WO2024094164A1

WO2024094164A1 - Tpa fixing structure connector

Info

Publication number: WO2024094164A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/129557
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王超
Original assignee: 长春捷翼汽车科技股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Also published as: CN219017960U

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a TPA fixing structure connector, comprising a sheath, a conductor assembly, and a TPA assembly. The conductor assembly is at least partially arranged in the sheath, a groove into which the TPA assembly is inserted is formed in the side surface of the sheath, and the TPA assembly is inserted into the groove to axially limit the conductor assembly; the TPA assembly is of a flat plate shape, at least one snap-fit structure protruded from the surface of the flat plate shape and inclined towards the outer side of the side wall of the TPA assembly is provided on the side wall of the TPA assembly, and fixing holes matching the snap-fit structure are formed in the side surfaces of the sheath located on two side surfaces where the groove is located. In order to solve the problem that TPA occupies a large volume space, the TPA is changed from a plastic part into a metal part in the present invention, such that high strength and mechanical property test requirements can be met even if the TPA is very thin in the thickness direction.

Description

A TPA fixed structure connector

This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent filed on November 3, 2022, with application number 202222928932.5 and invention name “A TPA fixed structure connector”. All contents of the patent are fully introduced here.

Technical Field

The present specification relates to the technical field of connectors, and more specifically, to a TPA fixed structure connector.

Background technique

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, automotive connectors, like other terminal electronic products, have also become an important demand for miniaturization based on the trend of high performance demand. TPA is one of the core components of the connector. Its full name in English is Terminal Position Assurance, which means terminal position assurance in Chinese. It plays the role of locking the terminal and enhancing the retention force of the terminal in the sheath to prevent the terminal from coming out under the action of external pulling and sealing force, causing the line to be powered off. At present, general automotive connectors TPA are made by plastic mold molding. Because the plastic material is soft and has poor strength, thicker wall thickness is generally required to ensure the fixing strength requirements, resulting in a larger connector body, which cannot meet the trend of product miniaturization.

In addition, the existing plastic TPA is mainly provided with anti-retraction protrusions (grooves) on the outer side of its side wall, and correspondingly, anti-retraction grooves (protrusions) are provided on the inner wall of the sleeve that is clamped with it, so as to realize the prevention of TPA from retreating and accidental loosening. The sleeve is the main structure of the connector, and its structure is relatively complex. The grooves or protrusions on its inner wall increase the processing difficulty of the sleeve, thereby increasing the production cost.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of this specification is to provide a TPA fixed structure connector. TPA is made of metal and has a smaller product size under the same mechanical properties. At the same time, its anti-retraction structure does not require additional protrusions or grooves on the inner wall of the sheath, reducing the difficulty of processing the sheath.

The present specification provides a TPA fixed structure connector, comprising a sheath, a conductor assembly and a TPA assembly, wherein the conductor assembly is at least partially disposed in the sheath, a groove for inserting the TPA assembly is disposed on a side of the sheath, and the TPA assembly is inserted into the groove to axially limit the conductor assembly;

The TPA component is in the shape of a flat plate, and the side wall of the TPA component is provided with at least one clip structure protruding from the flat surface and inclined toward the outside of the side wall of the TPA component. The side surfaces of the sheath on both sides of the side where the groove is located are provided with fixing holes that cooperate with the clip structure.

Preferably, the TPA component is formed by stamping of metal sheet.

Preferably, the snap-fit structure includes a lug connected to the side wall of the TPA assembly and protruding from the flat surface, and a hook connected to the free end of the lug and inclined toward the outside of the flat side wall, and the hook is at least partially inserted into the fixing hole.

Preferably, the angle formed by the extension direction of the lug and the flat surface is 90°-135°.

Preferably, cavities for accommodating the lugs are provided at both ends of the groove, and the fixing holes are connected to the cavities.

Preferably, when the hook is detached from the fixing hole, the cavity has a space to avoid movement of the clamping structure.

Preferably, at least one barb is disposed on the side wall of the TPA component and abuts against the side wall of the groove.

Preferably, the clamping point barbs are provided at two locations on a side edge of the TPA component, and a recessed portion is provided between the two clamping point barbs.

Preferably, the conductor assembly comprises an outer conductor, an inner insulator and an inner conductor which are sequentially sleeved from the outside to the inside, a positioning groove is provided on the outer circumference of the outer conductor, and a positioning card having a single-side opening and cooperating with the positioning groove is provided in the TPA assembly.

