A connector with in-place awareness

Abstract

The application discloses a connector with in-place sensing, and belongs to the technical field of connectors, which comprises a plug and a socket that are adapted to be connected, wherein the socket comprises a cylindrical part with external threads, the plug comprises a cylindrical body, and an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that can rotate independently; the inner sleeve is sleeved outside the cylindrical body and is provided with internal threads; an annular groove is arranged on the inner wall of the outer sleeve; the inner sleeve is embedded in the groove, and the groove is provided with a gap for axial movement of the inner sleeve; an elastically deformable rubber ring is arranged on the socket; the radial position of the rubber ring corresponds to the front end of the outer sleeve, and the front end of the outer sleeve supports the rubber ring when the plug is screwed in place. The application can meet the need of blind screwing in-place sensing, has the in-place idling function, high sensitivity of in-place sensing, can avoid over-screwing, has the self-locking and anti-loosening effect, and is efficient, reliable and good in adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, specifically a connector with position sensing capability. Background Technology

[0002] Existing connectors, including plugs and sockets for mating, generally require proper screwing to ensure a reliable connection. To indicate proper screwing, color-coded rings are placed at the contact points of the plug and socket, indicating that the connector should be screwed until the color-coded ring is covered and cannot be screwed any further. This mating process requires visual inspection. However, in some applications, the connector is not exposed, or in dark environments such as at night, the color-coded rings cannot be seen visually. Furthermore, the "tightening until no further" indicator is not quantifiable, and inconsistent screwing force can easily lead to incomplete screwing without being detected, resulting in connector failure. In other words, existing connectors lack blind screwing detection capabilities, making them unsuitable for dark environments or environments where the connector is not exposed, thus limiting their application scope.

[0003] To meet the need for blind tightening positioning detection, existing connector technologies, such as the one described in patent CN 114678731B, "A Circular Thread Position Sensing Connector," employ a boss that engages with an elastic structure. This allows the tightening force of the nut to initially increase and then decrease as the boss passes over the elastic structure; positioning is detected by manually sensing the change in tightening torque. However, this technology has several drawbacks. First, even after the boss passes the elastic structure, tightening can continue, leading to over-tightening and potential damage to the connector components. Furthermore, the torque continues to increase during this process, making over-tightening difficult to detect. Second, the sensitivity of positioning detection varies from person to person due to individual differences in torque perception; some individuals may not detect it, indicating insufficient sensitivity. Third, the boss's passage over the elastic structure increases resistance, requiring greater resistance to overcome during tightening, thus reducing tightening speed and increasing connection time. Fourth, the contact between the boss and the elastic structure makes it easy for water to accumulate in the narrow groove of the spring, and the water is difficult to remove automatically. This can cause the spring to rust and become stuck in a humid environment, which may lead to the failure of the positioning sensing effect and the risk of unlocking failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a connector with a positioning sensing function. The purpose is to enable the nut to rotate freely after positioning, allowing for clear sensing of when the connector is in place. Furthermore, the nut rotates freely after positioning, preventing over-tightening. The absence of a spring and groove avoids corrosion problems caused by water accumulation, thus improving reliability. It also features an anti-loosening function to ensure a reliable connection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a connector with positioning sensing, comprising a plug and a socket for mating; the socket includes a cylindrical portion with external threads, and a connector is provided inside the cylindrical portion; the plug includes a cylindrical body that can be inserted into the cylindrical portion, and the front end face of the cylindrical body is provided with a connector hole corresponding to the connector; the plug also includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, both of which can be rotated independently; the inner sleeve is fitted on the outside of the cylindrical body and is provided with an internal thread for threaded engagement with the cylindrical portion; the inner wall of the outer sleeve is provided with an annular groove; the inner sleeve is embedded in the groove, and its length is less than the axial length of the groove, so that the groove reserves a gap for axial movement of the inner sleeve; the socket is provided with an annular elastically deformable rubber ring fitted at the root of the cylindrical portion; the radial position of the rubber ring corresponds to the front end of the outer sleeve, so that when the plug is screwed into place, the front end of the outer sleeve supports the rubber ring.

[0006] As a further optimization, the front end of the inner wall of the outer jacket is provided with an annular blocking part, and the rear end of the inner wall is provided with an annular friction block, which is used to form the groove between the friction block and the blocking part.

