Connector housing, connector housing assembly, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector housing, a connector housing assembly, a connector and a connector assembly. The connector housing comprises: an outer housing (11) which has an outer peripheral wall (113) as well as a front port (111) and a rear end wall (112) that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing (12) comprising a middle portion (123) located inside the outer housing (11), a front end portion (121) extending from the front port (111) of the outer housing (11), and a rear end portion (122) extending backwards from the rear end wall (112) of the outer housing (11). A terminal mounting hole (12a) for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing (12), and an elastic locking buckle (13) and a snap slot (12b) suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle (13) are formed on the front end portion (121) of the inner housing (12), the elastic locking buckle (13) is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole (12a). The connector housing (1) is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall (112) of the outer housing (11) is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11) and the outer side of the inner housing (12). In the present invention, the connector housing is an integral injection molded part that simultaneously integrates an inner housing, an outer housing and an elastic locking buckle, thereby simplifying the structure of the connector and reducing costs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420945041.7 filed on April 30, 2024 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector housing, a connector housing assembly comprising the connector housing, a connector comprising the connector housing assembly, and a connector assembly comprising the connector.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, a connector housing assembly typically includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a terminal locking component. The inner housing is installed in the outer housing, and a terminal mounting hole for installing a terminal and a slot communicated with the terminal mounting hole are formed in the inner housing. The terminal locking component is inserted into the slot of the inner housing to lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. In the prior art, the outer housing, inner housing, and terminal locking component are three separate injection molded parts that need to be separately manufactured and assembled together. This leads to a complex structure of the connector housing assembly, difficulty in assembly, and increased costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises: an outer housing which has an outer peripheral wall as well as a front port and a rear end wall that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing comprising a middle portion located inside the outer housing, a front end portion extending from the front port of the outer housing, and a rear end portion extending backwards from the rear end wall of the outer housing. A terminal mounting hole for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing, and an elastic locking buckle and a snap slot suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle are formed on the front end portion of the inner housing, the elastic locking buckle is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. The connector housing is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall of the outer housing is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing and the outer side of the inner housing.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the snap slot is communicated with the terminal mounting hole, and the elastic locking buckle has an elastic arm connected to the outer side of the inner housing and a hook portion formed on the end of the elastic arm, the hook portion is used to engage with the snap slot and is suitable for resting on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the root of the elastic arm of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing, and the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to and faces the front port of the outer housing; an avoidance hole is formed in the rear end wall of the outer housing to allow a first component to be pulled out, and the first component is used to form the hook portion of the elastic lock buckle during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance hole.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is located on the top of the inner housing, and the root of the elastic arm of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to and faces the front port of the outer housing; an avoidance hole is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing to allow a first component to be pulled out, the avoidance hole is located above the top of the inner housing, and the first component is used to form the hook portion of the elastic lock buckle during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance hole.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple terminal mounting holes are formed in the inner housing for respectively inserting multiple terminals, and the multiple terminal mounting holes are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the inner housing and extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing; the snap slot extends along the transverse direction of the inner housing and is communicated with the multiple terminal mounting holes, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adapted to simultaneously press against the multiple terminals to ensure the installation position of the terminals and prevent them from being pulled out of the multiple terminal mounting holes.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the snap slot and an unlocking position separated from the snap slot; when the elastic locking buckle is moved to the locking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is engaged with the snap slot and adapted to rest on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal installation hole; when the elastic locking buckle is moved to the unlocking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is separated from the snap slot and the terminal to allow the terminal to be pulled out from the terminal mounting hole.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the elastic locking buckle is in the unlocking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle and the avoidance hole are opposite in the longitudinal direction, so that the first component can be pulled out from the connector housing along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is also used to detect whether the terminal has been inserted into a predetermined installation position; when the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that does not interfere with the hook portion, so that the hook portion can be moved to the locking position; when the terminal is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that interferes with the hook portion, so that the hook portion cannot be moved to the locking position.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring installation groove for installing a sealing ring is formed on the middle portion of the inner housing, and the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing has two opposite sides in the transverse direction of the inner housing; avoidance slots are respectively formed in both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing to allow a second component to be pulled out, and the second component is used to form the sealing ring installation groove during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, a pair of second components are pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance slots in both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring installation groove is located near the front port of the outer housing, and the avoidance slot extends to the front end face of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing, so that the avoidance slot is a U-shaped notch opened forward.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly comprises: the above connector housing; and a sealing ring which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove of the inner housing. The sealing ring is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port of the outer housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: the above connector housing assembly; and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole of the inner housing.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector comprises: a mating housing suitable for inserting into the front port of the outer housing of the connector housing to mate with the connector housing; and a mating terminal suitable for insertion into the terminal mounting hole of the connector housing to mate with the terminal of the connector. The sealing ring is radially compressed between the inner housing and the mating housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0019] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the connector housing is an integral injection molded part that simultaneously integrates an inner housing, an outer housing and an elastic locking buckle, thereby simplifying the structure of the connector and reducing costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; and Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0022] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0023] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises: an outer housing which has an outer peripheral wall as well as a front port and a rear end wall that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing comprising a middle portion located inside the outer housing, a front end portion extending from the front port of the outer housing, and a rear end portion extending backwards from the rear end wall of the outer housing. A terminal mounting hole for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing, and an elastic locking buckle and a snap slot suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle are formed on the front end portion of the inner housing, the elastic locking buckle is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. The connector housing is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall of the outer housing is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing and the outer side of the inner housing.

