Lockable connector assembly and lockable connector
By setting connector position guarantee components and locking components separately in the connector assembly, and utilizing the cooperation of locking tongue and limiting ribs, the problem of connector miniaturization is solved, enabling application in space-constrained locations and vibration-resistant separation capability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520069394.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-10-09
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-13
AI Technical Summary
The existing connector positioning system, which places both the securing and locking components on the same connector, makes it difficult to miniaturize the connector and prevents its application in space-constrained environments.
Design a lockable connector assembly, wherein a connector position guaranteeing component and a locking component are respectively disposed on a first connector and a second connector that can be mated, and the positioning and locking of the connector are achieved by the cooperation of a locking tongue and a limiting rib to prevent disengagement.
This technology enables the miniaturization of connectors, making them suitable for installation in space-constrained locations and effectively preventing connectors from coming loose due to vibration or other factors.
Smart Images

Figure CN223828828U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model relates to a connector assembly, particularly to a lockable connector assembly, which can prevent the mutual separation of the mutually fitted connectors. BACKGROUND
[0002] Connectors having a connector position assurance (CPA) member are known. The connector position assurance member is used to prevent the mutual separation of the mutually fitted connectors. Such a connector (generally a plug connector) has both the connector position assurance member and the locking member. For example, US Patent No. US11228130B2 has disclosed such a connector.
[0003] However, because the connector position assurance member and the locking member are provided in the same connector, such a connector is difficult to be miniaturized and cannot be applied to a space-limited place. SUMMARY
[0004] One of the objects of the utility model is to provide a lockable connector assembly, which can prevent the mutual separation of the mutually fitted two connectors in the lockable connector assembly due to vibration or other factors.
[0005] Another object of the utility model is to provide a lockable connector assembly, which can be miniaturized and is suitable to be installed in a space-limited place.
[0006] According to the first aspect of the utility model, a lockable connector assembly is provided, which comprises a first connector and a second connector, the second connector being capable of being fitted with the first connector in a first direction, the first connector comprising:
[0007] a first insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting at least a part of the second connector;
[0008] at least one first contact piece held by the first insulating housing; and
[0009] a connector position assurance member having a locking tongue, the connector position assurance member being pivotally provided on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction and being capable of being pivotally moved between a first position and a second position, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction;
[0010] the second connector comprising:
[0011] a second insulating housing having a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and there being a gap between the locking arm and the housing body;
[0012] at least one second contact member held by the second insulating housing, the at least one second contact member being in electrical contact with the at least one first contact member when the second connector is fitted with the first connector;
[0013] wherein the locking arm is formed with first engaging means and is constantly biased to a locking position in the second direction, such that when the second connector is fitted with the first connector, the first engaging means engages with second engaging means formed in the first connector, preventing the second connector from being detached from the first connector, and by biasing the locking arm away from the locking position, the first engaging means is disengaged from the second engaging means, allowing the second connector to be detached from the first connector;
[0014] when the second connector has been fitted with the first connector and the locking arm is in the locking position, when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position, the locking tongue is positioned outside the gap, allowing the locking arm to be biased away from the locking position, and when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the locking tongue is positioned inside the gap, preventing the locking arm from being biased away from the locking position.
[0015] According to the lockable connector assembly of the present application, the first connector further comprises positioning means for positioning the connector position assurance member in the first position or the second position.
[0016] According to the lockable connector assembly of the present application, the connector position assurance member comprises two side portions and a body portion connecting the two side portions, the two side portions are parallel to the two side walls of the first insulating housing and are respectively positioned outside the two side walls, a pivot portion parallel to the second direction is formed on the inner surface of each side portion, and the locking tongue is formed on the lower surface of the body portion.
[0017] According to the lockable connector assembly of the present application, the positioning means comprises a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing and a protruding portion formed on the inner surface of each side portion of the connector position assurance member, the first limiting protrusion and the second limiting protrusion are separated from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first limiting protrusion and the second limiting protrusion interfere with the protruding portion on the moving path of the protruding portion, and the first limiting protrusion and the second limiting protrusion and the protruding portion position the connector position assurance member in the first position or the second position.
