An automatic stop and lock socket and connector assembly

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic stop and locking socket and connector assembly, which comprises a shell, a socket signal piece, a camshaft and a locking part, the socket signal piece and the camshaft are arranged in the shell, the camshaft is used for driving the contact position of the socket signal piece to be offset, so that the electrical contact or separation with the plug signal piece of the adapter plug is realized, the locking part is fixedly arranged on the camshaft and is used for being hung and locked or unlocked with the pin on the adapter plug, a stop assembly is further arranged in the shell, the stop assembly comprises a stop part and an elastic element I, the stop part can move in the shell along the plug-in direction, the stop structure matched with the outer gear of the locking part is arranged on the stop part, one end of the elastic element I is in contact with the stop part, and the device can realize the locking through the one-step straight plug-in mode of the head seat, and the two steps of plug-in and locking are not needed, so that the requirement for the operator is lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, specifically relating to an automatic stop and locking socket and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Existing low-insertion-force electronic connectors, including a plug 200 and a socket 100, typically employ a method of first inserting the plug 200 into the socket housing 307 and then locking it in: during mating, the socket terminal 308 contacts are hidden inside the socket insulating cover 305 until the plug 200 is fully engaged; then, a wrench 303 ( Figure 1 The rotating cam shaft 300 (which includes a drive shaft 301 and a driven shaft 302) drives the socket terminal 308 to laterally offset, exposing it to the socket insulation cover 305. As the cam shaft 300 rotates, the lateral offset of the socket terminal 308 contacts increases until electrical contact is made with the terminals on the plug 200. Figure 2 , 3 Meanwhile, the cam shaft 300 is also provided with a grooved part 304 (pin hook). After the cam shaft 300 rotates, the groove can hook onto the pin 201 on the plug 200 to achieve locking. Figure 4 , 5 None of the above solutions can prevent the camshaft 300 from spinning freely or the plug 200 from being partially inserted. Prior art 1 (Patent Application No.: CN201380054672.4; Publication No.: CN104737382A; Connector) adds a stop function in the partially inserted state. It designs a protruding feature on the gear hook; when the plug is not fully inserted or is inserted at an angle, this protrusion interferes with the plug's pin, preventing the camshaft from rotating to the correct position. Prior art 2 (Patent Application No.: CN201310371755.8; Publication No.: CN103633501A; Low Insertion Force Connector) adds a stop element that can stop the plug when it is not fully inserted or when the socket is spinning freely. The stop element is a U-shaped groove structure, and the U-shaped groove acts on the camshaft. When the plug is not inserted, the U-shaped groove of the stop acts on the square flat part on the camshaft to restrict the rotation of the camshaft; when the plug is inserted, the idle stop moves and releases the restriction on the camshaft.

[0003] However, regardless of whether it's a general or improved technology, the connector requires two separate actions when in use. First, the plug must be fully inserted; second, the drive mechanism forces the shaft to rotate, achieving electrical contact and locking. This operation in the existing technology presents the following problems: 1. Low insertion efficiency, typically requiring two hands and demanding on the user; 2. If the shaft is not locked after insertion, the product is unusable; 3. Lack of technology to prevent camshaft from spinning freely, so the socket contacts may be exposed when the plug is not inserted; 4. Small anti-misalignment range: when the plug is tilted at a large angle and the gear protrusion does not interfere with the plug's pin, the anti-misalignment may fail; 5. The anti-spinning technology relies on a two-way stop between the U-groove and the cam flat position; when the plug is pulled out, the operator needs to push the plug to the allowable position to unlock; 6. When the stop is in the allowable position, the camshaft can rotate freely, reducing the effective usage of the locking mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to provide an automatic stop and locking socket and connector assembly. This device can achieve locking by direct insertion of the headstock in one step, without the need for two steps of insertion and locking, thus requiring less skill from the operator.

