Connector housing assembly, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connector assembly, capable of mitigating a significant installation position error and ensuring smooth mating of the connector and a mating connector.SOLUTION: A connector housing assembly includes: a first housing 10 including a first flange 111 which is used for installation on a first installation panel 3, and in which a first mounting hole 102 is formed; a first support member 14 which is installed in the first mounting hole and in which a first through-hole that extends along an axial direction of the first mounting hole is formed; a first elastic ring 15 which is fitted on the first support member and is radially compressed between the first support member and an inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole; and a first connecting member 13 which penetrates through the first through-hole and is connectable to the first installation panel. When the first housing is installed on the first installation panel, there is a first radial gap G1 between the first support member and the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole, allowing the first housing to float radially relative to the first connecting member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202311249925.5, filed on September 25, 2023 in the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector housing assembly, a connector including a connector housing assembly, and a connector assembly including a connector. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, an installation error between the male and female connectors may cause the central axis of the male connector to not align with the central axis of the female connector, resulting in some kind of radial error. If the male and female connectors are forced to mate with each other at this point, it will cause damage or even cracks to the housing of the male and female connectors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector housing assembly is provided. The connector housing assembly includes a first housing, which is used for installation on a first installation panel and includes a first flange having a first installation hole formed therein, a first support member installed in the first installation hole and having a first through hole formed therein extending along the axial direction of the first installation hole, a first elastic ring attached to the first support member and radially compressed between the first support member and an inner peripheral surface of the first installation hole, and a first connection member that passes through the first through hole and is suitable for connection to the first installation panel. When the first housing is installed on the first installation panel, a first radial gap is formed between the first support member and the inner peripheral surface of the first installation hole, thereby allowing the first housing to float radially relative to the first connection member.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the first housing is installed on the first mounting panel, the first support member is spaced axially of the first mounting hole from the first flange by a first axial gap, thereby allowing the first housing to float radially and axially relative to the first connecting member.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the first housing is installed on the first installation panel, one end of the first support member is pressed against the first installation panel and the other end of the first support member is separated from the first flange by a first axial gap.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first support member has a first neck located between two ends thereof, and a first elastic ring is attached to the first neck of the first support member to center the first support member in the first mounting hole.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member is a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a first threaded hole formed in the first installation panel, and a first internal thread suitable for threaded connection with the first connecting member is formed in a first through hole of the first support member.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the first housing is installed on the first installation panel, one end surface of the first support member abuts against the first installation panel, and a head of the first connecting member abuts against the other end surface of the first support member, so as to fix the first support member to the first installation panel.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first terminal hole is formed in a first housing for insertion of a first terminal, and a first step is formed in the first terminal hole, the first step being adapted to be supported by a first locking spring of the first terminal to lock the first terminal within the first terminal hole.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising the connector housing assembly described above and a first terminal inserted into a first terminal hole of the first housing.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal has a first locking spring, and a first shoulder in the first terminal hole is pressed against the first locking spring of the first terminal to lock the first terminal in the first terminal hole.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector includes a second housing having a second terminal hole formed therein and suitable for mating with the first housing, and a second terminal inserted into the second terminal hole and suitable for mating with the first terminal.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector is a female connector, the first terminal is a female terminal, the mating connector is a male connector, and the second terminal is a male terminal, and when the connector is mated with the mating connector, a portion of the first housing is inserted into the second housing and a portion of the second terminal is inserted into the first terminal.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first guide bevel is formed on an outer side of one end of the first housing and a second guide bevel is formed on an inner side of one end of the second housing, the first guide bevel being adapted to engage with the second guide bevel to guide the first housing into the second housing.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second housing includes a second flange for installation on a second installation panel and having a second mounting hole formed therein. The mating connector further includes a second support member for installation in the second mounting hole and having a second through hole formed therein extending along the axial direction of the second mounting hole, a second elastic ring attached to the second support member and radially compressed between the second support member and an inner peripheral surface of the second mounting hole, and a second connecting member for passing through the second through hole and suitable for connection to the second installation panel.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second housing is installed on the second installation panel, a second radial gap is formed between the second support member and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole, thereby allowing the second housing to float radially relative to the second connecting member.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second housing is installed on the second mounting panel, the second support member is spaced axially of the second mounting hole from the second flange by a second axial gap, thereby allowing the second housing to float radially and axially relative to the second connecting member.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second housing is installed on the second installation panel, one end of the second support member is pressed against the second installation panel and the other end of the second support member is separated from the second flange by a second axial gap.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second support member has a second neck located between its two ends, and a second elastomeric ring is attached to the second neck of the second support member to center the second support member in the second mounting hole.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second connecting member is a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a second threaded hole formed in the second installation panel, and a second internal thread suitable for threaded connection with the second connecting member is formed in the second through hole of the second support member.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the second housing is installed on the second installation panel, one end surface of the second support member abuts against the second installation panel, and a head of the second connecting member abuts against the other end surface of the second support member, so as to fix the second support member to the second installation panel.

