A secondary lock connector

Abstract

This application provides a secondary locking connector, comprising: a male terminal assembly, a female terminal assembly, and a first locking member; the male terminal assembly includes a first housing and a snap-fit ​​member fixed to the first housing; the first locking member is movably disposed inside the snap-fit ​​member; the female terminal assembly includes a snap-fit ​​member corresponding to the snap-fit ​​member; when the snap-fit ​​member and the snap-fit ​​member snap-fit ​​together, and the first locking member moves to a target locking position, the first locking member limits the snap-fit ​​member, thereby locking the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member and the snap-fit ​​member. This application limits the snap-fit ​​member by using the first locking member, making it less prone to deformation or reducing deformation when the snap-fit ​​member is pressed, thereby increasing the stability of the connection between the male terminal assembly and the female terminal assembly, and improving the service life of the snap-fit ​​member and the connector as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical connection technology, and in particular to a secondary locking connector. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of the new energy industry, the pace of intelligent upgrading in automobiles has accelerated significantly. In this process, connectors, as the core hub for signal or energy transmission, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of electrical connections. Connectors not only support efficient power transmission and data communication in electric vehicles but also guarantee the reliable operation of various onboard electronic systems.

[0003] However, when the male and female terminals of existing connectors are paired, the pressing part is prone to fatigue after repeated insertion and removal, or the male terminal may detach from the wire end due to misoperation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a secondary locking connector that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] This application provides a secondary locking connector, comprising: a male end assembly, a female end assembly, and a first locking element; The male end assembly includes a first housing and a snap-fit ​​member fixed to the first housing; the first locking member is movably disposed inside the snap-fit ​​member; The female end assembly includes a snap-fit ​​component corresponding to the snap-fit ​​component; When the snap-fit ​​member engages with the latching member, and the first locking member moves to the target locking position, the first locking member limits the snap-fit ​​member, thereby locking the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member and the latching member.

[0006] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​member includes a pressing part and a first snap-fit ​​part; the first locking member includes a blocking part and a first latching part; the snap-fit ​​member is fastened to one side of the first snap-fit ​​part; When the first locking member moves to the target locking position, the blocking part limits the pressing part, and the first latching part engages with the other side of the first snap-fit ​​part.

[0007] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​member includes a second snap-fit ​​portion; the first locking member includes a second latching portion; When the first locking member is in the initial position, the first latching part is disposed on one side of the first locking part, and the second latching part is engaged with the second locking part.

[0008] Furthermore, the second latching portion is provided with a limiting and blocking structure; When the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the buckle member, the pressing part and the limiting and blocking structure abut against the female end assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the male terminal assembly includes a plurality of male terminals; the male terminals pass through the first housing; The female terminal assembly includes a second housing and a plurality of female terminals corresponding to the male terminals; the female terminals pass through the second housing. When the snap-fit ​​component and the latching component snap together, the female terminal and the male terminal are connected accordingly.

[0010] Furthermore, the male terminal is provided with a terminal latching part; the first housing is provided with a terminal engaging part; The terminal latching part is movably engaged with the terminal snap-fit ​​part.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes: a second locking member; the second locking member is provided with a first locking portion and a second locking portion; the first housing is provided with a third locking portion corresponding to the first locking portion and the second locking portion; the male terminal is provided with a terminal limiting groove; When the second locking member is in the initial position, the third locking part is engaged with the first locking part; When the second locking member moves to the target locking position, the third locking part engages with the second locking part, and the second locking member passes through the terminal limiting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, when the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the latching member, the second locking member is disposed inside the second housing.

[0013] Furthermore, when the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the latching member, the snap-fit ​​member is disposed inside the second housing. The second housing has an unlocking hole corresponding to the first locking member.

[0014] Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion; The first housing has a first insertion groove corresponding to the first limiting protrusion and a second insertion groove corresponding to the second limiting protrusion; When the snap-fit ​​component is snapped into place with the buckle component, the first limiting protrusion is disposed inside the first insertion groove, and the second limiting protrusion is disposed inside the second insertion groove.

