Light strip connector

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a light strip connector, which is configured to connect light strips. The light strip connector comprises a cover portion, a base and an electrical connection structure. The cover portion is connected to the base and an accommodating space is formed inside; the cover portion and the base can move relative to each other to open the accommodating space, thus allowing light strips to enter from two sides of the base. The electrical connection structure is accommodated in the accommodating space, comprising a body and electrically conductive terminals, wherein the electrically conductive terminals are fixed on the body and exposed from two sides of the body to electrically connect to the light strips entering from the two sides of the base. Limiting portions are provided on two opposite side walls of the base, and corresponding fitting portions are provided on the body, the limiting portions being configured to fit with the fitting portions, thus limiting and fixing the electrical connection structure in the base at least in the direction of thickness of the light strip connector. Compared with the prior art, the light strip connector of the present application prevents the electrical connection between the electrical connection structure and the light strips from being affected even if the cover portion loses pressure, thus greatly improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

Description

Light strip connector

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on December 29, 2023, with application number 202323662544.8 and invention name “Light Strip Connector”. The entire contents of this patent application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to a light strip connector, belonging to the technical field of lighting fixtures. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid development of the LED lighting industry and the gradual improvement of people's living standards, LED flexible light strips are becoming more and more widely used. After the light strips are cut, quick-connect terminals are required to achieve electrical connections.

[0004] Current light strip connectors rely on a cover to provide terminal pressure. However, this cover can easily deform under prolonged heat or pressure, leading to a loss of pressure and connection failure. This is especially true for flip-top terminals, where the cover and base are fastened together with a latch on only one side. This can easily deform under prolonged heat and pressure, causing a loss of pressure on the terminal and compromising connection reliability.

[0005] In view of this, it is indeed necessary to improve the existing light strip connector to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a light strip connector, which tightly fits the electrical connection structure and the base to achieve electrical connection between the electrical connection structure and the light strip. Even if the covering part loses pressure, the electrical connection is not affected, which greatly improves the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present application provides a light strip connector for connecting a light strip, wherein the light strip connector includes a covering portion, a base and an electrical connection structure, the covering portion is connected to the base and forms a receiving space inside, the receiving space can be movably opened between the covering portion and the base to allow the light strip to enter from both sides of the base, and the covering portion and the base can clamp the light strip with each other; the electrical connection structure is accommodated in the receiving space, the electrical connection structure includes a main body and conductive terminals, the conductive terminals are fixed on the main body and exposed on both sides of the main body to electrically connect with the light strips entering from both sides of the base; wherein, limiting portions are provided on the opposite side walls of the base, and a mating portion is correspondingly provided on the main body, and the limiting portion is configured to cooperate with the mating portion to limit and fix the electrical connection structure in the base at least in the thickness direction of the light strip connector.

[0008] Optionally, the body includes a first body portion and a second body portion perpendicular to each other, the second body portion is arranged perpendicular to the side wall, the conductive terminal is fixed on the first body portion and exposed at both ends of the first body portion, and the mating portion is arranged on the second body portion.

[0009] Optionally, the conductive terminals are laid in sheet form on the lower surface of the first main body and are arranged on both sides of the second main body. The light strip includes a light strip main body and a soldering pad fixed inside the light strip main body. The conductive terminals can be inserted into the light strip main body and electrically contact the soldering pad.

[0010] Optionally, the limiting portion includes a positioning groove arranged on the side wall and a limiting column fixed in the positioning groove, and the matching portion is a groove arranged at the top edge of the main body. When the electrical connection structure is installed in the base, the limiting column is limited and accommodated in the groove.

[0011] Optionally, the positioning groove is formed as a depression on the side wall of the base, and the limiting column connects two opposite inner wall surfaces of the positioning groove.

[0012] Optionally, a guide surface is provided on the side of the positioning groove close to the covering part, and a matching surface is correspondingly provided at the bottom edge of the main body. The guide surface and the matching surface are both inclined surfaces, which are used to guide the main body into the positioning groove and after passing over the limiting column, the limiting column is limited and accommodated in the groove.

[0013] Optionally, the limiting portion is a reverse bevel provided on the side wall, and the matching portion is a bevel formed at the end of the main body. When the electrical connection structure is installed in the base, the bevel and the reverse bevel are squeezed and fitted with each other to limit the electrical connection structure in the thickness direction and width direction of the light strip connector.

