Connectors

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector. The connector comprises: a housing (3) provided with several first connection slots (31) arranged and spaced apart in its transverse direction (X); several first terminals (1) each inserted into the several first connection slots (31); and a top cover (4) installed on the upper side of the housing (3). The top cover (4) is rotatably connected to several first terminals (1) so that the top cover (4) can be opened and closed by rotating it. In this way, the first terminal can prevent the top cover from falling off the housing due to vibration.Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the upper cover can exert a predetermined pressing force on the inserted circuit board, ensuring a reliable electrical contact between the circuit board and the second terminal of the connector, and thereby ensuring that no poor contact occurs between the second terminal and the circuit board in a vibrating environment.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN 202310696584.X, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on June 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background of the inventionField of invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector. State of the art

[0003] A connector typically includes a housing, terminals, and a top cover. The terminals are installed inside the housing. The top cover is installed on the top side of the housing. The prior art does not impose any specific requirements or restrictions on the top cover. Furthermore, the top cover and terminals are separate, and the top cover cannot exert any pressing force on an inserted circuit board, so the terminals can only rely on their own elastic force to make electrical contact with the inserted circuit board. Therefore, when prior art connectors are used in vibration environments, the top cover is prone to peeling off, and poor contact between the terminal and the circuit board is also likely to occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to eliminate or mitigate at least one aspect of the disadvantages described above.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing provided with a plurality of first terminal slots arranged and spaced apart in its transverse direction; a plurality of first terminals each inserted into the plurality of first terminal slots; and a top cover installed on the top side of the housing. The top cover is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals, so that the top cover can be rotatably opened and closed.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing also has a plurality of second terminal slots arranged and spaced apart in the transverse direction, and the connector further includes a plurality of second terminals each inserted into the plurality of second terminal slots.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a circuit board slot for inserting a circuit board is also formed in the housing, wherein the circuit board slot extends in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction of the housing and is connected to a plurality of first terminal slots and a plurality of second terminal slots.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a printed circuit board inserted into the printed circuit board slot and electrically contacting a plurality of first terminals and a plurality of second terminals.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board is a flexible circuit board.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of openings connected to the circuit board slot are formed on the top wall of the housing, and a plurality of protrusions are formed on the top cover corresponding to the plurality of openings. When the top cover is closed, the protrusion is inserted into the opening and is capable of exerting a predetermined pressing force on the circuit board to ensure reliable electrical contact between the circuit board and the second terminals.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first terminal slots and the plurality of second terminal slots are arranged in a row along the transverse direction of the housing. The first terminal slot and the second terminal slot extend along the longitudinal direction and the height direction of the housing.

[0012] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one second connection slot is provided between two adjacent first connection slots, so that at least one second connection is provided between two adjacent first connections.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal includes a connecting part exposed from the top wall of the housing and rotatably connected to one side of the top cover.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a C-shaped snap slot is formed on the connecting part, and an insertion slot is formed on one side of the top cover, wherein the top cover has a pivot shaft connected between a pair of inner walls of the insertion slot. The connecting part is inserted into the insertion slot of the top cover, and the pivot shaft rotatably engages the C-shaped snap slot, allowing the top cover to rotate about the center axis of the pivot shaft.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal further comprises: a first fixing portion fixed in the first terminal slot; and a projecting portion connected to the first fixing portion and extending into the first terminal slot. A contact protrusion is formed at the end of the projecting portion and is used for electrical contact with the circuit board.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing part includes: an upper support arm; a lower support arm; and a connecting arm connected between the rear ends of the upper support arm and the lower support arm. The connecting part is connected to the front end of the upper support arm.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal comprises: a second fixing portion fixed in the second terminal slot; and a first projecting portion connected to the second fixing portion and extending into the second terminal slot. A first electrical contact is formed on the first projecting portion, the first electrical contact being used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal further comprises a second projecting portion connected to the second fixing portion and extending into the second terminal slot. A second electrical contact is formed on the second projecting portion and is used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the first projecting part is arranged below the second projecting part.

[0020] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top cover comprises: a cover plate; and a resilient clasp formed on the cover plate. A snap slot is formed on the housing for engagement with the resilient clasp to lock the top cover in a closed position.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate has a first side and a second side opposite each other in the width direction. The first side of the cover plate is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals, and the elastic buckle is formed on the second side of the cover plate.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic clasp includes a first elastic clasp located at a central position in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The snap slot includes a first snap slot located at a central position in the transverse direction of the housing and used for engagement with the first elastic clasp.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic clasp further comprises a pair of second elastic clasps, each arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The snap slot further comprises a pair of second snap slots, each arranged at both ends in the transverse direction of the housing for engagement with the pair of second elastic clasps.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal is a ground terminal and the second terminal is a signal terminal.

