A board-to-wire waterproof connector
By using an embedded design and a double-layer waterproof barrier board-to-wire through-hole waterproof connector, the problems of large space occupation, poor contact reliability, and inconsistent waterproof performance of connectors in high-density, miniaturized, and vibration environments are solved, achieving improved reliability and waterproof performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522378282.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing board-to-wire connectors suffer from problems such as large space occupation, poor contact reliability, and inconsistent waterproof performance in high-density, miniaturized, and vibration environments.
A board-to-wire through-hole waterproof connector was designed. It adopts an embedded structure to house the electrical connection interface within a cylindrical bottom shell. A double waterproof barrier is formed by a waterproof ring and a tail waterproof structure. The vibration energy transmission path is changed to reduce rigid transmission and introduce buffering and absorption.
It achieves a high-density, miniaturized connector design, improves contact reliability and waterproof performance, extends service life, and solves the problems of contact failure and waterproof cracking under vibration environment.
Smart Images
Figure CN224947040U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical connector technology, specifically to a board-to-wire through-hole waterproof connector with waterproof and vibration-resistant functions and a compact structure. Background Technology
[0002] In complex operating environments such as industrial control, automotive electronics, outdoor equipment, and communication base stations, electronic devices often require reliable electrical connections to printed circuit boards (PCBs) via cables. These connections must not only withstand environmental challenges such as humidity and water exposure, but also endure long-term or high-intensity mechanical vibrations. Board-to-wire connectors are key components for achieving these connections, and their performance and reliability directly affect the stability and lifespan of the entire electronic system.
[0003] Currently, the typical structure of common board-to-wire connectors on the market usually includes a board-side socket (female) fixed on the PCB board and a wire-side plug (male) at the end of the cable. During assembly, the wire-side plug is directly inserted into the board-side socket, and the two are directly fixed and locked together by means of clips, screws, and other structures, thereby completing the transmission of signals or power.
[0004] However, this traditional direct interlocking fixing method has the following significant drawbacks:
[0005] (1) The mating area of the board-end socket and the wire-end plug, as well as the fixing structure, are completely exposed outside the PCB board, requiring a large horizontal installation space. This constitutes a design limitation for modern electronic devices that are increasingly pursuing high density and miniaturized integration.
[0006] (2) In a vibrating environment, there is a direct and rigid force transmission path between the male and female terminals of the connector. Vibration energy will directly act on the contact points of the terminals, causing minute relative motion (fretting friction) between the male and female terminals. Under long-term action, this fretting friction will wear down the plating on the terminal surface, resulting in increased contact resistance, decreased signal transmission quality, and even electrical sparks or connection interruptions, which will seriously shorten the service life of the connector.
[0007] (3) Although some existing connectors attempt to add a separate waterproof ring, in the above direct mating structure, the placement space and compression method of the waterproof ring are often limited, and its vibration reduction effect is not effectively utilized. At the same time, waterproofing at the cable entry point (tail waterproofing) and waterproofing at the mating interface (radial waterproofing) are usually treated as two independent issues, lacking an integrated, synergistic waterproofing structure. Utility Model Content
[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a waterproof board-to-wire through-hole connector with waterproof and vibration-resistant functions and a compact structure.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:
[0010] A board-to-wire through-hole waterproof connector includes a male end assembly comprising a plug body, a wire terminal disposed within the plug body, a waterproof ring sleeved on the front of the plug body, and a tail waterproof structure disposed at the rear of the plug body; and a female end assembly comprising a socket for fixing to a PCB board, and a cylindrical bottom shell fixed to the PCB board and surrounding the socket; the plug body can be axially inserted from outside the bottom shell and fixed to the bottom shell by a connecting structure, such that the front end of the plug body extends into the bottom shell and connects with the socket, while the waterproof ring is compressed between the inner wall of the plug body and the bottom shell, forming a first waterproof barrier; the tail waterproof structure is used to seal the cable passing through the plug body, forming a second waterproof barrier.
[0011] Furthermore, the tail waterproof structure includes an elastic seal and a compression tail. The elastic seal is disposed in the cavity at the tail end of the plug body, and has a wire hole at its center for the cable to pass through tightly. The compression tail cap is connected to the tail of the plug body and compresses the elastic seal axially, causing it to expand radially and thus hold the cable tightly.
[0012] Furthermore, the elastic seal is a cylindrical rubber pad with at least one annular protrusion on its outer wall, which is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the cavity at the tail end of the plug body.
[0013] Furthermore, the connection structure is a snap-fit buckle that engages with a slot on the outer wall of the plug body and the outer wall of the bottom shell.
[0014] Furthermore, the plug body is also provided with a terminal positioning groove for fixing and correcting the insertion position of the wire end terminal.
[0015] Furthermore, the internal space of the bottom shell is configured to accommodate the plug body and the socket's mating connection portion, such that the entire electrical connection interface is located within the protective space of the bottom shell.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:
[0017] (1) This application fixes the female socket to the PCB board and provides a cylindrical bottom shell around it. The male plug body is inserted into the bottom shell from the outside axially to mate with the socket, so that the entire electrical connection interface is completely contained within the protective space of the bottom shell. This "embedded" docking method greatly reduces the space occupied by the connector in the plane (lateral) of the PCB board, which is conducive to the development of modern electronic devices towards high density and miniaturization.
