An energy storage connector

Abstract

The application relates to the field of connectors, in particular to an energy storage connector which comprises a plug and a socket, a locking mechanism is arranged in the plug to lock the socket in the plug, the socket has a pin which is inserted into the plug when the plug and the socket are connected, and a cylindrical limiting part which is coaxially arranged with the pin, an annular convex part is formed on the end of the limiting part and protrudes radially outward, the locking mechanism comprises rotating shafts and fixed shafts which are coaxially arranged and have equal outer diameters, a blocking plate which is slidably connected with the rotating shafts, and a button arranged on the side wall of the shell, a helical sliding groove which is in butt joint with the linear sliding groove is arranged on the circumferential surface of the fixed shaft, and a guide block which is in sliding fit with the linear sliding groove and the helical sliding groove is arranged on the blocking plate. According to the scheme, the button does not need to be continuously pressed when the socket and the plug are connected or disassembled, the operation is convenient, labor-saving and fast.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connectors, and more specifically to an energy storage connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors, as common components in the power industry, come in various structural forms. An electrical connector typically includes a connector plug and a connector socket that mates with the plug. The connector socket is mounted on the housing of the device, and the wiring extends outwards through the connector plug. Of these two components, the connector plug connects to the power source, while the connector socket connects to high-current electrical appliances.

[0003] When using electrical connectors for wiring, the operator typically needs one hand to hold the connector plug and the other hand to mate the connector socket with the plug to establish an electrical connection. Both hands are then used to lock the connector plug and socket in place to ensure the connection is secure. Conversely, releasing the connection also requires both hands. This makes unlocking the connector plug and socket relatively complex.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, prior art CN211859039 U discloses an electrical connector plug, an electrical connector socket, and an electrical connector, which mainly includes a plug housing forming a cavity with an opening at one end, and a through hole communicating with the cavity formed on the side wall of the plug housing; a button located on the outside of the plug housing, the button having an extension portion located within the cavity; a cover plate cooperating with the plug housing to close the opening of the cavity; a snap-fit ​​structure located within the cavity of the plug housing, the first end of the snap-fit ​​structure being rotatably disposed within the cavity, the second end of the snap-fit ​​structure having a force-receiving portion that engages with the extension portion of the button, the force-receiving portion having a locking portion capable of locking with the inserted electrical connector socket; and an elastic element capable of elastic deformation with the rotation of the snap-fit ​​structure, the elastic element being located within the plug housing. The main method is to use a torsion spring and a button on the plug to rotate the latching structure to avoid and lock the socket, thereby enabling quick connection and disconnection between the plug and socket. However, in the above solution, the button needs to be pressed down by hand to complete the connection or disconnection. On large connectors with high power, especially on large connectors required for high power energy storage devices, the connection and disconnection operation of this structure is very inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an energy storage connector that enables quick connection and disassembly of the connector through simple operation.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an energy storage connector, including a plug and a socket. The plug is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the socket to the plug. The socket has pins that extend into the plug when plugged in and a cylindrical limiting part coaxially arranged with the pins. The end of the limiting part has an annular protrusion that protrudes radially outward toward the limiting part.

[0007] The plug includes a housing, and the housing has an integrally formed plug portion. The plug portion is provided with a plug cavity for plugging into the pin. An annular outer cavity is formed between the plug portion and the housing to accommodate the insertion of the limiting portion.

[0008] The outer casing has a cavity whose upper end communicates with the outer cavity. The locking mechanism is disposed in the cavity. The locking mechanism includes a rotating shaft arranged parallel to the axis of the pin, a fixed shaft arranged coaxially with the rotating shaft, a blocking plate slidably connected to the rotating shaft, and a button disposed on the side wall of the outer casing.

[0009] The first end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to one side wall of the cavity via a damping bearing. The fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the opposite side wall. An elastic element is provided on the rotating shaft to force it to rotate. A limiting rod is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. A stop bar is provided on the side wall of the cavity in cooperation with the limiting rod to restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft. The outer diameter of the rotating shaft is equal to the outer diameter of the fixed shaft. The second end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft. A straight groove is recessed on the circumference of the rotating shaft along its length. A spiral groove is provided on the circumference of the fixed shaft around its axis to engage with the straight groove. A shaft hole is provided on the blocking plate to slide with the rotating shaft and the fixed shaft. A guide block is provided on the shaft hole to slide with the straight groove and the spiral groove. A shoulder is provided on the rotating shaft to prevent the blocking plate from moving away from the fixed shaft. A return spring is sleeved on the fixed shaft. One end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the side wall where the fixed shaft is located, and the other end of the return spring contacts the blocking plate.

[0010] The button is inserted through the side wall of the cavity and is coplanar with the blocking plate. When the outer end of the button is pressed, the inner end of the button pushes the blocking plate to rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft.

