A guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve

Abstract

A guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve, relating to the field of electrical connectors, is disclosed. The elastic sleeve is generally cylindrical, with a through slot extending through its sidewall. The guide mechanism comprises a guide post, which includes an expanded diameter section and a transition section. The expanded diameter section is disposed at one end of the transition section, with a smooth transition between the expanded diameter section and the transition section, with the expanded diameter section gradually decreasing in diameter as it moves away from the transition section. A clamping portion is protruding from the sidewall of the transition section, and a tapered horn hole is provided at the end of the transition section. During use, the transition section interfaces with a contact, and the tapered horn hole at the end of the transition section facilitates the insertion of a pin-shaped contact. The elastic sleeve is then inserted through the expanded diameter section. The through slot of the elastic sleeve increases in width as the expanded diameter end expands, allowing the clamping portion to more easily fit the elastic sleeve onto the contact. Compared to traditional methods, the use of this guide mechanism can improve the efficiency and accuracy of elastic sleeve installation and reduce the possibility of deformation during installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and in particular to a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve clip. Background Art

[0002] Contacts are a crucial component of electrical connectors, directly impacting their connection performance. Typically, in electrical connectors, an elastic sleeve is placed over the outside of the contact. The springs on the sleeve prevent the connection from falling off, increasing connection stability.

[0003] In the prior art, the installation of the elastic sleeve is very troublesome. In order to facilitate the fixation of the elastic sleeve, an annular groove is usually set on the surface of the contact to accommodate the elastic sleeve. At the same time, in order to improve the tightness of the fit, the inner diameter of the elastic sleeve is usually set to match the diameter of the bottom of the groove. That is to say, in order to install the elastic sleeve into the groove, the elastic sleeve needs to be expanded first. The entire operation process requires the operator to clamp the elastic sleeve with tweezers and then put it on the contact. Since the size of the contact is relatively small, the length is generally about 10~30mm and the diameter is about 0.5~3.5mm. Such a delicate structure brings considerable trouble to the operator. Not only is the installation and alignment difficult, but a slight force may also cause the elastic sleeve to deform and the contact to bend. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve clip, which has a novel structure and is easy to operate, can play a guiding role in the process of installing the elastic sleeve clip, and realizes rapid installation of the elastic sleeve clip.

[0005] The embodiment of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] A guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve clamp, the elastic sleeve clamp is generally cylindrical, and its side wall is provided with a through slot, which extends from one end to the other end along the length direction of the elastic sleeve clamp, and the guide mechanism includes a guide column, which includes an expanded diameter section and a transition section, and a tapered horn hole at the tail end of the transition end; the expanded diameter section is provided at one end of the transition section, and there is a smooth transition between the expanded diameter section and the transition section, and the diameter of the expanded diameter section gradually decreases in the direction away from the transition section; a clamping portion is convexly provided on the side wall of the transition section, and the clamping portion is generally thin-sheet-shaped and provided on a plane passing through the axis of the expanded diameter section.

[0007] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the clamping portion is less than, equal to, or slightly greater than the width of the through slot.

[0008] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamping portion includes a first side surface and a second side surface located on both sides of its length direction, and the first side surface and the second side surface are respectively connected to a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on the side close to the expanded diameter section; along the direction close to the expanded diameter section, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other and intersect to form a convex ridge.

[0009] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ridges are arranged along the diameter direction of the transition section.

[0010] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ridge is aligned with the connection between the transition section and the diameter expansion section.

[0011] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clamping portion is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole penetrates the clamping portion along the thickness direction of the clamping portion.

[0012] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple mounting holes, and the multiple mounting holes are spaced apart along the length direction of the clamping portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the transition section is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the elastic sleeve.

[0014] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the guide mechanism includes a plurality of guide columns and a clamping member for fixing the plurality of guide columns. The clamping member is provided with a matching hole for matching with the mounting hole. The clamping member and the plurality of guide columns can be fixedly connected by a pin passing through the mounting hole and the matching hole.

