Cable connector suitable for circular tube structure

By using machined clamps and stepped positioning pins, the design solves the problems of high production cost and difficult disassembly of existing round tube connectors, enabling rapid response and non-destructive disassembly, and ensuring the reliability of electrical connections and insulation safety.

CN120933727APending Publication Date: 2025-11-11SUZHOU WOXIANG AVIATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511162513.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-19
Publication Date
2025-11-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing round tube connectors suffer from high production costs and slow response due to their reliance on injection molding processes. Furthermore, the use of irreversible fixing methods such as riveting makes disassembly difficult and can damage components.

Method used

The design incorporates machined clamps, connector plates, and stepped positioning pins, combined with expandable disassembly seams and embedded self-locking mechanisms, enabling rapid production and non-destructive disassembly. The installation and removal of the cable connector are achieved through elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking.

Benefits of technology

It significantly reduces production costs, enables rapid response in small batches, ensures the reliability of electrical connections and insulation safety, and facilitates maintenance and disassembly.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure. The cable connector comprises a hoop, a first wiring board and a second wiring board, the radial side wall of the clamp is provided with penetrating dismounting seams, and the distance between the dismounting seams is increased through elastic deformation so as to achieve expansion of the inner diameter of the clamp. Two side walls of the clamp along the first direction are respectively provided with a first positioning hole, and corresponding positions of the first wiring board and the second wiring board are respectively provided with a second positioning hole; the large head end of the stepped positioning pin is embedded into the second positioning hole, and the small head end of the stepped positioning pin is allowed to penetrate through the first positioning hole; the sides, away from the hoop, of the first wiring board and the second wiring board are each provided with at least one wiring terminal installation area, and the adjacent wiring terminal installation areas are separated through an integrally-formed insulation isolation rib plate. The hoop, the first wiring board, the second wiring board and the step-shaped positioning pin are all insulation plastic parts formed through machining. The device can remarkably reduce the production cost, avoids die dependence, and solves the problem of disassembly damage of a riveting scheme.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical connection technology, and specifically relates to a cable connector suitable for circular tube structures. Background Technology

[0002] In electrical equipment, circular tube structures are commonly used to support and protect electrical wiring or as the frame structure of the equipment. When it is necessary to connect different sections of cable on a circular tube, a connector is usually used. Connectors not only effectively ensure the safety and reliability of cable connections but also allow for flexible installation and removal of different cable sections. However, existing circular tube connectors have the following significant drawbacks: (1) High processing costs and slow response Current mainstream products rely on injection molding, requiring the pre-development of specialized molds. This not only results in development costs of tens of thousands of yuan per mold but also a development cycle of 4-6 weeks, causing significant delays in product iteration. Especially for scenarios with frequent design changes or small-batch customization (such as special equipment manufacturing), traditional processes struggle to meet rapid response requirements, severely hindering product launch efficiency.

[0003] (2) Difficult to disassemble and maintain Existing connectors are mostly fixed to round tubes using riveting or chemical bonding. This type of connection is a permanent assembly, and disassembly requires destructive operations (such as drilling out rivets or cutting the tube). Forced disassembly not only damages the connector itself but also easily damages the structural integrity of the round tube, significantly increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime.

[0004] In short, existing round tube connectors suffer from high production costs and slow response due to their reliance on injection molding, and the use of irreversible fixing methods such as riveting makes disassembly difficult and causes component damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a cable connector suitable for circular tube structures. The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention provides a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure, comprising: a clamp, and a first terminal plate and a second terminal plate symmetrically installed on both sides of the clamp along a first direction and having the same structure; wherein, in the second direction, the radial sidewall of the clamp is provided with a through-hole for disassembly and assembly, and the spacing of the disassembly and assembly is increased by elastic deformation to expand the inner diameter of the clamp; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; a first positioning hole is formed on each of the two sidewalls of the clamp along the first direction, and a second positioning hole is provided at the corresponding position of the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate; the large end of a stepped positioning pin is embedded in the second positioning hole, the first... The positioning hole allows the small end of the stepped positioning pin to pass through; wherein, when the first terminal block and the second terminal block are assembled with the clamp, the large end of the stepped positioning pin is pressed into the second positioning hole, and the small end protrudes from the inner wall of the clamp to engage with the positioning hole opened on the round tube; in the second direction, the first terminal block and the second terminal block each have at least one terminal mounting area on the side away from the clamp, and adjacent terminal mounting areas are separated by an integrally formed insulating isolation rib; the clamp, the first terminal block, the second terminal block and the stepped positioning pin are all machined insulating plastic parts.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first terminal block and the second terminal block are each provided with two insulating isolation ribs; an embedded part mounting area is formed between the two insulating isolation ribs, and a first type of embedded part is provided in the embedded part mounting area to penetrate the terminal block for fixing the terminal block to the clamp by connecting screws; two terminal mounting areas are symmetrically distributed on the outer side of the two insulating isolation ribs, and a second type of embedded part is provided in each terminal mounting area for installing terminal blocks.

