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 and a metal shell. The insulating body comprises a first insulating wall; the metal shell comprises a first metal wall, and a docking groove is formed between the first metal wall and the first insulating wall. The first metal wall is provided with at least one lock catch structure which is integrally formed on the first metal wall and protrudes towards the docking groove. When the electric connector is docked with a docking connector, the lock catch structure is used to guide a protruding block of the docking connector to slide into the docking groove and hook the protruding block, so as to lock the docking connector. The electric connector and the connector assembly have the characteristics of safe locking and safe unlocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an electrical connector and connector assembly, wherein a locking structure is provided on the metal housing of the electrical connector for locking a mating connector. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional locking structures involve creating a snap-fit ​​hole on the metal housing of the socket connector and a protrusion on the plug connector. The plug connector is stably assembled onto the socket connector by embedding the protrusion into the snap-fit ​​hole. For example, US Patent No. 10601181B2 discloses a connector with a mating groove that employs this traditional locking structure.

[0003] However, this traditional locking structure has many drawbacks. For example, when the protrusion is embedded in the latch hole, there is an assembly deviation between the two. The protrusion is prone to mechanical interference with the perimeter of the latch hole. Furthermore, during unlocking, uneven force on the protrusion can also cause mechanical interference with the edge of the hole. These situations will increase the unlocking resistance and may even cause jamming, making it impossible for the two to separate and resulting in unlocking failure.

[0004] To avoid jamming, the size of the latching hole needs to be increased to be much larger than the size of the protrusion. However, a large latching hole will reduce the strength of the metal wall on which it is located, and the metal wall will be easily twisted and deformed by external forces.

[0005] Therefore, the inventor of this utility model is committed to optimizing and improving the traditional locking structure in order to solve the problems of traditional connectors in terms of locking, unlocking, and strength. Utility Model Content

[0006] One objective of this utility model is to provide an electrical connector with a locking structure disposed on a metal housing. The locking structure has both locking and guiding functions and is easy to unlock. The metal housing has the characteristic of high structural stability.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a connector assembly with features of a safety latch and a safety unlocking mechanism.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of this utility model can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An electrical connector includes: an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a metal housing. The insulating body includes 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 includes a first metal wall, the 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 at least one locking structure, which is integrally formed on the first metal wall and protrudes toward the mating groove; the locking structure includes a guide surface and a locking surface; the guide surface is adjacent to an upper edge of the first metal wall and is used to guide a protrusion of a mating connector to slide into the mating groove; the locking surface is located below the guide surface and is used to hold the protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first metal wall is provided with an outwardly protruding area, the outwardly protruding area protruding in a direction away from the docking groove and having an inner side exposed to the docking groove; a concave cavity is formed by the inner side surrounding it; the locking structure is located in the outwardly protruding area and protrudes into the concave cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outline of the convex region is U-shaped; a portion of the upper edge of the first metal wall forms the top edge of the convex region.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first metal wall is provided with an elastic region located in the convex region; the first metal wall is provided with two of the locking structures, both located in the elastic region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first metal wall is provided with two cuts, and the elastic zone is formed between the two cuts.

[0014] In one embodiment, the two cuts are vertically aligned and symmetrically located on both sides of the two latching structures; each cut extends downward from the upper edge without exceeding the protruding area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the latching structure is a spring sheet, which is stamped onto the first metal wall and has a bent section and a free section; the bent section is connected to the first metal wall and is close to the upper edge; the free section is away from the upper edge; wherein, an arc-shaped bent surface of the bent section constitutes the guide surface; wherein, a bottom of the free section constitutes the locking surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the latch structure is a convex bulge, which is semi-cylindrical and is stamped onto the first metal wall; wherein, a sloping top surface of the convex bulge constitutes the guide surface; wherein, a bottom surface of the convex bulge constitutes the locking surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the latch structure is a protrusion, which is polygonal in shape and is stamped onto the first metal wall; wherein, a sloping side of the protrusion forms the guide surface; wherein, a bottom of the protrusion forms the locking surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insulating body further includes a second insulating wall, a third insulating wall, and a fourth insulating wall, wherein the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall, the third insulating wall, and the fourth insulating wall are connected in sequence; the metal housing further includes a second metal wall, a third metal wall, and a fourth metal wall; wherein the first metal wall, the second metal wall, the third metal wall, and the fourth metal wall are connected in sequence; wherein the second metal wall, the third metal wall, and the fourth metal wall are respectively in close contact with the second insulating wall, the third insulating wall, and the fourth insulating wall.

