A self-locking connector and its connection method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and specifically provides a self-locking connector and a connection method thereof, including a first connection sleeve and a second connection sleeve. The first connection sleeve and the second connection sleeve are used to connect electrical components. One end of them close to each other is provided with a female terminal head and a male terminal head, and one end close to each other is also provided with a first lock, a female terminal, a second lock and a male terminal. The second lock can slide along the radial direction of the male terminal head, and the male terminal on the male terminal head is fixedly connected to the second lock, so that when the female terminal head and the male terminal head are in contact, the male terminal and the female terminal do not rub against each other, thereby reducing the wear of the male terminal and the female terminal and improving their electrical conductivity. The elastic member on the second lock can quickly drive the second lock to lock with the first lock and drive the male terminal to quickly connect with the female terminal, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of current breaking through the air between the male terminal and the female terminal and preventing safety accidents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and particularly to a self-locking connector and a connection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A self-locking connector is an electrical connector with an automatic locking function. It ensures a firm fixation during connection through an internal mechanism, preventing loosening due to vibration or external forces. Self-locking connectors are widely used in various occasions requiring stable electrical connections, such as automobiles, aerospace, and communication equipment.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent CN117394095A discloses a self-locking multifunctional electrical connector. The solution includes a protective shell and a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a conductive rod that is horizontally fixed inside the protective shell. A protective mechanism is provided on one side of the protective shell. The protective shell is equipped with a sealing mechanism, a pressing mechanism, and a wiring mechanism. The wiring mechanism is installed at the ends of the protective shell and the socket. The sealing mechanism on one side of the protective shell is inserted into the protective mechanism, allowing the plug to enter the socket for connection, enabling the conductive rod of the connection mechanism to be connected to the electrode rod of the protective mechanism, and locking the plug and the socket through a self-locking mechanism. During the operation of the self-locking mechanism, the sealing mechanism expands to seal between the plug and the socket, making the inside of the electrical connector sealed.

[0004] However, when the above-mentioned self-locking multifunctional electrical connector is connected, it is easy to wear the plating on the plug, reducing the service life of the connector. At the same time, when the plug is inserted while energized, the proximity of the pins and sockets can cause the current to break down the air, resulting in dangerous accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, in view of the problem that the current connector is prone to wear the plating on the plug during connection, reducing the service life of the connector, it is necessary to provide a self-locking connector and a connection method thereof.

[0006] The above object is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0007] A self-locking connector, comprising:

[0008] A first connection sleeve and a second connection sleeve. The ends of the first connection sleeve and the second connection sleeve away from each other are respectively connected to electrical components. The ends of the first connection sleeve and the second connection sleeve close to each other are respectively a female end and a male end. A female terminal is provided on the female end, and a male terminal is provided on the male end. When the female end and the male end are self-locked and connected, the female terminal and the male terminal are electrically connected;

[0009] The first latch, the first latch is provided on the female end head, there are at least two first latches, and the two first latches are symmetrically arranged on the female end head;

[0010] The second latch, the second latch is slidably provided on the male end head, the male terminal is fixedly connected to the second latch, the number of the second latches is the same as the number of the first latches, and the second latch can drive the male terminal to slide along the radial direction of the male end head;

[0011] The elastic member, the elastic member is located between the second latch and the inner periphery of the second connection sleeve, and the elastic member is configured as:

[0012] During the process that the female end head of the first connection sleeve and the male end head of the second connection sleeve approach each other, the first latch and the second latch are in sliding contact, the elastic member stores energy so that the second latch has a tendency to move radially inward along the male terminal, and after the first latch moves to a preset position of the second latch, the elastic member releases, the second latch locks with the first latch and drives the male terminal to contact the female terminal.

[0013] Further, one end of the elastic member is fixed inside the male end head, the other end of the elastic member is slidably connected to one end of the male end head close to the female end head, the middle position of the elastic member is connected to the second latch, a push rod is arranged inside the first connection sleeve, the push rod extends along the axial direction of the first connection sleeve, and during the process that the female end head and the male end head approach each other, the push rod can push one end of the elastic member so that the elastic member deforms and stores energy, and when the elastic member releases, it can push the second latch to slide radially inward along the male end head.

[0014] Further, the elastic member is an elastic sheet, the elastic sheet deforms when a force is applied, and the middle position of the elastic sheet arches radially inward along the male end head.