[0011] In the above scheme, when the socket is not plugged in, the limit rod contacts the stop rod under the elastic force of the elastic element. The elastic force of the elastic element cannot force the rotating shaft to rotate. At this time, the linear slide groove on the rotating shaft is aligned with the spiral slide groove on the fixed shaft. Under the elastic force of the return spring, the blocking plate is located in the blocking position on the rotating shaft, and the button does not contact the blocking plate.

[0012] When the plug is inserted into the socket, the annular protrusion on the socket moves relative to the blocking plate and pushes the blocking plate towards the fixed shaft. As the blocking plate moves, it compresses the return spring. When the blocking plate passes the fixed shaft, it begins to rotate under the action of the spiral groove. When the blocking plate rotates to a certain angle, it avoids the annular protrusion. At this time, the annular protrusion just reaches the set position. After avoiding the annular protrusion, the blocking plate moves towards the rotating shaft under the elastic force of the return spring and rotates back under the guidance of the spiral groove. When the blocking plate moves to the contact shoulder, it stops moving. At this time, the blocking plate can block the annular protrusion to prevent the socket and plug from separating.

[0013] When it is necessary to separate the socket from the plug, pressing the button pushes the blocking plate to rotate. The blocking plate drives the rotating shaft to rotate, further compressing the elastic element. When the button is pressed to its limit position, the blocking plate rotates to avoid the annular protrusion. Due to the damping limitation of the damping bearing, when the button is released, the elastic force of the elastic element cannot immediately cause the rotating shaft to rotate back to the position where the blocking plate blocks the annular protrusion. At this point, the socket and plug can be separated. Subsequently, with the cooperation of the elastic element and the damping bearing, the rotating shaft slowly rotates back until the limit rod contacts the stop rod, and the blocking plate returns to its original position.

[0014] The advantages of the above solution are that it eliminates the need to press a button when connecting the socket and plug, allowing the plug to be directly inserted into the socket and preventing the socket and plug from separating. When disassembling, only one button press is required, eliminating the need to hold the button down to disassemble the socket and plug. The operation is convenient, labor-saving, and quick. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the socket and housing fitting together from the front view direction.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the left view direction.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a 3D diagram of the socket.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the socket structure.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a 3D diagram of the plug.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a partially exploded diagram of the plug.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell structure.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the connector.

[0025] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0026] Plug-10; Housing-101; Plug-in part-102; Plug-in cavity-103; Outer cavity-104; Hollow cavity-105; Enclosed plate-106; Socket-20; Pin-201; Limiting part-202; Ring protrusion-203; Anti-touch cap-204; Rotating shaft-301; Linear slide groove-3011; Connecting shaft-3012; Shoulder-302; Fixed shaft-303; Spiral slide groove-3031; Rotating hole-3032; Blocking plate-304; Shaft hole-3041; Guide block-3042; Damping bearing-305; Limiting rod-306; Stop rod-307; Return spring-308; Torsion spring-309; Button-50; First spring-501; Conductive component-60; Locking nut-70. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0029] One type of energy storage connector in this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, it includes a plug 10 and a socket 20. The plug 10 is provided with a locking mechanism that locks the socket 20 into the plug 10. Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the socket 20 has pins 201 that extend into the plug 10 when plugged in, and a cylindrical limiting part 202 coaxially arranged with the pins 201. The end of the pins 201 is provided with an anti-touch cap 204, which engages with the end of the pins 201. An annular space is formed between the limiting part 202 and the pins 201 to accommodate the insertion part 102 on the plug 10. The end of the limiting part 202 is formed with an annular protrusion 203 that protrudes radially outward toward the limiting part 202.

[0030] Combined with the diagram Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the plug 10 includes a housing 101, and the housing 101 has an integrally formed plug portion 102. The plug portion 102 is provided with a plug cavity 103 that contacts and engages with the pin 201. An annular outer cavity 104 is formed between the plug portion 102 and the housing 101 to accommodate the insertion of the limiting portion 202.

[0031] The outer casing 101 has a cavity 105 whose upper end communicates with the outer cavity 104. The locking mechanism is disposed in the cavity 105. The locking mechanism includes a rotating shaft 301 arranged parallel to the axis of the pin 201, a fixed shaft 303 arranged coaxially with the rotating shaft 301, a blocking plate 304 slidably connected to the rotating shaft 301, and a button 50 disposed on the side wall of the outer casing 101.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the first end of the rotating shaft 301 is rotatably connected to one side wall of the cavity 105 via a damping bearing 305. The first end of the fixed shaft 303 is close to the rotating rod, and the second end of the fixed shaft 303 is fixedly connected to the opposite side wall. A torsion spring 309 is provided on the rotating shaft 301 to force it to rotate. The torsion spring 309 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 301, with one end fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 301 and the other end... A limiting rod 306 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the cavity 105 and to the rotating shaft 301. The limiting rod 306 is set perpendicular to the rotating shaft 301. Specifically, the rotating shaft 301 is provided with a threaded hole, and one end of the limiting rod 306 is provided with an external thread. The limiting rod 306 is threadedly connected to the rotating shaft 301. A stop rod 307 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the cavity 105. The stop rod 307 and the limiting rod 306 are configured to restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft 301.

