Steel ball self-locking connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a steel ball self-locking connector which comprises a socket and a plug. The socket comprises a socket body, and the socket body is provided with a locking groove. The plug comprises a plug body, a connecting ring, a steel ball and a first snap spring; the plug body is provided with an assembling groove and a limiting hole communicated with the assembling groove, the first clamping spring is clamped in the assembling groove, the steel ball part is clamped in the limiting hole, and the steel ball part is located outside the limiting hole; the connecting ring is sleeved outside the plug body and has a first state in which the connecting ring abuts against the steel balls to deform the first snap spring and a second state in which the steel balls are loosened; the plug body and the seat body are arranged in a plug-in mode in the assembling direction, and in the plug-in state of the plug body and the seat body, the connecting ring presses at least part of the first clamping spring into the locking groove in the first state, the connecting ring loosens the steel ball in the second state, and the first clamping spring restores and leaves the locking groove. Locking through an external turning screw is not needed, clamping is conducted through the buckle piece or the socket and the plug are screwed and tightened, and the advantages of being very convenient to assemble and disassemble are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of connection, and in particular to a steel ball self-locking connector. Background Art

[0002] Traditional connectors require external screws to lock the plug and socket after they are plugged in, or they need to be fastened by fasteners, or they need to be screwed together, which is inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a steel ball self-locking connector.

[0004] One embodiment of the present application is a steel ball self-locking connector, which includes a socket and a plug;

[0005] The socket comprises a seat body, and the seat body is provided with a locking groove;

[0006] The plug includes a plug body, a connecting ring, a steel ball and a first retaining spring;

[0007] The plug body is provided with an assembly groove and a limiting hole communicating with the assembly groove, the first retaining spring is clamped in the assembly groove, and the steel ball is partially clamped in the limiting hole, and the steel ball is partially located outside the limiting hole;

[0008] The connecting ring is sleeved on the outside of the plug body and has a first state in which it abuts against the steel ball to deform the first clamping spring, and a second state in which the steel ball is released;

[0009] The plug body and the seat body are arranged to be inserted into each other along the assembly direction, and when the plug body and the seat body are completely inserted into each other, the connecting ring presses the first retaining ring at least partially into the locking groove in the first state, and the connecting ring releases the steel ball in the second state, and the first retaining ring recovers and leaves the locking groove.

[0010] The above-mentioned steel ball self-locking connector cooperates with the base body, the plug body, the connecting ring, the steel ball and the first retaining spring. The connecting ring abuts the steel ball to apply pressure to the first retaining spring, causing the first retaining spring to deform and thus lock the socket and the plug. The connecting ring loosens the steel ball to restore the first retaining spring, thereby making the socket and the plug separable. On the one hand, there is no need to lock it by external screws, clamp it by fasteners, or tighten it by threading the socket and the plug, which has the advantage of being very convenient to install and remove; on the other hand, the connecting ring has two states of abutting and pressing and loosening relative to the steel ball, which is not only easy to assemble, but also has strong anti-interference performance. It will not automatically switch between the two states without the action of external force, and can also meet the design requirements of repeated conversion states, thereby ensuring the service life of the steel ball self-locking connector; on the other hand, the plug body and the base body are locked by the first retaining spring in the state of completing the insertion, which has the advantages of uniform force and stable structure; on the other hand, the steel ball self-locking connector has the advantages of simple structure and easy assembly, and can achieve a certain waterproof effect with the sealing design.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base body is further provided with a first identification position and a guide groove;

[0012] The extending direction of the guide groove is parallel to the assembly direction, and the first identification position is located at the intersection of the guide groove and the locking groove;

[0013] The guide groove is configured to guide the steel ball to reach the first identification position through the guide groove when the seat and the plug body are in the process of being plugged into each other.

[0014] In some embodiments, the seat body is provided with a plug end, and the plug includes a sealing gasket disposed in the plug body;

[0015] When the plug body and the seat body are plugged into each other, the plug end abuts against the sealing gasket.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting ring is provided with a sliding groove, and the sliding groove is spiral so that the connecting ring abuts against the steel ball or releases the steel ball in a rotating state; or the sliding groove is linear so that the connecting ring abuts against the steel ball or releases the steel ball in a translational state; or,

[0017] The plug further includes a second clamping spring, and the connecting ring is elastically clamped to the plug body via the second clamping spring.

[0018] In some embodiments, the end of the plug body away from the seat body is provided with a rough surface, and the rough surface is configured to increase friction under a force state; or,

[0019] An end of the plug body away from the seat body is provided with an internal thread, and the internal thread is configured to connect to an external force-applying member; or,

[0020] The end of the plug body away from the seat body is provided with a protruding end. When the connecting ring is sleeved outside the plug body, there is a movable gap between the connecting ring and the protruding end, so that the connecting ring has a translational state relative to the plug body in the movable gap.

[0021] In some embodiments, the steel ball is integrally provided with the first retaining spring; or,

[0022] The number of the steel balls is two to six, and the steel balls are evenly distributed.

[0023] In some embodiments, the socket further includes a first rubber core and a first plug pin, wherein the first rubber core is installed in the seat body, and the first plug pin passes through the first rubber core;

[0024] The plug further includes a second rubber core and a second plug pin, wherein the second rubber core is installed in the plug body, and the second plug pin passes through the second rubber core;

[0025] When the plug body and the seat body are plugged into each other, the first plugging pin and the second plugging pin are plugged into each other.

