Electric connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric connector, which comprises an insulating body, a conductive terminal fixedly held on the insulating body and a metal shell coated outside the insulating body, the insulating body is provided with a base part and a lingual plate part extending forwards from the base part, the metal shell is provided with a butt joint cavity penetrating forwards, and the lingual plate part is inserted into the butt joint cavity. The electric connector comprises detection modules fixedly held in the metal shell, the detection modules are located on the two transverse sides of the insulation body and provided with detection terminals and insulation parts integrally formed on the detection terminals, and the insulation parts are fixedly held in the metal shell. The detection terminal is provided with an elastic arm and a convex hull part connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm, and the convex hull part is a circular convex hull made by powder metallurgy and protrudes into the butt joint cavity, so that the convex hull part is wear-resistant, and the plugging service life of the electric connector is prolonged; meanwhile, the height and the appearance of the convex hull can be adjusted at will through the powder metallurgy technology, and the problem of tensile fracture does not need to be worried about.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of Type-C connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector with a detection function. Background Technology

[0002] In existing consumer electronics products, such as computers and mobile phones, connectors function as independent signal transmitters, lacking the ability to detect connector insertion. This leads to signal transmission delays and errors, affecting high-frequency signal functionality. The universal USB Type-C connector addresses this by adding an elastic element. This element quickly detects the connector's status upon insertion, enhancing high-frequency signal transmission. The lever arm of the elastic element in existing USB Type-C connectors is typically made of stainless steel or copper alloy and features a raised bump formed through stretching. This bump is used to contact the connector. However, the stretched bump is prone to cracking, and the greater the stretching height, the higher the likelihood of cracking. Furthermore, the thinner bump after stretching makes it susceptible to wear and breakage after repeated insertions and removals, thus affecting the overall functionality of the USB Type-C connector.

[0003] Therefore, it is hoped that a new electrical connector can be proposed to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrical connector with a circular protrusion made of powder metallurgy, which improves the insertion and removal life of the electrical connector.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals fixed to the insulating body, and a metal shell covering the insulating body. The insulating body has a base extending laterally and a tongue portion extending longitudinally forward from the base. The conductive terminals have contact portions at least partially exposed on the tongue portion. The metal shell has a mating cavity extending longitudinally forward, and the tongue portion is inserted into the mating cavity. The electrical connector includes a detection module fixed within the metal shell. The detection module is located on both sides of the insulating body and has detection terminals extending longitudinally and an insulating portion integrally formed on the detection terminals. The insulating portion is fixed within the metal shell. The detection terminals have elastic arms extending longitudinally and protrusions connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arms. The protrusions are circular protrusions made of powder metallurgy and protrude into the mating cavity.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the metal housing has an annular cylindrical portion and outward protrusions connected to the transverse sides of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a docking cavity that extends longitudinally from front to back, and the outward protrusions have a receiving cavity that is transversely connected to the docking cavity. The detection terminal is housed in the receiving cavity.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic arm is formed by stamping a metal part and housed in the receiving cavity, and the protrusion is welded to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the detection module includes a first detection module located on one lateral side of the insulating body and a second detection module located on the other lateral side of the insulating body, wherein the first detection module and the second detection module are offset in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the metal housing has a rear housing located on the longitudinal rear side of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion is sleeved on the outer periphery of the tongue portion, the rear housing covers the outer side of the base portion, and the rear side of the elastic arm of the first detection module abuts against the inner wall of the rear housing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector includes an insulating housing injection-molded on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and the protruding portion, with the front end of the rear housing abutting against the rear end face of the insulating housing.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector includes a retaining member integrally formed on the tongue portion. The retaining member has a transverse arm portion embedded in the longitudinal front end of the tongue portion and a retaining portion connected to the transverse sides of the transverse arm portion. The retaining portion is exposed on the transverse sides of the tongue portion, and the protruding portion is provided corresponding to the retaining portion.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the conductive terminals include an upper row of terminals and a lower row of terminals arranged in two rows, and the electrical connector includes an intermediate shielding plate fixed within the insulating body. The intermediate shielding plate is located between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals, and the fastening portion of the fastening member abuts against the lateral sides of the intermediate shielding plate.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the insulating body is provided with an upper insulator integrally formed on the upper row of terminals, a lower insulator integrally formed on the lower row of terminals, and a front insulator. The intermediate shielding sheet is located between the upper insulator and the lower insulator. The front insulator is located at the longitudinal front end of the upper insulator and the lower insulator, and the transverse arm of the fastener is embedded in the front insulator.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connector includes an upper grounding member located outside the upper insulator and a lower grounding member located outside the lower insulator, wherein the lateral sides of the upper grounding member and the lower grounding member are interlocked and abutted against the longitudinal rear end of the fastening portion of the fastening member.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages: The electrical connector includes a detection module fixed in a metal housing. The detection module is located on both sides of the insulating body and has detection terminals extending longitudinally and an insulating part integrally formed on the detection terminals. The insulating part is fixed in the metal housing. The detection terminal has an elastic arm extending longitudinally and a protrusion connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm. The protrusion is a circular protrusion made of powder metallurgy and protrudes into the mating cavity. The circular protrusion made of powder metallurgy makes the protrusion wear-resistant, increases the number of mating cycles of the electrical connector, and thus increases the mating life of the electrical connector. At the same time, the powder metallurgy process allows the height and shape of the protrusion to be adjusted at will, without worrying about tensile breakage. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electrical connector in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the electrical connector.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the terminal module in the electrical connector shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the terminal module shown.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses an electrical connector 100, which is a USB Type-C connector that can be configured on consumer electronic products such as mobile phones, iPads, and computers. The electrical connector 100 includes a terminal module and a housing assembly covering the outside of the terminal module. The terminal module includes an insulating body 10 and a plurality of conductive terminals 20, an intermediate shielding sheet 30, and a grounding element fixed on the insulating body 10.

