Electrical connectors and cable assemblies

Abstract

Electrical connector (100), comprising: a housing (110) having a body (111), the body (111) having two first outer surfaces (111S) opposite each other, the body (111) defining a space (SP) therein, each of the first outer surfaces (111S) having a platform (112) and at least one pivot pin (1131) formed thereon; a fixing seat (120) disposed in the space (SP) and configured to receive a plurality of electrical terminals (140); and at least one lock (130) pivotally connected to the pivot pins (1131) and configured to rotate relative to the body (111) from a locking state (S1) via an intermediate state (S3) to a release state (S2), wherein the lock (130) is in close proximity to the platforms (112) in the closed state (S1), the intermediate state (S3) and the release state (S2), whereby an outer edge of the lock (130) is in contact with the platforms (112) when the lock (130) experiences an impact.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and cable assemblies, each including one of these electrical connectors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electrical connectors and cable assemblies for powering servers. Description of related technology

[0002] US patent US 8,979,568 B2 discloses an electrical connector 1. The electrical connector 1 comprises two locking rods 8. The locking rods 8 are connected to bearing pins 12 of the first housing half 2, so that the locking rods 8 can be rotated relative to the first housing half 2. However, the locking rods 8 do not come into contact with any other portion of the first housing half 2. Therefore, if one of the locking rods 8 is struck in a certain state, the entire force carried by this locking rod 8 is transferred to the bearing pins 12 connected to this locking rod 8, resulting in a high risk of fracture of the bearing pins 12. SUMMARY

[0003] An electrical connector includes a housing, a locating seat, and at least one latch. The housing includes a body. The body defines a space within it and has two opposing outer surfaces. Each of the first outer surfaces has a platform and at least one pivot pin formed thereon. The locating seat is disposed within the space and configured to receive some electrical terminals. The latch is pivotally connected to the pivot pins and configured to rotate relative to the body from a locking state through an intermediate state to a release state. Each latch is in close proximity to the platforms in the locking state, the release state, and the intermediate state, whereby an outer edge of the latch is in contact with the platforms when the latch experiences an impact. The electrical connector can effectively improve durability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] A better understanding of the disclosure will be obtained by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the electrical connector of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of the electrical connector of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a front view of the housing of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a sectional view along section line BB of Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic view of one of the locks Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a sectional view along the section line AA of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a front view of the electrical connector of Fig. 1, in which the locks are in the closed state; Fig. 9 is a front view of the electrical connector of Fig. 1, in which the locks are in the release state; and Fig. 10 is a front view of the electrical connector of Fig. 1, in which the locks are in the intermediate state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure are explained below with reference to drawings. For clarity, many practical details are explained together in the following description. It should be understood, however, that the practical details should not be used to limit the claimed scope. In other words, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the practical details are not essential. Moreover, to simplify the drawings, some common structures and elements are shown in a simplified schematic form in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0006] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It is further understood that terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0007] The Fig. 1-10 are drawn to actual scale. For the sake of concise description, the scales of the elements in this specification are not listed individually. However, the scale and position of each element should be considered part of the scope of this specification.

[0008] If the description in this specification is insufficient to explain the detailed construction of the elements and makes it difficult to implement them, reference is made to the electrical connector disclosed in US patent US8,979,568 B2.

[0009] As in Fig. 1-10, the present disclosure provides a cable assembly having an electrical connector 100, one of which is connected to each end of a cable 160. For clarity, only one end of the cable assembly is shown. Furthermore, the electrical connector 100 is used, for example, for connection to a target connector 200 (see Fig. 8-10 with respect to the target connector 200) of a server for supplying high current power.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an electrical connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the electrical connector 100 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 100 comprises, as shown in Fig. 1-2, a housing 110, a fixing seat 120, two locks 130, a plurality of electrical terminals 140 and a molded part 150 (see Fig. 8-10 with respect to the molded part 150). The locks 130 are structurally symmetrical to each other.

