A travel switch and a travel switch assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a push button switch whose contact returns to the initial state after the operation force is eliminated, and particularly relates to a travel switch and a travel switch assembly. The present application provides a new travel switch, in which a shorting piece is pushed by an elastic piece and kept in the state of abutting against two wire terminals in the natural state, and the two wire terminals are conducted. In the travel of the trigger piece moving backward under the external force, the shorting piece is pushed back and moves, so as to separate from the two wire terminals. Thus, the change from the conduction to the cut-off of the circuit connected by the two wire terminals is realized, so as to realize the position signal detection. In the travel switch, the shorting piece and the wire terminal are in the abutting contact relationship. Then, the shorting piece can separate from the wire terminal by a small travel, and the signal switching can be realized without a large distance, so that the size of the travel switch is small. When used in the plug-in detection connector, the axial length of the connector can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a push-button switch in which the contacts return to their initial state when the operating force is removed, and more particularly to a limit switch and a limit switch assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, connectors capable of self-detecting insertion / removal status are required in many applications. Existing methods for implementing this self-detection function often integrate a limit switch assembly inside the socket. For example, Chinese Utility Model Patent CN214280355U discloses a socket and industrial connector in which a guide rod is movably mounted in the insertion direction within the socket's internal body (i.e., the housing containing an insulator and a connector installed within the insulator). A limit switch is located on the rear side of the internal body within the socket housing. The front end of the guide rod is free, and its rear end engages with the contact of the limit switch. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the guide rod is pushed back by the plug, triggering the limit switch and thus obtaining the plug-socket engagement status information. In some applications, the axial dimension of the connector, i.e., the insertion dimension, must be as small as possible. In such cases, besides minimizing the axial length of the connector's internal body, shortening the axial length of the limit switch is also crucial.

[0003] Different types of connectors capable of self-detection of insertion / removal vary in their limit switch structures, taking into account factors such as the connector's internal structure and the direction of the limit switch leads. For example, a limit control switch disclosed in Chinese invention patent application CN103594272A, when applied to a self-detection connector, requires a larger axial space due to the need to allow sufficient space between the pins connected to the pin jumper plate and the fixed sockets in the housing for signal circuit connection and disconnection as the jumper plate moves. This results in poor axial dimension control of the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a limit switch that solves the problem of large axial dimensions in existing limit switches. Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is also to provide a limit switch assembly including the aforementioned limit switch, solving the problem of large axial dimensions in existing limit switches.

[0005] A limit switch of the present invention includes a switch housing, a trigger element movably mounted within the switch housing, and a floating short-circuit structure movably mounted within the switch housing. The floating short-circuit structure is located behind the trigger element and includes a short-circuit member and a retaining spring that provides elastic force to the short-circuit member towards the trigger element. A pair of terminals are also fixedly mounted within the housing. The terminals have contact portions located in front of the short-circuit member. In its natural state, the retaining spring pushes the short-circuit member and keeps the short-circuit member in contact with the contact portions of the two terminals to conduct electricity between the two terminals. During the process of the trigger element moving backward under force, the trigger element pushes back the short-circuit member to disengage it from the two terminals, thus disconnecting the two terminals.

[0006] Furthermore, the contact portion is an elastic terminal that can elastically deform in the front-to-back direction. The elastic terminal is installed in the switch housing, and its rear end elastically abuts against the shorting member.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic terminal is a button contact or a spring pin.

[0008] Furthermore, the paired terminals are symmetrically arranged with respect to the trigger element.

[0009] Furthermore, the terminal block also includes a connector extending away from the trigger element, with the rear end of the connector being a terminal and the front end of the connector being electrically connected to the front end of the contact portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the connector is an L-shaped contact, with one straight side extending back and forth, and the rear end being the connector terminal. The other straight side extends toward the contact portion and abuts against the front end of the contact portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the switch housing includes a cylindrical outer shell, a trigger element is guided and movably installed inside the cylindrical outer shell, and an assembled inner shell is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell on the rear side of the trigger element. The assembled inner shell includes a cylindrical inner shell with an open front end and a front inner shell that seals the front end of the cylindrical inner shell. A floating short-circuit structure is installed in the inner shell mounting cavity formed by the cylindrical inner shell and the front inner shell. The contact part is fixedly installed in the front inner shell, and the rear end is exposed in the inner shell mounting cavity. The front inner shell is provided with a transmission channel for transmitting the action of the trigger element to the short-circuit element.

