connector

Abstract

This invention provides a connector comprising: multiple cable assemblies; a plastic housing including a housing body, multiple cylindrical sockets, and multiple spring arms, each spring arm having a latching portion at its free end, the latching portion being capable of engaging with an annular groove of a corresponding cable assembly; and at least one locking member, capable of connecting to the plastic housing and the cable assemblies. The locking member includes a locking member body, a positioning portion extending from the locking member body, and two abutting portions located on both sides of the positioning portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector. When the locking member is connected to the plastic housing and the cable assemblies, the positioning portion is positioned between two adjacent cable assemblies and engages with the annular grooves of the cylindrical metal shells of the two adjacent cable assemblies. The two abutting portions abut against the free ends of the two spring arms, thereby retaining the latching portions of the two spring arms within the annular grooves of the two cable assemblies. Accordingly, the connector of this invention has more reliable product stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to the field of electrical equipment, and more specifically to a connector, particularly a connector for vehicles, such as the FAKRA connector, the Mini-FAKRA connector, the HFM connector, and so on. Background Technology

[0002] The connectors currently used in vehicles have problems such as unstable connection, which makes the terminals prone to wobbling back and forth and left and right. Moreover, the terminals are often loose and detached due to insecure fixing, which causes problems with the circuit and signal transmission terminals.

[0003] Furthermore, when assembling cable assemblies, the cylindrical plastic shell is usually placed directly into the cylindrical metal shell. This often results in the plastic shell being inserted too deeply, and the inner plastic shell frequently retracts after assembly, leading to poor stability and reliability of the connector and posing a potential risk of poor electrical connection. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, this utility model provides a connector comprising: multiple cable assemblies, each cable assembly including a cylindrical metal shell and a cable inserted into the tail end of the cylindrical metal shell; the cylindrical metal shell including a metal shell body and two circumferential protrusions formed on the outer surface of the metal shell body, the two circumferential protrusions being spaced apart in the axial direction of the cylindrical metal shell to form an annular groove between the two circumferential protrusions; and a plastic shell including a shell body and multiple cylindrical insertion holes formed in the shell body and arranged parallel to each other, each cable assembly being insertable into a corresponding cylindrical insertion hole to connect to the plastic shell; wherein the plastic shell further includes multiple spring arms, each spring arm extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical insertion holes and including a fixed end fixed to the shell body and an end opposite to the fixed end. The free end of the spring arm has a latching portion formed thereon, which can be latched into the annular groove of the corresponding cable assembly; and at least one locking member, which can be connected to the plastic housing and the cable assembly, wherein the locking member includes a locking member body and a positioning portion extending from the locking member body and two abutting portions located on both sides of the positioning portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector, and wherein, in the state where the locking member is connected to the plastic housing and the cable assembly, the positioning portion is positioned between two adjacent cable assemblies and latched into the annular groove of the columnar metal housing of the two adjacent cable assemblies, and the two abutting portions abut against the free ends of two spring arms that cooperate with the two cable assemblies, so that the latching portions of the two spring arms are held in the annular groove of the two cable assemblies. Accordingly, in the connector of this utility model, by engaging the snap-fit ​​part of the spring arm into the annular groove of the corresponding cable assembly, and by engaging the abutting part of the locking member into the free end of the spring arm, the various components of the connector can be more firmly connected together, thereby making the connector have more reliable product stability.

[0005] Furthermore, the locking member also includes at least one snap-fit ​​portion, which is located in a region different from the regions where the positioning portion and the abutment portion are located along the axial direction of the connector. This improves the connection strength between the locking member and the plastic housing.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking element includes three latching portions positioned in the same axial plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector. This further enhances the connection strength between the locking element and the plastic housing.

[0007] Furthermore, the locking part is a U-shaped hook. This allows for a stable connection in a convenient manner.