Preferably, both sides of the positioning card have plug-in arms extending into the groove, and the ends of the plug-in arms have chamfers.

This specification has the following technical effects: in order to solve the problem that TPA occupies a large volume space, TPA is changed from a plastic type to a metal part, which can meet higher strength and mechanical performance test requirements while being very thin in the thickness direction; hooks are added on both sides of TPA to form an inverted structure to prevent TPA from loosening during vibration, which causes the disadvantage of poor contact of the connector; at the same time, through the setting of the hooks, it is avoided to set protrusions or grooves on the inner wall of the sheath, reducing the difficulty of processing the sheath; the connector has the advantage of small size, which meets the development of connectors towards miniaturization and micro-miniaturization.

Other features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the specification.

FIG1 is an exploded view of various parts in some embodiments of this specification;

FIG2 is a top view of some embodiments of the present specification;

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG2 when the TPA assembly is not inserted into the sheath;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 when the TPA assembly is inserted into the sheath.

The following are marked in the figure:

1. Sheath;

11. Grooves;

12. Fixing holes;

13. Cavity;

2.TPA components;

21. Stuck point barbs;

22. Positioning card;

23. Lugs;

24. Chamfer;

25. Hook;

26. Plug-in arm;

3. Outer conductor;

31. Positioning slot;

4. Internal insulator;

5. Inner conductor.

Detailed ways

Various exemplary embodiments of the present specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present specification.

The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present specification, its application, or uses.

Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

Example

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , this embodiment provides a TPA fixed structure connector, including a sheath 1, a conductor assembly and a TPA assembly 2, wherein the conductor assembly is at least partially disposed in the sheath 1, and a groove 11 for inserting the TPA assembly 2 is disposed on the side of the sheath 1, and the TPA assembly 2 is inserted into the groove 11 to axially limit the conductor assembly, and the axial limiting makes it impossible for the conductor assembly to move forward or backward in the sheath 1, but it can be rotated to meet the connection requirements of the internal wires;

The TPA component 2 is in the shape of a flat plate, and the side wall of the TPA component 2 is provided with at least one clip structure protruding from the flat surface and inclined toward the outside of the side wall of the TPA component 2. The side surfaces of the sheath 1 on both sides of the side where the groove 11 is located are provided with fixing holes 12 that cooperate with the clip structure. The clip structure extends into the fixing hole 12 to limit the TPA component 2 to prevent it from accidentally falling out of the groove 11.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the TPA component 2 is stamped from a metal sheet. Since the clip-on structure needs to extend into the fixing hole 12 , the clip-on structure made of plastic TPA cannot meet the rigidity requirement and the clip-on structure may break during use. Therefore, the TPA of this structure needs to be made of metal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , the snap-fit structure includes a lug 23 connected to the side wall of the TPA component 2 and protruding from the flat surface, and a hook 25 connected to the free end of the lug 23 and inclined toward the outside of the flat side wall. The hook 25 is at least partially inserted into the fixing hole 12. Since the hook 25 is inclined toward the outside of the flat side wall, the width of both sides of the hook 25 under normal conditions is greater than the inner wall width of the sheath 1. After the TPA component 2 is inserted into the sheath 1, the hook 25 can be inserted into the fixing hole 12 for fixing. When the hook 25 is inserted into or removed from the fixing hole 12, the hook 25 is pinched toward the inside of the TPA component 2. At this time, the lug 23 is deformed inwardly, and the width of both sides of the hook 25 is less than the inner wall width of the sheath 1, so that it can be easily inserted or removed. After multiple insertions or removals, the TPA component made of plastic will also be damaged, so this manual adopts a metal structure. The lug 23 is provided to make the hook 25 elastic. When the hook 25 is released, the hook 25 returns to its original position under the stress of the lug 23. At the same time, the force arm when pinching the hook 25 is increased, and the force required for pinching is reduced, which is convenient for operation.

