Connector, mating connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector reduced in height dimension, a mating connector, and a connector assembly.SOLUTION: A connector is comprised of: a housing 10; a terminal 16 arranged in the housing 10; and an elastic cantilever 111 located outside the top wall 11 of the housing 10 and extending along the length direction of the housing 10. The elastic cantilever 111 has two sides opposite to each other in the width direction of the housing 10, and a snap 111a protruding along the width direction is formed on the side of the elastic cantilever 111. The snap 111a is used to engage a mating snap formed on the mating housing 20 of the mating connector 2 in order to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 together.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202221449070.1, filed on June 10, 2022, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector, a mating connector that fits with the connector, and a connector assembly including the connector and the mating connector.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, in order to lock the connector and the mating connector in a mated state, an elastic fastener is usually formed on the upper wall of the housing of the connector. The elastic fastener has a convex portion that protrudes along the height direction of the housing. This convex portion can be locked into a slot in the upper wall of the housing of the mating connector. After the convex portion is locked into the slot, the elastic fastener can be pushed in the height direction to separate the convex portion from the slot. In the prior art, when locking or unlocking the convex portion, it is necessary to move the elastic fastener in the height direction of the housing. Therefore, the distance between the elastic fastener and the housing in the height direction is large, which may cause the height dimension of the connector to be larger.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above - mentioned disadvantages.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises a housing, terminals disposed in the housing, and an elastic cantilever disposed on the outside of the upper wall of the housing and extending along the length of the housing. The elastic cantilever has two sides opposite to each other in the width direction of the housing, and snaps protruding along the width direction are formed on the sides of the elastic cantilever, and the snaps are used to engage with mating snaps formed on the mating housing of the mating connector in order to lock the connector and the mating connector together.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic cantilever has a front end and a rear end that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, the front end of the elastic cantilever is fixed to the upper wall of the housing, and after the snap engages with the mating snap, the snap can be separated from the mating snap by pushing the rear end of the elastic cantilever along the width direction.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the elastic cantilever is flush with the front end of the housing, and the rear end of the elastic cantilever extends beyond the rear end of the housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on the upper wall of the housing, and a limiting hole is formed on the protrusion to allow the rear end of the elastic cantilever to pass through, and the limiting hole is used to limit the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic cantilever in the width direction and height direction of the housing in order to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic cantilever.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector comprises a pair of elastic cantilevers and a pair of snaps, wherein the pair of elastic cantilevers are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the width direction, and the pair of snaps are formed on two sides of the pair of elastic cantilevers that are facing each other or opposite each other in the width direction.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a convex rib extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall of the housing, and the convex rib is used to engage with a guide groove in the mating housing for guiding the housing to fit into the mating housing.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, terminal mounting holes extending along the longitudinal direction are formed in the housing, and terminals are inserted into the terminal mounting holes.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a bottom slot extending along the width direction is formed in the bottom wall of the housing, the bottom slot communicates with terminal mounting holes, and the connector further includes a terminal lock that is inserted into the bottom slot and abuts against a locking portion of the terminal to lock the terminal to the housing.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, elastic locking portions are formed at both ends of the terminal lock, and corresponding mating locking portions are formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing, and the elastic locking portions engage with the mating locking portions to lock the terminal lock into the bottom slot.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal is a female terminal and the connector is a female connector.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic cantilever is formed integrally with the housing such that the elastic cantilever becomes part of the housing.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mating connector for mating with the above-described connector is provided. The mating connector comprises a mating housing having an insertion cavity for inserting the connector, and a mating terminal provided on the mating housing for mating with the terminal. A convex mating snap is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing, and the mating snap is used to engage with the snap in order to lock the connector and the mating connector together.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slot extending along the longitudinal direction of the mating housing is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing, an elastic cantilever is inserted into the slot, and a mating snap is formed on the side wall of the slot and protrudes along the width direction of the mating housing.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the mating housing is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing, and the guide groove is configured to engage with a convex rib in the housing.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an observation window is formed in the upper wall of the mating housing for observing through the observation window whether the snap and the mating snap are engaged.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating terminal includes a soldering pin that passes through the end wall of the mating housing and is fixed to the end wall, and the mating terminal extends outside the end wall of the mating housing and is adapted to be soldered to a circuit board.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further comprises a mounting member, the mounting member comprising a main body fixed to the side wall of the mating housing and a welded portion adapted to be welded to a circuit board.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fixing groove is formed in the side wall of the mating housing, and the main body of the mounting member is inserted into the fixing groove.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating terminal is a male terminal, and the mating connector is a male connector.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises the above-mentioned connector and the above-mentioned mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0025] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, in the process of locking or unlocking the snap and the mating snap, only the elastic cantilever needs to be moved in the width direction of the housing, so there is no need to occupy the space in the height direction of the housing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the height dimension of the connector.