[0025] In the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the housing of the connector is allowed to float radially, thereby mitigating gross installation errors and ensuring smooth mating of the connector with the mating connector.

[0026] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the connector and the mating connector have not yet been mated with each other. [Diagram 3] 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector and the mating connector being mated with each other; [Figure 4] 1 is an illustrative exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an illustrative exploded view of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a plan cross-sectional view of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be 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 implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present 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. However, it will be apparent 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 connector housing assembly comprising: a first housing having a first flange for mounting to a first mounting panel and having a first mounting hole formed therein; a first support member mounted in the first mounting hole and having a first through hole formed therein extending along the axial direction of the first mounting hole; a first elastic ring mounted on the first support member and radially compressed between the first support member and an inner peripheral surface of the first mounting hole; and a first connecting member adapted to connect to the first mounting panel and passing through the first through hole. When the first housing is mounted to the first mounting panel, a first radial gap is formed between the first support member and the inner peripheral surface of the first mounting hole, thereby allowing the first housing to float radially relative to the first connecting member.

[0031] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising the connector housing assembly described above and a first terminal inserted into a first terminal hole of the first housing.

[0032] According to another general 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is an explanatory oblique view of a connector 1 and a mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector 1 and a mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are not yet paired with each other; FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector 1 and a mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are paired with each other; FIG. 4 is an explanatory exploded view of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a plan cross-sectional view of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention further discloses a connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly includes a first housing 10, a first support member 14, a first elastic ring 15, and a first connection member 13. The first housing 10 has a first flange 111 used for installation on a first installation panel 3. A first mounting hole 102 is formed in the first flange 111. The first support member 14 is installed in the first installation hole 102. The first support member 14 has a first through hole 144 extending along the axial direction of the first installation hole 102. The first elastic ring 15 is assembled to the first support member 14 and is radially compressed between the first support member 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the first installation hole 102. The first connection member 13 passes through the first through hole 144 and is suitable for connection to the first installation panel 3.

[0035] 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first housing 10 is installed on the first installation panel 3, a first radial gap G1 is formed between the first support member 14 and the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole 102, which allows the first housing to float radially relative to the first connecting member 13. In the illustrated embodiment, when the first housing 10 floats radially relative to the first connecting member 13, the first housing 10 is offset toward one side of the first connecting member 13 by compressing the first elastic ring 15 so that the central axis of the first mounting hole 102 is radially spaced a predetermined distance from the central axis of the first connecting member 13.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first housing 10 is installed on the first installation panel 3, the first support member 14 is spaced axially from the first flange 111 by a first axial gap G2 in the axial direction of the first mounting hole 102, thereby allowing the first housing 10 to float radially and axially relative to the first connecting member 13.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first housing 10 is installed on the first installation panel 3, one end 141 of the first support member 14 is pressed against the first installation panel 3, and the other end 142 of the first support member 14 is separated from the first flange 111 by a first axial gap G2.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first support member 14 has a first neck 143 located between its two ends 141 and 142, and the first elastic ring 15 is attached to the first neck 143 of the first support member 14 to center the first support member 14 in the first mounting hole 102.

[0039] 1 to 5 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting member 13 is a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a first threaded hole 302 formed in the first mounting panel 3. The first through hole 144 of the first support member 14 is formed with a first internal thread 14a suitable for threaded connection with the first connecting member 13.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first housing 10 is installed on the first installation panel 3, an end face of one end 141 of the first support member 14 is pressed against the first installation panel 3, and a head of the first connecting member 13 is pressed against an end face of the other end 142 of the first support member 14 so as to fix the first support member 14 to the first installation panel 3.

[0041] 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 10 is formed with a first terminal hole 101 for insertion of the first terminal 12, and a first step portion 10a is formed in the first terminal hole 101. The first step portion 10a is used to support a first lock spring 12a of the first terminal 12 so as to lock the first terminal 12 in the first terminal hole 101.

