Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly for a vehicle control box including a housing and a circuit board, the connector assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and a plurality of jumper conductors, the first connector disposed in the housing and including a first insulative housing and a plurality of first terminals disposed in the first insulative housing, the second connector disposed in the housing for detachable connection of the first connector and including a second insulative housing and a plurality of second terminals disposed in the second insulative housing and electrically connected to the circuit board, each of the jumper conductors disposed in either the first connector or the second connector and electrically connected to either the first terminals or the second terminals, the first insulative housing being inserted into the second insulative housing when the first connector is connected to the second connector such that the first terminals and the second terminals are electrically connected via the jumper conductors, thereby allowing the first connector to be quickly detached and reattached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connectors, and in particular to a connector assembly for an in-vehicle control box. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are widely used in various fields as important components for power transmission and signal transmission. Therefore, whether it is a control box, electronic device, or equipment, connectors are installed on the circuit board inside the housing and pass through the housing to the outside to prevent the cables connected to the connector from being damaged at the connection point. The common installation methods are mainly divided into two types: internal and external. The internal type involves soldering the connector to the circuit board first and then passing the connector from the inside of the housing to the outside for fixation. The external type involves passing the connector from the outside of the housing to the inside and then electrically connecting it to the circuit board through copper busbars or wiring.

[0003] However, regardless of whether the connector is internally or externally mounted, at least part of it remains exposed outside the housing, making it susceptible to damage from pulling or impact. Therefore, when maintenance personnel need to disassemble or replace the connector, they must disassemble the control box, electronics, or equipment housing to fully remove and replace it, causing inconvenience and requiring a significant amount of time for disassembly and replacement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art by providing a connector assembly that allows the first connector to be quickly installed and removed from the second connector and effectively prevents damage to the second connector inside the housing, thereby allowing maintenance personnel to repair or replace the first connector without disassembling the vehicle control box.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a connector assembly for a vehicle control box, the vehicle control box including a housing and a circuit board disposed within the housing, the connector assembly comprising:

[0006] A first connector is detachably fixed to the housing. The first connector includes a first insulating housing and a plurality of first terminals, each of which is disposed within the first insulating housing.

[0007] A second connector, disposed within the housing and detachably connected to the first connector, includes a second insulating housing and a plurality of second terminals, each of which is disposed within the second insulating housing and electrically connected to the circuit board; and

[0008] Multiple lap conductors are disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, and each lap conductor is electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal or a corresponding second terminal;

[0009] When the first connector is connected to the second connector, a portion of the first insulating housing is inserted into the second insulating housing, so that each of the first terminals and each of the second terminals are electrically connected via each of the lap conductors.

[0010] In the aforementioned connector assembly, each of the lap conductors is a hollow cylindrical shape and has an accommodating space, a first opening and a second opening. In each lap conductor, the first opening and the second opening are respectively located on opposite sides of the accommodating space, and a portion of the corresponding first terminal and a portion of the corresponding second terminal are respectively inserted into the accommodating space through the first opening and the second opening.

[0011] In the aforementioned connector assembly, each of the lap conductors further has a pair of first elastic clips and a pair of second elastic clips extending into the corresponding accommodating space, wherein each of the first elastic clips of each lap conductor elastically clamps the corresponding first terminal, and each of the second elastic clips of each lap conductor elastically clamps the corresponding second terminal.

[0012] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the first insulating housing includes a fixing portion and an adapter portion. The fixing portion is detachably connected to the outer housing, and the adapter portion is detachably inserted into the second insulating housing. Each of the first terminals is located within the fixing portion and the adapter portion, and each of the lap conductors is fixed within the adapter portion.

[0013] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the fixing part and the adapter part are integrally molded.

[0014] The connector assembly described above further includes a plurality of bolts, the fixing part having a plurality of through holes, the housing having a plurality of screw holes, each bolt passing through each of the through holes and being locked in each of the screw holes to fix the first connector to the housing.

[0015] The connector assembly described above further includes a sealing ring that is elastically held between the first connector and the housing.

[0016] In the aforementioned connector assembly, one end of each second terminal connected to the circuit board is perpendicular to the end of each second terminal connected to each lap conductor.

[0017] In the aforementioned connector assembly, the second insulating housing includes a plurality of layer plates and an outer frame, each layer plate covering a portion of the plurality of second terminals, the outer frame covering and fixing each layer plate, and the outer frame having a plug-in interface for the first insulating housing to be plugged into.

