2 is defined between the two first grooves 201. The limiting boss 21 is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure 23, and the pushing boss 22 is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss 21. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic catch 10 includes an elastic arm 100 and a support rib 102. The elastic arm 100 is formed with the catch groove 101. The support rib 102 is connected between the elastic arm 100 and the top wall of the housing 1. The elastic arm 100 is suspended by the support rib 102 above the top wall of the housing 1, and the support rib 102 is located close to the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100. The rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100 serves as an unlocking portion, so that the elastic catch 10 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100.

[0061] Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic catch 10 includes an elastic arm 100 and a support rib 102. The elastic arm 100 is formed with the catch groove 101. The support rib 102 is connected between the elastic arm 100 and the top wall of the housing 1. The elastic arm 100 is suspended by the support rib 102 above the top wall of the housing 1, and the support rib 102 is located close to the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100. The rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100 serves as an unlocking portion, so that the elastic catch 10 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100.

[0062] As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic catch 10 includes an elastic arm 100 and a support rib 102. The elastic arm 100 is formed with the catch groove 101. The support rib 102 is connected between the elastic arm 100 and the top wall of the housing 1. The elastic arm 100 is suspended by the support rib 102 above the top wall of the housing 1, and the support rib 102 is located close to the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100. The rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100 serves as an unlocking portion, so that the elastic catch 10 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the rear end 10a of the elastic arm 100. Figures 1 to 10 ​​As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12.

[0063] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12. Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12.

[0064] Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12.

[0065] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12. Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12.

[0066] ​ As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of vertical side plates 12 opposite in the lateral direction X are formed on the top wall of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 10 is located between the pair of vertical side plates 12. The position holding member 2 is movably inserted into the slots 12a of the pair of vertical side plates 12.

[0067] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make improvements, and the structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of the utility model.

[0068] ​​Although the utility model has been described in conjunction with the drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the utility model and cannot be understood as a limitation of the utility model.

[0069] Although some embodiments of the general concept of the utility model have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the utility model, and the scope of the utility model is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0070] It should be noted that the wording "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the wording "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any reference signs in the claims should not be understood as limiting the scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A position retainer adapted to be movably fitted to a housing (1) of a connector for retaining a resilient catch (10) on the housing (1) in a locked position in engagement with a locking protrusion (30) on a mating housing (3), characterized in that: when the resilient catch (10) is retained in the locked position by the position retainer (2) and the resilient catch (10) is engaged with the locking protrusion (30), the locking protrusion (30) exerts a predetermined thrust force on the position retainer (2) to increase a frictional resistance between the position retainer (2) and the housing (1) and a plug-in force for plugging in the position retainer (2).

2. The position retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that: the position retainer comprises: a plate-shaped body (20); a spring arm structure (23) formed on the plate-shaped body (20); and a thrust boss (22) formed on the spring arm structure (23), the thrust boss (22) is located in a clamping groove (101) of the resilient catch (10) for engagement with the locking protrusion (30) when the position retainer is fitted to the housing (1) of the connector, the locking protrusion (30) exerts the predetermined thrust force on the thrust boss (22) of the position retainer (2) when the resilient catch (10) is retained in the locked position by the position retainer (2) and the resilient catch (10) is engaged with the locking protrusion (30).

3. The position retainer according to claim 2, characterized in that: the position retainer (2) is movable relative to the housing (1) along a transverse direction (X) of the housing (1) between a pre-lock position and a final-lock position, the position retainer (2) allows the resilient catch (10) to move between a locked position in engagement with the locking protrusion (30) on the mating housing (3) and an unlocked position out of engagement with the locking protrusion (30) when the position retainer (2) is in the pre-lock position, the position retainer (2) is in a blocking position that blocks the resilient catch (10) from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position when the position retainer (2) is in the final-lock position to prevent the resilient catch (10) from being unlocked accidentally.

4. The position retainer according to claim 3, characterized in that: the position retainer (2) interferes laterally with the resilient catch (10) when the housing (1) is not mated with the mating housing (3) and the position retainer (2) is in the pre-lock position, so that the position retainer (2) cannot be moved from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position, the locking protrusion (30) exerts the predetermined thrust force on the position retainer (2) and thrusts the position retainer (2) upward to a position where the position retainer (2) does not interfere laterally with the resilient catch (10) when the housing (1) has been mated with the mating housing (3) to allow the position retainer (2) to move between the pre-lock position and the final-lock position.

