JP2015118941A - Connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector assembly which prevents an excess current occurring in a connector.SOLUTION: A connector assembly 1 includes: multiple terminals 10; a molding part 20 in which the terminals 10 are insert-molded; a resistance device 30 which is mounted on the molding part 20 so as to contact with a power terminal 11 of the terminals 10 to which electric power is input; a cover housing 40 storing the molding part 20; and a shell 60 connected with the outer side of the cover housing 40.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly that prevents the occurrence of overcurrent.

  Safety devices are provided to protect the components and systems in the vehicle and the passengers of the vehicle. For example, vehicle components are placed in the power circuit to protect against the flow of power surges to circuit boards and equipment. A typical power system includes fuses, relays, connectors, etc. to prevent the occurrence of overcurrent or overvoltage that can damage downstream circuitry.

  When an overcurrent flows through the electric circuit, the resistance value increases. Existing overcurrent protection devices are used to protect an electrical circuit by preventing overcurrent through the electrical circuit.

  For example, when an overcurrent flows through an electric circuit, the temperature increases due to the overcurrent, and the resistance value also increases. Therefore, existing overcurrent protection devices using positive temperature characteristic (PTC) devices are used to prevent overcurrent flow.

  However, the existing overcurrent protection device needs to include a circuit including a PTC device, a fuse, a relay, or the like.

  One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly that prevents overcurrent in the connector.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly connected to a socket is provided. The connector assembly includes a plurality of terminals, a molded portion in which the terminals are insert-molded, a resistance device mounted on the molded portion to contact a power terminal to which electric power is input, and a cover for housing the molded portion. A housing and a shell connected to the outside of the cover housing are provided.

  The molded part is formed such that at least a part of the power terminal is exposed to the outside of the molded part. A cut portion is formed by cutting at least partially the exposed portion of the power terminal. The resistance device is connected to the power terminal while being in contact with the cut portion. The region where the resistance device and the power terminal are in contact with each other is welded or soldered.

  The cover housing has a stop disposed at the front end of the cover housing to guide the shell connection along the direction in which the cover housing is inserted into the socket. The shell is slidably connected to the outside of the cover housing at the rear surface of the cover housing. The stop protrudes from the cover housing along the front end of the cover housing to prevent the shell from contacting the socket when the connector assembly is connected to the socket. The stop has a height that allows one surface of the stop to be flush with one surface of the shell when the shell is connected to the cover housing. The shell is made of a metal material, and the cover housing is made of a non-conductive material.

  The connector assembly further includes a lock lever that engages the socket. The lock lever is connected to the cover housing. The shell includes a locking portion that is locked to the lock lever when connected to the cover housing.

  A step is formed on the rear surface of each terminal.

  The resistance device is made of a polymer PTC device or a ceramic PTC device.

  These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from and will be readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view of the connector assembly concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the connector assembly of FIG. 1 from the bottom face side. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 which shows the assembly process of a connector assembly. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the front-end part of the connector assembly of FIG. It is a circuit diagram which shows the action | operation of the connector assembly of FIG. It is a graph which shows the action | operation of the circuit of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements are shown in different drawings, but the same elements are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations are omitted where the subject matter of the present invention is rather obscured.

  Moreover, in order to describe the member which concerns on embodiment of this invention, terms, such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), are used in this specification. These terms are only used to distinguish one member from another, and do not imply or imply the identity, order or order of the members. When a member is described as being “connected”, “coupled” or “coupled” to another member, it is understood that there is a member that is directly connected to or coupled to the other member I want to be.

  Hereinafter, the connector assembly 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 1 viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 1 showing an assembly process of the connector assembly 1. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one surface of the connector assembly of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main part of the front end portion of the connector assembly 1. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the operation of the connector assembly 1, and FIG. 7 is a graph showing the operation of the circuit of FIG.

  In the following description, the terms “front” and “rear” used herein are expressed based on one direction in which the connector assembly 1 is connected to a socket (not shown). The terms “upper surface” and “lower surface” used in this specification are expressed based on one direction shown in the drawing such as FIG. The above terms are only used to distinguish one member from another, and do not imply or imply the identity, order or order of the members.

  According to the embodiment, a plug compliant with the USB 3.0 standard is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Thus, it will be apparent that the plug is applicable to various standards, such as the USB 3.0 micro B type standard, the USB 2.0 standard, or the USB 2.0 micro B type standard.

  The connector assembly 1 includes a molded part 20, a cover housing 40 and a shell 60. A plurality of terminals 10 are insert-molded in the molded part 20, and a resistance device 30 is mounted on the molded part 20. The cover housing 40 accommodates the molded part 20. The shell 60 covers the cover housing 40.

