Locking rod, plug and connector assembly adapted to energy storage boost structure

Abstract

This invention proposes a locking rod, plug, and connector assembly adapted to an energy storage booster structure. The locking rod includes: an adapter rod; a locking rod movably connected to the adapter rod, which can move axially relative to the adapter rod; and a buffer structure disposed between the adapter rod and the locking rod. This buffer structure is used to dissipate impact energy when the locking rod is subjected to axial impact, by the relative movement of the locking rod and the adapter rod compressing the buffer structure. By designing the locking rod as a separate structure of the adapter rod and the locking rod, and placing a buffer structure between them, this invention allows the locking rod to move axially relative to the adapter rod and compress the buffer structure when subjected to axial impact. This converts the impact kinetic energy into the deformation energy of the buffer structure, effectively reducing the impact stress on the locking rod and preventing breakage after multiple impacts. This significantly improves the impact resistance and service life of the locking rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a locking rod, plug, and connector assembly adapted to an energy storage booster structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of connector technology, steel ball locking structures are widely used to achieve quick locking and unlocking between connector plugs and sockets due to their compact structure and reliable locking.

[0003] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a typical existing center ball locking structure. This structure typically includes the original sleeve 120, the original locking sleeve 140, the original locking rod 110, and the original steel ball 130. During locking, the original locking rod 110 radially limits the original steel ball 130 via its shoulder or annular groove, causing part of it to engage in the locking groove of the original locking sleeve 140, while the other part remains in the steel ball hole of the original sleeve 120, thus axially locking the sleeve and the locking sleeve. During unlocking, the original locking rod is pulled axially. When the groove or reduced-diameter section on the original locking rod moves to the original steel ball position, the radial constraint on the steel ball is released, and the steel ball disengages from the locking groove of the locking sleeve, achieving separation of the sleeve and the locking sleeve.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned traditional steel ball locking structure has the following problems in practical applications: (1) Excessive unlocking force or inability to unlock under overload conditions: When the connector is in an overload environment such as vibration, impact or drastic temperature change, a large reverse axial force will be generated between the plug and the socket. This force squeezes the steel ball through the inclined surface of the locking groove of the locking sleeve, causing the steel ball to generate a huge positive pressure on the locking rod. At this time, in order to pull the locking rod to unlock, the huge static friction force generated by this huge positive pressure must be overcome. This causes the required unlocking pull force to increase many times. Once the pull force provided by the operator or the drive mechanism is insufficient to overcome this friction force, the locking rod will be stuck, resulting in the serious consequence that the connector cannot be unlocked and separated normally. (2) Limited single-sided unlocking method: The unlocking operation of this structure depends entirely on applying a pull force from the side where the locking rod is located. In some application scenarios where the internal space of the equipment is small and the installation orientation is limited, the end of the locking rod may be blocked or the operating mechanism cannot be set up, thus making it impossible to carry out the unlocking operation from that side, which greatly limits the installation and use flexibility of the connector.

