Signal connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electric connector discloses a signal connector, including along one and insert the direction and insert the cooperation of first shell and second shell, is provided with the limiting structure on the first shell, the limiting structure has elastic limiting end, the inner wall of second shell is equipped with the cooperation structure, and the cooperation structure is used for when the second shell is inserted in the first shell to make the elastic limiting end pass through the deformation to the outside and reset to the inside and make the first shell be locked on the second shell. The utility model through setting the independent deformation of elastic limiting end, through the setting of cooperation structure, to make cooperation structure not directly extrude the inner wall of first shell and lead to the deformation of first shell, to guarantee the integrity of first shell and second shell after cooperation, make the cooperation of cooperation structure on the second shell through the elastic limiting end of first shell, to enhance the connection compactness between first shell and second shell, enhance the service life between first shell and second shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connectors, and in particular to a signal connector. Background Technology

[0002] Signal connectors are crucial bridges in electronic systems, enabling efficient signal transmission between circuit boards, cables, or devices. Their core function is to ensure stable connection and low-loss transmission of electrical signals (including high-frequency radio frequency, digital, or analog signals). Modern signal connectors are designed to balance electrical performance (such as impedance matching and shielding against interference), mechanical strength (mating and pulling life and shock resistance), and miniaturization requirements (such as ultra-compact interfaces in 5G devices). They are widely used in communication base stations, consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and aerospace. Current technological trends focus on higher frequencies (millimeter-wave support), high-density integration (such as board-to-board multi-channel solutions), and the application of environmentally friendly materials to meet the stringent requirements of emerging scenarios such as 5G and the Internet of Things. For example, radio frequency connectors are precision interface components designed specifically for high-frequency signal transmission. Through a unique coaxial structure (such as an inner conductor + dielectric layer + shielding layer), they achieve impedance matching such as 50Ω / 75Ω, ensuring low loss (<0.1dB) and high shielding (>90dB) for signals in the MHz to millimeter-wave band (such as 110GHz).

[0003] Existing signal connectors employ a combination structure of a plastic first housing and a metal second housing. To achieve assembly, a groove is typically created on the inner wall of the first housing, and a triangular protrusion is positioned correspondingly on the outer wall of the second housing. During assembly, relying on the plasticity of the plastic material, the protrusion's forced compression of the inner wall of the first housing causes temporary deformation, allowing the protrusion to pass through and ultimately engage with the groove. The mutual restraint between the protrusion and the inner wall of the groove achieves positioning and fixation. However, this design has significant drawbacks: First, the plastic deformation caused by the compression process results in microstructural deformation of the inner wall of the first housing that is difficult to recover, creating an assembly gap between the two housings and severely affecting connection sealing and mechanical stability. Second, the hard compression of the protrusion against the inner wall of the first housing causes internal stress deformation, accelerating fatigue damage to the first housing material and significantly shortening its service life, thus reducing the reliability of the connection between the first and second housings. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a signal connector to solve the problem that the fit of the existing bump and slot structure affects the connection reliability of the first housing and the second housing.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a signal connector comprising a first housing and a second housing that are mated together along an insertion direction. The first housing is provided with a limiting structure, which has an elastic limiting end capable of deforming outward or resetting inward. The inner wall of the second housing is provided with a mating structure, which is used to lock the first housing onto the second housing by the elastic limiting end deforming outward and resetting inward when the second housing is mated into the first housing.

[0006] Furthermore, the limiting structure has a front limiting portion disposed on the first housing and a rear limiting portion located behind the front limiting portion along the insertion direction, and the elastic limiting end is configured as the rear limiting portion; the mating structure has a front mating portion formed on the second housing to abut against the front limiting portion and a rear mating portion formed on the second housing to abut against the rear limiting portion.

[0007] Furthermore, a window penetrating the first housing is provided on the first housing along the wall thickness direction, and the front limiting part and the rear limiting part are respectively provided at the window along the insertion direction, and the rear limiting part is suspended in the window.

[0008] Furthermore, the front limiting part has a first limiting surface, and the rear limiting part has a second limiting surface facing the first limiting surface along the insertion direction; the front mating part has a first abutting surface for abutting against the first limiting surface after the second housing is inserted into place, and the rear mating part has a second abutting surface for abutting against the second limiting surface after the second housing is inserted into place.

