Connector housing and connector

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector housing and a connector. The connector housing comprises of: a peripheral wall (10) which surrounds an inner cavity (101) for inserting an outer terminal (2) of a connector and is formed with a second lock slot (10b) communicated with the inner cavity (101); a first lock (11) which is formed inside the peripheral wall (10) and is adapted to axially rest against a first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101); and a second lock (12) which is formed on the exterior of the peripheral wall (10) and adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot (10b) and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot (10b). When the second lock (12) is in the locking position, the second lock (12) is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101). In the present invention, the outer terminal is locked in the connector housing by the first lock before the second lock is snapped and locked, and cannot be moved, thus ensuring the installation quality of the connector.

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR HOUSING AND CONNECTOR

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202311850620.X filed on December 29, 2023 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Field of the Invention

[0006] The present invention relates to a connector housing and a connector comprising the connector housing.

[0007] Description of the Related Art

[0008] In the prior art, a coaxial connector typically includes a housing, an outer terminal, an insulation core, a center terminal (also known as an inner terminal), and a cable. The outer terminal, insulation core, central terminal, and cable are pre-assembled into an electrical connection module, which is then plugged into the housing. The central terminal is inserted into the insulation core, and the insulation core is inserted into the outer terminal. The rear end of the center terminal is welded to the conductor core of the cable, and the front end of the center terminal is used to make electrical contact with a mating center terminal. The rear end of the outer terminal is fixed to the cable and electrically connected to the shielding layer of the cable.