[0014] Optionally, a fixing groove is provided on the side wall, and the reverse slope is formed on a side of the fixing groove close to the covering portion and gradually tilts inward toward the side wall in the thickness direction of the light strip connector.

[0015] Optionally, the fixing groove is arranged in an inverted convex shape, including a first fixing groove arranged near the base and a second fixing groove arranged near the covering part, and the reverse slope is formed in the second fixing groove; the end of the main body is correspondingly provided with an inverted convex protrusion, including a first protrusion arranged near the base and a second protrusion arranged near the covering part, and the slope is the outer wall surface of the second protrusion. When the electrical connection structure is installed in the base, the first protrusion is accommodated in the first fixing groove, and the second protrusion is accommodated in the second fixing groove.

[0016] Optionally, a first snap-fit ​​portion is provided on the outer wall surface of the base, and a plurality of first snap-fit ​​portions are provided, and at least one is located on the outside of the limiting portion. A second snap-fit ​​portion is correspondingly provided on the covering portion, and the first snap-fit ​​portion and the second snap-fit ​​portion cooperate with each other to fix the covering portion and the base by snapping, and clamp the main body in the width direction of the light strip connector.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: the light strip connector of the present application provides limiting portions on opposite side walls of the base, and correspondingly provides mating portions on the main body of the electrical connection structure. Thus, the limiting portions and the mating portions cooperate with each other to limit and fix the electrical connection structure within the base, so that the electrical connection structure and the base fit tightly together, thereby achieving electrical connection between the electrical connection structure and the light strip. Compared to the prior art, the light strip connector of the present application does not affect the electrical connection between the electrical connection structure and the light strip even if the cover portion loses pressure, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the electrical connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of the light strip connector and the light strip of the present application when they cooperate with each other.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the light strip connector in FIG. 1 when the light strip connector is in an open state.

[0020] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the light strip in FIG2 .

[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of the light strip connector in FIG. 2 .

[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the light strip connector shown in FIG. 4 .

[0023] FIG6 is a partial enlarged view of the circle A in FIG5 .

[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the light strip connector shown in FIG. 4 .

[0025] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the base and the cover portion in FIG7 .

[0026] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection structure in FIG. 7 .

[0027] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the electrical connection structure shown in FIG9 when inserted into a light strip.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of the light strip connector in FIG. 2 .

[0029] FIG12 is an exploded view of the light strip connector shown in FIG11 .

[0030] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of FIG12 from another angle.

[0031] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection structure in FIG13 .

[0032] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of the electrical connection structure shown in FIG14 when inserted into a light strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the present application discloses a light strip connector 100 for connecting two adjacent light strips 200. The light strip 200 includes a light strip body 201 and a solder pad 202 fixed inside the light strip body 201. An accommodating space 203 is defined inside the light strip body 201, and the solder pad 202 is fixed inside the accommodating space 203. When the light strip connector 100 is inserted into the accommodating space 203, an electrical connection is achieved between the light strip connector 100 and the light strip 200.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 to 8 in conjunction with Figure 2, the light strip connector 100 includes a cover 10, a base 20, and an electrical connection structure 30. The cover 10 is connected to the base 20 and defines a receiving space 21 therein. The cover 10 and the base 20 can be movably opened to allow the light strip 200 to enter from both sides of the base 20, and the cover 10 and the base 20 can mutually clamp the light strip 200. Specifically, the electrical connection structure 30 is accommodated within the receiving space 21. The ends of the receiving space 21 are open to facilitate securing the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip body 201 within the receiving space 21. The electrical connection structure 30 includes a body 31 and conductive terminals 32 fixedly connected to the body 31. The conductive terminals 32 are configured to electrically connect to the solder pads 202. Preferably, the conductive terminals 32 are fixed to the body 31 and exposed on both sides of the body 31 to electrically connect to the light strip 200 entering from both sides of the base 20.

[0036] A rotating structure is formed between the cover 10 and the base 20, and its rotation range is 0 to 180 degrees. The cover 10 and the base 20 can open or close the receiving space 21 through the rotating structure, thereby facilitating the insertion of the light strip 200 and the light strip connector 100 and facilitating operation. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating structure is a thin plate, preferably a plastic plate. In other embodiments, the rotating structure can be a rotating shaft or other components capable of realizing a rotation function, which can be set according to actual use requirements and is not limited to this.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cover 10 and the base 20 are both made of plastic to enhance the plasticity of the product; the cover 10, thin plate and base 20 are integrally injection molded, which is beneficial for manufacturers to carry out mass production with high production efficiency, and is also convenient for users to use.

