Connector sockets, connectors, and devices

Abstract

This utility model relates to a connector socket, a connector, and a device. The connector socket includes a housing having an inner cavity configured to mate with a connector plug, wherein the connector plug is configured to be inserted into the inner cavity to form an electrical connection with the connector socket, and a retaining protrusion configured to interfere with the connector plug to retain the connector plug within the inner cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector socket, a connector, and a device. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are widely used devices in electrical and mechanical systems. To meet specific connection requirements, connectors can be used to connect circuits together, connect network cables to network devices or other cables, or allow different software or hardware systems to communicate with each other.

[0003] Connectors use plugs and sockets to connect and enable the transmission of power, signals, or data. However, traditional connectors using plug and socket connections suffer from drawbacks such as short durability and limited material selection. For example, some traditional connectors use a press-fit connection to join the plug and socket together. This press-fit connection relies on friction between the mating parts to hold it firmly in place, thus causing stress concentration that can lead to material failure. To ensure durability, brittle materials sensitive to stress concentration cannot be used in connectors, which limits the choice of connector materials. Utility Model Content

[0004] Examples of this disclosure provide a connector socket, a connector, and a device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, some embodiments provide a connector receptacle. The connector receptacle includes: a housing having an inner cavity configured to mate with a connector plug, wherein the connector plug is configured to insert into the inner cavity to form an electrical connection with the connector receptacle; and a retaining protrusion configured to interfere with the connector plug to retain the connector plug within the inner cavity.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, some embodiments provide a connector. The connector includes: a connector plug and a connector socket, the connector plug being configured to be inserted into the connector socket to form an electrical connection with the connector socket, wherein the connector socket includes: a housing having an inner cavity configured to mate with the connector plug, and a retaining protrusion configured to interfere with the connector plug to retain the connector plug within the inner cavity.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, some embodiments provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes: a connector configured for connection to a cable for transmitting electrical signals, wherein the connector includes: a connector plug and a connector receptacle, the connector plug being configured to connect to the cable and inserted into the connector receptacle to form an electrical connection with the connector receptacle, wherein the connector receptacle includes: a housing including an inner cavity configured to mate with the connector plug, and a retaining protrusion configured to interfere with the connector plug to retain the connector plug within the inner cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a view of a connector in a pulled-out state according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 A top view of a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A right view of a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A front view of a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 Along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram illustrates a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 A top view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is in an uninserted state.

[0015] Figure 8 A front view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is in an uninserted state.

[0016] Figure 9 Along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the BB line in the diagram shows a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is in an uninserted state.

[0017] Figure 10 A top view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is partially inserted into the connector socket.

[0018] Figure 11 A front view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is partially inserted into the connector socket.

[0019] Figure 12 Along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the CC line shows a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is partially inserted into the connector socket.

[0020] Figure 13 A top view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is fully inserted into the connector socket.

[0021] Figure 14 A front view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the connector plug is fully inserted into the connector socket.

[0022] Figure 15 Along Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the DD line in the diagram shows a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is fully inserted into the connector socket.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of a connector socket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a front view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is fully inserted into the connector socket.

[0025] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view of the EE line in the diagram shows a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is fully inserted into the connector socket.

[0026] Figure 19A This is a three-dimensional diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is inserted into the connector socket.

[0027] Figure 19B This is a three-dimensional diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug is in a state of being unplugged from the connector socket. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements unless otherwise stated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with the aspects related to the disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0029] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “this” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates that they have other meanings. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure refers to any and all possible combinations including one or more of the related listed items.