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide an automatically stopping and locking socket, comprising a housing, a socket signal element, a camshaft, and a locking component. The socket signal element and the camshaft are disposed within the housing. The camshaft is used to drive the contact position of the socket signal element to shift and achieve electrical contact or separation with the plug signal element of the adapter plug. The locking component is fixedly disposed on the camshaft and is used to engage with a pin on the adapter plug for locking or unlocking. The housing also includes a stop assembly; the stop assembly includes a stop component and an elastic element I; the stop component is movable within the housing along the insertion direction; the stop component has a stop structure that engages with the external teeth of the locking component; one end of the elastic element I contacts the stop component, and the stop component has two working positions; in the first working position, the stop structure of the stop component contacts or engages with the external teeth of the locking component, the locking component is in a rotation stop position, and the camshaft and the locking component are prevented from rotating in the head seat locking direction; in the second working position, the stop component is separated from the locking component, the locking component is in a rotational allowable position, and the camshaft and the locking component are allowed to rotate in the head seat locking direction.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a drive mechanism comprising an elastic element II and an operating element. The operating element is disposed at the end of one of the camshafts and is used to drive the camshaft and the locking component to rotate in the direction of unlocking the head seat. The elastic element II is used to store elastic potential energy as the camshaft rotates, thereby providing driving force for the rotation of the camshaft and the locking component around the axis. After the camshaft rotates to the position, the socket signal element and the plug signal element of the adapter plug make electrical contact, and at the same time, the locking component engages with the pin.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the stop assembly is located at both ends of the camshaft and placed inside the housing, for corresponding engagement with the locking components at both ends of the camshaft.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, two camshafts are arranged in parallel, and each end of the two camshafts is provided with a locking component. Each set of stop components cooperates with the locking component located at the same end of the two camshafts.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the stop component includes a stop part, a side sliding part, and a drive part. The side sliding part is disposed at both ends of the stop part, with one end of the side sliding part connected to the stop part and the other end connected to the drive part.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the stop member has a clearance area formed on one side of the drive part, and the clearance area is used to avoid the locking member when the locking member contacts or separates from the stop part.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the stop member has a drive surface on the side facing the outside of the housing for engaging with the plug end of the adapter.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, a slider is provided on the side sliding part, and a groove is formed on the inner wall of the housing to cooperate with the slider; or, a groove is formed on the side sliding part, and a slider is formed on the inner wall of the housing to cooperate with the groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the stop portion is provided with a stop structure on the side facing the locking component. After the stop structure meshes or contacts the external teeth, it can block the rotation of the camshaft and the locking component in the locking direction of the headstock. After the stop structure separates from the external teeth, it can release the obstruction of the rotation of the camshaft and the locking component in the locking direction of the headstock.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the stop structure is a ratchet, which is used to engage or disengage with the external teeth of the locking component.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the stop structure is a stop table, which is used to contact or separate from the external teeth of the locking component.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the stop platform has an unlocking surface and a locking surface. The locking surface is used to engage with the external teeth of the locking component when they rotate in the locking direction of the head seat, so as to prevent the locking component from rotating in the locking direction of the head seat. The unlocking surface is used to engage with the external teeth of the locking component. The external teeth of the locking component slide and press against the unlocking surface in sequence, and the elastic element I is compressed to avoid the rotation of the locking component in the unlocking direction.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the unlocking surface and the locking surface are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment, the stop plate includes a high platform and a low platform, the heights of which are adapted to the locking components of the corresponding camshafts.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment, the elastic element I is a spring.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment, the stop component is provided with a guide post that cooperates with the spring, and one end of the spring is fitted onto the guide post; the other end of the spring is supported and fixed on a fixing plate provided inside the housing, or the other end of the spring is directly supported and fixed on the housing.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, the elastic element I is a spring sheet, which includes a fixing part and an abutting part; the abutting part is connected to the fixing part and located on both sides thereon; the fixing part is fixed inside the housing, and the abutting part provides elastic force for the engagement or contact between the locking part and the stopping part. When the head seat is inserted, the abutting part is pressed and retracts towards the bottom of the housing.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the elastic element II is a single-axis torsion spring, which is installed on the camshaft. The first fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring is connected to the housing, and the second fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring is connected to the operating component.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment, the housing is provided with mounting hole I, the first fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring is installed in mounting hole I, the operating component is provided with mounting hole II, and the second fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring is installed in mounting hole II.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the elastic element II is a biaxial torsion spring, which includes a torsion spring part I and a torsion spring part II arranged in parallel; the torsion spring part I passes through the camshaft I, and the torsion spring part II passes through the camshaft II; the two fixed ends of the torsion spring part I and the torsion spring part II are respectively connected to the locking components on the corresponding camshafts.

[0025] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly comprising the automatically stopping and locking socket as described in any of the preceding claims and a plug adapted thereto.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment, the plug is provided with a pin for engaging with the locking component of the socket to lock or unlock; the plug end of the plug is provided with a pressing contact surface that engages with the driving surface of the stop component of the socket.

[0027] Through the above improvements, the present invention also solves at least one of the following technical problems: 1. By cooperating with the stopping component and the locking component, the following are achieved: 1. The problem of idling stop of camshaft rotation is solved. When no plug is inserted into the socket, the camshaft cannot rotate, thus preventing the socket signal component from being exposed through the protective cover; at the end of the plug insertion stage, the stop is released, realizing the electrical connection of the signal components between the head and the socket; 2. The problem of unidirectional stop of camshaft rotation is solved, that is, the above structure can limit the camshaft to the locked state stop, but does not limit the stop to the unlocked state, which can reduce repeated unlocking operations, making the unlocking process irreversible and extending the service life of the head and socket components; 3. The problem of self-driving of camshaft rotation is solved. When the stopping mechanism is released, the driving structure spontaneously drives the camshaft to rotate, thereby realizing automatic locking after the head and socket are inserted.

[0028] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: Firstly, this invention optimizes and improves the structure, allowing for electrical contact and locking of the headstock after insertion with a single straight-in insertion step (connection is achieved without using a wrench). Unlocking also eliminates the need to push the plug, enabling one-handed operation and thus reducing operator skill requirements. (Low-insertion connectors require electrical contact only at the end of headstock insertion; therefore, the camshaft cannot rotate during the initial and intermediate stages of insertion. To achieve electrical contact and locking solely through insertion, a trigger mechanism is needed at the end of insertion to automatically rotate the camshaft to the desired position.) This solution, through the cooperation of the locking and stopping components, allows the elastic element II of the drive mechanism to automatically trigger at the end of insertion, spontaneously rotating the camshaft and the locking component mounted on it, thus achieving locking with a single straight-in insertion. This structural combination effectively reduces operational steps and improves insertion efficiency.