[0025] In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the top cover is rotatably connected to the first terminal to effectively prevent the top cover from falling off from the housing due to vibration.

[0026] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the top cover may apply a predetermined pressing force to the inserted circuit board, thereby ensuring reliable electrical contact between the circuit board and the second terminal and further ensuring that no poor contact occurs between the second terminal and the circuit board in a vibration environment. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover in an open position. Fig. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover in a closed position. Fig. 3 is an explanatory front perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover in a closed position, Fig. 4 is an explanatory exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover separated from the housing. Fig. 5 is an explanatory exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover and terminals separated from the housing. Fig. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of the first terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the second terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the first terminal with the top cover in the open position. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the first terminal with the top cover in a closed position. Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the second terminal with the top cover in the open position. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the second terminal with the top cover in a closed position. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The embodiments described herein are intended to clarify the concept of the invention for those skilled in the art.

[0029] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to illustrate the described embodiments. However, it should be understood that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically only to simplify the drawings.

[0030] According to a general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: a housing provided with a plurality of first terminal slots arranged and spaced apart in its transverse direction; a plurality of first terminals each inserted into the plurality of first terminal slots; and a top cover installed on the upper side of the housing. The top cover is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals, so that the top cover can be rotatably opened and closed.

[0031] Fig. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover 4 in the open position. Fig. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover 4 in a closed position. Fig. 3 is an explanatory front perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover 4 in a closed position. Fig. 4 is an explanatory exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top cover 4 is separated from the housing 3. Fig. 5 is an explanatory exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top cover 4 and the terminals 1 and 2 are separated from the housing 3.

[0032] As in Fig. 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector mainly includes: a housing 3, a plurality of first terminals 1, and a top cover 4. A plurality of first terminal slots 31 are formed in the housing 3 and arranged and spaced apart in the transverse direction X of the housing 3. The plurality of first terminals 1 are respectively inserted into the plurality of first terminal slots 31. The top cover 4 is installed on the upper side of the housing 3. The top cover 4 is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals 1, so that the top cover 4 can be rotatably opened and closed.

[0033] Fig. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of the first terminal 1 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an explanatory perspective view of the second terminal 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the first terminal 1 with the top cover 4 in the open position. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the first terminal 1 with the top cover 4 in a closed position. Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the second terminal 2 with the top cover 4 in the open position. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention at the second terminal 2 with the top cover 4 in a closed position.

[0034] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiments shown, a plurality of second terminal slots 32 are also formed in the housing 3, which are arranged and spaced apart in the transverse direction X. The connector also includes a plurality of second terminals 2, each of which is inserted into the plurality of second terminal slots 32.

[0035] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiments shown, a circuit board slot 303 for inserting a circuit board 5 is formed in the housing 3, wherein the circuit board slot 303 extends in the transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3 and is connected to a plurality of first connection slots 31 and a plurality of second connection slots 32.

[0036] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the connector further comprises a printed circuit board 5 that is inserted into the printed circuit board slot 303 and electrically contacts a plurality of first terminals 1 and a plurality of second terminals 2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the printed circuit board 5 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0037] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, a plurality of openings 33 connected to the circuit board slot 303 are formed on the top wall of the housing 3, and a plurality of projections 43 corresponding to the plurality of openings 33 are formed on the top cover 4. When the top cover 4 is closed, the projection 43 is inserted into the opening 33 and is capable of exerting a predetermined pressing force on the circuit board 5 to ensure reliable electrical contact between the circuit board 5 and the second terminals 2.

[0038] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiment shown, a plurality of first connection slots 31 and a plurality of second connection slots 32 are arranged in a row along the transverse direction X of the housing 3. The first connection slot 31 and the second connection slot 32 extend along the longitudinal direction Y and the height direction Z of the housing 3.

[0039] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiments shown, at least one second connection slot 32 is provided between two adjacent first connection slots 31, so that at least one second connection 2 is provided between two adjacent first connections 1.

[0040] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiment shown, the first terminal 1 comprises a connecting part 15 which is exposed from the upper wall of the housing 3 and is rotatably connected to one side of the top cover 4.

