Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a connector and a connector assembly. The connector comprises a shell, a first terminal, a lock catch and an elastic member. The shell is provided with a coupling end and a tail end, which are opposite each other in an insertion direction; the coupling end is located at a front end of the shell in the insertion direction; an accommodating space is defined in an inner side of the shell, and an opening is formed at the coupling end of the shell; the direction from the front end of the shell to the tail end of the shell is opposite to the insertion direction; the lock catch is connected to the shell and can rotate relative to the shell about a rotating axis; the lock catch is provided with a snap-fitting portion and a button, which are connected to each other; in the insertion direction, a force application portion of the button is arranged at a front end of the rotating axis, and the snap-fitting portion is arranged at a front end of the force application portion of the button; the elastic member is connected to the lock catch; and when the distance between the force application portion and the rotating axis is increased, the force arm distance of the snap-fitting portion cannot be reduced, such that when the overall length of the lock catch is certain, the upper limit of the force arm distance of the force application portion can be improved, thereby facilitating the reduction of the force required for pressing the force application portion.

Description

Connector and connector assembly TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connection devices, in particular to a connector and a connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] A connector assembly is a device for realizing electrical connection between different devices. The application of the connector assembly can improve the efficiency of electrical connection operation between different devices, and has been widely used in the fields of automobile, communication, consumer electronics, data processing, industrial machinery, etc.

[0003] The connector assembly generally includes two connectors, which can realize electrical connection. One of the two connectors can be used as a socket and is fixed on a device, a panel or a circuit board. The other connector can be used as a plug and is connected with one end of a cable. The two connectors are generally buckled and connected by a locking structure, which maintains a certain relative position and realizes stable electrical connection.

[0004] The locking structure of the conventional connector generally includes a button and a buckle, and the movable fulcrum of the locking structure is arranged between the button and the buckle. The user generally operates the button to swing the buckle relative to the movable fulcrum, so as to release the buckling connection between the two connectors. However, in order to ensure the compactness of the structure of the connector, the overall length of the locking structure is limited. Since the movable fulcrum of the locking structure is arranged between the button and the buckle, the sum of the force arm distance of the button and the force arm distance of the buckle is approximately the overall length of the locking structure. At the same time, in order to ensure the swinging range of the buckle, the force arm distance of the buckle cannot be too small. Therefore, under the condition that the overall length of the locking structure is constant, the force arm distance of the button is often limited, which makes it difficult to press the button.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides an interface assembly and a connector which can solve or at least alleviate the above technical problems.

[0007] The present application provides a connector, which comprises:

[0008] a housing provided with a connection end and a tail end opposite to each other in an insertion direction, the connection end being located at the front end of the housing in the insertion direction, the inner side of the housing defining a receiving space and the connection end of the housing forming an opening; the direction from the front end of the housing to the tail end of the housing is opposite to the insertion direction;

[0009] a first terminal fixed in the receiving space of the housing;

[0010] A lock piece is connected to the housing and can rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis. The lock piece is provided with a connecting portion and a button. The connecting portion is arranged in the housing and extends towards the opening of the housing. The button has a force applying portion which can be operated from outside the housing. In the insertion direction, the force applying portion of the button is arranged in front of the rotation axis, and the connecting portion is arranged in front of the force applying portion of the button.

[0011] An elastic member is connected to the lock piece. The elastic member generates an elastic force on the lock piece, which can make the button move towards the outside of the housing.

[0012] When the lock piece rotates, the connecting portion is separated from another connector by displacement, and the connector can move away from the other connector in the reverse direction of the insertion direction. In the case where the distance between the connecting portion and the rotation axis is constant, since the force applying portion of the button is arranged in front of the rotation axis, and the connecting portion is arranged in front of the force applying portion of the button, the overall length of the lock piece is approximately equal to the distance between the connecting portion and the rotation axis. The force applying portion is between the rotation axis and the connecting portion. Since the distance between the connecting portion and the rotation axis is constant, the force arm distance of the connecting portion is not affected by the change of the force arm distance of the force applying portion, and the connecting portion can maintain sufficient movement range, thereby smoothly completing the buckling or unbuckling of the connection. Since increasing the distance between the force applying portion and the rotation axis does not cause the force arm distance of the connecting portion to decrease, and the sum of the force arm distance of the connecting portion and the force arm distance of the force applying portion is greater than the overall length of the lock piece, the upper limit of the force arm distance of the force applying portion can be improved in the case where the overall length of the lock piece is constant, which is beneficial to reducing the force required when pressing the force applying portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the insertion direction, the force applying portion is at least partially between the connecting portion and the rotation axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, the button has a front end and a rear end opposite to each other in the insertion direction. The force applying portion is arranged near the front end of the button. The rear end of the button is rotatably connected to the housing by a rotating shaft.

[0015] In one embodiment, the force applying portion includes a middle portion and an extension portion. The middle portion is arranged between the rotation axis and the connecting portion. The extension portion is connected to one end of the middle portion away from the housing. At least a part of the extension portion is arranged in a direction away from the rotation axis relative to the middle portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the free state, the outer surface of the button is arranged to be inclined, and the outer surface gradually extends towards the housing from the front end of the button to the rear end of the button.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the locking member further comprises a turning portion connected to the force applying portion; the turning portion is connected between the force applying portion and the clamping portion; the clamping portion is connected to the turning portion away from the inner wall surface of the shell, and the clamping portion extends substantially along the insertion direction.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the shell comprises a through slot; the force applying portion is partially accommodated in the through slot.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, part of the inner wall surface of the shell is recessed towards the outer wall surface to form a guide slot; the guide slot extends to the connecting end of the shell; the clamping portion is accommodated in the guide slot.