Further, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the angle formed by the extension direction of the lug 23 and the flat surface is 90°-135°, and the angle can be selected according to the metal material used, the thickness of the plate and the specific use of the connector. When the angle becomes larger, the elasticity of the lug 23 increases.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , cavities 13 for accommodating the lugs 23 are provided at both ends of the groove 11, and the fixing hole 12 is communicated with the cavity 13. When the hook 25 is detached from the fixing hole 12, the cavity 13 has space to avoid movement of the snap-fit structure, so as to facilitate the insertion of the TPA component 2 into the sheath 1 or removal thereof.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , at least one barb 21 is disposed on the side wall of the TPA component 2, which is in contact with the side wall of the groove 11. The width between the barbs 21 is slightly larger than the inner wall width of the sheath 1. After the TPA component 2 is inserted into the sheath 1, it has a certain holding force to reduce the shaking of the TPA component 2. The barbs 21 are disposed at two locations on one side of the TPA component 2, and a recess is disposed between the two barbs 21. Through the provision of the recess, when the TPA component 2 is inserted into or removed from the sheath 1, the barbs 21 can undergo a certain elastic deformation in the direction of the recess, thereby avoiding getting stuck or scratching the inner wall of the sheath 1. The conductor assembly includes an outer conductor 3, an inner insulator 4 and an inner conductor 5 which are sequentially sleeved from the outside to the inside. A positioning groove 31 is provided on the outer circumference of the outer conductor 3. A positioning card 22 with a single-side opening and matching with the positioning groove 31 is provided in the TPA assembly 2. The positioning card 22 axially positions the positioning groove 31 so that it can only rotate. When the cable inside the connector is an elbow, it can be rotated to the most suitable angle to complete the connection with the external line. Both sides of the positioning card 22 have plug-in arms 26 extending into the groove 11. The ends of the plug-in arms 26 have chamfers 24 to facilitate insertion into the groove 11 of the sheath 1.

When using this instruction manual, first insert the TPA component 2 into the sheath 1 along the groove 11 to axially position the conductor component inside it; during the insertion process, squeeze the hook 25 inward, and release it after installation. The hook 25 returns to its original position under its own elastic force and snaps into the fixing hole 12; compared with the TPA made of plastic, this instruction manual has the advantages of small size and reliable use.

Although some specific embodiments of the present specification have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present specification. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present specification. The scope of the present specification is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A TPA fixed structure connector, comprising a sheath (1), a conductor assembly and a TPA assembly (2), characterized in that the conductor assembly is at least partially arranged in the sheath (1), a groove (11) for inserting the TPA assembly (2) is arranged on the side of the sheath (1), and the TPA assembly (2) is inserted into the groove (11) to axially limit the conductor assembly;

The TPA component (2) is in the shape of a flat plate, and the side wall of the TPA component (2) is provided with at least one clamping structure protruding from the flat plate surface and inclined toward the outside of the side wall of the TPA component (2), and the side surfaces of the sheath (1) on both sides of the side surface where the groove (11) is located are provided with fixing holes (12) that cooperate with the clamping structure.
The TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 1 is characterized in that the TPA component (2) is stamped from a metal sheet.
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the snap-fit structure includes a lug (23) connected to the side wall of the TPA component (2) and protruding from the flat surface, and a hook (25) connected to the free end of the lug (23) and inclined toward the outside of the flat side wall, and the hook (25) is at least partially inserted into the fixing hole (12).
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 3, characterized in that the angle formed by the extension direction of the lug (23) and the flat surface is 90°-135°.
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 3, characterized in that cavities (13) for accommodating the lugs (23) are provided at both ends of the groove (11), and the fixing hole (12) is connected to the cavity (13).
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 5, characterized in that when the hook (25) is disengaged from the fixing hole (12), there is space in the cavity (13) to avoid movement of the snap-fit structure.
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one card point barb (21) is provided on the side wall of the TPA component (2) for abutting against the side wall of the groove (11).
A TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping point barbs (21) are provided at two locations on a side edge of the TPA component (2), and a recessed portion is provided between the two clamping point barbs (21).
The TPA fixed structure connector according to claim 1 is characterized in that the conductor assembly comprises an outer conductor (3), an inner insulator (4) and an inner conductor (5) which are sequentially sleeved from the outside to the inside, and the outer conductor A positioning groove (31) is arranged on the outer circumference of the (3), and a positioning card (22) having a single-side opening and matching with the positioning groove (31) is arranged in the TPA component (2).
According to the TPA fixed structure connector of claim 9, it is characterized in that the two sides of the positioning card (22) have plug-in arms (26) extending into the groove (11), and the ends of the plug-in arms (26) have chamfers (24).