[0011] In this embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a plug with a cable 160 connected thereto. However, if the electrical connector 100 is a receptacle without a cable connected thereto, the molded part 150 and the cable 160 could be omitted.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a side view of the electrical connector 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a front view of the housing 110 of Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1-4, the housing 110 comprises a body 111, two platforms 112 and two pivot sets 113.

[0013] The body 111 is hollow and has two first outer surfaces 111S that are opposite to each other. The body 111 defines a space SP within it.

[0014] The two platforms 112 are each arranged on a corresponding one of the first outer surfaces 111S. Both pivot pin sets 113 are arranged on the first outer surfaces 111S along two axes XL that are parallel and separated from each other. The body 111, the platforms 112, and the pivot pin sets 113 are integrally formed from an insulating material by injection molding.

[0015] As in Fig. 2, each of the pivot pin sets 113 further includes two pivot pins 1131. The pivot pins 1131 are spaced apart from each other and disposed on the first outer surfaces 111S along a corresponding one of the axes XL. In this embodiment, for example, each of the pivot pins 1131 is a substantially cylindrical column.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a sectional view along section line BB of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of one of the locks 130 Fig. 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-3 and 5-6, each of the locks 130 includes a handle 131 and two baffles 132. The baffles 132 are separated from each other and connected to two opposite ends of the handle 131. The baffles 132 are structurally symmetrical to each other. The handle 131 and the baffles 132 are integrally formed. Each of the baffles 132 has a first surface 132S1, a second surface 132S2, a third surface 132S3, a fourth surface 132S4, a fifth surface 132S5, a sixth surface 132S6, and a seventh surface 132S7.

[0017] As in Fig. 1-3 and 5-6, the first surface 132S1 is opposite the second surface 132S2 and is located proximal to the body 111 of the housing 110. The second surface 132S2 is located distal to the body 111 of the housing 110. The third surface 132S3 of each of the baffles 132 is perpendicularly connected to the first surface 132S1 and defines a first groove G1. In other words, the first groove G1 is located on the first surface 132S1. Additionally, each of the third surfaces 132S3 is at least partially circularly curved about a corresponding one of the axes XL such that the first groove G1 is at least partially circular. The fourth surface 132S4 is distant from the third surface 132S3 and perpendicularly connected to the first surface 132S1. The fourth surface 132S4 defines a second groove G2. In other words, the second groove G2 is also located on the first surface 132S1, but is separated from the first groove G1.

[0018] In addition, as in Fig. 5-6, the fifth surface 132S5 is circularly curved around the axis XL and connected between the first surface 132S1 and the second surface 132S2. The sixth surface 132S6 is tangentially connected to the fifth surface 132S5 and connected between the first surface 132S1 and the second surface 132S2. In this embodiment, the sixth surface 132S6 is a flat surface.

[0019] On the other hand, as in Fig. 4, each of the axes XL defines a vertical distance D to the platforms 112. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1-4, each of the platforms 112 is T-shaped. Each of the platforms 112 has a lower support surface 112A, a side support surface 112C, and a curved surface 112B on either side of the T-shaped structure. Each of the lower support surfaces 112A is connected to a corresponding one of the side support surfaces 112C via a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B. Each of the lower support surfaces 112A is substantially perpendicular to a corresponding one of the side support surfaces 112C.

[0020] Each of the lower support surfaces 112A is connected to a corresponding one of the first outer surfaces 111S. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, each of the axes XL defines the perpendicular distance D from the corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B of each of the platforms 112. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, each of the fifth surfaces 132S5 has a radius R relative to a corresponding one of the axes XL. In this embodiment, the radius R is substantially equal to the perpendicular distance D.

