Bidirectional self-aligning connector

Abstract

Self-aligning connector, comprehensive: a first connector with a first connection in it and a second connector with a second port inside, into which the first port can be plugged, wherein the first connector comprises a housing with an inner connector section arranged at a first end of the first connector and coupled to the second connector, and an outer connector section arranged at a second end of the first connector and coupled to a third connector, wherein the inner connector section comprises a receiving space defined therein which receives the second connector, and a first plate which is mounted within the receiving space at a first predetermined length from a first end of the first connection, wherein the first plate is configured to prevent deformation of the first connection, and wherein the outer connector section comprises a receiving space defined therein which receives the third connector, and a second plate which is mounted at a second predetermined length from a second end of the first connection within the receiving space of the outer connector section, wherein the second plate is configured to prevent deformation of the first connection.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The disclosure relates to a self-aligning connector and, in particular, a self-aligning connector that facilitates coupling and uncoupling of connectors. background

[0002] A connector is generally a device that electrically connects a power source to a device, a device to another device, and internal components of a device. The connector consists of a pair of connectable parts, namely a male connector and a female connector. Connections for power and signal transmission are provided in the male connector and the female connector.

[0003] However, a conventional connector arrangement has limitations in terms of significantly improving efficiency and functionality, as an operator must visually or tactilely inspect it before connecting.

[0004] Furthermore, a conventional connector arrangement suffers from a stress concentration at a specific position of a position correction arm during a connection process between the connector and the socket connector.

[0005] If, when connecting the connector to the socket connector, the tension concentrates at a specific position of the position correction arm, this can reduce the strength of a corresponding section and, in the worst case, lead to cracks or damage. Summary

[0006] One aspect of the revelation is to provide a self-aligning connector that can prevent cracks or breaks at a particular location by distributing the stress exerted on a specific connector when coupling between connectors.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a self-aligning connector that can improve connection stability during coupling between connectors.

[0008] The objectives to be achieved through the disclosure are not limited to those described in detail above, and other objectives not described here will be made clearer to experts in the field by the following detailed description.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a self-aligning connector comprises a first connector with a first terminal therein and a second connector with a second terminal therein into which the first terminal can be inserted. The first connector comprises a housing with an inner connector section arranged at a first end of the first connector and coupled to the second connector, and an outer connector section arranged at a second end of the first connector and coupled to a third connector. The inner connector section comprises a receiving space defined therein that receives the second connector, and a first plate that is mounted within the receiving space at a first predetermined length from a first end of the first connector to prevent deformation of the first connector.The outer connector section includes a receiving space defined therein which accommodates the third connector, and a second plate which is mounted at a second predetermined length from a second end of the first connection within the receiving space of the outer connector section to prevent deformation of the first connection.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the inner connector section can include a coupling guide located at the front of the receiving space, with a width that increases towards the front of the receiving space. The second connector is then received in the receiving space along the coupling guide.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the first plate can be configured to move further inwards in response to a coupling of the first connector with the second connector within the receiving space of the inner connector section.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the second plate can be configured to move further inwards in response to a coupling of the first connector with the third connector within the receiving space of the outer connector section.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the second connector may comprise a housing that accommodates the second connector, a pair of coupling sections arranged at equal intervals from the housing, each coupling section having a coupling hole provided thereon for attachment to a vehicle component or vehicle body, and a tension section having a curved shape that connects the housing to the pair of coupling sections.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the tension section can be designed to support the housing from below.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the tension section may include a pair of support sections extending downwards from both ends of a bottom surface of the housing, each of which comprises two support plates spaced apart from each other at a distance increasing from the housing, and a curved section with an S-shape, the first end of which is connected to one of the support plates of one of the support sections and the second end of which is connected to the coupling section.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, a first curved section connected to a support plate of a first support section of the pair of support sections, and a second curved section connected to a support plate of a second support section of the pair of support sections, can be connected to one of the pair of coupling sections, and the first curved section and the second curved section can be symmetrical with respect to the housing.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the tension section can include a connecting section that links the bent section to the coupling section.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the tension section can be configured to allow the enclosure to move in at least one of a first direction in which the enclosure is connected to the first connector, or in two directions perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] The solution to the revelation described above is one of several embodiments of the revelation. Various solutions in addition to the one above can be derived and understood from the following detailed description of the revelation.

[0020] According to the disclosure, a self-aligning connector is provided which can prevent cracks or breaks at a specific position by distributing the stress exerted on a particular connector during coupling between connectors, thereby enabling an operator to easily couple / fasten the connectors.

