connector

Abstract

The application provides a connector, which relates to the technical field of connectors and comprises a first plug, a first body, a first shell movably sleeved on the first body, and a first elastic member arranged between the first body and the first shell; at least one first locking member is arranged on the first body; a second plug is detachably connected with the first plug and comprises a second body and a second shell rotatably sleeved on the second body; at least one connecting groove is arranged on the inner side of the second shell; after the first plug and the second plug are connected, the first shell abuts against the second shell under the action of the first elastic member, and the first locking member is pressed against the connecting groove. The connector provided by the application can effectively prevent accidental reverse loosening and significantly improve the anti-vibration and anti-loosening performance of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more particularly to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are used to establish connections between interrupted or isolated circuits, enabling interconnection between devices and allowing current and signals to be transmitted normally between them. In high-vibration applications such as industrial, automotive, and aerospace, connectors must have a reliable locking mechanism after mating to prevent accidental loosening due to external pulling or vibration impact, thus ensuring the continuous stability of the electrical connection. In existing technologies, connector locking mechanisms typically employ single-stage snap-fit ​​or threaded locking methods. While single-stage snap-fit ​​structures are convenient to operate, their locking force is limited and they are prone to loosening under strong vibration environments; threaded locking provides a secure connection, but the operation is cumbersome and lacks clear feedback, making it difficult to determine whether it is fully locked. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a connector that can solve or at least alleviate the above problems, effectively prevent accidental reverse loosening, and significantly improve the connector's vibration resistance and anti-loosening performance.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A connector includes: a first plug comprising a first body, a first housing movably fitted onto the first body, and a first elastic member disposed between the first body and the first housing; at least one first locking member is mounted on the first body; a second plug detachably connected to the first plug, comprising a second body and a second housing rotatably fitted onto the second body; at least one connecting groove is provided on the inner side of the second housing; after the first plug and the second plug are connected, under the action of the first elastic member, the first housing abuts against the second housing, pressing the first locking member against the connecting groove.

[0005] In some embodiments, the connecting groove extends downward at an angle from the upper end of the second housing, including a first track, a second track, and a ramp connecting the first track and the second track; a recess is provided at the end of the second track away from the first track, the recess being recessed upward along the axial direction of the second housing, and the first locking member engages in the recess; when the connection between the first plug and the second plug is disconnected, when the first locking member moves to the ramp, the signal disconnect pin used to control the signal disconnection is disconnected, while other signal pins and power pins remain connected.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first plug has at least one flange extending radially outward from the middle of the outer side of the first plug mating portion, and the first cable access portion of the first plug has a plurality of grooves recessed radially on its outer periphery, with a groove between two adjacent flanges; the inner side of the first housing has a first protrusion that can stop on the flange; when the first housing rotates relative to the first body, the first protrusion rotates to the space between two adjacent flanges, and then pushes the first housing to move relative to the first body, so that the first protrusion enters the corresponding groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first stop flange extending radially outward along the middle of the outer side of the first cable access portion is provided; the two ends of the first elastic member abut against the first protrusion and the first stop flange, respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first end of the flange is provided with a boss extending away from the groove, and the second end is spaced apart from the first end of the adjacent flange; the gap between the boss and the second end of the adjacent flange corresponds to the opening of the corresponding groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner side of the first housing is provided with at least one other connection slot, the other connection slot having the same configuration as the first connection slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a first socket capable of engaging with the first plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first socket includes a third body and a third housing mounted on the outside of the third body; at least one second locking member is mounted on the outside of the third housing, the second locking member being capable of locking into a recess in another connection slot of the first plug.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower end of the inner side of the second housing is provided with a mounting groove recessed radially therein; the inner side of the second housing is also provided with a second protrusion extending radially inward therein, the second protrusion being located between the connecting groove and the mounting groove; a retaining spring is provided in the mounting groove, and the retaining spring partially protrudes radially out of the mounting groove of the second housing; a second elastic member is disposed between the second body and the retaining spring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a second socket capable of engaging with the second plug.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: After the first plug and the second plug are connected, the connector provided by the present invention, through the action of the first elastic member, causes the first housing to abut against the second housing, pressing the first locking member against the connection groove, which can effectively prevent accidental reverse loosening and significantly improve the vibration resistance and anti-loosening performance of the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the first plug of the connector shown.

