Connector and connection assembly

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, specifically disclosing a connector and a connection assembly including the connector and a mating connector. The connector includes a housing with an insertion cavity, in which a CPA (Continuous Apron) member movable from a first position to a second position is inserted. The CPA member has a main body and an arm extending from the main body along a moving direction and elastically deformable. A clearance groove is provided on the side of the arm. A pusher member is provided on the housing, located on the side of the arm and elastically deformable toward the arm. After being deformed by force, the pusher member at least partially compresses the arm and causes deformation, and the pusher member is located on the moving path of the clearance groove. This solution is suitable for use environments where the locking holes on the mating connector housing are small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically, to a connector and a connecting component. Background Technology

[0002] Some connector housings have a CPA (Connector Pad) inserted below the locking clip. Position Assurance (CPA) is a movable component with an initial position and a locked position. The CPA includes a main body and an arm extending in the direction of movement. The arm has two protrusions. One protrusion engages with a pre-set stop on the connector housing, preventing the CPA from moving from the initial position to the locked position. When the connector is inserted into a mating connector, the mating connector housing presses against the other protrusion, causing the arm to elastically swing relative to the main body. This allows one protrusion to pass over the stop. When the CPA moves to the locked position, the mating connector housing no longer presses against the other protrusion, the arm returns to its original position, and one protrusion engages with the stop to prevent retraction, while the other protrusion engages with a locking hole on the mating connector housing for a locking latch. This prevents the CPA from returning from the locked position to the initial position. Ultimately, the main body of the CPA is positioned below the locking latch to prevent it from being pressed open. This, combined with the engagement of the other protrusion with the locking hole, achieves the intended function of the CPA.

[0003] However, in some applications, the locking holes on the housing of the mating connector are too small to allow the aforementioned locking buckle and another protrusion to engage with the locking hole together, so it is necessary to develop a solution. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a connector and a connecting assembly to solve the problem that the locking buckle and another protrusion cannot be engaged with the locking hole of the mating connector.

[0005] The connector provided by this utility model includes a housing with an insertion cavity, in which a CPA component that can move from a first position to a second position is inserted. The CPA component has a main body and an arm that extends from the main body along the moving direction and is elastically deformable. A clearance groove is provided on the side of the arm. A pusher is provided on the housing, located on the side of the arm and elastically deformable toward the arm. After the pusher is deformed by force, it at least partially squeezes the arm and causes the arm to deform. The pusher is located on the moving path of the clearance groove.

[0006] Optionally, the housing is provided with a positioning part located on the movement path of the arm; when the CPA part is in the first position, the top of the arm and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the movement direction, the pusher is deformed by force and squeezes the arm to deform the arm, so as to release the blocking engagement between the arm and the positioning part, move the CPA part to the second position, the pusher is at least partially received in the relief groove and the squeezing of the arm is released, and the arm and the positioning part are engaged in the opposite movement direction.

[0007] Optionally, the pusher is located on the side of the arm facing outward from the housing, and the pusher extends along the direction of movement with its front end fixed and its rear end extended.

[0008] Optionally, the rear end of the pusher has an outwardly protruding force-bearing part on the side facing outward from the housing, and the side of the pusher facing inward from the housing constitutes the extrusion part of the extrusion arm.

[0009] Optionally, on the side of the arm facing outward from the housing, a compression protrusion and a limiting protrusion are sequentially provided in the moving direction. The space between the compression protrusion and the main body forms a clearance groove, and the space between the limiting protrusion and the compression protrusion forms a locking groove. When the CPA component is in the first position, the limiting protrusion and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, and the compression protrusion and the compression part are in corresponding positions. When the CPA component moves to the second position, the compression part enters the clearance groove and the positioning part enters the locking groove, and the deformation of the arm is restored so that the limiting protrusion and the positioning part are locked in the opposite moving direction.

[0010] Optionally, a first protrusion and a second protrusion are arranged side by side in the moving direction on the side of the arm facing outward from the housing. The space between the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the main body forms a receiving groove. When the CPA part is in the first position, the first protrusion and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, and the second protrusion and the pressing part are in a corresponding position. When the CPA part moves to the second position, both the pressing part and the positioning part enter the receiving groove, and the deformation of the arm is restored so that the first protrusion and the positioning part are engaged in the opposite moving direction.