[0024] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly comprises: the above connector housing; and a sealing ring which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove of the inner housing. The sealing ring is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port of the outer housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0025] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: the above connector housing assembly; and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole of the inner housing.

[0026] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing 1 is disclosed. The connector housing 1 includes an outer housing 11, an inner housing 12, and an elastic locking buckle (also known as a secondary lock) 13 formed on the inner housing 12. The outer housing 11 has an outer peripheral wall 113 as well as a front port 111 and a rear end wall 112 that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction. The inner housing 12 includes a middle portion 123 located inside the outer housing 11, a front end portion 121 extending from the front port 111 of the outer housing 11, and a rear end portion 122 extending backwards from the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11. A terminal mounting hole 12a for inserting a terminal (not shown) is formed in the inner housing 12, and an elastic locking buckle 13 and a snap slot 12b suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle 13 are formed on the front end 121 of the inner housing 12. The elastic locking buckle 13 is used to lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11 is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 and the outer side of the inner housing 12.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the snap slot 12b is connected to the terminal mounting hole 12a, and the elastic locking buckle 13 has an elastic arm 13a connected to the outer side of the inner housing 12 and a hook portion 13b formed on the end of the elastic arm 13a. The hook portion 13b is used to engage with the snap slot 12b and is suitable for resting on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the root of the elastic arm 13a of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing 12, and the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to and faces the front port 111 of the outer housing 11. An avoidance hole 11b is formed in the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11 to allow a first component (not shown) to be pulled out. The first component is a molding die for forming the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of the connector housing 1, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing 1 towards the back through the avoidance hole 11b.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear.

