Round connector anti-loosening structure

By using springs, balls, and retaining rings with anti-rotation structures in fiber optic connectors, the problems of wear and inconvenient maintenance of existing connectors in high-temperature environments are solved, achieving stable anti-loosening effect and convenient maintenance process.

CN116243430BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12CHINA AVIATION OPTICAL ELECTRICAL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA AVIATION OPTICAL ELECTRICAL TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-02-20
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The ratchet of the existing J599III series fiber optic connector is made of plastic, which is prone to wear, and the parts are scrapped after disassembly. Moreover, the anti-loosening effect decreases under high temperature environment.

Method used

The springs, balls, and retaining rings with anti-rotation structures made of metal or ceramic are used. The retaining structure on the retaining ring limits the movement of the balls, thus preventing the connecting nut from rotating and loosening. The retaining ring and connecting nut are also limited by a snap ring, making disassembly and installation easy.

Benefits of technology

It achieves a stable and reliable anti-loosening effect in high-temperature environments, and facilitates the replacement and maintenance of parts, reducing usage and maintenance costs and wear.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to a round connector anti-loosening structure which comprises a spline shell, a connecting nut, a spring, a ball, a check ring and a snap spring. The connecting nut is assembled on the outer circle of the spline shell and can rotate circumferentially relative to the spline shell, and the check ring is relatively static with the spline shell through a rotation-stopping structure. The rear end of the connecting nut is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the spring and the ball, the check ring is mounted on the outer circle of the spline shell and is located between the ball and the snap spring, the spring is in a compressed state after the check ring is mounted in place, the ball is located between the spring and the accommodating structure of the check ring, the ball is tightly abutted against the accommodating structure of the check ring under the action of the spring force, the connecting nut has certain resistance when circumferentially rotating, the thread is not easy to loosen in a high-vibration environment, and the anti-loosening effect is good. The check ring with the rotation-stopping function is a separate part, is convenient for later maintenance and replacement, is not easy to be damaged by adopting metal or ceramic materials, is wear-resistant and durable when being screwed or loosened for many times, and the anti-loosening effect is stable and reliable.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to an anti-loosening structure for circular connectors. Background Technology

[0002] The existing J599III series fiber optic connector anti-loosening structure is a structure in which two circular ratchet teeth interlock, as shown in the figure below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. The connector's overall anti-loosening structure is as follows. Figure 3 As shown, the key on ratchet I engages with the keyway on the connector nut and rotates with the nut. The keyway on ratchet II engages with the key on the spline housing and remains stationary. After ratchet I and ratchet II are engaged, a corrugated spring is used for tightening, and the end teeth on the ratchet slide against each other to prevent loosening.

[0003] The existing connector anti-loosening structure described above has the following disadvantages:

[0004] (1) Both ratchet I and ratchet II are made of plastic. When tightened too many times, they are easily worn and lose their anti-loosening function.

[0005] (2) The ratchet II is a one-time assembly structure. After disassembly, the parts are scrapped, which is not conducive to the later maintenance of the product.

[0006] (3) When used in high-temperature environments, the non-metallic material softens, which reduces the anti-loosening effect. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a circular connector anti-loosening structure. It employs a spring, ball bearings, and a retaining ring with an anti-rotation structure. The retaining ring's accommodating structure limits the movement of the ball bearings, creating resistance when the connecting nut rotates, thus preventing loosening. Subsequent maintenance and component replacement are simple and convenient. The components are made of metal or ceramic materials, are wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant, and not easily damaged. They remain wear-resistant and durable even after repeated tightening or loosening, providing a stable and reliable anti-loosening effect.

[0008] This invention is specifically achieved through the following technical solution: A circular connector anti-loosening structure proposed in this invention includes a splined housing, a connecting nut, a spring, a ball, a retaining ring, and a snap ring. The connecting nut is assembled on the outer circle of the splined housing and is axially stopped by a protruding key I on the outer circle of the splined housing and a snap ring mounted on the outer circle of the splined housing. The connecting nut can rotate circumferentially relative to the splined housing. When the connecting nut rotates, the retaining ring and the splined housing remain relatively stationary due to the anti-rotation structure. The rear end of the connecting nut has a mounting hole for installing the spring and the ball. The retaining ring is installed on the outer circle of the splined housing and located between the ball and the snap ring. The end face of the retaining ring near the ball has a receiving structure for accommodating the ball and providing a certain anti-rotation function. After the retaining ring is installed, the spring is in a compressed state, and the ball is located between the spring and the receiving structure of the retaining ring. Under the action of the spring force, the ball presses tightly against the receiving structure of the retaining ring. The receiving structure has a certain limiting effect on the ball, providing resistance to the circumferential rotation of the connecting nut. This prevents the threads from loosening in high-vibration environments and provides an anti-loosening function.

