Positioning member, connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a position-holding member that simplifies the process of unplugging the connector. [Solution] The position-holding member is configured to be inserted into the connector housing 1 and moves between the final locked position and the pre-lock position. It also includes a cantilever portion 31 and a pressing portion 32. When the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion 31 is pressed against the elastic buckle 11 of the connector housing 1, engaging the elastic buckle 11 with the projection on the mating housing 2 of the mating connector and holding it in the locked position. When the position-holding member is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion 32 pushes the elastic buckle 11 away from the projection on the mating housing 2 to the unlocked position, allowing the connector housing 1 to be pulled out from the mating housing 2. When pulling out the connector housing, the worker does not need to press the elastic buckle, and can grasp the connector housing with two fingers and pull it out, making the work easier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202422944307.9, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on November 29, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a position - holding member, a connector including the position - holding member, and a connector assembly including the connector.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, after a connector is mated with a mating connector, an elastic buckle of the connector housing engages with a protrusion in the mating housing of the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector to each other. When it is necessary to pull out the connector from the mating connector, while pressing the unlocking portion of the elastic buckle with one finger, it is necessary to use another finger to pull out the connector housing outward. However, due to the small size of the connector, while pressing the unlocking portion of the elastic buckle with one finger, only one other finger is used to pull out the connector housing. This makes it very difficult to pull out the connector.

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 drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a position-holding member is provided. The position-holding member is configured to be inserted into a connector housing and to move between a final lock position and a pre-lock position. The position-holding member comprises a cantilever portion and a pressing portion. When the position-holding member is in the final lock position, the cantilever portion presses against an elastic buckle of the connector housing, holding the elastic buckle in a locked position that engages with a projection on the mating housing of the mating connector. When the position-holding member is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion pushes the elastic buckle to an unlocked position away from the projection on the mating housing, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the position-holding member further comprises a rear seat connected to a cantilever portion and a pressing portion, the cantilever portion and the pressing portion extending forward from the rear seat and spaced apart from each other in the height direction.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing portion is located above the cantilever portion and has a cantilever shape with a downwardly projecting pressing projection, wherein when the position-holding member is in the pre-locked position, the pressing projection pushes downward the unlocking portion of the elastic buckle, thereby pushing the elastic buckle to the unlocked position, and when the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the pressing projection moves away from the unlocking portion of the elastic buckle, allowing the elastic buckle to automatically reset to the locked position.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the position-holding member further comprises a frame body connected to a rear seat and extending longitudinally forward from the rear seat, wherein a pre-lock slot and a final lock slot located behind the pre-lock slot are formed on each of the laterally opposite sides of the frame body, the pre-lock slot being used to engage with a retaining projection in the connector housing to hold the position-holding member in the pre-lock position, and the final lock slot being used to engage with a retaining projection in the connector housing to hold the position-holding member in the final lock position.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the frame body is U-shaped, the open end of the frame body is connected to the rear seat body, and the cantilever portion is suspended from the U-shaped frame body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the position-holding member is an integrally injection-molded part.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises a connector housing formed with a slot and an elastic buckle suspended in the slot, and the above-mentioned position-holding member inserted into the slot of the connector housing and movable longitudinally between a final locked position and a pre-locked position. When the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion presses against the elastic buckle, holding the elastic buckle in a locked position engaged with a projection on the mating housing of the mating connector, and when the position-holding member is in the pre-locked position, the pressing portion pushes the elastic buckle in an unlocked position away from the projection on the mating housing, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic buckle has a release portion located at the rear end of the elastic buckle and projecting upward, wherein when the position-holding member is in the pre-locked position, the pressing portion pushes the release portion of the elastic buckle downward, pushing the elastic buckle to the unlocked position, and when the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the pressing portion moves away from the release portion of the elastic buckle, allowing the elastic buckle to automatically reset to the locked position.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, retaining projections are formed on each of two inner walls of a slot in the connector housing that are opposite to each other laterally, and when the position retaining member is in the pre-lock position, the retaining projections engage with the pre-lock slot of the position retaining member to hold the position retaining member in the pre-lock position, and when the position retaining member is in the final-lock position, the retaining projections engage with the final-lock slot of the position retaining member to hold the position retaining member in the final-lock position.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a snap slot suitable for engaging with a projection in the mating housing is formed in the elastic buckle for locking the connector housing into the mating housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises terminals, which are provided in the connector housing to mate with mating terminals provided in the mating housing.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises the above-described connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating housing, the connector housing being inserted into the mating housing and having a projection formed on the mating housing, and when a position-holding member is in the final locked position, an elastic buckle is in a locked position engaged with the projection and is held in the locked position by the position-holding member to prevent the elastic buckle from being accidentally unlocked, and when the position-holding member moves from the final locked position to a pre-locked position, the elastic buckle is pushed by the position-holding member to an unlocked position away from the projection, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes mating terminals provided on the mating housing, and the terminals of the connector mate with the mating terminals of the mating connector to realize an electrical connection between the terminals and the mating terminals.