[0026] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing its exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an exploded view for explaining the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an assembled view for explaining the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view for explaining the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view for explaining the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the upper portion of the connector assembly is removed. [Figure 6] It is an assembled view for explaining the connector assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the upper portion of the connector assembly is removed. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view for explaining the connector according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from below.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in numerous different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and will adequately convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0029] In the following detailed description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are included to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments disclosed. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, for the sake of simplicity in the drawings, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically.

[0030] According to the general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises a housing, terminals disposed in the housing, and an elastic cantilever disposed on the outside of the upper wall of the housing and extending along the length of the housing. The elastic cantilever has two sides opposite to each other in the width direction of the housing, and snaps protruding along the width direction are formed on the sides of the elastic cantilever, and the snaps are used to engage with mating snaps formed on the mating housing of the mating connector in order to lock the connector and the mating connector together.

[0031] According to another general concept of the present invention, a mating connector for mating with the above-mentioned connector is provided. The mating connector comprises a mating housing having an insertion cavity for inserting the connector, and a mating terminal provided on the mating housing for mating with the terminal. A convex mating snap is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing, and the mating snap is used to engage with the snap in order to lock the connector and the mating connector together.

[0032] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises the above-mentioned connector and the above-mentioned mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an exploded view illustrating a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows an assembled view illustrating a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a perspective view illustrating a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes connector 1 and mating connector 2. Mating connector 2 is fitted to mate with connector 1.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 includes a housing 10, terminals 16, and an elastic cantilever 111. The terminals 16 are provided on the housing 10. The elastic cantilever 111 is located on the outside of the upper wall 11 of the housing 10 and extends along the length of the housing 10.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an exploded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly of the present invention, with a portion of the upper part of the connector assembly removed. Figure 6 shows an assembled view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly of the present invention, with a portion of the upper part of the connector assembly removed.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the elastic cantilever 111 has two opposite sides in the width direction of the housing 10, and a snap 111a protruding in the width direction is formed on the side of the elastic cantilever 111. The snap 111a is used to engage with a mating snap 211a formed on the mating housing 20 of the mating connector 2 in order to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 together.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the elastic cantilever 111 has a front end 111b and a rear end 111c that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, and the front end 111b of the elastic cantilever 111 is fixed to the upper wall 11 of the housing 10. After engaging the snap 111a with the mating snap 211a, the snap 111a can be separated from the mating snap 211a by pushing the rear end 111c of the elastic cantilever 111 along the width direction, thereby unlocking the snap 111a and separating the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the front end 111b of the elastic cantilever 111 is flush with the front end of the housing 10, and the rear end 111c of the elastic cantilever 111 extends beyond the rear end of the housing 10.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 113 is formed on the rear upper surface of the upper wall 11 of the housing 10, and the limiting hole 113a is formed in the protrusion 113 to allow the rear end portion 111c of the elastic cantilever 111 to pass through. The limiting hole 113a is used to limit the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic cantilever 111 in the width direction and height direction of the housing 10 in order to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic cantilever 111.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 includes a pair of elastic cantilevers 111 and a pair of snaps 111a. The pair of elastic cantilevers 111 are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the width direction, and the pair of snaps 111a are formed on two sides of the pair of elastic cantilevers 111 that are facing each other or opposite each other in the width direction.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, a convex rib 112 extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 11 of the housing 10, and the convex rib 112 is used to engage with a guide groove 212 in the mating housing 20 for guiding the housing 10 to fit into the mating housing 20.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in the exemplary embodiment, terminal mounting holes 101 extending along the longitudinal direction are formed in the housing 10, and the terminals 16 are inserted into the terminal mounting holes 101.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a perspective view from below illustrating a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, a widthwise bottom slot 127 is formed in the bottom wall 12 of the housing 10, and the bottom slot 127 communicates with the terminal mounting hole 101. The connector 1 also includes a terminal lock 17 that is inserted into the bottom slot 127 and abuts against the locking portion 16a of the terminal 16 in order to lock the terminal 16 to the housing 10.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, elastic locking portions 171 are formed at both ends of the terminal lock 17, and mating locking portions 13a corresponding to the elastic locking portions 171 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall 13 of the housing 10. The elastic locking portions 171 are connected to the mating locking portions 13a in order to lock the terminal lock 17 into the bottom slot 127.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, terminal 16 is a female terminal and connector 1 is a female connector.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the elastic cantilever 111 is formed integrally with the housing 10 so that the elastic cantilever 111 becomes part of the housing 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic cantilever 111 may be formed separately from the housing 10 and connected to the upper wall 11 of the housing 10.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a mating connector for mating with the connector 1 described above is also disclosed. The mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 20 and mating terminals 26. The mating housing 20 has an insertion cavity 201 for inserting the connector 1. The mating terminals 26 are provided in the mating housing 20 for mating with terminals 16 of the connector 1.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, a convex mating snap 211a is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall 21 of the mating housing 20, and the mating snap 211a is used to engage with the snap 111a in order to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 together.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, a slot 211 extending along the longitudinal direction of the mating housing 20 is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall 21 of the mating housing 20, and the elastic cantilever 111 is inserted into the slot 211. The mating snap 211a is formed on the side wall 211b of the slot 211 and protrudes along the width direction of the mating housing 20.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, a guide groove 212 extending along the longitudinal direction of the mating housing 20 is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall 21 of the mating housing 20, and the guide groove 212 is configured to engage with the convex rib 112 of the housing 10.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, an observation window 213 is formed on the upper wall 21 of the mating housing 20 to observe through the observation window 213 whether or not the snap 111a and the mating snap 211a are engaged.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the mating housing 20 has an insertion port and end wall 24 on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction. The housing 10 of connector 1 can be inserted into the insertion cavity 201 of the mating housing 20 through the insertion port. The mating terminal 26 passes through the end wall 24 of the mating housing 20 and is fixed to the end wall 24. The mating terminal 26 includes soldering pins 26a that extend outside the end wall 24 of the mating housing 20 and are adapted to be soldered to a circuit board (not shown).