[0030] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example," "some embodiments," "some examples," or similar language in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment or example. Features, structures, elements, or characteristics described in connection with one or more embodiments also apply to other embodiments, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0031] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used in this disclosure to describe various types of information, the information is not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information is also referred to as second information, and similarly, second information is also referred to as first information. For example, depending on the context, the term “if” as used herein can be interpreted as “when…” or “in…”, or “in response to…”, “to determine…”.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a view of a connector in a pulled-out state according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figures 2-3 A top view and a right view of a connector socket 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. Figures 1-3 As shown, the connector includes a connector plug 20 and a connector socket 10. The connector plug 20 is configured to insert into the connector socket 10 to form an electrical connection. This electrical connection can be used to transmit power, signals, or data in an electrical or mechanical system. In some embodiments, the socket plug may be configured to connect to a cable transmitting power, signals, or data, and the connector socket 10 may be configured to connect to a circuit. After the connector plug 20 is inserted into the connector socket 10, an electrical connection is formed to transmit power, signals, or data from the cable to the circuit. However, the type of medium transmitted by the connector and the function of the connector are not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a connector socket 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the connector socket 10 includes a housing 11 and a retaining protrusion 12 disposed within the housing 11. The housing 11 includes an inner cavity 111, which is configured to mate with a connector plug. The connector plug is configured to be inserted into the inner cavity 111 to form an electrical connection with the connector socket 10. The retaining protrusion 12 is configured to interfere with the connector plug to retain the connector plug within the inner cavity 111. Those skilled in the art will understand that in the field of mechanical assembly, the term "interference" refers to a component being configured to block, impede, or interact with another component to lock the relative positions of the two components. For example, two components may occupy overlapping space, thereby preventing interactive movement or operation, causing the two components to collide or prevent each other from moving freely. In some examples, the external dimensions of one component (e.g., a shaft or plug) may be slightly larger than the internal dimensions of the mating component (e.g., a hole or cavity), thus requiring force to assemble or disassemble. However, the interference between the retaining protrusion and the connector plug is not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the connector plug 20 may include a locking protrusion 21. When the connector plug 20 is inserted into the cavity 111 of the connector socket 10, the locking protrusion 21 of the connector plug 20 interferes with the retaining protrusion 12, thereby being retained in the cavity 111. However, the specific shape and position of the retaining protrusion 12 are not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure, as long as the retaining protrusion can interfere with the connector plug 20 to prevent the connector plug 20 from being pulled out of the connector socket 10. In some embodiments, the locking protrusion 21 of the connector plug 20 may also be used to prevent incorrect mating with a non-mating connector socket. A non-mating connector socket may have a protrusion to interfere with the locking protrusion 21, thereby preventing incorrect mating.

[0035] By using the retaining protrusion 12 provided in this embodiment of the invention, since the retaining protrusion 12 is disposed inside the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10, it does not occupy the external space of the connector socket 10, thus making it compatible with the structure of existing connector assemblies. Furthermore, since the retaining protrusion 12 can serve as a latch to secure the connector plug 20 in the connector socket 10, a press-fit connection is not required, allowing the use of brittle materials sensitive to stress concentration to manufacture the connector. This improves the durability of the connector and also expands the material selection for the connector.

[0036] Figure 5 A front view of a connector socket 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 Along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram illustrates a connector socket 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. (See diagram below.) Figures 5-6 As shown, the connector socket 10 includes a retaining protrusion 12, and the retaining protrusion 12 includes an inlet surface 121 and an outlet surface 122. The inlet surface 121 is configured to guide the insertion of a locking protrusion 21 such that the locking protrusion 21 deforms around the retaining protrusion 12, and the outlet surface 122 is configured to interfere with the locking protrusion 21 to retain the connector plug in the cavity 111. Figures 7-15 The detailed insertion process of the connector plug is shown.

[0037] Figures 7-8 Top and front views of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the connector plug 20 is in an uninserted state. Figure 9 Along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the BB line in the diagram illustrates a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is in an uninserted state. Figures 7-9 As shown, when the connector plug 20 is to be inserted into the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10, the head of the locking protrusion 21 of the connector plug 20 contacts the guide surface 121 of the retaining protrusion 12 and is guided by the guide surface 121, thereby sliding into the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10.

[0038] Figures 10-11 Top and front views of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the connector plug 20 is partially inserted into the connector socket 10. Figure 12 Along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the CC line shows a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is partially inserted into the connector socket 10. Figures 10-12 As shown, when the connector plug 20 is inserted into the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10, the head of the locking protrusion 21 of the connector plug 20 is guided into the inner cavity 111, and the side of the locking protrusion 21 interferes with the retaining protrusion 12, thereby deforming the connector plug 20 or the connector socket 10. For example, the locking protrusion 21 deforms around the retaining protrusion 12, thereby allowing the locking protrusion 21 to continue sliding into the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10.