[0017] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An exploded view of the first plug is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 The first plug is shown in plan view.

[0019] Figure 5 It shows along Figure 4 The sectional view of line AA in the diagram.

[0020] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the second plug of the connector shown.

[0021] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An exploded view of the second plug is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 The second plug is shown in plan view.

[0023] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 8 The sectional view of line BB in the middle.

[0024] Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 11 A perspective view of a connector according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-Connector; 1-First plug; 11-First body; 111-First stop flange; 112-Slide groove; 113-Boss; 114-First locking element; 115-First positioning groove; 116-First mating part; 117-First cable access part; 118-Flange; 12-First housing; 121-First connecting groove; 122-First track; 123-Ramp; 124-Second track; 125-Recess; 126-Entrance; 127-First protrusion; 13-First elastic element; 14-Stop element; 2-Second plug; 21-Second body; 210-Connecting seat; 211-Second stop flange; 21 2-Positioning block; 213-First terminal holding part; 214-Second cable access part; 215-Groove; 22-Second housing; 221-Second connecting groove; 222-Mounting groove; 223-Second protrusion; 23-First pad; 24-Second pad; 25-Third pad; 26-Second elastic element; 27-Snap ring; 28-Signal disconnect pin; 3-First socket; 31-Third body; 32-Third housing; 321-Second locking element; 322-Second positioning groove; 33-First protective cover; 4-Second socket; 41-Fourth body; 42-Fourth housing; 421-Third locking element; 422-Third positioning groove; 43-Second protective cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a connector 100 provided in one embodiment of the present invention includes a first plug 1 and a second plug 2 detachably connected to the first plug 1. See also... Figures 2 to 5 The first plug 1 includes a first body 11, a first housing 12 fitted on the first body 11, and a first elastic member 13 disposed between the first body 11 and the first housing 12.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first body 11 is generally cylindrical and includes a first plug-in mating portion 116 and a first cable access portion 117 arranged sequentially along its axial direction. Preferably, the first plug-in mating portion 116 and the first cable access portion 117 are connected together by threads. The first plug 1 is electrically connected to the second plug 2 through the first plug-in mating portion 116. In some embodiments, the first plug-in mating portion 116 includes a socket portion and a plug-in portion disposed outside the socket portion, with the socket portion and the plug-in portion spaced apart. Preferably, an annular engagement groove is formed between the socket portion and the plug-in portion. The socket portion has a plurality of sockets, which can accommodate terminals on the second plug 2 when the first plug 1 and the second plug 2 are connected together. At least one flange 118 is provided at the middle of the outer side of the plug-in portion of the first plug-in mating portion 116, extending radially outward from the first plug-in mating portion 116. Preferably, there are three flanges 118, which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the first plug-in mating portion 116. The first cable access portion 117 is adjacent to the side of the flange 118 facing away from the insertion hole. The outer periphery of the first cable access portion 117 is provided with a plurality of radially recessed grooves 112, and the grooves 112 are arranged axially along the first insertion mating portion 116. A groove 112 is provided between two adjacent flanges 118. Preferably, the end of the groove 112 adjacent to the flange 118 is configured with an opening that gradually widens towards the flange 118 to offset / compensate for assembly deviations during installation. The first end of the flange 118 is provided with a boss 113 extending away from the groove 112, and the second end is spaced apart from the first end of an adjacent flange. The interval between the boss 113 and the second end of another adjacent flange corresponds to the opening of the corresponding groove 112.