[0007] As a further optimization, the inner retaining ring is fitted into a retaining ring groove pre-set on the inner wall of the outer sleeve, and its front end abuts against the friction block; the friction block is clamped between the inner retaining ring and the inner sleeve.

[0008] As a further optimization, the inner wall of the friction block abuts against a pre-set convex ring on the cylindrical body; the inner diameter of the inner retaining ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the convex ring, which is used to limit the inner retaining ring axially forward through the convex ring; the cylindrical body is provided with an annular retaining ring groove, and the outer retaining ring is embedded in the retaining ring groove, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the inner retaining ring, which is used to limit the inner retaining ring axially backward through the outer retaining ring.

[0009] As a further optimization, both the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring are provided with notches, so that both the inner retaining ring and the outer retaining ring can be disassembled.

[0010] As a further optimization, the socket includes a radially outwardly expanding baffle portion that is integrally connected with the cylindrical portion; the baffle portion is provided with an annular rubber ring groove, and the rubber ring is embedded in the rubber ring groove.

[0011] As a further optimization, the inner wall of the cylindrical part is provided with a plurality of elongated guide grooves; the outer wall of the cylindrical part is provided with elongated guide strips corresponding to the guide grooves, which are used to guide the terminal to be inserted into the terminal hole when the cylindrical body moves axially into the cylindrical part.

[0012] As a further optimization, the outer wall of the outer jacket is provided with multiple protruding elongated strip patterns.

[0013] The advantages of this invention are as follows: First, the positioning sensing is achieved through idle rotation, which is more noticeable and easier to detect than changes in torque magnitude, avoiding sensitivity issues caused by individual differences. Second, idle rotation of the outer casing prevents over-tightening and damage to the connector components. Third, the resistance to overcome during tightening is low, allowing for fast tightening and high efficiency. Fourth, manual compression of the O-ring during unlocking provides a self-locking function, automatically preventing loosening and ensuring reliable connector connection. Fifth, it can be used in humid environments without the risk of spring jamming, improving reliability. Sixth, the O-ring is replaceable; it is exposed and not inside the housing, allowing for easy replacement. In summary, this invention meets the needs of blind tightening positioning sensing, features an idle rotation function, has high positioning sensing sensitivity, prevents over-tightening, and provides a self-locking anti-loosening effect, making it highly efficient, reliable, and adaptable. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separate structure of the plug and socket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the axial explosion structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the rubber ring before compression, with the gap at the front, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the rubber ring in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the gap at the rear after compression.

[0018] The correspondence between the technical features in the figure and the reference numerals is as follows: Plug 1; Cylindrical body 11; Wiring hole 12; Protruding ring 13; Outer retaining ring 14; Guide strip 15; Socket 2; Cylindrical part 21; External thread 22; Wiring head 23; Rubber ring 24; Baffle part 25; Guide groove 26; Outer sleeve 3; Gap 31; Covering part 32; Friction block 33; Inner retaining ring 34; Inner sleeve 4; Internal thread 41; Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 preferred embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Example; please refer to Figure 1-4 .

[0021] This embodiment provides a connector with positioning sensing, including a plug 1 and a socket 2 for mating; the socket 2 includes a cylindrical portion 21 with external threads 22, and a connector head 23 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 21; the plug 1 includes a cylindrical body 11 that can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 21, and the front end face of the cylindrical body 11 is provided with a connector hole 12 corresponding to the connector head 23; the plug 1 further includes an outer sleeve 3 and an inner sleeve 4, both of which can be rotated independently; the inner sleeve 4 is fitted onto the outside of the cylindrical body 11 and is provided with a... An internal thread 41 is threaded into the cylindrical part 21; the inner wall of the outer sleeve 3 is provided with an annular groove; the inner sleeve 4 is embedded in the groove, and its length is less than the axial length of the groove, so that the groove can reserve a gap 31 for the axial movement of the inner sleeve 4; the socket 2 is provided with an annular elastically deformable rubber ring 24 fitted at the root of the cylindrical part 21; the radial position of the rubber ring 24 corresponds to the front end of the outer sleeve 3, so that when the plug 1 is screwed into place, the front end of the outer sleeve 3 supports the rubber ring 24.

