Plug assembly and electrical connector

Abstract

This application relates to a plug assembly and an electrical connector. The plug assembly includes a housing and terminals. The housing includes an interconnected sleeve and an outer terrace, the outer terrace having an opening. The terminals include a connecting shaft section and a piercing section. The connecting shaft section passes through the sleeve and is snapped into place, serving as the plug for electrical connection with a mating assembly. The piercing section is located on the outer terrace and includes a connecting body and a blade. The connecting body is connected to the connecting shaft section, with one side abutting against the outer terrace. The blade is located on the other side of the connecting body and exposed through the opening. When driven, the blade can pierce the insulation layer of a cable for electrical connection. When a piercing force is applied to the blade through the outer terrace, the piercing force is applied more evenly to the blade, facilitating accurate and stable piercing of the cable's insulation layer. The plug assembly provided in this application does not require crimping tools and can be manually crimped. The electrical connector includes the above-mentioned plug assembly, which is convenient for crimping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of conductive connection technology, and in particular to a plug assembly and an electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the popularization of electrical connector technology, piercing terminals have been widely used due to their convenience. Piercing terminals have a sharp structure that can directly pierce the insulation layer of the wire and make contact with the conductor inside the wire during crimping, thereby achieving electrical and mechanical connection and eliminating the need for wire stripping.

[0003] Currently, the connection process of piercing terminals relies on specialized crimping equipment (such as crimping pliers or crimping dies) for crimping connection, which is cumbersome and inconvenient to operate. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a plug assembly and electrical connector to address the problems of cumbersome connection and inconvenient operation of piercing terminals.

[0005] This application provides a plug-in assembly, which includes a housing and terminals. The housing includes an interconnected sleeve and an outer terrace, the outer terrace having an opening. The terminals include a connecting shaft section and a piercing section. The connecting shaft section passes through the sleeve and is snapped into place with the sleeve. The connecting shaft section is used to plug into and electrically connect with a plug-in assembly. The piercing section is located on the outer terrace and includes a connecting body and a cutting edge. The connecting body is connected to the connecting shaft section, one side of the connecting body abuts against the outer terrace, and the cutting edge is located on the other side of the connecting body and exposed through the opening. When driven, the cutting edge can pierce the insulation layer of the cable to electrically connect with the cable.

[0006] In the aforementioned plug assembly, the connecting shaft section passes through the housing and is snapped and fixed to the housing, thus the terminal can be snapped and fixed to the housing via the connecting shaft section. In the piercing section of the terminal, one side of the connecting body abuts against the outer terrace, and the blade is located on the other side of the connecting body, with the blade exposed through an opening. Therefore, when the housing is fastened to the support structure with the cable, pressure can be applied to the blade through the outer terrace and the connecting body to easily drive the blade to pierce the insulation layer of the cable, thereby achieving an electrical connection with the cable. It is understood that the outer terrace can be configured to have a larger contact area than the blade. Furthermore, the blade is fixedly connected to the housing via the connecting body and the connecting shaft section, giving the blade a stable position. Therefore, when a piercing force is applied to the blade through the outer terrace, the piercing force will act more evenly on the blade, facilitating accurate and stable piercing of the cable's insulation layer. Thus, the plug assembly provided in this application can be manually crimped without the need for crimping tools.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plug assembly further includes a cover plate that engages with the outer terrace to close the opening; the cover plate's projection onto the outer terrace covers the blade portion. Thus, the cover plate, in conjunction with the outer terrace, can clamp the blade portion and the cable, allowing the blade portion to penetrate the cable and form a conductive connection.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer terrace includes a platform and a hook. The hook is connected to the platform and engages with a support structure to which the cover plate or the plug assembly is attached. The hook allows the cover plate or support structure to remain relatively fixed to the outer terrace, thus keeping the blade edge relatively fixed to the cable, improving the stability of the electrical connection.

