A double unlocking anti-mis-touch and anti-falling connector plug and an unlocking method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a double-unlocking anti-misoperation and anti-falling connector plug and an unlocking method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of connectors. The plug comprises a plug shell, an unlocking button and an axially-slidable sliding buckle. The front end of the sliding buckle is a shielding limiting part, the sliding buckle is provided with a locking position and an unlocking position, the front end of the sliding buckle is integrally provided with an anti-falling barb which cooperates with an anti-falling limiting step of the plug shell to realize anti-falling, and a positioning structure is arranged between the plug shell and the sliding buckle. The sliding buckle and the unlocking button are in contact throughout the process. The double-unlocking structure of the sliding buckle shielding and the button pressing can effectively prevent misoperation and falling. The sliding direction of the sliding buckle is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the button, and single-hand continuous operation is supported. The positioning structure adopts a convex point and groove elastic clamping structure, the elastic part can be cantilevered or bridged, and is integrally injection molded. The whole structure of the application is simple and reliable, and is suitable for mass production. Meanwhile, the application also provides a matching sequential unlocking method, and further improves the use safety and operation convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connector technology, specifically to a connector plug and its unlocking method that are designed for use in stage lighting, outdoor industrial applications, and automotive applications, and features dual unlocking to prevent accidental contact and detachment. Background Technology

[0002] Existing connectors with button unlocking generally use a single button unlocking structure, allowing the plug to be unlocked and unplugged simply by pressing the button. Under conditions of high vibration, such as stage lighting, outdoor industrial use, and vehicle operation, equipment vibration, accidental touch by personnel, and pulling of cables can easily cause the button to be accidentally pressed, resulting in the plug becoming loose and subsequently causing power outages and signal interruptions.

[0003] Currently, some products on the market have added sliding sleeve structures to prevent accidental touches. However, these sleeves lack dedicated positioning structures and are prone to displacement due to vibration during operation. The sleeves directly contact and press against the unlock button, leading to severe button wear under high-frequency use, resulting in issues such as rebound failure and loose engagement. Most sleeves lack anti-detachment structures, making them prone to falling off the housing when pulled forcefully, causing parts loss. Conventional positioning structures often use external springs, steel balls, and other accessories, resulting in numerous parts, complex assembly, and high production costs. Therefore, existing connectors and plugs cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of preventing accidental touches, reliable positioning, preventing detachment, and a simplified structure.

[0004] In the similar products disclosed in the prior art (application number: 202210467867.2), although the slider can slide along the plug axis, it is positioned between the cantilever and the plug. The upper surface of the slider needs to abut against the lower surface of the cantilever, and positioning is achieved by the elastic deformation of the cantilever. The slider and the unlock button are functionally interconnected. When the slider moves, it needs to overcome the elastic resistance of the cantilever, resulting in an unclear operating feel. The operator also needs to change the position of their fingers to unlock the button. Continuous operation with one hand is difficult, and it is inconvenient to use in high places or narrow spaces. Furthermore, the slider is positioned only by the pressure and friction of the cantilever, which can easily lead to positioning failure after long-term use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing connector plugs, such as accidental locking, slip sleeve vibration and displacement, severe wear of the unlocking button, easy slip sleeve detachment, and numerous parts and complex assembly. It provides a connector plug with dual unlocking to prevent accidental activation and detachment, along with its unlocking method. This invention utilizes a blocking and limiting part at the front end of the slip clip and the unlocking button to form a dual unlocking structure. Anti-detachment hooks and limiting steps ensure the slip clip does not detach. Simultaneously, a positioning structure is provided between the plug housing and the slip clip to achieve bistable positioning of the slip clip between the locked and unlocked positions. The positioning structure employs a convex-groove elastic engagement structure; the elastic part can be cantilevered or bridge-type. The entire structure can be integrally molded without additional accessories, comprehensively improving product safety and service life. This invention also provides a sequential unlocking method to further enhance operational safety and convenience.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-detachment features includes a plug housing, an unlocking button, and a sliding buckle that can slide along the axial direction of the plug housing. The unlocking button is movably mounted on the plug housing, and a snap-fit ​​structure is provided on the inner side of the unlocking button to engage with the slot on the socket when the plug and socket are inserted, thereby preventing the plug from falling off the socket.

