PLUG CONNECTOR STRUCTURE

Abstract

A connector structure configured to be inserted into and securely attached to a corresponding socket connector (A), the connector structure comprising: a tongue plate (10) having a first level (101), a second level (102) configured to be opposite the first level (101); and two opposite side levels (103), each side level (103) having a fastening groove (1031) defined on the tongue plate (10).an overlap arrangement (20) comprising a fixed end sleeve (21) and a pair of leaf springs (22), wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) is a sleeve-shaped structure, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) is fixedly attached to the tongue plate (10) and is designed to surround it, wherein the two opposite sides of the fixed end sleeve (21) are attachable and fixedly secured in each of the fastening grooves (1031), wherein each of the leaf springs (22) is connected to the fixed end sleeve (21) and is arranged according to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), respectively, wherein each of the leaf springs (22) has several elastic arms (221), each of the elastic arms (221) comprising an arc that is bent away from the fixed end sleeve (21) in a direction away from the tongue plate (10).

Description

BACKGROUND Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of connectors and in particular a connector structure. Description of the related area

[0002] There are many types of connectors widely used in various fields. Connectors are primarily divided into plug connectors and socket connectors. Plug connectors create an electrical connection for transmitting power or signals by inserting a component into the socket connector. One type of connector achieves the effects of electrical overlap and a secure fit by using a pair of elastic contacts on the socket connector to clamp the contacts of the plug connector.

[0003] Because the elastic connection of this type of socket connector has a complex structure, the elasticity, conductivity, and processability of the material must all be considered simultaneously, resulting in high manufacturing costs and difficulty. Furthermore, the high manufacturing difficulty limits the number of elastic connections that can be produced. Consequently, the amount of overlapping contacts between the elastic terminals of the socket connector and the contacts of the plug connector is low, which negatively impacts the efficiency, stability, and lifespan of the power transmission.

[0004] In light of the above, the inventor is attempting to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages associated with current technology and intends to create an effective solution through extensive research, along with the use of academic principles and knowledge.

[0005] CN 2 17 562 865 U describes a multidirectional high-current connection component comprising a protective housing, a busbar, and a current spring. The busbar is connected to current springs on both sides. The current spring is riveted directly to the busbar. SUMMARY

[0006] The main objective of the present disclosure is to simplify the structure and reduce the cost of a socket connector, whereby the overlap arrangement can effectively improve the efficiency, stability and lifetime of the power transmission.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present disclosure provides a connector structure designed to be inserted into and immobilized within a corresponding socket connector, comprising a tongue plate and an overlap arrangement. The tongue plate has a first level and a second level configured to face the first level. The overlap arrangement includes a fixed end sleeve and a pair of leaf springs. The fixed end sleeve is immobilized on the tongue plate and configured to surround it. Each leaf spring is connected to the fixed end sleeve and configured according to the first level and the second level, respectively. Each leaf spring includes several elastic arms. Each elastic arm is bent away from the tongue plate in one direction from the fixed end sleeve.When the connector is inserted into the socket connector, an arc of each of the elastic arms is laid against an inner wall of the socket connector and rendered immobile.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the elastic arms is bent in an arc, semicircle, or inverted V-shape.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the elastic arms comprises a connecting section, an arc section and an abutting section, wherein the connecting section is connected to the immobilised end sleeve, wherein two ends of the arc section are connected to the connecting section and to the abutting section respectively, the abutting section abutting the corresponding first plane or the corresponding second plane.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the immobilized end sleeve defines a pair of through-holes, wherein the through-holes are configured according to the first level and the second level respectively, and wherein each of the leaf springs is located in each of the through-holes.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting section extends obliquely from the immobilized end sleeve towards the tongue plate.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the overlapping arrangement further comprises a connecting plate, wherein two opposite sides of the connecting plate are each connected to each adjacent section of each of the leaf springs, the connecting plate being located at one end of the tongue plate.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the immobilized end sleeve defines a bulge hole, wherein the tongue plate has a bulge, the bulge being bulged into the bulge hole.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the immobilised end sleeve defines several bulge holes, wherein the tongue plate has a pair of bulges, the bulges being arranged on two opposite sides of the tongue plate and bulging into the bulge holes.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the immobilised end sleeve comprises a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, a first joining plate and a second joining plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to be parallel and attached to the first and second planes respectively, wherein the third plate is connected to the same side of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first joining plate is connected to a different side of the first plate and extends in the direction of the second plate, wherein the second joining plate is connected to a different side of the second plate and extends in the direction of the first plate, wherein the first joining plate has a limiting block, and wherein the second joining plate defines a positioning groove, the limiting block being fixed in the positioning groove.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the immobilised end sleeve comprises a first plate, a second plate and a pair of extension plates, wherein the first plate and the second plate are configured to be parallel to and attached to the first and second planes respectively, wherein two opposite sides of the first plate each have a boundary block extending towards the second plate, wherein the extension plates each extend from two opposite sides of the second plate towards the first plate, each of the extension plates defining a positioning groove, each of the boundary blocks being fixed in each of the positioning grooves.