[0009] In the prior art, when welding the rear end of the center terminal, solder and flux at the rear end will flow along the center through-hole of the center terminal to the front end, which will affect the electrical contact performance between the center terminal and the mating center terminal. In addition, in the prior art, it is difficult to ensure that the diameters of the two positioning flanges on the outer terminal are consistent, which can cause the outer terminal to tilt during insertion and easily damage the elastic arm of the outer terminal. In addition, in the prior art, the outer terminal may shake in the housing, which can cause unstable electrical contact and easily lead to signal interruption. In addition, in the prior art, there is no first lock in the housing that can be used to lock the outer terminal, which may cause the outer terminal to move before the second lock is snapped and locked, affecting the installation quality of the connector. In addition, in the prior art, the manufacturing difficulty of the outer terminal is high, the cost is high, and the axial length is large. i SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises of: a peripheral wall which surrounds an inner cavity for inserting an outer terminal of a connector and is formed with a second lock slot communicated with the inner cavity; a first lock which is formed inside the peripheral wall and is adapted to axially rest against a first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity; and a second lock which is formed on the exterior of the peripheral wall and adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot. When the second lock is in the locking position, the second lock is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing has a front port and a rear port that are opposite in its axial direction, and the outer terminal is inserted into the inner cavity from the rear port, the first lock and the second lock are adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to prevent the outer terminal from being pulled out from the rear port.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning step is formed inside the peripheral wall, and the positioning step has a positioning surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing, the positioning surface is adapted to axially abut against the front side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to axially position the outer terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing comprises one first lock and one second lock, and the one first lock and the one second lock are radially opposite to each other in the inner cavity.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first lock comprises: an elastic arm having a root connected to the peripheral wall and extending forward along the axial direction by a predetermined length from the root; and a protrusion which is formed at the end of the elastic arm and protrudes into the inner cavity. The protrusion is adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion has a front end surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing, and the front end surface of the protrusion is axially opposite to the positioning surface of the positioning step and is adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening corresponding to the first lock is formed in the peripheral wall, allowing the first lock to be driven from a locking position engaged with the first positioning flange of the outer terminal to an unlocking position separated from the first positioning flange of the outer terminal by an unlocking tool inserted into the opening.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second lock comprises: a cantilever portion having a root connected to the peripheral wall and extending forward a predetermined length from its root; and a hook shaped portion connected to the end of the cantilever portion and adapted to be snapped into the second lock slot. When the second lock is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion is snapped and locked into the second lock slot and adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hook shaped portion has a limiting surface; when the hook shaped portion is snapped and locked into the second lock slot, the limiting surface is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing and axially opposite to the positioning surface of the positioning step, for axial abutment on the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing comprises a pair of first locks and a pair of second locks, and the connector housing has a pair of second lock slots corresponding to the pair of second locks respectively; the pair of first locks are opposite in a first radial direction of the inner cavity, and the pair of second locks are opposite in a second radial direction of the inner cavity, and the first radial direction is perpendicular to the second radial direction.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first lock comprises a locking protrusion which is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cavity, the locking protrusion is adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity, to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking protrusion has a smooth transition arc-shaped front side and arc-shaped rear side, allowing the first positioning flange of the outer terminal to pass over the locking protrusion under a predetermined axial force, so that the unlocking operation of the first lock does not require any unlocking tool.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second lock comprises: a cantilever portion having a root connected to the peripheral wall and extending forward a predetermined length from its root; and a hook shaped portion connected to the end of the cantilever portion and adapted to be snapped into the second lock slot. When the second lock is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion is snapped and locked into the second lock slot and adapted to axially rest against the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hook shaped portion has a limiting surface. When the hook shaped portion is snapped and locked into the second lock slot, the limiting surface is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing and axially opposite to the positioning surface of the positioning step, for axial abutment on the rear side of the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing is an integral injection molded piece.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises of: the above connector housing; and an electrical connection module which is inserted into the inner cavity of the connector housing. The electrical connection module comprises: an outer terminal formed with a first positioning flange; an insulation core inserted into the outer terminal; and a central terminal inserted into the insulation core. The first lock and the second lock of the connector housing are axially pressed against the first positioning flange of the outer terminal to lock the electrical connection module in the inner cavity of the connector housing.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the central terminal comprises: a tubular part having front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, and a central through-hole extending between its front and rear ends; a welding end connected to the rear end of the tubular part, used for welding to a conductor core of a cable; and a contact end connected to the front end of the tubular part for mating and electrical contact with a mating center terminal. A window and a blocking portion connected to the side of the window are formed on the peripheral wall of the tubular part, and the blocking portion is bent into the central through-hole through the window and at least partially blocks the central through-hole, so that solder at the welding end cannot flow through the central through-hole to the contact end when welding the welding end.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a cable with a conductor core. The welding end of the central terminal is welded to the conductor core of the cable, the outer terminal for mating and electrical contact with a mating outer terminal is fitted onto the insulation core and electrically connected to the shielding layer of the cable.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer terminal comprises a cylindrical body with front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, the front end of the cylindrical body is used for mating and electrical contact with the mating outer terminal, and the rear end of the cylindrical body is fitted onto the cable and welded to the shielding layer of the cable.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning flange is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and located at the middle part between the front and rear ends of the cylindrical body; a second positioning flange is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical body, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange and the second positioning flange are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity of the connector housing to radially position the outer terminal.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange and the second positioning flange have the same central axis and the same diameter, so that the electrical connection module positioned inside the connector housing will not tilt or shake.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning flange extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body to form a circular ring shape; multiple slots are formed on the second positioning flange, the multiple slots are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer terminal is an integral stamped piece; and / or the central terminal is an integral stamped piece.

[0033] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the outer terminal is locked in the connector housing by the first lock before the second lock is snapped and locked, and cannot be moved, thus ensuring the installation quality of the connector.

[0034] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the center terminal has a blocking portion for blocking the flow of solder to the contact end, thus not affecting the electrical contact performance of the contact end of the center terminal.

[0035] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the outer diameters of the two positioning flanges on the outer terminal are consistent, and the outer terminal will not tilt or shake in the housing.

[0036] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, multiple slots are formed on the positioning flange at the rear end of the outer terminal, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the outer terminal, shorten the length of the outer terminal, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position; Figure 2 shows an axial sectional view of a connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0040] Figure 3 shows an axial sectional view of the connector housing according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0041] Figure 4 shows a plan sectional view of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0042] Figure 5 shows a plan sectional view of the connector housing according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0043] Figure 6 shows a plan sectional view of the electrical connection module of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 shows a plan sectional view of a connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the locking position;

[0045] Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of the electrical connection module of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 shows an axial sectional view of the center terminal and cable of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0048] Figure 11 shows an axial sectional view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0049] Figure 12 shows another axial sectional view of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a first lock;

[0050] Figure 13 shows an axial sectional view of a connector housing according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0051] Figure 14 shows a plan sectional view of a connector housing according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the unlocking position;