[0015] Further, an adjusting component is arranged inside the first connection sleeve, the adjusting component can adjust the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal, the safety distance is positively correlated with the magnitude of the current between the male terminal and the female terminal, and the energy storage degree of the elastic member is positively correlated with the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal.

[0016] Further, the adjusting assembly includes an adjusting sleeve, an adjusting rod, and an adjusting cone head. The adjusting sleeve is threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting rod is slidably disposed within the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting cone head is fixedly connected to the adjusting rod. The axis of the adjusting cone head coincides with the axis of the first connecting sleeve. One end of the first latch closer to the axis of the first connecting sleeve has a conical inclined surface, and the conical inclined surface is in sliding contact with the outer periphery of the adjusting cone head;

[0017] When the adjusting sleeve rotates, it can move axially along the first connecting sleeve to drive the adjusting rod to move axially along the first connecting sleeve, and the adjusting rod drives the adjusting cone head to move.

[0018] Further, the first latch is slidably disposed on the female terminal head, and the first latch can slide radially along the female terminal head. The push rod is fixedly connected to the adjusting rod, and the energy storage degree of the elastic member is positively correlated with the distance that the push rod pushes one end of the elastic member to move.

[0019] Further, symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve are chutes extending along its axis. Both ends of the adjusting rod are located within the chutes and extend out of the chutes. An annular groove is provided on the inner periphery of the adjusting sleeve, and both ends of the adjusting rod are slidably connected within the annular groove.

[0020] Further, an auxiliary locking sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve. The inner peripheral portion of the auxiliary locking sleeve close to the first connecting sleeve is provided with internal threads, and the outer peripheral portion of the first connecting sleeve close to the second connecting sleeve is provided with external threads. After the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are locked, the auxiliary locking sleeve is threadedly connected to the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve.

[0021] Further, one end of the auxiliary locking sleeve away from the first connecting sleeve is snap-fitted on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve.

[0022] The present invention also provides a connection method for a self-locking connector, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0023] S100. Adjust the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal;

[0024] S200. Connect the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve, and the female terminal within the first connecting sleeve and the male terminal within the second connecting sleeve are electrically connected;

[0025] S300. Rotate the auxiliary locking sleeve to lock the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] In the present invention, by providing a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism on the female terminal head and the male terminal head respectively, the second locking mechanism can slide along the radial direction of the male terminal head, and the male terminals on the male terminal head are fixedly connected to the second locking mechanism. During the connection process of the female terminal head and the male terminal head, the male terminals and the female terminals do not come into frictional contact, thereby reducing the wear of the male terminals and the female terminals, improving their electrical conductivity. When the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism move to a preset position, the elastic member on the second locking mechanism is released, quickly driving the second locking mechanism to lock with the first locking mechanism, and driving the male terminals to quickly connect with the female terminals, thus avoiding the phenomenon of current breaking through the air between the male terminals and the female terminals and preventing safety accidents.

[0028] In the present invention, by providing an adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly can adjust the safety distance between the male terminals and the female terminals, and can also adjust the energy storage level of the elastic member. When the current passing between the male terminals and the female terminals is relatively large, the adjustment assembly increases the safety distance between the male terminals and the female terminals and simultaneously increases the energy storage level of the elastic member, thereby avoiding the generation of electric arcs between them. When the current between them is relatively small, the adjustment assembly reduces the safety distance between them, and while ensuring that no electric arcs are generated between them, reduces the energy storage level of the elastic member as much as possible, thereby reducing the impact force during their collision and further reducing wear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention when separated;

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the front view of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of when separated;

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 2 the sectional view along A-A of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of when separated;

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 2 the sectional view along A-A of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of in the self-locking state;

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the partial enlarged view of part X of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of in the self-locking state;

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 4 the sectional view along B-B of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of in the self-locking state;

[0035] Figure 7Schematic structural diagram of the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 Schematic structural diagram of the interior of the first connecting sleeve of the self-locking connector provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Wherein:

[0038] 100. First connecting sleeve; 101. Chute; 102. External thread; 110. Female end; 120. Female terminal; 130. First locking buckle; 131. First wedge surface; 132. Tapered inclined surface; 140. Fitting protrusion; 150. First fixing block; 151. Through groove; 160. First sliding groove; 170. Push rod;

