A connector with a secondary locking structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connector with secondary locking structure, including casing, terminal and locking piece, the casing has and holds the cavity with the retreat prevention part, and the retreat prevention part is located in the holding cavity, and the retreat prevention part has elasticity, the terminal is installed on the casing, and the terminal has the limiting slot in the holding cavity, and the retreat prevention part protrudes into the limiting slot and is used for stopping the inner wall of limiting slot, locking piece enters the holding cavity and holds the retreat prevention part and makes the retreat prevention part locate in the limiting slot, the utility model discloses through setting the holding cavity in the casing, makes the terminal with locking piece all be located in the holding cavity, will not take place spatial interference with via fixed plate, through the retreat prevention part with the limiting card slot prelock terminal, locking piece crimping retreat prevention piece secondary locking terminal, has improved the reliability of terminal fixed obviously, effectively prevents the terminal from loosening because of vibration or external force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and in particular discloses a connector with a secondary locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electrical connectors, the reliability of terminal fixation is directly related to the safety and stability of the entire connection system. Traditional connectors generally use a single-locking structure, such as relying on clips or elastic arms to fix the terminals in the housing. However, under conditions of frequent vibration or repeated mating and unmating, such structures are prone to gradual failure due to material fatigue or external impact, leading to terminal loosening, which in turn causes signal transmission interruption or even short circuits.

[0003] To improve locking reliability, some existing technologies have introduced secondary locking structures (TPA). However, most of these structures are complex in design and have cumbersome assembly processes. Furthermore, they lack clear operational feedback between the pre-locking and final locking states, which not only affects assembly efficiency but also makes it difficult to fully guarantee locking reliability in practical applications.

[0004] In particular, for through-hole connectors, their structure typically includes a lateral fixing plate that is screwed to the through-hole panel. This fixing plate creates spatial interference with the external opening required by traditional TPA structures, making conventional lateral insertion TPA solutions impossible. Therefore, in space-constrained or structurally unique applications such as through-hole connectors, traditional secondary locking designs are difficult to apply directly.

[0005] In summary, developing a secondary locking mechanism that is simple in structure, easy to operate, and has clear locking feedback has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a connector with a secondary locking structure.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a connector with a secondary locking structure, comprising a housing, terminals, and a locking member. The housing has a receiving cavity and a backstop member, the backstop member being located in the receiving cavity and having elasticity. The terminals are mounted on the housing and have a limiting groove located within the receiving cavity. The backstop member protrudes into the limiting groove to block the inner wall of the limiting groove. The locking member enters the receiving cavity and presses against the backstop member, thereby positioning the backstop member within the limiting groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the anti-retraction member has a crimping portion and an anti-retraction portion; the locking member has a protruding crimping structure; the crimping structure of the locking member abuts against and crimps the crimping portion and / or the anti-retraction portion of the anti-retraction member, and the anti-retraction portion of the anti-retraction member enters the limiting groove of the terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, the crimping part has a guide slope that facilitates the insertion of the crimping structure between the crimping part and the inner wall of the housing, and the thickness of one end of the crimping structure that mates with the anti-retraction part is greater than the thickness of one end of the crimping structure that mates with the crimping part.

[0010] Furthermore, the housing has a first locking position, and the locking member has a first locking portion that cooperates with the first locking position.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing has a second locking position, and the locking member has a second locking part that cooperates with the second locking position; the second locking part and the first locking part are staggered, and when the second locking part enters the second locking position, the first locking part moves along the first locking position.

