Female connector, male connector, connecting device, article, and article assembly

Abstract

A female connector (30). The female connector (30) is configured to be fitted to a male connector (40), so as to connect a first article (10) to a second article (20). The female connector (30) comprises a main body portion (31) and a pair of wall portions. The main body portion (31) comprises a pair of side walls (311) spaced apart in the width direction, such that an insertion groove (310) allowing for insertion of an insertion portion (41) of the male connector (40) is defined between said side walls. The insertion portion (41) of the male connector (40) sequentially comprises, in the downward direction, an abutment portion (411) and a head portion (412). A pair of elastic walls (32) extend downward and inward respectively from the pair of side walls (311) to respectively form a pair of abutment ends (321) extending into the insertion groove (310). The pair of elastic walls (32) are configured to be capable of being elastically deformed outward when pressed by the head portion (412) inserted downward, such that the pair of abutment ends (321) allows the head portion (412) to pass therethrough and then can abut against the abutment portion (411) after the head portion (412) passes, so as to prevent the head portion (412) from being pulled out upward. The service life of the male connector (40) of a connecting device can be prolonged. Also provided are a male connector, a connecting device, an article, and an article assembly.

Description

Female connectors, male connectors, connecting devices, articles and article assemblies Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of connecting devices, and in particular, to a female connector, a male connector, a connecting device, an article, and an article assembly. Background Art

[0002] Some products, such as household items, are often assembled from multiple items. In particular, during transportation, to reduce the product packaging volume, multiple items need to be disassembled for transport. Upon arrival at the destination, the user needs to assemble the multiple items together. To facilitate assembly, a connecting device comprising a female connector and a male connector is typically used to connect the two items. However, conventional connecting devices are not structurally sound, which makes the male connector susceptible to damage.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a female connector, a male connector, a connecting device, an article, and an article assembly to at least solve the problem that the male connector of a traditional connecting device is easily damaged.

[0005] On the one hand, the present disclosure provides a female connector. The female connector is configured to be fixed to a first article and assembled to a male connector device fixed to a second article to connect the first article to the second article. The female connector includes: a main body, including a pair of side walls spaced apart in the width direction to define a plug-in slot for inserting the plug-in portion of the male connector therebetween, the plug-in portion including a rest portion and a head in sequence downward; and a pair of elastic walls, respectively extending inward from the pair of side walls as they extend downward to form a pair of rest end portions that extend into the plug-in slot; the pair of elastic walls are configured to be elastically deformed outward when squeezed by the head inserted downward, so that the pair of rest end portions allow the head to pass therethrough and can rest against the rest portion after the head passes therethrough to prevent the head from being pulled out upward.

[0006] In a possible implementation, each elastic wall extends inwardly as it goes downward and has an outwardly convex arc cross-sectional shape.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the curvature of each elastic wall increases downward.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the thickness of each elastic wall gradually decreases downward.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the female connector further includes a plurality of engaging portions, and the plurality of engaging portions extend outward from the outer side surface of the main body and / or the outer side surfaces of the pair of elastic walls.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the upper side surface of each engaging portion gradually extends outward as it moves downward.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the plurality of engaging portions include a pair of first engaging portions, the pair of first engaging portions respectively extending outward from outer sides of a pair of elastic walls, and the end surface of each abutting end portion extends outward downward.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the plurality of engaging portions further include a pair of second engaging portions, and the pair of second engaging portions extend outward from outer sides of the pair of side walls, respectively.

[0013] In one possible implementation, each first snap-fitting portion and the second snap-fitting portion located on the same side of the female connector in the width direction are approximately flush in the height direction and spaced apart in the length direction, and the end of the first snap-fitting portion away from the second snap-fitting portion gradually extends inward in the length direction as it moves away from the second snap-fitting portion, and the end of the second snap-fitting portion away from the first snap-fitting portion gradually extends inward in the length direction as it moves away from the first snap-fitting portion.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the female connector also includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at both ends of a pair of side walls in the length direction, and each end wall extends between the pair of side walls. The multiple snap-fitting portions also include at least one third snap-fitting portion, and the at least one third snap-fitting portion extends outward from the outer side surface of at least one end wall.

[0015] In one possible implementation, a pair of end walls includes a first end wall and a second end wall, at least one third snap-fitting portion is a third snap-fitting portion, the third snap-fitting portion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first end wall, and a plurality of convex strips are provided on the outer surface of the second end wall, and the outer side surfaces of the plurality of convex strips jointly define a cylindrical surface.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the female connector also includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at both ends of the pair of side walls in the length direction, each end wall extends between the pair of side walls, and the outer surface of each end wall has a structure that gradually contracts inward as it goes downward.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the female connector further includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at both ends of the pair of side walls in the length direction, each end wall extends between the pair of side walls, and each end wall is provided with a notch.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the plug-in slot is configured to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector along the length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, a pair of abutting end portions abut against the abutting portion, and when the plug-in portion is in the second position, a pair of abutting portions do not abut against the abutting portion, so as to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled upward from the plug-in slot.

[0019] In a possible implementation, a pair of convex ribs are respectively provided on the inner side surfaces of the pair of side walls, and the pair of convex ribs extend along the height direction and face each other.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the upper surface of the female connector includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion arranged along the length direction and connected to each other, and the first surface portion and the second surface portion are constructed to have different roughness, colors, textures or patterns that can distinguish the two.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the female connector further includes a skirt portion, which is located at the upper end of the main body portion and extends outward from the outer side surface of the main body portion.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the outer side surface of the main body extends along the height direction, and the lower surface of the skirt extends outward from the upper end of the outer side surface of the main body substantially perpendicular to the height direction.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the skirt and the main body jointly define a guide surface, which extends inwardly from the upper side of the skirt to the inner side of the main body, and the upper edge of the guide surface is further outward than the outer side of the main body.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the sizes of the two ends of the skirt in the length direction are different.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the distance between the pair of side walls gradually increases as it approaches the middle of the pair of side walls in the length direction.

[0026] In a possible implementation, two bottom corners of each elastic wall are rounded.

[0027] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a male connector. The male connector is configured to be assembled with the above-described female connector secured to a first article, thereby connecting a second article secured to the male connector to the first article. The male connector includes an inserting portion, which in turn includes an abutting portion and a head. The head, when inserted downwardly into the inserting slot of the female connector, can compress a pair of elastic walls of the female connector, causing the pair of elastic walls to elastically deform outward. This allows the head to pass therethrough, and after the head has passed, it can abut against the abutting portion to prevent the head from being pulled out upward.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the abutting portion includes a pair of abutting surfaces, the pair of abutting surfaces are respectively located on opposite sides of the abutting portion in the width direction, and each abutting surface extends outward as it goes downward.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the abutting portion includes a plurality of step portions with successively increasing widths downward, and each step portion is provided with a pair of abutting surfaces.

[0030] In a possible implementation, on each side of the plug-in portion in the width direction, along the downward direction, angles between the multiple abutting surfaces of the multiple step portions and a reference plane perpendicular to the height direction decrease successively.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the plug-in portion also includes a support portion, which is located at one end of the plug-in portion in the length direction and is connected to the abutment portion and the head as a whole; the plug-in slot is configured to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector along the length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, a pair of abutment end portions abut against the abutment portion, and when the plug-in portion is in the second position, a pair of abutment portions do not abut against the abutment portion to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled upward from the plug-in slot; the support portion is configured to support a pair of abutment ends when the plug-in portion is in the second position.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the plug-in portion further includes a supporting portion located on the upper side of the abutting portion, the supporting portion being provided with a pair of narrow slots extending along the height direction, the pair of narrow slots being respectively provided on opposite sides of the supporting portion in the width direction and facing each other.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the plug-in portion is provided with two pairs of slots, which are spaced apart in the length direction, and the distance from one pair of slots to the end closer to the support portion in the length direction is equal to the distance from the other pair of slots to the end closer to the support portion in the length direction.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the plug-in portion further includes a fitting portion located on an upper side of the abutting portion, and a width of the fitting portion decreases downward.