[0029] Secondly, in this solution, during the headstock insertion process, the stop component can restrict the rotation of the camshaft in the locking direction (the stop component only restricts the camshaft to rotate in the locking direction, not in the unlocking direction, so it will not affect the unlocking operation of the camshaft using the operating component), ensuring that the camshaft of the socket cannot rotate when the plug is not inserted, and the electrical contacts of the socket signal component will not be exposed outside the cover due to the camshaft drive, thus providing effective protection for them. This invention also considers that repeated unlocking operations during the headstock unlocking process can easily reduce the service life of the locking mechanism. Therefore, in this invention, the stop component restricts the rotation of the camshaft in the locking direction through its stop structure (rotation of the camshaft in the unlocking side is not restricted), thus the unlocking process is irreversible, reducing repeated unlocking operations and effectively improving the service life of the locking mechanism (because the camshaft and socket terminals usually rotate around the axis, causing the socket terminals to shift laterally, which has a certain number of uses; at the same time, the locking component and the pin will also wear out after long-term contact, so reducing repeated unlocking operations can improve service life).

[0030] Thirdly, the present invention provides a stop component and a locking component at both ends of the camshaft. The two work together so that the camshaft cannot rotate unless the stop component at either end is pushed. Therefore, it can prevent the plug from being inserted at an angle or not fully engaged. Only when both ends are simultaneously engaged can the drive mechanism be triggered to drive the camshaft to rotate. If the stop component on either side is not triggered, the camshaft will not be unlocked and will not rotate. Therefore, the above structure of this solution makes it easy to determine whether the plug is fully engaged and prevents the state of tilted insertion and partial engagement. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the 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 invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a common socket in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the contact parts in the headstock insertion state without locking in the prior art; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the contact parts in the headstock insertion and locking state in the prior art; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a grooved component in the prior art before it is locked with a pin. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a grooved component locked with a pin in the prior art. Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the socket explosion in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the socket structure in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing structure of the camshaft in this invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the camshaft and locking components in this invention; Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the stop component in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the stop component in the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure in this invention; Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the initial state of head-and-seat mating in this invention; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 15 This is a structural diagram showing the final state of the head-and-seat insertion in this invention; Figure 16 for Figure 15 A magnified view of point B in the diagram; Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the socket in the locked state of the headstock in this invention; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet unlocking force in this invention; Figure 19 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the stop platform structure for the stop component; Figure 20 for Figure 19 A magnified view of point C in the diagram; Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing the separation state of the stop table and the external gear; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the driving mechanism in this invention; Figure 23 This is an exploded view of the drive mechanism in this invention; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the biaxial torsion spring in this invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spring sheet in this invention; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the biaxial torsion spring in this invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the head seat locking state in the embodiment of the biaxial torsion spring and spring sheet in this invention; Marked in the image: 1. Housing; 11. Mounting hole I; 12. Shaft groove I; 13. Screw; 14. Slide groove; 15. Notch; 16. Cavity; 2. Socket signal components; 21. Terminal head; 3. Camshaft; 31. Camshaft I; 32. Camshaft II; 4. Locking component, 41. Gear part, 411. External gear, 42. Pin hook, 43. Mounting hole III; 5. Stopping components, 51. Stopping part, 511. Racket, 5111. Stopping side, 5112. Unlocking side, 5113. Stopping point, 512. Stopping platform, 5121. Unlocking surface, 5122. Locking surface, 5123. High platform, 5124. Low platform, 52. Side sliding part, 521. Slider, 53. Driving part, 54. Driving surface, 55. Guide post, 56. Avoidance area; 6. Elastic element I, 61. Spring, 62. Spring piece, 621. Fixing part, 622. Abutting part; 7. Elastic element II; 71. Single-axis torsion spring; 711. Mounting shaft I; 712. Mounting shaft II; 72. Double-axis torsion spring; 721. Torsion spring part I; 722. Torsion spring part II; 723. Mounting shaft III. 8. Operating component; 81. Connecting part; 82. Handle part; 821. Mounting hole II; 9. Fixing plate; 10. Protective cover; 101. Shaft groove II; 100. Socket; 200. Plug; 201. Pin; 202. Plug signal component; 203. Plug housing; 204. Shielding plate; 300. Cam shaft; 301. Drive shaft; 302. Driven shaft; 303. Wrench; 304. Grooved part; 305. Socket insulating cover; 306. Fixing screw; 307. Socket housing; 308. Socket terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "a," "an," or "the," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this patent application do not express a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects having the same function.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the present invention provides an automatic stop and locking socket, including a housing 1, a socket signal element 2, and a camshaft 3; wherein the socket signal element 2 and the camshaft 3 are disposed inside the housing 1, the socket signal element 2 includes multiple socket signal pin terminals that contact the plug 200, the housing 1 can be fitted with the plug 200, and the camshaft 3 can be installed inside the housing 1; multiple socket signal elements 2 are arranged in a row and electrically contact and cooperate with the plug signal element 202 that is adapted to the plug 200; the camshaft 3 can be rotated around its central axis inside the housing 1 by operation, pushing multiple terminal contacts on the socket signal element 2 and causing multiple contacts to shift, thereby contacting the terminals of the plug signal element 202 of the plug 200 fitted into the housing 1. Specifically, the camshaft 3 contacts the inner side of the socket terminal of the socket signal element 2. Two camshafts 3 are arranged in parallel. Each camshaft 3 is located between the two rows of socket terminals of the corresponding socket signal element 2. The camshaft 3 rotates around the shaft to push the terminal contact position of the socket signal element 2 to shift, thereby achieving electrical contact or separation with the plug signal element 202 of the adapter plug 200. The drive shaft (camshaft I 31) of the two camshafts 3 extends outward from the notch 15 on one side of the housing 1 and is equipped with the operating element 8.