[0012] Furthermore, the housing has a first sliding groove; the locking member has a first rib, and the first locking part is connected to the first rib. During assembly, the first rib enters the first sliding groove and moves along the first sliding groove, guiding the first locking part into the first locking position.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking member has a second sliding groove, which is a through groove; one end of the first rib is fixedly connected to the locking member, and the other end of the first rib extends toward the direction of the second sliding groove to form a free end, which is elastic, and the first locking part is located at the free end of the first rib; the housing has a second rib that cooperates with the second sliding groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the locking member has a third rib. When the locking member presses against the anti-retraction member, the third rib abuts against the terminal, and the third rib and the anti-retraction member cooperate to lock the terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the locking member is provided with a fourth rib, which is located on the side of the locking member away from the terminal and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the locking member; during assembly, the fourth rib abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the locking member has a hook groove, and the hook groove is provided with a fastener. The fastener has a fixed inclined surface. An external hook enters the hook groove and connects with the fastener. Pulling the external hook causes the locking member to disengage from the housing.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] This invention features a housing cavity within the casing, ensuring both the terminal and the locking element are located within it, preventing spatial interference with the through-hole fixing plate. The terminal is initially fixed in the casing by the engagement of the anti-retraction part of the anti-retraction element with the terminal's limiting groove. The locking element then further secures the terminal by pressing against the anti-retraction element, ensuring the anti-retraction element firmly presses against the terminal and preventing the anti-retraction part of the anti-retraction element from dislodging from the terminal's limiting groove due to vibration or external force. This phased locking mechanism, involving pre-locking and secondary locking between the casing and the locking element, significantly improves the reliability of terminal fixation and effectively prevents the terminal from loosening due to vibration or external force. Furthermore, the cooperation between the ribs and the sliding groove enables precise positioning and stable movement of the locking element within the casing, preventing offset or jamming. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connector with a secondary locking structure according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the shell of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-locked state of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary locking state of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure of this utility model.

[0028] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Housing; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Second locking position; 13. First locking position; 14. First sliding groove; 15. Mounting groove; 16. Second rib; 17. Anti-reverse component; 171. Crimping part; 172. Anti-reverse part; 2. Terminal; 21. Limiting groove; 22. Body part; 23. Wiring part; 24. Contact part; 25. Protrusion; 3. Locking component; 31. Second locking part; 32. First locking part; 33. First rib; 34. Mounting arm; 35. Second sliding groove; 36. Fourth rib; 37. Third rib; 38. Hook groove; 381. Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model in order to achieve the intended utility model purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structure, features and effects of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a connector with a secondary locking structure according to this utility model includes a housing 1, a terminal 2, and a locking member 3. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity 11 and a backstop 17. The backstop 17 is located in the receiving cavity 11 and is elastic. During assembly, the terminal 2 is mounted on the housing 1. The terminal 2 has a limiting groove 21 located in the receiving cavity 11. The backstop 17 protrudes into the limiting groove 21 to block the inner wall of the limiting groove 21. The locking member 3 enters the receiving cavity 11 and presses the backstop 17 so that the backstop 17 is positioned in the limiting groove 21.

[0031] In actual use, the housing 1 has a mounting part and a wiring cavity. The wiring cavity and the receiving cavity 11 are located at opposite ends of the housing 1. The mounting part is located in the receiving cavity 11. The mounting part has a limiting groove. The limiting groove has a first groove arm and a second groove arm. The first groove arm, the second groove arm and the mounting part surround to form the limiting groove. The limiting groove connects the receiving cavity 11 and the wiring cavity. The terminal 2 has a body part 22, a wiring part 23 and a contact part 24. The body part 22 of the terminal 2 is located in the limiting groove. The wiring part 23 of the terminal 2 extends into the wiring cavity through the limiting groove. The contact part 24 of the terminal 2 protrudes out of the limiting groove and extends into the receiving cavity 11.

[0032] Preferably, the first and second groove arms of each limiting slot have a notch. The notch can reduce the overall weight of the connector. On the other hand, the notch can be set as a sliding groove, which cooperates with the protrusion of the locking member 3 to make the housing 1 and the locking member 3 securely connected.

[0033] Preferably, the bottom of the limiting slot is recessed from the surface to form a groove, and the body part 22 of the terminal 2 has a protrusion 25. When the terminal 2 enters the limiting slot 181, the protrusion 25 enters the groove and moves along the groove. The protrusion 25 cooperates with the groove to limit the terminal 2.

[0034] In actual use, there are multiple terminals 2, and correspondingly multiple limit slots and anti-reverse parts 17.

[0035] Specifically, the anti-retraction member 17 has a crimping portion 171 and an anti-retraction portion 172; the locking member 3 has a protruding crimping structure; during assembly, the crimping structure of the locking member 3 abuts against and crimps with the crimping portion 171 and / or the anti-retraction portion 172 of the anti-retraction member 17, and the anti-retraction portion 172 of the anti-retraction member 17 enters the limiting groove 21 of the terminal 2.

[0036] Specifically, the crimping part 171 has a guide slope that facilitates the insertion of the crimping structure between the crimping part 171 and the inner wall of the housing 1, and the thickness of one end of the crimping structure that mates with the anti-retraction part 172 is greater than the thickness of one end of the crimping structure that mates with the crimping part 171.

