Electrical connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

This utility model discloses an electrical connector and a connector assembly. The electrical connector includes: an insulating body, a locking member, and a torsion elastic element. The locking member is rotatably mounted to a mounting surface of the insulating body along an axial direction. The locking member includes an adjacent locking arm and a pressing block. The connector assembly includes the electrical connector and a complementary connector. When the torsion elastic element is in an initial state, the locking arm is in an initial position, and the electrical connector and the complementary connector can be locked together longitudinally. When the pressing block is pressed, the torsion elastic element is in an active state, and the locking arm swings to the left or right relative to the insulating body to an offset position, thereby unlocking the electrical connector and the complementary connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an electrical connector and connector assembly, wherein a planar rotary locking element is provided on the electrical connector to achieve a locking function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the locking devices for board-end connectors and wire-end connectors typically employ a locking hole on the shell of the board-end connector and a protrusion corresponding to the locking hole on the shell of the wire-end connector to achieve the locking mechanism.

[0003] To facilitate subsequent unlocking and ensure smooth disengagement of the protrusion from the latch hole, the protrusion should not be too high. Otherwise, the mechanical connection between the latch hole and the protrusion will be weak, making it prone to loosening during use in vibrating or bumpy environments, resulting in unstable mating of the board connector and the wire connector.

[0004] If the protrusion is too high, while it can improve the mechanical connection strength, it also increases the difficulty of unlocking. For example, during unlocking, it is necessary to manually press down on the protrusion or use other structures to force the protrusion down and away from the latch hole, thereby pulling out the board connector. However, this unlocking method requires a lot of force, affecting the safety of the wire connector and impacting the user experience.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrical connector and connector assembly with a new locking element. Utility Model Content

[0006] One objective of this utility model is to provide an electrical connector that features high locking strength, convenient unlocking, and a compact structure.

[0007] One objective of this utility model is to provide a connector assembly that features high locking strength, convenient unlocking, and a compact structure.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of this utility model can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: an electrical connector for mating with a complementary connector along a longitudinal direction, the electrical connector comprising: an insulating body, a locking member, and a torsional elastic element. The insulating body has a mounting surface, which is coplanar or parallel to the top surface of the insulating body. The locking member is rotatably mounted to the mounting surface along an axial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the mounting surface; the locking member includes an adjacently disposed locking arm and a pressing block. The torsional elastic element torsionally and elastically connects the insulating body and the locking member. When the torsional elastic element is in an initial state, the locking arm is in an initial position. When the pressing block is pressed, the torsional elastic element is forced to twist and enters a working state, the locking member rotates, and the locking arm swings to the left or right relative to the insulating body in a transverse plane parallel to the mounting surface, deviating from the initial position to an offset position. When the pressing block is released, the torsional elastic element drives the locking member to rotate, causing the locking arm to return to the initial position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting surface of the insulating body is provided with a pivot portion; the locking member includes a pivot engagement portion; the pivot engagement portion is rotatably connected to the pivot portion along the axial direction; in the longitudinal direction, the pressing block is offset from the pivot engagement portion and the pivot portion, and the pressing direction applied to the pressing block is offset from the pivot engagement portion and the pivot portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the locking arm is provided with a hook, having a locking engagement surface and a guide surface; the locking engagement surface is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the guide surface is an inclined surface; the hook, the pressing block, and the pivoting part form a triangular structure when projected along the axial direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking arm is a flat straight beam; the locking arm extends along the longitudinal line at the initial position and is inclined to the longitudinal direction at the offset position; the hook is offset on the bottom surface of the locking arm and close to the offset position; an anti-touch space is formed on the bottom surface of the locking arm on the side of the hook away from the offset position.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking member includes a main body having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence; the locking arm and the hook are located on the first side; the pressing block is located on the second side, and the pressing block is a one-sided pressing button with an inclined vertical pressing surface; the pivoting part is disposed on the main body and is closer to the third side relative to the hook.

