Ball head connector

Abstract

The invention provides a ball head connector. The ball head connector comprises: a housing; the clamping assembly comprises two clamping components, the clamping components are rotatably arranged on the shell, each clamping component is provided with a clamping end and a connecting end, and a pivot point between each clamping component and the shell is located between the corresponding clamping end and the corresponding connecting end; the force increasing assembly is provided with a pressing end and two force transmission ends, the two force transmission ends are rotationally connected with the two connecting ends correspondingly, the pressing end is pressed to the locking position, the two force transmission ends are far away from each other so that the two clamping ends can be driven to be close to each other and located at the clamping position, the pressing end is lifted to the unlocking position, and the two force transmission ends are close to each other; the two clamping ends are driven to be far away from each other and located at the release position. According to the technical scheme, the problem that in the prior art, a ball connector is difficult to operate is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ball joint connectors, in particular to a ball joint connector. Background Art

[0002] Bicycles have become popular, and roads near residential areas such as cities are not suitable for cycling. People often need to go to a specific place for cycling activities, and a family may own two or three bicycles, which has led to the emergence of bicycle racks mounted on cars to transport bicycles to a specific location. The bicycle rack needs to be connected to the vehicle, and a common connection method is to install a ball head trailer hook with a diameter of 50mm (2 inches) at the rear of the vehicle. In this way, the bicycle rack is connected to the ball head trailer hook on the vehicle through a ball head connector to connect the bicycle rack to the vehicle.

[0003] In the prior art, during the use of the ball joint connector, the user is often required to manually apply a large force to ensure a tight fit between the connector and the ball head, which makes the operation very difficult; on the other hand, many ball joint connectors connected to the trailer ball head of the car have limited clamping force, so the load-bearing capacity is relatively small. Summary of the invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a ball joint connector to solve the problem of difficult operation of the ball joint connector in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a ball head connector, comprising: a shell; a clamping assembly, comprising two clamping members, the clamping members are rotatably arranged on the shell, the clamping members have a clamping end and a connecting end, and the pivot point between the clamping member and the shell is located between the clamping end and the connecting end; a force amplification assembly, having a pressing end and two force transmission ends, the two force transmission ends are rotatably connected to the two connecting ends respectively, the pressing end is pressed to a locking position, the two force transmission ends move away from each other, so as to drive the two clamping ends to approach each other and be in a clamping position, the pressing end is lifted to an unlocking position, the two force transmission ends move toward each other, so as to drive the two clamping ends to move away from each other and be in a released position.

[0006] Furthermore, the force-enhancing component includes: a pressing member; a first connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod forming one of the two force transmission ends, and the other end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pressing member; a second connecting rod, one end of the second connecting rod forming the other of the two force transmission ends, and the other end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pressing member, and the pressing member is movably arranged relative to the shell to drive the two clamping members to rotate through the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod; wherein, when the two clamping members are in the clamping position, an angle α is formed between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod; when the two clamping members are in the release position, an angle β is formed between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and α>β.

[0007] Furthermore, the force amplification component also includes a pivot shaft, which passes through the first connecting rod, the second connecting rod and the pressing member to rotationally connect the first connecting rod and the pressing member and to rotationally connect the second connecting rod and the pressing member.

[0008] Furthermore, the force-enhancing component also includes: a pressing handle, one end of which forms a pressing end, and the other end of which is rotatably arranged on the shell; a third connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the pressing handle, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the pressing member, and a pivot point between the third connecting rod and the pressing handle is located between the two ends of the pressing handle.

[0009] Furthermore, when the two clamping members are in the clamping position, an angle γ is formed between the pivot point between the third connecting rod and the pressing handle, the pivot point between the pressing handle and the housing, and the third connecting rod and the pressing member, 180°-10°≤γ≤180°+10°.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one of the two clamping members is provided with an adjusting member, which is movably arranged relative to the clamping member so that at least part of the adjusting member can extend between the clamping cavities formed by the two clamping ends and abut against the car ball head.