[0005] In the aforementioned situations, the operator may be unable to complete the unlocking and separation operation. To address the issue of excessive unlocking force under overload conditions, a dynamic impact method can be used, applying a momentary impact force to drive the locking rod to complete the unlocking. However, in this dynamic impact unlocking method, the locking rod needs to withstand repeated impact loads. With increased use, the locking rod may break due to repeated impacts, rendering the structure unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a locking rod and connector assembly adapted to an energy storage booster structure, as well as an unlocking method, to solve the problem that in the prior art, when the connector locking connection structure is unlocked by applying an instantaneous impact force, the locking rod may break due to multiple impacts.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] A locking rod adapted to an energy storage booster structure includes: an adapter rod; a locking rod movably connected to the adapter rod, the locking rod being axially movable relative to the adapter rod; and a buffer structure disposed between the adapter rod and the locking rod, used to dissipate impact energy by compressing the buffer structure through the relative movement of the locking rod and the adapter rod when the locking rod is subjected to axial impact. This invention designs the locking rod as a separate structure of the adapter rod and the locking rod, with a buffer structure between them. When the locking rod is subjected to axial impact, the locking rod moves axially relative to the adapter rod and compresses the buffer structure, converting the impact kinetic energy into the deformation energy of the buffer structure for dissipation. This effectively reduces the impact stress on the locking rod, avoids the problem of the locking rod breaking after multiple impacts, and significantly improves the impact resistance and service life of the locking rod.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to achieve the movable connection between the locking rod and the adapter rod through the cooperation of the waist-shaped hole and the rivet, and to limit the axial movement range, the tail of the locking rod is provided with an axial blind hole for the front end of the adapter rod to be inserted; the adapter rod is provided with a radially penetrating waist-shaped hole, and the side wall of the blind hole is provided with a radially penetrating fixing hole; the adapter rod and the locking rod are connected by fasteners passing through the waist-shaped hole and the fixing hole; the waist-shaped hole is arranged to extend axially in the length direction, so that the locking rod can move axially relative to the adapter rod.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to reliably connect the adapter rod and the locking rod through the fixed end and the expansion joint of the fastener and to prevent the fastener from loosening, the fastener is a rivet. One end of the rivet is provided with a rivet head, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the oblong hole and the fixed hole. The rivet head is used to abut and fix one side of the locking rod. The other end of the rivet is used to form an expansion joint after riveting deformation to cooperate and limit the other side of the locking rod.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to assemble and position the buffer structure by fitting a buffer pad onto the step, the buffer structure is a buffer pad, the adapter rod is provided with a step, and the buffer pad is fitted onto the step; the end of the locking rod abuts against the buffer pad.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to use the locking rod in conjunction with the energy storage boost unlocking structure, the locking rod is used in the energy storage boost unlocking structure, which includes a housing, a locking sleeve fixed to one end of the housing, an energy storage top rod slidably inserted in the locking sleeve, a sleeve fixed to the other end of the housing and partially inserted into the energy storage top rod, an energy storage locking rod slidably inserted in the sleeve, a locking steel ball axially limited in the steel ball hole of the sleeve and capable of radial movement, and an energy storage spring sleeved on the outside of the energy storage top rod; an annular groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the energy storage top rod; the energy storage locking rod is used to radially limit the locking steel ball by axial movement in the energy storage locked state; one end of the energy storage locking rod away from the energy storage top rod is inserted into the other end of the housing; one end of the energy storage spring abuts against the end of the energy storage top rod, and the other end abuts against the fixed support surface for storing elastic potential energy; when unlocking, the energy storage top rod axially impacts the locking rod under the drive of the energy storage spring.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to provide axial force to the energy storage locking rod through the tail spring to maintain the radial limit of the locking steel ball and ensure the stability of the locking state, a tail spring is provided between the energy storage locking rod and the outer shell; an outer boss is provided on the outer periphery of the energy storage locking rod; the tail spring is sleeved on the energy storage locking rod; one end of the tail spring abuts against the outer boss and the other end abuts against the support surface at the tail end of the outer shell, for providing axial force to the energy storage locking rod to maintain the radial limit of the locking steel ball.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to guide and constrain the energy storage spring through the pressure cylinder and ensure the coaxiality and smooth movement of the energy storage spring during compression and release, a pressure cylinder coaxially arranged with the locking sleeve is fixed inside the outer shell, and the pressure cylinder is sleeved on the outside of the locking sleeve; the energy storage spring is sleeved on the outside of the pressure cylinder; the tail section of the energy storage push rod extends into the pressure cylinder and slides with the pressure cylinder; and the outer sides of the ends of the energy storage push rod and the pressure cylinder that are far apart are respectively provided with annular bosses, and the two ends of the energy storage spring abut against the two annular bosses respectively; a protective sleeve is provided inside the outer shell, and the protective sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the energy storage spring.

[0015] Furthermore, in order to limit the stroke of the energy storage rod and allow the limiting sleeve to elastically reset, a limiting sleeve is fitted on the outer side of the sleeve, and a circumferential limiting ring groove is provided inside the limiting sleeve. A limiting steel ball hole that radially penetrates the side wall is also provided on the sleeve away from the energy storage rod. The limiting steel ball hole is used to accommodate the limiting steel ball and limit the axial position of the limiting steel ball, and part of the limiting steel ball hole extends into the limiting ring groove. One end of the limiting sleeve can contact the energy storage rod and be pushed by the energy storage rod. A limiting spring is provided between the other end of the limiting sleeve and the end of the sleeve, which is used to allow the limiting sleeve to move axially with the energy storage rod and elastically reset.

[0016] The plug includes the locking lever described in any of the preceding claims.