[0035] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a connecting device, comprising: a female connector as described above, configured to be fixed to a first article; and a male connector, configured to be fixed to a second article and comprising an inserting portion adapted to be inserted into an inserting slot of the female connector, the inserting portion sequentially comprising an abutting portion and a head downwardly; wherein a pair of elastic walls of the female connector are configured to elastically deform outwardly when pressed by the downwardly inserted head, such that a pair of abutting ends of the pair of elastic walls allow the head to pass therethrough and, after the head passes, abut against the abutting portion to prevent the head from exiting upwardly.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the minimum width of the abutting portion is greater than 50% of the distance between the pair of side walls.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the plug-in portion further includes a support portion located above the abutting portion, and a width of the support portion is greater than or substantially equal to a distance between inner side surfaces of a pair of side walls of the main body of the female connector.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the plug-in slot is constructed to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector along the length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, a pair of abutting end portions abut against the abutting portion, and when the plug-in portion is in the second position, the pair of abutting portions do not abut against the abutting portion, so as to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled upward from the plug-in slot; the inner side surfaces of a pair of side walls are respectively provided with a pair of ribs, the pair of ribs extend in the height direction and face each other, and the plug-in portion is respectively provided with a pair of narrow slots on opposite sides in the width direction, the pair of narrow slots extend in the height direction and face each other, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, the pair of ribs are respectively received by the pair of narrow slots, wherein the dimension of each narrow slot in the length direction is larger than the dimension of the corresponding rib in the length direction.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first article is provided with a mounting groove extending downward from its upper surface, the mounting groove including a locking section, the locking section being provided with a locking groove recessed outward; the female connector includes a pair of first locking portions, the pair of first locking portions respectively extending outward from the outer sides of a pair of elastic walls to be suitable for being received by the locking groove to prevent the female connector from being pulled upward from the mounting groove; the abutment portion includes a pair of abutment surfaces, the pair of abutment surfaces are respectively located on opposite sides of the abutment portion in the width direction, the pair of abutment surfaces are constructed to respectively correspond to the end faces of the abutment end portions of the pair of elastic walls, and the end face of each abutment end portion extends outward as it goes downward to be suitable for abutting against the abutment surface extending outward as it goes downward; in the transverse sectional view, the angle between the line connecting each abutment surface to the outer end of the corresponding first locking portion and the abutment surface is in the range of 70 degrees to 100 degrees.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first article is provided with a mounting groove extending downward from its upper surface, the mounting groove includes a snap-fit ​​section, and the snap-fit ​​section is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove recessed outward; the female connector includes a pair of first snap-fit ​​portions, the pair of first snap-fit ​​portions respectively extending outward from the outer sides of a pair of elastic walls to be suitable for being received by the snap-fit ​​groove to prevent the female connector from being pulled upward from the mounting groove; a first rounded corner portion is provided on the upper side of the first snap-fit ​​portion, and a second rounded corner portion is provided on the upper side of the snap-fit ​​groove, and the radius of the first rounded corner portion is smaller than the radius of the second rounded corner portion.

[0041] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides an article. The article is provided with a mounting groove recessed downward from its upper surface, the mounting groove being configured to receive the female connector described above for insertion to secure the female connector to the article. The mounting groove includes a snap-fit ​​section having an outwardly recessed snap-fit ​​groove configured to receive a plurality of snap-fit ​​portions of the female connector to prevent the female connector from being pulled upward from the mounting groove.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the engaging section has an engaging surface and a tapered surface. The engaging surface gradually extends outward downward, and the tapered surface gradually extends inward downward from a lower end of the engaging surface to form an engaging groove.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the mounting slot further includes: a first supporting section located below the engaging section; and a second supporting section located above the engaging section, wherein the width of the first supporting section is smaller than the width of the second supporting section.

[0044] In a possible implementation, a first supporting surface is provided between the engaging section and the first supporting section, and the first supporting surface extends outward substantially perpendicularly to the height direction.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the mounting groove further includes an extension section located below the engaging section, and an inner side surface of the extension section includes an avoidance surface, which extends outward as it extends downward.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the mounting groove further includes a receiving section at an upper end thereof, wherein the receiving section is recessed outward beyond the first supporting section to receive the skirt of the female connector.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the inner side surface of the second supporting segment extends along the height direction, and the bottom surface of the receiving segment extends outward from the upper end of the inner side surface of the second supporting segment substantially perpendicular to the height direction.

[0048] In one possible implementation, one end face of the mounting groove in the length direction is constructed as a partial cylindrical surface, the partial cylindrical surface extends downward from the upper surface of the article to the engaging section, the diameter of the partial cylindrical surface is greater than or equal to the width of the engaging groove, and the engaging groove extends circumferentially from one edge of the partial cylindrical surface to the other edge of the partial cylindrical surface.

[0049] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides an article assembly, comprising: a first article having a first mounting groove recessed downward from an upper surface thereof; and a female connector as described above, the female connector being mounted in the first mounting groove to be fixed to the article.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the female connector includes a pair of first locking portions, which extend outward from the outer sides of a pair of elastic walls of the female connector, respectively, and the upper side surface of each first locking portion extends downward and gradually outward; the first mounting groove includes a locking section, which has a locking surface and a tapered surface; the locking surface gradually extends outward as it goes downward, and the tapered surface gradually extends inward from the lower end of the locking surface as it goes downward to form an outwardly recessed locking groove for receiving the pair of first locking portions; the upper surface of each first locking portion faces the locking surface, and the angle between the upper surface of each first locking portion and the reference plane is smaller than the angle between the locking surface and the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the height direction.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the first mounting groove is provided with a support surface, which extends outward substantially perpendicularly to the height direction, and the lower end of a portion of the main body of the female connector is supported by the support surface.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the item assembly further includes a male connector, the male connector includes a plug-in portion, the first mounting slot includes a support segment, the head of the plug-in portion is inserted into the support segment, and the width of the head is substantially the same as the width of the support segment.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the article assembly further includes a second article, and the male connector is fixed to the second article.

[0054] The implementation method provided by the present disclosure is conducive to improving the service life of the male connector of the connecting device.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments.

[0057] It should be understood that the following drawings only depict certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered limiting of the scope.

[0058] It should also be understood that the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify the same or similar elements.

[0059] It should also be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and that the sizes and proportions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily accurate.

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of a conventional connecting device.

[0061] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an article assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the article assembly in FIG. 2 .

[0063] 4 to 7 are schematic structural diagrams of the female connector of the article assembly in FIG. 2 .

[0064] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG6 .

[0065] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG6 .

[0066] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG7 .

[0067] 11 to 14 are schematic structural diagrams of the male connector of the article assembly in FIG. 2 .

[0068] 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams of the structure of the connecting device of the article assembly in FIG. 2 , wherein the plug-in portion of the male connector is located at a first position relative to the female connector.

[0069] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG16.

[0070] 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams of the structure of the connecting device of the article assembly in FIG. 2 , wherein the plug-in portion of the male connector is located at a second position compared to the female connector.

[0071] FIG20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG19.

[0072] FIG21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG19.

[0073] 22 and 23 are schematic diagrams of a partial structure of an article in FIG. 2 .

[0074] FIG24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG22.

[0075] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG22.

[0076] FIG. 26 is a schematic structural diagram of a combination of an article and a female connector of the article assembly in FIG. 2 .

[0077] FIG27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG26 .

[0078] FIG28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG26 .

[0079] FIG29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line PP in FIG26 .

[0080] FIG. 30 is a schematic structural diagram of a combination of an article and a connecting device of the article assembly in FIG. 2 .

[0081] FIG31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ in FIG30.

[0082] FIG32 is a schematic structural diagram of a female connector according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure.

[0083] 33 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a combination of an article and a female connector according to Modification 2 of the present disclosure.

[0084] 34 and 35 are schematic structural diagrams of a female connector according to a third modification of the present disclosure.

[0085] 36 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a combination of an article and a female connector according to Modification 4 of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG37 is a schematic structural diagram of a male connector according to a fifth modification of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Some products are composed of multiple items connected together by a connecting device. To facilitate understanding, the following is an example of a traditional connecting device and its existing problems with reference to FIG1.

[0088] Referring to Figure 1 , a conventional connecting device includes a female connector 50 and a male connector 60. Female connector 50 is secured to one object, while male connector 60 is secured to another object. Female connector 50 and male connector 60 are assembled together to connect the two objects. Female connector 50 has an insertion groove 51 with a pair of abutment surfaces 52 therein. Male connector 60 includes an insertion portion, which includes a connecting portion 61 extending in the height direction and a pair of elastic walls 62 at its bottom end.