[0039] Figures 13-14 Top and front views of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, wherein the connector plug 20 is fully inserted into the connector socket 10. Figure 15 Along Figure 14A cross-sectional view of the DD line in the diagram illustrates a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is fully inserted into the connector socket 10. Figures 13-15 As shown, when the connector plug 20 is inserted into the inner cavity 111 of the connector socket 10, the locking protrusion 21 of the connector plug 20 is fully inserted into the inner cavity 111, and the stress caused by the interference between the locking protrusion 21 and the retaining protrusion 12 is released, thereby releasing the deformation formed on the connector plug 20 or the connector socket 10. For example, once the locking protrusion 21 passes the retaining protrusion 12, the locking protrusion 21 springs back. In this case, the locking protrusion 21 is blocked by the guide surface 122 of the retaining protrusion 12, so that the connector plug 20 cannot be pulled out of the connector socket 10. When a pull-out force is applied to the connector plug 20, the connector plug 20 cannot be pulled out of the connector socket 10 unless the pull-out force is large enough to overcome the friction between the locking protrusion 21 and the guide surface 122. In some embodiments, the pull-out force must withstand an applied impact of at least 5g to 30g. However, the pull-out force required to pull out the connector plug 20 is not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the shape of the protrusion 12 is maintained to facilitate the insertion of the connector plug 20 and prevent it from being pulled out. This is achieved by allowing the angle of the guide surface 121 relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion 21 to be smaller than the angle of the exit surface 122 relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion. This makes it easier for the connector plug 20 to slide into the cavity 111 of the connector socket 10 and more difficult to remove it from the cavity 111. In some embodiments, the guide surface 121 may have an angle of 30° relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion 21, and the exit surface 122 may have an angle of 40° relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion 21. However, the specific angles relative to the insertion direction are not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the retaining protrusion 12 is configured to interfere with the side of the locking protrusion 21, such as Figures 5-15 As shown. However, in some other embodiments, the retaining protrusion 12 may be configured to interfere with the top surface of the locking protrusion 21. The position of the retaining protrusion 12 in the cavity 111 and the manner of interference are not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of a connector socket 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a front view of a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is fully inserted into the connector socket 10. Figure 18 Along Figure 17The cross-sectional view of the EE line in the diagram illustrates a connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is fully inserted into the connector socket 10. Figures 16-18 As shown, the retaining protrusion 12 is disposed on the top surface of the inner cavity 111. In this case, when the connector plug 20 is inserted, the retaining protrusion 12 interferes with the top surface of the locking protrusion 21.

[0043] In some embodiments, the connector socket 10 may include a plurality of cavities 111 configured to mate with a plurality of connector plugs 20, respectively. The retaining protrusion 12 is located within at least one of the plurality of cavities 111. For example, as... Figures 5-15 As shown, the connector socket 10 includes four cavities, each cavity 111 configured to mate with a connector plug 20. However, only the second and fourth cavities of the connector socket 10 have retaining protrusions 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of connector plugs 20 may be arranged in a row and manufactured as an integrated unit. However, the number of cavities 111 or connector plugs 20, the number of retaining protrusions 12, and the arrangement of the retaining protrusions 12 in the cavities 111 are not limited to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of connector plugs 20 includes a locking protrusion 21, a plurality of cavities 111 include at least one pair of cavities, and at least one pair of retaining protrusions 12 are located within the at least one pair of cavities, and each pair of retaining protrusions 12 is configured to interfere with the opposite side 211 of the locking protrusion 21. For example, as Figure 12 or Figure 15 As shown, a pair of cavities have a pair of retaining protrusions 12. One of the retaining protrusions 12 is configured to interfere with the left side of the locking protrusion 21, and the other retaining protrusion 12 is configured to interfere with the right side of the locking protrusion 21. By interfering with the opposite side 211 of the locking protrusion 21, a retaining force can be applied to the locking protrusion 21 from two opposite directions by the connector socket 10, so that the retaining force transmitted by the connector socket 10 can be balanced. This can further avoid stress concentration, improve durability, and increase the retaining force compared to using a single retaining protrusion 12 and locking protrusion 21, because the connector interface is forced to remain in the center.

[0045] In some embodiments, the retaining protrusions 12 may be evenly distributed in a plurality of cavities 111, such that the retaining force can be applied by the connector socket 10 from an evenly distributed location to the locking protrusions 21, resulting in a uniform and balanced retaining force applied to the connector socket 10, which can further avoid stress concentration and improve durability. In some embodiments, each pair of retaining protrusions 12 is spaced apart by cavities 111 without retaining protrusions 12. For example, as Figures 5-15 As shown, the connector socket 10 includes four cavities, only the second and fourth cavities have retaining protrusions 12, while the third cavity 111, which separates the second cavity 111 and the fourth cavity 111, does not have retaining protrusions 12.

[0046] In some embodiments, the retaining protrusion 12 is configured not to transmit stress to the connector plug 20 after insertion, which further avoids stress concentration and improves durability. For example, the retaining protrusion 12 may be located in the cavity 111 at a position such that it does not contact the locking protrusion 21 after insertion, thus ensuring that no stress is applied to the locking protrusion 21 after insertion. However, the specific location of the retaining protrusion 12 in the cavity 111 is not particularly limited in this disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the retaining protrusion 12 is formed integrally with the housing 11. For example, the mold for manufacturing the housing 11 may be designed to include a mold structure corresponding to the retaining protrusion 12, such that the retaining protrusion 12 can be manufactured integrally with the housing 11. In some embodiments, compression molding or casting may be used to manufacture the housing 11 of the connector socket 10. However, the manufacturing process of the connector socket 10 is not particularly limited in this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 19A This is a three-dimensional view of an apparatus 30 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is inserted into the connector socket 10. Figure 19B This is a three-dimensional view of a device 30 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector plug 20 is in a state of being unplugged from the connector socket 10. Figure 19A and Figure 19BAs shown, device 30 includes a connector configured to connect to a cable for transmitting electrical signals. The connector includes a connector plug 20 and a connector socket 10. The connector plug 20 is configured to connect to the cable and is inserted into the connector socket 10 to form an electrical connection. The connector socket 10 includes a housing and a retaining protrusion. The housing 11 includes a cavity 111 configured to mate with the connector plug 20, and the retaining protrusion 12 interferes with the connector plug 20 to retain the connector plug 20 within the cavity 111. In some embodiments, device 30 can be used to transmit power, signals, or data in an electrical or mechanical system; for example, the device can be a panel-mounted device 30, such as a motor starter or some other type of power controller. However, the type of device 30 is not particularly limited in this disclosure.

