Rotary connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary connector, which is provided with a first connecting seat, a first terminal, a second connecting seat and a second terminal, the first connecting seat is provided with a supporting column which protrudes upwards, the first terminal is installed on the first connecting seat, and a first contact part of the first terminal is exposed on the peripheral surface of the supporting column; the second connecting seat is provided with a sleeving hole, and the sleeving hole is used for sleeving the supporting column of the first connecting seat, so that the second connecting seat and the first connecting seat are in aligned sleeving connection and can rotate relatively; the second terminal is installed on the second connecting seat, a second contact part of the second terminal is exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeving hole, the second contact part is in contact conduction with or separated from the first contact part through relative rotation of the second connecting seat, and the second contact part and the first contact part are not influenced by improper plugging force / direction; the contact pressure is uniform, loosening due to vibration or external force is not easy to occur, the contact reliability is higher, the contact is more suitable for specific occasions requiring frequent switching, the use is simple and convenient, and the service life is long.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are devices used to connect two active components, primarily for transmitting current or signals. They act as a bridge in a circuit, allowing current to flow and thus enabling the circuit's intended function. Electrical connectors come in various types, typically categorized as board-to-board connectors, cable / wire-to-cable / wire-to-wire connectors, and cable / wire-to-board connectors. Electrical connectors are indispensable components in electronic equipment, and their forms and structures vary depending on the application, frequency, power, and environment. Existing electrical connectors are primarily of the common mechanical plug-in type, requiring the insertion or removal of a plug to achieve switching. However, in specific applications requiring frequent plugging and unplugging, blind plugging is prone to occur, or efficiency is low at high frequencies. Furthermore, improper insertion / removal force / direction can lead to poor contact, affecting normal operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rotary connector that uses a rotary switch instead of the traditional plug-in switch, which can achieve uniform contact pressure, is less prone to loosening due to vibration or external force, and has higher contact reliability in long-term use.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A rotary connector having: A first connecting seat having an upwardly protruding support column; The first terminal is mounted on the first connector, and the first contact portion of the first terminal is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the support column; The second connecting seat has a sleeve hole for sleeved with the support column of the first connecting seat, so that the second connecting seat and the first connecting seat are aligned and sleeved and can rotate relative to each other; The second terminal is mounted on the second connector, and the second contact portion of the second terminal is exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket. The second contact portion can make contact with the first contact portion or disconnect from it by the relative rotation of the second connector.

[0005] Furthermore, the above scheme includes a radially protruding limiting foot on the support column. This limiting foot is matched with a pre-set limiting arc groove on the second connecting seat. The limiting arc groove extends along the rotation direction of the second connecting seat. The limiting arc groove restricts the limiting foot to determine the range of rotation angle of the second connecting seat relative to the first connecting seat.

[0006] The above solution is further provided that the second contact portion of the second terminal protrudes towards the center of the socket hole, so that the second contact portion has the property of pressing against the first contact portion; the outer periphery of the support column is provided with an avoidance cutting portion, which ensures that the second contact portion is not interfered with when it follows the second connecting seat to be sleeved or pulled out.

[0007] The above solution is further described in that the second terminal is an L-shaped terminal with a vertical edge and a horizontal folded edge. The second terminal is implanted and assembled into a terminal slot pre-set on the second connector. The terminal slot is opened on the peripheral wall of the socket hole and communicates with the socket hole. The horizontal folded edge of the second terminal extends along the rotation direction of the second connector and the horizontal folded edge is curved in an arc to form a second contact part.

[0008] The above solution is further described in that the first terminal is in the form of a insert, and the first connector is also provided with a terminal slot that passes through the support column, so that the first terminal can be inserted into the terminal slot from the protruding top of the support column, and the first terminal extends along the protruding direction of the support column.

[0009] A further improvement in the above scheme is that the vertical edge of the second terminal partially exposes the second connector, forming a wiring portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the vertical side of the second terminal is provided with a laterally extending hanging foot, which is embedded in the second connector when the second terminal is inserted into the terminal slot.

[0011] The above solution is further described in that the limiting foot is an outwardly protruding rubber block integrally formed with the support column. The limiting foot is located on the corresponding end of the support column. The inner peripheral wall of the socket of the second connecting seat is also provided with a guide groove, so that when the second connecting seat is sleeved with the first connecting seat, the limiting foot slides along the guide groove into the limiting arc groove.

[0012] The above solution is further described in that the first connecting seat is cylindrical and a ring platform is formed at the bottom of the first connecting seat. The second connecting seat is sleeved on the first connecting seat from top to bottom, and an outwardly expanding sleeve ring groove is provided at the sleeve insertion port of the sleeve hole. The sleeve ring groove is used to sleeve the ring platform and form a sleeve stop and locking position.

