socket connector
The socket connector addresses the issue of disengaging locking elements in automotive connectors by using a housing and locking element with locked/unlocked positions and grooves/slots, enhancing connection stability and mating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing front-mounted connectors in automotive manufacturing suffer from locking elements that easily disengage, preventing proper mating of terminals and connectors.
A socket connector design featuring a housing, insertion element, and locking element with a locked and unlocked position, utilizing grooves and slots to securely lock terminals, and incorporating an inner and outer shell for enhanced holding force and stability.
The design prevents the locking element from loosening, ensuring secure connections and improved efficiency in mating connectors by increasing the holding force and preventing disengagement.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL AREA
[0001] The present utility model relates to the technical field of automotive manufacturing, in particular a socket connector. STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Existing connectors are front-mounted connectors where the locking element is inserted from one end of the housing to lock the terminals. This design causes the locking element to easily disengage when the connectors are mated, preventing the terminals from locking and thus preventing the connectors from being mated.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a female connector to solve the problems mentioned above. CONTENTS OF THE PRESENT USE SAMPLE
[0004] The present utility model aims to provide a socket connector that can prevent the locking element from coming loose, thereby locking the connections in order to improve the efficiency of plugging the connectors together.
[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present utility model uses the following technical solution: a socket connector, characterized in that it comprises a housing, an insertion element, a locking element and multiple terminals, wherein one end of the housing is provided with multiple installation holes, and wherein the multiple terminals are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes, and wherein the other end of the housing is provided with an open opening, and wherein the insertion element is arranged in the housing and is located near the open opening, and wherein the insertion element is provided with multiple grooves, and wherein the multiple grooves are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes, and wherein the locking element is arranged between one end of the housing and the insertion element, and wherein the locking element is slidably arranged on the insertion element such that the locking element has a locked position and an unlocked position.and wherein the connections are successively passed through the installation holes and the locking element to be positioned in the grooves, and wherein the locking element is used to lock or unlock the connections.
[0006] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in the insertion element being provided with a spaced-apart locking slot and unlocking slot, wherein the locking element has a protruding block, wherein when the locking element is in the locked position, the protruding block is inserted into the locking slot, and wherein when the locking element is in the unlocked position, the protruding block is inserted into the unlocking slot.
[0007] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in the locking element being provided with several locking holes, wherein the several locking holes are uniquely assigned to the several terminals, and wherein the terminals are provided with locking slots, and wherein the terminals are passed through the locking holes, and wherein, when the locking element is in the locked position, the hole wall of the locking holes is inserted into the locking slots, and wherein, when the locking element is in the unlocked position, the hole wall of the locking holes is released from the locking slots.
[0008] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in the housing comprising an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein the insertion element is snapped into the inner shell, and wherein the locking element is slidably mounted on the inner shell, and wherein the insertion element is slidably mounted on the locking element, such that the locking element can have the locked position and the unlocked position relative to the insertion element.
[0009] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in that several locking blocks are arranged protruding on the inner shell, wherein the several locking blocks are uniquely assigned to the several terminals, and wherein the terminals are provided with locking through holes, and wherein the locking blocks can be inserted into the locking through holes.
[0010] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in that several limiting elements are arranged projecting on the locking element, wherein, when the locking element is in the locked position, the several limiting elements each detach from the inner wall of the outer shell, and wherein, when the locking element is in the unlocked position, the several limiting elements each lie against the inner wall of the outer shell.
[0011] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in the connector comprising a rivet section and a main body, wherein the rivet section is connected to one end of the main body, and wherein another end of the main body is provided with a first insertion hole, and wherein the rivet direction of the rivet section is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the first insertion hole.
[0012] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector consists in the insertion element being provided with several second insertion holes, wherein the several second insertion holes are uniquely assigned to the several terminals, and wherein the second insertion holes are located directly opposite the first insertion hole.
[0013] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector is that the socket connector further comprises a sealing element which is arranged at another end of the housing, wherein the sealing element can abut the end face of the pin connector.
[0014] A preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned socket connector is that the socket connector further comprises a locking element located at one end of the housing, the locking element being used to lock or unlock the pin connector.