[0008] The front end of the slider forms a blocking and limiting part, and the slider has two working positions: a locked position and an unlocked position. When the slider is in the locked position, the front end of the slider blocks the pressing stroke of the unlock button, so that the unlock button cannot be pressed down to unlock. When the slider slides backward to the unlocked position, the front end of the slider disengages from the pressing area of ​​the unlock button, and the unlock button can be pressed to unlock.

[0009] The front end of the sliding buckle is provided with an anti-detachment hook, and the plug housing is correspondingly provided with an anti-detachment limiting step. The anti-detachment hook and the anti-detachment limiting step cooperate to limit the maximum backward movement of the sliding buckle to prevent the sliding buckle from falling off.

[0010] A positioning structure is provided between the plug housing and the sliding buckle. The positioning structure is used to selectively position the sliding buckle in the locked or unlocked position, and the positioning force of the sliding buckle is borne solely by the positioning structure, so that the sliding buckle and the unlock button do not come into contact with each other.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for preventing accidental unlocking of the connector plug described above, comprising the following steps:

[0012] Step 1: Provide the connector plug as described above. At this time, the slide is in the locked position, and the front end of the slide blocks the pressing stroke of the unlock button, so the unlock button cannot be pressed down.

[0013] Step 2: Move the sliding buckle backward along the axial direction of the plug housing to release the positioning structure from the locking position. The sliding buckle slides to the unlock position and is held in the unlock position by the positioning structure. At the same time, the front end of the sliding buckle moves away to release the obstruction of the unlock button.

[0014] Step 3: Press down on the unlock button to lift the latch mechanism and disengage it from the slot on the socket, then pull the plug out of the socket;

[0015] The slider only allows the unlock button to be pressed when it is in the unlock position, and there is no contact or squeezing between the slider and the unlock button during the entire sliding and positioning process.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. Strong anti-accidental touch capability and safe to use: It adopts a dual sequential unlocking design, which cannot be unlocked by a single action. The plug will not come loose unexpectedly in the event of strong vibration or accidental human contact.

[0018] 2. Stable positioning and good vibration resistance: The positioning structure can keep the sliding buckle stably in the locked or unlocked position, and vibration will not cause the sliding buckle to shift.

[0019] 3. Simplified structure and low mass production cost: The positioning structure, anti-detachment limiting steps, etc. can all be injection molded as one piece, without scattered parts, making assembly simple and cost-effective.

[0020] 4. Anti-drop design for high reliability: The anti-drop hook and the limiting step work together to limit the travel of the sliding buckle, preventing the sliding buckle from falling off and parts from being lost.

[0021] 5. Excellent operating feel: The positioning structure provides clear feedback on the gear position during the sliding process, making the operation intuitive and precise.

[0022] 6. More convenient operation, conforming to one-handed operation habits: The sliding direction of the latch is parallel to the axis of the plug housing, and the pressing direction of the unlock button is perpendicular to the sliding direction. When the user holds the plug, the thumb of the same hand can naturally complete the continuous unlocking action, with smooth action and no need to switch hands or adjust the grip posture. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention, showing the plug housing, unlock button, sliding buckle, guide groove, and sliding mounting position;

[0024] Figure 2 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the elastic part of the plug housing, the positioning groove, and the anti-dislodgement limiting step;

[0025] Figure 3 A magnified diagram showing the bottom positioning protrusions and the front anti-slip hook of the sliding buckle;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the invention in the locked state, showing both the socket and the socket slot.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention in the unlocked state, showing both the socket and the socket slot.