[0037] In actual use, the anti-reverse member 17 has elastic deformation force, and the locking member 3 has a pressing structure protruding on the side facing the anti-reverse member 17. The pressing structure has a first pressing block and a second pressing block. The pressing part 171 of the anti-reverse member 17 has an inclined surface, and the anti-reverse part 172 has a locking block. During assembly, the pressing structure is guided by the inclined surface of the anti-reverse member 17, so that the first pressing block abuts against the pressing part 171 of the anti-reverse member 17, and the second pressing block abuts against the anti-reverse part 172 of the anti-reverse member 17 and presses down on the anti-reverse member 17, so that the locking block enters the limiting groove 21 of the terminal 2 and presses against the upper part of the terminal 2, thereby realizing the secondary locking of the terminal 2 by the locking member 3.

[0038] Specifically, the housing 1 has a first locking position 13, and the locking member 3 has a first locking part 32 that cooperates with the first locking position 13.

[0039] Specifically, the housing 1 has a second locking position 12, and the locking member 3 has a second locking part 31 that cooperates with the second locking position 12; the second locking part 31 and the first locking part 32 are staggered, and when the second locking part 31 enters the second locking position 12, the first locking part 32 moves along the first locking position 13.

[0040] In actual use, the first locking part 32 and the second locking part 31 are staggered and opposite to each other. The staggered and opposite first locking part 32 and the second locking part 31 form a locking structure. There are two such locking structures. The two sets of locking structures are located at both ends of the locking member 3. The two sets of locking structures fix the locking member 3 and the housing 1 from both ends.

[0041] In actual use, the two first locking positions 13 are formed by the groove of the second groove arm of the leftmost limiting slot and the groove of the first groove arm of the rightmost limiting slot, respectively. The two second locking positions 12 are formed by the groove of the first groove arm of the leftmost limiting slot and the groove of the second groove arm of the rightmost limiting slot, respectively.

[0042] Specifically, the housing 1 has a first sliding groove 14, which is adjacent to the limiting slot; the locking member 3 has a first rib 33, and the first locking part 32 is connected to the first rib 33. During assembly, the first rib 33 enters the first sliding groove 14 and moves along the first sliding groove 14, guiding the first locking part 32 into the first locking position 13.

[0043] In actual use, there are two first ribs 33, and two first locking parts 32 are connected to the two first ribs 33 respectively. There are multiple first sliding grooves 14, and each first sliding groove 14 is clamped between two adjacent limiting grooves.

[0044] In actual use, the locking member 3 also has multiple fifth ribs, which are located between two first ribs 33. The fifth ribs are arranged parallel to the first ribs 33. During assembly, the first ribs 33 and the fifth ribs are respectively located in the corresponding second slide grooves 14 to enhance the lateral preload between the locking member 3 and the housing 1.

[0045] Specifically, the locking member 3 has a second sliding groove 35, which is a through groove; one end of the first rib 33 is fixedly connected to the locking member 3, and the other end of the first rib 33 extends toward the direction of the second sliding groove 35 to form a free end, which is elastic; the first locking part 32 is located at the free end of the first rib 33; the housing 1 has a second rib 16 that cooperates with the second sliding groove 35.

[0046] In actual use, there are multiple second ribs 16 and multiple second slide grooves 35. The second slide groove 35 is a through groove. The second rib 16 and the second slide groove 35 are in clearance fit. During assembly, the second rib 16 enters the second slide groove 35 to provide lateral preload between the locking member 3 and the housing 1.

[0047] Preferably, the first locking part 32 has a first inclined surface, and the second locking part 31 has a second inclined surface; during assembly, the first locking part 32 abuts against the top of the first locking position 13 via the first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface guides the first locking part 32 to enter the first locking position 13 from the top of the first locking position 13; the second locking part 31 abuts against the side of the second locking position 12 via the second inclined surface, and the second inclined surface guides the second locking part 31 to enter the second locking position 12 from the side of the second locking position 12.

[0048] The first inclined surface abuts against the upper surface of the first locking position 13, guiding a longitudinal, vertical downward pressing movement. This movement occurs first, pre-locking the locking member 3 onto the housing 1. The second inclined surface abuts against the side of the second locking position 12, guiding a transverse, horizontal movement. This movement occurs after the pre-locking, guiding the locking member 3 into the final locked position, thus achieving a firm lock between the locking member 3 and the housing 1 in both longitudinal and transverse spaces.

