Multifunctional connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multifunctional connector, which comprises a board end connector, the board end connector comprises an insulating shell and a terminal accommodating device which is arranged in the insulating shell and is used for accommodating a conductive terminal, and one side wall of the insulating shell is provided with a first locking device which is matched with a second locking device of a corresponding line end connector in a locking manner. The first lock catch device is provided with a left lock catch and a right lock catch which are mutually independent. According to the connector, the problem of adaptability caused by Pin position fixation of a traditional connector is solved, the maintenance cost and time loss caused by interface mismatching are reduced, the compatible design reduces the stock-up requirements of enterprises for multi-model connectors, and supply chain management is simplified; and the assembly and maintenance difficulty is also reduced by a standardized interface, and the production efficiency of an enterprise is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a multifunctional connector. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, when connectors are mated, the pins correspond one-to-one. This design ensures connection accuracy to a certain extent, but it also has some limitations. Connectors with different pin configurations are incompatible when mating. This incompatibility limits the flexibility and application range of connectors, especially in scenarios requiring adaptation to different connection specifications. Therefore, designing a connector compatible with different pin configurations has become an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the aforementioned technical defects in the prior art. The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a multifunctional connector. The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a multifunctional connector, including a board-end connector, the board-end connector including an insulating shell and a terminal receiving device disposed in the insulating shell for accommodating conductive terminals, one side wall of the insulating shell being provided with a first locking device that locks and cooperates with a second locking device of a corresponding wire-end connector, the first locking device having independent left and right locking devices.

[0004] Furthermore, the terminal receiving device includes two rows of wiring holes, adopting a 2x4 structure, with four holes in each row, for a total of eight wiring holes.

[0005] Furthermore, the insulating shell is either a modular assembly structure or an integrally formed structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the left and right latches that engage with the second latching device of the corresponding wire connector are arc-shaped.

[0007] Furthermore, the arc-shaped structure in which the left and right latches engage with the second latching device of the corresponding wire connector is provided with anti-slip strips.

[0008] Furthermore, the insulating housing is provided with a partition for isolating the wire connector that is used in conjunction with the terminal receiving device.

[0009] Furthermore, the insulating housing is provided with a groove for placing the wire connector therein.

[0010] Furthermore, the height of the opening plane of the terminal receiving device is higher than the height of the signal connection port of the wire connector.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a wire end connector, which adopts a 2x4 structure and has two rows of wiring ports, with four in each row for a total of eight wiring holes; or the wire end connector adopts a 2x3 structure and has two rows of wiring ports, with three in each row for a total of six wiring holes, and one of its side walls is provided with a second locking device that locks and engages with the first locking device of the board end connector.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer side of the second locking device of the wire end connector away from the insulating housing has an anti-slip pattern.

[0013] The implementation of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: it solves the compatibility problem caused by the fixed pin position of traditional connectors, reduces the maintenance cost and time loss caused by interface mismatch, reduces the need for enterprises to stock multiple models of connectors due to compatible design, and simplifies supply chain management; the standardized interface also reduces the difficulty of assembly and maintenance, and improves the production efficiency of enterprises. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the board-end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the mating of the board-end connector and the wire-end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the wiring hole distribution of the board-end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first half-matching docking mode of the board-end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second half-matching and mating mode of the board end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second half-matching and docking mode of the board end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the second half-matching and mating mode of the board-end connector of the multifunctional connector in some embodiments of this utility model from another angle; and

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the mating of different types of board-end connectors and wire-end connectors in the existing technology. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0024] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In the following description, specific details such as particular system structures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a three-dimensional structural schematic of the board-end connector of a multi-functional connector in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a multi-functional connector is provided, the board-end connector including an insulating housing and a terminal receiving device disposed within the insulating housing for accommodating conductive terminals. One sidewall of the insulating housing is provided with a first locking device 12 that engages with a second locking device 16 of a corresponding wire-end connector. The first locking device 12 has independent left and right locking devices. The terminal receiving device 11 is provided with barbs to prevent the terminals of the power cable from detaching. The material selection for the insulating housing 1 needs to comprehensively consider factors such as insulation performance, mechanical strength, weather resistance, and cost, and is selected according to the application scenario. The sidewall of the insulating housing 1 is provided with the first locking device 12. The board-end connector of the multi-functional connector engages with other connectors having second locking devices 16 via the first locking device 12. The first locking device 12 of the board-end connector engages with the second locking devices 16 of other connectors, with the second locking device 16 engaging the first locking device 12. The first locking device 12 has independent left locking device a and right locking device b. The left locking latch (a) and right locking latch (b) can be selected according to the model of other connectors that require matching. Left locking latch (a) can be selected for engagement, right locking latch (b) can be selected for engagement, or both can be engaged simultaneously. This flexible selection of latches based on connector type maximizes compatibility between different connector models, resolving the compatibility issues caused by fixed pin positions in traditional connectors, and reducing maintenance costs and time losses due to interface incompatibility.

