BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention is related to the technology of a connector module, in particular,
to a connector module with a latch structure.
Description of Related Art
[0002] For a known traditional connector module, it mainly comprises a base and a plurality
of terminal holes arranged inside the base. Each of the terminal holes is provided
for each conductive terminal of another connector for insertion therein respectively
in order to be used for signal or power transmission.
[0003] In case where there is an error in the signal or power transmission in the aforementioned
connector, such as: an error occurs in one of the terminal hole such that there is
a need for repair, typically, it is necessary to submit the entire connector module
for inspection and repair. In addition, if any one of the conductive terminals in
the aforementioned connector is damaged, then the entire connector needs to be discarded.
This is not only a waste of material and may cause environmental pollution, which
is also one of the main causes that the cost of such device remains high.
[0004] Furthermore, in another known connector module, the terminal holes are arranged on
a terminal block, and the terminal block is fastened onto the base via the use of
screws such that detachable mechanism can be achieved. However, despite that the terminal
block can be removed from the base in order to perform repair or discard a portion
of the parts thereof, during the removal of the terminal block, it is still necessary
to use hand tool to unfasten the screws one by one such that the terminal block can
be removed. This can be tedious and inconvenient to inspection and repair operation
of the device.
[0005] In view of above, the inventor seeks to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated
with the currently existing technology after years of research and development along
with the utilization of academic theories, which is also the objective of the development
of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide a connector module with a latch
structure, which requires no additional use of tools during the removal of the terminal
block such that the convenience of use of the device is improved.
[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a connector
module with a latch structure, comprising a base, a terminal block and a pair of latch
structures. The base comprises a housing. The housing includes an accommodating space
arranged therein, and the incommoding space includes two sides arranged with a positioning
member thereon respectively. The terminal block is inserted into the accommodating
space correspondingly. The terminal block comprises an insertion main body and a plurality
of conductive terminals arranged on the insertion main body. Each one of the latch
structures is respectively arranged between the housing and the insertion main body,
and each one of the latch structures comprises a latch portion formed on the insertion
main body and a locking member rotatably connected to the housing and formed on one
side of the positioning member. The locking member includes a locking portion configured
to lock onto the latch portion correspondingly and at least one locking slot provided
for the positioning member to be positioned thereon.
[0008] The present invention further achieves the following the technical effects. It allows
the terminal block to be removed from the base via the pull handles directly such
that the repair or electrical connection operation is facilitated. After the terminal
block is removed from the base, the insertion shaft is secured inside the first locking
slot for positioning; therefore, each locking member is under an inverted opening
state, facilitating the terminal block to be inserted therein successfully during
the next time of assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of the connector module of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the housing and the locking member of the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the insertion main body and the pull handle
of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an assembly cross sectional view of the connector module of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view (1) showing a state of use of the connector module
of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view (2) showing another state of use of the connector
module of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view (3) showing still another state of use of the connector
module of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The following provides a detailed technical content of the present invention along
with the accompanied drawings. However, the accompanied drawings are provided for
reference and illustrative purpose only such that they shall not be used to limit
the scope of the present invention.
[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the present invention provides a connector module with
a latch structure, which mainly comprises a base 10, a terminal block 20 and a pair
of latch structures 30.
[0012] The base 10 comprises a housing 11 and other electronic parts (not shown in the drawings)
arranged inside the housing 11. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 11 can be
made of an insulative material, and it is generally of a rectangular shape; however,
the present invention is not limited to such shape only. The housing 11 mainly comprises
a lower housing plate 111 and an upper housing plate 112 assembled with the lower
housing plate 111 correspondingly. In addition, an accommodating space A is formed
between the upper housing plate 112 and the lower housing plate 111.