[0026] In some embodiments, the base body further defines a first limiting groove, and the socket further includes a third retaining spring, the third retaining spring being secured in the first limiting groove, the third retaining spring being configured to engage the first rubber core when the first rubber core is installed in the base body; or

[0027] The plug body is further provided with a second limiting groove, and the plug further includes a fourth clamping spring, which is clamped in the second limiting groove. The fourth clamping spring is configured to clamp the second rubber core when the second rubber core is installed in the plug body.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first rubber core is provided with a first positioning claw and is fixed in the base body by the first positioning claw;

[0029] The second rubber core is provided with a second positioning claw and is limitedly mounted in the plug body by the second positioning claw.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first plug pin is provided with a first protruding ring, and the first protruding ring is configured to limit the position of the first plug pin in the first rubber core along the assembly direction;

[0031] The second plug pin is provided with a second protruding ring, and the second protruding ring is configured to limit the position of the second plug pin in the second rubber core along the assembly direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the steel ball self-locking connector described in this application.

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0035] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA direction cross-sectional schematic diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of point B of the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of point C of the illustrated embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another state diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0039] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a socket according to the embodiment shown.

[0040] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0041] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of the embodiment shown.

[0042] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of one direction of the embodiment shown.

[0043] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the first plugging pin and the second plugging pin of the embodiment shown is shown.

[0044] Figure 12 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a plug according to the embodiment shown.

[0045] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of one direction of the embodiment shown.

[0046] Figure 14 for Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of the embodiment shown.

[0047] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Another schematic diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0048] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Another schematic diagram of the embodiment shown.

[0049] Figure 17 for Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of the connecting ring of the illustrated embodiment.

[0050] Reference numerals: connector 100, socket 200, seat body 210, locking groove 211, first identification position 212, guide groove 213, plug end 214, first limiting groove 215, first rubber core 220, first positioning claw 221, first unidirectional elastic abutment position 222, first plug pin 230, first protruding ring 231, first protruding tooth ring 232, third retaining spring 240, plug 300, plug body 310, assembly groove 311, limiting hole 312 , rough surface 313, internal thread 314, second limiting groove 315, protruding end 316, movable gap 317, second rubber core 320, second positioning claw 321, second unidirectional elastic abutment position 322, second plug pin 330, second protruding ring 331, second protruding tooth ring 332, connecting ring 340, slide groove 341, steel ball 350, first retaining spring 360, sealing gasket 370, second retaining spring 380, fourth retaining spring 390, assembly direction 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in the specification of this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly in contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being “above,” “above,” or “above” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below,” “below,” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the specification of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and or" used in the specification of this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0056] The present application discloses a steel ball self-locking connector, which includes some or all of the technical features of the following embodiments; that is, the steel ball self-locking connector includes some or all of the following structures. In one embodiment of the present application, a steel ball self-locking connector includes a socket and a plug; the socket includes a base body, and the base body is provided with a locking groove; the plug includes a plug body, a connecting ring, a steel ball and a first retaining spring; the plug body is provided with an assembly groove and a limiting hole connected to the assembly groove, the first retaining spring is clamped in the assembly groove, and the steel ball is partially clamped in the limiting hole, and the steel ball is partially located outside the limiting hole; the connecting ring is sleeved outside the plug body, and has a first state of abutting the steel ball to deform the first retaining spring, and a second state of releasing the steel ball; the plug body and the base body are arranged to be plugged in along the assembly direction, and when the plug body and the base body are fully plugged in, the connecting ring presses the first retaining spring at least partially into the locking groove in the first state, and the connecting ring releases the steel ball in the second state, and the first retaining spring recovers and leaves the locking groove. The above-mentioned steel ball self-locking connector cooperates with the seat body, the plug body, the connecting ring, the steel ball and the first retaining spring. The connecting ring abuts the steel ball to apply pressure to the first retaining spring, causing the first retaining spring to deform and thus lock the socket and the plug. The connecting ring loosens the steel ball to restore the first retaining spring, thereby making the socket and the plug separable. On the one hand, there is no need to lock by external screws, clamp by fasteners, or tighten by threading the socket and the plug, which has the advantage of being very convenient to install and remove; on the other hand, the connecting ring has two states of abutting and pressing and loosening relative to the steel ball, which is not only easy to assemble, but also has strong anti-interference performance. It will not automatically switch between the two states without the action of external forces, and can also meet the design requirements of repeated switching states, thereby ensuring the service life of the steel ball self-locking connector; on the other hand, the plug body and the seat body are locked by the first retaining spring when they are in the plugged-in state, which has the advantages of uniform force and stable structure; on the other hand, the steel ball self-locking connector has the advantages of simple structure and easy assembly, and can achieve a certain waterproof effect with the sealing design. The following is combined with Figures 1 to 17 , the steel ball self-locking connector is described in detail.