[0020] In one of the embodiments, the shell comprises a main shell portion and a boss portion connected to the main shell portion; the clamping portion is accommodated in the boss portion; the elastic member is abutted between the force applying portion and the main shell portion.

[0021] In one of the embodiments, the clamping portion is provided with a clamping block or a clamping groove; in the case that the clamping portion is provided with the clamping block, the clamping block is provided with a guide inclined surface and a locking surface, and the guide inclined surface and the locking surface are arranged obliquely.

[0022] In one of the embodiments, the surface of the shell opposite to the force applying portion is provided with a first limiting groove; one end of the elastic member is accommodated in the first limiting groove; the side of the force applying portion towards the shell is provided with a second limiting groove; the other end of the elastic member is accommodated in the second limiting groove.

[0023] In one of the embodiments, the shell further comprises an inner shell and a tail pipe; the inner shell and the tail pipe are accommodated in the shell; the rear end of the inner shell is in communication with one end of the tail pipe.

[0024] In one of the embodiments, the shell further comprises a fastening cap threaded through the shell; the inner side of the shell forms a limiting step surface; the limiting step surface is arranged away from the connecting end; the inner shell is abutted against the limiting step surface; one end of the inner shell away from the connecting end is abutted against one end of the tail pipe; the other end of the tail pipe is accommodated in the fastening cap and abutted against the inner wall surface of the fastening cap.

[0025] In one of the embodiments, a sealing ring is sleeved on the end of the tail pipe opposite to the inner shell; the sealing ring is abutted against one end of the inner shell.

[0026] In one of the embodiments, the connector further comprises a first insulating member, a second insulating member, a contact member and a sealing gasket; the first insulating member and the second insulating member are accommodated in the inner shell; the sealing gasket is arranged between the first insulating member and the second insulating member; the first terminal is inserted into the first insulating member, the second insulating member and the sealing gasket; wherein,

[0027] The outer periphery of the sealing gasket is provided with a first circumferential flange portion, the first circumferential flange portion is arranged in contact with the inner wall surface of the inner shell in the circumferential direction, and the width of the first circumferential flange portion is arranged to decrease towards the outer periphery direction; or,

[0028] The inner periphery of the sealing gasket is provided with a second circumferential flange portion, the second circumferential flange portion is arranged in contact with the outer surface of the first terminal in the circumferential direction, and the width of the second circumferential flange portion is arranged to decrease towards the inner periphery direction.

[0029] In one of the embodiments, a sealing ring is arranged at the end of the tail pipe opposite to the inner shell; the outer periphery of the tail pipe is provided with a limiting protrusion; and the limiting protrusion is embedded in the sealing ring.

[0030] The present application provides a connector assembly, which comprises a first connector and a second connector; the first connector is the connector according to any one of the embodiments; the second connector comprises a housing, a clasp portion fixed on the housing for cooperating with the buckling portion of the first connector, and a second terminal arranged at least partially in the housing; when the first connector and the second connector are connected in plug-in manner, the second terminal is in contact with and electrically connected to the first terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of A in Fig. 4.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a locking member according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a sealing gasket in the connector shown in Fig. 4.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a partial perspective sectional view of the connector shown in Fig. 8.

[0041] 100, connector assembly; 20a / 20b, connector; 30, housing; 31, mating end; 32, through slot; 33, guide slot; 34, main shell part; 341, post core part; 342, main cavity; 35, boss part; 36, first limiting slot; 37, peripheral wall part; 38, limiting step surface; 40, locking member; 41, buckling part; 411, clamping groove; 42, force applying part; 421, middle section part; 422, outer extension part; 423, second limiting slot; 43, rotating core part; 44, turning part; 50, elastic member; 60, shaft rod; 70, inner housing; 71, first insulating member; 72, second insulating member; 73, first terminal; 74, sealing gasket; 741, first peripheral flange part; 742, second peripheral flange part; 75, positioning step surface; 80, tail pipe; 81, fastening cap; 82, sealing ring; 83, limiting protrusion; 84, sealing ring; 85, claw; 200, housing; 201, buckling part; 202, hook block; 202a, abutting surface; 203, second terminal; 204, locking structure member; F1, insertion direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The technical solutions of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0043] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it is necessary to point out that unless explicitly defined and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connecting" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral connection, or mechanical connection, or electrical connection, or direct connection, or indirect connection through intermediate medium, or internal communication of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] In combination with Figs. 1 to 10, the present application provides a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 can be used to realize electrical connection between different devices. Specifically, the connector assembly 100 can be used to realize the transmission of electric energy, or can be used to realize the transmission of electronic signals.

[0047] In combination with Figs. 1 to 3, the connector assembly 100 includes two connectable connectors. In some embodiments, the two connectable connectors are a first connector and a second connector, respectively. In some embodiments, the first connector is used to electrically connect to one device, and the second connector is used to electrically connect to another different device. When the first connector and the second connector are mechanically and electrically connected, electric energy or electronic signals can be transmitted between the two devices. In some other embodiments, the first connector and the second connector can also be used in the same device, and transmit electric energy or electronic signals between two different modules of the device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second connector are connected by snap connection to lock the relative position between the first connector and the second connector in mechanical structure. In some embodiments, after the first connector and the second connector are connected by snap connection, the ports of the first connector and the second connector remain in a relatively close state.