[0031] The first housing 12 is rotatable relative to the first body 11 and is partially movably engaged in the groove 112. The first housing 12 is generally a hollow cylinder open at both ends. The inner side of the first housing 12 is provided with a first protrusion 127 that can stop on the flange 118. Preferably, the first protrusion 127 extends radially inward along the first housing 12. The number of first protrusions 127 is the same as the number of flanges 118. In some embodiments, a boss 113 is positioned facing the side of an adjacent flange, and the second end of the other flange is positioned facing the side of the boss 113 away from the groove 112 in a gradually expanding manner. When the first housing 12 rotates relative to the first body 11, the first protrusion 127 rotates to the corresponding boss 113, and then pushes the first housing 12 so that the first protrusion 127 enters the corresponding groove 112 from between two adjacent flanges 118. A stop 14 is installed on the lower end of the first housing 12 adjacent to the first cable access portion 117. A first stop flange 111 is provided at the middle of the outer side of the first cable access portion 117, extending radially outward along the first cable access portion 117. The two ends of the first elastic member 13 abut against the first protrusion 127 and the first stop flange 111, respectively. Preferably, the first elastic member 13 is a spring.

[0032] In some embodiments, a first connecting groove 121 is provided on the inner side of the first housing 12, and the first connecting groove 121 extends downwards at a generally downward angle from the upper end of the first housing 12. The first connecting groove 121 includes a first track 122, a second track 124, and a ramp 123 connecting the first track 122 and the second track 124. One end of the first track 122 adjacent to the upper end of the first housing 12 is configured as an inlet 126. Preferably, the two sides of the inlet 126 are arranged in a gradually widening shape towards the upper end of the first housing 12. The other end of the first track 122 communicates with the second track 124 through the ramp 123. The ramp 123 slopes downwards from the first track 122 and communicates with the second track 124. In the axial direction of the first housing 12, the distance between the other end of the first track 122 and the upper end of the first housing 12 is less than the distance between the end of the second track 124 adjacent to the ramp 123 and the upper end of the first housing 12. The other end of the second track 124 is provided with a recess 125, which is recessed upward along the axial direction of the first housing 12 (i.e. towards the upper end of the first housing 12).

[0033] Furthermore, at least one first locking member 114 is installed at the upper end of the plug-in portion of the first body 11 (i.e., the end of the first plug-in mating portion 116 facing away from the first cable access portion 117) for locking connection with the second plug 2. At least one first positioning groove 115 is provided on the inner side of the plug-in portion. Preferably, the first positioning groove 115 extends axially along the first body 11. When the second plug 2 is inserted into the first plug 1, the first positioning groove 115 guides the second plug 2 into the first plug 1 at a preset circumferential angle, thereby preventing mis-insertion due to orientation confusion. Preferably, the first plug 1 has three first positioning grooves 115, one of which is wider than the others, to ensure that the second plug 2 is inserted into the first plug 1 at a preset circumferential angle.

[0034] Also refer to Figures 6 to 9 The second plug 2 includes a second body 21 and a second housing 22 rotatably fitted onto the outer side of the second body 21. A second elastic member 26 is provided between the second body 21 and the second housing 22. In some embodiments, the second body 21 is generally cylindrical and includes a first terminal holding portion 213 and a second cable access portion 214 arranged sequentially along its axial direction. Preferably, the first terminal holding portion 213 and the second cable access portion 214 are connected together by threads. The first terminal holding portion 213 engages with the first insertion mating portion 116 of the first plug 1. The first terminal holding portion 213 includes a connecting seat 210 and a terminal portion installed in the connecting seat 210. The connecting seat 210 is generally a hollow cylinder with open ends. In some embodiments, the lower end of the connecting seat 210 is provided with an external thread, and the upper end of the second cable access portion 214 is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread. The connecting seat 210 and the second cable access portion 214 are connected together by threads. A second stop flange 211 extending radially outward is provided on the outer side of the middle of the connecting seat 210. The lower side of the second stop flange 211 is provided with a groove 215, which is recessed radially along the connecting seat 210. A second elastic element 26 is provided in the groove 215. Preferably, the second elastic element 26 is a wave spring. The second elastic element 26 can apply an axial preload to the second housing 22 to eliminate its axial movement. The outer side of the upper end of the connecting seat 210 is provided with a positioning block 212 that can engage in the first positioning groove 115. In addition, a plurality of conductive pins and signal pins are provided on the terminal portion. The length of the signal disconnect pin 28 among the signal pins is less than the length of the other signal pins.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second housing 22 is generally a hollow cylinder open at both ends. A second connecting groove 221 is provided on the inner side of the second housing 22, extending downwards from the upper end of the second housing 22. The construction of the second connecting groove 221 is the same as that of the first connecting groove 121, and will not be repeated here. A mounting groove 222 is provided at the lower end of the inner side of the second housing 22, recessed radially therein. A second protrusion 223 is also provided on the inner side of the second housing 22, extending radially inwards therein, located between the second connecting groove 221 and the mounting groove 222. A retaining spring 27 is provided in the mounting groove 222, and the retaining spring 27 partially protrudes radially from the mounting groove 222 of the second housing 22. When the second housing 22 is fitted onto the second body 21, the lower side of the second protrusion 223 abuts against the upper side of the second stop flange 211, and a second elastic member 26 is disposed between the second body 22 and the retaining spring 27. Preferably, a first pad 23 is disposed between the second protrusion 223 and the second stop edge 211. A second pad 24 is disposed between the lower side of the second elastic member 26 and the groove 215. A third pad 25 is disposed between the retaining spring 27 and the connecting seat 210, and the third pad 25 is located below the second pad 24. In some embodiments, the first pad 23 and the second pad 24 are respectively gaskets, and the third pad 25 is a L-shaped gasket.