[0011] Optionally, the insertion cavity is provided with a resiliently deformable locking buckle on the side facing outward from the housing, and the main body is located below the locking buckle when the CPA part moves to the second position.

[0012] Optionally, the pusher and the positioning part are provided on both sides of the locking buckle, and the arm is adapted to the pusher and the positioning part.

[0013] The connection assembly provided by this utility model includes the connector and mating connector as described above. The mating connector includes a mating housing that is adapted to be inserted into the housing. The part of the mating housing corresponding to the push member is pressed and engaged with the push member to deform the push member.

[0014] Optionally, the insertion cavity is provided with a locking buckle that can be elastically deformed on the side facing outward from the housing, and the mating housing is provided with a locking groove that engages with the locking buckle to lock the insertion of the housing and the mating housing.

[0015] This solution has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The pusher is subjected to pressure and the arm is deformed. The mating connector does not participate in the direct drive of the arm, and the arm no longer has a direct snap-fit ​​relationship with the mating connector. It is suitable for use environments where the snap-fit ​​hole on the mating connector housing is small. In addition, the reverse elastic force of the pusher can also squeeze the mating connector, which has a continuous damping effect and has the advantages of shock absorption and noise prevention.

[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] Example 1:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connector and mating connector assembled but not locked.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the shell structure from one perspective and an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure from another perspective, as well as an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure.

[0023] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a CPA component from one perspective;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a CPA component from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure cut along the moving direction when the CPA part is inserted into the insertion cavity and located at the first position A;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure cut along the moving direction when the housing and the mating housing are plugged into each other and the CPA part is in the second position B;

[0027] Example 2:

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the shell structure from one perspective and an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure from another perspective, as well as an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the CPA component;

[0031] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the state when the CPA part is inserted into the insertion cavity and is in the first position;

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure cut along the moving direction through the second protrusion when the CPA part is inserted into the insertion cavity and is in the first position;

[0033] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure cut along the moving direction through the first protrusion when the CPA part is inserted into the insertion cavity and is in the first position;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the housing and the mating housing are inserted together and the CPA part is in the second position, cut along the moving direction through the second protrusion.

[0035] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] 1. Connector; 11. Housing; 12. Locking buckle; 13. Insertion cavity; 14. Positioning part; 15. Pushing part; 151. Force-bearing part; 152. Pressing part; 16. Slide groove; 17. Third locking platform;

[0038] 2. Mating connector; 21. Mating housing; 22. Locking slot;

[0039] 3. CPA component; 31. Main body; 311. Locking part; 32. Arm; 33. Extrusion protrusion; 34. Limiting protrusion; 35. Clearance groove; 36. Snap-fit ​​groove; 37. Limiting part; 371. First locking platform; 372. Second locking platform.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] 100. Housing; 101. Insertion cavity; 102. Positioning part; 103. Pushing part; 1031. Extrusion part;

[0042] 200. CPA part; 201. Main body; 202. Arm; 203. First protrusion; 204. Second protrusion; 205. Receiving groove;

[0043] 300. Matching shell. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] like Figure 1-7 As shown, Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a connector 1. The connector 1 includes a housing 11 with an insertion cavity 13. A CPA component 3 that can move from a first position A to a second position B is inserted into the insertion cavity 13. The first position A can be understood as an unlocked position, and the second position B can be understood as a locked position. The CPA component 3 has a main body 31 and an arm 32 that extends from the main body 31 along the moving direction A and is elastically deformable. In fact, the CPA component 3 is an integrally formed structure.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 4-7 As shown, the arm 32 has a clearance groove 35 on one side in the extension direction, and the housing 11 has a pusher 15 located on the side of the arm 32 and capable of elastic deformation toward the arm 32. After the pusher 15 is deformed by force, at least the part adjacent to the arm 32 squeezes the arm 32 and causes the arm 32 to deform. The part of the pusher 15 that squeezes the arm 32 is located on the movement path of the clearance groove 35.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in the figure, the housing 11 is provided with a positioning part 14 located on the moving path of the arm 32.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, when CPA part 3 is in the first position A, the top of arm 32 and positioning part 14 are engaged in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, so that CPA part 3 cannot move to the second position B, preventing CPA from accidentally moving to the second position B when connector 1 and mating connector 2 are not plugged in.