[0011] Furthermore, an adjustment hole is provided on the clamping member; the adjustment member includes an adjustment body and an adjustment member connected to the adjustment body, the adjustment member is threadedly matched with the adjustment hole, and the adjustment body is located on the side of the clamping member facing the clamping cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the shell has an installation space and an opening connected to the installation space, the clamping assembly is located in the installation space, an adjustment slot connected to the installation space is provided on the shell, and an end of the adjustment member away from the adjustment body is exposed through the adjustment slot.

[0013] Further, a side of the adjusting member and / or the clamping member facing the clamping cavity is provided with an arc surface.

[0014] Furthermore, a locking portion is provided on the shell, a locking component is provided on the pressing handle, at least part of the locking component is movably arranged relative to the pressing handle, and the locking component has a first position for locking with the locking portion and a second position for releasing from the locking portion.

[0015] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, the force-boosting component can convert the small force applied by the pressing end into a larger clamping force at the clamping end. In this way, not only can the connector clamp the ball head more firmly in the locked state, but the stability and reliability of the connection can also be maintained even in bumpy road conditions or when driving at high speeds. Moreover, the force-boosting component makes the operation of locking the ball head simple and labor-saving, without the need for the user to press down with effort, thereby reducing the difficulty of use and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings constituting a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a ball joint connector of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a ball joint connector in a released position;

[0019] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a ball connector in a clamped position;

[0020] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a ball joint connector in a released position;

[0021] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a ball joint connector in a clamped position;

[0022] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ball joint connector in a released position in one direction;

[0023] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ball joint connector in another direction in a released position;

[0024] Figure 8 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the ball joint connector in a clamped position in one direction;

[0025] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the ball joint connector in another direction in a clamped position;

[0026] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the ball joint connector of the present invention is shown.

[0027] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0028] 10. Shell; 13. Adjusting groove; 20. Clamping member; 201. Clamping end; 202. Connecting end; 203. Adjusting hole; 24. Arc surface; 25. Locking member; 26. Locking portion; 30. Adjusting member; 31. Adjusting body; 32. Adjusting piece; 501. Pressing end; 502. Force transmission end; 53. Pressing member; 54. First connecting rod; 55. Second connecting rod; 56. Pivot shaft; 57. Pressing handle; 58. Third connecting rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a ball joint connector. The ball joint connector includes: a housing 10; a clamping assembly, including two clamping members 20, the clamping members 20 are rotatably arranged on the housing 10, the clamping members 20 have a clamping end 201 and a connecting end 202, and the pivot point between the clamping member 20 and the housing 10 is located between the clamping end 201 and the connecting end 202; a force amplification assembly, including a pressing end 501 and two force transmission ends 502, the two force transmission ends 502 are rotatably connected to the two connecting ends 202 respectively, the pressing end 501 is pressed to the locking position, the two force transmission ends 502 are separated from each other, so as to drive the two clamping ends 201 to approach each other and be in the clamping position, the pressing end 501 is lifted to the unlocking position, the two force transmission ends 502 are separated from each other, so as to drive the two clamping ends 201 to move away from each other and be in the releasing position.

[0031] In the above technical solution, the force-boosting component can convert the small force applied by the pressing end into a larger clamping force at the clamping end. This not only enables the connector to clamp the ball head more firmly in the locked state, but also maintains the stability and reliability of the connection even in bumpy road conditions or high-speed driving. Moreover, the force-boosting component makes the operation of locking the ball head simple and labor-saving, without the need for users to press down with effort, thereby reducing the difficulty of use and improving the user experience.

[0032] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the pressing end 501 is pressed down to the locking position, the two force transmission ends 502 move away from each other under the action of the force amplification component. Since the force transmission end 502 is rotatably connected to the connection end 202, this movement away causes the two clamping ends 201 to move closer to the center, thereby clamping the ball head. On the contrary, when unlocking, by lifting the pressing end 501, the two force transmission ends 502 move closer to each other, thereby driving the two clamping ends 201 to move away from each other, releasing the clamping of the ball head.

