TPA structure and connectors

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of connector technology and discloses a TPA structure and connector. The TPA structure includes a main body and a cantilever. Connecting portions are provided on both sides of the main body for detachable connection to a connector housing. The cantilever is fixedly connected to the main body and located between the two connecting portions. The cantilever has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the cantilever is in the locked state, it can abut against a terminal inside the connector housing along a second direction to lock the terminal. When the cantilever is in the unlocked state, the terminal can separate from the cantilever along the second direction. The cantilever is elastic, and a protrusion is provided at the end of the cantilever away from the main body. The protrusion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. Along the direction away from the cantilever, the distance between the first and second inclined surfaces gradually decreases, and the second inclined surface is smoothly connected to the cantilever. The TPA structure and connector provided by this utility model are simple to operate and can complete the insertion and removal of the TPA structure in one step, improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A connector is a device that connects two active devices. It generally consists of a female connector and terminals with wires. The terminals and the female connector are mated together to transmit current or signals. To prevent the terminals from coming loose under the pull of external wires and causing a power outage, a Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) is typically installed on the connector. The TPA provides secondary fixation to the terminals, locking them in place and increasing their retention force within the connector housing.

[0003] Traditional connectors require the TPA to be inserted into the pre-lock position first, then the terminal is inserted, and finally the TPA is pushed to the final lock position to achieve a secondary locking effect on the terminal. However, this method is relatively cumbersome during TPA insertion and removal, cannot insert and remove the TPA in one go, and has low work efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a TPA structure and connector that is simple to operate, allows for one-time insertion and removal of the TPA, and improves work efficiency.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The TPA structure includes:

[0007] The main body has connecting parts on both sides along the first direction, and the connecting parts are used to detachably connect to the connector housing;

[0008] The cantilever is fixedly connected to the main body and located between two connecting parts. The cantilever has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the cantilever is in the locked state, it can abut against the terminal inside the connector housing in the second direction to lock the terminal. When the cantilever is in the unlocked state, the terminal can separate from the cantilever in the second direction.

[0009] The cantilever is elastic, and a protrusion is provided at the end of the cantilever away from the main body. The protrusion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. Along the direction away from the cantilever, the distance between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface gradually decreases. The second inclined surface is smoothly connected to the cantilever. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0010] Optionally, two cantilever arms are provided, which are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along a first direction, and the space formed between the two cantilever arms allows the terminals to pass through.

[0011] Optionally, the main body is provided with a blocking part, and the blocking part and the cantilever are disposed on the same side of the main body. When the cantilever is in the locked state, the blocking part can abut against the terminal inside the connector housing in the second direction.

[0012] Optionally, the main body has a mounting portion protruding therefrom, and the cantilever is fixed to the mounting portion; and / or, the blocking portion is fixed to the mounting portion.

[0013] Optionally, the TPA structure also includes a seal that is fitted over the mounting portion and conforms to the outer peripheral wall of the mounting portion.

[0014] Optionally, the outer peripheral wall of the mounting part is provided with a limiting part, and the sealing element is clamped between the limiting part and the main body.

[0015] Optionally, the main body is provided with a snap-fit ​​plate, which is located on the same side of the main body as the cantilever. The snap-fit ​​plate is provided with a limiting groove, and when the cantilever is in the locked state, the bottom wall of the limiting groove can be limited to the connector housing.

[0016] Optionally, the connecting part snaps into the connector housing;

[0017] Alternatively, the connecting part is fixed to the connector housing by fasteners.

[0018] Optionally, the main body and the connecting part are integrally formed structural components.

[0019] Connectors, including:

[0020] Connector housing;

[0021] Terminals that can be inserted into the connector housing in a second direction and snap into the connector housing;

[0022] The TPA structure allows for detachable connection between the connecting part and the connector housing. When the cantilever is locked, it can abut against the terminal inside the connector housing in a second direction to lock the terminal. When the cantilever is unlocked, the terminal can separate from the cantilever in a second direction.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] The TPA structure and connector provided by this utility model allow for the following steps when installing the TPA structure: First, insert the terminal into the connector housing, then insert the main body of the TPA structure into the connector housing. During this process, the cantilever switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. At this time, the connecting part connects with the connector housing, and the first inclined surface of the protrusion abuts against the outer periphery of the terminal. The terminal generates a reaction force on the cantilever. Because the cantilever is elastic, it deforms and bounces up when subjected to the reaction force from the terminal. As the main body continues to be pushed in, the first inclined surface of the protrusion smoothly transitions with the terminal, ensuring that the cantilever and the terminal do not interfere with each other. When the cantilever is in the locked state, it can abut against the terminal inside the connector housing in the second direction, thereby locking the terminal.

