CPA structure and a connector assembly

Abstract

This utility model discloses a CPA structure and a connector assembly for locking interlocking socket sleeves and plug sleeves. The plug sleeve has a slide rail groove for the CPA structure to slide in. The CPA structure has a pre-locked position and a final-locked position within the slide rail groove. The CPA structure includes a front wall and a rear wall arranged parallel to each other, and a top wall connecting the ends of the two. Two locking arms are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the front wall and the top wall. A pre-locking mechanism is provided between the rear wall and the slide rail groove. A final-locking mechanism is provided between the locking arms and the plug sleeve. The CPA structure is configured such that when the top wall is pressed, the CPA structure slides within the slide rail groove, and the plug sleeve drives the locking arms to undergo elastic deformation, thereby allowing the CPA structure to switch between the pre-locked position and the final-locked position via the pre-locking mechanism and the final-locking mechanism. The CPA structure of this utility model is lightweight, easy to install, and convenient to lock and unlock; switching between the pre-installed position and the locked position can be achieved simply by pressing the top wall with a finger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of charging device technology, and more specifically, to a CPA structure and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of China's new energy vehicle industry, it is moving from the nascent stage to the growth stage. Currently, due to technological and industrial changes, new energy vehicles have become the backbone of the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry. The new energy vehicle industry has also ushered in unprecedented development opportunities. The demand for power transmission in automobiles has greatly increased, and the application of low-voltage power connectors in vehicles has also been expanded. At present, the CPA structure used in connectors on the market is complex, and the space inside the vehicle is limited, making it difficult to quickly switch and unlock from pre-installation to locking, which is complicated to operate.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new CPA structure to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a new technical solution for a CPA structure and a connector assembly to address the problems of complex CPA structures used in current connectors on the market, limited vehicle space, difficulty in quickly switching between pre-installation and locking, and complicated operation.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this utility model, a CPA structure is provided for locking interlocking socket sleeves and plug sleeves. The plug sleeve has a slide rail groove for sliding the CPA structure. The CPA structure is frame-shaped and has a pre-lock position and a final lock position within the slide rail groove. The CPA structure includes a front wall and a rear wall arranged relatively parallel to each other, and a top wall connecting the ends of the two. Two locking arms are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the front wall and the top wall. A pre-locking mechanism is provided between the rear wall and the slide rail groove. A final lock mechanism is provided between the locking arms and the plug sleeve. The CPA structure is configured such that when the top wall is pressed, the CPA structure slides within the slide rail groove, and the plug sleeve drives the locking arms to undergo elastic deformation, thereby allowing the CPA structure to switch between the pre-lock position and the final lock position via the pre-locking mechanism and the final lock mechanism.

[0006] Optionally, the bottom wall of the slide rail groove is provided with at least one mounting hole, and an elastic element is provided in the mounting hole. The CPA structure presses or relaxes the elastic element to achieve position switching.

[0007] Optionally, the pre-locking mechanism includes a pre-locking positioning part symmetrically arranged on the inner wall surface of the rear wall of the CPA structure and a pre-locking limiting part arranged on the inner wall of the slide rail groove corresponding to the pre-locking positioning part. The pre-locking limiting part and the pre-locking positioning part are engaged to limit the CPA structure to the pre-locking position.

[0008] Optionally, the side wall of the plug sheath is provided with a cantilever beam extending in the opposite direction to the insertion of the plug sheath into the socket sheath, corresponding to the slide rail groove, and a snap-fit ​​mechanism is provided between the outer wall of the cantilever beam and the side wall of the socket sheath.

[0009] Optionally, the snap-fit ​​mechanism consists of a snap-fit ​​protrusion on the outer wall of the cantilever beam and a locking groove on the side wall of the socket sleeve, wherein the snap-fit ​​protrusion engages with the locking groove.

[0010] Optionally, the final locking mechanism includes a final locking positioning part protruding outward from the outer wall of the locking arm and a final locking limiting part protruding on both sides of the cantilever beam corresponding to the final locking positioning part. The final locking positioning part is engaged with the front side of the final locking limiting part after the locking arm passes over the final locking limiting part, so as to limit the CPA structure in the final locking position.

[0011] Optionally, one end of the cantilever beam is connected to the side wall of the sheath, and the other end is an unlocking end that is spun out at the entrance of the slide rail groove. A mounting groove that conforms to the unlocking end is formed between the two locking arms. When the CPA structure retracts to the pre-locked position, the unlocking end is pressed into the mounting groove to unlock the plug sheath and the socket sheath.