[0012] Furthermore, the front inner shell is provided with a wiring mounting hole for inserting the straight edge of the L-shaped contact. The front side of the front inner shell is also provided with a mounting groove, and the other straight edge of the L-shaped contact is in the mounting groove. The assembled inner shell also includes a front end plate located at the front end of the front inner shell to press and fix the L-shaped contact in the front inner shell.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell has a rearward-facing inner stepped surface, the assembled inner shell is installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell and the front end plate fits against the inner step, and the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell is also equipped with a retaining ring that blocks the assembled inner cavity from the rear.

[0014] Furthermore, an insulating transmission component is connected to the shorting member, the insulating transmission component being located behind the triggering member and isolated from the triggering member in its natural state.

[0015] This invention provides a novel limit switch in which a shorting element, in its natural state, is pushed and held in contact with two terminals by an elastic member, thus connecting the two terminals. During the stroke of a trigger element moving backward under external force, the shorting element is pushed back and moves, separating from the two terminals. This achieves the change of the circuit connected by the two terminals from on to off state, thereby realizing position signal detection. In this limit switch, the shorting element and the terminals are in abutting contact, so a small stroke of the shorting element is sufficient to achieve separation from the terminals, eliminating the need for a large distance for signal switching. The limit switch is also smaller in size. When used in self-testing plug-in connectors, it can reduce the axial length of the connector.

[0016] The limit switch assembly of the present invention includes a driving component and a limit switch located behind the driving component. The limit switch includes a switch housing, and a trigger element is movably mounted within the switch housing. The trigger element has a driven end located at the front of the switch housing. The driving component is connected to the trigger element. A floating short-circuit structure is movably mounted within the switch housing, located behind the trigger element. The floating short-circuit structure includes a short-circuit member and a retaining spring that provides an elastic force to the short-circuit member towards the trigger element. A pair of terminals are also fixedly mounted within the housing. The terminals have contact portions located at the front of the short-circuit member. In a natural state, the retaining spring pushes the short-circuit member and keeps the short-circuit member and the contact portions of the two terminals in contact to conduct electricity between the two terminals. During the process of the trigger element moving backward under force, the trigger element pushes back the short-circuit member to disengage it from the two terminals, thus disconnecting the two terminals.

[0017] Furthermore, the contact portion is an elastic terminal that can elastically deform in the front-to-back direction. The elastic terminal is installed in the switch housing, and its rear end elastically abuts against the shorting member.

[0018] Furthermore, the elastic terminal is a button contact or a spring pin.

[0019] Furthermore, the paired terminals are symmetrically arranged with respect to the trigger element.

[0020] Furthermore, the terminal block also includes a connector extending away from the trigger element, with the rear end of the connector being a terminal and the front end of the connector being electrically connected to the front end of the contact portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the connector is an L-shaped contact, with one straight side extending back and forth, and the rear end being the connector terminal. The other straight side extends toward the contact portion and abuts against the front end of the contact portion.

[0022] Furthermore, the switch housing includes a cylindrical outer shell, a trigger element is guided and movably installed inside the cylindrical outer shell, and an assembled inner shell is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell on the rear side of the trigger element. The assembled inner shell includes a cylindrical inner shell with an open front end and a front inner shell that seals the front end of the cylindrical inner shell. A floating short-circuit structure is installed in the inner shell mounting cavity formed by the cylindrical inner shell and the front inner shell. The contact part is fixedly installed in the front inner shell, and the rear end is exposed in the inner shell mounting cavity. The front inner shell is provided with a transmission channel for transmitting the action of the trigger element to the short-circuit element.

[0023] Furthermore, the front inner shell is provided with a wiring mounting hole for inserting the straight edge of the L-shaped contact. The front side of the front inner shell is also provided with a mounting groove, and the other straight edge of the L-shaped contact is in the mounting groove. The assembled inner shell also includes a front end plate located at the front end of the front inner shell to press and fix the L-shaped contact in the front inner shell.

[0024] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell has a rearward-facing inner stepped surface, the assembled inner shell is installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell and the front end plate fits against the inner step, and the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell is also equipped with a retaining ring that blocks the assembled inner cavity from the rear.

[0025] Furthermore, an insulating transmission component is connected to the shorting member, the insulating transmission component being located behind the triggering member and isolated from the triggering member in its natural state.

[0026] Furthermore, the driving component is a driven ring, and the triggering component is a trigger rod, with the front end of the trigger rod connected to a certain point in the circumference of the driven ring.

[0027] Furthermore, there are two or more limit switches connected to the rear side of the driven ring.

[0028] Furthermore, the driven ring body includes a connecting ring body and a rotating ring body, the rotating ring body being rotatably disposed on the front side of the connecting ring body around its own axis, and the connecting ring body being connected to the mounting rod.