[0008] Furthermore, the plastic housing includes a top and a bottom facing each other, and two sides facing each other, wherein the locking member is connected to the housing body from the side of the plastic housing, and the three snap-fit ​​portions are respectively connected to the top, bottom, and side of the plastic housing. Accordingly, the connection strength between the locking member and the plastic housing can be further improved.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking member includes an arcuate surface formed on the abutment portion for abutting the free end of the corresponding spring arm. This facilitates the abutment portion of the locking member abutting the free end of the spring arm.

[0010] Furthermore, the arcuate surface extends from the abutment portion to the positioning portion. This facilitates the formation of the arcuate surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the cable assembly also includes a cylindrical plastic shell and an inner conductor disposed inside the cylindrical metal shell for electrical connection with the cable, wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical plastic shell is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical metal shell, allowing the cylindrical plastic shell to be inserted into and connected to the cylindrical metal shell. This facilitates the manufacture of the cable assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylindrical plastic shell includes a plastic shell body, at least one groove recessed from the outer surface of the plastic shell body, and at least one elastic protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the plastic shell body. The cylindrical metal shell includes at least one spring tab extending radially inward from the metal shell body toward the tail of the cylindrical metal shell, and at least one through-hole formed through the metal shell body. When the cylindrical plastic shell is inserted into the cylindrical metal shell, the free end of the spring tab abuts against the side wall portion of the corresponding groove near the tail end of the cylindrical plastic shell, and the portion of the elastic protrusion near the tail end abuts against the hole wall portion of the through-hole near the tail end. Accordingly, during assembly, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical plastic shell from being inserted too deeply into the cylindrical metal shell, and after assembly, it is possible to prevent the cylindrical plastic shell from retracting, making the connector structure stable and reliable.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one of the elastic protrusions is formed at the tail end of the columnar plastic shell. This facilitates the manufacture of the elastic protrusion.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one of the perforations is formed on the bottom surface of the annular groove. This facilitates the fit between the columnar plastic shell and the columnar metal shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the cylindrical plastic shell also includes at least one opening groove, which extends from the tail end along the axial direction of the cylindrical plastic shell, such that the portion of the plastic shell body near the tail end forms a plurality of elastic arms separated from each other, with elastic protrusions disposed on the respective elastic arms. This facilitates the fit between the cylindrical plastic shell and the cylindrical metal shell. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

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

[0018] Figure 2 It schematically shows along Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the connector cut across section AA, with a locking element removed;

[0019] Figure 3 It schematically shows along Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the connector cut by section BB;

[0020] Figure 4 It schematically shows along Figure 1 A front view of a portion of the connector cut by section CC;

[0021] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the cable assembly in the connector shown, and a locking element connected to the cable assembly;

[0022] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 The locking element in the connector shown is viewed from different perspectives in a three-dimensional manner.

[0023] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the connector shown;

[0024] Figure 9 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of the cylindrical metal shell of the cable assembly in the connector shown.

[0025] Figure 10 It is shown schematically. Figure 1A perspective view of the cylindrical plastic housing of the cable assembly in the connector shown.

[0026] Figure 11 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the cable assembly in the connector, where a cylindrical metal shell and a cylindrical plastic shell are assembled together, and the cable and inner conductor have been removed; and

[0027] Figure 12 It schematically shows along Figure 11 A side sectional view of the cable assembly cut by section DD.

