Connector Locking Structure for Terminal Retention and Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage connectors with separate insulating structures for fixing and positioning conductive terminals lead to increased parts and assembly costs, and loose terminals can cause safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with an insulating body and a locking structure that includes a body portion and resisting portions, where the resisting portions protrude into mating spaces to secure conductive terminals, reducing the number of parts and assembly costs while preventing terminal retreat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking structure is added to fix conductive terminals, then the reliability of terminal positioning is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is integrated with the insulating body to form a unified component. The insulating body includes a receiving cavity that accommodates the locking structure, eliminating the need for separate locking parts while maintaining the ability to prevent conductive terminal retreat.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating body serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation, positions the high-voltage interlock terminal, and integrates the locking structure to prevent conductive terminal retreat. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of parts required in the connector assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for insulating and positioning high-voltage terminals, then the insulation reliability is improved, but the assembly cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure and insulating body are designed as an integrated assembly where the insulating body includes a receiving cavity that houses the locking structure. This merging of components maintains insulation reliability while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a connector and a locking structure. The connector includes an insulating body. The insulating body includes at least one mating end portion. The mating end portion defines a first mating space for receiving a conductive terminal. The locking structure is held to the mating end portion. The locking structure has a pre-locking position and a locking position relative to the mating end portion. The locking structure includes a body portion and a resisting portion. The body portion is configured to receive a high voltage interlock terminal. The resisting portion is configured such that when the locking structure is at the pre-tightened position, the resisting portion is located outside the first mating space; when the locking structure is at the locking position, at least part of the resisting portion protrudes into the first mating space.