[0021] In addition, as in Fig. 5-6, the seventh surface 132S7 is curved and connected between the first surface 132S1 and the second surface 132S2. The sixth surface 132S6 is connected between the fifth surface 132S5 and the seventh surface 132S7. It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, a profile of each of the lower support surfaces 112A and a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B coincides with a profile of the fifth surface 132S5, the sixth surface 132S6, and the seventh surface 132S7 of a corresponding one of the impact plates 132. More specifically, each of the curved surfaces 112B is circularly curved about a corresponding one of the axes XL.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1-2 and 4, each of the platforms 112 has a second outer surface 112S remote from the body 111. Each of the lower support surfaces 112A, a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B, and a corresponding one of the side support surfaces 112B are connected between a corresponding one of the first outer surfaces 111S and a corresponding one of the second outer surfaces 112S. Each of the platforms 112 further includes a plurality of holes H. The holes H are distributed on the second outer surface 112S.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a sectional view along the section line AA of Fig. 1. The fixing seat 120 is arranged in the space SP of the body 111 and configured to receive the electrical terminals 140.

[0024] Fig. Figure 8 is a front view of the electrical connector 100 of Fig. 1, in which the locks 130 are in the closed state S1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, each of the locks 130 is pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the pivot pin sets 113 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 with respect to the pivot pin sets 113) and configured to rotate relative to the body 111 of the housing 110 about a corresponding one of the axes XL. More specifically, each of the pivot pins 1131 of the housing 110 is pivotally housed in a corresponding one of the first grooves G1 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5-6 with respect to the first grooves G1). In other words, the first groove G1 on each of the baffle plates 132 is pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the pivot pins 1131 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 regarding the pivot pins 1131). In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, both locks 130 are in the closed state S1, in which the locks 130 are rotated toward each other to engage with a target connector 200 (shown in dashed lines). At this time, the electrical connector 100 is connected to a connecting cable 160 (shown in dashed lines), so that the electrical connector 100 is connected between the target connector 200 and the connecting cable 160. Moreover, to be precise, at the second groove G2 on each of the baffle plates 132, a corresponding one of the pivot pins (not shown) of the target connector 200 is snap-fitted, so that the target connector 200 is connected to the electrical connector 100 in a secured manner. It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, the curved surfaces 112B are each configured to abut a corresponding one of the baffle plates 132.More specifically, the fifth surface 132S5 of each of the baffles 132 in the closing state S1 is in close proximity to a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a front view of the electrical connector 100 of Fig. 1, in which the locks 130 are in the release state S2. In this embodiment, as in Fig. 9, both locks 130 are each rotated from the locking state S1 to the release state S2 relative to the housing 110 about a corresponding one of the axes XL. More specifically, in the release state S2, the locks 130 are rotated away from each other so that the electrical connector 100 can be detached from the target connector 200. It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, each of the fifth surfaces 132S5 and the adjacent ones of the sixth surface 132S6 and the seventh surface 132S7 are in close proximity to a corresponding one of the lower bearing surfaces 112A and a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B in the release state S2.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a front view of the electrical connector 100 of Fig. 1, in which the locks 130 are in the intermediate state S3. In this embodiment, as in Fig.10, both locks 130 are each further rotated from the release state S2 to the intermediate state S3 relative to the housing 110 about a corresponding one of the axes XL. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, each of the fifth surfaces 132S5 is still in close proximity to a corresponding one of the curved surfaces 112B in the release state S2. Furthermore, in the intermediate state S3, the outer contour of each of the locks 130 is away from the lateral support surface 112C and the lower support surface 112A.

[0027] It is important to clarify that each of the locks 130 may, but need not, always be in contact with and abut against the platforms 120. Instead, in the normal operating states of the locks and pivots, a small gap may optionally be present between each of the locks 130 and the platforms 120 due to tolerances or design constraints. Under impact, this gap must be less than or equal to the sum of the maximum range of motion of the lock 130, the maximum elastic deformation of this lock 130, and the maximum elastic deformation of the pivot 1131. Furthermore, said gap, as an example, is typically no larger than one-fifth of the diameter of the pivot 1131. In particular, it is proposed that the gap be less than 500 micrometers and preferably less than 150 micrometers.With this construction, when the connector 100 is dropped from a height of, for example, one meter and one of the locks 130 hits the ground, this lock 130 will be in contact with the platforms 120 due to displacement, deformation, or other things, regardless of whether the connector 100 is in the closing state, the intermediate state, or the locking state, before the corresponding pivots 1131 undergo irreversible plastic deformation / destruction, thereby avoiding damage to the pivots 1131 or at least reducing the extent of damage to the pivots 1131.

