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, an operating key, and a torsion elastic element. The locking member is rotatably mounted to the insulating body; the locking member includes a locking arm capable of locking or releasing the complementary connector longitudinally. The operating key and the locking member are arranged laterally. The torsion elastic element torsionally elastically connects the insulating body and the locking member. The connector assembly includes the electrical connector and a complementary connector. When the operating key receives an external force and drives the locking member to rotate, the locking arm flips upward, leaving its initial position to a flipped position, and the electrical connector and the complementary connector are unlocked.

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 flip-type locking arm is provided on the electrical connector to achieve a locking function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the locking mechanism for board-end connectors and wire-end connectors typically involves setting a snap-fit ​​hole on the shell of the board-end connector and a corresponding protrusion on the shell of the wire-end connector to achieve locking. However, this locking method increases the difficulty of unlocking and can easily damage the connector.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrical connector and connector assembly with a new locking element. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to provide an electrical connector with a flip-up locking arm, which features convenient and effortless unlocking and a compact structure.

[0005] One objective of this utility model is to provide a connector assembly in which the electrical connector is provided with a flip-up locking arm and the complementary connector is provided with a complementary locking arm, and the two have sufficient locking holding force, and are easy and effortless to unlock.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of this utility model can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0007] 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 includes: an insulating body, a locking member, an operating key, and a torsion elastic element. The locking member is rotatably mounted to the insulating body about an axis extending along the longitudinal direction; the locking member includes a locking arm extending toward the complementary connector and locking or releasing the complementary connector in the longitudinal direction. The operating key and the locking member are arranged in a transverse direction, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the operating key is used to receive an external force to drive the locking member to rotate about the axis, thereby causing the locking arm to flip. The torsion elastic element torsionally elastically connects the insulating body and the locking member. When the torsion elastic element is in an initial state, the locking arm is in an initial position. When the operating key receives the external force, the operating key drives the locking member to rotate, the locking arm flips upward, leaving the initial position to a flipped position, and the torsion elastic element is forced to twist and enter a working state. When the operation key is released, the torsion elastic element drives the locking member to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the locking arm to flip downward to the initial position, and the torsion elastic element to return to the initial state.

[0008] In one embodiment, the insulating body has a mounting cavity and a pivot portion disposed in the mounting cavity. The locking member is mounted in the mounting cavity, and at least a portion of the locking arm extends out of the mounting cavity. The locking member includes a pivot engagement portion rotatably connected to the pivot portion about the axis. At least a portion of the operating key extends out of the mounting cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the operation key and the locking element are a one-piece or integral structure; the operation key and the locking arm are respectively disposed on adjacent sides of the locking element; the operation key is in the shape of a rocker arm, having a connecting rod and a handle; the connecting rod is connected to the locking element; the handle is offset from the axis and located outside the mounting cavity, used to receive the external force and be lifted upward to drive the locking element to rotate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the operation key and the locking member are two independent components; the operation key is button-shaped and movably mounted to the mounting cavity along the lateral direction, and abuts against the locking member; the operation key has an operating surface and a driving surface disposed opposite to each other; the operating surface is located outside the mounting cavity and is used to receive the external force and move along the lateral direction; the driving surface is located inside the mounting cavity, abuts against the locking member, and is used to transmit the external force to the locking member to drive the locking member to rotate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the locking member is provided with a force-receiving part, which is offset from the axis; the operating key is provided with a flange that abuts against the force-receiving part; the driving surface is a surface of the flange facing the force-receiving part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the operation key is further provided with an anti-detachment structure and a guide structure; the anti-detachment structure cooperates with the inner surface of the mounting cavity to prevent the operation key from detaching from the mounting cavity; the guide structure cooperates with a groove in the mounting cavity to jointly limit the movement path of the operation key.

[0013] In one embodiment, the anti-detachment structure includes an upper baffle and a lower baffle, wherein when the locking arm is in the initial position, the upper baffle and the lower baffle abut against the inner side of the mounting cavity; the flange is close to the upper baffle. The guide structure includes a protrusion extending along the longitudinal direction, the protrusion extending into a groove in the mounting cavity and moving laterally within the groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the locking arm is a rigid beam; a hook is provided on the bottom surface of the locking arm, the hook having a guide surface, a locking engagement surface, and a holding edge; the guide surface is an inclined surface, the locking engagement surface is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the holding edge is a straight line; in the initial position, the holding edge extends along the transverse direction; in the flipped position, the holding edge is inclined to the transverse direction.