[0014] In one embodiment, the insulating body has a mounting cavity, a bottom surface of which is the mounting surface; at least a portion of the latch arm and the latch hook extend out of the mounting cavity; the pressing block protrudes out of the mounting cavity; wherein a gap is formed between the body and the mounting cavity for the body to rotate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting cavity has a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, a third vertical wall, and a fourth vertical wall that surround the mounting surface and are connected in sequence, corresponding to the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side of the main body, respectively; the first vertical wall is provided with a channel for at least a portion of the latch arm to extend out of the mounting cavity; the second vertical wall forms an opening for the pressing block to protrude out of the mounting cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the insulating body further has a mating space and a clearance space; the mating space is located in front of the mounting cavity; the clearance space is located on one side of the mating space and is used to provide an offset space for the locking arm and the hook.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electrical connector further includes a metal cover; the metal cover is fixed to the insulating body, located above the main body of the locking member, and is used to cover the mounting cavity and restrict the main body from leaving the mounting cavity.

[0018] In one embodiment, a snap-fit ​​groove is provided in part or all of the first vertical wall, the second vertical wall, the third vertical wall and the fourth vertical wall; the metal cover is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the pivot portion is one of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; the pivot fitting portion is the other of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; the torsional elastic element is a torsion spring, which is torsionally fitted onto the pivot portion or the pivot fitting portion; the torsional elastic element has a fixed arm and a loading arm; both the fixed arm and the loading arm extend along the longitudinal direction; the fixed arm is positioned to the insulating body, and the loading arm is positioned to the locking member.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also adopts the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a complementary connector. The electrical connector is the electrical connector described above; the complementary connector includes a complementary locking arm. When the electrical connector mates with the complementary connector, the locking arm is in the initial position, and the locking arm and the complementary locking arm are locked together along the longitudinal direction, thereby locking the electrical connector and the complementary connector. When the pressing block is pressed, the locking arm is in the offset position, disengaging from the complementary locking arm, and the electrical connector and the complementary connector are unlocked.

[0021] In one embodiment, the complementary locking arm is a flat straight beam extending linearly toward the electrical connector; the complementary locking arm is provided with a complementary hook, having a complementary engagement surface and a complementary guide surface; when the complementary locking arm engages with the locking arm, the complementary engagement surface contacts the locking engagement surface of the locking arm and interlocks along the longitudinal direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electrical connector is a single-ended connector. The electrical connector further includes at least one pair of conductive elements, at least one pair of interfaces, and at least one pair of cables. Each conductive element includes an outer sleeve and a crown spring disposed within the outer sleeve. One end of the conductive element is located in the interface; the other end of the conductive element is connected to the cable.

[0023] In one embodiment, the complementary connector is a board-end connector. The complementary connector further includes a base, at least one pair of guide arms, and at least one pair of power posts. The complementary locking arms are mounted to the base and are independent of the guide arms. The guide arms are connected to the base, symmetrically located on both sides of the complementary locking arms, and extend linearly toward the electrical connector. The power posts are used to insert into the interface of the electrical connector and electrically contact the crown spring.

[0024] Compared to existing technologies, the electrical connector of this invention features a locking element that can be unlocked by swinging the locking arm to the left or right, making unlocking convenient. The locking arm and the complementary locking arm of the complementary connector can each have a large-area locking engagement surface and complementary engagement surface, thereby improving the locking strength in the axial and longitudinal directions. Under vibration, the two will not easily disengage, and the unlocking method of swinging the locking arm left or right will not be affected. Furthermore, since no unlocking space is required in the axial and longitudinal directions, the electrical connector structure is compact. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the electrical connector, primarily illustrating the positional relationship between the locking element and the insulating body after the cover is removed.

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure shown.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The exploded view of the electrical connector shown is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the electrical connector shown from another angle.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a locking component according to one embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the locking element from another angle.

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the locking element and a torsion spring.

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the electrical connector, which mainly illustrates the detailed structure of the insulating body.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural schematic of the electrical connector, primarily illustrating the positional relationship between the insulating body and the torsion spring.

[0036] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Top view of the structure shown.

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 3 The top view of the structure shown shows the latch arm in its initial position.

[0038] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the latch arm in an off-center position.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a board-end connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 16 for Figure 15 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the board-end connector from another angle.