[0018] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the position-holding member moves to the pre-locked position, the position-holding member pushes the elastic buckle of the connector housing to the unlocked position, eliminating the need for the operator to press the elastic buckle. The operator can then grasp the connector with two fingers and pull it out, simplifying the process of removing the connector from the mating connector.

[0019] The above and other features of the present invention will become clearer by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a descriptive perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member in the final locked position. [Figure 3]A vertical cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] An exploded explanatory view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the position holding member is in the final locked position. [Figure 7] A vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the position holding member is in the pre-lock position. [Figure 8] A horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the position holding member is in the final locked position. [Figure 9] A horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the position holding member is in the pre-lock position.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [[ID=**25**]] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0022] In the following detailed description, for the purpose 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 can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

[0023] **Note**: There were some tags that seemed to be redundant or might be errors (like ). I've made an assumption to remove it for a more meaningful translation. If this is incorrect, please provide more context.According to the general concept of the present invention, a position-holding member is provided. The position-holding member is configured to be inserted into a connector housing and to move between a final locked position and a pre-locked position. The position-holding member comprises a cantilever portion and a pressing portion. When the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion presses against an elastic buckle of the connector housing, holding the elastic buckle in a locked position engaged with a projection of the mating housing of the mating connector. When the position-holding member is in the pre-locked position, the pressing portion pushes the elastic buckle into an unlocked position away from the projection of the mating housing, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0024] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises a connector housing formed with a slot and an elastic buckle suspended in the slot, and the above-mentioned position-holding member inserted into the slot of the connector housing and movable longitudinally between a final locked position and a pre-locked position. When the position-holding member is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion presses against the elastic buckle, holding the elastic buckle in a locked position engaged with a projection on the mating housing of the mating connector, and when the position-holding member is in the pre-locked position, the pressing portion pushes the elastic buckle in an unlocked position away from the projection on the mating housing, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0025] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises the above-described connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating housing, the connector housing being inserted into the mating housing and having a projection formed on the mating housing, and when a position-holding member is in the final locked position, an elastic buckle is in a locked position engaged with the projection and is held in the locked position by the position-holding member to prevent the elastic buckle from being accidentally unlocked, and when the position-holding member moves from the final locked position to a pre-locked position, the elastic buckle is pushed by the position-holding member to an unlocked position away from the projection, allowing the connector housing to be withdrawn from the mating housing.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an explanatory perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member 3 in the final locked position. Figure 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an explanatory exploded view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member 3 in the final locked position. Figure 7 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member 3 in the pre-lock position. Figure 8 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member 3 in the final locked position. Figure 9 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the position-holding member 3 in the pre-locked position.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, a position-holding member 3 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The position-holding member 3 is configured to be inserted into the connector housing 1 and to move between a final locked position and a pre-locked position. The position-holding member 3 comprises a cantilever portion 31 and a pressing portion 32. When the position-holding member 3 is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion 31 is pressed against the elastic buckle 11 of the connector housing 1, holding the elastic buckle 11 in a locked position engaged with the projection 2b of the mating housing 2 of the mating connector. This prevents the elastic buckle 11 from being accidentally unlocked. When the position-holding member 3 is in the pre-lock position, the pressing part 32 pushes the elastic buckle 11 to the unlocked position away from the projection 2b of the mating housing 2, allowing the connector housing 1 to be pulled out from the mating housing 2.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the position-holding member 3 further comprises a rear seat 30 connected to the cantilever portion 31 and the pressing portion 32. The cantilever portion 31 and the pressing portion 32 extend forward from the rear seat 30 and are spaced apart from each other in the height direction Z.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressing portion 32 is located above the cantilever portion 31 and has a cantilever shape with a pressing projection 32a that protrudes downward. When the position holding member 3 is in the pre-lock position, the pressing projection 32a pushes the unlock portion 11a of the elastic buckle 11 downward, and thus the elastic buckle 11 is pushed to the unlock position. When the position holding member 3 is in the final locked position, the pressing projection 32a moves away from the unlock portion 11a of the elastic buckle 11, allowing the elastic buckle 11 to automatically reset to the locked position.