Connector and electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of electronic power, and discloses a connector and an electronic device, so as to implement detachable installation of the connector in the electronic device, and improve maintainability and assembly efficiency of the electronic device. The connector comprises a first housing, a locking plate and a terminal, the first housing comprising a first end face and a second end face which are oppositely arranged along a first direction, and the first housing being provided with a first containing cavity extending along the first direction and penetrating through the first end face. The first housing comprises a first side outer wall, a limiting wall and a first elastic arm being disposed at the first side outer wall, a sliding way being formed between the limiting wall and the first side outer wall, and an insertion groove being formed between the first elastic arm and the first side outer wall. The first elastic arm is provided with a first clamping hook, and the first clamping hook is provided with a clamping face facing the second end face. The locking plate comprises a body and an insertion part, the body being slidingly disposed at the sliding way, the insertion part being fixed to the body, and the locking plate having a first state causing the insertion part to be located outside the insertion groove, and a second state causing the insertion part to be inserted into the insertion groove.

Description

Connector and electronic equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 29, 2024, with application number 202410232205.6 and application name “A Connector and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of electronic power technology, and in particular to a connector and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0004] Connectors enable electrical continuity between two independent electrical structures. For example, an electrical connection between an electronic device and an external cable can be achieved through a set of connectors. On the electronic device side, the connector is typically snap-fitted to the electronic device's mounting panel, and the snap-fit ​​between the connector and the mounting panel is often a one-time snap-fit. In other words, once the connector and the mounting panel are attached, they cannot be completely removed. If a problem occurs with the connector, it can be separated from the mounting panel by simply breaking the connector. As a result, the connector's maintainability is relatively poor, which is not conducive to reducing the maintenance cost of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a connector and an electronic device to achieve detachable installation of the connector in the electronic device, thereby improving the maintainability and assembly efficiency of the electronic device.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a connector, which includes a first shell, a locking plate and a terminal. The first shell includes a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and the first shell is provided with a first accommodating cavity, which can extend along the first direction and pass through the first end face, and the terminal is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity. In addition, the first shell also includes a first side outer wall arranged away from the first accommodating cavity, the first side outer wall is provided with a limiting wall and a first elastic arm, a slide extending along the first direction can be formed between the limiting wall and the first side outer wall, the first end of the first elastic arm is connected to the first side outer wall, the second end of the first elastic arm extends toward the first end face, and a slot extending along the first direction can be formed between the first elastic arm and the first side outer wall. A first hook is provided on the side of the first elastic arm facing away from the first side outer wall, and the first hook has a locking surface facing the first end face. The locking plate includes a main body and an inserting part. The main body is slidably arranged on the slide, and the inserting part is fixed to the main body, so that the inserting part can slide along the first direction with the main body. The locking plate includes a first state in which the inserting part is located outside the slot and a second state in which the inserting part is inserted into the slot.

[0007] In the present application, in a first state of the locking plate, the second end of the first elastic arm can bend toward the first side outer wall under the action of an external force; in a second state of the locking plate, the plug portion is inserted between the first elastic arm and the first side outer wall, thereby providing support for the first elastic arm, preventing the first elastic arm from bending even under the action of an external force. Based on this design, when the connector is installed on the mounting panel of the electronic device, the locking plate is in the first state so that the connector can be smoothly inserted into the opening of the mounting panel with the first elastic arm bent. After the insertion is completed, the locking plate is switched to the second state so that the first hook of the first elastic arm is reliably retained in the mounting panel. Conversely, when the connector is removed from the mounting panel, the locking plate is switched from the second state to the first state so that the connector can be smoothly removed from the opening of the mounting panel with the first elastic arm bent. As can be seen, the connector provided by the present application can be easily and quickly installed and removed, effectively improving the maintainability and assembly efficiency of the electronic device.

[0008] In some embodiments, a surface of the first hook facing away from the first side outer wall includes an inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the first hook gradually slopes away from the first side outer wall along a direction from the first side toward the second end face. During the process of inserting the connector into the opening of the mounting panel, the inclined surface can reduce the risk of interference between the first hook and the mounting panel, allowing the first hook to smoothly move from one side of the mounting panel through the opening to the other side of the mounting panel under the guidance of the inclined surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second end of the first elastic arm has a first latch. The locking plate includes a second elastic arm, a gap is formed between the second elastic arm and the first side outer wall, the first end of the second elastic arm is connected to the body, the second end of the second elastic arm extends toward the second end face, and the second end of the second elastic arm has a second latch. When the second latch is engaged with the side of the first latch facing the first end face, the locking plate is in a first state, and when the second latch is engaged with the first latch facing away from the first end face, the locking plate is in a second state. In addition, the second elastic arm has a protrusion on the side facing away from the first side outer wall, and the protrusion can be used to withstand external force, so that the second elastic arm can bend and deform under the action of external force, thereby enabling the second elastic arm to move from one side of the first latch to the other side of the first latch when deformed, thereby realizing the switching of the locking plate between the two states.

[0010] In some embodiments, a surface of the raised portion facing away from the first side outer wall includes an inclined surface, and the inclined surface of the raised portion gradually slopes away from the first side outer wall along a direction from the first end face to the second end face. When the connector is inserted into the display panel, the inclined surface can reduce the risk of interference between the second end of the second elastic arm and the mounting panel, thereby improving the installation convenience of the connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the locking plate is in the first state, at least a portion of the protrusion is located on the side of the locking surface of the first hook facing away from the first end face. When the connector is installed on the mounting panel, the first hook moves from one side of the mounting panel to the other side of the mounting panel through the opening of the mounting panel. When the other side surface of the mounting panel abuts the locking surface of the first hook, the inner wall of the opening of the mounting panel can apply pressure to at least a portion of the protrusion, causing the second elastic arm to bend toward the outer wall of the first side, thereby allowing the locking plate to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0012] In some embodiments, a groove is provided on the first side outer wall, extending along a first direction and having a first groove wall and a second groove wall disposed opposite each other along the first direction. A slider is provided on a surface of the body facing the first side outer wall, and the slider slides within the groove. When the locking plate is in a first state, the slider abuts the first groove wall, and when the locking plate is in a second state, the slider abuts the second groove wall. The limiting effect of the first and second groove walls and the slider can reduce the risk of the locking plate slipping out of the slideway, thereby improving the operational reliability of the locking plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, a boss is provided in the groove, and the boss is provided between the first groove wall and the second groove wall. When the locking plate is in the first state, the slider is limited between the boss and the first groove wall. When the locking plate is in the second state, the slider is limited between the boss and the second groove wall. This design can more reliably lock the locking plate in the first state or the second state.

[0014] In addition, the surface of the boss facing the first groove wall can be a slope with an obtuse angle to the bottom of the groove, and the surface of the boss facing the second groove wall can also be a slope with an obtuse angle to the bottom of the groove. These two slopes can provide a certain guiding effect for the slider, reducing the risk of the boss hindering the movement of the slider.