[0049] In some embodiments, one of the connectors 20b of the connector assembly 100 can be used as a socket and fixed on a device, a panel or a circuit board. In one embodiment, the connector 20b can be fixed on the wall panel of the cabinet of the device. The other connector 20a of the connector assembly 100 is used as a plug and connected to another device through an electrical cable.

[0050] The present application also provides a connector 20a. In some embodiments, the connector 20a is used as a plug. In some other embodiments, the connector 20a is used as a socket.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector 20a includes a housing 30, a first terminal 73, a lock member 40, and a resilient member 50. The housing 30 has a mating end 31 and a tail end 32 opposite to each other in the insertion direction F1. The mating end 31 is located at the front end of the housing 30 in the insertion direction F1. The inner side of the housing 30 defines a receiving space, and the mating end 31 of the housing 30 forms an opening. The direction from the front end of the housing 30 to the tail end of the housing 30 is opposite to the insertion direction F1. The first terminal 73 is fixed in the receiving space of the housing 30. The lock member 40 is connected to the housing 30 and can rotate relative to the housing 30 about a rotation axis. The lock member 40 is provided with a latching portion 41 and a button connected to each other. The latching portion 41 is arranged in the housing 30 and extends toward the opening of the housing 30. The button has a force applying portion 42 which can be operated from outside the housing 30. In the insertion direction F1, the force applying portion 42 of the button is arranged at the front end of the rotation axis, and the latching portion 41 is arranged at the front end of the force applying portion 42 of the button. The resilient member 50 is connected to the lock member 40. The resilient member 50 generates a resilient force on the lock member 40, which can make the button move outward of the housing 30.

[0052] Specifically, when two connectors need to be mated and matched, the mating end 31 of the connector 20a is inserted into another connector 20b in the insertion direction F1. The latching portion 41 of the connector 20a is used to form a latching and mating with the other connector 20b, so that the two connectors are locked in a stable relative position. When it is necessary to release the latching and mating, pressure is applied to the force applying portion 42 of the button, so that the lock member 40 compresses the resilient member 50, and the latching portion 41 rotates toward the center of the inside of the housing 30 about the rotation axis. When the lock member 40 rotates, the latching portion 41 is disengaged from the other connector 20b by displacement, and thus the connector 20a can move away from the other connector 20b in the reverse direction of the insertion direction F1.

[0053] With the overall length of the lock member 40 being constant, since the force applying portion 42 of the button is arranged at the front end of the rotation axis, and the latching portion 41 is arranged at the front end of the force applying portion 42 of the button, the force applying portion 42 is between the rotation axis and the latching portion 41, and the distance between the latching portion 41 and the rotation axis is approximately the overall length of the lock member 40. Since the distance between the latching portion 41 and the rotation axis is constant, the force arm distance of the latching portion 41 is not affected by the change of the force arm distance of the force applying portion 42, and the latching portion 41 can maintain sufficient movement amplitude, so that the latching and mating or the release of the latching and mating can be smoothly completed. Since increasing the distance between the force applying portion 42 and the rotation axis does not cause the force arm distance of the latching portion 41 to decrease, and the sum of the force arm distance of the latching portion 41 and the force arm distance of the force applying portion 42 is greater than the overall length of the lock member 40. Thus, with the overall length of the lock member 40 being constant, the upper limit of the force arm distance of the force applying portion 42 can be improved, which is beneficial to reducing the force required when pressing the force applying portion 42.

[0054] In some embodiments, the force arm distance of the buckling portion 41 is the distance between the buckling portion 41 and the rotation axis. The force arm distance of the force applying portion 42 is the distance between the force applying portion 42 and the rotation axis.

[0055] In some embodiments, due to the fact that a part of the force applying portion 42 is between the rotation axis and the buckling portion 41, according to the principle of lever, when pressing the part of the force applying portion 42, the moving distance of the buckling portion 41 is greater than the moving distance of the force applying portion 42 into the shell 30 at the same rotation angle. Thus, the buckling portion 41 has a relatively large moving range with a small pressing depth of the force applying portion 42, which improves the operation efficiency of the locking member 40 and makes the buckling portion 41 quickly disengage from the other connector 20b. Meanwhile, the buckling portion 41 can more fully move away from the clamping portion 201 of the other connector 20b when disengaging, which makes the buckling portion 41 more reliably disengage from the other connector 20b.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connection end 31 of the shell 30 has a large internal space due to the need for nesting. The buckling portion 41 is close to the connection end 31 relative to the force applying portion 42. In the part of the shell 30 corresponding to the force applying portion 42, a certain internal insulation space is needed to accommodate insulation materials or electrical cables. Since the moving range of the force applying portion 42 is small, it is not necessary to set a large space for the force applying portion 42 in the shell 30, which is beneficial to form a larger internal insulation space in the shell 30.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the other connector 20b is a second connector. The connector 20a is a first connector. The second connector includes a housing 200, a clamping portion 201 fixed on the housing 200, and a second terminal 203 at least partially arranged in the housing 200. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the second terminal 203 contacts and electrically connects with the first terminal 73. The clamping portion 201 is used to buckle and mate with the buckling portion 41 of the first connector.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the force applying portion 42 is exposed outside the shell 30, which can directly operate the button and avoid the need for transmission through other components, which is beneficial to simplify the structure of the connector 20a.

