Terminal pin holding plate, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a terminal pin holding plate, a connector, and a connector assembly. The terminal pin holding plate comprises: a plate body (20) which is formed with a holding hole (21) for holding a pin (3a) of a terminal (3) of a connector; and an elastic buckle (22). The elastic buckle (22) includes: a cylindrical part (220) connected to the plate body (20) and divided into multiple cantilever parts (223) by at least one axial slot (222) formed on it; and a locking part (221) which is formed on the end of the cantilever part (223) and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part (220). The cylindrical part (220) is adapted to pass through a limit hole (102) in a bottom wall (10) of a housing (1) of the connector, and the locking part (221) and the plate body (20) are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1) to lock the terminal pin holding plate (2) to the housing (1); the diameter of the cylindrical part (220) is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole (102), so that the terminal pin holding plate (2) can float along the radial direction of the limit hole (102) relative to the housing (1) after being locked to the housing (1). The present invention simplifies the structure of the terminal pin holding plate and the housing, reducing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411437444.1 filed on October 15, 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 terminal pin holding plate, a connector comprising the terminal pin holding plate, and a connector assembly comprising the connector.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, a connector typically includes a housing, multiple terminals, and a terminal pin holding plate. Multiple terminals are set in the housing. There is an opening formed on the housing that allows multiple terminal pins to extend, and the terminal pin holding plate is installed on the housing and covers the opening on the housing. Multiple holding holes are formed in the terminal pin holding plate, and the pins of multiple terminals pass through the multiple holding holes and are respectively held in the multiple holding holes. There are also positioning posts formed on the terminal pin holding plate that are suitable for fitting with the positioning holes in the circuit board, to guide the pins of multiple terminals to be inserted into multiple pin sockets in the circuit board.