[0015] In some embodiments, an end of the body proximate the second end surface extends out of the slideway, and a second hook is disposed on the end of the body proximate the second end surface, the second hook having a locking surface facing the first end surface. When the locking plate is in the first state, the locking surface of the second hook abuts against the end of the limiting wall facing the second end surface. The limiting wall restrains the second hook, thereby reducing the risk of the locking plate slipping out of the slideway.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a second side outer wall, a third side outer wall, and a fourth side outer wall facing away from the first accommodating cavity, wherein the first side outer wall and the second side outer wall are disposed opposite each other along the second direction, and the third side outer wall and the fourth side outer wall are disposed opposite each other along the third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second side outer wall is provided with a retaining groove, which extends along the third direction, with its ends respectively penetrating the third side outer wall and the fourth side outer wall. When the connector is mounted on the mounting panel, the retaining groove can engage with the inner wall of the opening of the mounting panel, thereby limiting the installation position of the connector.

[0017] In one implementation, along the first direction, the width of the locking groove is greater than the thickness of the mounting panel, so that when the mounting panel is locked in the locking groove, the connector can rotate relative to the mounting panel around a third direction with the locking groove as the rotation point, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connector includes a plurality of terminals, at least one of which includes a mating surface for mating with a mating connector. The mating terminal can achieve electrical connection with the terminal by overlapping the mating surface of the terminal. The mating surface is provided with two raised contacts, which are spaced apart along the length of the terminal. When the connector is disconnected from the mating connector, one of the two contacts that is farther from the plug end of the terminal will disconnect from the mating terminal before the other contact. In this way, the terminal burn area that occurs during the plugging and unplugging process can be controlled near the contact that is disconnected later, and the one contact farther from the plug end of the terminal can maintain normal use, so that signals can be reliably transmitted using this contact.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connector includes multiple terminals, at least one of which includes a fixed portion and two extending arms. The two extending arms are respectively connected to the fixed portion and are arranged opposite each other. The space between the two extending arms is used to clamp the opposite terminal. Each extending arm is provided with a raised contact on the side facing the other extending arm. This dual-contact structure design allows signal transmission to be achieved even if a connection failure occurs between one contact and the opposite terminal, using the connection between the other contact and the opposite terminal. This effectively improves the reliability of signal transmission between the connector and the opposite connector.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fixing portion may be provided with a barb, and the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity may be provided with a limiting groove, and the barb may be snapped into the limiting groove to achieve positioning of the terminal in the first accommodating cavity through the cooperation between the barb and the limiting groove.

[0021] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity is provided with one or more guide protrusions or guide grooves, which extend along the first direction. The cooperation between the guide protrusions or guide grooves and the corresponding structure of the opposite connector can provide guidance for the plugging process of the connector and the opposite connector, and can also achieve precise positioning of the opposite connector within the first housing, ensuring reliable electrical connection between the terminals.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connector includes multiple terminals, each of which extends from the second end surface to the outside of the first accommodating cavity. In this case, the second end surface may be provided with multiple partitions, each of which is provided between any two adjacent terminals to isolate the adjacent terminals, reduce safety risks caused by air breakdown in high-voltage scenarios, and improve the reliability of the connector.

[0023] In the second aspect, the present application also provides a connector assembly, which includes a counterpart connector and a connector in any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the counterpart connector and the connector are plugged into each other to realize signal transmission between the counterpart connector and the connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the opposite connector includes a second shell, an opposite terminal and a plug, wherein the second shell is provided with a second accommodating cavity, and the second accommodating cavity passes through the third end face and the fourth end face of the second shell along the first direction; the opposite terminal is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, and one end of the opposite terminal located in the second accommodating cavity is used to connect with the terminal, and the other end of the opposite terminal extends from the fourth end face to the outside of the second accommodating cavity; the plug can be inserted into the second accommodating cavity from the fourth end face to seal the gap between the opposite terminal and the inner wall of the second accommodating cavity. In this way, when the mesh tail is subsequently injection molded on one side of the fourth end face of the second shell, the risk of the injection molding material entering the second accommodating cavity can be reduced to avoid affecting the conductivity of the end of the opposite terminal located in the second accommodating cavity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fourth end surface may be provided with one or more hooks, each having a hooking surface facing the fourth end surface. After the net tail is formed by injection molding, the net tail can form a hooking fit with the hooking surface, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the net tail and the hook, and further helping to improve the reliability of the connection between the net tail and the second housing.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a mounting panel and a connector according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, wherein the mounting panel is provided with an opening, the connector is inserted into the opening, and the engaging surface of the first hook abuts against a side surface of the mounting panel. When the connector is mounted on the mounting panel of the electronic device, the locking plate is placed in a first state so that the connector can be smoothly inserted into the opening when the first elastic arm is bent. After the insertion is completed, the locking plate is switched to a second state, and the engaging surface of the first hook abuts against the surface of the mounting panel, so that the connector can be reliably fixed to the mounting panel. When the connector is removed from the mounting panel, the locking plate is switched from the second state to the first state, so that the connector can be smoothly removed from the opening of the mounting panel when the first elastic arm is bent. It can be seen that the connector can be easily and quickly disassembled and assembled in the electronic device, thereby effectively improving the maintainability and assembly efficiency of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a connection structure between an electronic device and a cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a connection structure between another electronic device and a cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector in an assembled state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application in another assembled state;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a first housing provided in an embodiment of the present application at a viewing angle;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a first housing provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0034] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking plate provided in an embodiment of the present application from a viewing angle;

[0035] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the locking plate shown in FIG8 from another perspective;

[0036] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of another connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG11 is a side view of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector provided by an embodiment of the present application during installation on a mounting panel;

[0039] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application after being installed on a mounting panel;

[0040] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0042] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a counterpart connector provided in an embodiment of the present application from a viewing angle;

[0043] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of the opposite-end connector provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0044] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a terminal and a terminal at the opposite end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG19 is a schematic diagram showing the mating state of another terminal and the opposite terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Reference Signs: 1000 - electronic device; 1100 - power module; 1110 - housing; 1111 - mounting panel; 1111a - first side of mounting panel; 1111b - second side of mounting panel; 11111 - opening; 1200 - load module; 1300 - power input module; 2000 - power supply; 3000 - cable; 4000 - connector assembly; 4100 - female connector; 4200 - male connector; 100 - connector; 110 - first housing; 1101 - first end face; 1102 - second end face; 11021 - through hole; 11022 - partition; 1103 - first side outer wall; 11031 - avoidance groove; 11032 - groove; 11033 - boss; 1104 - second side outer wall; 11041 - latching groove; 1105 - third side outer wall; 1106 - fourth side outer wall; 1103' - first side inner wall; 1104' - second side inner wall; 1105' - third side inner wall; 1106' - fourth side inner wall; 111 - first accommodating cavity; 112 - limiting wall; 1121 - first connecting wall; 1122 - second connecting wall; 113 - slideway; 114 - first elastic arm; 1141 - first end of first elastic arm; 1142 - second end of first elastic arm; 1143 - elastic arm body; 1144 - bending portion; 1145 - first hook; 11451 - Clamping surface of first hook; 1146 - First clamping block; 115 - Slot; 116 - Retaining wall; 117 - Guide rib; 118 - Guide protrusion; 1181 - Fan-shaped protrusion; 1182 - Arc-shaped protrusion; 1183 - Angular protrusion; 1184 - Rectangular protrusion; 120 - Locking plate; 121 - Main body; 1212 - Second hook; 12121 - Clamping surface of second hook; 1211 - Guide block; 122 - Connecting portion; 123 - Second elastic arm; 1231 - First end of second elastic arm; 1232 - Second end of second elastic arm; 1233 - Second clamping block; 1234 - Protrusion; 130 - Terminal; 131-mating surface; 1311-first contact; 1312-second contact; 132-fixing portion; 1321-hook; 133-extension arm; 200-opposite end connector; 210-second shell; 2101-third end face; 2102-fourth end face; 21021-hook; 211-second accommodating cavity; 212-guide groove; 2121-fan-shaped groove; 2122-arc-shaped groove; 2123-angular groove; 2124-rectangular groove; 220-opposite end terminal; 230-plug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of the present application are all explained using the accompanying drawings as examples, but changes may be made as needed, and the changes made are all included in the scope of protection of the present application. The drawings in the embodiments of the present application are only used to illustrate the relative position relationship and do not represent the true proportion.

