Protective end cover, connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

To simplify the structure of a protective end cover and a housing, reduce the volume of a connector, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the connector.SOLUTION: A protective end cover includes a body having a first end inserted into an insertion hole of a housing (10) of a connector and a second end located outside the housing (10), a first flange engaging a blocking portion formed in the housing (10) to prevent the protective end cover (30) from being pulled out of the insertion hole, and a second flange that limits the protective end cover (30) to a predetermined insertion position. The protective end cover is secured to the housing by flanges at its ends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202111682070.6, filed on December 31, 2021, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a seal ring protective end cover for a connector cable, a connector including the seal ring protective end cover, and a connector assembly including the connector. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, a laser radar connector generally includes a housing, a signal terminal provided in the housing for transmitting a signal (e.g., an Ethernet signal), and a cable inserted into an insertion hole of the housing and electrically connected to the signal terminal. In order to achieve a waterproof sealing function, it is usually necessary to install a seal ring on the cable to achieve a seal between the cable and the housing.

[0004] In order to prevent the seal ring from being pulled out of the insertion hole of the housing when the cable is pulled, an end cap is required at the entrance of the insertion hole of the housing to prevent the seal ring from being pulled out of the insertion hole of the housing. In the prior art, the end cap is usually connected to one end of the housing by a threaded connection. However, the threaded end cap and housing are expensive to manufacture and increase the volume of the connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned difficulties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective end cover for a seal ring, the protective end cover comprising: a body having a first end inserted into an insertion hole of a connector housing and a second end disposed outside the housing, a first flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the body to engage with a block portion formed on the housing to prevent the protective end cover from being pulled out of the insertion hole, and a second flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second end of the body to abut against the outer end surface of the housing to restrict the protective end cover to a predetermined insertion position.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cable passage hole extending axially of the body is formed in the body of the protective end cover to allow the cable to enter the insertion hole of the housing through the cable passage hole, and an end face of the first end of the protective end cover is adapted to abut against one end of the seal ring wrapped around the cable to prevent the seal ring from being pulled out of the insertion hole of the housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first flange has a first engagement surface adapted to abut against the block portion, and the second flange has a second engagement surface adapted to abut against the outer end surface of the housing, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface being spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the body.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide slope adapted to guide the first end of the protective end cover into the insertion hole is formed on the first flange.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first flanges are formed on a first end of the body, the plurality of first flanges being spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the body, and a plurality of second flanges are formed on a second end of the body, the plurality of second flanges being spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the body.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the first flange is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole so as to form an interference fit with the insertion hole, and the inner diameter of the insertion hole in the block portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the other part of the insertion hole.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner diameter of the cable passage hole of the protective end cover is larger than the outer diameter of the cable to facilitate the cable passing through the cable passage hole.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first flange and the second flange are offset in a circumferential direction of the body, and the first flange and the second flange are spaced apart in an axial direction of the body.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector includes: a housing configured to receive a cable, the housing having an insertion hole with an opening on its outer end surface; a seal ring inserted into the insertion hole; and the protective end cover inserted into the opening of the insertion hole and fixed to the housing. When the seal ring is moved toward the outer end surface of the housing, a first end of the protective end cover abuts against one end of the seal ring to prevent the seal ring from being pulled out of the insertion hole.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a blocking portion is formed in the insertion hole of the housing to engage with the first flange of the protective end cover to prevent the protective end cover from being pulled out of the insertion hole.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block portion has a radial block surface, the first flange has a first engagement surface adapted to abut against the radial block surface, and the second flange has a second engagement surface adapted to abut against an outer end surface of the housing, and the distance between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface in the axial direction of the insertion hole is equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the radial block surface of the block portion and the outer end surface of the housing in the axial direction.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a cable passing through the cable passage hole of the protective end cover and inserted into the insertion hole, and the seal ring is wrapped around the cable and pressed between the inner wall of the insertion hole and the cable to achieve a seal between the inner wall of the insertion hole and the cable.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal is connected to one end of a cable, and the cable and terminal are used to transmit Ethernet signals.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises an inner housing at least partially received in the housing, and a terminal inserted into the inner housing and electrically connected to one end of the cable.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises an electromagnetic shield that at least partially circumferentially surrounds the terminals of the connector to protect the terminals from electromagnetic interference.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one end of the electromagnetic shield is crimped to a shielding layer of a cable, and the other end is adapted to mate with a mating electromagnetic shield of a mating connector.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the block portion of the housing has a radial block surface adapted to abut against the first engagement surface of the first flange, and one end of the housing has an outer end surface adapted to abut against the second engagement surface of the second flange.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insertion hole has an opening at one end of the housing, and the blocking portion is a ring of radial flanges formed on the inner surface of the insertion hole opening.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly comprising the connector described above and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector.