[0022] Please see Figures 2 to 4As shown, the insulating body 10 has a base 11 extending laterally and a tongue portion 12 extending longitudinally forward from the base 11. The conductive terminal 20 has a contact portion at least partially exposed on the tongue portion 12 for contacting the mating terminal of the mating connector. Further, the conductive terminal 20 includes an upper row of terminals 21 and a lower row of terminals 22 arranged in two rows. The insulating body 10 has an upper insulator 101 integrally formed on the upper row of terminals 21, a lower insulator 102 integrally formed on the lower row of terminals 22, and a front insulator 103.

[0023] The upper row of terminals 21 and the upper insulator 101 are injection molded to form an upper row of terminal modules, and the lower row of terminals 22 and the lower insulator 102 are injection molded to form a lower row of terminal modules. The upper row of terminal modules and the lower row of terminal modules clamp the intermediate shielding sheet 30 and then injection mold a front insulator 103. That is, the intermediate shielding sheet 30 is located between the upper insulator 101 and the lower insulator 102, and the front insulator 103 is located at the longitudinal front end of the upper insulator 101 and the lower insulator 102.

[0024] In this embodiment, the intermediate shielding plate 30 is fixed within the insulating body 10. Specifically, the intermediate shielding plate 30 is located between the upper row of terminals 21 and the lower row of terminals 22. The grounding member includes an upper grounding member 41 located outside the upper insulator 101 and a lower grounding member 42 located outside the lower insulator 102. The lateral sides of the upper grounding member 41 and the lower grounding member 42 are interlocked. Meanwhile, the electrical connector 100 includes a retaining member 50 integrally formed on the tongue plate portion 12. The retaining member 50 has a transverse arm portion 51 embedded in the longitudinal front end of the tongue plate portion 12 and retaining portions 52 connected to the lateral sides of the transverse arm portion 51. The retaining portions 52 are exposed on the lateral sides of the tongue plate portion 12.