[0009] Furthermore, the front limiting part includes a limiting stop edge that protrudes inward from the front side edge of the window along the wall thickness direction, and the rear side of the limiting stop edge is configured as the first limiting surface; the rear end of the elastic limiting end is fixedly connected to the rear side edge of the window, the front end of the elastic limiting end extends forward along the insertion direction, and the front end surface of the elastic limiting end is spaced apart from the first limiting surface and configured as the second limiting surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the second housing includes a main body portion and an interlocking portion protruding forward from the front end face of the main body portion. The front end face of the main body portion extends vertically outward relative to the outer side wall of the interlocking portion and is configured as the first abutting surface. A retaining groove is recessed on the outer side wall of the main body portion, and the front end face of the retaining groove is configured as the second abutting surface. The front end of the elastic limiting end protrudes inward along the wall thickness direction and is used to extend into the retaining groove after the second housing is interlocked. A limiting section is formed on the rear end of the interlocking portion for adapting to the inner hole to facilitate automatic alignment and adjustment.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one inner wall of the first housing has a limiting post protruding inward along the wall thickness direction, the limiting post extending forward evenly along the insertion direction and connected to the limiting stop; the front end face of the main body is recessed along the insertion direction for the limiting post to be inserted therein; the inner wall of the limiting groove has a first fastening protrusion forming inward and backward, the first fastening protrusion being used to abut the limiting post when the limiting post is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the first housing has a built-in cavity, and the limiting stop is located inside the built-in cavity and has an inner hole on its inner side for the insertion portion to pass through in the insertion direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the second housing has a insertion cavity extending forward through the front end face of the second housing along the insertion direction. A terminal assembly is inserted into the insertion cavity. The terminal assembly has an insertion end that is located inside the first housing and exposed forward outside the first housing when the second housing is inserted into the first housing, and a connection end that is located outside the first housing when the second housing is inserted into the first housing. A shielding cover that blocks the rear end of the insertion cavity is connected to the rear end face of the second housing.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of insertion slots are provided on the rear end face of the second housing and on the periphery of the insertion cavity. The shielding cover is bent forward along the insertion direction at the edge of each insertion slot to form an insertion arm. The insertion arm has a second fastening protrusion extending on both sides along its width to abut against the insertion slot when it is inserted into the insertion slot.

[0015] The signal connector of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: by setting an elastic limiting end that can deform outward or inward, it can deform independently of the first housing; by setting a mating structure, the mating structure will not directly squeeze the inner wall of the first housing, thus preventing deformation of the first housing, thereby ensuring the integrity of the first and second housings after mating; and by allowing the first housing to mate with the mating structure on the second housing through the elastic limiting end, the connection tightness between the first and second housings is improved, and the service life between the first and second housings is increased. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the signal connector of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the signal connector of this utility model (from another angle);

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective sectional view of the signal connector of this utility model (cut with the elastic limiting end);

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top sectional view of the signal connector of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the signal connector of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An enlarged view of part A shown;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 5 An enlarged view of part B shown;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing of this utility model (from another angle);

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second shell of this utility model (from another angle).

[0028] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0029] First shell 1, first shell segment a, second shell segment b, first cavity segment 111, second cavity segment 112, limiting flange 121, inner hole 122, insert strip 131, insertion groove 132, protrusion 133, locking groove 134, retaining edge 135, connecting port 136, limiting post 14, window 15, second shell 2, main body part c, interlocking part d, internal part 21, limiting groove 221, first fastening protrusion 222, mating surface 223, notch 224, positioning 225, 23, 24, 25, 261, 262, 271, 272, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 10, 11, 12, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 10, 19 ... Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 11 The signal connector of this utility model includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2 inserted into the first housing 1 along an insertion direction, a limiting structure 3 disposed on the first housing 1, a mating structure 4 disposed on the second housing 2, a terminal assembly 5 inserted into the second housing 2, and a shielding cover 6 mounted on the second housing 2 to block the terminal assembly 5. The first housing 1 is used for insulation protection, and the second housing 2 is used to fix the terminal assembly 5 and shield the signal to prevent interference from other external signals, and also to prevent signal leakage from interfering with other components. The limiting structure 3 and the mating structure 4 cooperate to lock and limit the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 without compressing the first housing 1. The shielding cover 6 ensures the installation of the terminal assembly 5 and signal shielding.

