Electrical connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric connector and connector assembly. The electric connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, a metal shell and a lock piece. The conductive terminals are arranged in the insulating body. The metal shell has a first metal wall, and the first metal wall is provided with a crossbeam; the crossbeam has a support side and faces a mating groove. The lock piece is fixed to the insulating body; the lock piece has a cantilever, at least a part of which is attached to the support side of the crossbeam, and the cantilever has a lock edge. When the electric connector is mated with a mating connector, the protruding block of the mating connector can hook the lock edge.

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 an independent locking piece is provided on the electrical connector for locking a mating connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are key components for the interconnection of electronic devices, responsible for providing stable and efficient data transmission or power supply. Therefore, the structural strength and durability of connectors have always been a major concern. Especially when two connectors are mated, ensuring ease and reliability of the mating process has become a focus of industry attention.

[0003] Therefore, the inventors of this utility model are committed to optimizing and improving the existing connector structure in order to enhance the structural strength, ease of connection, and reliability of the connector. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to provide an electrical connector that features strong locking capability, high structural strength, and good stability.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a connector assembly that features stable locking after mating and high structural strength.

[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 includes: an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, a metal housing, and a locking piece. The insulating body has a first insulating wall. The conductive terminals are disposed in the insulating body. The metal housing surrounds and is fixed to the insulating body; the metal housing has a first metal wall facing the first insulating wall, and a mating groove is formed between the first metal wall and the first insulating wall. The first metal wall is provided with a crossbeam; the crossbeam has a supporting side facing the mating groove. The locking piece is fixed to the first insulating wall; the locking piece has a cantilever. At least a portion of the cantilever abuts against the supporting side of the crossbeam, and the cantilever has a locking edge for locking a mating connector.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first metal wall forms a recess on the supporting side of the beam; at least a portion of the cantilever enters the recess.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cantilever is T-shaped and includes a wing plate and a web plate; at least a portion of the wing plate is attached to the support side; the locking edge is the lower edge of the wing plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inner side of the wing plate is flush with the inner side of the first metal wall; the edge of the latch is a horizontal straight line.

[0011] In one embodiment, the latching piece further has a fixing part; the first insulating wall is provided with a fixing structure; the fixing part cooperates with the fixing structure to fix the latching piece to the insulating body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fixing part includes two holding arms; the fixing structure includes two buckle holes; the holding arms are engaged with the buckle holes.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cantilever further includes a bent section for connecting the web and the fixing part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first metal wall is provided with a window and an opening; the window is located below the crossbeam; the opening is located below the window and exposes the fixing structure; the wing plate of the cantilever passes through the window and abuts against the support side.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first metal wall is further provided with a connecting section for separating the window and the opening; the bent section abuts against the connecting section; and the web plate rests on the window.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first insulating wall forms a thickened portion, and the fixing structure is disposed on the thickened portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the latching piece is a metal sheet with a thickness less than that of the metal housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insulating body has a plug-in surface, a mounting surface, a plug-in space connecting the plug-in surface and the mounting surface, and a plurality of terminal channels communicating with the plug-in space. Each conductive terminal is disposed in a corresponding terminal channel of the insulating body, and each conductive terminal has a contact end and a mounting end, the contact end being exposed in the plug-in space, and the mounting end extending out of the mounting surface.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also adopts the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a mating connector. The electrical connector is the aforementioned electrical connector. The mating connector has a guide wall, on which an elastic locking member is provided; the elastic locking member is provided with at least one protrusion. When the guide wall is inserted into the mating groove, the protrusion hooks onto the locking edge; when unlocking, the elastic locking member is driven to deform, causing the protrusion to move away from the locking edge.

[0020] Compared to existing technologies, the electrical connector of this invention uses an independent locking tab to lock the mating connector, resulting in strong locking capability, high structural strength, and good stability. This invention eliminates the need for a locking structure on the metal housing; instead, it uses a locking tab independent of the metal housing to provide the locking function. When the electrical connector is locked or unlocked with the mating connector, the metal housing will not be deformed or damaged by the mating connector. Therefore, this invention ensures the structural stability of the metal housing. Furthermore, by attaching at least a portion of the cantilever to the support side of the crossbeam, a double-metal layer structure is formed. The support side provides support for the cantilever, thereby improving the structural stability of the locking tab and enhancing its locking capability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figures 1 to 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles.