[0009] The present invention makes the retaining ring, which has an anti-rotation function, a separate part through the above structure, which facilitates later maintenance and replacement and reduces the cost of use and maintenance; the retaining ring and the connecting nut are limited by the snap ring, which facilitates disassembly and installation.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of the receiving structures is an integer multiple of the number of balls; when the connecting nut rotates circumferentially, all balls can fall into the corresponding receiving structures simultaneously, and the limiting and resistance of the receiving structures on the balls achieves the anti-rotation and anti-loosening of the connecting nut.

[0011] The inner diameter of the mounting hole is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the ball. When installing the retaining ring, the ball can be pressed into the mounting hole a certain distance, which facilitates the installation of the retaining ring and the snap ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the retaining ring is installed in the retaining ring mounting groove on the outer circle of the spline housing and is located in the limiting step on the rear end face of the retaining ring.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting nut is provided with a boss, which surrounds the inner wall of the rear end of the connecting nut. The mounting holes are evenly distributed on the boss, with their openings facing the tail end of the connecting nut. The axial positioning of the connecting nut is achieved by the limiting action of the protruding key I on the outer circumference of the spline housing and the retaining ring installed on the outer circumference of the spline housing. The boss structure facilitates the design of mounting holes for springs and balls, facilitates the axial positioning of the connecting nut, and facilitates the installation of the retaining ring in the retaining ring inner hole at the tail end of the boss.

[0014] Furthermore, a washer is provided between the boss and the key I. This washer can reduce the friction when the connecting nut rotates around the spline housing, thereby reducing the wear of the connecting nut and the spline housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the anti-rotation structure includes a convex key II and a keyway II;

[0016] In one embodiment, the convex key II is provided on the spline housing, and the retaining ring is provided with a corresponding keyway II. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the spline housing and the retaining ring are prevented from rotating by the cooperation of the convex key II and the keyway II. At the same time, the inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a keyway I, and the cooperation of the keyway I and the convex key II facilitates the installation of the connecting nut.

[0017] In another embodiment, the keyway II can be set on the spline housing, and the retaining ring can be provided with a corresponding convex key II. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the spline housing and the retaining ring can be prevented from rotating by the cooperation of the convex key II and the keyway II. At the same time, the inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a convex key III, and the cooperation of the keyway II and the convex key III facilitates the installation of the connecting nut.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the receiving structure is a ball bearing fixing hole, which includes a variable diameter section and a fixed section. The variable diameter section is connected to the fixed section and is located at the opening of the ball bearing fixing hole. The diameter of the fixed section remains constant, while the diameter of the variable diameter section gradually increases from the inside of the hole to the opening, thus forming an inclined surface in the variable diameter section of the ball bearing fixing hole. The ball bearing fixing hole limits the movement of the ball, thereby preventing the connecting nut from rotating or loosening.

[0019] Under the tightening force, the ball overcomes the limiting effect of the ball fixing hole and causes the connecting nut to rotate around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly tightened; under the separating force, the ball overcomes the limiting effect of the ball fixing hole and causes the connecting nut to rotate in the opposite direction around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly loosened. The tightening force and the separating force are in opposite directions and the separating force and the tightening force are basically equal.

[0020] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the receiving structure is a ball bearing retaining groove, which includes a first inclined surface, a bottom surface, and a second inclined surface. The bottom surface is a plane and is located between the first and second inclined surfaces. The included angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface and the included angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface are both obtuse angles, and the included angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface is greater than the included angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface. The limiting and resistance of the first and second inclined surfaces on the ball bearings achieve the anti-rotation and anti-loosening effect on the connecting nut.

[0021] Under the tightening force, the ball overcomes the resistance of the first inclined surface and causes the connecting nut to rotate around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly tightened; under the separating force, the ball overcomes the resistance of the second inclined surface and causes the connecting nut to rotate in the opposite direction around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly loosened. The tightening force and the separating force are in opposite directions and the separating force is greater than the tightening force.