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the first housing 1 is injection molded from insulating plastic. The first housing 1 has a three-dimensional structure, such as a cylinder or a cuboid. It is fitted with a mating structure of a complementary connector whose shape is required for connection; for example, if the mating structure of the complementary connector is cuboid, then the first housing 1 is also cuboid. The axial direction of the first housing 1 is configured as the insertion direction, and the side used to mate with the mating structure is defined as the front side in the insertion direction, with the front surface of the first housing 1 configured as the front end face. The side facing away from the front side is defined as the rear side in the insertion direction, with the rear surface of the first housing 1 configured as the rear end face. An internal cavity is formed within the first housing 1, extending through both the front and rear sides of the first housing 1 along the insertion direction. The internal cavity has a cuboid shape and its length is arranged along the insertion direction. The built-in cavity includes a first cavity segment 111 whose inner cavity contour is adapted to the outer contour of the mating structure of the complementary connector, and a second cavity segment 112 whose inner cavity contour is adapted to the outer contour of the corresponding part of the second housing 2. The first cavity segment 111 faces forward and penetrates the front end face of the first housing 1, and the second cavity segment 112 faces backward and penetrates the rear end face of the first housing 1.

[0033] To prevent interference caused by the complementary connector and the second housing 2 abutting each other when connected and mating with the first housing 1, a limiting stop 121 is formed along the circumference of the built-in cavity at the connection between the first cavity segment 111 and the second cavity segment 112. The limiting stop 121 is perpendicular to the insertion direction and protrudes inward along the wall thickness direction on each side of the built-in cavity wall to separate the first cavity segment 111 and the second cavity segment 112. An inner hole 122 is formed at the center of the limiting stop 121 along the insertion direction, penetrating the limiting stop 121 and connecting the first cavity segment 111 and the second cavity segment 112.

[0034] To increase the bonding force between the first cavity segment 111 and the mating structure of the complementary connector, insert strips 131 are provided protruding inward along the wall thickness direction on each side inner wall of the first cavity segment 111. One end of each insert strip 131 extends forward along the insertion direction to the front end face and is flush with the front end face, while the other end of the insert strip 131 extends backward along the insertion direction to the limiting stop edge 121, so as to facilitate mating with the mating structure along the insertion direction. An insertion groove 132 parallel to the insert strip 131 is provided at the middle position of one inner wall of the first cavity segment 111. The insertion groove 132 is open inward along the wall thickness direction and extends forward through the front end face along the insertion direction. In another embodiment, the inner wall of the first cavity segment 111 with the insertion groove 132 only has the insertion groove 132 and no insert strip 131.

[0035] The portion of the inner side of the first housing 1 having the first cavity 111 is configured as the first housing segment a, and the portion of the inner side of the first housing 1 having the second cavity 112 is configured as the second housing segment b. To facilitate the installation of a snap-fit ​​structure or a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove 134 on the interlocking structure or the first housing segment a, a protrusion 133 is provided on the outer wall of the first housing 1 on the side away from the interlocking groove 132. The front side of the protrusion 133 is flush with the front end face of the first housing 1. A snap-fit ​​groove 134 adapted to the snap-fit ​​structure on the interlocking structure is formed within the protrusion 133. The snap-fit ​​groove 134 connects inwardly to the first cavity 111 along the wall thickness direction, forming a connecting opening 136 on the first housing segment a. The connecting opening 136 connects inwardly to the first cavity 111 along the wall thickness direction, and extends forward through the front end face of the first housing 1 along the insertion direction. The snap-fit ​​groove 134 also extends forward through the front end face, so that the snap-fit ​​structure on the interlocking structure can enter the snap-fit ​​groove 134 from the front end face and engage with it. The shape of the locking groove 134 is adapted to the buckle structure. The locking groove 134 can be wedge-shaped. The locking groove 134 can be open outward and away from the first housing 1 along the wall thickness direction. The locking groove 134 has a stop edge 135 on the outward and forward side along the wall thickness direction. After the locking structure is inserted into the locking groove 134, the stop edge 135 can be used to block the buckle structure, thereby locking the connection between the interlocking structure and the first housing 1.

