Male connectors, female connectors, and connector assemblies

Abstract

To reduce the number of connector components, simplify connector assembly, and reduce costs.SOLUTION: A male connector includes a first shield shell and a first terminal module 120 installed in the first shield shell. The first shield shell is assembled by two identical first shield half shells 110, each of the two identical first shield half shells 110 includes a first bottom wall 111 and a pair of first side walls 112, a first protrusion 112c is formed on one of the pair of first side walls 112, and a first hook 112d is formed on the other and they lock to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications The present application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202022519230.2 filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on November 4, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a male connector, a female connector, and a connector assembly including the male connector and the female connector. [Background Art]

[0003] In the prior art, a connector generally includes a shielding shell and a plurality of terminals. The shielding shell generally includes a main shell body and an upper cover attached to an upper opening of the main shell body. The plurality of terminals are attached within the shielding shell. The upper cover is usually screwed to the upper opening of the main shell body. In the prior art, the connector has too many components, so assembly is complicated and costs are high. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a male connector is provided comprising a first shield shell and a first terminal module installed within the first shield shell. The first shield shell is assembled from two identical first shield half shells, each of which comprises a first bottom wall and a pair of first side walls, with a first projection formed on one of the pair of first side walls and a first latch formed on the other of the pair of first side walls, and the first latch on one of the two first shield half shells locks onto the first projection on the other of the two first shield half shells, thereby locking the two first shield half shells together.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal module is suitable for electrical connection with a first cable introduced at the rear end of a first shield shell, wherein a first cable clip is formed at the rear end of the first bottom wall of each first shield half shell, and the first cable is adapted to be clamped and secured between two first cable clips.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each first cable clip comprises a first annular half and two first ears connected to each side of the first annular half, the first ears of the two first cable clips being fastened to each other by bolts and adapted to tighten and secure a first cable between the first annular halves of the two first cable clips.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each first cable clip further comprises a first elastic clamping arm formed on a first annular half-body, the first elastic clamping arm being adapted to press against the clamped first cable to increase the clamping force on the first cable.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first positioning protrusions are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of a first terminal module, respectively, and a plurality of first positioning holes are formed on the first bottom walls of two first shield half shells so as to fit into the first positioning protrusions, respectively.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a female connector is provided comprising a second shield shell and a second terminal module installed within the second shield shell, wherein the second shield shell is assembled from two identical second shield half shells, each of which comprises a second bottom wall and a pair of second side walls, with a second projection formed on one of the pair of second side walls and a second latch formed on the other of the pair of second side walls, and the second latch on one of the two second shield half shells locks onto the second projection on the other of the two second shield half shells, thereby locking the two second shield half shells together.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal module is suitable for electrical connection with a second cable introduced at the rear end of a second shield shell, wherein a second cable clip is formed at the rear end of the second bottom wall of each second shield half shell, and the second cable is adapted to be clamped and secured between two second cable clips.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each second cable clip comprises a second annular half and two second ears connected to each side of the second annular half, the second ears of the two second cable clips being fastened to each other by bolts and adapted to tighten and secure a second cable between the second annular halves of the two second cable clips.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each second cable clip further comprises a second elastic clamping arm formed on a second annular half-body, the second elastic clamping arm being adapted to press against the clamped second cable to increase the clamping force on the second cable.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second positioning protrusions are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the second terminal module, respectively, and a plurality of second positioning holes are formed on the second bottom walls of the two second shield half shells so as to fit into the second positioning protrusions, respectively.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided comprising the above-described male connector and the above-described female connector, wherein the male connector is adapted to be coupled to the female connector such that a first terminal module of the male connector is electrically connected to a second terminal module of the female connector.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front end of the second shield shell of a female connector is fitted to be inserted into the front end opening of the first shield shell of a male connector, and elastic contact terminals are formed on the first sidewall of each first shield half shell of the male connector, the elastic contact terminals are suitable for electrical contact with the second sidewall of the inserted second shield shell of the female connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an elastic latch is formed on the first sidewall of each first shield half-shell of the male connector, and a recess is formed on the second sidewall of each second shield half-shell of the female connector, and the elastic latch is fitted to engage with the recess to lock the male and female connectors together.