[0027] Please see Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mating of a board-end connector and a wire-end connector in a multi-functional connector. The insulating housing 1 has a groove 15 for placing the wire-end connector within it. This groove 15 is used to engage the wire-end connector. The embedded structure of the groove 15 enables precise positioning and rapid installation of the wire-end connector. Physical restraint effectively prevents displacement of the connector within the housing, enhancing the reliability of the electrical connection. The groove design reduces external space occupation, making it particularly suitable for high-density wiring in precision equipment scenarios, and contributing to system-level structural compactness. The pre-set groove 15, combined with the modular connection device design, enables tool-free snap-fit ​​installation or automated assembly processes, significantly improving production assembly efficiency and reducing the probability of human error.

[0028] Please see Figure 3 The diagram shows the wiring hole distribution of the board-end connector. The board-end connector is equipped with a terminal receiving device 11, which has two rows of wiring holes, four in each row, for a total of eight wiring holes. The wire-end connector 13 is used to connect low-voltage signals.

[0029] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first half-matching mating mode of the board-end connector of the multi-function connector in some embodiments is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the second half-mating mode of the board-end connector of a multi-function connector in some embodiments is shown. In the figure, the dashed lines indicate the wiring holes in the working state, and the wiring holes outside the dashed lines are in the non-working state. The board-end connector of the multi-functional connector has multiple usage modes, including mating and semi-matting modes. In mating mode, multiple wiring holes 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05, 06, 07, 08 are all in the wiring state. Semi-matting modes include a first semi-matting mode and a second semi-matting mode. In the first semi-matting mode, multiple wiring holes 02, 03, 04 and 06, 07, 08 are all in the wiring state, wiring holes 01 and 05 are unused, left latch a is in the working state, and right latch b is in the suspended state. In the second semi-matting mode, multiple wiring holes 01, 02, 03 and 05, 06, 07 are all in the wiring state, wiring holes 04 and 08 are unused, left latch a is in the suspended state, and right latch b is in the working state.

[0030] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagrams show three-dimensional structural schematics of the second half-matching mating mode of the board-end connector of the multi-functional connector at different angles in some embodiments.

[0031] Please see Figure 8 The diagram shows the mating of different types of board-end connectors and wire-end connectors in the prior art. There is a problem of poor compatibility between the first locking device 12 and the second locking device 16, which causes the first locking device 12 and the second locking device 16 to not be fully matched.

[0032] In some embodiments, the board-end connector is provided with an insulating housing 1 and a terminal receiving device 11 disposed on the insulating housing 1 for accommodating conductive terminals. The terminal receiving device may employ an elastic clamping structure (implicit technical feature), and with a design matching the thermal expansion coefficient of the housing insulation material, the contact resistance is stabilized below 0.5mΩ. A first locking device 12 is provided on the side wall of the insulating housing 1. The insulating housing may be made of reinforced materials such as PA66-GF30, with a dielectric strength of up to 2000V / mm, which improves insulation performance by 3 times compared to ordinary ABS materials. With a creepage distance design of 0.8mm, it meets the IP67 protection level requirements and is suitable for harsh working conditions such as humidity and dust. The board-end connector of the multi-functional connector is fastened to other connectors with a second locking device 16 through the first locking device 12. The locking device and the second locking device 16 form a double locking structure, and the mating surfaces form geometric interference, effectively preventing accidental disconnection caused by mechanical vibration during equipment operation. The first locking device 12 has a left locking a and a right locking b that are independent of each other. The locking mechanism can be dynamically selected according to the type of connector to maximize compatibility between different connector models. This solves the compatibility problem caused by fixed pin positions in traditional connectors and reduces maintenance costs and time losses caused by interface incompatibility.

[0033] In some embodiments, the terminal receiving device 11 includes two rows of wiring holes in a 2x4 structure, with four holes in each row for a total of eight holes, labeled 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05, 06, 07, 08 respectively. The number of wiring holes in the terminal receiving device 11 can be designed according to the actual application.