[0038] The base 20 includes a bottom wall 23 and side walls 24 disposed on either side of the bottom wall 23. The bottom wall 23 and the side walls 24 enclose the receiving space 21 for accommodating the light strip 200. A first snap-fit ​​portion 241 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 24. The cover 10 is configured to cooperate with the base 20 to secure the light strip 200 within the receiving space 21. The cover 10 is configured to have a second snap-fit ​​portion 11 that cooperates with the first snap-fit ​​portion 241. The snap-fitting interaction between the first snap-fit ​​portion 241 and the second snap-fit ​​portion 11 allows the cover 10 to be secured to the base 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first snap-fitting portion 241 is a protrusion, and the second snap-fitting portion 11 is a groove that cooperates with the protrusion. Of course, in other embodiments, the first snap-fitting portion 241 may also be a groove, and the second snap-fitting portion 11 may be a protrusion that cooperates with the groove; or the first snap-fitting portion 241 and the second snap-fitting portion 11 may also be other mutually cooperating structures, which are not limited here.

[0040] The inner wall surface of the cover portion 10 is provided with a plurality of first abutting portions 12 for abutting and pressing the light strip 200, so that the light strip 200 is firmly fixed in the receiving space 21. Preferably, two groups of the first abutting portions 12 are provided, and are respectively provided at both ends of the cover portion 10, so that two adjacent light strips 200 can be fixed. The inner wall surface of the cover portion 10 is also provided with a second abutting portion 13 located between the two groups of first abutting portions 12. The second abutting portion 13 is used to abut and press the electrical connection structure 30, so that the electrical connection structure 30 is firmly fixed in the receiving space 21.

[0041] Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 242 are provided on the outer wall surface of the side wall 24 to prevent the user from disassembling it with bare hands, thereby avoiding the risk of electric shock to the user.

[0042] Taking into account that the covering part 10 is prone to deformation after long-term heat or pressure deformation, resulting in loss of pressure, thereby causing the connection between the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200 to fail, the present application also makes improvements to the base 20 and the electrical connection structure 30, so that the electrical connection structure 30 and the base 20 are tightly matched with each other, realizing the electrical connection between the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200. Even if the covering part 10 loses pressure, it will not affect the electrical connection between the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0043] Specifically, a limiting portion is provided on the opposite side walls 24 of the base 20, and a matching portion is correspondingly provided on the main body 31 of the electrical connection structure 30, so that the electrical connection structure 30 can be limited and fixed in the base 20 at least in the thickness direction of the light strip connector 100 by utilizing the mutual cooperation between the limiting portion and the matching portion.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, in the first embodiment of the present application, the limiting portion includes a positioning groove 221 arranged on the side wall 24 of the base 20 and a limiting column 222 fixed in the positioning groove 221, and the matching portion is a groove 311 arranged at the top edge of the main body 31. When the electrical connection structure 30 is installed in the base 20, the limiting column 222 is limited and accommodated in the groove 311, so that the electrical connection structure 30 is limited in the receiving space 21.

[0045] Specifically, the positioning groove 221 is recessed into the sidewall 24 of the base 20, and the limiting post 222 connects the two opposing inner walls of the positioning groove 221. A guide surface 223 is provided on the side of the positioning groove 221 near the cover 10, and the limiting post 222 is fixed a certain distance below the guide surface 223. The body 31 includes a first body portion 312 and a second body portion 313, which are perpendicular to each other. The second body portion 313 is arranged perpendicular to the sidewall 24 of the base 20. The conductive terminals 32 are fixed to the first body portion 312 and exposed at both ends of the first body portion 312, thereby facilitating electrical connection with the solder pads 202 within the light strip body 201. Preferably, the first body portion 312 is provided in two rows, spaced apart from each other. The conductive terminals 32 are arranged in a sheet-like manner on the lower surface of the first body portion 312 and on either side of the second body portion 313, so that the conductive terminals 32 can be inserted into the light strip body 201 and electrically contact the solder pads 202.