[0018] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shield shell of the connector is assembled by two identical shield half-shells latched together. Therefore, the present invention reduces the number of components of the connector, simplifies the assembly of the connector, and reduces costs.

[0019] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an exemplary perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exemplary exploded view of a male connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an exemplary assembled view of the male connector shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an exemplary view of a cable clip of the male connector shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is an exemplary exploded view of a female connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is an exemplary assembled view of the female connector shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is an exemplary view of a cable clip of the female connector shown in FIG. 6. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. 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 purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

[0023] According to the general concept of the present invention, there is provided a male connector comprising a first shield shell and a first terminal module disposed in the first shield shell. The first shield shell is assembled by two identical first shield half-shells, each of the two identical first shield half-shells comprises a first bottom wall and a pair of first side walls, a first protrusion is formed on one of the pair of first side walls, and a first latching member is formed on the other of the pair of first side walls, the first latching member of one of the two first shield half-shells is locked to the first protrusion of the other of the two first shield half-shells, so as to lock the two first shield half-shells to each other.

[0024] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a female connector comprising a second shield shell and a second terminal module disposed in the second shield shell. The second shield shell is assembled by two identical second shield half-shells, each of the two identical second shield half-shells comprises a second bottom wall and a pair of second side walls, a second protrusion is formed on one of the pair of second side walls, and a second latching member is formed on the other of the pair of second side walls, the second latching member of one of the two second shield half-shells is locked to the second protrusion of the other of the two second shield half-shells, so as to lock the two second shield half-shells to each other.