[0013] The two sides of the accommodating space A of the lower housing plate 111 include
a positioning member 113 formed thereon respectively. In an exemplary embodiment,
the positioning member 113 is a shaft member. The positioning member 113 includes
an insertion shaft 114 formed on one side toward the accommodating space A. In an
exemplary embodiment, the insertion shaft 114 has a cross sectional profile of a generally
triangular shape. In addition, the inner side of the positioning member 113 at the
lower housing plate 111 includes a pivotal attachment axle 115 extended therefrom.
Furthermore, the surrounding of the lower housing plate 111 includes a hollow column
116 formed thereon respectively. The surrounding of the upper housing plate 112 includes
a protruding column 117 formed thereon and configured to be inserted into each one
of the hollow columns 116 correspondingly.
[0014] The terminal block 20 is inserted into the aforementioned accommodating space A correspondingly,
and it mainly comprises an insertion main body 21 and a plurality of conductive terminals
22 arranged on top of the insertion main body 21.
[0015] Furthermore, the terminal block 20 further comprises a pair of pull handle 23. Each
pull handle 23 can be moveably attached onto the two corresponding sides of the insertion
main body 21. Each side of the insertion main body 21 includes a sliding slot 211
formed thereon respectively. The top end location of the sliding slot 211 includes
a retaining plate 212 formed thereon in order to limit the range of movement of the
pull handle 23.
[0016] Each pull handle 23 mainly comprises a grip 231, two linear rods 232 and two sliding
shafts 233. Each linear rod 232 extends downward from the grip 231, and each sliding
shaft 233 is respectively formed at an outer side of each linear rod 232. Furthermore,
a bottom portion area of each linear rod 232 includes a lifting section 234 formed
thereon. The lifting section 234 includes a first slanted surface 234 formed at an
area connecting to the linear rod 232. The sliding shaft 233 is slidably attached
to the aforementioned sliding slot 211, and the top end of the sliding shaft 233 includes
a stopping surface 236 for abutting against the aforementioned retaining plate 212
correspondingly.
[0017] Each latch structure 30 is arranged between the housing 11 and the insertion main
body 21. Each latch structure 30 mainly comprises a latch portion 31 and a locking
member 32. The latch portion 31 is formed at one side of the insertion main body 21
and is formed between the linear rods 232. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch portion
31 is a buckle; however, the present invention is not limited to such configuration
only. The locking member 32 is rotatably attached onto the pivotal attachment axle
115 of the housing 11 and is formed at one side of the positioning member 113.
[0018] Furthermore, the locking member 32 is generally of an L shape, and it mainly comprises
a circular ring 321, a locking portion 322 extended from a perimeter of the circular
ring 321 along a tangent line thereof and toward an upward direction as well as an
L-shape arm 323 extended from the central axis of the circular ring 321 and toward
a downward direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking portion 322 is a locking
hook; however, the present invention is not limited to such configuration only. The
locking portion 322 is locked onto the aforementioned latch portion 31 correspondingly.
[0019] Moreover, a perimeter of the circular ring 321 includes a first locking slot 324
and a second locking slot 325 formed thereon and configured to allow the aforementioned
positioning member 113 to be positioned selectively. In addition, a second slanted
surface 326 is formed between the locking portion 322 and the circular ring 321. The
second slanted surface 326 is configured to move operably corresponding to the first
slanted surface 235 of the aforementioned lifting section 234.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, during the detachment, the pull handles 23 are lifted
upward, and at this time, the sliding shafts 233 move along the sliding slots 211.
When the first slanted surface 235 is lifted upward to the position in contact with
the second slanted surface 326, the insertion shaft 114 is still inserted inside the
second locking slot 325 for positioning (as shown in FIG. 6). Next, when the pull
handle 23 is lifted upward, as the first slanted surface 235 pushes the second slanted
surface 326, the locking member 32 at the right side is able to rotate in a clockwise
direction with the pivotal attachment axle 115 as a rotating center, and the locking
member 32 on the left side is able to rotate in a counterclockwise direction with
the pivotal attachment axle 115 as a rotating center. At this time, each locking portion
322 is disengaged from each latch portion 31 respectively without locking, and the
rotation of the locking member 32 is able to allow the insertion shaft 114 to change
to being inserted into the first locking slot 324 for positioning thereon (as shown
in FIG. 7). Finally, when the pull handles 23 are lifted upward continuously, the
stopping surface 236 of each sliding shaft 233 is able to abut against the retaining
plate 212 (as shown in FIG. 8); consequently, the insertion main body 21 can be removed
along with the pull handles 23. As a result, under the condition where no additional
hand tool is used, the terminal block 20 can be removed from the base 10 easily, and
the convenience and practicality of the use of the present invention are improved.