[0015] This application has the following advantages: In the embodiments of this application, addressing the problem that in existing connectors, the pressing part is prone to fatigue or detachment of the male end due to misoperation after repeated insertion and removal when the male and female ends are paired, this application provides a solution to limit the locking member by using a first locking member. Specifically, a secondary locking connector includes: a male end assembly, a female end assembly, and a first locking member; the male end assembly includes a first housing and a locking member fixed to the first housing; the first locking member is movably disposed inside the locking member; the female end assembly includes a snap-fit ​​member corresponding to the locking member; when the locking member and the snap-fit ​​member are engaged, and the first locking member moves to a target locking position, the first locking member limits the locking member, locking the engagement state between the locking member and the snap-fit ​​member. This application limits the locking member by using a first locking member, making the locking member less prone to deformation or reducing deformation when pressed, thereby increasing the stability of the connection between the male and female end assemblies and improving the service life of the locking member and the connector as a whole. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a secondary locking connector provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the male end component structure in one embodiment of this application when the first locking member is in the initial position; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the male terminal component structure when the first locking member is in the target locking position in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the male end assembly in one embodiment of this application when the second locking member is in the initial position; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the male end component in one embodiment of this application when the second locking member is in the target locking position; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a secondary locking connector according to an embodiment of this application when it is locked in a snap-fit ​​state; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mother component in one embodiment of this application.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Male terminal assembly; 11. First housing; 111. Terminal latching part; 112. First insertion slot; 113. Second insertion slot; 12. Latching member; 121. Pressing part; 122. First latching part; 123. Second latching part; 1231. Limiting and blocking structure; 124. Third latching part; 13. Male terminal; 131. Terminal latching part; 132. Terminal limiting groove; 2. Female terminal assembly; 21. Second housing; 211. Unlocking hole; 212. First limiting protrusion; 213. Second limiting protrusion; 22. Latching member; 23. Female terminal; 24. Positioning piece; 3. First locking member; 31. Blocking part; 32. First latching part; 33. Second latching part; 4. Second locking member; 41. First latching part; 42. Second latching part. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] The inventors, through analysis of existing technology, discovered that frequent pressing of the male terminal's locking component leads to material fatigue, reducing its elasticity and tightening ability, making it easy for the male terminal to detach from the female terminal. Furthermore, improper insertion / removal or uneven force can accelerate wear on the pressing part, increasing the risk of accidental detachment of the male terminal. Therefore, by limiting the locking component of the male terminal, deformation is reduced or prevented from occurring when pressed, thereby increasing the stability of the connection between the male and female terminals and extending the service life of the locking component and the connector as a whole.

[0021] Reference Figure 1-7 This illustration shows a secondary locking connector provided in an embodiment of the present application, comprising: a male end assembly 1, a female end assembly 2, and a first locking member 3; The male end assembly 1 includes a first housing 11 and a snap-fit ​​member 12 fixed to the first housing 11; the first locking member 3 is movably disposed inside the snap-fit ​​member 12. The female end assembly 2 includes a snap-fit ​​member 22 corresponding to the snap-fit ​​member 12; When the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the latching member 22 snap-fit ​​together, and the first locking member 3 moves to the target locking position, the first locking member 3 limits the snap-fit ​​member 12, thereby locking the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the latching member 22.

[0022] In the embodiments of this application, addressing the problem that the pressing part 121 of the existing connector is prone to fatigue after repeated insertion and removal, or that the male end may detach from the wire end due to misoperation, when the male and female ends are paired, this application provides a solution to limit the locking member 12 by means of a first locking member 3. Specifically, a secondary locking connector includes: a male end assembly 1, a female end assembly 2, and a first locking member 3; the male end assembly 1 includes a first housing 11 and a locking member 12 fixed to the first housing 11; the first locking member 3 is movably disposed inside the locking member 12; the female end assembly 2 includes a snap-fit ​​member 22 corresponding to the locking member 12; when the locking member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 are engaged and the first locking member 3 moves to the target locking position, the first locking member 3 limits the locking member 12, thereby locking the engagement state between the locking member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22. This application limits the locking member 12 by using the first locking member 3, so that the locking member 12 is less likely to deform or the deformation is reduced when it is pressed, thereby increasing the stability of the connection between the male end assembly 1 and the female end assembly 2, and improving the service life of the locking member 12 and the connector as a whole.

[0023] The following will further describe a secondary locking connector in this exemplary embodiment.

[0024] It should be noted that the first housing 11 and the snap-fit ​​member 12 can be integrally formed. One end of the snap-fit ​​member 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 11, and the other end of the snap-fit ​​member 12 can undergo elastic deformation so that it can snap and disengage with the snap-fit ​​member 22.

[0025] In one specific implementation, the first locking member 3 can be locked at the initial position corresponding to the snap-fit ​​member 12. After the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 are snapped together, the first locking member 3 is pushed into the target locking position corresponding to the snap-fit ​​member 12, so that the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 is locked, thereby achieving secondary locking.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​member 12 includes a pressing part 121 and a first snap-fit ​​part 122; the first locking member 3 includes a blocking part 31 and a first fastening part 32; the snap-fit ​​member 22 is fastened to one side of the first snap-fit ​​part 122; When the first locking member 3 moves to the target locking position, the blocking part 31 limits the pressing part 121, and the first fastening part 32 engages with the other side of the first locking part 122.