[0013] A further aspect of the above scheme is that the insertion end of the first terminal extends from the first connector and forms a welding foot for welding to the upper plate; the first connector has a guide post that extends in the same direction as the welding foot of the first terminal and is spaced apart around the inner center of the first connector.

[0014] This invention employs a second connector that is aligned and sleeved with the first connector to ensure connection stability. Then, the relative rotation of the second connector enables the second contact part to make contact with the first contact part or to separate and disconnect. Therefore, the rotational contact between the second contact part and the first contact part is not affected by improper insertion or removal force or direction, and it can ensure uniform contact pressure. It is not easy to loosen due to vibration or external force, and has higher contact reliability in long-term use. It is more suitable for specific occasions that require frequent switching, is stable and reliable, easy to use, and has a long service life. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Appendix Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the structure where the second connecting seat is separated from the first connecting seat; Appendix Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the embodiment; Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first connector and the first terminal of the present invention; Appendix Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second connector structure in the embodiment; Appendix Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another perspective structural diagram of the embodiment; Appendix Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first connector of the present invention being installed on a circuit board. Appendix Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the second connector socket installation after the embodiment is completed; Appendix Figure 9 for Figure 8 Diagram after connection; Appendix Figure 10 for Figure 9 Internal structural cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the invention.

[0017] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0018] See Figures 1-10 The diagram shown is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention relates to a rotary connector, which includes: a first connector 1, a first terminal 2, a second connector 3 and a second terminal 4. The first connector 1 and the second connector 3 are both insulating seats and can be obtained by injection molding. The first terminal 2 and the second terminal 4 are stamped parts and are stamped according to the required shape.

[0019] The first connecting seat 1 has an upwardly protruding support column 11. Preferably, both the first connecting seat 1 and the support column 11 are cylindrical, forming a tower shape, so that the bottom end of the first connecting seat 1 forms a truncated ring 13. The first terminal 2 is mounted on the first connecting seat 1, and the first contact portion 21 of the first terminal is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the support column 11. In this embodiment, there are two first terminals 2, which are evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the support column 11. The second connecting seat 3 has a socket hole 31, which is used to socket the support column 11 of the first connecting seat, so that the second connecting seat 3 and the first connecting seat 1 are aligned and can rotate relative to each other. Preferably, the second connecting seat 3 is cylindrical, and the socket hole 31 passes through both ends of the second connecting seat 3. The second terminal 4 is mounted on the second connecting seat 3, and the second contact portion 41 of the second terminal 4 is exposed on the inner peripheral surface of the socket hole 31. The second contact portion 41 contacts and conducts with the first contact portion 21 or separates from it through the relative rotation of the second connecting seat 3. The number and distribution of the second terminals 4 match those of the first terminals to ensure the transmission of current or signals. The second connector 3 is aligned and sleeved with the first connector 1 to ensure connection stability. When the second connector 3 and the first connector 1 are accurately sleeved, the relative rotation of the second connector enables the second contact part 41 to make contact with the first contact part 21 or to separate and disconnect. The operation is simple, and the rotational contact between the second contact part and the first contact part is not affected by improper insertion or removal force or direction. It can ensure uniform contact pressure and is not easy to loosen due to vibration or external force, resulting in higher contact reliability in long-term use.