[0039] 200. Second connecting sleeve; 210. Male end; 220. Male terminal; 230. Second locking buckle; 231. Second wedge surface; 240. Fitting groove; 250. Second fixing block; 260. Second sliding groove; 270. Elastic member;

[0040] 300. Adjusting sleeve; 301. Ring groove; 310. Adjusting rod; 320. Adjusting cone head; 330. Auxiliary locking sleeve; 331. Internal thread; 340. First snap ring; 350. Second snap ring. Detailed implementation manners

[0041] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0042] The serial numbers assigned to the components herein, such as "first", "second", etc., are only used to distinguish the described objects and do not have any sequential or technical meanings. The "connection" and "coupling" mentioned in the present invention, unless otherwise specified, both include direct and indirect connections (couplings). In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0043] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature may be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0044] The following will refer to Figures 1-8 to describe a self-locking connector provided by the present invention.

[0045] A self-locking connector includes a first connecting sleeve 100 and a second connecting sleeve 200. Electric components are respectively connected to the ends of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 that are away from each other inside. The electric components include a controller, a sensor, etc. The ends of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 that are close to each other are respectively a female end 110 and a male end 210. As Figure 7 shown, a female terminal 120 is provided on the female end 110. The female terminal 120 is electrically connected to the female end 110. A male terminal 220 is provided on the male end 210. The male terminal 220 is electrically connected to the male end 210. When the female end 110 and the male end 210 are self-locked and connected, the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220 are electrically connected, that is, the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220 are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit signals or current. In order to enable the female end 110 and the male end 210 to be self-locked and connected, a first lock 130 is provided on the female end 110. There are at least two first locks 130. The two first locks 130 are symmetrically arranged on the female end 110, and the two first locks 130 are distributed along the radial direction of the female end 110. A second lock 230 is provided on the male end 210. The number of the second locks 230 is the same as that of the first locks 130. The second locks 230 are also symmetrically arranged on the male end 210. The second locks 230 are distributed along the radial direction of the male end 210.

[0046] When the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 in the prior art are connected to each other, the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 are on the same horizontal plane, and the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 are in sliding contact with each other. When the first lock 130 and the second lock 230 move to a preset position and then lock, the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 are locked to each other. At this time, the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 have been in sliding contact for a period of time, which will cause wear on the sliding contact parts of the two. Moreover, the longer the sliding contact time, the higher the degree of wear. Generally, a conductive material is coated on the surfaces of the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220. When the two are worn, the conductivity of the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 is reduced, and when the connection speed between the two is slow, a phenomenon of current breakdown of air will occur, which is likely to cause safety accidents. Therefore, in order to avoid friction between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 and avoid the phenomenon of current breakdown of air, the second lock 230 is slidably arranged on the male end 210, and the male terminal 220 is fixedly connected to the second lock 230. The second lock 230 can slide along the radial direction of the male end 210, thereby driving the male terminal 220 to also slide along the radial direction of the male end 210, which also enables the two second locks 230 to move away from or close to each other, thereby driving the male terminal 220 to approach or move away from the female terminal 120. Furthermore, when the male end 210 and the female end 110 approach each other, the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 are not in sliding contact, but when they reach the preset position, the two quickly come into contact, thereby completing the connection between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120.

[0047] An elastic member 270 is provided between the second latch 230 and the inner circumference of the second connecting sleeve 200. The elastic member 270 can push the second latch 230. During the process that the male end 110 of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the female end 210 of the second connecting sleeve 200 approach each other, the first latch 130 gradually approaches the second latch 230, and the two first latches 130 approach the inside of the two second latches 230, and they are in sliding contact. At this time, the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 do not contact, but have a safety distance, and there will be no phenomenon that the current breaks through the air at this safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120. During the process that the male end 210 and the female end 110 gradually approach each other, the elastic member 270 gradually stores energy. When the first latch 130 and the second latch 230 move to the preset position, the elastic member 270 releases. The elastic member 270 pushes the second latch 230 to quickly lock with the first latch 130. At the same time, the second latch 230 drives the male terminal 220 to quickly contact the female terminal 120, thereby completing the connection between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120. The two only contact for an instant and do not contact and rub for a long time, thereby reducing the wear of the conductive layers on the surfaces of the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220. And the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220 quickly contact under the action of the elastic member 270. The time when they are connected is extremely short, so that an arc can be avoided between the female terminal 120 and the male terminal 220, and further the phenomenon that the current breaks through the air can be avoided.