[0033] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5. For example, in another exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the elastic locking buckle 13 is located on the top of the inner housing 12, the root of the elastic arm 13a of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing 12, and the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to and faces the front port 111 of the outer housing 11. An avoidance hole 11b is formed on the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 to allow a first component to be pulled out, and the avoidance hole 11b is located above the top of the inner housing 12. The first component is a molding die for forming the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of connector housing 1, the first component is pulled out from connector housing 1 through the avoidance hole 11b.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, multiple terminal mounting holes 12a are formed in the inner housing 12 for respectively inserting multiple terminals. The multiple terminal mounting holes 12a are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the inner housing 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing 12. The snap slot 12b extends along the transverse direction of the inner housing 12 and is communicated with multiple terminal mounting holes 12a. The hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is suitable for simultaneously pressing against multiple terminals to prevent multiple terminals from being pulled out of the multiple terminal mounting holes 12a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic locking buckle 13 is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the snap slot 12b and an unlocking position separated from the snap slot 12b. When the elastic locking buckle 13 is moved to the locking position, the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is engaged with the snap slot 12b and is adapted to rest on the terminal to prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole 12a. When the elastic locking buckle 13 is moved to the unlocking position, the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is separated from the snap slot 12b and the terminal, allowing the terminal to be pulled out from the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the elastic locking buckle 13 is in the unlocking position, the hook portion 13b and the avoidance hole 11b of the elastic locking buckle 13 are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction, allowing the first component to be pulled out from the connector housing 1 along the longitudinal direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic locking buckle 13 is also used to detect whether the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position. When the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that does not interfere with the hook portion 13b, allowing the hook portion 13b to be moved to the locking position that engages with the snap slot 12b. When the terminal is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that interferes with the hook portion 13b, so that the hook portion 13b cannot be moved to the locking position that engages with the snap slot 12b.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring installation groove 12c for installing the sealing ring 2 is formed on the middle portion 123 of the inner housing 12, and the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 has opposite sides in the transverse direction of the inner housing 12. Avoidance slots 11a are respectively formed in both sides of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 to allow a second component (not shown) to be pulled out, and the second component is a molding die for forming the sealing ring installation groove 12c during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of the connector housing 1, a pair of second components are pulled out from the connector housing 1 through the avoidance slots 11a in both sides of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11. The pair of second components can be combined together to form the sealing ring installation groove 12c.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the sealing ring installation groove 12c is located near the front port 111 of the outer housing 11, and the avoidance slot 11a extends to the front end face of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11, so that the avoidance slot 11a is a U-shaped notch opened forward.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is also disclosed. The connector housing assembly includes the aforementioned connector housing 1 and a sealing ring 2. The sealing ring 2 is installed in the sealing ring installation groove 12c of the inner housing 12. The sealing ring 2 is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing 12 and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port 111 of the outer housing 11 to achieve sealing between the two.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes the aforementioned connector housing assembly and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole 12a of the inner housing 12.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is mated with the connector.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector comprises a mating housing (not shown) and a mating terminal (not shown). The mating housing is suitable for inserting into the front port 111 of the outer housing 11 of the connector housing 1 to mate with the connector housing 1. The mating terminal is suitable for insertion into the terminal mounting hole 12a of the connector housing 1 to mate with the terminal of the connector. The sealing ring 2 is radially compressed between the inner housing 12 and the mating housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the avoidance slot 11a and the avoidance hole 11b are formed in the outer housing of the connector housing, enabling the formation of the sealing ring installation groove 12c and the elastic locking buckle 13 through injection molding process.

[0045] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle.