[0057] In some embodiments, a steel ball self-locking connector 100 is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes a socket 200 and a plug 300; combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 The socket 200 includes a base 210, and the base 210 is provided with a locking groove 211; Figure 13 and Figure 14 The plug 300 includes a plug body 310, a connecting ring 340, a steel ball 350 and a first retaining spring 360; Figure 5 and Figure 15The plug body 310 is provided with an assembly groove 311 and a limiting hole 312 communicating with the assembly groove 311. The first retaining spring 360 is clamped in the assembly groove 311 and partially clamps the steel ball 350 in the limiting hole 312, and the steel ball 350 is partially located outside the limiting hole 312. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connecting ring 340 is sleeved outside the plug body 310, and the connecting ring 340 has a first state of abutting against the steel ball 350 to deform the first clamping spring 360. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting ring 340 has a second state of releasing the steel ball 350. Figure 6 As shown; the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are arranged to be inserted into each other along the assembly direction 400, and when the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are completely inserted into each other, the connecting ring 340 presses the first retaining ring 360 at least partially into the locking groove 211 in the first state, and the connecting ring 340 releases the steel ball 350 in the second state, and the first retaining ring 360 recovers and leaves the locking groove 211.

[0058] With this design, the seat body 210, the plug body 310, the connecting ring 340, the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360 cooperate with each other. The connecting ring 340 abuts against the steel ball 350 to apply pressure to the first retaining spring 360, causing the first retaining spring 360 to deform and thus lock the socket 200 and the plug 300. The connecting ring 340 releases the steel ball 350 to restore the first retaining spring 360, thereby allowing the socket 200 and the plug 300 to be separated. On the one hand, there is no need to tighten by external screws, clamp by fasteners, or tighten by screwing the socket 200 and the plug 300, which has the advantage of being very convenient to install and remove. On the other hand, the connecting ring 340 abuts against the steel ball 350 to apply pressure to the first retaining spring 360, causing the first retaining spring 360 to deform and thus lock the socket 200 and the plug 300. The connecting ring 340 has two states relative to the steel ball 350: abutting, pressing and loosening. It is not only easy to assemble, but also has strong anti-interference performance. It will not switch between the two states by itself without the action of external force, and can also meet the design requirements of repeated switching states, thereby ensuring the service life of the steel ball self-locking connector 100; on the other hand, the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are locked by the first retaining spring 360 when they are in the plugged state, which has the advantages of uniform force and stable structure; on the other hand, the steel ball self-locking connector 100 has the advantages of simple structure and easy assembly, and can achieve a certain waterproof effect with the sealing design.

[0059] In order to facilitate the insertion of the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 along a predetermined position or predetermined direction, and to ensure that the insertion is in place, in some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, the base 210 further defines a first identification position 212 and a guide groove 213; the guide groove 213 extends parallel to the assembly direction 400, and the first identification position 212 is located at the intersection of the guide groove 213 and the locking groove 211; the guide groove 213 is configured to guide the steel ball 350 through the guide groove 213 to the first identification position 212 during the insertion of the base 210 and the plug body 310. As an example, the plug body 310 defines a second identification position 318 corresponding to the first identification position 212, and the second identification position 318 is configured to guide the plug body 310 to be inserted relative to the base 210 along the assembly direction 400.

[0060] With this design, on the one hand, the guide groove 213 of the seat 210 extends along the assembly direction 400, which can accurately guide the steel ball 350 to move along the predetermined path to the first identification position 212 during the insertion process, effectively avoiding misalignment or jamming between the plug body 310 and the seat 210 due to directional deviation, greatly reducing the difficulty of insertion. On the other hand, the first identification position 212 cooperates with the second identification position 318 of the plug body 310 to form a clear alignment reference, which can not only intuitively prompt the user whether the insertion is in place, but also ensure that the plug body 310 and the seat 210 are accurately docked along the predetermined position, providing a stable premise for the subsequent first retaining spring 360 to be inserted into the locking groove 211, avoiding locking failure caused by improper insertion. On the other hand, this guide and identification design reduces blind friction between components during the insertion process, reduces wear on structures such as the steel ball 350 and the limit hole 312, and cooperates with the original self-locking mechanism to further improve the service life and reliability of the connector, making the overall assembly process more efficient and stable.

[0061] In order to improve the sealing effect of the contact position, in some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the seat body 210 is provided with a plug end 214, combined with Figure 13 and Figure 14 The plug 300 includes a sealing gasket 370 disposed in the plug body 310 ; when the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are fully plugged into each other, the plug end 214 abuts against the sealing gasket 370 .

[0062] This design, on the one hand, allows the plug body 310 and the socket 210 to be mated, and the plug end 214 of the socket 210 directly abuts the sealing gasket 370 of the plug 300, forming a tightly fitting seal. This prevents dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the connector, preventing damage to internal components due to contamination and ensuring connection stability. Furthermore, the cooperation between the sealing gasket 370 and the plug end 214 does not affect the self-locking function of the existing steel ball 350, first retaining spring 360, and other components. While achieving a seal, it also retains the advantages of easy installation and removal, and a stable structure. This ensures that the connector is both securely locked and adaptable to various environments, further enhancing its overall practicality and durability.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the connecting ring 340 is provided with a slide groove 341, which is spiral in shape so that the connecting ring 340 can abut against the steel ball 350 or release the steel ball 350 when rotating; in this way, the connecting ring 340 can be tightened or loosened by slightly rotating, for example, 30 to 60 degrees, thereby applying pressure to the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360 to lock the plug body 310 and the seat 210, or loosening the steel ball 350 to restore the first retaining spring 360, so that the plug body 310 and the seat 210 can be separated. It is understandable that Figure 17 The sliding groove 341 can also realize the function of making the connecting ring 340 abut against the steel ball 350 or release the steel ball 350 in a translation state, which will be described below. It is only necessary that one side of the sliding groove 341 is high and the other side is low.

