Electrical connector

Abstract

The application discloses an electric connector, which comprises an insulating body and a lock assembly. The insulating body comprises two longitudinal side walls and a clamping groove arranged between the two side walls, and the clamping groove is used for downward insertion of an electronic card. The lock assembly comprises a sliding piece, a lock piece, a linkage connecting the sliding piece and the lock piece, and an elastic piece. The sliding piece is arranged at the left end of the insulating body and is movably arranged in the clamping groove, and the lock piece is arranged at the right end of the insulating body. The lock piece moves between a locking position and an opening position. When the electronic card is not inserted, the lock piece is arranged at the locking position. After the electronic card is inserted, the lock piece returns to the locking position from the opening position, and the electronic card is pressed against the sliding piece. The elastic piece provides elastic force and drives the lock piece to move towards the locking position. If the electronic card is subjected to a single-end force, the linkage restricts the lock piece and the sliding piece to be locked with each other, thereby locking the electronic card in the clamping groove, and the electronic card can be prevented from being accidentally loosened due to accidental touch or asymmetric card pulling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and more particularly to an electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are commonly used in electronic devices for signal transmission and are suitable for the insertion and removal of electronic cards. In some technologies, when a user accidentally touches an electronic card, causing it to tilt due to pressure on one end, the card may tilt relative to the electrical connector. This can prevent the connector from reliably locking the card, leading to a risk of accidental detachment and resulting in unreliable card connection or unstable signal transmission. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical solution of this application is to provide an electrical connector that can prevent electronic cards from accidentally coming loose.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an electrical connector, including a longitudinally elongated insulating body extending in a left-right direction and a locking assembly disposed on the insulating body. The insulating body includes two longitudinally elongated sidewalls and a slot disposed between the two sidewalls, the slot allowing an electronic card to be inserted downwards. The locking assembly includes a slider, a locking member, a linkage connecting the slider and the locking member, and an elastic member. The slider is located at the left end of the insulating body and is movably disposed within the slot, while the locking member is located at the right end of the insulating body. The locking member moves between a locked position and an open position. When the electronic card is not inserted, the locking member is in the locked position. After the electronic card is inserted, the locking member returns from the open position to the locked position, and the electronic card presses against the slider. The elastic member provides elastic force, causing the locking member to move toward the locked position.

[0005] In this application, the elastic element provides elasticity to the locking element, so that the locking element remains in the locked position whether the electronic card is not inserted into the card slot or when the electronic card is inserted into the card slot. This allows the locking element to press at least part of the electronic card against the insulating body and remain in the state of pressing the electronic card, thereby enabling the electronic card to be stably inserted and engaged with the card slot.

[0006] When removing an electronic card, if both ends of the card are evenly stressed, the locking mechanism and sliding mechanism can synchronously drive the linkage to move relative to the side wall until the card is removed from the slot. If only one end of the card is stressed, the unstressed end will tilt and press against the sliding mechanism or part of the locking mechanism against the insulating body, causing the sliding mechanism or locking mechanism to jam and become immobile. In this case, the linkage mechanism uses linkage constraint to lock the locking mechanism and sliding mechanism together, meaning that neither the locking mechanism nor the sliding mechanism can move relative to the side wall, thus locking the electronic card in the slot. This prevents accidental card release due to accidental activation or asymmetrical card removal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the slider can move back and forth upwards; the latch can move back and forth tilted to the upper right.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking member includes a movable part and a locking part. The movable part is movable along the insulating body and connected to the right end of the linkage member. The locking part is connected to the movable part. The side wall is provided with a first guide groove that extends obliquely to the upper right. The linkage member is provided with a first limiting groove that extends vertically. The movable part is provided with a first connecting shaft. The first connecting shaft passes through the first guide groove and the first limiting groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the latching portion includes a downwardly extending protrusion, and the movable portion is provided with a through groove; the latching assembly includes a first spring received in the through groove; the protrusion is received in the through groove and is actuated by the first spring to move to the left, thereby causing the latching portion to move to the left and return to the locked position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sidewall is provided with a second guide groove extending vertically, the slider is provided with a second connecting shaft, the linkage is provided with a second limiting groove extending obliquely to the upper left, and the second connecting shaft passes through the second guide groove and the second limiting groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the linkage is movably disposed on the side wall, and the elastic element is configured as a second spring; the second spring is disposed at the left end of the insulating body, and its left end presses against the left end of the linkage to provide elasticity, causing the linkage to move to the left.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sidewall is provided with a first guide groove extending obliquely upward to the right, the linkage is provided with a hole-shaped first limiting groove, and the moving part is provided with a first connecting shaft; the first connecting shaft passes through the first guide groove and the first limiting groove; the sidewall is provided with a second guide groove extending vertically, the slider is provided with a second connecting shaft, the slider is provided with a second limiting groove extending to the right, and the second connecting shaft passes through the second guide groove and the second limiting groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elastic element is configured as a spring arm that extends obliquely to the upper right from the linkage element, and the spring arm abuts against the insulating body to generate elasticity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the latching portion has a downward-facing latching surface, and a guide surface that slopes upward to the right is provided on the left side of the latching surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sidewall is provided with longitudinal ribs, and the linkage is provided with longitudinal slots. The longitudinal ribs are inserted into the longitudinal slots and guide the linkage to move.