[0018] In the aforementioned connector assembly, one end of each second terminal connected to the circuit board is parallel to one end of each second terminal connected to each lap conductor.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] The connector assembly of this utility model, by placing the second connector inside the housing and electrically connecting it to the circuit board, and the first connector being detachably fixed to the housing so as to be disassembled or connected to the second connector, and by using each overlapping conductor to make each first terminal of the first connector and each second terminal of the second connector electrically connected, allows the first connector to be quickly installed and removed from the second connector, and effectively avoids damage to the second connector inside the housing, so that maintenance personnel can repair or replace the first connector without disassembling the vehicle control box.

[0021] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector and circuit board according to the first embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is another exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional front view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional side view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a top cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a top cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Among them, the attached figures are labeled

[0033] 100: First connector

[0034] 110: First insulating shell

[0035] 111: Fixing part

[0036] 1111: Wiring frame

[0037] 1112: Locking plate

[0038] 1112A: Through hole

[0039] 1112B: Trench

[0040] 112: Adapter Section

[0041] 1121: Positioning groove

[0042] 120: First terminal

[0043] 200: Second connector

[0044] 210: Second insulating shell

[0045] 211: Shelf section

[0046] 2111: Limiting groove

[0047] 212: Outer frame

[0048] 2121: Fixed block

[0049] 2122: Plug-in interface

[0050] 2123: Positioning Block

[0051] 220: Second terminal

[0052] 300: Overlapping conductor

[0053] 310: Storage space

[0054] 320: First Opening

[0055] 330: Second opening

[0056] 340: First elastic clip

[0057] 350: Second elastic clip

[0058] 400: Bolt

[0059] 500: Sealing ring

[0060] A: Outer shell

[0061] A1: Through groove

[0062] A2: Screw hole

[0063] B: Circuit board Detailed Implementation

[0064] The structural and working principles of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0065] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms front, rear, left, right, front end, rear end, end, longitudinal, transverse, vertical, top, bottom, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting conditions of this utility model.

[0066] As used herein, terms such as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth describe various elements, components, regions, hierarchies, and / or parts, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, hierarchy, or part from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the use of terms such as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth herein does not imply order or sequence.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, terms such as "substantially" and "approximately" are used to describe and narrate small changes. When used in connection with an event or situation, the term may include the exact moment the event or situation occurred, or the point in time from which the event or situation occurred. For example, when used in connection with a numerical value, the term may include a range of variation less than or equal to ±10% of the numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0068] The detailed description and technical content of this utility model will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0069] This utility model provides a connector assembly that can be used in an in-vehicle control box, but the utility model is not limited thereto. The in-vehicle control box includes a housing A and a circuit board B disposed within the in-vehicle control box. It should be noted that, for simplicity and to avoid affecting interpretation, the housing A in the various figures of this utility model is simplified and only a portion of it is shown, rather than being used to define or limit the shape of the housing A. In addition, the two sides of the housing A form an inner side and an outer side, respectively, and the circuit board B is located on the inner side of the housing A. In this embodiment, the inner side is located inside the in-vehicle control box, and the outer side is located outside the in-vehicle control box. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the first embodiment of the connector assembly of this utility model mainly includes a first connector 100, a second connector 200 and a plurality of overlapping conductors 300.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first connector 100 is detachably fixed to the outer casing A, and the first connector 100 is located on the outside of the vehicle controller box. The first connector 100 includes a first insulating housing 110 and a plurality of first terminals 120. Each first terminal 120 is disposed within the first insulating housing 110, thereby protecting each first terminal 120 through the first insulating housing 110. The first insulating housing 110 includes a fixing part 111 and an adapter part 112. The fixing part 111 is detachably fixed to the outside of the outer casing A, and the adapter part 112 is detachably inserted into the second connector 200. In this embodiment, the adapter part 112 is fastened to the fixing part 111 by a snap-fit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the adapter part 112 can also be fastened to the fixing part 111 by locking, fitting, bonding, riveting, pressing, or magnetic attraction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each first terminal 120 is disposed in both the fixing part 111 and the adapter part 112, but in other embodiments, each first terminal 120 may be disposed only in the adapter part 112.