[0015] 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; a locking arm is disposed on the first side; an operation key is connected to the second side; the pivoting part is a rotating shaft extending along the axis, with the front end of the rotating shaft protruding from the first side and the rear end of the rotating shaft protruding from the third side; when the locking arm is in the initial position, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all perpendicular to the bottom surface of the mounting cavity; when the locking arm is in the flipped position, the first side and the third side are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cavity, while the second side and the fourth side are inclined to the bottom surface of the cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the locking member further includes a recessed cavity recessed from the first side and / or the fourth side; at least a portion of the rotating shaft is located in the recessed cavity; and the torsional elastic element is located in the recessed cavity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mounting cavity has a cavity bottom surface and a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall connected in sequence around the cavity bottom surface; the pivot portion is a shaft hole disposed in the first wall and the third wall; the first wall is provided with a channel located above the shaft hole for the locking arm to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity; the second wall is provided with a window for the operation key to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity.

[0018] In one embodiment, the window has an upper crossbeam to prevent the operation keys from dislodging from the mounting cavity.

[0019] In one embodiment, the window is U-shaped; the electrical connector further includes a metal cover;

[0020] The metal cover is fixed to the insulating body and is used to cover the mounting cavity and the window to prevent the operation key from detaching from the mounting cavity.

[0021] 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 communicates with the mounting cavity and is used to provide a flipping space for the locking arm.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also adopts the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising an electrical connector and a complementary connector, wherein 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 locking element is rotated using the operation key, the locking arm is in the flipped position and disengages from the complementary locking arm, thereby unlocking the electrical connector and the complementary connector.

[0023] Compared to existing technologies, the electrical connector and connector assembly of this invention unlocks by driving the locking arm to flip upwards via an operation key arranged along the transverse direction, making operation simple and effortless. Since the locking arm does not require a pull-back unlocking method, no longitudinal unlocking space is needed, resulting in a compact electrical connector structure. Furthermore, because the operation key of this electrical connector is eccentrically connected to the locking element, when the operation key is lifted from the side or pressed laterally, the lever effect allows the operation key to drive the locking arm to flip upwards, achieving unlocking with convenient and effortless unlocking. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electrical connector shown primarily illustrates the locking element and operating key within the mounting cavity.

[0029] Figure 6 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the insulating body and the torsional elastic element in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 8 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the locking element and the torsional elastic element in the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a planar structural diagram of the locking member and the operating key according to the first embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the locking arm of the locking member is in an initial position.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the locking arm of the locking member in a flipped position.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a complementary connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 13 for Figure 13 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the complementary connector from another angle.

[0035] Figure 14 for Figure 13 The disassembled diagram of the complementary connector shown primarily illustrates the detailed structure of the complementary locking arm.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which mainly shows... Figure 2 The electrical connector shown is with Figure 12 The engagement state of the complementary connector shown.

[0037] Figure 16 for Figure 15 The diagram shows a plan view of the connector assembly in the locked state.

[0038] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 18 for Figure 17 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0040] Figure 19 for Figure 17 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector.

[0041] Figure 20 for Figure 17 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0042] Figure 21 for Figure 17 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electrical connector shown primarily illustrates the locking element within the mounting cavity.

[0043] Figure 22 for Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the insulating body of the electrical connector shown.

[0044] Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the operation key in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the locking element, the operating key, and the torsional elastic element in the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0046] Figure 25 for Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the component shown from another angle.

[0047] Figure 26 for Figure 24 The diagram shows a plan view of the component, wherein the locking arm of the locking member is in an initial position.

[0048] Figure 27 for Figure 26 The diagram shows the locking arm of the locking member in a flipped position.

[0049] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly of the present invention according to a second embodiment, which mainly shows... Figure 18 The electrical connector shown is with Figure 12 The engagement state of the complementary connector shown.

[0050] Figure 29 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrical connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 30 for Figure 29 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0052] Figure 31 for Figure 29 The diagram shows the electrical connector after the metal cover has been removed.

[0053] Figure 32 for Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0054] Figure 33 for Figure 29 The diagram shows the electrical connector after the locking fastener and operating key have been removed.

[0055] Figure 34 for Figure 29 A schematic diagram of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0056] Figure 35 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the operation key in the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0057] Figure 36 This is a planar schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the locking element, the operating key, and the torsional elastic element in the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0058] Figure 37 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which mainly shows... Figure 30 The electrical connector shown is with Figure 12 The engagement state of the complementary connector shown.