[0028] List of reference numerals

[0029] 100 connector

[0030] 1. Cable assembly

[0031] 11. Columnar metal shell

[0032] 12 cables

[0033] 111 Metal shell body

[0034] 112 Circumferential Convex Ring

[0035] 113 Annular groove

[0036] 1131 Bottom

[0037] 114 Shrapnel

[0038] 115 Perforation

[0039] 1151 Hole Wall Section

[0040] 13. Columnar plastic shell

[0041] 131 Plastic shell body

[0042] 132 Groove

[0043] 1321 Sidewall section

[0044] 133 Elastic protrusion

[0045] 134 Opening groove

[0046] 135 Flexible Arm

[0047] 14 Inner conductor

[0048] 2. Plastic outer shell

[0049] 21. Outer shell body

[0050] 22 cylindrical sockets

[0051] 23 Spinning Arm

[0052] 231 Buckle section

[0053] 3 Locking components

[0054] 31 Locking component body

[0055] 32 Positioning Section

[0056] 33 Butt part

[0057] 34 Connecting Part

[0058] 35 Curved surface Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0060] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, in which specific embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example. Regarding the drawings, directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” and “rear” are used with reference to the orientation of the drawings described. Since the components of the embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in many different orientations, the directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used, and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting, and the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0061] refer to Figures 1 to 12 This invention proposes a connector 100. The connector 100 generally includes a plurality of cable assemblies 1, a plastic housing 2, and at least one locking member 3, which connects to the plastic housing 2 and the cable assemblies 1. Specifically, the number of cable assemblies 1 in the connector 100 is typically even, and each pair of cable assemblies 1 mates with one locking member 3. However, this application is not limited to this; for example, when the connector 100 has two cable assemblies 1, two locking members 3 can be provided to mate with these two cable assemblies 1, that is, the two locking members 3 can mate with the two cable assemblies 1 from opposite sides of the plastic housing 2.

[0062] The cable assembly 1 may include a cylindrical metal shell 11 and a cable 12 inserted into the tail end of the cylindrical metal shell 11. The cylindrical metal shell 11 may include a metal shell body 111 and two circumferential protrusions 112 formed on the outer surface of the metal shell body 111. The two circumferential protrusions 112 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the cylindrical metal shell 11 to form an annular groove 113 between the two circumferential protrusions 112. In other words, the annular groove 113 is formed concavely over the entire circumferential direction relative to the two circumferential protrusions 112.

[0063] The plastic housing 2 may include a housing body 21 and a plurality of cylindrical sockets 22 formed in the housing body 21 and arranged parallel to each other. Each cable assembly 1 can be inserted into a corresponding cylindrical socket 22 to connect to the plastic housing 2. The plastic housing 2 may also include a plurality of spring arms 23, which extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical sockets 22 and include a fixed end fixed to the housing body 21 and a free end opposite to the fixed end. The spring arms 23 have a latching portion 231 at the free end, which can engage with the annular groove 113 of the corresponding cable assembly 1. Accordingly, after the cable assembly 1 is inserted into the cylindrical socket 22 of the plastic housing 2, the latching portion 231 can engage with the annular groove 113 of the corresponding cable assembly 1, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the cable assembly 1 and the plastic housing 2. The latching part 231 can also abut against the two circumferential protrusions 112 respectively to limit the cable assembly 1, thereby preventing the cable assembly 1 from protruding from the post-shaped socket 22 or exiting from the housing body 21.

[0064] The locking member 3 may include a locking member body 31, a positioning portion 32 extending from the locking member body 31, and two abutting portions 33 located on both sides of the positioning portion 32 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector 100. When the locking member 3 is connected to the plastic housing 2 and the cable assembly 1, the positioning portion 32 is positioned between two adjacent cable assemblies 1 and engages in the annular groove 113 of the columnar metal housing 11 of the two adjacent cable assemblies 1. The two abutting portions 33 abut against the free ends of two of the plurality of spring arms 23 that cooperate with the two cable assemblies 1, so that the latching portions 231 of the two spring arms 23 are held in the annular groove 113 of the two cable assemblies 1. Accordingly, the abutting of the spring arms 23 by the abutting portions 33 of the locking member 3 further improves the connection strength between the cable assembly 1 and the plastic housing 2. Specifically, the locking member 3 may be made of plastic or metal.