[0052] Figure 15 shows a plan sectional view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock in the locking position;

[0053] Figure 16 shows a plan sectional view of the electrical connection module of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 17 shows an illustrative perspective view of the electrical connection module of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0055] Figure 18 shows an axial sectional view of the center terminal and cable of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0058] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

[0059] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector housing. The connector housing comprises of: a peripheral wall which surrounds an inner cavity for inserting an outer terminal of a connector and is formed with a second lock slot communicated with the inner cavity; a first lock which is formed inside the peripheral wall and is adapted to axially rest against a first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity; and a second lock which is formed on the exterior of the peripheral wall and adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot. When the second lock is in the locking position, the second lock is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange of the outer terminal inserted into the inner cavity to lock the outer terminal in the inner cavity.

[0060] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises of: the above connector housing; and an electrical connection module which is inserted into the inner cavity of the connector housing. The electrical connection module comprises: an outer terminal formed with a first positioning flange; an insulation core inserted into the outer terminal; and a central terminal inserted into the insulation core. The first lock and the second lock of the connector housing are axially pressed against the first positioning flange of the outer terminal to lock the electrical connection module in the inner cavity of the connector housing.

[0061] First Embodiment

[0062] Figures 1 to 9 show a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Among them, Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the second lock 12 is in the unlocking position; Figure 2 shows an axial sectional view of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure 3 shows an axial sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure 4 shows a plan sectional view of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure

[0063] 5 shows a plan sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure

[0064] 6 shows a plan sectional view of the electrical connection module 100 of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a plan sectional view of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the locking position; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of the electrical connection module 100 of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows an axial sectional view of the center terminal 4 and cable 5 of the connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing 1 is disclosed. The connector housing 1 includes a peripheral wall 10, a first lock 11, and a second lock 12. The peripheral wall 10 surrounds an inner cavity 101 for inserting an outer terminal 2 of a connector, and a second lock slot 10b is formed on the peripheral wall 10 and communicated with the inner cavity 101. The first lock 11 is formed inside the peripheral wall 10 and is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101. The second lock 12 is formed on the outside of the peripheral wall 10 and is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot 10b and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, when the second lock 12 is in the locking position, the second lock 12 is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 has front and rear ports that are opposite in its axial direction, and the outer terminal 2 is inserted into the inner cavity 101 from the rear port. The first lock 11 and the second lock 12 are adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to prevent the outer terminal 2 from being pulled out from the rear port.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning step 13 is formed inside the peripheral wall 10, and the positioning step 13 has a positioning surface 13c perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing 1. The positioning surface 13c is adapted to axially abut against the front side 21a of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to axially position the outer terminal 2.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 includes one first lock 11 and one second lock 12, and the one first lock 11 and the one second lock 12 are radially opposed to each other in the inner cavity 101. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the first lock 11 includes an elastic arm Ila and a protrusion 11b. The root of the elastic arm Ila is connected to the peripheral wall 10, the elastic arm Ila extends forward along the axial direction for a predetermined length from its root. The protrusion 1 lb is formed on the end of the elastic arm Ila and protrudes into the inner cavity 101. The protrusion 11b is adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101, in order to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 11b has a front end surface 11c perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing 1. The front end surface 11c of the protrusion 11b is axially opposite to the positioning surface 13c of the positioning step 13 and is suitable to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening corresponding to the first lock 11 is formed in the peripheral wall 10, so that the first lock 11 can be driven from the locking position engaged with the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 to the unlocking position separated from the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 by an unlocking tool inserted into the opening.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the second lock 12 includes a cantilever portion 12a and a hook shaped portion 12b. The root of the cantilever portion 12a is connected to the peripheral wall 10, the cantilever portion 12a extends forward a predetermined length from its root. The hook shaped portion 12b is connected to the end of the cantilever portion 12a and is suitable for being snapped into the second lock slot 10b. When the second lock 12 is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion 12b is snapped and locked into the second lock slot 10b and adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101, to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the hook shaped portion 12b has a limiting surface 12c. When the hook shaped portion 12b is snapped and locked into the second lock slot 10b, the limiting surface 12c is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing 1 and axially opposite to the positioning surface 13c of the positioning step 13, for axial abutment against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 is an integral injection molded piece.