[0015] Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of guide posts are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the latch.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention provides a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve is generally cylindrical, with a through slot extending from one end to the other along the length of the elastic sleeve. The guide mechanism includes a guide post, which includes an expanded diameter section and a transition section, with a tapered horn hole at the end of the transition section. The expanded diameter section is provided at one end of the transition section, with a smooth transition between the expanded diameter section and the transition section, and the expanded diameter section gradually decreases in diameter as it moves away from the transition section. The side wall of the transition section is provided with a protruding clamping portion, which is generally thin and arranged on a plane passing through the axis of the expanded diameter section. During use, the transition section is docked with the contact piece, and then the elastic sleeve clamp is inserted from the expanded diameter section. During the insertion process, the expanded diameter section can expand the elastic sleeve clamp for the first time. The through slot of the elastic sleeve clamp becomes wider as the expanded diameter end expands, and the clamping part can make it easier to put the elastic sleeve clamp on the contact piece through the through slot. Compared with the traditional method, the use of this guide mechanism can improve the installation efficiency and accuracy of the elastic sleeve clamp and reduce the possibility of deformation of the elastic sleeve clamp during installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an elastic sleeve provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a contact member provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve, the elastic sleeve, and a contact member provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Icons: 100-guide mechanism; 110-guide column; 111-expanded diameter section; 112-transition section; 113-conical horn hole; 120-clamping portion; 121-first side surface; 122-first inclined surface; 123-convex ridge; 124-mounting hole; 200-elastic sleeve clamp; 210-through groove; 220-overlapping material; 300-contact piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention for which protection is sought, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the term "first" is used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0028] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; they may refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0029] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature. Example

[0030] This embodiment provides a guide mechanism 100 for installing an elastic sleeve 200. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the elastic sleeve 200 is cylindrical in shape, and a through slot 210 is provided on its side wall. The through slot 210 extends from one end to the other end along the length direction of the elastic sleeve 200. The presence of the through slot 210 makes the elastic sleeve 200 have better expansion performance. After expansion, it can be more conveniently sleeved on the contact member 300 (such as Figure 3 shown).

[0031] Among them, Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide mechanism 100 includes a guide column 110, which includes an expanded diameter section 111 and a transition section 112. The transition end has a tapered horn hole 113. The expanded diameter section 111 is provided at one end of the transition section 112. The expanded diameter section 111 and the transition section 112 transition smoothly. The expanded diameter section 111 gradually decreases in diameter as it moves away from the transition section 112. The side wall of the transition section 112 is provided with a protruding clamping portion 120. The clamping portion 120 is in the shape of a thin sheet and is provided on a plane passing through the axis of the expanded diameter section 111. When in use, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the transition section 112 is docked with the contact piece 300, and then the elastic sleeve clip 200 is inserted into the expanded section 111. During the insertion process, the expanded section 111 can expand the elastic sleeve clip 200. As the width of the expanded section 111 expands, the through slot 210 of the elastic sleeve clip 200 becomes larger, and the clamping portion 120 can pass through the through slot 210, making it easier for the elastic sleeve clip 200 to be inserted into the contact piece 300. Compared with the traditional method, the use of the guide mechanism 100 can improve the installation efficiency and accuracy of the elastic sleeve clip 200 and reduce the possibility of deformation of the elastic sleeve clip 200 during the installation process.

[0032] Furthermore, the thickness of the clamping portion 120 may be less than, equal to, or slightly greater than the width of the through slot 210. By such an arrangement, the clamping portion 120 can maintain a certain rigidity.

[0033] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the clamping portion 120 includes a first side surface 121 and a second side surface (not shown) located on either side of its length. The first side surface 121 and the second side surface are connected to a first inclined surface 122 and a second inclined surface (not shown) respectively on the side near the expanded diameter section 111. As they approach the expanded diameter section 111, the first inclined surface 122 and the second inclined surface converge and intersect to form a ridge 123, which is arranged along the diameter of the transition section 112. The design of the ridge 123 allows the clamping portion 120 to be more easily inserted into the through slot 210, allowing the through slot 210 to pass smoothly.

[0034] The diameter of the transition section 112 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the elastic sleeve 200, and the ridge 123 is aligned with the connection between the transition section 112 and the diameter-expanding section 111. With this design, the diameter-expanding section 111 and the clamping portion 120 can form a continuous double expansion of the elastic sleeve 200, making the entire transition process smoother.

[0035] Furthermore, the clamping portion 120 is provided with a mounting hole 124, which extends through the clamping portion 120 along its thickness. Through the mounting hole 124, the guide mechanism 100 can be secured to a specific fixture using a pin. A drive device can then be used to drive the guide mechanism 100 along the axis of the elastic sleeve 200, further replacing manual operation with machinery, saving time and effort. If the mounting hole 124 is not provided, other methods can be used to secure the clamping portion 120.

[0036] There are multiple mounting holes 124, spaced apart along the length of the clamping portion 120. If a single hole is used for fixation, the guide mechanism 100 may rotate about the pin if the fixation is not secure. However, by increasing the number of fixing points through multiple mounting holes 124, such rotation can be effectively limited, thereby ensuring the stability of the guide mechanism 100's movement direction during installation.