[0064] With this design, on the one hand, the spiral groove 341 of the connecting ring 340 can achieve state switching by rotation. Only a small rotation of 30 to 60 degrees is required to drive the connecting ring 340 to abut or release the steel ball 350, which greatly simplifies the locking and disassembly operations. Compared with traditional screws, buckles and other methods, there is no need to repeatedly twist or forcefully plug and unplug, which significantly improves the efficiency of installation and disassembly, and is particularly suitable for scenarios with small spaces or frequent operations. On the other hand, the small-angle spiral structure that does not exceed 60 degrees pushes the steel ball 350 through progressive force, so that the deformation of the first retaining spring 360 becomes uniform and controllable, avoiding damage to components due to instantaneous excessive force, and at the same time ensuring that the first retaining spring 360 is tightly fitted with the locking groove 211 when locked, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection between the plug body 310 and the seat body 210. Furthermore, the mechanical limiting properties of the spiral groove 341 prevent the connecting ring 340 from rotating without external force, ensuring the stability of the first locked state and the second released state. Combined with the anti-interference properties of the existing structure, this further extends the service life of key components such as the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360, ensuring the connector maintains reliable performance even during repeated operation. Furthermore, this design retains the advantage of structural simplicity, eliminating the need for additional complex components. The combination of the groove and the steel ball achieves precise transmission, balancing operational convenience with structural durability.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connecting ring 340 is provided with a sliding groove 341. The sliding groove 341 is linear so that the connecting ring 340 abuts against the steel ball 350 or releases the steel ball 350 in a translational state, i.e., a linear movement state; in this way, the steel ball self-locking connector 100 can be locked or disassembled by pushing and pulling the connecting ring 340. As an example, the extending direction of the sliding groove 341 is parallel to the assembly direction 400, and the sliding groove 341 is wedge-shaped, i.e., one end is higher and the other end is lower. When one end of the sliding groove 341 abuts against the steel ball 350, the connecting ring 340 is in the first state. When the other end of the sliding groove 341 releases the steel ball 350, the connecting ring 340 is in the second state.

[0066] This design allows the connecting ring 340 to switch states through translation, or linear movement. The push-pull action directly drives the slide 341 to engage or release the steel ball 350. This simple and intuitive operation eliminates the need for complex angle control. Simply push and pull to quickly lock or unlock the connection. This makes it easier to use than a spiral design and is particularly suitable for applications requiring less proficiency. Furthermore, the slide 341 extends parallel to the assembly direction 400, aligning with the insertion direction of the plug body 310 and the socket 210, further reducing operational complexity. On the other hand, the height difference of the wedge-shaped slot 341 creates a progressive force-applying structure. When the connecting ring 340 is pushed, the slot 341 smoothly squeezes the steel ball 350 through its inclined surface, making the deformation of the first retaining spring 360 uniform and controllable, thus avoiding component damage caused by instantaneous impact. Furthermore, the self-locking nature of the wedge-shaped structure in the locked state maintains a stable contact force against the steel ball 350, ensuring a tight engagement between the first retaining spring 360 and the locking slot 211, and enhancing the vibration resistance of the connection between the plug body 310 and the base 210. Furthermore, the linear motion state switching method offers a short stroke and fast response, and combined with the limiting effect of the wedge-shaped structure, it effectively prevents unintentional slippage of the connecting ring 340, ensuring the stability of both the first state (locked) and the second state (released). On the other hand, this design not only retains the simplicity of the original structure of each embodiment without the need for screws and clips, but also achieves precise transmission through the mechanical cooperation of the slide groove and the steel ball. While improving operational efficiency, it extends the service life of key components such as the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360, taking into account both convenience and durability.

[0067] When operating the connecting ring 340 and adjusting its state, in order to prevent the connecting ring 340 from being separated from the plug body 310, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 13 As shown, the plug 300 further includes a second clamping spring 380 , and the connecting ring 340 is elastically clamped to the plug body 310 via the second clamping spring 380 .

[0068] This design, on the one hand, allows the second retaining spring 380 to elastically connect the connecting ring 340 to the plug body 310, effectively limiting the range of movement of the connecting ring 340 and preventing it from accidentally detaching from the plug body 310 during state adjustments, such as translation or rotation. This prevents component loss or operational interruption, significantly improving operational stability, particularly in frequent plugging and unplugging scenarios. Furthermore, the elastic locking feature does not affect the normal transition of the connecting ring 340 between the first and second states, maintaining operational convenience. The deformation margin of the second retaining spring 380 accommodates the movement requirements of the connecting ring 340, complementing the function of the first retaining spring 360. This, in turn, enhances the reliability of the overall structure and further extends the life of the connector.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 and Figure 16 As shown, the end of the plug body 310 away from the seat 210 is provided with a rough surface 313. The rough surface 313 is configured to increase friction when under force, so that force is applied to the plug body 310 through the rough surface 313. In some embodiments, the end of the plug body 310 away from the seat 210 is provided with an internal thread 314. The internal thread 314 is configured to connect to an external force-applying member, so that force is applied to the plug body 310 through the internal thread 314.