[0089] During the process of inserting the plug-in portion into the plug-in slot 51, the pair of elastic walls 62 are first compressed to pass through the opening of the plug-in slot 51, and after passing through, they expand and abut against the pair of abutment surfaces 52 to prevent the plug-in portion from being pulled out upward from the plug-in slot 51. The width W1 of the opening of the plug-in slot 51 should not be too large. If the width W1 is too large, the pair of elastic walls 62 will easily fall out of the plug-in slot 51. In addition, in order to ensure that the pair of elastic walls 62 pass through the opening smoothly, the overall width of the connecting portion 61 and the compressed pair of elastic walls 62 should be less than the width W1 of the opening, which makes the connecting portion 61 too thin. It can be understood that an overly thin connecting portion 61 is more likely to break or bend during the installation process and use, thereby causing damage to the male connector 60.

[0090] The following is an exemplary description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in many ways and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. The embodiments described herein are only for a more thorough and clear understanding of the present disclosure.

[0091] 2 and 3 , the article assembly provided by the present disclosure may include an article 10 (i.e., a first article), an article 20 (i.e., a second article), and a connecting device. The connecting device may include a female connector 30 and a male connector 40. Articles 10 and 20 may be household articles, i.e., they may constitute part or all of a household product. The female connector 30 is configured to be fixed to the article 10, and the male connector 40 is configured to be fixed to the article 20. The male connector 40 is configured to be inserted into the female connector 30 to be assembled with the female connector 30, thereby connecting the article 10 to the article 20.

[0092] For example, article 10 may be provided with a mounting groove 12 recessed downward from its upper surface 11 (i.e., a first mounting groove), and female connector 30 may be inserted into mounting groove 12 to be secured to article 10. For example, article 20 may be provided with a mounting groove 22 extending upward from its lower surface 21 (i.e., a second mounting groove), and male connector 40 may be inserted into mounting groove 22 to be secured to article 20. In other examples, female connector 30 and male connector 40 may be secured to article 10 and article 20, respectively, using other methods. For example, potential alternative securing methods may include gluing or using fasteners.

[0093] It should be understood that in this disclosure, directional descriptions such as "up," "down," "height," "length," and "width" are relative, not absolute. These directional descriptions apply when the elements of this disclosure are in the postures and positions shown in the figures. It should be noted that in the figures of this disclosure, arrows Z+ and Z- are used to indicate the upper and lower sides, respectively, in the height direction; arrows X+ and X- are used to indicate opposite sides, respectively, in the length direction; and arrows Y+ and Y- are used to indicate opposite sides, respectively, in the width direction.

[0094] It should be noted that the item assembly provided by the present disclosure may include other components in addition to the above-mentioned components. All the components contained in the item assembly can constitute a product. For example, the product may be a household product. The household product may be a product for human use, such as a TV cabinet, a wardrobe, a storage box or a table, etc. The household product may also be a product for pets, such as a pet climbing frame or a pet house, etc. Of course, the product is not limited to household products, but may also be other products. Items 10, 20 may be panels, such as wooden panels, plastic panels or metal panels, etc. Of course, in other examples, items 10, 20 may also be other components, such as rods or frames, etc.

[0095] Referring to Figures 4 to 10 , the female connector 30 includes a main body 31 and a pair of elastic walls 32. The main body 31 includes a pair of side walls 311 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart in the width direction, defining an insertion slot 310 between the pair of side walls 311. The pair of elastic walls 32 extend downwardly and inwardly from the pair of side walls 311 to form a pair of abutment ends 321 that extend into the insertion slot 310. For example, the abutment end 321 of each elastic wall 32 may be the lower end of the elastic wall 32.

[0096] 11 to 14 , the male connector 40 includes an inserting portion 41 configured to be inserted into the inserting groove 310 of the female connector 30 to be assembled with the female connector 30. The inserting portion 41 includes an abutting portion 411 and a head portion 412, with the head portion 412 located below the abutting portion 411. The male connector 40 may also include a fixing portion 42 configured to be fixed to the article 20. For example, the inserting portion 41 may be located below the fixing portion 42 and connected to the lower end of the fixing portion 42.

[0097] 15 to 17 , the pair of elastic walls 32 are configured to elastically deform outward when squeezed by the downwardly inserted head 412, allowing the pair of abutting ends 321 to allow the head 412 to pass between the pair of abutting ends 321. Furthermore, the pair of abutting ends 321 can abut against the abutting portions 411 after the head 412 passes between the pair of abutting ends 321, thereby preventing the head 412 from being pulled out upward. In other words, by inserting the plug-in portion 41 downward into the insertion slot 310, the plug-in portion 41 can be brought into the position shown in FIG. 17 . When the plug-in portion 41 is in the position shown in FIG. 17 , the head 412 is located below the pair of abutting ends 321, and the pair of abutting ends 321 abut against the abutting portions 411.

[0098] Specifically, as the inserting portion 41 is inserted downward, the head portion 412 presses the pair of elastic walls 32 outward, causing them to elastically deform outward and ultimately pass between the pair of abutting ends 321, reaching a position below the pair of abutting ends 321 as shown in FIG17 . After the head portion 412 passes between the pair of abutting ends 321, the pair of abutting ends 321 move inward under the action of the elastic restoring force, abutting the abutting portion 411. Because the pair of abutting ends 321 abut against the abutting portion 411, the inserting portion 41 cannot be pulled upward, thereby achieving the purpose of connecting the article 10 secured to the female connector 30 to the article 20 secured to the male connector 30.

[0099] The implementation provided by the present disclosure does not require the plug portion 41 of the male connector 40 to have a very thin portion, thereby increasing the overall strength of the plug portion 41 and preventing it from bending or breaking during installation and use. Therefore, the implementation provided by the present disclosure is conducive to increasing the service life of the male connector 40.

[0100] In one possible example, the thinnest portion of the insertion portion 41 may be defined by the abutment portion 411. For example, referring to Figures 9 and 17 , the minimum width W3 of the abutment portion 411 may be greater than 50% of the distance between the pair of sidewalls 311. Specifically, the width W3 may be 0.5 to 0.8 times the width W4.

[0101] The present disclosure does not impose any specific restrictions on the material of the pair of elastic walls 32, as long as the pair of elastic walls 32 can achieve the aforementioned functions. The pair of elastic walls 32 can be made of the same material as the other parts of the female connector 30, or a different material. For example, the pair of elastic walls 32 can be made of, but are not limited to, one or more of the following materials: polyoxymethylene (POM), polyhexamethylene adipamide (P66), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyphthalamide (PPA), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0102] The securing portion 42 can be secured to the article 20 in a variety of ways, and this disclosure does not specifically limit the methods employed. As one implementation, referring to FIG11 , the securing portion 42 can be in the form of a column extending in height, and can be provided with a plurality of teeth 421 on its outer periphery. When the securing portion 42 is inserted into the mounting slot 22 of the article 20, the plurality of teeth 421 are squeezed and deformed by the inner surface of the mounting slot 22, preventing the securing portion 42 from being pulled downwardly out of the mounting slot 22, thereby securing the male connector 40 to the article 20.

[0103] 8 and 17 , each elastic wall 32 may be configured to extend inwardly as it moves downward and have an outwardly convex arc cross-sectional shape. It should be noted that in this disclosure, the cross section of an element may refer to a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the length direction.

[0104] When the male connector 40 is subjected to an upward force, the abutting portion 411 presses against the pair of abutting ends 321 of the pair of elastic walls 32. Due to the configuration of each elastic wall 32, when the pair of abutting ends 321 are pressed by the abutting portion 411, the pair of abutting ends 321 tend to move inward. This ensures that even when the male connector 40 is subjected to a large upward force, the pair of abutting ends 321 can reliably abut against the abutting portion 411 without accidentally separating from the abutting portion 411. Furthermore, due to the configuration of each elastic wall 32, when the pair of abutting ends 321 are pressed by the abutting portion 411, the pair of elastic walls 32 are subjected to more compressive stress and less shear stress, which helps reduce the risk of damage to the pair of elastic walls 32.

[0105] 8 and 17 , the curvature of each elastic wall 32 may increase downward.