[0025] In the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the protective end cover is secured to the housing by flanges at both ends thereof, which simplifies the structure of the protective end cover and the housing, reduces the volume of the connector, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the connector.

[0026] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the housing removed to show the internal seal ring and protective end cover. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged schematic view of the connector shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a protective end cover removed to show an insertion hole in the housing. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a protective end cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the protective end cover shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0029] 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 shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0030] According to a general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective end cover for a seal ring, the protective end cover comprising: a body having a first end inserted into an insertion hole of a connector housing and a second end disposed outside the housing, a first flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the body for engaging with a block formed on the housing to prevent the protective end cover from being pulled out of the insertion hole, and a second flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of the body second end for abutting against the outer end surface of the housing to restrict the protective end cover to a predetermined insertion position.

[0031] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector includes a housing configured to receive a cable and having an insertion hole with an opening formed in an outer end surface of the housing, a seal ring inserted in the insertion hole, and the above-mentioned protective end cover inserted into the opening of the insertion hole and fixed to the housing. When the seal ring is moved toward the outer end surface of the housing, a first end of the protective end cover abuts against one end of the seal ring to prevent the seal ring from being pulled out of the insertion hole.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The housing 10 has been removed to show the internal seal ring 20 and protective end cover 30. FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The protective end cover 30 has been removed to show the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5 , an exemplary embodiment discloses a connector suitable for connection to, for example, a laser radar, which is capable of simultaneously transmitting power and signals. The connector includes a housing 10, a seal ring 20, and a protective end cover 30. The housing 10 is formed with an insertion hole 110 for accommodating a cable 1. The seal ring 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10. The insertion hole 110 extends to the outer end surface 10b of the housing 10 to form an opening in the outer end surface 10b. The protective end cover 30 is inserted into the opening of the insertion hole 110 and fixed to the housing 10. When the seal ring 20 is moved toward the outer end surface 10b of the housing 10 (i.e., when the cable 1 is pulled outward), the first end of the protective end cover 30 can abut against one end of the seal ring 20 to prevent the seal ring 20 from being pulled out of the insertion hole 110.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a partially enlarged schematic view of the connector shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a protective end cover 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the protective end cover 30 shown in Fig. 6.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, the protective end cover 30 includes a main body 31, a first flange 30a, and a second flange 30b. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 31 is cylindrical. The main body 31 has a first end and a second end opposite the first end in the axial direction of the main body 31. The first end of the main body 31 is inserted into an insertion hole 110 of a housing 10 of the connector. The second end of the main body 31 is adapted to be disposed outside the housing 10.

[0036] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a block portion 10a is formed in the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10. The block portion 10a is used to engage with the first flange 30a of the protective end cover 30 to prevent the protective end cover 30 from being pulled out of the insertion hole 110.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the insertion hole 110 has an opening at one end 11 of the housing 10, and the block portion 10a may be a ring of radial flange formed on the inner surface of the opening of the insertion hole 110.

[0038] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a first flange 30a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the main body 31. The first flange 30a is used to engage with a block portion 10a of the housing 10 to prevent the protective end cover 30 from being pulled out of the insertion hole 110.

[0039] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the second flange 30b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second end of the main body 31. The second flange 30b is adapted to abut against the outer end surface 10b of the housing 10 to restrict the protective end cover 30 to a predetermined insertion position. This prevents the protective end cover 30 from being inserted further into the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , in the exemplary embodiment, the connector further includes a cable 1. An axially extending cable passage hole 301 is formed in the main body 31 of the protective end cover 30, thereby allowing the cable 1 to enter the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10 through the cable passage hole 301. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable 1 may be an Ethernet signal cable for transmitting an Ethernet signal. An end face of the first end of the protective end cover 30 is adapted to abut against one end of the seal ring 20 that is sheathed around the cable 1 to prevent the seal ring 20 from being pulled out of the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , in the exemplary embodiment, the block portion 10a of the housing 10 has a radial block surface. The first flange 30a of the protective end cover 30 has a first engagement surface 320a adapted to abut against the radial block surface of the housing 10. The second flange 30b of the protective end cover 30 has a second engagement surface 320b adapted to abut against the outer end surface 10b of the housing 10. For ease of installation and manufacturing, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is a predetermined distance between the first engagement surface 320a and the second engagement surface 320b in the axial direction. For example, the distance between the first engagement surface 320a and the second engagement surface 320b in the axial direction may be equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the radial block surface of the block portion 10a and the outer end surface 10b of the housing 10 in the axial direction.