[0052] When the pusher 15 is subjected to force, such as when the mating housing 21 of the mating connector 2 presses the pusher 15, the pusher 15 deforms and presses the arm 32, causing the arm 32 to deform, thereby releasing the stop engagement between the arm 32 and the positioning part 14. In detail, the arm 32 deforms and the top swings, so that the top of the arm 32 no longer corresponds to the positioning part 14 in the direction of movement, and the stop engagement between the arm 32 and the positioning part 14 is then released.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, when the CPA component 3 is moved to the second position B, the pusher 15 at least compresses the portion of the arm 32 and is received in the clearance groove 35, releasing the compression on the arm 32. The arm 32 engages with the positioning part 14 in the reverse movement direction. Specifically, when the CPA component 3 reaches the second position B, that is, when the clearance groove 35 moves with the arm 32 to the position corresponding to the pusher 15, the pusher 15 at least compresses the portion of the arm 32 and enters the clearance groove 35, so that the pusher 15 no longer compresses the arm 32. The arm 32 elastically recovers and engages with the positioning part 14 in the reverse movement direction to prevent the CPA component 3 from returning from the second position B to the first position A.

[0054] In this embodiment, the pusher 15 is pressed against the arm 32, causing the arm 32 to deform. The mating connector 2 does not participate in the direct drive of the arm 32, and the arm 32 no longer has a direct snap-fit ​​relationship with the mating connector 2. This is suitable for use environments where the snap-fit ​​hole on the mating housing 21 is small. In addition, the reverse elastic force of the pusher 15 can also squeeze the mating connector 2, which has a continuous damping effect and the advantages of shock absorption and noise prevention.

[0055] Furthermore, a limiting part 37 extends from the main body 31 of the CPA part 3 along the moving direction. The limiting part 37 can be a sheet-like structure, and the two sides of the limiting part 37 are respectively slidably assembled with the corresponding sliding grooves 16 provided on the inner wall of the insertion cavity 13. When the CPA part 3 is in the first position A, the sides of the limiting part 37 and the sliding grooves 16 are anti-reversely engaged by a matching locking structure to prevent the CPA part 3 from moving in the opposite direction and exiting the insertion cavity 13. This locking structure is a commonly used positioning structure in the field.

[0056] More specifically, such as Figure 3-7 As shown, the above-mentioned card holder structure includes a first card holder 371 and a second card holder 372 disposed on the side of the positioning part 14, and a third card holder 17 disposed in the slide groove 16. The first card holder 371 and the second card holder 372 are spaced apart in the moving direction. When the CPA part 3 is in the first position A, the third card holder 17 is located between the first card holder 371 and the second card holder 372 and is anti-retracted with the first card holder 371. When the CPA part 3 moves to the second position B, the second card holder 372 passes over the third card holder 17 and is anti-retracted with the third card holder 17.