[0018] According to the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the first insulating housing has a first foolproof structure formed in the mating opening, and the housing body of the second insulating housing has a second foolproof structure with a shape complementary to the first foolproof structure. Through the first foolproof structure and the second foolproof structure, the second connector is allowed to be mated with the first connector only in a predetermined orientation.
[0019] According to the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the top wall of the first insulating housing is formed with an opening through which the locking tongue passes.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lockable connector is provided, which is capable of engaging with a mating connector in a first direction, the lockable connector comprising:
[0021] The first insulating housing has a mating opening for inserting at least a portion of the mating connector;
[0022] At least one first contact element is held by the first insulating housing; and
[0023] A connector position guaranteeing member having a locking tongue, the connector position guaranteeing member being pivotally mounted on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction and being pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction;
[0024] The mating connector includes:
[0025] The second insulating housing has a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and there is a gap between the locking arm and the housing body;
[0026] At least one second contact, held by the second insulating housing, is in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the mating connector is engaged with the lockable connector;
[0027] The locking arm has a first engagement means and is constantly biased to a locked position in the second direction, such that when the mating connector is engaged with the lockable connector, the first engagement means engages with a second engagement means formed on the lockable connector to prevent the mating connector from disengaging from the lockable connector, and by biasing the locking arm away from the locked position, the first engagement means disengages from the second engagement means, allowing the mating connector to disengage from the lockable connector;
[0028] When the mating connector and the lockable connector are engaged and the locking arm is in the locked position, when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the first position, the latch is positioned outside the gap, allowing the locking arm to bias away from the locked position, and when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the second position, the latch is positioned within the gap, preventing the locking arm from biasing away from the locked position.
[0029] According to the present invention, the lockable connector further comprises a positioning means for positioning the connector position guaranteeing member at the first position or the second position.
[0030] According to the present invention, the lockable connector has a position guaranteeing member comprising two sides and a body portion connecting the two sides. The two sides are parallel to the two side walls of the first insulating housing and are respectively positioned on the outer side of the two side walls. A pivot portion parallel to the second direction is formed on the inner surface of each side. The locking tongue is formed on the lower surface of the body portion.
[0031] According to the lockable connector of the present invention, the positioning means includes a first limiting rib and a second limiting rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position guaranteeing member. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib will interfere with the protrusion on the movement path of the protrusion. Through the first limiting rib and the second limiting rib and the protrusion, the connector position guaranteeing member is positioned at the first position or the second position.
[0032] According to the lockable connector assembly of this utility model, since the CPA component and the locking component are respectively disposed in the first connector and the second connector that can be fitted together, not only can the design complexity of the connector be reduced, but the connector size can also be avoided from increasing significantly.
[0033] Those skilled in the art will be able to best understand the technical features and other objects and advantages of this utility model after referring to the specification and drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a lockable connector assembly in a mating state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a lockable connector assembly in an unfitted state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 3This is a perspective view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0037] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0038] Figure 5 This is another exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0039] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0040] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the fitting and locking process of a lockable connector assembly.
[0042] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken by line AA in the middle.
[0043] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken from line BB in the middle.
[0044] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken by line CC in the middle.
[0045] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken by line DD in the middle.
[0046] Figure 13 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken by line EE in the middle.
