A multi-stage rotating lock-to- plug connector

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-stage rotary plug-in fool-proof connector, which comprises a plug and a socket. The plug comprises a ring-shaped rotary shell and a first contact arranged inside the ring-shaped rotary shell, and a first ring-shaped insertion cavity is formed between the ring-shaped rotary shell and the first contact. The inner wall of the ring-shaped rotary shell is provided with a plurality of vertical key position grooves and horizontal key position grooves which are alternately and sequentially communicated from top to bottom. The socket comprises a ring-shaped shell and a second contact arranged inside the ring-shaped shell and matched with the first contact, and the ring-shaped shell is inserted into the first ring-shaped insertion cavity. The outer wall of the ring-shaped shell is sequentially provided with a plurality of insertion keys which are distributed from top to bottom along the circumference of the ring-shaped shell, and the insertion keys are matched with the vertical key position grooves and the horizontal key position grooves. The multi-stage rotary plug-in fool-proof connector can realize insertion by inserting the plug into the socket in a multi-stage rotary manner, is convenient to assemble, and cannot be assembled in a wrong position, and can effectively prevent mistakes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically to a multi-stage rotary mating connector with anti-foolproof design. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are a common component used by electronic engineers. Their function is quite simple: to bridge gaps in circuits or between isolated circuits, allowing current to flow and enabling the circuit to perform its intended function. Connectors are indispensable components in electronic devices, and their forms and structures are incredibly diverse. Various types of connectors exist depending on the application, frequency, power, and operating environment.

[0003] Currently, most connectors on the market use multi-key pins for foolproof assembly. Multi-key pins are not conducive to employee assembly, as it is easy to install them in the wrong position. In addition, the pins are distinguished by different colors, which increases the quantity required for different material categories.

[0004] The above shortcomings need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention provides a multi-stage rotary mating connector with anti-foolproof design.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0007] A multi-stage rotary mating connector with foolproof design, comprising:

[0008] The plug includes an annular rotating housing and a first contact element disposed inside the annular rotating housing. A first annular mating cavity is formed between the annular rotating housing and the first contact element. The inner wall of the annular rotating housing is provided with a plurality of vertical key slots and horizontal key slots that are alternately connected from top to bottom.

[0009] The socket includes an annular outer shell and a second contact disposed inside the annular outer shell and cooperating with the first contact. The annular outer shell is inserted into the first annular insertion cavity. The outer wall of the annular outer shell is provided with a plurality of insertion keys distributed from top to bottom along its circumference. The insertion keys cooperate with the vertical key slot and the horizontal key slot.

[0010] According to the present invention of the above scheme, the inner wall of the annular rotating shell is provided with a first vertical keyway, a first horizontal keyway, a second vertical keyway and a second horizontal keyway that are alternately connected from top to bottom, and the outer wall of the annular shell is provided with a first mating key, a second mating key and a third mating key distributed from top to bottom along its circumference.

[0011] The projected arc lengths of the first and second mating keys at the bottom of the annular housing are equal to and less than the arc length of the first horizontal key slot; the projected arc lengths of the second and third mating keys at the bottom of the annular housing are equal to the arc length of the first horizontal key slot; the vertical distance between the top ends of the first and second mating keys is not greater than the height of the first vertical key slot; the vertical distance between the top ends of the second and third mating keys is not greater than the height of the first vertical key slot; the vertical distance between the top ends of the first and second mating keys is greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot; the heights of both the first and second mating keys are not greater than the height of the first horizontal key slot; the widths of the first, second, and third mating keys are not greater than the arc lengths of the first and second vertical key slots.

[0012] Furthermore, the height of the third mating key is less than the height of the first vertical key slot and greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot, and the width of the third mating key is less than the arc length of the first vertical key slot.

[0013] Furthermore, the first interlocking key, the second interlocking key, and the third interlocking key are all elongated strips.

[0014] Furthermore, guide bevels are provided on both sides of the top of the first mating key, the second mating key, and the third mating key.

[0015] According to the present invention described above, the plug further includes a plug housing, the upper end of which is disposed inside the annular rotating housing, the first contact element is a contact sleeve, the second contact element is a contact pin, the plug housing is provided with a first hollow cavity that extends vertically, and the contact sleeve is disposed within the first hollow cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, the annular outer shell and the contact pin form a second annular mating cavity, and the upper end of the plug outer shell is mated in the second annular mating cavity.