[0012] Optionally, the elastic element is a spring, and a fixing post is provided at the lower end of each locking arm, with the fixing post being installed in the spring for limiting fit.

[0013] Optionally, when the plug sheath and the socket sheath are not fully engaged, the final locking mechanism prevents the CPA structure from being pressed to the final locking position.

[0014] This utility model also provides a connector assembly, including: a socket sleeve, a plug sleeve, and a CPA structure as described in any of the preceding claims; the plug sleeve is provided with the slide rail groove; the CPA structure is slidably disposed in the slide rail groove and can switch between a pre-lock position and a final lock position.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] This patent is a press-elastic CPA structure. After the top wall is pressed, the CPA structure slides in the slide rail groove on the plug sleeve. The plug sleeve drives the locking arm of the CPA structure to produce elastic deformation, so that the CPA structure switches between the pre-lock position and the final lock position through the pre-lock mechanism and the final lock mechanism. When locking, it is only necessary to press the top wall with a finger to realize the transition from the pre-installed position to the locked position. When unlocking, it is only necessary to press the top wall to exit from the locked position to the pre-installed position. The structure is lightweight, easy to install, and realizes quick unlocking and locking, which is not affected by space.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the connector assembly of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the CPA structure locking socket sheath and plug sheath of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the CPA structure of this utility model in the pre-locked position within the slide rail groove;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the CPA structure in the pre-locked position in the connector assembly of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the CPA structure of this utility model in the pre-locked position within the slide rail groove inside the plug sheath;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the CPA structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plug sheath of this utility model.

[0026] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0027] 10. CPA structure; 11. Front wall; 111. Locking arm; 112. Final locking position; 113. Fixing post; 114. Resettling groove; 12. Rear wall; 121. Pre-locking position; 13. Top wall; 20. Plug sheath; 21. Slide rail groove; 211. Pre-locking limit position; 22. Cantilever beam; 221. Unlocking end; 222. Final locking limit position; 223. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 30. Socket sheath; 31. Locking groove; 40. Elastic element / spring. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0030] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0031] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0032] According to the first aspect of this utility model, as Figures 1-7 As shown, a CPA structure 10 is provided for locking interlocking socket sleeve 30 and plug sleeve 20. The plug sleeve 20 has a slide rail groove 21 for sliding the CPA structure 10. The CPA structure 10 is frame-shaped and has a pre-locked position and a final-locked position within the slide rail groove 21. The CPA structure 10 includes a front wall 11 and a rear wall 12 arranged parallel to each other, and a top wall 13 connecting the ends of the two. Two locking arms are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the front wall 11 and the top wall 13. 111; A pre-locking mechanism is provided between the rear wall 12 and the slide rail groove 21; A final locking mechanism is provided between the locking arm 111 and the plug sheath 20; The CPA structure 10 is configured such that: after the top wall 13 is pressed, the CPA structure 10 slides in the slide rail groove 21, and the plug sheath 20 drives the locking arm 111 to produce elastic deformation, thereby allowing the CPA structure 10 to switch between the pre-locking position and the final locking position through the pre-locking mechanism and the final locking mechanism.

[0033] With the rapid development of China's new energy vehicle industry, it is moving from the nascent stage to the growth stage. Currently, due to technological and industrial changes, new energy vehicles have become the backbone of the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry. The new energy vehicle industry has also ushered in unprecedented development opportunities. The demand for power transmission in automobiles has greatly increased, and the application of low-voltage power connectors in vehicles has also been expanded. Currently, the CPA structure of connectors used in the market is complex, and the space inside the vehicle is limited, making it difficult to quickly switch and unlock from pre-installation to locking, which is complicated to operate.

[0034] This patent describes a press-elastic CPA structure 10. After the top wall 13 is pressed, the CPA structure 10 slides in the slide rail groove 21 on the plug sleeve 20. The plug sleeve 20 drives the locking arm 111 of the CPA structure 10 to produce elastic deformation, so that the CPA structure 10 switches between the pre-lock position and the final lock position through the pre-locking mechanism and the final lock mechanism. When locking, it is only necessary to press the top wall 13 with a finger to realize the transition from the pre-installed position to the locked position. When unlocking, it is only necessary to press the top wall 13 to exit from the locked position to the pre-installed position. The structure is lightweight, easy to install, and realizes quick unlocking and locking, which is not affected by space.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom wall of the slide rail groove 21 is provided with at least one mounting hole, and an elastic element is provided in the mounting hole. The CPA structure 10 presses or relaxes the elastic element to achieve position switching.