[0027] It should be noted that by fastening the buckle member 22 and the first buckle part 32 to both sides of the first snap-fit ​​part 122 respectively, the elastic force generated by the deformation of the first buckle part 32 can press the first snap-fit ​​part 122 against the buckle member 22, ensuring that the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the buckle member 22 is locked.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the snap-fit ​​member 12 includes a second snap-fit ​​portion 123; the first locking member 3 includes a second latching portion 33; When the first locking member 3 is in the initial position, the first latching part 32 is disposed on one side of the first latching part 122, and the second latching part 33 is engaged with the second latching part 123.

[0029] It should be noted that the initial position of the first locking member 3 corresponds to a first locking state, and the second latching part 123 can prevent the first locking member 3 from falling off and exiting the first locking state.

[0030] In one embodiment of this application, the second latching portion 123 is provided with a limiting and blocking structure 1231; When the snap-fit ​​member 12 is snapped into place with the snap-fit ​​member 22, the pressing part 121 and the limiting and blocking structure 1231 abut against the female end assembly 2.

[0031] It should be noted that the limiting and blocking structure 1231 can prevent the male end component 1 from being over-inserted into the female end component 2.

[0032] The limiting and blocking structure 1231 can also abut against the first locking member 3 to prevent the first locking member 3 from being over-inserted into the snap-fit ​​member 12 when entering the secondary locking state.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the male terminal assembly 1 includes a plurality of male terminals 13; the male terminals 13 pass through the first housing 11; The female terminal assembly 2 includes a second housing 21 and a plurality of female terminals 23 corresponding to the male terminal 13; the female terminals 23 pass through the second housing 21. When the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 are snapped together, the female terminal 23 is connected to the male terminal 13.

[0034] It should be noted that the snap-fit ​​component 22 can be fixedly connected to or integrally formed into the inner side of the receiving cavity of the second housing 21. In one embodiment of this application, the male terminal 13 is provided with a terminal latching part 131; the first housing 11 is provided with a terminal engaging part 111; The terminal latching part 131 is movably engaged with the terminal latching part 111.

[0035] It should be noted that the terminal latching part 131 can be used to prevent the male terminal 13 from falling out of the first housing 11. When installing the male terminal 13, the male terminal 13 can be placed into the corresponding slot in the first housing 11, and pushed along the length of the slot until it is engaged with the terminal latching part 131 and the terminal engaging part 111. The terminal engaging part 111 can be a through-hole structure provided on the outer wall of the first housing 11, which allows the user to press the terminal latching part 131 to disengage it from the terminal engaging part 111.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, it further includes: a second locking member 4; the second locking member 4 is provided with a first locking part 41 and a second locking part 42; the first housing 11 is provided with a third locking part 124 corresponding to the first locking part 41 and the second locking part 42; the male terminal 13 is provided with a terminal limiting groove 132; When the second locking member 4 is in the initial position, the third locking part 124 is engaged with the first locking part 41; When the second locking member 4 moves to the target locking position, the third latching part 124 latches onto the second latching part 42, and the second locking member 4 passes through the terminal limiting groove 132.

[0037] It should be noted that the second locking member 4 can be used to further prevent the male terminal 13 from falling out of the first housing 11. When the male terminal 13 is not installed, the second locking member 4 should be set in the corresponding initial position to prevent the male terminal 13 from being unable to be installed.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, when the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 are snapped together, the second locking member 4 is disposed inside the second housing 21.

[0039] It should be noted that placing the second locking member 4 inside the second housing 21 can prevent the second locking member 4 from falling out of the first housing 11 and can also hide it.

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, when the snap-fit ​​member 12 is snapped into place with the snap-fastening member 22, the snap-fit ​​member 12 is disposed inside the second housing 21; The second housing 21 has an unlocking hole 211 corresponding to the first locking member 3.

[0041] It should be noted that when it is necessary to unlock the first locking member 3 and the snap-fit ​​member 12, the first latching part 32 can be disengaged from the first snap-fit ​​part 122 through the unlocking hole 211, so that the first locking member 3 can move to the initial position, thereby disengaging the snap-fit ​​member 12 from the snap-fit ​​member 22 through the pressing part 121.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, the second housing 21 is provided with a first limiting protrusion 212 and a second limiting protrusion 213; The first housing 11 has a first insertion groove 112 corresponding to the first limiting protrusion 212 and a second insertion groove 113 corresponding to the second limiting protrusion 213; When the snap-fit ​​member 12 and the snap-fit ​​member 22 are snapped together, the first limiting protrusion 212 is disposed inside the first insertion groove 112, and the second limiting protrusion 213 is disposed inside the second insertion groove 113.