[0106] Due to this configuration of the elastic walls 32, when the head portion 412 passes between the pair of elastic walls 32, the deformation of the elastic walls 32 is relatively evenly distributed throughout the elastic walls 32, rather than being concentrated at the connection between the elastic walls 32 and the side walls 311. Stress is also relatively evenly distributed throughout the elastic walls 32, rather than being concentrated at the connection between the elastic walls 32 and the side walls 311. This helps reduce the resistance experienced by the plug-in portion 41 when passing between the pair of elastic walls 32 and helps prevent damage to the connection between the elastic walls 32 and the side walls 311 due to excessive deformation.

[0107] It should be noted that, although each elastic wall 32 has an arcuate and outwardly convex cross-sectional shape in the aforementioned example, each elastic wall 32 may have other shapes in other examples. For example, in one example, each elastic wall 32 may have a straight cross-sectional shape. In another example, each elastic wall 32 may have an arcuate and inwardly concave cross-sectional shape.

[0108] 8 and 17 , the thickness of each elastic wall 32 may decrease downward.

[0109] Due to this structure of the elastic wall 32, the lower portion of the elastic wall 32 is more easily deformed. As a result, when the head 412 passes between the pair of elastic walls 32, the deformation of the elastic wall 32 is more evenly distributed across the entire elastic wall 32, rather than being concentrated at the connection between the elastic wall 32 and the side wall 311. Stress is also more evenly distributed across the entire elastic wall 32, rather than being concentrated at the connection between the elastic wall 32 and the side wall 311. This helps reduce the resistance experienced by the plug-in portion 41 when passing between the pair of elastic walls 32 and helps prevent damage to the connection between the elastic wall 32 and the side wall 311 due to excessive deformation.

[0110] With reference to Figures 4 to 10 , the female connector 30 may further include a plurality of engaging portions 33 extending outward from the outer side surface of the main body 31 and / or the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls 32. In some examples, the plurality of engaging portions 33 may be provided only on the outer side surface of the main body 31. In some examples, the plurality of engaging portions 33 may be provided only on the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls 32. In some examples, one or some engaging portions 33 may be provided on the outer side surface of the main body 31, while another or some engaging portions 33 may be provided on the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls 32.

[0111] 22 to 25 , the mounting slot 12 of the article 10 includes a snap-fit ​​section 121. The snap-fit ​​section 121 defines an outwardly recessed snap-fit ​​groove 121 a. Referring to FIG. 26 to 29 , when the female connector 30 is installed in the mounting slot 12, a plurality of snap-fit ​​portions 33 are positioned within the snap-fit ​​groove 121 a to prevent the female connector 30 from being pulled upward out of the mounting slot 12.

[0112] In this way, the female connector 30 will be firmly fixed in the mounting groove 12 .

[0113] Referring to Figures 8, 9, and 29, the upper side surface 331 of each engaging portion 33 is configured to extend outward as it moves downward. Referring to Figure 24, the engaging section 121 has an engaging surface 121b and a tapered surface 121c. The engaging surface 121b extends outward as it moves downward, while the tapered surface 121c extends inward from the lower end of the engaging surface 121b as it moves downward, forming an outwardly recessed engaging groove 121a for receiving the multiple engaging portions 33 of the female connector 30. Referring to Figures 27 to 29, when the female connector 30 is installed in the mounting groove 12, the upper side surface 331 of each engaging portion 33 faces the engaging surface 121b.

[0114] When the female connector 30 is subjected to an upward force, the upper side surface 331 of the engaging portion 33 presses against the engaging surface 121b, and the engaging portion 33 applies a force in an outward and upward slanted direction to the inner side surface of the engaging groove 121a. Along this slanted direction, the distance from the engaging groove 121a to the upper surface 11 of the article 10 is greater, allowing the article 10 to withstand greater force in this slanted direction, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the article 10.

[0115] Referring to Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, the plurality of engaging portions 33 include a pair of first engaging portions 33a, each extending outward from the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls 32. The abutting end portion 321 of each elastic wall 32 has an end surface 322. Referring to Figure 12, the abutting portion 411 has a pair of abutting surfaces 414, 415 located on opposite sides of the abutting end portion 321 in the width direction. Referring to Figures 8, 12, and 17, the end surface 322 of each abutting end portion 321 extends outward as it moves downward. Each of the abutting surfaces 414, 415 is configured to extend outward as it moves downward, such that when the male connector 40 is inserted into the female connector 30, the end surfaces 322 of the pair of abutting end portions 321 abut against the pair of abutting surfaces 414, 415, respectively.

[0116] According to this configuration, when the end surface 322 of the abutting end portion 321 is pressed against the abutting surface, the abutting end portion 321 is subjected to a force directed in an outward and upward direction. Because the first engaging portion 33a is located above and outside the abutting end portion 321, this force is more likely to be transmitted to the first engaging portion 33a and then to the article 10 via the first engaging portion 33a. Therefore, when the male connector 40 is subjected to an upward force, the elastic wall 32 is subjected to a greater compressive stress, which helps reduce the shear stress on the elastic wall 32 and the deformation of the elastic wall 32, thereby improving the connection strength of the connector and reducing the risk of damage to the elastic wall 32.

[0117] Referring to Figure 17 , when the male connector 40 is installed in the female connector 30, the angle β1 formed between the line L1 connecting each of the abutting surfaces 414, 415 to the outer end of the corresponding first engaging portion 33 and each of the abutting surfaces 414, 415 and the outer end of the corresponding first engaging portion 33 is in the range of 70 to 100 degrees. Specifically, the value of β1 can be in the range of 80 to 90 degrees. It should be noted that the first engaging portion 33a extending outward from the outer surface of one elastic wall 32 corresponds to the abutting surface that abuts the end surface 322 of the abutting end portion 321 of the elastic wall 32.

[0118] The angle β1 between the connecting line L1 and the abutting surface is approximately 90 degrees, and more of the force applied to the abutting end portion 321 is transferred to the first engaging portion 33a. Selecting the value range of β1 within the above range ensures that more of the force applied to the abutting end portion 321 is transferred to the first engaging portion 33a, thereby reducing the shear stress on the elastic wall 32 and the deformation of the elastic wall 32, thereby improving the connection strength of the connecting device and reducing the risk of damage to the elastic wall 32.

[0119] Referring to Figure 27 , the angle γ1 between the upper surface 331a of each first engaging portion 33a and the reference plane is smaller than the angle γ2 between the corresponding engaging surface 121b and the reference plane. Here, the reference plane is perpendicular to the height direction. It should be noted that while Figure 27 only illustrates the relationship between the engaging surface 121b and upper surface 331a on the left side and the reference plane, this description also applies to the relationship between the engaging surface 121b and upper surface 331a on the right side and the reference plane.

[0120] According to this structure, the outer end of the upper surface 331a of the first engaging portion 33a contacts the outer end of the engaging surface 121b, while the inner ends of the two are separated. Therefore, the engaging groove 121a will withstand the force from the first engaging portion 33a through its base, which helps to reduce the lever arm and thus reduce the risk of damage to the article 10.

[0121] 12 , the abutting portion 411 includes a plurality of step portions 413 with increasing widths downwardly. Each step portion is provided with a pair of abutting surfaces 414 and 415 on opposite sides in the width direction of the inserting portion 41 .

[0122] This structure provides an assembly margin, thereby being able to cope with manufacturing and assembly errors and avoiding connection failure between the male connector 40 and the female connector 30 when the manufacturing and assembly accuracy is low.

[0123] Continuing with reference to Figure 12, on each side of the connector 41 in the width direction, the angles between the multiple abutting surfaces of the multiple step portions 413 and a reference plane perpendicular to the height direction decrease in a downward direction. Specifically, on the Y-side of the connector 41 in the width direction, the angles between the multiple abutting surfaces 414 of the multiple step portions 413 and the reference plane decrease in a downward direction, i.e., angle α1 is greater than angle α2, and angle α2 is greater than angle α3. On the Y+side of the connector 41 in the width direction, the angles between the multiple abutting surfaces 415 of the multiple step portions 413 and the reference plane decrease in a downward direction, i.e., angle α4 is greater than angle α5, and angle α5 is greater than angle α6.