[0048] It should be noted that the following description sets forth specific details to facilitate understanding of the present application. However, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in a variety of other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations without violating the connotations of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an electronic device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG1 , the electronic device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application may be, but is not limited to, a variety of electrical devices such as switching equipment, access equipment, and communication equipment. The electronic device 1000 may include a power module 1100 and a load module 1200. The input end of the power module 1100 is connected to the power supply 2000, and the output end of the power module 1100 is connected to the load module 1200. The power module 1100 may be used to adjust the electrical energy provided by the power supply 2000 to electrical energy compatible with the load module 1200 and then output it to the load module 1200.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power module 1100 may be a direct current / direct current (DC / DC) module, which is used to step up or step down the direct current output by the power supply 2000 and then output direct current to the load module 1200 .

[0051] In some other embodiments, the power module 1100 may be an alternating current / direct current (AC / DC) module, which is used to step up or down the AC power output by the power supply 2000 and then output DC power to the load module 1200.

[0052] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between an electronic device 1000 and a cable 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG2 , in an embodiment of the present application, the input end of the power module 1100 is connected to the cable 3000, and is further connected to the power supply through the cable 3000. In a specific implementation, the cable 3000 and the power module 1100 can be connected through a connector assembly 4000. The connector assembly 4000 includes a female connector 4100 and a male connector 4200, wherein the female connector 4100 can be provided on the power module 1100, and the male connector 4200 can be provided on the end of the cable 3000. The cable 3000 can be connected to the power module 1100 by mating and plugging the male connector 4200 with the female connector 4100.

[0053] In one implementation, the power module 1100 includes a housing 1110 and a circuit structure disposed within the housing 1110. The housing 1110 includes a mounting panel 1111 having an opening (not shown). The female connector 4100 can be inserted into the opening, with one end face of the female connector 4100 located within the housing 1110 and the other end face exposed to the outside of the housing 1110 through the opening. The male connector 4200 can be plugged into the female connector 4100 through the end face of the female connector 4100 exposed to the housing, thereby achieving a mutual connection between the male connector 4200 and the female connector 4100.

[0054] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of another electronic device 1000 and a cable 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG3 , in an embodiment of the present application, the electronic device 1000 may further include a power entry module (PEM) 1300. The input end of the power entry module 1300 is connected to the power supply 2000 via a cable, and the output end of the power entry module 1300 is connected to the power module 1100. The input end of the power entry module 1300 and the cable 3000 may be connected via a connector assembly 4000. Similarly, the connector assembly 4000 includes a female connector 4100 and a male connector 4200. The female connector 4100 may be provided on the power entry module 1300, and the male connector 4200 may be provided on the end of the cable 3000. The cable 3000 may be connected to the power entry module 1300 by mating the male connector 4200 with the female connector 4100.

[0055] In this embodiment, the power input module 1300 may also include an installation panel, and the female connector 4100 may be set on the installation panel in the same manner as in the aforementioned embodiment to facilitate mating with the male connector 4200. The specific source will not be repeated.

[0056] As can be seen from the above description, the connector assembly 4000 is the main connection device for connecting the cable 3000 to the electronic device 1000. In the traditional connector assembly 4000, the female connector 4100 is generally fixed to the installation panel of the power module 1100 or the power input module 1300 by snapping, and the snap-fit ​​structure and the installation panel are a one-time snap-fit ​​connection. In other words, once the female connector 4100 and the installation panel are installed and fixed, they cannot be completely removed. If there is a problem with the female connector 4100, the female connector 4100 can only be separated from the installation panel by destroying the snap-fit ​​structure of the female connector 4100. Therefore, the female connector 4100 has relatively poor maintainability, which is not conducive to reducing the maintenance cost of the electronic device 1000.

[0057] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a connector and a connector assembly and an electronic device including the connector. The connector can be detachably installed in the installation panel of the electronic device, and the installation method is simple and reliable, thus helping to improve the maintainability and assembly efficiency of the electronic device. It should be noted that the connector assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application can not only be used in the above-mentioned connection scenario between the electronic device and the cable, but is also applicable to the cable transfer scenario. In this case, the male connector and the female connector are respectively arranged at the ends of the two cables to bridge and fix the two cables. The connector and the connector assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application are specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application in an assembled state, and FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application in another assembled state. Referring to FIG4 and FIG5 , in the embodiment of the present application, the connector 100 includes a first shell 110, a locking plate 120, and a terminal 130, wherein the first shell 110 and the locking plate 120 can be made of plastic materials, and the terminal 130 is made of metal. The first shell 110 is a roughly hexahedral structure. The first shell 110 includes a first end face 1101 and a second end face 1102 that are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The first shell 110 is provided with a first accommodating cavity 111. The first accommodating cavity 111 extends along the first direction x and passes through the first end face 1101. The first accommodating cavity 111 can be used to accommodate the terminal 130. In addition, along the circumference of the first shell 110 , the shell 110 may further include a first side outer wall 1103 facing away from the first accommodating cavity 111 . The locking plate 120 is disposed on the first side outer wall 1103 , and the locking plate 120 slides along the first direction x on the first side outer wall 1103 .

[0059] In some embodiments, along the circumference of the first shell 110, the first shell 110 further includes a second side outer wall 1104, a third side outer wall 1105, and a fourth side outer wall 1106. The first side outer wall 1103 and the second side outer wall 1104 are disposed opposite each other along the second direction y, and the third side outer wall 1105 and the fourth side outer wall 1106 are disposed opposite each other along the third direction z. The first side outer wall 1103, the third side outer wall 1105, the second side outer wall 1104, and the fourth side outer wall 1106 are sequentially connected to form the circumferential outer wall of the first shell 110. The first direction x, the second direction y, and the third direction z are arranged at an angle to each other. For example, the first direction x, the second direction y, and the third direction z may be the length, height, and width directions of the first shell 110, respectively, and the three directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0060] In some embodiments, the connector 100 may include a plurality of terminals 130, which are spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of terminals 130 may include power terminals and communication terminals, wherein the power terminals may be used to transmit power signals and the communication terminals may be used to transmit communication signals.