[0025] Furthermore, the horizontal arm portion 51 of the fastening member 50 is embedded in the front insulator 103 and abuts against the longitudinal front end of the intermediate shielding plate 30; the fastening portion 52 of the fastening member 50 abuts against the transverse sides of the intermediate shielding plate 30, and the fastening areas on the transverse sides of the upper grounding member 41 and the lower grounding member 42 are attached to the longitudinal rear end of the fastening portion 52 of the fastening member 50, thereby forming an electromagnetic shielding effect between the intermediate shielding plate 30, the grounding member and the fastening member 50.

[0026] The housing assembly includes a metal housing 60 covering the insulating body 10 and an insulating outer shell 70. The metal housing 60 has a longitudinally extending mating cavity 611, and the tongue portion 12 is inserted into the mating cavity 611. The metal housing 60 has an annular cylindrical portion 61, an outwardly protruding portion 62 connecting the two transverse sides of the cylindrical portion 61, and a rear shell 63. The cylindrical portion 61 has the aforementioned longitudinally extending mating cavity 611, and the outwardly protruding portion 62 has a receiving cavity 621 transversely communicating with the mating cavity 611. The cylindrical portion 61 is fitted around the outer periphery of the tongue portion 12, and the rear shell 63 is located on the longitudinal rear side of the cylindrical portion 61 and covers the outer side of the base 11. The insulating outer shell 70 is injection molded around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 61 and the outwardly protruding portion 62 to improve the waterproof effect of the electrical connector 100. At the same time, the front end of the rear shell 63 abuts against the rear end face of the insulating outer shell 70.

[0027] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the terminal module also includes two detection modules 80 fixed in the metal housing 60. The two detection modules 80 are located on the lateral sides of the insulating body 10 and are separately disposed from the insulating body 10. The detection modules 80 are formed independently of the insulating body 10 and other components and can be assembled into the metal housing 60 separately. This is because it can improve the high-frequency transmission performance while being easy to manufacture and simple to form, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the electrical connector 100.

[0028] The detection module 80 is provided with a detection terminal 81 extending longitudinally and an insulating part 82 integrally formed on the detection terminal 81. The insulating part 82 is fixed in the outer protrusion 62 of the metal housing 60. The detection terminal 81 is received in the receiving cavity 621 and protrudes forward into the docking cavity 611.

[0029] Specifically, the detection terminal 81 is provided with a longitudinally extending elastic arm 83 and a protruding portion 84 connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm 83. The elastic arm 83 is housed within the receiving cavity 621, and the insulating portion 82 is fixed to the longitudinal rear side of the elastic arm 83. The protruding portion 84 protrudes into the mating cavity 611 and is correspondingly provided with the fastening portion 52. In this embodiment, the elastic arm 83 is formed by stamping a metal part, and the metal part is made of stainless steel, thereby increasing or decreasing the elasticity of the elastic arm 83. At the same time, the protruding portion 84 is welded to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm 83. When the mating connector is inserted, the elastic arm 83 expands outward, that is, the stress point is on the stainless steel elastic arm 83, so there is no need to worry about the influence of the strength of the protruding portion 84 on the elasticity of the elastic arm 83.

[0030] The raised portion 84 is a circular raised portion made of powder metallurgy, partially protruding into the mating cavity 611. The raised portion 84 is a circular raised portion made of powder metallurgy, and the back of the raised portion has eliminated the recessed design, thereby increasing the thickness of the raised portion and thus increasing its strength, making the raised portion 84 more wear-resistant. At the same time, this powder metallurgy process allows for arbitrary adjustment of the height and shape of the raised portion without worrying about tensile breakage; furthermore, because the raised portion is made using powder metallurgy, it can be immersed in electroplating, thereby reducing the difficulty of the electroplating process.

[0031] Furthermore, the detection module 80 includes a first detection module 801 located on one lateral side of the insulating body 10 and a second detection module 802 located on the other lateral side of the insulating body 10. The first detection module 801 and the second detection module 802 are longitudinally offset, and the protrusion 84 of the first detection terminal 801 extends forward beyond the protrusion 84 of the second detection module 802 by a distance of 0.8 mm. Meanwhile, the rear side of the elastic arm 83 of the first detection module 801 abuts against the inner wall of the rear housing 63, while the rear end of the elastic arm 83 of the second terminal module 802 extends downward out of the metal housing 60 and is soldered to a circuit board.