[0007] In some embodiments, within each terminal mounting area, the second type of embedded parts are distributed in an M*N array, where M and N are both positive integers.

[0008] In some embodiments, each second type of embedded part is a countersunk structure, wherein the depth of the countersunk step of each second type of embedded part is less than or equal to the depth of the mounting hole of the terminal block in which it is located.

[0009] In some embodiments, each first type of embedded part is a countersunk structure, and the installation depth of the maximum outer diameter surface of each first type of embedded part is not greater than the assembly thickness of the corresponding terminal block and the clamp in the embedded part installation area.

[0010] In some embodiments, the maximum outer diameter surface of each first type of embedded part is installed facing outward from the clamp, and the maximum outer diameter surface of each second type of embedded part is installed facing inward from the terminal block to which it is located.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the second type of embedded parts has a locking wire thread insert inserted into its threaded hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gap width of the disassembly seam is at least 1 mm.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: To address the problems of high production costs and slow response times in existing round tube connectors due to their reliance on injection molding, and the difficulties in disassembly and component damage caused by irreversible fixing methods such as riveting, this invention provides a cable connector suitable for round tube structures. All components in this cable connector are machined, significantly reducing production costs and eliminating mold dependence, enabling rapid response in small batches. The step-positioning pins and the spring-loaded engagement of the round tube positioning holes, along with an expandable disassembly seam, allow for non-destructive manual disassembly and assembly, completely solving the problem of disassembly damage associated with riveting methods. Combined with the directional self-locking design of the embedded parts and the isolation ribs, it ensures reliable electrical connections while also considering maintenance convenience and insulation safety. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an assembly structure diagram of a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Explanation of icon numbers: 1-Clamp; 2-First terminal block; 3-Second terminal block; 4-Stepped positioning pin; 5-Insulating isolation rib plate; 6-First type embedded part; 7-Second type embedded part; 11-Disassembly joint. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0017] In the description of this invention, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0018] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0019] Although the invention has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims in carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, a cable connector suitable for circular tube structures.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an assembly structure diagram of a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of a cable connector suitable for a circular tube structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Half-section view at section AA.

[0022] like Figure 1-2As shown, the cable connector includes: a clamp 1, and a first terminal block 2 and a second terminal block 3 symmetrically installed on both sides of the clamp 1 along a first direction and having the same structure; wherein, in the second direction, the radial sidewall of the clamp 1 is provided with a through-hole detachment seam 11, and the spacing of the detachment seam 11 is increased by elastic deformation to expand the inner diameter of the clamp; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; a first positioning hole is opened on each of the two sidewalls of the clamp 1 along the first direction, and a second positioning hole is provided at the corresponding position of the first terminal block 2 and the second terminal block 3; the large end of the stepped positioning pin 4 is embedded in the second positioning hole, and the first positioning hole... The small end of the stepped positioning pin 4 is allowed to pass through; wherein, when the first terminal block 2 and the second terminal block 3 are assembled with the clamp 1, the large end of the stepped positioning pin 4 is pressed into the second positioning hole, and the small end protrudes from the inner wall of the clamp 1 to engage with the positioning hole opened on the round tube; in the second direction, at least one terminal mounting area is provided on the side of the first terminal block 2 and the second terminal block 3 away from the clamp 1, and adjacent terminal mounting areas are separated by an integrally formed insulating isolation rib; the clamp 1, the first terminal block 2, the second terminal block 3 and the stepped positioning pin 4 are all machined insulating plastic parts.

[0023] Please refer to this. Figure 1-2 The first direction refers to the x-direction, and the second direction refers to the y-direction. Furthermore, the clamp 1, the first terminal block 2, and the second terminal block 3 are all made of polyester plastic, which is suitable for machining.

