Connector with stepped snap lock structure

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of electric connector, and particularly relates to a connector with stepped buckle locking structure, which is suitable for use in an environment with extremely small space, has high strength, good holding force and can be conveniently unlocked. The connector with stepped buckle locking structure comprises a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that the first connector has a sleeve part, the end of the sleeve part forms a step surface, and the surface of the sleeve part is provided with at least one locking boss; the second connector has a sleeve shell, the sleeve shell is sleeved on the sleeve part, the inner wall of the sleeve shell is provided with a guide groove, the end of the guide groove forms an accommodating cavity on the inner wall of the sleeve shell, and the inner wall of the sleeve shell is further provided with a locking cavity which is communicated with the accommodating cavity; when locking, the locking boss slides into the accommodating cavity along the guide groove, then the first connector or the second connector is circumferentially rotated, the locking boss slides into the locking cavity, and at this time, the end surface of the sleeve shell is tightly attached to the step surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connectors, and specifically relates to a connector with a stepped snap-locking structure that is suitable for use in environments with extremely limited space, has strong retaining force, and is easy to unlock. Background Technology

[0002] The male and female terminals of the connector achieve a reliable connection through a locking structure. High-voltage connectors typically also include a high-voltage interlock function. This means that after the male and female power terminals are physically connected, the male and female signal terminals must control their conduction before the high-voltage circuit can be energized. Similarly, when disconnecting the high-voltage circuit, the male and female signal terminals should be disconnected first to cut off the current in the high-voltage line, and then the male and female power terminals should be disconnected. This structure ensures that the internally connected high-voltage circuit will not cause harm to the operator when the connector is disconnected.

[0003] There are various types of locking structures for existing connectors. The most common type is the spring-loaded locking mechanism, which requires springs to be placed on the surface of the connector, as well as locking beams that mate with the springs and are higher than the surface of the connector. This increases the size of the connector and is not suitable for use in environments with extremely limited space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention designs a connector with a stepped locking structure. The locking structure does not protrude from the surface of the connector, making the connector suitable for environments with extremely limited space. Furthermore, the locking structure of this invention has both high retaining force and easy unlocking.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A connector with a stepped snap-locking structure includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has a sleeve portion with a stepped end. At least one locking boss is provided on the surface of the sleeve portion. The second connector has a housing that fits onto the sleeve portion. A guide groove is provided on the inner wall of the housing, and a receiving cavity is formed on the inner wall of the housing at the end of the guide groove. A locking cavity communicating with the receiving cavity is also provided on the inner wall of the housing. When locking, the locking boss slides along the guide groove into the receiving cavity. Then, the first connector or the second connector is rotated circumferentially, and the locking boss slides into the locking cavity. At this time, the end face of the housing is in close contact with the stepped surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the receiving cavity and the locking cavity are respectively provided with limiting protrusions at the connection point, and the distance between the two limiting protrusions is less than the width of the locking protrusion.

[0007] Furthermore, the end of the guide groove is provided with a guide slope and a transition plane connecting the guide slope and the receiving cavity. The distance between the transition plane and the surface of the sleeve is less than the height of the locking boss.

[0008] Furthermore, the surface of the locking boss is provided with an inclined guide surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the receiving cavity and the locking cavity are connected through the casing.

[0010] Furthermore, the surface of the sleeve portion is provided with at least one limiting rib along the axial direction, and the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a limiting groove. The limiting rib is fitted into the limiting groove, and the width of the limiting groove restricts the angle of circumferential rotation of the second connector.

[0011] Furthermore, two limiting ribs are symmetrically provided on the surface of the sleeve portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the receiving cavity and the locking cavity are not on the same straight line.

[0013] Furthermore, two locking bosses are symmetrically arranged on the surface of the sleeve portion.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention designs a connector with a stepped snap-locking structure. The locking structure of this connector does not protrude from the surface of the connector, resulting in a smaller product size suitable for use in environments with extremely limited space. Furthermore, during the connection process, the sleeve portion of the first connector and the housing of the second connector are fitted together. The locking boss on the surface of the sleeve portion moves along the guide groove of the housing into the receiving cavity. Then, the first connector or the second connector is rotated, causing the locking boss to move from the receiving cavity into the locking cavity. The locking cavity restricts the axial movement of the locking boss, thereby achieving the purpose of locking.