[0036] When the first plug 1 is connected to the second plug 2, under the action of the first elastic member 13, the first housing 12 abuts against the second housing 22, pressing the first locking member 114 against the second connecting groove 221.

[0037] When the first plug 1 is connected to the second plug 2, the user rotates the first housing 12 relative to the first body 11, causing the first protrusion 127 to rotate to the corresponding boss 113. Then, the user pushes the first housing 12 so that the first protrusion 127 enters the corresponding groove 112 from between two adjacent flanges 118. The first housing 12 moves relative to the first body 11, exposing the first insertion mating part 116. Then, the second plug 2 is inserted into the first insertion mating part 116. At this time, the positioning block 212 engages in the corresponding first positioning groove 115. The user then rotates the second plug 12. The housing 22 allows the first locking member 114 to move in the second connecting groove 221, sequentially passing through the first track, the ramp, and the second track of the second connecting groove 221. When the first locking member 114 moves to the recessed portion, the first housing 12 moves along the axial direction of the first housing 12 toward the first insertion mating portion 116 under the action of the first elastic member 13, so that the upper end of the first housing 12 abuts against the upper end of the second housing 21, pressing the first locking member 114 against the recessed portion of the second housing 22, thereby reliably engaging the first locking member 114 in the recessed portion of the second housing 22.

[0038] When the first plug 1 and the second plug 2 are disconnected, the user pushes the first housing 12 away from the second housing 22, and then rotates the second housing 22, causing the first locking member 114 to move in the second connecting groove 221, passing through the second track, the ramp and the first track of the second connecting groove 221 in sequence; when the first locking member 114 moves to the ramp, the signal disconnect pin 28 used to control the signal disconnection has been disconnected, while other signal pins and power pins are still connected, avoiding the phenomenon of burning out the device during the plugging and unplugging of traditional connectors.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference is also made to Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 10 The connector 100 provided by the present invention further includes a first socket 3 connected to a first plug 1. The first socket 3 includes a third body 31 and a third housing 32 mounted on the outside of the third body 31. The third body 31 is provided with a second terminal holding portion that can engage with a first insertion mating portion 116 of the first plug 1, and the third housing 32 is spaced apart from the second terminal holding portion. At least one second locking member 321 is mounted on the outside of the third housing 32, and the second locking member 321 can be locked in the recess 125 of the first plug 1. At least one second positioning groove 322 is provided on the inside of the third housing 32, which is axially delayed, and the first locking member 114 can engage in the second positioning groove 322 to prevent mis-insertion. In addition, the first socket 3 also includes a first protective cover 33 mounted on the third housing 32. When the first socket 3 is not in use, the first protective cover 33 is fastened to the third housing 32 to protect the second terminal holding portion.