[0059] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0060] Electrical connectors 1, 1a, 1b; Insulating bodies 10, 10a, 10b

[0061] Bottom surface 110 of mounting cavities 11, 11a, and 11b

[0062] First wall 111, 111b Second wall 112, 112a, 112b Third wall 113, 113b; Fourth wall 114, 114b Channel 115, Windows 116, 116a, 116b Slide 117 Upper crossbeam 118

[0063] Pivot 12 Docking Space 13

[0064] 14 spaces for clearance, 15 support blocks

[0065] Limiting slot 150, interface 16

[0066] Locking components 20, 20a, 20b; Locking arms 21, 21a, 21b

[0067] Pivot joint parts 22, 22a Main body 23

[0068] First side view 231 Second side view 232

[0069] Third side view 233 Fourth side view 234

[0070] Hook 24, guide surface 240

[0071] Locking engagement surface 241, latching edge 242

[0072] Cavity 25°, Corner 25°

[0073] Force-bearing parts 26, 26b; Operating keys 30, 30a, 30b Connecting rod 31 Handle 32

[0074] Operating surfaces 33, 33b; Driving surfaces 34, 34b

[0075] Flanges 35, 35b; Anti-detachment structure 36, 36b

[0076] Upper deflector 360, lower deflectors 361, 361b

[0077] Guiding structure 37, protrusion 370

[0078] Torsional elastic elements 40, 40a, 40b; fixed arm 41

[0079] Loading arm 42, conductive element 50

[0080] Cable 60, Metal cover 70

[0081] Front fixing plate 71 Rear fixing plate 72

[0082] Side retaining plate 73 Complementary connector 8

[0083] Matrix 80 Complementary locking arm 81

[0084] Fixed structure 810 Guide arm 82

[0085] Power post 83 Complementary hook 84

[0086] Complementary mating surface 840, complementary guiding surface 841

[0087] Connector assemblies 9, 9a, 9b, longitudinal sections L, La, Lb

[0088] Lateral H, Ha; Axial A, Aa

[0089] Initial positions P1, P1a, P1b; Flipped positions P2, P2a

[0090] External forces F and Fa; widths W1 and W2 Detailed Implementation

[0091] 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.

[0092] Please refer to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment of the electrical connector 1 of the present invention shown is used to connect to a [unclear - possibly a specific type of connector] along a longitudinal direction L. Figure 12 The complementary connector 8 shown is used for docking and power transmission.

[0093] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is a single-line connector. In other embodiments, part or all of the structure of the electrical connector 1 can be adapted to other types of connectors (e.g., a board-end connector).

[0094] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: an insulating body 10, a locking member 20, an operating key 30, and a torsion elastic element 40. The locking member 20 is rotatably mounted to the insulating body 10 about an axis A extending along the longitudinal direction L. The operating key 30 and the locking member 20 are arranged along a transverse direction H. The transverse direction H is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The torsion elastic element 40 torsionally and elastically connects the insulating body 10 and the locking member 20.

[0095] like Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the locking member 20 includes a locking arm 21 extending toward the complementary connector 8 and locking or releasing the complementary connector 8 in the longitudinal direction L. The operating key 30 is used to receive an external force F (see reference numerals). Figure 10 This drives the locking element 20 to rotate around the axis A, thereby causing the locking arm 21 to flip.

[0096] When the torsional elastic element 40 is in an initial state, the locking arm 21 is in an initial position P1 (see...). Figure 10 When the operation key 30 receives the external force F, the operation key 30 drives the locking member 20 to rotate, and the locking arm 21 flips counterclockwise upward, leaving the initial position P1 to a flipped position P2 (see...). Figure 11 The torsional elastic element 40 is forced to twist and is in a working state.

[0097] When the operation key 30 is released, the torsion elastic element 40 drives the locking member 20 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the locking arm 21 to flip downward to the initial position P1, and the torsion elastic element 40 to return to the initial state.

[0098] The electrical connector 1 of this invention unlocks by driving the locking arm 21 upward by the operation key 30, which is simple to operate. Since the locking arm 21 does not need to be unlocked by pulling back, there is no need to reserve longitudinal unlocking space, making the electrical connector 1 compact in structure.

[0099] It should be noted that the initial state of the torsional elastic element 40 mentioned in this document refers to the initial equilibrium state of the torsional elastic element 40 after it and the locking member 20 are assembled to the insulating body 10. At this time, the torsional elastic element 40 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 40 refers to the large load state after it is forced to twist when the external force F is applied to the operating key 30.