[0029] Furthermore, the driven ring body includes a thrust bearing, wherein the front thrust washer of the thrust bearing constitutes a rotating ring body and the rear thrust washer constitutes the connecting ring body. The driven ring body also includes a retaining member that maintains a defined front-to-back distance between the two thrust washers.

[0030] Furthermore, the connecting ring body is provided with a radially penetrating screw hole and a connecting hole extending rearward from the screw hole to the rear end face of the connecting ring body. The front end of the mounting rod extends into the screw hole from the connecting hole, and a locking nut is connected to the end extending into the screw hole.

[0031] This invention provides a novel limit switch assembly. In its natural state, the shorting element of the limit switch is pushed and held in contact with the two terminals by an elastic member, thus connecting the two terminals. During the stroke of the drive component driving the trigger element backward, the shorting element is pushed back and moves, thereby separating from the two terminals. This achieves the change of the circuit connected by the two terminals from on to off state, thereby realizing position signal detection. In this limit switch, the shorting element and the terminals are in abutting contact, so the shorting element can separate from the terminals with a small stroke, achieving signal switching without a large distance. The limit switch is also smaller in size. When used in self-testing plug-in connectors, it can reduce the axial length of the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plug-in self-detection connector including the limit switch assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connector from the rear view;

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram shows how the limit switch assembly of the present invention is installed in the main housing of the connector after concealing the connector's connecting flange and tail shell components.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram showing the assembly relationship between the limit switch assembly and the tail shell component of the present invention, with the main housing and connecting flange of the connector concealed.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limit switch assembly of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the main body of the medium-limit switch;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the drive component;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a limit switch according to the present invention.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. Internal main body; 2. Connector housing; 20. Main housing; 3. Drive component; 30. Driven ring; 31. Mounting rod; 32. Return spring; 301. Connecting ring; 302. Rotating ring; 303. Retaining component; 310. Outer flange; 311. Trigger end; 4. Limit switch; 40. Switch body; 90. Tail shell component; 41. Wiring component; 43. Shorting component; 44. Gap; 45. Cylindrical outer shell; 46. Retaining ring; 47. Front plate; 48. Plug ring; 49. Sealing ring; 401. Cylindrical inner shell; 402. Front inner shell; 403. Front end plate; 410. L-shaped contact; 411. Elastic terminal; 430. Retaining spring; 431. Insulated transmission component; 4101. Another straight side. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0042] The limit switch of the present invention addresses the problem that existing limit switches use a pin-and-socket connection between the shorting element and the paired terminals to achieve signal switching, which requires the shorting element to move a large distance to switch the signal and results in a large space occupation. By improving the connection method between the shorting element and the paired terminals to a butt-fitting connection method, contact and disengagement with the paired terminals can be achieved with a very small movement of the shorting element, thus realizing the on / off signal switching of the limit switch and reducing the size of the limit switch.

[0043] Since this invention originates from how to reduce the axial dimension of a limit switch when it is used in a plug-in self-test connector, the following description will take the state of the limit switch assembly applied in a plug-in self-test connector as an example for easy and clear description of the limit switch and limit switch assembly of this invention.

[0044] One embodiment of the limit switch assembly is used when plugging and unplugging a self-test connector, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, the plug-in self-test connector includes a connector housing 2 and an inner body 1. The connector housing 2 includes an outer shell and a tail shell component 90 connected to the rear side of the outer shell. The outer shell includes an annular main housing 20 surrounding the outer side of the inner body 1. The inner annular hole of the annular main housing forms a main body mounting hole for installing the inner body. The main housing 20 has a locking sleeve extending forward around the main body mounting hole for threaded engagement with the connecting nut of the adapter connector to achieve a locking connection. The tail shell component 90 is connected to the rear side of the main housing 20 to cover the inner body 1 inside. The limit switch assembly is installed on the main housing 20.

[0045] Specifically, the limit switch assembly includes a limit switch 4 and a drive component 3. The drive component 3 is located radially outside the locking sleeve and has a driven end located on the front side of the housing and radially outside the locking sleeve. A trigger element for cooperating with the limit switch 4 is connected to the rear side of the drive component. The rear end of the trigger element has a trigger end 311. The limit switch 4 is located behind the trigger end. The trigger end is used to trigger the limit switch to switch its state during the process of the trigger element moving backward. The drive component 3 is equipped with a return spring 32 that provides it with an elastic force toward the front. The housing has an anti-disengagement stop structure that stops the drive component 3. When the return spring 32 provides an elastic force to push the drive component 3 forward, it can stop it at the front limit position. The driven end of the drive component 3 is used to be pushed back when the adapter connector is inserted. The trigger end 311 moves back with the driven end and changes the on / off state of the limit switch 4, that is, from the circuit on state to the circuit off state. When the adapter connector is pulled out, the return spring 32 pushes the drive component 3 forward back to the front limit position and changes the on / off state of the limit switch 4 again.