[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0048] 1: Lockable connector assembly
[0049] 10: Socket Connector
[0050] 11: Insulating housing
[0051] 110: Top wall part
[0052] 1101: Opening
[0053] 1102: Convex Rib
[0054] 111: Side wall portion
[0055] 1111: Shaft hole
[0056] 1112: First limiting rib
[0057] 1113: Second limiting rib
[0058] 1114: Metal Fittings Retention Section
[0059] 1115: Protrusion
[0060] 112: Bottom wall
[0061] 113: Rear wall
[0062] 12: Connector position guarantee component
[0063] 120: Ontology part
[0064] 1201: Operations Department
[0065] 1202: Locking tongue
[0066] 121: Side
[0067] 1211: Pivot section
[0068] 1212: Protrusion
[0069] 13: Contacts
[0070] 131: Connecting Terminal
[0071] 132: Bend
[0072] 133: Maintaining Section
[0073] 134:Contact Department
[0074] 14: Metal fittings
[0075] 140: Maintaining section
[0076] 141: Welding section
[0077] 20: Plug Connector
[0078] 21: Insulating housing
[0079] 210: Shell body
[0080] 2100: Opening
[0081] 2101: Trench
[0082] 2102: Contact retaining hole
[0083] 211: Locking Arm
[0084] 2111: Braking section
[0085] 212: Bow Protection
[0086] 22: Contact element
[0087] 221:Contact Department
[0088] 222: Crimping part
[0089] 23: Wire
[0090] 231: Conductor section
[0091] 232: Insulating sleeve
[0092] D1: First Direction
[0093] D2: Second Direction
[0094] D3: Third direction
[0095] GP: gap
[0096] SP: Containment Space
[0097] P1: First position
[0098] P2: Second position. Detailed Implementation
[0099] The lockable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements or elements having the same function are labeled with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.
[0100] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This describes a lockable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein... Figure 1 A perspective view of the lockable connector assembly in the mating state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of a lockable connector assembly in its unengaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lockable connector assembly is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The lockable connector assembly 1 includes a receptacle connector 10 as a first connector and a plug connector 20 as a second connector. The plug connector 20 is capable of engaging with the receptacle connector 10 in a first direction D1.
[0101] In this embodiment, the lockable connector assembly 1 is a wire-to-board connector assembly used to establish an electrical connection between the circuit board and the cable, wherein the socket connector 10 is a board-end connector and the plug connector 20 is a wire-end connector. It should be understood that this embodiment is merely exemplary and not restrictive.
[0102] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The socket connector 10 of this utility model embodiment is described, wherein,Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 5 This is another exploded perspective view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The socket connector 10 includes an insulating housing 11, a connector position guaranteeing member 12, a plurality of contacts 13, and two metal fittings 14.
[0103] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the insulating housing 11 has a top wall portion 110, a bottom wall portion 112, and two side wall portions 111 connecting the top wall portion 110 and the bottom wall portion 112. The top wall portion 110, the bottom wall portion 112, and the side wall portions 111 define a receiving space SP. The receiving space SP is open at its front end in the first direction D1 of the socket connector 10 and closed at its rear end in the first direction D1 by a rear wall portion 113. The opening of the receiving space SP is a mating opening for a portion of the mating connector (i.e., the plug connector 20) to be inserted along the first direction D1. Each side wall portion 111 has a shaft hole 1111, a first limiting rib 1112, a second limiting rib 1113, and a metal fitting retainer portion 1114. The shaft hole 1111 is used to rotatably support the pivot portion of the connector position guarantee member 12.
[0104] The first limiting rib 1112 and the second limiting rib 1113, serving as positioning means, are used to position the connector position guarantee member 12. The first limiting rib 1112 and the second limiting rib 1113 are generally parallel to the first direction D1 and spaced apart from each other in the third direction D3 (height direction), which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.
[0105] The contacts 13 are arranged in a row along a second direction D2 (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1 and held by the insulating housing 11. Each contact 13 is made of copper or a copper alloy. Each contact 13 has a connecting terminal 131, a bending portion 132, a holding portion 133, and a contact portion 134. The connecting terminal 131 is needle-shaped. The contact portion 134 is plate-shaped and extends from one end of the holding portion 133, the other end of which is connected to the connecting terminal 131 through the bending portion 132. The holding portion 133 has a barbed structure. The holding portion 133 is inserted into a contact holding hole (not shown) formed in the rear wall portion 113 of the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit. The contact portion 134 extends in the first direction D1 within the receiving space SP. The connecting terminal 131 can be soldered to a circuit board.