[0032] In this invention, the electrical connector 100 includes a detection module 80 fixed within a metal housing 60. The detection module 80 is located on both lateral sides of the insulating body 10 and has detection terminals 81 extending longitudinally and an insulating portion 82 integrally formed on the detection terminals 81. The insulating portion 82 is fixed within the metal housing 60. The detection terminal 81 has an elastic arm 83 extending longitudinally and a protrusion 84 connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm 83. The protrusion 84 is a circular protrusion made of powder metallurgy and protrudes into the mating cavity 611. The circular protrusion 84 made of powder metallurgy makes the protrusion 84 wear-resistant, increasing the number of mating cycles of the electrical connector 100 and thus improving the mating life of the electrical connector 100. At the same time, the powder metallurgy process allows the height and shape of the protrusion to be freely adjusted without worrying about tensile breakage.

[0033] In summary, the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the present utility model should still fall within the scope of the present utility model patent.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals held in the insulating body, and a metal housing covering the insulating body, wherein the insulating body has a base extending laterally and a tongue portion extending longitudinally forward from the base, the conductive terminals have contact portions at least partially exposed on the tongue portion, the metal housing has a mating cavity extending longitudinally forward, and the tongue portion is inserted into the mating cavity; characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a detection module fixed within the metal housing. The detection module is located on both sides of the insulating body and has detection terminals extending longitudinally and an insulating portion integrally formed on the detection terminals. The insulating portion is fixed within the metal housing. The detection terminals have elastic arms extending longitudinally and protrusions connected to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arms. The protrusions are circular protrusions made of powder metallurgy and protrude into the mating cavity.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The metal housing has an annular cylindrical portion and outward protrusions connected to the transverse sides of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a docking cavity that extends longitudinally from front to back. The outward protrusions have a receiving cavity that is transversely connected to the docking cavity. The detection terminal is housed in the receiving cavity.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic arm is formed by stamping a metal part and housed in the receiving cavity, and the protrusion is welded to the longitudinal front end of the elastic arm.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The detection module includes a first detection module located on one lateral side of the insulating body and a second detection module located on the other lateral side of the insulating body, wherein the first detection module and the second detection module are offset in the longitudinal direction.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The metal housing has a rear housing located on the longitudinal rear side of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is sleeved on the outer periphery of the tongue portion. The rear housing covers the outer side of the base portion, and the rear side of the elastic arm of the first detection module abuts against the inner wall of the rear housing.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes an insulating housing injection molded on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and the protruding portion, with the front end of the rear housing abutting against the rear end face of the insulating housing.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a retaining member integrally formed on the tongue plate portion. The retaining member has a transverse arm portion embedded in the longitudinal front end of the tongue plate portion and a retaining portion connected to the transverse sides of the transverse arm portion. The retaining portion is exposed on the transverse sides of the tongue plate portion, and the protruding portion is provided corresponding to the retaining portion.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The conductive terminals include an upper row of terminals and a lower row of terminals arranged in two rows. The electrical connector includes an intermediate shielding plate fixed within the insulating body. The intermediate shielding plate is located between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals, and the fastening portion of the fastener abuts against the lateral sides of the intermediate shielding plate.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The insulating body is provided with an upper insulator integrally formed on the upper row of terminals, a lower insulator integrally formed on the lower row of terminals, and a front insulator. The intermediate shielding sheet is located between the upper insulator and the lower insulator. The front insulator is located at the longitudinal front end of the upper insulator and the lower insulator, and the transverse arm of the fastener is embedded in the front insulator.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes an upper grounding member located outside the upper insulator and a lower grounding member located outside the lower insulator. The lateral sides of the upper grounding member and the lower grounding member are interlocked and attached to the longitudinal rear end of the fastening portion of the fastening member.

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