[0017] A connector assembly, including a plug and a socket, characterized in that the plug includes a locking rod as described in any one of the preceding claims; the socket includes an energy storage booster unlocking structure as described in any one of the preceding claims; the front end of the locking rod extends into the locking sleeve and is opposite to the energy storage push rod, and the locking rod is engaged in the locking sleeve annular groove of the locking sleeve by a steel ball to lock the plug and the socket; the adapter rod and the buffer structure alleviate the impact force from the energy storage push rod on the locking rod during unlocking.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] 1. This invention designs the locking rod as a separate structure of an adapter rod and a locking rod, with a buffer structure between them. When the locking rod is subjected to axial impact, the locking rod moves axially relative to the adapter rod and squeezes the buffer structure, converting the impact kinetic energy into the deformation energy of the buffer structure and dissipating it. This effectively reduces the impact stress on the locking rod, avoids the problem of the locking rod breaking after multiple impacts, and significantly improves the impact resistance and service life of the locking rod.

[0020] 2. This invention provides an axially extending oblong hole on the adapter rod and a fixing hole on the locking rod. A rivet is used to pass through the oblong hole and the fixing hole to achieve a movable connection between the adapter rod and the locking rod. The axial length of the oblong hole limits the range of movement of the locking rod, which ensures that the locking rod has sufficient buffer stroke when impacted and prevents the locking rod from separating from the adapter rod. The structure is simple and the connection is reliable.

[0021] 3. This invention features a step on the adapter rod, with the annular buffer pad fitted onto the step and the end of the locking rod abutting against the buffer pad. The structure is compact, easy to assemble, and the buffer pad is subjected to uniform force, resulting in a stable and reliable buffering effect.

[0022] 4. This invention provides an initial space for the axial movement of the locking rod by setting a blind hole at the tail of the locking rod to accommodate the front end of the adapter rod. The innermost end of the blind hole and the front end of the adapter rod are left with a gap, which ensures that the buffer structure can play its role in time at the moment of impact. The innermost end of the blind hole is set as a tapered hole, which avoids stress concentration at the right angle corner and further improves the structural strength of the locking rod.

[0023] 5. The present invention uses a large-diameter fixed end of one end of the rivet to abut against one side of the locking rod, and the other end is riveted and deformed to form an expansion joint that fits and limits the other side of the locking rod, so as to reliably connect the adapter rod and the locking rod, prevent the rivet from loosening, and ensure that the locking rod can maintain its structural integrity after multiple impacts.

[0024] 6. This invention uses a split-type buffer locking rod in conjunction with an energy storage booster unlocking structure. When the energy storage top rod impacts the locking rod under the drive of the energy storage spring, the buffer structure inside the locking rod effectively consumes the impact energy, allowing the energy storage booster unlocking structure to fully utilize its overload unlocking advantage while avoiding damage to the locking rod from the impact. The two structures work together to balance unlocking reliability and component lifespan.

[0025] 7. By integrating the buffer locking rod into the connector plug and cooperating with the energy storage boosting unlocking structure in the socket, this invention effectively protects the locking rod at the plug end while retaining the high efficiency of energy storage impact unlocking, so that the connector as a whole can still maintain reliable unlocking performance after multiple uses.

[0026] 8. The energy storage-assisted unlocking structure of the present invention, by setting an energy storage top rod and an energy storage spring, pre-compresses the energy storage spring to store elastic potential energy before or during locking of the locking mechanism. When unlocking, the elastic potential energy is released first to impact the locking rod. Thus, under overload conditions, only a small unlocking pull force is needed to release the energy storage spring first, and then the impact force released by the spring drives the locking rod to complete the unlocking. This effectively solves the problem that the unlocking pull force is too large or even impossible to unlock due to overload in traditional structures.

[0027] 9. This invention designs the energy storage booster structure as a central pull rod type and sets an energy storage locking rod that can be pulled and unlocked at the socket end. When the plug side cannot apply unlocking force due to installation space or structural limitations, it can be operated from the other side, which greatly improves the flexibility and adaptability of connector installation and use.

[0028] 10. This invention converts the elastic potential energy stored in the energy storage spring into the axial impact force of the energy storage rod, driving the locking rod to move in a dynamic impact manner. This transforms the static pull-out unlocking method, which requires continuous overcoming of large static friction in the traditional structure, into a dynamic unlocking method that utilizes instantaneous impact energy to achieve unlocking, significantly reducing the continuous operating force required by the operator.