[0015] The present utility model has the following advantages: The present utility model provides a socket connector. The socket connector comprises a housing, an insertion element, a locking element, and multiple terminals, wherein one end of the housing is provided with multiple installation holes, and wherein the multiple terminals are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes, and wherein the other end of the housing is provided with an open opening, and wherein the insertion element is arranged in the housing and is located near the open opening, and wherein the insertion element is provided with multiple grooves, and wherein the multiple grooves are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes, and wherein the locking element is arranged between one end of the housing and the insertion element, and wherein the locking element is slidably arranged on the insertion element.such that the locking element has a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the terminals are successively passed through the installation holes and the locking element to be positioned in the slots, and wherein the locking element is used to lock or unlock the terminals. Compared to the prior art, in the socket connector the locking element is positioned between the housing and the insertion element to increase the holding force of the locking element and prevent it from loosening, thus locking the terminals and improving the efficiency of mating the connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] To clarify the technical solution in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings to be used are briefly introduced below in the explanation of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below show only some embodiments of this utility model. A person skilled in the art in this field can, provided no creative work is involved, derive other drawings from the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a socket connector provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a socket connector provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 3 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of a housing provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 4 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of a housing provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 5 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of an introduction element provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 6 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of an introduction element provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 7 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of a locking element provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 8 shows a first schematic diagram of the structure of a connection provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Fig. Figure 9 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of a connection provided by the embodiment of the present utility model. Reference symbol list 1 case 11 Installation hole 12 Open opening 13 Inner sleeve 131 Locking block 14 Outer shell 2 Introductory element 21 Nut 22 locking slots 23 release slots 24 Second entry hole 3 Locking element 31 Foreground block 32 locking holes 33 Boundary element 4 connection 41 locking slots 42 rivet section 43 Main body 44 First entry hole 45 First fault protection structure 46 Locking through hole 5 sealing element 6 Locking element DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, the present utility model is explained in more detail below. It is understood that the detailed embodiments described here serve only to illustrate the present utility model, rather than to limit its scope. Furthermore, it should be noted that, to facilitate explanation, only a portion of the structures associated with the present utility model, rather than all structures, are shown in the drawings.
[0018] Unless otherwise clearly stated and defined in the present utility model, the terms "coupling," "connection," and "fastening" should be understood in a broader sense; for example, it could be a permanent connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it could be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it could be a direct connection or a connection via a medium; it could also be a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. A person skilled in the art in this field should be able to understand the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in the present utility model based on the specific situations.
[0019] In the present utility model, the expression that the first feature is "above" or "below" the second feature can mean both that the first and second features are in direct contact and that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are connected by another feature, unless expressly stated otherwise and limited. Furthermore, the expression that the first feature is "above" the second feature, "above the second feature," or "on the top of the second feature" refers to the first feature being located directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or the expression simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature.The expression that the first feature is “under the second feature”, “below the second feature” or “at the bottom of the second feature” refers to the fact that the first feature is located directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or the expression simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.
[0020] In the explanation of this embodiment, the directional or positional relationships described using terms such as "above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are based on the directional or positional relationships illustrated in the accompanying drawings. They serve only to facilitate explanation and simplify operation; they do not indicate or suggest that the depicted devices or elements have specific orientations or should be constructed and operated in specific directions. Therefore, they cannot be interpreted as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for differentiation in the description and have no special meaning.
[0021] As shown in the figures, the present utility model provides a socket connector. The socket connector comprises: a housing 1, an insertion element 2, a locking element 3, and several terminals 4.
[0022] In particular, one end of the housing 1 is provided with multiple installation holes 11, wherein the multiple connections 4 are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes 11, and wherein the other end of the housing 1 is provided with an open opening 12, and wherein the insertion element 2 is arranged in the housing 1 and is located near the open opening 12, and wherein the insertion element 2 is provided with multiple grooves 21, and wherein the multiple grooves 21 are uniquely assigned to the multiple installation holes 11, and wherein the locking element 3 is arranged between one end of the housing 1 and the insertion element 2, and wherein the locking element 3 is slidably arranged on the insertion element 2 such that the locking element 3 has a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the connections 4 are successively passed through the installation holes 11 and the locking element 3.to be arranged in the grooves 21, and wherein the locking element 3 is used to lock or unlock the terminals 4. Compared to the prior art, in the socket connector the locking element 3 is arranged between the housing 1 and the insertion element 2 to increase the holding force of the locking element 3 and to prevent the locking element 3 from loosening, thereby locking the terminals 4 and improving the efficiency of mating the connectors. It should be noted that the sliding direction of the locking element 3 is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the socket connector.
