Anti-loosening locking device for a connector

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of locking device for preventing loosening of connector, it is related to connector locking technical field, including first connecting mechanism, the side of first connecting mechanism is equipped with second connecting mechanism, the upper side of second connecting mechanism is equipped with first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism for double locking of first connecting mechanism and second connecting mechanism, the inside of second connecting mechanism is equipped with cleaning mechanism for cooperating locking indirectly to the dust wiping of connector connecting end, first connecting mechanism includes first shell, the inside of first shell is fixedly connected with first connector, by inserting block insertion guide block inside, buckle is driven to be inserted into the inside of card slot, primary locking is carried out to connector, at the same time, again drive insertion card column to be inserted into the inside of positioning hole, to complete secondary locking to connector, and only need to press down pressing plate and pull out inserting block, the twice locking of connector can be unlocked simultaneously, reach the effect of convenient locking and unlocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector locking technology, specifically to an anti-loosening locking device for connectors. Background Technology

[0002] A connector is a device, mechanism, or component used to establish a connection between two or more systems, modules, or parts, enabling them to work together. It is functional, adaptable, and versatile, and can be physical, informational, or functional. Examples include USB interfaces in electronic devices and seatbelt plugs in automobiles.

[0003] A connector typically consists of the following main parts: contacts, insulator, housing, mounting hardware, and connecting hardware. The contacts are the key components for achieving electrical connections, the insulator isolates different circuits, the housing provides mechanical protection, the mounting hardware ensures the connector is securely installed, and the connecting hardware connects the connector to other components. These parts work together to ensure that the connector can operate stably and reliably.

[0004] While existing connectors have locking devices, these devices only offer one locking mechanism. In vibrating environments such as those used in automobiles and machinery, the wiring harness and connector will continuously shake. The locking mechanism not only bears the holding force of the connection itself but also has to overcome the additional alternating stress caused by vibration, accelerating its fatigue process. This can easily lead to the breakage of the single locking mechanism. The direct consequence of locking mechanism breakage is that the connector cannot maintain a tight and reliable connection. Under continuous vibration, tiny, intermittent relative movements will occur between the plug and socket. If a large current is being transmitted in this circuit during the intermittent contact process, an electric arc will be generated at the moment of disconnection. The high temperature of the arc will burn and oxidize the metal terminals of the connector, leading to increased contact resistance, further exacerbating heat generation, and creating a vicious cycle.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design an anti-loosening locking device for connectors that can perform double locking. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-loosening locking device for connectors to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a connector anti-loosening locking device, including a first connecting mechanism, a second connecting mechanism on one side of the first connecting mechanism, a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism on the upper side of the second connecting mechanism for double locking the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism, and a cleaning mechanism inside the second connecting mechanism for wiping dust off the connector connection end in conjunction with the locking mechanism.

[0008] According to the above technical solution, the first connecting mechanism includes a first housing, a first connector is fixedly connected inside the first housing, a first connecting line is fixedly connected to one side of the first housing, one end of the first connecting line passes through the first housing and is fixedly connected to the first connector, and the first connector has an insertion port inside.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the first locking mechanism includes an insert block fixedly connected to the outside of the first housing. An inclined plate is hinged inside the insert block. A slot is provided inside the inclined plate. A pressure plate is fixedly connected to one side of the inclined plate. Two fixing blocks are fixedly connected to the lower side of the inclined plate. A rotating plate is hinged between the two fixing blocks. A first spring is fixedly connected to the lower side of the rotating plate. The other end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the insert block. Two positioning holes are provided on the lower side of the insert block. A top post is provided on the upper side of each positioning hole. A limiting plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the top post. A second spring is fixedly connected to the lower side of the limiting plate. The other end of the second spring is fixedly connected to the insert block.

[0010] According to the above technical solution, the second connecting mechanism includes a second housing, a second connector is fixedly connected inside the second housing, a second connecting wire is fixedly connected to one side of the second housing, one end of the second connecting wire passes through the second housing and is fixedly connected to the second connector, and a plug is fixedly connected to one side of the second connector.