[0036] The structure and engagement method of the socket 100 and plug 200 are described below: A socket signal element 2 and a camshaft 3 are disposed within the housing 1. The two sides of the camshaft 3 contact the inner sides of the terminal heads 21 of the socket signal element 2, respectively. Two camshafts 3 are arranged in parallel, and the axial surface of each camshaft 3 contacts the opposite sides of the two rows of terminal heads 21 of the socket signal element 2. When the camshaft 3 rotates... (Refer to...) Figure 1-5As shown, the radial horizontal width D of the cross-section of the camshaft 3 will change. The surface of the camshaft 3 contacts the terminal head of the socket signal element, and can push the contact position of the socket signal element 2 to shift to both sides to extend out of the side windows of the cover 10, thereby making the socket signal element 2 electrically contact and separate from the plug signal element 202 of the adapter plug 200. Specifically, when the camshaft 3 rotates and pushes the two rows of socket terminals 21 closer, it can separate from the plug signal element 202; when the camshaft 3 rotates and pushes the two rows of socket terminals 21 away, it can make electrical contact with the plug signal element 202. A locking component 4 is fixedly mounted on the camshaft 3. When the camshaft 3 is driven to rotate, it can drive the locking component 4 to move. The pin hook 42 of the locking component 4 can hook onto the pin 201 on the plug 200. Thus, the head seat is locked synchronously after insertion. After the socket signal component 2 and the plug signal component 202 abut, the locking component 4 engages with the pin 201 of the plug 200 to lock the head seat. The locking component 4 adopts a gear hook, and the external teeth 411 of the locking components 4 on the two camshafts 3 mesh with each other. The gear hook is provided with a gear part 41 and a pin hook 42 that cooperates with the pin 201 of the plug 200. The locking component 4 is mounted on the camshaft 3. When the locking component 4 is in the initial position, the pin hook 42 is in a suspended state. When the locking component 4 rotates to the locked state, the pin hook 42 cooperates with the plug pin 201 to achieve locking.

[0037] In this design, locking components 4 are provided at both ends of the camshaft 3. Each locking component 4 includes a gear part 41 and a pin hook 42. The pin hook 42 is used to engage or disengage with the pin 201 on the plug 200. When the two are engaged, the head seat is locked. When they are disengaged, the head seat can be detached. The gear part 41 and the pin hook 42 can be separately fixed to the camshaft 3 or can be integrally molded. The edge of the gear part 41 has an external tooth 411. When the locking components 4 of the two camshafts 3 rotate in the locking direction of the head seat, the meshing action of the gear part 41 enables the two camshafts 3 to rotate synchronously. At the same time, when the camshaft 3 is driven to rotate, it can drive the locking component 4 to move to the locking position. The pin hook 41 of the locking component 4 can hook the pin 201 of the plug 200, thereby locking the plug 200 after it is inserted into the housing 1 of the socket 100. The external teeth 411 of the locking components 4 on the two camshafts 3 engage, and the rotation of one camshaft 3 can drive the other camshaft 3 to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing that the locking components 4 of the two camshafts 3 and the corresponding pins 201 of the plug 200 are synchronously engaged to lock or unlock and separate.

[0038] In this design, the protective cover 10 is connected to the housing 1 by screws 13. The shaft groove II 101 of the protective cover 10 corresponds to the shaft groove I 12 of the housing 1, which is used to form a shaft cavity to accommodate the end of the camshaft 3, thereby enabling the rotation of the camshaft 3. Windows are formed on both sides of the protective cover 10 for the terminal head 21 of the socket signal element 2 to protrude. The interior of the protective cover 10 accommodates the terminal head 21 of the socket signal element 2 to provide protection for the socket signal element 2. The camshaft 3 rotates around its shaft, causing the terminal head 21 of the socket signal element 2 to extend out of the window of the protective cover 10 or retract from the outside into the window of the protective cover 10. The installation method of the camshaft 3 is shown in the figure. The housing 1 and the protective cover 10 are respectively provided with semi-circular grooves. The camshaft 3 is placed in the shaft groove I 12. The housing 1 and the semi-circular groove of the protective cover 10 are fastened together. After fastening, the housing 1 and the protective cover 10 are fixed by screws 13. The camshaft 3 and the shaft cavity are clearance fit, allowing the camshaft 3 to rotate within the shaft cavity.

[0039] In this design, stop components are also provided at both ends near the camshaft 3. The stop components include a stop part 5 and an elastic element I6. Both the stop part 5 and the elastic element I6 are located inside the housing 1. The stop part 5 contacts one end of the elastic element I6. When the plug 200 is inserted into the housing 1 and pushes the stop part 5, the stop part 5 can move relative to the housing 1 along the insertion direction between the rotational stop position and the rotational allowable position of the camshaft 3. The stop part 5 is provided with a stop structure, which contacts and engages with the external teeth 411 of the gear part 41 on the locking part 4. One end of the elastic element I6 contacts the stop member 5, and the other end of the elastic element I6 is fixed inside the housing 1. The stop member 5 has two working positions. In the first working position, the stop member 5 engages with the locking member 4. The elastic element I6 provides pre-tightening force for the engagement between the stop member 5 and the locking member 4. The plug 200 pushes the stop member 5 to move towards the bottom of the housing 1 to the second working position, whereby the stop member 5 and the locking member 4 are separated. The stop member 5 will release its one-way stopping effect on the locking member 4. The one-way stopping effect means that the stop member 5 can block the locking member 4 from rotating in the locking direction, but does not block the locking member 4 from rotating in the unlocking direction.