[0033] The outer diameter of the rotating shaft 301 is equal to the outer diameter of the fixed shaft 303. The second end of the rotating shaft 301 is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft 303. Specifically, the second end of the rotating shaft 301 is integrally formed with a connecting shaft 3012 coaxial with the rotating shaft 301. The outer diameter of the connecting shaft 3012 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 301. The first end of the fixed shaft 303 is provided with a rotating hole 3032 that slides with the connecting shaft 3012.

[0034] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 The rotating shaft 301 has a linear groove 3011 recessed along its length on its circumferential surface. The fixed shaft 303 has a spiral groove 3031 rotatably arranged around its axis on its circumferential surface, which engages with the linear groove 3011. Both the linear groove 3011 and the spiral groove 3031 are rectangular grooves. The baffle plate 304 has a shaft hole 3041 that slides with the rotating shaft 301 and the fixed shaft 303. The shaft hole 3041 is integral with the baffle plate 304. A guide block 3042 is formed to slide in cooperation with the linear groove 3011 and the spiral groove 3031. The guide block 3042 is a rectangular block that slides in cooperation with the rectangular groove. A shoulder 302 is provided on the rotating shaft 301 to prevent the blocking plate 304 from moving away from the fixed shaft 303. A return spring 308 is sleeved on the fixed shaft 303. One end of the return spring 308 is fixedly connected to the side wall where the fixed shaft 303 is located, and the other end of the return spring 308 is in contact with the blocking plate 304.

[0035] The button 50 is inserted through the side wall of the cavity 105. The button 50 is horizontally arranged and coplanar with the blocking plate 304. The axis of the button 50 is located above the rotating shaft 301. The inner end of the button 50 is located inside the cavity 105, and the outer end of the button 50 is located outside the cavity 105. A first spring 501 is provided on the button 50. One end of the first spring 501 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cavity 105, and the second end of the first spring 501 is fixedly connected to the outer end of the button 50. When the outer end of the button 50 is pressed, the inner end of the button 50 pushes the blocking plate 304 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 301.

[0036] Furthermore, to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the locking mechanism, an opening is made in the side wall of the cavity 105. A sealing plate 106, which is detachably connected to the outer shell 101, is provided at the opening to close the opening. The sealing plate 105 is screwed to the side wall of the cavity 105. The damping bearing 305, the torsion spring 309, and the stop rod 307 are all provided on the sealing plate 106. Specifically, the sealing plate 106 is provided with a threaded hole, and one end of the stop rod 307 is provided with an external thread. The stop rod 307 is threadedly connected to the sealing plate 106.

[0037] Combination Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the plug 10 has a conductive element 60 inside. The first end of the conductive element 60 is in contact with the pin 201, and the second end of the conductive element 60 is connected to the external circuit. The lower end of the housing 101 is provided with a locking nut 70 to lock the conductive element 60 inside the housing 101. An insulating tube is provided between the conductive element 60 and the locking nut 70.

[0038] In the above scheme, when the socket 20 is not plugged into the plug 10, the limit rod 306 contacts the stop rod 307 under the elastic force of the torsion spring 309. The elastic force of the torsion spring 309 cannot force the rotating shaft 301 to rotate. At this time, the linear slide groove 3011 on the rotating shaft 301 is aligned with the spiral slide groove 3031 on the fixed shaft 303. Under the elastic force of the return spring 308, the blocking plate 304 presses against the shaft shoulder 302. Under the elastic force of the first spring 501, the inner end of the button 50 does not contact the blocking plate 304.

[0039] When the plug 10 is plugged into the socket 20, the annular protrusion 203 on the socket 20 moves relative to the blocking plate 304 and pushes the blocking plate 304 toward the direction closer to the fixed shaft 303. When the blocking plate 304 moves, it compresses the return spring 308. When the blocking plate 304 moves past the fixed shaft 303, the blocking plate 304 starts to rotate under the action of the spiral groove 3031. When the blocking plate 304 rotates a certain angle, the blocking plate 304 avoids the annular protrusion 203. At this time, the annular protrusion 203 just reaches the set position. After the blocking plate 304 avoids the annular protrusion 203, under the elastic force of the return spring 308, the blocking plate 304 moves toward the direction closer to the rotating shaft 301 and rotates under the guidance of the spiral groove 3031. When the blocking plate 304 moves to the contact shoulder 302, it stops moving. At this time, the end face of the blocking plate 304 near the annular protrusion 203 can block the annular protrusion 203 to prevent the socket 20 from moving away from the plug 10.