[0020] In this embodiment, the support column 11 is also provided with a radially protruding limiting foot 111. This limiting foot 111 is matched with a pre-set limiting arc groove 32 on the second connecting seat 3. The limiting arc groove 32 extends along the rotation direction of the second connecting seat 3. By limiting the limiting foot 111 through the limiting arc groove 32, the angular range of rotation of the second connecting seat 3 relative to the first connecting seat 1 is determined, thereby also relatively determining the contact conduction position and separation disconnection position of the second contact part 41 and the first contact part 21, obtaining clear markings. In actual use, arrows, open or closed markings can also be made on the second connecting seat 3 and the first connecting seat 1 for visual identification of actual rotation. In this embodiment, the limiting foot 111 is an outwardly protruding rubber block integrally formed with the support column 11. The limiting foot 111 is located on the corresponding end of the support column 11. The inner peripheral wall of the socket hole 31 of the second connecting seat 3 is also provided with a guide groove 34, so that when the second connecting seat 3 is sleeved with the first connecting seat 1, the limiting foot 111 slides along the guide groove 34 into the limiting arc groove 32. The limiting arc groove 32 is an outwardly expanded structure located on the corresponding port of the socket hole 31 to meet the relative forward and reverse rotation requirements between the second connecting seat 3 and the first connecting seat 1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the second contact portion 41 of the second terminal 4 protrudes towards the center of the socket 31, giving the second contact portion 41 the property of pressing against the first contact portion 21. An avoidance cutting portion 112 is provided on the outer periphery of the support column 11. This avoidance cutting portion 112 ensures that the second contact portion 41 is not interfered with when it follows the second connecting seat 3 into or out of the socket, facilitating the engagement or disengagement of the second connecting seat 3 and effectively protecting the second contact portion 41. In this embodiment, the avoidance cutting portion 112 and the first contact portion 21 are alternately arranged on the outer periphery of the support column 11, facilitating the rotational switching of the second contact portion 41 to connect and disconnect. Furthermore, the second terminal 4 is L-shaped with a vertical edge and a horizontal folded edge. The second terminal 4 is implanted and assembled into a pre-set terminal slot 33 on the second connecting seat 3. This terminal slot 33 is formed on the peripheral wall of the socket 31 and communicates with the socket 31. In this embodiment, the terminal groove 33 extends axially from the corresponding end of the second connector 3. The inner bottom of the terminal groove 33 rests inside the second connector 3, facilitating the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of the second terminal 4. The transverse folded edge of the second terminal 4 extends along the rotation direction of the second connector 3, and this transverse folded edge is arched to form the second contact portion 41. This structure not only satisfies the elastic pressing contact but also bends in accordance with the rotation direction, making the rotary switch smooth. Both ends of the transverse folded edge of the second terminal 4 are inserted into the terminal groove 33, while the second contact portion 41 arches and protrudes towards the center of the socket hole 31, giving the second contact portion 41 the property of pressing against the first contact portion; ensuring sufficient elasticity and contact performance of the second contact portion 41, improving practicality and service life.

[0022] In this embodiment, the second terminal 4 is a wiring terminal. A portion of the vertical edge of the second terminal 4 is exposed above the second connector 3, forming a wiring portion 42, facilitating operations such as soldering or riveting wires. The vertical edge of the second terminal 4 also has a laterally extending hanging foot 43. This hanging foot 43 is embedded in the second connector 3 when the second terminal 4 is inserted into the terminal slot 33, increasing the installation stability of the second terminal 4. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the hanging foot 43 is exactly perpendicular to both the vertical edge and the horizontal folded edge of the second terminal 4, facilitating manufacturing and assembly, and also contributing to improved installation and performance of the second terminal 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first terminal 2 is in the form of a insert, and the first connector is also provided with a terminal slot 12 that passes through the support column 11, so that the first terminal 2 can be inserted into the terminal slot 12 from the protruding top of the support column 11. The first terminal 2 extends along the protruding direction of the support column 11. The insertion end of the first terminal 2 also extends out from the first connector to form a welding foot 22 for welding to the upper plate. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the support column 11 is partially concave, so that the terminal slot 12 is partially exposed. This allows the first contact part to be flat against the support column 11 and exposed after the first terminal 2 is inserted and assembled, so as to make subsequent contact with the second contact part; and both ends of the first terminal 2 are controlled on the first connector, ensuring that the installation of the first terminal 2 is stable and reliable. In this embodiment, the support column 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape and has a corresponding outer peripheral reduction treatment, which not only facilitates relative rotation of the rounded corners, but also meets the requirements of terminal assembly and use.

[0024] Figure 7 , 8As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in use, the first terminal 2 is assembled to the first connector 1 and then together assembled onto the circuit board 5. The first terminal 2 has a soldering foot 22 extending from the first connector for soldering onto the upper board. The first connector 1 has a guide post 14, which extends in the same direction as the soldering foot 22 of the first terminal and is spaced apart around the inner center of the first connector 1. At this time, the guide post 14 on the first connector and the soldering foot 22 of the first terminal are inserted into the pre-set assembly holes on the circuit board 5 and soldered to connect, so that the first connector 1 and the circuit board 5 are integrated. The second terminal 4 is assembled to the second connector 3 and connected to the wire via the wiring part 42. Then, the second connector 3 is fitted onto the first connector 1 from top to bottom. The fitting hole 31 fits onto the support column 11. The second contact part 41 of the second terminal 4 moves to correspond to the clearance cutting part 112 on the support column 11. The limiting foot 111 on the support column 11 slides to correspond to the guide groove 34 on the second connector 3, so as to realize the alignment and fitting of the second connector 3 and the first connector 1. After fitting to a certain depth, an outwardly expanding fitting ring groove 35 is provided at the fitting port of the fitting hole. The fitting ring groove 35 fits onto the ring platform 13 on the first connector 1 and forms a fitting stop and locking position, which defines the fitting depth. At this time, the limiting foot 111 also slides into the limiting arc groove 32. Then, the second contact part 41 and the first contact part 21 can be made to contact and conduct or separated and disconnected by the relative rotation of the second connector. The sleeve ring groove 35 and sleeve ring platform 13 improve the coaxial assembly of the first connecting seat 1 and the second connecting seat 3, and provide relative rotational support and guidance.