[0004] In the prior art, elastic buckles and limit posts separated from the elastic buckles are formed on the terminal pin holding plate. The elastic buckle is fastened into the snap slot on the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing, so that the terminal pin holding plate cannot be separated from the housing in the vertical direction parallel to the terminal pin. The limit post is inserted into the limit hole in the housing, and the size of the limit post is smaller than the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float relative to the housing in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the terminal pin after being locked to the housing. In the prior art, due to the fact that the elastic buckle and the limit post are two separate structures, this will lead to the complexity of the structure of the terminal pin holding plate and the housing, which not only increases the difficulty of assembly, but also leads to an increase in cost.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal pin holding plate. The terminal pin holding plate comprises: a plate body which is formed with a holding hole for holding a pin of a terminal of a connector; and an elastic buckle. The elastic buckle includes: a cylindrical part connected to the plate body and divided into multiple cantilever parts by at least one axial slot formed on it; and a locking part which is formed on the end of the cantilever part and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is adapted to pass through a limit hole in a bottom wall of a housing of the connector, and the locking part and the plate body are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall of the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing; the diameter of the cylindrical part is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a single axial slot is formed on the cylindrical part, which divides the cylindrical part into two radially opposite cantilever parts.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking part has upper and lower sides opposite in the axial direction of the cylindrical part; a guide inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical part is formed on the upper side of the locking part to guide the cylindrical part into the limit hole; a locking surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical part is formed on the lower side of the locking part, and the locking surface is used to axially rest against the inner side of the bottom wall of the housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the extension length of the axial slot along the axial direction of the cylindrical part is smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical part, so that the root of the cylindrical part connected to the plate body is a solid cylindrical body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the holding hole includes multiple first holding holes for holding pins of multiple first terminals respectively, and multiple second holding holes for holding pins of multiple second terminals respectively; the multiple first retaining holes are arranged in the first region of the plate body, and the multiple second retaining holes are arranged in the second region of the plate body that is spaced apart from the first region.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plate body has two opposite ends in its length direction and upper and lower sides opposite in its thickness direction, the elastic buckles are respectively formed at both ends of the plate body, and the elastic buckles are located on the upper side of the plate body.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal pin holding plate further comprises a positioning pin which is formed on the lower side of the plate body, suitable for fitting with a positioning hole in a circuit board to guide the pin of the terminal to be inserted into a pin socket in the circuit board.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic buckle is formed on the upper side of the plate body, and the cylindrical part of the elastic buckle is coaxial with the positioning pin.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal pin holding plate is an integral injection molded part.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing with a bottom wall; a terminal which is provided in the housing and has a pin for electrical connection to a circuit board; and the above terminal pin holding plate which is locked to the bottom wall of the housing. An opening is formed on the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate covers the opening, the pin of the terminal extends from the opening and passes through the holding hole in the terminal pin holding plate; a limit hole is also formed in the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the housing by an elastic buckle passing through the limit hole and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limit hole has an entrance located on the outer side of the bottom wall, and the entrance of the limit hole is trumpet shaped to guide the elastic buckle to be inserted into the limit hole.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal also has a mating end for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector, wherein the mating end of the terminal extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the pin of the terminal extends along the height direction of the housing.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a front housing part and a rear housing part opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, the opening is formed on the bottom wall of the rear housing part, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the bottom wall of the rear housing part; the pin of the terminal is used to be plugged into a pin socket in the circuit board, and the mating end of the terminal extends into the front housing part for mating with the mating terminal inserted into the front housing part.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal comprises multiple first terminals and multiple second terminals different from the multiple first terminals, and the holding hole comprises multiple first holding holes respectively mated with the pins of the multiple first terminals and multiple second holding holes respectively mated with the pins of the multiple second terminals; the multiple first terminals are arranged in one area of the housing, and the multiple second terminals are arranged in another area of the housing that is spaced apart from the one area.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front housing part comprises a first mating port and a second mating port, which are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the transverse direction of the housing; the mating ends of the multiple first terminals extend into the first mating port to mate with the multiple first mating terminals inserted into the first mating port; the mating ends of the multiple second terminals extend into the second mating port to mate with the multiple second mating terminals inserted into the second mating port.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first protrusion for locking to a mating housing of the mating connector is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port, and a second protrusion for locking to the mating housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the second mating port.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide rib extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port and / or the second mating port, and the guide rib is used to guide the front housing part of the connector to be inserted into the mating housing along the longitudinal direction.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing further comprises a flange part located between the front housing part and the rear housing part for mounting onto a mounting panel; the flange part has front and rear sides opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and a positioning column extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the front side of the flange part, which is used to mate with a positioning hole in the mounting panel.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a nut which is embedded into the flange part, the nut is used for threaded connection with a screw, so that the flange part can be fixed to the mounting panel through the screw.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is an integra injection molded part, and the housing is directly injected onto the nut, making the housing and the nut an integrated piece.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring installation groove is formed on the front side of the flange part, and the positioning column and the nut are located in the area surrounded by the sealing ring installation groove; the connector further comprises a sealing ring installed into the sealing ring installation groove, wherein the sealing ring is adapted to be compressed between the flange part and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a circuit board which is electrically connected to the pin of the terminal of the connector. A pin socket and a positioning hole are formed in the circuit board, the pin of the terminal is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning column on the terminal pin holding plate is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly further comprises a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0029] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the elastic buckle not only has a locking part suitable for locking to the housing, but also has a cylindrical part that fits with the limit hole in the housing with a gap, so that the terminal pin holding plate can be locked to the housing through the elastic buckle and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing. Therefore, the present invention does not require the formation of separate limit posts on the terminal pin holding plate, nor does it require the formation of limit holes in the housing for mating with the limit posts. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the terminal pin holding plate and the housing, reducing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] 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 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin retaining plate has not yet been installed on the housing of the connector; Figure 7 shows a transverse sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin retaining plate has not yet been installed on the housing of the connector; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; and Figure 9 shows another longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a terminal pin holding plate. The terminal pin holding plate comprises: a plate body which is formed with a holding hole for holding a pin of a terminal of a connector; and an elastic buckle. The elastic buckle includes: a cylindrical part connected to the plate body and divided into multiple cantilever parts by at least one axial slot formed on it; and a locking part which is formed on the end of the cantilever part and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is adapted to pass through a limit hole in a bottom wall of a housing of the connector, and the locking part and the plate body are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall of the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing; the diameter of the cylindrical part is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing with a bottom wall; a terminal which is provided in the housing and has a pin for electrical connection to a circuit board; and the above terminal pin holding plate which is locked to the bottom wall of the housing. An opening is formed on the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate covers the opening, the pin of the terminal extends from the opening and passes through the holding hole in the terminal pin holding plate; a limit hole is also formed in the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the housing by an elastic buckle passing through the limit hole and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing.

[0035] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a circuit board which is electrically connected to the pin of the terminal of the connector. A pin socket and a positioning hole are formed in the circuit board, the pin of the terminal is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning column on the terminal pin holding plate is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0036] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin holding plate 2 has not yet been installed on the housing 1 of the connector.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal pin holding plate 2 is disclosed. The terminal pin holding plate 2 includes a plate body 20 and an elastic buckle 22. The plate body 20 is formed with a holding hole 21 for holding the pin 3a of the terminal 3 of the connector. The elastic buckle 22 includes a cylindrical part 220 and a locking part 221. The cylindrical part 220 is connected to the plate body 20. At least one axial slot 222 extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220 is formed on the cylindrical part 220, and the cylindrical part 220 is divided into multiple cantilever parts 223 by the at least one axial slot 222 formed on it. The locking part 221 is formed on the end of the cantilever part 223 and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the cylindrical part 220.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical part 220 is adapted to pass through the limit hole 102 in the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1 of the connector. The locking part 221 and the plate body 20 are suitable for respectively pressing against the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1 to lock the terminal pin holding plate 2 to the housing 1. The diameter of the cylindrical part 220 is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole 102, allowing the terminal pin holding plate 2 to float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1 after being locked to the housing 1. The radial float of terminal pin holding plate 2 is equal to the difference between the diameter of limit hole 102 and the diameter of cylindrical part 220. In this way, the position error of the housing 1 can be absorbed, making it easier to plug the pin 3a of the connector terminal 3 into the pin socket in the circuit board (not shown).