[0049] The description in this disclosure is given for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications, variations, and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the order of steps in the method according to this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only, and the steps are not limited to the specific order described above, but can be changed according to actual circumstances. Furthermore, in the method according to this invention, at least one step can be adjusted, combined, or deleted as needed.

[0051] These examples have been chosen and described to explain the principles of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of this disclosure and to best utilize the basic principles and various modified embodiments to suit a particular intended use. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples of the disclosed embodiments, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector socket, comprising: A housing including an inner cavity configured to mate with a connector plug, and wherein the connector plug is configured to be inserted into the inner cavity to form an electrical connection with a connector receptacle. The retaining protrusion is configured to interfere with the connector plug in order to hold the connector plug within the cavity.

2. The connector jack of claim 1, wherein, The connector plug includes a locking protrusion, and the retaining protrusion includes an insertion surface and a delivery surface. The guide surface is configured to guide the insertion of the locking protrusion so that the locking protrusion deforms around the retaining protrusion, and The lead-out surface is configured to interfere with the locking protrusion to retain the connector plug within the cavity.

3. The connector socket according to claim 2, wherein, The angle of the import face relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion is smaller than the angle of the export face relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion.

4. The connector socket according to claim 3, wherein, The inlet surface has a 30° angle relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion, and the outlet surface has a 40° angle relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion.

5. The connector socket according to claim 1, wherein, The connector plug includes a locking protrusion, and the retaining protrusion is configured to interfere with the top or side surface of the locking protrusion.

6. The connector socket according to claim 1, comprising: Multiple cavities are configured to mate with multiple connector plugs respectively, wherein a retaining protrusion is located in at least one of the multiple cavities.

7. The connector socket according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of connector plugs includes a locking protrusion, and the plurality of cavities include at least one pair of cavities, with the at least one pair retaining the protrusion within the at least one pair of cavities. Each of the at least one pair of retaining protrusions is configured to interfere with the opposite side of the locking protrusion.

8. The connector socket according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the at least one pair of retaining protrusions is separated by an inner cavity without retaining protrusions.

9. The connector socket according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining protrusion is configured to not transfer stress to the connector plug after the connector plug is inserted.

10. The connector socket according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion and the shell are kept as an integral unit.

11. A connector comprising: A connector plug and a connector socket, the connector plug being configured to be inserted into the connector socket to form an electrical connection with the connector socket. The connector socket includes: A housing including an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to mate with a connector plug, and The retaining protrusion is configured to interfere with the connector plug in order to hold the connector plug within the cavity.

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The connector plug includes a locking protrusion, and the retaining protrusion includes an insertion surface and a delivery surface. The guide surface is configured to guide the insertion of the locking protrusion so that the locking protrusion deforms around the retaining protrusion, and The lead-out surface is configured to interfere with the locking protrusion to retain the connector plug within the cavity.

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein, The angle of the import face relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion is smaller than the angle of the export face relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein, The inlet surface has a 30° angle relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion, and the outlet surface has a 40° angle relative to the insertion direction of the locking protrusion.

15. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The connector plug includes a locking protrusion, and the retaining protrusion is configured to interfere with the top or side surface of the locking protrusion.

16. The connector of claim 11, comprising: Multiple cavities are configured to mate with multiple connector plugs respectively, wherein a retaining protrusion is located in at least one of the multiple cavities.

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the plurality of connector plugs includes a locking protrusion, the plurality of cavities include at least one pair of cavities, and the at least one pair retains the protrusion within the at least one pair of cavities. Each of the at least one pair of retaining protrusions is configured to interfere with the opposite side of the locking protrusion.

18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the at least one pair of retaining protrusions is separated by an inner cavity without retaining protrusions.

19. The connector according to claim 11, wherein, The retaining protrusion is configured to not transfer stress to the connector plug after the connector plug is inserted.

20. An apparatus comprising: A connector is a device designed to connect to a cable used for transmitting electrical signals. The connector includes: A connector plug and a connector socket, the connector plug being configured for connection with a cable and for insertion into the connector socket to form an electrical connection. The connector socket includes: A housing including an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to mate with a connector plug, and The retaining protrusion is configured to interfere with the connector plug in order to hold the connector plug within the cavity.

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