[0033] like Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig.10As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, the force-enhancing component includes: a pressing member 53; a first connecting rod 54, one end of the first connecting rod 54 forms one of the two force transmission ends 502, and the other end of the first connecting rod 54 is rotatably connected to the pressing member 53; a second connecting rod 55, one end of the second connecting rod 55 forms the other of the two force transmission ends 502, and the other end of the second connecting rod 55 is rotatably connected to the pressing member 53, and the pressing member 53 is movably arranged relative to the shell 10 to drive the two clamping members 20 to rotate through the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55; wherein, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, an angle α is formed between the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55; when the two clamping members 20 are in the releasing position, an angle β is formed between the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55, and α>β.

[0034] In the above technical solution, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, the angle α formed between the first link 54 and the second link 55 is greater than the angle β in the release position. In this way, when the pressing member 53 is pressed down to the locking position, the movement of the first link 54 and the second link 55 can effectively amplify the pressing force, thereby driving the two clamping ends 201 to generate a greater clamping force, ensuring a stable, reliable and non-loose connection between the ball connector and the trailer hook. At the same time, since the pressing member 53 can move relative to the housing 10, this labor-saving mechanism allows the user to operate without applying excessive force, reducing the difficulty of operation and improving the user experience.

[0035] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the working principle of the ball joint connector is based on the lever principle and the force amplification mechanism. The downward pressing action of the pressing member 53 is converted into a thrust force on the two connecting ends 202 through the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55. Since the pivot point of the clamping member 20 is located between the clamping end 201 and the connecting end 202, the transmission of this force will cause the clamping end 201 to move inward, thereby generating a clamping force on the ball joint. At the same time, the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 form a large angle α when they are in the clamping position, which makes the movement of the two force transmission ends 502 away from each other during the downward movement of the pressing member 53 amplified, further enhancing the clamping effect. On the contrary, when unlocking, the pressing member 53 moves upward, the two force transmission ends 502 approach each other, and the angle β formed between the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 becomes smaller. This movement is transmitted through the connecting rod mechanism, causing the two clamping ends 201 to move away from each other, thereby releasing the clamping of the ball joint.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, an angle α is formed between the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55. Preferably, α is set to 180°, that is, a so-called "dead point" is formed. When α is 180°, when the pressing member 53 is pressed down to the locking position, the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 will be in a straight line, forming a "dead point". In this state, the transmission of force is maximized, because the downward force of the pressing member 53 will be completely converted into a clamping force on the clamping member 20, and due to the lever effect, this clamping force will be much greater than the input force, so that the clamping force on the trailer ball head of the car is greater, thereby achieving a greater load-bearing capacity. At the same time, this straight line configuration also provides additional stability for the clamping state, ensuring that the connector can remain locked when facing bumps or external forces to prevent accidental unlocking.

[0037] like Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the force-enhancing assembly further includes a pivot shaft 56, which passes through the first connecting rod 54, the second connecting rod 55 and the pressing member 53 to rotationally connect the first connecting rod 54 and the pressing member 53 and rotationally connect the second connecting rod 55 and the pressing member 53.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the pivot shaft 56 can make the pivot point between the first link 54 and the pressing member 53 and the pivot point between the second link 55 and the pressing member 53 located on the same pivot shaft, ensuring that the rotational connection between the first link 54 and the second link 55 and the pressing member 53 is more firm and smooth, thereby improving the force transmission efficiency and the mechanical stability of the entire structure.

[0039] Specifically, when the pressing member 53 is pressed down, the pivot shaft 56 acts as a fulcrum, allowing the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 to accurately rotate under the drive of the pressing member 53. This precise rotational movement ensures that the force transmission end 502 can accurately push the connecting end 202 of the clamping member 20, thereby driving the clamping ends 201 to approach each other, thereby achieving efficient clamping of the ball head. At the same time, the existence of the pivot shaft 56 also ensures that the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 are smoothly separated in the unlocked state, avoiding problems such as damage to the clamping assembly or incomplete release of the clamping force due to uncoordinated mechanical movement.

[0040] In one embodiment, two pivot shafts 56 may also be provided, wherein one pivot shaft 56 is used to rotationally connect the first connecting rod 54 and the pressing member 53 , and the other pivot shaft 56 is used to rotationally connect the second connecting rod 55 and the pressing member 53 .