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the mating connector 2 also includes a mounting member 230, which includes a body portion 231 and a welded portion 232. The body portion 231 of the mounting member 230 is fixed to the side wall 23 of the mating housing 20. The welded portion 232 of the mounting member 230 is adapted to be soldered to a circuit board. The mounting member 230 is typically a metal part, and the mating housing 20 is typically a plastic part.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, a fixing groove 23a is formed in the side wall 23 of the mating housing 20, and the main body 231 of the mounting member 230 is inserted into the fixing groove 23a.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the exemplary embodiment, the mating terminal 26 of the mating connector 2 is a male terminal, and the mating connector 2 is a male connector.

[0058] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments without structural or principle contradictions, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0059] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0060] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is to be excluded. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that “compile” or “have” one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. Connector (1), Housing (10) and The terminal (16) located in the housing (10), An elastic cantilever (111) is positioned on the outside of the upper wall (11) of the housing (10) and extends along the length of the housing (10). Equipped with, The elastic cantilever (111) has two sides that are opposite to each other in the width direction of the housing (10), and a snap (111a) protruding along the width direction is formed on the side of the elastic cantilever (111). The snap (111a) is used to engage with a mating snap (211a) formed on the mating housing (20) of the mating connector (2) in order to lock the connector (1) and the mating connector (2) together. Connector (1).

2. The elastic cantilever (111) has a front end (111b) and a rear end (111c) on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction, and the front end (111b) of the elastic cantilever (111) is fixed to the upper wall (11) of the housing (10). After the snap (111a) engages with the mating snap (211a), the snap (111a) can be separated from the mating snap (211a) by pushing the rear end (111c) of the elastic cantilever (111) along the width direction. The connector (1) according to claim 1.

3. The front end (111b) of the elastic cantilever (111) is flush with the front end of the housing (10), and the rear end (111c) of the elastic cantilever (111) extends beyond the rear end of the housing (10). The connector (1) according to claim 2.