[0036] To ensure that the operation of the CPA structure 10 is not limited by installation space and that its insertion and unlocking are convenient, an elastic element is installed inside the plug sleeve 20. The CPA structure 10 is initially pre-compressed to the elastic element, assembling it into the pre-installed position. When the plug sleeve 20 and socket sleeve 30 mate, pressing the CPA again compresses the elastic element a second time, allowing the CPA structure 10 to smoothly enter the locking position, providing a secondary locking function and ensuring stable power transmission. Unlocking simply requires pressing the CPA top arm; the elastic element is compressed, causing the CPA structure 10 to contract and deform, allowing it to exit from the locking position to the pre-installed position.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the pre-locking mechanism includes a pre-locking positioning part 121 symmetrically arranged on the inner wall surface of the rear wall 12 of the CPA structure 10 and a pre-locking limiting part 211 corresponding to the pre-locking positioning part 121 on the inner wall of the slide rail groove 21. The pre-locking limiting part 211 and the pre-locking positioning part 121 are engaged to limit the CPA structure 10 to the pre-locking position.

[0038] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the side wall of the plug sleeve 20 is provided with a cantilever beam 22 that extends in the opposite direction to the insertion of the plug sleeve 20 into the socket sleeve 30, corresponding to the slide rail groove 21. A snap-fit ​​mechanism is provided between the outer wall of the cantilever beam 22 and the side wall of the socket sleeve 30.

[0039] The locking mechanism can lock the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30 together at once.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the snap-fit ​​mechanism consists of a snap-fit ​​protrusion 223 on the outer wall of the cantilever beam 22 and a locking groove 31 on the side wall of the socket sleeve 30. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 223 engages with the locking groove 31.

[0041] The snap-fit ​​protrusion 223 engages with the locking groove 31 to lock the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30 in one go, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection and the safety of electrical use.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-2As shown, the final locking mechanism includes a final locking positioning part 112 protruding outward from the outer wall of the locking arm 111 and a final locking limiting part 222 protruding on both sides of the cantilever beam 22 corresponding to the final locking positioning part 112. The final locking positioning part 112 is engaged with the front side of the final locking limiting part 222 after the locking arm 111 passes over the final locking limiting part 222, so as to limit the CPA structure 10 in the final locking position.

[0043] When the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30 are fully inserted, press the top wall 13 of the CPA structure 10. The final locking part 112, along with the locking arm 111, passes over the final locking limit part 222 and engages with the front side of the final locking limit part 222. The CPA structure 10 quickly and smoothly enters the locking position, playing a secondary locking function for the mutual matching of the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30, ensuring stable power transmission.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, one end of the cantilever beam 22 is connected to the side wall of the sheath, and the other end is the unlocking end 221 that is spun out at the entrance of the slide rail groove 21. A mounting groove 114 that conforms to the unlocking end 221 is formed between the two locking arms 111. When the CPA structure 10 retracts to the pre-lock position, the unlocking end 221 is pressed into the mounting groove 114 to unlock the plug sheath 20 and the socket sheath 30.

[0045] When unlocking, press the top wall 13 of CPA structure 10. The elastic element is compressed, causing CPA structure 10 to contract and deform. CPA structure 10 can then retract from the locked position to the pre-installed position. Press the unlocking end 221 of cantilever beam 22 again. Cantilever beam 22 retracts into the mounting groove 114. The locking protrusion 223 moves out of the locking engagement with cantilever beam 22 as it moves toward the mounting groove 114, thereby unlocking and separating plug sheath 20 and socket sheath 30.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the elastic element is a spring 40, and a fixing post 113 is provided at the lower end of each locking arm 111. The fixing post 113 is installed in the spring 40 for limiting and fitting.

[0047] The fixing post 113 ensures that the spring 40 does not tilt when pressed. An elastic element is installed inside the plug sleeve 20. The lower end of the CPA structure 10 pre-compresses the spring 40 to assemble the CPA structure 10 into the pre-installed position. When the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30 are mated, pressing the CPA structure 10 again compresses the spring 40 a second time, allowing the CPA structure 10 to smoothly enter the locking position, providing a secondary locking function and ensuring stable power transmission. Unlocking only requires pressing the top arm of the CPA structure 10. The spring 40 is compressed, causing the CPA structure 10 to contract and deform, allowing it to exit from the locking position to the pre-installed position.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the plug sheath 20 is not fully engaged with the socket sheath 30, the final locking mechanism prevents the CPA structure 10 from being pressed to the final locking position.