[0015] 2. Furthermore, the present invention provides a limiting protrusion at the connection between the receiving cavity and the locking cavity. The limiting protrusion prevents the locking boss from retracting from the locking cavity into the receiving cavity, thereby avoiding the problem of the first connector and the second connector retracting and unlocking due to various vibrations during use, and ensuring the reliability of the connector locking structure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connector of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the first connector of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the second connector (excluding the connecting post) of the present invention; Figure 4This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the second connector (excluding the connecting post) of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image; In the diagram, 1 is the first connector, 10 is the sleeve section, 11 is the stepped surface, 12 is the locking boss, and 101 is the limiting rib. 2 is the second connector, 20 is the housing, 21 is the guide groove, 22 is the receiving cavity, 23 is the locking cavity, and 201 is the limiting groove. 3 is the limiting protrusion, 210 is the guide slope, 211 is the transition plane, and 120 is the inclined guide surface. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a connector with a stepped snap-locking structure includes a first connector 1 and a second connector 2. The first connector 1 has a sleeve portion 10, the end of which forms a stepped surface 11. At least one locking boss 12 is provided on the surface of the sleeve portion 10. The second connector 2 has a housing 20, which is fitted onto the sleeve portion 11. A guide groove 21 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 20. A receiving cavity 22 is formed on the inner wall of the housing 20 at the end of the guide groove 21. A locking cavity 23 communicating with the receiving cavity 22 is also provided on the inner wall of the housing 20. When locking, the locking boss 12 slides along the guide groove 21 into the receiving cavity 22. Then, the first connector 1 or the second connector 2 is rotated circumferentially, and the locking boss 12 slides into the locking cavity 23. At this time, the end face of the housing 20 is in close contact with the stepped surface.

[0019] This invention designs a connector in which, when the sleeve of the second connector is fitted onto the sleeve portion of the first connector, a locking boss on the sleeve portion moves along the guide groove of the housing until it reaches the receiving cavity. Then, the first or second connector is rotated circumferentially, causing the locking boss to slide from the receiving cavity into the locking cavity. The wall of the locking cavity limits the axial movement of the locking boss, thereby achieving the purpose of locking. The locking structure described above does not protrude from the surface of the first and second connectors, does not increase the volume of the connector, and meets the needs of use in some small spaces.

[0020] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 22 and the locking cavity 23 are respectively provided with limiting protrusions 3 at the connection point. The distance between the two limiting protrusions 3 is less than the width of the locking protrusion 12. This further limits the connection. The added limiting protrusions can prevent the locking protrusion from retracting from the locking cavity into the receiving cavity, avoiding the problem of the connector retracting from the locking cavity into the receiving cavity in some vibration environments, thus ensuring the reliability of the locking structure.

[0021] Furthermore, the end of the guide groove 21 is provided with a guide slope 210 and a transition plane 211 connecting the guide slope 210 and the receiving cavity 22. The distance between the transition plane and the surface of the sleeve is less than the height of the locking protrusion. Here, the distance between the transition plane and the surface of the sleeve is limited. When the locking protrusion moves in the guide groove, the guide plane and the transition plane will interfere with the locking protrusion to a certain extent. After the locking protrusion enters the receiving cavity, the existence of the interference can also prevent the locking protrusion from slipping directly along the guide groove, which plays a pre-locking role and avoids the problem that the user may forget to rotate the first connector or the second connector in the circumferential direction, causing the entire locking structure to fail directly.

[0022] Furthermore, the surface of the locking boss 12 is provided with an inclined guide surface 120. The inclined guide surface cooperates with the guide slope to reduce the resistance when the locking boss and the guide groove just come into contact, which is more conducive to the sliding of the locking protrusion in the guide groove.