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 22 not only has a locking part 221 suitable for locking to the housing 1, but also has a cylindrical part 220 that fits with the limit hole 102 of the housing 1 with a gap, so that the terminal pin holding plate 2 can be locked to the housing 1 through the elastic buckle 22 and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1 after being locked to the housing 1. Therefore, the present invention does not require the formation of separate limit posts on the terminal pin holding plate 2, nor does it require the formation of limit holes in the housing 1 for mating with the limit posts. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the terminal pin holding plate 2 and the housing 1, reducing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, a single axial slot 222 is formed on the cylindrical part 220, which divides the cylindrical part 220 into two radially opposite cantilever parts 223.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking part 221 has upper and lower sides opposite in the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220. A guide inclined surface 221a is formed on the upper side of the locking part 221, which is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220, to guide the cylindrical part 220 into the limit hole 102. A locking surface 221b is formed on the lower side of the locking part 221, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220. The locking surface 221b is used to axially rest against the inner side of the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension length of the axial slot 222 along the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220 is smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical part 220, so that the root of the cylindrical part 220 connected to the plate body 20 is a solid cylindrical body.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the holding hole 21 includes multiple first holding holes 21' for holding the pins 3a of multiple first terminals 31 respectively, and multiple second holding holes 21" for holding the pins 3a of multiple second terminals 32 respectively. Multiple first holding holes 21' are arranged in the first area of the plate body 20, and multiple second holding holes 21" are arranged in the second area of the plate body 20 that is spaced apart from the first area.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the plate body 20 has two opposite ends in its length direction and upper and lower sides opposite in its thickness direction. Elastic buckles 22 are respectively formed on both ends of the plate body 20, and the elastic buckles 22 are located on the upper side of the plate body 20.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal pin holding plate 2 further includes a positioning pin 23, which is formed on the lower side of the plate body 20 and is suitable for mating with the positioning hole in the circuit board to guide the pin 3a of the terminal 3 to be inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 22 is formed on the upper side of the plate body 20 and the cylindrical part 220 of the elastic buckle 22 is coaxial with the positioning pin 23. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cylindrical part 220 of the elastic buckle 22 may be off-axis from the positioning pin 23.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal pin holding plate 2 is an integral injection molded part. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a terminal 3, and the aforementioned terminal pin holding plate 2. The housing 1 has a bottom wall 10. The terminal 3 is located in the housing 1 and has pin 3a for electrical connection to the circuit board. Terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the bottom wall 10 of housing 1. An opening 101 is formed on the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1, and the terminal pin holding plate 2 covers the opening 101. The pin 3a of the terminal 3 extends from the opening 101 and passes through the holding hole 21 in the terminal pin holding plate 2. A limit hole 102 is also formed in the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 22 of the terminal pin holding plate 2 passes through the limit hole 102. The terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the housing 1 by the elastic buckle 22 and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the limit hole 102 has an entrance 102a located on the outer side of the bottom wall 10, and the entrance 102a of the limit hole 102 is trumpet shaped to guide the elastic buckle 22 to be inserted into the limit hole 102.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a transverse sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin holding plate 2 has not yet been installed on the housing 1 of the connector; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 9 shows another longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 3 also has a mating end 3b for mating with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown). The mating end 3b of terminal 3 extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1, and the pin 3a of terminal 3 extends along the height direction Z of the housing 1.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 includes a front housing part 11 and a rear housing part 12 that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y. An opening 101 is formed on the bottom wall 10 of the rear housing part 12, and the terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the bottom wall 10 of the rear housing part 12. The pin 3a of terminal 3 is used to plug into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the mating end 3b of terminal 3 extends into the front housing part 11 for mating with the mating terminal inserted into the front housing part 11.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 3 includes multiple first terminals 31 and multiple second terminals 32 that are different from the multiple first terminals 31. The holding hole 21 includes multiple first holding holes 21' that are respectively mated with the pins 3a of the multiple first terminals 31 and multiple second holding holes 21" that are respectively mated with the pins 3a of the multiple second terminals 32. Multiple first terminals 31 are arranged in one area of the housing 1, and multiple second terminals 32 are arranged in another area of the housing 1 that is spaced apart from one area.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the front housing part 11 includes a first mating port 111 and a second mating port 112, which are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the transverse direction X of the housing 1. The mating ends 3b of multiple first terminals 31 extend into the first mating port 111 to mate with multiple first mating terminals (not shown) inserted into the first mating port 111. The mating ends 3b of multiple second terminals 32 extend into the second mating port 112 to mate with multiple second mating terminals (not shown) inserted into the second mating port 112.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a first protrusion 11a for locking to the mating housing (not shown) of the mating connector is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port 111, and a second protrusion 11b for locking to the mating housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the second mating port 112.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide rib 11c extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1 is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port 111 and / or the second mating port 112. The guide rib 11c is used to guide the front housing part 11 of the connector to be inserted into the mating housing along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 further includes a flange part 13 located between the front housing part 11 and the rear housing part 12 for mounting onto a mounting panel (not shown). The flange part 13 has front and rear sides opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1, and a positioning column 13a extending along the longitudinal direction Y is formed on the front side of the flange part 13. The positioning column 13a is used to mate with a positioning hole (not shown) in the mounting panel.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a nut 4, which is embedded into the flange part 13. Nut 4 is used for threaded connection with a screw (not shown), allowing flange part 13 to be fixed to the mounting panel through the screw.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is an integral injection molded part, and the housing 1 is directly injected onto the nut 4, making the housing 1 and nut 4 an integrated piece.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring installation groove 130 is formed on the front side of the flange part 13, and the positioning column 13a and nut 4 are located in the area surrounded by the sealing ring installation groove 130. The connector also includes a sealing ring 5 installed in the sealing ring installation groove 130, which is suitable for being compressed between the flange part 13 and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector component includes a connector and a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board is electrically connected to pin 3a of terminal 3 of the connector. There are a pin socket and a positioning hole formed in the circuit board. The pin 3a of terminal 3 is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning post 13a on terminal pin holding plate 2 is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly further includes a mating connector (not shown) that is mated with the connector.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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