[0049] When the plug sleeve 20 and the socket sleeve 30 are not fully inserted, the cantilever beam 22 and the final locking limit parts 222 on both sides of it tilt toward the CPA structure 10, interfering with the CPA structure 10 and the final locking part 112 in the insertion direction of the CPA structure 10, preventing the CPA structure 10 from being pressed to the final locking position. This design is to prevent the CPA structure 10 from being pressed unintentionally, which would cause the plug sleeve 20 to fail to be smoothly inserted into the socket sleeve 30.

[0050] This utility model also provides a connector assembly, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, it includes: a socket sleeve 30, a plug sleeve 20, and a CPA structure 10 as described in any of the preceding claims; the plug sleeve 20 is provided with the slide rail groove 21; the CPA structure 10 is slidably disposed in the slide rail groove 21 and can switch between a pre-lock position and a final lock position.

[0051] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A CPA structure for locking interlocking socket sheaths and plug sheaths, wherein the plug sheath has a slide rail groove for sliding the CPA structure, characterized in that, The CPA structure is frame-shaped and has a pre-lock position and a final lock position within the slide rail groove; The CPA structure includes a front wall and a rear wall arranged in parallel with each other, and a top wall connecting the ends of the two. Two locking arms are symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the front wall and the top wall; A pre-locking mechanism is provided between the rear wall and the slide rail groove; A final locking mechanism is provided between the locking arm and the plug sheath; The CPA structure is configured such that after the top wall is pressed, the CPA structure slides in the slide rail groove, and the plug sheath drives the locking arm to produce elastic deformation, thereby allowing the CPA structure to switch between the pre-lock position and the final lock position through the pre-locking mechanism and the final lock mechanism.

2. The CPA structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the slide rail groove is provided with at least one mounting hole, and an elastic element is provided in the mounting hole. The CPA structure presses or releases the elastic element to achieve position switching.

3. The CPA structure of claim 1, wherein, The pre-locking mechanism includes a pre-locking positioning part symmetrically arranged on the inner wall surface of the rear wall of the CPA structure and a pre-locking limiting part arranged on the inner wall of the slide rail groove corresponding to the pre-locking positioning part. The pre-locking limiting part and the pre-locking positioning part are engaged to limit the CPA structure to the pre-locking position.

4. The CPA structure of claim 1, wherein, The side wall of the plug sheath is provided with a cantilever beam that extends in the opposite direction to the insertion of the plug sheath into the socket sheath, corresponding to the slide rail groove. A snap-fit ​​mechanism is provided between the outer wall of the cantilever beam and the side wall of the socket sheath.

5. The CPA structure of claim 4, wherein, The snap-fit ​​mechanism consists of a snap-fit ​​protrusion on the outer wall of the cantilever beam and a locking groove on the side wall of the socket sheath, with the snap-fit ​​protrusion engaging with the locking groove.

6. The CPA structure of claim 4, wherein, The final locking mechanism includes a final locking positioning part protruding outward from the outer wall of the locking arm and a final locking limiting part protruding on both sides of the cantilever beam corresponding to the final locking positioning part. The final locking positioning part is engaged with the front side of the final locking limiting part after the locking arm passes over the final locking limiting part, so as to limit the CPA structure in the final locking position.

7. The CPA structure of claim 4, wherein, One end of the cantilever beam is connected to the side wall of the sheath, and the other end is the unlocking end that is spun out at the entrance of the slide rail groove. A mounting groove that conforms to the unlocking end is formed between the two locking arms. When the CPA structure retracts to the pre-locked position, the unlocking end is pressed into the mounting groove to unlock the plug sheath and the socket sheath.

8. The CPA structure of claim 2, wherein, The elastic element is a spring, and a fixing post is made at the lower end of each locking arm. The fixing post is installed in the spring for limiting and fitting.

9. The CPA structure of claim 6, wherein, When the plug sheath and the socket sheath are not fully engaged, the final locking mechanism prevents the CPA structure from being pressed to the final locking position.

10. A connector assembly characterized by, include: Socket sheath, plug sheath, and the CPA structure according to any one of claims 1-9; The plug sheath is provided with the slide rail groove; The CPA structure is slidably disposed within the slide rail groove and can switch between a pre-lock position and a final lock position.

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