5. The position retainer according to claim 3, characterized in that: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The position holding member (2) further comprises: a resilient pressing arm (25) connected to the bottom of the plate-shaped body (20), The resilient pressing arm (25) presses on the elastic buckle (10) to increase the resilient restoring force of the elastic buckle (10), so that the elastic buckle (10) can be reliably restored from the unlocked position to the locked position.

6. The position holding member according to claim 4, wherein: The position holding member (2) further comprises: a limiting boss (21) formed on the elastic arm structure (23), The bottom surface of the pushing boss (22) is lower than the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21), when the shell (1) is not mated with the mating shell (3) and the position holding member (2) is in the pre-locking position, the limiting boss (21) of the position holding member (2) is in a first position which blocks the movement of the position holding member (2) from the pre-locking position to the final locking position; When the shell (1) has been mated with the mating shell (3) and the position holding member (2) is in the pre-locking position, the locking protrusion (30) pushes the pushing boss (22) upward so that the limiting boss (21) is moved upward to a second position which allows the movement of the position holding member (2) from the pre-locking position to the final locking position.

7. The position holding member according to claim 6, wherein: When the shell (1) is not mated with the mating shell (3) and the position holding member (2) is in the pre-locking position, the limiting boss (21) and the pushing boss (22) of the position holding member (2) are accommodated in the clamping groove (101) of the elastic buckle (10) and the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21) is lower than the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to block the movement of the position holding member (2) from the pre-locking position to the final locking position.

8. The position holding member according to claim 7, wherein: When the limiting boss (21) is pushed upward to the second position by the locking protrusion (30), the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21) is slightly higher than the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to allow the movement of the position holding member (2) between the pre-locking position and the final locking position; When the shell (1) has been mated with the mating shell (3) and the position holding member (2) is moved to the final locking position, the limiting boss (21) is located above the top surface of the elastic buckle (10) and is adapted to abut against the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to block the movement of the elastic buckle (10) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

9. The position holding member according to claim 6, wherein: two first grooves (201) are formed on the plate-shaped body (20) of the position holding member (2), the two first grooves (201) are arranged side by side and extend along the transverse direction (X) of the shell (1) by a predetermined length; The elastic arm structure (23) is defined between the two first grooves (201), the limiting boss (21) is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure (23), and the pushing boss (22) is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21).

10. A connector housing assembly characterized by, Comprise: A shell (1) having an elastic buckle (10) formed at the top thereof for engaging with a locking protrusion (30) on a counter shell (3); And The position retainer (2) of any one of claims 1-9 is movably inserted into the shell (1), When the elastic buckle (10) is retained in the locking position by the position retainer (2) and the elastic buckle (10) is engaged with the locking protrusion (30), the locking protrusion (30) exerts a predetermined pushing force on the position retainer (2) to increase the frictional resistance between the position retainer (2) and the shell (1) and the insertion and extraction force of the position retainer (2).

11. The connector shell assembly of claim 10, wherein: The position retainer (2) is movable relative to the shell (1) along the transverse direction (X) of the shell (1) between a pre-locking position and a final-locking position; When the position retainer (2) is in the pre-locking position, the position retainer (2) allows the elastic buckle (10) to move between a locking position engaged with the locking protrusion (30) on the counter shell (3) and an unlocking position disengaged from the locking protrusion (30); When the position retainer (2) is in the final-locking position, the position retainer (2) is in a blocking position that blocks the elastic buckle (10) from moving from the locking position to the unlocking position to prevent the elastic buckle (10) from being accidentally unlocked.

12. The connector shell assembly of claim 11, wherein: When the shell (1) is not mated with the counter shell (3) and the position retainer (2) is in the pre-locking position, the position retainer (2) is in transverse interference with the elastic buckle (10) such that the position retainer (2) cannot be moved from the pre-locking position to the final-locking position; When the shell (1) has been mated with the counter shell (3), the locking protrusion (30) exerts the predetermined pushing force on the position retainer (2) and pushes the position retainer (2) upward to a position that is not in transverse interference with the elastic buckle (10) to allow the position retainer (2) to move between the pre-locking position and the final-locking position.