[0021] According to the disclosure, a self-aligning connector is provided which can improve connection stability during coupling between connectors, enabling an operator to easily couple / fasten the connectors.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the disclosure, a cable for connecting a connector attached to a vehicle and a connector attached to the inside of a product is omitted, thus enabling a bidirectional connection and reducing costs.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the disclosure, a self-aligning connector is positioned to match the structural properties of a product and reflect different designs, enabling expanded deployment.

[0024] Since a stress section of a self-aligning connector according to the disclosure is shaped such that the stress section can be directed inwards and reduced in size under the self-aligning connector, the self-aligning connector can still be used as a compact connector for various products through miniaturization.

[0025] According to the disclosure, a movable plate is also attached to the side of a plug terminal of a bidirectional self-aligning connector, such that the movable plate is positioned approximately 1.5 mm from one end of the terminal before a mating connector is connected, and is mounted inwards when the mating connector is coupled to ensure correct mounting of the plug terminal. This avoids chronic problems of terminal deformation and displacement.

[0026] The effects achievable through the disclosure are not limited to those described in detail above, and other advantages not described here will be more clearly understood by experts in the field from the following description. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated into this application and form part thereof, illustrate embodiment(s) of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principle of the disclosure. The drawings include: is Fig. 1 a diagram illustrating a self-aligning connector according to the revelation; is Fig. 2 an exploded view showing a self-aligning connector according to the disclosure; is Fig. 3 a diagram showing a self-aligning connector according to another embodiment of the disclosure; illustrative Fig. 4 a housing of a first connector according to the disclosure; shows Fig. 5 a housing of a first connector and a movement of plates located in the housing according to the disclosure; and are Fig. 6 to 8 diagrams illustrating a second connector in a self-aligning connector according to the revelation. Detailed description

[0028] The embodiments disclosed herein are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar components, and redundant descriptions of the components are avoided.

[0029] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used in the following description for components serve only for simplification and have no independent meanings or functions. Furthermore, a detailed description of related known technologies is omitted in the description of the embodiments disclosed herein in order to avoid obscuring the content of the embodiments.

[0030] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed in the description. The description should be understood to encompass all modifications, correspondences, or substitutions contained within the scope of the disclosure.

[0031] Terms with ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," can be used to describe different components. However, the components are not limited by these terms. The terms mentioned above merely serve to distinguish between the components.

[0032] When a component is "coupled" or "connected" to another component, this means that the component is directly connected or connected via a third component. Conversely, when a component is "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, this means that no other components are involved.

[0033] A singular expression also includes plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this application, the term “comprise” or “have (has)” is intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the description, without excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a self-aligning connector according to the revelation. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view illustrating the self-aligning connector as revealed.

[0036] The following description of a self-aligning connector 1000 according to embodiments is based on the understanding that a left-right direction is defined as an x-axis direction, an up-down direction as a y-axis direction, and a front-back direction as a z-axis direction. That is, the self-aligning connector 1000 has a structure in which at least two connectors are coupled together, and the direction in which the two connectors are coupled or joined together is referred to or illustrated as the z-axis direction.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a second connector 200 is coupled to a first connector 100.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. According to embodiments, the self-aligning connector 1000 can comprise the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0039] The self-aligning connector 1000 can correspond to a connector installed in a vehicle lighting assembly or the like to transmit power and signals. For example, the second connector 200 can be installed on the side of a vehicle taillight bezel (not shown) and corresponds to a connector with a female connector. The first connector 100 can be installed in a vehicle taillight housing (not shown) and corresponds to a connector with a male connector.

[0040] The first connector 100 can comprise a housing 110, which forms its outer surface, and a plug pin connector 120 installed in the housing 110. A locking device (not shown) can be provided in the housing 110 to secure the plug pin connector 120 after installation in the housing 110, preventing it from slipping out.

[0041] Like the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can also comprise a housing 210, which forms its outer surface, and a socket pin connector installed in the housing 210. Likewise, a locking device (not shown) can be provided in the housing 210 to secure the socket pin connector 201 after installation in the housing 210, preventing it from slipping out.

[0042] This means that the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 can be coupled together by inserting the plug pin 120 into the socket pin 201. To prevent deformation of the plug pin 120 when inserted into the socket pin 201, the housing 110 of the first connector 100 can include plates 131 and 132 (see Fig. 4) The plates 131 and 132 can be shaped in a plate form with a specific strength to prevent deformation of the plug pin 120 caused by insertion of the plug pin 120 into the socket pin 201. The plates 131 and 132 can further be shaped such that a protruding portion of the plug pin 120 passes through them, while an insertion portion of the socket pin 201 does not.