[0106] The metal fitting 14 includes a retaining portion 140 and a needle-shaped soldering portion 141. The retaining portion 140 has a barbed structure. The side wall portion 111 of the insulating housing 11 has a metal fitting retaining portion 1114. The metal fitting retaining portion 1114 has a retaining hole. The retaining portion 140 of the metal fitting 14 is inserted into the retaining hole formed in the metal fitting retaining portion 1114 in an interference fit manner. By soldering the soldering portion 141 of the metal fitting 14 to the circuit board, the socket connector 10 is securely mounted on the circuit board.
[0107] The connector position guaranteeing member 12 includes two sides 121 and a body portion 120 connecting these two sides 121. When viewed from the first direction D1, the connector position guaranteeing member 12 is generally U-shaped. The connector position guaranteeing member 12 is pivotally mounted on the insulating housing 11 and is capable of being positioned relative to the insulating housing 11 at a first position P1 (shown in...). Figure 8 ) and the second position P2 (shown in Figure 8 The connector position guarantee member 12 acts to prevent the locking state between the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 from being released, and to prevent the plug connector 20, which has been inserted into the socket connector 10, from disengaging from the socket connector 10.
[0108] The body portion 120 of the connector position guaranteeing member 12 has an operating portion 1201, allowing a user to operate the connector position guaranteeing member 12 with their fingers to change its position. The body portion 120 of the connector position guaranteeing member 12 has two locking tongues 1202 formed on its lower surface. The locking tongues 1202 can extend into the receiving space SP through an opening 1101 formed in the top wall portion 110. The interaction between the locking tongues 1202 and the plug connector will be explained later.
[0109] Each side portion 121 has a pivot portion 1211 and a protrusion 1212 on its inner surface. The protrusion 1212, serving as a positioning means, is spaced a certain distance from the pivot portion 1211. The central axis of the pivot portion 1211 is parallel to the second direction D2. The pivot portion 1211 is inserted into the shaft hole 1111 of the insulating housing 11 and is rotatably supported by the shaft hole 1111. In this manner, the connector position guarantee member 12 is pivotally mounted on the insulating housing 11.
[0110] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This invention describes the plug connector 20 of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein, Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The plug connector 20 includes an insulating housing 21 and a plurality of contacts 22.
[0111] The insulating housing 21 includes a housing body 210 and two locking arms 211 formed on the housing body 210. The two locking arms 211 are located on opposite sides of the housing body 210 in the second direction D2, with a gap GP between each locking arm 211 and the housing body 210. One end of each locking arm 211 is connected to the housing body 210 near the front end (insertion end), allowing the other end of the locking arm 211 to move in the second direction D2. The insulating housing 21 also includes two guards 212 configured to partially surround the two locking arms 211, protecting them from impact or misoperation. An opening 2100 is formed at the front end of the housing body 210. When the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are engaged, the contact 13 of the socket connector 10 inserts into the opening 2100 and makes electrical contact with the contact 22 of the plug connector 20.
[0112] The plurality of contacts 22 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 21. Each contact 22 is connected to its respective wire 23. Figure 7 As shown, contact 22 includes a contact portion 221 and a crimping portion 222, while wire 23 includes a conductor portion 231 and an insulating sheath 232 covering the conductor portion 231. The contact portion 221 of contact 22 is configured to make electrical contact with the plate-shaped contact portion 134 of contact 13 when the plug connector 20 is engaged with the socket connector 10. The crimping portion 222 of contact 22 is crimped onto the conductor portion 231 of wire 23 and makes electrical contact with the conductor portion 231. The contact 22 crimped onto wire 23 is inserted into a contact retaining hole 2102 formed at the rear end of housing body 210 and is held by housing body 210.
[0113] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the top wall portion 110 of the insulating housing of the socket connector 10 is formed with a rib 1102 extending in a first direction, as a foolproof structure. Figure 6 As shown, the housing body 210 of the insulating shell of the plug connector 20 has a groove 2101 extending along the first direction D1 as a foolproof structure. By mates the rib 1102 with the groove 2101, the plug connector 20 is allowed to be inserted into the socket connector 10 only in a specific orientation. This ensures that the plug connector 20 can be inserted into the socket connector 10 in the correct orientation.