[0041] like Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the force-enhancing component also includes: a pressing handle 57, one end of the pressing handle 57 forms a pressing end 501, and the other end of the pressing handle 57 is rotatably arranged on the shell 10; a third connecting rod 58, one end of the third connecting rod 58 is rotatably connected to the pressing handle 57, and the other end of the third connecting rod 58 is rotatably connected to the pressing member 53, and the pivot point between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing handle 57 is located between the two ends of the pressing handle 57.

[0042] In the above technical solution, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, the entire force-enhancing assembly ensures that the force input from the user's hand is finally converted into a high-strength clamping force on the ball head after the two-stage lever action, and when in the release position, the force-enhancing assembly facilitates the user to easily unlock, reducing the difficulty of operation. This design not only improves the stability and safety of the connector, but also makes the operation very simple.

[0043] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing handle 57 forms a primary force amplification mechanism through the pivot point between the pressing handle 57 and the housing 10 and the rotational connection with the third connecting rod 58, and the rotational connection between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing member 53. When the user presses the pressing handle 57 downward, the angle between the portion of the pressing handle 57 connected to the housing 10 and the third connecting rod 58 gradually increases, which realizes the first force amplification, that is, the small force applied by the user is amplified and transmitted to the pressing member 53 under the effect of the primary force amplification. Furthermore, the pressing member 53 drives the two clamping members 20 to rotate through the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55, forming a secondary force amplification mechanism. After the third connecting rod 58 receives the force transmitted from the pressing handle 57, it transmits it to the pressing member 53. Due to the rotational connection between the pressing member 53 and the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 respectively, and the pivot point of the clamping member 20 is located between the clamping end 201 and the connecting end 202, when the pressing member 53 moves downward, the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55 will push the connecting end 202 of the two clamping members 20, thereby driving the clamping end 201 to approach the center point with a greater force, thereby achieving efficient clamping of the ball head.

[0044] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, when in the clamping position, the distance between the two ends of the pressing handle 57 is greater than the distance between the pivot point of the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing handle 57 and the pivot point of the pressing handle 57 and the housing 10, so that a larger lever arm can be formed. At this time, the force of the pressing handle 57 is amplified and transmitted to the pressing member 53 through the third connecting rod 58, so that the pressing force on the pressing end 501 can be further amplified, and even if the user applies a smaller force, sufficient clamping force can be generated to stably connect the ball head. On the contrary, when in the unlocking position, due to the change in the direction of the lever action between the pressing handle 57, the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing member 53, the user can easily lift the pressing handle 57, and through the cooperation of the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing member 53, the clamping ends 201 of the two clamping members 20 are moved away from each other, thereby releasing the ball head.

[0045] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, an angle γ is formed between the pivot point between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing handle 57, the pivot point between the pressing handle 57 and the shell 10, and the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing member 53, 180°-10°≤γ≤180°+10°.

[0046] In the above technical solution, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, the pivot point between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing handle 57, the pivot point between the pressing handle 57 and the housing 10, and the angle γ between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing member 53 are designed to be within the range of 170° to 190°, and ideally close to 180°, forming a "dead point" structure. In this way, the angle γ in the dead point state is close to 180°, so that the entire force transmission system forms a relatively static balance point in the clamping position, and even in the face of external vibration or impact, the ball head connector can remain locked and will not automatically unlock or loosen, greatly enhancing the stability and reliability of the connector.

[0047] Furthermore, the "dead point" mechanism simplifies the operation process of the ball head connector. The user only needs to press the pressing handle 57 down to the dead point position to ensure that the connector firmly clamps the ball head. Under the "dead point" mechanism, the unlocking process becomes relatively easy. When unlocking is required, the user only needs to slightly lift the pressing handle 57 to destroy the dead point state, so that the angle γ deviates from 180°. At this time, the pressing member 53 can be easily moved, and the clamping force is quickly released through the reverse action of the first connecting rod 54 and the second connecting rod 55, so that the unlocking operation is completed conveniently and quickly.