[0071] The second connector 200 is disposed inside the housing A. In this embodiment, the housing A has a through slot A1. The through slot A1 penetrates the housing A and connects the inner and outer sides of the housing A. The through slot A1 allows either the first connector 100 or the second connector 200 to pass through, thereby enabling them to connect. In this embodiment, the second connector 200 includes a second insulating housing 210 and a plurality of second terminals 220. Each second terminal 220 is disposed within the second insulating housing 210, thereby protecting each second terminal 220 through the second insulating housing 210. Each second terminal 220 is electrically connected (e.g., soldered) to a circuit board B. In this embodiment, the adapter 112 of the first insulating housing 110 passes through the through groove A1 to the interior of the vehicle control box, and then is inserted into the second insulating housing 210. However, this utility model is not limited to this. For example, a part of the second insulating housing 210 may also be accommodated in the through groove A1 or slightly protrude from the inside of the outer housing A outward from the through groove A1, so that the adapter 112 of the first insulating housing 110 can be inserted.

[0072] Each lap conductor 300 is disposed in one of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are separated, each lap conductor 300 is electrically connected to the corresponding first terminal 120 or the corresponding second terminal 220. In this embodiment, each lap conductor 300 is inserted and fixed in the adapter portion 112 of the first connector 100, so each lap conductor 300 is electrically connected to the first terminal 120. However, in other embodiments, each lap conductor 300 may also be fixed in the second connector 200 and electrically connected to the second terminal 220.

[0073] Therefore, when the first connector 100 is installed on the housing A and connected to the second connector 200, at least a portion of the adapter portion 112 of the first insulating housing 110 is inserted into the second insulating housing 210, thereby forming an electrical connection between each first terminal 120 and each second terminal 220 via each lap conductor 300, and thus forming an electrical connection between the first connector 100 and the circuit board B. Since the first connector 100 is exposed on the outside of the housing A of the vehicle control box, if the first connector 100 is damaged for any reason (e.g., by impact), only the first connector 100 needs to be disassembled and replaced, facilitating quick replacement by maintenance personnel. Furthermore, maintenance personnel do not need to open the vehicle control box when disassembling and replacing the first connector 100, further simplifying the operation.

[0074] For further explanation, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, each overlapping conductor 300 is a hollow cylindrical shape and has an accommodating space 310, a first opening 320, and a second opening 330. In each overlapping conductor 300, the first opening 320 and the second opening 330 are located on opposite sides of the accommodating space 310. A portion of the first terminal 120 corresponding to each overlapping conductor 300 is inserted into the accommodating space 310 through the first opening 320. Similarly, a portion of the second terminal 220 corresponding to each overlapping conductor 300 is inserted into the accommodating space 310 through the second opening 330. In other words, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected, each overlapping conductor 300 is simultaneously sleeved on the end of the corresponding first terminal 120 facing the corresponding second terminal 220 and the end of the corresponding second terminal 220 facing the corresponding first terminal 120, thereby allowing each first terminal 120 and each second terminal 220 to form an electrical connection via each overlapping conductor 300. However, the form of each lap conductor 300 is not limited to the above. For example, each lap conductor 300 can also be needle-shaped, column-shaped or plate-shaped. The form of the lap conductor 300 should be adjusted accordingly according to different needs.

[0075] Furthermore, to ensure that each first terminal 120 and each second terminal 220 can form an electrical connection via each overlapping conductor 300, in this embodiment, each overlapping conductor 300 further includes a pair of first elastic clips 340 and a pair of second elastic clips 350. Specifically, in each overlapping conductor 300, each first elastic clip 340 is arranged opposite to each other and extends toward each other into the corresponding receiving space 310, and each second elastic clip 350 is also arranged opposite to each other and extends toward each other into the corresponding receiving space 310. Thus, each first elastic clip 340 can elastically clamp each first terminal 120 together, and each second elastic clip 350 can elastically clamp each second terminal 220 together, thereby effectively ensuring that each overlapping conductor 300 can securely contact its corresponding first terminal 120 and second terminal 220 to form an electrical connection. However, the fixing method of each overlapping conductor 300 for each first terminal 120 and each second terminal 220 is not limited to this. For example, each overlapping conductor 300 can also be used to securely contact the corresponding first terminal 120 and second terminal 220 by means of fitting or snapping.