[0114] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating the engagement and locking process of a lockable connector assembly. In the first process S1, the plug connector 20 is aligned with the engagement opening of the socket connector 10 in a predetermined orientation, while the connector position guaranteeing member 12 is in the first position P1. In the second process S2, the plug connector 20 is inserted into the socket connector 10 along the first direction D1. In the third process S3, the connector position guaranteeing member 12 is switched from the first position to the second position P2.
[0115] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The description includes the positioning means (including the first limiting rib 1112, the second limiting rib 1113, and the protrusion 1212), wherein... Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken by line AA in the middle, Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The cross section taken from line BB in the middle.
[0116] The first limiting rib 1112 and the second limiting rib 1113 formed on the side wall portion 111 of the insulating housing 11 will interfere with the protrusion 1212 on its movement path. When the protrusion 1212 is located between the first limiting rib 1112 and the second limiting rib 1113, the connector position guaranteeing member 12 is in the first position P1. At this time, the plug connector 20 is allowed to be inserted into the socket connector 10, or, if the plug connector 20 has been inserted into the socket connector 10, the locking state between the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 is allowed to be released. When the protrusion 1212 is located below the first limiting rib 1112, the connector position guaranteeing member 12 is in the second position P2. At this time, the locking state between the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 is not allowed to be released.
[0117] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the upper and lower outer edges of the first limiting rib 1112 are chamfered, allowing the protrusion 1212 to move from bottom to top or from top to bottom over the first limiting rib 1112, enabling the connector position guaranteeing member 12 to switch between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The lower outer edge of the second limiting rib 1113 is not chamfered, preventing the protrusion 1212 from moving from bottom to top over the second limiting rib 1113. Therefore, it can be ensured that the connector position guaranteeing member 12 cannot move from the first position P1 in a direction away from the second position P2. Through the above-described fixing means, the connector position guaranteeing member 12 can be positioned at the first position P1 or the second position, and cannot pivot further upward from the first position P1.
[0118] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 The cross-section taken by line CC in the middle. For example... Figure 11As shown, the locking arm 211 has a stop portion 2111 as a first engagement means, and the inner surface of the side wall portion 111 of the insulating housing of the socket connector 10 has a protrusion 1115 as a second engagement means. When the plug connector 20 is inserted into the socket connector 10, the stop portion 2111 engages with the protrusion 1115 to prevent the plug connector 20 from disengaging from the socket connector 10. At this time, the locking arm 211 is in the locked position. When the locking arm 211 is pressed inward in the second direction D2, the locking arm 211 is biased inward away from the locked position, and the stop portion 2111 disengages from engaging the protrusion 1115. At this time, the plug connector 20 can be removed from the socket connector 10.
[0119] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The cross-section taken by line DD in the middle. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, the connector position ensuring member 12 is in the first position P1, and the locking tongue 1202 is not inserted into the gap GP between the locking arm 211 and the housing body 210. Therefore, the locking arm 211 can be pressed inward in the second direction D2, causing the locking arm 211 to be offset away from the locked position. At this time, the locking state between the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 can be released.
[0120] Figure 13 It is along Figure 8 The cross-section taken by line EE in the middle. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, the connector position ensuring member 12 is in the second position P2, and the locking tongue 1202 extends into the gap GP between the locking arm 211 and the housing body 210. The locking tongue 1202 prevents the locking arm 211 from moving inward in the second direction D2. Therefore, the locking arm 211 is not allowed to be biased away from the locked position. At this time, the locked state between the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 cannot be released, ensuring that the plug connector 20 will not disengage from the socket connector 10.