[0049] Specifically, the housing 1 has a mounting groove 15, which is recessed from the surface of the mounting part. The locking member 3 has a mounting arm 34, and the second locking part 31 is connected to the mounting arm 34. During assembly, the mounting arm 34 enters the mounting groove 15 and moves along the mounting groove 15. At the same time, the mounting arm 34 guides the second locking part 31 into the second locking position 12.

[0050] In actual use, the two mounting grooves 15 are formed by the two ends of the mounting part being recessed downwards from the surface, and the two mounting arms 34 are formed by bending and extending from the two ends of the limiting member.

[0051] Preferably, the mounting arm 34 has an elastic portion, and the second locking portion 31 is connected to the elastic portion of the mounting arm 34.

[0052] Preferably, there are two mounting slots 15 and two mounting arms 34, and the two second locking parts 31 are located in the elastic parts of the two mounting arms 34 respectively.

[0053] Specifically, the locking member 3 has a third rib 37. During assembly, the third rib 37 enters the slot of the limiting groove, and the third rib 37 cooperates with the anti-reverse member 17 to lock the terminal 2.

[0054] In actual use, the limiting slot has an opening, and the third rib 37 has a pressing bevel. When assembled, the third rib 37 covers the opening and protrudes into the limiting slot through the opening. The pressing bevel abuts against the body portion 22 of the terminal 2 in the limiting slot. The third rib 37 entering the opening of the limiting slot can, on the one hand, prevent the terminal 2 from moving upward, and on the other hand, provide lateral preload force for the locking member 3 and the housing 1.

[0055] Specifically, the locking member 3 is provided with a fourth rib 36, which is located on the side of the locking member 3 away from the terminal 2 and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the locking member 3; during assembly, the fourth rib 36 abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 11.

[0056] In actual use, the fourth rib 36 is spaced apart from the second sliding groove 35. During assembly, the fourth rib 36 fills the gap between the locking member 3 and the receiving cavity 11, improving the tightness between the locking member 3 and the connector, and pressing the locking member 3 firmly against the mounting part. Furthermore, the fourth rib 36 is arranged longitudinally along the locking member 3, meaning its extension direction is consistent with the movement direction of the locking member 3, avoiding unnecessary resistance during assembly and disassembly. This structure improves the tightness between the locking member 3 and the connector while also facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the locking member 3.

[0057] Specifically, the locking member 3 has a hook groove 38, and the hook groove 38 is provided with a fastener 381. The fastener 381 has a fixed inclined surface. An external hook enters the hook groove 38 and connects with the fastener 381. Pulling the external hook causes the locking member 3 to disengage from the housing 1.

[0058] In actual use, the side of the locking member 3 away from the terminal 2 has a hook groove 38, and the side of the hook groove 38 away from the mounting arm 34 has a fastener 381. The fastener 381 extends in the longitudinal direction of the locking member 3 to form a fixed slope. The external hook abuts against the fixed slope of the fastener 381, which avoids the problem that the external hook and the fastener 381 are easy to fall off when the fastener 381 is set as a straight surface.

[0059] Preferably, a fastener 381 identifier is provided at the corresponding position of the locking member 3, so that an external hook can be inserted into the hook groove 38 and accurately hooked with the fastener 381.

[0060] Preferably, the second groove 35 extends toward the hook groove 38 and communicates with the hook groove 38, which facilitates the setting of the hook groove 38 and the fastener 381 in the mold.

[0061] In actual use, the wiring cavity has a sealing ring with a buckle, and the wiring cavity has a slot. The slot and the buckle engage to prevent the sealing ring from shifting during installation or use.

[0062] Preferably, the wiring cavity has a cutout, which can reduce the weight of the connector and reduce cracking of the housing 1.

[0063] In actual assembly, the entire process is divided into two stages: pre-locking and secondary locking. First, terminal 2 is placed into the limiting slot, and the protrusion 25 of its body 22 is engaged in the groove at the bottom of the slot for initial positioning. Terminal 2 is pre-locked between the anti-retraction member 17 and the limiting slot. The anti-retraction part 172 of the anti-retraction member 17 enters the limiting groove 21 of terminal 2. Because the anti-retraction member 17 is elastic, the anti-retraction part 172 can easily disengage from the limiting groove 21 when subjected to external force or vibration. Subsequently, locking member 3 is installed. The pressing structure of locking member 3 positions the anti-retraction part 172 of the anti-retraction member 17 in the limiting groove 21 of terminal 2, forming an anti-retraction buckle. The third rib 37 of locking member 3 also abuts against terminal 2 through its pressing inclined surface, pressing terminal 2 tightly in the limiting slot from above, thus forming a complete interlocking system.