[0017] In the connector structure of the present disclosure, the overlap arrangement is made immobile on the tongue plate and designed to surround it, and each of the leaf springs of the overlap arrangement has several curved elastic arms, the arc of each of the elastic arms being fixed and immobilized on the inner wall of the socket connector to form the overlap when the connector structure is inserted into the socket connector. Thus, the structure of the socket connector can be simplified and its cost reduced, and the overlap arrangement can effectively improve the efficiency, stability, and service life of the power transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is an exploded view according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in use; Fig. 4 is another lateral sectional view according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in use; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the appearance of the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is an exploded view according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in use; and Fig. Figure 8 shows another lateral sectional view in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Naturally, the terms used to indicate positions and logical relationships, e.g., "front", "back", "left", "right", "front end", "rear end", "distal end", "longitudinal direction", "transverse direction", "vertical direction", "upper" and "lower", are based on the positions and spatial relationships in which the drawings are disclosed, and are used only for the purpose of disclosing the present disclosure and not to indicate or define the specified location of the device or components or the specified structure and operation at specific locations, so that the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting.

[0019] For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" are used to illustrate each unit, component, area, layer, and / or part. The component, unit, area, layer, and / or part are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to separate the element, arrangement, area, layer, or part. Unless otherwise clearly stated throughout the patent specification, terms such as "the first," "the second," "the third," "the fourth," and "the fifth" are not used to signify order or sequence.

[0020] The technical content of this disclosure is evident from the detailed description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings as follows. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings serve only for illustration purposes and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0021] The present disclosure provides a connector structure used to be inserted into and securely fastened in a corresponding socket connector A. As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4, which shows the first embodiment of the connector structure of the present disclosure, includes a tongue plate 10 and an overlap arrangement 20.

[0022] The tongue plate 10 is made of an insulating material. According to the first embodiment, the tongue plate 10 is formed in one piece by injection molding, although the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. The tongue plate 10 is a flat plate and has a first plane 101, a second plane 102 configured to face the first plane 101, two opposing side planes 103, and an end face 104. For reference, see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 Reference is made to. According to the first embodiment, the first plane 101 is located on an upper surface of the tongue plate 10, the second plane 102 is located on a lower surface of the tongue plate 10, the side planes 103 are located on a left side and on a right side of the tongue plate 10 respectively, and the end face 104 is located at a front end of the tongue plate 10, the present disclosure, however, is not limited to the direction shown in the drawings.

[0023] The overlap assembly 20 is made of metal with good electrical conductivity. The overlap assembly 20 mainly comprises a fixed end sleeve 21 and a pair of leaf springs 22. The fixed end sleeve 21 is fixed to the surface of the tongue plate 10 and is designed to surround it. Specifically, a fastening groove 1031 is defined on each of the side surfaces 103 of the tongue plate 10, and two opposite sides (the left side and the right side) of the fixed end sleeve 21 are designed to surround the tongue plate 10 so that it is secured and immobilized in each of the fastening grooves 1031.According to the first embodiment, the immobilized end sleeve 21, after being firmly attached and configured to surround the tongue plate 10, can be further immobilized by welding, bonding, or ultrasonic welding, although the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. The leaf springs 22 are connected to the immobilized end sleeve 21 and are configured according to the first level 101 and the second level 102, respectively, so that they are located on a top and a bottom surface of the tongue plate 10. Each of the leaf springs 22 comprises several elastic arms 221, which are spaced apart and arranged parallel to one another. Each of the elastic arms 221 extends from the immobilized end sleeve 21 and is bent away from the tongue plate 10 in one direction.