[0029] 11. This invention provides a protective sleeve on the outside of the energy storage spring and guides the energy storage push rod with the push rod hole in the locking sleeve, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the energy storage spring's movement during compression and release, preventing spring instability or external contamination, and improving the service life and stability of the locking rod adapted to the energy storage booster structure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing connector locking structure.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter rod of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rivet structure of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cushioning pad of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking rod of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 110, original locking rod; 120, original sleeve; 130, original steel ball; 140, original locking sleeve; 11, adapter rod; 111, step; 112, oblong hole; 12, buffer pad; 13, rivet; 131, rivet head; 132, rivet end; 14, locking rod; 141, blind hole; 142, fixing hole; 16, steel ball; 21, outer shell; 22, locking sleeve; 221, push rod hole. 222. Locking ring groove; 23. Nut 1; 24. Energy storage top rod; 241. Ring groove; 25. Energy storage spring; 26. Locking steel ball; 27. Sleeve; 28. Protective sleeve; 29. ​​Energy storage locking rod; 211. Pressure block; 211. Electromagnet; 212. Tail spring; 212. Pressure cylinder; 213. Limit sleeve; 214. Nut 2; 215. Cover plate; 101. Plug; 102. Socket. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] The locking rod adapted to the energy storage booster structure described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is used to solve the problem that existing locking rods break due to repeated impacts when subjected to axial impacts.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking rod includes an adapter rod 11, a locking rod 14, and a buffer structure. The adapter rod 11 is movably connected to the locking rod 14, and the locking rod 14 can move axially within a certain range relative to the adapter rod 11. The buffer structure is disposed between the adapter rod 11 and the locking rod 14, and is used to dissipate the impact energy by compressing the buffer structure through the relative movement of the locking rod 14 and the adapter rod 11 when the locking rod 14 is subjected to axial impact.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking rod 14 has an axial blind hole 141 at its tail, into which the front end of the adapter rod 11 is inserted. A certain gap is left between the innermost end of the blind hole 141 and the front end of the adapter rod 11, providing initial space for the axial movement of the locking rod 14 relative to the adapter rod 11. The innermost end of the blind hole 141 is a tapered hole, which facilitates positioning and chip removal during machining, while avoiding stress concentration at right-angle corners. Figure 3 As shown, the adapter rod 11 has two spaced-apart, radially penetrating, waist-shaped holes 112 along the axial direction. Figure 6 As shown, two spaced-apart and radially penetrating fixing holes 142 are provided on the side wall of the blind hole 141. The adapter rod 11 is connected to the locking rod 14 by a fastener passing through the oblong hole 112 and the fixing holes 142. In this embodiment, the fastener is a rivet 13; the oblong hole 112 is axially oriented, and its axial length is greater than the diameter of the rivet 13, allowing the locking rod 14 to move axially relative to the adapter rod 11 within the length range of the oblong hole 112.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the buffer structure is a buffer pad 12, which is a ring structure and is fitted onto the adapter rod 11. After the front end of the adapter rod 11 is inserted into the blind hole, the end of the locking rod 14 abuts against the buffer pad 12. Specifically, the adapter rod 11 has a step 111, and the buffer pad 12 is fitted onto the step 111, with axial positioning achieved through the end of the locking rod 14 and the step 111.

[0043] The working process of the locking lever is as follows:

[0044] When the locking rod 14 is subjected to axial impact, the impact force pushes the locking rod 14 backward relative to the adapter rod 11. The locking rod 14 drives the rivet 13 to slide within the oblong hole 112 through the fixing hole 142. The axial length of the oblong hole 112 limits the range of movement of the locking rod 14. During the movement, the end of the locking rod 14 presses against the buffer pad 12, causing the buffer pad 12 to undergo elastic or plastic deformation, converting the kinetic energy generated by the impact into deformation energy and thus reducing the impact stress on the locking rod 14, preventing the locking rod 14 from breaking due to repeated impacts. After the impact ends, the buffer pad 12 rebounds, pushing the locking rod 14 back to its original position.

[0045] Example 2: Based on Example 1, this example further defines the specific structure of the rivet 13.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, one end of the rivet 13 is provided with a rivet head 131, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the oblong hole 112 and the fixing hole 142. The rivet head 131 is used to abut and fix one side of the locking rod 14, and the other end of the rivet 13 is a riveting end 132. After passing through the locking rod 14 and the adapter rod 11, the riveting end 132 is deformed by riveting to form an expansion joint, which fits and limits the other side of the locking rod 14. During installation, the rivet 13 is passed through the oblong hole 112 and the fixing hole 142, the fixing end is locked on one side of the locking rod 14, and the other end is deformed by a riveting tool to form an expansion joint, which fits tightly against the other side of the locking rod 14, thereby reliably connecting the adapter rod 11 and the locking rod 14 together, ensuring that the two will not separate while allowing relative sliding in the axial direction.