[0064] During assembly, the locking member 3 and the housing 1 also have two stages: pre-locking and secondary locking. First, the first inclined surface of the first locking part 32 contacts the upper surface of the first locking position 13, guiding the locking member 3 to complete a downward pressing action, so that the first locking part 32 is engaged in the first locking position 13. At the same time, the first rib 33 on the locking member 3 enters the first sliding groove 14. At this time, the locking member 3 and the housing 1 reach the pre-locking state, realizing the initial fixation. After the pre-locking is completed, the locking member 3 is further pushed, and the second inclined surface of the second locking part 31 contacts the side of the second locking position 12, guiding the locking member 3 to slide laterally. At this time, the second locking part 31 enters the second locking position 12, while the first locking part 32, which was originally in the first locking position 13, slides along the first locking position 13. When the second locking part 31 is fully in place, the first locking part 32 abuts against the end groove wall of the first locking position 13, and the locking member 3 and the housing 1 achieve secondary locking.

[0065] In addition, the hook groove 38 and fastener 381 provided on the locking part 3 make it possible to disassemble without damage in the future, which is convenient for maintenance.

[0066] In summary, the connector of this utility model achieves a highly reliable connection function between the locking member 3, the housing 1 and the terminal 2 through the secondary locking structure and linkage mechanism between the locking member 3 and the housing 1.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connector with a secondary locking structure, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (1), a terminal (2), and a locking member (3). The housing (1) has a receiving cavity (11) and a retaining member (17). The retaining member (17) is located in the receiving cavity (11) and is elastic. The terminal (2) is mounted on the housing (1) and has a limiting groove (21) located in the receiving cavity (11). The retaining member (17) protrudes into the limiting groove (21) to stop the inner wall of the limiting groove (21). The locking member (3) enters the receiving cavity (11) and presses the retaining member (17) so that the retaining member (17) is positioned in the limiting groove (21).

2. The connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-reverse member (17) has a crimping portion (171) and an anti-reverse portion (172); the locking member (3) has a protruding crimping structure; the crimping structure of the locking member (3) abuts against the crimping portion (171) and / or the anti-reverse portion (172) of the anti-reverse member (17), and the anti-reverse portion (172) of the anti-reverse member (17) enters the limiting groove (21) of the terminal (2).

3. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The crimping part (171) has a guide slope that facilitates the insertion of the crimping structure between the crimping part (171) and the inner wall of the housing (1). The thickness of one end of the crimping structure that cooperates with the anti-retraction part (172) is greater than the thickness of one end of the crimping structure that cooperates with the crimping part (171).

4. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) has a first locking position (13), and the locking member (3) has a first locking part (32) that cooperates with the first locking position (13).

5. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (1) has a second locking position (12), and the locking member (3) has a second locking part (31) that cooperates with the second locking position (12); the second locking part (31) and the first locking part (32) are staggered, and when the second locking part (31) enters the second locking position (12), the first locking part (32) moves along the first locking position (13).

6. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (1) has a first slide groove (14), the locking member (3) has a first rib (33), the first locking part (32) is connected to the first rib (33), the first rib (33) enters the first slide groove (14) and moves along the first slide groove (14), guiding the first locking part (32) into the first locking position (13).

7. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking member (3) has a second sliding groove (35), which is a through groove; one end of the first rib (33) is fixedly connected to the locking member (3), and the other end of the first rib (33) extends toward the second sliding groove (35) to form a free end, which is elastic; the first locking part (32) is located at the free end of the first rib (33); the housing (1) has a second rib (16) that cooperates with the second sliding groove (35).

8. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (3) has a third rib (37). When the locking member (3) presses against the anti-retraction member (17), the third rib (37) abuts against the terminal (2). The third rib (37) and the anti-retraction member (17) cooperate to lock the terminal (2).

9. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (3) has a protruding fourth rib (36), which is located on the side of the locking member (3) away from the terminal (2) and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the locking member (3); the fourth rib (36) abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity (11).

10. A connector with a secondary locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking member (3) has a hook groove (38), and the hook groove (38) is provided with a fastener (381). The fastener (381) has a fixed inclined surface. An external hook enters the hook groove (38) and connects with the fastener (381). The fixed inclined surface is used to prevent the external hook from sliding out of the hook groove (38). Pulling the external hook causes the locking member (3) to disengage from the housing (1).

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