Composite cable adapter connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to a composite cable switching connector for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object. The composite cable switching connector comprises a shell, a plurality of contact pieces, a first clamping piece and a second clamping piece. The shell comprises a shell body, a first aperture and a second aperture in communication. The contact pieces are arranged in the shell and comprise a contact piece body, a first contact part and a second contact part. The first clamping piece comprises a first clamping piece body and two extension arms. The second clamping piece comprises a second clamping piece body and a plurality of slots. The shell body, the first aperture and the second aperture define a first accommodation space and a second accommodation space, respectively. When electrically connected, the first connection object is arranged in the first accommodation space, and the second connection object is arranged in the second accommodation space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a composite cable adapter connector, and more particularly to a composite cable adapter connector that can be used to electrically connect general cables and flat cables (FPCs) to each other. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional technology, electrical connections between wire-to-board (FTB) cables and flexible printed circuits (FPCs) are typically achieved by separately installing female connectors for one FPC cable and one for the flat cable, soldering these two connectors onto a circuit board. The circuit board's design then facilitates signal transmission between the different cables. This connection method is widely used in electronic devices, such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and industrial control systems, to provide compatibility and electrical connectivity between different cables. Flat cable connectors come in various types, but the most common are the flip-top and pull-out (or drawer-type) structures. Flip-top connectors use a hinged mechanism for clamping, while pull-out connectors use a sliding mechanism for cable insertion, exit, and engagement. In practice, drawer-type structures are more suitable for connectors with a larger overall height, as their sliding insertion provides better operational force and engagement reliability. In other words, the thicker the connector body, the more the drawer-type structure benefits in terms of operational strength and stability.

[0003] However, the aforementioned traditional technologies have several drawbacks. First, their overall structure requires additional circuit boards and multiple connectors, increasing the number of components and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the assembly and soldering processes are cumbersome, consuming significant assembly time and material costs. Second, because they rely on circuit boards to conduct signals between different connectors, the overall structure increases in size, making it difficult to meet the design requirements of modern electronic products for thinness and miniaturization. In addition, the combination of multiple connectors may affect the stability and long-term reliability of the electrical connection, especially in high-vibration or high-temperature environments, where problems such as contact loosening or poor signal transmission can easily occur.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a composite cable adapter connector to solve the problems of complex connection structure, large number of required components, high manufacturing cost and insufficient reliability of the prior art for connecting wire-to-board cables and flat cables. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite cable adapter connector. This connector integrates a female connector for cables and a female connector for flat cables into one unit, forming a composite connector that can simultaneously accommodate two different cable types. The connector body has an opening at each of its front and rear ends; one opening allows insertion of a cable terminal, and the other opening allows insertion of a flat cable terminal. The connector has multiple arranged contacts, each integrally formed and penetrating the connector body individually to connect the cable terminal and the flat cable terminal, forming a structure with electrical conductivity at both ends. The contacts at the flat cable end have a flexible contact structure to accommodate the flat cable insertion method. The cable end employs a snap-fit ​​anti-dislodgement structure to provide a stable locking force and anti-pull-out effect. The flat cable end also has a pressure structure to hold and fix the inserted flat cable, improving contact stability and installation reliability. Furthermore, the connector body has various stop structures and limiting structures to further enhance the stability of the cable insertion.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a composite cable adapter connector for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object. The composite cable adapter connector includes a housing, multiple contacts, a first engaging member, and a second engaging member. The housing includes a housing body, a first opening, and a second opening, which are respectively formed on opposite sides of the housing body and are connected to each other. Each contact is disposed within the housing and includes a contact body, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion, which are connected to opposite sides of the contact body. The first engaging member includes a first engaging member body and two extending arms, which extend from the first engaging member body along a first direction and are disposed in the first opening. The second engaging member includes a second engaging member body and multiple slots, which are arranged side-by-side in the second engaging member body and are disposed in the second opening. The housing body and the first opening define a first accommodating space, and the housing body and the second opening define a second accommodating space. When the composite cable adapter is electrically connected, the first connection object is disposed in the first accommodating space, and the second connection object is disposed in the second accommodating space.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first contact portion includes a first upper elastic arm and a first lower elastic arm, which are respectively extended from the contact body along the first direction. The first upper elastic arm also has a first protruding end and a second protruding end. The first protruding end interferes with the first connected object, and the second protruding end interferes with the housing body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the housing body further includes a plurality of extended eaves and a plurality of inclined protrusions, the extended eaves being formed on opposite sides of the housing body, and the extended eaves on the same side defining a guide rail, the inclined protrusions being located on the guide rail.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the extension arms includes a hook portion. When the first engaging member is disposed on the housing, the extension arm is slidably disposed on the guide rail, and the hook portion passes through and engages with the inclined protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the composite cable adapter further includes a reinforcing plate disposed between the first engaging member and the first connecting object. The reinforcing plate also includes two side protrusions extending along a second direction on corresponding sides of the reinforcing plate to fix the first connecting object.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing body further includes two limiting blocks formed on the inner side of the housing body to limit the first connecting object.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first engaging component body further includes a beveled portion and two limiting protrusions. The beveled portion extends from the first engaging component body along the first direction. The limiting protrusions are adjacent to the beveled portion. When the first connecting object and the reinforcing plate are inserted into the first accommodating space, the side protrusions pass through the corresponding limiting blocks, and the first engaging component body engages between the reinforcing plate and the housing body. The limiting protrusions are used to limit the reinforcing plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the contact body further includes two stops, which abut against the housing body when the contact is disposed in the housing.