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes a connector housing 1 and an electrical connection module 100. The electrical connection module 100 is inserted into the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1. The electrical connection module 100 includes an outer terminal 2, an insulation core 3, and a central terminal 4. The outer terminal 2 is formed with a first positioning flange 21 that protrudes radially. The insulation core 3 is inserted into the outer terminal 2. The central terminal 4 is inserted into the insulation core 3. The first lock 11 and second lock 12 of the connector housing 1 are axially pressed against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 to lock the electrical connection module 100 in the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the central terminal 4 includes a tubular part 40, a welding end 41, and a contact end 42. The tubular part 40 has front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, as well as a central through-hole 401 extending between its front and rear ends. The welding end 41 is connected to the rear end of the tubular part 40 and is used for welding to the conductor core 51 of the cable 5. The contact end 42 is connected to the front end of the tubular part 40 for mating and electrical contact with a mating center terminal (not shown). A window 402 and a blocking portion 43 connected to the side of the window 402 are formed on the peripheral wall 10 of the tubular part 40. The blocking portion 43 is bent into the central through-hole 401 through the window 402 and at least partially blocks the central through-hole 401, so that the solder at the welding end 41 cannot flow through the central through-hole 401 to the contact end 42 when welding the aforementioned welding end 41.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a cable 5, which has a conductor core 51. The welding end 41 of the central terminal 4 is welded to the conductor core 51 of the cable 5. The outer terminal 2 for mating and electrical contact with a mating outer terminal (not shown) is fitted onto the insulation core 3 and electrically connected to the shielding layer 52 of the cable 5.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer terminal 2 includes a cylindrical body 20, which has front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction. The front end of the cylindrical body 20 is used for mating and electrical contact with the mating outer terminal, and the rear end of the cylindrical body 20 is fitted onto the cable 5 and welded to the shielding layer 52 of the cable 5.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning flange 21 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 20 and located at the middle part between the front and rear ends of the cylindrical body 20. A second positioning flange 22 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical body 20, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange 21 and the second positioning flange 22 are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1 to radially position the outer terminal 2.

[0079] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange 21 and the second positioning flange 22 have the same central axis and the same diameter, so that the electrical connection module 100 positioned inside the connector housing 1 will not tilt or shake. As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning flange 21 extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 20, so that the first positioning flange 21 has a circular shape. Multiple slots 22a are formed on the second positioning flange 22, which are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 20.

[0080] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer terminal 2 is an integral stamped part. The center terminal 4 is an integral stamped part. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 402 on the central terminal 4 is a punch cut produced during the stamping of the blocking portion 43, and is not intentionally formed. That is to say, the material corresponding to window 402 is stamped and formed into the blocking portion 43.

[0081] Second Embodiment

[0082] Figures 10 to 18 show a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Among them, Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the second lock 12 is in the unlocking position; Figure 11 shows an axial sectional view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure 12 shows another axial sectional view of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a first lock 11 ; Figure 13 shows an axial sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure 14 shows a plan sectional view of the connector housing 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the unlocking position; Figure 15 shows a plan sectional view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the second lock 12 in the locking position; Figure 16 shows a plan sectional view of the electrical connection module 100 of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 shows an illustrative perspective view of the electrical connection module 100 of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 shows an axial sectional view of the center terminal 4 and cable 5 of the connector according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector housing 1 is disclosed. The connector housing 1 includes a peripheral wall 10, a first lock 11, and a second lock 12. The peripheral wall 10 surrounds an inner cavity 101 for inserting an outer terminal 2 of a connector, and a second lock slot 10b is formed on the peripheral wall 10 and communicated with the inner cavity 101. The first lock 11 is formed inside the peripheral wall 10 and is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101. The second lock 12 is formed on the outside of the peripheral wall 10 and is adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot 10b and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, when the second lock 12 is in the locking position, the second lock 12 is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0084] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 has front and rear ports that are opposite in its axial direction, and the outer terminal 2 is inserted into the inner cavity 101 from the rear port. The first lock 11 and the second lock 12 are adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to prevent the outer terminal 2 from being pulled out from the rear port.