[0011] The second locking mechanism includes a guide block fixedly connected to the outside of the second housing. A push plate is slidably connected inside the guide block. A buckle is provided on one side of the push plate and is fixedly connected to the guide block. A third spring is fixedly connected to the other side of the push plate. The other end of the third spring is fixedly connected to the guide block. A sliding groove is provided inside the second housing. A locking post is provided on the lower side of the push plate. The locking post is slidably connected to the inside of the second housing. A fourth spring is fixedly connected to the lower side of the locking post. The other end of the fourth spring is fixedly connected to the second housing.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, the cleaning mechanism includes a slider that is slidably connected inside the chute, a connecting block that is fixedly connected to one side of the slider, a fixing plate that is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting block, and a circular cotton ring that is fixedly connected inside the fixing plate.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are:

[0014] 1. The connector is initially locked by inserting the insert block into the guide block, which in turn moves the latch into the slot. Simultaneously, the insert pin moves into the positioning hole, completing the secondary locking of the connector. Simply pressing down the pressure plate and pulling out the insert block unlocks both locks simultaneously, achieving convenient locking and unlocking. This effectively prevents the single latch from breaking, which would prevent the connector from maintaining a tight and reliable connection. Furthermore, during the double locking process, the latch engages in the slot, indirectly causing the circular cotton ring to slide, thus cleaning dust from the connector plug before use. This effectively prevents dust accumulation on the connector's termination surface, which increases contact resistance and causes signal attenuation or energy transmission loss, reducing maintenance costs and failure rates, and improving connection reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an anti-loosening locking device for connectors according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting mechanism in this invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first locking mechanism in this invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second connecting mechanism in this invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second locking mechanism in this invention;

[0021] Figure 6 In this invention Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of area A;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism in this invention;

[0023] In the figure: 1. First connecting mechanism; 11. First outer shell; 12. First connecting wire; 13. First connector; 14. Socket;

[0024] 2. Second connecting mechanism; 21. Second connecting wire; 22. Second housing; 23. Second connector; 24. Plug;

[0025] 3. First locking mechanism; 31. Insert block; 32. Inclined plate; 33. Pressure plate; 34. Fixing block; 35. Rotating plate; 36. First spring; 37. Positioning hole; 38. Second spring; 39. Top column;

[0026] 4. Second locking mechanism; 41. Guide block; 42. Third spring; 43. Buckle; 44. Slide groove; 45. Push plate; 46. Locking post; 47. Fourth spring;

[0027] 5. Cleaning mechanism; 51. Slider; 52. Connecting block; 53. Fixing plate; 54. Circular cotton ring. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Please see Figure 1-7 The present invention provides a technical solution: a connector anti-loosening locking device, including a first connecting mechanism 1, a second connecting mechanism 2 on one side of the first connecting mechanism 1, a first locking mechanism 3 and a second locking mechanism 4 for doubly locking the first connecting mechanism 1 and the second connecting mechanism 2, and a cleaning mechanism 5 inside the second connecting mechanism 2 for wiping dust from the connector connection end in conjunction with the locking mechanism.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 The first connecting mechanism 1 includes a first housing 11, a first connector 13 is fixedly connected inside the first housing 11, a first connecting line 12 is fixedly connected to one side of the first housing 11, one end of the first connecting line 12 passes through the first housing 11 and is fixedly connected to the first connector 13, and the first connector 13 is provided with an insertion port 14 inside.

[0031] Please see Figure 4 The second connecting mechanism 2 includes a second housing 22, a second connector 23 is fixedly connected inside the second housing 22, a second connecting line 21 is fixedly connected to one side of the second housing 22, one end of the second connecting line 21 passes through the second housing 22 and is fixedly connected to the second connector 23, and a plug 24 is fixedly connected to one side of the second connector 23.

[0032] The following is a supplementary explanation based on the above structure: the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 22 are both made of electrostatic material. The second connector 23 and the first connector 13 are used to connect wires. When the plug 24 is inserted into the socket 14, the second connector 23 and the first connector 13 can be energized to each other.

[0033] Please see Figure 3 The first locking mechanism 3 includes an insert block 31 fixedly connected to the outside of the first housing 11. An inclined plate 32 is hinged inside the insert block 31. A slot is provided inside the inclined plate 32. A pressure plate 33 is fixedly connected to one side of the inclined plate 32. Two fixing blocks 34 are fixedly connected to the lower side of the inclined plate 32. A rotating plate 35 is hinged between the two fixing blocks 34. A first spring 36 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the rotating plate 35. The other end of the first spring 36 is fixedly connected to the insert block 31. Two positioning holes 37 are provided on the lower side of the insert block 31. A top post 39 is provided on the upper side of each positioning hole 37. A limit plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the top post 39. A second spring 38 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the limit plate. The other end of the second spring 38 is fixedly connected to the insert block 31.