[0025] When it is necessary to exit the TPA structure, first remove the connecting part from the connector housing, and then exit the TPA structure from the connector housing. During this process, the cantilever switches from the locked state to the unlocked state. Since the second inclined surface of the protrusion is smoothly connected to the cantilever, during the exit process, the protrusion will abut against the outer periphery of the terminal and deform and spring up. The cantilever can smoothly pass through the terminal, thereby completing the exit of the TPA structure.

[0026] The flexible cantilever with inclined surfaces on both sides of the protrusion makes the insertion and removal of the TPA structure simple and can be completed in one go. There is no need to insert the TPA structure into the pre-locked state first, install the terminal, and then insert the TPA structure into the final lock state, which greatly improves work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the TPA structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the connector provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Main body; 2. Connecting part; 3. Cantilever; 4. Blocking part; 5. Seal; 6. Snap-on plate; 7. Connector housing; 8. Terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0036] like Figure 1-4As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a TPA structure, including a main body 1 and a cantilever 3. The main body 1 has connecting portions 2 on both sides along a first direction. The connecting portions 2 are used for detachable connection with the connector housing 7. The cantilever 3 is fixedly connected to the main body 1 and located between the two connecting portions 2. The cantilever 3 has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the cantilever 3 is in the locked state, the cantilever 3 can abut against the terminal 8 inside the connector housing 7 along a second direction to lock the terminal 8. When the cantilever 3 is in the unlocked state, the terminal 8 can separate from the cantilever 3 along the second direction. The cantilever 3 is elastic. The end of the cantilever 3 away from the main body 1 has a protrusion. The protrusion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. Along the direction away from the cantilever 3, the distance between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface gradually decreases. The second inclined surface is smoothly connected to the cantilever 3. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0037] When the TPA structure needs to be installed, first insert the terminal 8 into the connector housing 7, and then insert the main body 1 of the TPA structure into the connector housing 7. During this process, the cantilever 3 switches from the unlocked state to the locked state. At this time, the connecting part 2 is connected to the connector housing 7, and the first inclined surface of the protrusion abuts against the outer periphery of the terminal 8. The terminal 8 generates a reaction force on the cantilever 3. Since the cantilever 3 is elastic, it will deform and bounce up when subjected to the reaction force from the terminal 8. As the main body 1 is continuously pushed in, the first inclined surface of the protrusion will smoothly transition with the terminal 8, so that the terminal 8 enters the clearance groove formed by the protrusion and the cantilever 3, which can ensure that the cantilever 3 and the terminal 8 do not interfere. When the cantilever 3 is in the locked state, the cantilever 3 can abut against the terminal 8 inside the connector housing 7 in the second direction, thereby locking the terminal 8.

[0038] When it is necessary to exit the TPA structure, first disconnect the connecting part 2 from the connector housing 7, and then exit the TPA structure from the connector housing 7. During this process, the cantilever 3 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state. Since the second inclined surface of the protrusion is smoothly connected to the cantilever 3, during the exit process, the protrusion will abut against the outer periphery of the terminal 8 and deform and spring up. The cantilever 3 can smoothly pass through the terminal 8, thereby completing the exit of the TPA structure.

[0039] By using a flexible cantilever 3 and setting the two sides of the protrusion as inclined surfaces, the operation of inserting and removing the TPA structure is simple and can be completed in one go. There is no need to first insert the TPA structure into the pre-locked state and then install the terminal 8, and then insert the TPA structure into the final lock state, which greatly improves work efficiency.

[0040] Optionally, the cantilever 3 is a structure made of deformable materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0041] Specifically, the connecting part 2 is a flanged structure formed by folding the main body 1.

[0042] For example, the connecting part 2 snaps into the connector housing 7. Specifically, one of the connecting part 2 and the connector housing 7 has a slot, and the other has a protrusion, with the slot and protrusion engaging in a snap-fit ​​relationship. This arrangement facilitates assembly and disassembly, improving work efficiency. In other embodiments, the connecting part 2 and the connector housing 7 can also be connected and fixed by fasteners. Specifically, the fasteners are bolts.