  The terminal 10 includes an input / output (I / O) terminal that is electrically connected to a socket, that is, a mating connector to which the connector assembly 1 is connected, and is connected to power or a nearby device. The terminal 10 includes various pins based on the standard. The at least one terminal 10 includes a power terminal 11 to which power is input or output, for example. Furthermore, each terminal 10 has a stepped portion 12 such that the rear side is higher than the front side.

  The position of the power terminal 11 is not limited to that described in the drawing. Moreover, the shape of each terminal 10 is not limited to what was described in drawing, Various shapes can be taken.

  The molding part 20 in which the terminal 10 is insert-molded is made of a resin material that can be injection-molded. In order to smoothly connect the terminal 10 to the socket, that is, the mating connector, the molded part 20 allows the front side and the rear side of the terminal 10 to be partially exposed to the outside of the molded part 20.

  Further, when the resistance device 30 is mounted, the molding unit 20 allows the power terminal 11 to be partially exposed to the outside of the molding unit 20 and electrically connects the power terminal 11 to the resistance device 30. For example, the molding unit 20 includes the resistance device housing portion 23 that is recessed by a predetermined dimension so that the resistance device 30 is mounted in the resistance device housing portion 23. The power terminal 11 protrudes outward from the resistance device housing 23 and is exposed.

  The molding part 20 and the shell 60 are fixed to each other. For this purpose, a first shell fixture 26 for fixing the molded part 20 to the shell 60 is formed on one surface of the molded part 20. Further, a second shell fixture 66 that fixes the shell 60 to the molding portion 20 is formed on the shell 60. The first shell fixture 26 and the second shell fixture 66 are shaped to engage with each other. For example, the first shell fixture 26 has a hook shape, and the second shell fixture 66 has a hole shape that is hooked on the hook. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Accordingly, the shape, position, and size of each of the first shell fixture 26 and the second shell fixture 66 may be changed.

  The resistance device 30 is composed of, for example, a PTC (positive temperature characteristic) device. Further, the resistance device 30 may be, for example, a polymer PTC device or a ceramic PTC device. For example, when the resistance device 30 is formed of a polymer material, an available space is formed between the molded portion 20 and the cover housing 40 so that the resistance device 30 can expand due to a temperature rise. For example, the resistance device housing portion 23 of the molding unit 20 is formed larger than the resistance device 30. Therefore, a predetermined gap is maintained between the inner wall surface of the resistance device housing portion 23 and the resistance device 30.

  The resistance device 30 is connected to the power terminal 11 and functions as a switch that selectively blocks the power terminal 11. 6 and 7, the current I has a value of “V / Rs” in a normal state. If the overcurrent has a value larger than a predetermined amount of current (I = V / Rs), the resistance increases due to the temperature rise and a PTC trip occurs. Furthermore, when a trip occurs in the resistance device 30, the applied overcurrent disappears and the temperature decreases. Accordingly, since the resistance value also decreases, the resistance device 30 returns to the normal state.

  In order to selectively block the power terminal 11, the cutting part 24 of the power terminal 11 is cut, and the cutting part 24 is connected to the resistance device 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power terminal 11 is completely cut, and the cut portion 24 is connected to the resistance device 30 by welding or soldering. A region where the power terminal 11 and the resistance device 30 are in contact with each other is referred to as a welding region 25.

  The cover housing 40 is formed so as to accommodate the molding portion 20 in which the terminal 10 is insert-molded. The cover housing 40 functions to accommodate and support the terminals 10. The terminal 10 exposed to the outside of the molding part 20 is provided as a free end, and the cover housing 40 supports the terminal 10 as a free end. Therefore, it is possible to guide the terminal assembly 1 to be smoothly connected to the socket, that is, the mating connector, and to prevent the terminal 10 from being damaged.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the terminal accommodating portion 41 is formed to accommodate the terminal 10, and the lever accommodating portion 45 is formed to accommodate the lock lever 50.

  Further, the cover housing 40 forms a part of the outside of the connector assembly 1. The cover housing 40 is made of a non-conductive material, that is, a resin material so as to facilitate molding and to stably connect the terminals 10 electrically.

  The shell 60 is slidably connected to the outside of the cover housing 40. The cover housing 40 is inserted into the shell 60 at its rear surface. For example, the shell 60 is made of a metal material so as to form the outside of the connector assembly 1 and to ensure strength.