[0048] Preferably, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the two clamping members 20 are in the clamping position, the pivot point between the third connecting rod 58 and the pressing handle 57 and the pivot point between the pressing handle 57 and the housing 10 are on the same straight line.

[0049] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, an adjusting member 30 is provided on at least one of the two clamping members 20, and the adjusting member 30 is movably arranged relative to the clamping member 20 so that at least a portion of the adjusting member 30 can extend between the clamping cavity formed by the two clamping ends 201 and come into contact with the ball head of the automobile.

[0050] In the above technical solution, by providing a movable adjustment member 30 on at least one clamping member 20, the adaptive adjustment function of the ball head connector is realized, so that the connector can be suitable for ball heads of different sizes and shapes, improving its versatility and adaptability. Specifically, the movement of the adjustment member 30 can change the distance between the adjustment member 30 and one of the clamping ends 201, so that the connector can adjust the clamping force according to the size and shape of the ball head, ensuring that a stable connection can be obtained regardless of the size of the ball head.

[0051] like Fig.10 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustment hole 203 is provided on the clamping member 20; the adjustment member 30 includes an adjustment body 31 and an adjustment member 32 connected to the adjustment body 31, the adjustment member 32 is threadedly matched with the adjustment hole 203, and the adjustment body 31 is located on the side of the clamping member 20 facing the clamping cavity.

[0052] In the above technical solution, the adjusting member 32 is threadedly matched with the adjusting hole 203, and the user can manually adjust the position of the adjusting member 30 according to actual needs, so as to adapt to ball heads of different sizes or shapes and improve the versatility of the connector.

[0053] Furthermore, the adjustment body 31 is located on the side facing the clamping cavity, and when the adjustment member 32 moves in the adjustment hole 203, the position change of the adjustment body 31 directly affects the distance between the two clamping ends 201. By finely adjusting the screw-in depth of the adjustment member 32, the clamping force during the final clamping can be fine-tuned to ensure that the ball head is safely and firmly clamped, while avoiding damage to the ball head or connector due to excessive clamping force.

[0054] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the user rotates the adjusting member 32, and due to the threaded fit between the adjusting member 32 and the adjusting hole 203, the adjusting member 32 moves axially in the adjusting hole 203. When the adjusting member 32 moves forward (i.e., toward the clamping cavity), the adjusting body 31 also moves toward the ball head between the two clamping ends 201 accordingly; conversely, the adjusting member 32 moves away from the ball head between the two clamping ends 201, thereby adapting to ball heads of different sizes or shapes and improving the versatility of the connector.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Fig.10 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 10 has an installation space and an opening connected to the installation space, the clamping assembly is located in the installation space, and an adjustment groove 13 connected to the installation space is provided on the shell 10, and the end of the adjustment member 32 away from the adjustment body 31 is shown through the adjustment groove 13.

[0056] In the above technical solution, the shell 10 is provided with an installation space and an opening to accommodate the clamping assembly and facilitate the placement of the ball head into the clamping assembly. At the same time, an adjustment groove 13 connected to the installation space is provided on the shell 10, so that the end of the adjustment member 32 can be exposed through the adjustment groove 13 when in the adjustment state. The user can conveniently use tools (such as knobs, wrenches, etc.) to directly access and adjust without disassembling the shell or looking for hidden adjustment points.

[0057] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the end of the adjusting member 32 away from the adjusting body 31 is indicated through the adjusting slot 13, which means that: the end of the adjusting member 32 away from the adjusting body 31 is located in the installation space, and the user can see the end of the adjusting member 32 away from the adjusting body 31 in the installation space through the adjusting slot 13, and can directly connect the use tool (such as a knob, a wrench, etc.) to the adjusting member 32 through the adjusting slot 13 for adjustment, so as to achieve the purpose of indication; or, the end of the adjusting member 32 away from the adjusting body 31 can extend through the adjusting slot 13 to achieve the purpose of indication.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of the present invention, a curved surface 24 is provided on a side of the adjusting member 30 and / or the clamping member 20 facing the clamping cavity.