[0028] Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram showing the engagement and positioning of the positioning protrusions and grooves;

[0029] Figure 7 A magnified schematic diagram showing the coordination between the anti-detachment barb and the anti-detachment limiting step for limiting the position.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0031] 1-Plug housing; 2-Unlock button; 3-Sliding buckle; 4-Elastic part (cantilever elastic structure or bridge elastic structure); 5-Positioning protrusion; 6-Positioning groove; 7-Anti-detachment hook; 8-Anti-detachment limiting step; 9-Sliding buckle front end (covering limiting part); 10-Snap-on structure; 11-Guide slide groove; 12-Sliding mounting position; 14-Socket; 15-Socket slot. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the plug terminals inside the plug are known prior art in the field, and their specific structure will not be described further in this invention.

[0033] Overall Structure

[0034] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this invention provides a connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-detachment features, mainly comprising a plug housing (1), an unlocking button (2), and a sliding latch (3). As... Figure 4 As shown, the unlock button (2) is movably mounted in the preset mounting groove of the plug housing (1), and a snap-fit ​​structure (10) is provided at the lower end of the unlock button (2). When the plug and the socket (14) are inserted into each other, the snap-fit ​​structure (10) engages in the socket slot (15) on the socket (14), thereby locking the connection between the plug and the socket (14).

[0035] Anti-detachment structure

[0036] like Figure 1 So and Figure 7As shown, the outer wall of the plug housing (1) is provided with an axial guide groove (11), and the inner side of the sliding buckle (3) is provided with a sliding mounting position (12). The sliding mounting position (12) is embedded in the guide groove (11), which restricts the sliding buckle to only slide in a straight line back and forth. The front end of the sliding buckle (3) constitutes the blocking and limiting part (9), and this front end slides synchronously with the sliding buckle (3). The lower half of the front end of the sliding buckle (3) is integrally formed with an anti-disengagement barb (7). The outer wall of the plug housing (1) is provided with an annular anti-disengagement limiting step (8). During assembly, the sliding buckle (3) is inserted from the rear end of the plug housing (1). The anti-disengagement barb (7) is elastically deformed by the pressure of the housing. After passing the anti-disengagement limiting step (8), it rebounds and resets, thereby limiting the maximum backward movement of the sliding buckle (3) and preventing it from falling off.

[0037] Specific embodiments of positioning structure

[0038] A positioning structure is provided between the plug housing (1) and the slide (3) for selectively positioning the slide (3) in the locked or unlocked position. Several preferred embodiments are listed below.

[0039] Implementation Method 1 (protrusions and grooves fit together, relying on the material's own elasticity)

[0040] In this embodiment, the positioning structure includes mutually cooperating positioning protrusions and positioning grooves, and at least two different engagement positions are formed between the positioning protrusions and positioning grooves. At least one positioning protrusion and two positioning grooves can be provided. The positioning protrusion is located on the sliding buckle (3), and the two positioning grooves are arranged front and back on the plug housing (1) along the sliding direction (or vice versa). The peripheral structure of the positioning protrusion and / or positioning groove has elastic deformation capability. When the sliding buckle (3) slides, the positioning protrusion presses against the edge of the positioning groove, undergoes elastic deformation to pass over it, and rebounds to engage after reaching the positioning groove, thereby achieving bistable positioning. This embodiment does not provide an independent cantilever or bridge-type elastic structure, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0041] Implementation Method 2 (Cantilever Elastic Structure - Preferred Solution)

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning structure includes an elastic part (4) disposed on the plug housing (1). The elastic part (4) is a cantilever elastic structure, preferably a hollow elastic cantilever. One end of the elastic part is fixedly connected to the plug housing (1), and the other end is a free end. Two positioning grooves (6) arranged in a front-to-back pattern are provided on the elastic part along the sliding direction of the snap fastener. Positioning protrusions (5) are provided on the snap fastener (3). The positioning protrusions (5) selectively engage with the two positioning grooves (6) to achieve bistable positioning of the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0043] In another equivalent embodiment, the elastic part is integrally formed on the sliding buckle (3) and is a cantilever elastic structure. The elastic part has two positioning grooves arranged in a front-to-back pattern along the sliding direction, and the plug housing has positioning protrusions. The working principle of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the above embodiments, and both can achieve bistable positioning.