  The cover housing 40 has a stop portion 43 formed at the front end portion thereof. The stop 43 limits the shell 60 to a length that is connected to the cover housing 40. Since the shell 60 is made of a metal material, a region where the front portion of the shell 60 is in contact with the socket, that is, the mating connector when the connector assembly 1 is connected to the socket, that is, the mating connector is, for example, worn or scratched. Causes damage. However, according to the present embodiment, since the stop portion 4 made of a resin material is formed at the front end portion of the cover housing 40, when the connector assembly 1 is connected to the socket, that is, the mating connector, the shell 60 is replaced. Then, the stop portion 43 comes into contact with the socket, that is, the mating connector. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the damage described above.

  For example, the stop portion 43 protrudes outward from the cover housing 40 by a predetermined height along the front end portion of the cover housing 40. Further, the stop portion 43 is formed partially or entirely along the front end portion of the cover housing 40. When the cover housing 40 is inserted into the shell 60, the stop portion 43 enables one surface of the stop portion 43 and one surface of the shell 60 to be located on the same plane so that the outside of the connector assembly 1 is smooth. To have a height.

  The connector assembly 1 includes a lock lever 50 that allows the connector assembly 1 to be connected to a socket, that is, a mating connector. For example, at least one lock lever 50 having a hook that hooks into a socket or mating connector is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to that illustrated in the drawings, and the position, shape, and number of the lock lever 50 may be variously changed.

  The lock lever 50 is accommodated in the cover housing 40. In the shell 60, the lever fixture 65 is fixed to the lock lever 50 and exposes the lock lever 50.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the connector assembly 1 includes the resistance device 30, it is possible to prevent the connector assembly 1 from generating an overcurrent. Furthermore, the connector assembly 1 effectively prevents the occurrence of overcurrent in a wide range of currents such as low current, overcurrent, and rated current. Further, since the resistance device 30 is included in the connector assembly 1, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from occurring in the connector assembly 1 and to make the connector assembly 1 small. Further, since the resistance device 30 is disposed relatively close to the contact of the terminal 10 in the connector assembly 1, when the heat is generated at the contact, the resistance device 30 detects the heat sensitively. In addition, since the resistance device 30 is disposed close to the contact point, it can react even at low heat. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of detecting the occurrence of overcurrent.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the resistance device 30 is mounted, it is possible to effectively prevent an overcurrent from occurring in the connector assembly.

  Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the resistance device 30 is mounted on the connector assembly, the connector assembly can be formed in a small size.

  Also, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the resistance device 30 is mounted on the connector assembly and is disposed adjacent to the contact of the terminal. For this reason, the generation of heat can be detected with higher sensitivity, and the generation of overcurrent can be detected with higher sensitivity.

  Although several examples have been described above, it should be understood that various variations are possible. For example, if the above techniques are performed in a different order, or if the parts, configurations, devices or circuits of the above system are combined in different ways, or replaced or supplemented with other parts or their equivalents, Results. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connector assembly 10 Terminal 11 Power terminal 12 Step part 20 Molding part 24 Cutting part 30 Resistance device 40 Cover housing 43 Stop part 50 Lock lever 60 Shell

Claims (10)

A connector assembly connected to a socket, comprising:
Multiple terminals,
A molding part in which the terminal is insert-molded;
A resistance device mounted on the molded part in order to contact a power terminal to which power of the terminals is input; and
A cover housing that houses the molded part;
A connector assembly comprising a shell connected to the outside of the cover housing. The molded part is formed such that at least a part of the power terminal is exposed to the outside of the molded part,
By cutting at least partially the exposed portion of the power terminal, a cut portion is formed,
The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the resistance device is connected to the power terminal in contact with the cutting portion.   3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the region where the resistance device and the power terminal are in contact with each other is welded or soldered. The cover housing has a stop disposed at a front end of the cover housing for guiding the connection of the shell along a direction in which the cover housing is inserted into the socket;
The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shell is slidably connected to the outside of the cover housing at a rear surface of the cover housing.   The stop portion protrudes from the cover housing along the front end portion of the cover housing to prevent the shell from coming into contact with the socket when the connector assembly is connected to the socket. The connector assembly according to claim 4.   The stop portion has a height that allows one surface of the stop portion to be flush with one surface of the shell when the shell is connected to the cover housing. The connector assembly as described. The shell is made of a metal material;
The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the cover housing is made of a non-conductive material. The connector assembly further includes a lock lever that is locked to the socket;
The lock lever is connected to the cover housing;
The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the shell includes a locking portion that is locked to the lock lever when connected to the cover housing.   The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a step portion is formed on a rear surface of each of the terminals.   2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises a polymer PTC device or a ceramic PTC device.

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