[0048] It should be noted that a mating protrusion 140 is provided on the first latch 130 in this embodiment, and a mating groove 240 is provided on the second latch 230. When the mating protrusion 140 moves to the position where the mating groove 240 is located, that is, when the first latch 130 and the second latch 230 move to the preset position, the elastic member 270 can quickly release, so that the second latch 230 moves radially inward along the male end 210 to make the mating groove 240 and the mating protrusion 140 cooperate with each other, and further the first latch 130 and the second latch 230 can be self-locked. And the energy storage process of the elastic member 270 in the present invention can be realized by other structures. For example, an electric control telescopic cylinder (not shown in the figure) can be used to control the energy storage of the elastic member 270. It can be set that when the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 approach each other, the electric control telescopic cylinder gradually elongates to compress the elastic member 270, so that the elastic member 270 starts to store energy. Of course, other structures can also be used to realize the energy storage of the elastic member 270.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present invention, a push rod 170 is arranged in the first connecting sleeve 100 to store energy for the elastic member 270, specifically as follows:

[0050] The elastic member 270 in the present invention is an elastic sheet. The elastic member 270 is integrally disposed on the inner circumference of the second connecting sleeve 200, specifically on the inner circumference of the male end 210. The elastic member 270 extends along the axial direction of the second connecting sleeve 200. One end of the elastic member 270 away from the first connecting sleeve 100 is fixed to the inner circumference of the second connecting sleeve 200, while one end of the elastic member 270 close to the first connecting sleeve 100 is slidably connected to the inner circumference of the second connecting sleeve 200 close to the first connecting sleeve 100. And the slidably connected end of the elastic member 270 can only slide along the axial direction of the second connecting sleeve 200. The middle position of the elastic member 270 is connected to the second lock 230. A push rod 170 is disposed in the first connecting sleeve 100. The push rod 170 extends along the axial direction of the first connecting sleeve 100, and one end of the push rod 170 points to the end of the elastic member 270 slidably connected to the second connecting sleeve 200. The push rod 170 can move synchronously with the first connecting sleeve 100. Therefore, when the male end 210 and the female end 110 approach each other, the push rod 170 can push the slidably connected end of the elastic member 270, causing the elastic member 270 to bend and deform. In the initial state when the push rod 170 does not push the elastic member 270, the elastic member 270 is in an approximately straight state, and the middle position slightly arches towards the axis of the second connecting sleeve 200. When the push rod 170 pushes the elastic member 270 to deform, the middle position of the elastic member 270 arches radially inwards towards the second connecting sleeve 200. Since the second lock 230 is in sliding contact with the first lock 130, the elastic member 270 at this time cannot push the second lock 230 to move but continuously deforms and stores energy. Only when the first lock 130 moves to a position where the mating protrusion 140 and the mating groove 240 correspond to each other, the elastic member 270 releases its elastic force to push the second lock 230 to drive the male terminal 220 to quickly contact the female terminal 120, thereby preventing an arc from being generated between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120.

[0051] In a further embodiment, an adjustment assembly is further disposed in the first connecting sleeve 100. The adjustment assembly can adjust the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120, and adjust the energy storage level of the elastic member 270 according to the safety distance. The energy storage level of the elastic member 270 is positively correlated with the safety distance. That is to say, the farther the safety distance is, the greater the energy storage level of the elastic member 270; and the closer the safety distance is, the smaller the energy storage level of the elastic member 270.