[0022] The working principle includes that the inner sleeve 4 with internal thread 41 is placed inside the outer sleeve 3, and after assembly, it has a small gap 31. Locking and unlocking are achieved by the gap 31 at the front or rear end of the outer sleeve 3.

[0023] To better illustrate the working principle, the direction from plug 1 to socket 2 is considered the front. The implementation process includes locking and unlocking.

[0024] During the tightening process, when plug 1 and socket 2 are first inserted, the threads on socket 2 push the inner sleeve 4 on plug 1 forward. As the connection deepens, the tightening force and friction of the inner wall at the rear end of the groove drive the threads of inner sleeve 4 forward. When fully engaged, the front end of plug 1 presses against the rubber ring 24, and the elastic force of the rubber ring 24 pushes the outer sleeve 3 backward, moving gap 31 from the front to the rear. At this point, the friction between inner sleeve 4 and outer sleeve 3 disappears, and outer sleeve 3 spins freely. This means that blind tightening feels like outer sleeve 3 is spinning freely, while the connection is felt when it is fully engaged. In other words, before the rubber ring 24 is compressed, gap 31 is in the front position when the plug is engaged; after the rubber ring 24 is compressed, gap 31 is in the rear position when the plug is fully engaged and spinning freely.

[0025] During the unlocking process, push the outer sleeve 3 by hand. When the force of the hand is greater than the compression force of the rubber ring 24, the gap 31 changes from the rear end to the front end. Twist the outer sleeve 3 in the opposite direction, and friction force appears. The threads move in the opposite direction, and the plug 1 and socket 2 are unlocked.

[0026] It is evident that the driving force for the rotation of the inner sleeve 4 mainly comes from the frictional force transmitted between the inner sleeve 4 and the inner wall of the groove's rear end. To increase this frictional force, the front end of the inner wall of the outer sleeve 3 is provided with an annular blocking portion 32, and the rear end of its inner wall is provided with an annular friction block 33, which forms the groove between the friction block 33 and the blocking portion 32. The friction block 33 has the function of increasing frictional force, ensuring that the inner sleeve 4 rotates smoothly under the pressed state. Preferably, the friction block 33 is annular, and its material is a ceramic fiber composite material with a friction-increasing effect.

[0027] To prevent the friction block 33 from detaching from the outer sleeve 3, the inner retaining ring 34 is fitted into a pre-set retaining ring groove on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 3, and its front end abuts against the friction block 33; the friction block 33 is clamped between the inner retaining ring 34 and the inner sleeve 4. In this case, the friction block 33 can be movable and detachable. However, the outer sleeve 3 lacks axial restraint and is easily separated from the inner sleeve 4. Although this does not affect its use, it is inconvenient to carry.

[0028] For ease of carrying, the inner sleeve 4 is made as a single unit and is not easily separated. The inner wall of the friction block 33 abuts against the pre-set convex ring 13 on the cylindrical body 11. The inner diameter of the inner retaining ring 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of the convex ring 13, and is used to limit the inner retaining ring 34 axially forward through the convex ring 13. The cylindrical body 11 is provided with an annular retaining ring groove, and the outer retaining ring 14 is embedded in the retaining ring groove. Its radial diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the inner retaining ring 34, and is used to limit the inner retaining ring 34 axially backward through the outer retaining ring 14.

[0029] To facilitate maintenance and replacement, both the inner retaining ring 34 and the outer retaining ring 14 are provided with notches, allowing both to be disassembled. These notches enable elastic deformation, facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0030] To ensure the rubber ring 24 is securely installed, the socket 2 includes a radially outwardly expanding baffle portion 25 that is integrally connected with the cylindrical portion 21; the baffle portion 25 is provided with an annular rubber ring groove, and the rubber ring 24 is embedded in the rubber ring groove.

[0031] In order to guide the cylindrical body 11 to be accurately inserted into the cylindrical part 21 so that the terminal 23 corresponds to the terminal hole 12, the inner wall of the cylindrical part 21 is provided with a plurality of elongated guide grooves 26; the outer wall of the cylindrical body 11 is provided with elongated guide strips 15 corresponding to the guide grooves 26, which are used to guide the terminal 23 to be inserted into the terminal hole 12 when the cylindrical body 11 is axially translated into the cylindrical part 21.