[0040] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, the stop member 5 has the following structure: the stop member 5 includes a stop portion 51, a side sliding portion 52, and a drive portion 53. The stop member 5 is integrally formed, wherein the side sliding portion 52 is disposed opposite to both ends of the stop portion 51, one end of the side sliding portion 52 is connected to the stop portion 51, and the other end is connected to the drive portion 53, thereby making the stop member 5 generally rectangular frame structure. In order to enable the locking member 4 to contact and separate from the stop portion 51 when the stop member 5 moves relative to the locking member 4 along the head seat insertion direction, one side of the drive portion 53... An avoidance area 56 is formed, the function of which is to ensure that the movement channel between the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4 and the stop part 51 is not obstructed. A slider 521 is formed on the outer side of the side sliding part 52, and a groove 14 that mates with the slider 521 is formed on the inner wall of the cavity 16 of the housing 1. The groove 14 is set along the insertion direction of the socket 100, so that the stop component 5 can move along the insertion direction of the socket 100. The groove 14 and the slider 521 form a sliding engagement, through which the stop component 5 can slide within the housing 1 along the insertion direction of the head seat. Alternatively, grooves are formed on both sides of the stop component 5, and a slider that mates with the grooves is formed on the inner wall of the housing 1, which can also play a role in guiding the sliding of the stop component 5. A stop structure is provided on the side of the stop portion 51 facing the drive portion 53. The function of the stop structure is to contact the locking component 4, thereby achieving a one-way rotational stop on the locking component 4. That is, when the stop structure contacts the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4, the pin hook 42 of the locking component 4 is restricted from rotating in the locking direction, but is not restricted from rotating in the unlocking direction. The stop structure can achieve contact or separation with the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4. When the stop structure contacts the external teeth 411, it will prevent the camshaft 3 and the locking component 4 from rotating in the locking direction, but will not hinder the rotation of the camshaft 3 and the locking component in the unlocking direction.

[0041] In this design, both ends of the camshaft 3 are equipped with stop components. When the headstock is inserted, the camshaft 3 can only be unlocked when the stop components 51 at both ends of the camshaft 3 are pushed into place at the bottom of the housing 1, so that the stop components 51 and the locking components 4 are separated at the same time. When the plug 200 is inserted at an angle in the cavity 16 of the socket 100, the camshaft 3 will not be unlocked as long as the stop component 51 at either end of the camshaft 3 is not pushed into place. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether the headstock is inserted into place and prevent the occurrence of the angle insertion phenomenon. (And the anti-angle insertion effect of this structure is not based on the interference between the pin and the pin 201 in the prior art. Therefore, the structural design of this solution can be applied to the anti-angle insertion function when the angle insertion angle is large.)

[0042] In this solution, the stopping structure can adopt the following structure. In the first embodiment, the stopping structure is a ratchet 511 provided on the stopping member 51. The ratchet 511 is provided on the side of the stopping member 51 facing the locking member 4. The ratchet 511 is used to engage or disengage with the external teeth 411 of the locking member 4. The direction of the ratchet 511 is specially designed, including a stopping side 5111 and a bevel side 5112. A stopping point 5113 is provided near the tooth tip on the stopping side 5111. When the ratchet 511 engages with the external teeth 411 on the locking member 4, the locking member 4 will be stopped by the ratchet 511 when moving in the locking direction. The stopping point 5113 contacts and engages with the tooth surface of the external teeth 411, thereby stopping the rotation of the locking member 4. When the locking member 4 moves in the unlocking direction, it is not stopped by the ratchet 511. The drive unit 53 is a horizontal bar connecting the two side sliding parts 52. The drive unit 53 and the side sliding parts 52 have a drive surface 54 on their end faces facing the outside of the housing 1. When the head seat is inserted, the insertion mating end face of the plug 200 contacts the drive surface 54. As the head seat is inserted, the plug 200 pushes the drive surface 54, and the elastic element I6 is compressed, so that the stop member 51 is separated from the locking member 4.

[0043] In this scheme, during the initial and intermediate stages of head-and-seat insertion, under the elastic force of the spring plate 62, the ratchet 511 of the stop component 5 engages with the outer tooth 411 of the locking component 4, preventing the locking component 4 from rotating. In the final stage of head-and-seat insertion, the plug 200 contacts the driving surface 54 of the stop component 5. Driven by the insertion force, the stop component 5 slides towards the bottom of the housing 1 within the cavity 16, compressing the elastic element I6. The ratchet 511 of the stop component 5 disengages from the outer tooth 411 of the locking component 4, unlocking the camshaft 3. The accumulated elastic potential energy of the elastic element II7 is triggered, and the camshaft 3 rotates automatically under the driving force of the elastic element II7, thus achieving the aforementioned electrical contact and insertion locking.

[0044] When the head seat is unlocked, there is no need to push the plug 200. Even though the ratchet 511 engages with the outer tooth 411 of the locking component 4 under the elastic force of the elastic element II 7, the stop surface of the ratchet 511 is inclined and cannot completely stop the locking component 4. At this time, rotating the camshaft 3 will generate a separation force and unlocking force on the inclined surface of the ratchet 511, which will cause the outer tooth 411 and the ratchet 511 to separate. The stopped outer tooth 411 pushes the ratchet 511 and slides alternately on the inclined surface of the ratchet 511 until the pin 42 of the locking component 4 and the pin 201 of the plug 200 are separated and unlocked. Advantageously, when the locking component 4 is unlocked, no matter where the camshaft 3 is rotated and stops, this state will be maintained by the ratchet 511 and will not return to the locked state. This will encourage the operator to complete the unlocking action before the next insertion and engagement, thereby extending the service life of the component.

