Ribs fit to strengthen the type of electrical connector and electrical connector combination

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of convex rib cooperation reinforced type electric connector and electric connector combination.Convex rib cooperation reinforced type electric connector includes a first terminal module, an insulating base and a metal shell.The first terminal module includes a plurality of first terminals arranged parallel to each other.The insulating base includes a slot formed in its interior, and the terminals are arranged on two slot walls and close to the opening.Metal shell covers the insulating base, and the metal shell includes a mating space, a mating interface, a combined convex part and two clamping walls, the mating space is adjacent to the slot, the mating interface is located on one side of the metal shell for mating with a pair of flashlight connectors, the combined convex part is arranged adjacent to the mating interface, and the two clamping walls are located on the opposite sides of the combined convex part.The metal shell further includes two convex ribs arranged on the two clamping walls respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and particularly to a reinforced electrical connector with a rib-fitting mechanism and an electrical connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are primarily used to establish electrical connections between electronic devices or modules for signal transmission. These electrical connections are achieved by mating male and female electrical connectors. Most existing male and female electrical connectors use a plug-in method for mating. After mating, the male and female connectors generate insertion and extraction forces through the engaging of the housing or core structure or friction between them.

[0003] Some existing electrical connector assemblies achieve mating and engagement by inserting the metal shell of one connector into the gap between the insulating shell of the other connector. However, because the thickness of the metal shell is less than the gap distance, the metal shell can still move up and down within the gap of the insulating shell during mating, resulting in a skewed state of the mated connector. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a reinforced electrical connector with a rib-fitting mechanism and an electrical connector assembly, which solves the problem that electrical connectors in the prior art are prone to misalignment after mating.

[0005] This utility model provides a rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector, including a first terminal module, an insulating base, and a metal housing. The first terminal module includes a plurality of first terminals arranged parallel to each other and extending along a first direction. The insulating base includes a slot formed therein, the slot extending along a second direction and having an opening and two opposing slot walls. The terminals are disposed on the two slot walls and near the opening. The metal housing covers the insulating base and includes a mating space, a pair of interfaces, a mating protrusion, and two engaging walls. The mating space is adjacent to the slot, the mating interface is located on one side of the metal housing for mating with a pair of electrical connectors, the mating protrusion is adjacent to the mating interface, and the two engaging walls are located on a plane defined by the first and second directions and on opposite sides of the mating protrusion. The metal housing further includes two ribs, each disposed on one of the two engaging walls.

[0006] In another embodiment, the metal housing includes at least one positioning hole formed in the engagement protrusion.

[0007] In another embodiment, the two ribs are formed with long sides along the second direction and short sides along the first direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the metal housing further includes two engaging recesses adjacent to the mating interface and located on two sidewalls of the metal housing adjacent to the two engaging walls.

[0009] In another embodiment, the connecting protrusion protrudes from the two engaging walls in a third direction away from the first terminal module, the third direction being perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0010] This utility model embodiment provides an electrical connector assembly, including the aforementioned rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector and a pair of power connectors. The power connectors are mated with the rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector. The power connector includes a second terminal module, a housing structure, a spring-loaded locking member, and a pull strap. The second terminal module includes a plug plate and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the plug plate. The plug plate is inserted into a slot, such that the second terminals respectively contact the first terminals. The housing structure includes a housing body and two bosses. The housing body includes a mating end located at its front and a receiving recess located on its top surface. The two bosses are disposed above the top surface and on opposite sides of the receiving recess, with a first gap formed between each boss and the top surface. The spring-loaded locking member is disposed in the receiving recess and one end extends to the mating end. The pull strap is coupled to the spring-loaded locking member and extends away from the mating end. The metal housing of the reinforced electrical connector with ribs engages with the spring locking element, and the two engaging walls and the two ribs are respectively inserted into the two first gaps between the two bosses and the top surface.

[0011] In another embodiment, each rib abuts against its corresponding boss and interferes with each other.

[0012] In another embodiment, the metal housing of the rib-fitted reinforced electrical connector is sleeved onto the housing body of the power connector housing structure.

[0013] In another embodiment, the housing structure further includes two guide walls, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the housing body and form a second gap with the housing body, and the two side walls of the metal housing are respectively inserted into the second gap.

[0014] In another embodiment, each boss forms a groove on the surface near the first gap, and each rib extends across the opening of each groove.