[0065] Specifically, the locking member 3 may further include at least one snap-fit ​​portion 34 for direct connection between the locking member 3 and the plastic housing 2. The at least one snap-fit ​​portion 34 may be located in a region different from the region containing the positioning portion 32 and the abutment portion 33 along the axial direction of the connector 100. In other words, the locking member 3 has two adjacent regions in the axial direction of the connector 100, with at least one snap-fit ​​portion 34 located in one region and the positioning portion 32 and the abutment portion 33 located in the other region. Preferably, the snap-fit ​​portion 34 may be a U-shaped hook. More specifically, the locking member 3 may include three snap-fit ​​portions 34 positioned in the same axial plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plastic housing 2 may include a top and a bottom facing each other, and two sides facing each other. A locking member 3 is connected from the side of the plastic housing 2 to the housing body 21, and three latching portions 34 are respectively connected to the top, bottom, and side of the plastic housing 2. The locking member 3 is secured to the plastic housing 2 via the three latching portions 34, and simultaneously secures the latching portion 231 and the cable assembly 1 to each other via the latching portions 34.

[0067] Furthermore, the locking member 3 may include an arcuate surface 35 formed on the abutment portion 33 for abutting the free end of the corresponding spring arm 23. In particular, the arcuate surface 35 can extend from the abutment portion 33 to the positioning portion 32. That is, arcuate surfaces 35 can be provided on both sides of the positioning portion 32, and the two abutment portions 33 and the positioning portion 32 can be integrally formed, with each arcuate surface 35 formed on the positioning portion 32 and the abutment portion 33.

[0068] In addition, the cable assembly 1 may also include a cylindrical plastic shell 13 and an inner conductor 14 disposed inside the cylindrical metal shell 11 for electrical connection with the cable 12, wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical plastic shell 13 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical metal shell 11, such that the cylindrical plastic shell 13 can be inserted into the interior of the cylindrical metal shell 11 and connected to the cylindrical metal shell 11.

[0069] Specifically, the cylindrical plastic shell 13 may include a plastic shell body 131, at least one groove 132 recessed from the outer surface of the plastic shell body 131, and at least one elastic protrusion 133 protruding from the outer surface of the plastic shell body 131. The cylindrical metal shell 11 may include at least one spring piece 114 extending radially inward from the metal shell body 111 toward the tail of the cylindrical metal shell 11 and at least one perforation 115 formed through the metal shell body 111. When the cylindrical plastic shell 13 is inserted into the interior of the cylindrical metal shell 11, the free end of the spring piece 114 abuts against the side wall portion 1321 of the corresponding groove 132 near the tail end of the cylindrical plastic shell 13, and the portion of the elastic protrusion 133 near the tail end abuts against the hole wall portion 1151 of the perforation 115 near the tail end.

[0070] In one embodiment, at least one elastic protrusion 133 may be formed at the tail end of the columnar plastic shell 13.

[0071] In one embodiment, at least one perforation 115 may be formed on the bottom surface 1131 of the annular groove 113.

[0072] In one embodiment, the cylindrical plastic shell 13 may further include at least one opening slot 134, which extends from the tail end along the axial direction of the cylindrical plastic shell 13, such that the portion of the plastic shell body 131 near the tail end forms a plurality of elastic arms 135 separated from each other, with elastic protrusions 133 disposed on the respective elastic arms 135. For example, with one opening slot 134, the tail end of the cylindrical plastic shell 13 may form two elastic arms 135, or with two intersecting opening slots 134, the tail end of the cylindrical plastic shell 13 may form four elastic arms 135, and so on. When the cylindrical plastic shell 13 is inserted into the interior of the cylindrical metal shell 11, the opening slot 134 makes the elastic arms 135 easily retract, thereby facilitating the insertion of the cylindrical plastic shell 13 into the cylindrical metal shell 11, and after insertion, the elastic protrusions 133 on the elastic arms 135 engage with the perforations 115 via the opening slot 134.