[0019] 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, each conductive terminal has a contact end and a mounting end, the contact end is exposed in the plug-in space, and the mounting end extends out of the mounting surface; the upper edge of the first metal wall is higher than the plug-in surface.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model also adopts the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes: an electrical connector as described above and a mating connector. The mating connector has a mating plate, on which an elastic locking member is provided; the elastic locking member is provided with at least one protrusion. When the mating plate enters the mating groove, the protrusion slides along the guide surface of the locking structure until it engages with the locking surface; when unlocking, the elastic locking member is driven to displace or deform, causing the protrusion to leave the locking surface.

[0021] Compared to existing technologies, this utility model's electrical connector, by incorporating a locking structure with both locking and guiding functions, allows the operator to clearly perceive the guiding force from the locking structure when the connector is inserted into the mating groove. This enables timely correction of insertion deviations and guides the operator to perform the correct operation, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and reliability of the mating operation. The locking structure of this utility model features a locking surface with a vertical locking effect. Therefore, during unlocking, it is only necessary to ensure the protrusion disengages from the locking surface, avoiding the risk of jamming in the lateral direction. Thus, the locking structure of this utility model simultaneously possesses the characteristics of simplified structure and high safety. Furthermore, the locking structure protruding towards the mating groove is directly stamped onto the metal housing, eliminating the need for additional parts or assembly steps, saving costs and ensuring the structural strength of the metal housing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electrical connector of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial structural disassembly of the electrical connector from another angle.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A top view of the metal housing of the electrical connector shown.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The enlarged view of the metal casing shown primarily illustrates the locking structure of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the metal shell of this utility model, which mainly shows the locking structure of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the metal casing from another angle.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the metal shell of this utility model, which mainly shows the locking structure of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connector assembly before docking, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the connector assembly after mating.

[0033] The reference numerals in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0034] Electrical connector 1, mating slot 101

[0035] Insulating body 10 First insulating wall 11

[0036] Second insulating wall 12 Third insulating wall 13

[0037] Fourth insulating wall 14, mating surface 15

[0038] Mounting surface 16, insertion space 17

[0039] Terminal channel 18, conductive terminal 20

[0040] Contact end 21 Mounting end 22

[0041] Metal casing 30 First metal walls 31, 31a, 31b

[0042] Upper edge 310 Locking structure 32, 32a, 32b

[0043] Guide surfaces 320, 320a, 320b; Locking surfaces 321, 321a, 321b

[0044] Bending section 322, Free section 323

[0045] 324 pits, 33 second metal walls

[0046] Third metal wall 34 Fourth metal wall 35

[0047] Outer convex area 36, ​​inner surface 360

[0048] Cavity 361, Elastic Zone 362

[0049] Cutout 363, mating connector 8

[0050] Connecting plate 80, elastic locking fastener 81

[0051] Protrusion 810 Connector Assembly 9 Detailed Implementation

[0052] 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.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 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).

[0054] The electrical connector 1 includes: an insulating body 10, a plurality of conductive terminals 20, and a metal housing 30. The insulating body 10 includes 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 includes a first metal wall 31 facing the first insulating wall 11, and a mating groove 101 is formed between the first metal wall 31 and the first insulating wall 11. The first metal wall 31 is provided with at least one locking structure 32, which is integrally formed on the first metal wall 31 and protrudes toward the mating groove 101. The locking structure 32 includes a guide surface 320 and a locking surface 321; the guide surface 320 is adjacent to an upper edge 310 of the first metal wall 31 and is used to guide a protrusion 810 of a mating connector 8 (see...). Figure 10 The locking surface 321 is located below the guide surface 320 and is used to hook the protrusion 810. In this embodiment, the locking structure 32 is directly formed on the first metal wall 31 by stamping.