[0021] Moreover, after the terminal block 20 is removed from the base 10, the insertion
shaft 114 is inserted into the first locking slot 324 for positioning; consequently,
it is able to allow the locking members 32 to be under an inverted opening state such
that it is able to facilitate the successful insertion of the terminal block 20 onto
the base 10 during the next time of assembly thereof.
1. A connector module with a latch structure, comprising:
a base (10) comprising a housing (11); the housing (11) having an accommodating space
(A) arranged therein, and the incommoding space (A) having two sides arranged with
a positioning member (113) thereon respectively;
a terminal block (20) inserted into the accommodating space (A) correspondingly; the
terminal block (20) comprising an insertion main body (21) and a plurality of conductive
terminals (22) arranged on the insertion main body (21); and
a pair of latch structures (30) respectively arranged between the housing (11) and
the insertion main body (21); each one of the latch structures (30) comprising a latch
portion (31) formed on the insertion main body (21) and a locking member (32) rotatably
connected to the housing (11) and formed on one side of the positioning member (113);
the locking member (32) having a locking portion (322) configured to lock onto the
latch portion (31) correspondingly and at least one locking slot (324) provided for
the positioning member (113) to be positioned thereon.
2. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the positioning
member (113) includes an insertion shaft (114) formed on one side thereon and facing
toward the accommodating space (A); the insertion shaft (114) is arranged corresponding
to the locking slot (324) for insertion and positioning thereon.
3. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 2, wherein the insertion
shaft (114) has a cross sectional profile of a triangular shape.
4. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein an inner
side of the positioning member (113) of the housing (11) includes a pivotal attachment
axle (115) extended therefrom; the locking member (32) further comprises a circular
ring (321); the locking member (32) is rotatably attached onto the pivotal attachment
axle (115) via the circular ring (321).
5. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 4, wherein the locking
portion (322) is configured to extend from a perimeter of the circular ring (321)
along a tangent line thereof and toward an upward direction.
6. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 5, wherein the locking
member (32) further comprises an L-shape arm (323) extended from a central axis of
the circular ring (321) and toward a downward direction.
7. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the locking
member (32) further comprises a circular ring (321), the locking slot further comprises
a first locking slot (324) and a second locking slot (325) formed at the circular
ring (321); the positioning member (113) includes an insertion shaft (114) formed
thereon; the insertion shaft (114) is configured to be operably inserted into one
of the first locking slot (324) and the second locking slot (325) correspondingly
for positioning thereon.
8. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the terminal
block (20) further comprises a pair of pull handles (23); the pull handles (23) are
configured to moveably attach onto two corresponding sides the insertion main body
(21) respectively.
9. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 8, wherein the insertion
main body (21) includes a sliding slot (211) formed on one side thereof; the pull
handle (23) comprises a pair of sliding shafts (233), and each one of the sliding
shafts (233) is slidably connected to the sliding slot (211) correspondingly.
10. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 9, wherein the insertion
main body (21) at a top end of the sliding slot (211) includes a retaining plate (212),
and a top end of each one of the sliding shafts (233) include a stopping surface (236)
for abutting against the retaining plate (212) correspondingly.
11. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 9, wherein the pull
handle (23) further comprises a grip (231) and two linear rods (232); each one of
the linear rods (232) extends downward from the grip (231), and each one of the sliding
shafts (233) is formed at an outer side of the each one of the linear rods (232).
12. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 11, wherein a bottom
portion of each one of the linear rods (232) includes a lifting section (234) formed
thereon respectively; the lifting section (234) includes a first slanted surface (235)
formed at an area connecting to the linear rod (232); the locking member (32) further
comprises a circular ring (321); a second slanted surface (326) is formed between
the locking portion (322) and the circular ring (321); the second slanted surface
(326) is configured to move operably corresponding to the first slanted surface (235).
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A connector module with a latch structure, comprising:
a base (10) comprising a housing (11); the housing (11) having an accommodating space
(A) arranged therein, and the incommoding space (A) having two sides arranged with
a positioning member (113) thereon respectively;
a terminal block (20) inserted into the accommodating space (A) correspondingly; the
terminal block (20) comprising an insertion main body (21) and a plurality of conductive
terminals (22) arranged on the insertion main body (21); and
a pair of latch structures (30) respectively arranged between the housing (11) and
the insertion main body (21); each one of the latch structures (30) comprising a latch
portion (31) formed on the insertion main body (21) and a locking member (32) rotatably
connected to the housing (11) and formed on one side of the positioning member (113);
the locking member (32) having a locking portion (322) configured to lock onto the
latch portion (31) correspondingly and at least one locking slot (324) provided for
the positioning member (113) to be positioned thereon;
characterised in that an inner side of the positioning member (113) of the housing (11) includes a pivotal
attachment axle (115) extended therefrom, the locking member (32) further comprises
a circular ring (321), the locking member (32) is rotatably attached onto the pivotal
attachment axle (115) via the circular ring (321), the locking portion (322) is configured
to extend from a perimeter of the circular ring (321) along a tangent line thereof
and toward an upward direction, the locking member (32) further comprises a circular
ring (321), the locking slot further comprises a first locking slot (324) and a second
locking slot (325) formed at the circular ring (321), the positioning member (113)
includes an insertion shaft (114) formed thereon, and the insertion shaft (114) is
configured to be operably inserted into one of the first locking slot (324) and the
second locking slot (325) correspondingly for positioning thereon.
2. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the positioning
member (113) includes an insertion shaft (114) formed on one side thereon and facing
toward the accommodating space (A); the insertion shaft (114) is arranged corresponding
to the locking slot (324) for insertion and positioning thereon.
3. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 2, wherein the insertion
shaft (114) has a cross sectional profile of a triangular shape.
4. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the locking
member (32) further comprises an L-shape arm (323) extended from a central axis of
the circular ring (321) and toward a downward direction.
5. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 1, wherein the terminal
block (20) further comprises a pair of pull handles (23); the pull handles (23) are
configured to moveably attach onto two corresponding sides the insertion main body
(21) respectively.
6. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 5, wherein the insertion
main body (21) includes a sliding slot (211) formed on one side thereof; the pull
handle (23) comprises a pair of sliding shafts (233), and each one of the sliding
shafts (233) is slidably connected to the sliding slot (211) correspondingly.
7. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 6, wherein the insertion
main body (21) at a top end of the sliding slot (211) includes a retaining plate (212),
and a top end of each one of the sliding shafts (233) include a stopping surface (236)
for abutting against the retaining plate (212) correspondingly.
8. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 7, wherein the pull
handle (23) further comprises a grip (231) and two linear rods (232); each one of
the linear rods (232) extends downward from the grip (231), and each one of the sliding
shafts (233) is formed at an outer side of the each one of the linear rods (232).
9. The connector module with a latch structure according to Claim 8, wherein a bottom
portion of each one of the linear rods (232) includes a lifting section (234) formed
thereon respectively; the lifting section (234) includes a first slanted surface (235)
formed at an area connecting to the linear rod (232); the locking member (32) further
comprises a circular ring (321); a second slanted surface (326) is formed between
the locking portion (322) and the circular ring (321); the second slanted surface
(326) is configured to move operably corresponding to the first slanted surface (235).