[0042] 1 to 5, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is further disclosed. The connector includes the connector housing assembly described above and a first terminal 12. The first terminal 12 is inserted into a first terminal hole 101 of a first housing 10.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal 12 has a first locking spring 12a, and the first step portion 10a of the first terminal hole 101 is pressed against the first locking spring 12a of the first terminal 12 to lock the first terminal 12 within the first terminal hole 101.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an illustrative exploded view of the mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a plan cross-sectional view of the mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 1 to 7, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is further disclosed. The connector assembly includes a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 mates with the connector 1.

[0046] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 includes a second housing 20 and a second terminal 22. The second housing 20 has a second terminal hole 201 formed therein. The second housing 20 is suitable for mating with the first housing 10. The second terminal 22 is inserted into the second terminal hole 201 and is suitable for mating with the first terminal 12.

[0047] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 is a female connector, the first terminal 12 is a female terminal, the mating connector 2 is a male connector, and the second terminal 22 is a male terminal. When the connector 1 is mated with the mating connector 2, a portion of the first housing 10 is inserted into the second housing 20, and a portion of the second terminal 22 is inserted into the first terminal 12.

[0048] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a first guide bevel 10b is formed on the outside of one end of the first housing 10, and a second guide bevel 20b is formed on the inside of one end of the second housing 20. The first guide bevel 10b fits into the second guide bevel 20b to guide the first housing 10 into the second housing 20.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the second housing 20 has a second flange 211 for installation on the second installation panel 4, and the second flange 211 is formed with a second installation hole 202. The mating connector 2 includes a second support member 24, a second elastic ring 25, and a second connection member 23. The second support member 24 is installed in the second installation hole 202. The second support member 24 is formed with a second through hole 244 extending along the axial direction of the second installation hole 202. The second elastic ring 25 is attached to the second support member 24 and is radially compressed between the second support member 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the second installation hole 202. The second connection member 23 passes through the second through hole 244 and is suitable for connection to the second installation panel 4.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second housing 20 is installed on the second installation panel 4, a second radial gap G3 is created between the second support member 24 and the inner surface of the second mounting hole 202, thereby allowing the second housing 20 to float radially relative to the second connecting member 23.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second housing 20 is installed on the second installation panel 4, the second support member 24 is spaced axially from the second flange 211 by a second axial gap G4 in the axial direction of the second mounting hole 202, thereby allowing the second housing 20 to float radially and axially relative to the second connecting member 23.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second housing 20 is installed on the second installation panel 4, one end 241 of the second support member 24 is pressed against the second installation panel 4, and the other end 242 of the second support member 24 is separated from the second flange 211 by a second axial gap G4.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the second support member 24 has a second neck 243 located between its two ends 241 and 242, and the second elastic ring 25 is attached to the second neck 243 of the second support member 24 to center the second support member 24 in the second mounting hole 202.

[0054] 1 to 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting member 23 is a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a second threaded hole 402 formed in the second mounting panel 4. The second through hole 244 of the second support member 24 is formed with a second internal thread 24a suitable for threaded connection with the second connecting member 23.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second housing 20 is installed on the second installation panel 4, an end face of one end 241 of the second support member 24 is pressed against the second installation panel 4, and a head of the second connecting member 23 is pressed against an end face of the other end 242 of the second support member 24, so as to fix the second support member 24 to the second installation panel 4.

[0056] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0057] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0058] 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 said elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. 1. A connector housing assembly comprising: The connector housing assembly includes: - a first housing (10) having a first flange (111) adapted for mounting to a first mounting panel (3) and having a first mounting hole (102) formed therein; - a first support member (14) that is installed in the first mounting hole (102) and has a first through hole (144) that extends along the axial direction of the first mounting hole (102); - a first elastic ring (15) mounted on the first support member (14) and radially compressed between the first support member (14) and an inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole (102); a first connection member (13) passing through the first through hole (144) and suitable for connection to the first installation panel (3); Equipped with When the first housing (10) is installed on the first installation panel (3), a first radial gap (G1) is formed between the first support member (14) and the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting hole (102), thereby allowing the first housing (10) to float radially relative to the first connecting member (13). Connector housing assembly.

2. when the first housing (10) is installed on the first installation panel (3), the first support member (14) is spaced apart from the first flange (111) in the axial direction of the first mounting hole (102) by a first axial gap (G2), thereby allowing the first housing (10) to float radially and axially relative to the first connecting member (13); 2. The connector housing assembly of claim 1.

3. When the first housing (10) is installed on the first installation panel (3), one end of the first support member (14) is pressed against the first installation panel (3), and the other end of the first support member (14) is separated from the first flange (111) by the first axial gap (G2).