[0016] In some embodiments, two linkages are connected between the locking element and the sliding element, and the two linkages are respectively located on opposite sides of the insulating body. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector and electronic card in the first embodiment of this application when they are not connected.

[0018] Figure 2 yesFigure 1 A 3D view of the CEC connector when inserting an electronic card, with the outer casing removed.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded 3D view of CEC connectors.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connector along point AA, with the locking assembly in the locked position.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the process of inserting or removing an electronic card from the electrical connector, with the locking assembly in the open position.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the electronic card inserted into the electrical connector, with the locking assembly in the locked position.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A 3D view of the CEC connector with its housing removed.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Exploded 3D view of CEC connectors.

[0026] Explanation of main component symbols 100. Electrical connector; 10. Insulating body; 11. Side wall; 111. Longitudinal rib; 101. Slot; 102. First guide groove; 103. Second guide groove; 20. Locking assembly; 21. Slider; 211. Second connecting shaft; 22. Locking member; 221. Moving part; 2211. First connecting shaft; 2212. Through groove; 222. Locking part; 2221. Holding surface; 2222. Guide surface; 223. Protrusion; 23. Linkage member; 231. First limiting groove; 232. Second limiting groove; 233. Longitudinal groove; 24. Elastic member; 241. Second spring; 242. Spring arm; 25. First spring; 30. Housing; 200. Electronic card; 210. Main body; 220. Conductive part; 230. Positioning part. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this application to achieve the intended purpose, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, is provided. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0029] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described below can be combined with each other.

[0030] Figures 1 to 6 In a first embodiment of this application, an electrical connector 100 is provided, including a longitudinally elongated insulating body 10 extending in a left-right direction and a locking assembly 20 disposed on the insulating body 10. A metal shell 30 is provided on the outer side of a portion of the insulating body 10 and a portion of the locking assembly 20 for protection.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The insulating body 10 includes two elongated sidewalls 11 and a slot 101 disposed between the two sidewalls 11. The slot 101 allows an electronic card 200 to be inserted downwards, so that the electronic card 200 can be electrically connected to the electrical connector 100. Exemplarily, the electronic card 200 includes a main body 210, a conductive part 220 connected to the main body 210, and a positioning part 230 disposed on the main body 210. Holding the main body 210 can drive the conductive part 220 to be inserted into or removed from the slot 101. The positioning part 230 is disposed on one side of the conductive part 220 and is recessed inwards. Specifically, the positioning part 230 is a U-shaped groove, and the electronic card 200 is a graphics card, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 The locking assembly 20 includes a slide member 21, a locking member 22, a linkage member 23 connecting the slide member 21 and the locking member 22, and an elastic member 24. The slide member 21 is located at the left end of the insulating body 10 and is movably disposed within the card slot 101. The locking member 22 is located at the right end of the insulating body 10 and can move relative to the insulating body 10 to lock or unlock the electronic card 200. The linkage member 23 is movably connected to the insulating body 10. In this application, left and right ends refer to relative positions.