[0023] Optionally, the insertion element 2 is provided with a spaced-apart locking slot 22 and a release slot 23, wherein the locking element 3 has a projecting block 31, wherein, when the locking element 3 is in the locked position, the projecting block 31 is inserted into the locking slot 22, and wherein, when the locking element 3 is in the unlocked position, the projecting block 31 is inserted into the release slot 23. In particular, the locking slots 22 and the release slots 23 are recessed at intervals on both opposite side walls of the insertion element 2. Projecting blocks 31 are formed on both corresponding side walls of the locking element 3.This arrangement allows the locking element 3 to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby achieving the locking or unlocking of the terminals 4.
[0024] Optionally, the locking element 3 is provided with several locking holes 32, wherein the several locking holes 32 are uniquely assigned to the several terminals 4, and wherein the terminals 4 are provided with locking slots 41, and wherein the terminals 4 are passed through the locking holes 32, and wherein, when the locking element 3 is in the locked position, the hole wall of the locking holes 32 is inserted into the locking slots 41, and wherein, when the locking element 3 is in the unlocked position, the hole wall of the locking holes 32 is released from the locking slots 41.
[0025] Optionally, the housing 1 comprises an inner shell 13 and an outer shell 14, wherein the insertion element 2 is snapped into the inner shell 13, and wherein the locking element 3 is slidably mounted on the inner shell 13, and wherein the insertion element 2 is slidably mounted on the locking element 3 such that the locking element 3 can be in the locked position and the unlocked position relative to the insertion element 2. In particular, the housing 1 -shaped, wherein the insertion element 2 is provided with a locking lug and the inner sleeve 13 with a clamping slot, wherein the locking lug can be snapped into the clamping slot to create a firm connection between the insertion element 2 and the inner sleeve 13, so that the locking element 3 can have the locked position and the unlocked position relative to the insertion element 2 and the housing 1.
[0026] Optionally, several locking blocks 131 are arranged protruding on the inner shell 13, wherein the several locking blocks 131 are uniquely assigned to the several terminals 4, and wherein the terminals 4 are provided with locking through holes 46, and wherein the locking blocks 131 can be inserted into the locking through holes 46 to realize a secondary locking of the terminals 4, thereby further preventing the movement of the terminals 4.
[0027] Optionally, several limiting elements 33 are arranged projecting from the locking element 3. When the locking element 3 is in the locked position, the several limiting elements 33 are raised and each is detached from the inner wall of the outer shell 14 to open the gap between the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 14, thus allowing the mating of the pin connector and the socket connector. When the locking element 3 is in the unlocked position, the several limiting elements 33 lie against the inner wall of the outer shell 14, closing the gap between the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 14 to prevent the socket connector from being inserted into the pin connector.
[0028] Optionally, the connector 4 comprises a rivet section 42 and a main body 43, wherein the rivet section 42 is connected to one end of the main body 43, and wherein another end of the main body 43 is provided with a first insertion hole 44, and wherein the riveting direction of the rivet section 42 is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the first insertion hole 44. This configuration rotates the riveting direction of the rivet section 42 by 90° compared to the prior art, thereby preventing the connector 4 from bending under force during riveting and avoiding eccentricity of the first insertion hole 44.
[0029] Furthermore, the insertion element 2 is provided with several secondary insertion holes 24, wherein the several secondary insertion holes 24 are uniquely assigned to the several terminals 4, and wherein the secondary insertion holes 24 are located directly opposite the first insertion hole 44. In particular, the terminal 4 is provided with a first fault-prevention structure 45 and the insertion element 2 with a second fault-prevention structure. The interaction of the first fault-prevention structure 45 and the second fault-prevention structure can prevent rotational or installation-direction errors of the terminal 4 to ensure that the secondary insertion holes 24 are located directly opposite the first insertion hole 44.
[0030] Optionally, the socket connector further comprises a sealing element 5 arranged at another end of the housing 1, wherein the sealing element 5 can abut the end face of the pin connector. In particular, the sealing element 5 is attached to the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 13. When the sealing element interacts with the pin connector, the sealing element 5 abuts the end face of the pin connector to improve the seal between the pin connector and the socket connector.
[0031] Optionally, the socket connector further includes a locking element 6 located at one end of the housing 1, the locking element 6 being used to lock or unlock the pin connector to improve the reliability of the socket connector.
[0032] Furthermore, the foregoing merely describes preferred embodiments of the present utility model and the underlying technical principles. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. They may make various significant modifications, adjustments, and substitutions without altering the scope of protection of the present utility model. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, although these embodiments provide a detailed explanation of the present utility model. The present utility model may contain other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the accompanying claims.