[0085] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning step 13 is formed inside the peripheral wall 10, and the positioning step 13 has a positioning surface 13c perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing 1. The positioning surface 13c is adapted to axially abut against the front side 21a of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101 to axially position the outer terminal 2.

[0086] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 includes a pair of first locks 11 and a pair of second locks 12, and the connector housing 1 has a pair of second lock slots 10b corresponding to the pair of second locks 12, respectively. The pair of first locks 11 are opposite in a first radial direction of the inner cavity 101, and the pair of second locks 12 are opposite in a second radial direction of the inner cavity 101, and the first radial direction is perpendicular to the second radial direction.

[0087] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the first lock 11 includes a locking protrusion 11’ formed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cavity 101. The locking protrusion 11’ is adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101, in order to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0088] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking protrusion 11’ has a smooth transition arc-shaped front side surface Ila’ and arc-shaped rear side 11b’, so that the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 can pass over the locking protrusion 11 ’ under the action of a predetermined axial force, eliminating the need for any unlocking tool for unlocking the first lock 11. This can simplify the unlocking operation of the first lock 11.

[0089] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the second lock 12 includes a cantilever portion 12a and a hook shaped portion 12b. The root of the cantilever portion 12a is connected to the peripheral wall 10, the cantilever portion 12a extends forward a predetermined length from its root. The hook shaped portion 12b is connected to the end of the cantilever portion 12a and is suitable for being snapped into the second lock slot 10b. When the second lock 12 is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion 12b is snapped and locked into the second lock slot 10b and adapted to axially rest against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101, to lock the outer terminal 2 in the inner cavity 101.

[0090] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the hook shaped portion 12b has a limiting surface 12c. When the hook shaped portion 12b is snapped and locked into the second lock slot 10b, the limiting surface 12c is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing 1 and axially opposite to the positioning surface 13c of the positioning step 13, for axial abutment against the rear side 21b of the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 inserted into the inner cavity 101.

[0091] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 1 is an integral injection molded part.

[0092] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector mainly includes a connector housing 1 and an electrical connection module 100. The electrical connection module 100 is inserted into the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1. The electrical connection module 100 includes an outer terminal 2, an insulation core 3, and a central terminal 4. The outer terminal 2 is formed with a first positioning flange 21 that protrudes radially. The insulation core 3 is inserted into the outer terminal 2. The central terminal 4 is inserted into the insulation core 3. The first lock 11 and second lock 12 of the connector housing 1 are axially pressed against the first positioning flange 21 of the outer terminal 2 to lock the electrical connection module 100 in the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1.

[0093] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the central terminal 4 includes a tubular part 40, a welding end 41, and a contact end 42. The tubular part 40 has front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, as well as a central through-hole 401 extending between its front and rear ends. The welding end 41 is connected to the rear end of the tubular part 40 and is used for welding to the conductor core 51 of the cable 5. The contact end 42 is connected to the front end of the tubular part 40 for mating and electrical contact with a mating center terminal (not shown). A window 402 and a blocking portion 43 connected to the side of the window 402 are formed on the peripheral wall 10 of the tubular part 40. The blocking portion 43 is bent into the central through-hole 401 through the window 402 and at least partially blocks the central through-hole 401, so that the solder at the welding end 41 cannot flow through the central through-hole 401 to the contact end 42 when welding the aforementioned welding end 41.

[0094] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector further comprises a cable 5, which has a conductor core 51. The welding end 41 of the central terminal 4 is welded to the conductor core 51 of the cable 5. The outer terminal 2 for mating and electrical contact with a mating outer terminal (not shown) is fitted onto the insulation core 3 and electrically connected to the shielding layer 52 of the cable 5. As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer terminal 2 includes a cylindrical body 20, which has front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction. The front end of the cylindrical body 20 is used for mating and electrical contact with the mating outer terminal, and the rear end of the cylindrical body 20 is fitted onto the cable 5 and welded to the shielding layer 52 of the cable 5.

[0095] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning flange 21 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 20 and located at the middle portion between the front and rear ends of the cylindrical body 20. A second positioning flange 22 is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical body 20, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange 21 and the second positioning flange 22 are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity 101 of the connector housing 1 to radially position the outer terminal 2.