[0009] In one embodiment, the number of hooks is at least two, and at least two hooks are located on opposite sides of the blade portion along the axis of the terminal to provide sufficient holding force to the blade portion and the cable, so that the two maintain a stable relative position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing has a stop surface facing the side where the cover plate is located, and the stop surface abuts against the cover plate when the cover plate is fastened to the outer terrace.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing has a stop surface for abutting against the support structure to which the plug assembly is fastened.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connector has a contact surface on the side opposite to the blade edge, the contact surface contacting the outer terrace surface to stably transmit the force to the blade edge.

[0013] In one embodiment, the extension direction of the blade is perpendicular to the extension direction of the connector.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting shaft segment includes a first shaft segment, which includes a shaft body and a latch. The shaft body has a stepped portion, and the latch is an elastic body. The side of the latch near the stepped portion is connected to the shaft body, and the other side is turned outward relative to the shaft body. The stepped portion and the latch opposite to each other abut against the housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connecting shaft segment further includes a second shaft segment, a third shaft segment, and a transition shaft segment. The shaft body, the second shaft segment, and the third shaft segment are connected sequentially in a direction away from the puncture segment, and their outer diameters decrease sequentially. The third shaft segment is used to insert into and be electrically connected to the mating assembly. The transition shaft segment is connected between the second shaft segment and the third shaft segment. The housing has a guide hole, and the third shaft segment extends out of the housing through the guide hole. The outer diameter of the transition shaft segment and the inner diameter of the guide hole gradually decrease in a direction away from the puncture segment. The transition shaft segment is inserted into the guide hole.

[0016] This application also provides an electrical connector, which includes a mating assembly and a terminal assembly as described above, wherein the terminal assembly is mated to the mating assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of a plug assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of the plug assembly shown.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The shown is a cross-sectional view of the plug assembly along line AA.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the terminals in the plug assembly shown.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows an isometric view of the terminals in the plug assembly.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The side view of the plug assembly shown.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The shown is a cross-sectional view of the plug assembly along line BB.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 5 Top view of the terminal shown.

[0025] Reference numerals: 10, insertion assembly; 100, housing; 101, stop surface; 110, sleeve; 111, limiting cavity; 112, guide hole; 120, outer terrace; 121, opening; 122, receiving groove; 123, platform; 124, hook; 200, terminal; 201, connecting shaft section; 210, piercing section; 211, connector; 212, cutting edge; 213, contact surface; 214, blade; 215, receiving groove; 220, first shaft section; 221, shaft body; 222, latch; 223, step; 230, second shaft section; 240, transition shaft section; 250, third shaft section; O, axis; S, reference direction. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0032] One embodiment of this application provides an electrical connector, which includes a plug assembly and a mating assembly. The plug assembly and the mating assembly are plugged into each other and are electrically connected.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 3One embodiment of this application provides a plug-in assembly 10, which includes a housing 100 and terminals 200. The terminals 200 pass through the housing 100 and are fixedly connected to it. The housing 100 includes a sleeve 110 and an outer terrace 120, which are interconnected. The terminal 200 includes a connecting shaft section 201 and a piercing section 210, which are interconnected. The connecting shaft section 201 passes through the sleeve 110 and is snap-fitted to it, and is used for plugging into the plug-in assembly and for electrical conduction. The piercing section 210 is located on the outer terrace 120, which has an opening 121. The piercing section 210 includes a connector 211 and a blade 212. The connector 211 is connected to the connecting shaft section 201. One side of the connector 211 abuts against the outer terrace 120. The blade 212 is located on the other side of the connector 211 and is exposed through the opening 121. When driven, the blade 212 can pierce the insulation layer of the cable to make an electrical connection with the cable.

[0034] In the aforementioned plug assembly 10, the connecting shaft section 201 passes through the housing 110 and is snapped and fixed to the housing 110. Therefore, the terminal 200 can be snapped and fixed to the housing 100 through the connecting shaft section 201. In the piercing section 210 of the terminal 200, one side of its connecting body 211 abuts against the outer terrace 120, and the blade portion 212 is provided on the other side of the connecting body 211, and the blade portion 212 is exposed through the opening 121. Thus, when the housing 100 is fastened to the support structure with the cable (not shown in the figure, the same below), pressure can be applied to the blade portion 212 through the outer terrace 120 and the connecting body 211 to easily drive the blade portion 212 to pierce the insulation layer of the cable and make an electrical connection with the cable.