[0018] (2) This application shifts the fixing point of the connector from the traditional direct mating and locking of the male and female ends to the space between the male plug body and the bottom shell fixed on the PCB board. This structure introduces a buffer / isolation structure (i.e., the fit between the compressed waterproof ring and the inner wall of the bottom shell) between the plug and the socket, effectively cutting off the direct rigid transmission path of vibration from the cable end to the mating interface of the PCB board end. Before the vibration energy is transmitted to the PCB board, it is first absorbed and attenuated by the bottom shell structure and the compressed waterproof ring, which significantly reduces the vibration amplitude and frequency acting on the contact point of the male and female terminals, thereby greatly alleviating the problems of terminal plating wear and increased contact resistance caused by fretting friction, and extending the service life and contact reliability of the connector in the vibration environment.
[0019] (3) When the plug body is inserted into the bottom shell, the waterproof ring is compressed between the outer wall of the plug and the inner wall of the bottom shell, forming a reliable first radial waterproof barrier, effectively preventing external liquid from entering from the docking interface. The tail waterproof structure forms a reliable second tail waterproof barrier by axially pressing the elastic seal with the tail cap, causing it to expand radially and hug the cable, preventing liquid from seeping in along the cable. These two waterproof barriers together constitute a sealing system that echoes each other and provides coordinated protection, completely isolating the entire electrical connection part in a dry cavity composed of the bottom shell and the seal, achieving a higher level (such as IP67 and above) of integrated waterproof protection, and solving the problem of the disconnect between the waterproofing of the docking interface and the waterproofing of the cable inlet in the prior art, resulting in limited protection effect.
[0020] (4) The terminal positioning groove ensures the precise fixation of the wire terminal within the plug body, guaranteeing the accuracy and stability of the mating with the socket terminal. The tail waterproof structure uses axial compression to achieve radial sealing, providing reliable sealing and easy assembly. The connection structure makes the connection and fixing operation between the male end and the bottom shell simple and quick, while providing a strong locking force to prevent accidental loosening due to vibration or other reasons. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the male and female components before they are inserted, according to an embodiment of this application.
[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure after the male terminal component and the female terminal component are inserted according to an embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the male and female components before they are inserted, according to an embodiment of this application.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the male and female components after they have been interlocked according to an embodiment of this application.
[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0026] 1. Male terminal component; 2. Female terminal component;
[0027] 11. Plug body; 12. Wire end terminal; 13. Waterproof ring; 14. Waterproof tail structure; 15. Connection structure;
[0028] 21. PCB board; 22. Socket; 23. Base shell;
[0029] 141. Elastic seal; 142. Compression tail;
[0030] 1411. Annular protrusions; Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In particular, the understanding of the term "upper" following a noun in the claims should be understood as meaning that the entire inner and outer surfaces of the structure referred to by the noun conform to the definition of "upper."
[0033] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, describes the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects provided in this application.
[0034] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a board-to-wire through-hole waterproof connector includes a male terminal assembly and a female terminal assembly. The male terminal assembly includes a plug body, a wire terminal disposed within the plug body, a waterproof ring sleeved on the front of the plug body, and a tail waterproof structure disposed at the rear of the plug body. The female terminal assembly includes a socket for fixing to a PCB board and a cylindrical bottom shell fixed to the PCB board and surrounding the socket. The plug body can be inserted axially from outside the bottom shell and fixed to the bottom shell by a connecting structure, so that the front end of the plug body extends into the bottom shell and connects with the socket. At the same time, the waterproof ring is compressed between the inner wall of the plug body and the bottom shell, forming a first waterproof barrier. The tail waterproof structure is used to seal the cable passing through the plug body, forming a second waterproof barrier.
[0035] like Figure 3As shown, the tail waterproof structure includes an elastic seal and a compression tail. The elastic seal is located in the cavity at the tail end of the plug body, and its center has a wire hole for the cable to pass through tightly. The compression tail cover is connected to the tail of the plug body and compresses the elastic seal axially, causing it to expand radially and thus hold the cable tightly.
[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the elastic seal is a cylindrical rubber pad with at least one annular protrusion on its outer wall, which is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the cavity at the tail end of the plug body.
[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the connection structure is a snap-fit buckle with a slotted engagement on the outer wall of the plug body and the outer wall of the bottom shell.
[0038] In one embodiment, the plug body is further provided with a terminal positioning groove for fixing and correcting the insertion position of the wire end terminal.
[0039] In one embodiment, the interior space of the bottom shell is configured to accommodate the plug body and the socket's mating connection portion, such that the entire electrical connection interface is located within the protective space of the bottom shell.
[0040] The working principle of this application is as follows:
[0041] First, the female socket is fixed to a pre-set via or pad on the PCB board via soldering or surface mounting. Then, the cylindrical base shell is wrapped around the socket and soldered or secured to the PCB board via its mounting feet. At this point, the socket is completely enclosed within the base shell, and its electrical contact interface is protected by the side walls and top of the base shell.