[0124] According to this implementation, when the pair of abutting end portions 321 abut against the pair of abutting surfaces 414, 415 of any step portion 413, the end surfaces 322 of the abutting end portions 321 can properly abut against the abutting surfaces 414, 415. Furthermore, according to this implementation, the line connecting each abutting surface of any step portion 413 to the outer end of the first engaging portion 33a can fall within the target range of 70 to 100 degrees.

[0125] 4 to 10 , the plurality of engaging portions 33 further include a pair of second engaging portions 33 b , which extend outward from outer sides of the pair of side walls 311 .

[0126] In this way, the female connector 30 can be more securely fixed in the mounting groove 12 .

[0127] With reference to Figures 4, 5, 7, and 10, a pair of first engaging portions 33a corresponds to a pair of second engaging portions 33b, with each first engaging portion 33a and corresponding second engaging portion 33b being located on the same side of the female connector 30 in the width direction. Each first engaging portion 33a and corresponding second engaging portion 33b are substantially flush in the height direction and spaced apart in the length direction. For a pair of corresponding first engaging portions 33a and second engaging portions 33b, an end 332a of the first engaging portion 33a, which is away from the second engaging portion 33b, gradually extends inward in a direction away from the second engaging portion 33b, and an end 332b of the second engaging portion 33b, which is away from the first engaging portion 33a, gradually extends inward in a direction away from the first engaging portion 33a.

[0128] According to this configuration, the female connector 30 can be relatively easily installed in the installation groove 12 and can be relatively easily removed from the installation groove 12 .

[0129] 4, 5, and 7, the female connector 30 further includes a pair of end walls 312, 313, which are respectively located at opposite ends of the pair of side walls 311 in the longitudinal direction, and each of the end walls 312, 313 extends between the pair of side walls 311. The plurality of engaging portions 33 may further include at least one third engaging portion 33c, which extends outward from the outer side surface of at least one of the end walls 312, 313.

[0130] In this way, the female connector 30 can be more securely fixed in the mounting groove 12 .

[0131] Referring to Figures 4 to 10, a pair of end walls 312, 313 includes a first end wall 312 and a second end wall 313. The at least one third engaging portion 33c is a third engaging portion 33c. The third engaging portion 33c protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first end wall 312. The female connector 30 also includes a plurality of ridges 34, which are disposed on the outer surface of the second end wall 313. The outer surfaces of the plurality of ridges 34 collectively define a cylindrical surface, the diameter D1 of which is greater than or equal to the maximum width W5 of the pair of first engaging portions 33a and the maximum width W6 of the pair of second engaging portions 33b. In one example, the plurality of ridges 34 extend in the height direction and are spaced apart circumferentially. In another example, the plurality of ridges 34 extend in the circumference and are spaced apart in the height direction.

[0132] 22 to 25 , one end surface 120 of the mounting groove 12 in the longitudinal direction is configured as a partial cylindrical surface 120, which extends downward from the upper surface 11 of the article 10 to the engaging section 121. The diameter D2 of the partial cylindrical surface 120 is greater than or equal to the width W7 of the engaging groove 121a, and the engaging groove 121a extends circumferentially from one edge of the partial cylindrical surface 120 to the other edge of the partial cylindrical surface 120.

[0133] According to the above implementation, when machining the mounting groove 12, the tool can be machined downward from one end to obtain the end surface 120, then moved along the length to the other end, then returned to the end surface 120 and upwardly withdrawn from the mounting groove 12. This allows a portion of the engaging groove 121 to be machined on the end surface of the mounting groove 12 opposite the end surface 120, and thus, the engaging portion 33c can be provided on the exterior of the first end wall 312 of the main body 31, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the article 10. The outer surfaces of the multiple raised strips 34 jointly define a cylindrical surface with equal diameter to the end surface 120, thereby effectively preventing the female connector 30 from being installed upside down.

[0134] 15 to 21 , the insertion slot 310 is configured to allow the insertion portion 41 to slide longitudinally between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector 30. As shown in FIG15 to FIG17 , when the insertion portion 41 is in the first position, the pair of abutting ends 321 abut against the abutting portion 411. As shown in FIG18 to FIG21 , when the insertion portion 41 is in the second position, the pair of abutting ends 321 no longer abut against the abutting portion 411, allowing the insertion portion 41 to be withdrawn upward from the insertion slot 310.

[0135] According to this structure, the purpose of disassembling the female connector 30 and the male connector 40 without damaging them is achieved, and two assembly methods are provided to adapt to different installation conditions.

[0136] 11 , 12 and 14 , the plug-in portion 41 further includes a propping portion 416. The propping portion 416 is located at one end of the plug-in portion 41 in the length direction and is integrally connected to the abutting portion 411 and the head portion 412. Referring to FIG21 , when the plug-in portion 41 is located in the second position, the propping portion 416 props apart a pair of abutting ends 321. In one example, referring to FIG11 and 12 , the plug-in portion 41 may include a pair of propping portions 416, which are respectively located at both ends of the plug-in portion 41 in the length direction, so that the plug-in portion 41 can be inserted into the plug-in slot 310 in two postures, thereby improving the convenience of the assembly process.

[0137] When the plug-in portion 41 is in the second position, the opening portion 416 opens a pair of abutting ends 321. In this way, when the plug-in portion 41 is slid from the second position to the first position, the elastic wall 32 will be squeezed by less length, thereby reducing the risk of the elastic wall 32 being squeezed and damaged.

[0138] 9 , 11 and 12 , the inserting portion 41 further includes a supporting portion 417 located above the abutting portion 411 . A width W8 of the supporting portion 417 is greater than or substantially equal to a distance W4 between the inner side surfaces of the pair of side walls 311 .

[0139] According to this structure, after the plug-in part 41 is inserted into the plug-in groove 310, the two side surfaces of the support part 417 in the width direction will be close to the inner side surfaces of a pair of side walls 311, so that the support part 417 is reliably supported, which is conducive to improving the strength of the connection and avoiding the plug-in part 41 from shaking in the width direction, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0140] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 and 8 , the inner side surfaces of the pair of side walls 311 are each provided with a pair of ribs 314 , extending in the height direction and facing each other. Referring to Figures 11 to 13 , the support portion 417 is provided with a pair of slots 4171 , 4172 extending in the height direction. These slots 4171 , 4172 are located on opposite sides of the support portion 417 in the width direction and face each other. Referring to Figure 16 , when the insertion portion is in the first position, the slots 4171 , 4172 each receive the ribs 314 .

[0141] This configuration can prevent the plug connector 41 from accidentally moving from the first position to the second position. In addition, this configuration can provide sensory feedback for the user, so that the user can know whether the plug connector 41 has arrived in the first position.

[0142] 16 , the length of each of the slots 4171 and 4172 is greater than the length of the corresponding rib 314 (i.e., the rib 314 that receives it). This configuration can provide sensory feedback to the user, allowing the user to know whether the plug portion 41 has reached the first position.

[0143] 11 to 13 , the connector has two pairs of slots 4171, 4172 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. One pair of slots 4171, 4172 is spaced apart from the connector 41 by a distance N1, while the other pair of slots 4171, 4172 is spaced apart from the connector 41 by a distance N2. Distance N1 is equal to distance N2.

[0144] In this way, the plug-in portion 41 can be inserted into the plug-in slot 310 in two postures, thereby improving the convenience of the assembly process.

[0145] Referring to Figure 6 , the upper surface of the female connector 30 includes a first surface portion 35b and a second surface portion 35c that are connected along the length. For ease of distinction, an imaginary line L2 is used in Figure 6 to separate the first and second surface portions 35b, 35c. The first and second surface portions 35b, 35c are configured to have different levels of roughness, colors, textures, or patterns that allow them to be distinguished. For example, the first surface portion 35b may be provided with a marking 353, while the second surface portion 35c may not. In another example, the first surface portion 35b may be rougher, while the second surface portion 35c may be smoother, creating a visual distinction. For another example, two-color injection molding may be used to provide the first and second surface portions 35b, 35c with different colors. In one example, the first and second surface portions 35b, 35c may be part of the upper surface of the skirt 35. The skirt 35 will be described in detail below.

[0146] According to the difference between the first surface portion 35b and the second surface portion 35c, the user can accurately determine whether the inserting portion 41 is in the first position or the second position.