[0042] 1 to 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first flange 30a is formed with a guide slope 310 adapted to guide the first end of the protective end cover 30 into the insertion hole 110. This allows the first end of the protective end cover 30 to be easily inserted into the insertion hole 110 of the housing 10.

[0043] 1 to 7 , in the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of first flanges 30a are formed on a first end of the main body 31, and the plurality of first flanges 30a are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main body 31. A plurality of second flanges 30b are formed on a second end of the main body 31, and the plurality of second flanges 30b are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the main body 31. In the exemplary embodiment, two first flanges 30a are formed on the first end of the main body 31, and two second flanges 30b are formed on the second end of the main body 31. However, the number and shapes of the first flanges 30a and the second flanges 30b are not limited to the exemplary embodiment and may be appropriately set according to actual circumstances.

[0044] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the first flange 30a is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 110 so as to achieve a tight fit with the insertion hole 110. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 110 in the block portion 10a is smaller than the inner diameter of the other portion of the insertion hole 110. In other words, the inner diameter of the block portion 10a is smaller than the inner diameter of the other portion of the insertion hole 110.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter of the cable passage hole 301 of the protective end cover 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the cable 1 passing therethrough, thereby allowing the cable 1 to pass therethrough easily.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the first flange 30a and the second flange 30b are offset in the circumferential direction of the main body 31, and the first flange 30a and the second flange 30b are spaced apart in the axial direction of the main body 31.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , in the exemplary embodiment, the connector further includes an inner housing 40 and a pair of terminals 50. The inner housing 40 is mounted on the housing 10, and the pair of terminals 50 are provided on the inner housing. One end of a cable 1 is electrically connected to the terminal 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable 1 and the pair of terminals 50 are used to transmit, for example, Ethernet signals. In the exemplary embodiment, the connector further includes an electromagnetic shield 60. The electromagnetic shield 60 at least partially surrounds the pair of terminals 50 in the circumferential direction and is used to prevent the pair of terminals 50 from receiving electromagnetic interference, for example, to prevent the pair of terminals 50 from receiving interference from power supply terminals (not shown) of the connector.

[0048] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, one end of the electromagnetic shield 60 is crimped to the shielding layer of the cable 1, and the other end of the electromagnetic shield 60 at least partially surrounds the pair of terminals 50. The other end of the electromagnetic shield 60 is adapted to mate with a mating electromagnetic shield (not shown) of a mating connector.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, in addition to terminals 50 for transmitting Ethernet signals, the connector also includes power terminals (not shown) for transmitting power and signal terminals (not shown) for transmitting other signals (such as CAN signals).

[0050] Although not shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed that includes the above-described connector and a mating connector (not shown) that is adapted to mate with the above-described connector.

[0051] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, numerous modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments by those skilled in the art, and various features described in the various embodiments may be freely combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent in structure or principle.

[0052] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood 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 present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the following claims and their equivalents.

[0053] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of such elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly 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. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property.

Claims

1. A protective end cover for a seal ring, comprising: a body (31) having a first end inserted into an insertion hole (110) of a housing (10) of the connector and a second end disposed outside the housing (10); a first flange (30a) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the main body (31) to engage with a block portion (10a) formed on the housing (10) to prevent the protective end cover (30) from being pulled out of the insertion hole (110); and a second flange (30b) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second end of the body (31) so as to abut against the outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10) in order to restrict the protective end cover (30) to a predetermined insertion position; Protective end covers.

2. a cable passage hole (301) extending in the axial direction of the body (31) is formed in the body (31) of the protective end cover (30) to allow a cable (1) to enter the insertion hole (110) of the housing (10) through the cable passage hole (301); an end face of the first end of the protective end cover (30) adapted to abut against one end of a seal ring (20) wrapped around the cable (1) to prevent the seal ring (20) from being pulled out of the insertion hole (110) of the housing (10); The protective end cover of claim 1 .