[0059] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the engaging portion 41 is provided with a clamping groove 411. The clamping portion 201 of the other connector 20b is provided with a hooking block 202. The direction in which the hooking block 202 enters the clamping groove 411 is perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the relative movement direction when the two connectors are connected, which can be understood as the insertion direction F1 or the direction of the insertion direction F1. Thus, when the hooking block 202 is accommodated in the clamping groove 411, the hooking block 202 prevents the two connectors from being separated by abutting against the wall surface of the clamping groove 411.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opening edge of the clamping groove 411 can be triangular, rectangular, circular or other shapes capable of accommodating the hooking block 202. The engaging portion 41 can be provided with a single clamping groove 411 or more than one. In some embodiments, two clamping grooves 411 can be respectively provided on the opposite sides of the engaging portion 41. In some embodiments, the clamping portion 201 and the engaging portion 41 can also adopt other arbitrary shapes and structures capable of achieving clamping connection.

[0061] In some embodiments, the abutting surface of at least one of the clamping groove 411 and the hooking block 202 is arranged to be inclined to the insertion direction F1. In some embodiments, the abutting surface is the wall surface of the clamping groove 411 capable of limiting the movement of the hooking block 202 when the two connectors have a tendency to move apart. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 2, the abutting surface 202a is the surface of the hooking block 202 capable of limiting the movement of the engaging portion 41 when the two connectors have a tendency to move apart.

[0062] In some embodiments, when the locking member 40 is in a free state and the two connectors have a tendency to move apart, the wall surface of the clamping groove 411 acts as an abutting surface with an inclination angle to generate a force on the hooking block 202 to make the hooking block 202 deeper into the clamping groove 411. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the abutting surface of the hooking block 202 with an inclination angle is arranged to be inclined to the side away from the rotation axis in the direction of deepening into the clamping groove 411.

[0063] In some embodiments, the engaging portion 41 is provided with a clamping block. The clamping portion 201 of the other connector 20b is provided with a hooking groove. The direction in which the clamping block enters the hooking groove is perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the relative movement direction when the two connectors are connected. Thus, when the clamping block is accommodated in the hooking groove, the clamping block prevents the two connectors from being separated by abutting against the wall surface of the hooking groove. In other embodiments, the clamping block can also be used to achieve clamping connection with the hooking block 202.

[0064] In some embodiments, the clamping block is provided with a guide slope and a locking surface, and the guide slope is arranged obliquely to the relative movement direction when the two connectors are docked. The locking surface is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the relative movement direction. The guide slope is arranged farther away from the force applying part 42 than the locking surface. When the clamping portion 201 of the other connector 20b enters the docking end 31 of the housing 30, the clamping portion 201 abuts against the guide slope, and the locking member 40 is rotated along the direction of the compression elastic member 50 by extruding the guide slope. When the clamping portion 201 reaches a certain stroke along the direction of entering the docking end 31, the clamping block is clamped into the hook groove of the clamping portion 201. The locking surface abuts against the wall surface of the hook groove, so as to limit the clamping portion 201 from exiting from the docking end 31 of the housing 30. In some embodiments, the locking surface can be flat. In other embodiments, according to the principle of the locking surface being as close as possible to the wall surface of the hook groove, the shape of the locking surface can correspond to the shape of the wall surface of the hook groove. In some embodiments, the locking surface can be arranged obliquely to the insertion direction F1 as an abutting surface.

[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, along the insertion direction F1, the force applying part 42 is at least partially located between the clamping portion 41 and the rotation axis, so that the force applying part 42 can play a role of intermediate connection. In some embodiments, a part of the button is arranged around the rotation axis, and the force applying part 42 is connected between the part of the button and the clamping portion 41.

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the front end of the button is farther away from the rotation axis, so that the front end of the button can be pressed more easily. In the free state, the outer surface of the button is arranged obliquely, and the outer surface gradually extends closer to the housing 30 from the front end of the button to the rear end of the button. Therefore, the protrusion degree of the front end of the button relative to the housing 30 is greater than the protrusion degree of the rear end of the button relative to the housing 30. When the front end of the button is pressed, the front end of the button does not need to be completely retracted into the housing 30, so that the front end of the button is not easily blocked by the edge of the housing 30 when the front end of the button is pressed by the finger, and the comfort when the front end of the button is operated is improved. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the force applying part 42 is the outer surface of the button.

[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the force applying portion 42 includes a middle section 421 and an extension section 422. The middle section 421 is disposed between the rotation axis and the clasp portion 41. The extension section 422 is connected to one end of the middle section 421 away from the housing 30, and a portion of the extension section 422 extends away from the rotation axis relative to the middle section 421. Since the extension section 422 is connected to one end of the middle section 421 away from the housing 30, the extension section 422 is disposed away from the center of the housing 30 relative to the middle section 421. When the lock clasp 40 rotates, the extension section 422 is less likely to contact the surface of the housing 30. In addition, since the extension section 422 extends away from the rotation axis relative to the middle section 421, according to the principle of lever, when pressure is applied to the portion of the extension section 422, the lock clasp 40 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 50 and rotate with less pressure.

[0068] In some embodiments, one end of the middle section 421 is away from the center of the housing 30, and the extension section 422 is connected to the one end of the middle section 421. In some embodiments, the middle section 421 is disposed between the rotation axis and the clasp portion 41 in the opposite direction of the clasp portion 41 relative to the rotation axis.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the overall length of the lock clasp 40 and the overall length of the conventional locking structure 204 are both about L0. When the lock clasp 40 is pressed from the point P1, the arm distance is about L1. When the locking structure 204 is pressed from the point P2, the arm distance is about L2. For the locking structure 204, in order to ensure the movement range of the left end, the movement fulcrum needs to maintain a certain arm distance from the left end, otherwise the locking structure 204 can not complete the docking or release due to insufficient movement range, so L2 is actually smaller. Therefore, for the difference between L2 and L0, L2 is relatively small compared to the difference, so it is more laborious to press at the point P2. By providing the extension section 422 and extending a portion of the extension section 422 away from the rotation axis relative to the middle section 421, L1 and L0 can be more similar in size, so that it is more labor-saving to press the force applying portion 42.