[0045] The second implementation is as follows: the stopping structure is a stopping platform 512 provided on the stopping component 5. The stopping platform 512 has an unlocking surface 5121 facing the locking component 4 and a stopping surface 5122 perpendicular to the unlocking surface 5121. The stopping surface 5122 is located on the side of the stopping platform 512. Preferably, the unlocking surface 5121 is an end face perpendicular to the headstock insertion direction, and the stopping surface 5122 is an end face parallel to the headstock socket direction, as shown in the figure. When the camshaft 3 rotates in the unlocking direction, the unlocking surface 5121 is locked by the locking part. The external teeth 411 of component 4 push, thereby causing the stop component 5 to compress the elastic element I6. The stop component 5 moves towards the bottom of the housing 1. Since the elastic element I6 is compressed, the stop component 5 does not restrict the rotation of the camshaft 3 in the unlocking direction. However, when the camshaft 3 rotates in the locking direction, the stop surface 5122 is parallel to the direction of pressure on the elastic element I6. Therefore, the stop surface 5122 blocks and restricts the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4 that it contacts, thereby restricting the rotation of the camshaft 3 in the locking direction. In order to adapt to contact with the external teeth 411 of the locking components 4 on the two camshafts 3 respectively, the stop platform 512 can be formed into a high and low platform structure according to the setting requirements, thereby forming a mating relationship with the external teeth 411 of the corresponding locking components 4 on the two camshafts 3 respectively. The high platform 5123 and the low platform 5124 are integrally formed. The height of the high platform 5123 is greater than the height of the low platform 5124. The high platform 5123 and the low platform 5124 respectively have an unlocking surface 5121 and a stopping surface 5122.

[0046] As described above, the stop component 5 adopts the above-mentioned modified design, by deforming the ratchet 511 into the aforementioned large stop boss. This is mainly because the external teeth 411 at different positions can be stopped to achieve locking; that is, the ratchet 511 mainly meshes with the lower-positioned external teeth 411 on the edge of the locking component 4 (as shown in the figure). Compared to the ratchet 511, the stop platform 512, due to its height, can contact and engage with the external teeth 411 at different positions of the locking component 4; that is, the position of the external teeth 411 that the stop platform 512 can contact is higher than the position of the external teeth 411 contacted by the ratchet 511. During the initial stage of head seat engagement, the stop surface 5122 of the stop boss abuts against the external teeth 411 to achieve a stopping effect; the unlocking surface 5121 of the stop platform 512 does not restrict the gear from rotating in the unlocking direction. The unlocking surface 5121 is provided with high and low steps to achieve simultaneous engagement with the external teeth 411 of the locking components 4 on both camshafts 3. After the plug 200 is fully inserted, the stop 512 disengages from the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4, triggering the elastic element II 7. The camshaft 3 rotates automatically under the driving force of the elastic element II 7, while the locking component 4 locks with the pin 201. When the headstock is unlocked, there is no need to push the plug 200. The external teeth 411 of the locking component 4 slide along the unlocking surface 5121, applying a separation force to the stop 512. Because the elastic element II 7 can deform along the headstock insertion direction, the locking component 4 rotates unimpeded in the headstock unlocking direction, thus unlocking the stop 5 and the locking component 4.

[0047] In a typical embodiment of this solution, to achieve contact stability between the elastic element I6 and the stop component 5, a guide post 55 is provided on the end face of the stop component 5 facing the elastic element I6. The elastic element I6 is a spring 61, one end of which passes through the guide post 55, and the other end is abutted by a fixing piece 9, which is installed inside the housing 1. When the spring 61 is compressed, the guide post 55 can simultaneously prevent the spring 61 from laterally bending and becoming unstable. It should be noted that the fixing piece 9 is not a necessary component and can be directly molded by the housing 1 as part of the housing 1.

[0048] In this design, the elastic element I6 can also be a spring sheet 62, which is fixed inside the housing 1. The spring sheet 62 includes an integrally connected fixing part 621 and abutting part 622. The abutting part 622 is located on both sides of the fixing part 621. The abutting part 622 is raised towards the stop member 5 and can be deformed under pressure. Under the elastic force of the spring sheet 62, the ratchet 511 of the stop member 5 meshes with the external teeth 411 of the locking member 4 to form a one-way stop for the camshaft 3 and the locking member 4 to rotate around the axis. When the head seat is inserted, the plug 200 pushes the stop member 5 to move towards the bottom of the housing 1 and squeezes the abutting part 622, thereby separating the stop member 5 from the locking member 4 and releasing the one-way stop for the camshaft 3 and the locking member 4 to rotate around the axis.

[0049] In this design, the drive end of the camshaft 3 is also equipped with a drive mechanism, which includes an elastic element II 7 and an operating member 8. The operating member 8 is located at the end of one of the camshafts 3 and is used to drive the camshaft 3 to rotate around the axis in a first direction. The first direction refers to the camshaft 3 driving the locking member 4 to rotate in the unlocking direction. Since the external teeth 411 of the locking members 4 on the two camshafts 3 can mesh, by driving the rotation of one camshaft 3, the other camshaft 3 can be driven to rotate synchronously around the axis. The elastic element II 7 is used to store elastic potential energy as the camshaft 3 rotates, thereby providing power for the camshaft 3 to move around the axis in the opposite direction in the first direction. The operating member 8 includes a connecting part 81 and a handle part 82 located at one end of the connecting part 81. The connecting part 81 is fixedly connected to the camshaft 3, and the handle part 82 is perpendicular to the axis of the camshaft 3. The elastic element II7 can be any element that provides elastic force for the rotation of the camshaft 3. For example, the elastic element II7 can be a single-axis torsion spring 71, which passes through the camshaft 3. The single-axis torsion spring 71 has mounting shaft I 711 and mounting shaft II 712 at its two ends, respectively. Mounting shaft I 711 mates with mounting hole I 11 on the operating member 8, and mounting shaft II 712 mates with mounting hole II 81 on the housing 1. When the operating member 8 (wrench) moves, the single-axis torsion spring 71 deforms and stores elastic potential energy, which provides power for the rotation of the camshaft 3. The elastic element II7 is linked with the stop structure. When the stop structure separates from the external tooth 411 of the locking member 4, it releases the obstruction to the camshaft 3, and the elastic element II7 spontaneously drives the camshaft 3 to rotate using the stored elastic potential energy.