[0031]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.

[0032]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.

[0033]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. CN202411437444.1 filed on October 15, 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 terminal pin holding plate, a connector comprising the terminal pin holding plate, and a connector assembly comprising the connector.Description of the Related Art

[0003] In the prior art, a connector typically includes a housing, multiple terminals, and a terminal pin holding plate. Multiple terminals are set in the housing. There is an opening formed on the housing that allows multiple terminal pins to extend, and the terminal pin holding plate is installed on the housing and covers the opening on the housing. Multiple holding holes are formed in the terminal pin holding plate, and the pins of multiple terminals pass through the multiple holding holes and are respectively held in the multiple holding holes. There are also positioning posts formed on the terminal pin holding plate that are suitable for fitting with the positioning holes in the circuit board, to guide the pins of multiple terminals to be inserted into multiple pin sockets in the circuit board.

[0004] In the prior art, elastic buckles and limit posts separated from the elastic buckles are formed on the terminal pin holding plate. The elastic buckle is fastened into the snap slot on the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing, so that the terminal pin holding plate cannot be separated from the housing in the vertical direction parallel to the terminal pin. The limit post is inserted into the limit hole in the housing, and the size of the limit post is smaller than the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float relative to the housing in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the terminal pin after being locked to the housing. In the prior art, due to the fact that the elastic buckle and the limit post are two separate structures, this will lead to the complexity of the structure of the terminal pin holding plate and the housing, which not only increases the difficulty of assembly, but also leads to an increase in cost.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal pin holding plate. The terminal pin holding plate comprises: a plate body which is formed with a holding hole for holding a pin of a terminal of a connector; and an elastic buckle. The elastic buckle includes: a cylindrical part connected to the plate body and divided into multiple cantilever parts by at least one axial slot formed on it; and a locking part which is formed on the end of the cantilever part and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is adapted to pass through a limit hole in a bottom wall of a housing of the connector, and the locking part and the plate body are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall of the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing; the diameter of the cylindrical part is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a single axial slot is formed on the cylindrical part, which divides the cylindrical part into two radially opposite cantilever parts.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking part has upper and lower sides opposite in the axial direction of the cylindrical part; a guide inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical part is formed on the upper side of the locking part to guide the cylindrical part into the limit hole; a locking surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical part is formed on the lower side of the locking part, and the locking surface is used to axially rest against the inner side of the bottom wall of the housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the extension length of the axial slot along the axial direction of the cylindrical part is smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical part, so that the root of the cylindrical part connected to the plate body is a solid cylindrical body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the holding hole includes multiple first holding holes for holding pins of multiple first terminals respectively, and multiple second holding holes for holding pins of multiple second terminals respectively; the multiple first retaining holes are arranged in the first region of the plate body, and the multiple second retaining holes are arranged in the second region of the plate body that is spaced apart from the first region.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plate body has two opposite ends in its length direction and upper and lower sides opposite in its thickness direction, the elastic buckles are respectively formed at both ends of the plate body, and the elastic buckles are located on the upper side of the plate body.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal pin holding plate further comprises a positioning pin which is formed on the lower side of the plate body, suitable for fitting with a positioning hole in a circuit board to guide the pin of the terminal to be inserted into a pin socket in the circuit board.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic buckle is formed on the upper side of the plate body, and the cylindrical part of the elastic buckle is coaxial with the positioning pin.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal pin holding plate is an integral injection molded part.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing with a bottom wall; a terminal which is provided in the housing and has a pin for electrical connection to a circuit board; and the above terminal pin holding plate which is locked to the bottom wall of the housing. An opening is formed on the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate covers the opening, the pin of the terminal extends from the opening and passes through the holding hole in the terminal pin holding plate; a limit hole is also formed in the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the housing by an elastic buckle passing through the limit hole and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limit hole has an entrance located on the outer side of the bottom wall, and the entrance of the limit hole is trumpet shaped to guide the elastic buckle to be inserted into the limit hole.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal also has a mating end for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector, wherein the mating end of the terminal extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the pin of the terminal extends along the height direction of the housing.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a front housing part and a rear housing part opposite each other in its longitudinal direction, the opening is formed on the bottom wall of the rear housing part, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the bottom wall of the rear housing part; the pin of the terminal is used to be plugged into a pin socket in the circuit board, and the mating end of the terminal extends into the front housing part for mating with the mating terminal inserted into the front housing part.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal comprises multiple first terminals and multiple second terminals different from the multiple first terminals, and the holding hole comprises multiple first holding holes respectively mated with the pins of the multiple first terminals and multiple second holding holes respectively mated with the pins of the multiple second terminals; the multiple first terminals are arranged in one area of the housing, and the multiple second terminals are arranged in another area of the housing that is spaced apart from the one area.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front housing part comprises a first mating port and a second mating port, which are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the transverse direction of the housing; the mating ends of the multiple first terminals extend into the first mating port to mate with the multiple first mating terminals inserted into the first mating port; the mating ends of the multiple second terminals extend into the second mating port to mate with the multiple second mating terminals inserted into the second mating port.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first protrusion for locking to a mating housing of the mating connector is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port, and a second protrusion for locking to the mating housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the second mating port.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide rib extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port and / or the second mating port, and the guide rib is used to guide the front housing part of the connector to be inserted into the mating housing along the longitudinal direction.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing further comprises a flange part located between the front housing part and the rear housing part for mounting onto a mounting panel; the flange part has front and rear sides opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and a positioning column extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the front side of the flange part, which is used to mate with a positioning hole in the mounting panel.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a nut which is embedded into the flange part, the nut is used for threaded connection with a screw, so that the flange part can be fixed to the mounting panel through the screw.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is an integra injection molded part, and the housing is directly injected onto the nut, making the housing and the nut an integrated piece.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing ring installation groove is formed on the front side of the flange part, and the positioning column and the nut are located in the area surrounded by the sealing ring installation groove; the connector further comprises a sealing ring installed into the sealing ring installation groove, wherein the sealing ring is adapted to be compressed between the flange part and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a circuit board which is electrically connected to the pin of the terminal of the connector. A pin socket and a positioning hole are formed in the circuit board, the pin of the terminal is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning column on the terminal pin holding plate is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly further comprises a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