[0059] In the above technical solution, the arc surface 24 can form a closer contact with the ball head, increase the contact area, thereby improving friction and stability, ensuring that there will be no loosening or displacement between the bicycle frame and the ball head connector during vehicle driving, providing a safer riding experience; and the traditional flat or angular clamping surface may damage the ball head surface when clamped strongly, while the design of the arc surface 24 can evenly distribute the clamping force, reduce local pressure, avoid damage to the ball head, and extend the service life of the connector and the trailer hook.

[0060] like Fig.10 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, a locking portion 26 is provided on the shell 10, and a locking member 25 is provided on the pressing handle 57. At least a portion of the locking member 25 is movably arranged relative to the pressing handle 57, and the locking member 25 has a first position for locking and cooperating with the locking portion 26 and a second position for releasing the engagement with the locking portion 26.

[0061] In the above technical solution, the locking member 25 cooperates with the locking portion 26 on the shell 10 to ensure that the pressing handle 57 cannot be unexpectedly operated when in the clamped state, thereby significantly enhancing the stability between the connector and the ball head, avoiding accidental loosening during driving, and ensuring riding safety; and the locking member 25 can move between the first position and the second position, so that the user can easily unlock the connector. When the bicycle frame needs to be disassembled, the user only needs to move the locking member 25 to the second position to release the cooperation with the locking portion 26, and then easily operate the pressing handle 57 to achieve quick unlocking.

[0062] Furthermore, the locking member 25 effectively prevents accidental unlocking due to vibration or collision during vehicle driving or storage. The connector will only be unlocked when the user actively moves the locking member 25 to the second position, greatly reducing the possibility of misoperation.

[0063] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the user aligns the ball connector with the ball of the vehicle trailer hook so that it is naturally placed in the clamping cavity. Then, the user operates the pressing handle 57 to press down, and then the clamping ends 201 of the two clamping members 20 move toward the center point to start clamping the ball. At this time, the locking member 25 is in the second position, and the locking portion 26 is released to allow the handle to be freely operated. After the clamping member 20 is fully in contact with the ball and clamped, the user moves the locking member 25 to the first position so that it cooperates with the locking portion 26 on the housing 10, restricting the movement of the pressing handle 57 and ensuring that the connector will not be accidentally unlocked during driving. In the locked state, the pressing handle 57 is fixed by the locking member 25, and even if it encounters bumps or sharp turns, the connector can remain stable, preventing the loosening between the bicycle frame and the ball, and ensuring riding safety. When the bicycle frame needs to be disassembled at the destination, the user first moves the locking member 25 back to the second position to release its cooperation with the locking portion 26. Next, the user can operate the pressing handle 57 to lift up, and then the clamping ends 201 of the two clamping members 20 move away from each other, releasing the clamping force on the ball head, making it easier to disassemble the bicycle frame.

[0064] Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention, the locking portion 26 is a locking hole, and the locking member 25 includes a movable locking shaft. When the locking shaft is inserted into the locking hole on the housing, the handle cannot be lifted and the entire mechanism is locked.

[0065] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, a hole on the pressing handle 57 is connected to the screw hole on the shell 10 through a screw, a gasket and a nut; another hole on the pressing handle 57 is connected to a hole on the third connecting rod 58 through a knurled pin; another hole on the third connecting rod 58 is connected to the hole on the pressing member 53 through a knurled pin.

[0066] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the holes on the two clamping members 20 and the holes on the pressing member 53 are connected by knurled pins; the holes on the two clamping members 20 are connected to the two holes on the housing 10 by two knurled pins respectively.