[0070] This design, on the one hand, significantly increases friction when applied with force, allowing users to easily insert or separate the plug body 310 and the base 210 by applying force directly with their hands or simple tools. Particularly in slippery environments such as those prone to moisture and oil, the rough surface 313 effectively prevents slippage during force application, improving operational safety and efficiency. Basic operations can be completed without relying on specialized tools, enhancing the connector's usability. Furthermore, the internal thread 314 provides a standardized interface for connecting external force-applying components. When greater force is required, such as when the connection is overtightened or when the connector becomes stuck after long-term use, tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers can be assembled through the internal thread 314. The leverage of the tool allows for precise force application, preventing damage to the plug body 310 or base 210 due to improper force during manual operation. This design balances the convenience of manual operation with the reliability of tool assistance, broadening the connector's applicable scenarios. On the other hand, the combination of the two force-applying structures forms a synergistic relationship with the functions of core components such as the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360, which neither affects the state switching of the connecting ring 340 nor provides stable force support in the key links of locking or disassembly, further ensuring the stability of the connection between the plug body 310 and the seat body 210, while simplifying the maintenance process and extending the overall service life of the steel ball self-locking connector 100.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 and Figure 16As shown, the end of the plug body 310 away from the base 210 is provided with a protruding end 316. When the connecting ring 340 is sleeved outside the plug body 310, a movable gap 317 exists between the connecting ring 340 and the protruding end 316, so that the connecting ring 340 can move in a translational state relative to the plug body 310 within the movable gap 317. As an example, in an embodiment in which the sliding groove 341 is linear so that the connecting ring 340 abuts against or releases the steel ball 350 in a translational state, i.e., a linear movement state, the steel ball self-locking connector 100 can be locked or disassembled by pushing and pulling the connecting ring 340 to move along the assembly direction 400 in the movable gap 317 when the connecting ring 340 is sleeved outside the plug body 310.

[0072] This design, on the one hand, creates a clear range of translational motion for the connecting ring 340, ensuring that it can only move linearly along the assembly direction 400. This prevents the steel ball 350 from failing to engage or becoming stuck due to misalignment. This limiting effect allows for more precise and controllable switching of the connecting ring 340 and the engagement / release of the steel ball 350. In particular, when combined with the linear guide groove 341, it steadily transmits thrust to the steel ball 350, ensuring uniform deformation and secure engagement of the first retaining spring 360 with the locking groove 211. Furthermore, the reserved space provided by the movable gap 317 not only meets the required travel of the connecting ring 340 for locking and disengaging, but also prevents excessive movement through the blocking action of the protruding end 316. Together with the second retaining spring 380, this provides a double layer of protection, further preventing the connecting ring 340 from disengaging from the plug body 310. Furthermore, the gap design reduces unnecessary friction between the connecting ring 340 and the protruding end 316, reducing component wear and extending service life. Furthermore, this structure aligns with push-pull operation logic, aligning the force direction with the assembly direction 400, aligning with operational practices and enhancing the user experience. Combined with the steel ball 350 and first retaining spring 360, this design ensures reliable locking while maintaining a simple structure and easy operation, allowing the connector to maintain efficient and stable performance even in frequent plugging and unplugging scenarios.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 15 and Figure 17As shown, the steel ball 350 is integrally provided with the first retaining spring 360; in some embodiments, the number of the steel balls 350 is two to six, and the steel balls 350 are evenly distributed. In some embodiments, the steel ball 350 is integrally provided with the first retaining spring 360, and the number of the steel balls 350 is two, three, four, five, or six, and the steel balls 350 are evenly distributed. The remaining embodiments are similar and are not described in detail here. This design, in which the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360 are integrally provided, reduces assembly clearance, enables more direct force transmission between the two, avoids locking failure caused by relative displacement, and simplifies the assembly process. Furthermore, the two to six evenly distributed steel balls 350 do not overly complicate the system and can evenly apply the locking force of the first retaining spring 360 to the locking groove 211 of the base 210, improving the balance of the connection between the plug body 310 and the base 210, and enhancing shock and vibration resistance, thereby extending the service life of the steel ball self-locking connector 100.

[0074] The steel ball self-locking connector 100 described in this application can be used for gas circuit connection and circuit connection. The following example uses circuit connection as an example. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that similar structures can also be used for gas circuit connection. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the socket 200 further includes a first plastic core 220 and a first plug pin 230. The first plastic core 220 is installed in the seat body 210 and combined with the first plug pin 230. Figure 10 , the first plug pin 230 passes through the first plastic core 220; Figure 5 and Figure 14 As shown, the plug 300 further includes a second rubber core 320 and a second plug pin 330. The second rubber core 320 is installed in the plug body 310. Figure 13 , the second plug pin 330 passes through the second rubber core 320; when the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are plugged into each other, the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 are plugged into each other as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. With this design, on the one hand, the first rubber core 220 of the socket 200 fixes the first plug pin 230, and the second rubber core 320 of the plug 300 fixes the second plug pin 330. The rubber core can insulate and isolate the plug pin from the seat body 210 and the plug body 310, avoiding the risk of short circuit and ensuring circuit safety. On the other hand, in the plugged state, the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 are precisely docked, and the locking structure of the steel ball 350 and the first retaining spring 360 ensures stable conductive contact and reduces signal or current transmission failures caused by poor contact. At the same time, this structure is compatible with air circuit connections, retaining the versatility and simple structural advantages of the connector, and broadening the application scenarios.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the base body 210 further defines a first limiting groove 215, and the socket 200 further includes a third retaining spring 240, which is secured in the first limiting groove 215. The third retaining spring 240 is configured to engage the first rubber core 220 when the first rubber core 220 is mounted in the base body 210; and / or, in some embodiments, as Figure 13 and Figure 16 As shown, the plug body 310 is also provided with a second limiting groove 315, and the plug 300 also includes a fourth retaining spring 390, which is clamped in the second limiting groove 315. The fourth retaining spring 390 is configured to clamp the second rubber core 320 when the second rubber core 320 is installed in the plug body 310.