13. The connector shell assembly of claim 12, wherein: A clamping groove (101) is formed on the elastic buckle (10) for engaging with the locking protrusion (30); When the shell (1) is not mated with the counter shell (3) and the position holder (2) is in the pre-lock position, the limiting boss (21) and the pushing boss (22) of the position holder (2) are accommodated in the clamping groove (101) of the elastic buckle (10) and the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21) is lower than the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to block the movement of the position holder (2) from the pre-lock position to the final lock position.

14. The connector shell assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: When the limiting boss (21) is pushed upward by the locking protrusion (30) to the second position, the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21) is slightly higher than the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to allow the position holder (2) to move between the pre-lock position and the final lock position; When the shell (1) has been mated with the counter shell (3) and the position holder (2) is moved to the final lock position, the limiting boss (21) is located above the top surface of the elastic buckle (10) and is adapted to abut against the top surface of the elastic buckle (10), so as to block the movement of the elastic buckle (10) from the locking position to the unlocking position.

15. The connector shell assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: Two first grooves (201) are formed on the plate-shaped body (20) of the position holder (2), the two first grooves (201) are arranged side by side and extend along the transverse direction (X) of the shell (1) by a predetermined length; The elastic arm structure (23) of the position holder (2) is defined between the two first grooves (201), the limiting boss (21) is formed on the bottom surface of the elastic arm structure (23), and the pushing boss (22) is formed on the bottom surface of the limiting boss (21).

16. The connector shell assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that: The elastic buckle (10) comprises: an elastic arm (100) formed with the clamping groove (101); and a support rib (102) connected between the elastic arm (100) and the top wall of the shell (1), the elastic arm (100) is suspended above the top wall of the shell (1) by the support rib (102), the support rib (102) is close to the rear end (10a) of the elastic arm (100), the rear end (10a) of the elastic arm (100) serves as an unlocking portion, so that the elastic buckle (10) can be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position by pressing the rear end (10a) of the elastic arm (100).

17. The connector shell assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: a pair of vertical side plates (12) opposite in the transverse direction (X) are formed on the top wall of the shell (1), and the elastic buckle (10) is located between the pair of vertical side plates (12); an insertion slot (12a) is formed on the pair of vertical side plates (12), and the position holder (2) is movably inserted into the insertion slot (12a) of the pair of vertical side plates (12).

18. The connector housing assembly according to claim 17, characterized by: resilient arms (24) are formed on both sides of the plate-shaped body (20) of the position retainer (2), and first and second protrusions (241, 242) are formed on the resilient arms (24); when the position retainer (2) is in the pre-lock position, the first and second protrusions (241, 242) abut against the inner and outer sides of one vertical side plate (12) respectively to retain the position retainer (2) in the pre-lock position; when the position retainer (2) is in the final-lock position, the second protrusion (242) abuts against the inner side of the one vertical side plate (12) to retain the position retainer (2) in the final-lock position.

19. The connector housing assembly according to claim 18, characterized by: a second groove (202) for forming the resilient arms (24) is formed on both sides of the plate-shaped body (20) of the position retainer (2) respectively, and the second groove (202) and the resilient arms (24) are arranged side by side and extend a predetermined length along the transverse direction (X) of the housing (1).

20. A connector characterized by comprising: comprising: the connector housing assembly according to any one of claims 10-19; and terminals disposed in the housing (1).

21. A connector assembly comprising: comprising: the connector according to claim 20; and a counterpart connector that is counterpart to the connector.

22. The connector assembly according to claim 21, characterized by: the counterpart connector comprises: a counterpart housing (3) that is counterpart to the housing (1); and counterpart terminals disposed in the counterpart housing (3) and counterpart to the terminals, and a locking protrusion (30) is formed on the counterpart housing (3), the locking protrusion (30) engages with the elastic catch (10) on the housing (1) and pushes the position retainer (2) upward to increase the plugging force of the position retainer (2).

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