[0035] Understandably, the outer terrace 120 can be configured to have a larger contact area compared to the blade portion 212. Furthermore, the blade portion 212 is fixedly connected to the housing 100 via the connector 211 and the connecting shaft section 201, ensuring a stable position for the blade portion 212. Therefore, when a piercing force is applied to the blade portion 212 through the outer terrace 120, the piercing force is applied more evenly to the blade portion 212, facilitating accurate and stable piercing of the cable's insulation layer. Consequently, the plug assembly 10 provided in this application can be manually crimped without the need for crimping tools.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the connector 211 has a contact surface 213 on the side opposite to the blade portion 212, and the contact surface 213 contacts the outer terrace 120. This arrangement allows the outer terrace 120 to fully contact the connector 211, facilitating the stable transmission of force from the outer terrace 120 to the connector 211, and enabling the blade portion 212 to reliably pierce the cable insulation layer. In other words, the contact surface 213 of the connector 211 contacting the outer terrace 120 improves the positional stability of the connector 211, allowing it to reliably transmit force to the blade portion 212.

[0037] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting body 211 may be constructed as a flat plate, meaning that at least a portion of the contact surface 213 is planar, and the contact surface 213 can contact the planar surface of the outer terrace 120. Of course, in other embodiments, the contact engagement method between the contact surface 213 and the outer terrace 120 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0038] Please see Figure 4 Combined Figure 3 In one embodiment, the extending direction of the blade portion 212 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the connector 211. Therefore, after the force is transmitted from the outer terrace 120 to the connector 211, it can directly and effectively act on the blade portion 212, reducing the probability of the blade portion 212 deflecting. With this configuration, the blade portion 212 can effectively penetrate the cable insulation layer. Of course, in some embodiments, the extending direction of the blade portion 212 can also be set at an angle to the extending direction of the connector 211, depending on the requirements.

[0039] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the cutting edge 212 includes a plurality of blades 214, with adjacent blades 214 having sharp edges close to each other. Adjacent blades 214 can be clamped together to form a receiving groove 215 for placing a cable. When the cutting edge 212 is subjected to force, the blades 214 can cut and pierce the insulation layer of the cable to contact the conductor inside the insulation layer, achieving electrical conductivity.

[0040] In one embodiment, the plug assembly 10 can be fastened to a support structure with a cable. When fastened, the side containing the opening 121 can face the support structure, so that the blade portion 212 is aligned with the cable. Thus, under the opposing clamping force of the outer terrace 120 and the support structure, there is positive pressure between the blade portion 212 and the cable, allowing the blade portion 212 to penetrate into the insulation layer of the cable, achieving electrical conductivity.

[0041] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the plug assembly 10 further includes a cover plate (not shown, the same below) that engages with the outer terrace 120 to close the opening 121. The orthographic projection of the cover plate onto the outer terrace 120 covers the blade portion 212. The cable can be placed between the cover plate and the blade portion 212, so that when the cover plate engages with the outer terrace 120, a force can be applied to the cable simultaneously, and with the support of the outer terrace 120, the blade portion 212 can penetrate into the cable, forming an electrical connection.

[0042] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the outer terrace 120 includes a platform 123 and a hook 124. The platform 123 has a receiving groove 122, which communicates with the outside through an opening 121. The hook 124 is connected to the platform 123 and can engage with a cover plate to fix the cover plate to the outer terrace 120, thereby keeping the cable and the blade portion 212 relatively fixed and achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0043] As one example, the cover plate has a slot, and the hook 124 can engage with the slot to fix the cover plate relative to the outer terrace 120. Alternatively, the cover plate can have a snap-fit ​​structure, with the snap-fit ​​engaging with the hook 124 to fix the cover plate relative to the outer terrace 120.