[0034] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second locking mechanism 4 includes a guide block 41 fixedly connected to the outside of the second housing 22. A push plate 45 is slidably connected inside the guide block 41. A buckle 43 is provided on one side of the push plate 45 and the buckle 43 is fixedly connected to the guide block 41. A third spring 42 is fixedly connected to the other side of the push plate 45. The other end of the third spring 42 is fixedly connected to the guide block 41. A sliding groove 44 is provided inside the second housing 22. A locking post 46 is provided on the lower side of the push plate 45. The locking post 46 is slidably connected to the inside of the second housing 22. A fourth spring 47 is fixedly connected to the lower side of the locking post 46. The other end of the fourth spring 47 is fixedly connected to the second housing 22.

[0035] The following is a supplementary explanation based on the above structure: the insert block 31 is used to insert into the guide block 41. The buckle 43 has an inclined surface below it. When the insert block 31 is inserted, the inclined plate 32 is gradually pressed down by the inclined surface of the buckle 43 and rotates counterclockwise. When the insert block 31 is fully inserted, the buckle 43 is locked into the slot and the inclined plate 32 springs back upward. At this time, the first locking mechanism 3 is locked by the buckle 43 and cannot move back and forth. When it is necessary to release the lock, simply press the pressure plate 33 downward and pull out the insert block 31 at the same time. At this time, the first locking mechanism 3 is no longer locked and can move freely back and forth. The second spring 38 is used to drive the top column 39 to automatically return to its original position.

[0036] The push plate 45 is used to press the locking post 46 downward to prevent the fourth spring 47 from popping the locking post 46 upward, which would affect the insertion of the insert block 31. The insertion of the insert block 31 pushes the push plate 45 to slide, thereby indirectly compressing the third spring 42. At this time, the push plate 45 no longer presses the locking post 46 downward, but instead the bottom of the insert block 31 presses the locking post 46 downward. As the insert block 31 inserts forward, it drives the positioning hole 37 to move until the locking post 46 is aligned with the positioning hole 37. The locking post 46 is popped out by the fourth spring 47 and moves upward, thereby inserting into the interior of the positioning hole 37 for secondary locking. At the same time, the buckle 43 engages in the slot for initial locking.

[0037] When all locking mechanisms need to be released, simply press the pressure plate 33 downwards. At this time, the latch 43 disengages from the slot, and the inclined plate 32 rotates counterclockwise to press the top post 39 downwards. The top post 39 moves downwards and inserts into the interior of the positioning hole 37, thereby indirectly pushing the locking post 46 inside the positioning hole 37 downwards, so that it completely disengages from the interior of the positioning hole 37. While pressing, the insert block 31 is pulled out. At the same time as pulling out, the third spring 42 drives the push plate 45 to slide back to its original position through its elastic force. When the insert block 31 is completely pulled out, the locking post 46 is pressed down again by the push plate 45, and the first spring 36 pushes the inclined plate 32 to rotate clockwise to return to its original position.

[0038] In high-vibration conditions such as those found in automobiles and mechanical systems, wiring harnesses and connector assemblies are continuously subjected to multi-directional mechanical excitation. This requires the locking mechanism to not only provide static connection holding force but also resist periodic alternating stresses introduced by vibration. This combined stress state significantly accelerates fatigue accumulation in the locking parts, making them prone to crack initiation and propagation in stress concentration areas, ultimately leading to brittle or ductile fracture of the locking mechanism.

[0039] Once the latch fails, the connector loses its primary locking function. Under vibration, the plug 24 and socket experience minute relative motion, manifesting as intermittent separation and contact—a phenomenon known as "micro-motion." If this electrical connection path is operating under high current, transient separation can trigger an electric arc discharge. The high-temperature energy generated by the arc concentrates on the contact area, causing localized melting, material vaporization, and oxide film formation on the metal terminal surface, leading to a sharp increase in contact resistance. This increased resistance further enhances the Joule heating effect, causing the contact area temperature to rise continuously. This high temperature, in turn, exacerbates surface oxidation and material degradation, creating a positive feedback loop of thermo-electricity, ultimately leading to connector failure, electrical performance degradation, or even burnout.