[0041] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, a C-shaped snap slot 15c is formed on the connecting part 15. An insertion slot 44 is formed on one side of the top cover 4, and the top cover 4 has a pivot shaft 45 connected between a pair of inner walls of the insertion slot 44. The connecting part 15 is inserted into the insertion slot 44 of the top cover 4, and the pivot shaft 45 rotatably engages the C-shaped snap slot 15c, allowing the top cover 4 to rotate about the center axis of the pivot shaft 45.

[0042] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1 further comprises a first fixing portion 10 and a projecting portion 14. The first fixing portion 10 is fixed in the first terminal slot 31, for example, by a press fit. The projecting portion 14 is connected to the first fixing portion 10 and extends into the first terminal slot 31. A contact protrusion 14a is formed at the end of the projecting portion 14 and is used for electrical contact with the circuit board 5.

[0043] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing part 10 comprises an upper support arm 11, a lower support arm 12, and a connecting arm 13. The connecting arm 13 is connected between the rear ends of the upper support arm 11 and the lower support arm 12. The connecting part 15 is connected to the front end of the upper support arm 11.

[0044] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 2 comprises a second fixing portion 20 and a first projecting portion 21. The second fixing portion 20 is fixed in the second terminal slot 32, for example, by a press fit. The first projecting portion 21 is connected to the second fixing portion 20 and extends into the second terminal slot 32. A first electrical contact 21a is formed on the first projecting portion 21 and is used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board 5.

[0045] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal 2 further comprises a second projecting portion 22 connected to the second fixing portion 20 and extending into the second terminal slot 32. A second electrical contact 22a is formed on the second projecting portion 22 and is used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board 5.

[0046] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the embodiments shown, the first electrical contact 21a and the second electrical contact 22a are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 3 and the first projecting part 21 is arranged below the second projecting part 22.

[0047] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the top cover 4 comprises a cover plate 40 and a resilient clasp 41, 42. The resilient clasp 41, 42 is formed on the cover plate 40. A snap slot 301, 302 is formed on the housing 3 for engagement with the resilient clasp 41, 42 to lock the top cover 4 in a closed position.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the cover plate 40 has a first side and a second side opposite each other in the width direction. The first side of the cover plate 40 is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals 1, and the first clasp 41, 42 is formed on the second side of the cover plate 40.

[0049] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the elastic clasp 41, 42 comprises a first elastic clasp 41 located at a central position in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 40. The snap slot 301, 302 comprises a first snap slot 301 located at a central position in the transverse direction X of the housing 3 and used for engagement with the first elastic clasp 41.

[0050] As in Fig. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the elastic clasps 41, 42 further comprise a pair of second elastic clasps 42, each arranged at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 40. The snap slot 301, 302 also comprises a pair of second snap slots 302, each arranged at the two ends of the transverse direction X of the housing 3 for engagement with the pair of second elastic clasps 42.

[0051] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 1 is the ground terminal, and the second terminal 2 is the signal terminal. The top cover is rotated and connected to the ground terminal, preventing the top cover from falling off the housing due to vibration. Furthermore, the top cover can also exert a predetermined pressing force between the circuit board and the signal terminals, ensuring reliable electrical contact between the circuit board and the signal terminals.

[0052] It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, many modifications to the above-described embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art, and features described for various embodiments may be freely combined without resulting in conflicts of configuration or principle.

[0053] While several exemplary embodiments have been described and shown, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0054] Whenever singular terms are used in this description, they may refer to multiple elements or steps, unless specifically excluded. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention do not exclude the possibility of realizing further embodiments that also include the features mentioned. And unless specifically stated otherwise, embodiments that include one element or a plurality of elements with a particular property may also include other such elements without that property. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202310696584.X

[0001]