[0042] Pass the cable through the tail cap and tail seal sequentially from the tail end, then crimp or solder the cable conductors to the terminal blocks. Next, insert the terminal blocks into the tail end of the plug body until they are accurately locked in place by the terminal positioning groove, ensuring that the terminal block is precisely aligned with the socket on the female connector. Finally, place the waterproof ring into the designated annular groove at the front of the plug body.
[0043] Align the assembled male connector with the inlet of the base housing and apply axial thrust to insert the front end of the plug body into the base housing. During this process, the waterproof ring at the front of the plug body enters the base housing and forms an interference fit with the inner wall of the base housing, being uniformly compressed to form a tight radial seal. When the plug body is fully inserted, its front wire terminals are fully connected to the female socket on the PCB board. At this point, operate the connection structure (e.g., insert the clips on the outer wall of the plug body into the slots on the outer wall of the base housing) to complete the mechanical locking of the male connector to the base housing.
[0044] As mentioned earlier, the waterproof ring compressed between the plug body and the inner wall of the bottom shell forms the first and outermost waterproof barrier. It effectively prevents external liquids (such as rainwater, condensate, and rinse water) from entering the connector through the radial gap between the male and female housings.
[0045] Inside the male connector assembly, the tail-end waterproof structure operates independently. When the tail cap is tightened, it applies axial pressure to the resilient seal (such as a cylindrical rubber gasket). This pressure forces the resilient seal to undergo axial compression and radial expansion. The radial expansion causes the annular protrusion on its outer wall to fit more tightly against the inner wall of the tail-end cavity of the plug body, and also causes the center hole to tightly grip the cable sheath, thus achieving a double seal for both the housing and the cable, forming a second waterproof barrier. These two barriers together enclose the entire electrical connection area (socket, terminal mating area) within a dry, sealed cavity composed of the bottom shell and various seals.
[0046] This application alters the force transmission path. In traditional connectors, vibration is directly transmitted to the male terminal via the cable, and the male and female terminals are rigidly connected, with vibration energy acting on the terminal contact points without any buffering. In this application, after the vibration energy is transmitted from the cable to the male connector body, it first needs to be transmitted to the back shell through a connection structure (such as a snap-fit), and then to the PCB board through the back shell. This transmission path introduces two key buffering elements: the back shell, as a relatively independent structure fixed to the PCB, has a certain rigidity and mass, which can absorb and attenuate some of the vibration energy. The compressed waterproof ring not only serves as a seal, but its elastomer material itself is a highly efficient vibration damper. It fills the space between the connector body and the back shell, effectively buffering and absorbing high-frequency micro-amplitude vibrations between the connector body and the back shell.
[0047] This structure significantly reduces the vibration transmitted to the contact interface between the female socket and the male terminal, thereby significantly reducing the minute relative motion (i.e., fretting) between the male and female terminals caused by vibration. This fundamentally suppresses electrical contact failure caused by fretting friction and greatly improves the long-term reliability of the connector in a vibration environment.
[0048] In summary, this connector, through its structural design, cleverly integrates functions such as connection fixation, interface sealing, tail sealing, and vibration damping into a compact axial space. The components work together to achieve a highly reliable connection.
[0049] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and substitutions without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A board-to-wire waterproof connector, characterized in that: include The male terminal assembly includes a plug body, a wire terminal disposed within the plug body, a waterproof ring sleeved on the front of the plug body, and a tail waterproof structure disposed at the rear of the plug body. The female end assembly includes a socket for fixing to a PCB board and a cylindrical bottom shell fixed to the PCB board and surrounding the socket; the plug body can be inserted axially from the outside of the bottom shell and fixed to the bottom shell by a connecting structure, such that the front end of the plug body extends into the inside of the bottom shell and is plugged into the socket, while the waterproof ring is compressed between the plug body and the inner wall of the bottom shell to form a first waterproof barrier. The tail waterproof structure is used to seal the cable that passes through the plug body, forming a second waterproof barrier.
2. A board-to-board waterproof connector with a through-hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tail waterproof structure includes an elastic seal and a compression tail. The elastic seal is disposed in the cavity at the tail end of the plug body, and has a wire hole in the center for the cable to pass through tightly. The compression tail cover is connected to the tail end of the plug body and compresses the elastic seal axially, causing it to expand radially and thus hold the cable tightly.
3. A board-to-board waterproof connector with a through-hole according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic seal is a cylindrical rubber pad with at least one annular protrusion on its outer wall, which is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the cavity at the tail end of the plug body.
4. A board-to-board waterproof connector with a through-hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection structure is a snap-fit buckle that engages with a slot on the outer wall of the plug body and the outer wall of the bottom shell.
5. A board-to-board waterproof connector with a through-hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug body is also provided with a terminal positioning groove for fixing and correcting the insertion position of the wire end terminal.
6. A board-to-board waterproof connector with a through-hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interior space of the bottom shell is configured to accommodate the plug body and the socket's mating connection portion, such that the entire electrical connection interface is located within the protective space of the bottom shell.