[0046] like Figure 1-4 In the illustrated embodiment, the driving component 3 includes a driven ring 30, with a mounting rod 31 connected to its rear side. As the name suggests, the driven ring 30 is a ring-shaped structure driven by the adapter connector. The driven ring 30 surrounds the inner body 1, and its front end constitutes the driven end. That is, when the adapter connector is inserted, the adapter connector can push against the front end of the driven ring 30 and push it backward. The housing has a mounting rod through-hole for the mounting rod 31 to pass through from front to back. The limit switch assembly is mounted on the housing by the mounting rod 31. Specifically, the mounting rod through-hole 200 is a stepped hole, smaller at the front and larger at the back. The front end of the mounting rod 31 is within the smaller diameter section of the mounting rod through-hole. The rear position of the mounting rod 31 has an outer flange 310. The stepped surface of the stepped hole is used to stop and engage with the outer flange 310. The larger diameter section at the rear end of the mounting rod through-hole accommodates a return spring 32. The stepped surface of the stepped hole provides anti-disengagement in the forward direction. Of course, in one embodiment, the driving component can be a linear rod-shaped structure, like the guide rod in a socket and industrial connector disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent No. CN214280355U cited in the background art, i.e., a driving rod. The driving rod is guided and movably installed in the housing in the front-back direction. The front end of the guide rod extends to the front side of the housing and the side of the plug section, which is the driven end. The rear end of the guide rod extends into the housing, and the part extending into the housing is the trigger element. The rear end of the trigger element is provided with a trigger end 311, which corresponds to the contact of the limit switch 4 provided in the housing. The guide rod is provided with an outer protruding ring. A return spring 32 is installed in the housing and fitted on the outside of the guide rod. The front end of the return spring 32 presses against the outer protruding ring, and the rear end presses against the housing.

[0047] The limit switch assembly may include one limit switch, which corresponds to the front and rear of the driven ring and is connected to a mounting rod on the rear side of the driven ring. This mounting rod constitutes the trigger of the limit switch, or... Figure 1-5 In the illustrated embodiment, there are two limit switches, which are spaced apart along the circumference of the driven ring. Each limit switch corresponds to a mounting rod, and the mounting rods corresponding to each limit switch constitute the trigger element of the limit switch. When the same driven ring moves back and forth, both limit switches are triggered to switch states simultaneously.

[0048] Limit switch 4 includes a switch housing, and a trigger element is movably mounted inside the switch housing. Figure 1-5 The diagram shows a schematic of a limit switch assembly used within a connector, whereby the switch housing is integrated into the connector housing. Figure 6 The structure behind the concealed connector housing is shown (which can be understood as the structure of a limit switch behind a concealed switch housing). The switch housing contains a switch body 40, which has an inner housing mounting cavity. A floating shorting structure is movably mounted in the inner housing mounting cavity in a front-to-back direction. The floating shorting structure is located behind the trigger element. The floating shorting structure includes a shorting element 43 and a retaining spring 430 that provides elastic force to the shorting element 43 towards the trigger element. A pair of terminals are also fixedly mounted inside the switch body 40. The terminals have contact portions located in front of the shorting element 43. In its natural state, the retaining spring pushes the shorting element 43, keeping the shorting element 43 in contact with the contact portions of the two terminals to conduct electricity. During the process of the trigger element moving backward under force, the trigger element pushes back the shorting element 43 to disengage it from the two terminals, thus disconnecting the two terminals and switching the limit switch signal.

[0049] Based on this structure, it is known that the shorting connector maintains conductivity with the two terminals in an abutting state. Therefore, the shorting connector can be separated from the terminals with a small travel distance, achieving signal switching without a large distance, and the limit switch is small in size. This reduces the axial length of the limit switch, which occupies less axial space when applied to self-testing connectors, further reducing the axial dimension of the connector.

[0050] Of course, the shorting element and the contact portion can be connected front and back to achieve the result of disconnection upon movement of the shorting element. However, while this can minimize the size of the limit switch, it can lead to unstable contact between the shorting element and the contact portion in vibration environments, which is obviously undesirable. Therefore, to balance size and stability, in one embodiment, the contact portion uses an elastic terminal 411 that can elastically deform in the front-back direction. The elastic terminal is installed inside the switch body, with its rear end protruding from the front cavity wall of the inner housing mounting cavity. In its natural state, the shorting element 43 is pressed against the front cavity wall of the inner housing mounting cavity by the retaining spring 430 and abuts against the rear end of the elastic terminal 411. In this way, in vibration environments, the elastic terminal can ensure reliable contact between the shorting element and the contact portion, reducing the likelihood of false alarms from the limit switch. The elastic terminal 411 can be a button contact or a spring pin contact, which has good axial elastic deformation capability and can be made in a small size.