[0022] Figures 4 to 6 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of the electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention at different angles.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the metal casing of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking tab is disassembled.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the locking piece and the metal shell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the insulating body and terminal module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly before docking, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly after docking, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows: Electrical connector 1 Insulating body 10 First insulating wall 11 Fixed structure 12 120 buckle hole Thickened part 13 Plug surface 101 Mounting surface 102 Plug space 103 Terminal channel 104 Conductive terminal 20 Contact end 21 Installation end 22 Metal casing 30 First metal wall 31 Recess 310 The upper edge 311 of the first metal wall The outer surface of the first metal wall 312 The inner surface 313 of the first metal wall docking groove 32 33 crossbeams Support side 330 The upper edge of the crossbeam 331 Fixed end 332 333 on the outer side of the crossbeam The lower edge of the beam is 334. Direction D Second metal wall 34 Third metal wall 35 Fourth metal wall 36 Window 37 Opening 38 Connecting segment 39 40 latching pieces 41 cantilever 410 for the locking edge Wing 411 4110 inner side of the wing plate Web plate 412 Bend section 413 Fixing part 42 Clamping arm 420 Connector 8 Guide wall 80 81 elastic locking fastener Protrusion 82 Connector assembly 9 Detailed Implementation 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," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "horizontal," and "vertical," are merely directional references to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative and understanding purposes only, and not for limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 The electrical connector 1 of the present invention shown is used to connect with a... Figure 11 The shown docking connector 8 is used for docking.

[0031] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is a board-end connector. In other embodiments, a portion of the structure of the electrical connector 1 can be adapted to other types of connectors (e.g., wire-end connectors).

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: an insulating body 10, a plurality of conductive terminals 20, a metal housing 30, and a locking tab 40. The insulating body 10 has a first insulating wall 11; the conductive terminals 20 are disposed within the insulating body 10; the metal housing 30 surrounds and is fixed to the insulating body 10. The metal housing 30 has a first metal wall 31 facing the first insulating wall 11, and a mating groove 32 is formed between the first metal wall 31 and the first insulating wall 11. The first metal wall 31 is provided with a crossbeam 33.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the crossbeam 33 has a supporting side 330 facing the mating groove 32. The locking tab 40 can be fixed to the first insulating wall 11; the locking tab 40 has a cantilever 41. At least a portion of the cantilever 41 can abut against the supporting side 330 of the crossbeam 33, and the cantilever 41 has a locking edge 410 for locking the mating connector 8.

[0034] The electrical connector 1 locks the mating connector 8 with the independent locking piece 40, which has the characteristics of strong locking ability, high structural strength and good stability.

[0035] Specifically, although the metal housing 30 is typically made of metal, it is relatively thin and easily deformed under external forces. This invention eliminates the need for a locking structure on the metal housing 30. Instead, it uses a locking piece 40 independent of the metal housing 30 to provide the locking function. When the electrical connector 1 is locked or unlocked with the mating connector 8, the metal housing 30 will not be deformed or damaged by the mating connector 8. Therefore, this invention ensures the structural stability of the metal housing 30.

[0036] Furthermore, since the insulating body 10 is usually thick and not easily deformed, fixing the locking piece 40 to the insulating body 10 will not affect the structural stability of the insulating body 10.

[0037] Furthermore, by attaching at least a portion of the cantilever 41 to the support side 330 of the crossbeam 33, a bimetallic layer structure can be formed, and the support side 330 can provide support for the cantilever 41, thereby improving the structural stability of the locking piece 40 and enhancing its locking capability.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the cantilever 41 is T-shaped and includes a wing plate 411 and a web plate 412. At least a portion of the cantilever 411 is attached to the support side 330; the locking edge 410 is the lower edge of the wing plate 411. In this embodiment, the wing plate 411 is a horizontal plate, while the web plate 412 is a vertical plate, and the locking edge 410 is a horizontal straight line.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, along Figure 5 In the direction of D, the width of the wing plate 411 is slightly larger than the width of the crossbeam 33. Therefore, when the wing plate 411 is abutted against the support side 330, the locking edge 410 will be lower than the lower edge 334 of the crossbeam 33. Of course, in other embodiments, the width of the wing plate 411 can also be equal to the width of the crossbeam 33, in which case the locking edge 410 is flush with the lower edge 334 of the crossbeam 33.