[0070] In some embodiments, according to the adjustment of the pressing force, the distance between the portion of the extension section 422 and the rotation axis can be equal to the distance between the clasp portion 41 and the rotation axis. In other embodiments, the distance between the portion of the extension section 422 and the rotation axis can be greater than the distance between the clasp portion 41 and the rotation axis.

[0071] In other embodiments, the force applying portion 42 can be pressed at other positions adjacent to the clasp portion 41 to reduce the arm distance and achieve the effect of labor-saving when pressing.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the extension portion 422 further extends in a direction away from the outer periphery of the middle portion 421, so as to increase the area of the end surface of the force applying portion 42, and to increase the contact area between the force applying portion 42 and the fingers of the operator, thereby improving the comfort during operation.

[0073] In some other embodiments, the force applying portion 42 can only include the middle portion 421.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the button has a front end and a rear end opposite to each other in the insertion direction F1, the force applying portion 42 is arranged adjacent to the front end of the button, and the rear end of the button is rotatably connected to the housing 30 via a rotating shaft, so as to realize the rotation of the button relative to the housing 30. Since the clamping portion 41 is arranged at the front end of the force applying portion 42 of the button, and the force applying portion 42 is arranged adjacent to the front end of the button, the force applying portion 42 is located between the clamping portion 41 and the rear end of the button, so as to make the movement range of the clamping portion 41 greater than the movement range of the force applying portion 42.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the button further includes a rotating core portion 43, and the rotating axis passes through the rotating core portion 43. In some embodiments, the middle portion 421 is connected between the rotating core portion 43 and the clamping portion 41. In some other embodiments, the rotating core portion 43 is pivotally arranged on the housing 30.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the clamping portion 41 is accommodated in the housing 30. When the clamping portion 41 is released from the clamping connection, the clamping portion 41 is simultaneously moved towards the interior of the housing 30 under the driving of the force applying portion 42 by pressing the force applying portion 42 towards the interior of the housing 30. Thus, the clamping portion 41 does not interfere with the inner wall surface of the housing 30 during the releasing of the clamping connection. Since the clamping portion 41 is accommodated in the housing 30, the housing 30 can protect the clamping portion 41, and avoid the external interference to the movement of the clamping portion 41.

[0077] In some other embodiments, the clamping portion 41 and the force applying portion 42 can be exposed outside the housing 30.

[0078] In some embodiments, when the two connectors are connected, the connection end 31 of the housing 30 can be used to accommodate the end portion of the other connector 20b. The clamping portion 41 and the end portion of the other connector 20b form the clamping connection.

[0079] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the locking member 40 is further provided with a turning portion 44 connected to the force applying portion 42. The turning portion 44 is connected between the force applying portion 42 and the buckling portion 41. The buckling portion 41 is connected to the side of the turning portion 44 away from the inner wall surface of the housing 30. The turning portion 44 is used to abut against the inner wall surface of the housing 30 to balance the elastic force generated by the elastic member 50 on the locking member 40, so that the locking member 40 can maintain a stable position. Since the buckling portion 41 is arranged away from the inner wall surface of the housing 30 relative to the turning portion 44, when the turning portion 44 abuts against the inner wall surface of the housing 30, a certain space is formed between the buckling portion 41 and the inner wall surface of the housing 30. Since the buckling portion 41 is released from buckling by moving away from the inner wall surface of the housing 30 and is released from buckling by moving close to the inner wall surface of the housing 30, after the buckling portion 41 forms a certain space with the inner wall surface of the housing 30, a certain passing space is provided for the end portion of the other connector 20b, so that the end portion of the other connector 20b is not resisted by the buckling portion 41 during the process of entering the mating end 31 of the housing 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the locking member 40 is in a free state, the turning portion 44 abuts against the housing 30 on the side close to the inner wall surface of the housing 30. In some embodiments, in the free state, the buckling portion 41 extends substantially along the insertion direction F1.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the locking member 40 is not provided with the turning portion 44 and the buckling portion 41 directly abuts against the inner wall surface of the housing 30, a certain slope can be formed on the buckling portion 41, and the slope is used to guide a part of the end portion of the other connector 20b to be clamped between the buckling portion 41 and the inner wall surface of the housing 30.

[0082] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the housing 30 is provided with a through slot 32, the force applying portion 42 is partially accommodated in the through slot 32, the locking member 40 extends from the inside of the housing 30 to the outside of the housing 30 through the through slot 32, and the part of the force applying portion 42 in the through slot 32 is movably arranged. Since the force applying portion 42 passes through the through slot 32, an operator can apply pressure to the force applying portion 42 from the outside of the housing 30. In some embodiments, the middle section 421 is movably accommodated in the through slot 32. The outer extension portion 422 is arranged outside the housing 30. In some embodiments, the turning core portion 43 is also movably accommodated in the through slot 32.

[0083] In some other embodiments, a part of the wall block of the housing 30 can cover the outside of the force applying portion 42. The wall block of the housing 30 is arranged in a flexible structure, and an operator can apply pressure to the force applying portion 42 by deforming the part of the wall block of the housing 30.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, a portion of the inner wall of the housing 30 is recessed towards the direction of the outer wall to form a guide slot 33. The guide slot 33 extends to the mating end 31 of the housing 30. The buckle portion 41 is accommodated in the guide slot 33. The guide slot 33 is used to provide positioning effect to the buckle portion 201 of the other connector 20b. When the two connectors are mated, the buckle portion 201 of the other connector 20b enters the guide slot 33. Since the buckle portion 41 is accommodated in the guide slot 33, the buckle portion 41 can be accurately buckled with the buckle portion 201 of the other connector 20b.