[0061] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first shell 110 provided in an embodiment of the present application from one perspective, and FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first shell 110 provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective. In an embodiment of the present application, the end of the terminal 130 facing the first end face 1101 can be used to cooperate with the opposite terminal, and the end of the terminal 130 facing away from the first end face 1101 can be used to connect to a device or cable of an electronic device. In one implementation, the second end face 1102 is provided with a through hole 11021, which is connected to the first accommodating cavity 111, and the end of the terminal 130 facing away from the first end face 1101 can extend to the outside of the first accommodating cavity 111 through the through hole 11021 to facilitate connection with a device or cable. In addition, when there are multiple terminals 130, the multiple terminals 130 can extend from the corresponding through holes 11021 to the outside of the first accommodating cavity 111. At this time, the second end face 1102 can be provided with multiple partitions 11022, and each partition 11022 is respectively provided between any two adjacent terminals 130 to isolate the adjacent terminals 130, reduce the safety risk caused by air breakdown in high-voltage scenarios, and improve the reliability of the connector.

[0062] 7 , in the embodiment of the present application, a limiting wall 112 is provided on the first side outer wall 1103. A slideway 113 may be formed between the limiting wall 112 and the first side outer wall 1103. The slideway 113 extends along the first direction x. In a specific implementation, the limiting wall 112 may include a first connecting wall 1121 and a second connecting wall 1122. One end of the first connecting wall 1121 is connected to the first side outer wall 1103, and the other end of the first connecting wall 1121 is connected to the second connecting wall 1122. The second connecting wall 1122 is substantially parallel to the first side outer wall 1103. In this way, the gap between the second connecting wall 1122 and the first side outer wall 1103 may form the slideway 113.

[0063] In some embodiments, one end of the limiting wall 112 facing the first end surface 1101 can be flush with the first end surface 1101, so that the slideway 113 formed by the limiting wall 112 and the first side outer wall 1103 extends from the first end surface 1101. Alternatively, there may be two limiting walls 112, the two limiting walls 112 being arranged at intervals along the third direction z, and the two limiting walls 112 and the first side outer wall 1103 respectively forming a slideway 113 extending along the first direction, and the two slideways 113 are also arranged along the third direction z.

[0064] Continuing with FIG7 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first side outer wall 1103 is further provided with a first elastic arm 114. The first elastic arm 114 extends along the first direction x, with a first end 1141 of the first elastic arm 114 positioned proximate to the second end surface 1102, and a second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 positioned proximate to the first end surface 1101. The first end 1141 of the first elastic arm 114 is connected to the first side outer wall 1103, while the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 is spaced apart from the first side outer wall 1103. Based on this design, a slot 115 is formed between the first elastic arm 114 and the first side outer wall 1103. The slot 115 also extends along the first direction x, with an opening of the slot 115 facing the first end surface 1101. When the first elastic arm 114 is subjected to an external force, the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 can bend toward the first side outer wall 1103.

[0065] In this embodiment, along the first direction x, there can be a certain distance between the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 and the first end face 1101, and the slot 115 extends from a certain position between the first end face 1101 and the second end face 1102, or it can be understood that the opening of the slot 115 is located at a position between the first end face 1101 and the second end face 1102.

[0066] In a specific implementation, the first elastic arm 114 may include an elastic arm body 1143 and a bent portion 1144. The bent portion 1144 is connected to one end of the elastic arm body 1143 facing the second end surface 1102, and the bent portion 1144 is bent relative to the elastic arm body 1143 toward the first side outer wall 1103 to facilitate connection with the first side outer wall 1103. The elastic arm body 1143 is substantially parallel to the first side outer wall 1103, and the gap between the elastic arm body 1143 and the first side outer wall 1103 can form the slot 115.

[0067] In some embodiments, there may be two first elastic arms 114, arranged along the third direction z. The two first elastic arms 114 and the first side outer wall 1103 each form a slot 115 extending along the first direction x. For example, the bent portions 1144 of the two first elastic arms 114 may be integrally formed, and the elastic arm bodies 1143 of the two first elastic arms 114 are spaced apart along the third direction z. The slots 115 formed between the two first elastic arms 114 and the first side outer wall 1103 are also arranged along the third direction z. The two first elastic arms 114 may be approximately centered within the first side outer wall 1103. If two limiting walls 112 are provided on the first side outer wall 1103, the two first elastic arms 114 may be located between the two limiting walls 112.

[0068] Continuing with FIG7 , the first elastic arm 114 has a first hook 1145 on a surface facing away from the first side outer wall 1103. The first hook 1145 has a latching surface 11451 facing the second end surface 1102. When the connector is mounted on a mounting panel, the latching surface 11451 of the first hook 1145 can be configured to abut against the surface of the mounting panel. For example, the first hook 1145 can be disposed at the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114. In one implementation, the surface of the first hook 1145 facing away from the first side outer wall 1103 includes an inclined surface. The inclined surface of the first hook 1145 gradually slopes away from the first side outer wall 1103 along the direction from the first end surface 1101 to the second end surface 1102. In other words, the angle between the inclined surface of the first hook 1145 and the surface of the first elastic arm 114 facing away from the first side outer wall 1103 is acute.

[0069] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a locking plate 120 provided in an embodiment of the present application from a perspective. Referring to FIG7 and FIG8 , in an embodiment of the present application, the locking plate 120 includes a main body 121 and a plug-in portion 122. The main body 121 is slidably disposed on the slide 113, and the plug-in portion 122 is fixed to the main body 121. Specifically, the plug-in portion 122 can be fixed to an end of the main body 121 facing the second end face 1102. When the main body 121 slides along the first direction x, the plug-in portion 122 simultaneously slides along the first direction x. In conjunction with FIG4 and FIG5 , the plug-in portion 122 can be inserted into the slot 115 when the main body 121 slides toward the second end face 1102, and can be removed from the slot 115 when the main body 121 slides away from the second end face 1102. Based on this, the locking plate 120 can have two working states, namely a first state in which the plug-in portion 122 is located outside the slot 115 and a second state in which the plug-in portion 122 is plugged into the slot 115. Figure 4 shows the structure of the connector 100 in the first state of the locking plate 120, and Figure 5 shows the structure of the connector 100 in the second state of the locking plate 120.

[0070] It is easy to understand that when the locking plate 120 is in the first state, there is no other structure between the first elastic arm 114 and the first side outer wall 1103, and the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 can be bent toward the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103 under the action of external force. When the locking plate 120 is in the second state, the plug-in portion 122 is located between the first elastic arm 114 and the first side outer wall 1103, thereby forming a supporting effect on the first elastic arm 114, so that even if the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 is subjected to external force, it will not bend toward the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103.

[0071] In addition, when there are two first elastic arms 114, the locking plate 120 also correspondingly includes two plug-in portions 122, and the two plug-in portions 122 are arranged at intervals along the third direction z. Each plug-in portion 122 and a first elastic arm 114 cooperate with the slot 115 formed by the first side outer wall 1103.