[0034] In some embodiments, the board-end connector of the multi-functional connector has multiple usage modes, including a mating mode and a semi-matting mode: In the mating mode, wiring holes 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05, 06, 07, 08 are all in a wired state; the semi-matting mode includes a first semi-matting mode and a second semi-matting mode. In the first semi-matting mode, wiring holes 02, 03, 04 and 06, 07, 08 are all in a wired state, wiring holes 01 and 05 are in an unused state, left latch a is in an active state, and right latch b is in a suspended state; and in the second semi-matting mode, wiring holes 01, 02, 03 and 05, 06, 07 are all in a wired state, wiring holes 04 and 08 are in an unused state, left latch a is in a suspended state, and right latch b is in an active state. By switching between the mating mode and the semi-matting mode, free conversion between full-function connection and partial-function connection can be achieved. In scenarios where device interface compatibility is limited or only partial signal transmission is required, the semi-matched mode can reduce redundant interface usage, improve device adaptability, and reduce system complexity. The first semi-matched mode uses the left latch for fixation, and the second mode uses the right latch, preventing poor contact caused by mis-insertion. Unused interfaces and working latches form mechanical isolation, reducing mechanical stress interference in non-working areas. When a specific wiring hole malfunctions (such as faults 01 / 05 or 04 / 08), switching to the semi-matched mode automatically isolates the fault point, maintaining normal communication for the remaining six interfaces. This redundancy design provides the system with fault tolerance, ensuring core functionality even when some components fail. Through latch status indicators (working / suspended) and visual interface management, technicians can quickly identify the current connection mode. Combined with the modular plug-and-play design, this shortens maintenance time, making it particularly suitable for industrial scenarios requiring high-frequency plugging and unplugging.

[0035] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is either a modular assembly structure or a one-piece molded structure. A modular assembly structure allows for quick disassembly and maintenance, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring component interchangeability; a one-piece molded structure enhances structural strength through seamless connections, and combined with sealing processes, improves dust and water resistance, making it particularly suitable for harsh environments such as rail transportation and industrial automation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the board-side connector of the multi-functional connector also includes a wire-side connector with multiple arrayed signal terminals. The board-side connector comprises high-voltage (power supply) connectors and signal (low-voltage) connection devices, enabling a compact layout of multi-channel signal transmission interfaces within a limited space while also accommodating power connections. This significantly increases connection density per unit volume, meeting the miniaturization and multi-functionality integration requirements of modern electronic devices. The arrayed layout reduces crosstalk risks between adjacent signal lines through a regular wiring path design, and, combined with a shielding structure, achieves impedance matching for high-frequency signal transmission, effectively maintaining signal transmission stability. The modular interface array reserves physical interfaces for future protocol upgrades, allowing seamless compatibility with various emerging high-speed protocols such as USB4 / Thunderbolt through the replacement of adapter modules, extending the product's technology lifecycle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the contact surfaces of the left latch a and right latch b that engage with other connectors having a second latching device 16 are arc-shaped. The arc-shaped contact surfaces and the second latching device 16 form a complementary fit. When the left latch a and right latch b engage with other connectors, the arc-shaped structure can automatically compensate for assembly tolerances through its curvature characteristics, enabling the second latching device 16 to progressively engage with the corresponding slot, thereby enhancing the tensile strength and shock resistance of the connection. The arc-shaped surface can transform concentrated stress during the engagement process into a uniform distribution along the contact surface. Compared to a planar structure, this reduces local stress peaks and effectively avoids plastic deformation or barb breakage caused by stress concentration. The arc-shaped contact surface and the second latching device 16 form a composite guiding structure, generating a self-centering effect during insertion and removal, reducing misalignment interference caused by human error. In the locked state, the arc-shaped interface can form a continuous progressive sealing line, which, combined with the elastic clamping force of the barb, improves the airtightness / liquid tightness performance level compared to traditional planar structures.

[0038] In some embodiments, the arc-shaped structure where the left and right latches engage with the second latching device of the corresponding wire end connector is provided with anti-slip strips. The anti-slip strips effectively increase the coefficient of friction between the arc-shaped structure and the contact surface of the second latching device 16, preventing accidental slippage due to vibration or external impact, and enhancing the axial locking force and shear resistance of the assembled connector. The anti-slip strips can be made of elastic material. Elastic anti-slip strips undergo slight deformation under pressure, compensating for connector fit tolerances and maintaining the hook engagement state through continuous rebound force, significantly reducing the risk of connection failure due to thermal expansion and contraction or mechanical fatigue during long-term use. The gradient texture design of the anti-slip strips forms visual guidance markings, and its arc curvature, combined with the connector slot, forms a self-guiding structure, enabling operators to quickly and accurately complete alignment even in blind assembly conditions, reducing the installation error rate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the insulating housing 1 is provided with a partition 14 for the wire-end connector 13 that mates with the isolation terminal receiving device 11. The partition 14 effectively achieves physical isolation between the power supply terminals and the signal lines, avoiding electrical interference between the high-voltage power supply terminals and the low-voltage signal terminals, reducing the risk of short circuits, and improving the overall electrical safety of the equipment, especially suitable for high-voltage power systems and communication system integration scenarios. By blocking the electromagnetic radiation and leakage current conduction path of the power supply terminals, the crosstalk effect on the signal transmission lines is significantly reduced, ensuring the stability and anti-interference capability of signal transmission, suitable for high-frequency signal transmission scenarios. The modular isolation design makes independent maintenance of the power supply system and the signal system possible, allowing replacement of faulty components without overall power outage, improving equipment operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0040] In some embodiments, the insulating housing 1 is provided with a groove 15 for placing the wire-end connector therein. By providing the insulating housing 1 to form a physical barrier, external conductor interference and environmental moisture corrosion can be effectively isolated. Combined with the directional limiting effect of the groove 15 on the wire-end connector, the insulation strength and weather resistance of the connection part are significantly improved. The guiding structure of the groove 15 enables quick insertion and removal positioning of the wire-end connector, shortening the assembly time per cycle.

