Electrical connector assembly

Abstract

This utility model provides an electrical connector assembly (100) including a housing (1) and connector terminals (2) mounted within the housing (1). The housing (1) is provided with a position securing mechanism (10'). The position securing mechanism (10') includes a resilient arm (112). One end of the resilient arm (112) is integrally connected to the housing (1) and the resilient arm (112) is pivotable about said end. The other end of the resilient arm (112) is provided with a locking hook (113). The locking hook (113) is capable of engaging with a groove (114) on the housing (1) to lock the connector terminals (2). At the connection between said end of the resilient arm (112) and the housing (1), the resilient arm (112) is formed into an arc-shaped segment (G').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electrical connector assembly, and more particularly to a position guarantee (CPA) mechanism for the electrical connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Among the existing secondary locking devices in socket connectors, there are two types: two-piece locking structures and one-piece locking structures. In the former, the locking component is assembled to the connector housing via a separate hinge component; in the latter, the locking component and the connector housing are integrally formed, and the locking component can pivot around its end that engages with the connector housing to achieve locking and unlocking actions.

[0003] Figure 1 A secondary locking device for an electrical connector in the prior art is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly includes a housing 11 and a position securing mechanism 10. The position securing mechanism 10 includes the housing 11 and a resilient arm 112. One end of the resilient arm 112 is integrally connected to the housing 11, and the resilient arm 112 is pivotable about this end in the direction indicated by the bidirectional arrow A. The other end of the resilient arm 112 is provided with a locking hook 113. The locking hook 113 is capable of engaging with a groove 114 on the housing 11 to lock the connector terminal installed within the housing 11.

[0004] In such Figure 1 In the integrated locking structure shown, the joint (also known as the hinge) G between the locking element (i.e., the elastic arm 112) and the outer shell 11 is subjected to excessive deformation during locking or unlocking, which makes the hinge easily strained or even damaged. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model was developed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and other potential technical problems.

[0006] One aspect of this utility model provides an electrical connector assembly including a housing and connector terminals mounted within the housing. The housing is provided with a position-securing mechanism, which includes a resilient arm. One end of the resilient arm is integrally connected to the housing and is pivotable about that end. The other end of the resilient arm is provided with a locking hook that can engage with a groove on the housing to lock the connector terminals. At the connection point between the resilient arm and the housing, the resilient arm is formed into an arc-shaped segment.

[0007] Optionally, the arc-shaped section protrudes upward relative to the main plane of the elastic arm, and the locking hook can pivot downward to lock into the groove.

[0008] Optionally, the material forming the elastic arm may be the same as or different from the material forming the housing.

[0009] Optionally, the resilient arm and / or the housing may be made of plastic or composite material.

[0010] Optionally, the electrical connector assembly is a female connector assembly or a male connector assembly.

[0011] By adopting the above structure, the amount of deformation of the arc-shaped section at the junction of the elastic arm and the housing (also known as the hinge) during the locking or unlocking process can be mitigated, thereby avoiding strain or even damage at this point. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To facilitate understanding of this invention, it will be described in more detail below based on exemplary embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote the same or similar components. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic, and the dimensions and proportions of the components in the drawings are not necessarily precise.

[0013] Figure 1 A secondary locking device for an electrical connector in the prior art is shown.

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B A partial cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The "Background Technology" section above has already referenced... Figure 1 An integrated secondary locking device for existing electrical connectors is described. Next, the electrical connector assembly and its CPA mechanism of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2C yes Figure 2A and Figure 2B A partial cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0018] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the electrical connector assembly 100 includes a housing 1 and connector terminals 2 mounted within the housing 1. The connector terminals 2 include a plurality of end spring tabs 21. Depending on the actual needs, the electrical connector assembly 100 can be a female connector assembly or a male connector assembly.

[0019] The outer casing 1 is provided with multiple ( Figure 2A and Figure 2B There are two CPA mechanisms 10'. Each CPA mechanism 10' includes a resilient arm 112. One end of the resilient arm 112 is integrally connected to the housing 1 and the resilient arm 112 is pivotable about said end. The other end of the resilient arm 112 is provided with a locking hook 113. The locking hook 113 is pivotable in the direction indicated by arrow A' to lock into a groove 114 on the housing 1.

[0020] A notch (not shown) is provided in the groove 114, extending through the groove 114. When the connector terminal 2 is installed in the housing 1, at least a portion of the connector terminal 2 or the end clip 21 is inserted into the housing 1 of the CPA mechanism 10' and passes through the notch in the groove 114. Thus, after the locking hook 113 engages in the groove 114, the locking hook 113 locks the connector terminal 2, thereby ensuring the positional accuracy of the connector terminal 2.

[0021] At the connection point between one end of the elastic arm 112 and the outer casing 1, the elastic arm 112 is formed into an arc-shaped segment G'. The radius of the arc-shaped segment G' can be appropriately set according to actual needs. Figure 2C As shown, the arc-shaped section G' protrudes upward relative to the main plane of the elastic arm 112, and the locking hook 113 can pivot downward in the direction indicated by arrow A' to lock into the groove 114.

[0022] Optionally, the material forming the elastic arm 112 may be the same as or different from the material forming the housing 1. For example, the elastic arm 112 and / or the housing 1 may be made of plastic or composite material. For example, the elastic arm 112 and the housing 1 may be integrally injection molded from plastic. Alternatively, the housing 1 may be made of composite material, and then the elastic arm 112 may be further formed on the housing 1 from plastic using an additive manufacturing process.

[0023] By adopting the above-described structure, this utility model can mitigate the deformation of the arc-shaped section G' at the junction of the elastic arm 112 and the outer shell 1 (also known as the hinge) during the locking or unlocking process, thereby avoiding strain or even damage at this location and extending the service life of the component.

[0024] Furthermore, the design provided by this utility model adopts an integrated locking design, which is more cost-effective than a two-piece locking structure. It is also compatible with a 0.8mm positional tolerance of the mating terminals.

[0025] It is conceivable that the electrical connector assembly of this invention is suitable for transmitting electrical energy and / or signals, and can be particularly applied to the plug-in structure of charging devices for new energy vehicles, for example.

[0026] Although the technical objectives, solutions, and effects of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made by those skilled in the art within the essential spirit and principles of this utility model are included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising a housing (1) and connector terminals (2) mounted within the housing (1), the housing (1) being provided with a position securing mechanism (10'), the position securing mechanism (10') including a resilient arm (112), one end of the resilient arm (112) being integrally connected to the housing (1) and the resilient arm (112) being pivotable about the one end of the resilient arm (112), the other end of the resilient arm (112) being provided with a locking hook (113), the locking hook (113) being capable of engaging with a groove (114) on the housing (1) for locking the connector terminals (2). Its features are, At the connection between one end of the elastic arm (112) and the outer shell (1), the elastic arm (112) is formed as an arc-shaped segment (G').

2. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped section (G') protrudes upward relative to the main plane of the elastic arm (112), and the locking hook (113) can pivot downward to lock into the groove (114).

3. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The material forming the elastic arm (112) may be the same as or different from the material forming the outer shell (1).

4. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic arm (112) and / or the housing (1) are made of plastic or composite material.

5. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector assembly (100) is a female connector assembly or a male connector assembly.

Images