[0147] With reference to Figures 11 and 12 , the insertion portion 41 may further include a contact portion 418 located above the abutment portion 411. The contact portion 418 is configured to gradually decrease in width as it extends downward. In other words, the distance between the two opposing side surfaces 418a of the contact portion 418 in the width direction gradually decreases as it extends downward. With reference to Figure 17 , when the male connector 40 is inserted into the insertion slot 310 of the female connector 30 and is in the first position, the inner side surfaces of the pair of elastic walls 32 respectively adhere closely to the two side surfaces 418a of the contact portion 418.

[0148] According to this structure, after the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the insertion slot 310, the two side surfaces of the abutment portion 418 in the width direction will be closely attached to the inner side surfaces of the pair of elastic walls 32, so that the abutment portion 418 is reliably supported. This helps to improve the strength of the connection and prevent the insertion portion 41 from shaking in the width direction, thereby improving the connection strength. In addition, this structure of the abutment portion 418 can provide support for the elastic walls 32, preventing the elastic walls 32 from excessively deforming inward when squeezed, which could lead to connection failure or damage.

[0149] Referring to Figures 24 and 25 , the mounting slot 12 includes a support segment 122 (i.e., a first support segment). For example, the support segment 122 can be located below the engaging segment 121. Referring to Figure 31 , when the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the insertion slot 310, the head 41 is inserted into the support segment 122. Here, the width W9 of the support segment 122 is approximately equal to the width W10 of the head 412. For example, the value of W9 can range from 0.9 times W10 to 1.1 times W5.

[0150] According to this structure, after the plug-in part 41 is inserted into the plug-in slot 310, the two side surfaces of the head 412 in the width direction will be close to the pair of inner side surfaces of the support section 122 in the width direction, so that the head 412 is reliably supported, which is conducive to improving the strength of the connection and avoiding the shaking of the plug-in part 41 in the width direction, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0151] 24 and 25 , the mounting groove 12 includes a support segment 123 (i.e., a second support segment), which is located above the engaging segment 121 , which is located above the support segment 122 , and a width W11 of the support segment 123 is greater than a width W9 of the support segment 122 .

[0152] According to this structure, after the plug portion 41 is inserted into the insertion groove 310, the widthwise side surfaces of the head portion 412 will closely contact the widthwise inner side surfaces of the support segment 122, thereby reliably supporting the head portion 412. This helps to improve the strength of the connection and prevents the plug portion 41 from shaking in the widthwise direction, thereby improving the connection strength. The support segment 123 is used to support the outer side surface of the main body portion 31 of the female connector 30.

[0153] 24 and 25 , the mounting groove 12 further comprises a support surface 124 (i.e., a first support surface) located above the support section 122 and extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly to the height direction. Referring to FIG. 27 through FIG. 29 , when the female connector 30 is installed in the mounting groove 12, the lower end of a portion of the main body 31 is supported by the support surface 124.

[0154] With this structure, the female connector 30 is better supported in the height direction, thereby preventing the female connector 30 from being pressed and sliding downward excessively when the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the insertion groove 310. If the female connector 30 slides downward excessively, it may be squeezed by the insertion portion 41 and damaged, or the pair of abutting ends 321 may not abut against the abutting portion 411.

[0155] Referring to Figures 4 to 9 , the female connector 30 further includes a skirt portion 35, which is located at the upper end of the main body 31 and extends outward from the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31. Referring to Figures 24 and 25 , the mounting groove 12 includes a receiving section 125 at its upper end. The receiving section 125 is recessed outward beyond the first supporting section 123. Referring to Figures 27 to 29 , when the female connector 30 is installed in the mounting groove 12, the receiving section 125 receives the skirt portion 35.

[0156] With this structure, the female connector 30 is better supported in the height direction, thereby preventing the female connector 30 from being pressed and sliding downward excessively when the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the insertion groove 310. If the female connector 30 slides downward excessively, it may be squeezed by the insertion portion 41 and damaged, or the pair of abutting ends 321 may not abut against the abutting portion 411.

[0157] With reference to Figures 8, 9, and 29, the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31 extends in the height direction, and the lower surface 35a of the skirt 35 extends outwardly from the upper end of the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31, generally perpendicular to the height direction. That is, the lower surface 35a of the skirt 35 and the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31 are connected, and the connection between the two is not provided with a chamfer or fillet. With reference to Figures 24 and 25, the inner side surface 123a of the support section 123 extends in the height direction, and the bottom surface 125a of the receiving section 125 extends outwardly from the upper end of the inner side surface 123a of the support section 123, generally perpendicular to the height direction. That is, the bottom surface 125a of the receiving section 125 and the inner side surface 123a of the support section 123 are connected, and the connection between the two is not provided with a chamfer or fillet. 27 to 29 , when the female connector 30 is mounted in the mounting groove 12 , the lower surface 35 a of the skirt 35 faces the bottom surface 125 a of the receiving section 125 , and at least a portion of the outer side surface 31 a of the main body 31 faces the inner side surface 123 a of the support section 123 .

[0158] With this structure, the female connector 30 is better supported in the height direction, thereby preventing the female connector 30 from being pressed and sliding downward excessively when the insertion portion 41 is inserted into the insertion groove 310. If the female connector 30 slides downward excessively, it may be squeezed by the insertion portion 41 and damaged, or the pair of abutting ends 321 may not abut against the abutting portion 411.

[0159] 8, 9, and 29, the skirt portion 35 and the main body 31 jointly define a guide surface 36. The guide surface 36 extends inwardly downward from the upper side surface of the skirt portion 35 to the inner side surface of the main body 31, and the upper edge of the guide surface 36 is located further outward than the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31. As can be seen from FIG8, 9, and 29, an imaginary limit L3 extending in the height direction and passing through the upper edge of the guide surface 36 is located further outward than the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31.

[0160] When inserting the connector 41 into the insertion slot 310, it is difficult to ensure that the connector 41 is precisely aligned with the insertion slot 310. The guide surface 36 allows the connector 41 to be guided downward into the insertion slot 310 even if the connector 41 and the insertion slot 310 are not precisely aligned. Because the upper edge of the guide surface 36 is further outward than the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31, when the connector 41 is pressed outside the guide surface 36, it is difficult to insert the connector 41 into the insertion slot 310 even with a strong force. As a result, when the user perceives that it is difficult to insert the connector 41 into the insertion slot 310, they will adjust the positions of the two. If the upper edge of the guide surface 36 is further inward than the outer side surface 31a of the main body 31, when the connector 41 is pressed outside the guide surface 36, the user can insert the connector 41 into the insertion slot 310 with a strong force. This results in the user tending to use greater force to assemble the two, which may cause damage to the female connector 30.

[0161] 7 , the two bottom corners 323 of each elastic wall 32 are rounded.

[0162] During the insertion of the insertion portion 41 into the insertion slot 310, the two bottom corners 323 of the pair of elastic walls 32 are easily damaged. The inventors discovered that this is because the abutting ends 321 of the pair of elastic walls 32 generate a significant impact when passing over the head 412 (or when there are multiple steps 413), which can damage the two bottom corners 323. After careful study, they found that rounding the two bottom corners 323 can effectively solve this problem.

[0163] 32 , in Modification 1, the distance between the pair of side walls 311 gradually increases toward the middle of the pair of side walls 311 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the distance M1 near the middle of the pair of side walls 311 is greater than the distances M2 and M3 near the ends.

[0164] The female connector 30 is typically an injection molded part. This type of injection molded part typically shrinks after demolding. If the female connector 30 shrinks after demolding, the pair of side walls 311 will sag inward. If the pair of side walls 311 sag inward, the outer side surfaces of the pair of side walls 311 will not be supported by the inner side surfaces of the mounting groove 12, and the engaging portion 33 will easily disengage from the engaging groove 121a, causing the female connector 30 to easily fall out of the mounting groove 12. In addition, if the pair of side walls 311 sag inward, the pair of side walls 311 will easily be squeezed downward by the engaging portion 41 and damaged during the process of inserting the plug-in portion 41 into the plug-in groove 310.

[0165] 32 , in Modification 1, the two ends 351 and 352 of the skirt 35 in the length direction have different sizes, and the diameter of the end 351 is larger than the diameter of the end 352 .

[0166] This configuration of the skirt 35 provides a visual difference, allowing the user to accurately determine whether the inserting portion 41 is located in the first position or the second position.