3. the first flange (30a) has a first engagement surface (320a) adapted to abut against the block portion (10a), and the second flange (30b) has a second engagement surface (320b) adapted to abut against the outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10); The first engagement surface (320a) and the second engagement surface (320b) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the axial direction of the main body (31). The protective end cover of claim 1 .

4. a guide slope (310) adapted to guide the first end of the protective end cover (30) into the insertion hole (110) is formed on the first flange (30a); The protective end cover of claim 1 .

5. a plurality of first flanges (30a) formed on the first end of the body (31), the plurality of first flanges (30a) being spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body (31); A plurality of second flanges (30b) are formed on the second end of the body (31), and the plurality of second flanges (30b) are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body (31). The protective end cover of claim 1 .

6. The outer diameter of the first flange (30a) is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the insertion hole (110) so as to be tightly fitted with the insertion hole (110); The inner diameter of the insertion hole (110) in the block portion (10a) is smaller than the inner diameter of the other portion of the insertion hole (110). The protective end cover of claim 1 .

7. The inner diameter of the cable passage hole (301) of the protective end cover (30) is larger than the outer diameter of the cable (1) so as to facilitate the cable (1) passing through the cable passage hole (301). The protective end cover of claim 2 .

8. the first flange (30a) and the second flange (30b) are offset in the circumferential direction of the main body (31), and the first flange (30a) and the second flange (30b) are spaced apart in the axial direction of the main body (31); The protective end cover of claim 1 .

9. a housing (10) having an insertion hole (110) formed therein, the insertion hole (110) being configured to receive a cable (1) and having an opening on an outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10); a seal ring (20) inserted into the insertion hole (110); The protective end cover (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is inserted into the opening of the insertion hole (110) and fixed to the housing (10); Equipped with When the seal ring (20) is moved toward the outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10), the first end of the protective end cover (30) abuts against one end of the seal ring (20) to prevent the seal ring (20) from being pulled out of the insertion hole (110). connector.

10. A block portion (10a) is formed in the insertion hole (110) of the housing (10) so as to engage with the first flange (30a) of the protective end cover (30) to prevent the protective end cover (30) from being pulled out of the insertion hole (110). The connector of claim 9.

11. the block portion (10a) has a radial block surface, the first flange (30a) has a first engagement surface (320a) adapted to abut against the radial block surface, and the second flange (30b) has a second engagement surface (320b) adapted to abut against the outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10); a distance between the first engagement surface (320a) and the second engagement surface (320b) in the axial direction of the insertion hole (110) is equal to or slightly greater than a distance between the radial block surface of the block portion (10a) and the outer end surface (10b) of the housing (10) in the axial direction; The connector of claim 10.

12. A cable (1) passing through the cable passage hole (301) of the protective end cover (30) and inserted into the insertion hole (110) Furthermore, The seal ring (20) is fitted to the cable (1) and is pressed between the inner wall of the insertion hole (110) and the cable (1) to achieve sealing between the inner wall of the insertion hole (110) and the cable (1). The connector of claim 9.

13. A terminal (50) is connected to one end of the cable (1), and the cable (1) and the terminal (50) are used to transmit Ethernet signals. The connector of claim 12.

14. an inner housing (40) at least partially received in said housing (10); a terminal (50) inserted into the inner housing (40) and electrically connected to one end of the cable (1); The connector of claim 12 further comprising:

15. an electromagnetic shield (60) at least partially surrounding the terminals (50) in a circumferential direction to protect the terminals (50) of the connector from electromagnetic interference; The connector of claim 9 further comprising:

16. One end of the electromagnetic shield (60) is crimped to the shielding layer of the cable (1), and the other end is adapted to mate with a mating electromagnetic shield of a mating connector.

16. The connector of claim 15.

17. the block portion (10a) of the housing (10) has a radial block surface adapted to abut against the first engagement surface (320a) of the first flange (30a); One end (11) of the housing (10) has an outer end surface (10b) adapted to abut against the second engagement surface (320b) of the second flange (30b). The connector of claim 10.

18. The insertion hole (110) has an opening at the one end (11) of the housing (10), and the block portion (10a) is a radial flange ring formed on the inner surface of the opening of the insertion hole (110). The connector of claim 10.

19. The connector according to claim 9; a mating connector adapted to mate with said connector; A connector assembly comprising:

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