[0047] Example 3, based on Example 1 or 2, further defines the cooperation relationship between the locking rod and the energy storage booster unlocking structure.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the locking rod 14 is used in the energy storage booster unlocking structure. The energy storage booster unlocking structure includes a housing 21, a locking sleeve 22, an energy storage push rod 24, an energy storage locking rod 29, a locking steel ball 26, a sleeve 27, and an energy storage spring 25. The locking sleeve 22 is fixed to one end of the housing 21 by a nut 23, and the energy storage push rod 24 slides through the locking sleeve 22. The locking sleeve 22 has a push rod hole 221 for the energy storage push rod 24 to slide through. The sleeve 27 is fixed to the other end of the housing 21 by screws, and the end of the sleeve 27 near the energy storage push rod 24 extends into the energy storage push rod 24; the energy storage locking rod 29 slides through the sleeve 27. The sleeve 27 is located between the energy storage locking rod 29 and the energy storage push rod 24, and the sleeve 27 has a radially penetrating steel ball hole, in which the locking steel ball 26 is axially limited and can move radially. The energy storage top rod 24 is provided with an annular groove 241 near the energy storage locking rod 29, which can be aligned with the steel ball hole. The locking steel ball 26 can be radially limited by being squeezed into the annular groove 241 by the axially moving energy storage locking rod 29 when the energy storage is locked.

[0049] In this embodiment, the end of the outer shell 21, that is, the end away from the energy storage top rod 24, is fixedly connected to a cover plate 215 by screws; and the energy storage locking rod 29 is a split structure, with the two parts of the energy storage locking rod 29 being detachably connected by a second nut 214. A part of the energy storage locking rod 29 near the energy storage top rod 24 is slidably disposed in the sleeve 27, and the other part is slidably disposed on the cover plate 215. The cover plate 215 is provided with a hole for the energy storage locking rod 29 to pass through. The energy storage locking rod 29 slides axially with the hole, so that the energy storage locking rod 29 can only slide axially, ensuring that the energy storage locking rod 29 will not wobble radially and can only move axially.

[0050] The energy storage locking rod 29 includes a large-diameter body, the front end of which is connected to a flat, straight section via a tapered section, forming a smaller-diameter section. In the unlocked state, the inner portion of the locking steel ball 26 is accommodated in the gap between the smaller-diameter section and the steel ball hole on the sleeve 27. In the locked state, the relative movement of the energy storage locking rod 29 and the energy storage push rod 24 causes the tapered section to push the locking steel ball 26 outward into the annular groove of the energy storage push rod 24. Continued relative movement of the energy storage locking rod 29 causes the outer periphery of the large-diameter body of the energy storage locking rod 29 to enclose the locking steel ball 26 within the annular groove 241, achieving axial locking between the energy storage push rod 24 and the energy storage locking rod 29. The smaller-diameter section provides radial inward space for the locking steel ball 26 during unlocking, allowing the locking steel ball 26 to disengage from the annular groove 241 and releasing the lock on the energy storage push rod 24.

[0051] The energy storage spring 25 is sleeved on the outside of the energy storage top rod 24, with one end abutting against the end of the energy storage top rod 24 and the other end abutting against the fixed support surface, and is used to store elastic potential energy in the locked state.

[0052] Furthermore, the front end of the locking rod 14 extends into the locking sleeve 22, opposite the energy storage push rod 24. When unlocking is required, the energy storage spring 25 releases its elastic potential energy, driving the energy storage push rod 24 to move rapidly axially and impact the front end of the locking rod 14. After being impacted, the locking rod 14 dissipates the impact energy through the rear buffer structure and the adapter rod, preventing it from breaking due to repeated impacts.

[0053] Example 4: Based on Example 3, this example further adds a tail spring 211 to provide axial restoring force for the energy storage locking rod 29.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, a tail spring 211 is provided between the energy storage locking rod 29 and the outer casing 21. The tail spring 211 is sleeved on the energy storage locking rod 29. Specifically, the cover plate 215 has an annular receiving groove for accommodating the tail spring 210. The diameter of the annular receiving groove is larger than the diameter of the hole on the cover plate 215 through which the pull rod 211 passes, so that the end of the annular receiving groove forms an annular platform with the hole. An outer boss is provided on the outer periphery of the energy storage locking rod 29, and the two ends of the tail spring 211 abut against the annular platform and the outer boss, respectively. In the locked state, the tail spring 211 applies an axial force to the energy storage locking rod 29, so that it maintains radial limitation on the locking steel ball 26, ensuring the stability of the locked state.