[0024] Please continue to refer to Figure 1-2 The first terminal block 2 and the second terminal block 3 each have two insulating isolation ribs 5. An embedded part mounting area is formed between the two insulating isolation ribs 5. A first type of embedded part 6, penetrating the terminal block, is provided in the embedded part mounting area for fixing the terminal block to the clamp 1 via connecting screws. Two terminal mounting areas are symmetrically distributed on the outer sides of the two insulating isolation ribs 5. Each terminal mounting area has a second type of embedded part 7 for mounting terminals. Furthermore, within each terminal mounting area, the second type of embedded parts 7 are distributed in an M×N array, where M and N are both positive integers. For example, the number of second type of embedded parts 7 in each terminal mounting area is one. Here, the insulating isolation ribs on the two terminal blocks serve two purposes: firstly, to increase structural strength, and secondly, to isolate the two terminals.

[0025] Here, the maximum outer diameter surface of each first-type embedded part 6 is installed facing outwards from the clamp 1, and the maximum outer diameter surface of each second-type embedded part 7 is installed facing inwards from the terminal block it is located on. Furthermore, each first-type embedded part 6 has a countersunk structure, and the installation depth of the maximum outer diameter surface of each first-type embedded part 6 is not greater than the assembly thickness of the corresponding terminal block and clamp 1 in the embedded part installation area. Each second-type embedded part 7 has a countersunk structure, and the depth of the countersunk step of each second-type embedded part 7 is less than or equal to the depth of the mounting hole in the terminal block it is located on.

[0026] Here, the first type of embedded part 6 is used to connect the clamp and the terminal block, and the second type of embedded part 7 is used to connect the terminal block. Both types of embedded parts are made of hard aluminum alloy, and the countersunk directions of the two types of embedded parts are opposite. The large boss of the first type of embedded part 6 faces outward, and it is pulled inward as tight as possible under the preload of the screw. This type of embedded part does not need to be disassembled later, and a high-strength thread-locking agent can be used to prevent loosening before screw assembly. The large boss of the second type of embedded part 7 faces inward, and it is pulled outward as tight as possible after connecting the terminal block. Since the terminal block needs to be disassembled for maintenance later, a locking steel wire thread insert is inserted into the threaded hole of each second type of embedded part 7 to protect strength and prevent loosening.

[0027] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 The gap width of the disassembly seam 11 is at least 1mm. During use, by prying open the disassembly seam 11, the inner diameter of the clamp can be increased, allowing the round tube structure to pass through. Due to the increased inner diameter of the clamp, the stepped positioning pin 4 will not affect the passage of the round tube structure. After reaching the preset fastening position, stop prying the clamp, and the stepped positioning pin 4 will be engaged in the positioning hole of the round tube structure to prevent loosening.

[0028] In one embodiment, each insulating component is machined using a milling process. Then, a countersunk hard aluminum alloy embedded part (Type 1 embedded part 6) with its large protrusion facing outwards is embedded in the terminal block embedded part mounting area. Its installation depth is less than the sum of the terminal block thickness and the clamp sidewall thickness. A hard aluminum alloy embedded part (Type 2 embedded part 7) with its large protrusion facing inwards is installed in the terminal block mounting area. The depth of its countersunk step is less than the depth of the terminal block mounting hole. A locking wire thread insert is pre-installed in the threaded hole. The large end of a stepped positioning pin 4 is embedded into the second positioning hole of the first and second terminal blocks. A screw is passed through Type 1 embedded part 6 to connect the terminal block and clamp 1, so that the small end of the stepped positioning pin 4 passes through the first positioning hole of the clamp and protrudes from the inner wall. When the screw is tightened, the large protrusion of Type 1 embedded part 6 is pulled towards the inside of the clamp, achieving self-locking. Subsequently, a terminal is installed in the terminal block mounting area through Type 2 embedded part 7. When the terminal screw is tightened, the large protrusion of the embedded part self-locks outwards.

[0029] In one embodiment, the installation and removal process of the cable connector fastened to the circular tube structure is as follows: During installation: The operator manually pries the edges of the disassembly and assembly seam 11 of the clamp 1 to both sides to widen the gap, thereby increasing the inner diameter of the clamp through elastic deformation; the expanded connector is slid into the axial direction of the round pipe, at which point the small end of the stepped positioning pin 4 remains suspended because it does not contact the pipe wall; the cable connector is slid to the position of the preset positioning hole in the round pipe; the disassembly and assembly seam 11 is loosened, the clamp elasticity recovers and the inner diameter shrinks, and the small end of the stepped positioning pin 4 springs into the positioning hole of the round pipe under radial pressure, completing the mechanical interlock; the terminal is installed in the terminal installation area through the second type of embedded part 7. When the screw is tightened, the large boss of the embedded part is pulled and moves inward towards the terminal block. Each threaded hole of the second type of embedded part 7 is fitted with a locking steel wire thread sleeve to provide anti-loosening protection.