[0037] Optionally, the guide mechanism 100 includes multiple guide posts 110 and a clamping member (not shown) for securing the multiple guide posts 110. The clamping member is provided with mating holes that mate with the mounting holes 124. The clamping member and the multiple guide posts 110 can be securely connected via a pin extending through the mounting holes 124 and the mating holes. In existing processes, elastic sleeves 200 are typically produced in strip form, with multiple elastic sleeves 200 fixed to a pair of elongated overlapping materials 220 at intervals. Conventional methods require using tweezers to remove the elastic sleeves 200 from the overlapping materials 220 before installing them individually. However, the combined use of a clamping member and multiple guide posts 110 allows for simultaneous installation of the elastic sleeves 200 on multiple contact members 300 without removing them from the overlapping materials 220, thereby improving production efficiency. Furthermore, in order to match the equal spacing of the multiple elastic clips 200 on the strip, the multiple guide posts 110 are arranged at equal spacing along the length direction of the pin, so that the multiple elastic clips 200 can correspond one-to-one to the multiple guide posts 110.

[0038] It should be noted that the above installation method is only a preferred processing mode provided in this embodiment. In actual use, the elastic sleeve clip 200 can also be removed from the overlapping material 220 and the elastic sleeve clip 200 of the contact part 300 can be installed using a clamping member.

[0039] In summary, the embodiment of the present invention provides a guide mechanism 100 for installing an elastic sleeve 200. The elastic sleeve 200 is generally cylindrical, with a through slot 210 extending from one end to the other along the length of the elastic sleeve 200. The guide mechanism 100 includes a guide post 110, which includes an expanded diameter section 111 and a transition section 112. The transition end has a tapered horn hole 113. The expanded diameter section 111 is disposed at one end of the transition section 112, with a smooth transition between the expanded diameter section 111 and the transition section 112. The expanded diameter section 111 gradually decreases in diameter as it moves away from the transition section 112. The side wall of the transition section 112 is provided with a protruding clamping portion 120. The clamping portion 120 is generally thin and is disposed on a plane passing through the axis of the expanded diameter section 111. During use, the transition section 112 is docked with the contact piece 300, and then the elastic sleeve clip 200 is inserted into the expanded section 111. During the insertion process, the expanded section 111 can expand the elastic sleeve clip 200 for the first time. The through slot 210 of the elastic sleeve clip 200 becomes wider as the expanded end expands, and the clamping portion 120 can make it easier to put the elastic sleeve clip 200 on the contact piece 300 through the through slot 210. Compared with the traditional method, the use of the guide mechanism 100 can improve the installation efficiency and accuracy of the elastic sleeve clip 200 and reduce the possibility of deformation of the elastic sleeve clip 200 during the installation process.

[0040] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve, wherein the elastic sleeve is cylindrical in shape and has a through slot on its side wall, the through slot extending from one end to the other end along the length direction of the elastic sleeve, characterized in that: The guide mechanism includes a guide column, which includes an expanded diameter section and a transition section, and a tapered horn hole is provided at the tail end of the transition end; the expanded diameter section is arranged at one end of the transition section, and the expanded diameter section and the transition section have a smooth transition, and the diameter of the expanded diameter section gradually decreases in the direction away from the transition section; the side wall of the transition section is convexly provided with a clamping portion, and the clamping portion is in the shape of a thin sheet as a whole, and the clamping portion is arranged on a plane passing through the axis of the expanded diameter section, and the thickness of the clamping portion is equal to the width of the through groove, and the clamping portion includes a first side surface and a second side surface located on both sides of the length direction thereof, and the first side surface and the second side surface are respectively connected to a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on the side close to the expanded diameter section; along the direction close to the expanded diameter section, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other and intersect to form a convex ridge.

2. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ridges are arranged along the diameter direction of the transition section.

3. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rib is aligned with the connection between the transition section and the diameter expansion section.

4. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping portion is provided with a mounting hole, and the mounting hole penetrates the clamping portion along a thickness direction of the clamping portion.

5. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are multiple mounting holes, and the multiple mounting holes are spaced apart along the length direction of the clamping portion.

6. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 5, characterized in that: The diameter of the transition section is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the elastic sleeve and is equivalent to the outer diameter of the contact piece.

7. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide mechanism includes a plurality of guide posts and a clamping member for fixing the plurality of guide posts. The clamping member is provided with a matching hole for matching with the mounting hole. The clamping member and the plurality of guide posts are fixedly connected by a pin passing through the mounting hole and the matching hole.

8. The guide mechanism for installing an elastic sleeve according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of guide posts are arranged at equal intervals along the length direction of the latch.

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