[0057] Furthermore, considering the rationality of the structure and the convenience of the manufacturing process, such as Figure 2-7 As shown, in this embodiment, the pusher 15 is located on the side of the arm 32 facing the outside of the housing 11, i.e., the OA side. The pusher 15 extends along the moving direction and the front end is fixed and the rear end is overhanging in the extending direction. In fact, the outer side of the insertion cavity 13, i.e., the OB side, is a pre-reserved gap structure on the housing 11. The gap structure is provided with a positioning part 14 integrally formed with the housing 11, a pusher 15 integrally formed with the positioning part 14, and a locking buckle 12 as described below.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, in order to facilitate the mating housing 21 of the mating connector 2 to press the push member 15 and to facilitate the push member 15 to effectively press the arm 32, in this embodiment, the rear end of the push member 15 facing the outside of the housing 11 is provided with an outwardly protruding force-bearing part 151, and the side of the push member 15 facing the inside of the housing 11 constitutes the pressing part 152 of the pressing arm 32.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 4-7 As shown, in this embodiment, as a specific structure arranged longitudinally in the moving direction, the arm 32 is provided with a compression protrusion 33 and a limiting protrusion 34 in sequence on the side facing the outside of the housing 11, i.e., the OA side, in the moving direction. The space between the compression protrusion 33 and the main body 31 forms an avoidance groove 35, and the space between the limiting protrusion 34 and the compression protrusion 33 forms a snap-fit ​​groove 36.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, when the CPA part 3 is in the first position A, the limiting protrusion 34, as part of the top of the arm 32, is in a blocking engagement with the positioning part 14 in the moving direction, and the pressing protrusion 33 corresponds to the pressing part 152. At this time, the pressing part 152 of the pusher 15 does not exert a pressing effect on the pressing protrusion 33.

[0061] When the pusher 15 is subjected to force, such as when the mating housing 21 of the mating connector 2 presses the pusher 15, the pusher 15 deforms and presses the arm 32. The arm 32 deforms and the top swings, so that the limiting protrusion 34 and the positioning part 14 no longer correspond in the moving direction, and the blocking cooperation between the limiting protrusion 34 and the positioning part 14 is immediately released.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, when CPA part 3 moves to the second position B, the pressing part 152 enters the clearance groove 35 and the positioning part 14 enters the snap-fit ​​groove 36, and the deformation of the arm 32 is restored so that the limiting protrusion 34 and the positioning part 14 snap into each other in the opposite movement direction.

[0063] Furthermore, such as Figure 1-3As shown, in order to achieve the snap-fit ​​with the mating housing 21 of the mating connector 2, in this embodiment, the side of the insertion cavity 13 facing the outside of the housing 11, namely the OB side, is provided with a locking buckle 12 that can be elastically deformed. The locking buckle 12 is adapted to the locking slot 22 of the mating housing 21 to achieve the locking of the insertion of the housing 11 and the mating housing 21. When the CPA part 3 moves to the second position B, the main body 31 is located below the locking buckle 12, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing the locking buckle 12 from unlocking. Specifically, in this embodiment, considering the size and relative position of the locking buckle 12 and the main body 31, the main body 31 has a locking part 311 that protrudes in the moving direction. When the CPA part 3 moves to the second position B, the locking part 311 of the main body 31 is located below the locking buckle 12, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing the locking buckle 12 from being pressed down and unlocked.

[0064] Considering structural stability requirements, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, in this embodiment, the pusher 15 and the positioning part 14 are provided on both sides of the locking buckle 12, and the arm 32 is adapted to the pusher 15 and the positioning part 14.

[0065] like Figure 1 , 7 As shown, this embodiment also provides a connection component, which includes the connector 1 and mating connector 2 as described above. The mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 21 that is adapted to be inserted into the housing 11. The portion of the mating housing 21 corresponding to the push member 15 is pressed and engaged with the push member 15 to deform the push member 15.

[0066] The insertion cavity 13 has a locking buckle 12 that can be elastically deformed on the side facing the outer side of the housing 11, i.e., the OB side. The mating housing 21 has a locking groove 22 that engages with the locking buckle 12 to lock the insertion of the housing 11 and the mating housing 21.

[0067] like Figure 8-14 As shown, Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides a connector with another structure. The differences in structure and operation between this connector and the connector of Embodiment 1 are specifically reflected in the following description.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, as a specific structure arranged laterally in the direction of movement, it has the characteristics of being more compact, more practical and less labor-intensive. In this embodiment, the arm 202 of the CPA component 200 is provided with a first protrusion 203 and a second protrusion 204 side by side in the direction of movement on the side facing the outside of the housing 100, i.e., the OC side. The space between the first protrusion 203, the second protrusion 204 and the main body 201 forms a receiving groove 205.