[0041] Figure 17 for Figure 15 The disassembly diagram of the board-end connector shown primarily illustrates the detailed structure of the board-end locking arm.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly of this utility model, which mainly shows... Figure 2 The electrical connector shown is with Figure 15 The board-end connector shown is in engagement state.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a top view of the connector assembly in the locked state.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a top view of the connector assembly in the unlocked state.

[0045] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0046] Electrical connector 1 Lateral plane 101

[0047] Insulating body 10 Mounting surface 11

[0048] Support structure 110 Top surface 12

[0049] Pivot 13 Mounting cavity 14

[0050] First vertical wall 141 Second vertical wall 142

[0051] Third vertical wall 143 Fourth vertical wall 144

[0052] Channel 145, Opening 146

[0053] 147 Socket slot; 148 Second limiting slot

[0054] Docking space 15, clearance space 16

[0055] Spacing 17, Interface 18

[0056] Locking element 20, Locking arm 21

[0057] Hook 210 Locking engagement surface 211

[0058] Guide surface 212 Anti-touch space 213

[0059] Pressing block 22, pressing surface 220

[0060] Front end portion 221 Pivot connection portion 23

[0061] Main body 24 First side 241

[0062] Second side 242 Third side 243

[0063] Fourth side 244 Rib 245

[0064] First limiting groove 246 Torsional elastic element 30

[0065] Fixed arm 31 Loading arm 32

[0066] Metal cover 40, side wing 41

[0067] Conductive component 50, outer sleeve 51

[0068] Crown spring 52, cable 60

[0069] Complementary connector 8, complementary locking arm 80

[0070] Matrix 81 Guide arm 82

[0071] Power post 83 Complementary hook 84

[0072] Complementary mating surface 841 Complementary guiding surface 842

[0073] Fixed structure 85 Longitudinal Y

[0074] Initial position P1 in the Z-axis direction

[0075] Offset position P2 Triangular structure T

[0076] Pressing direction F, connecting line L Detailed Implementation

[0077] The following description of the embodiments is with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. Directional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustration and understanding of the present invention, and not for limiting the present invention.

[0078] Please refer to Figures 1 to 13 The electrical connector 1 of the present invention shown is used to connect to a [other connector] along a longitudinal direction Y. Figure 15 The complementary connector 8 shown is used for docking and power transmission.

[0079] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is a single-line connector. In other embodiments, a portion of the structure of the electrical connector 1 can be adapted to other types of connectors (e.g., a board-end connector).

[0080] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: an insulating body 10, a locking element 20, and a torsion elastic element 30.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the insulating body 10 has a mounting surface 11, which is coplanar or parallel to the top surface 12 of the insulating body 10. In this embodiment, the mounting surface 11 is substantially parallel to the top surface 12 of the insulating body 10, and the mounting surface 11 is lower than the top surface 12. In other embodiments, the top surface 12 can be directly used as the mounting surface 11.

[0082] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the locking member 20 is rotatably mounted to the mounting surface 11 along an axis Z, the axis Z being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y and the mounting surface 11; the locking member 20 includes a locking arm 21 and a pressing block 22 disposed adjacently. In other words, the locking arm 21 and the pressing block 22 are located on adjacent sides of the locking member 20, rather than opposite sides. For example, in this embodiment, the locking arm 21 is located on a first side 241 (see reference numeral) of a body 24 of the locking member 20. Figure 7 The pressing block 22 is located on the second side 242 of the main body 24 (see reference numerals). Figure 7 ).

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the torsional elastic element 30 can torsionally and elastically connect the insulating body 10 and the locking member 20.

[0084] When the torsional elastic element 30 is in an initial state, the locking arm 21 is in an initial position P1, such as... Figure 13 As shown, this can be used to lock the complementary connector 8. When the pressing block 22 is pressed, the torsion elastic element 30 is forced to twist and is in a working state. The locking member 20 rotates, and the locking arm 21 swings to the left or right relative to the insulating body 10 in a transverse plane 101 parallel to the mounting surface 11, deviating from the initial position P1 to a deviated position P2, as shown. Figure 14 As shown, the complementary connector 8 can be released at this time. When the pressing block 22 is released, the torsional elastic element 30 drives the locking member 20 to rotate, causing the locking arm 21 to return from the off-position P2 to the initial position P1.