[0040] Therefore, during the connection and locking process of the connector, an external force drives the first housing 11 to generate axial displacement, thereby guiding the plug 24 to be precisely inserted into the socket 14. Simultaneously, the insert block 31 in the follow-up mechanism is embedded into the guide block 41, and its front-end inclined plate 32 contacts the guide inclined surface of the latch 43 and gradually moves downward under pressure. As the insertion process continues until the plug 24 is fully inserted into the socket 14 and reaches the predetermined mating depth, the latch 43 accurately engages in the corresponding slot under elastic recovery. At this point, the inclined plate 32 springs back to its original position due to the release of pressure, and through its structure and the interlocking relationship formed with the latch 43, it achieves bidirectional displacement constraint on the first locking mechanism 3, thereby reliably completing the initial locking state of the connection system.

[0041] During the insertion of the insert block 31 into the guide block 41, the front end face of the insert block 31 contacts the push plate 45 and applies an axial thrust, driving the push plate 45 to slide smoothly along the direction defined by the guide rail. The movement of the push plate 45 then applies a continuous compressive force to the third spring 42, causing it to gradually store energy and deform. As the push plate 45 moves, its original downward pressure constraint on the locking post 46 is released. At the same time, the bottom structure of the insert block 31 receives and maintains the axial pressure on the locking post 46, ensuring its stability during insertion.

[0042] As the insert block 31 continues to move forward with precision, the positioning hole 37 fixed to it also moves synchronously. When the insert block 31 reaches the preset depth position, the positioning hole 37 and the locking pin 46 are completely coaxially aligned. At this time, under the elastic restoring force of the fourth spring 47, the locking pin 46 is rapidly ejected radially and precisely embedded into the interior of the positioning hole 37, forming a rigid interlock. This action realizes the secondary locking of the connection system.

[0043] Please see Figure 7 The cleaning mechanism 5 includes a slider 51 that is slidably connected inside the slide groove 44. A connecting block 52 is fixedly connected to one side of the slider 51, and a fixing plate 53 is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting block 52. A circular cotton ring 54 is fixedly connected inside the fixing plate 53.

[0044] The following is a supplementary explanation based on the above structure: In industrial applications or warehousing conditions, if electrical connectors are stored in dusty environments for a long time—such as open-air sites or warehouses with excessive dust—without effective sealing or dustproof measures, particulate pollutants suspended in the air (such as dust, fibers, metal shavings, etc.) will gradually be adsorbed and accumulated on the termination surface of the connector. These pollutants will form an insulating film or local obstruction in the contact area, significantly increasing the contact resistance, causing signal attenuation or energy transmission loss, and in severe cases, may lead to a decrease in signal integrity or transmission errors.

[0045] Furthermore, the presence of dust can hinder mechanical alignment and guidance during the mating process, increasing insertion and extraction forces, thereby causing mechanical jamming or poor contact alignment, further deteriorating the stability of the electrical connection. More seriously, if the dust contains conductive substances, it may induce dendrite growth or partial discharge in a humid environment, leading to short circuits between terminals and threatening the safe operation of the entire electrical system.

[0046] Therefore, before the connector is put into use, the dust on the connector connection end must be cleaned. During the connector mating process, the circular cotton 54 is designed to slide axially along the outer surface of the plug 24 to effectively remove the contaminants and dust accumulated on its surface. When the insert block 31 is inserted into the guide block 41, its front end contacts the push plate 45 and applies axial thrust, driving the push plate 45 to move smoothly along the guide rail direction. During this process, the third spring 42 is gradually compressed and stores energy.

[0047] The displacement of the push plate 45 is further transmitted to the fixed plate 53 through the guiding action of the slider 51 in the slide groove 44, causing it to move accordingly. The circular cotton 54 installed on the fixed plate 53 then slides and wipes along the surface of the plug 24, achieving preliminary cleaning of the plug 24 before insertion. This mechanical linkage continues until the insert block 31 is fully inserted into the guide block 41 and reaches the designed termination position. At this time, the circular cotton 54 has completed the dust cleaning of the entire mating area of ​​the plug 24.