[0040] When the wing plate 411 abuts against the crossbeam 33, the locking edge 410 does not engage with the crossbeam 33. like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the locking piece 40 also has a fixing part 42. In this embodiment, the fixing part 42 is located at the lower end of the locking piece 40 and has two holding arms 420 protruding toward the insulating body 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the cantilever 41 also includes a bent section 413 for connecting the web 412 and the fixing part 42, and avoiding the metal housing 30. For example, the bent section 413 can avoid a connecting section 39 (see reference numeral) of the metal housing 30. Figure 6 ).

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the first insulating wall 11 is provided with a fixing structure 12. The fixing part 42 cooperates with the fixing structure 12 to fix the locking piece 40 to the insulating body 10. In this embodiment, the fixing structure 12 includes two buckle holes 120; the buckling arm 420 is inserted into the buckle holes 120. In addition, the first insulating wall 11 forms a thickened part 13, and the fixing structure 12 is disposed on the thickened part 13.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 5 As shown, the metal housing 30 also has a second metal wall 34, a third metal wall 35, and a fourth metal wall 36, which are respectively attached to the other insulating walls of the insulating body 10, excluding the first insulating wall 11. The first metal wall 31, the second metal wall 34, the third metal wall 35, and the fourth metal wall 36 are connected in sequence, and the upper edge 311 of the first metal wall 31 is higher than the upper edges of the other metal walls (e.g., the second metal wall 34, the third metal wall 35, and the fourth metal wall 36).

[0044] In this embodiment, please also refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the crossbeam 33 is a horizontal plate. The first metal wall 31 forms a straight recess 310 on the supporting side 330 of the crossbeam 33. Figure 2 As shown, at least a portion of the cantilever 41 (e.g., the wing plate 411) enters the recess 310.

[0045] In other embodiments, the crossbeam 33 may be two separate cross plates, rather than being limited to a single, continuous cross plate.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the upper edge 331 of the crossbeam 33 is flush with the upper edge 311 of the first metal wall 31. The crossbeam 33 has two opposing fixed ends 332, which are bent and connected to the first metal wall 31, such that an outer side 333 of the crossbeam 33 protrudes from an outer side 312 of the first metal wall 31.

[0047] When at least a portion of the cantilever 41 (e.g., the wing plate 411) enters the recess 310 and abuts against the support side 330 of the crossbeam 33, the inner surface 4110 of the at least a portion (e.g., the wing plate 411) is substantially flush with the inner surface 313 of the first metal wall 31. Figure 2 As shown.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the first metal wall 31 is provided with a window 37 and an opening 38; the window 37 is located below the crossbeam 33; the opening 38 is located below the window 37 and is used to expose the fixing structure 12.

[0049] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, the wing plate 411 of the cantilever 41 passes through the window 37 from the outside of the first metal wall 31 to the inside of the first metal wall 31, then enters the recess 310 and abuts against the crossbeam 33.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the first metal wall 31 is also provided with a connecting section 39, which is used to separate the window 37 and the opening 38.

[0051] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the fixing part 42 of the locking piece 40 is fixed to the fixing structure 12 of the insulating body 10. The bent section 413 is located on the outside of the first metal wall 31. Then, the wing plate 411 passes through the window 37, enters the recess 310, and abuts against the supporting side 330 of the crossbeam 33, while the web plate 412 stays at the window 37. The bent section 413 abuts against the connecting section 39.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking tab 40 is a metal sheet with a thickness less than that of the metal housing 30. This ensures that the inner surface 4110 of the wing plate 411 is approximately flush with the inner surface 313 of the first metal wall 31 (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown), thus not affecting the size of the docking groove 32.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 10 As shown, the insulating body 10 has a plug-in surface 101, a mounting surface 102, a plug-in space 103 connecting the plug-in surface 101 and the mounting surface 102, and a plurality of terminal channels 104 connected to the plug-in space 103.