[0025] The present invention has a simple and reasonable structure, is easy to manufacture and assemble, and is also easy to disassemble and maintain. It is more suitable for specific occasions that require frequent switching. It is stable, reliable, easy to use, and has a long service life.

[0026] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention should not be limited to structures and operations that are exactly the same as those described above and shown in the drawings. Those skilled in the art can make many equivalent improvements and variations to the above embodiments through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experiments without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention, but all such improvements and variations should fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotary connector, characterized in that, have: First connecting seat (1), which has an upwardly protruding support column (11); The first terminal (2) is mounted on the first connector and the first contact portion (21) of the first terminal is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the support column (11); The second connecting seat (3) has a sleeve hole (31) for sleeved with the support column (11) of the first connecting seat, so that the second connecting seat (3) and the first connecting seat (1) are aligned and sleeved and can rotate relative to each other; The second terminal (4) is mounted on the second connector (3), and the second contact portion (41) of the second terminal (4) is exposed on the inner circumferential surface of the socket (31). The second contact portion (41) makes contact with the first contact portion (21) or disconnects from it through the relative rotation of the second connector (3).

2. A rotary connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support column (11) is also provided with a radially protruding limiting foot (111). The limiting foot (111) is matched with the limiting arc groove (32) preset on the second connecting seat (3). The limiting arc groove (32) extends along the rotation direction of the second connecting seat (3). The limiting arc groove (32) restricts the limiting foot (111) to determine the angle range of the second connecting seat (3) relative to the first connecting seat (1).

3. A rotary connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second contact portion (41) of the second terminal (4) protrudes towards the center of the socket (31), so that the second contact portion (41) has the property of pressing against the first contact portion (21); the outer periphery of the support column (11) is provided with a clearance cutting portion (112), which ensures that the second contact portion (41) is not interfered with when it follows the second connecting seat (3) to be sleeved or pulled out.

4. A rotary connector according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The second terminal (4) is an L-shaped terminal with a vertical edge and a horizontal folded edge. The second terminal (4) is inserted into the terminal slot (33) pre-set on the second connector (3). The terminal slot (33) is opened on the peripheral wall of the socket hole (31) and communicates with the socket hole (31). The horizontal folded edge of the second terminal (4) extends along the rotation direction of the second connector (3), and the horizontal folded edge is curved in an arc to form the second contact part (41).

5. A rotary connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal (2) is in the form of a insert, and the first connector is also provided with a terminal slot (12) that passes through the support column (11), so that the first terminal (2) can be inserted into the terminal slot (12) from the protruding top of the support column (11), and the first terminal (2) extends along the protruding direction of the support column (11).

6. A rotary connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical edge of the second terminal (4) partially exposes the second connector (3), forming a wiring portion (42).

7. A rotary connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical side of the second terminal (4) is also provided with a laterally extending hanging foot (43), which is embedded in the second connector (3) when the second terminal (4) is inserted into the terminal slot (33).

8. A rotary connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting foot (111) is an outwardly protruding rubber block integrally formed with the support column (11). The limiting foot (111) is located on the corresponding end of the support column (11). The inner peripheral wall of the sleeve hole (31) of the second connecting seat (3) is also provided with a guide groove (34) so ​​that when the second connecting seat (3) is sleeved with the first connecting seat (1), the limiting foot (111) slides along the guide groove (34) into the limiting arc groove (32).

9. A rotary connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting seat (1) is cylindrical and forms a ring platform (13) at the bottom end of the first connecting seat (1). The second connecting seat (3) is fitted onto the first connecting seat (1) from top to bottom, and an outwardly expanding ring groove (35) is provided at the fitting port of the fitting hole. The ring groove (35) is used to fit the ring platform (13) and form a fitting stop position.

10. A rotary connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insertion end of the first terminal (2) extends from the first connector and forms a welding foot (22) for welding the upper plate; the first connector (1) has a guide post (14) that extends in the same direction as the welding foot (22) of the first terminal and is spaced apart around the inner center of the first connector (1).

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