[0085] The locking member 20 of the electrical connector 1 of this utility model is unlocked by swinging the locking arm 21 to the left or right, which is convenient. Since the locking arm 21 does not use a pull-back unlocking method, it can be provided with a locking engagement surface 211 (see reference numerals) with a large area. Figure 7 The complementary connector 8's complementary locking arm 80 can be provided with a corresponding complementary mating surface 841 (see reference numerals). Figure 17 This design enhances the locking strength of the two components along the Z-axis and Y-axis, preventing them from easily disengaging during vibrations and ensuring that the unlocking mechanism of the swing locking arm remains unaffected. Furthermore, the elimination of the need for pre-reserved unlocking space along the Z-axis and Y-axis allows for a compact structure in the electrical connector 1.

[0086] It should be noted that the initial state of the torsional elastic element 30 mentioned in this document refers to the initial equilibrium state of the torsional elastic element 30 after it and the locking member 20 are assembled into the insulating body 10. At this time, the torsional elastic element 30 can be under a small load, which provides a certain holding force for the locking member 20 to remain in the initial position P1, and can maintain a more stable locking state after docking with the complementary connector 8. The working state of the torsional elastic element 30 refers to the state of a larger load after the torsional elastic element 30 is forced to twist when an external force presses the pressing block 22.

[0087] The components and working principle of the electrical connector 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 As shown, a pivot portion 13 is provided on the mounting surface 11 of the insulating body 10.

[0089] In this embodiment, the insulating body 10 is provided with a mounting cavity 14, and a bottom surface of the mounting cavity 14 is the mounting surface 11.

[0090] More specifically, the mounting cavity 14 has a first vertical wall 141, a second vertical wall 142, a third vertical wall 143, and a fourth vertical wall 144 connected sequentially around the mounting surface 11. A channel 145 is recessed at the top of the first vertical wall 141, and an opening 146 is recessed at the top of the second vertical wall 142. A snap-fit ​​groove 147 is provided in part or all of the first vertical wall 141, the second vertical wall 142, the third vertical wall 143, and the fourth vertical wall 144.

[0091] In addition, the insulating body 10 also has a mating space 15 and a clearance space 16; the mating space 15 is L-shaped and located in front of the mounting cavity 14, for accommodating the complementary locking arm 80 (see reference numerals) of the complementary connector 8. Figure 17 ) extends into it; the clearance space 16 is located on one side of the docking space 15 (e.g., refer to Figure 6 (on the right side of the view direction) and close to the mounting cavity 14, to provide a right-hand offset space for the locking arm 21, thereby making the electrical connector 1 more compact.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 20 includes a pivot engagement portion 23 for being rotatably connected to the pivot portion 13 along the axis Z.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pivot portion 13 is a vertically extending shaft hole. Correspondingly, the pivot fitting portion 23 is a rotating shaft extending upward perpendicular to the mounting surface 11. Of course, in other embodiments, the pivot portion 13 can be a rotating shaft, and correspondingly, the pivot fitting portion 23 is a shaft hole.

[0094] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the locking arm 21 is provided with a hook 210 for hooking the complementary connector 8. The hook 210 has a locking engagement surface 211 and a guide surface 212. The locking engagement surface 211 is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y. The guide surface 212 is an inclined surface located in front of the locking engagement surface 211.