[0029] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the elastic buckle not only has a locking part suitable for locking to the housing, but also has a cylindrical part that fits with the limit hole in the housing with a gap, so that the terminal pin holding plate can be locked to the housing through the elastic buckle and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing. Therefore, the present invention does not require the formation of separate limit posts on the terminal pin holding plate, nor does it require the formation of limit holes in the housing for mating with the limit posts. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the terminal pin holding plate and the housing, reducing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] 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 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin retaining plate has not yet been installed on the housing of the connector; Figure 7 shows a transverse sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin retaining plate has not yet been installed on the housing of the connector; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; and Figure 9 shows another longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a terminal pin holding plate. The terminal pin holding plate comprises: a plate body which is formed with a holding hole for holding a pin of a terminal of a connector; and an elastic buckle. The elastic buckle includes: a cylindrical part connected to the plate body and divided into multiple cantilever parts by at least one axial slot formed on it; and a locking part which is formed on the end of the cantilever part and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is adapted to pass through a limit hole in a bottom wall of a housing of the connector, and the locking part and the plate body are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall of the housing to lock the terminal pin holding plate to the housing; the diameter of the cylindrical part is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole, so that the terminal pin holding plate can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing after being locked to the housing.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing with a bottom wall; a terminal which is provided in the housing and has a pin for electrical connection to a circuit board; and the above terminal pin holding plate which is locked to the bottom wall of the housing. An opening is formed on the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate covers the opening, the pin of the terminal extends from the opening and passes through the holding hole in the terminal pin holding plate; a limit hole is also formed in the bottom wall of the housing, and the terminal pin holding plate is locked to the housing by an elastic buckle passing through the limit hole and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole relative to the housing.