[0024] It will be on Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. When the connector structure is inserted into the socket connector A, an arc of each of the elastic arms 221 is applied to an inner wall of the socket connector A and made immobile in such a way that the connector structure can establish an electrical connection and achieves a secure attachment and positioning with the socket connector A. Thus, the structure and cost of the socket connector A can be simplified and reduced by the arrangement of the overlap assembly 20 on the connector structure. Furthermore, due to the ease of manufacturing the overlap assembly 20, the number of elastic arms 221 and the number of overlapping contacts between the connector structure and the socket connector A can be significantly increased to effectively improve the efficiency, stability, and service life of the power transmission.

[0025] Details are given below. Each of the elastic arms 221 is bent into an arc, a semicircle, or an inverted V-shape. According to the first embodiment, each of the elastic arms 221 is bent into an arc, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment, and the bent shape of each of the elastic arms 221 can be modified and adjusted according to different requirements. In detail, each of the elastic arms 221 comprises a connecting section 2211, an arc section 2212, and an abutting section 2213. In each of the elastic arms 221, the connecting section 2211 is connected to the fixed end sleeve 21, two ends of the arc section 2212 are connected to the connecting section 2211 and to the abutting section 2213, respectively, and the abutting section 2213 rests against the corresponding first plane 101 or the corresponding second plane 102.According to the first embodiment, the connecting section 2211 extends obliquely from the immobilized end sleeve 21 towards the tongue plate 10, such that a portion of the connecting section 2211 rests against the corresponding first plane 101 or the corresponding second plane 102, and the curved height of the arc section 2212 may be increased, although the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. In particular, each of the elastic arms 221 extends obliquely from the immobilized end sleeve 21 via the connecting section 2211 towards the tongue plate 10, is bent away from the tongue plate 10 by the arc section 2212, and rests against the corresponding first plane 101 or the corresponding second plane 102 via the adjacent section 2213.

[0026] It will be on Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 Reference is made to the following. The immobilized end sleeve 21 according to the first embodiment comprises a first plate 211, a second plate 212, a third plate 213, a first joining plate 214, and a second joining plate 215. The first plate 211 and the second plate 212 are configured parallel and attached to the first plane 101 and the second plane 102, respectively. The third plate 213 is connected to the same side of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212; that is, the third plate 213 is attached to the side plane 103 on the right side of the tongue plate 10 in the drawings. The first joining plate 214 is connected to another side of the first plate 211 and extends toward the second plate 212; the second joining plate 215 is connected to another side of the second plate 212 and extends toward the first plate 211.The first joining plate 214 and the second joining plate 215 are attached to the side plane 103 on the left side of the tongue plate 10 in the drawings. More precisely, the immobilized end sleeve 21 is bent several times (at least four times) to form a sleeve-shaped structure that contains the first plate 211, the second plate 212, the third plate 213, the first joining plate 214, and the second joining plate 215. The first joining plate 214 has at least one limiting block 216, the second joining plate 215 defines at least one positioning groove 217. The limiting block 216 is fixed in the positioning groove 217 in such a way that the first joining plate 214 and the second joining plate 215 can position each other without falling apart, in order to maintain the sleeve-shaped structure of the immobilized end sleeve 21.According to the first embodiment, a number of the limiting blocks 216 and a number of the positioning grooves 217 are both two, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the immobilized end sleeve 21 defines a pair of through-holes 218. The through-holes 218 are configured according to the first level 101 and the second level 102, respectively. Each of the leaf springs 22 is located in each of the through-holes 218. According to the first embodiment, each of the leaf springs 22 is connected to a side of the immobilized end sleeve 21 that is adjacent to an end of the tongue plate 10, although the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. In detail, according to the first embodiment, each of the elastic arms 221 of each of the leaf springs 22 extends obliquely from an edge of the through-holes 21 of the immobilized end sleeve 21 that is adjacent to the end of the tongue plate 10, towards a center of the through-holes 21 and in the direction away from the tongue plate 10 (i.e.,Each of the elastic arms 221 extends generally away from the end of the tongue plate 10, and the connecting section 2211, the arc section 2212, and the adjacent section 2213 of each of the elastic arms 211 are located within the circumference of the through-holes 218. A gap is formed between one end of the adjacent section 2213 of each of the elastic arms 211 and the edge of the through-holes 218. Thus, the gap allows each of the elastic arms 221 to deform without interfering with the immobilized end sleeve 21 when the connector structure is inserted into the socket connector A.