[0022] Furthermore, the springs, retaining rings, and snap rings are all made of metal, while the ball bearings are made of metal or ceramic. Metal or ceramic materials are wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant, allowing for repeated use, disassembly, and installation without damage. They remain wear-resistant and durable even after repeated tightening or loosening, providing a stable and reliable anti-loosening effect.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Through the above technical solution, this invention achieves considerable technological advancement and practicality, and has broad application value, possessing at least the following advantages:

[0024] (1) This invention employs a spring, ball bearings, and a retaining ring with an anti-rotation structure. The retaining ring's containment structure limits and resists the ball bearings, creating resistance when the connecting nut rotates, thus preventing rotation and loosening. The spring, retaining ring, and snap ring used are all made of metal, while the ball bearings are made of metal or ceramic. These components are wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant, allowing for repeated use, disassembly, and installation without damage. They remain wear-resistant and durable even after repeated tightening or loosening, providing a stable and reliable anti-loosening effect.

[0025] (2) The anti-loosening structure of the present invention is easy to install and disassemble. If the retaining ring needs to be replaced, simply press the retaining ring to compress the spring, remove the retaining ring after removing the retaining ring, and the anti-loosening effect of the connector remains unchanged after replacing the new retaining ring. Therefore, the present invention is convenient and quick to maintain and replace parts in the later stage, and the cost is low.

[0026] (3) The present invention installs a shim between the boss inside the connecting nut and the key I on the outer circle of the splined housing, which can effectively reduce the friction between the connecting nut and the splined housing when the connecting nut rotates, thereby reducing the wear of the connecting nut and the splined housing. When the connecting nut rotates, the ball and the retaining ring experience rolling friction, which can effectively reduce the wear of the anti-loosening structure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 Here is a three-dimensional view (a) and a side view (b) of the existing ratchet I;

[0028] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 A three-dimensional view (a) and a side view (b) of ratchet gear II engaged by ratchet gear I in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an existing connector anti-loosening structure, where (a) is a perspective view of the connector, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a), and (c) is an exploded view of (a).

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view (a) and an exploded view (b) of the anti-loosening structure of the circular connector of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view (a) of the anti-loosening structure of the circular connector of the present invention and an enlarged view (b) of part A thereto;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the connecting nut of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 These are a perspective view (a) of the retaining ring from one view when the structure is a ball retaining hole, a perspective view (b) from another view, a sectional view (c) of the retaining ring, and an enlarged view (d) of part B in (c).

[0034] Figure 8 These are a perspective view (a) of the retaining ring from one view when the receiving structure is a ball retaining groove, a perspective view (b) from another view, a sectional view (c) of the retaining ring, and an enlarged view (d) of part D in (c).

[0035] [Component and Symbol Explanation]:

[0036] Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" used in the present invention are based solely on the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended to facilitate the explanation of the technical solutions of the present invention. They should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0039] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the anti-loosening structure of the present invention includes a spline housing 1, a connecting nut 2, a spring 3, a ball bearing 4, a retaining ring 5, and a snap ring 6. The connecting nut is assembled on the outer circumference of the spline housing and is axially stopped by a protruding key I7 on the outer circumference of the spline housing and a snap ring installed on the outer circumference of the spline housing. The retaining ring is installed between the connecting nut and the snap ring. The front end of the connecting nut ( Figure 5 (a) The inner wall of the left end is provided with an internal thread 8 for threaded connection with the mating connection component, and the rear end of the connecting nut ( Figure 5(a) The right end is provided with a mounting hole 9 for mounting the spring and ball. The retaining ring is installed on the outer circle of the spline housing and is located in the inner hole at the rear end of the connecting nut, so that the ball is located between the spring and the retaining ring. The front end face of the retaining ring (the end face of the retaining ring near the ball) is provided with a receiving structure for accommodating the ball and having an anti-rotation function. The snap ring is installed in the snap ring mounting groove 10 on the outer circle of the spline housing and is located in the limiting step 11 on the rear end face of the retaining ring.

[0040] In other embodiments, it can also be the front end of the connecting nut ( Figure 5 (a) The outer wall of the left end is provided with external threads for threaded connection with the mating connection component.

[0041] The inner diameter of the spring is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball. After the anti-loosening assembly is assembled, the spring is in a compressed state and its length is less than the depth of the mounting hole. The ball is located between the spring and the retaining ring's receiving structure. Under the action of the spring force, the ball is tightly pressed against the retaining ring's receiving structure. When the ball rolls on the retaining ring, it falls from one receiving structure into another and is pressed tightly against the receiving structure by the spring. The receiving structure has a certain limiting effect and resistance on the ball, making the reverse rotation of the connecting nut more resistant. In a high-vibration environment, the threads are less likely to loosen, thus providing an anti-loosening function.