[0040] When connecting the first plug 1 to the first socket 3, the user first aligns the first plug 1 with the first socket 3, and then rotates the first housing 12 of the first plug 1, causing the second locking member 321 to move in the first connecting groove 121, passing through the first track 122, the ramp 123 and the second track 124 of the first connecting groove 121 in sequence; when the second locking member 321 moves to the recess 125, the first housing 12, under the action of the first elastic member 13, presses the second locking member 321 against the recess 125, thereby making the second locking member 321 reliably engaged in the recess 125.

[0041] In some embodiments, reference is also made to Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 11The connector 100 provided by the present invention further includes a second socket 4 connected to the second plug 2. The second socket 4 includes a fourth body 41 and a fourth housing 42 mounted on the outside of the fourth body 41. The fourth body 41 is provided with a second insertion mating portion capable of engaging with the first terminal holding portion of the second plug 2, and the fourth housing 42 is spaced apart from the second insertion mating portion. At least one third locking member 421 is mounted on the outside of the fourth housing 42, and the third locking member 421 can be locked in the recess of the second plug 2. At least one third positioning groove 422 is provided on the inside of the fourth housing 42, which is axially delayed, and the positioning block 212 can engage in the third positioning groove 422 to prevent mis-insertion. In addition, the second socket 4 also includes a second protective cover 43 mounted on the fourth housing 42. When the second socket 4 is not in use, the second protective cover 43 is fastened to the fourth housing 42 to protect the second insertion mating portion.

[0042] When connecting the second plug 2 to the second socket 4, the user first aligns the second plug 2 with the second socket 4, and then rotates the second housing 22 of the second plug 2, so that the third locking member 421 moves in the second connecting groove 221, passing through the first track, the ramp and the second track of the second connecting groove 221 in sequence, preventing the third locking member 421 from moving into the recess 125.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, include: The first plug includes a first body, a first housing movably fitted onto the first body, and a first elastic member disposed between the first body and the first housing; at least one first locking member is installed on the first body. The second plug, which is detachably connected to the first plug, includes a second body and a second housing rotatably fitted onto the second body; the inner side of the second housing is provided with at least one connecting groove; after the first plug and the second plug are connected, under the action of the first elastic member, the first housing abuts against the second housing, pressing the first locking member against the connecting groove.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting groove extends downward at an angle from the upper end of the second housing, including a first track, a second track, and a ramp connecting the first track and the second track; the end of the second track away from the first track is provided with a recess, which is recessed upward along the axial direction of the second housing, and the first locking member engages in the recess; when the connection between the first plug and the second plug is disconnected, when the first locking member moves to the ramp, the signal disconnect pin used to control the signal disconnection is disconnected, while other signal pins and power pins are still connected.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plug has at least one flange extending radially outward from the middle of the outer side of the first plug mating part. The first cable access part of the first plug has multiple grooves recessed radially on its outer periphery, and a groove is provided between two adjacent flanges. The inner side of the first housing has a first protrusion that can stop on the flange. When the first housing rotates relative to the first body, the first protrusion rotates to the space between two adjacent flanges, and then pushes the first housing to move relative to the first body, so that the first protrusion enters the corresponding groove.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer middle of the first cable access portion is provided with a first stop flange extending radially outward along the first cable access portion; the two ends of the first elastic member respectively abut against the first protrusion and the first stop flange.

5. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end of the flange is provided with a boss extending away from the slide groove, and the second end is spaced apart from the first end of the adjacent flange; the gap between the boss and the second end of the other adjacent flange corresponds to the opening of the corresponding slide groove.

6. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner side of the first housing is provided with at least one other connecting groove, which has the same configuration as the first connecting groove.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a first socket that can be connected to the first plug.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first socket includes a third body and a third housing mounted on the outside of the third body; at least one second locking member is mounted on the outside of the third housing, the second locking member being capable of locking into a recess in another connection slot of the first plug.

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the inner side of the second housing is provided with a mounting groove that is recessed radially therein; the inner side of the second housing is also provided with a second protrusion that extends radially inward therein, the second protrusion being located between the connecting groove and the mounting groove; a retaining spring is provided in the mounting groove, and the retaining spring partially protrudes radially out of the mounting groove of the second housing; a second elastic element is provided between the second body and the retaining spring.

10. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second socket that can be connected to the second plug.

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