[0046] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0047] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0022]In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0023]According to a general concept of the present inv...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420945041.7 filed on April 30, 2024 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector housing, a connector housing assembly comprising the connector housing, a connector comprising the connector housing assembly, and a connector assembly comprising the connector.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, a connector housing assembly typically includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a terminal locking component. The inner housing is installed in the outer housing, and a terminal mounting hole for installing a terminal and a slot communicated with the terminal mounting hole are formed in the inner housing. The terminal locking component is inserted into the slot of the inner housing to lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. In the prior art, the outer housing, inner housing, and terminal locking component are three separate injection molded parts that need to be separately manufactured and assembled together. This leads to a complex structure of the connector housing assembly, difficulty in assembly, and increased costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises: an outer housing which has an outer peripheral wall as well as a front port and a rear end wall that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing comprising a middle portion located inside the outer housing, a front end portion extending from the front port of the outer housing, and a rear end portion extending backwards from the rear end wall of the outer housing. A terminal mounting hole for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing, and an elastic locking buckle and a snap slot suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle are formed on the front end portion of the inner housing, the elastic locking buckle is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. The connector housing is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall of the outer housing is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing and the outer side of the inner housing.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the snap slot is communicated with the terminal mounting hole, and the elastic locking buckle has an elastic arm connected to the outer side of the inner housing and a hook portion formed on the end of the elastic arm, the hook portion is used to engage with the snap slot and is suitable for resting on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the root of the elastic arm of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing, and the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to and faces the front port of the outer housing; an avoidance hole is formed in the rear end wall of the outer housing to allow a first component to be pulled out, and the first component is used to form the hook portion of the elastic lock buckle during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance hole.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is located on the top of the inner housing, and the root of the elastic arm of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adjacent to and faces the front port of the outer housing; an avoidance hole is formed in the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing to allow a first component to be pulled out, the avoidance hole is located above the top of the inner housing, and the first component is used to form the hook portion of the elastic lock buckle during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance hole.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, multiple terminal mounting holes are formed in the inner housing for respectively inserting multiple terminals, and the multiple terminal mounting holes are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the inner housing and extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing; the snap slot extends along the transverse direction of the inner housing and is communicated with the multiple terminal mounting holes, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is adapted to simultaneously press against the multiple terminals to ensure the installation position of the terminals and prevent them from being pulled out of the multiple terminal mounting holes.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the snap slot and an unlocking position separated from the snap slot; when the elastic locking buckle is moved to the locking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is engaged with the snap slot and adapted to rest on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal installation hole; when the elastic locking buckle is moved to the unlocking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle is separated from the snap slot and the terminal to allow the terminal to be pulled out from the terminal mounting hole.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the elastic locking buckle is in the unlocking position, the hook portion of the elastic locking buckle and the avoidance hole are opposite in the longitudinal direction, so that the first component can be pulled out from the connector housing along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic locking buckle is also used to detect whether the terminal has been inserted into a predetermined installation position; when the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that does not interfere with the hook portion, so that the hook portion can be moved to the locking position; when the terminal is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that interferes with the hook portion, so that the hook portion cannot be moved to the locking position.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring installation groove for installing a sealing ring is formed on the middle portion of the inner housing, and the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing has two opposite sides in the transverse direction of the inner housing; avoidance slots are respectively formed in both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing to allow a second component to be pulled out, and the second component is used to form the sealing ring installation groove during the injection molding process of the connector housing; after completing the injection molding of the connector housing, a pair of second components are pulled out from the connector housing through the avoidance slots in both sides of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring installation groove is located near the front port of the outer housing, and the avoidance slot extends to the front end face of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing, so that the avoidance slot is a U-shaped notch opened forward.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly comprises: the above connector housing; and a sealing ring which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove of the inner housing. The sealing ring is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port of the outer housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: the above connector housing assembly; and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole of the inner housing.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector comprises: a mating housing suitable for inserting into the front port of the outer housing of the connector housing to mate with the connector housing; and a mating terminal suitable for insertion into the terminal mounting hole of the connector housing to mate with the terminal of the connector. The sealing ring is radially compressed between the inner housing and the mating housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0019] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the connector housing is an integral injection molded part that simultaneously integrates an inner housing, an outer housing and an elastic locking buckle, thereby simplifying the structure of the connector and reducing costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; and Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0022] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0023] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises: an outer housing which has an outer peripheral wall as well as a front port and a rear end wall that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing comprising a middle portion located inside the outer housing, a front end portion extending from the front port of the outer housing, and a rear end portion extending backwards from the rear end wall of the outer housing. A terminal mounting hole for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing, and an elastic locking buckle and a snap slot suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle are formed on the front end portion of the inner housing, the elastic locking buckle is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole. The connector housing is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall of the outer housing is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing and the outer side of the inner housing.