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the housing 30 comprises a main housing portion 34 and a boss portion 35 connected to the main housing portion 34. The buckle portion 41 is accommodated in the boss portion 35. The boss portion 35 provides accommodation space for the buckle portion 41. The inner wall of the boss portion 35 can also abut against the locking member 40 to balance the elastic force of the elastic member 50. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the boss portion 35 is used to abut against the turning portion 44. In some embodiments, the through slot 32 is provided in the boss portion 35. In some embodiments, the guide slot 33 is formed by the inner surface of the boss portion 35. In some embodiments, the extension portion 422 is provided outside the boss portion 35. The middle portion 421 is movably accommodated in the boss portion 35.

[0086] In some embodiments, the elastic member 50 abuts between the force applying portion 42 and the main housing portion 34. The outer surface of the main housing portion 34 provides support to one end of the elastic member 50, while the force applying portion 42 abuts against the other end of the elastic member 50. Since the locking member 40 is limited by the housing 30, the elastic member 50 can generate elastic force against the locking member 40. In some embodiments, when the turning portion 44 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 30, the elastic member 50 is in compressed state, so that the elastic member 50 can generate elastic force.

[0087] In some embodiments, the other end of the elastic member 50 abuts against the middle portion 421, so as to facilitate the reduction of the length of the elastic member 50.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface of the housing 30 opposite to the force applying part 42 is provided with a first limiting slot 36. One end of the elastic member 50 is accommodated in the first limiting slot 36, so that displacement of the one end of the elastic member 50 is avoided, and the position stability of the elastic member 50 is ensured. In some embodiments, the first limiting slot 36 is arranged on the outer side of the main shell part 34. In some embodiments, the housing 30 is provided with a peripheral wall part 37, which encloses the first limiting slot 36. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall part 37 is connected to the outer side of the main shell part 34. In some embodiments, the housing 30 is provided with a post core part 341. The peripheral wall part 37 is arranged around the post core part 341 and is spaced apart from the post core part 341 in the radial direction. In some embodiments, the post core part 341 is inserted into the one end of the elastic member 50. The peripheral wall part 37 surrounds the outer periphery of the one end of the elastic member 50.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the force applying part 42 is provided with a second limiting slot 423 on the side facing the housing 30. The other end of the elastic member 50 is accommodated in the second limiting slot 423, so that displacement of the other end of the elastic member 50 is avoided, and the position stability of the elastic member 50 is ensured. In some embodiments, the second limiting slot 423 is arranged on the side of the middle section part 421 facing the housing 30.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connector 20a further comprises a shaft 60. The shaft 60 is used as a rotating shaft. The shaft 60 is arranged through the housing 30 and the locking member 40. At least one of the housing 30 and the locking member 40 can rotate freely relative to the shaft 60, and the central axis of the shaft 60 coincides with the rotation axis, so that the locking member 40 can rotate relative to the housing 30 along the rotation axis. In some embodiments, the shaft 60 is arranged through the rotating core part 43 and the housing 30. In some embodiments, the shaft 60 is arranged through the rotating core part 43 and the boss part 35.

[0091] In some other embodiments, the locking member 40 can also rotate relative to the housing 30 through other structures. In some embodiments, the two ends of the rotating core part 43 are integrally formed with shaft-shaped parts. The shaft-shaped parts are accommodated in the housing 30 and are limited by the shaft position, so that the rotation of the locking member 40 relative to the housing 30 can be realized through other structures.

[0092] In some embodiments, the elastic member 50 is a compression spring, an elastic rubber block, or other component capable of providing an elastic force to the locking member 40. In other embodiments, the elastic member 50 is a torsion spring. The elastic member 50 has a ring-like structure that is wrapped around the shaft 60, with one end of the elastic member 50 abutting the housing 30 and the other end of the elastic member 50 abutting the locking member 40. In yet other embodiments, the elastic member 50 can be integrally connected to the locking member 40, with the elastic member 50 being in a bent deformed state by abutting the housing 30 to thereby generate an elastic force to the locking member 40.

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the connector 20a further includes a first insulating member 71, a second insulating member 72, and a first terminal 73. The first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 are accommodated in the inner housing 70. The first terminal 73 is inserted into the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72. The first terminal 73 is electrically conductive, with one end of the first terminal 73 being used to form an electrical contact with another connector 20b. The other end of the first terminal 73 is fixedly connected to an electrical cable. In some embodiments, the other end of the first terminal 73 is fixedly connected to the electrical cable by welding or crimping. In some embodiments, the first terminal 73 is made of a metal conductor. The first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 wrap around the first terminal 73 to support the first terminal 73 and keep the first terminal 73 in a stable position. In addition, the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 are insulating to prevent a short circuit between the first terminal 73 and the housing 30.

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector 20a further includes an inner housing 70 and a tail pipe 80. The inner housing 70 and the tail pipe 80 are accommodated in the housing 30. The rear end of the inner housing 70 is in communication with one end of the tail pipe 80. The housing 30 has an open structure at both ends. The inner housing 70 and the tail pipe 80 are made of insulating materials. The inner housing 70 and the tail pipe 80 are distributed along the opposite direction between the two ends of the housing 30, thereby forming a space inside the housing 30 that is insulated from the housing 30. The inner housing 70 is disposed closer to the mating end 31 of the housing 30 than the tail pipe 80. In some embodiments, the end of the inner housing 70 that is away from the mating end 31 is the rear end.