[0100] The components and working principle of the electrical connector 1 in the first embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the insulating body 10 has a mounting cavity 11 and a pivot portion 12, the pivot portion 12 being disposed in the mounting cavity 11. The locking member 20 is mounted in the mounting cavity 11, and at least a portion of the locking arm 21 extends out of the mounting cavity 11. Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 20 includes a pivoting engagement portion 22, which is rotatably connected to the pivoting portion 12 around the axis A; at least a portion of the operating key 30 extends out of the mounting cavity 11.

[0102] The pivot portion 12 is one of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft. The pivot fitting portion 22 is the other of the shaft hole and the rotating shaft.

[0103] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the mounting cavity 11 has a cavity bottom surface 110, and a first wall 111, a second wall 112, a third wall 113, and a fourth wall 114 connected sequentially around the cavity bottom surface 110. In this embodiment, the pivot portion 12 is a shaft hole extending along the longitudinal direction L, passing through the first wall 111 and the third wall 113. The first wall 111 is provided with a channel 115 located above the shaft hole, for the locking arm 21 to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity 11. The second wall 112 is provided with a window 116 for the operation key 30 to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity 11.

[0104] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the window 116 is U-shaped.

[0105] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the insulating body 10 also has a docking space 13 and a clearance space 14; the docking space 13 is located in front of the mounting cavity 11; the clearance space 14 is connected to the mounting cavity 11 and is used to provide a flipping space for the locking arm 21.

[0106] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 8As shown, the locking member 20 includes a main body 23, which has a first side 231, a second side 232, a third side 233, and a fourth side 234 connected in sequence. The locking arm 21 is disposed on the first side 231. The operation key 30 is connected to the second side 232. The pivot fitting part 22 is a rotating shaft extending along the axis A, with the front end of the rotating shaft protruding from the first side 231 and the rear end of the rotating shaft protruding from the third side 233. When the locking arm 21 is in the initial position P1, the first side 231, the second side 232, the third side 233, and the fourth side 234 are all perpendicular to the bottom surface 110 of the mounting cavity 11. When the locking arm 21 is in the flipped position P2, the first side 231 and the third side 233 are perpendicular to the bottom surface 110 of the cavity, while the second side 232 and the fourth side 234 are inclined to the bottom surface 110 of the cavity.

[0107] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, in the first embodiment, the operation key 30 and the locking member 20 are integrally molded into a single piece. Alternatively, the operation key 30 and the locking member 20 can be manufactured separately as two pieces, and then the operation key 30 can be connected to the locking member 20 by means of bonding or other methods, thereby forming an integral structure.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the operation key 30 and the locking arm 21 are respectively disposed on two adjacent sides of the locking member 20 (e.g., the second side 232 and the first side 231). The operation key 30 is rocker-shaped, having a connecting rod 31 and a handle 32; the connecting rod 31 is connected to the locking member 20; the handle 32 is offset from the axis A and located outside the mounting cavity 11. When the handle 32 is lifted upward by the external force F, the handle 32 drives the locking member 20 to rotate around the axis A by lever effect. In this embodiment, the external force F is an upward lifting force.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the locking arm 21 is a rigid beam to ensure the locking force of the locking arm 21 in the longitudinal direction L. A hook 24 is provided on the bottom surface of the locking arm 21. The hook 24 has a guide surface 240, a locking engagement surface 241, and a holding edge 242; the guide surface 240 is an inclined surface, the locking engagement surface 241 is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and the holding edge 242 is a straight line. In the initial position P1, as... Figure 10 As shown, the retaining edge 242 extends along the lateral direction H; at the flipped position P2, as Figure 11As shown, the retaining edge 242 is inclined to the transverse direction H.

[0110] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the locking member 20 further includes a recess 25, which is formed inwardly from the first side 231 and the fourth side 234. At least a portion of the rotating shaft is located in the recess 25; the torsional elastic element 40 is located in the recess 25, making the structure of the electrical connector 1 more compact. Of course, the recess 25 may also be formed inwardly from only the first side 231 or the fourth side 234.

[0111] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the torsional elastic element 40 is a torsion spring, which is torsionally fitted onto the pivot portion 12 or the pivot fitting portion 22. In this embodiment, the torsional elastic element 40 is fitted onto the rotating shaft. The torsional elastic element 40 has a fixed arm 41 and a loading arm 42.