[0051] In one embodiment, paired terminals are mounted in the switch body and are located on the same side of the trigger element. For example... Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the paired terminals are symmetrically arranged about the trigger, so that the shorting element can be arranged as coaxially as possible with the trigger. As the trigger moves the shorting element, the positional relationship between the shorting element and the two terminals is more consistent.

[0052] Based on the above embodiments, this document also provides a more preferred embodiment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the terminal block also includes a connector 41 extending away from the trigger element. The rear end of the connector 41 is a terminal, and the front end of the connector 41 is electrically connected to the front end of the contact portion. In other words, the entire terminal block is a folded-back structure or a U-shaped structure. This allows the terminal block, shorting element 43, and trigger element to share axial space, further reducing the axial size of the limit switch. Specifically, the entire terminal block may include a first parallel section, a second parallel section, and a connecting section connecting the front ends of the two parallel sections. The end of the second parallel section protrudes from the front wall of the inner housing mounting cavity, and the end of the first parallel section passes radially outward from the inner housing mounting cavity and protrudes from the rear end of the switch body for wiring. Alternatively, in... Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the connector 41 is an L-shaped contact 410. One straight side of the L-shaped contact 410 extends back and forth, and the rear end is the connector terminal. The other straight side 4101 extends toward the contact portion and abuts against the front end of the contact portion.

[0053] Based on the two embodiments described above, during manufacturing, the switch body is integrally injection molded, the wiring terminals are cast into the injection-molded insulation, and the switch body is provided with a transmission channel for transmitting the action of the trigger element to the shorting element. Or as... Figure 6 As shown, the switch body includes an assembled inner shell, which includes a cylindrical inner shell 401 with an open front end and a front inner shell 402 sealing the front end of the cylindrical inner shell 401. A floating short-circuit structure is installed in the inner shell mounting cavity formed by the cylindrical inner shell 401 and the front inner shell 402. The contact part is fixedly installed in the front inner shell 402, and the rear end protrudes from the inner shell mounting cavity. The front inner shell 402 is provided with a transmission channel for transmitting the action of the trigger element to the short-circuit element. In this case, the terminal block can be integrally injection molded in the front inner shell 402. The cylindrical inner shell 401 is provided with a through hole at a position corresponding to the terminal block, allowing the terminal block to pass through from front to back and protrude from the terminal block. Alternatively, as... Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the front inner shell 402 is provided with a wiring mounting hole for inserting the straight edge of the L-shaped contact 410 extending forward and backward. The front side of the front inner shell 402 is also provided with a mounting groove, and the other straight edge 4101 of the L-shaped contact 410 is located in the mounting groove. The assembled inner shell also includes a front end plate 403 located at the front end of the front inner shell 402 to press and fix the L-shaped contact 410 inside the front inner shell 402. The front end plate 403 is provided with a clearance hole at the middle position, and the clearance hole and the hole at the center position of the front inner shell 402 together form a transmission channel. The floating short-circuit structure and the wiring terminal are assembled into the switch body by assembling the cylindrical inner shell 401, the front inner shell 402, and the front end plate 403.

[0054] The main housing of the connector has a mounting cavity for mounting the switch body. The mounting cavity has a front cavity wall, and a mounting rod through hole extends to the front cavity wall of the mounting cavity so that the mounting rod can extend forward into the mounting rod through hole. A limiting member is connected to the rear end of the mounting cavity on the main housing. The limiting member stops the rear end of the switch body so that it is fixedly assembled in the mounting cavity.

[0055] Based on the above embodiments, the trigger can be directly connected to the shorting element, meaning that the shorting element moves synchronously with the trigger during its forward and backward movement. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the trigger and shorting element are not directly connected; a certain transmission gap exists between them. That is, the trigger does not move synchronously with the shorting element throughout the entire movement, but only during a certain segment of the movement. This also avoids accidental activation of the limit switch due to vibration or slight movement of the trigger. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, an insulating transmission member 431 is connected to the shorting member. The insulating transmission member 431 is located behind the trigger member and is isolated from the trigger member in its natural state. There is a gap 44 between the insulating transmission member 431 and the trigger end 311 of the trigger member. The mounting rod 31, i.e. the trigger member, drives the shorting member 43 to move by pushing the insulating transmission member 431.