[0044] Of course, in another embodiment, the plug assembly 10 can be snapped onto the support structure. In this case, the hook 124 can engage with the support structure to which the plug assembly 10 is snapped, fixing the plug assembly 10 in place. This keeps the cable and the blade portion 212 relatively fixed, achieving a stable electrical connection. It is understood that the snapping force of the plug assembly 10 when snapped onto the support structure in this embodiment can simultaneously drive the blade portion 212 to pierce the cable's insulation layer. In other words, while the plug assembly 10 is snapped onto the support structure, the blade portion 212 can simultaneously pierce the cable, achieving both structural and electrical connection simultaneously. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0045] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the number of latches 124 is at least two. Along the axis O of the terminal 200, at least two latches 124 are located on opposite sides of the blade portion 212 to stably provide a holding force to the blade portion 212 and the cable, thereby maintaining electrical continuity between them.

[0046] like Figure 2Furthermore, the terminal assembly 10 may include a plurality of terminals 200 arranged side-by-side in a reference direction S, and all terminals 200 are located within a receiving groove 122, the reference direction S being perpendicular to the axis O of the terminals 200. Along the reference direction S, at least two latches 124 are located on different sides of the area where the plurality of terminals 200 are located, to stably provide a retaining force to the blade portion 212 and the cable, thereby maintaining electrical continuity between them. As one example, the two latches 124 may be respectively connected to two opposing groove walls of the receiving groove 122 in the reference direction S to provide a retaining force to the blade portion 212 and the cable.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the housing 100 has a stop surface 101 that is the same as and abuts against the component (such as the cover plate and support structure described above) that is fastened to the plug assembly 10, thereby limiting the distance between the blade portion 212 and the component and reducing the risk of the blade portion 212 penetrating the cable too deeply and cutting the cable.

[0048] As one example, the stop surface 101 may face the side where the cover plate is located. When the cover plate is engaged with the outer terrace 120, the stop surface 101 abuts against the cover plate to limit the depth of the blade portion 212 piercing the cable.

[0049] Alternatively, the stop surface 101 can be used to abut against the support structure to which the plug assembly 10 is fastened, thereby limiting the depth to which the blade portion 212 penetrates the cable.

[0050] Please see Figure 5 Combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the connecting shaft segment 201 includes a first shaft segment 220, which is connected to the piercing segment 210. The first shaft segment 220 is used to snap and fix it to the housing 100. The first shaft segment 220 includes a shaft body 221 and a latch 222. The shaft body 221 has a stepped portion 223. The latch 222 is connected to the shaft body 221 on one side near the stepped portion 223, and the other side is turned outward relative to the shaft body 221. The stepped portion 223 and the latch 222 abut against the housing 110 on the sides opposite to each other, so as to limit the axial position of the terminal 200 relative to the housing 110, thereby fixing the terminal 200 relative to the housing 100. It is understood that, as described above, the connecting body 211 is generally flat and fits against the outer terrace 120. Therefore, with the connecting body 211 and the outer terrace 120 in close contact, the terminal 200 will not normally rotate circumferentially relative to the housing 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the latch 222 can be an elastic body. When the terminal 200 is inserted into the housing 110, the latch 222 can elastically retract to pass through the limiting area within the housing 110. When the latch 222 reaches the limiting cavity 111 (described below), the limiting cavity 111 has sufficient space for the latch 222 to fold outward, so the latch 222 can fold outward and abut against the cavity wall of the limiting cavity 111 to form a limiting engagement with the housing 110, thereby achieving a snap-fit ​​fixation.

[0052] Please see Figure 7 In one embodiment, the housing 110 has a limiting cavity 111, and the first shaft segment 220 passes through the limiting cavity 111. The two opposing cavity walls of the limiting cavity 111 in the axial direction O of the terminal 200 abut against the step portion 223 and the latch 222 respectively to axially limit the terminal 200.