[0048] When the separation operation is performed, i.e., when the insertion block 31 is pulled out from the guide block 41, the third spring 42 releases its stored energy and pushes the push plate 45 to slide in the opposite direction. The push plate 45, through the slider 51 and the fixing plate 53, once again drives the circular cotton 54 to slide and clean along the surface of the plug 24, thereby promptly removing any newly attached particles or debris generated during the operation after the connector is broken, ensuring a clean contact interface for the next mating.

[0049] Inserting the insert block 31 into the guide block 41 causes the latch 43 to engage in the slot, initially locking the connector. Simultaneously, inserting the insertion pin 46 into the positioning hole 37 completes the secondary locking of the connector. Simply pressing down the pressure plate 33 and pulling out the insert block 31 unlocks both locks simultaneously, achieving convenient locking and unlocking. This effectively prevents the single latch from breaking, which would prevent the connector from maintaining a tight and reliable connection. Furthermore, during the double locking process of the connector with the latch 43 engaged in the slot, the circular cotton ring 54 also indirectly slides, cleaning dust from the connector plug 24 before use. This effectively prevents dust accumulation on the connector's termination surface, increasing contact resistance and causing signal attenuation or energy transmission loss, reducing maintenance costs and failure rates, and improving connection reliability.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector anti-loosening locking device, comprising a first connecting mechanism (1), characterized in that, The first connecting mechanism (1) has a second connecting mechanism (2) on one side. The upper side of the second connecting mechanism (2) has a first locking mechanism (3) and a second locking mechanism (4) for double locking the first connecting mechanism (1) and the second connecting mechanism (2). The interior of the second connecting mechanism (2) has a cleaning mechanism (5) for wiping dust off the connector connection end in conjunction with the locking mechanism. The first connecting mechanism (1) includes a first housing (11), a first connector (13) is fixedly connected inside the first housing (11), a first connecting line (12) is fixedly connected to one side of the first housing (11), one end of the first connecting line (12) passes through the first housing (11) and is fixedly connected to the first connector (13), and the first connector (13) is provided with an insertion port (14). The second connecting mechanism (2) includes a second housing (22), a second connector (23) is fixedly connected inside the second housing (22), a second connecting line (21) is fixedly connected to one side of the second housing (22), one end of the second connecting line (21) passes through the second housing (22) and is fixedly connected to the second connector (23), and a plug (24) is fixedly connected to one side of the second connector (23). The first locking mechanism (3) includes a plug (31) fixedly connected to the outside of the first housing (11). The plug (31) has an inclined plate (32) hinged inside. The inclined plate (32) has a slot inside. A pressure plate (33) is fixedly connected to one side of the inclined plate (32). Two fixing blocks (34) are fixedly connected to the lower side of the inclined plate (32). A rotating plate (35) is hinged between the two fixed blocks (34). A first spring (36) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the rotating plate (35). The other end of the first spring (36) is fixedly connected to the insert block (31). Two positioning holes (37) are provided on the lower side of the insert block (31). Each of the positioning holes (37) is provided with a top post (39) on its upper side; The second locking mechanism (4) includes a guide block (41) fixedly connected to the outside of the second housing (22). A push plate (45) is slidably connected inside the guide block (41). A buckle (43) is provided on one side of the push plate (45) and the buckle (43) is fixedly connected to the guide block (41). A third spring (42) is fixedly connected to the other side of the push plate (45), and a groove (44) is provided inside the second housing (22). The push plate (45) is provided with a locking post (46) on its lower side, and the locking post (46) is slidably connected to the inside of the second outer shell (22); A fourth spring (47) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the locking post (46), and the other end of the fourth spring (47) is fixedly connected to the second outer shell (22); The cleaning mechanism (5) includes a slider (51) slidably connected inside the groove (44), and a connecting block (52) is fixedly connected to one side of the slider (51).

2. The anti-loosening locking device for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the top column (39), and a second spring (38) is fixedly connected to the lower side of the limiting plate. The other end of the second spring (38) is fixedly connected to the insert block (31).

3. The anti-loosening locking device for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the third spring (42) is fixedly connected to the guide block (41).

4. The anti-loosening locking device for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing plate (53) is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting block (52), and a circular cotton ring (54) is fixedly connected inside the fixing plate (53).

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