[0055] Specifically, when the locking steel ball 26 is not in the annular groove of the energy storage rod 24, the inner part of the locking steel ball 26 falls into the smaller diameter section of the front end of the energy storage locking rod 29 and is stuck by the steel ball hole, which also limits the energy storage locking rod 29. At this time, the tail spring 210 is compressed. When the energy storage rod 24 is pushed by an external force to store energy, when the annular groove of the energy storage rod 24 is aligned with the locking steel ball 26, the locking steel ball 26 loosens and can enter the annular groove. At this time, the energy storage locking rod 29 is pushed towards the energy storage rod 24 under the reset action of the tail spring 210, which not only squeezes the locking steel ball 26 into the annular groove, but also aligns the large diameter section of the energy storage locking rod 29 with the locking steel ball 26, making it impossible for the locking steel ball 26 to come out of the annular groove of the energy storage rod 24.

[0056] Example 5: Based on Example 3, this example further optimizes the mounting structure of the energy storage spring 25.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, a pressure cylinder 212, coaxially arranged with the locking sleeve 22, is fixed inside the outer casing 21, and the pressure cylinder 212 is sleeved on the outside of the locking sleeve 22. An energy storage spring 25 is sleeved on the outside of the pressure cylinder 212. The tail section of the energy storage push rod 24 extends into the pressure cylinder 212 and slides within it. Annular bosses are provided on the outer sides of the distant ends of the energy storage push rod 24 and the pressure cylinder 212, and the two ends of the energy storage spring 25 abut against the two annular bosses respectively. The fixed support surface is formed on the annular bosses on the outside of the pressure cylinder 212. By providing the pressure cylinder 212, the energy storage spring 25 is guided and constrained by the pressure cylinder 212 and the tail section of the energy storage push rod 24 during compression and release, maintaining axial stability, preventing lateral bending or instability of the spring, and improving the smoothness of movement and service life. Simultaneously, a protective sleeve 28 can also be provided inside the outer casing 21, sleeved on the outside of the energy storage spring 25, to further protect the spring from external contamination or accidental contact.

[0058] Example 6: Based on Example 3, this example further adds a limiting sleeve 213 to restrict abnormal movement of the energy storage top rod 24.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, a limiting sleeve 213 is fitted on the outer side of the sleeve 27, and a circumferential limiting annular groove is provided inside the limiting sleeve 213. A limiting steel ball hole, radially penetrating the sidewall, is also provided on the sleeve 27 at a position away from the energy storage push rod 24. The limiting steel ball hole accommodates a limiting steel ball, and the outer part of the limiting steel ball extends into the limiting annular groove. One end of the limiting sleeve 213 can contact the energy storage push rod 24 and be pushed by the energy storage push rod 24. A limiting spring is provided between the other end of the limiting sleeve 213 and the end of the sleeve 27. The length of the limiting annular groove is greater than the diameter of the steel ball, and the length of the limiting annular groove matches the displacement of the limiting sleeve 213. When the energy storage rod 24 is pushed to the right, its end face will push the limiting sleeve 213 to move to the right as well. After the limiting sleeve 213 moves a certain distance to the right, the left wall of the limiting ring groove will lock the limiting steel ball, preventing the limiting sleeve 213 and the energy storage rod 24 from moving further, thus playing a limiting protection role. The limiting spring is used to allow the limiting sleeve 213 to move axially with the energy storage rod 24 and elastically reset.

[0060] Example 7: This example provides a plug, including a plug housing and a plug locking structure disposed within the plug housing. The plug locking structure includes the locking rod 14 described in Example 1 or 2.

[0061] Example 8: This example provides a connector assembly, including a plug 101 and a socket 102.

[0062] like Figure 2As shown, the plug 101 includes a locking rod 14 as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 2. The socket 102 includes an energy storage booster unlocking structure as described in any one of embodiments 3 to 6. The front end of the locking rod 14 extends into the locking sleeve 22 and is opposite to the energy storage push rod 24. The locking rod 14 is locked by being engaged in the locking sleeve 22 by a steel ball 16. Specifically, the locking sleeve 22 has a locking sleeve annular groove 222 at one end near the plug 101, and a plug sleeve is fitted on the outside of the locking rod 14. The plug sleeve has a steel ball hole to axially limit the steel ball 16. By axially moving the locking rod 14, the steel ball 16 can be squeezed into or out of the locking sleeve annular groove 222 of the locking sleeve 22, thereby locking and unlocking the plug 101 and the socket 102.