[0052] It should be noted that the adjustment of the safety distance needs to be adjusted according to the internal current of the electrical components connected at the two ends of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 that are far away from each other. Specifically, the larger the current, the longer the safety distance needs to be. At the same time, due to the increase in distance, the force storage degree of the elastic member 270 also needs to be increased, so that the elastic member 270 can push the second lock buckle 230 with greater force, thereby making the second lock buckle 230 drive the male terminal 220 to contact the female terminal 120 with a greater acceleration, thereby avoiding the phenomenon that the time required for the two to contact is too long and the current breaks through the air; and the smaller the current, the safe distance can be appropriately reduced, and due to the shorter distance, the force storage degree of the elastic member 270 can be reduced, thereby reducing the collision force when the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 contact.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first lock buckle 130 is configured to be able to slide along the radial direction of the female end 110, so as to facilitate the sliding connection of the first lock buckle 130 in the first connecting sleeve 100. Figure 3 As shown, a first fixing block 150 is fixedly arranged in the first connecting sleeve 100, and the first fixing block 150 is fixed as a whole to the inner circumference of the first connecting sleeve 100, and a first sliding groove 160 is opened on the first fixing block 150, and the first sliding groove 160 extends along the diameter direction of the first connecting sleeve 100, and one end of the first locking buckle 130 is slidably arranged in the first sliding groove 160, and the first locking buckle 130 can slide along the radial direction of the first connecting sleeve 100 in the first sliding groove 160, and the first locking buckle 130 will not detach from the first sliding groove 160. In this embodiment, the female terminal 120 is fixedly set on the first fixed block 150, and the position of the female terminal 120 will not change with the sliding of the first lock buckle 130. When the distance between the two first lock buckles 130 changes, the distance between the second lock buckles 230 will change with the change of the first lock buckle 130. In addition, since the male terminal 220 is fixedly connected to the second lock buckle 230, and the position of the female terminal 120 in the first connecting sleeve 100 does not change, when the distance between the two first lock buckles 130 increases, the distance between the two second lock buckles 230 will also increase, and at the same time, the distance between the male terminal 220 fixedly connected to the two second lock buckles 230 and the female terminal 120 will also increase; similarly, when the distance between the two first lock buckles 130 decreases, the distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 will also decrease.

[0054] Specifically, for facilitating the sliding of the second latch 230 within the second connecting sleeve 200, a second fixing block 250 is fixedly arranged within the barrel of the second connecting sleeve 200. The second fixing block 250 is provided with a second sliding groove 260 extending along the diameter direction of the second connecting sleeve 200. One end of the second latch 230 is slidably arranged within the second sliding groove 260, and one end of the second latch 230 will not disengage from the second sliding groove 260. The second latch 230 can slide radially along the second connecting sleeve 200 within the second sliding groove 260.

[0055] Specifically, the adjusting assembly in this embodiment includes an adjusting sleeve 300, an adjusting rod 310, and an adjusting cone head 320. The adjusting sleeve 300 is threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve 100. When the adjusting sleeve 300 rotates around its own axis, it can move axially along the first connecting sleeve 100. The adjusting rod 310 is slidably arranged within the first connecting sleeve 100, and the adjusting rod 310 can slide axially along the first connecting sleeve 100. The adjusting cone head 320 is fixedly arranged at the middle position of the adjusting rod 310. The axis of the adjusting cone head 320 coincides with the axis of the first connecting sleeve 100. That is to say, the adjusting cone head 320 is located at the central position of the first connecting sleeve 100. The conical surface on the outer periphery of the adjusting cone head 320 contacts one end face of the first latch 130 close to the axis of the first connecting sleeve 100. And one end face of the first latch 130 close to the axis of the first connecting sleeve 100 is a conical inclined surface 132. The conical inclined surface 132 is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the adjusting cone head 320. And the conical inclined surface 132 of the first latch 130 has magnetism and can adsorb the iron adjusting cone head 320, thereby preventing the first latch 130 from disengaging from the adjusting cone head 320.

[0056] When the adjusting rod 310 moves axially along the first connecting sleeve 100, it drives the adjusting cone head 320 to move axially along the first connecting sleeve 100 synchronously. Therefore, the adjusting cone head 320 can push the first latch 130 to move radially away from or close to each other along the first connecting sleeve 100 through the conical inclined surface 132. And on one end face of the first latch 130 close to the second latch 230 in this embodiment, a first wedge surface 131 is provided, while on one end face of the second latch 230 close to the first latch 130, a second wedge surface 231 is provided. As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, through the settings of the first wedge surface 131 and the second wedge surface 231, the two first latches 130 can enter between the two second latches 230 without jamming, and the first latch 130 can be in sliding contact with the second latch 230.

[0057] More specifically, the push rod 170 is fixedly arranged on the adjusting rod 310. The energy storage degree of the elastic member 270 is positively correlated with the distance that the push rod 170 pushes one end of the elastic member 270 to move.