[0032] To facilitate the rotation of the outer jacket 3 and prevent slippage, the outer wall of the outer jacket 3 is provided with multiple protruding elongated patterns.

[0033] The advantages of this embodiment are as follows: First, the positioning sensing is achieved through idling, which is more noticeable and easier to detect than changes in torque magnitude, avoiding sensitivity issues caused by individual differences. Second, after the outer sleeve 3 idles, over-tightening is avoided, preventing damage to the connector components. Third, the resistance to overcome during tightening is low, allowing for fast tightening and high efficiency. Fourth, unlocking requires manual compression of the rubber ring 24, giving the device a self-locking function that automatically prevents loosening and ensures reliable connector connection. Fifth, it can be used in humid environments without the risk of spring jamming, improving reliability. Sixth, the rubber ring 24 is replaceable; the O-ring is exposed and not inside the housing, allowing for easy replacement at any time.

[0034] In summary, this embodiment can meet the needs of blind screwing positioning sensing, has a positioning free spin function, high positioning sensing sensitivity, can avoid over-tightening, and also has a self-locking anti-loosening effect. It is efficient, reliable and adaptable.

[0035] The parts of this invention not described in detail are prior art; for those skilled in the art, the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector with position sensing, comprising a plug (1) and a socket (2) adapted for insertion; the socket (2) includes a cylindrical portion (21) having external threads (22), and a terminal (23) is provided inside the cylindrical portion (21); the plug (1) includes a cylindrical body (11) insertable into the cylindrical portion (21), the front end face of the cylindrical body (11) having a terminal hole (12) corresponding to the terminal (23); characterized in that: The plug (1) also includes an outer sleeve (3) and an inner sleeve (4) that can be rotated independently; the inner sleeve (4) is fitted on the outside of the cylindrical body (11) and is provided with an internal thread (41) for threaded engagement with the cylindrical part (21); the inner wall of the outer sleeve (3) is provided with an annular groove; the inner sleeve (4) is fitted into the groove and its length is less than the axial length of the groove, so that the groove can reserve a gap (31) for the axial movement of the inner sleeve (4). The socket (2) is provided with an elastically deformable rubber ring (24); the radial position of the rubber ring (24) corresponds to the front end of the outer sleeve (3), and is used to support the rubber ring (24) when the plug (1) is screwed into place.

2. A connector with position sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing (3) has an annular shielding part (32) at the front end of its inner wall and an annular friction block (33) at the rear end of its inner wall, which is used to form the groove between the friction block (33) and the shielding part (32).

3. A connector with position sensing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner retaining ring (34) is fitted into the retaining ring groove on the inner wall of the outer sleeve (3), and its front end abuts against the friction block (33); the friction block (33) is between the inner retaining ring (34) and the inner sleeve (4).

4. A connector with position sensing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the friction block (33) abuts against the pre-set convex ring (13) on the cylindrical body (11); the inner diameter of the inner retaining ring (34) is smaller than the outer diameter of the convex ring (13), and is used to limit the inner retaining ring (34) axially forward through the convex ring (13). The cylindrical body (11) is provided with an annular retaining ring groove, and the outer retaining ring (14) is embedded in the retaining ring groove. Its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the inner retaining ring (34), and it is used to limit the inner retaining ring (34) axially backward by means of the outer retaining ring (14).

5. A connector with position sensing according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both the inner retaining ring (34) and the outer retaining ring (14) are provided with notches, so that both the inner retaining ring (34) and the outer retaining ring (14) can be disassembled.

6. A connector with position sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket (2) includes a radially outwardly expanding baffle portion (25) that is integrally connected with the cylindrical portion (21); the baffle portion (25) is provided with an annular rubber ring groove, and the rubber ring (24) is embedded in the rubber ring groove.

7. A connector with position sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the cylindrical part (21) is provided with a plurality of elongated guide grooves (26); the outer wall of the cylindrical body (11) is provided with elongated guide strips (15) corresponding to the guide grooves (26), which are used to guide the terminal (23) to be inserted into the terminal hole (12) when the cylindrical body (11) moves axially into the cylindrical part (21).

8. A connector with position sensing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the outer jacket (3) is provided with multiple protruding elongated patterns.

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