[0076] This design, on the one hand, allows the first retaining groove 215 of the base 210 to cooperate with the third retaining spring 240 to securely fasten the first rubber core 220 within the base 210, preventing it from shifting during insertion or vibration. Similarly, the second retaining groove 315 of the plug body 310 cooperates with the fourth retaining spring 390 to stably secure the second rubber core 320. Furthermore, this fastening method requires no additional screws or adhesives, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring the precise positioning of the rubber core, providing a stable foundation for the docking of the first and second plug pins 230, 330, and avoiding poor contact due to loose rubber cores. Furthermore, the elastic properties of the retaining springs in each embodiment allow for a certain degree of deformation, allowing the rubber core to be smoothly positioned by squeezing the retaining spring during assembly. Once in position, it automatically resets to form a reliable limit, achieving both ease of assembly and strong fixing. Furthermore, the third and fourth retaining springs 240 and 390 independently act on the internal structures of the receptacle 200 and plug 300, respectively, complementing the functions of external locking components such as the steel ball 350 and first retaining spring 360. Together, they enhance the connector's overall resistance to shock and vibration, extending its service life under frequent use while retaining its advantages of simple structure and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, the steel ball self-locking connector 100 can be used in a variety of signal transmission devices, offering a wide range of applications, easy plugging and unplugging, and a waterproof rating of up to IP67.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first rubber core 220 is provided with a first positioning claw 221 and is fixed in the seat body 210 by the first positioning claw 221; Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the second rubber core 320 is provided with a second positioning claw 321 and is fixed in the plug body 310 by the second positioning claw 321. This design, on the one hand, the first positioning claw 221 of the first rubber core 220 is limited in position by the seat body 210, and the second positioning claw 321 of the second rubber core 320 is limited in position by the plug body 310, which can accurately limit the circumferential and axial displacement of the rubber core, ensuring the accurate installation position of the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330, and providing a basis for reliable contact between the two when plugged in. On the other hand, this positioning method does not require additional fixings, and achieves rapid assembly and firm positioning through elastic deformation of the claws, which not only simplifies the assembly process, but also enhances the stability of the first rubber core 220 and the second rubber core 320 in vibration and impact environments. In conjunction with the third retaining spring 240, the fourth retaining spring 390 and other structures, it further ensures the overall structural reliability of the connector.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, the first plug pin 230 is provided with a first protruding ring 231, and the first protruding ring 231 is configured to limit the position of the first plug pin 230 in the first rubber core 220 along the assembly direction 400; Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, the second plug pin 330 is provided with a second protruding ring 331, and the second protruding ring 331 is configured to limit the position of the second plug pin 330 in the second rubber core 320 along the assembly direction 400. As an example, the first plug pin 230 is provided with a first protruding tooth ring 232 on a side of the first protruding ring 231 close to the second protruding ring 331, and the first protruding tooth ring 232 is configured to limit the first plug pin 230 from rotating in the first rubber core 220 along the assembly direction 400; and the second plug pin 330 is provided with a second protruding tooth ring 332 on a side of the second protruding ring 331 close to the first protruding ring 231, and the second protruding tooth ring 332 is configured to limit the second plug pin 330 from rotating in the second rubber core 320 along the assembly direction 400.

[0079] With this design, on the one hand, the first protruding ring 231 of the first plug pin 230 limits its axial displacement in the first rubber core 220 along the assembly direction 400, and the second protruding ring 331 of the second plug pin 330 similarly limits the axial position, ensuring that the two are precisely docked when plugged in, avoiding poor contact caused by the movement of the plug pins, and providing basic protection for the stability of circuit or air transmission. On the other hand, the first protruding tooth ring 232 and the second protruding tooth ring 332 respectively limit the rotation of the first and second plug pins, and cooperate with the axial limitation of the protruding rings to form an all-round fixation, preventing the plug pins from circumferentially offset in vibration and impact environments. This structure does not require additional fixings, and achieves reliable limitation through its own shape. It cooperates with the positioning function of the first rubber core 220 and the second rubber core 320 to further enhance the integrity of the internal structure of the connector and ensure performance stability during long-term use. On the other hand, the first protruding ring 231 of the first plug pin 230 limits its axial displacement in the first rubber core 220 along the assembly direction 400, which is like installing a stable brake system for the plug pin, preventing it from moving axially during use. The second protruding ring 331 of the second plug pin 330 plays a similar role in limiting its axial position in the second rubber core 320. This design ensures that when the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are plugged into each other, the first 230 and second plug pins 330 can be accurately connected, avoiding poor contact caused by axial deviation of the plug pins. This provides an indispensable basic guarantee for the stable transmission of power and signals in the circuit and the stable transmission of media in the gas path, greatly reducing the probability of equipment failure due to unstable connection. On the other hand, in particularly harsh environments, equipment operation is often accompanied by strong vibration and impact. At this time, the first convex tooth ring 232 limits the rotation of the first plug pin 230 in the first rubber core 220, and the second convex tooth ring 332 limits the rotation of the second plug pin 330 in the second rubber core 320, fixing the two plug pins in all directions so that they can maintain a stable position and posture under harsh working conditions. This stability effectively prevents the plug pins from circumferentially offset due to vibration and impact, avoids connection failure caused by changes in contact points due to rotation of the plug pins, ensures the reliable operation of the steel ball self-locking connector 100 under long-term complex working conditions, and cooperates with the positioning functions of the first rubber core 220 and the second rubber core 320 to further enhance the integrity and stability of the connector's internal structure, significantly extend the service life of the connector, reduce maintenance costs, and meet the stringent requirements of certain industries for high reliability and long life of equipment.