[0046] The groove 311 is provided on the second body portion 313. The second body portion 313 and the first body portion 312 are arranged in a cross shape, so that the conductive terminals 32 are exposed on both sides of the second body portion 313 to electrically connect two adjacent light strips 200. A mating surface 314 is also provided at the bottom edge of the second body portion 313. The guide surface 223 and the mating surface 314 are both inclined surfaces, so that the guide surface 223 and the mating surface 314 can be used to cooperate with each other to guide the second body portion 313 into the positioning groove 221 and after passing over the limiting column 222, the limiting column 222 is limited and accommodated in the groove 311. In this way, the electrical connection structure 30 and the base 20 are tightly matched with each other, ensuring that the electrical connection structure 30 can maintain electrical connection with the light strip 200.

[0047] In addition, in the present application, there are three first snap-fit ​​portions 241, and one of them is located on the outside of the positioning groove 221 and the limiting column 222, so that when the base 20 and the cover portion 10 are buckled with each other, the second main body portion 313 can also be clamped in the width direction of the light strip connector 100, that is, the extension direction of the second main body portion 313, so that the electrical connection structure 30 is more stably fixed in the base 20.

[0048] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, in the second embodiment of the present application, the limiting portion is a reverse bevel 2521 provided on the side wall 24, and the matching portion is a bevel formed on the end of the body 31. When the electrical connection structure 30 is installed in the base 20, the bevel and the reverse bevel 2521 are pressed and fit against each other, thereby limiting the electrical connection structure 30 in the thickness and width directions of the light strip connector 100. The side wall 24 of the base 20 is provided with a fixing groove 25, and the reverse bevel 2521 is formed on the side of the fixing groove 25 close to the covering portion 10, and gradually slopes inward toward the side wall 24 in the thickness direction of the light strip connector 100.

[0049] Specifically, the fixing groove 25 is arranged in an inverted convex shape, including a first fixing groove 251 arranged near the bottom wall 23 and a second fixing groove 252 arranged near the covering part 10, the first fixing groove 251 and the second fixing groove 252 are connected to each other, and the inner diameter of the second fixing groove 252 is larger than the inner diameter of the first fixing groove 251; the reverse slope 2521 is formed in the second fixing groove 252. The end of the second main body portion 313 is correspondingly provided with an inverted convex block 315, including a first protrusion 3151 arranged near the bottom wall 23 and a second protrusion 3152 arranged near the covering portion 10. The inclined surface is the outer wall surface of the second protrusion 3152, so that when the electrical connection structure 30 is installed in the base 20, the first protrusion 3151 is accommodated in the first fixing groove 251, and the second protrusion 3152 is accommodated in the second fixing groove 252. At this time, the inclined surface pressure of the inclined surface and the reverse inclined surface 2521 can be used to limit the second main body portion 313 in the base 20 to ensure that there is sufficient electrical positive pressure when the conductive terminal 32 contacts the light strip 200.

[0050] At this time, three first snap-fit ​​portions 241 are also provided, and one of them is located on the outside of the reverse slope 2521, so that when the base 20 and the cover portion 10 are buckled with each other, the second main body portion 313 can also be clamped in the width direction of the light strip connector 100, that is, the extension direction of the second main body portion 313, so that the electrical connection structure 30 is more stably fixed in the base 20.

[0051] As shown in Figures 10 and 15 in combination with Figures 1 and 2, during assembly, the electrical connection structure 30 is first inserted into the light strips 200 on both sides respectively, and the conductive terminals 32 are electrically connected to the solder pads 202 in the accommodating space 203; then, the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200 are installed as a whole into the base 20, and the electrical connection structure 30 and the base 20 are tightly matched with each other by utilizing the mutual cooperation of the limiting part and the matching part; finally, the covering part 10 is folded over to be fixed with the base 20 by snapping, and the light strip 200 is clamped and fixed again, and the installation is completed at this time.