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the housing 30 further has a main cavity 342 that serves as a receiving space. The inner housing 70 is accommodated in the main cavity 342. The main cavity 342 is in communication with the guide groove 33. In some embodiments, the main housing portion 34 forms most of the boundary of the main cavity 342.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the tail pipe 80 is sleeved with a sealing ring 82 at the end opposite to the inner shell 70. The sealing ring 82 is arranged against the end of the inner shell 70. At the joint between the inner shell 70 and the tail pipe 80, the sealing ring 82 is arranged against the joint between the tail pipe 80 and the port of the inner shell 70, so as to fill the gap between the tail pipe 80 and the inner shell 70 and prevent liquid from entering the tail pipe 80 and the inner shell 70 from the gap.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the sealing ring 82 is arranged around the outer periphery of the tail pipe 80. The outer periphery of the tail pipe 80 is provided with a limiting protrusion 83. The limiting protrusion 83 is embedded in the sealing ring 82. The direction in which the tail pipe 80 moves in the outer shell 30 is perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the direction in which the limiting protrusion 83 is embedded in the sealing ring 82, so that the limiting protrusion 83 can generate a pushing force on the sealing ring 82 in the axial direction of the tail pipe 80, preventing the sealing ring 82 from being separated from the end of the tail pipe 80 and ensuring the stability of the connection between the sealing ring 82 and the tail pipe 80.

[0098] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 are accommodated in the inner shell 70. The inner shell 70 limits the positions of the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 relative to the outer shell 30. In some embodiments, the inner shell 70 is provided with a positioning step face 75. The positioning step face 75 is arranged against the joint end 31 of the outer shell 30. The positioning step face 75 abuts against one side of the first insulating member 71, and the second insulating member 72 is arranged on the other side of the first insulating member 71. After the second insulating member 72 is clamped to the inner wall of the inner shell 70, the first insulating member 71 can be limited in the inner shell 70.

[0099] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the connector 20a further comprises a sealing pad 74. The sealing pad 74 abuts between the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72. The first terminal 73 is inserted into the sealing pad 74. The sealing pad 74 also abuts the inner wall of the inner shell 70 in the circumferential direction. The first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 are arranged on both sides of the sealing pad 74, so that the first insulating member 71 and the second insulating member 72 can limit the sealing pad 74. The sealing pad 74 is attached to the outer periphery of the first terminal 73 and the inner periphery of the inner shell 70, so as to eliminate the through gap between the two ends of the inner shell 70, and prevent liquid from entering the connector 20a through the gap between the joint end 31 and the inner shell 70 and contacting the exposed electrical cable.

[0100] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer periphery of the gasket 74 is provided with a first circumferential flange portion 741. The first circumferential flange portion 741 abuts the inner wall surface of the inner shell 70 in the circumferential direction, and the width of the first circumferential flange portion 741 is reduced toward the outer periphery. Because the width of the first circumferential flange portion 741 is reduced toward the outer periphery, the outer edge of the first circumferential flange portion 741 has greater flexibility and is more easily deformed, allowing the first circumferential flange portion 741 to be sufficiently and evenly fitted to the inner wall surface of the inner shell 70 in the circumferential direction, thereby improving the sealing effect of the gasket 74.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the inner periphery of the gasket 74 is provided with a second circumferential flange portion 742. The second circumferential flange portion 742 abuts the outer peripheral surface of the first terminal 73 in the circumferential direction, and the width of the second circumferential flange portion 742 is reduced toward the inner periphery. Because the width of the second circumferential flange portion 742 is reduced toward the inner periphery, the inner edge of the second circumferential flange portion 742 has greater flexibility and is more easily deformed, allowing the second circumferential flange portion 742 to be sufficiently and evenly fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the first terminal 73 in the circumferential direction, thereby improving the sealing effect of the gasket 74.

[0102] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the connector 20a further includes a fastening cap 81 threaded through the outer shell 30. The inner side of the outer shell 30 is formed with a limiting step surface 38. The limiting step surface 38 is arranged opposite to the mating end 31. The inner shell 70 abuts the limiting step surface 38, and one end of the inner shell 70 opposite to the mating end 31 abuts one end of the tail pipe 80. The other end of the tail pipe 80 is accommodated in the fastening cap 81 and abuts the inner wall surface of the fastening cap 81. The port of the inner shell 70 and the port of the tail pipe 80 do not form a threaded nested fit, but abut each other with similar diameters, so that the inner diameter of one of the inner shell 70 and the tail pipe 80 is not limited, ensuring that both the inner shell 70 and the tail pipe 80 have sufficient space to accommodate electrical cables or insulating devices. The insulating devices are specifically the first insulating member 71 or the second insulating member 72. When the threaded fit between the fastening cap 81 and the outer shell 30 is tightened, the fastening cap 81 is retracted into the outer shell 30, while generating greater abutting pressure on the other end of the tail pipe 80. The inner shell 70 is limited between the limiting step surface 38 and the tail pipe 80.

[0103] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, an electrical cable is disposed in the other end of the tail pipe 80. The connector 20a further comprises a sealing ring 84 for sleeving the electrical cable. The sealing ring 84 is accommodated in the other end of the tail pipe 80. The other end of the tail pipe 80 is provided with a plurality of claw pieces 85 which are distributed along the outer circumferential side of the sealing ring 84. An inner circumferential surface of the fastening cap 81 is arranged to be retracted in a direction away from the mating end 31. When the fastening cap 81 is retracted into the housing 30, the plurality of claw pieces 85 are retracted under the abutment of the inner circumferential surface of the fastening cap 81 and apply pressure to the outer circumference of the sealing ring 84, so that the sealing ring 84 can tightly adhere to the outer circumference of the electrical cable, which is conducive to preventing liquid from entering the connector 20a from the gap between the fastening cap 81 and the electrical cable.