[0072] Continuing with Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the body 121 includes a guide block 1211, which allows the body 121 to slide in engagement with the slideway 113. If the first side outer wall 1103 is provided with two limiting walls 112, the body 121 also correspondingly includes two guide blocks 1211. The two guide blocks 1211 are disposed on either side of the body 121 along the third direction z, and each guide block 1211 slides within the slideway 113 formed by a corresponding limiting wall 112 and the first side outer wall 1103. In this case, the first connecting walls 1121 of the two limiting walls 112 can limit the body 121 in the third direction z, while the second connecting walls 1122 of the two limiting walls 112 can limit the body 121 in the second direction y. This allows the body 121 to slide only in the first direction x, ensuring the reliability of the locking plate 120 when switching between the two states.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the locking plate 120 includes a second elastic arm 123. A first end 1231 of the second elastic arm 123 is connected to the body 121, and a second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 extends toward the second end surface 1102. For example, the second elastic arm 123 may be located between the two plug-in portions 122. A gap is defined between the second elastic arm 123 and the first side outer wall 1103, allowing the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 to bend toward the first side outer wall 1103 under the action of an external force. In one implementation, a relief groove 11031 may be provided at the position opposite the first side outer wall 1103 and the second elastic arm 123. This relief groove 11031 provides sufficient space for the second elastic arm 123 to avoid bending deformation.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 has a first latch 1146, and the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 has a second latch 1233. When the second latch 1233 is engaged with the side of the first latch 1146 facing the first end surface 1101, the locking plate 120 can be locked in the first state. When the second latch 1233 is engaged with the side of the first latch 1146 facing away from the first end surface 1101, the locking plate 120 can be locked in the second state. The cooperation between the first latch 1146 and the second latch 1233 can improve the positional reliability of the locking plate 120 in different states. When the locking plate 120 is switched from the first state to the second state, the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 can bend by receiving an external force in the direction toward the first side outer wall 1103. In this way, the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 can pass through the gap between the first clamping block 1146 and the first side outer wall 1103, and move from the side of the first clamping block 1146 toward the first end face 1101 to the side of the first clamping block 1146 facing away from the first end face 1101. After the external force is removed, the second elastic arm 123 restores its shape, and the second clamping block 1233 is clamped with the side of the first clamping block 1146 facing away from the first end face 1101, so that the locking plate 120 is switched from the first state to the second state.

[0075] In one implementation, the side surface of the second clamping block 1233 facing the first end face 1101 is an inclined surface, and along the direction of the first end face 1101 pointing to the second end face 1102, the inclined surface of the second clamping block 1233 gradually tilts in the direction away from the first side outer wall 1103. Based on this design, when the locking plate 120 is subjected to tension in the second state, the locking plate has a tendency to slide in the direction away from the second end face 1102. In this way, the inclined surface of the second clamping block 1233 will be pressed down by the first clamping block 1146, causing the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 to bend in the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103, thereby allowing the second clamping block 1233 to pass through the gap between the first clamping block 1146 and the first side outer wall 1103 and move to the side of the first clamping block 1146 facing away from the first end face 1101, so that the locking plate 120 switches from the second state to the first state.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second elastic arm 123 has a protrusion 1234 on a side facing away from the first side outer wall 1103. Protrusion 1234 is configured to withstand external forces, thereby causing the second elastic arm 123 to bend and deform under the influence of external forces. For example, during installation of the connector on a mounting panel, protrusion 1234 can withstand external forces applied by the mounting panel toward the first side outer wall 1103. In one implementation, the side surface of protrusion 1234 facing away from the first side outer wall 1103 includes an inclined surface, which gradually slopes away from the first side outer wall 1103 along the direction from the first end face 1101 to the second end face 1102.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, when the locking plate 120 is in the first state, at least a portion of the protrusion 1234 is located on the side of the locking surface 11451 of the first hook 1145 facing away from the first end face 1101. When the connector is installed on the mounting panel, the first hook 1145 moves from one side of the mounting panel to the other side of the mounting panel through the opening of the mounting panel. When the other side surface of the mounting panel abuts against the locking surface 11451 of the first hook 1145, the inner wall of the opening of the mounting panel can apply pressure to at least a portion of the protrusion 1234, causing the second elastic arm 123 to bend toward the first side outer wall 1103, thereby allowing the locking plate 120 to switch from the first state to the second state.

[0078] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the locking plate 120 shown in FIG8 from another perspective. Referring to FIG7 and FIG9 , in the embodiment of the present application, the first side outer wall 1103 is provided with a groove 11032. The groove 11032 extends along the first direction x and comprises a first groove wall and a second groove wall disposed opposite each other along the first direction x. The first groove wall is disposed closer to the first end face 1101 than the second groove wall. Accordingly, a slider 1211 is provided on a surface of the body 121 facing the first side outer wall 1103. The slider 1211 slides within the groove 11032. When the locking plate 120 is in the first state, the slider 1211 abuts the first groove wall. When the locking plate 120 is in the second state, the slider 1211 abuts the second groove wall. The restraining action of the first and second groove walls and the slider reduces the risk of the locking plate 120 slipping out of the slideway 113, thereby improving the operational reliability of the locking plate 120.

[0079] In addition, there can be two sliders 1211 and two grooves 11032 respectively, and the two sliders 1211 and the two grooves 11032 are respectively arranged at intervals along the third direction z. Each slider 1211 is slidably set in the corresponding groove 11032. The cooperation between the two groups of sliders 1211 and the grooves 11032 helps to further improve the working reliability of the locking plate 120.

[0080] In one implementation, a boss 11033 is provided in the groove 11032, and the boss 11033 is provided between the first groove wall and the second groove wall. When the locking plate 120 is in the first state, the slider 1211 is limited between the boss 11033 and the first groove wall. When the locking plate 120 is in the second state, the slider 1211 is limited between the boss 11033 and the second groove wall. This design can more reliably lock the locking plate 120 in the first state or the second state. During the process of switching the locking plate 120 from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state, the slider 1211 can move from one side of the boss 11033 over the boss 11033 to the other side of the boss 11033 through appropriate deformation. In order to reduce the difficulty of moving the slider 1211, in a specific implementation, the surface of the boss 11033 facing the first groove wall can be designed as a slope with an obtuse angle to the bottom of the groove 11032, and the surface of the boss 11033 facing the second groove wall can also be designed as a slope with an obtuse angle to the bottom of the groove 11032. These two slopes can provide a certain guiding effect for the slider 1211, reducing the risk of the boss 11033 hindering the movement of the slider 1211.

[0081] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 10 , in this embodiment of the present application, the end of the body 121 proximate to the second end face 1102 extends out of the slideway 113. A second hook 1212 is provided at the end of the body 121 proximate to the second end face 1102. The second hook 1212 has a latching surface 12121 facing the first end face 1101. When the locking plate 120 is in the first state, the latching surface 12121 of the second hook 1212 abuts against the end of the limiting wall 112 facing the second end face 1102. The limiting effect of the limiting wall 112 on the second hook 1212 also reduces the risk of the locking plate 120 slipping out of the slideway 113. In addition, when the first side outer wall 1103 is provided with two limiting walls 112, the main body 121 can be correspondingly provided with two second hooks 1212, and the engaging surface 12121 of each second hook 1212 cooperates with a corresponding limiting wall 112 to realize the limiting function.

[0082] FIG11 is a side view of a connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to both FIG10 and FIG11 , in this embodiment, a retaining groove 11041 is provided on the second side outer wall 1104 of the first housing 110. The retaining groove 11041 extends along the third direction z, with both ends of the retaining groove 11041 respectively penetrating the third side outer wall 1105 and the fourth side outer wall (not shown). The projection of the retaining groove 11041 in the second direction y is located on the side of the retaining surface 11451 of the first hook 1145 that faces the second end surface 1102 in the second direction y. When the connector 100 is installed on the mounting panel 1111, the locking groove 11041 can be used to lock with the inner wall of the opening of the mounting panel 1111. The width of the locking groove 11041 along the first direction x is greater than the thickness of the mounting panel 1111, so that when the mounting panel 1111 is locked in the locking groove 11041, the connector 100 can rotate relative to the mounting panel 1111 around the third direction z with the locking groove 11041 as the rotation point.