[0033] Please combine Figures 4 to 6 The locking element 22 moves between a locked position and an open position. When the electronic card 200 is not inserted, the locking element 22 is in the locked position (see...). Figure 4 When the locking assembly 20 is moved to the open position by external force, the locking member 22 moves and avoids the electronic card 200, at which point the electronic card 200 can be inserted into the card slot 101 (see...). Figure 5 After the electronic card 200 is inserted, the locking element 22 returns from the open position to the locked position, and the electronic card 200 presses against part of the sliding element 21 (see...). Figure 6And part of the locking assembly 22. Understandably, during the process of removing the electronic card 200 from the card slot 101, the electronic card 200 can drive the locking assembly 20 to the open position (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0034] The elastic element 24 provides elastic force, causing the locking element 22 to move towards the locked position and remain in the locked position without external force. That is, the locking element 22 is in the locked position whether the electronic card 200 is not inserted into the card slot 101 or when the electronic card 200 is inserted into the card slot 101. This allows the locking element 22 to press at least a portion of the electronic card 200 against the insulating body 10 and remain in the state of pressing the electronic card 200, thereby ensuring a stable insertion and engagement between the electronic card 200 and the card slot 101. Specifically, when the electronic card 200 is inserted into the card slot 101 and the locking element 22 is in the locked position, the locking element 22 is partially inserted into the positioning part 230 to lock the electronic card 200. When the locking element 22 is in the open position, the locking element 22 retracts from the positioning part 230, allowing the electronic card 200 to freely enter and exit the card slot 101.

[0035] When the electrical connector 100 is not subjected to external force and the electronic card 200 is not inserted, the elastic member 24 provides elastic force to the locking member 22, keeping the locking member 22 in the locked position. When the external force drives the locking member 22 to the card-punching position, the electronic card 200 can be inserted into the card slot 101. After the electronic card 200 is inserted, the elastic member 24 causes the locking member 22 to return to the locked position, that is, the locking member 22 can press at least part of the electronic card 200 against the insulating body 10 and remain in the state of pressing the electronic card 200, thereby making the electronic card 200 stably inserted and engaged with the card slot 101.

[0036] When removing the electronic card 200, if both ends of the electronic card 200 are subjected to uniform force, the locking element 22 and the sliding element 21 can synchronously drive the linkage element 23 to move relative to the side wall 11 until the electronic card 200 is removed from the card slot 101. If only one end of the electronic card 200 is subjected to force, the unforced end of the electronic card 200 will tilt and press against the sliding element 21 or the locking element 22 against the insulating body 10, causing the sliding element 21 or the locking element 22 to jam and be unable to move. At this time, the linkage element 23 locks the locking element 22 and the sliding element 21 together through linkage constraint, that is, neither the locking element 22 nor the sliding element 21 can move relative to the side wall 11, thereby locking the electronic card 200 in the card slot 101. This can prevent accidental contact of the electronic card 200 or accidental release of the electronic card 200 due to asymmetrical card removal, reducing the risk of accidental removal of the electronic card 200.

[0037] Please see Figures 3 to 6 The locking element 22 can tilt and move back and forth along the upper right to switch between the locked and unlocked positions, facilitating its cooperation with the positioning part 230 to lock and unlock the electronic card 200. When the locking element 22 moves, the sliding element 21 can move back and forth upward under the action of the linkage 23.

[0038] In some embodiments, the locking member 22 includes a movable part 221 and a locking part 222. The movable part 221 is tilted back and forth along the upper right side of the insulating body 10 and is connected to the right end of the linkage member 23. The locking part 222 is connected to the movable part 221 so as to move together with the movable part 221 when the movable part 221 moves along the insulating body 10. The locking part 222 is used to insert the positioning part 230 and press the electronic card 200 into the card slot 101 to lock the electronic card 200 into the card slot 101.

[0039] For example, the right end of the sidewall 11 is provided with a first guide groove 102 extending obliquely upward to the right, and the left end of the sidewall 11 is provided with a second guide groove 103 extending vertically. The moving part 221 is provided with a first connecting shaft 2211, which passes through the first guide groove 102, so that the first guide groove 102 can guide the moving part 221 to move back and forth obliquely upward to the right along with the locking part 222. The slider 21 is provided with a second connecting shaft 211, which passes through the second guide groove 103, so that the second guide groove 103 can guide the slider 21 to move up and down back and forth.

[0040] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the electronic card 200 is inserted into the card slot 101, the left end of the electronic card 200 presses against the sliding member 21, and the right end of the electronic card 200 presses against the moving part 221, until the sliding member 21 and the moving part 221 move to the bottom of the insulating body 10, at which point the electronic card 200 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 100. During the process of removing the electronic card 200 from the card slot 101, if the left end of the electronic card 200 is subjected to force, the right end of the electronic card 200 remains in the state of pressing against the moving part 221 against the insulating body 10. At this time, the moving part 221 cannot move along the first guide groove 102, that is, the locking member 22 cannot move relative to the side wall 11. If the right end of the electronic card 200 is subjected to force, the left end of the electronic card 200 remains in the state of pressing against the sliding member 21 against the insulating body 10. At this time, the sliding member 21 cannot move along the second guide groove 103, that is, the sliding member 21 cannot move relative to the side wall 11. Thus, if the movement of either the moving part 221 or the sliding part 21 is obstructed relative to the side wall 11, the linkage 23 will prevent the movement of the other part through the connection relationship, thereby making the moving part 221 and the sliding part 21 enter a mutually locked state, that is, neither the moving part 221 nor the sliding part 21 can move relative to the side wall 11, and the electronic card 200 is locked in the card slot 101 by the locking part 222.