[0095] In this embodiment, the locking arm 21 is a flat straight beam; the hook 210 is disposed on the bottom surface of the locking arm 21. The locking arm 21 is in the initial position P1 (see label). Figure 13 Extending along the longitudinal Y-line, at the offset position P2 (see label) Figure 14 The pressing block 22 is located obliquely in front of the pivot engagement portion 23 along the longitudinal direction Y, and is used to drive the locking arm 21 to swing to the right relative to the insulating body 10. The so-called rightward swing is a reference... Figure 2In terms of the viewing direction. In other embodiments, the positional relationship between the pressing block 22 and the pivoting engagement portion 23 can also be changed. For example, the pressing block 22 can be located obliquely behind the pivoting engagement portion 23 along the longitudinal direction Y, to drive the locking arm 21 to swing to the left. The terms "obliquely forward" and "obliquely backward" are relative to "directly forward" and "directly backward". For example, the obliquely forward of the pivoting engagement portion 23 refers to a direction that deviates from the direct forward of the pivoting engagement portion 23, and the obliquely backward of the pivoting engagement portion 23 refers to a direction that deviates from the direct rear of the pivoting engagement portion 23.

[0096] In this embodiment, along the longitudinal direction Y, the pressing block 22 is offset from the pivot engagement portion 23 and the pivot portion 13. Therefore, the pressing direction F applied to the pressing block 22 is offset from the pivot engagement portion 23 and the pivot portion 13. That is, the line L connecting the pressing block 22 and the pivot engagement portion 23 is inclined (rather than perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction Y, thereby ensuring that the locking member 20 can rotate when the pressing block 22 is pressed. More specifically, the hook 210, the pressing block 22, and the pivot engagement portion 23, when projected along the axial direction Z, form a triangular structure T (see reference numerals). Figure 13 ).

[0097] More specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the pressing block 22 is a side-press button with an inclined vertical pressing surface 220. By pressing the pressing surface 220, especially pressing its front end 221 perpendicular to the pressing surface 220, the locking member 20 rotates. The pressing block 22 of this invention uses a side-press method to drive the locking member 20 to rotate, resulting in a smaller pressing stroke and thus making the electrical connector 1 of this invention more compact.

[0098] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 20 includes a main body 24 with a first side 241, a second side 242, a third side 243 and a fourth side 244 connected in sequence, which respectively correspond to the first vertical wall 141, the second vertical wall 142, the third vertical wall 143 and the fourth vertical wall 144 of the mounting cavity 14.

[0099] The locking arm 21 and the hook 210 are located on the first side 241, and at least a portion of the locking arm 21 extends out of the mounting cavity 14 from the channel 145, such as Figure 3 As shown. The hook 210 is also located outside the mounting cavity 14.

[0100] The pressing block 22 is located on the second side 242 and protrudes from the opening 146 into the mounting cavity 14, such as Figure 3 As shown.

[0101] The pivot fitting part 23 is disposed on the main body 24 and is close to the third side 243 relative to the hook 210.

[0102] When the locking member 20 is installed into the mounting cavity 14, a gap 17 is formed between the main body 24 and the mounting cavity 14 (see...). Figure 13 ), used to allow the main body 24 to rotate.

[0103] Furthermore, at least one downwardly protruding semi-cylindrical rib 245 is provided at the bottom of the main body 24 of the locking member 20, such as... Figure 7 As shown. A support structure 110 protruding upwards is provided on the mounting surface 11, as... Figure 6 As shown. When the locking member 20 is installed into the mounting cavity 14, the support structure 110 supports the rib 245, thereby reducing the rotational resistance of the locking member 20.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the torsional elastic element 30 is a torsion spring, which is torsionally fitted onto the pivot portion 13 of the insulating body 10, making the structure of the electrical connector 1 more compact. In other embodiments, the torsional elastic element 30 may also be fitted onto the pivot engagement portion 23 of the locking member 20.

[0105] The torsional elastic element 30 has a fixed arm 31 and a loading arm 32; both the fixed arm 31 and the loading arm 32 extend along the longitudinal direction Y; the fixed arm 31 is positioned to the insulating body 10, and the loading arm 32 is positioned to the locking member 20. When the pressing block 22 is pressed, the locking member 20 swings to the right, the loading arm 32 is pushed, and the torsional elastic element 30 stores energy through torsion.

[0106] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the main body 24 of the locking member 20 is provided with an elongated first limiting groove 246 for accommodating the loading arm 32 (see reference numeral) of the torsional elastic element 30. Figure 5 ).