[0015] The rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector of this invention features ribs on the locking wall of the metal housing. When the rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector is mated with a power connector, the ribs and locking wall engage in the gap in the housing structure of the power connector, forming a tight fit. This prevents the electrical connector from becoming misaligned after mating. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the electrical connector assembly from another perspective.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the electrical connector assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reinforced electrical connector with ribs according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the reinforced electrical connector with its convex ribs.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line AA.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged view of part A.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector; 2-Handheld connector; 10-First terminal module; 11-First terminal; 20-Insulating base; 21-Slot; 21a-Opening; 21b-Slot wall; 30-Metal housing; 31-Mating space; 32-Mating interface; 33-Mating protrusion; 34-Matching wall; 35-Positioning hole; 36-Matching recess; 37-Side wall; 40-Rib; 50-Second terminal module; 51- Insert plate; 52-Second terminal; 60-Housing structure; 61-Housing body; 62-Boss; 63-Guide wall; 70-Spring locking element; 71-Spring part; 72-Activating protrusion; 80-Pull strap; 611-Mating end; 612-Top surface; 613-Accommodating recess; 614-First gap; 615-Second gap; 616-Stepped structure; 617-Groove; L1-First direction; L2-Second direction; L3-Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The diagram illustrates one embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of this invention. This embodiment provides an electrical connector assembly including a reinforced rib-fit electrical connector 1 and a pair of power connectors 2. In this embodiment, the reinforced rib-fit electrical connector 1 is a female connector, and the power connector 2 is a male connector. This embodiment uses a plug and socket connector from an MCIO electrical connector, but the invention is not limited to this; other types of electrical connectors are also applicable.

[0025] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a rib-fitted reinforced electrical connector 1, including a first terminal module 10, an insulating base 20, and a metal housing 30.

[0026] The first terminal module 10 includes a plurality of first terminals 11, which are arranged parallel to each other and extend along a first direction L1. In this embodiment, the first terminal 11 includes a curved spring-arm-like structure.

[0027] The insulating base 20 includes a slot 21 formed therein, the slot 21 extending along a second direction L2 and having an opening 21a and two opposing slot walls 21b. The first terminal 11 is disposed on the two slot walls 21b and close to the opening 21a. In this embodiment, the second direction L2 is perpendicular to the first direction L1. The first direction L1 is the mating direction between the rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector 1 and the power connector 2.

[0028] A metal housing 30 covers an insulating base 20. The metal housing 30 includes a mating space 31, a pair of interfaces 32, a mating protrusion 33, and two engaging walls 34. One side of the metal housing 30 protrudes from one side of the insulating base 20, and the structure of the metal housing 30 covering the insulating base 20 forms a mating space 31 on one side adjacent to the slot 21 of the insulating base 20. The interfaces 32 are located on one side of the metal housing 30 for mating with the power connector 2.

[0029] The coupling protrusion 33 is disposed adjacent to the interface 32, and two engaging walls 34 are adjacent to the interface 32 and located on a plane defined by the first direction L1 and the second direction L2, and the two engaging walls 34 are respectively located on opposite sides of the coupling protrusion 33. The coupling protrusion 33 protrudes from the two engaging walls 34 in a third direction L3 away from the first terminal module 10, and the third direction L3 is perpendicular to the first direction L1 and the second direction L2.

[0030] The metal housing 30 further includes two protruding ribs 40, which are stamped out of the surfaces of the two engaging walls 34 and located on the side away from the mating space 31. In this embodiment, the protruding ribs 40 are rectangular, with the two protruding ribs forming a long side along the second direction L2 and a short side along the first direction L1.

[0031] The metal housing 30 includes two positioning holes 35 and two engaging recesses 36. The two positioning holes 35 are formed in the engaging protrusion 33. The two engaging recesses 36 are adjacent to the mating interface 32 and are respectively located on two side walls 37 of the metal housing 30. The two side walls 37 are respectively adjacent to two engaging walls 34.

[0032] The power connector 2 includes a second terminal module 50, a housing structure 60, a spring locking element 70, and a pull strap element 80.

[0033] The second terminal module 50 includes a plug plate 51 and a plurality of second terminals 52 disposed on the plug plate 51. In this embodiment, the plug plate 51 has a multilayer circuit board structure, and the second terminals 52 are metal pads formed on the plug plate 51. When the rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector 1 mates with the power connector 2, the plug plate 51 of the second terminal module 50 is inserted into the slot 21 of the insulating base 20, so that the first terminal 11 with a spring arm structure abuts against the second terminal 52 with a metal pad structure to form an electrical connection.

[0034] The shell structure 60 includes a shell body 61, two bosses 62, and two guide walls 63. The shell body 61 includes a mating end 611 at its front and a receiving recess 613 on its top surface 612. The two bosses 62 are disposed above the top surface 612 and on opposite sides of the receiving recess 613, forming a first gap 614 between each boss 62 and the top surface 612. The two guide walls 63 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the shell body 61 and form a second gap 615 between each guide wall 63 and the shell body 61. The shell body 61 forms a stepped structure 616 within the second gap 615 between the bosses 62 and the guide walls 63. A groove 617 is formed on the surface of each boss 62 near the first gap 614.