[0035] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a circuit board which is electrically connected to the pin of the terminal of the connector. A pin socket and a positioning hole are formed in the circuit board, the pin of the terminal is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning column on the terminal pin holding plate is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0036] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 2 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the bottom; Figure 4 shows an illustrative perspective view of the terminal pin holding plate 2 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the top; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin holding plate 2 has not yet been installed on the housing 1 of the connector.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal pin holding plate 2 is disclosed. The terminal pin holding plate 2 includes a plate body 20 and an elastic buckle 22. The plate body 20 is formed with a holding hole 21 for holding the pin 3a of the terminal 3 of the connector. The elastic buckle 22 includes a cylindrical part 220 and a locking part 221. The cylindrical part 220 is connected to the plate body 20. At least one axial slot 222 extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220 is formed on the cylindrical part 220, and the cylindrical part 220 is divided into multiple cantilever parts 223 by the at least one axial slot 222 formed on it. The locking part 221 is formed on the end of the cantilever part 223 and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the cylindrical part 220.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical part 220 is adapted to pass through the limit hole 102 in the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1 of the connector. The locking part 221 and the plate body 20 are suitable for respectively pressing against the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1 to lock the terminal pin holding plate 2 to the housing 1. The diameter of the cylindrical part 220 is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole 102, allowing the terminal pin holding plate 2 to float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1 after being locked to the housing 1. The radial float of terminal pin holding plate 2 is equal to the difference between the diameter of limit hole 102 and the diameter of cylindrical part 220. In this way, the position error of the housing 1 can be absorbed, making it easier to plug the pin 3a of the connector terminal 3 into the pin socket in the circuit board (not shown).

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 22 not only has a locking part 221 suitable for locking to the housing 1, but also has a cylindrical part 220 that fits with the limit hole 102 of the housing 1 with a gap, so that the terminal pin holding plate 2 can be locked to the housing 1 through the elastic buckle 22 and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1 after being locked to the housing 1. Therefore, the present invention does not require the formation of separate limit posts on the terminal pin holding plate 2, nor does it require the formation of limit holes in the housing 1 for mating with the limit posts. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the terminal pin holding plate 2 and the housing 1, reducing assembly difficulty and manufacturing costs.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, a single axial slot 222 is formed on the cylindrical part 220, which divides the cylindrical part 220 into two radially opposite cantilever parts 223.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking part 221 has upper and lower sides opposite in the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220. A guide inclined surface 221a is formed on the upper side of the locking part 221, which is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220, to guide the cylindrical part 220 into the limit hole 102. A locking surface 221b is formed on the lower side of the locking part 221, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220. The locking surface 221b is used to axially rest against the inner side of the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension length of the axial slot 222 along the axial direction of the cylindrical part 220 is smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical part 220, so that the root of the cylindrical part 220 connected to the plate body 20 is a solid cylindrical body.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the holding hole 21 includes multiple first holding holes 21' for holding the pins 3a of multiple first terminals 31 respectively, and multiple second holding holes 21" for holding the pins 3a of multiple second terminals 32 respectively. Multiple first holding holes 21' are arranged in the first area of the plate body 20, and multiple second holding holes 21" are arranged in the second area of the plate body 20 that is spaced apart from the first area.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the plate body 20 has two opposite ends in its length direction and upper and lower sides opposite in its thickness direction. Elastic buckles 22 are respectively formed on both ends of the plate body 20, and the elastic buckles 22 are located on the upper side of the plate body 20.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal pin holding plate 2 further includes a positioning pin 23, which is formed on the lower side of the plate body 20 and is suitable for mating with the positioning hole in the circuit board to guide the pin 3a of the terminal 3 to be inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 22 is formed on the upper side of the plate body 20 and the cylindrical part 220 of the elastic buckle 22 is coaxial with the positioning pin 23. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cylindrical part 220 of the elastic buckle 22 may be off-axis from the positioning pin 23.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal pin holding plate 2 is an integral injection molded part. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a terminal 3, and the aforementioned terminal pin holding plate 2. The housing 1 has a bottom wall 10. The terminal 3 is located in the housing 1 and has pin 3a for electrical connection to the circuit board. Terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the bottom wall 10 of housing 1. An opening 101 is formed on the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1, and the terminal pin holding plate 2 covers the opening 101. The pin 3a of the terminal 3 extends from the opening 101 and passes through the holding hole 21 in the terminal pin holding plate 2. A limit hole 102 is also formed in the bottom wall 10 of the housing 1, and the elastic buckle 22 of the terminal pin holding plate 2 passes through the limit hole 102. The terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the housing 1 by the elastic buckle 22 and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole 102 relative to the housing 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the limit hole 102 has an entrance 102a located on the outer side of the bottom wall 10, and the entrance 102a of the limit hole 102 is trumpet shaped to guide the elastic buckle 22 to be inserted into the limit hole 102.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a transverse sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the terminal pin holding plate 2 has not yet been installed on the housing 1 of the connector; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side; Figure 9 shows another longitudinal sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 3 also has a mating end 3b for mating with a mating terminal (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown). The mating end 3b of terminal 3 extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1, and the pin 3a of terminal 3 extends along the height direction Z of the housing 1.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 includes a front housing part 11 and a rear housing part 12 that are opposite in its longitudinal direction Y. An opening 101 is formed on the bottom wall 10 of the rear housing part 12, and the terminal pin holding plate 2 is locked to the bottom wall 10 of the rear housing part 12. The pin 3a of terminal 3 is used to plug into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the mating end 3b of terminal 3 extends into the front housing part 11 for mating with the mating terminal inserted into the front housing part 11.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 3 includes multiple first terminals 31 and multiple second terminals 32 that are different from the multiple first terminals 31. The holding hole 21 includes multiple first holding holes 21' that are respectively mated with the pins 3a of the multiple first terminals 31 and multiple second holding holes 21" that are respectively mated with the pins 3a of the multiple second terminals 32. Multiple first terminals 31 are arranged in one area of the housing 1, and multiple second terminals 32 are arranged in another area of the housing 1 that is spaced apart from one area.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the front housing part 11 includes a first mating port 111 and a second mating port 112, which are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the transverse direction X of the housing 1. The mating ends 3b of multiple first terminals 31 extend into the first mating port 111 to mate with multiple first mating terminals (not shown) inserted into the first mating port 111. The mating ends 3b of multiple second terminals 32 extend into the second mating port 112 to mate with multiple second mating terminals (not shown) inserted into the second mating port 112.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a first protrusion 11a for locking to the mating housing (not shown) of the mating connector is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port 111, and a second protrusion 11b for locking to the mating housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the second mating port 112.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide rib 11c extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1 is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port 111 and / or the second mating port 112. The guide rib 11c is used to guide the front housing part 11 of the connector to be inserted into the mating housing along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 further includes a flange part 13 located between the front housing part 11 and the rear housing part 12 for mounting onto a mounting panel (not shown). The flange part 13 has front and rear sides opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 1, and a positioning column 13a extending along the longitudinal direction Y is formed on the front side of the flange part 13. The positioning column 13a is used to mate with a positioning hole (not shown) in the mounting panel.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a nut 4, which is embedded into the flange part 13. Nut 4 is used for threaded connection with a screw (not shown), allowing flange part 13 to be fixed to the mounting panel through the screw.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is an integral injection molded part, and the housing 1 is directly injected onto the nut 4, making the housing 1 and nut 4 an integrated piece.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring installation groove 130 is formed on the front side of the flange part 13, and the positioning column 13a and nut 4 are located in the area surrounded by the sealing ring installation groove 130. The connector also includes a sealing ring 5 installed in the sealing ring installation groove 130, which is suitable for being compressed between the flange part 13 and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector component includes a connector and a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board is electrically connected to pin 3a of terminal 3 of the connector. There are a pin socket and a positioning hole formed in the circuit board. The pin 3a of terminal 3 is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning post 13a on terminal pin holding plate 2 is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly further includes a mating connector (not shown) that is mated with the connector.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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