[0028] Since, as mentioned above, the impact plates 132 of each of the locks 130 in the closed state S1, the released state S2, and the intermediate state S3 are each in close proximity to the platforms 112, when an impact is applied to one of the locks 130 in the closed state S1, the released state S2, or the intermediate state S3, the force absorbed by the lock 130 is transmitted not only to the pivots 1131 of the housing 110, but also to the platforms 112 via the curved surfaces 112B (and the lower bearing surfaces 112A or the side bearing surfaces 112C, depending on the state of this lock 130 at the time of the impact and the angle of the force acting on this lock 130). In this way, the force acting on the pivot pins 1131 in the event of an impact on the lock 130 is effectively reduced, and the risk of breakage of the pivot pins 1131 is greatly reduced.Therefore, the durability of the electrical connector 100 is effectively improved.

[0029] In summary, the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure have at least the following advantages: Since the impact plates of each of the locking devices in the closed state, the closed state, and the intermediate state are each located in close proximity to the platforms, when an impact is applied to one of the locking devices in the closed state, the closed state, or the intermediate state, the force absorbed by the locking device is transmitted not only to the pivots of the housing but also to the platforms via the curved surfaces (and the bottom support surfaces or the side support surfaces, depending on the state of the locking device at the time of the impact and the angle of the force acting on the locking device). In this way, the force acting on the pivots in the event of an impact to the locking device is effectively reduced, and the risk of the pivots breaking is significantly reduced.Therefore, the durability of the electrical connector is effectively improved. 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] US 8,979,568 B2 [0002, 0008]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector (100), comprising: a housing (110) having a body (111), the body (111) having two first outer surfaces (111S) opposite each other, the body (111) defining a space (SP) therein, each of the first outer surfaces (111S) having a platform (112) and at least one pivot pin (1131) formed thereon; a fixing seat (120) disposed in the space (SP) and configured to receive a plurality of electrical terminals (140); and at least one lock (130) pivotally connected to the pivot pins (1131) and configured to rotate relative to the body (111) from a locking state (S1) via an intermediate state (S3) to a release state (S2), wherein the lock (130) is in close proximity to the platforms (112) in the closed state (S1), the intermediate state (S3) and the release state (S2), whereby an outer edge of the lock (130) is in contact with the platforms (112) when the lock (130) experiences an impact. [2] The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the platforms (112) has a lower support surface (112A), a side support surface (112C), and a curved surface (112B), the lower support surface (112A), the side support surface (112C), and the curved surface (112B) are each connected to a corresponding one of the first outer surfaces (111S), the lower support surface (112A) is connected to the side support surface (112C) via the curved surface (112B), and the lock (130) is in close proximity to the curved surface (112B) in the closed state (S1), the intermediate state (S3), and the released state (S2). [3] Electrical connector (100) according to claim 2, wherein the pivot pins (1131) extend along an axis (XL) and the lock (130) comprises: a handle part (131); and two baffles (132) separated from each other and connected to two opposite ends of the handle part (131), each of the baffles (132) having a first surface (132S1), a second surface (132S2), a third surface (132S3) and a fourth surface (132S4), the first surface (132S1) being opposite the second surface (132S2) and located proximal to the body (111), the second surface (132S2) being distal to the body (111), the third surface (132S3) being perpendicularly connected to the first surface (132S1) and at least partially circularly curved around the axis (XL), the third surface (132S3) defining a first groove (G1) for pivotal connection to a corresponding one of the pivot pins (1131), the fourth surface (132S4) being separated from the third surface (132S3) and is connected perpendicularly to the first surface (132S1), and the fourth surface (132S4) defines a second groove (G2) for