[0058] It can be understood that, as Figure 3 shown, when the adjusting sleeve 300 is rotated and the adjusting sleeve 300 drives the adjusting rod 310 to move axially to the right along the first connecting sleeve 100, the adjusting cone head 320 on the adjusting rod 310 pushes the two first latches 130 to move radially outward along the first connecting sleeve 100. At this time, the distance between the two first latches 130 increases, and the push rod 170 on the adjusting rod 310 moves to the right synchronously. The rightward movement of the push rod 170 can push one end of the elastic member 270 slidably disposed on the second connecting sleeve 200 to move a farther distance, so that the deformation degree of the elastic member 270 is greater and the energy storage degree of the elastic member 270 is greater. However, since the distance between the two first latches 130 increases, the distance between the two second latches 230 also increases. The male terminal 220 is fixedly connected to the second latch 230, and the female terminal 120 is fixedly connected within the first connecting sleeve 100. The position of the female terminal 120 does not change. Therefore, the distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 increases. That is to say, the distance that the second latch 230 needs to move radially inward along the second connecting sleeve 200 increases. At the same time, the energy storage degree of the elastic member 270 is greater at this time, and it can still enable the male terminal 220 to quickly contact the female terminal 120, thereby avoiding the generation of electric arcs.

[0059] It should be noted that when the current passing through the electrical components connected to the mutually remote ends of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 is relatively large, in order to avoid the generation of electric arcs during the locking process of the first latch 130 and the second latch 230, an adjusting assembly is required to increase the distance between the two first latches 130, thereby increasing the distance between the two second latches 230, and indirectly increasing the distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120, that is, increasing the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120, and at the same time increasing the energy storage degree of the elastic member 270, so that the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 can still quickly contact, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of current breaking through the air due to a large current; when the current is relatively small, the distance between the two first latches 130 can be reduced through the adjusting assembly, thereby indirectly reducing the distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120, reducing the energy storage degree of the elastic member 270, thereby reducing the collision force when the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 come into contact with each other, and further reducing the wear during the collision between the two.

[0060] Specifically, to facilitate the axial movement of the adjusting rod 310 along the first connecting sleeve 100, as Figure 3As shown, symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve 100 are sliding grooves 101 extending along its axial direction. Both ends of the adjusting rod 310 are slidably located within the sliding grooves 101 and extend out of the two sliding grooves 101. An annular groove 301 is provided on the inner periphery of the adjusting sleeve 300. Both ends of the adjusting rod 310 finally lie within the annular groove 301. Thus, when the adjusting sleeve 300 rotates and moves along the axial direction of the first connecting sleeve 100, it can drive the adjusting rod 310 to move along the axial direction of the first connecting sleeve 100 through the annular groove 301. And to prevent the first fixing block 150 from obstructing the movement of the adjusting rod 310, a through groove 151 is provided on the first fixing block 150. The adjusting rod 310 is also located within the through groove 151 to avoid the first fixing block 150 from obstructing the movement of the adjusting rod 310.

[0061] In a further embodiment, to further improve the self-locking strength of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200, an auxiliary locking sleeve 330 is provided on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve 200. The auxiliary locking sleeve 330 is used to lock the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 again after they are locked, preventing them from separating.

[0062] Specifically, an external thread 102 is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the first connecting sleeve 100 close to the second connecting sleeve 200, while an internal thread 331 is provided on the inner periphery of one end of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 close to the first connecting sleeve 100. And a first snap ring 340 is provided at one end of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 away from the first connecting sleeve 100. A second snap ring 350 is provided on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve 200. The diameter of the second snap ring 350 is smaller than the diameter at the middle position of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330, and the diameter of the second snap ring 350 is larger than the diameter of the first snap ring 340 so as to be able to snap one end of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 onto the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve 200. After the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 are connected, the internal thread 331 of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 is engaged with the external thread 102 of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 is rotated to connect the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 to the outer peripheries of the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200.