[0044] Implementation Method 3 (Bridge-type Elastic Structure)

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in the figure (the figure illustrates one form of the elastic part; the bridge-type elastic structure is similar, the only difference being that both ends are fixed to the mounting base), in this embodiment, the elastic part (4) is a bridge-type elastic structure. Both ends of the bridge-type elastic structure are fixed to the mounting base (i.e., the wall of the plug housing (1) or the sliding buckle (3)). The middle section is hollowed out to form an elastically deformable movable section. Two positioning grooves (6) are arranged in the front and back along the sliding direction of the sliding buckle on the middle section; the corresponding other part is provided with positioning protrusions (5). When sliding, the positioning protrusions (5) squeeze the middle section of the bridge-type elastic structure to undergo elastic deformation and make way, and when it reaches the positioning groove (6), it rebounds and snaps in, thus achieving pure injection molding bistable positioning without additional parts. The bridge-type elastic structure and the aforementioned cantilever elastic structure achieve the same positioning function in this invention, and neither requires additional springs or steel balls or other scattered accessories. They are equivalent structural solutions that can be substituted for each other.

[0046] Work process

[0047] The sliding latch (3) has two working positions: locked and unlocked.

[0048] Locking position (e.g.) Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown): The slider (3) slides forward to the limit position, and the front end of the slider (3), namely the blocking limit part (9), blocks the unlock button (2) below, preventing the button from being pressed down; at the same time, the positioning structure keeps the slider (3) in this position, so that the slider (3) will not be displaced due to vibration, the unlock button (2) cannot be pressed, and the plug remains locked.

[0049] Unlock position (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 (As shown): Pull the slide buckle (3) backward, and the positioning structure releases the constraint on the locking position; the slide buckle (3) continues to move backward until the positioning structure holds it in the unlocked position; at this time, the anti-disengagement hook (7) and the anti-disengagement limiting step (8) abut against each other, limiting the slide buckle to continue moving backward; at the same time, the front end of the slide buckle (3) blocking the limiting part (9) completely moves away as the slide buckle moves backward, and the unlock button (2) is released from the limit. At this time, press the unlock button (2) down, and the buckle structure (10) lifts up and disengages from the socket slot (15), so that the plug can be pulled out of the socket (14).

[0050] Throughout the sliding and positioning process, the sliding buckle (3) and the unlock button (2) never come into contact or are squeezed. In the embodiment using a cantilever or bridge elastic structure, the positioning protrusion (5) is squeezed during the sliding process, causing the elastic part (4) to undergo elastic deformation and give way, and when it reaches the positioning groove (6), it rebounds and snaps in, realizing pure injection molding bistable positioning without additional parts.

[0051] Unlocking method

[0052] This invention also provides a method for preventing accidental unlocking of the connector plug described above. In the initial state, the sliding buckle is in the locked position, and the user holds the plug housing (1) with their thumb naturally resting on the back of the sliding buckle (3). First, the user moves the sliding buckle (3) backward along the axial direction of the plug housing (1), the positioning structure releases the constraint of the locked position, the sliding buckle (3) slides to the unlock position and is held by the positioning structure, and at the same time the front end of the sliding buckle moves away, releasing the obstruction to the unlock button. The positioning protrusion (5) is pulled out from the positioning groove (6) on the front side, and the elastic part (4) undergoes elastic deformation. When the sliding buckle (3) moves backward until the positioning protrusion (5) is aligned with the positioning groove (6) on the rear side, the elastic part (4) rebounds, and the positioning protrusion (5) is engaged in the groove on the rear side. Second, the user moves the position of their thumb slightly and presses down on the unlock button (2), the latching structure (10) lifts up and disengages from the socket slot (15), and the plug can be pulled out.

[0053] Throughout the entire process, the sliding latch (3) and the unlock button (2) remain in a non-contact state, and the unlock button (2) is only allowed to be pressed when the sliding latch (3) is in the unlocked position, forming a forced sequential operation logic. The sliding direction of the sliding latch (3) is strictly limited to the axial direction of the plug housing (1), and the pressing direction of the unlock button (2) is perpendicular to the axial direction, which is suitable for one-handed operation scenarios.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the concept and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0055] This application is filed together with a utility model patent application filed on the same day (application number pending). The two applications are related in content. This invention patent application provides broader structural protection and independent method protection for the same innovative point.

