A plug connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of electric connector, specifically provides a plug connector and connector assembly. The plug connector includes the shell, the shell is equipped with the structure of being inserted to the socket connector of suitable adaptation, the outer periphery of structure of being inserted to the socket connector of suitable adaptation is bonded or fixed with sealing washer through injection process, when the connector is inserted, sealing washer can be inserted with structure of being inserted to the socket connector, to seal the insertion part of connector. The connector assembly includes the above-mentioned plug connector. In the utility model, the inner peripheral surface of sealing washer of plug connector and the outer peripheral surface of structure of being inserted are fixedly connected, need not set the boss structure on structure of being inserted, guarantee sealing washer to be reliable fixed while, also can under the condition that space is limited, make sealing washer have enough compression stroke, and then guarantee reliable sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrical connectors, and in particular relates to a plug connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Considering the potential for water immersion in applications, automotive connectors require specific waterproof ratings. Currently, the common method for waterproofing is to install sealing rings on the mating portions of the plug and socket connectors. To secure the sealing ring in the mating direction, a common practice is to add a boss limiting structure to the end of the plug connector housing where it inserts into the socket connector, forming a sealing ring groove to prevent the sealing ring from falling off or tipping over during head-to-head mating.

[0003] As vehicle weight reduction requirements become increasingly stringent, the space available for automotive low-frequency connectors is becoming increasingly limited, necessitating the miniaturization of connectors. However, given the space constraints, it is practically difficult to incorporate boss-like limiting structures on the socket housing, which can easily lead to sealing failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a plug connector that solves the technical problem of easy seal failure at the mating position in miniaturized connectors in the prior art. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a connector assembly that solves the same technical problem.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the plug connector provided by this utility model is as follows: A plug connector includes a housing with a mating structure for inserting into a mating socket connector. A sealing ring is bonded or fixed to the outer periphery of the mating structure by an injection molding process. When the connector is mated, the sealing ring can be inserted into the socket connector along with the mating structure to seal the mating portion of the connector.

[0006] As a further improvement, the sealing ring extends forward from the root of the interlocking structure.

[0007] As a further improvement, the sealing ring has two or more sealing lips arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0008] As a further improvement, the tail end of the shell is provided with a tail cavity, and a wire connecting post is provided in the tail cavity. The wire connecting post is provided with a wire connecting hole for the wire to enter, and a hollow waterproof plug is provided in the wire connecting hole.

[0009] As a further improvement, a drainage channel is provided on one side of the wire connection post to connect the wire connection hole with the tail cavity, and a through drainage hole is provided on one side wall of the tail cavity.

[0010] This utility model is an improved invention, and its beneficial effects are: the sealing ring of the plug connector provided by this utility model is bonded or fixed to the mating structure of the shell by injection process, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing ring and the outer circumferential surface of the mating structure are firmly fixed. There is no need to set a protruding limiting structure in the mating structure, so that the sealing ring can play a reliable fixing effect when the connector size is limited, thereby enabling the connector to achieve an ideal sealing effect when mating.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution for the connector assembly provided by this utility model is as follows: A connector assembly includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector. The plug connector includes a plug housing having a mating structure for insertion into the receptacle connector. A sealing ring is bonded or fixed to the outer periphery of the mating structure by an injection molding process. When the head-end connector is mated, the sealing ring can be inserted into the receptacle connector along with the mating structure to seal the mating portion of the head-end connector.

[0012] As a further improvement, the sealing ring extends forward from the root of the interlocking structure.

[0013] As a further improvement, the sealing ring has two or more sealing lips arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0014] As a further improvement, the tail end of the plug housing is provided with a tail cavity, and a wire connecting post is provided in the tail cavity. The wire connecting post is provided with a wire connecting hole for the wire to enter, and a hollow waterproof plug is provided in the wire connecting hole.

[0015] As a further improvement, a drainage channel is provided on one side of the wire connection post to connect the wire connection hole with the tail cavity, and a through drainage hole is provided on one side wall of the tail cavity.