[0017] Furthermore, a rotating housing limiting groove is provided on the outer wall of the middle part of the plug housing, and the bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing is fitted into the rotating housing limiting groove, so that the annular rotating housing can rotate along the central axis of the plug housing and move up and down along the rotating housing limiting groove, and a spring washer is provided between the bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing and the upper inner wall of the rotating housing limiting groove.

[0018] Furthermore, a first fixing cap for fixing the contact insert is provided at the lower bottom of the first hollow cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer walls of the first fixed cover are provided with first locking blocks on both sides, and the lower bottom inner walls of the first hollow cavity are provided with first locking grooves that engage with the first locking blocks on both sides.

[0020] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first fixed cover is also provided with a first guide block, and the lower bottom inner wall of the first hollow cavity is provided with a first guide groove for the first guide block to be inserted.

[0021] According to the present invention described above, the socket further includes a socket housing, which is disposed at the bottom of the annular housing. The socket housing has a second hollow cavity that extends vertically through it, and the upper end of the second contact extends through the second hollow cavity into the annular housing.

[0022] Furthermore, a second fixing cover for fixing the second contact element is provided at the bottom of the lower end of the second hollow cavity;

[0023] Furthermore, the outer walls of the second fixed cover are provided with second locking blocks on both sides, and the lower bottom inner walls of the second hollow cavity are provided with second locking grooves that engage with the second locking blocks on both sides.

[0024] Furthermore, the outer wall of the second fixed cover is also provided with a second guide block, and the lower bottom inner wall of the second hollow cavity is provided with a second guide groove for the second guide block to be inserted.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a socket base, the socket being fixed to the socket base by the socket housing.

[0026] According to the above-described solution, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0027] This invention provides a multi-stage rotary mating connector with anti-misalignment. By providing multiple vertical and horizontal key slots that are alternately connected from top to bottom on the inner wall of the annular rotating housing of the plug, and providing multiple mating keys that are distributed from top to bottom along the circumference of the outer wall of the annular housing of the socket, the plug can be inserted into the socket through a multi-stage rotation to achieve mating. This not only makes assembly convenient but also prevents incorrect installation, effectively preventing misalignment, and eliminates the need for different colors for differentiation. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the plug structure in this invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plug from another perspective in this invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the plug structure in this invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the plug in this invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the annular rotating outer shell in this invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the annular rotating shell from another perspective in this invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the socket structure in this invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the socket and the socket base in this invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the socket base in this invention.

[0038] In the diagram,

[0039] 1. Socket base; 11. Socket mounting holes; 111. Third slot;

[0040] 2. Plug; 21. Annular rotating outer shell; 211. First vertical key slot; 212. First horizontal key slot; 213. Second vertical key slot; 214. Second horizontal key slot; 22. Plug outer shell; 221. First hollow cavity; 2211. First slot; 2212. First guide slot; 222. Rotating outer shell limiting slot; 23. Contact socket; 24. First annular mating cavity; 25. Spring washer; 26. First fixing cover; 261. First locking block; 262. First guide block;

[0041] 3. Socket; 31. Annular outer shell; 311. First mating key; 3111. Guide slope; 312. Second mating key; 313. Third mating key; 32. Socket outer shell; 321. Third locking block; 33. Contact pin; 34. Second annular mating cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "set," "connect," "fix," and "install" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating the orientation or position based on the accompanying drawings, are for ease of description only and should not be construed as limiting the technical solution. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features. "Multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 10 This embodiment provides a multi-stage rotary mating connector with anti-foolproof design, including a socket base 1 and several pairs of plugs 2 and sockets 3. The sockets 3 are fixed on the socket base 1, and the plugs 2 are inserted into the sockets 3. In this invention, the plugs 2 can be made into positive plugs and negative plugs, and the sockets can be made into positive sockets and negative sockets. The specific structures of the plugs 2 and sockets 3 are described below.