[0067] From the above description, it can be seen that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: the force-boosting component can convert the small force applied by the pressing end into a larger clamping force at the clamping end, so that not only the connector can clamp the ball head more firmly in the locked state, but also the stability and reliability of the connection can be maintained even in bumpy road conditions or high-speed driving; the force-boosting component makes the operation of locking the ball head simple and labor-saving, without the need for users to press down with effort, thereby reducing the difficulty of use and improving the user experience.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ball joint connector, characterized in that: include: Housing (10); A clamping assembly, comprising two clamping members (20), wherein the clamping members (20) are rotatably arranged on the housing (10), the clamping members (20) having a clamping end (201) and a connecting end (202), and a pivot point between the clamping member (20) and the housing (10) is located between the clamping end (201) and the connecting end (202); The force-increasing component comprises a pressing end (501) and two force-transmitting ends (502), wherein the two force-transmitting ends (502) are rotatably connected to the two connecting ends (202) respectively; when the pressing end (501) is pressed to a locking position, the two force-transmitting ends (502) move away from each other, thereby driving the two clamping ends (201) to move toward each other and to be in a clamping position; when the pressing end (501) is lifted to an unlocking position, the two force-transmitting ends (502) move toward each other, thereby driving the two clamping ends (201) to move away from each other and to be in a releasing position.

2. The ball joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The force-increasing component comprises: Pressing member (53); a first connecting rod (54), one end of the first connecting rod (54) forming one of the two force transmission ends (502), and the other end of the first connecting rod (54) being rotatably connected to the pressing member (53); a second connecting rod (55), one end of which forms the other of the two force transmission ends (502), the other end of which is rotatably connected to the pressing member (53), the pressing member (53) being movably arranged relative to the housing (10) so as to drive the two clamping members (20) to rotate via the first connecting rod (54) and the second connecting rod (55); Wherein, when the two clamping members (20) are in the clamping position, an angle α is formed between the first connecting rod (54) and the second connecting rod (55); when the two clamping members (20) are in the releasing position, an angle β is formed between the first connecting rod (54) and the second connecting rod (55), and α>β.

3. The ball joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The force-increasing assembly further comprises a pivot shaft (56), wherein the pivot shaft (56) passes through the first connecting rod (54), the second connecting rod (55) and the pressing member (53) so as to rotationally connect the first connecting rod (54) and the pressing member (53) and rotationally connect the second connecting rod (55) and the pressing member (53).

4. The ball joint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The force-increasing component also includes: a pressing handle (57), one end of the pressing handle (57) forming the pressing end (501), and the other end of the pressing handle (57) being rotatably disposed on the housing (10); A third connecting rod (58), one end of the third connecting rod (58) is rotatably connected to the pressing handle (57), the other end of the third connecting rod (58) is rotatably connected to the pressing member (53), and the pivot point between the third connecting rod (58) and the pressing handle (57) is located between the two ends of the pressing handle (57).

5. The ball joint according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the two clamping members (20) are in the clamping position, an angle γ is formed between the pivot point between the third connecting rod (58) and the pressing handle (57), the pivot point between the pressing handle (57) and the housing (10), and the third connecting rod (58) and the pressing member (53), and 180°-10°≤γ≤180°+10°.

6. The ball joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: At least one of the two clamping members (20) is provided with an adjusting member (30), and the adjusting member (30) is movably arranged relative to the clamping member (20), so that at least a portion of the adjusting member (30) can extend between the clamping cavities formed by the two clamping ends (201) and come into contact with the ball head of the vehicle.

7. The ball joint according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clamping member (20) is provided with an adjustment hole (203); The adjusting member (30) comprises an adjusting body (31) and an adjusting piece (32) connected to the adjusting body (31); the adjusting piece (32) is threadedly engaged with the adjusting hole (203); and the adjusting body (31) is located on a side of the clamping member (20) facing the clamping cavity.

8. The ball joint according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing (10) has an installation space and an opening connected to the installation space, the clamping assembly is located in the installation space, the housing (10) is provided with an adjustment slot (13) connected to the installation space, and an end of the adjustment member (32) away from the adjustment body (31) is exposed through the adjustment slot (13).

9. The ball joint connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: A curved surface (24) is provided on a side of the adjusting member (30) and / or the clamping member (20) facing the clamping cavity.

10. The ball joint connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing (10) is provided with a locking portion (26), the pressing handle (57) is provided with a locking member (25), at least a portion of the locking member (25) is movably arranged relative to the pressing handle (57), and the locking member (25) has a first position for locking with the locking portion (26) and a second position for releasing the locking member (26).

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