[0112] The fixing arm 41 is positioned to the insulating body 10. Specifically, as shown... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, a support block 15 is provided on the bottom surface 110 of the mounting cavity 11, and the support block 15 is provided with a limiting groove 150. The fixing arm 41 enters the limiting groove 150 to limit the range of motion of the fixing arm 41.

[0113] The loading arm 42 is positioned to the locking member 20. Specifically, as shown... Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the loading arm 42 abuts against a corner 250 of the cavity 25 to limit the range of motion of the loading arm 42.

[0114] When the torsional elastic element 40 is sleeved on the pivot fitting part 22 (e.g., the rotating shaft) and installed together with the locking member 20 into the mounting cavity 11, the torsional elastic element 40 can torsionally and elastically connect the insulating body 10 and the locking member 20.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connector 1 further includes at least one pair of conductive elements 50, at least one pair of interfaces 16 formed on the insulating body 10, and at least one pair of cables 60. One end of each conductive element 50 is located in the interface 16; the other end of each conductive element 50 is connected to the cable 60.

[0116] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the complementary connector 8 is a board-end connector.

[0117] The complementary connector 8 includes a base 80, a complementary locking arm 81, at least one pair of guide arms 82, and at least one pair of power posts 83. The complementary locking arm 81 is mounted to the base 80 and is independent of the guide arms 82. The guide arms 82 are connected to the base 80, symmetrically located on both sides of the complementary locking arm 81, and extend linearly toward the electrical connector 1. The power posts 83 are used to insert into the interface 16 of the electrical connector 1 and make electrical contact with the conductive element 50.

[0118] In this embodiment, as Figure 14 As shown, the complementary locking arm 81 is a flat straight beam extending linearly toward the electrical connector 1. One end of the complementary locking arm 81 is provided with a complementary hook 84 for hooking the hook 24 of the electrical connector 1. The other end of the complementary locking arm 81 is provided with a fixing structure 810 (e.g., a protruding structure) for fixing to the base 80. Specifically, the complementary hook 84 has a complementary engagement surface 840 and a complementary guide surface 841. When the complementary locking arm 81 engages with the locking arm 21, the complementary guide surface 841 and the guide surface 240 guide each other, achieving engagement and mutual holding between the complementary engagement surface 840 and the locking engagement surface 241. At this time, the complementary hook 84 and the hook 24 are approximately mirror images of each other.

[0119] Please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the connector assembly 9 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8.

[0120] like Figure 16 As shown, when the electrical connector 1 mates with the complementary connector 8, the locking arm 21 is in the initial position P1 (see reference numerals). Figure 10 The locking arm 21 and the complementary locking arm 81 are locked together along the longitudinal direction L, especially the hook 24 and the complementary hook 84 hooking each other, so that the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8 are locked. When the operation key 30 is lifted, the locking arm 21 flips upward to the flipped position P2 (see reference numerals). Figure 11 When the hook 24 disengages from the complementary hook 84, the electrical connector 1 and the complementary connector 8 are unlocked.

[0121] In this embodiment, as Figure 15 As shown, the width W1 of the locking arm 21 is smaller than the width W2 of the complementary locking arm 81, so that when the locking arm 21 is in the flipped position P2 (see label...), Figure 11When this is the case, the locking arm 21 only needs to occupy a small amount of height space. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the contact area between the locking engagement surface 241 and the complementary engagement surface 840 can be set according to the longitudinal locking force and the flipping angle of the locking arm 21.

[0122] In summary, the electrical connector 1 and connector assembly 9 of this utility model are characterized by convenient unlocking and compact structure.

[0123] Please refer to Figures 17 to 27 As shown, it illustrates an electrical connector 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The elements or structure in this second embodiment are the same as those described above. Figures 1 to 11 Similar elements or structures in the first embodiment shown share the same markings and are additionally marked with the suffix "a".

[0124] The electrical connector 1a of this second embodiment has many similar structures to the electrical connector 1 of the first embodiment described above. For example, please refer to... Figures 17 to 21 As shown, in this second embodiment, the electrical connector 1a includes: an insulating body 10a, a locking member 20a, an operating key 30a, and a torsion elastic element 40a. The locking member 20a is rotatably mounted to the insulating body 10a about an axis Aa; the axis Aa extends along the longitudinal direction La; the locking member 20a includes a locking arm 21a extending toward the complementary connector 8 and locking or releasing the complementary connector 8 along the longitudinal direction La; the operating key 30a is arranged with the locking member 20a along a transverse direction Ha, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction La; the operating key 30a is used to receive an external force Fa (see reference numerals). Figure 26 The locking element 20a is driven to rotate around the axis Aa, thereby causing the locking arm 21a to flip; the torsional elastic element 40a is torsionally elastically connected to the insulating body 10a and the locking element 20a.