[0054] Each of the conductive terminals 20 has a contact end 21 and a mounting end 22. When the conductive terminal 20 is disposed in the corresponding terminal channel 104 of the insulating body 10, the contact end 21 is exposed in the insertion space 103, and the mounting end 22 extends out of the mounting surface 102.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the first metal wall 31 extends beyond the insertion surface 101, while other metal walls (such as the second metal wall 34, the third metal wall 35, and the fourth metal wall 36) do not extend beyond the insertion surface 101.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the connector assembly 9 of this utility model includes the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 8.

[0057] The docking connector 8 has a guide wall 80, on which an elastic locking member 81 is provided; the elastic locking member 81 is provided with at least one protrusion 82.

[0058] When the guide wall 80 is inserted into the mating groove 32, the protrusion 82 hooks onto the locking edge 410, but does not hook onto the lower edge 334 (see reference numeral) of the crossbeam 33. Figure 5 When unlocking, external force is used to drive the elastic locking element 81 to deform, causing the protrusion 82 to leave the locking edge 410, at which time the mating connector 8 can be pulled out from the mating groove 32.

[0059] In summary, the electrical connector 1 and connector assembly 9 of this utility model have the characteristics of strong locking ability, high structural strength, and good stability.

[0060] 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, comprising: An insulating body, several conductive terminals, and a metal casing; The insulating body has a first insulating wall; The conductive terminal is disposed in the insulating body; The metal housing surrounds and is fixed to the insulating body; the metal housing has a first metal wall facing the first insulating wall, and a mating groove is formed between the first metal wall and the first insulating wall; Its features are: The first metal wall is provided with a crossbeam; the crossbeam has a supporting side facing the docking groove; The electrical connector further includes a locking tab fixed to the first insulating wall; the locking tab has a cantilever. At least a portion of the cantilever abuts against the support side of the crossbeam, and the cantilever has a locking edge for locking a mating connector.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first metal wall forms a recess on the supporting side of the crossbeam; At least a portion of the cantilever enters the recess.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cantilever is T-shaped and includes a wing plate and a web plate; At least a portion of the wing plate is attached to the support side; The latch edge is the lower edge of the wing plate.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The inner surface of the wing plate is flush with the inner surface of the first metal wall. The edge of the latch is a horizontal straight line.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The locking piece also has a fixing part; The first insulating wall is provided with a fixed structure; The fixing part cooperates with the fixing structure to fix the locking piece to the insulating body.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing part includes two buckle arms; The fixing structure includes two buckles; The buckle arm engages with the buckle hole.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The cantilever also includes a bent section for connecting the web and the fixing part.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The first metal wall is provided with a window and an opening; the window is located below the crossbeam; the opening is located below the window and exposes the fixing structure; The cantilever's wing plate passes through the window and rests against the support side.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The first metal wall is also provided with a connecting section to separate the window and the opening; The bent section is attached to the connecting section; The web plate rests at the window.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The first insulating wall forms a thickened portion, and the fixing structure is disposed on the thickened portion.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The locking piece is a metal sheet, the thickness of which is less than the thickness of the metal shell.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body has a plug-in surface, a mounting surface, a plug-in space connecting the plug-in surface and the mounting surface, and a plurality of terminal channels connected to the plug-in space. Each of the conductive terminals is disposed in the corresponding terminal channel of the insulating body. Each of the conductive terminals has a contact end and a mounting end. The contact end is exposed in the insertion space, and the mounting end extends out of the mounting surface.

13. A connector assembly, comprising: An electrical connector and a mating connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector is the electrical connector as described in claim 1; The docking connector has a guide wall, on which an elastic locking element is provided; the elastic locking element is provided with at least one protrusion. When the guide wall is inserted into the docking groove, the protrusion hooks onto the edge of the latch; When unlocking, the elastic locking element is deformed, causing the protrusion to move away from the edge of the locking element.

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