[0076] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the fixing part 111 includes a wiring frame 1111 and a locking plate 1112. The wiring frame 1111 is a hollow rectangular frame to accommodate cables (not shown), which are used for electrical connection to the first terminals 120 inside the first insulating housing 110. The outer diameter of the locking plate 1112 is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring frame 1111 and the outer diameter of the adapter part 112, so that it can be attached to the outside of the housing A, allowing the adapter part 112 to pass through the through slot A1 and be inserted into the second insulating housing 210. In addition, the locking plate 1112 has a plurality of through holes 1112A, and the housing A has a plurality of screw holes A2 corresponding to each through hole 1112A. Herein, the connector assembly of this utility model also includes a plurality of bolts 400, each bolt 400 passing through each through hole 1112A and locked into each screw hole A2 of the housing A, thereby securely fixing the first insulating housing 110 of the first connector 100 to the housing A. However, in other embodiments, the first insulating housing 110 of the first connector 100 can also be fixed to the housing A of the vehicle control box by means of fitting, snapping or magnetic attraction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the locking plate 1112 also has a groove 1112B. The groove 1112B is formed on the side of the locking plate 1112 facing the housing A and is generally rectangular around the adapter 112. In other words, the shape of the groove 1112B can be determined according to the shape of the adapter 112. Here, the connector assembly of the present invention also includes a sealing ring 500, which is accommodated in the groove 1112B, so that when the first insulating housing 110 is fixed to the housing A, the sealing ring 500 is elastically clamped between the first connector 100 and the housing A, thereby effectively ensuring the sealing between the locking plate 1112 and the housing A, and preventing moisture or dust from entering the inside of the housing A and causing damage to the electronic components in the vehicle control box. However, the location of the groove 1112B is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the groove 1112B can also be located on the side of the housing A facing the locking plate 1112 and surrounding the through groove A1, so that the sealing ring 500 can also achieve the same sealing effect.

[0078] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the end of each second terminal 220 connected to the circuit board B is perpendicular to the end of each second terminal 220 connected to each overlapping conductor 300. In other words, the extension directions of the two ends of each second terminal 220 are perpendicular to each other, that is, each first terminal 120 is arranged parallel to the circuit board B. Under this architecture, it is difficult to assemble each second terminal 220 into the second insulating housing 210 by means of pins. Therefore, the second insulating housing 210 in this embodiment includes multiple layer plates 211 and an outer frame 212 to replace the pin assembly process of each second terminal 220. Specifically, each layer plate 211 is flat and integrally covers part of the second terminal 220 by embedding injection molding. The layer plates 211 are arranged parallel to each other so that the second terminals 220 are arranged in a matrix at the end away from the circuit board B. The outer frame 212 integrally covers each layer plate 211 by means of secondary embedding injection molding, thereby fixing each layer plate 211 therein.

[0079] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, each layer plate portion 211 has a limiting groove 2111. When the outer frame portion 212 is injection molded, a fixing block 2121 can be formed to fill the limiting groove 2111, thereby effectively preventing the layer plate portions 211 from shifting or shaking relative to the outer frame portion 212. Furthermore, the outer frame portion 212 also has a plug-in interface 2122. Each second terminal 220 is accommodated in the plug-in interface 2122 at the end away from the circuit board B. In addition, the plug-in interface 2122 allows the first insulating housing 110 to be plugged in, thereby allowing the adapter portion 112 to connect its internal overlapping conductors 300 to each second terminal 220 via the plug-in interface 2122 to form an electrical connection. Furthermore, as... Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the outer frame 212 also has a positioning block 2123 located within the insertion interface 2122, and the adapter 112 has a positioning groove 1121 corresponding to the positioning block 2123. Both the positioning block 2123 and the positioning groove 1121 are elongated strips extending along the direction in which the first connector 100 is inserted into the second connector 200. Therefore, when the user wants to connect the first connector 100 to the second connector 200, the positioning groove 1121 of the adapter 112 must first be aligned with the positioning block 2123 of the outer frame 212 before the adapter 112 can be inserted into the insertion interface 2122 of the outer frame 212. This provides a foolproof solution to prevent damage to the first terminals 120 and the second terminals 220 due to incorrect installation.