[0036] The second cavity 112 is located within the second shell section b and is used for connection and engagement with the second shell 2. On the inner wall of the second cavity 112, to increase the bonding force between the second shell section b and the second shell 2, and for both foolproof and guiding purposes, a limiting post 14 protrudes inward along the wall thickness direction of at least one inner wall of the second cavity 112. The limiting post 14 extends forward evenly along the insertion direction to a limiting stop 121 and is integrally connected to the limiting stop 121. The inner side of the limiting post 14 is positioned to avoid the inner hole 122 in the insertion direction, and the second shell 2 engages with the limiting post 14 along the insertion direction. In one embodiment, two limiting posts 14 are provided and are positioned opposite each other on the inner walls of the two sides of the second cavity 112 along the wall thickness direction. Windows 15 penetrating the second shell section b are provided on at least two inner walls of the second cavity section 112 along the wall thickness direction of the inner wall. The limiting structures 3 are respectively disposed in each window 15 corresponding to the number of windows 15.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this embodiment, the second housing 2 is made of metal, such as zinc alloy. The metal material provides signal shielding when the terminal assembly 5 is in use, preventing interference from external signals and also preventing signal leakage that could interfere with other components. The second housing 2 includes a main body portion c and a mating portion d arranged sequentially along the insertion direction. The front and rear faces of the main body portion c are respectively configured as a front end face and a rear end face. The mating portion d protrudes forward from the front end face of the main body portion c.

[0038] The main body c has a cuboid or cubic structure, or other three-dimensional structure. The main body c has an internal portion 21 for inserting into the second cavity 112, wherein the second cavity 112 and the internal portion 21 have the same shape and outline, both being cuboid structures. Correspondingly, the internal portion 21 has a limiting groove 221 at the position of each limiting post 14, extending forward along the insertion direction and penetrating the front end face. The shape of the limiting groove 221 is adapted to the outer contour of the limiting post 14, allowing the limiting post 14 to be inserted into it along the insertion direction. To reduce manufacturing difficulty, the limiting groove 221 is recessed into the internal portion 21, opening outward along the wall thickness direction of the inner wall of the second cavity 112 where the corresponding limiting post 14 is located. To improve the tightness and stability of the fit between the limiting post 14 and the limiting groove 221, first fastening protrusions 222 are formed on the two opposing inner walls of the limiting groove 221, protruding inward and backward. The first fastening protrusions 222 are barbed to abut against the limiting post 14 when it is inserted into the limiting groove 221, thereby fastening the limiting post 14 in the limiting groove 221. The first fastening protrusions 222 are formed on the front side of the limiting groove 221 so that they abut against the limiting post 14 from the rear side after the limiting post 14 is inserted. A insertion cavity 23 is formed on the main body c along the insertion direction, extending forward and penetrating the front end face of the second housing 2. The insertion cavity 23 extends forward along the insertion direction into the mating portion d and penetrates the front end face of the mating portion d. The terminal assembly 5 is installed in the insertion cavity 23. In this embodiment, a mating surface 223 for mating with a circuit board is formed on one side of the main body c along a mating direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The mating direction is parallel to one of the wall thickness directions of the first housing 1. To ensure mating between the mating surface 223 and the circuit board, and to avoid the first housing 1 obstructing the installation of the circuit board, a notch 224 is formed on one side wall of the second housing section b, corresponding to the mating surface 223, extending inward and outward along the wall thickness direction. The notch 224 is rearward-opening. When the built-in portion 21 of the second housing 2 is inserted into the second housing section b, one side of the built-in portion 21 is located within the notch 224 and extends outward along the wall thickness direction of the side containing the notch 224. A limiting post 14 can be formed on the side of the housing section where the notch 224 is located and the opposite side. The limiting post 14 protrudes rearward along the insertion direction into the inside of the notch 224, so that part of the built-in portion 21 is located outside the second cavity section 112. Multiple positioning posts 225 are protruding from the mating surface 223. The positioning posts 225 are used to insert and cooperate with positioning holes provided on the circuit board to ensure the positioning and cooperation between the mating surface 223 and the circuit board. The positioning posts 225 can be set at the four corners of the mating surface 223, thus four posts are provided. Correspondingly, the insertion cavity 23 extends rearward along the insertion direction through the rear end face of the second housing 2 and through the mating surface 223, so that the terminal assembly 5 can cooperate with the circuit board on the mating surface 223 through the insertion cavity 23.