[0083] In addition, at least one side outer wall of the first housing 110 may be provided with a retaining wall 116. The side of the retaining wall 116 facing the first end surface 1101 is substantially flush with the side wall of the retaining groove 11041 away from the first end surface 1101. After the connector 100 is installed on the mounting panel 1111, the retaining wall 116 may abut against a side surface of the mounting panel 1111, thereby limiting movement of the connector 100 relative to the mounting panel 1111 in the first direction x, thereby improving the installation reliability of the connector 100 in the mounting panel 1111. For example, the first side outer wall 1103, the third side outer wall 1105, the second side outer wall 1104, and the fourth side outer wall are each provided with a retaining wall 116. The retaining walls 116 of each side outer wall may be sequentially connected to increase the contact area between the first housing 110 and the mounting panel 1111, thereby further helping to improve the installation reliability of the connector 100 in the mounting panel 1111.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present application, the outer wall of the first shell 110 may also be provided with a guide rib 117. The guide rib 117 may be provided on the side of the retaining wall 116 facing the first end face 1101 and along the side of the first end face 1101 pointing toward the second end face 1102, with the height of the guide rib 117 gradually increasing. During the process of installing the connector 100 on the mounting panel 1111, the guide rib 117 can be squeezed by the inner wall of the opening of the mounting panel 1111. Therefore, the use of the guide rib 117 can increase the mating stability between the first shell 110 and the opening of the mounting panel 1111, thereby reducing the risk of the connector 100 shaking relative to the mounting panel 1111. Exemplarily, there may be multiple guide ribs 117, and the multiple guide ribs 117 may be distributed on each side outer wall of the first shell 110.

[0085] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application during installation on the installation panel 1111, and FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application after being installed on the installation panel 1111. Referring to FIG7, FIG8, FIG12 and FIG13, when the connector 100 is installed on the installation panel 1111, the locking plate 120 is first locked in the first state. When the connector 100 is tilted relative to the installation panel 1111, the first end surface 1101 of the first shell 110 is passed through the first side 1111a of the installation panel 1111 through the opening 11111 of the installation panel 1111, so that the installation panel 1111 is engaged in the locking groove 11041 of the second side outer wall 1104, and then the locking groove 11041 is used as the rotation point, and the connector 100 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Rotate the connector 100 in the needle direction. At this time, the inner wall of the opening 11111 is pressed against the inclined surface 11451 of the first hook 1145, causing the first elastic arm 114 to bend toward the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103. As the connector 100 continues to rotate, the first hook 1145 gradually rotates to the second side 1111b of the mounting panel 1111. After the first hook 1145 is completely located on the second side 1111b of the mounting panel 1111, the clamping surface 11451 of the first hook 1145 abuts against the surface of the second side 1111b of the mounting panel 1111.

[0086] In addition, during the rotation of the connector 100, the inner wall of the opening 11111 is also pressed against the inclined surface of the protrusion 1234 of the second elastic arm 123, causing the second elastic arm 123 to bend toward the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103, thereby causing the second clamping block 1233 of the second elastic arm 123 to no longer abut against the first clamping block 1146 of the first elastic arm 114, thereby releasing the state lock of the locking plate 120. Moreover, after the first hook 1145 is completely rotated to the second side 1111b of the mounting panel 1111, since at least a portion of the protrusion 1234 is located on the side of the engaging surface 11451 of the first hook 1145 facing away from the first end face 1101, at least a portion of the protrusion 1234 will continue to be pressed by the inner wall of the opening 11111, so the locking plate 120 is still in the unlocked state. At this time, the locking plate 120 can slide toward the direction close to the second end face 1102 under the action of the thrust, so that the plug-in portion 122 can be plugged into the slot 115, thereby completing the switching of the locking plate 120 from the first state to the second state.

[0087] After the locking plate 120 switches to the second state, the first elastic arm 114 is supported by the plug-in portion 122, and the first elastic arm 114 can no longer bend even if subjected to external force. Therefore, the first hook 1145 can be reliably engaged with the second side 1111b of the mounting panel 1111, and the retaining wall 116 is limited to the first side 1111a of the mounting panel 1111, so that the connector 100 can be reliably fixed to the mounting panel 1111.

[0088] When the connector 100 is removed from the mounting panel 1111, a pulling force is applied to the locking plate 120 so that the second block 1233 of the second elastic arm 123 is subjected to the downward pressure of the first block 1146. Under this force, the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123 gradually bends toward the direction close to the first side outer wall 1103. During this process, the protrusion 1234 is also subjected to the downward pressure of the inner wall of the opening 11111, thereby increasing the force that bends the second end 1232 of the second elastic arm 123, so that the second block 1233 can pass through the gap between the first block 1146 and the first side outer wall 1103, and move from the side of the first block 1146 facing away from the first end face 1101 to the side of the first block 1146 facing the first end face 1101, thereby switching the locking plate 120 from the second state to the first state. After the locking plate 120 switches to the first state, since there is no longer support from the plug-in portion 122 between the first elastic arm 114 and the first side outer wall 1103, the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 can bend toward the first side outer wall 1103 under the action of external force. When the second end 1142 of the first elastic arm 114 is bent, the connector 100 can be removed from the opening 11111.

[0089] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector assembly 4000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG14 , in the embodiment of the present application, the connector assembly 4000 includes the connector 100 of the aforementioned embodiments and a mating connector 200 that mates with the connector 100. The connector 100 of the aforementioned embodiments can be used as a female connector, and the mating connector 200 can be used as a male connector. The mating connector 200 can be plugged into the first housing 110 of the connector 100, thereby achieving a mating connection between the two connectors.

[0090] In some embodiments, the counterpart connector 200 includes a second housing 210 and a counterpart terminal 220. The second housing 210 is also generally a hexahedral structure. The second housing 210 includes a third end face 2101 and a fourth end face 2102 disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. The second housing 210 is provided with a second accommodating cavity 211 extending through the third end face 2101 and the fourth end face 2102. The second accommodating cavity 211 can be used to accommodate the counterpart terminal 220. When the counterpart connector 200 is plugged into and mated with the connector 100, the second housing 210 is inserted into the first accommodating cavity 111 of the first housing 110, the outer peripheral wall of the second housing 210 contacts the inner wall of the first housing 110, and the counterpart terminal 220 contacts the terminal 130. Thus, signal transmission between the counterpart connector 200 and the connector 100 is achieved through the electrical connection between the counterpart terminal 220 and the terminal 130.

[0091] In addition, when the connector 100 includes multiple terminals 130, the counterpart connector 200 also includes multiple counterpart terminals 220 accordingly, and each counterpart terminal 220 is mated and connected to a corresponding terminal 130. For example, the multiple counterpart terminals 220 can also include power terminals and communication terminals. The power terminals of the counterpart connector 200 are connected to the power terminals of the connector 100, and the communication terminals of the counterpart connector 200 are connected to the communication terminals of the connector 100, so as to realize the transmission of power signals and communication signals between the counterpart connector 200 and the connector 100.