3. The connector housing assembly of claim 2.

4. The first support member (14) has a first neck (143) located between its two ends; the first elastic ring (15) is attached to the first neck portion (143) of the first support member (14) to center the first support member (14) in the first mounting hole (102); 4. The connector housing assembly of claim 3.

5. the first connecting member (13) being a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a first threaded hole (302) formed in the first installation panel (3); a first internal thread (14a) suitable for threaded connection with the first connecting member (13) is formed in the first through hole (144) of the first support member (14); 2. The connector housing assembly of claim 1.

6. When the first housing (10) is installed on the first installation panel (3), one end surface of the first support member (14) abuts against the first installation panel (3) and a head portion of the first connection member (13) abuts against the other end surface of the first support member (14) so ​​as to fix the first support member (14) to the first installation panel (3).

6. The connector housing assembly of claim 5.

7. A first terminal hole (101) is formed in the first housing (10) for inserting a first terminal (12), and a first step portion (10a) is formed in the first terminal hole (101); The first step portion (10a) is used to support a first lock spring (12a) of the first terminal (12) so as to lock the first terminal (12) in the first terminal hole (101).

2. The connector housing assembly of claim 1.

8. - the connector housing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a first terminal (12) inserted into a first terminal hole (101) of the first housing (10); A connector comprising:

9. The first terminal (12) has a first lock spring (12a), and a first step portion (10a) in the first terminal hole (101) is pressed against the first lock spring (12a) of the first terminal (12) to lock the first terminal (12) in the first terminal hole (101). The connector according to claim 8.

10. - the connector according to claim 8 or 9; a mating connector that fits into said connector; A connector assembly comprising:

11. The mating connector is - a second housing (20) having second terminal holes (201) and suitable for mating with said first housing (10); a second terminal (22) adapted to be inserted into said second terminal hole (201) and to be fitted with said first terminal (12); Equipped with The connector assembly of claim 10.

12. The connector is a female connector, and the first terminal (12) is a female terminal; The mating connector is a male connector, and the second terminal (22) is a male terminal, When the connector is mated with the mating connector, a portion of the first housing (10) is inserted into the second housing (20), and a portion of the second terminal (22) is inserted into the first terminal (12). The connector assembly of claim 11.

13. A first guide slope (10b) is formed on the outside of one end of the first housing (10); A second guide slope (20b) is formed on the inside of one end of the second housing (20), The first guide bevel (10b) fits into the second guide bevel (20b) to guide the first housing (10) into the second housing (20). The connector assembly of claim 12.

14. The second housing (20) includes a second flange (211) that is used for mounting to a second mounting panel (4) and has a second mounting hole (202) formed therein; The mating connector is - a second support member (24) that is installed in the second mounting hole (202) and has a second through hole (244) that extends along the axial direction of the second mounting hole (202); - a second elastic ring (25) mounted on the second support member (24) and radially compressed between the second support member (24) and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole (202); - a second connection member (23) passing through said second through hole (244) and suitable for connection to said second installation panel (4); Further comprising: The connector assembly of claim 11.

15. When the second housing (20) is installed on the second installation panel (4), a second radial gap (G3) is formed between the second support member (24) and the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole (202), thereby allowing the second housing (20) to float radially relative to the second connection member (23).

15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

16. When the second housing (20) is installed on the second installation panel (4), the second support member (24) is spaced apart from the second flange (211) in the axial direction of the second mounting hole (202) by a second axial gap (G4), thereby allowing the second housing (20) to float radially and axially relative to the second connecting member (23).

16. The connector assembly of claim 15.

17. When the second housing (20) is installed on the second installation panel (4), one end of the second support member (24) is pressed against the second installation panel (4), and the other end of the second support member (24) is separated from the second flange (211) by the second axial gap (G4).

17. The connector assembly of claim 16.

18. The second support member (24) has a second neck (243) located between its two ends, the second elastic ring (25) is attached to the second neck portion (243) of the second support member (24) to center the second support member (24) in the second mounting hole (202); 20. The connector assembly of claim 17.

19. the second connecting member (23) being a threaded fastener suitable for threaded connection with a second threaded hole (402) formed in the second installation panel (4); a second internal thread (24a) suitable for threaded connection with the second connecting member (23) is formed in the second through hole (244) of the second support member (24); 15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

20. When the second housing (20) is installed on the second installation panel (4), one end surface of the second support member (24) abuts against the second installation panel (4) and a head portion of the second connection member (23) abuts against the other end surface of the second support member (24) so ​​as to fix the second support member (24) to the second installation panel (4).

20. The connector assembly of claim 19.

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