[0056] The short connector 43 has a stepped shaft structure with a connecting hole on the end face of the large-diameter section. The rear end of the insulating transmission component 431 extends into the connecting hole and connects to the short connector 43. The retaining spring 430 is sleeved outside the small-diameter section with its front end pressing against the stepped surface and its rear end pressing against the rear cavity wall of the inner shell mounting cavity. The end face of the large-diameter section contacts the contact portion. This arrangement allows other structures to be radially symmetrically arranged around the coaxially mounted components such as the mounting rod 31, the insulating transmission component, and the short connector 43, minimizing the radial space occupied.

[0057] The driven ring 30 can be a standard one-piece ring structure. In the self-testing plug-in connector, when the adapter plug and socket are locked together, the locking nut of the adapter plug gradually pushes against the driven ring 30 as it is screwed onto the locking sleeve. Since the locking nut is rotating forward, to reduce the frictional resistance experienced by the locking nut during rotation and to prevent wear on the driven ring 30, such as... Figure 4-5 In one embodiment shown in Figure 7, the driven ring 30 includes a connecting ring 301 and a rotating ring 302. The rotating ring 302 is rotatably disposed on the front side of the connecting ring 301 about its own axis. The connecting ring 301 is connected to the mounting rod 31, and the front end face of the rotating ring 302 constitutes the driven end. Thus, during the process of the locking nut pressing against the rotating ring 302 and pushing it backward, the rotating ring 302 itself can rotate, which reduces the friction between the locking nut and the driven ring 30 to a certain extent.

[0058] The method of relative rotational assembly between the rotating ring 302 and the connecting ring 301 is not limited. For example, the connecting ring 301 can be a circular ring with a square cross-section, and the rotating ring 302 can be a thin-walled bent ring structure with a C-shaped cross-section opening backwards. The C-shaped opening avoids the connection between the mounting rod 31 and the connecting ring 301. The rotating ring 302 is wrapped around the connecting ring 301 and can rotate freely relative to the connecting ring 301. Figure 7In one embodiment shown, the driven ring 30 includes a thrust bearing. Of the two thrust washers of the thrust bearing, the one on the front side constitutes the rotating ring 302, and the one on the rear side constitutes the connecting ring 301. Existing, mature thrust bearings are used to form the rotating ring 302 and the connecting ring 301, making the materials readily available and the manufacturing process simple. To prevent the two thrust washers from freely separating, this embodiment of the driven ring 30 also includes a retaining member 303 that maintains a defined front-to-back distance between the two thrust washers. As can be seen from the figure, the retaining member 303 used in this embodiment is a retaining sleeve. The rear end of the retaining sleeve is forcibly connected to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting ring 301, and the front end forms an inwardly turned flange that blocks the rotating ring 302. It can also be seen from the figure that the outer edge of the front end face of the rotating ring 302 has an annular groove, the inwardly turned flange is located within the annular groove, and the front side is not higher than the front end face of the rotating ring 302 to avoid interference with the locking nut of the adapter connector.

[0059] There are several ways to connect the connecting ring 301 and the mounting rod 31. For example, welding can be used, or a threaded hole can be provided on the rear end face of the connecting ring 301, and a threaded section can be provided on the front end of the mounting rod 31. The mounting rod 31 is then threadedly connected to the connecting ring 301. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting ring 301 has a radially penetrating screw hole and a connecting hole extending rearward from the screw hole to the rear end face of the connecting ring 301. The front end of the mounting rod 31 has a small-diameter section that extends from the connecting hole into the screw hole, and a locking nut is connected to the end of the rod extending into the screw hole. The annular end face of the rear end of the small-diameter section of the mounting rod 31 and the rear end face of the connecting ring 301 provide positioning in the front-rear direction, ensuring the positional accuracy of each mounting rod 31 when installed on the connecting ring 301.

[0060] Embodiments of the limit switch of the present invention:

[0061] In some embodiments, the specific structure of the limit switch is the same as that described in the limit switch assembly above, and will not be repeated. The following focuses on another embodiment that differs from the limit switch in the limit switch assembly described above, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0062] In the above embodiments of the limit switch assembly, the switch body 40 is fixedly connected to the main housing of the connector, and the mounting rod 31 is installed inside the main housing. The limit switch assembly mainly exists as part of the connector, and the connector's housing acts as the housing of the limit switch. When the limit switch exists independently, such as... Figure 8 As shown. That is Figure 8 A specific embodiment of a limit switch with a switch housing is shown.