a snap connection with a target connector (200). [4] Electrical connector (100) according to claim 3, wherein the lock (130) rotates relative to the body (111) about the axis (XL), each of the baffles (132) further comprises a fifth surface (132S5) and a sixth surface (132S6), the fifth surface (132S5) is circularly curved about the axis (XL) and is connected between the first surface (132S1) and the second surface (132S2), the sixth surface (132S6) is tangentially connected to the fifth surface (132S5) and is connected between the first surface (132S1) and the second surface (132S2), and the sixth surface (132S6) is flat, wherein the fifth surface (132S5) is in close proximity to the curved surface (112B) of a corresponding one of the platforms (112) in the closed state (S1), the released state (S2) and the intermediate state (S3), while the sixth surface (132S6) is in close proximity to the lower support surface (112A) of the corresponding one of the platforms (112) in the released state (S2). [5] The electrical connector (100) of claim 4, wherein the axis (XL) defines a vertical distance (D) from the platforms (112), each of the fifth surfaces (132S5) has a radius (R) relative to the axis (XL), and the radius (R) is substantially equal to the vertical distance (D). [6] The electrical connector (100) of claim 4, wherein a profile of each of the curved surfaces (112B) and a corresponding one of the lower support surfaces (112A) matches a profile of the fifth surface (132S5) and the sixth surface (132S6) of a corresponding one of the baffle plates (132), each of the curved surfaces (112B) being circularly curved about the axis (XL). [7] The electrical connector (100) of claim 6, wherein each of the baffles (132) further includes a seventh surface (132S7), the seventh surface (132S7) is curved and connected between the first surface (132S1) and the second surface (132S2), the sixth surface (132S6) is connected between the fifth surface (132S5) and the seventh surface (132S7), the seventh surface (132S7) is configured to abut a corresponding one of the lower support surfaces (112A), and the profile of each of the lower support surfaces (112A) further matches a profile of the seventh surface (132S7) of a corresponding one of the baffles (132). [8] The electrical connector (100) of claim 6, wherein each of the platforms (112) has a second outer surface (112S) remote from the body (111), each of the lower bearing surfaces (112A), a corresponding one of the curved surfaces (112B), and a corresponding one of the lateral bearing surfaces (112C) are connected between a corresponding one of the first outer surfaces (111S) and a corresponding one of the second outer surfaces (112S), and each of the platforms (112) further has a plurality of holes (H) distributed on the second outer surface (112S). [9] Electrical connector (100), comprising: a housing (110) having a front side (111S) and a rear side (111S), the front side (111S) having a first pivot pin (1131) and a projection (112) formed thereon, and the rear side (111S) having a second pivot pin (1131) aligned with the first pivot pin (1131); and a lock (130) pivotally connected to the first pivot (1131) and the second pivot (1131), the lock (130) being configured to rotate relative to the housing (110) from a locking state (S1) through an intermediate state (S3) to a release state (S2), wherein the lock (130) is in close proximity to the projection (112) in the closed state (S1), in the intermediate state (S3) and in the released state (S2), whereby an outer contour of the lock (130) is in contact with the projection (112) when the lock (130) experiences an impact in the closed state (S1), in the released state (S2) or in the intermediate state (S3). [10] Electrical connector (100) according to claim 9, wherein the projection (112) has a lower bearing surface (112A), a lateral bearing surface (112C) and a curved surface (112B) connected between the lower bearing surface (112A) and the lateral bearing surface (112C), the lower bearing surface (112A) being substantially perpendicular to the lateral bearing surface (112C), wherein an outer contour of the lock (130) is in contact with the lateral support surface (112C) when the lock (130) is in the closed state (S1), the outer contour of the lock (130) is in contact with the lower support surface (112A) when the lock (130) is in the released state (S2), and the outer contour of the lock (130) is away from the lateral support surface (112C) and the lower support surface (112A) when the lock (130) is in the intermediate state (S3).

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