[0063] When locking, the energy storage booster unlocking structure inside the socket 102 is first locked and energy stored, keeping the energy storage spring 25 compressed and the energy storage push rod 24 axially locked by the locking steel ball 26. Then, the plug 101 is connected to the socket 102, and the locking rod 14 moves axially, forcing the steel ball 16 outward into the annular groove of the locking sleeve 22, thus achieving a reliable lock between the plug 101 and the socket 102.

[0064] When unlocking is required, the energy-storing locking rod 29 is pulled, causing the locking steel ball 26 to disengage from the annular groove of the energy-storing push rod 24. The energy-storing spring 25 releases its elastic potential energy, driving the energy-storing push rod 24 to axially impact the front end of the adapter rod 11 of the locking rod 14. During unlocking, the adapter rod 11 and the buffer pad 12 alleviate the impact force from the energy-storing push rod 24 on the locking rod 14. Under the impact, the locking rod 14 moves axially, thereby releasing the restriction on the steel ball 16. The steel ball 16 disengages from the annular groove, and the plug 101 separates from the socket 102. Because the locking rod 14 has a buffer structure, the impact energy is effectively dissipated, preventing the locking rod 14 from breaking due to repeated impacts.

[0065] Example 9: This example provides a connector unlocking method, employing the locking rod and energy storage booster unlocking structure described in any of the above examples, including the following steps:

[0066] Locking and energy storage steps: The energy storage booster unlocking structure inside the socket 102 completes the locking and energy storage process, causing the energy storage spring 25 to be in a compressed energy storage state. The energy storage locking rod 29 pushes the locking steel ball 26 outward into the annular groove 241 of the energy storage push rod 24, thus locking the energy storage push rod 24. Afterward, the plug 101 is connected to the socket 102, and the locking rod 14 is pushed to allow the steel ball 16 to enter the locking annular groove 222 of the lock sleeve, thus locking the plug 101 and the socket 102.

[0067] Unlocking and Release Procedure: When unlocking is required, the energy-storing booster unlocking structure is triggered, i.e., the energy-storing locking rod 29 moves axially away from the plug, causing the locking steel ball 26 to disengage from the annular groove 241, releasing the restriction on the energy-storing push rod 24. The energy-storing spring 25 releases its elastic potential energy, driving the energy-storing push rod 24 to quickly eject axially and impact the locking rod 14 inside the plug 101. After being impacted, the locking rod 14 moves axially relative to the adapter rod 11, the rivet 13 slides within the oblong hole 112, and the end of the locking rod 14 presses against the buffer pad 12, which absorbs the impact energy. Simultaneously, the locking rod 14 moves axially under the impact force, releasing the restriction on the steel ball 16, causing the steel ball 16 to disengage from the annular groove of the locking sleeve 22, thus unlocking and separating the plug 101 from the socket 102. After the impact, the buffer pad 12 rebounds, pushing the locking rod 14 back to its original position.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is 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 should understand that any modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions of some or all of the technical features thereof, within the spirit and principles of the present invention, do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking rod adapted to an energy storage booster structure, characterized in that, include: Adapter rod (11); The locking rod (14) is movably connected to the adapter rod (11), and the locking rod (14) can move axially relative to the adapter rod (11); A buffer structure is provided between the adapter rod (11) and the locking rod (14) to consume impact energy by squeezing the buffer structure through the relative movement of the locking rod (14) and the adapter rod (11) when the locking rod (14) is subjected to axial impact.

2. The locking rod for the adapted energy storage booster structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking rod (14) has an axial blind hole (141) at its tail for the front end of the adapter rod (11) to be inserted; the adapter rod (11) has a radially penetrating waist-shaped hole (112), and the side wall of the blind hole (141) has a radially penetrating fixing hole (142); the adapter rod (11) and the locking rod (14) are connected by fasteners passing through the waist-shaped hole (112) and the fixing hole (142); the waist-shaped hole (112) is axially extended along its length direction, so that the locking rod (14) can move axially relative to the adapter rod (11).