[0063] Combined with the above embodiments, the specific working process of a self-locking connector provided by the present invention is described as follows:

[0064] Adjust the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120:

[0065] As Figure 3As shown, the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 is adjusted according to the magnitude of the current. For example, when the passing current is relatively large, the adjusting sleeve 300 is driven to rotate so that the adjusting sleeve 300 moves a relatively large distance to the right along the axial direction of the first connecting sleeve 100. The adjusting sleeve 300 drives the adjusting rod 310 to move to the right synchronously. The push rod 170 and the adjusting cone head 320 on the adjusting rod 310 both move to the right at the same time. The outer periphery of the adjusting cone head 320 pushes the two first latches 130 to move radially outward along the first connecting sleeve 100, and the distance between the two first latches 130 increases, so that the distance between the two second latches 230 increases. Since the male terminal 220 is fixedly connected to the second latch 230, the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 increases; similarly, if the current is small, the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 can be appropriately reduced.

[0066] Connection:

[0067] The first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 are brought closer to each other. The female end 110 in the first connecting sleeve 100 and the male end 210 in the second connecting sleeve 200 are brought closer to each other. One end of the two first latches 130 close to the second latch 230 contacts the second latch 230, and the two are in sliding contact through the first wedge surface 131 and the second wedge surface 231. As the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 approach each other, the push rod 170 gradually pushes one end of the elastic member 270 slidably disposed on the second connecting sleeve 200, and the push rod 170 deforms the elastic member 270. The middle position of the elastic member 270 arches inward along the radial direction of the second connecting sleeve 200 to start storing energy. Since the distance between the two first latches 130 increases, the distance of the second latch 230 from the axis of the second connecting sleeve 200 increases. As the first latch 130 and the second latch 230 approach each other, the more the elastic member 270 stores energy. When the mating protrusion 140 on the first latch 130 moves to the mating groove 240 of the second latch 230, the elastic member 270 releases its elastic force, and the elastic member 270 drives the second latch 230 to quickly self-lock with the first latch 130, and the male terminal 220 on the second latch 230 moves synchronously with the second latch 230. The second latch 230 quickly contacts the first latch 130, thus completing the electrical connection between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120. During the electrical connection process, the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120 do not come into frictional contact, resulting in a relatively small degree of wear, and the two are quickly connected during the electrical connection process, which can avoid the phenomenon of current breakdown of air.

[0068] Auxiliary locking:

[0069] After the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 are self-locked, rotate the auxiliary locking sleeve 330. The internal thread 331 of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 cooperates with the external thread 102 of the first connecting sleeve 100. The other end of the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 is clamped on the second connecting sleeve 200 through the first snap ring 340 and the second snap ring 350. When the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 and the first connecting sleeve 100 are completely thread-connected, the first snap ring 340 and the second snap ring 350 are in close contact to assist in locking the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200.

[0070] Disconnect:

[0071] When the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 need to be disconnected, first rotate the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 in the reverse direction. The auxiliary locking sleeve 330 first disengages from the first connecting sleeve 100, and then rotate the adjusting sleeve 300 in the reverse direction. As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the adjusting sleeve 300 moves axially to the left along the first connecting sleeve 100. The adjusting sleeve 300 synchronously drives the adjusting rod 310 to move to the left. The adjusting rod 310 drives the push rod 170 to move to the left. One end of the push rod 170 in contact with the elastic member 270 will move to the left when the elastic member 270 resets. That is to say, the left end of the elastic member 270 slidably connected to the second connecting sleeve 200 will move to the left. Also, since the middle position of the elastic member 270 is connected to the second lock 230, when the elastic member 270 returns to a slightly straight state, the middle position of the elastic member 270 pulls the second lock 230 to move radially outward along the second connecting sleeve 200, so that the two second locks 230 move away from each other. And the two first locks 130 move closer to each other under the action of the adjusting cone head 320 moving to the left and the tapered inclined surface 132 of the first lock 130 being able to adsorb the adjusting cone head 320. Thus, the engaging grooves 240 of the two second locks 230 gradually disengage from the engaging protrusions 140 of the two first locks 130, and the self-locking between the two is gradually released. When the engaging protrusions 140 of the first lock 130 completely disengage from the engaging grooves 240 of the second lock 230, the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200 can be separated, thus completing the separation operation.

[0072] The present invention also provides a connection method for a self-locking connector, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0073] S100. Adjust the safety distance between the male terminal 220 and the female terminal 120;

[0074] S200. Connect the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200, and the female terminal 120 in the first connecting sleeve 100 is electrically connected to the male terminal 220 in the second connecting sleeve 200;

[0075] ​​​​The S300 rotates the auxiliary locking sleeve 330 to lock the first connecting sleeve 100 and the second connecting sleeve 200.