[0080] As an example, Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first rubber core 220 is provided with a first one-way elastic abutment 222. When the first plug pin 230 is installed in the first rubber core 220, the first one-way elastic abutment 222 is deformed to allow the first plug pin 230 to pass through the first rubber core 220. When the plug body 310 and the base body 210 are fully plugged into each other, the first one-way elastic abutment 222 returns to its original position and abuts against the side of the first protruding ring 231 away from the second protruding ring 331, so that the first plug pin 230 cannot retreat in the first rubber core 220 and is plugged into the second plug pin 330 at a predetermined position. Furthermore, the second rubber core 320 is provided with a second one-way elastic abutment 322. When the second plug pin 330 is installed in the second rubber core 320, the second one-way elastic abutment 322 deforms to allow the second plug pin 330 to pass through the second rubber core 320. When the plug body 310 and the base body 210 are fully mated, the second one-way elastic abutment 322 returns to its original position and abuts the side of the second protruding ring 331 away from the first protruding ring 231, thereby securing the second plug pin 330 in the second rubber core 320 and inserting it into a predetermined position. By way of example, the first one-way elastic abutment 222 and the second one-way elastic abutment 322 are conical or have a V-shaped hollow cross-section.

[0081] With this design, on the one hand, the first unidirectional elastic abutment 222 and the second unidirectional elastic abutment 322 can be deformed when the plug pin is installed, allowing the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 to smoothly pass through the first rubber core 220 and the second rubber core 320 without the need for additional tools or complicated operations, thereby simplifying the installation process of the plug pin; in particular, the design of the conical or V-shaped hollow cross-section makes the deformation process smoother and more controllable, which not only reduces the wear of components during assembly, but also ensures that the plug pin can be quickly put into place, thereby improving production assembly efficiency. On the other hand, when the plug body 310 and the seat body 210 are completely plugged into each other, the first one-way elastic abutment 222 and the second one-way elastic abutment 322 are restored and abut against the opposite sides of the first convex ring 231 and the second convex ring 331 respectively, forming a one-way locking effect, which can limit the retreat of the plug pin in the opposite direction of assembly, ensuring that the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 are stably maintained in the preset docking position; this design effectively avoids poor contact caused by loose plug pins under conditions such as vibration and impact, especially in circuit connection, and can ensure the continuity of current or signal transmission; if used for gas connection, it can also prevent medium leakage caused by docking offset, significantly improving the environmental adaptability of the connector. Furthermore, the unidirectional elastic abutment forms a dual axial limiter with the first and second protruding rings 231 and 331. This, in conjunction with the positioning functions of the first and second rubber cores 220 and 320, and the external locking structure of the steel ball 350 and first retaining spring 360, ensures a stable connection between the plug and the receptacle from both the inside and the outside. Furthermore, the elastic abutment exerts a uniform and controllable force, preventing deformation of the pins or rubber core due to excessive compression. This balance of limiting strength and component protection further extends the service life of the steel ball self-locking connector 100, ensuring reliable performance even in repeated plugging and unplugging scenarios.

[0082] As an example, the steel ball self-locking connector 100 is a 26-pin connector, and its rubber core is a two-stage type, for example, the first rubber core 220 and / or the second rubber core 320 are two-stage types; the first rubber core 220 and the second rubber core 320 are fixed with a first positioning claw 221 and a second positioning claw 321, which reduces costs and has a stable structure; the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 serve as plug terminals, and are fixed in the first rubber core 220 by the first convex ring 231 cooperating with the first convex tooth ring 232, and are fixed in the second rubber core 320 by the second convex ring 331 cooperating with the second convex tooth ring 332, to prevent rotation, and also to prevent the first plug pin 230 and / or the second plug from being pulled out when the socket 200 and the plug 300 are separated. Two plug pins 330; the first plug pin 230 and the second plug pin 330 can be crimped or welded, and the socket 200 and plug 300 are both designed with corresponding retaining springs for fixing; the connecting ring 340 uses anodization to form an oxide film on the metal surface to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance; taking the push-pull connecting ring 340 as an example, when the connecting ring 340 is pushed, the connecting ring 340 will cause the steel ball 350 to sink, causing the first retaining spring 360 to fall into the locking groove 211 of the base 210 of the socket 200, achieving the locking purpose; when the connecting ring 340 retreats, the steel ball 350 is contracted by the first retaining spring 360 inside, and at this time, the plug 300 or socket 200 can be separated by pushing. As an example, each socket will be equipped with a crown spring and then closed to ensure contact performance.