[0125] The other similarities between this second embodiment and the first embodiment described above will not be repeated here.

[0126] The main difference between the electrical connector 1a in this second embodiment and the electrical connector 1a in the first embodiment is that, in this second embodiment, the operation key 30a and the locking member 20a are two independent components, and their positional relationship is described in [reference needed]. Figures 24 to 27 As shown.

[0127] Specifically, such as Figure 21 , Figure 23As shown, the operation key 30a is button-shaped and movably mounted along the transverse direction Ha to a mounting cavity 11a of the insulating body 10a, and abuts against the locking member 20a. The operation key 30a has an operating surface 33 and a driving surface 34 disposed opposite each other; the operating surface 33 is located outside the mounting cavity 11a and is used to receive the external force Fa and move along the transverse direction Ha; the driving surface 34 is located inside the mounting cavity 11a, abuts against the locking member 20a, and is used to transmit the external force Fa to the locking member 20a to drive the locking member 20a to rotate. In this second embodiment, the external force Fa is a pressing force.

[0128] Please refer to Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, the locking member 20a is provided with a force-bearing part 26, which is offset from the axis Aa, that is, offset from the pivot fitting part 22a in the transverse direction Ha. Figure 23 , Figure 26 As shown, the operation key 30a has a flange 35 that abuts against the force-receiving part 26; the driving surface 34 is the surface of the flange 35 facing the force-receiving part 26. Overall, the operation key 30a is connected to the locking member 20a in an eccentric manner.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 26 As shown, when the torsional elastic element 40a is in an initial state, the locking arm 21a is in an initial position P1a. When the operating key 30a is pressed along the transverse direction Ha, especially when the external force Fa is applied to the operating surface 33, the flange 35 pushes the force-receiving part 26 along the transverse direction Ha, forcing the locking member 20a to rotate counterclockwise, and the locking arm 21a flips upward, leaving the initial position P1a to a flipped position P2a, as shown. Figure 27 As shown. At this time, the torsional elastic element 40a is forced to twist and is in a working state.

[0130] When the operation key 30a is released, the torsion elastic element 40a drives the locking member 20a to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the locking arm 21a to flip downwards as if... Figure 26 As shown in the initial position P1a, the torsional elastic element 40a returns to the initial state.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 21 , Figure 23As shown, in this second embodiment, the operation key 30a is further provided with an anti-detachment structure 36 and a guide structure 37. The anti-detachment structure 36 cooperates with the inner surface of the mounting cavity 11a to prevent the operation key 30a from detaching from the mounting cavity 11a. The guide structure 37 is associated with a groove 117 (see reference numeral) on the second wall 112a of the mounting cavity 11a. Figure 20 , Figure 22 They work together to define the movement path of the operation key 30a.

[0132] Specifically, such as Figure 23 As shown, the anti-detachment structure 36 includes an upper baffle 360 ​​and a lower baffle 361, which are positioned when the locking arm 21a is in the following position. Figure 26 In the initial position P1a shown, the upper baffle 360 ​​and the lower baffle 361 are abutting against the inner side of the mounting cavity 11a (e.g., the inner side of the second wall 112a). The flange 35 is close to the upper baffle 360.

[0133] Specifically, such as Figure 19 , Figure 23 As shown, the guide structure 37 includes a protrusion 370 protruding along the longitudinal direction La and extending into the groove 117 (see reference numerals). Figure 20 , Figure 22 It can move along the transverse Ha in the groove 117.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 20 , Figure 21 As shown, a window 116a is provided in the second wall 112a of the mounting cavity 11a for the operation key 30a to pass through and protrude from the mounting cavity 11a. The window 116a has an upper crossbeam 118, the upper baffle 360 ​​of the operation key 30a abuts against the inner side of the upper crossbeam 118, and the lower baffle 361 abuts against the inner side below the window 116a to prevent the operation key 30a from dislodging from the mounting cavity 11a.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 28 As shown, the connector assembly 9a of the second embodiment of this utility model includes the electrical connector 1a of the second embodiment and as shown in the figure. Figure 12 The complementary connector 8 shown.