[0076] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0077] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present invention. The description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking connector, characterized in that, Including: A first connecting sleeve and a second connecting sleeve. Electrical components are respectively connected to the mutually remote ends of the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve. The mutually adjacent ends of the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are respectively a female end head and a male end head. A female terminal is provided on the female end head, and a male terminal is provided on the male end head. When the female end head and the male end head are self-locked and connected, the female terminal and the male terminal are electrically connected; A first lock, the first lock is provided on the female end head, there are at least two first locks, and the two first locks are symmetrically arranged on the female end head; A second lock, the second lock is slidably provided on the male end head, the male terminal is fixedly connected to the second lock, the number of the second locks is the same as the number of the first locks, and the second lock can drive the male terminal to slide along the radial direction of the male end head; An elastic member, the elastic member is located between the second lock and the inner circumference of the second connecting sleeve, and the elastic member is configured as: During the process that the female end head of the first connecting sleeve and the male end head of the second connecting sleeve approach each other, the first lock and the second lock are in sliding contact. The elastic member stores energy so that the second lock has a tendency to move radially inwards along the male terminal. After the first lock moves to a preset position of the second lock, the elastic member is released, the second lock is locked with the first lock and drives the male terminal to contact the female terminal; An adjusting assembly is provided in the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting assembly can adjust the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal. The safety distance is positively correlated with the magnitude of the current between the male terminal and the female terminal. The energy storage degree of the elastic member is positively correlated with the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal. The adjusting assembly includes an adjusting sleeve, an adjusting rod and an adjusting cone head. The adjusting sleeve is threadedly connected to the outer circumference of the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting rod is slidably provided in the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting cone head is fixedly connected to the adjusting rod. The axis of the adjusting cone head coincides with the axis of the first connecting sleeve. A conical inclined surface is provided on one end of the first lock close to the axis of the first connecting sleeve, and the conical inclined surface is in sliding contact with the outer circumference of the adjusting cone head. One end of the elastic member is fixed inside the male end head, the other end of the elastic member is slidably connected to one end of the male end head close to the female end head, the middle position of the elastic member is connected to the second lock. A push rod is provided in the first connecting sleeve. The push rod extends along the axial direction of the first connecting sleeve. During the process that the female end head and the male end head approach each other, the push rod can push one end of the elastic member to cause the elastic member to deform and store energy. When the elastic member is released, it can push the second lock to slide radially inwards along the male end head; When the adjusting sleeve rotates, it can move axially along the first connecting sleeve to drive the adjusting rod to move axially along the first connecting sleeve. The adjusting rod drives the adjusting cone head to move. The adjusting cone head can push the first lock to move radially away from or close to each other along the first connecting sleeve through the conical inclined surface.

2. The self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic member is an elastic sheet. When the elastic sheet is subjected to a force, it deforms, and the middle position of the elastic sheet arches inwards along the radial direction of the male end head.

3. The self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lock is slidably provided on the female end head, and the first lock can slide along the radial direction of the female end head. The push rod is fixedly connected to the adjusting rod. The energy storage degree of the elastic member is positively correlated with the distance that the push rod pushes one end of the elastic member to move.

4. The self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Symmetrically arranged on the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve are sliding grooves extending along its axial direction. Both ends of the adjusting rod are located within the sliding grooves and extend out of the sliding grooves. An annular groove is provided on the inner periphery of the adjusting sleeve, and both ends of the adjusting rod are slidably connected within the annular groove.

5. The self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, An auxiliary locking sleeve is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve. An internal thread is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the auxiliary locking sleeve close to the first connecting sleeve, and an external thread is provided on the outer periphery of the first connecting sleeve close to the second connecting sleeve. After the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are locked, the auxiliary locking sleeve is threadedly connected to the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve.

6. The self-locking connector according to claim 5, wherein, One end of the auxiliary locking sleeve away from the first connecting sleeve is clamped on the outer periphery of the second connecting sleeve.

7. A connection method for a self-locking connector, applicable to the self-locking connector of any one of the above claims 1-6, characterized in that, It includes the following specific steps: S100. Adjust the safety distance between the male terminal and the female terminal. S200. Connect the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve, and the female terminal within the first connecting sleeve is electrically connected to the male terminal within the second connecting sleeve. S300. Rotate the auxiliary locking sleeve to lock the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve.

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