[0016] This utility model is an improved invention, and its beneficial effects are: In the connector assembly provided by this utility model, the sealing ring of the plug connector is bonded or fixed to the mating structure of the shell by injection process, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing ring and the outer circumferential surface of the mating structure are firmly fixed. There is no need to set a protruding limiting structure in the mating structure, so that the sealing ring can play a reliable fixing effect when the connector size is limited, thereby enabling the connector to achieve an ideal sealing effect when mating and sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the plug connector implementation method and the socket connector before mating in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the plug connector embodiment and the socket connector after mating in this utility model; Figure 3This is an isometric view of one of the embodiments of the plug connector in this utility model; Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the plug connector embodiment of this utility model from another perspective; Figure 5 This is a front view of an embodiment of the plug connector in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view (hidden terminals) of the socket connector embodiment of this utility model. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the plug connector embodiment and the socket connector after mating in this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the tail end of the plug connector embodiment of this utility model; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point I.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Plug housing; 2. Plug-in structure; 3. TPA; 4. Drain hole; 5. Wire connection post; 6. Primary locking cantilever; 7. CPA; 8. Sealing ring; 9. Waterproof plug; 10. Drain groove; 100. Plug connector; 200. Socket connector; 201. Socket housing; 202. Rib. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To ensure the sealing effect of the miniaturized connector during mating, the basic technical concept of this utility model is to bond or fix the sealing ring to the plug connector through an injection process, eliminating the need for a boss limiting structure on the plug housing. When the socket connector and the plug connector are mated (head and base mating), the sealing ring can enter the socket connector to achieve a sealing effect.

[0020] Based on the above concept, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0021] Specific embodiments of the plug connector provided by this utility model: The plug connector 100 provided in this embodiment is as follows: Figures 1-8As shown, it includes a housing, namely a plug housing 1. The plug connector 100, in use, can be mated with a suitable socket connector 200. Accordingly, the plug housing 1 is provided with a mating structure 2 that can be inserted into the socket connector 200. Specifically, the mating structure 2 should be insulated. If the plug housing 1 is made of insulating material, the mating structure 2 can be integrally formed on the plug housing 1; if the plug housing 1 is made of conductive material, the mating structure 2 can be an insulator connected to the plug housing 1. The socket connector 200 should also include a housing, namely a socket housing 201, into which the mating structure 2 can be inserted. Naturally, both the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 include terminals, which can also be engaged after the connectors are mated, achieving an electrical connection.

[0022] A sealing ring 8 is provided on the outer periphery of the mating structure 2 of the plug connector 100. Specifically, the sealing ring 8 does not rely on a boss on the outer periphery of the mating structure 2 for end-stopping fixation, but rather its inner circumferential surface is fixedly connected to the outer circumferential surface of the mating structure 2, thereby fixing the sealing ring 8 to the mating structure 2. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the sealing ring 8 can enter the housing of the socket connector 200, i.e., the socket housing 201, along with the mating structure 2 to seal the mating portion of the connector.

[0023] In one feasible implementation, an injection molding process, such as the existing liquid silicone injection molding process, can be used to reliably fix the sealing ring 8 to the mating structure 2. After the mating structure 2 of the plug housing 1 is formed, liquid silicone can be injected again on the mating structure 2, and after molding, a liquid silicone rubber sealing ring 8 fixed on the mating structure 2 can be obtained.

[0024] In another feasible implementation, the sealing ring 8 can be directly bonded to the interlocking structure 2 using adhesive. In this case, the inner circumferential surface of the sealing ring 8 and the outer circumferential surface of the interlocking structure 2 are bonded and fixed by adhesive.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, in this embodiment, the sealing ring 8 and the interlocking structure 2 are fixed by injection molding or bonding. There is no need to set a boss structure on the interlocking structure 2 to prevent the sealing ring 8 from flipping over or falling off. While ensuring that the sealing ring 8 is reliably fixed, it can also ensure that the sealing ring 8 has sufficient compression stroke in the case of limited space, thereby ensuring a reliable seal.

[0026] To further improve the fixing reliability of the sealing ring 8, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the sealing ring 8 extends forward from the root of the mating structure 2. It should be noted that, in the art, the end of the plug connector 100 used for mating with the socket connector 200 is generally understood as the front end, and correspondingly, the other end is the rear end or tail end. From the root of the mating structure 2 forward (i.e.... Figure 6 Extending to the right of the socket housing 201, the plug housing 1 can provide support for the sealing ring 8 at the root of the mating structure 2 when the head and socket are mated. At the same time, after the head and socket are mated, the sealing position of the sealing ring 8 can be kept as close as possible to the head of the socket housing 201 to obtain a better sealing effect.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the sealing ring 8 has three sealing lips, which are arranged along the front-to-back direction. Compared with only one sealing lip, or the use of a common O-ring, this preferred embodiment allows each sealing lip to be compressed after the head and seat are inserted, resulting in a better sealing effect.