[0096] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange 21 and the second positioning flange 22 have the same central axis and the same diameter, so that the electrical connection module 100 positioned inside the connector housing 1 will not tilt or shake.

[0097] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning flange 21 extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 20, so that the first positioning flange 21 has a circular shape. Multiple slots 22a are formed on the second positioning flange 22, which are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 20.

[0098] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer terminal 2 is an integral stamped part. The center terminal 4 is an integral stamped part. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 402 on the central terminal 4 is a punch cut produced during the stamping of the blocking portion 43, and is not intentionally formed. That is to say, the material corresponding to window 402 is stamped and formed into the blocking portion 43.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection module 100 of the connector of the second embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 18 is the same as the electrical connection module 100 of the connector of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0100] It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle.

[0101] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

What is claimed is,1. A connector housing, comprising: a peripheral wall (10) which surrounds an inner cavity (101) for inserting an outer terminal (2) of a connector and is formed with a second lock slot (10b) communicated with the inner cavity (101); a first lock (11) which is formed inside the peripheral wall (10) and is adapted to axially rest against a first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101); and a second lock (12) which is formed on the exterior of the peripheral wall (10) and adapted to be moved between a locking position engaged with the second lock slot (10b) and an unlocking position separated from the second lock slot (10b), wherein when the second lock (12) is in the locking position, the second lock (12) is adapted to axially rest against the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101).

2. The connector housing according to claim 1, wherein the connector housing (1) has a front port and a rear port that are opposite in its axial direction, and the outer terminal (2) is inserted into the inner cavity (101) from the rear port, the first lock (11) and the second lock (12) are adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to prevent the outer terminal (2) from being pulled out from the rear port.

3. The connector housing according to claim 2, wherein a positioning step (13) is formed inside the peripheral wall (10), and the positioning step (13) has a positioning surface (13c) perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing (1), the positioning surface (13c) is adapted to axially abut against the front side (21) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to axially position the outer terminal (2).

4. The connector housing according to claim 3, wherein the connector housing (1) comprises one first lock (11) and one second lock (12), and the one first lock (11) and the one second lock (12) are radially opposite to each other in the inner cavity (101).

5. The connector housing according to claim 4, wherein the first lock (11) comprises: an elastic arm (Ila) having a root connected to the peripheral wall (10) and extendingforward along the axial direction by a predetermined length from the root; and a protrusion (11b) which is formed at the end of the elastic arm (Ila) and protrudes into the inner cavity (101), wherein the protrusion (11b) is adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101).

6. The connector housing according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion (11b) has a front end surface (11c) perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing (1), and the front end surface (11c) of the protrusion (11b) is axially opposite to the positioning surface (13c) of the positioning step (13) and is adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101).

7. The connector housing according to claim 5, wherein an opening corresponding to the first lock (11) is formed in the peripheral wall (10), allowing the first lock (11) to be driven from a locking position engaged with the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) to an unlocking position separated from the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) by an unlocking tool inserted into the opening.

8. The connector housing according to claim 4, wherein the second lock (12) comprises: a cantilever portion (12a) having a root connected to the peripheral wall (10) and extending forward a predetermined length from its root; and a hook shaped portion (12b) connected to the end of the cantilever portion (12a) and adapted to be snapped into the second lock slot (10b), wherein when the second lock (12) is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion (12b) is snapped and locked into the second lock slot (10b) and adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101).

9. The connector housing according to claim 8, wherein the hook shaped portion (12b) has a limiting surface (12c); wherein when the hook shaped portion (12b) is snapped and locked into the second lock slot (10b), the limiting surface (12c) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connector housing (1) and axially opposite to the positioning surface (13c) of the positioning step (13), for axial abutment on the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101).

10. The connector housing according to claim 3, wherein the connector housing (1) comprises a pair of first locks (11) and a pair of second locks (12), and the connector housing (1) has a pair of second lock slots (10b) corresponding to the pair of second locks (12) respectively; wherein the pair of first locks (11) are opposite in a first radial direction of the inner cavity (101), and the pair of second locks (12) are opposite in a second radial direction of the inner cavity (101), and the first radial direction is perpendicular to the second radial direction.

11. The connector housing according to claim 10, wherein the first lock (11) comprises: a locking protrusion (11’) which is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cavity (101), wherein the locking protrusion (11’) is adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101), to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101).