[0042] Of course, under the action of a large tightening force (tightening the connecting nut to the threaded connection of the mating component) or a separating force (loosening the connecting nut from the threaded connection of the mating component), the ball overcomes the resistance of each receiving structure, allowing the connecting nut to rotate circumferentially relative to the spline housing. When the connecting nut rotates, the retaining ring and the spline housing remain relatively stationary through the anti-rotation structure, ultimately achieving the tightening or loosening of the threads of the connecting nut and the mating component.

[0043] The number of mounting holes on the connecting nut is equal to the number of springs and balls. The inner diameter of the mounting holes is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the balls. When installing the retaining ring, the balls can be pressed into the mounting holes a certain distance.

[0044] The number of receiving structures is an integer multiple of the number of balls, so that when the connecting nut rotates circumferentially, all balls can fall into the corresponding receiving structures at the same time. The limiting and resistance of the receiving structures on the balls achieve the anti-rotation and anti-loosening effect of the connecting nut.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, an annular boss 12 is provided on the inner wall of the rear end of the connecting nut. Mounting holes are evenly distributed on the boss and their openings face the rear end of the connecting nut. The axial positioning of the connecting nut is achieved by the limiting effect of the protruding key I7 on the outer circle of the spline housing and the retaining spring installed on the outer circle of the spline housing on the boss.

[0046] Preferably, a washer 13 is also provided between the boss and the key I (e.g., Figure 5As shown in the figure, this washer can reduce the friction when the connecting nut rotates around the spline housing in the circumferential direction.

[0047] The anti-rotation structure includes a convex key II14 and a keyway II15.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the convex key II is located on the outer circumference of the spline housing, and the keyway II is located on the inner wall of the retaining ring. Simultaneously, the inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a keyway I 16. During assembly of the anti-loosening structure, the keyway I of the connecting nut passes through the convex key II and is installed in place on the outer circumference of the spline housing. The connecting nut can rotate circumferentially around the outer circumference of the spline housing. The spring and ball are sequentially installed into their corresponding mounting holes. Then, the keyway II of the retaining ring is aligned with the convex key II of the spline housing, and the retaining ring is installed onto the outer circumference of the spline housing, causing the ball to fall into the corresponding receiving structure of the retaining ring. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the keyway II and the convex key II cooperate to prevent the spline housing and the retaining ring from rotating. When the connecting nut rotates, the spline housing and the retaining ring cannot rotate. Pressing the retaining ring compresses the spring, inserting the snap ring into the snap ring mounting slot. After releasing the retaining ring, under the action of the spring force, the ball tightly presses against the retaining ring, and the retaining ring is lifted, limiting the snap ring in the limiting step 11 at the tail of the retaining ring, preventing the snap ring from opening.

[0049] In other embodiments, a keyway II can be provided on the outer circumference of the spline housing, and a corresponding convex key II can be provided on the inner wall of the retaining ring. The retaining ring and the spline housing prevent each other from rotating through the engagement of the convex key II and the keyway II. Simultaneously, a convex key III is provided on the inner wall of the connecting nut, and the engagement of the keyway II and the convex key III facilitates the installation of the connecting nut. This embodiment is easy to understand and will not be illustrated further.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the retaining structure on the retaining ring for accommodating the balls is a ball retaining hole 17. Multiple ball retaining holes are evenly distributed on the annular end face of the retaining ring near the balls. A limiting step 11 is provided on the side of the retaining ring near the retaining ring to limit the retaining ring. The number of ball retaining holes is an integer multiple of the number of balls, ensuring that when the connecting nut rotates circumferentially, all balls can simultaneously fall into their corresponding ball retaining holes. The limiting effect of the ball retaining holes on the balls prevents rotation and loosening of the connecting nut.

[0051] The ball bearing fixing hole is a round hole.

[0052] Preferably, the ball retaining hole includes a reducing section 18 and a fixing section 19. The reducing section is connected to the fixing section and is located at the opening of the ball retaining hole. The diameter of the fixing section remains constant, while the diameter of the reducing section gradually increases from the inside of the hole to the opening, forming an inclined surface 20 in the reducing section of the ball retaining hole. After the ball falls into the ball retaining hole, it is pressed tightly against the retaining ring under the action of the spring force. Since the retaining ring has multiple ball retaining holes, when the ball rolls on the retaining ring, it falls from one ball retaining hole into another and is pressed tightly against by the spring. The ball retaining holes have a certain limiting effect on the ball, making it difficult for the ball to detach from the ball retaining hole in a high-vibration environment, thereby achieving the anti-rotation and anti-loosening function of the connecting nut.