[0104] The above embodiments are merely to describe the preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Various modifications and improvements to the technical solutions of the present application made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the design spirit of the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector characterized by comprising: The application relates to a connector, which comprises: a housing provided with a butt end and a tail end opposite to each other in an insertion direction, the butt end being located at the front end of the housing in the insertion direction, the inner side of the housing defining a receiving space and the butt end of the housing forming an opening; a direction from the front end of the housing to the tail end of the housing is opposite to the insertion direction; a first terminal fixed in the receiving space of the housing; a lock piece connected to the housing and capable of rotating relative to the housing about a rotation axis, the lock piece being provided with a clamping portion and a button connected to each other, the clamping portion being arranged in the housing and extending towards the opening of the housing, the button being provided with a force applying portion operable from the outside of the housing; in the insertion direction, the force applying portion of the button is arranged at the front end of the rotation axis, and the clamping portion is arranged at the front end of the force applying portion of the button; a spring connected to the lock piece, the spring generating an elastic force on the lock piece to enable the button to move towards the outside of the housing. In the insertion direction, the force applying portion is at least partially located between the clamping portion and the rotation axis.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein The button is provided with a front end and a rear end opposite to each other in the insertion direction, the force applying portion is arranged close to the front end of the button, and the rear end of the button is rotatably connected to the housing through a rotation shaft.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein The force applying portion comprises a middle section and an extension section, the middle section is arranged between the rotation axis and the clamping portion, and the extension section is connected to one end of the middle section away from the housing, and at least a part of the extension section extends away from the rotation axis relative to the middle section.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein In a free state, the outer surface of the button is arranged to be inclined, and the outer surface gradually extends towards the housing from the front end of the button to the rear end of the button.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein The lock piece is further provided with a turning portion connected to the force applying portion, the turning portion is connected between the force applying portion and the clamping portion, the clamping portion is connected to one side of the turning portion away from the inner wall surface of the housing, and the clamping portion extends substantially in the insertion direction.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The housing is provided with a through groove, and the force applying portion is partially arranged in the through groove.

7. The connector of claim 5, wherein Part of the inner wall surface of the housing is recessed towards the outer wall surface to form a guide groove, the guide groove extends to the butt end of the housing, and the clamping portion is arranged in the guide groove.

8. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The housing comprises a main shell portion and a boss portion connected to the main shell portion, the clamping portion is arranged in the boss portion, and the spring is arranged between the force applying portion and the main shell portion.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The clamping portion is provided with a clamping block or a clamping groove, in the case that the clamping portion is provided with the clamping block, the clamping block is provided with a guide inclined surface and a locking surface, and the guide inclined surface and the locking surface are arranged to be inclined.

10. The connector of claim 1, wherein The surface of the housing opposite to the force applying portion is provided with a first limiting groove, one end of the spring is arranged in the first limiting groove, one side of the force applying portion towards the housing is provided with a second limiting groove, and the other end of the spring is arranged in the second limiting groove.

11. The connector of claim 1, wherein The application further comprises an inner housing and a tail pipe, the inner housing and the tail pipe are arranged in the housing, and the rear end of the inner housing is in communication with one end of the tail pipe.

12. The connector of claim 1, wherein, ​ 13. The connector of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising a fastening cap threaded through the outer shell; an inner side of the outer shell forms a limiting step surface; the limiting step surface is arranged opposite to the butt joint end; the inner shell abuts against the limiting step surface; an end of the inner shell opposite to the butt joint end abuts against an end of the tail pipe; the other end of the tail pipe is accommodated in the fastening cap and abuts against an inner wall surface of the fastening cap.

14. The connector of claim 13, wherein, An end of the tail pipe opposite to the inner shell is sleeved with a sealing ring; the sealing ring is arranged in abutment with an end of the inner shell.

15. The connector of claim 12, wherein, Further comprising a first insulating member, a second insulating member, a contact and a sealing gasket; the first insulating member and the second insulating member are accommodated in the inner shell; the sealing gasket is arranged in abutment between the first insulating member and the second insulating member; the first terminal is inserted through the first insulating member, the second insulating member and the sealing gasket; wherein, A first circumferential flange portion is arranged on an outer periphery of the sealing gasket; the first circumferential flange portion is arranged in abutment with an inner wall surface of the inner shell in a circumferential direction; a width of the first circumferential flange portion is arranged to decrease in an outward peripheral direction; or, A second circumferential flange portion is arranged on an inner periphery of the sealing gasket; the second circumferential flange portion is arranged in abutment with an outer peripheral surface of the first terminal in a circumferential direction; a width of the second circumferential flange portion is arranged to decrease in an inward peripheral direction.

16. The connector of claim 12, wherein, An end of the tail pipe opposite to the inner shell is sleeved with a sealing ring; an outer periphery of the tail pipe is provided with a limiting protrusion; the limiting protrusion is embedded in the sealing ring.

17. A connector assembly comprising: The first connector is the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16; the second connector comprises a housing, a clasp portion fixed on the housing for cooperating with the buckling portion of the first connector, and a second terminal arranged at least partially in the housing; when the first connector and the second connector are connected in plug-in manner, the second terminal is in contact with and electrically connected to the first terminal.

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