[0041] In some embodiments, the movable part 221 is provided with a through groove 2212, the through groove 2212 contains a first spring 25, and the locking part 222 includes a downwardly extending protrusion 223, the protrusion 223 is accommodated in the through groove 2212 and is actuated by the first spring 25 to move to the left, thereby causing the locking part 222 to move to the left and return to the locked position.

[0042] Understandably, when an external force is applied to the locking part 222, the locking part 222 moves to the right along the through groove 2212, compressing the first spring 25. At this time, the locking part 222 is far from the positioning part 230, which can better prevent the electronic card 200 from being inserted into the card slot 101. At the same time, the locking part 222 will drive the moving part 221 to move along the first guide groove 102, so that the locking part 22 is in the open position. When the external force disappears, the first spring 25 rebounds, causing the locking part 222 to insert into the positioning part 230 to the left, thereby locking the electronic card 200.

[0043] For example, the locking part 222 has a downward-facing holding surface 2221, and a guide surface 2222 inclined to the upper right on the left side of the holding surface 2221. When the locking part 222 is inserted into the positioning part 230, the holding surface 2221 can press against the inner wall of the locking part 222 to press the electronic card 200 into the card slot 101. During the process of pulling the electronic card 200 out of the card slot 101, the guide surface 2222 remains in contact with the right end face of the electronic card 200, so that the electronic card 200 moves smoothly, thereby guiding the positioning part 230 to smoothly disengage from the locking part 222.

[0044] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The right end of the linkage 23 is provided with a first limiting groove 231 extending vertically, and the first connecting shaft 2211 passes through the first guide groove 102 and then through the first limiting groove 231. The left end of the linkage 23 is provided with a second limiting groove 232 extending obliquely upward to the left, and the second connecting shaft 211 passes through the second guide groove 103 and then through the second limiting groove 232. When the locking member 22 moves obliquely upward to the right, the linkage 23 moves to the right, and the sliding member 21 moves upward; conversely, when the locking member 22 moves obliquely downward to the left, the linkage 23 moves to the left, and the sliding member 21 moves downward. Thus, when either the sliding member 21 or the moving part 221 cannot move, the linkage 23 can prevent the other from moving through the connection relationship.

[0045] In some embodiments, the linkage 23 is movably disposed on the side wall 11, the side wall 11 is provided with a longitudinal rib 111, and the linkage 23 is provided with a longitudinal groove 233, the longitudinal rib 111 being inserted into the longitudinal groove 233. The longitudinal groove 233 extends to the left, and the upper and lower side walls 11 of the longitudinal groove 233 respectively abut against the upper and lower sides of the longitudinal rib 111, allowing the longitudinal rib 111 and the longitudinal groove 233 to move relative to each other in the left-right direction, thereby guiding the linkage 23 to move left and right relative to the side wall 11.

[0046] Furthermore, a guide groove is provided on the side wall 11, and the linkage 23 is movably disposed in the guide groove. The upper and lower inner walls of the guide groove abut against the upper and lower sides of the linkage 23 respectively to restrict the left and right movement of the linkage 23.

[0047] In some embodiments, two linkage members 23 are connected between the locking member 22 and the sliding member 21. The two linkage members 23 are respectively located on opposite sides of the insulating body 10, that is, one side wall 11 is connected to one linkage member 23, so that the connection between the locking member 22 and the sliding member 21 is more stable.

[0048] Please see Figures 3 to 6 The elastic element 24 is configured as a second spring 241, which is located at the left end of the insulating body 10. Its right end is fixed to the left end of the insulating body 10, and its left end presses against the left end of the linkage element 23 to provide elasticity, causing the linkage element 23 to move to the left, thereby causing the locking element 22 to move toward or remain in the locked position. When the locking element 22 is in the open position, the second spring 241 is elastically compressed.