[0080] Please continue reading. Figure 9 As shown, the second embodiment of this utility model differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the fixing part 111 and the adapter part 112 are integrally formed components. In other words, the first insulating shell 110 of the second embodiment is integrally formed by plastic injection molding, making the fixing part 111 and the adapter part 112 an integral component. In this way, not only can the process steps and assembly time of the first connector 100 be simplified, but the inventory of its spare parts can also be effectively reduced.

[0081] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 As shown, the main difference between the third embodiment of this utility model and the second embodiment is that one end of each second terminal 220 connected to the circuit board B is parallel to one end of each second terminal 220 connected to each overlapping conductor 300. In other words, each second terminal 220 in the third embodiment is a long needle-shaped object, that is, each first terminal 120 and each second terminal 220 are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to the circuit board B. In this case, each second terminal 220 can be directly assembled into the second insulating housing 210 by means of pins. Therefore, the second insulating housing 210 of the third embodiment does not need to include multiple layer plates 211 and outer frame portions 212 as in the first or second embodiments, thereby effectively simplifying the manufacturing process of the second insulating housing 210. However, this utility model does not particularly limit the form of the second insulating housing 210 and the form of each second terminal 220. The form of the second insulating housing 210 and the form of each second terminal 220 can be adjusted accordingly according to different configuration requirements of the circuit board B.

[0082] The connector assembly of this utility model, by placing the second connector 200 inside the housing A and electrically connecting it to the circuit board B, and by detachably fixing the first connector 100 to the housing A so as to be disassembled or connected to the second connector 200, and by using each overlapping conductor 300 to make each first terminal 120 of the first connector 100 and each second terminal 220 of the second connector 200 electrically connected, allows the first connector 100 to be quickly installed and removed from the second connector 200, and effectively avoids damage to the second connector 200 inside the housing A, so that maintenance personnel can repair or replace the first connector 100 without disassembling the vehicle control box.

[0083] In summary, the foregoing description of this utility model is intended to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand its technical content and implement it, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, this utility model may have other embodiments not listed. Without departing from the spirit and essence of this utility model, those skilled in the art should be able to devise various corresponding changes and modifications based on this utility model, but all such changes and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly for a vehicle control box, the vehicle control box comprising a housing and a circuit board disposed within the housing, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: A first connector is detachably fixed to the housing. The first connector includes a first insulating housing and a plurality of first terminals, each of which is disposed within the first insulating housing. A second connector, disposed within the housing and detachably connected to the first connector, includes a second insulating housing and a plurality of second terminals, each of which is disposed within the second insulating housing and electrically connected to the circuit board; and Multiple lap conductors are disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, and each lap conductor is electrically connected to a corresponding first terminal or a corresponding second terminal; When the first connector is connected to the second connector, a portion of the first insulating housing is inserted into the second insulating housing, so that each of the first terminals and each of the second terminals are electrically connected via each of the lap conductors.

2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the overlapping conductors is a hollow cylindrical shape and has a receiving space, a first opening and a second opening. In each of the overlapping conductors, the first opening and the second opening are respectively located on opposite sides of the receiving space, and a portion of the corresponding first terminal and a portion of the corresponding second terminal are respectively inserted into the receiving space through the first opening and the second opening.

3. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the lap conductors also has a pair of first elastic clips and a pair of second elastic clips extending into the corresponding accommodating space. Each of the first elastic clips of each lap conductor elastically clamps the corresponding first terminal, and each of the second elastic clips of each lap conductor elastically clamps the corresponding second terminal.

4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first insulating housing includes a fixing part and a connecting part. The fixing part is detachably connected to the outer shell, and the connecting part is detachably inserted into the second insulating housing. Each of the first terminals is located in the fixing part and the connecting part, and each of the lap conductors is fixed in the connecting part.

5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing part and the adapter part are integrally molded parts.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes multiple bolts, the fixing part has multiple through holes, the housing has multiple screw holes, and each bolt passes through each of the through holes and is locked in each of the screw holes to fix the first connector to the housing.

7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing ring that is elastically held between the first connector and the housing.

8. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of each second terminal connected to the circuit board is perpendicular to the end of each second terminal connected to each overlapping conductor.

9. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The second insulating housing includes multiple layer plates and an outer frame. Each layer plate covers the multiple second terminals. The outer frame covers and fixes each layer plate. The outer frame has a plug-in interface for the first insulating housing to be plugged into.

10. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of each second terminal connected to the circuit board is parallel to the end of each second terminal connected to each overlapping conductor.

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