[0107] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a second limiting groove 148 is provided at the bottom of the fourth vertical wall 144 to accommodate the fixed arm 31 of the torsional elastic element 30.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the electrical connector 1 further includes a metal cover 40 with a pair of side wings 41, which are inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove 147, thereby fixing the metal cover 40 to the insulating body 10. The metal cover 40 is located above the body 24 of the locking member 20 and is used to cover the mounting cavity 14 and restrict the body 24 from leaving the mounting cavity 14.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 further includes at least one pair of conductive elements 50, at least one pair of interfaces 18 formed on the insulating body 10, and at least one pair of cables 60; the conductive element 50 includes an outer sleeve 51 and a crown spring 52 disposed in the outer sleeve 51; one end of the conductive element 50 is located in the interface 18; the other end of the conductive element 50 is connected to the cable 60.

[0110] Please refer to Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown, the complementary connector 8 is a board-end connector.

[0111] In addition to the complementary locking arms 80, the complementary connector 8 also includes a base 81, at least one pair of guide arms 82, and at least one pair of power posts 83. The complementary locking arms 80 are mounted to the base 81 and are independent of the guide arms 82. The guide arms 82 are connected to the base 81, symmetrically located on both sides of the complementary locking arms 80, and extend linearly toward the electrical connector 1. The power posts 83 are used to insert into the interface 18 of the electrical connector 1 and electrically contact the crown spring 52.

[0112] In this embodiment, as Figure 17 As shown, the complementary locking arm 80 is a flat, straight beam extending linearly toward the electrical connector 1. One end of the complementary locking arm 80 has a complementary hook 84 for hooking the electrical connector 1. The other end of the complementary locking arm 80 has a fixing structure 85 (e.g., a protruding structure) for fixing to the base 81. Specifically, the complementary hook 84 has a complementary engagement surface 841 and a complementary guiding surface 842. When the complementary locking arm 80 engages with the locking arm 21, the complementary engagement surface 841 contacts and holds the locking engagement surface 211. At this time, the complementary hook 84 and the hook 210 are approximately mirror images of each other.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 18 As shown, the connector assembly of this utility model includes the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8.

[0114] like Figure 19As shown, when the electrical connector 1 mates with the complementary connector 8, the locking arm 21 is in the initial position P1, and the locking arm 21 and the complementary locking arm 80 are locked together along the longitudinal direction Y, especially the hook 210 ( Figure 19 (Not shown in the image) hooks with the complementary hook 84, so that the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8 are locked together.

[0115] like Figure 20 As shown, when the pressing block 22 is pressed, the locking arm 21 is in the offset position P2, the locking arm 21 is offset from the complementary locking arm 80, the hook 210 releases the complementary hook 84, and the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8 are unlocked.

[0116] In this embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the hook 210 is offset on the bottom surface of the locking arm 21, close to the offset position P2. An anti-touch space 213 is formed on the bottom surface of the locking arm 21 on the side of the hook 210 away from the offset position P2. When the locking arm 21 is in the offset position P2, the anti-touch space 213 prevents the hook 210 from contacting the complementary hook 84, thereby ensuring that the hook 210 is completely released from the complementary hook 84.

[0117] In summary, the electrical connector 1 and connector assembly of this utility model have the characteristics of high locking strength, convenient unlocking, and compact structure.