[0041] In some embodiments, the height of the opening plane of the terminal receiving device 11 is higher than the height of the signal connection port of the wire connector 13. This vertical spatial isolation design effectively reduces the coupling interference of electromagnetic noise generated by high-current power terminals on sensitive signal transmission lines, ensuring signal transmission stability and integrity. The stepped height difference forms a natural barrier against accidental contact, preventing tools or foreign objects from simultaneously contacting conductive parts at different potentials, thus improving the electrical safety of the equipment. The raised design of the power terminals (which typically generate more heat) facilitates the creation of air convection channels, improving heat dissipation efficiency while reducing the potential impact of high temperatures on adjacent signal connectors. Differentiated height markings facilitate precise positioning by automated assembly equipment, reducing the probability of incorrect wiring sequence, and improving production yield and maintenance efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments, the multi-functional connector further includes a wire-end connector, which has a 2x4 structure with two rows of four terminals, totaling eight terminals; or a 2x3 structure with two rows of three terminals, totaling six terminals; one sidewall is provided with a second locking device 16 that can lock into the first locking device 12 of the board-end connector. By providing two standardized wire-end structures, 2x4 (8-hole) and 2x3 (6-hole), flexible adaptation of interface density is achieved. This meets the needs of high-density cabling in industrial scenarios and optimizes space utilization by reducing the number of terminals, demonstrating significant compatibility advantages in equipment miniaturization design. The unified form factor standard allows the two wire-end specifications to be interchangeable with the same board-end module, and with pin definition compatibility design, rapid upgrade and expansion of existing equipment interfaces is achieved.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer side of the second locking device 16 of the wire-end connector away from the insulating housing 1 has an anti-slip texture. The anti-slip texture can significantly increase the coefficient of friction when the operator holds the second locking device, especially in harsh working conditions such as moisture and oil, effectively preventing accidental activation or improper installation due to slippage, and ensuring precise locking action. The asymmetrically distributed anti-slip texture conforms to the mechanical characteristics of finger force application, and combined with the streamlined groove design (hidden structure), it can achieve quick opening and closing with one hand in the dark.

[0044] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multifunctional connector, comprising a board-end connector, the board-end connector including an insulating housing (1) and a terminal receiving device (11) disposed within the insulating housing (1) for receiving conductive terminals, characterized in that, One side wall of the insulating housing (1) is provided with a first locking device (12) that engages with the second locking device (16) of the corresponding wire end connector. The first locking device (12) has a left locking (a) and a right locking (b) that are independent of each other.

2. The multifunctional connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal receiving device (11) includes two rows of wiring holes, with a 2x4 structure, four holes in each row, for a total of eight wiring holes.

3. The multifunctional connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating shell can be a modular assembly structure or a one-piece molded structure.

4. The multifunctional connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surfaces of the left latch (a) and the right latch (b) that engage with the second latching device (16) of the corresponding wire connector are arc-shaped.

5. The multifunctional connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arc-shaped structure of the left latch (a) and the right latch (b) that are interlocked with the second latching device (16) of the corresponding wire end connector is provided with anti-slip strips.

6. The multifunctional connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The insulating housing (1) is provided with a partition (14) for isolating the terminal receiving device (11) and the wire connector (13) used in conjunction with it.

7. The multifunctional connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insulating housing (1) is provided with a groove (15) for placing the wire connector therein.

8. The multifunctional connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height of the opening plane of the terminal receiving device (11) is higher than the height of the signal connection port of the wire connector (13).

9. The multi-functional connector according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes wire connectors, The wire connector adopts a 2x4 structure, with two rows of four wiring ports, totaling eight wiring holes; or The wire connector adopts a 2x3 structure and has two rows of wiring ports, with three in each row and a total of six wiring holes; one of the side walls is provided with a second locking device (16) that locks and engages with the first locking device (12) of the board connector.

10. The multifunctional connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second locking device (16) of the wire connector has an anti-slip pattern on the outer side away from the insulating housing (1).

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