[0049] Figures 7 to 9 This is the second embodiment of the present application, and its structure is generally the same as that of the first embodiment, using the same element symbols. The main differences are described below.

[0050] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first limiting groove 231 is hole-shaped. The first connecting shaft 2211 passes through the first limiting groove 231 and can drive the linkage 23 to move together with the moving part 221 in the same direction. The second limiting groove 232 extends to the right. When the locking member 22 moves tilted to the upper right, the linkage 23 moves tilted to the upper right, and the slider 21 moves upward; conversely, when the locking member 22 moves tilted to the lower left, the linkage 23 moves tilted to the lower left, and the slider 21 moves downward. In this way, when either the slider 21 or the moving part 221 cannot move, the linkage 23 can prevent the other from moving through the connection relationship.

[0051] Furthermore, the longitudinal groove 233 extends obliquely upward to the right, and the left and right side walls 11 of the longitudinal groove 233 abut against the left and right sides of the longitudinal rib 111 respectively, so that the longitudinal rib 111 and the longitudinal groove 233 can move back and forth obliquely upward to the left, thereby guiding the linkage 23 to move back and forth obliquely upward to the left relative to the side wall 11.

[0052] Furthermore, the elastic element 24 is configured as a spring arm 242 extending obliquely to the upper right from the linkage element 23. The spring arm 242 abuts against the insulating body 10 to generate elasticity, causing the linkage element 23 to move to the lower left, thereby causing the locking element 22 to move toward or remain in the locked position. When the locking element 22 is in the open position, the elastic element 24 is elastically compressed.

[0053] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of this application's disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising a longitudinally elongated insulating body extending in a left-right direction, and a locking assembly disposed on the insulating body; the insulating body includes two longitudinally elongated sidewalls and a slot disposed between the two sidewalls, the slot allowing an electronic card to be inserted downwards; Its features are, The locking assembly includes a sliding member, a locking member, a linkage member connecting the sliding member and the locking member, and an elastic member; the sliding member is located at the left end of the insulating body and is movably disposed in the slot, and the locking member is located at the right end of the insulating body; The locking member moves between a locked position and an open position. When the electronic card is not inserted, the locking member is in the locked position. After the electronic card is inserted, the locking member returns from the open position to the locked position, and the electronic card presses against the slider. The elastic element provides elastic force, causing the locking element to move toward the locked position.

2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The slider can move back and forth upwards; the locking element can move back and forth tilted to the upper right.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking component includes a movable part and a locking part. The movable part is movable along the insulating body and is connected to the right end of the linkage component. The locking part is connected to the movable part. The side wall is provided with a first guide groove that extends obliquely upward to the right, the linkage is provided with a first limiting groove that extends vertically, and the moving part is provided with a first connecting shaft; the first connecting shaft passes through the first guide groove and the first limiting groove.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The locking part includes a downwardly extending protrusion, and the moving part is provided with a through groove; The locking assembly includes a first spring disposed within the through slot; The protrusion is accommodated in the through groove and is actuated to the left by the first spring, thereby causing the latch to move to the left and return to the locked position.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The side wall is provided with a second guide groove extending vertically, the slider is provided with a second connecting shaft, and the linkage is provided with a second limiting groove extending obliquely to the upper left. The second connecting shaft passes through the second guide groove and the second limiting groove.

6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage component is movably disposed on the side wall, and the elastic component is configured as a second spring; The second spring is disposed at the left end of the insulating body, and its left end presses against the left end of the linkage to provide elasticity, causing the linkage to move to the left.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sidewall is provided with a first guide groove that extends obliquely upward to the right, the linkage is provided with a hole-shaped first limiting groove, and the moving part is provided with a first connecting shaft; the first connecting shaft passes through the first guide groove and the first limiting groove. The side wall is provided with a second guide groove extending vertically, the slider is provided with a second connecting shaft, the slider is provided with a second limiting groove extending to the right, and the second connecting shaft passes through the second guide groove and the second limiting groove.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic element is configured as a spring arm extending obliquely to the upper right from the linkage element, and the spring arm abuts against the insulating body to generate elasticity.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The locking part has a downward-facing fastening surface, and the left side of the fastening surface has a guide surface that slopes upward to the right.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall is provided with longitudinal ribs, and the linkage is provided with longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal ribs are inserted into the longitudinal grooves and guide the linkage to move.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 or 10, characterized in that, Two linkage components are connected between the locking component and the sliding component, and the two linkage components are respectively located on opposite sides of the insulating body.

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