[0053] However, during the process of mating (tightening the threads) or separating (loosening the threads) between the connecting nut and the mating connector, under the action of a large tightening or separating force, the balls can overcome the limiting and fixing effect of the ball fixing hole, detach from the fixed section, and come out of the ball fixing hole along the inclined surface of the variable diameter section. The balls roll on the retaining ring and fall into the next ball fixing hole. Under the action of tightening or separating force, they detach from the next ball fixing hole and continue to roll, and so on, until the connecting nut rotates circumferentially and is mated or separated from the mating connector.

[0054] To achieve the above objectives and functions, the minimum diameter of the variable diameter section of the ball bearing fixing hole should preferably be smaller than the outer diameter of the ball bearing.

[0055] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the tightening force and the separating force are in opposite directions and the separating force is substantially equal to the tightening force.

[0056] In another embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the retaining structure on the retaining ring for accommodating the balls is a ball retaining groove 21. Multiple ball retaining grooves are evenly distributed on the annular end face of the retaining ring near the balls, and a limiting step is provided on the side of the retaining ring near the retaining spring to limit the retaining spring.

[0057] Similarly, the number of ball retaining grooves is an integer multiple of the number of balls, so that when the connecting nut rotates circumferentially, all balls can fall into the corresponding ball retaining grooves at the same time. The ball retaining grooves limit and resist the balls, thereby preventing the connecting nut from rotating and loosening.

[0058] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 As shown in (c), the ball retaining groove includes a first inclined surface 22, a bottom surface 23, and a second inclined surface 24. The bottom surface is a plane and is located between the first and second inclined surfaces. The angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface and the angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface are both obtuse angles, and the angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface is greater than the angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface. The limiting and resistance of the first and second inclined surfaces on the ball prevents the connecting nut from rotating and loosening.

[0059] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, during the insertion (thread tightening) of the connecting nut and the mating connecting component, under the action of tightening force, the ball overcomes the resistance of the first inclined surface and disengages from the corresponding ball retaining groove, rolls on the retaining ring, and falls into the next ball retaining groove. Under the action of tightening force, it disengages from the next ball retaining groove and continues to roll, and so on, so that the connecting nut rotates around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connecting component are threadedly tightened.

[0060] In a high-vibration environment, the balls are resisted by the second inclined plane and cannot dislodge from the corresponding ball retaining groove, which makes the reverse rotation of the connecting nut have a certain resistance. In a high-vibration environment, it is not easy to loosen, thus achieving the function of preventing loosening of the threads.

[0061] However, when it is necessary to separate the connecting nut from the mating connection (thread loosening), under the action of a large separation force, the ball can still overcome the resistance of the second inclined plane and get out of the corresponding ball retaining groove. The ball rolls in the opposite direction on the retaining ring and falls into the next ball retaining groove. Under the action of the separation force, it gets out of the next ball retaining groove and continues to roll. This process continues until the connecting nut rotates around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection thread loosen.

[0062] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the tightening force and the separating force are in opposite directions and the separating force is greater than the tightening force.

[0063] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, the spring, retaining ring, and snap ring of the present invention are all made of metal, and the ball bearings are made of metal or ceramic. They are wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant, can be repeatedly used, disassembled and installed, are not easily damaged, and are wear-resistant and durable when tightened or loosened multiple times, with a stable and reliable anti-loosening effect.

[0064] The anti-loosening structure of the present invention is easy to install and disassemble. If the retaining ring needs to be replaced, simply press the retaining ring to compress the spring, remove the retaining ring, and then remove the retaining ring. After replacing the retaining ring, the anti-loosening effect of the connector remains unchanged. Therefore, the present invention is convenient, quick, and inexpensive to maintain and replace parts in the later stages.

[0065] This invention installs a shim between the boss inside the connecting nut and the key I on the outer circumference of the splined housing. This effectively reduces the friction between the connecting nut and the splined housing during rotation, thus reducing wear on both the connecting nut and the splined housing. When the connecting nut rotates, the balls and the retaining ring experience rolling friction, which effectively reduces wear on the anti-loosening structure.