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the position-holding member 3 also includes a frame body 33. The frame body 33 is connected to the rear seat body 30 and extends forward from the rear seat body 30 along the longitudinal direction Y. On opposite sides of the frame body 33 in the lateral direction X are a pre-lock slot 33a and a final lock slot 33b located behind the pre-lock slot 33a. The pre-lock slot 33a is used to engage with the retaining projection 10c in the connector housing 1 to hold the position-holding member 3 in the pre-lock position. The final lock slot 33b is used to engage with the retaining projection 10c in the connector housing 1 to hold the position-holding member 3 in the final lock position.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame body 33 is U-shaped, the open end of the frame body 33 is connected to the rear seat body 30, and the cantilever portion 31 is suspended from the U-shaped frame body 33.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the position-holding member 3 is an integrally injection-molded part, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, a connector is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector comprises a connector housing 1 and a position-holding member 3. A slot 10 and an elastic buckle 11 suspended in the slot 10 are formed in the connector housing 1. The position-holding member 3 is inserted into the slot 10 of the connector housing 1 and is movable along the longitudinal direction Y between a final locked position and a pre-locked position.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment, when the position-holding member 3 is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion 31 abuts against the elastic buckle 11, holding the elastic buckle 11 in the locked position engaged with the projection 2b of the mating housing 2 of the mating connector. This prevents the elastic buckle 11 from being accidentally unlocked.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, in the illustrated embodiment, when the position holding member 3 is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion 32 pushes the elastic buckle 11 to the unlocked position away from the projection 2b of the mating housing 2, thereby enabling the connector housing 1 to be pulled out from the mating housing 2.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 11 has a release portion 11a located at the rear end of the elastic buckle 11 and protruding upward. When the position holding member 3 is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion 32 pushes the release portion 11a of the elastic buckle 11 downward, pushing the elastic buckle 11 to the unlocked position. When the position holding member 3 is in the final locked position, the pressing portion 32 moves away from the release portion 11a of the elastic buckle 11, allowing the elastic buckle 11 to automatically reset to the locked position.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining projections 10c are formed on each of the two inner walls of the slot 10 of the connector housing 1 that are opposite each other in the lateral direction X. When the position retaining member 3 is in the pre-lock position, the retaining projections 10c engage with the pre-lock slot 33a of the position retaining member 3 to hold the position retaining member 3 in the pre-lock position. When the position retaining member 3 is in the final locked position, the retaining projections 10c engage with the final lock slot 33b of the position retaining member 3 to hold the position retaining member 3 in the final locked position.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a snap slot 11b suitable for engaging with a projection 2b in the mating housing 2 is formed in the elastic buckle 11 in order to lock the connector housing 1 to the mating housing 2.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector also includes terminals (not shown). The terminals are provided on the connector housing 1 so as to mate with mating terminals (not shown) provided on the mating housing 2.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, a connector assembly is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly comprises a connector and a mating connector. The mating connector mates with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating housing 2. The connector housing 1 is inserted into the mating housing 2. A projection 2b is formed on the mating housing 2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, when the position-holding member 3 is in the final locked position, the elastic buckle 11 is in a locked position engaged with the projection 2b and is held in the locked position by the position-holding member 3 to prevent the elastic buckle 11 from being accidentally unlocked. When the position-holding member 3 moves from the final locked position to the pre-lock position, the elastic buckle 11 is pushed by the position-holding member 3 to an unlocked position away from the projection 2b, allowing the connector housing 1 to be pulled out from the mating housing 2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector further includes mating terminals. The mating terminals are provided on the mating housing 2. The terminals of the connector mate with the mating terminals of the mating connector to establish an electrical connection between the terminals and the mating terminals.

[0043] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments described above without structural or principle contradictions, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0044] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0045] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the words "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 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. A position-holding member (3) is configured to be inserted into a connector housing (1) and to move between a final locked position and a pre-lock position, The position-holding member (3) comprises a cantilever portion (31) and a pressing portion (32), When the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion (31) is pressed against the elastic buckle (11) of the connector housing (1), holding the elastic buckle (11) in a locked position that engages with the projection (2b) of the mating housing (2) of the mating connector. When the position-holding member (3) is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion (32) pushes the elastic buckle (11) to an unlocked position away from the projection (2b) of the mating housing (2), thereby enabling the connector housing (1) to be pulled out from the mating housing (2).