[0028] It will be on Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig.Reference is made to Figure 8, which shows the second embodiment of the connector structure of the present disclosure. The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the structure of the overlap arrangement 20. Details are given below.

[0029] According to the second embodiment, the overlapping arrangement 20 further includes a connecting plate 23, and the immobilized end sleeve 21 does not define the pair of through-holes 218 described in the first embodiment. Two opposite sides (the top and bottom) of the connecting plate 23 are each connected to each of the adjacent sections 2213 of each of the leaf springs 22 such that the connecting plate 23 is located at the front end of the end face 104 of the tongue plate 10. Thus, according to the second embodiment, each of the leaf springs 22 is connected to the side of the immobilized end sleeve 21, which differs from each of the leaf springs 22 in the first embodiment, which are located in the through-holes 218 of the immobilized end sleeve 21.

[0030] The immobilized end sleeve 21 defines at least one bulge hole 219. The tongue plate 10 has at least one bulge 105. The bulge 105 is projected into the bulge hole 219 to firmly attach the overlap arrangement 20 to the tongue plate 10 without them falling apart. In this situation, in the second embodiment, the technical means for further firmly attaching the overlap arrangement 20 and the tongue plate 10 by welding, bonding, or ultrasonic welding according to the first embodiment can be omitted, although the second embodiment of the present disclosure does not preclude further reinforcement of the overlap arrangement 20 and the tongue plate 10 by welding, bonding, or ultrasonic welding. According to the second embodiment, the immobilized end sleeve 21 defines several bulge holes 219, and the tongue plate 10 has a pair of bulges 105.The protrusions 105 are arranged on opposite sides of the tongue plate 10 and are projected into the protrusion holes 219 to achieve a good protrusion effect. In detail, according to the second embodiment, the protrusions 105 are arranged in the first plane 101 and in the second plane 102, respectively, although according to other embodiments the protrusions 105 can also be arranged on the side planes 103.

[0031] According to the second embodiment, the immobilized end sleeve 21 comprises a first plate 211, a second plate 212, and a pair of extension plates 210. The first plate 211 and the second plate 212 are configured parallel and attached to the first plane 101 and the second plane 102, respectively. Two opposite sides (the left side and the right side) of the first plate 211 each have a limiting block 216 extending toward the second plate 212. Each of the extension plates 210 extends from two opposite sides (the left side and the right side) of the second plate 212 toward the first plate 211 to attach each of the side planes 103 of the tongue plate 10. Each of the extension plates 210 defines a positioning groove 217.Each of the limiting blocks 216 is secured in each of the positioning grooves 217 such that the first plate 211 and each of the extension plates 210 can position themselves relative to each other without falling apart, thus maintaining the sleeve-like structure of the immobilized end plate 21. It should be noted that the immobilized end plate 21 according to the second embodiment differs from an integrated connection according to the first embodiment. Since the overlapping arrangement 20 according to the second embodiment is connected by the connecting plate 23 to each of the leaf springs 22, the first plate 211, the second plate 212, and each of the extension plates 210, the immobilized end sleeve 21 thus has a sleeve-like structure that is assembled both upwards and downwards.