[0025] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided comprising the above-described male connector and the above-described female connector, wherein the male connector is adapted to be coupled to the female connector such that a first terminal module of the male connector is electrically connected to a second terminal module of the female connector.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, the connector assembly mainly comprises a male connector 10 and a female connector 20. The male connector 10 is suitable for mating with the female connector 20. The features of the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an example of the male connector 10 of the connector assembly shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is an assembled view of an example of the male connector 10 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is an example of the cable clip 113 of the male connector shown in Figure 3.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the male connector 10 mainly comprises a first shield shell 100 and a first terminal module 120 installed inside the first shield shell 100.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the first shield shell 100 is assembled from two identical first shield half shells 110. Each of the two identical first shield half shells 110 comprises a first bottom wall 111 and a pair of first side walls 112. A first projection 112c is formed on one of the pair of first side walls 112, and a first latch 112d is formed on the other of the pair of first side walls 112. The first latch 112d on one of the two first shield half shells 110 locks onto the first projection 112c on the other of the two first shield half shells 110, thereby locking the two first shield half shells 110 together.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the first terminal module 120 may include a first insulator and a first conductive terminal disposed within the first insulator. The first terminal module 120 can simplify the connector assembly operation as a single, integrated functional module.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, the first terminal module 120 is suitable for electrical connection to a first cable (not shown) introduced at the rear end of the first shield shell 100. A first cable clip 113 is formed at the rear end of the first bottom wall 111 of each first shield half shell 110, and the first cable is adapted to be fastened and secured between the two first cable clips 113 of the two first shield half shells 110.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, each first cable clip 113 comprises a first annular half 113a and two first ears 113c connected to each side of the first annular half 113a. The first ears 113c of the two first cable clips 113 are fastened to each other by bolts and are adapted to tighten and secure a first cable between the first annular halves 113a of the two first cable clips 113.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, each first cable clip 113 further comprises a first elastic clamping arm 113b formed on a first annular half-body 113a, the first elastic clamping arm 113b being adapted to press against the clamped first cable and increase the clamping force applied to the first cable.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in one embodiment, a plurality of first positioning protrusions 120a are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first terminal module 120, respectively. A plurality of first positioning holes 111a are formed in the first bottom walls 111 of the two first shield half shells 110 so as to fit into the first positioning protrusions 120a, respectively.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an example of the female connector 20 of the connector assembly shown in Figure 1, Figure 6 is an assembled view of an example of the female connector 20 shown in Figure 5, and Figure 7 is an example of the cable clip 213 of the female connector 20 shown in Figure 6.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in one embodiment, the female connector mainly comprises a second shield shell 200 and a second terminal module 220 installed inside the second shield shell 200.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 5-7, in one embodiment, the second shield shell 200 is assembled from two identical second shield half shells 210. Each of the two identical second shield half shells 210 comprises a second bottom wall 211 and a pair of second side walls 212. A second projection 212c is formed on one of the pair of second side walls 212, and a second latch 212d is formed on the other of the pair of second side walls 212. The second latch 212d on one of the two second shield half shells 210 locks onto the second projection 212c on the other of the two second shield half shells 210, thereby locking the two second shield half shells 210 together.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 5-7, in one embodiment, the second terminal module 220 may include a second insulator and a second conductive terminal disposed within the second insulator. The second terminal module 220 can simplify the connector assembly operation as a single, integrated functional module.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 5-7, in one embodiment, the second terminal module 220 is suitable for electrical connection with a second cable (not shown) introduced at the rear end of the second shield shell 200. A second cable clip 213 is formed at the rear end of the second bottom wall 211 of each second shield half shell 210, and the second cable is adapted to be fastened and secured between the two second cable clips 213 of the two second shield half shells 210.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in one embodiment, each of the second cable clips 213 comprises a second annular half 213a and two second ears 213c connected to each side of the second annular half 213a. The second ears 213c of the two second cable clips 213 are fastened to each other by bolts and are adapted to tighten and secure a second cable between the second annular halves 213a of the two second cable clips 213.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in one embodiment, each of the second cable clips 213 further comprises a second elastic clamping arm 213b formed on a second annular half-body 213a, the second elastic clamping arm 213b being adapted to press against the clamped second cable and increase the clamping force applied to the second cable.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 5 to 7, in one embodiment, a plurality of second positioning protrusions 220a are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the second terminal module 220, respectively. A plurality of second positioning holes 211a are formed in the second bottom walls 211 of the two second shield half shells 210 so as to fit into the second positioning protrusions 220a, respectively.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 5, in one embodiment, when the male connector 10 is coupled to the female connector 20, the first terminal module 120 of the male connector 10 (see Figure 2) is electrically connected to the second terminal module 220 of the female connector 20 (see Figure 5). In other words, the first terminal module 120 and the second terminal module 220 are mated to each other.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 5, in one embodiment, the front end of the second shield shell 200 of the female connector 20 is fitted to be inserted into the front end opening 101 of the first shield shell 100 of the male connector 10. Elastic contact terminals 112a are formed on the first side walls 112 of each first shield half shell 110 of the male connector 10, and the elastic contact terminals 112a are suitable for electrical contact with the second side wall 212 of the inserted second shield shell 200 of the female connector 20. In this way, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the two coupled connectors can be improved.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1-2 and 5, in one embodiment, the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are fitted together to be latched. For example, elastic latches 112b are formed on the first side wall 112 of each first shield half shell 110 of the male connector 10, and recesses 212b are formed on the second side wall 212 of each second shield half shell 210 of the female connector 20. The elastic latches 112b are fitted to latch into the recesses 212b to lock the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 together.

[0047] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments described above without contradicting their structure or principle, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0048] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications or alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the Disclosure, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the Disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0049] In this specification, elements indicated in the singular form following the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude multiple such elements or steps unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that similarly incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless otherwise expressly stated, embodiments "equipping" or "having" an element or multiple elements having a particular characteristic may also include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. The first shield shell (100) and, The system comprises a first terminal module (120) installed within the first shield shell (100), The first shield shell (100) is assembled from two identical first shield half shells (110), each of which comprises a first bottom wall (111) and a pair of first side walls (112). A first projection (112c) is formed on one of the pair of first side walls (112), and a first fastener (112d) is formed on the other of the pair of first side walls (112). A slot opening formed in the pair of first side walls (112), wherein the slot opening has an open end at the edge of the first side wall (112), The first latch (112d) of one of the two first shield half shells (110) is locked onto the first projection (112c) of the other of the two first shield half shells (110), thereby locking the two first shield half shells (110) together. The first terminal module (120) is provided with a positioning projection that protrudes from the side facing the first side wall (112), The slot opening receives the positioning projection of the first terminal module (120), and when the two first shield half shells (110) are locked together, the pairs of opening ends of the slot openings of each of the first shield shells (110) align to form a single closed slot-shaped opening that receives the positioning projection. Male connector.