Claims

[1] Connectors comprising: a housing (3) provided with a plurality of first connection slots (31) arranged and spaced apart in its transverse direction (X), a plurality of first terminals (1) each inserted into the plurality of first terminal slots (31), and a top cover (4) installed on the upper side of the housing (3), wherein the upper cover (4) is rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals (1) so that the upper cover (4) can be opened and closed in a rotating manner. [2] Connector according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of second connection slots (32) arranged and spaced apart in the transverse direction (X) are also formed in the housing (3), wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of second terminals (2) each inserted into the plurality of second terminal slots (32). [3] Connector according to claim 2, wherein a circuit board slot (303) for inserting a circuit board (5) is also formed in the housing (3), wherein the circuit board slot (303) extends in the transverse direction (X) and the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (3) and is connected to a plurality of first connection slots (31) and a plurality of second connection slots (32). [4] A connector according to claim 3, further comprising: a printed circuit board (5) which is inserted into the printed circuit board slot (303) and electrically contacts a plurality of first terminals (1) and a plurality of second terminals (2). [5] Connector according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of openings (33) connected to the circuit board slot (303) are formed on the upper wall of the housing (3), and a plurality of projections (43) corresponding to the plurality of openings (33) are formed on the upper cover (4), wherein, when the top cover (4) is closed, the projection (43) is inserted into the opening (33) and is suitable for exerting a predetermined pressing force on the circuit board (5) to ensure reliable electrical contact between the circuit board (5) and the second terminals (2). [6] Connector according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first connection slots (31) and the plurality of second connection slots (32) are arranged in a row along the transverse direction (X) of the housing (3), wherein the first connection slot (31) and the second connection slot (32) extend along the longitudinal direction (Y) and the height direction (Z) of the housing (3), wherein at least one second connection slot (32) is provided between two adjacent first connection slots (31), so that at least one second connection (2) is provided between two adjacent first connections (1). [7] Connector according to claim 3, wherein the first terminal (1) comprises a connecting part (15) exposed from the upper wall of the housing (3) and rotatably connected to one side of the upper cover (4), wherein a C-shaped snap slot (15c) is formed on the connecting part (15), an insertion slot (44) is formed on one side of the upper cover (4), and the upper cover (4) has a pivot shaft (45) connected between a pair of inner walls of the insertion slot (44), wherein the connecting part (15) is inserted into the insertion slot (44) of the upper cover (4) and the pivot shaft (45) rotatably engages in the C-shaped snap slot (15c) so that the upper cover (4) can rotate about the center axis of the pivot shaft (45). [8] Connector according to claim 7, wherein the first terminal (1) further comprises: a first fixing part (10) which is fixed in the first connection slot (31), and a projecting part (14) connected to the first fixing part (10) and extending in the first connection slot (31), wherein a contact projection (14a) is formed at the end of the projecting part (14) and is used for electrical contact with the circuit board (5). [9] Connector according to claim 8, wherein the first fixing part (10) comprises: an upper holding arm (11), a lower holding arm (12), and a connecting arm (13) connected between the rear ends of the upper support arm (11) and the lower support arm (12), wherein the connecting part (15) is connected to the front end of the upper holding arm (11). [10] Connector according to claim 3, wherein the second terminal (2) comprises: a second fixing part (20) fixed in the second connection slot (32), and a first projecting part (21) connected to the second fixing part (20) and extending in the second connection slot (32), wherein a first electrical contact (21a) is formed on the first projecting part (21), and the first electrical contact (21a) is used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board (5). [11] Connector according to claim 10, wherein the second terminal (2) further comprises: a second projecting part (22) connected to the second fixing part (20) and extending in the second connection slot (32), wherein a second electrical contact (22a) is formed on the second projecting part (22) and is used for electrical contact with the inserted circuit board (5), wherein the first electrical contact (21a) and the second electrical contact (22a) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (3) and the first projecting part (21) is arranged below the second projecting part (22). [12] Connector according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover (4) comprises: a cover plate (40), and an elastic clasp (41, 42) formed on the cover plate (40), wherein a snap slot (301, 302) is formed on the housing (3) for engagement with the elastic clasp (41, 42) to lock the top cover (4) in a closed position, wherein the cover plate (40) has a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the width direction, the first side of the cover plate (40) being rotatably connected to a plurality of first terminals (1), and the elastic clasp (41, 42) being formed on the second side of the cover plate (40). [13] Connector according to claim 12, wherein the elastic clasp (41, 42) comprises a first elastic clasp (41) arranged at a middle position in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate (40), wherein the snap fastener (301, 302) comprises a first snap fastener (301) arranged at a central position of the transverse direction (X) of the housing (3) and used for engagement with the first elastic fastener (41). [14] Connector according to claim 13, wherein the elastic clasp (41, 42) further comprises a pair of second elastic clasps (42) each arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate (40), wherein the snap slot (301, 302) further comprises a pair of second snap slots (302) arranged at both ends of the transverse direction (X) of the housing (3) for engagement with the pair of second elastic clasps (42). [15] Connector according to one of claims 2-11, wherein the first terminal (1) is a ground terminal and the second terminal (2) is a signal terminal.

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