[0043] It should be noted that the first limiting protrusion 212 may include two, disposed on the top wall of the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21; the second limiting protrusion 213 may include two, respectively disposed on different opposite side walls of the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21. The mating structure of the limiting protrusion and the insertion groove can achieve foolproof insertion.

[0044] In one embodiment of this application, the female end assembly 2 includes two positioning pieces 24; the positioning pieces 24 are respectively disposed on different sides of the second housing 21.

[0045] It should be noted that the second housing 21 can be fixed to the substrate to be installed by the positioning piece 24, so as to realize the overall installation of the connector.

[0046] In one specific implementation, the first locking element 3 can be a CPA (Connector Position Assurance) element, a mechanism used to ensure that the male and female ends of the electrical connector are correctly and securely engaged. It can effectively prevent electrical faults caused by incomplete mating or accidental loosening, and the locking device increases the security and stability of the connection, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0047] In one specific implementation, the second locking element 4 can be a TPA (Terminal Position Assurance) element, designed to ensure the wire terminals are securely fixed inside the connector. Its main function is to prevent the terminals from moving or falling off due to vibration or other external forces, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of electrical signal transmission. TPA typically protects the terminal position through a mechanical locking method, which helps improve the performance and durability of the entire electrical connection system.

[0048] Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0050] The above provides a detailed description of a secondary locking connector provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, those skilled in the art will have changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A secondary locking connector, characterized in that, include: Male terminal component, female terminal component, and first locking element; The male end assembly includes a first housing and a snap-fit ​​member fixed to the first housing; the first locking member is movably disposed inside the snap-fit ​​member; The female end assembly includes a snap-fit ​​component corresponding to the snap-fit ​​component; When the snap-fit ​​member engages with the latching member, and the first locking member moves to the target locking position, the first locking member limits the snap-fit ​​member, thereby locking the snap-fit ​​state between the snap-fit ​​member and the latching member.

2. The secondary locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component includes a pressing part and a first snap-fit ​​part; the first locking member includes a blocking part and a first fastening part; the snap-fit ​​component is fastened to one side of the first snap-fit ​​part; When the first locking member moves to the target locking position, the blocking part limits the pressing part, and the first latching part engages with the other side of the first snap-fit ​​part.

3. The secondary locking connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component includes a second snap-fit ​​portion; the first locking component includes a second latching portion. When the first locking member is in the initial position, the first latching part is disposed on one side of the first locking part, and the second latching part is engaged with the second locking part.

4. The secondary locking connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second locking part is provided with a limiting and blocking structure; When the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the buckle member, the pressing part and the limiting and blocking structure abut against the female end assembly.

5. The secondary locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The male terminal assembly includes a plurality of male terminals; the male terminals pass through the first housing. The female terminal assembly includes a second housing and a plurality of female terminals corresponding to the male terminals; the female terminals pass through the second housing. When the snap-fit ​​component and the latching component snap together, the female terminal and the male terminal are connected accordingly.

6. The secondary locking connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The male terminal is provided with a terminal latching part; the first housing is provided with a terminal snap-fit ​​part; The terminal latching part is movably engaged with the terminal snap-fit ​​part.

7. The secondary locking connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes: a second locking member; the second locking member is provided with a first locking part and a second locking part; the first housing is provided with a third locking part corresponding to the first locking part and the second locking part; the male terminal is provided with a terminal limiting groove; When the second locking member is in the initial position, the third locking part is engaged with the first locking part; When the second locking member moves to the target locking position, the third locking part engages with the second locking part, and the second locking member passes through the terminal limiting groove.

8. The secondary locking connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the buckle member, the second locking member is located inside the second housing.

9. The secondary locking connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the snap-fit ​​member is snapped into place with the latching member, the snap-fit ​​member is located inside the second housing. The second housing has an unlocking hole corresponding to the first locking member.

10. The secondary locking connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second housing is provided with a first limiting protrusion and a second limiting protrusion; The first housing has a first insertion groove corresponding to the first limiting protrusion and a second insertion groove corresponding to the second limiting protrusion; When the snap-fit ​​component is snapped into place with the buckle component, the first limiting protrusion is disposed inside the first insertion groove, and the second limiting protrusion is disposed inside the second insertion groove.

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