[0032] According to the connector structure of the present disclosure, by making the overlap arrangement 20 immobile on the tongue plate 10 and designed to surround it, and by each of the leaf springs 22 of the overlap arrangement 20 having several curved elastic arms 221, the arc of each of the elastic arms 221 can be applied to the inner wall of the socket connector A and made immobile to form the overlap when the connector structure is inserted into the socket connector A. Thus, the structure and cost of the socket connector A can be simplified and reduced, respectively, and the overlap arrangement 20 can increase the number of elastic arms 221 and the number of overlapping contacts between the connector structure and the socket connector A, effectively improving the efficiency, stability, and service life of the power transmission.

Claims

[1] A connector structure designed to be inserted into and securely attached to a corresponding socket connector (A), the connector structure comprising: a tongue plate (10) comprising a first plane (101), a second plane (102) configured to be opposite the first plane (101); and two opposite side planes (103), each side plane (103) of the tongue plate (10) having a fastening groove (1031) defined; an overlap arrangement (20) comprising a fixed end sleeve (21) and a pair of leaf springs (22), the fixed end sleeve (21) being a sleeve-shaped structure, the fixed end sleeve (21) being fixed to the tongue plate (10) and configured to surround it, the two opposite sides of the fixed end sleeve (21) being attachable and fixed in each of the fastening grooves (1031), each of the leaf springs (22) being connected to the fixed end sleeve (21) and to the first plane (101) and the second plane (1031), respectively.is arranged according to the second level (102), wherein each of the leaf springs (22) has several elastic arms (221), each of the elastic arms (221) comprising an arc which is bent away from the fixed end sleeve (21) in a direction away from the tongue plate (10). [2] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the elastic arms (221) is bent in an arc, semicircle or inverse V shape. [3] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the elastic arms (221) comprises a connecting section (2211), an arc section (2212) and an abutting section (2213), wherein the connecting section (2211) is connected to the fixed end sleeve (21), wherein two ends of the arc section (2212) are connected to the connecting section (2211) and to the abutting section (2213), respectively, wherein the abutting section (2213) abuts the corresponding first plane (101) or the corresponding second plane (102). [4] The connector structure according to claim 3, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) comprises a pair of through-holes (218), wherein the through-holes (218) are arranged according to the first level (101) and the second level (102), respectively, wherein each of the leaf springs (22) is located in each of the through-holes (218). [5] The connector structure according to claim 3, wherein the connecting section (2211) extends obliquely from the fixed end sleeve (21) towards the tongue plate (10). [6] The connector structure according to claim 3, wherein the overlap arrangement (20) further comprises a connecting plate (23), wherein two opposite sides of the connecting plate (23) are each connected to each adjacent section (2213) of each of the leaf springs (22), the connecting plate (23) being located at one end of the tongue plate (10). [7] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) comprises a bulge hole (219), wherein the tongue plate (10) has a bulge (105), wherein the bulge (105) is bulged into the bulge hole (219). [8] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) comprises several bulge holes (219), wherein the tongue plate (10) comprises a pair of bulges (105), wherein the bulges (105) are arranged on two opposite sides of the tongue plate (10) and are bulged into the bulge holes (219). [9] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) comprises a first plate (211), a second plate (212), a third plate (213), a first joining plate (214) and a second joining plate (215), wherein the first plate (211) and the second plate (212) are arranged to be parallel and attached to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), respectively, wherein the third plate (213) is connected to the same side of the first plate (211) and the second plate (212), wherein the first joining plate (214) is connected to another side of the first plate (211) and extends towards the second plate (212), wherein the second joining plate (215) is connected to another side of the second plate (212) and extends towards the first plate (211), and wherein the first joining plate (214) has a limiting block (216) comprising, wherein the second joining plate (215) comprises a positioning groove (217),wherein the limiting block (216) is fixed in the positioning groove (217). [10] The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein the fixed end sleeve (21) comprises a first plate (211), a second plate (212) and a pair of extension plates (210), wherein the first plate (211) and the second plate (212) are configured to be parallel to and attached to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), respectively, wherein two opposite sides of the first plate (211) each comprise a boundary block (216) extending towards the second plate (212), wherein the extension plates (210) each extend from two opposite sides of the second plate (212) towards the first plate (211), wherein each of the extension plates (210) comprises a positioning groove (217), and wherein each of the boundary blocks (216) is secured in each of the positioning grooves (217).

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