[0052] In summary, the light strip connector 100 of the present application provides limiting portions on opposite side walls 24 of the base 20, while correspondingly providing mating portions on the body 31 of the electrical connection structure 30. This allows the limiting portions and mating portions to cooperate with each other to position and secure the electrical connection structure 30 within the base 20, resulting in a tight fit between the electrical connection structure 30 and the base 20, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200. Compared to the prior art, the light strip connector 100 of the present application maintains the electrical connection between the electrical connection structure 30 and the light strip 200 even if the cover 10 loses pressure. That is, electrical pressure does not rely on the snap fit of the cover 10, greatly improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0053] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present application may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A strip light connector for connecting a strip light (200), wherein, The strip light connector (100) includes: A covering part (10) and a base (20), the covering part (10) is connected to the base (20) and an accommodation space (21) is formed inside. The covering part (10) and the base (20) can be movably opened to accommodate the space (21) to allow the strip light (200) to enter from both sides of the base (20), and the covering part (10) and the base (20) can clamp the strip light (200) with each other; An electrical connection structure (30), which is accommodated in the accommodation space (21). The electrical connection structure (30) includes a body (31) and conductive terminals (32). The conductive terminals (32) are fixed on the body (31) and exposed on both sides of the body (31) to be electrically connected to the strip light (200) entering from both sides of the base (20); Wherein, limiting parts are provided on the opposite side walls (24) of the base (20), and corresponding cooperating parts are provided on the body (31). The limiting parts are configured to cooperate with the cooperating parts to limit and fix the electrical connection structure (30) in the base (20) at least in the thickness direction of the strip light connector (100).

2. The strip light connector according to claim 1, wherein, The body (31) includes a first body part (312) and a second body part (313) that are perpendicular to each other. The second body part (313) is perpendicular to the side wall (24). The conductive terminals (32) are fixed on the first body part (312) and exposed at both ends of the first body part (312). The cooperating part is provided on the second body part (313).

3. The strip light connector according to claim 2, wherein, The conductive terminals (32) are laid on the lower surface of the first body part (312) in a sheet shape and are arranged on both sides of the second body part (313). The strip light (200) includes a strip light body (201) and pads (202) fixed inside the strip light body (201). The conductive terminals (32) can be inserted into the strip light body (201) to be in electrical contact with the pads (202).

4. The strip light connector according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting part includes a positioning groove (221) provided on the side wall (24) and a limiting post (222) fixed in the positioning groove (221). The cooperating part is a groove (311) provided at the top edge of the body (31). When the electrical connection structure (30) is installed in the base (20), the limiting post (222) is limited and accommodated in the groove (311).

5. The strip light connector according to claim 4, wherein, The positioning groove (221) is recessed on the side wall (24) of the base (20), and the limiting post (222) connects the opposite inner wall surfaces of the positioning groove (221).

6. The strip light connector according to claim 5, wherein, A guiding surface (223) is provided on one side of the positioning groove (221) close to the covering part (10), and a cooperating surface (314) is correspondingly provided at the bottom edge of the body (31). Both the guiding surface (223) and the cooperating surface (314) are inclined surfaces for guiding the body (31) into the positioning groove (221) and after passing over the limiting post (222), making the limiting post (222) be limited and accommodated in the groove (311).

7. The strip light connector according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting part is an anti-inclined surface (2521) provided on the side wall (24), and the mating part is an inclined surface formed at the end of the body (31). When the electrical connection structure (30) is inserted into the base (20), the inclined surface and the anti-inclined surface (2521) are pressed against each other to limit the electrical connection structure (30) in the thickness direction and width direction of the strip connector (100).

8. The strip light connector according to claim 7, wherein, A fixing groove (25) is provided on the side wall (24), and the anti-inclined surface (2521) is formed on the side of the fixing groove (25) close to the covering part (10), and gradually inclines towards the inside of the side wall (24) in the thickness direction of the strip connector (100).

9. The strip light connector according to claim 8, wherein, The fixing groove (25) is arranged in an inverted convex shape, and includes a first fixing groove (251) close to the base (20) and a second fixing groove (252) close to the covering part (10). The anti-inclined surface (2521) is formed in the second fixing groove (252); a convex block (315) in an inverted convex shape is correspondingly provided at the end of the body (31), and includes a first protruding part (3151) close to the base (20) and a second protruding part (3152) close to the covering part (10). The inclined surface is the outer wall surface of the second protruding part (3152). When the electrical connection structure (30) is inserted into the base (20), the first protruding part (3151) is received in the first fixing groove (251), and the second protruding part (3152) is received in the second fixing groove (252).

10. The strip light connector according to claim 1, wherein, A first buckling part (241) is provided on the outer wall surface of the base (20), and there are a plurality of the first buckling parts (241) and at least one is located outside the limiting part. A second buckling part (11) is correspondingly provided on the covering part (10). The first buckling part (241) and the second buckling part (11) cooperate with each other to buckle and fix the covering part (10) and the base (20), and clamp the body (31) in the width direction of the strip connector (100).

Images