[0040] When it is necessary to separate the socket 20 from the plug 10, pressing the button 50 pushes the blocking plate 304 to rotate. The blocking plate 304 drives the rotating shaft 301 to rotate, and the torsion spring 309 is further compressed. When the button 50 is pressed to its limit position, the blocking plate 304 rotates away from the annular protrusion 203 to avoid it. Due to the damping limitation of the damping bearing 305, when the button 50 is released, the elastic force of the torsion spring 309 cannot cause the rotating shaft 301 to immediately drive the blocking plate 304 to rotate back to the position where the blocking plate 304 can block the annular protrusion 203. At this time, the socket 20 can be separated from the plug 10. Afterwards, with the cooperation of the torsion spring 309 and the damping bearing 305, the rotating shaft 301 slowly rotates back until the limit rod 306 contacts the stop rod 307, and the blocking plate 304 returns to its original position.

[0041] Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the above solution are: it can realize that when plugging the socket 20 and plug 10, there is no need to press the button 50. The plug 10 can be directly inserted into the socket 20 and the socket 20 and plug 10 can be prevented from separating. When disassembling the socket 20 and plug 10, only the button 50 needs to be pressed once. The socket 20 and plug 10 can be disassembled without holding the button 50 down. The operation is convenient, labor-saving and quick.

[0042] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics in the solutions is not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage connector, comprising a plug and a socket, wherein the plug is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the socket to the plug, characterized in that: The socket has pins and a limiting part that extend into the plug when inserted; The plug includes a housing, a plug portion inside the housing, a plug cavity inside the plug portion for plugging in the pin, and an outer cavity formed between the plug portion and the housing to accommodate the insertion of the limiting portion. The outer casing has a cavity whose upper end communicates with the outer cavity. The locking mechanism is disposed in the cavity. The locking mechanism includes a rotating shaft and a fixed shaft with equal outer diameters arranged coaxially, a baffle plate slidably connected to the rotating shaft, and a button disposed on the side wall of the outer casing. The first end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to one side wall of the cavity via a damping bearing. The fixed shaft is fixedly connected to the opposite side wall. An elastic element is provided on the rotating shaft to force it to rotate. A limit rod is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. A stop rod that cooperates with the limit rod is provided on the side wall of the cavity to restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft. The second end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed shaft. A straight groove is recessed on the circumference of the rotating shaft along its length. A spiral groove that mates with the straight groove is provided on the circumference of the fixed shaft. A blocking plate is sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft. A guide block that slides with the straight groove and the spiral groove is provided on the blocking plate. A return spring is clamped between the blocking plate and the inner wall of the cavity. The button is inserted through the side wall of the cavity and is coplanar with the blocking plate. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the blocking plate to rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft.

2. The energy storage connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the rotating shaft is connected to the damping bearing, and the second end of the rotating shaft forms a connecting shaft coaxial with the rotating shaft. The outer diameter of the connecting shaft is smaller than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft, and the end of the fixed shaft is provided with a rotating hole that slides with the connecting shaft.

3. The energy storage connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic element is a torsion spring, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the side wall of the cavity.

4. The energy storage connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The cavity has an opening in its sidewall, and a sealing plate that is detachably connected to the outer shell is provided at the opening to close it. The damping bearing and the torsion spring are both provided on the sealing plate.

5. The energy storage connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The button is horizontally positioned with its axis above the rotating shaft. The inner end of the button is located inside the cavity, and the outer end of the button is located outside the cavity. A first spring is provided on the button, with one end of the first spring fixedly connected to the outer wall of the cavity and the second end of the first spring fixedly connected to the outer end of the button.

6. The energy storage connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The plug is equipped with a conductive component. The first end of the conductive component is in contact with the pin, and the second end of the conductive component is connected to an external circuit. The lower end of the housing is provided with a locking nut to lock the conductive component inside the housing.

7. The energy storage connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating shaft is provided with a shoulder to prevent the blocking plate from moving away from the fixed shaft.

8. The energy storage connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the limiting part is formed with an annular protrusion. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the annular protrusion pushes the blocking plate to move and rotate along the fixed axis to avoid the annular protrusion. After the blocking plate avoids the annular protrusion, under the elastic force of the elastic member and the return spring, the blocking plate moves in the opposite direction and rotates to reset to prevent the annular protrusion from sliding out of the outer cavity.

9. The energy storage connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The end of the pin is provided with an anti-touch cap, and an insulating tube is provided between the conductive component and the locking nut.

10. The energy storage connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both the linear slide groove and the spiral slide groove are rectangular grooves, and the guide block is a rectangular block that slides in conjunction with the rectangular groove.

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