[0031]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.

[0032]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.

[0033]According to a general concept of the present inv...

Claims

1. A terminal pin holding plate, comprising: a plate body (20) which is formed with a holding hole (21) for holding a pin (3a) of a terminal (3) of a connector; and an elastic buckle (22), including: a cylindrical part (220) connected to the plate body (20) and divided into multiple cantilever parts (223) by at least one axial slot (222) formed on it; and a locking part (221) which is formed on the end of the cantilever part (223) and protrudes outward along a radial direction of the cylindrical part (220), wherein the cylindrical part (220) is adapted to pass through a limit hole (102) in a bottom wall (10) of a housing (1) of the connector, and the locking part (221) and the plate body (20) are adapted to respectively rest on the inner and outer sides of the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1) to lock the terminal pin holding plate (2) to the housing (1), wherein the diameter of the cylindrical part (220) is smaller than the diameter of the limit hole (102), so that the terminal pin holding plate (2) can float along the radial direction of the limit hole (102) relative to the housing (1) after being locked to the housing (1).

2. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, wherein a single axial slot (222) is formed on the cylindrical part (220), which divides the cylindrical part (220) into two radially opposite cantilever parts (223).

3. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the locking part (221) has upper and lower sides opposite in the axial direction of the cylindrical part (220); wherein a guide inclined surface (221a) inclined with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical part (220) is formed on the upper side of the locking part (221) to guide the cylindrical part (220) into the limit hole (102); wherein a locking surface (221b) perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical part (220) is formed on the lower side of the locking part (221), and the locking surface (221b) is used to axially rest against the inner side of the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1).

4. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the extension length of the axial slot (222) along the axial direction of the cylindrical part (220) is smaller than the axial length of the cylindrical part (220), so that the root of the cylindrical part (220) connected to the plate body (20) is a solid cylindrical body.

5. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the holding hole (21) includes multiple first holding holes (21') for holding pins (3a) of multiple first terminals (31) respectively, and multiple second holding holes (21") for holding pins (3a) of multiple second terminals (32) respectively; wherein the multiple first retaining holes (21') are arranged in the first region of the plate body (20), and the multiple second retaining holes (21") are arranged in the second region of the plate body (20) that is spaced apart from the first region.

6. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, wherein the plate body (20) has two opposite ends in its length direction and upper and lower sides opposite in its thickness direction, the elastic buckles (22) are respectively formed at both ends of the plate body (20), and the elastic buckles (22) are located on the upper side of the plate body (20).