[0024] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly comprises: the above connector housing; and a sealing ring which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove of the inner housing. The sealing ring is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port of the outer housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0025] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: the above connector housing assembly; and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole of the inner housing.

[0026] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0027] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing 1 is disclosed. The connector housing 1 includes an outer housing 11, an inner housing 12, and an elastic locking buckle (also known as a secondary lock) 13 formed on the inner housing 12. The outer housing 11 has an outer peripheral wall 113 as well as a front port 111 and a rear end wall 112 that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction. The inner housing 12 includes a middle portion 123 located inside the outer housing 11, a front end portion 121 extending from the front port 111 of the outer housing 11, and a rear end portion 122 extending backwards from the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11. A terminal mounting hole 12a for inserting a terminal (not shown) is formed in the inner housing 12, and an elastic locking buckle 13 and a snap slot 12b suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle 13 are formed on the front end 121 of the inner housing 12. The elastic locking buckle 13 is used to lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11 is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 and the outer side of the inner housing 12.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the snap slot 12b is connected to the terminal mounting hole 12a, and the elastic locking buckle 13 has an elastic arm 13a connected to the outer side of the inner housing 12 and a hook portion 13b formed on the end of the elastic arm 13a. The hook portion 13b is used to engage with the snap slot 12b and is suitable for resting on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the root of the elastic arm 13a of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing 12, and the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to and faces the front port 111 of the outer housing 11. An avoidance hole 11b is formed in the rear end wall 112 of the outer housing 11 to allow a first component (not shown) to be pulled out. The first component is a molding die for forming the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of the connector housing 1, the first component is pulled out from the connector housing 1 towards the back through the avoidance hole 11b.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector housing 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear.

[0033] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5. For example, in another exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the elastic locking buckle 13 is located on the top of the inner housing 12, the root of the elastic arm 13a of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing 12, and the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is adjacent to and faces the front port 111 of the outer housing 11. An avoidance hole 11b is formed on the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 to allow a first component to be pulled out, and the avoidance hole 11b is located above the top of the inner housing 12. The first component is a molding die for forming the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of connector housing 1, the first component is pulled out from connector housing 1 through the avoidance hole 11b.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, multiple terminal mounting holes 12a are formed in the inner housing 12 for respectively inserting multiple terminals. The multiple terminal mounting holes 12a are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the inner housing 12 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing 12. The snap slot 12b extends along the transverse direction of the inner housing 12 and is communicated with multiple terminal mounting holes 12a. The hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is suitable for simultaneously pressing against multiple terminals to prevent multiple terminals from being pulled out of the multiple terminal mounting holes 12a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic locking buckle 13 is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the snap slot 12b and an unlocking position separated from the snap slot 12b. When the elastic locking buckle 13 is moved to the locking position, the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is engaged with the snap slot 12b and is adapted to rest on the terminal to prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole 12a. When the elastic locking buckle 13 is moved to the unlocking position, the hook portion 13b of the elastic locking buckle 13 is separated from the snap slot 12b and the terminal, allowing the terminal to be pulled out from the terminal mounting hole 12a.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the elastic locking buckle 13 is in the unlocking position, the hook portion 13b and the avoidance hole 11b of the elastic locking buckle 13 are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction, allowing the first component to be pulled out from the connector housing 1 along the longitudinal direction.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic locking buckle 13 is also used to detect whether the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position. When the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that does not interfere with the hook portion 13b, allowing the hook portion 13b to be moved to the locking position that engages with the snap slot 12b. When the terminal is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that interferes with the hook portion 13b, so that the hook portion 13b cannot be moved to the locking position that engages with the snap slot 12b.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring installation groove 12c for installing the sealing ring 2 is formed on the middle portion 123 of the inner housing 12, and the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 has opposite sides in the transverse direction of the inner housing 12. Avoidance slots 11a are respectively formed in both sides of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11 to allow a second component (not shown) to be pulled out, and the second component is a molding die for forming the sealing ring installation groove 12c during the injection molding process of the connector housing 1. After completing the injection molding of the connector housing 1, a pair of second components are pulled out from the connector housing 1 through the avoidance slots 11a in both sides of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11. The pair of second components can be combined together to form the sealing ring installation groove 12c.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the sealing ring installation groove 12c is located near the front port 111 of the outer housing 11, and the avoidance slot 11a extends to the front end face of the outer peripheral wall 113 of the outer housing 11, so that the avoidance slot 11a is a U-shaped notch opened forward.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is also disclosed. The connector housing assembly includes the aforementioned connector housing 1 and a sealing ring 2. The sealing ring 2 is installed in the sealing ring installation groove 12c of the inner housing 12. The sealing ring 2 is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing 12 and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port 111 of the outer housing 11 to achieve sealing between the two.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes the aforementioned connector housing assembly and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole 12a of the inner housing 12.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is mated with the connector.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector comprises a mating housing (not shown) and a mating terminal (not shown). The mating housing is suitable for inserting into the front port 111 of the outer housing 11 of the connector housing 1 to mate with the connector housing 1. The mating terminal is suitable for insertion into the terminal mounting hole 12a of the connector housing 1 to mate with the terminal of the connector. The sealing ring 2 is radially compressed between the inner housing 12 and the mating housing to achieve sealing between the two.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the avoidance slot 11a and the avoidance hole 11b are formed in the outer housing of the connector housing, enabling the formation of the sealing ring installation groove 12c and the elastic locking buckle 13 through injection molding process.