[0045] Please see Figures 2 to 7 The plug 2 includes an annular rotating outer shell 21, a plug outer shell 22, and a first contact element, which is a contact plug 23. The upper end of the plug outer shell 22 is disposed inside the annular rotating outer shell 21. The plug outer shell 22 is provided with a first hollow cavity 221 that extends vertically. The contact plug 23 is disposed inside the first hollow cavity 221. A first annular mating cavity 24 is formed between the upper ends of the annular rotating outer shell 21 and the plug outer shell 22. The inner wall of the annular rotating outer shell 21 is provided with a first vertical keyway 211, a first horizontal keyway 212, a second vertical keyway 213, and a second horizontal keyway 214 that alternately connect from top to bottom.

[0046] Please see Figure 8The socket 3 includes an annular housing 31, a socket housing 32, and a second contact. The second contact is a contact pin 33 that cooperates with the contact plug 23. The socket housing 32 is located at the bottom of the annular housing 31. The socket housing 32 is provided with a second hollow cavity that runs vertically through it. The upper end of the contact pin 33 passes through the second hollow cavity and extends into the annular housing 31. The annular housing 31 is inserted into the first annular mating cavity 24. The annular housing 31 and the contact pin 33 form the second annular mating cavity 34. The upper end of the plug housing 22 is inserted into the second annular mating cavity 34. The outer wall of the annular housing 31 is provided with a first mating key 311, a second mating key 312, and a third mating key 313 arranged sequentially from top to bottom along its circumference.

[0047] Wherein, the projected arc lengths of the first mating key 311 and the second mating key 312 at the bottom of the annular housing 31 are equal to the arc length of the first transverse key slot 212 and less than the arc length of the second transverse key slot 214; the projected arc lengths of the second mating key 312 and the third mating key 313 at the bottom of the annular housing 31 are equal to the arc length of the first transverse key slot 212; the vertical distance between the top of the first mating key 311 and the top of the second mating key 312 is not greater than the height of the first vertical key slot 211; the vertical distance between the top of the second mating key 312 and the top of the third mating key 313 is not greater than the height of the first vertical key slot 211. The height of the first engagement key 311 is greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot 214; the height of the first engagement key 311 and the second engagement key 312 is not greater than the height of the first horizontal key slot 212; the width of the first engagement key 311, the second engagement key 312 and the third engagement key 313 is not greater than the arc length of the first vertical key slot 211 and the second vertical key slot 213, so that the first engagement key 311, the second engagement key 312 and the third engagement key 313 can be smoothly inserted into the first vertical key slot 211 and the second vertical key slot 213.

[0048] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 5Additionally, a rotating housing limiting groove 222 is provided on the outer wall of the middle part of the plug housing 22. The bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing 21 is fitted into the rotating housing limiting groove 222, allowing the annular rotating housing 21 to rotate along the central axis of the plug housing 22 and move up and down along the rotating housing limiting groove 222. A spring washer 25 is provided between the bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing 21 and the upper inner wall of the rotating housing limiting groove 222. The spring washer 25 is used to tightly lock the annular rotating housing 21 onto the annular housing 31. In the initial state, the annular rotating housing 21 moves upward along the rotating housing limiting groove 222 under the elastic force of the spring washer 25 and abuts against the upper inner wall of the rotating housing limiting groove 222. After the plug 2 and the socket 3 are inserted, the annular rotating housing 21 can be tightly locked onto the annular housing 31 under the elastic force of the spring washer 25 and the action of the second insertion key 312 and the second transverse key groove 214.

[0049] The process of plug 2 and socket 3 being inserted is as follows:

[0050] 1) First, align the first vertical keyway 211 with the first mating key 311, and then insert the annular rotating housing 21 into the annular housing 31. During the insertion process, the first mating key 311 slides along the first vertical keyway 211 until the second mating key 312 blocks the annular rotating housing 21 from being inserted further.

[0051] 2) Then rotate the annular rotating shell 21 so that the first mating key 311 slides along the first horizontal key slot 212 until it can no longer rotate; at this time, the first mating key 311 enters the second vertical key slot 213, and the second mating key 312 aligns with the first vertical key slot 211.

[0052] 3) The annular rotating housing 21 continues to be inserted into the annular housing 31. During the insertion process, the first engagement key 311 slides along the second vertical keyway 213, and the second engagement key 312 slides along the first vertical keyway 211 until the third engagement key 313 blocks the annular rotating housing 21 from being inserted further.