[0039] The interlocking portion d is composed of multiple interlocking tubes arranged in a rectangular or annular array. An inner hole 122 is provided for each interlocking tube to allow the interlocking portion d to pass through in the insertion direction, enabling it to enter the first cavity 111 from the second cavity 112 through the inner hole 122. Each interlocking tube coaxially comprises a tube segment 271 and a limiting segment 272 along the insertion direction. The tube segment 271 faces forward, while the limiting segment 272 faces backward and is connected to the main body portion c. The outer diameter of the limiting segment 272 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube segment 271, causing its outer wall to bulge annularly relative to the outer periphery of the tube segment 271. The outer diameter of the tube segment 271 matches the inner diameter of the inner hole 122, allowing it to pass through. During installation, pipe segment 271 can easily pass through the inner hole without interfering with each other. When the limiting segment 272 passes through the inner hole 122, the limiting segment 272, which is adapted to the size of the inner hole 122, and the inner hole are aligned and automatically adjusted until the pre-installation depth is reached.

[0040] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the limiting structure 3 is configured as a plurality of structures and is disposed on at least two inner walls of the second shell section b. In one embodiment, two windows 15 and limiting structures 3 located within each of the other three inner walls of the second cavity section 112 without notches 224 may be provided. At least two inner walls with windows 15 and limiting structures 3 should be relatively distributed to ensure that their mating connection with the mating structure 4 is uniformly and stably distributed.

[0041] The limiting structure 3 includes a front limiting portion disposed on the first housing 1 and a rear limiting portion disposed on the first housing 1 and located behind the front limiting portion along the insertion direction. The front limiting portion is configured as a limiting stop 121, which protrudes inward from the front side edge of the first window 15 along the wall thickness direction, such that the rear side surface of the limiting stop 121 is flush with the front side edge of the first window 15. The rear side surface of the limiting stop 121 is configured as a first limiting surface 31, so that the front limiting portion has a first limiting surface 31. The rear limiting portion includes an elastic limiting end 32 integrally extended forward from the rear side edge of the window 15 along the insertion direction, and the rear end of the elastic limiting end 32 is fixedly connected to the rear side edge of the window 15. Furthermore, the front end face of the elastic limiting end 32 is spaced apart from the first limiting surface 31, and both sides of the width of the elastic limiting end 32 are spaced apart from the sides of the window 15. Therefore, the front end of the elastic limiting end 32 is suspended inside the window 15. Since the elastic limiting end 32 is integrally connected with the first housing 1 and is also made of plastic, it has a certain elasticity and can deform outward toward the window 15 or return to its original position inward toward the window 15 after being squeezed. The front end face of the elastic limiting end 32 is configured as the second limiting surface 33. The second limiting surface 33 can be arranged parallel to the first limiting surface 31 or inclined relative to the first limiting surface 31, so that the rear limiting part has a second limiting surface 33 facing the first limiting surface 31 in the insertion direction.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the number and position of the mating structures 4 correspond one-to-one with the limiting structures 3, and are all arranged on the outer wall of the main body portion c of the second housing 2. Each mating structure 4 includes a front mating portion formed on the outer wall of the main body portion c of the second housing 2 to abut against the front limiting portion, and a rear mating portion formed on the outer wall of the main body portion c to abut against the rear limiting portion. Both the front and rear mating portions are formed on the built-in portion 21 of the main body portion c.

[0043] In one embodiment, a retaining groove 24 is recessed on the outer wall of the built-in portion 21. The front side of the retaining groove 24 is arranged parallel to the first limiting surface 31. The inward side of the retaining groove 24 has a front side adjacent to the retaining groove 24, also referred to as the front end face. The retaining groove 24 also has a flat surface parallel to the side wall of the built-in portion 21 and an inclined surface that slopes backward and outward from the rear side edge of the flat surface. The retaining groove 24 causes the built-in portion 21 to protrude from the flat surface at the front side of the retaining groove 24, forming a protruding edge 25. The front side of the protruding edge 25 is flush with the front end face of the main body portion c and perpendicular to the outer wall of the interlocking portion d. The protruding edge 25 extends outward relative to the interlocking portion d. The front end limiting portion is formed on the front end face of the main body portion c and is configured as a first abutting surface 41. After the second housing 2 is installed and the second housing 2 is inserted into place, the first abutting surface 41 abuts against the first limiting surface 31. The front side of the anti-reverse groove 24 is formed as a rear end mating part and configured as a second abutment surface 42. After the second housing 2 is inserted into place, the second abutment surface 42 abuts against the second limiting surface 33. The front end of the elastic limiting end 32 protrudes inward along the wall thickness direction relative to the inner wall of the second cavity. After the second housing 2 is inserted into place, there is a small gap between the front end of the elastic limiting section 27232 and the second abutment surface 42, allowing the inwardly protruding portion of the front end of the elastic limiting end 32 to naturally extend into the anti-reverse groove 24, so that the second limiting surface 33 can abut against or be infinitely close to the second abutment surface 42. In one embodiment, at least two anti-reverse grooves 24 are provided on each side wall of the built-in portion 21, and the anti-reverse grooves 24 on each side wall are interconnected to form a single unit for ease of processing.