[0043] In a conventional connector arrangement, a problem arises when coupling the first and second connectors: they are often not properly coupled due to incorrect coupling positions or similar issues. Furthermore, in a conventional connector arrangement, cracks or fractures occur when the first and second connectors are coupled due to stress exerted on either the first or second connector.

[0044] Therefore, the self-aligning connector 1000 according to embodiments can overcome the above problem by providing a voltage section 220 in the second connector 200.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a self-aligning connector according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0046] Fig. Figure 3 shows a self-aligning connector 1000, in which a third connector 300 corresponds to the one in Fig. 1 self-aligning connector shown 1000 was added.

[0047] For example, the third connector 300 is a vehicle connector that sends an electrical signal sent from the first connector or an electrical signal to be transmitted to the first connector to or from a vehicle control unit via the second connector.

[0048] The first connector 100 is described in more detail below.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4 shows a housing of a first connector according to the disclosure.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5 shows the housing of the first connector and a movement of movable plates in the housing according to the disclosure.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 2 The first connector 100 of the self-aligning connector 1000 can comprise the housing 110, the plug pin connection 120, the plates 131 and 132 and a rim 140.

[0052] As with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. As described in 2, the housing 110, which is a component that forms the outer part of the first connector 100, can accommodate the plug pin connector 120 therein.

[0053] The housing 110 can include an inner connector section 111 and an outer connector section 112.

[0054] The inner connector section 111, which is coupled to the second connector 200, can have a receiving space 1110 formed within it for receiving the second connector. The receiving space 1110 can be formed in the housing 110 and receive the second connector 200 in the first direction (z-axis). The second connector 200 can be inserted in the first direction and received in the receiving space 1110. More precisely, by receiving the second connector 200 in the receiving space 1110, the plug pin connection 120 provided in the first connector 100 can be coupled with the socket pin connection 201 provided in the second connector 200.

[0055] The inner connector section 111 can include a first plate 131 which is mounted in the receiving space 1110 at a predetermined first length from one end of the plug pin connection 120 to prevent deformation of the plug pin connection 120.

[0056] The inner connector section 111 can further include a coupling guide 113, which is formed on a front face of the receiving space 1110 and has a width that increases towards the front. The second connector 200 can be received along the coupling guide 113 in the receiving space 1110.

[0057] The outer connector section 112, which is coupled to the third connector 300, may further comprise a receiving space 1120 formed within it for receiving the third connector 300. The receiving space 1120 may be formed within the housing 110 and receive the third connector 300 in the first direction (z-axis). The third connector 300 can be inserted in the first direction and received in the receiving space 1120. More precisely, the plug-type pin connection 120 provided in the first connector 100 can be coupled to a socket-type pin connection (not shown) provided in the third connector 300 when the third connector 300 is received in the receiving space 1120.

[0058] The outer connector section 112 can include a second plate 132 which is mounted in the receiving space 1120 at a predetermined second length from the other end of the plug pin connection 120 in order to prevent deformation of the plug pin connection 120.

[0059] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 is (a) a perspective view showing the housing 110 of the first connector 100, (b) showing the inner connector section 111 viewed from the front in the first direction, and (c) showing the outer connector section 112 viewed from the rear in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0060] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the housing 110 to describe the plates 131 and 132 according to the disclosure.

[0061] Fig. Figure 5(a) shows the positions of the plates before coupling the first connector with the second connector and the third connector, and Fig. Figure 5(b) shows the positions of the plates after the first connector is coupled to the second and third connectors. For simplicity, the second and third connectors are not shown.

[0062] With reference to Fig. 5(a) shows that the first plate 131 is received in the receiving space 1110 of the housing 110 and is thus located or mounted at a length a from one end of the connector pin 120. With reference to Fig. 5(b) shows that when the second connector is coupled to the first connector, the first plate 131 has moved further inwards or deeper (at a length a' from the end of the plug pin connection 120) into the receiving space 1110 of the housing 110.

[0063] In Fig. 5(a) shows that the second plate 132 is received in the receiving space 1120 of the housing 110 and is thus located a length b from the other end of the connector pin 120. With reference to Fig. 5(b) shows that when the third connector is coupled to the first connector, the second plate 132 has moved further inwards or deeper (at a length b' from the other end of the plug pin connection 120) into the receiving space 1120 of the housing 110.

[0064] Fig. Figures 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating a second connector of a self-aligning connector according to the revelation.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 6 The second connector 200 of the self-aligning connector 1000 can comprise the housing 210, the voltage section 220 and a coupling section 230.

[0066] The housing 210, which forms the outer surface of the second connector 200, can accommodate the socket pin terminal 201. A pair of coupling sections 230, arranged at equal intervals, can be formed on the rear of the housing 210. The second connector 200 can be connected to the side of a vehicle taillight housing (not shown) via the coupling sections. The housing 210 and the coupling sections 230 can be connected to each other via the voltage section 220.