[0055] The locking structure 32 of this invention has both locking and guiding functions. When the docking connector 8 is inserted into the docking groove 101, the operator can clearly feel the guiding force from the locking structure 32, which promptly corrects insertion deviations and guides the operator to operate correctly, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and reliability of the docking operation. The locking structure 32 of this invention is provided with a locking surface 321, which has a locking effect in the vertical direction, providing the operator with a clear sense of positioning and holding force. When unlocking, the docking connector 8 only needs to drive the protrusion 810 to disengage from the locking surface 321, thereby avoiding the risk of the protrusion being stuck by the latching hole (i.e., jamming) that occurs in the prior art. Therefore, the locking structure 32 of this invention has the characteristics of both structural simplification and high safety. In addition, the locking structure 32 protruding towards the docking groove 101 is directly stamped on the metal shell 30, without the need to introduce additional parts or assembly steps, which not only saves costs but also ensures the structural strength of the metal shell 30.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 4 The insulating body 10 further includes a second insulating wall 12, a third insulating wall 13, and a fourth insulating wall 14, wherein the first insulating wall 11, the second insulating wall 12, the third insulating wall 13, and the fourth insulating wall 14 are connected in sequence. The insulating body 10 has a plug-in surface 15, a mounting surface 16, a plug-in space 17 connecting the plug-in surface 15 and the mounting surface 16, and a plurality of terminal channels 18 communicating with the plug-in space 17.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4 Each of the conductive terminals 20 is disposed in the corresponding terminal channel 18 of the insulating body 10. Each of the conductive terminals 20 has a contact end 21 and a mounting end 22. The contact end 21 is exposed in the insertion space 17, and the mounting end 22 extends out of the mounting surface 16.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 4 The metal casing 30 further includes a second metal wall 33, a third metal wall 34, and a fourth metal wall 35; the first metal wall 31, the second metal wall 33, the third metal wall 34, and the fourth metal wall 35 are connected sequentially. The second metal wall 33, the third metal wall 34, and the fourth metal wall 35 are respectively in close contact with the second insulating wall 12, the third insulating wall 13, and the fourth insulating wall 14. Figure 1 As shown, the upper edge 310 of the first metal wall 31 is higher than the insertion surface 15.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5The first metal wall 31 is provided with an outwardly protruding area 36, ​​which protrudes in a direction away from the docking groove 101 and has an inner surface 360 ​​exposed to the docking groove 101. In this embodiment, a cavity 361 (see reference numerals) is formed by the inner surface 360. Figure 5 The locking structure 32 is disposed in the convex area 36 and extends into the recessed cavity 361. Furthermore, the convex area 36 is formed by stamping the first metal wall 31 in a direction away from the mating groove 101, and correspondingly, the recessed cavity 361 is formed on the side of the convex area 36 facing the mating groove 101 (i.e., the inner surface 360).

[0060] The design cleverly utilizes the space of the recessed cavity 361, with the locking structure 32 protruding into the recessed cavity 361. Therefore, the locking structure 32 does not occupy the space of the docking groove 101, ensuring the integrity and unobstructed flow of the docking groove 101.

[0061] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the outline of the convex region 36 is generally U-shaped; a portion of the upper edge 310 of the first metal wall 31 forms the top edge of the convex region 36.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 The first metal wall 31 is provided with an elastic region 362 formed in the protruding region 36. The first metal wall 31 is provided with two locking structures 32, both located in the elastic region 362. In the initial stage when the protrusion 810 of the mating connector 8 contacts the locking structure 32, the elastic region 362 can undergo elastic deformation, so that the protrusion 810 can smoothly slide along the guide surface 320 to the locking surface 321.

[0063] It should be noted that when the protrusion 810 of the mating connector 8 contacts the locking structure 32, the metal housing 30 may be slightly deformed due to the pressure of the mating connector 8. However, by setting the elastic zone 362, the elastic deformation of the metal housing 30 will occur in a specific area (e.g., the elastic zone 362), thereby transforming it into a controllable elastic deformation, ensuring the robustness and torsional and compressive strength of other areas of the metal housing 30.

[0064] In this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the first metal wall 31 is provided with two elongated cuts 363, forming the elastic region 362 between the two cuts 363. In this embodiment, the two cuts 363 are vertically aligned and symmetrically located on both sides of the two latching structures 32; each cut 363 extends downward from the upper edge 310 without exceeding the protruding area 36.

[0065] The following will describe in more detail three embodiments of the locking structure described in this utility model.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 6 In the first embodiment, the locking structure 32 is a spring sheet, which is directly stamped into the first metal wall 31 and faces the mating groove 101 (see reference numerals). Figure 1 It has a bent section 322 and a free section 323.

[0067] The bent segment 322 is connected to the first metal wall 31 and is close to the upper edge 310; the free segment 323 is away from the upper edge 310. The guide surface 320 is an arc-shaped bent surface of the bent segment 322, and the locking surface 321 is the bottom of the free segment 323. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom of the free segment 323 can be a horizontal bottom surface, a bottom end, or a bottom edge.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 7 The elements or structures in the second embodiment are the same as those described above. Figures 1 to 6 Similar elements or structures in the first embodiment shown share the same markings and are additionally marked with the suffix "a".

[0069] In the second embodiment, the locking structure 32a of this utility model is a convex bulge, such as a semi-cylindrical convex bulge, which is directly stamped onto the first metal wall 31a and faces the mating groove (not shown, but can be referenced). Figure 1 The mating groove 101 shown protrudes. Correspondingly, a recess 324 corresponding to the protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the first metal wall 31a, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the guide surface 320a of the locking structure 32a is an inclined surface of the convex hull (i.e., an inclined top surface of the semi-cylinder), and the locking surface 321a of the locking structure 32a is a bottom of the convex hull. It is conceivable that the bottom can be a horizontal bottom surface connected to the first metal wall 31a, or it can be a bottom edge formed after tearing from the first metal wall 31a.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 9 The elements or structures in the third embodiment are the same as those described above. Figures 1 to 6Similar elements or structures in the first embodiment shown share the same markings and are additionally marked with the suffix 'b'.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the latching structure 32b is a protrusion, such as a polygonal protrusion, which is directly stamped onto the first metal wall 31b and faces the mating groove (not shown, but can be referenced). Figure 1 The docking groove 101 shown protrudes.