[0030] During disassembly: Use tools such as a Phillips screwdriver to remove the terminal screws and disconnect the electrical connection. Then, manually bend the disassembly joint 11 to both sides to make the clamp 1 elastically deform. The small end of the positioning pin 4 will disengage from the positioning hole of the round tube. Slide the connector along the axial direction of the round tube to the end to complete the disassembly.

[0031] To address the problems of high production costs and slow response times in existing round tube connectors due to their reliance on injection molding, and the difficulties in disassembly and component damage caused by irreversible fixing methods such as riveting, this invention provides a cable connector suitable for round tube structures. All components in this cable connector are machined, significantly reducing production costs and eliminating mold dependence, enabling rapid response in small batches. The step-positioning pins and the spring-loaded engagement of the round tube positioning holes, along with an expandable disassembly seam, allow for non-destructive manual disassembly and assembly, completely solving the problem of disassembly damage associated with riveting methods. Combined with the directional self-locking design of the embedded parts and the isolation ribs, it ensures reliable electrical connections while also considering maintenance convenience and insulation safety.

[0032] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cable connector suitable for circular tube structures, characterized in that, include: A clamp (1), and a first terminal plate (2) and a second terminal plate (3) symmetrically installed on both sides of the clamp (1) along a first direction and having the same structure; wherein, in the second direction, the radial sidewall of the clamp (1) is provided with a through disassembly and assembly seam (11), and the spacing of the disassembly and assembly seam (11) is increased by elastic deformation to realize the expansion of the inner diameter of the clamp; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; The clamp (1) has a first positioning hole on each of its two side walls along the first direction, and the first terminal block (2) and the second terminal block (3) have second positioning holes at corresponding positions. The large end of the stepped positioning pin (4) is embedded in the second positioning hole, and the small end of the stepped positioning pin (4) is allowed to pass through the first positioning hole. When the first terminal block (2) and the second terminal block (3) are assembled with the clamp (1), the large end of the stepped positioning pin (4) is pressed into the second positioning hole, and the small end protrudes from the inner wall of the clamp (1) to be engaged in the positioning hole on the round tube. In the second direction, both the first terminal block (2) and the second terminal block (3) are provided with at least one terminal mounting area on the side away from the clamp (1), and adjacent terminal mounting areas are separated by an integrally formed insulating isolation rib plate (5). The clamp (1), the first terminal block (2), the second terminal block (3), and the stepped positioning pin (4) are all machined insulating plastic parts.

2. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal block (2) and the second terminal block (3) are each provided with two insulating isolation ribs (5); An embedded part installation area is formed between the two insulating isolation ribs (5). The embedded part installation area is provided with a first type of embedded part (6) that penetrates the wiring plate, which is used to fix the wiring plate to the clamp (1) by connecting screws. Two terminal mounting areas are symmetrically distributed on the outer side of the two insulating isolation ribs (5). Each terminal mounting area is provided with a second type of embedded part (7) for mounting the terminal.

3. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 2, characterized in that, Within each terminal mounting area, the second type of embedded part (7) is distributed in an array of M×N, where M and N are both positive integers.

4. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each second type of embedded part (7) is a countersunk structure, and the depth of the countersunk step of each second type of embedded part (7) is less than or equal to the depth of the mounting hole of the terminal block in which it is located.

5. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each first-type embedded part (6) is a countersunk structure, and the installation depth of the maximum outer diameter surface of each first-type embedded part (6) is not greater than the assembly thickness of the corresponding terminal block and the clamp (1) in the embedded part installation area.

6. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum outer diameter surface of each first type of embedded part (6) is installed facing the outside of the clamp (1), and the maximum outer diameter surface of each second type of embedded part (7) is installed facing the inside of the terminal block where it is located.

7. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the second type of embedded parts (7) has a locking wire thread insert inserted into its threaded hole.

8. The cable connector suitable for circular tube structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap width of the disassembly seam (11) is at least 1 mm.