[0014] In another embodiment, the housing is disposed on an external circuit board, the external circuit board having two screw holes, and the housing having two locking fasteners. When the locking fasteners pass through the housing body and the screw holes, the housing is snapped and fixed to the external circuit board.

[0015] In another embodiment, the housing is disposed on an external circuit board, the external circuit board including two through holes, and the housing having two tapered guides extending from the housing body. When the tapered guides pass through the through holes, the housing is snapped and fixed to the external circuit board.

[0016] Other objectives of this invention, as well as the means and implementation methods of this invention, will be understood by those skilled in the art upon referring to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention when the first connecting object and the second connecting object are not connected;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, not connected to the first connection object and the second connection object;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention when connected to a first connection object and a second connection object;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the first engaging component of an embodiment of the present invention when it is not engaged;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of the first engaging member engaging with the first opening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of a composite cable adapter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, not connected to the first connection object and the second connection object, from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector and an external circuit board assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector and an external circuit board according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector and an external circuit board assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector and an external circuit board according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1000 Composite Cable Adapter Connector

[0031] 2000 First Connection Object

[0032] 3000 Second Connection Object

[0033] 1. Shell

[0034] 11. Main body of the shell

[0035] 111 Extended eaves

[0036] 112 oblique bump

[0037] 113 Limit Block

[0038] 12 First opening

[0039] 13 Second opening

[0040] 14 Locking fasteners

[0041] 15 Conical guide

[0042] 2 Contacts

[0043] 21 Contact body

[0044] 211 Stop section

[0045] 22 First Contact Section

[0046] 221 First upper elastic arm

[0047] 2211 First protruding end

[0048] 2212 Second protruding end

[0049] 222 First lower elastic arm

[0050] 23 Second Contact Section

[0051] 3 First Card Assembly

[0052] 31 First Card Assembly Main Body

[0053] 311 Bevel surface

[0054] 312 Limiting convex part

[0055] 32 Extending Arm

[0056] 321 Hook section

[0057] 4. Second card assembly

[0058] 41 Second Card Assembly Body

[0059] 42 slots

[0060] 5 Reinforcing Plates

[0061] 51 Lateral convexity

[0062] 100 External Circuit Board

[0063] 100' External Circuit Board

[0064] 101 screw hole

[0065] 102 perforations

[0066] D1 First Direction

[0067] D2 Second Direction

[0068] S1 First Accommodation Space

[0069] S2 Second Accommodation Space

[0070] G-guided orbit. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The following embodiments will explain the content of this utility model. These embodiments are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model to any specific environment, application, or special method described in the embodiments. Therefore, the descriptions of the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. It should be noted that in the following embodiments and accompanying drawings, some components not directly related to this utility model have been omitted and are not shown, and the dimensional relationships between the components in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the actual scale.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a composite cable adapter connector 1000 connecting a first connection object 2000 and a second connection object 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2This is an exploded view of a composite cable adapter connector 1000 and a first connecting object 2000 and a second connecting object 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention discloses a composite cable adapter connector 1000, mainly used to enable the conversion between multi-strand cables and flat cables (e.g., FPCs) of a general wire-to-board connector. For example, the composite cable adapter connector 1000 can simultaneously make electrical connections with a first connecting object 2000 (e.g., an FPC terminal) and a second connecting object 3000 (e.g., a multi-strand cable terminal). The composite cable adapter connector 1000 of the present invention includes a housing 1, a plurality of contacts 2, a first engaging member 3, a second engaging member 4, and a reinforcing plate 5. The contacts 2 are disposed inside the housing 1 to form electrical contact when an external connecting object is inserted. The first locking member 3 and the second locking member 4 are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the housing 1. The first locking member 3 is used to fix the first connecting object 2000, and the second locking member 4 is used to fix the second connecting object 3000. The reinforcing plate 5 is disposed between the first locking member 3 and the first connecting object 2000. Through its pressure action, it can strengthen the reliability between the first connecting object 2000 and the contact member 2, and further improve the reliability and tensile strength of the overall plug-in structure.