12. The connector housing according to claim 11, wherein the locking protrusion (11’) has a smooth transition arc-shaped front side (Ila’) and arc-shaped rear side (11b’), allowing the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) to pass over the locking protrusion (11’) under a predetermined axial force, so that the unlocking operation of the first lock (11) does not require any unlocking tool.

13. The connector housing according to claim 10, wherein the second lock (12) comprises: a cantilever portion (12a) having a root connected to the peripheral wall (10) and extending forward a predetermined length from its root; and a hook shaped portion (12b) connected to the end of the cantilever portion (12a) and adapted to be snapped into the second lock slot (10b), wherein when the second lock (12) is in the locking position, the hook shaped portion (12b) is snapped and locked into the second lock slot (10b) and adapted to axially rest against the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101) to lock the outer terminal (2) in the inner cavity (101).

14. The connector housing according to claim 13, wherein the hook shaped portion (12b) has a limiting surface (12c); wherein when the hook shaped portion (12b) is snapped and locked into the second lock slot (10b), the limiting surface (12c) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the connectorhousing (1) and axially opposite to the positioning surface (13c) of the positioning step (13), for axial abutment on the rear side (21b) of the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) inserted into the inner cavity (101).

15. The connector housing according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the connector housing (1) is an integral injection molded piece.

16. A connector, comprising: the connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1-15; and an electrical connection module (100) which is inserted into the inner cavity (101) of the connector housing (1), wherein the electrical connection module (100) comprises: an outer terminal (2) formed with a first positioning flange (21); an insulation core (3) inserted into the outer terminal (2); and a central terminal (4) inserted into the insulation core (3), wherein the first lock (11) and the second lock (12) of the connector housing (1) are axially pressed against the first positioning flange (21) of the outer terminal (2) to lock the electrical connection module (100) in the inner cavity (101) of the connector housing (1).

17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the central terminal (4) comprises: a tubular part (40) having front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, and a central through-hole (401) extending between its front and rear ends; a welding end (41) connected to the rear end of the tubular part (40), used for welding to a conductor core (51) of a cable (5); and a contact end (42) connected to the front end of the tubular part (40) for mating and electrical contact with a mating center terminal, wherein a window (402) and a blocking portion (43) connected to the side of the window (402) are formed on the peripheral wall (10) of the tubular part (40), and the blocking portion (43) is bent into the central through-hole (401) through the window (402) and at least partially blocks the central through-hole (401), so that solder at the welding end (41) cannot flow through the central through-hole (401) to the contact end (42) when welding the welding end (41).

18. The connector according to claim 17, further comprising: a cable (5) with a conductor core (51), wherein the welding end (41) of the central terminal (4) is welded to the conductor core (51) of the cable (5), wherein the outer terminal (2) for mating and electrical contact with a mating outerterminal is fitted onto the insulation core (3) and electrically connected to the shielding layer (52) of the cable (5).

19. The connector according to claim 18, wherein the outer terminal (2) comprises: a cylindrical body (20) with front and rear ends opposite in its axial direction, wherein the front end of the cylindrical body (20) is used for mating and electrical contact with the mating outer terminal, and the rear end of the cylindrical body (20) is fitted onto the cable (5) and welded to the shielding layer (52) of the cable (5).

20. The connector according to claim 19, wherein the first positioning flange (21) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body (20) and located at the middle part between the front and rear ends of the cylindrical body (20); wherein a second positioning flange (22) is formed at the rear end of the cylindrical body (20), and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange (21) and the second positioning flange (22) are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity (101) of the connector housing (1) to radially position the outer terminal (2).

21. The connector according to claim 20, wherein the outer peripheral surfaces of the first positioning flange (21) and the second positioning flange (22) have the same central axis and the same diameter, so that the electrical connection module (100) positioned inside the connector housing (1) will not tilt or shake.

22. The connector according to claim 21, wherein the first positioning flange (21) extends continuously in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (20) to form a circular ring shape; wherein multiple slots (22a) are formed on the second positioning flange (22), the multiple slots (22a) are distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body (20).

23. The connector according to claim 16, wherein the outer terminal (2) is an integral stamped piece; and / or wherein the central terminal (4) is an integral stamped piece.

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