[0063] In this embodiment, the limit switch housing is a cylindrical housing 45. The inner cavity of the cylindrical housing 45 is a three-tiered stepped inner cavity that is axially continuous, with the front being smaller and the rear being larger. The switch body 40 is installed in the rear large-diameter section. A retaining ring groove is provided near the rear side of the rear large-diameter section. A retaining ring 46 is installed in the retaining ring groove and limits the switch body 40 from the rear side, pressing the switch body 40 tightly against the front stepped surface of the rear large-diameter section. The trigger element, i.e., the front section of the mounting rod 31, passes through the front small-diameter section and extends into the cylindrical housing 45 to trigger the switch body when pushed rearward by other structures. The outer flange 310 provided on the mounting rod 31 is located in the middle diameter section. The return spring 32 fitted on the mounting rod 31 presses the outer flange 310 from the rear side and presses it tightly against the stepped surface of the front side of the middle diameter section.

[0064] In some applications requiring sealing, a sealing ring 49 is installed on the inner wall of the small diameter section at the front end of the cylindrical housing 45. If a higher sealing requirement is required, a sealing groove communicating with the inner hole is provided on the front end face of the cylindrical housing 45, and a plug ring 48 is installed in the sealing groove. A front end plate 47 is fixedly installed on the front end face of the cylindrical housing 45 by screws to keep the plug ring 48 in the sealing groove.

[0065] Although only two specific forms of switch housings have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art should know that the structure of the switch housing can be adapted to meet the needs. Functionally, it is sufficient to have a structure that can fix the switch body and stop the triggering element from the front.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present invention shall also be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A limit switch assembly, characterized in that, The connector for plugging and unplugging self-testing includes a driven ring (30) and a limit switch (4) located behind the driven ring (30). The driven ring surrounds the internal body of the connector. There are two or more limit switches (4). Each limit switch (4) includes a switch housing. A trigger is movably mounted inside the switch housing. A floating shorting structure is movably mounted inside the switch housing. The floating shorting structure is located behind the trigger. The floating shorting structure includes a shorting element (43) and a retainer that provides elastic force to the shorting element (43) towards the trigger. The spring (430) is held, and a pair of terminals are fixedly installed inside the housing. The terminals have a contact portion in front of the shorting member (43). In the natural state, the spring (430) pushes the shorting member (43) and keeps the shorting member (43) and the contact portion of the two terminals in contact to conduct the two terminals. During the process of the trigger moving backward under force, the trigger pushes back the shorting member (43) to separate it from the two terminals, and the two terminals are disconnected. The trigger is a mounting rod, and the front end of the mounting rod is connected to a certain point in the circumference of the driven ring body (30).

2. The limit switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact portion is an elastic terminal (411) that can elastically deform in the front-back direction. The elastic terminal (411) is installed in the switch housing, and its rear end is elastically abutted against the shorting member (43).

3. The limit switch assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic terminal (411) is a button contact or a spring pin.

4. The limit switch assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The paired terminals are symmetrically arranged about the trigger element.

5. The limit switch assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the terminal block... It also includes a connector (41) extending away from the trigger element, with the rear end of the connector (41) being a terminal and the front end of the connector (41) being electrically connected to the front end of the contact portion.

6. The limit switch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (41) is an L-shaped contact (410). One straight side of the L-shaped contact (410) extends back and forth, and the rear end is the connector terminal. The other straight side (4101) extends toward the contact portion and abuts against the front end of the contact portion.

7. The limit switch assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switch housing includes a cylindrical outer shell (45), a trigger element is guided and movably installed inside the cylindrical outer shell (45), and an assembled inner shell is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) on the rear side of the trigger element. The assembled inner shell includes a cylindrical inner shell (401) with an open front end and a front inner shell (402) that is sealed at the front end of the cylindrical inner shell (401). A floating short-circuit structure is installed in the inner shell mounting cavity formed by the cylindrical inner shell (401) and the front inner shell (402). The contact part is fixedly installed in the front inner shell (402) and the rear end is exposed in the inner shell mounting cavity. The front inner shell (402) is provided with a transmission channel for the action of the trigger element to be transmitted to the short-circuit element (43) to the rear.

8. The limit switch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The front inner shell (402) is provided with mounting holes for the connector (41) for inserting the straight side of the L-shaped contact (410) extending forward and backward. The front side of the front inner shell (402) is also provided with a mounting groove. The other straight side (4101) of the L-shaped contact (410) is located in the mounting groove. The assembled inner shell also includes a front end plate (403) located at the front end of the front inner shell (402) to press and fix the L-shaped contact (410) inside the front inner shell (402).

9. The limit switch assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) has a rearward-facing inner step surface. The assembled inner shell is installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) and the front end plate (403) fits against the inner step. The inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) is also equipped with a retaining ring (46) that blocks the assembled inner cavity from the rear.