[0066] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. The present invention can also have other embodiments based on the above structure and function, which will not be listed hereafter. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular connector anti-loosening structure, characterized in that... The assembly includes a spline housing (1), a connecting nut (2), a spring (3), a ball bearing (4), a retaining ring (5), and a snap ring (6). The connecting nut is mounted on the outer circumference of the spline housing and is axially stopped by a convex key I (7) on the outer circumference of the spline housing and a snap ring mounted on the outer circumference of the spline housing. The connecting nut can rotate circumferentially relative to the spline housing. When the connecting nut rotates, the retaining ring and the spline housing remain stationary relative to each other through the anti-rotation structure. The anti-rotation structure includes a convex key II (14) and a keyway II (15). The convex key II (14) is set on the spline housing, and the retaining ring is provided with a corresponding keyway II (15). After the retaining ring is installed in place, the cooperation between the convex key II (14) and the keyway II (15) prevents the retaining ring and the spline housing from rotating relative to each other. The inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a keyway I (16), which facilitates the installation of the connecting nut through the cooperation between the keyway I (16) and the convex key II (14). Alternatively, the keyway II (14) is provided with a keyway I (16) on the inner wall of the connecting nut. 5) The spline housing is provided with a corresponding convex key II (14) on the retaining ring. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the spline housing and the retaining ring are prevented from rotating by the cooperation of the convex key II (14) and the keyway II. At the same time, the inner wall of the connecting nut is provided with a convex key III. The connection nut is conveniently installed by the cooperation of the keyway II and the convex key III. The rear end of the connecting nut is provided with an installation hole (9) for installing the spring and the ball. The retaining ring is installed on the outer circle of the spline housing and is located between the ball and the retaining ring. The end face of the retaining ring near the ball is provided with a receiving structure for accommodating the ball and having a certain anti-rotation function. After the retaining ring is installed in place, the spring is in a compressed state, and the ball is located between the spring and the receiving structure of the retaining ring. Under the action of the spring force, the ball is tightly pressed against the receiving structure of the retaining ring. The receiving structure has a certain limiting effect on the ball, so that the circumferential rotation of the connecting nut has a certain resistance. It is not easy for the threads to loosen in a high vibration environment and has an anti-loosening function.

2. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The number of housing structures is an integer multiple of the number of balls; the inner diameter of the mounting hole is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the balls, and when the retaining ring is installed, the balls can be pressed into the mounting hole a certain distance.

3. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The snap ring is installed in the snap ring mounting groove on the outer circle of the spline housing and is located in the limiting step (11) on the rear end face of the retaining ring.

4. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The connecting nut has a boss (12) inside. The boss is arranged around the inner wall of the rear end of the connecting nut. The mounting holes are evenly distributed on the boss and their openings face the tail end of the connecting nut. The axial positioning of the connecting nut is achieved by the limiting effect of the boss on the outer circle of the spline housing and the snap ring installed on the outer circle of the spline housing.

5. The circular connector anti-loosening structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that... A washer (13) is also provided between the boss and the key I. This washer can reduce the friction when the connecting nut rotates around the spline housing.

6. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The receiving structure is a ball fixing hole (17), which includes a variable diameter section (18) and a fixed section (19). The variable diameter section is connected to the fixed section. The variable diameter section is located at the opening of the ball fixing hole. The diameter of the fixed section remains unchanged. The diameter of the variable diameter section gradually increases from the inside of the hole to the opening of the hole, so that the variable diameter section of the ball fixing hole forms an inclined surface (20). The ball fixing hole limits the ball and achieves the anti-rotation and anti-loosening effect on the connecting nut.

7. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The receiving structure is a ball retaining groove (21), which includes a first inclined surface (22), a bottom surface (23), and a second inclined surface (24). The bottom surface is a plane and is located between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. The angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface and the angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface are both obtuse angles, and the angle A between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface is greater than the angle B between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface limit and resist the ball to achieve the anti-rotation and anti-loosening effect on the connecting nut.

8. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 7, characterized in that... Under the tightening force, the ball overcomes the resistance of the first inclined surface and causes the connecting nut to rotate around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly tightened; under the separating force, the ball overcomes the resistance of the second inclined surface and causes the connecting nut to rotate in the opposite direction around the spline housing until the connecting nut and the mating connection are threadedly loosened. The tightening force and the separating force are in opposite directions and the separating force is greater than the tightening force.

9. The anti-loosening structure for a circular connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The springs, retaining rings, and snap rings are all made of metal, while the balls are made of metal or ceramic.