[0167] 33 , in modification 2, the mounting groove 12 further includes an extension section 127 located below the engaging section 121 . The extension section 127 has an avoidance surface 127 a . The avoidance surface 127 a is configured to extend outward as it extends downward.

[0168] In some cases, debris may enter between the side wall 311 and the inner side surface of the mounting groove 12 at the bottom of the mounting groove 12. The debris may cause the lower end of the side wall 311 to deform inward. When the plug-in portion 41 is in the second position, the inwardly deformed lower end of the side wall 311 may abut against the abutment portion 411, thereby preventing the plug-in portion 41 from being pulled out of the plug-in groove 310. In the above implementation, the extension section 127 provides space for receiving debris, thereby effectively preventing the debris from causing the lower end of the side wall 311 to deform inward, thereby avoiding the above-mentioned undesirable situation.

[0169] Referring to Figures 34 and 35 , in Modification 3, the outer surface of each of the pair of end walls 312, 313 has a configuration that gradually tapers inward as it moves downward. This configuration of the outer surface provides a guide when inserting the female connector 30 into the mounting slot 12 of the article 10, helping the female connector 30 enter the mounting slot 12 smoothly and reducing the risk of damage to the female connector 30 due to excessive squeezing.

[0170] Continuing with reference to Figures 34 and 35, in Modification 3, each of the pair of end walls 312, 313 is further provided with a notch, namely, end wall 312 is provided with a notch 3121, and end wall 313 is provided with a notch 3131. Due to notches 3121, 3131, the elastic deformation of end walls 312, 313 is increased during the installation of female connector 30 into mounting slot 12 of article 10. This helps female connector 30 enter mounting slot 12 smoothly and reduces the risk of damage to female connector 30 due to excessive squeezing.

[0171] Referring to Figure 36 , in Variation 4, a concave first fillet 333 can be provided on the upper side of the first engaging portion 33a, and a convex second fillet 126 can be provided on the upper side of the engaging groove 121a. The first fillet 333 directly opposes the second fillet 126. In other words, the second fillet 126 is positioned to mate with the first fillet 333. The radius of the first fillet 333 is smaller than that of the second fillet 126 to prevent direct contact between the first fillet 333 and the second fillet 126. This helps reduce the risk of accidental damage to the female connector 30 at the first fillet 333.

[0172] 37 , in variation 5, the upper end of the fixing portion 42 of the male connector 40 may be chamfered. During insertion of the fixing portion 42 into the mounting groove 22 of the article 20 , the chamfered corners help the fixing portion 42 to smoothly enter the mounting groove 22 .

[0173] It should be understood that the term "including" and its variations used in this disclosure are open-ended, i.e., "including but not limited to." The term "according to" means "at least in part according to." The term "one embodiment" means "a pair of embodiments"; the term "another embodiment" means "a pair of additional embodiments."

[0174] It should be understood that although the terms "first" or "second" etc. may be used in the present disclosure to describe various elements (such as a first item and a second item), these elements are not defined by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0175] The scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Any changes or substitutions that can be conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A female connector configured to be fixed to a first article and assembled to a male connector fixed to a second article to connect the first article to the second article, characterized in that: The female connector comprises: a main body, comprising a pair of side walls spaced apart in the width direction to define therebetween an insertion slot for inserting the insertion portion of the male connector, wherein the insertion portion sequentially comprises an abutment portion and a head portion downward; and A pair of elastic walls respectively extend inwardly from the pair of side walls as they extend downward to form a pair of abutment end portions respectively extending into the insertion slot; the pair of elastic walls are configured to be elastically deformed outwardly when squeezed by the head portion inserted downwardly, so that the pair of abutment end portions allow the head portion to pass therethrough and can abut against the abutment portion after the head portion passes through to prevent the head portion from being pulled out upwardly.

2. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each elastic wall extends inwardly as it goes downward and has a cross-sectional shape that is an arc convex outwardly.

3. The female connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The curvature of each elastic wall increases downward.

4. The female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The thickness of each elastic wall decreases downward.

5. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female connector further comprises a plurality of engaging portions, and the plurality of engaging portions extend outwardly from the outer side surface of the main body and / or the outer side surfaces of the pair of elastic walls.

6. The female connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper side surface of each engaging portion extends outwards as it goes downwards.

7. The female connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The plurality of engaging portions include a pair of first engaging portions, the pair of first engaging portions respectively extending outward from the outer side surfaces of the pair of elastic walls, and the end surface of each abutting end portion extends outward as it moves downward.

8. The female connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of engaging portions further include a pair of second engaging portions, and the pair of second engaging portions respectively extend outwardly from outer sides of the pair of side walls.

9. The female connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each first snap-fitting portion and the second snap-fitting portion located on the same side of the female connector in the width direction are roughly flush in the height direction and spaced apart in the length direction, and the end of the first snap-fitting portion away from the second snap-fitting portion gradually extends inward in the length direction as it moves away from the second snap-fitting portion, and the end of the second snap-fitting portion away from the first snap-fitting portion gradually extends inward in the length direction as it moves away from the first snap-fitting portion.

10. The female connector according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The female connector also includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at both ends of the pair of side walls in the length direction, and each end wall extends between the pair of side walls. The multiple snap-fitting portions also include at least one third snap-fitting portion, and the at least one third snap-fitting portion extends outward from the outer side surface of at least one end wall.

11. The female connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The pair of end walls include a first end wall and a second end wall, the at least one third clamping portion is a third clamping portion, the third clamping portion protrudes outward from the outer surface of the first end wall, and a plurality of convex strips are provided on the outer surface of the second end wall, and the outer side surfaces of the plurality of convex strips jointly define a cylindrical surface.

12. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female connector also includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at both ends of the pair of side walls in the length direction, each end wall extends between the pair of side walls, and the outer surface of each end wall has a structure that gradually contracts inward as it goes downward.

13. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female connector also includes a pair of end walls, which are respectively located at two ends of the pair of side walls in the length direction, each end wall extends between the pair of side walls, and each end wall is provided with a notch.

14. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug-in slot is configured to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector along a length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is located at the first position, the pair of abutment end portions abut against the abutment portion, and when the plug-in portion is located at the second position, the pair of abutment portions do not abut against the abutment portion, so as to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled out upward from the plug-in slot.

15. The female connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: A pair of convex ribs are respectively disposed on the inner side surfaces of the pair of side walls, and the pair of convex ribs extend along the height direction and face each other.

16. The female connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: The upper surface of the female connector includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion arranged in a length direction and connected to each other, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are configured to have different roughness, colors, textures or patterns that can distinguish the two.

17. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female connector also includes a skirt portion, which is located at the upper end of the main body portion and extends outward from the outer side surface of the main body portion.

18. The female connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: The outer side surface of the main body extends along the height direction, and the lower surface of the skirt extends outward from the upper end of the outer side surface of the main body substantially perpendicular to the height direction.

19. The female connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: The skirt and the main body jointly define a guide surface, which extends inwardly from an upper side surface of the skirt to an inner side surface of the main body as it goes downward, and an upper edge of the guide surface is located further outward than an outer side surface of the main body.

20. The female connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: The skirt has different sizes at two ends in the length direction.

21. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the pair of side walls gradually increases toward the middle of the pair of side walls in the length direction.

22. The female connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two bottom corners of each elastic wall are rounded.

23. A male connector configured to be assembled to the female connector according to claim 1 fixed to a first article to connect a second article fixed to the male connector to the first article, characterized in that: The male connector includes an inserting portion, which includes an abutment portion and a head in sequence downward, wherein the head inserted downward into the inserting groove of the female connector can squeeze a pair of elastic walls of the female connector to elastically deform the pair of elastic walls outward, so that a pair of abutment ends of the pair of elastic walls allow the head to pass therethrough and can abut against the abutment portion after the head passes through to prevent the head from being pulled out upward.

24. The male connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The abutting portion includes a pair of abutting surfaces, which are respectively located at opposite sides of the abutting portion in the width direction, and each abutting surface extends outwardly as it goes downward.

25. The male connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The abutting portion includes a plurality of step portions with successively increasing widths downward, and each step portion is provided with the pair of abutting surfaces.