[0073] Next, we will explain shell 1. Please refer to the following: Figure 5 The housing 1 includes a housing body 11, a first opening 12, and a second opening 13. The first opening 12 and the second opening 13 are respectively formed on opposite sides of the housing body 11 and are interconnected. In other words, the housing body 11 is a hollow structure. The housing body 11 and the first opening 12 define a first accommodating space S1, and the housing body 11 and the second opening 13 define a second accommodating space S2. When the composite cable adapter connector 1000 is electrically connected, it is used to accommodate the first connecting object 2000 and the second connecting object 3000, respectively.

[0074] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7The housing body 11 also has four extending eaves 111, two oblique protrusions 112, and two limiting blocks 113. Two extending eaves 111 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the housing body 11, and the two extending eaves 111 on the same side define a guide rail G for guiding the insertion of the first engaging member 3, and further improving the stability and accuracy during mating. Each of the oblique protrusions 112 is located on the guide rail G, and has guiding and limiting functions, preventing insertion angle deviation, and applying external force to provide structural positioning after the first connecting object 2000 is fully engaged. It should be noted that two oblique protrusions 112 are used as an example in this utility model; their number and placement can be adjusted according to the actual connector assembly situation, and are not limited here. The limiting blocks 113 are formed on the inner side of the housing body 11, located in the first accommodating space S1, and are used to limit the first connecting object 2000; the specific operation will be described in detail in later paragraphs.

[0075] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 5 The contact 2 is disposed inside the housing 1 and includes a contact body 21, a first contact portion 22, and a second contact portion 23. The first contact portion 22 and the second contact portion 23 are connected to opposite sides of the contact body 21. Furthermore, the first contact portion 22 is housed in the first accommodating space S1 and electrically contacts the first connecting object 2000. The second contact portion 23 is housed in the second accommodating space S2 and electrically contacts the second connecting object 3000. The contact can be made by clamping the corresponding second contact portion 23 with the cable terminal of the second connecting object 3000. In addition, the contact body 21 also includes two stop portions 211, formed on the upper and lower sides of the contact body 21 respectively. The stop portions 211 abut against the interior of the housing body 11, and are used to position and restrict the contact 2 within the housing 1. In detail, the first contact portion 22 is provided with a pair of opposing first upper elastic arms 221 and first lower elastic arms 222, which extend from the contact body 21 along the first direction D1. The front end of the first upper elastic arm 221 has a first protruding end 2211 and a second protruding end 2212. The first protruding end 2211 forms a contact with elastic pressing characteristics, which can interfere with the corresponding terminal of the first connected object 2000 and form a stable electrical contact. The second protruding end 2212 interferes with the interior of the housing body 11 to provide a stable effect.

[0076] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6The first engaging member 3 is disposed in the first opening 12 of the housing 1 to fix the first connecting object 2000. The first engaging member 3 includes a first engaging member body 31 and two extending arms 32, which extend from the first engaging member body 31 along a first direction D1. The first engaging member body 31 also includes a beveled portion 311 and two limiting protrusions 312. The beveled portion 311 extends from the first engaging member body 31 along the first direction D1, and the limiting protrusions 312 are adjacent to both sides of the beveled portion 311. The beveled portion 311 is used to make the first engaging member 3 more effortless in engaging and fixing the first connecting object 2000, and the limiting protrusions 312 respectively limit and stop the local reinforcing plate 5. On the other hand, one end of each extending arm 32 has a hook portion 321. It should be noted that in this embodiment, before the first connecting object 2000 is assembled, the first engaging member 3 will first engage the housing body 11. Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, when the first connecting object 2000 is inserted into the first accommodating space S1, the first engaging member 3 is assembled into the first opening 12 of the housing 1. The extension arm 32 is slidably disposed on the guide rail G. Then, an external force is applied to make the hook part 321 pass through the inclined protrusion 112 and engage with it to achieve positioning and fixing, thereby positioning and engaging the first engaging member 3 into the first opening 12 of the housing 1.