[0118] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector for mating with a complementary connector along a longitudinal direction, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes: an insulating body, a locking element, and a torsion elastic element; The insulating body has a mounting surface, which is coplanar with or parallel to the top surface of the insulating body; The locking element is rotatably mounted to the mounting surface along an axial direction, the axial direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the mounting surface; the locking element includes an adjacent locking arm and a pressing block; The torsional elastic element can torsionally and elastically connect the insulating body and the locking element; When the torsional elastic element is in an initial state, the locking arm is in an initial position; When the pressing block is pressed, the torsional elastic element is forced to twist and is in a working state. The locking member rotates, and the locking arm swings to the left or right relative to the insulating body in a transverse plane parallel to the mounting surface, deviating from the initial position to a deviated position. When the pressing block is released, the torsional elastic element drives the locking member to rotate, causing the locking arm to return to the initial position.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A pivot portion is provided on the mounting surface of the insulating body; The locking element includes a pivotal mating part; The pivot joint is rotatably connected to the pivot joint along the axial direction; In the longitudinal direction, the pressing block is offset from the pivot joint and the pivot joint, and the pressing direction applied to the pressing block is offset from the pivot joint and the pivot joint.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The locking arm is provided with a hook, and has a locking engagement surface and a guide surface; the locking engagement surface is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the guide surface is an inclined surface. The hook, the pressing block, and the pivoting part form a triangular structure when projected along the axial direction.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The locking arm is a flat straight beam; the locking arm extends along the longitudinal straight line at the initial position and is inclined to the longitudinal direction at the offset position; The hook is offset on the bottom surface of the locking arm and close to the offset position; an anti-touch space is formed on the bottom surface of the locking arm on the side of the hook away from the offset position.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The locking component includes a main body having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence; The locking arm and the hook are located on the first side; The pressing block is located on the second side; the pressing block is a one-sided pressing button with an inclined vertical pressing surface; The pivot joint is disposed on the main body and is located near the third side relative to the hook.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The insulating body has a mounting cavity, and a bottom surface of the mounting cavity is the mounting surface; At least a portion of the locking arm and the hook extend out of the mounting cavity; The pressing block protrudes from the mounting cavity; A gap is formed between the main body and the mounting cavity to allow the main body to rotate.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting cavity has a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, a third vertical wall, and a fourth vertical wall that surround the mounting surface and are connected in sequence, corresponding to the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side of the main body, respectively. The first vertical wall is provided with a channel for at least a portion of the latch arm to extend out of the mounting cavity; The second vertical wall forms an opening for the pressing block to protrude from the mounting cavity.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The insulating body also has a mating space and a clearance space; The docking space is located in front of the mounting cavity; The clearance space is located on one side of the docking space and is used to provide an offset space for the locking arm and the hook.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical connector also includes a metal cover; The metal cover is fixed to the insulating body, located above the main body of the locking member, and is used to cover the mounting cavity and restrict the main body from leaving the mounting cavity.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: A snap-fit ​​groove is provided in part or all of the first vertical wall, the second vertical wall, the third vertical wall and the fourth vertical wall; The metal cover is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The pivot joint is one of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; The pivot joint is the other part of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft; The torsional elastic element is a torsion spring, which is torsionally fitted onto the pivot portion or the pivot mating portion; The torsional elastic element has a fixed arm and a loading arm; both the fixed arm and the loading arm extend along the longitudinal direction; the fixed arm is positioned to the insulating body, and the loading arm is positioned to the locking member.

12. A connector assembly comprising an electrical connector and a complementary connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector is the electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1-11; The complementary connector includes a complementary locking arm; When the electrical connector mates with the complementary connector, the locking arm is in the initial position, and the locking arm and the complementary locking arm are locked together along the longitudinal direction, so that the electrical connector and the complementary connector are locked together. When the pressing block is pressed, the locking arm is in the off-center position, away from the complementary locking arm, and the electrical connector and the complementary connector are unlocked.

13. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The complementary locking arm is a flat straight beam that extends linearly toward the electrical connector; The complementary locking arm is provided with a complementary hook, a complementary engagement surface and a complementary guide surface; When the complementary locking arm engages with the locking arm, the complementary engagement surface contacts the locking engagement surface of the locking arm and interlocks along the longitudinal direction.

14. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The electrical connector is a single-terminal connector. The electrical connector further includes at least one pair of conductive elements, at least one pair of interfaces, and at least one pair of cables; the conductive element includes an outer sleeve and a crown spring disposed in the outer sleeve; one end of the conductive element is located in the interface; the other end of the conductive element is connected to the cable; The complementary connector is a board-end connector; The complementary connector further includes a base, at least one pair of guide arms, and at least one pair of power posts; The complementary locking arm is mounted to the base and is independent of the guide arm; the guide arm is connected to the base, symmetrically located on both sides of the complementary locking arm, and extends in a straight line toward the electrical connector; the power post is used to insert into the interface of the electrical connector and electrically contact the crown spring.

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