10. The limit switch assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, An insulating transmission element (431) is connected to the shorting member (43), the insulating transmission element (431) is located behind the trigger element and is isolated from the trigger element in its natural state.

11. The limit switch assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven ring body (30) includes a connecting ring body (301) and a rotating ring body (302). The rotating ring body (302) is rotatably disposed on the front side of the connecting ring body (301) around its own axis. The connecting ring body (301) is connected to the mounting rod (31).

12. The limit switch assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The driven ring (30) includes a thrust bearing, the front of the two thrust washers of the thrust bearing constitutes a rotating ring (302), and the rear of the two thrust washers constitutes the connecting ring (301). The driven ring (30) also includes a retainer (303) that maintains a defined front-to-back distance between the two thrust washers.

13. The limit switch assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connecting ring (301) is provided with a radially penetrating screw hole and a connecting hole extending from the screw hole to the rear end face of the connecting ring (301). The front end of the mounting rod (31) extends into the screw hole from the connecting hole, and a locking nut is connected to the end of the rod extending into the screw hole.

14. A limit switch, characterized in that, The switch housing includes a trigger element that is movably mounted inside the switch housing and a floating shorting structure that is movably mounted inside the switch housing. The floating shorting structure is located behind the trigger element and includes a shorting element (43) and a retaining spring (430) that provides elastic force to the shorting element (43) facing the trigger element. A pair of terminals are also fixedly mounted inside the housing. The terminals have a contact portion in front of the shorting element (43). In its natural state, the retaining spring (430) pushes the shorting element (43) and keeps the shorting element (43) and the contact portions of the two terminals in contact to conduct the two terminals. During the process of the trigger element moving backward under force, the trigger element pushes back the shorting element (43) to disengage it from the two terminals, and the two terminals are disconnected. The trigger element is a mounting rod, and the front end of the mounting rod is a connection end for connecting to a circumferential location of the driven ring (30) set in the internal body of the self-testing plug-in connector.

15. The limit switch according to claim 14, characterized in that, The contact portion is an elastic terminal (411) that can elastically deform in the front-back direction. The elastic terminal (411) is installed in the switch housing, and its rear end is elastically abutted against the shorting member (43).

16. The limit switch according to claim 15, characterized in that, The elastic terminal (411) is a button contact or a spring pin.

17. The limit switch according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The paired terminals are symmetrically arranged about the trigger element.

18. The limit switch according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that the wiring terminals... It also includes a connector (41) extending away from the trigger element, with the rear end of the connector (41) being a terminal and the front end of the connector (41) being electrically connected to the front end of the contact portion.

19. The limit switch according to claim 18, characterized in that, The connector (41) is an L-shaped contact (410). One straight side of the L-shaped contact (410) extends back and forth, and the rear end is the connector terminal. The other straight side (4101) extends toward the contact portion and abuts against the front end of the contact portion.

20. The limit switch according to claim 19, characterized in that, The switch housing includes a cylindrical outer shell (45), a trigger element is guided and movably installed inside the cylindrical outer shell (45), and an assembled inner shell is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) on the rear side of the trigger element. The assembled inner shell includes a cylindrical inner shell (401) with an open front end and a front inner shell (402) that is sealed at the front end of the cylindrical inner shell (401). A floating short-circuit structure is installed in the inner shell mounting cavity formed by the cylindrical inner shell (401) and the front inner shell (402). The contact part is fixedly installed in the front inner shell (402) and the rear end is exposed in the inner shell mounting cavity. The front inner shell (402) is provided with a transmission channel for the action of the trigger element to be transmitted to the short-circuit element (43) to the rear.

21. The limit switch according to claim 20, characterized in that, The front inner shell (402) is provided with mounting holes for the connector (41) for inserting the straight side of the L-shaped contact (410) extending forward and backward. The front side of the front inner shell (402) is also provided with a mounting groove. The other straight side (4101) of the L-shaped contact (410) is located in the mounting groove. The assembled inner shell also includes a front end plate (403) located at the front end of the front inner shell (402) to press and fix the L-shaped contact (410) inside the front inner shell (402).

22. The limit switch according to claim 21, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) has a rearward-facing inner step surface. The assembled inner shell is installed in the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) and the front end plate (403) fits against the inner step. The inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell (45) is also equipped with a retaining ring (46) that blocks the assembled inner cavity from the rear.

23. The limit switch according to claim 20, characterized in that, An insulating transmission element (431) is connected to the shorting member (43), the insulating transmission element (431) is located behind the trigger element and is isolated from the trigger element in its natural state.

Images