[0077] Please refer to it again. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The second latching member 4 is disposed in the second opening 13 of the housing 1 for fixing the second connecting object 3000. The second latching member 4 includes a second latching member body 41 and a plurality of slots 42, which are formed side by side in the second latching member body 41. The slots 42 are used to accommodate and restrict the multi-strand cable terminals of the second connecting object 3000.

[0078] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the reinforcing plate 5 of the composite cable adapter connector 1000 is disposed between the first engaging member 3 and the first connecting object 2000. The reinforcing plate 5 has two protrusions 51 extending along a second direction D2 on its corresponding sides to cooperate with the corresponding limiting blocks 113 disposed on the housing body 11, so that the first connecting object 2000 can be accurately positioned in the first accommodating space S1. This design helps to improve the stability between the first connecting object 2000 and the housing 1.

[0079] Please refer to it again. Figures 3 to 8 The following details the operation of the composite cable adapter connector 1000. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8The diagram shows the composite cable adapter connector 1000 not engaged with the first connecting object 2000 and the second connecting object 3000. The first connecting object 2000 and the first engaging component 3 can be disposed in the first accommodating space S1 through the first opening 12, and the second connecting object 3000 and the second engaging component 4 can be disposed in the second accommodating space S2 through the second opening 13. During the actual assembly of the composite cable adapter connector 1000, the assembly sequence proceeds from the second connecting object 3000 towards the first connecting object 2000. First, the contact 2 is inserted into the housing 1. At this time, the stop portion 211 of the contact body 21 abuts against the interior of the housing body 11, and the second protruding end 2212 interferes with the inner upper surface of the housing body 11, ensuring the contact 2 is securely positioned. Next, the second engaging component 4 is assembled into the second opening 13, and then the second connecting object 3000 is inserted into the slot 42. Then, the first connecting object 2000 is assembled. When the first connecting object 2000 is about to be inserted into the first accommodating space S1, the first engaging member 3 is not engaged with the first opening 12, so that the first connecting object 2000 and the reinforcing plate 5 have a large insertion space when inserted into the first accommodating space, allowing the first connecting object 2000 and the reinforcing plate 5 to be inserted smoothly without obstruction. During the insertion process, the first upper elastic arm 221 will undergo elastic deformation due to contact with the first connecting object 2000, biasing upward; while the first lower elastic arm 222 abuts against the inner bottom surface of the housing body 11, providing support. After the first connecting object 2000 and the reinforcing plate 5 are inserted, the side protrusion 51 of the reinforcing plate 5 passes through the corresponding limiting block 113 of the housing body 11, and then the first engaging member 3 is engaged between the reinforcing plate 5 and the housing body 11, so that the limiting protrusion 312 will stop at a specific position in the insertion space (e.g., Figure 7 As shown), the limiting reinforcement plate 5 is used to connect the first connected object 2000 to prevent it from being pulled out or becoming loose during use.

[0080] Please refer to the following: Figure 9 and Figure 10 In another embodiment, the housing 1 can be fixed to the external circuit board 100 by means of fasteners 14. The external circuit board 100 is provided with two screw holes 101, and the housing 1 is provided with two corresponding fasteners 14. The housing body 11 also includes corresponding through holes for the fasteners 14 to pass through. When the fasteners 14 pass through the housing body 11 in sequence and are locked into the screw holes 101, the housing 1 can be securely fixed to the external circuit board 100.

[0081] Please refer to the following: Figure 11 and Figure 12In another embodiment, the housing 1 can be disposed on an external circuit board 100'. The external circuit board 100' has two through holes 102, and the housing 1 has two tapered guides 15, which extend from the housing body 11 respectively. When the tapered guides 15 pass through the corresponding through holes 102, the housing 1 can be snapped and fixed to the external circuit board 100'. The tapered guides 15 have a hollow structure and a protruding snap-fit ​​portion on the periphery. When the housing 1 is assembled from top to bottom, the snap-fit ​​portion passes through the through holes 102 and snaps onto the lower side of the external circuit board 100', thereby limiting and fixing the housing 1 to the external circuit board 100'.