[0028] It should be added that, in other preferred embodiments, in order to obtain a better sealing effect, depending on the actual space size, there may be two sealing lips, or four or more sealing lips.

[0029] The tail end of the plug connector 100 is used to connect to the vehicle's wiring harness (wires). For details, please refer to... Figures 3-9 The plug housing 1 has a tail cavity at its tail end, and a wire connecting post 5 is provided in the tail cavity. The wire connecting post 5 has a wire connecting hole, which allows the wire to enter and connect to the terminal of the plug.

[0030] Considering that the tail of the plug connector 100 also requires sealing, such as Figure 7 As shown, a waterproof plug 9 is installed in the wire connection hole. The waterproof plug 9 has a hollow structure, allowing the wire to pass through and connect normally to the terminal. The waterproof plug 9 serves to seal the connection between the wire and the terminal, acting as a tail-end sealing structure. Specifically, the waterproof plug 9 can also be made of rubber.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, such as Figures 3-5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a drainage channel is provided on one side of the wire connection post 5, connecting the wire connection hole and the tail cavity. For example, the drainage groove 10 shown in the figure is a groove-shaped drainage channel. Of course, the drainage channel can also be a hole-like structure. A through drainage hole 4 is provided on one side wall of the tail cavity. This can prevent water droplets or water beads from accumulating at the tail hole of the plug connector 100, thereby avoiding the problem of water leakage and sealing failure caused by long-term accumulation of water droplets or water beads.

[0032] Furthermore, regarding the locking mechanism between the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200, to enhance the vibration resistance of the connectors, this embodiment equips the plug housing 1 with a CPA7 (Connector Position Assurance, secondary locking structure). When the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 are mated, the primary locking cantilever 6 on the plug housing 1 can engage with the protruding rib 202 on the socket housing 201, thereby achieving primary locking of the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200. Based on the primary locking, the CPA7 can be pushed towards the socket connector 200, and the CPA7 hooks onto the primary locking cantilever 6, achieving secondary locking of the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200.

[0033] Similarly, to improve the vibration resistance of the connector, the plug connector 100 is equipped with a pluggable TPA3 (Terminal Position Assurance, terminal secondary locking structure). The TPA3 can be inserted into the plug housing 1 from one side to lock the position of the terminal secondary.

[0034] It should be noted that the arrangement of CPA7 and TPA3 in this utility model can be consistent with the prior art and will not affect the sealing effect of sealing ring 8 and waterproof plug 9.

[0035] Specific embodiments of the connector assembly in this utility model: The connector assembly includes a plug connector 100 and a socket connector 200. The plug connector 100 has the same structure as the embodiment of the plug connector 100 described above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A plug connector, comprising a housing configured with a mating structure (2) for inserting a mating socket connector (200), characterized in that, A sealing ring (8) is bonded to the outer periphery of the mating structure (2) or fixed by injection molding. When the connector is mated, the sealing ring (8) can be inserted into the socket connector (200) along with the mating structure (2) to seal the mating part of the connector.

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring (8) extends forward from the root of the interlocking structure (2).

3. The plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing ring (8) has two or more sealing lips arranged in the front-to-back direction.

4. The plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tail end of the shell is provided with a tail cavity, and a wire connecting post (5) is provided in the tail cavity. The wire connecting post (5) is provided with a wire connecting hole for the wire to enter, and a hollow waterproof plug (9) is provided in the wire connecting hole.

5. The plug connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wire connecting post (5) has a drainage channel on one side that connects the wire connecting hole to the tail cavity, and a through drainage hole (4) is provided on one side of the tail cavity wall.

6. A connector assembly comprising a plug connector (100) and a receptacle connector (200), the plug connector (100) comprising a plug housing (1) having a mating structure (2) for insertion into the receptacle connector (200), characterized in that, A sealing ring (8) is bonded to the outer periphery of the mating structure (2) or fixed by injection molding. When the head connector is mated, the sealing ring (8) can be inserted into the socket connector (200) along with the mating structure (2) to seal the mating part of the head connector.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing ring (8) extends forward from the root of the interlocking structure (2).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The sealing ring (8) has two or more sealing lips arranged in the front-to-back direction.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The plug housing (1) has a tail cavity at its tail end, and a wire connection post (5) is provided in the tail cavity. The wire connection post (5) has a wire connection hole for the wire to enter, and a hollow waterproof plug (9) is provided in the wire connection hole.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The wire connecting post (5) has a drainage channel on one side that connects the wire connecting hole to the tail cavity, and a through drainage hole (4) is provided on one side of the tail cavity wall.

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