[0053] 4) Rotate the annular rotating housing 21 again to make the first mating key 311 slide along the second horizontal key slot 214 and the second mating key 312 slide along the first horizontal key slot 212 until it can no longer rotate; at this time, the second mating key 312 enters the second vertical key slot 213 and the third mating key 313 aligns with the first vertical key slot 211.

[0054] 5) The annular rotating housing 21 continues to be inserted into the annular housing 31. During the insertion process, the second mating key 312 slides along the second vertical key slot 213, and the third mating key 313 slides along the first vertical key slot 211 until it can no longer be inserted. At this time, the top of the first mating key 311 passes through the second vertical key slot 213, the second mating key 312 is completely inserted into the second vertical key slot 213, and the third mating key 313 is completely inserted into the first vertical key slot 211. The spring washer 25 is in a compressed state, generating an upward elastic force.

[0055] 6) Rotate the annular rotating housing 21 again to make the first engagement key 311 and the second engagement key 312 slide along the second vertical key slot 213 until they can no longer rotate. At this time, the second engagement key 312 abuts against the upper inner wall of the second vertical key slot 213 under the elastic force of the spring washer 25, and the plug 2 and the socket 3 reach the engagement state.

[0056] This invention provides multiple vertical and horizontal key slots that are alternately connected from top to bottom on the inner wall of the annular rotating outer shell 21 of the plug 2, and multiple mating keys that are distributed from top to bottom on the outer wall of the annular outer shell 31 of the socket 3. This allows the plug 2 to be inserted into the socket 3 through a multi-stage rotation to achieve mating. This not only makes assembly convenient but also prevents incorrect installation, effectively preventing mistaken installation. At the same time, it eliminates the need for different colors to distinguish between plugs.

[0057] In one embodiment, the height of the third engagement key 313 is less than the height of the first vertical key slot 211 and greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot 214, to prevent the third engagement key 313 from entering the second horizontal key slot 214 when the plug 2 and socket 3 are engaged, making the separation of the plug 2 and socket 3 simpler; at the same time, the width of the third engagement key 313 is less than the arc length of the first vertical key slot 211, so that when the annular rotating housing 21 rotates, the third engagement key 313 can slide a distance along the first vertical key slot 211, so that the second engagement key 312 can abut against the upper inner wall of the second vertical key slot 213.

[0058] Please see Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first mating key 311, the second mating key 312, and the third mating key 313 are all elongated. Guide slopes 3111 are provided on both sides of the top of the first mating key 311, the second mating key 312, and the third mating key 313. The guide slopes 3111 allow the first mating key 311, the second mating key 312, and the third mating key 313 to smoothly enter the first vertical key slot 211 and the second vertical key slot 213.

[0059] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4In this embodiment, a detachable first fixing cover 26 is provided at the bottom of the lower end of the first hollow cavity 221. The first fixing cover 26 is used to fix the contact tube 23 inside the first hollow cavity 221 and facilitates the installation and removal of the contact tube 23.

[0060] Specifically, the outer wall of the first fixed cover 26 is provided with first locking blocks 261 on both sides, and the lower bottom inner wall of the first hollow cavity 221 is provided with first locking grooves 2211 on both sides to engage with the first locking blocks 261. Simultaneously, the outer wall of the first fixed cover 26 is also provided with a first guide block 262, and the lower bottom inner wall of the first hollow cavity 221 is provided with a first guide groove 2212 for the first guide block 262 to be inserted. Through the first guide block 262 and the first guide groove 2212, when the first fixed cover 26 is inserted into the lower bottom of the first hollow cavity 221, the first locking blocks 261 on both sides of the first fixed cover 26 can smoothly engage with the first locking grooves 2211, thereby achieving rapid and precise assembly of the first fixed cover 26.

[0061] In this embodiment, a second fixing cover is provided at the bottom of the lower end of the second hollow cavity. The second fixing cover is used to fix the contact pin 33 in the second hollow cavity and facilitates the installation and removal of the contact pin 33.