[0082] In summary, this utility model's composite cable adapter connector provides a drawer-type (pull-out) structure, effectively connecting terminals of different types. Its contacts feature an integrated molding design with elastic arms to provide multiple stop points and interference points, thereby improving contact stability and pull-out resistance. The outer shell has extended guide flanges and angled protrusions, which, in conjunction with the hook portion of the first engaging member, enable quick positioning and reliable locking. The first engaging member has a pressure function, effectively clamping flat cable terminals, while the side protrusions of the reinforcing plate, together with the limiting blocks and limiting protrusions within the shell, further enhance the fixing effect. The second engaging member employs a snap-on anti-loosening design to ensure the secure installation of multi-strand cable terminals. Furthermore, the connector body can also be equipped with locking structures, such as screw holes or plastic spring clips, depending on the actual usage environment, corresponding to the holes in the circuit board for fixing, preventing loosening and improving assembly efficiency. Accordingly, the composite cable adapter connector of this utility model can stably integrate different types of cables, and has the advantages of high reliability, ease of operation and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0083] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of this utility model and to explain its technical features, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any changes or equivalent arrangements that can be easily made by those skilled in the art are within the scope of this utility model, and the scope of protection of this utility model shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A composite cable adapter connector for connecting a first connection object and a second connection object, characterized in that, This composite cable adapter connector includes: A housing includes a housing body, a first opening and a second opening, the first opening and the second opening being formed on opposite sides of the housing body and communicating with each other. and Multiple contact elements are disposed in the housing. Each contact element includes a contact element body, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion, which are connected to opposite sides of the contact element body. A first latching component includes a first latching component body and two extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the first latching component body along a first direction, and the first latching component is disposed in the first opening. and A second snap fastener includes a second snap fastener body and a plurality of slots, the slots being arranged side by side on the second snap fastener body, and the second snap fastener being disposed on the second opening; The housing body and the first opening define a first accommodating space, and the housing body and the second opening define a second accommodating space. When the composite cable adapter is electrically connected, the first connection object is disposed in the first accommodating space, and the second connection object is disposed in the second accommodating space.

2. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact portion includes a first upper elastic arm and a first lower elastic arm, which are respectively extended from the contact body along the first direction. The first upper elastic arm also has a first protruding end and a second protruding end. The first protruding end interferes with the first connected object, and the second protruding end interferes with the housing body.

3. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The housing body also includes multiple extended eaves and multiple inclined protrusions. The extended eaves are formed on opposite sides of the housing body, and the extended eaves on the same side define a guide rail, on which the inclined protrusions are located.

4. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the extension arms includes a hook portion. When the first engaging member is disposed in the housing, the extension arm is slidably disposed in the guide rail, and the hook portion passes through and engages with the inclined protrusion.

5. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reinforcing plate disposed between the first engaging member and the first connecting object. The reinforcing plate also includes two side protrusions that extend along a second direction and are formed on corresponding sides of the reinforcing plate to fix the first connecting object.

6. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The housing body also includes two limiting blocks formed on the inner side of the housing body to limit the first connected object.

7. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first snap-fit ​​component body also includes a beveled portion and two limiting protrusions. The beveled portion extends from the first snap-fit ​​component body along the first direction. The limiting protrusions are adjacent to the beveled portion. When the first connecting object and the reinforcing plate are inserted into the first accommodating space, the side protrusions pass through the corresponding limiting blocks, and the first snap-fit ​​component body is snapped between the reinforcing plate and the housing body. The limiting protrusions are used to limit the reinforcing plate.

8. The composite cable adapter connector as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The contact body also includes two stops, which abut against the housing body when the contact is disposed thereon.

9. The composite cable adapter connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The housing is mounted on an external circuit board, which includes two screw holes. The housing also has two locking fasteners. When the locking fasteners pass through the housing body and the screw holes, the housing is snapped together and fixed to the external circuit board.

10. The composite cable adapter connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The housing is mounted on an external circuit board, which includes two through holes. The housing also has two tapered guides that extend from the main body of the housing. When the tapered guides pass through the through holes, the housing is snapped and fixed to the external circuit board.

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