[0092] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity 111 may be provided with a guide protrusion 118, and correspondingly, the outer wall of the second housing 210 may be provided with a guide groove 212. The guide protrusion 118 and the guide groove 212 extend respectively along the first direction x, and the guide protrusion 118 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 212. The cooperation between the guide protrusion 118 and the guide groove 212 not only provides guidance for the plugging process of the opposite connector 200 and the connector 100, but also enables the precise positioning of the opposite connector 200 within the first housing 110, reducing the risk of the opposite connector 200 shaking within the first housing 110, and ensuring that a reliable electrical connection can be achieved between the opposite terminal 220 and the terminal 130.

[0093] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective, and FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a counterpart connector 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective. Referring to FIG15 and FIG16 , in this embodiment, the guide protrusions 118 and the guide grooves 212 can each be multiple, with the multiple guide protrusions 118 being distributed on each inner side wall of the first housing 110, and the multiple guide grooves 212 being distributed on each outer side wall of the second housing 210. The cooperation between the multiple sets of guide protrusions 118 and guide grooves 212 can further improve the cooperation accuracy between the counterpart connector 200 and the connector 100.

[0094] In one implementation, the guide protrusion 118 on the first side inner wall 1103' of the first housing 110 may include a fan-shaped protrusion 1181, and accordingly, the corresponding side outer wall of the second housing 210 is provided with a fan-shaped groove 2121. The cooperation between the fan-shaped protrusion 1181 and the fan-shaped groove 2121 can more conveniently achieve the centering of the opposite connector 200 within the first accommodating cavity 111. In addition, the guide protrusion 118 on the first side inner wall 1103' of the first housing 110 may also include an arc-shaped protrusion 1182, and accordingly, the corresponding side outer wall of the second housing 210 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 2122. The cooperation between the arc-shaped protrusion 1182 and the arc-shaped groove 2122 can provide guidance for the insertion process of the opposite connector 200.

[0095] In one implementation, the guide protrusion 118 of the second side inner wall 1104' of the first shell 110 includes an angular protrusion 1183, and accordingly, the corresponding side outer wall of the second shell 210 is provided with an angular groove 2123. The cooperation between the angular protrusion 1183 and the angular groove 2123 can also guide the plugging process of the opposite connector 200, and can limit the up and down and left and right shaking of the opposite connector 200 in the first accommodating cavity 111.

[0096] In one implementation, the guide protrusions 118 of the third side inner wall 1105' and the fourth side inner wall 1106' of the first shell 110 include rectangular protrusions 1184. Correspondingly, the two corresponding side outer walls of the second shell 210 are respectively provided with rectangular grooves 2124. The cooperation between the rectangular protrusions 1184 and the rectangular grooves 2124 can also guide the plugging process of the opposite connector 200, and can limit the up and down and left and right shaking of the opposite connector 200 in the first accommodating cavity 111.

[0097] It should be understood that in some other embodiments, a guide groove 212 can be provided on the inner wall of the first shell 110, and a guide protrusion 118 can be provided on the outer wall of the second shell 210. In this way, the cooperation between the guide protrusion 118 and the guide groove 212 can be utilized to provide guidance and positioning for the opposite connector 200, which will not be described in detail here.

[0098] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of the opposite-end connector 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective. Referring to FIG15 to FIG17 , in an embodiment of the present application, when the opposite-end connector 200 includes multiple opposite-end terminals 220, the second housing 210 may be provided with multiple second accommodating cavities 211, each of which extends along the first direction x, and each second accommodating cavity 211 is used to accommodate one opposite-end terminal 220. When the opposite-end connector 200 is mated with the connector, the second housing 210 is inserted into the first accommodating cavity 111 through the first end face 1101 of the first housing 110, and the terminal 130 of the connector 100 is inserted into the second accommodating cavity 211 through the third end face 2101 of the second housing 210, and an electrical connection with the opposite-end terminal 220 is achieved in the second accommodating cavity 211.

[0099] In this embodiment, the end of the opposite terminal 220 facing the third end surface 2101 can be used to cooperate with the terminal 130, and the end of the opposite terminal 220 facing away from the third end surface 2101 can be used to connect to the cable. In one implementation, the end of the opposite terminal 220 facing away from the third end surface 2101 can be extended to the outside of the second accommodating cavity 211 through the fourth end surface 2102 to facilitate connection with the cable. After the opposite terminal 220 is connected to the cable, a mesh tail can be formed on one side of the fourth end surface 2102 of the second shell 210 through an injection molding process. The mesh tail can be used to wrap the portion of the opposite terminal 220 exposed outside the second accommodating cavity 211 and the end of the cable to improve the connection reliability between the opposite terminal 220 and the cable.

[0100] In some embodiments, the opposite connector 200 may further include a plug 230 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second accommodating cavity 211. The plug 230 can be inserted into the second accommodating cavity 211 through the fourth end face 2102 to block the gap between the opposite terminal 220 and the inner wall of the second accommodating cavity 211. For example, the portion of the opposite terminal 220 near the fourth end face 2102 is in contact with the inner wall of one side of the second accommodating cavity 211, and the plug 230 is inserted between the opposite terminal 220 and the inner wall of the other side of the second accommodating cavity 211. Through this design, when the mesh tail is subsequently injection-molded on one side of the fourth end face 2102 of the second housing 210, the risk of the injection-molded material entering the second accommodating cavity 211 can be reduced, thereby avoiding affecting the conductivity of the end of the opposite terminal 220 located in the second accommodating cavity 211.

[0101] In addition, the fourth end face 2102 can also be provided with one or more hooks 21021, and the hook 21021 has a hanging plane facing the fourth end face 2102. In this way, after the net tail is formed by injection molding, the net tail can wrap the hook 21021, and the net tail can form a hanging fit with the hanging plane of the hook 21021, thereby improving the connection reliability between the net tail and the hook 21021, and further helping to improve the connection reliability between the net tail and the second shell 210.

[0102] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the mating state of a terminal 130 and a counterpart terminal 220 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG18 , in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal 130 and the counterpart terminal 220 each include a plug-in end. It is easy to understand that during the process of plugging and mating between the connector and the counterpart connector, the plug-in end of the terminal 130 approaches the counterpart terminal 220 before other parts of the terminal. Similarly, the plug-in end of the counterpart terminal 220 also approaches the terminal 130 before other parts of the counterpart terminal. The counterpart terminal 220 can adopt a straight plate structure, and the terminal 130 can include a mating surface 131 for mating with the counterpart terminal 220. The counterpart terminal 220 can achieve electrical connection with the terminal 130 by overlapping the mating surface 131 of the terminal 130. The mating surface 131 of the terminal 130 is provided with two raised contacts 11, and the two contacts 1 are spaced apart along the length direction (i.e., the first direction) of the terminal 130. A contact at the plug-in end close to the terminal 130 is defined as the first contact 1311, and a contact at the plug-in end away from the terminal 130 is defined as the second contact 1312. When the opposite connector is plugged into the connector, at least the second contact 1312 is in contact with the opposite terminal 220, and the signal of the opposite terminal 220 can be transmitted to the terminal 130 through the second contact 1312.