Claims

1. A connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features, comprising a plug housing, an unlocking button, and a sliding buckle that can slide along the axial direction of the plug housing; the unlocking button is movably mounted on the plug housing, and a snap-fit ​​structure is provided on the inner side of the unlocking button, the snap-fit ​​structure being used to engage with the slot of the socket to lock the plug and the socket. Its features are: The front end of the sliding buckle forms a blocking and limiting part, and the sliding buckle has two working positions: a locked position and an unlocked position; the front end of the sliding buckle is integrally provided with an anti-disengagement hook, and the plug housing is correspondingly provided with an anti-disengagement limiting step. The anti-disengagement hook and the anti-disengagement limiting step cooperate with each other to limit the maximum backward movement of the sliding buckle; a positioning structure is provided between the plug housing and the sliding buckle, which can selectively position the sliding buckle in the locked position or the unlocked position; When the slider is in the locked position, the blocking limit part blocks the pressing stroke of the unlock button; when the slider slides to the unlock position, the blocking limit part disengages from the pressing area of ​​the unlock button, and the unlock button can be pressed to unlock; throughout the sliding and positioning process, the positioning force is borne only by the positioning structure, and there is always a gap between the slider and the unlock button, and they do not contact each other.

2. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning structure includes mutually cooperating positioning protrusions and positioning grooves, which can form two sets of engagement positions, corresponding to the locking and unlocking positions of the slider respectively; the structure where the positioning protrusions and / or positioning grooves are located has elastic deformation capability, and the slider relies on elastic deformation to realize the disengagement and engagement of the protrusions and grooves when sliding, thus completing bistable positioning.

3. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning structure includes an elastic part on the plug housing or the sliding buckle. The elastic part is a cantilever elastic structure or a bridge elastic structure with both ends fixed to the mounting base. The two positioning grooves are provided on the elastic part, and the positioning protrusions are provided on the corresponding other component.

4. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic part is integrally formed on the plug housing, and the elastic part is a hollow elastic cantilever.

5. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic part is integrally formed on the sliding buckle, and the elastic part is a hollow elastic cantilever.

6. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-detachment hook and the sliding buckle are integrally formed and have elasticity. During assembly, it can undergo elastic deformation to cross the anti-detachment limit step, and after assembly, it will reset and be blocked and limited by the anti-detachment limit step.

7. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the plug housing is provided with a guide groove along the axial direction, and the inner side of the sliding buckle is provided with a sliding mounting position that matches the guide groove. The sliding mounting position is embedded in the guide groove, limiting the sliding buckle to slide only along the axial direction of the plug housing.

8. The connector plug with dual unlocking, anti-accidental touch, and anti-dislodgement features according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding direction of the latch is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the unlock button, so as to facilitate continuous operation with one hand.

9. A method for preventing accidental unlocking of a connector plug according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: In the initial state of the connector plug, the sliding latch is in the locked position, and the front end of the sliding latch blocks the pressing stroke of the unlock button, so the unlock button cannot be pressed down; Step 2: Move the sliding buckle backward along the axial direction of the plug housing to release the positioning structure from the locking position. The sliding buckle slides to the unlock position and is held by the positioning structure. The front end of the sliding buckle moves away simultaneously, releasing the obstruction of the unlock button. Step 3: Press down on the unlock button to lift the latch mechanism and disengage it from the slot on the socket, then pull the plug out of the socket; The slider only allows the unlock button to be pressed when it is in the unlocked position. Throughout the entire process of sliding and positioning the slider, there is no contact or compression between the slider and the unlock button.

10. The method for preventing accidental touch unlocking according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step two, the sliding direction of the latch is parallel to the axial direction of the plug housing. In step three, the pressing direction of the unlock button is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the latch. The user uses the thumb of the same hand to sequentially complete the continuous actions of moving the latch and pressing the unlock button.

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