[0035] A spring-loaded locking element 70 is disposed in the receiving recess 613 and extends to the mating end 611 at one end. The spring-loaded locking element 70 includes a spring portion 71 and two engaging protrusions 72 disposed on the spring portion 71. One end of the spring portion 71 is fixed to the housing body 61, and the other end is located above the top surface 612 and can elastically deform along the third direction L3. A pull strap 80 is coupled to the spring-loaded locking element 70 and extends away from the mating end 611. When a user applies force to the pull strap 80, the spring portion 71 of the spring-loaded locking element 70 can be pulled to produce elastic deformation.

[0036] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the reinforced electrical connector 1 with rib engagement mates with the power connector 2, the metal housing 30 of the reinforced electrical connector 1 is inserted into the housing structure 60 of the power connector 2. The engaging protrusion 33 of the metal housing 30 engages with the spring locking member 70. The engaging protrusion 72 of the spring locking member 70 engages with the positioning hole 35 of the metal housing 30. The two engaging walls 34 of the metal housing 30 engage with the two first gaps 614 respectively, so that each rib 40 abuts against the corresponding boss 62 and interferes with each other. Each rib 40 traverses the opening 21a of each groove 617. The two side walls 37 of the metal housing 30 are inserted into the second gap 615, and the engaging recesses 36 provided on the two side walls 37 engage with the stepped structure 616.

[0037] The rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector of this invention features ribs on the locking wall of the metal housing. When the rib-fitting reinforced electrical connector is mated with a power connector, the ribs and locking wall engage in the gap in the housing structure of the power connector, forming a tight fit. This prevents the electrical connector from becoming misaligned after mating.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made based on the content of this utility model are still within the scope of this utility model patent. Furthermore, no embodiment of this utility model needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in this utility model. In addition, the abstract and headings are only used to assist in patent document searching and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this utility model are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. A reinforced electrical connector with a rib-fitting design, characterized in that, include: A first terminal module includes a plurality of first terminals, which are arranged parallel to each other and extend along a first direction; An insulating base includes a slot formed therein, the slot extending along a second direction and having an opening and two opposing slot walls, the plurality of first terminals being disposed on the two slot walls and disposed near the opening; as well as A metal housing covers the insulating base. The metal housing includes a mating space, a pair of interfaces, a mating protrusion, and two locking walls. The mating space is adjacent to the slot. The pair of interfaces is located on one side of the metal housing for mating with a pair of power connectors. The mating protrusion is disposed adjacent to the pair of interfaces. The two locking walls are located on a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction and are located on opposite sides of the mating protrusion. The metal housing also includes two protruding ribs, which are respectively disposed on the two engaging walls.

2. The reinforced electrical connector with rib engagement as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The metal housing includes at least one positioning hole formed in the engagement protrusion.

3. The reinforced electrical connector with rib engagement as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The two ribs are formed with long sides along the second direction and short sides along the first direction.

4. The reinforced electrical connector with rib engagement as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The metal housing also includes two engaging recesses, which are adjacent to the interface and located on two side walls of the metal housing adjacent to the two engaging walls.

5. The reinforced electrical connector with rib engagement as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting protrusion protrudes from the two engaging walls in a third direction away from the first terminal module, and this third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

6. An electrical connector assembly, characterized in that, include: Rib-fit reinforced electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; A pair of power connectors mating with the reinforced power connector that mates with the rib, the power connectors comprising: A second terminal module includes a plug plate and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the plug plate. The plug plate is inserted into the slot such that the plurality of second terminals respectively contact the plurality of first terminals. A shell structure includes a shell body and two protrusions. The shell body includes a mating end located at the front and a receiving recess located on the top surface. The two protrusions are disposed above the top surface and on opposite sides of the receiving recess. A first gap is formed between each protrusion and the top surface. A spring-loaded locking element is disposed in the receiving recess and one end extends to the mating end; and A pull strap is attached to the spring-loaded locking element and extends away from the mating end; The rib and the metal housing of the reinforced electrical connector are engaged with the spring locking member, and the two locking walls and the two ribs are respectively inserted into the two first gaps between the two bosses and the top surface.

7. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the ribs abuts against the corresponding boss and interferes with each other.

8. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The metal housing of the reinforced electrical connector with the rib is sleeved onto the housing body of the power connector housing structure.

9. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The housing structure also includes two guide walls, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the housing body and form a second gap with the housing body. The two side walls of the metal housing are respectively inserted into the second gap.

10. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the bosses forms a groove on the surface near the first gap, and each of the ribs extends across the opening of each groove.

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