[0103] When the opposite connector is disconnected from the connector, in the process of pulling the opposite connector out of the first shell of the connector, the plug-in end of the opposite terminal 220 gradually moves to the left. It is easy to see that after the second contact 1312 is disconnected from the opposite terminal 220, the first contact 1311 can still maintain contact with the opposite terminal 220 for a short time, that is, the second contact 1312 will be disconnected from the opposite terminal 220 before the first contact 1311, so that the erosion area of ​​the terminal 130 that appears during the plugging and unplugging process can be controlled near the first contact 1311, and the second contact 1312 can maintain normal use status, so the second contact 1312 can be used to reliably transmit signals.

[0104] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present application showing the mating state of a terminal 130 and a terminal 220. Referring to FIG19 , in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal 130 includes a fixed portion 132 and two extension arms 133. The two extension arms 133 are respectively connected to the fixed portion 132, and the two extension arms 133 are arranged opposite to each other. The space between the two extension arms 133 is used to clamp the terminal 220. Each extension arm 133 is provided with a raised contact on the side facing the other extension arm 133. When the terminal connector is plugged into the connector, the terminal 220 is plugged into the two extension arms 133, and the contact of each extension arm 133 is in contact with the terminal 220. Through this dual-contact structure design, even if a connection failure occurs between one of the contacts and the terminal 220, signal transmission can be achieved by utilizing the connection between the other contact and the terminal 220, thereby effectively improving the reliability of signal transmission between the two connectors.

[0105] In some embodiments, the fixing portion 132 may be provided with a barb 1321, and the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity may be provided with a limiting groove. When the terminal 130 is set in the first accommodating cavity, the barb 1321 may be snapped into the limiting groove, so that the terminal 130 can be positioned in the first accommodating cavity through the cooperation between the barb 1321 and the limiting groove.

[0106] It is worth mentioning that in the embodiment of the present application, the multiple terminals 130 of the connector can all adopt the structure shown in Figure 18, or all adopt the structure shown in Figure 19, or some terminals 130 can adopt the structure shown in Figure 18, and other some terminals 130 can adopt the structure shown in Figure 19. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0107] In addition, in some other embodiments, the terminal 130 of the connector can adopt a straight-plate structure design, and the opposite terminal of the opposite connector 200 can adopt the structure shown in Figure 18 or Figure 19. In this way, the connector and the opposite connector can be reliably electrically connected through the cooperation between the terminal 130 and the opposite terminal 220.

[0108] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: It comprises a first housing, a locking plate and a terminal, wherein: The first shell includes a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, the first shell is provided with a first accommodating cavity, the first accommodating cavity extends along the first direction and passes through the first end face; the first shell includes a first side outer wall facing away from the first accommodating cavity, a limiting wall and a first elastic arm are provided on the first side outer wall, a slide extending along the first direction is formed between the limiting wall and the first side outer wall, a first end of the first elastic arm is connected to the first side outer wall, the second end of the first elastic arm extends toward the first end face, a slot extending along the first direction is formed between the first elastic arm and the first side outer wall, a first hook is provided on a side of the first elastic arm facing away from the first side outer wall, and the first hook has a locking surface facing the second end face; The locking plate includes a body and an inserting portion, wherein the body is slidably disposed on the slideway and the inserting portion is fixed to the body. The locking plate has a first state in which the inserting portion is located outside the slot and a second state in which the inserting portion is inserted into the slot. The terminal is disposed in the first accommodating cavity.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A surface of the first hook facing away from the first side outer wall includes an inclined surface, which gradually inclines away from the first side outer wall along the direction from the first end surface to the second end surface.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second end of the first elastic arm has a first clamping block; The locking plate includes a second elastic arm, a gap is defined between the second elastic arm and the first side outer wall, and a surface of the second elastic arm facing away from the first side outer wall has a protrusion; a first end of the second elastic arm is connected to the body, a second end of the second elastic arm extends toward the second end surface, and a second locking block is defined at the second end of the second elastic arm; When the second card block is connected to the side of the first card block facing the first end surface, the locking plate is in the first state; when the second card block is connected to the side of the first card block facing away from the first end surface, the locking plate is in the second state.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: When the locking plate is in the first state, at least a portion of the protrusion is located on a side of the locking surface of the first hook that faces away from the first end surface.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A groove is provided on the outer wall of the first side, the groove extending along a first direction, and the groove has a first groove wall and a second groove wall oppositely arranged along the first direction; A sliding block is provided on one side of the main body facing the first side outer wall, and the sliding block is slidably arranged in the groove.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: A boss is provided in the groove, and the boss is provided between the first groove wall and the second groove wall; When the locking plate is in the first state, the slider is located between the boss and the first groove wall. When the locking plate is in the second state, the slider is located between the boss and the second groove wall.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: One end of the body close to the second end surface extends out of the slideway, and one end of the body close to the second end surface is provided with a second hook, and the second hook has a clamping surface facing the first end surface; When the locking plate is in the first state, the locking surface of the second hook abuts against one end of the limiting wall facing the second end surface.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The housing includes a second side outer wall, a third side outer wall, and a fourth side outer wall facing away from the first accommodating cavity, wherein the second side outer wall and the first side outer wall are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction, and the third side outer wall and the fourth side outer wall are arranged opposite to each other along the third direction; The second side outer wall is provided with a retaining groove extending along the third direction, and two ends of the retaining groove respectively pass through the third side outer wall and the fourth side outer wall; The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: There are multiple terminals, at least one of which includes a mating surface for mating with a terminal at the opposite end of a connector, and the mating surface is provided with two raised contacts, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the terminal.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: There are multiple terminals, at least one of which includes a fixed portion and two extension arms, the two extension walls are respectively connected to the fixed portion, and the two extension walls are arranged opposite to each other, and the space between the two extension walls is used to clamp the opposite terminal of the opposite connector, and each extension wall is provided with a raised contact on one side facing the other extension wall.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein: The fixing portion is provided with a barbed hook, and the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity is provided with a limiting groove, and the barbed hook is engaged in the limiting groove.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The inner wall of the first accommodating cavity is provided with one or more guide protrusions or guide grooves, and the guide protrusions or guide grooves extend along the first direction.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: There are multiple terminals, and the multiple terminals extend out of the first accommodating cavity from the second end surface respectively; The second end surface is provided with a plurality of partitions, and each of the partitions is respectively provided between any two adjacent terminals.

14. A connector assembly, characterized in that: It comprises the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a counterpart connector, wherein the counterpart connector is plugged into and matched with the connector.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The opposite end connector includes a second housing, an opposite end terminal and a plug, wherein: The second shell is provided with a second accommodating cavity, and the second accommodating cavity passes through the third end surface and the fourth end surface of the second shell along the first direction; The opposite terminal is partially disposed in the second accommodating cavity, and one end of the opposite terminal is used to connect with the terminal, and the other end of the opposite terminal extends out of the second accommodating cavity from the fourth end surface; The plug is inserted into the second accommodating cavity through the fourth end surface, and the plug is used to seal the gap between the opposite terminal and the inner wall of the second accommodating cavity.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The fourth end surface is provided with one or more hooks, and the hooks have a hanging plane facing the fourth end surface.

17. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a mounting panel, wherein the mounting panel is provided with an opening, the connector is inserted into the opening, and the engaging surface of the first hook abuts against a side surface of the mounting panel.

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