26. The male connector according to claim 25, characterized in that On each side of the plug-in portion in the width direction, along the downward direction, the angles between the plurality of abutment surfaces of the plurality of step portions and a reference plane perpendicular to the height direction decrease successively.

27. The male connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The plug-in portion also includes a propping portion, which is located at one end of the plug-in portion in the length direction and is connected to the abutting portion and the head as a whole; the plug-in slot is configured to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector along the length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is located at the first position, the pair of abutting end portions abut against the abutting portion, and when the plug-in portion is located at the second position, the pair of abutting portions do not abut against the abutting portion to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled out upward from the plug-in slot; the propping portion is configured to prop open the pair of abutting ends when the plug-in portion is located at the second position.

28. The male connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The plug-in portion further comprises a supporting portion located on the upper side of the abutting portion, wherein the supporting portion is provided with a pair of narrow slots extending along the height direction, and the pair of narrow slots are respectively provided on opposite sides of the supporting portion in the width direction and face each other.

29. The male connector according to claim 28, characterized in that The plug-in portion is provided with two pairs of slots, which are spaced apart in the length direction, and the distance from one pair of slots to the end closer to the support portion in the length direction is equal to the distance from the other pair of slots to the end closer to the support portion in the length direction.

30. The male connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The inserting portion further comprises a fitting portion located on the upper side of the abutting portion, and the width of the fitting portion decreases downward.

31. A connection device, characterized in that: The connecting device comprises: The female connector according to claim 1, configured to be secured to a first article; and The male connector is configured to be fixed to a second article and includes an inserting portion suitable for being inserted into the inserting groove of the female connector, wherein the inserting portion includes a resting portion and a head in sequence downward, wherein a pair of elastic walls of the female connector are configured to be able to elastically deform outward when squeezed by the head inserted downward, so that a pair of resting ends of the pair of elastic walls allow the head to pass therethrough and can rest on the resting portion after the head passes through to prevent the head from withdrawing upward.

32. The connection device according to claim 31, characterized in that The minimum width of the abutting portion is greater than 50% of the distance between the pair of side walls.

33. The connection device according to claim 31, characterized in that The plug-in portion further comprises a support portion located above the abutment portion, wherein a width of the support portion is greater than or substantially equal to a distance between inner side surfaces of a pair of side walls of the main body portion of the female connector.

34. The connection device according to claim 31, characterized in that The plug-in slot is constructed to allow the plug-in portion to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the female connector in the length direction, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, the pair of abutment end portions abut against the abutment portion, and when the plug-in portion is in the second position, the pair of abutment portions do not abut against the abutment portion, so as to allow the plug-in portion to be pulled out of the plug-in slot upward; the inner side surfaces of the pair of side walls are respectively provided with a pair of convex ribs, the pair of convex ribs extend in the height direction and face each other, and the plug-in portion is respectively provided with a pair of narrow grooves on opposite sides in the width direction, the pair of narrow grooves extend in the height direction and face each other, so that when the plug-in portion is in the first position, the pair of convex ribs are respectively received by the pair of narrow grooves, wherein the size of each narrow groove in the length direction is larger than the size of the corresponding convex rib in the length direction.

35. The connection device according to claim 31, characterized in that The first article is provided with a mounting groove extending downward from its upper surface, the mounting groove including a locking section, the locking section being provided with a locking groove recessed outwardly; the female connector includes a pair of first locking portions, the pair of first locking portions respectively extending outwardly from the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls to be suitable for being received by the locking groove to prevent the female connector from being pulled out upward from the mounting groove; the abutment portion includes a pair of abutment surfaces, the pair of abutment surfaces are respectively located on opposite sides of the abutment portion in the width direction, the pair of abutment surfaces are constructed to respectively correspond to the end faces of the abutment end portions of the pair of elastic walls, and the end face of each abutment end portion extends outwardly as it extends downwardly to be suitable for abutting against the abutment surface extending outward as it extends downwardly; in the transverse sectional view, the angle between each abutment surface and the line connecting the outer end of the corresponding first locking portion and the abutment surface is in the range of 70 degrees to 100 degrees.

36. The connection device according to claim 31, characterized in that The first article is provided with a mounting groove extending downward from its upper surface, and the mounting groove includes a snap-fit ​​section, and the snap-fit ​​section is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove recessed outward; the female connector includes a pair of first snap-fit ​​portions, and the pair of first snap-fit ​​portions respectively extend outward from the outer sides of the pair of elastic walls to be suitable for being received by the snap-fit ​​groove to prevent the female connector from being pulled out of the mounting groove upward; a first fillet portion is provided on the upper side of the first fillet portion, and a second fillet portion is provided on the upper side of the snap-fit ​​groove, and the radius of the first fillet portion is smaller than the radius of the second fillet portion.

37. An article, characterized in that The article is provided with a mounting groove recessed downward from its upper surface, the mounting groove being configured for insertion of a female connector according to claim 5 to fix the female connector to the article, the mounting groove comprising a snap-fit ​​section, the snap-fit ​​section being provided with a snap-fit ​​groove recessed outward, the snap-fit ​​groove being configured to receive a plurality of snap-fit ​​portions of the female connector to prevent the female connector from being pulled upward from the mounting groove.

38. The article according to claim 37, characterized in that The engaging section has an engaging surface and a tapered surface. The engaging surface gradually extends outwards as it moves downwards, and the tapered surface gradually extends inwards from the lower end of the engaging surface as it moves downwards to form the engaging groove.

39. The article according to claim 38, characterized in that The mounting slot also includes: a first supporting section, located below the engaging section; and The second supporting section is located above the engaging section, and the width of the first supporting section is smaller than the width of the second supporting section.

40. The article according to claim 39, characterized in that A first supporting surface is provided between the engaging section and the first supporting section, and the first supporting surface extends outward substantially perpendicularly to the height direction.

41. The article according to claim 39, characterized in that The installation groove further includes an extension section located below the engaging section, and the inner side surface of the extension section includes an avoidance surface, and the avoidance surface extends outward as it goes downward.

42. The article of claim 39, wherein: The mounting slot further comprises a receiving section at an upper end thereof, wherein the receiving section is recessed outwardly beyond the first supporting section to receive the skirt of the female connector.

43. The article according to claim 42, characterized in that The inner side surface of the second supporting section extends along the height direction, and the bottom surface of the receiving section extends outward from the upper end of the inner side surface of the second supporting section substantially perpendicularly to the height direction.

44. The article according to claim 37, characterized in that One end face of the mounting groove in the length direction is constructed as a partial cylindrical surface, the partial cylindrical surface extends downward from the upper surface of the article to the locking section, the diameter of the partial cylindrical surface is greater than or equal to the width of the locking groove, and the locking groove extends circumferentially from one edge of the partial cylindrical surface to the other edge of the partial cylindrical surface.

45. An article assembly, characterized in that: The components include: A first article having a first mounting groove recessed downward from an upper surface thereof; and According to the female connector of claim 1, the female connector is installed in the first installation groove to be fixed to the object.

46. ​​The article assembly of claim 45, wherein: The female connector includes a pair of first engaging parts, which extend outward from the outer sides of a pair of elastic walls of the female connector respectively, and the upper side surface of each first engaging part extends downward and gradually outward; the first mounting groove includes a engaging section, which has a engaging surface and a tapered surface; the engaging surface gradually extends outward as it extends downward, and the tapered surface gradually extends inward from the lower end of the engaging surface as it extends downward to form an outwardly recessed engaging groove for receiving the pair of first engaging parts; the upper surface of each first engaging part faces the engaging surface, and the angle between the upper surface of each first engaging part and the reference plane is smaller than the angle between the engaging surface and the reference plane, wherein the reference plane is perpendicular to the height direction.

47. The article assembly of claim 45, wherein: The first installation groove is provided with a support surface, and the support surface extends outward substantially perpendicularly to the height direction, and the lower end of a part of the main body of the female connector is supported by the support surface.

48. The article assembly of claim 45, wherein: The assembly also includes a male connector, which includes an inserting portion, the first mounting slot includes a supporting segment, the head of the inserting portion is inserted into the supporting segment, and the width of the head is substantially the same as the width of the supporting segment.

49. The article assembly of claim 48, wherein: The assembly also includes a second article to which the male connector is secured.

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