7. The terminal pin holding plate according to claim 1, further comprising: a positioning pin (23) which is formed on the lower side of the plate body (20), suitable for fitting with a positioning hole in a circuit board to guide the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) to be inserted into a pin socket in the circuit board, wherein optionally the elastic buckle (22) is formed on the upper side of the plate body (20), and the cylindrical part (220) of the elastic buckle (22) is coaxial with the positioning pin (23).

8. The terminal pin holding plate according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the terminal pin holding plate (2) is an integral injection molded part.

9. A connector, comprising: a housing (1) with a bottom wall (10); a terminal (3) which is provided in the housing (1) and has a pin (3a) for electrical connection to a circuit board; and the terminal pin holding plate (2) according to any one of claims 1-8 which is locked to the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1), wherein an opening (101) is formed on the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1), and the terminal pin holding plate (2) covers the opening (101), the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) extends from the opening (101) and passes through the holding hole (21) in the terminal pin holding plate (2), wherein a limit hole (102) is also formed in the bottom wall (10) of the housing (1), and the terminal pin holding plate (2) is locked to the housing (1) by an elastic buckle (22) passing through the limit hole (102) and can float along the radial direction of the limit hole (102) relative to the housing (1).

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the limit hole (102) has an entrance (102a) located on the outer side of the bottom wall (10), and the entrance (102a) of the limit hole (102) is trumpet shaped to guide the elastic buckle (22) to be inserted into the limit hole (102).

11. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the terminal (3) also has a mating end (3b) for mating with a mating terminal of a mating connector, wherein the mating end (3b) of the terminal (3) extends along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1), and the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) extends along the height direction (Z) of the housing (1).

12. The connector according to claim 11, wherein the housing (1) comprises a front housing part (11) and a rear housing part (12) opposite each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), the opening (101) is formed on the bottom wall (10) of the rear housing part (12), and the terminal pin holding plate (2) is locked to the bottom wall (10) of the rear housing part (12); wherein the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) is used to be plugged into a pin socket in the circuit board, and the mating end (3b) of the terminal (3) extends into the front housing part (11) for mating with the mating terminal inserted into the front housing part (11), wherein the terminal (3) optionally comprises multiple first terminals (31) and multiple second terminals (32) different from the multiple first terminals (31), and the holding hole (21) comprises multiple first holding holes (21') respectively mated with the pins (3a) of the multiple first terminals (31) and multiple second holding holes (21") respectively mated with the pins (3a) of the multiple second terminals (32); wherein the multiple first terminals (31) are arranged in one area of the housing (1), and the multiple second terminals (32) are arranged in another area of the housing (1) that is spaced apart from the one area, wherein optionally the front housing part (11) comprises a first mating port (111) and a second mating port (112), which are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the transverse direction (X) of the housing (1); wherein optionally the mating ends (3b) of the multiple first terminals (31) extend into the first mating port (111) to mate with the multiple first mating terminals inserted into the first mating port (111); wherein optionally the mating ends (3b) of the multiple second terminals (32) extend into the second mating port (112) to mate with the multiple second mating terminals inserted into the second mating port (112); wherein optionally a first protrusion (11a) for locking to a mating housing of the mating connector is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port (111), and a second protrusion (11b) for locking to the mating housing is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the second mating port (112), and / or wherein optionally a guide rib (11c) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1) is formed on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the first mating port (111) and / or the second mating port (112), and the guide rib (11c) is used to guide the front housing part (11) of the connector to be inserted into the mating housing along the longitudinal direction (Y).

13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the housing (1) further comprises a flange part (13) located between the front housing part (11) and the rear housing part (12) for mounting onto a mounting panel; wherein the flange part (13) has front and rear sides opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (1), and a positioning column (13a) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is formed on the front side of the flange part (13), which is used to mate with a positioning hole in the mounting panel; the connector optionally further comprising: a nut (4) which is embedded into the flange part (13), wherein the nut (4) is used for threaded connection with a screw, so that the flange part (13) can be fixed to the mounting panel through the screw, wherein optionally the housing (1) is an integra injection molded part, and the housing (1) is directly injected onto the nut (4), making the housing (1) and the nut (4) an integrated piece; and / or wherein a sealing ring installation groove (130) is formed on the front side of the flange part (13), and the positioning column (13a) and the nut (4) are located in the area surrounded by the sealing ring installation groove (130); wherein the connector further comprises a sealing ring (5) installed into the sealing ring installation groove (130), wherein the sealing ring (5) is adapted to be compressed between the flange part (13) and the mounting panel to achieve sealing between the two.

14. A connector assembly, comprising: the connector according to any one of claims 9-13; and a circuit board which is electrically connected to the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) of the connector, wherein a pin socket and a positioning hole are formed in the circuit board, the pin (3a) of the terminal (3) is inserted into the pin socket in the circuit board, and the positioning column (13a) on the terminal pin holding plate (2) is inserted into the positioning hole in the circuit board.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, further comprising: a mating connector which is mated with the connector.

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