[0067] The stress section 220 can be designed such that it stresses the housing 210 from below, in the first direction (z-axis in Fig. 1) or supported from the rear of the case 210.

[0068] When the second connector 200 is fixed via the coupling sections 230, the tension section 220 can impart movement to the housing 210. That is, the housing becomes flexible in at least one of the first directions (z-axis inwards). Fig. 1), a second direction (y-axis in Fig. 1) or a third direction (z-axis in Fig. 1) moves. This causes a self-alignment between the first connector and the second connector, thereby increasing work efficiency (i.e., productivity).

[0069] The tension section 220 can comprise a pair of support sections 221 extending downwards from one and the other end of a bottom surface of the housing 210, respectively. Each support section 221 can comprise two support plates 224 and 225 spaced apart from each other at an increasing distance from the housing 210.

[0070] Furthermore, the tension section 220 can comprise a curved section 222 formed in an S-shape, one end of which is connected to the support plate 224 or 225 and the other end of which is connected to the coupling section 230. The S-shape of the curved section 222 enables the flexible movement of the housing 210 described above.

[0071] A first curved section, connected to the support plate 224 of a first support section of the pair of support sections 221, and a second curved section, connected to the support plate 226 of a second support section of the pair of support sections 221, can further be connected to one of the coupling sections of the pair. Furthermore, the first curved section and the second curved section can be arranged or configured symmetrically with respect to the housing 210.

[0072] The tension section 220 can include a connecting section 223 that connects the bent section 222 and the coupling section 230.

[0073] The coupling sections 230 can include a coupling hole (231) formed thereon for attachment to a vehicle component or a vehicle body.

[0074] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure described above is intended to enable those skilled in the field to implement and apply the disclosure. Although the disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the field that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the disclosure. For example, those skilled in the field can use the individual components described in the embodiments described above in a way that combines them.

[0075] Accordingly, the disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but should have the broadest scope of protection compatible with the principles and new features disclosed herein.

Claims

[1] Self-aligning connector, comprising: a first connector with a first connection in it and a second connector with a second port inside, into which the first port can be plugged, wherein the first connector comprises a housing with an inner connector section arranged at a first end of the first connector and coupled to the second connector, and an outer connector section arranged at a second end of the first connector and coupled to a third connector, wherein the inner connector section comprises a receiving space defined therein which receives the second connector, and a first plate which is mounted within the receiving space at a first predetermined length from a first end of the first connection, wherein the first plate is configured to prevent deformation of the first connection, and wherein the outer connector section comprises a receiving space defined therein which receives the third connector, and a second plate which is mounted at a second predetermined length from a second end of the first connection within the receiving space of the outer connector section, wherein the second plate is configured to prevent deformation of the first connection. [2] Self-aligning connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner connector section comprises a coupling guide arranged on a front side of the receiving space and having a width that increases towards the front side of the receiving space, and wherein the second connector is received in the receiving space along the coupling guide. [3] Self-aligning connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plate is configured to move further inwards in response to coupling of the first connector with the second connector within the receiving space of the inner connector section. [4] Self-aligning connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second plate is configured to move further inwards in response to coupling of the first connector with the third connector within the receiving space of the outer connector section. [5] Self-aligning connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second connector comprises: a housing that accommodates the second connector; a pair of coupling sections arranged at equal intervals from the housing, each coupling section having a coupling hole provided thereon for attachment to a vehicle component or vehicle body; and a tension section that has a curved shape and connects the housing to the pair of coupling sections. [6] Self-aligning connector according to claim 5, wherein the tension section is configured to support the housing from below. [7] Self-aligning connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tension section comprises: a pair of support sections extending downwards from both ends of a bottom surface of the housing, each support section comprising two support plates spaced apart from each other at a distance increasing from the housing; and a curved section with an S-shape, the first end of which is connected to one of the support plates of one of the support sections and the second end of which is connected to the coupling section. [8] Self-aligning connector according to claim 7, wherein the curved section comprises: a first curved section connected to a support plate of a first support section of the pair of support sections; and a second curved section connected to a support plate of a second support section of the pair of support sections, wherein the first curved section and the second curved section are connected to one of the pair of coupling sections and wherein the first curved section and the second curved section are symmetrical with respect to the housing. [9] Self-aligning connector according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the tension section comprises a connecting section that connects the bent section to the coupling section. [10] Self-aligning connector according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tension section is configured to allow the housing to move in at least one of a first direction in which the housing is connected to the first connector, or in two directions perpendicular to the first direction.

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