[0043] Furthermore, the main body 1 and the connecting part 2 are integrally formed structural components, which are easy to process and can be mass-produced.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, two cantilever arms 3 are provided, which are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along the first direction. The space formed between the two cantilever arms 3 allows the terminals 8 to pass through. This arrangement allows multiple terminals 8 inside the connector housing 7 to be fixed according to actual conditions.

[0045] Understandably, the position of the cantilever 3 relative to the main body 1 can be adaptively adjusted according to the different installation positions of the actual terminals 8, and this embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0046] Furthermore, the main body 1 is provided with a blocking part 4, and the blocking part 4 and the cantilever 3 are disposed on the same side of the main body 1. When the cantilever 3 is in the locked state, the blocking part 4 can abut against the terminal 8 inside the connector housing 7 in the second direction. Specifically, the blocking part 4 is a protrusion formed by extending the mounting part. The blocking part 4 is inserted into the insertion hole on the connector housing 7, and the end of the blocking part 4 can abut against the terminal 8 in the second direction, thereby realizing secondary locking and limiting of the terminal 8.

[0047] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, according to actual needs, by setting a blocking part 4 on the main body 1, the terminals 8 inside the connector housing 7 can be fixed. Combined with the cantilever 3, multiple terminals 8 can be fixed to meet the user's needs.

[0048] Furthermore, the main body 1 has a protruding mounting portion, to which the cantilever 3 is fixed. The protruding mounting portion on the main body 1 increases its thickness, thereby improving the installation stability of the cantilever 3. Exemplarily, the mounting portion is arranged in a ring shape. In other embodiments, the mounting portion may also be arranged in a block shape.

[0049] Optionally, the blocking part 4 is fixed to the mounting part, which can improve the installation stability of the blocking part 4.

[0050] Furthermore, the TPA structure also includes a seal 5, which is fitted around the mounting portion and conforms to the outer peripheral wall of the mounting portion. This design prevents moisture from entering the connector housing 7, protecting the internal terminals 8 from moisture and effectively extending the connector's service life.

[0051] For example, the seal 5 is a rubber sealing ring. Specifically, several seals 5 are stacked, and the inner ring of the seal 5 is tightened against the outer peripheral wall of the mounting portion. In other embodiments, the seal 5 may also be a rubber gasket, a rubber sealing block, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the mounting part is provided with a limiting part, and the sealing element 5 is clamped between the limiting part and the main body 1.

[0053] A limiting portion is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the mounting part, and the sealing member 5 is located between the limiting portion and the main body 1, which can limit the sealing member 5 and prevent the sealing member 5 from detaching from the mounting part. Exemplarily, the limiting portion is a plurality of limiting blocks distributed circumferentially on the outer wall of the mounting part. In other embodiments, the limiting portion may also be a limiting ring provided on the outer wall of the mounting part.

[0054] Furthermore, the main body 1 is provided with a snap-fit ​​plate 6, which is located on the same side of the cantilever 3 as the blocking part 4. The snap-fit ​​plate 6 is provided with a limiting groove. When the cantilever 3 is in the locked state, the bottom wall of the limiting groove can be limited to the connector housing 7. Specifically, the snap-fit ​​plate 6 is a folding structure formed by folding the main body 1.

[0055] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the snap-fit ​​plate 6 is located between the two connecting parts 2. A limiting groove is provided on the snap-fit ​​plate 6. When installing the TPA structure, the limiting groove on the snap-fit ​​plate 6 can limit the connector housing 7, that is, the TPA structure is installed in place. Moreover, the snap-fit ​​plate 6 and the blocking part 4 are located on the same side of the cantilever 3, which makes it easy for the operator to identify the installation direction of the TPA structure through the snap-fit ​​plate 6, realize the correct positioning of the blocking part 4, and improve the installation efficiency.

[0056] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​plate 6 and the main body 1 are integrally formed structural components.

[0057] like Figure 2-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a connector, including a connector housing 7, a terminal 8, and the aforementioned TPA structure. The terminal 8 can be inserted into the connector housing 7 along a second direction and snapped into the connector housing 7. The connecting part 2 is detachably connected to the connector housing 7. When the cantilever 3 is in a locked state, the cantilever 3 can abut against the terminal 8 inside the connector housing 7 along the second direction to lock the terminal 8. When the cantilever 3 is in an unlocked state, the terminal 8 can separate from the cantilever 3 along the second direction.

[0058] Terminal 8 is inserted inside connector housing 7. Connector housing 7 can protect terminal 8. Terminal 8 is locked in place by engaging with connector housing 7. Then, terminal 8 is locked in place by the cantilever 3 of TPA structure and the blocking part 4 abutting against terminal 8 in the second direction.