[0136] When the electrical connector 1a mates with the complementary connector 8, the locking arm 21a is in the initial position P1a (see...). Figure 26 The electrical connector 1a and the complementary connector 8 are locked together along the longitudinal direction La. When the operation key 30a is pressed, the locking arm 21a flips upward to the flipped position P2a (see...). Figure 27The electrical connector 1a and the complementary connector 8 are unlocked.

[0137] Please refer to Figures 29 to 36 As shown, it illustrates an electrical connector 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connector 1b of this third embodiment has many similar structures to the electrical connector 1a of the second embodiment described above.

[0138] For example, in this third embodiment, the electrical connector 1b includes: an insulating body 10b, a locking member 20b, an operating key 30b, and a torsion elastic element 40b. The operating key 30b and the locking member 20b are two independent components. Figure 35 , Figure 36 As shown, the operation key 30b has an operation surface 33b and a driving surface 34b disposed opposite to each other. The locking member 20b is provided with a force-receiving part 26b, and the operation key 30b is provided with a flange 35b, which abuts against the force-receiving part 26b; the driving surface 34b is the surface of the flange 35b facing the force-receiving part 26b.

[0139] When the torsional elastic element 40b is in an initial state, the locking arm 21b is in an initial position P1b, such as... Figure 36 As shown. When the operation key 30b is pressed, the flange 35b pushes the force-receiving part 26b, forcing the locking member 20b to rotate, and the locking arm 21b can be flipped upward to a flipped position (not shown).

[0140] The other similarities between this third embodiment and the second embodiment described above will not be repeated here.

[0141] The main difference between the electrical connector 1b of the third embodiment and the electrical connector 1a of the second embodiment is that, in the third embodiment, as... Figure 33 As shown, a U-shaped window 116b is provided in the second wall 112b of a mounting cavity 11b, for the operation key 30b to pass through and protrude from the mounting cavity 11b. Figure 35 As shown, the anti-dislodgement structure 36b of the operation key 30b includes only a lower baffle 361b, which abuts against the inner side of the window 116b below.

[0142] Furthermore, the electrical connector 1b in this third embodiment also includes a metal cover 70. The metal cover 70 is fixed to the insulating body 10b and is used to cover the mounting cavity 11b and the window 116b. The metal cover 70 and the lower baffle 361b together restrict the operation key 30b and prevent it from detaching from the mounting cavity 11b.

[0143] Specifically, such as Figure 31 , Figure 32 As shown, the metal cover 70 includes at least a front fixing piece 71 and a rear fixing piece 72, which are fixedly connected to the first wall 111b and the third wall 113b of the mounting cavity 11b, respectively. The metal cover 70 also includes a side fixing piece 73, which is fixedly connected to the fourth wall 114b of the mounting cavity 11b.

[0144] Please refer to Figure 37 As shown, the connector assembly 9b of the third embodiment of this utility model includes the electrical connector 1b of the third embodiment and as shown in the figure. Figure 12 The complementary connector 8 shown.

[0145] When the electrical connector 1b mates with the complementary connector 8, the locking arm 21b is in the position as follows: Figure 36 As shown in the initial position P1b, the electrical connector 1b and the complementary connector 8 are locked together along a longitudinal direction Lb, as... Figure 37 As shown. When the operation key 30b is pressed, the locking arm 21b flips upward to the flipped position, and the electrical connector 1b and the complementary connector 8 are unlocked.

[0146] In summary, the operation keys 30, 30a, and 30b of the electrical connectors 1, 1a, and 1b of this utility model are connected to the locking components 20, 20a, and 20b in an eccentric manner. When the operation keys 30, 30a, and 30b are lifted or pressed, the operation keys 30, 30a, and 30b can drive the locking arms 21, 21a, and 21b to flip upwards to unlock the device, utilizing the leverage effect. This design features convenient and effortless unlocking.

[0147] 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, an operating key, and a torsion elastic element; The locking member is rotatably mounted to the insulating body about an axis extending along the longitudinal direction; the locking member includes a locking arm extending toward the complementary connector and locking or releasing the complementary connector in the longitudinal direction. The operation key and the locking element are arranged in a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the operation key is used to receive an external force to drive the locking element to rotate around the axis, thereby causing the locking arm to flip. 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 operation key receives the external force, the operation key drives the locking member to rotate, the locking arm flips upward and leaves the initial position to a flipped position, and the torsional elastic element is forced to twist and is in a working state; When the operation key is released, the torsion elastic element drives the locking member to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the locking arm to flip downward to the initial position, and the torsion elastic element to return to the initial state.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body has a mounting cavity and a pivot portion, wherein the pivot portion is disposed in the mounting cavity; The locking element is installed in the mounting cavity, and at least a portion of the locking arm extends out of the mounting cavity; The locking element includes a pivotal engagement portion, which is rotatably connected to the pivotal engagement portion about the axis; At least a portion of the operation key extends out of the mounting cavity.