[0044] In use, the built-in portion 21 moves forward into the second cavity section 112 along the insertion direction, so that the outer wall of the protruding edge 25 and the built-in portion 21 moves relative to the inner wall of the second cavity section 112. Since the protruding edge 25 is flush with the outer wall of the built-in portion 21, the movement of the built-in portion 21 will not squeeze the inner wall of the second cavity section 112, ensuring the integrity of the plastic first shell 1 and preventing its deformation, until the protruding edge 25 contacts the elastic limiting end 32, causing the elastic limiting end 32 to deform outward and thus the second shell... Body 2 can continue to move until the first abutting surface 41 abuts against the first abutting surface 41 of the limiting stop edge 135. At this time, the elastic limiting end 32 is aligned with the anti-reverse groove 24 and resets inward so that the inner side of the front end of the elastic limiting end 32 is located in the anti-reverse groove 24. The second limiting surface 33 blocks the rear side of the second abutting surface 42 and abuts against each other. The protruding edge 25 is clamped between the first limiting surface 31 and the second limiting surface 33, thereby locking the second housing 2 onto the first housing 1 and preventing it from moving in the insertion direction. The second shell section b, which wraps around the internal cavity, restricts the second shell 2 in all directions perpendicular to the insertion direction, thus ensuring that the second shell 2 is securely connected to the first shell 1. Since the second shell 2 does not compress the inner wall of the second cavity section 112, it will not cause deformation of the first shell 1 and affect its service life. Compared with the existing snap-fit ​​structure, the limiting structure 3 and the mating structure 4 can restrict the second shell 2 from moving forward or backward in the insertion direction by clamping the protruding edge 25. In terms of connection firmness, it is superior to the existing snap-fit ​​structure.

[0045] Please see Figure 5In this embodiment, multiple terminal assemblies 5 are configured as needed, such as four terminal assemblies 5. Correspondingly, the mating portion d includes four mating tubes arranged in a rectangular array. The edges of the corresponding inner hole 122 are arranged in a quincunx shape corresponding to the four mating tubes. The four limiting segments 272 of the four mating tubes are interconnected and have the same shape as the inner hole 122, also in a quincunx shape. There are four insertion cavities. The terminal assembly 5 has a plug-in end 51 located inside the first housing 1 and exposed forward outside the first housing 1 when the second housing 2 is mated inside the first housing 1, and a connecting end 52 located outside the first housing 1 when the second housing 2 is mated inside the first housing 1. The plug-in end 51 extends along the insertion direction, and the connecting end 52 extends from the rear end of the plug-in end 51 along the mating direction to one side, making the terminal assembly 5 L-shaped. Corresponding to the structure of the terminal assembly 5, all four insertion cavities 23 are L-shaped, and each of the four insertion cavities 23 includes a straight cavity section opened along the insertion direction and a vertical cavity section opened along the mating direction. The straight cavity section opens forward into and passes through the mating tube, and the vertical cavity section passes through the mating surface 223 along the mating direction, and passes through the rear end face of the second housing 2 along the insertion direction. In order to facilitate the installation of the four terminal assemblies 5, two of the vertical cavity sections are arranged forward and close to the mating surface 223, and the other two vertical cavity sections are arranged backward and away from the mating surface 223, so that the vertical cavity sections are stepped and of different heights. The two forward vertical cavity sections connect backward to the two backward vertical cavity sections. The shape of the four terminal assemblies 5 is adapted to this and can be installed in the four insertion cavities 23 respectively.