[0050] During the initial and intermediate stages of headstock engagement, the single-axis torsion spring 71 stores elastic potential energy in a torsional state, causing the camshaft 3 to be in a pre-rotation state. However, the camshaft 3 is blocked by the ratchet 511 (or the stop plate 512) and cannot rotate. When the ratchet 511 disengages from the external teeth 411 of the locking component 4, the elastic potential energy stored in the single-axis torsion spring 71 is released, and the camshaft 3 rotates under the driving force of the single-axis torsion spring 71.

[0051] In this invention, another typical implementation can also be provided: the driving force is provided by the dual-axis torsion spring 72 and the elastic force required by the stop member 5 is provided by the spring plate 62. The abutting part 622 of the spring plate 62 abuts against the stop member 5 on the side facing the bottom of the housing 1 and provides elastic force. The dual-axis torsion spring 72 is installed on two camshafts 3. Specifically, the dual-axis torsion spring 72 includes a torsion spring part I 721 and a torsion spring part II 722; wherein the torsion spring part I 721 passes through the camshaft I 31 and the torsion spring part II 722 passes through the camshaft II 32. The torsion spring part I 721 and the torsion spring part II 722 are respectively provided with mounting shafts III 723. The mounting shafts III 723 on the torsion spring part I 721 and the torsion spring part II 722 are correspondingly connected to the mounting holes III 43 of the locking members 4 on the two camshafts 3. In this installation method, the dual-axis torsion spring 72 is no longer directly connected to the operating member 8.

[0052] In this embodiment, during the initial and intermediate stages of insertion, the abutment portion 622 of the stop member 5 and the spring piece 62 contacts each other. Under the elastic force of the spring piece 62, the ratchet 511 of the stop member 5 engages with the outer teeth 411 of the pin of the locking member 4, and the locking member 4 is blocked by the ratchet 511 and cannot rotate in the locking direction. In the final stage of head seat insertion, the insertion end of the plug 200 contacts the driving surface 54 of the stop member 5. Driven by the insertion force of the plug 200, the stop member 5 overcomes the elastic force of the spring piece 62 and slides downward in the housing 1. The ratchet 511 of the stop member 5 disengages from the outer teeth of the locking member 4, the biaxial torsion spring 72 is triggered to release elastic potential energy, and the camshaft 3 rotates automatically under the driving force of the biaxial torsion spring 72, thereby achieving the electrical contact and insertion locking as described above. During unlocking, the operating component 8 is turned. As the camshaft 3 rotates, the external teeth 411 of the locked component 4, which is stopped, push the ratchet 511 and slide alternately on the inclined surface of the ratchet 511. The pin 42 of the locking component 4 and the pin 201 of the plug 200 separate. At the same time, the dual-axis torsion spring 72 deforms to store elastic potential energy. The stopping component 5 does not restrict the rotation of the camshaft 3 in the unlocking direction. During unlocking, the operator does not need to push the plug 200 to turn the wrench to unlock, making the operation simple.

[0053] This embodiment also provides a connector assembly, including the aforementioned automatic stop and locking socket 100 and a compatible plug 200. The plug 200 is provided with a pin 201 for engaging with the locking component 4 of the socket 100 to achieve locking or unlocking. The insertion end of the plug 200 (specifically, the insertion end of the plug housing 203 or the shielding plate 204) engages with the driving surface 54 of the stop component 5 of the socket 100 to press the stop component 5 towards the bottom of the housing 1, thereby unlocking the headstock.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic stop and locking socket, comprising a housing (1), a socket signal element (2), a camshaft (3), and a locking component (4), wherein the socket signal element (2) and the camshaft (3) are disposed within the housing (1), and the camshaft (3) is used to drive the contact position of the socket signal element (2) to shift and achieve electrical contact or separation with the plug signal element (202) of the adapter plug (200); the locking component (4) is fixedly disposed on the camshaft (3) and is used to engage with the pin (201) on the adapter plug (200) to lock or unlock. Its features are: The housing (1) is also provided with a stop assembly; the stop assembly includes a stop component (5) and an elastic element I (6); the stop component (5) can move in the housing (1) along the insertion direction; the stop component (5) is provided with a stop structure that engages with the external teeth (411) of the locking component (4); one end of the elastic element I (6) is in contact with the stop component (5), and the stop component (5) has two working positions; in the first working position, the stop structure of the stop component (5) is in contact or meshing with the external teeth (411) of the locking component (4), the locking component (4) is in the rotation stop position, and the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) are prevented from rotating in the head seat locking direction; in the second working position, the stop component (5) is separated from the locking component (4), the locking component (4) is in the rotation allowable position, and the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) are allowed to rotate in the head seat locking direction.

2. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a drive mechanism, which includes an elastic element II (7) and an operating element (8). The operating element (8) is located at the end of one of the camshafts (3) and is used to drive the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) to rotate in the direction of unlocking the head seat. The elastic element II (7) is used to store elastic potential energy as the camshaft (3) rotates, thereby providing driving force for the rotation of the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) around the axis. After the camshaft (3) rotates to the position, the socket signal element (2) makes electrical contact with the plug signal element (202) of the adapter plug (200), and at the same time, the locking component (4) is engaged with the pin (201).

3. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stop assembly is located at both ends of the camshaft (3) and placed inside the housing (1) for corresponding cooperation with the locking components (4) at both ends of the camshaft (3).

4. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two camshafts (3) are arranged in parallel, and locking components (4) are provided at both ends of the two camshafts (3). Each set of stop components cooperates with the locking components (4) located at the same end of the two camshafts (3).

5. A socket with automatic stopping and locking according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The stop component (5) includes a stop part (51), a side sliding part (52) and a drive part (53). The side sliding part (52) is disposed at both ends of the stop part (51). One end of the side sliding part (52) is connected to the stop part (51), and the other end is connected to the drive part (53).

6. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the stop member (5), a clearance area (56) is formed on one side of the drive part (53). The clearance area (56) is used to clear the locking member (4) when the locking member (4) contacts or separates from the stop part (51).

7. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 5, characterized in that: The stop member (5) has a drive surface (54) on the side facing the outside of the housing (1) for engaging with the plug end of the adapter plug (200).

8. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 5, characterized in that: A slider is provided on the side sliding part (52), and a groove is formed on the inner wall of the housing (1) to cooperate with the slider; or, a groove is formed on the side sliding part (52), and a slider is formed on the inner wall of the housing (1) to cooperate with the groove.

9. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stop part (51) is provided with a stop structure on the side facing the locking component (4). After the stop structure meshes or contacts the external tooth (411), it can block the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) from rotating in the head seat locking direction. After the stop structure separates from the external tooth (411), it can release the obstruction to the camshaft (3) and the locking component (4) from rotating in the head seat locking direction.

10. A socket with automatic stopping and locking according to claim 9, characterized in that: The stop structure is a ratchet (511), which is used to engage or disengage with the outer teeth (411) of the locking component (4).

11. A socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 9, characterized in that: The stop structure is a stop table (512), which is used to contact or separate from the external teeth (411) of the locking component (4).

12. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 11, characterized in that: The stop platform (512) has an unlocking surface (5121) and a locking surface (5122). The locking surface (5122) is used to contact and engage with the external teeth (411) of the locking component (4) when rotating in the locking direction of the head seat, so as to block the locking component (4) from rotating in the locking direction of the head seat. The unlocking surface (5121) is used to contact and engage with the external teeth (411) of the locking component (4). The external teeth (411) of the locking component (4) slide and press against the unlocking surface (5121) in sequence, and the elastic element I (6) is pressed to avoid the locking component (4) from rotating in the unlocking direction.

13. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 12, characterized in that: The unlocking surface (5121) and the locking surface (5122) are arranged perpendicular to each other.

14. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 11, characterized in that: The stop plate (512) includes a high plate (5123) and a low plate (5124), and the heights of the high plate (5123) and the low plate (5124) are respectively adapted to the locking components (4) of the corresponding camshaft (3).

15. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element I (6) is a spring (61).

16. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 15, characterized in that: The stop component (5) is provided with a guide post (513) that cooperates with the spring (61). One end of the spring (61) is fitted onto the guide post (513); the other end of the spring (61) is supported and fixed on a fixing plate (9) provided in the housing (1), or the other end of the spring (61) is directly supported and fixed on the housing (1).

17. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element I (6) is a spring sheet (62), which includes a fixing part (621) and an abutting part (622); the abutting part (622) is connected to the fixing part (621) and located on both sides thereon; The fixing part (621) is fixed inside the housing (1), and the abutting part (622) provides elastic force for the engagement or contact between the locking part (4) and the stopping part (5). When the head seat is inserted, the abutting part (622) is pressed and retracts towards the bottom of the housing (1).

18. The socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic element II (7) is a single-axis torsion spring (71). The single-axis torsion spring (71) is mounted on the camshaft (3). The first fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring (71) is connected to the housing (1), and the second fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring (71) is connected to the operating element (8).

19. A socket with automatic stop and locking according to claim 18, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with mounting hole I (11), and the first fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring (71) is installed in mounting hole I (11). The operating member (8) is provided with mounting hole II (81), and the second fixed end of the single-axis torsion spring (71) is installed in mounting hole II (81).

20. A socket with automatic stopping and locking according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic element II (7) adopts a biaxial torsion spring (72), which includes a torsion spring part I (721) and a torsion spring part II (722) arranged in parallel; the torsion spring part I (721) passes through the camshaft I (31), and the torsion spring part II (722) passes through the camshaft II (32); the two fixed ends of the torsion spring part I (721) and the torsion spring part II (722) are respectively connected to the locking parts (4) on the corresponding camshaft (3).

21. A connector assembly, characterized in that: Includes the receptacle (100) with automatic stop and locking as described in any one of claims 1-20 and the plug (200) adapted thereto.

22. The connector assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that: The plug (200) is provided with a pin (201) for engaging with the locking component (4) of the socket (100) to lock or unlock; the plug end of the plug (200) engages with the driving surface (54) of the stop component (5) of the socket (100).

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