[0045] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle.

[0046] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0047] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0022]In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0023]According to a general concept of the present inv...

Claims

1. A connector housing, comprising: an outer housing (11) which has an outer peripheral wall (113) as well as a front port (111) and a rear end wall (112) that are opposed to each other in a longitudinal direction; and an inner housing (12) comprising a middle portion (123) located inside the outer housing (11), a front end portion (121) extending from the front port (111) of the outer housing (11), and a rear end portion (122) extending backwards from the rear end wall (112) of the outer housing (11), wherein a terminal mounting hole (12a) for inserting a terminal is formed in the inner housing (12), and an elastic locking buckle (13) and a snap slot (12b) suitable for engaging with the elastic locking buckle (13) are formed on the front end portion (121) of the inner housing (12), the elastic locking buckle (13) is used to ensure the installation position of the terminal and lock the terminal in the terminal mounting hole (12a), wherein the connector housing (1) is an integral injection molded part, and the rear end wall (112) of the outer housing (11) is connected between the rear end of the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11) and the outer side of the inner housing (12).

2. The connector housing according to claim 1, wherein the snap slot (12b) is communicated with the terminal mounting hole (12a), and the elastic locking buckle (13) has an elastic arm (13a) connected to the outer side of the inner housing (12) and a hook portion (13b) formed on the end of the elastic arm (13a), the hook portion (13b) is used to engage with the snap slot (12b) and is suitable for resting on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal mounting hole (12a).

3. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein the root of the elastic arm (13a) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing (12), and the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is adjacent to and faces the front port (111) of the outer housing (11); wherein an avoidance hole (11b) is formed in the rear end wall (112) of the outer housing (11) to allow a first component to be pulled out, and the first component is used to form the hook portion (13b) of the elastic lock buckle (13) during the injection molding process of the connector housing (1); wherein after completing the injection molding of the connector housing (1), the first component is pulled out from the connector housing (1) through the avoidance hole (11b).

4. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein the elastic locking buckle (13) is located on the top of the inner housing (12), and the root of the elastic arm (13a) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is adjacent to the front end of the inner housing (12), the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is adjacent to and faces the front port (111) of the outer housing (11); wherein an avoidance hole (11b) is formed in the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11) to allow a first component to be pulled out, the avoidance hole (11b) is located above the top of the inner housing (12), and the first component is used to form the hook portion (13b) of the elastic lock buckle (13) during the injection molding process of the connector housing (1); wherein after completing the injection molding of the connector housing (1), the first component is pulled out from the connector housing (1) through the avoidance hole (11b).

5. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein multiple terminal mounting holes (12a) are formed in the inner housing (12) for respectively inserting multiple terminals, and the multiple terminal mounting holes (12a) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the inner housing (12) and extend in the longitudinal direction of the inner housing (12); and wherein the snap slot (12b) extends along the transverse direction of the inner housing (12) and is communicated with the multiple terminal mounting holes (12a), the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is adapted to simultaneously press against the multiple terminals to ensure the installation position of the terminals and prevent them from being pulled out of the multiple terminal mounting holes (12a).

6. The connector housing according to claim 4, wherein the elastic locking buckle (13) is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the snap slot (12b) and an unlocking position separated from the snap slot (12b); wherein when the elastic locking buckle (13) is moved to the locking position, the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is engaged with the snap slot (12b) and adapted to rest on the terminal to ensure the installation position of the terminal and prevent the terminal from being pulled out of the terminal installation hole (12a); wherein when the elastic locking buckle (13) is moved to the unlocking position, the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) is separated from the snap slot (12b) and the terminal to allow the terminal to be pulled out from the terminal mounting hole (12a).

7. The connector housing according to claim 6, wherein when the elastic locking buckle (13) is in the unlocking position, the hook portion (13b) of the elastic locking buckle (13) and the avoidance hole (11b) are opposite in the longitudinal direction, so that the first component can be pulled out from the connector housing (1) along the longitudinal direction.

8. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein the elastic locking buckle (13) is also used to detect whether the terminal has been inserted into a predetermined installation position; wherein when the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that does not interfere with the hook portion (13b), so that the hook portion (13b) can be moved to the locking position; wherein when the terminal is not inserted into the predetermined installation position, the terminal is in a position that interferes with the hook portion (13b), so that the hook portion (13b) cannot be moved to the locking position.

9. The connector housing according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein a sealing ring installation groove (12c) for installing a sealing ring (2) is formed on the middle portion (123) of the inner housing (12), and the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11) has two opposite sides in the transverse direction of the inner housing (12); wherein avoidance slots (11a) are respectively formed in both sides of the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11) to allow a second component to be pulled out, and the second component is used to form the sealing ring installation groove (12c) during the injection molding process of the connector housing (1); wherein after completing the injection molding of the connector housing (1), a pair of second components are pulled out from the connector housing (1) through the avoidance slots (11a) in both sides of the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11).

10. The connector housing according to claim 9, wherein the sealing ring installation groove (12c) is located near the front port (111) of the outer housing (11), and the avoidance slot (11a) extends to the front end face of the outer peripheral wall (113) of the outer housing (11), so that the avoidance slot (11a) is a U-shaped notch opened forward.

11. A connector housing assembly, comprising: the connector housing (1) according to claim 9 or 10; and a sealing ring (2) which is installed in the sealing ring installation groove (12c) of the inner housing (12), wherein the sealing ring (2) is suitable for being radially compressed between the inner housing (12) and a mating housing of a mating connector inserted into the front port (111) of the outer housing (11) to achieve sealing between the two.

12. A connector, comprising: the connector housing assembly as claimed in claim 11; and a terminal which is inserted into the terminal mounting hole (12a) of the inner housing (12).

13. A connector assembly, comprising: the connector as claimed in claim 12; and a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the mating connector comprises: a mating housing suitable for inserting into the front port (111) of the outer housing (11) of the connector housing (1) to mate with the connector housing (1); and a mating terminal suitable for insertion into the terminal mounting hole (12a) of the connector housing (1) to mate with the terminal of the connector, wherein the sealing ring (2) is radially compressed between the inner housing (12) and the mating housing to achieve sealing between the two.

Images