[0121] Although this utility model has been described and demonstrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is subject to the wording of the claims, that is, any equivalent variations and modifications made without departing from the claims of this utility model should still fall within the scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A lockable connector assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a first connector and a second connector, the second connector being capable of engaging with the first connector along a first direction, the first connector comprising: The first insulating housing has a fitting opening for inserting at least a portion of the second connector; At least one first contact element is held by the first insulating housing; and A connector position guaranteeing member having a locking tongue, the connector position guaranteeing member being pivotally mounted on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction and being pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; The second connector includes: The second insulating housing has a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and there is a gap between the locking arm and the housing body; At least one second contact is held by the second insulating housing, and when the second connector is engaged with the first connector, the at least one second contact is in electrical contact with the at least one first contact; The locking arm has a first engagement means and is constantly biased to a locked position in the second direction, such that when the second connector is engaged with the first connector, the first engagement means engages with a second engagement means formed on the first connector to prevent the second connector from disengaging from the first connector, and by biasing the locking arm away from the locked position, the first engagement means disengages from the second engagement means, allowing the second connector to disengage from the first connector; When the second connector is engaged with the first connector and the locking arm is in the locked position, when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the first position, the latch is positioned outside the gap, allowing the locking arm to be biased away from the locked position, and when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the second position, the latch is positioned within the gap, preventing the locking arm from being biased away from the locked position.
2. The lockable connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector also has a positioning means for positioning the connector position guaranteeing component at the first position or the second position.
3. The lockable connector assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connector position guarantee component includes two sides and a body portion connecting the two sides. The two sides are parallel to the two side walls of the first insulating housing and are respectively positioned on the outer side of the two side walls. A pivot portion parallel to the second direction is formed on the inner surface of each side. The locking tongue is formed on the lower surface of the body portion.
4. The lockable connector assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning means includes a first limiting rib and a second limiting rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position guaranteeing member. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib will interfere with the protrusion on the movement path of the protrusion. Through the first limiting rib and the second limiting rib and the protrusion, the connector position guaranteeing member is positioned at the first position or the second position.
5. The lockable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first insulating housing has a first foolproof structure formed in the fitting opening, and the housing body of the second insulating housing has a second foolproof structure with a shape complementary to the first foolproof structure. Through the first foolproof structure and the second foolproof structure, the second connector is allowed to fit with the first connector only in a specified orientation.
6. The lockable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The top wall of the first insulating housing has an opening through which the latch passes.
7. A lockable connector capable of engaging with a mating connector in a first direction, characterized in that, The lockable connector includes: The first insulating housing has a mating opening for inserting at least a portion of the mating connector; At least one first contact element is held by the first insulating housing; and A connector position guaranteeing member having a locking tongue, the connector position guaranteeing member being pivotally mounted on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction and being pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; The mating connector includes: The second insulating housing has a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and there is a gap between the locking arm and the housing body; At least one second contact, held by the second insulating housing, is in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the mating connector is engaged with the lockable connector; The locking arm has a first engagement means and is constantly biased to a locked position in the second direction, such that when the mating connector is engaged with the lockable connector, the first engagement means engages with a second engagement means formed on the lockable connector to prevent the mating connector from disengaging from the lockable connector, and by biasing the locking arm away from the locked position, the first engagement means disengages from the second engagement means, allowing the mating connector to disengage from the lockable connector; When the mating connector and the lockable connector are engaged and the locking arm is in the locked position, when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the first position, the latch is positioned outside the gap, allowing the locking arm to bias away from the locked position, and when the connector position guaranteeing member is pivoted to the second position, the latch is positioned within the gap, preventing the locking arm from biasing away from the locked position.
8. The lockable connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The lockable connector also has a positioning means for positioning the connector position guaranteeing component in the first position or the second position.
9. The lockable connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The connector position guarantee component includes two sides and a body portion connecting the two sides. The two sides are parallel to the two side walls of the first insulating housing and are respectively positioned on the outer side of the two side walls. A pivot portion parallel to the second direction is formed on the inner surface of each side. The locking tongue is formed on the lower surface of the body portion.
10. The lockable connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The positioning means includes a first limiting rib and a second limiting rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position guaranteeing member. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The first limiting rib and the second limiting rib will interfere with the protrusion on the movement path of the protrusion. Through the first limiting rib and the second limiting rib and the protrusion, the connector position guaranteeing member is positioned at the first position or the second position.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
High density electrical connectors
US11228130B2