[0083] It should be noted that other embodiments of the present application also include steel ball self-locking connectors that can be implemented by combining the technical features in the above embodiments.

[0084] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of patent protection for the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steel ball self-locking connector (100), characterized in that: It includes a socket (200) and a plug (300); The socket (200) comprises a seat body (210), and the seat body (210) is provided with a locking groove (211); The plug (300) comprises a plug body (310), a connecting ring (340), a steel ball (350) and a first retaining spring (360); The plug body (310) is provided with an assembly groove (311) and a limiting hole (312) communicating with the assembly groove (311); the first retaining spring (360) is clamped in the assembly groove (311) and partially clamps the steel ball (350) in the limiting hole (312); and the steel ball (350) is partially located outside the limiting hole (312); The connecting ring (340) is sleeved outside the plug body (310) and has a first state in which it abuts against the steel ball (350) to deform the first retaining ring (360), and a second state in which the steel ball (350) is released; The plug body (310) and the seat body (210) are arranged to be plugged in along the assembly direction (400), and when the plug body (310) and the seat body (210) are plugged in, the connecting ring (340) presses the first retaining ring (360) at least partially into the locking groove (211) in the first state, and the connecting ring (340) releases the steel ball (350) in the second state, and the first retaining ring (360) recovers and leaves the locking groove (211).

2. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat body (210) is further provided with a first identification position (212) and a guide groove (213); The extending direction of the guide groove (213) is parallel to the assembly direction (400), and the first identification position (212) is located at the intersection of the guide groove (213) and the locking groove (211); The guide groove (213) is configured to guide the steel ball (350) through the guide groove (213) to reach the first identification position (212) when the seat (210) and the plug body (310) are in the process of being plugged into each other.

3. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat body (210) is provided with a plug end (214), and the plug (300) includes a sealing gasket (370) provided in the plug body (310); When the plug body (310) and the seat body (210) are in a mating state, the plug end (214) abuts against the sealing gasket (370).

4. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting ring (340) is provided with a sliding groove (341), and the sliding groove (341) is spiral-shaped so that the connecting ring (340) abuts against the steel ball (350) or releases the steel ball (350) in a rotating state; or the sliding groove (341) is linear-shaped so that the connecting ring (340) abuts against the steel ball (350) or releases the steel ball (350) in a translational state; or, The plug (300) further comprises a second clamping spring (380), and the connecting ring (340) is elastically clamped to the plug body (310) via the second clamping spring (380).

5. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the plug body (310) away from the seat body (210) is provided with a rough surface (313), and the rough surface (313) is configured to increase friction under a force state; or, An end portion of the plug body (310) away from the seat body (210) is provided with an internal thread (314), and the internal thread (314) is configured to connect to an external force-applying member; or, The end of the plug body (310) away from the seat body (210) is provided with a protruding end (316). When the connecting ring (340) is sleeved outside the plug body (310), a movable gap (317) exists between the connecting ring (340) and the protruding end (316), so that the connecting ring (340) has a translational state relative to the plug body (310) in the movable gap (317).

6. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steel ball (350) and the first retaining spring (360) are integrally provided; or, The number of the steel balls (350) is two to six, and the steel balls (350) are evenly distributed.

7. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The socket (200) further includes a first rubber core (220) and a first plug pin (230), wherein the first rubber core (220) is installed in the seat body (210), and the first plug pin (230) passes through the first rubber core (220); The plug (300) further includes a second rubber core (320) and a second plug pin (330), wherein the second rubber core (320) is installed in the plug body (310), and the second plug pin (330) passes through the second rubber core (320); When the plug body (310) and the seat body (210) are in a mating state, the first plugging pin (230) and the second plugging pin (330) are plugged into each other.

8. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The seat body (210) is further provided with a first limiting groove (215), and the socket (200) further includes a third retaining spring (240), the third retaining spring (240) being retained in the first limiting groove (215), and the third retaining spring (240) being configured to retain the first rubber core (220) when the first rubber core (220) is installed in the seat body (210); or, The plug body (310) is further provided with a second limiting groove (315), and the plug (300) further includes a fourth retaining spring (390), the fourth retaining spring (390) being retained in the second limiting groove (315), and the fourth retaining spring (390) being configured to retain the second rubber core (320) when the second rubber core (320) is installed in the plug body (310).

9. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first rubber core (220) is provided with a first positioning claw (221) and is limitedly mounted in the seat body (210) by the first positioning claw (221); The second rubber core (320) is provided with a second positioning claw (321) and is position-limited and mounted in the plug body (310) by the second positioning claw (321).

10. The steel ball self-locking connector (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first plug-in pin (230) is provided with a first convex ring (231), and the first convex ring (231) is configured to limit the position of the first plug-in pin (230) in the first rubber core (220) along the assembly direction (400); The second plug-in pin (330) is provided with a second convex ring (331), and the second convex ring (331) is configured to limit the position of the second plug-in pin (330) in the second rubber core (320) along the assembly direction (400).

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