[0073] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A connector (100) characterized by, The connector (100) includes: Multiple cable assemblies (1), each cable assembly (1) includes a cylindrical metal shell (11) and a cable (12) inserted into the tail end of the cylindrical metal shell (11). The cylindrical metal shell (11) includes a metal shell body (111) and two circumferential protrusions (112) formed on the outer surface of the metal shell body (111). The two circumferential protrusions (112) are spaced apart in the axial direction of the cylindrical metal shell (11) to form an annular groove (113) between the two circumferential protrusions (112). A plastic housing (2), the plastic housing (2) comprising a housing body (21) and a plurality of cylindrical sockets (22) formed in the housing body (21) and arranged parallel to each other, each of the cable assemblies (1) being insertable into a corresponding cylindrical socket (22) to connect to the plastic housing (2), wherein the plastic housing (2) further comprises a plurality of spring arms (23), the spring arms (23) extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical sockets (22) and comprising a fixed end fixed to the housing body (21) and a free end opposite to the fixed end, the spring arms (23) having a latching portion (231) formed at the free end, the latching portion (231) being capable of engaging with the annular groove (113) of the corresponding cable assembly (1); and At least one locking element (3) is available for connection to the plastic housing (2) and the cable assembly (1). The locking element (3) includes a locking body (31), a positioning portion (32) extending from the locking body (31), and two abutting portions (33) located on either side of the positioning portion (32) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector (100). Furthermore, the locking element (3) is connected to the plastic housing (2) and the cable assembly (1). The positioning part (32) is positioned between two adjacent cable assemblies (1) and engaged in the annular groove (113) of the columnar metal shell (11) of the two adjacent cable assemblies (1), and the two abutting parts (33) abut against the free ends of two spring arms (23) that cooperate with the two cable assemblies (1), so that the latching part (231) of the two spring arms (23) is held in the annular groove (113) of the two cable assemblies (1).

2. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (3) further includes at least one snap-fit ​​portion (34), which is located in an area different from the area where the positioning portion (32) and the abutment portion (33) are located along the axial direction of the connector (100).

3. The connector (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking member (3) includes three latching parts (34) positioned in the same axial plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector (100).

4. The connector (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​part (34) is a U-shaped snap hook.

5. The connector (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plastic housing (2) includes a top and a bottom facing each other and two sides facing each other, wherein the locking member (3) is connected from the side of the plastic housing (2) to the housing body (21), and the three snap-fit ​​parts (34) are respectively connected to the top, bottom and side of the plastic housing (2).

6. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (3) includes an arcuate surface (35) formed on the abutment portion (33) for abutting the free end of the corresponding spring arm (23).

7. The connector (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The arc-shaped surface (35) extends from the abutment portion (33) to the positioning portion (32).

8. The connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable assembly (1) further includes a cylindrical plastic shell (13) and an inner conductor (14) disposed inside the cylindrical metal shell (11) for electrical connection with the cable (12), wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical plastic shell (13) is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical metal shell (11), such that the cylindrical plastic shell (13) can be inserted into the interior of the cylindrical metal shell (11) and connected to the cylindrical metal shell (11).

9. The connector (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cylindrical plastic shell (13) includes a plastic shell body (131), at least one groove (132) recessed from the outer surface of the plastic shell body (131), and at least one elastic protrusion (133) protruding from the outer surface of the plastic shell body (131). The columnar metal shell (11) includes at least one spring piece (114) extending radially inward from the metal shell body (111) toward the tail of the columnar metal shell (11) and at least one perforation (115) formed through the metal shell body (111). When the cylindrical plastic shell (13) is inserted into the cylindrical metal shell (11), the free end of the spring piece (114) abuts against the side wall portion (1321) of the corresponding groove (132) near the tail end of the cylindrical plastic shell (13), and the portion of the elastic protrusion (133) near the tail end abuts against the hole wall portion (1151) of the perforation (115) near the tail end.

10. The connector (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the elastic protrusions (133) is formed at the tail end of the columnar plastic shell (13).

11. The connector (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the perforations (115) is formed on the bottom surface (1131) of the annular groove (113).

12. The connector (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cylindrical plastic shell (13) further includes at least one opening groove (134) extending from the tail end along the axial direction of the cylindrical plastic shell (13) such that the portion of the plastic shell body (131) near the tail end is formed into a plurality of elastic arms (135) separated from each other, and the elastic protrusions (133) are provided on the respective elastic arms (135).

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