2. The rear seat body (30) is further connected to the cantilever portion (31) and the pressing portion (32), The position-holding member according to claim 1, wherein the cantilever portion (31) and the pressing portion (32) extend forward from the rear seat (30) and are spaced apart from each other in the height direction (Z).

3. The pressing portion (32) is located above the cantilever portion (31), and the pressing portion (32) has a cantilever shape with a pressing projection (32a) that protrudes downward. When the position-holding member (3) is in the pre-lock position, the pressing projection (32a) pushes the release portion (11a) of the elastic buckle (11) downward, thereby pushing the elastic buckle (11) to the release position. The position-holding member according to claim 2, wherein when the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the pressing projection (32a) moves away from the unlocking portion (11a) of the elastic buckle (11), allowing the elastic buckle (11) to be automatically reset to the locked position.

4. The rear seat (30) is further connected to a frame body (33) that extends forward from the rear seat (30) along the longitudinal direction (Y), A pre-lock slot (33a) and a final lock slot (33b) located behind the pre-lock slot (33a) are formed on opposite sides of the frame body (33) in the lateral direction (X). The pre-lock slot (33a) is used to engage with the retaining projection (10c) in the connector housing (1) to hold the position retaining member (3) in the pre-lock position. The position-holding member according to claim 2, wherein the final lock slot (33b) is used to engage with the retaining projection (10c) in the connector housing (1) to hold the position-holding member (3) in the final lock position.

5. The position-holding member according to claim 4, wherein the frame body (33) is U-shaped, the open end of the frame body (33) is connected to the rear seat body (30), and the cantilever portion (31) is suspended from the U-shaped frame body (33).

6. The position-holding member (3) is an integrally injection-molded part, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. It is a connector, A connector housing (1) having a slot (10) and an elastic buckle (11) suspended in the slot (10), The position-holding member (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is inserted into the slot (10) of the connector housing (1) and is movable along the vertical direction (Y) between the final locked position and the pre-locked position. Equipped with, When the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the cantilever portion (31) is pressed against the elastic buckle (11), holding the elastic buckle (11) in a locked position engaged with the projection (2b) of the mating housing (2) of the mating connector. A connector in which, when the position-holding member (3) is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion (32) pushes the elastic buckle (11) to an unlocked position away from the projection (2b) of the mating housing (2), thereby enabling the connector housing (1) to be withdrawn from the mating housing (2).

8. The elastic buckle (11) has a lock release portion (11a) located at the rear end of the elastic buckle (11) that protrudes upward, When the position-holding member (3) is in the pre-lock position, the pressing portion (32) pushes the release portion (11a) of the elastic buckle (11) downward, pushing the elastic buckle (11) to the release position. The connector according to claim 7, wherein when the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the pressing portion (32) moves away from the unlock portion (11a) of the elastic buckle (11), allowing the elastic buckle (11) to be automatically reset to the locked position.

9. The retaining projection (10c) is formed on each of the two inner walls of the connector housing (1) that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction (X) of the slot (10), When the position holding member (3) is in the pre-lock position, the holding projection (10c) engages with the pre-lock slot (33a) of the position holding member (3) to hold the position holding member (3) in the pre-lock position. The connector according to claim 7, wherein when the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the holding projection (10c) engages with the final lock slot (33b) of the position-holding member (3) to hold the position-holding member (3) in the final locked position.

10. The connector according to claim 7, wherein a snap slot (11b) suitable for engaging with a projection (2b) in the mating housing (2) is formed in the elastic buckle (11) for locking the connector housing (1) into the mating housing (2).

11. The connector according to claim 7, further comprising terminals, wherein the terminals are provided on the connector housing (1) so as to fit with mating terminals provided on the mating housing (2).

12. A connector assembly, The connector according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The mating connector that fits into the aforementioned connector and Equipped with, The mating connector includes a mating housing (2), the connector housing (1) is inserted into the mating housing (2), and a projection (2b) is formed on the mating housing (2). When the position-holding member (3) is in the final locked position, the elastic buckle (11) is in the locked position engaged with the projection (2b), and is held in the locked position by the position-holding member (3) to prevent the elastic buckle (11) from being accidentally unlocked. A connector assembly wherein when the position-holding member (3) moves from the final locked position to the pre-locked position, the elastic buckle (11) is pushed by the position-holding member (3) to an unlocked position away from the projection (2b), thereby allowing the connector housing (1) to be withdrawn from the mating housing (2).

13. The mating connector further includes mating terminals provided on the mating housing (2), The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the terminals of the connector are mated with the mating terminals of the mating connector to realize an electrical connection between the terminals and the mating terminals.

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