[0046] In this embodiment, each terminal assembly 5 includes an inner core 53 and a metal terminal 54 inserted into the inner core 53. The inner core 53 is L-shaped and supported by plastic. One end of the inner core 53 is inserted into a straight cavity and extends into a mating tube, where it is configured as a first core segment. The other end of the inner core 53 is distributed along the mating direction and inserted into a vertical cavity, where it is configured as a second core segment. The first core segment inserted into the mating tube is shorter than the mating tube. An L-shaped mounting cavity is formed along the length of each inner core 53. The mounting cavity extends through the front end face of the first core segment and the rear end face of the second core segment along the insertion direction, and also extends through the upper end face of the second core segment corresponding to the mating surface 223 along the mating direction. The metal terminal 54 is also L-shaped, with one end inserted into the mounting cavity in the first core segment and the other end extending out of the front end face of the first core segment. The other end of the metal terminal 54 is inserted into the mounting cavity in the second core segment and extends out of the upper end face along the mating direction. To prevent the metal terminal 54 from detaching from the inner core 53, a narrow constriction section, narrower than the mounting cavity and the metal terminal 54, is formed on the rear side of the mounting cavity. The rear side of the constriction section is widened to facilitate the insertion and engagement of the metal terminal 54. Since the inner core 53 is supported by plastic, when the metal terminal 54 is squeezed into the constriction section, the constriction section deforms and widens after being compressed, allowing the metal terminal 54 to be squeezed through until it enters the mounting cavity. The first core segment and the metal terminal 54 located inside it are configured as the insertion end 51, and the second core segment and the metal terminal 54 located inside it are configured as the connection end 52.

[0047] Please see Figure 6 In this embodiment, a shielding sheet 7 is provided between the two front inner cores 53 and the two rear inner cores 53. A slot 261 with the same shape as the shielding sheet 7 is provided on the main body part c of the second housing 2 at a position between the two front vertical cavity sections and the two rear vertical cavity sections. The width of the slot 261 is greater than the width of each insertion cavity 23. The shielding sheet 7 is made of metal and is inserted into the slot 261 after each terminal assembly 5 is installed so as to abut or approach each inner core 53, thereby separating the inner cores 53 and preventing the electrical signals between the terminal assemblies 5 from interfering with each other.

[0048] Please see Figure 7In this embodiment, the shielding cover 6 is connected to the rear end face of the second housing 2 to block the rear open side of the insertion cavity 23. To facilitate fixing the shielding cover 6, multiple insertion slots 262 are formed on the rear end face of the second housing 2 and around the insertion cavity 23. The shielding cover 6 is bent forward along the insertion direction at the edge of each insertion slot 262 to form an insertion arm 62. The insertion arm 62 has a second fastening protrusion 61133 protruding on both sides along its width to abut against the insertion slot 262 when it is inserted into the insertion slot 262, so that the insertion arm 62 is inserted into each insertion slot 262 along the insertion direction, and the second fastening protrusion 61133 abuts against the inner wall of the insertion slot 262, thereby confining the shielding cover 6 within the insertion slot 262.

[0049] One embodiment of the signal connector of this utility model operates as follows: During assembly, the insertion tube passes through the inner hole 122 to form a primary positioning. Then, the outer wall of the built-in part 21 and the second cavity section 112 make surface-to-surface contact along the insertion direction to form a secondary positioning. The limiting post 14 and the limiting hole interfere with each other through the first fastening protrusion 222 to ensure the positioning accuracy between the plastic first shell 1 and the metal second shell 2. At the same time, the inner side of the front end of each elastic limiting end 32 contacts the protruding edge 25 and deforms. The insertion end passes through the inner hole 122 and is gradually automatically guided and adjusted until the pre-installation depth is reached. A small gap appears between the second limiting surface 33 and the second abutting surface 42 on the elastic limiting end 32, causing the front end of the elastic limiting end 32 to fall back into the anti-reverse groove 24, forming a mutually abutting and locking state.