[0053] Please see Figure 8 Combined Figure 7 In one embodiment, the connecting shaft segment 201 further includes a second shaft segment 230, a third shaft segment 250, and a transition shaft segment 240. The third shaft segment 250 is used for insertion into and electrically connected to the mating assembly. The shaft body 221, the second shaft segment 230, and the third shaft segment 250 are connected sequentially in the direction away from the piercing segment 210, and their outer diameters decrease sequentially. The transition shaft segment 240 connects the second shaft segment 230 and the third shaft segment 250. The housing 110 has a guide hole 112. The third shaft segment 250 extends out of the housing 100 through the guide hole 112. The outer diameter of the transition shaft segment 240 and the inner diameter of the guide hole 112 gradually decrease in the direction away from the piercing segment 210. The transition shaft segment 240 is inserted into the guide hole 112. Thus, during the axial insertion of the terminal 200 into the housing 100, the housing 100 guides the axis O of the terminal 200 to the expected position through the generally trumpet-shaped guide hole 112 and the generally conical transition shaft section 240, facilitating accurate alignment with the mating structure.

[0054] It is understood that, since the outer diameter of the shaft 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the second shaft segment 230, the end of the shaft 221 that connects to the second shaft segment 230 can protrude relative to the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft segment 230, thus forming the stepped portion 223 as described above.

[0055] In one embodiment, the terminal 200 can be formed by stamping a sheet, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing.

[0056] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A plug end assembly, characterized by The insertion assembly includes: The housing includes an interconnected outer shell and an outer terrace, the outer terrace having an opening; Terminals, the terminals comprising: A connecting shaft segment is inserted through the housing and snapped into and fixed to the housing. The connecting shaft segment is used to be inserted into the mating assembly and electrically connected. The piercing section is located on the outer terrace and includes a connecting body and a cutting edge. The connecting body is connected to the connecting shaft section. One side of the connecting body abuts against the outer terrace. The cutting edge is located on the other side of the connecting body and is exposed through the opening. When driven, the cutting edge can pierce the insulation layer of the cable to make an electrical connection with the cable.

2. The plug end assembly of claim 1, wherein, The insertion assembly also includes a cover plate that engages with the outer terrace to close the opening; the cover plate's orthographic projection onto the outer terrace covers the blade portion.

3. The plug end assembly of claim 2, wherein, The outer terrace includes a platform and a hook. The hook is connected to the platform and engages with the support structure that is fastened to the cover plate or the plug assembly.

4. The plug end assembly of claim 3, wherein, The number of hooks is at least two, and along the axis of the terminal, at least two hooks are located on opposite sides of the blade.

5. The plug end assembly of claim 3, wherein, The housing has a stop surface; The stop surface faces the side where the cover plate is located, and when the cover plate is fastened to the outer terrace, the stop surface abuts against the cover plate; or The stop surface is used to abut against the support structure to which the plug assembly is fastened.

6. The plug end assembly of claim 1, wherein The connector has a contact surface on the side opposite to the blade edge, and the contact surface contacts the outer terrace surface.

7. The plug end assembly of claim 1, wherein The extension direction of the blade is perpendicular to the extension direction of the connector.

8. The plug end assembly of claim 1, wherein, The connecting shaft segment includes a first shaft segment, which includes a shaft body and a latch. The shaft body has a stepped portion, and the latch is an elastic body. The side of the latch near the stepped portion is connected to the shaft body, and the other side is turned outward relative to the shaft body. The stepped portion and the side of the latch facing away from each other abut against the housing.

9. The plug end assembly of claim 8, wherein, The connecting shaft section further includes a second shaft section, a third shaft section, and a transition shaft section. The shaft body, the second shaft section, and the third shaft section are connected sequentially in a direction away from the puncture section, and the outer diameters of the three decrease sequentially. The third shaft section is used to plug into the mating assembly and be electrically connected. The transition shaft segment is connected between the second shaft segment and the third shaft segment. The housing has a guide hole. The third shaft segment extends out of the housing through the guide hole. The outer diameter of the transition shaft segment and the inner diameter of the guide hole gradually decrease in the direction away from the puncture segment. The transition shaft segment is inserted into the guide hole.

10. An electrical connector, characterized by The electrical connector includes a mating assembly and a terminal assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the terminal assembly is mated to the mating assembly.

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