[0069] like Figure 8 , 9As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, as an adaptation design, the insertion cavity 101 is provided with a positioning part 102 and a pushing member 103 on the side facing the outside of the housing 100, i.e., the OD side, corresponding to the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 204. Obviously, the positioning part 102 and the pushing member 103 are also integrally formed with the housing 100. The part of the pushing member 103 corresponding to the second protrusion 204 constitutes the pressing part 1031.

[0070] like Figure 12 , 13 As shown, when the CPA part 200 is in the first position, the first protrusion 203 and the positioning part 102 are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, and the second protrusion 204 corresponds to the position of the pressing part 1031.

[0071] When the mating housing 300 presses the pusher 103, and the pusher 103 presses the arm 202 to deform the arm 202, the top of the arm 202 swings, and the first protrusion 203 is misaligned with the positioning part 102 to release the blocking engagement with the positioning part 102.

[0072] like Figure 14 As shown, when the CPA part 200 moves to the second position, the pressing part 1031 and the positioning part 102 both enter the receiving groove 205, and the deformation of the arm 202 is restored so that the first protrusion 203 and the positioning part 102 are engaged in the opposite movement direction.

[0073] 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 connector comprising a housing having an insertion cavity, wherein a CPA element movable from a first position to a second position is inserted into the insertion cavity, the CPA element having a body and an arm extending from the body in a direction of movement and elastically deformable, characterized in that, The arm has a clearance groove on its side, and the housing has a pusher located on the side of the arm and capable of elastically deforming toward the arm. After the pusher is deformed by force, it at least partially squeezes the arm and causes the arm to deform. The pusher is located on the moving path of the clearance groove.

2. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a positioning part located on the moving path of the arm; when the CPA part is in the first position, the top of the arm and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, the pusher is deformed by force and squeezes the arm to deform the arm, so as to release the blocking engagement between the arm and the positioning part, move the CPA part to the second position, the pusher is at least partially received in the relief groove and the squeezing of the arm is released, and the arm and the positioning part are engaged in the opposite moving direction.

3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pusher is located on the side of the arm facing outward from the housing. The pusher extends along the direction of movement, with its front end fixed and its rear end extended.

4. The connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The rear end of the pusher has an outwardly protruding force-bearing part on the side facing outward from the housing, and the side of the pusher facing inward from the housing constitutes the extrusion part of the extrusion arm.

5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, On the side of the arm facing outward from the housing, a compression protrusion and a limiting protrusion are arranged sequentially in the direction of movement. The space between the compression protrusion and the main body forms an avoidance groove, and the space between the limiting protrusion and the compression protrusion forms a snap-fit ​​groove. When the CPA part is in the first position, the limiting protrusion and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, and the extrusion protrusion and the extrusion part are in corresponding positions. When the CPA part moves to the second position, the extrusion part enters the clearance groove and the positioning part enters the snap-fit ​​groove, and the deformation of the arm is restored so that the limiting protrusion and the positioning part snap-fit ​​in the opposite movement direction.

6. The connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, On the side of the arm facing outward from the housing, a first protrusion and a second protrusion are arranged side by side in the direction of movement. The space between the first protrusion, the second protrusion and the main body forms a receiving groove. When the CPA part is in the first position, the first protrusion and the positioning part are in a blocking engagement in the moving direction, and the second protrusion and the extrusion part are in the same position. When the CPA part moves to the second position, both the pressing part and the positioning part enter the receiving groove, and the deformation of the arm is restored so that the first protrusion and the positioning part engage in the opposite movement direction.

7. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion cavity has a locking buckle that can be elastically deformed on the side facing outward from the housing. When the CPA part moves to the second position, the main body is located below the locking buckle.

8. The connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The pusher and positioning parts are provided on both sides of the locking buckle, and the arm is adapted to the pusher and positioning parts.

9. A connecting assembly, comprising a connector and a mating connector as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The mating connector includes a mating housing that is adapted to be inserted into the housing. The portion of the mating housing corresponding to the push member is pressed and engaged with the push member to deform the push member.

10. The connection component as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The insertion cavity has a locking buckle that can be elastically deformed on the side facing outward from the housing, and the mating housing has a locking groove that engages with the locking buckle to lock the insertion of the housing and the mating housing.

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