[0073] like Figure 9 As shown, the guide surface 320b of the latching structure 32b is an inclined surface (i.e., an inclined side surface of the polygonal body) of the protrusion, and the locking surface 321b of the latching structure 32b is a bottom of the protrusion. It is conceivable that the bottom can be a horizontal bottom surface connected to the first metal wall 31b, or it can be a bottom edge formed after tearing from the first metal wall 31b.

[0074] Of course, the locking structures 32, 32a, and 32b described in this utility model are not limited to the structure or shape of the spring, the convex hull, and the convex block described above, and may also adopt other regular or irregular structures or shapes.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 The connector assembly 9 of this utility model includes the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 8. The mating connector 8 has a mating plate 80, and an elastic locking member 81 is provided on the mating plate 80; the elastic locking member 81 is provided with at least one protrusion 810.

[0076] Please refer to the following at the same time Figure 1 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 When the mating plate 80 enters the mating groove 101, the protrusion 810 slides along the guide surface 320 of the locking structure 32 until it engages with the locking surface 321. Upon unlocking, the elastic locking member 81 is displaced or deformed, causing the protrusion 810 to leave the locking surface 321. For example, an external force can be used to force the elastic locking member 81 to displace or deform away from the first metal wall 31, causing the protrusion 810 to leave the locking surface 321. At this point, the mating connector 8 can be pulled out of the mating groove 101.

[0077] Similarly, the connector assembly 9 of this utility model can also achieve the function of fastening the protrusion 810 through the locking structures 32a and 32b in the second and third embodiments.

[0078] In summary, the electrical connector 1 and connector assembly 9 of this utility model have the features of safe locking and safe unlocking, and the metal housing 30 has the feature of high structural stability.

[0079] 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 includes 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 includes 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 at least one locking structure, which is integrally formed on the first metal wall and protrudes toward the mating groove; The locking structure includes a guide surface and a locking surface; the guide surface is adjacent to an upper edge of the first metal wall and is used to guide a protrusion of a mating connector to slide into the mating groove; the locking surface is located below the guide surface and is used to hold the protrusion.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first metal wall is provided with an outwardly protruding area, which protrudes in a direction away from the docking groove and has an inner side exposed to the docking groove; A concave cavity is formed by the inner side surface; The locking structure is located in the convex area and extends into the concave cavity.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The outline of the convex region is U-shaped; A portion of the upper edge of the first metal wall forms the top edge of the convex region.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first metal wall has an elastic region located within the convex region; The first metal wall is provided with two of the aforementioned locking structures, both located in the elastic zone.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first metal wall has two cuts, and the elastic zone is formed between the two cuts.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The two cuts are vertical and symmetrically located on both sides of the two latch structures; Each cut extends downward from the upper edge without going beyond the convex area.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The latch structure is a spring piece, which is stamped into the first metal wall and has a bent section and a free section. The bent section is connected to the first metal wall and is close to the upper edge; The free segment is located away from the upper edge; The guide surface is formed by the circular arc bending surface of the bending section. The bottom of the free segment forms the locking surface.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The latch structure is a convex bulge, in the shape of a semi-cylindrical cone, which is stamped and formed on the first metal wall. The guide surface is formed by the sloping top surface of the convex hull. Wherein, one bottom of the convex hull forms the locking surface.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The latch structure is a protrusion in the shape of a polygon, which is stamped and formed on the first metal wall. One inclined side of the protrusion forms the guide surface; One bottom of the protrusion forms the locking surface.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body further includes a second insulating wall, a third insulating wall, and a fourth insulating wall, wherein the first insulating wall, the second insulating wall, the third insulating wall, and the fourth insulating wall are connected in sequence; The metal casing further includes a second metal wall, a third metal wall, and a fourth metal wall; the first metal wall, the second metal wall, the third metal wall, and the fourth metal wall are connected in sequence; The second metal wall, the third metal wall, and the fourth metal wall are respectively attached to the second insulating wall, the third insulating wall, and the fourth insulating wall.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, 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, and 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. The upper edge of the first metal wall is higher than the insertion surface.

12. 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 docking plate, on which an elastic locking element is provided; the elastic locking element is provided with at least one protrusion. When the docking plate enters the docking groove, the protrusion slides along the guide surface of the locking structure until it engages with the locking surface; When unlocking, the elastic locking element is displaced or deformed, causing the protrusion to leave the locking surface.

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