2. The first terminal module (120) is capable of electrical connection with a first cable introduced at the rear end of the first shield shell (100), A first cable clip (113) is formed at the rear end of the first bottom wall (111) of each first shield half shell (110), and the first cable is adapted to be tightened and secured between two first cable clips (113). The male connector according to claim 1.

3. Each first cable clip (113) comprises a first annular half-body (113a) and two first ear portions (113c) connected to both sides of the first annular half-body (113a), The first ear portions (113c) of the two first cable clips (113) are fastened to each other by bolts and are adapted to tighten and secure the first cable between the first annular halves (113a) of the two first cable clips (113). The male connector according to claim 2.

4. Each first cable clip (113) further comprises a first elastic clamping arm (113b) formed on the first annular half-body (113a), the first elastic clamping arm (113b) being adapted to press against the clamped first cable to increase the clamping force applied to the first cable. The male connector according to claim 3.

5. Multiple first positioning protrusions (120a) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first terminal module (120), respectively. Multiple first positioning holes (111a) are formed in the first bottom wall (111) of the two first shield half shells (110) such that they fit into the first positioning projections (120a), The male connector according to claim 1.

6. The second shield shell (200), The system comprises a second terminal module (220) installed within the second shield shell (200), The second shield shell (200) is assembled from two identical second shield half shells (210), each of which comprises a second bottom wall (211) and a pair of second side walls (212). A slot opening formed in the pair of second side walls (212), wherein the slot opening has an open end at the edge of the second side wall (212), A second projection (212c) is formed on one of the pair of second side walls (212), and a second fastener (212d) is formed on the other of the pair of second side walls (212). The second latch (212d) of one of the two second shield half shells (210) is locked onto the second projection (212c) of the other of the two second shield half shells (210), thereby locking the two second shield half shells (210) together. The second terminal module (220) is provided with a positioning projection that protrudes from the side facing the second side wall (212), The slot opening receives the positioning projection of the second terminal module (220), and when the two second shield half shells (210) are locked together, the pairs of opening ends of the slot openings of each of the second shield shells (210) align to form a single closed slot-shaped opening that receives the positioning projection. Female connector.

7. The second terminal module (220) is capable of electrical connection with a second cable introduced at the rear end of the second shield shell (200), A second cable clip (213) is formed at the rear end of the second bottom wall (211) of each second shield half shell (210), and the second cable is adapted to be tightened and secured between the two second cable clips (213). The female connector according to claim 6.

8. Each second cable clip (213) comprises a second annular half-body (213a) and two second ear portions (213c) connected to both sides of the second annular half-body (213a), The second ear portions (213c) of the two second cable clips (213) are fastened to each other by bolts and are adapted to tighten and secure the second cable between the second annular portions (213a) of the two second cable clips (213). The female connector according to claim 7.

9. Each second cable clip (213) further comprises a second elastic clamping arm (213b) formed on the second annular half-body (213a), the second elastic clamping arm (213b) being adapted to press against the clamped second cable to increase the clamping force on the second cable. The female connector according to claim 8.

10. Multiple second positioning protrusions (220a) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the second terminal module (220), respectively. Multiple second positioning holes (211a) are formed in the second bottom wall (211) of the two second shield half shells (210) such that they fit into the second positioning projections (220a), The female connector according to claim 6.

11. A male connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A female connector (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, The male connector (10) is adapted to be coupled to the female connector (20) such that the first terminal module (120) of the male connector (10) is electrically connected to the second terminal module (220) of the female connector (20). Connector assembly.

12. The front end of the second shield shell (200) of the female connector (20) is fitted to be inserted into the front end opening (101) of the first shield shell (100) of the male connector (10). Elastic contact terminals (112a) are formed on the first side wall (112) of each first shield half shell (110) of the male connector (10), and the elastic contact terminals (112a) are capable of making electrical contact with the second side wall (212) of the second shield shell (200) of the female connector (20) into which it is inserted. The connector assembly according to claim 11.

13. An elastic latch (112b) is formed on the first side wall (112) of each first shield half shell (110) of the male connector (10). A recess (212b) is formed in the second side wall (212) of each second shield half shell (210) of the female connector (20), and the elastic latch (112b) is fitted to engage with the recess (212b) to lock the male connector (10) and the female connector (20) together. The connector assembly according to claim 12.

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