[0059] Specifically, terminal 8 is a terminal with a spring-loaded tab, and the connector housing 7 has a corresponding slot. When terminal 8 is inserted into connector housing 7, the spring-loaded tab on terminal 8 abuts against the bottom wall of the slot to lock it in place. It should be noted that the engagement and disengagement of terminal 8 with spring-loaded tab with connector housing 7 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] When installing the TPA structure, first insert terminal 8 into connector housing 7 along the second direction and lock it in place. Then, align the snap-fit ​​plate 6 on the main body 1 with connector housing 7, align and insert the cantilever 3 into connector housing 7. The operator then presses the flat surface on the main body 1 directly towards connector housing 7. During this pressing process, the first inclined surface of the protrusion adheres tightly to the outer periphery of terminal 8. Under its own elasticity, the cantilever 3 of the main body 1 expands outward, allowing terminal 8 to enter the clearance groove formed by the protrusion and cantilever 3. As the operator continues to press, the connecting part 2 engages with the outer wall of connector housing 7, while the cantilever 3 remains locked, meaning the cantilever 3 limits the terminal 8 in the second direction, achieving secondary locking of terminal 8. At this time, the outer ring of the seal 5 fits against the inner wall of connector housing 7, achieving the connector's own sealing performance.

[0061] When disassembling the TPA structure, the operator only needs to separate the connecting part 2 from the connector housing 7, that is, separate the latch protrusion from the slot, to release the latching lock between the TPA structure and the connector housing 7, and then remove the TPA structure. The TPA structure can be smoothly removed by smoothly transitioning through the second inclined surface of the protrusion and the terminal 8.

[0062] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A TPA structure characterized in that, include: The main body (1) has connecting parts (2) on both sides along the first direction, and the connecting parts (2) are used to detachably connect with the connector housing (7); A cantilever (3) is fixedly connected to the main body (1) and located between the two connecting parts (2). The cantilever (3) has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the cantilever (3) is in the locked state, the cantilever (3) can abut against the terminal (8) inside the connector housing (7) in a second direction to lock the terminal (8). When the cantilever (3) is in the unlocked state, the terminal (8) can separate from the cantilever (3) in a second direction. The cantilever (3) is elastic. The end of the cantilever (3) away from the main body (1) is provided with a protrusion. The protrusion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. Along the direction of the protrusion away from the cantilever (3), the distance between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface gradually decreases. The second inclined surface is smoothly connected to the cantilever (3). The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The TPA structure of claim 1, wherein, Two cantilever arms (3) are provided, and the two cantilever arms (3) are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along the first direction. The space formed between the two cantilever arms (3) allows the terminal (8) to pass through.

3. The TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is provided with a blocking part (4), and the blocking part (4) and the cantilever (3) are disposed on the same side of the main body (1). When the cantilever (3) is in the locked state, the blocking part (4) can abut against the terminal (8) inside the connector housing (7) in the second direction.

4. The TPA structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main body (1) has a mounting portion protruding therefrom, and the cantilever (3) is fixed to the mounting portion; and / or, the blocking portion (4) is fixed to the mounting portion.

5. The TPA structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The TPA structure also includes a sealing element (5), which is sleeved outside the mounting part and fits against the outer peripheral wall of the mounting part.

6. The TPA structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the mounting part is provided with a limiting part, and the sealing element (5) is sandwiched between the limiting part and the main body (1).

7. The TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is provided with a snap-fit ​​plate (6), the snap-fit ​​plate (6) and the cantilever (3) are located on the same side of the main body (1), the snap-fit ​​plate (6) is provided with a limiting groove, and when the cantilever (3) is in the locked state, the bottom wall of the limiting groove can be limited to the connector housing (7).

8. The TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part (2) is engaged with the connector housing (7); Alternatively, the connecting part (2) and the connector housing (7) are connected and fixed by fasteners.

9. The TPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) and the connecting part (2) are integrally formed structural components.

10. A connector, characterized in that, include: Connector housing (7); Terminal (8), said terminal (8) being able to be inserted into the connector housing (7) along the second direction and snapped into the connector housing (7); According to any one of claims 1-9, the connecting part (2) is detachably connected to the connector housing (7), and when the cantilever (3) is in the locked state, the cantilever (3) can abut against the terminal (8) inside the connector housing (7) in the second direction to lock the terminal (8); when the cantilever (3) is in the unlocked state, the terminal (8) can separate from the cantilever (3) in the second direction.

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