[0023] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 22 and the locking cavity 23 are connected through the housing 20. When the receiving cavity and the locking cavity are connected through the housing, the user can observe the position of the locking protrusion from the outside, which makes it more convenient for the user to observe and also better avoids the phenomenon that the user forgets to rotate the first connector or the second connector in the circumferential direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the surface of the sleeve portion 10 is provided with at least one limiting rib 101 along the axial direction, and the inner wall of the housing 20 is provided with a limiting groove 201. The limiting rib 101 is fitted in the limiting groove 201. The width of the limiting groove restricts the circumferential rotation angle of the second connector. The cooperation between the limiting rib and the limiting groove limits the axial rotation angle of the first connector or the second connector, avoiding the problem of product damage or locking failure caused by excessive rotation of the first connector or the second connector.

[0025] Furthermore, the sleeve portion 10 is symmetrically provided with two limiting ribs on its surface, adopting a symmetrical structural design. The structure is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, and it also enhances the structural strength of the fit between the limiting ribs and the limiting groove. At the same time, the symmetrical structure is also beneficial to manufacturing.

[0026] Furthermore, the receiving cavity and the locking cavity are not on the same straight line. With the above structure, during the process of the locking protrusion sliding from the receiving cavity into the locking cavity, it will drive the first connector or the other connector to have an axial displacement. After the displacement, the wall of the locking cavity will also be in a tight state with the locking protrusion, ensuring the stability of the position of the locking protrusion in the locking cavity.

[0027] Furthermore, two locking bosses are symmetrically arranged on the surface of the sleeve; the symmetrical structural design makes the structure symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.

[0028] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention designs a connector with a stepped snap-locking structure. The locking structure of this connector does not protrude from the surface of the connector, resulting in a smaller product size suitable for use in environments with extremely limited space. Furthermore, during the connection process, the sleeve portion of the first connector and the housing of the second connector are fitted together. The locking boss on the surface of the sleeve portion moves along the guide groove of the housing into the receiving cavity. Then, the first connector or the second connector is rotated, causing the locking boss to move from the receiving cavity into the locking cavity. The locking cavity restricts the axial movement of the locking boss, thereby achieving the purpose of locking.

[0029] 2. Furthermore, the present invention provides a limiting protrusion at the connection between the receiving cavity and the locking cavity. The limiting protrusion prevents the locking boss from retracting from the locking cavity into the receiving cavity, thereby avoiding the problem of the first connector and the second connector retracting and unlocking due to various vibrations during use, and ensuring the reliability of the connector locking structure.

Claims

1. A connector with a stepped snap-locking structure, comprising a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that: The first connector has a sleeve portion with a stepped surface at the end. The surface of the sleeve portion has at least one locking boss. The second connector has a housing that fits onto the sleeve portion. The inner wall of the housing has a guide groove, and a receiving cavity is formed on the inner wall of the housing at the end of the guide groove. The inner wall of the housing also has a locking cavity that communicates with the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity and the locking cavity are not on the same straight line and are arranged in a stepped manner. The locking cavity is located on the side of the receiving cavity away from the first connector. Limiting protrusions are provided at the connection between the receiving cavity and the locking cavity. The distance between the two limiting protrusions is less than the width of the locking boss. When locking, the locking boss slides along the guide groove into the receiving cavity. Then, the first connector or the second connector is rotated circumferentially, and the locking boss slides from the receiving cavity into the locking cavity. At this time, the end face of the housing is in close contact with the stepped surface.

2. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the guide groove is provided with a guide slope and a transition plane connecting the guide slope and the receiving cavity. The distance between the transition plane and the surface of the sleeve is less than the height of the locking boss.

3. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the locking boss is provided with an inclined guide surface.

4. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving cavity and locking cavity are connected through the shell.

5. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve portion has at least one limiting rib along the axial direction on its surface, and the inner wall of the housing has a limiting groove. The limiting rib fits into the limiting groove, and the width of the limiting groove restricts the angle of circumferential rotation of the second connector.

6. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: Two limiting ribs are symmetrically provided on the surface of the sleeve.

7. The connector with a stepped snap-locking structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Two locking bosses are symmetrically arranged on the surface of the sleeve.

Images