[0062] Specifically, the outer wall of the second fixing cover is provided with second locking blocks on both sides, and the lower bottom inner wall of the second hollow cavity is provided with second locking grooves on both sides to engage with the second locking blocks. Simultaneously, the outer wall of the second fixing cover is also provided with a second guide block, and the lower bottom inner wall of the second hollow cavity is provided with a second guide groove for the second guide block to be inserted. Through the second guide block and the second guide groove, when the second fixing cover is inserted into the lower bottom of the second hollow cavity, the second locking blocks on both sides of the second fixing cover can smoothly engage with the second locking grooves, thereby achieving quick and precise assembly of the second fixing cover.

[0063] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 10 In this embodiment, the socket base 1 is provided with a plurality of arrayed socket mounting holes 11, and each socket 3 is detachably connected to a socket mounting hole 11 via its socket housing 32. Specifically, the socket mounting hole 11 has a third slot 111 on opposite sides inside, and the socket housing 32 has a third locking block 321 on opposite sides of its outer wall that mates with the third slot 111. When the socket housing 32 is inserted into the socket mounting hole 11, the third locking block 321 on the outer wall of the socket housing 32 engages with the corresponding third slot 111, thereby fixing the socket 3 to the socket mounting hole 11 of the socket base 1.

[0064] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

[0065] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-stage rotary mating connector with foolproof design, characterized in that, include The plug includes an annular rotating housing and a first contact element disposed inside the annular rotating housing. A first annular mating cavity is formed between the annular rotating housing and the first contact element. The inner wall of the annular rotating housing is provided with a plurality of vertical key slots and horizontal key slots that are alternately connected from top to bottom. The socket includes an annular outer shell and a second contact disposed inside the annular outer shell and cooperating with the first contact. The annular outer shell is inserted into the first annular insertion cavity. A plurality of insertion keys are arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the circumference of the outer wall of the annular outer shell. The insertion keys cooperate with the vertical key slot and the horizontal key slot. The inner wall of the annular rotating shell is provided with a first vertical keyway, a first horizontal keyway, a second vertical keyway and a second horizontal keyway that are alternately connected from top to bottom. The outer wall of the annular shell is provided with a first mating key, a second mating key and a third mating key distributed from top to bottom along its circumference. The projected arc lengths of the first mating key and the second mating key at the bottom of the annular shell are equal to the arc length of the first transverse keyway and less than the arc length of the second transverse keyway. The projected arc lengths of the second mating key and the third mating key at the bottom of the annular shell are equal to the arc length of the first transverse keyway. The vertical distance between the top of the first mating key and the top of the second mating key is not greater than the height of the first vertical keyway. The vertical distance between the top of the second mating key and the top of the third mating key is not greater than the height of the first vertical keyway. The vertical distance between the top end of the first mating key and the bottom end of the second mating key is greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot; The heights of both the first mating key and the second mating key are not greater than the height of the first transverse keyway. The widths of the first mating key, the second mating key, and the third mating key are all no greater than the arc lengths of the first vertical key slot and the second vertical key slot; The plug also includes a plug housing, the upper end of which is disposed inside the annular rotating housing. The first contact is a contact sleeve, the second contact is a contact pin, and the plug housing has a first hollow cavity that extends vertically. The contact sleeve is disposed within the first hollow cavity.

2. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the third mating key is less than the height of the first vertical key slot and greater than the height of the second horizontal key slot, and the width of the third mating key is less than the arc length of the first vertical key slot.

3. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular outer shell and the contact pin form a second annular mating cavity, and the upper end of the plug outer shell is mated in the second annular mating cavity.

4. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the plug housing is provided with a rotating housing limiting groove in the middle. The bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing is fitted into the rotating housing limiting groove, so that the annular rotating housing can rotate along the central axis of the plug housing and move up and down along the rotating housing limiting groove. A spring washer is provided between the bottom inner wall edge of the annular rotating housing and the upper inner wall of the rotating housing limiting groove.

5. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the first hollow cavity is provided with a first fixing cover for fixing the contact insert.

6. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer walls of the first fixed cover are provided with first locking blocks on both sides, and the lower bottom inner walls of the first hollow cavity are provided with first locking grooves that engage with the first locking blocks on both sides.

7. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket also includes a socket housing, which is disposed at the bottom of the annular housing. The socket housing has a second hollow cavity that extends vertically through it, and the upper end of the second contact extends through the second hollow cavity into the annular housing.

8. The multi-stage rotary mating connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a socket base, the socket being fixed to the socket base by the socket housing.

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