[0050] Compared with the prior art, the signal connector of this utility model has a simple and reliable assembly process. After fixing the first shell, the second shell 2 can be pressed in along one direction. The assembly process has a four-level positioning design in sequence: primary positioning, secondary positioning, fine positioning, and automatic guidance. It does not require precise limiting fixtures or automated equipment, and meets the high positional accuracy requirements between the plastic first shell 1 and the zinc alloy second shell 2. The elastic limiting end 32 will generate a certain amount of elastic deformation during the assembly process, and will not break due to compression exceeding the yield strength of the plastic, thus ensuring the reliability of the elastic limiting end 32. The tenon structure formed by the limiting post 14, the limiting groove 221 and the first fastening protrusion 222 can provide a large holding force. The limiting structure 3 evenly distributed on multiple surfaces ensures that the lateral pressure / tension applied to the first shell 1 can be converted into a positive pressure in the length direction of the elastic limiting end 32. That is, the tangential force on the inner contour surface of the first shell 1 is converted, the product is not easily deformed, and the product can withstand a large lateral load while meeting the holding force parallel to the insertion direction.

Claims

1. A signal connector, comprising a first housing and a second housing that are mated together along an insertion direction, characterized in that: The first housing is provided with a limiting structure, which has an elastic limiting end capable of deforming outward or resetting inward; the inner wall of the second housing is provided with a mating structure, which is used to lock the first housing onto the second housing by deforming outward and resetting inward when the second housing is inserted into the first housing.

2. The signal connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting structure has a front limiting portion disposed on the first housing and a rear limiting portion located behind the front limiting portion along the insertion direction, and the elastic limiting end is configured as the rear limiting portion; the mating structure has a front mating portion formed on the second housing to abut against the front limiting portion and a rear mating portion formed on the second housing to abut against the rear limiting portion.

3. The signal connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first housing has a window that penetrates the first housing along the wall thickness direction. The front limiting part and the rear limiting part are respectively located at the window along the insertion direction, and the rear limiting part is suspended in the window.

4. The signal connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The front limiting part has a first limiting surface, and the rear limiting part has a second limiting surface facing the first limiting surface along the insertion direction; the front mating part has a first abutting surface for abutting against the first limiting surface after the second housing is inserted into place, and the rear mating part has a second abutting surface for abutting against the second limiting surface after the second housing is inserted into place.

5. The signal connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The front limiting part includes a limiting flange that protrudes inward from the front side edge of the window along the wall thickness direction, and the rear side of the limiting flange is configured as the first limiting surface; the rear end of the elastic limiting end is fixedly connected to the rear side edge of the window, the front end of the elastic limiting end extends forward along the insertion direction, and the front end surface of the elastic limiting end is spaced apart from the first limiting surface and configured as the second limiting surface.

6. The signal connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second housing includes a main body and an interlocking portion protruding forward from the front end face of the main body. The front end face of the main body extends vertically outward relative to the outer side wall of the interlocking portion and is configured as the first abutting surface. A retaining groove is recessed on the outer side wall of the main body, and the front end face of the retaining groove is configured as the second abutting surface. The front end of the elastic limiting end protrudes inward along the wall thickness direction and is used to extend into the retaining groove after the second housing is interlocked. A limiting section is formed on the rear end of the interlocking portion for fitting with the inner hole to facilitate automatic alignment and adjustment.

7. The signal connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: At least one inner wall of the first housing has a limiting post protruding inward along the wall thickness direction, the limiting post extending forward evenly along the insertion direction and connected to the limiting stop; the front end face of the main body is recessed along the insertion direction for the limiting post to be inserted therein; the inner wall of the limiting groove has a first fastening protrusion forming inward and backward, the first fastening protrusion being used to abut the limiting post when the limiting post is inserted into the limiting groove.

8. The signal connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first housing has a built-in cavity, and the limiting stop is located inside the built-in cavity and has an inner hole on its inner side for the insertion part to pass through in the insertion direction.

9. The signal connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second housing has a insertion cavity extending forward through the front end face of the second housing along the insertion direction. A terminal assembly is inserted into the insertion cavity. The terminal assembly has an insertion end that is located inside the first housing and exposed forward outside the first housing when the second housing is inserted into the first housing, and a connection end that is located outside the first housing when the second housing is inserted into the first housing. A shielding cover that blocks the rear end of the insertion cavity is connected to the rear end face of the second housing.

10. The signal connector as described in claim 9, characterized in that: Multiple insertion slots are provided on the rear end face of the second housing and around the insertion cavity. The shielding cover is bent forward along the insertion direction at the edge of each insertion slot to form an insertion arm. The insertion arm has a second fastening protrusion extending on both sides along its width to abut against the insertion slot when it is inserted into the insertion slot.

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