3. The electrical connector as described 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 rotating shaft; The torsional elastic element has a fixed arm and a loading arm; the fixed arm is positioned to the insulating body, and the loading arm is positioned to the locking member.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The operation key and the locking fastener are either one-piece or integral structures. The operation key and the locking arm are respectively disposed on two adjacent sides of the locking component; The operation key is in the shape of a rocker arm, with a connecting rod and a handle; the connecting rod is connected to the locking member along the lateral direction; the handle is off-axis and located outside the mounting cavity, and is used to receive external force to be lifted upward and drive the locking member to rotate.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The operation key and the locking mechanism are two independent components; The operation key is button-shaped and is movably mounted to the mounting cavity along the lateral direction, and abuts against the locking element; The operation key has an operation surface and a driving surface that are set opposite to each other; The operating surface is located outside the mounting cavity and is used to receive the external force and move along the lateral direction. The driving surface is located within the mounting cavity and abuts against the locking member, used to transmit the external force to the locking member to drive the locking member to rotate.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The locking element is provided with a force-receiving part, which is offset from the axis. The operation key is provided with a flange that abuts against the force-receiving part; the driving surface is the surface of the flange facing the force-receiving part.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The operation key is also equipped with an anti-dislodgement structure and a guide structure; The anti-detachment structure engages with the inner surface of the mounting cavity to prevent the operation key from detaching from the mounting cavity; The guide structure engages with a groove in the mounting cavity to jointly define the movement path of the operation key.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The anti-detachment structure includes an upper baffle and a lower baffle. When the locking arm is in the initial position, the upper baffle and the lower baffle are abutting against the inner side of the mounting cavity. The flange is adjacent to the upper baffle.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The guide structure includes a protrusion that extends along the longitudinal direction, the protrusion extending into a groove in the mounting cavity and moving laterally within the groove.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The locking arm is a rigid beam; A hook is provided on the bottom surface of the locking arm. The hook has a guide surface, a locking engagement surface, and a holding edge. The guide surface is an inclined surface, the locking engagement surface is a vertical surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the holding edge is a straight line. In the initial position, the holding edge extends along the lateral direction; In the flipped position, the holding edge is inclined to the lateral direction.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The locking component includes a main body, which has a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side connected in sequence. The latch arm is disposed on the first side; The operation key is connected to the second side; The pivot joint is a rotating shaft extending along the axis, with the front end of the rotating shaft protruding from the first side surface and the rear end of the rotating shaft protruding from the third side surface. When the latch arm is in the initial position, the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are all perpendicular to the bottom surface of one cavity of the mounting cavity; When the locking arm is in the flipped position, the first side and the third side are perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cavity, while the second side and the fourth side are inclined to the bottom surface of the cavity.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The locking element further includes a recessed cavity that is recessed from the first side and / or the fourth side. At least a portion of the rotating shaft is located in the cavity; The torsional elastic element is located in the cavity.

13. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting cavity has a cavity bottom surface, and a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall that surround the cavity bottom surface and are connected in sequence. The pivot portion is a shaft hole, which is disposed on the first wall and the third wall; The first wall is provided with a channel located above the shaft hole, for the locking arm to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity; The second wall is provided with a window for the operation key to pass through and extend out of the mounting cavity.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The window has an upper crossbeam to prevent the operation keys from dislodging from the mounting cavity.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The window is U-shaped; The electrical connector also includes a metal cover; The metal cover is fixed to the insulating body and is used to cover the mounting cavity and the window to prevent the operation key from detaching from the mounting cavity.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, 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 connected to the mounting cavity and is used to provide a flipping space for the locking arm.

17. A connector assembly comprising an electrical connector and a complementary connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector is the electrical connector as described in claim 1; 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 locking element is rotated using the operation key, the locking arm is in the flipped position and moves away from the complementary locking arm, and the electrical connector and the complementary connector are unlocked.

18. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that: The complementary locking arm is a flat, straight beam that extends linearly toward the electrical connector.

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