3. The locking rod for the adapted energy storage booster structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastener is a rivet (13), one end of which is provided with a rivet head (131). The diameter of the rivet head (131) is larger than the diameter of the waist-shaped hole (112) and the fixing hole (142). The rivet head (131) is used to abut and fix one side of the locking rod (14). The other end of the rivet (13) is used to form an expansion joint after riveting deformation and to cooperate with and limit the other side of the locking rod (14).

4. The locking rod of the adaptive energy storage booster structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The buffer structure is a buffer pad (12), and the adapter rod (11) is provided with a step (111). The buffer pad (12) is fitted on the step (111); the end of the locking rod (14) abuts against the buffer pad (12).

5. The locking rod of the adaptive energy storage booster structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The locking rod (14) is used in the energy storage booster unlocking structure, which includes a housing (21), a locking sleeve (22) fixed to one end of the housing (21), an energy storage top rod (24) slidably inserted in the locking sleeve (22), a sleeve (27) fixed to the other end of the housing (21) and partially inserted into the energy storage top rod (24), an energy storage locking rod (29) slidably inserted in the sleeve (27), a locking steel ball (26) axially limited in the steel ball hole of the sleeve (27) and capable of radial movement, and an energy storage spring (25) sleeved on the outside of the energy storage top rod (24); the energy storage top rod (29) 4) An annular groove (241) is provided on the inner circumferential surface; the energy storage locking rod (29) is used to push the locking steel ball (26) outward into the annular groove (241) by axial movement in the energy storage locked state to achieve radial limiting; one end of the energy storage locking rod (29) away from the energy storage top rod (24) passes through the other end of the outer shell (21); one end of the energy storage spring (25) abuts against the end of the energy storage top rod (24) and the other end abuts against the fixed support surface to store elastic potential energy. When unlocking, the energy storage top rod (24) axially impacts the locking rod (14) under the drive of the energy storage spring (25).

6. The locking rod for the adapted energy storage booster structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A tail spring (211) is provided between the energy storage locking rod (29) and the outer shell (21); an outer boss is provided on the outer periphery of the energy storage locking rod (29); the tail spring (211) is sleeved on the energy storage locking rod (29); one end of the tail spring (211) abuts against the outer boss and the other end abuts against the support surface at the tail end of the outer shell (21), which is used to provide axial force to the energy storage locking rod (29) to maintain the radial limit of the locking steel ball (26).

7. The locking rod for the adapted energy storage booster structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure cylinder (212) is fixed inside the outer shell (21) and is coaxially arranged with the locking sleeve (22). The pressure cylinder (212) is sleeved on the outside of the locking sleeve (22). The energy storage spring (25) is sleeved on the outside of the pressure cylinder (212). The tail section of the energy storage push rod (24) extends into the pressure cylinder (212) and slides with the pressure cylinder (212). The outer sides of the ends of the energy storage push rod (24) and the pressure cylinder (212) that are far apart are respectively provided with annular bosses. The two ends of the energy storage spring (25) abut against the two annular bosses respectively. A protective sleeve (28) is provided inside the outer shell (21). The protective sleeve (28) is sleeved on the outside of the energy storage spring (25).

8. The locking rod for the adapted energy storage booster structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A limiting sleeve (213) is fitted on the outside of the sleeve (27). The limiting sleeve (213) has a circumferential limiting ring groove. A limiting steel ball hole that radially penetrates the side wall is also provided on the sleeve (27) away from the energy storage rod (24). The limiting steel ball hole is used to accommodate the limiting steel ball and limit the axial position of the limiting steel ball. The limiting steel ball hole extends into the limiting ring groove. One end of the limiting sleeve (213) can contact the energy storage rod (24) and be pushed by the energy storage rod (24). A limiting spring is provided between the other end of the limiting sleeve (213) and the end of the sleeve (27) to allow the limiting sleeve (213) to move axially with the energy storage rod and elastically reset.

9. A plug, characterized in that, Includes the locking lever (14) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. A connector assembly, comprising a plug (101) and a socket (102), characterized in that, The plug (101) includes a locking rod (14) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; the socket (102) includes an energy storage boosting unlocking structure as described in any one of claims 5 to 9; the front end of the locking rod (14) extends into the locking sleeve (22) and is opposite to the energy storage top rod (24), and the locking rod (14) is locked into the locking sleeve annular groove (222) of the locking sleeve (22) by a steel ball (16) to achieve the locking of the plug (101) and the socket (102); the adapter rod (11) and the buffer structure alleviate the impact force from the energy storage top rod (24) borne by the locking rod (14) when unlocking.

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