4. A protrusion (113) is formed on the upper wall (11) of the housing (10), and a restricting hole (113a) is formed on the protrusion (113) to allow the rear end (111c) of the elastic cantilever (111) to pass through. The limiting hole (113a) is used to limit the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic cantilever (111) in the width direction and height direction of the housing (10) in order to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic cantilever (111). The connector (1) according to claim 3.

5. The connector (1) comprises a pair of elastic cantilevers (111) and a pair of snaps (111a), The pair of elastic cantilevers (111) are separated by a predetermined distance in the width direction. The pair of snaps (111a) are formed on two sides of the pair of elastic cantilevers (111) that are opposite to each other or on opposite sides in the width direction. The connector (1) according to claim 2.

6. A convex rib (112) extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall (11) of the housing (10), The convex rib (112) is used to engage with a guide groove (212) in the mating housing (20) for guiding the housing (10) to fit into the mating housing (20). The connector (1) according to claim 1.

7. A terminal mounting hole (101) extending along the longitudinal direction is formed in the housing (10), and the terminal (16) is inserted into the terminal mounting hole (101). The connector (1) according to claim 1.

8. A bottom slot (127) extending along the width direction is formed in the bottom wall (12) of the housing (10), and the bottom slot (127) communicates with the terminal mounting hole (101). The connector (1) further includes a terminal lock (17) which is inserted into the bottom slot (127) and contacts the locking portion (16a) of the terminal (16) in order to lock the terminal (16) to the housing (10). The connector (1) according to claim 7.

9. Elastic locking portions (171) are formed at both ends of the terminal lock (17), and mating locking portions (13a) corresponding to the elastic locking portions (171) are formed on the inner surface of the side wall (13) of the housing (10). The elastic locking portion (171) engages with the mating locking portion (13a) in order to lock the terminal lock (17) into the bottom slot (127). The connector (1) according to claim 8.

10. The terminal (16) is a female terminal, and the connector (1) is a female connector. The connector (1) according to claim 1.

11. The elastic cantilever (111) is formed integrally with the housing (10) such that the elastic cantilever (111) becomes part of the housing (10). The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A mating connector (2) for mating with the connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The aforementioned mating connector (2) is, A mating housing (20) having an insertion cavity (201) for inserting the connector (1), A mating terminal (26) is provided on the mating housing (20) for mating with the aforementioned terminal (16) and Equipped with, A convex mating snap (211a) is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing (20), and the mating snap (211a) is used to engage with the snap (111a) to lock the connector (1) and the mating connector (2) together. The other connector (2).

13. A slot (211) extending along the length of the mating housing (20) is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing (20), and the elastic cantilever (111) is inserted into the slot (211). The mating snap (211a) is formed on the side wall (211b) of the slot (211) and protrudes along the width direction of the mating housing (20). The mating connector (2) according to claim 12.

14. A convex rib (112) extending along the longitudinal direction is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall (11) of the housing (10), A guide groove (212) extending along the longitudinal direction of the mating housing (20) is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the mating housing (20), The guide groove (212) is configured to fit with the convex rib (112) in the housing (10). The mating connector (2) according to claim 12.

15. An observation window (213) is formed in the upper wall of the mating housing (20) to observe through the observation window (213) whether or not the snap (111a) and the mating snap (211a) are engaged. The mating connector (2) according to claim 12.

16. The mating terminal (26) passes through the end wall (24) of the mating housing (20) and is fixed to the end wall (24). The mating terminal (26) includes a soldering pin (26a), which extends outward from the end wall (24) of the mating housing (20) and is adapted to be soldered to a circuit board. The mating connector (2) according to claim 12.

17. The mating connector (2) further comprises a mounting member (230), The aforementioned mounting member (230) is The main body portion (231) is fixed to the side wall (23) of the mating housing (20), A welded portion (232) adapted to be welded to the circuit board and Equipped with, The mating connector (2) according to claim 16.

18. A fixing groove (23a) is formed in the side wall (23) of the mating housing (20), and the main body portion (231) of the mounting member (230) is inserted into the fixing groove (23a). The mating connector (2) according to claim 17.

19. The mating terminal (26) is a male terminal, and the mating connector (2) is a male connector. The mating connector (2) according to claim 12.

20. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The mating connector (2) that mates with the connector (1) A connector assembly comprising the following features.

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