Buckle locking structure for pipeline connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a buckle locking structure for a pipeline connector, and relates to the technical field of equipment cooling pipeline fittings, the buckle locking structure comprises a connecting sleeve, a locking block and a locking clamping sleeve, the locking block is inserted in the connecting sleeve, penetrates through one side of the connecting sleeve and can be pushed and pulled outwards, and the locking block is provided with a through hole corresponding to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve; the push-pull side of the locking block is provided with an extension section extending along one end of the connecting sleeve, and a telescopic spring is further installed between the extension section and the connecting sleeve. The locking clamping sleeve can rotate on the connecting sleeve and cannot move in the axial direction, and the outer wall of the locking clamping sleeve is provided with a stop protruding block which can abut against the position between the extending section and the locking clamping sleeve. According to the utility model, not only are the structures of the connecting sleeve and the locking clamping sleeve simpler, but also the locking of the locking block is quicker and more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of equipment cooling pipe fittings, and more specifically, to a snap-locking structure for pipe connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, quick-connect devices widely used in big data center liquid cooling pipeline connections consist of a male connector and a female connector. In actual use, after the male and female terminals are plugged in, there is a risk that the locking mechanism may automatically unlock due to misoperation, external vibration, or pulse pressure, leading to accidental disconnection of the pipeline. This can result in heat-generating components not being effectively cooled, causing functional degradation, damage, or even spontaneous combustion.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, utility model patent application No. 2024114309832 discloses a snap-fit ​​locking connector. This design involves installing a connecting sleeve within the lower housing assembly, and inserting the upper housing assembly into the connecting sleeve to connect the lower and upper housing assemblies. A locking block located on the connecting sleeve engages with the upper housing assembly, locking the upper housing assembly and connecting sleeve in place. The locking sleeve further limits the locking block's position, preventing accidental contact with the locking block during use and thus preventing automatic separation of the upper housing assembly from the connecting sleeve. However, in the utility model patent application, the locking sleeve is an open sleeve structure. During installation, it must be opened before being fitted onto the connecting sleeve, and multiple stop protrusions on the connecting sleeve are required to restrict the rotation and axial movement of the locking sleeve. This not only complicates the structure of the connecting sleeve and locking sleeve but also makes the installation and disassembly of the locking sleeve inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a snap-locking structure for pipe connectors, which not only simplifies the structure of the connecting sleeve and the locking sleeve, but also makes the locking of the locking block faster and more convenient.

[0005] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, the technical solution adopted is as follows: a snap-locking structure for a pipeline connector, comprising a connecting sleeve, a locking block, and a locking sleeve. The locking block is inserted into the connecting sleeve and passes through one side of the connecting sleeve, allowing it to be pushed and pulled outward. The locking block has a through hole corresponding to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve. The pushing and pulling side of the locking block has an extension section extending along one end of the connecting sleeve, and a telescopic spring is installed between the extension section and the connecting sleeve. The locking sleeve is rotatable on the connecting sleeve but cannot move axially, and the outer wall of the locking sleeve is provided with a stop protrusion that can abut against the extension section and the locking sleeve.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking sleeve and the connecting sleeve are equipped with an anti-rotation structure, which can prevent the locking sleeve from rotating when the stop protrusion abuts against the extension section and the locking sleeve.

[0007] Furthermore, the anti-rotation structure includes a paddle disposed on the locking sleeve, the inner wall of the paddle having a protrusion, and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve also having a protruding ridge adapted to the protrusion.

[0008] Furthermore, both the protrusions and ridges are elongated, and the end faces of the protrusions and ridges are triangular or trapezoidal.

[0009] Furthermore, the anti-rotation structure also includes a first boss and a second boss located on the locking sleeve, wherein the first boss and the second boss abut against each other when the stop protrusion is pressed against the extension section and the locking sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve is a stepped shaft, and a locking sleeve is fitted onto the small-diameter end of the connecting sleeve.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner wall of the extension section has a first arc surface, and the stop protrusion has a second arc surface that matches the first arc surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the two ends of the stop protrusion have rounded chamfers.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking sleeve is also provided with an opening for avoiding the telescopic spring.

[0014] Furthermore, the extension section and the locking sleeve have corresponding markings.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] By allowing the locking sleeve to rotate but not move axially on the connecting sleeve, and by providing a stop protrusion on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve that can abut against the extension section and the locking sleeve, when the locking block locks the connecting sleeve and the upper housing assembly, the stop protrusion on the locking sleeve can be directly abutted against the extension section and the locking sleeve by rotating the locking sleeve. This prevents the locking block from being accidentally activated by the extension section, thus effectively preventing the connecting sleeve and the upper housing assembly from being unlocked due to accidental activation of the extension section, and ensuring the locking effect between the connecting sleeve and the upper housing assembly.

[0017] This utility model has a simple structure and is easy to operate, making the locking and unlocking of the locking block more convenient and faster. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the locking state of the snap-locking mechanism used for pipe connectors;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the mating of the first and second bosses in the locked state using a snap-locking structure for the pipe connector.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the connecting sleeve;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the locking ferrule.

[0023] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0024] Locking sleeve-1; Connecting sleeve-2; Locking block-3; Lower housing assembly-4;

[0025] Stop protrusion-101; Paddle-102; First boss-103; First arc surface-104; Opening-105; Marking-106;

[0026] Protruding ridge-201; Second protrusion-202;

[0027] Extension section -301; Second arc surface -302. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a snap-locking structure for a pipe connector, including a connecting sleeve 2, a locking block 3, and a locking sleeve 1. The structure and installation method of the locking block 3 are the same as those of the prior art. The locking block 3 has a through hole for connecting the connecting sleeve 2 and the upper housing assembly in the pipe connector. The locking block 3 is inserted from one side of the connecting sleeve 2 and can be horizontally pushed and pulled on the connecting sleeve 2, causing the center of the locking block 3 to shift relative to the center of the connecting sleeve 2. Specifically, when the locking block 3 is stationary, the center of the through hole on the locking block 3 is on the same straight line as the center of the connecting sleeve 2. When the locking block 3 moves, the center of the through hole on the locking block 3 deviates from the center of the connecting sleeve 2.

[0031] The locking block 3 has an extension section 301 on the side that pushes and pulls it. The extension section 301 is an integral structure with the locking block 3, and the extension section 301 extends to one end of the connecting sleeve 2. Preferably, the extension section 301 extends to the end of the connecting sleeve 2 near the lower housing assembly 4 of the pipeline connector. Of course, without considering the installation space of the connecting sleeve 2 and the need to connect the upper housing assembly and the connecting sleeve 2, the extension section 301 can also extend to the end of the connecting sleeve 2 near the upper housing assembly. A telescopic spring is installed between the extension section 301 and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 2. The extension section 301 is pushed to move by the elastic force of the telescopic spring, thereby driving the locking block 3 to be pulled out of the connecting sleeve 2. After the upper housing assembly is inserted into the connecting sleeve 2, the telescopic spring can quickly push the locking block 3 into the upper housing assembly, thereby quickly locking the upper housing assembly and the connecting sleeve 2.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking sleeve 1 is fitted onto the connecting sleeve 2, and the locking sleeve 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 are fitted with a clearance, so that the locking sleeve 1 can rotate fully on the connecting sleeve 2; the outer wall of the locking sleeve 1 is also provided with a stop protrusion 101, which corresponds to the extension section 301 in the length direction of the locking sleeve 1. That is, by rotating the locking sleeve 1, the stop protrusion 101 can enter between the inner wall of the extension section 301 and the outer wall of the locking sleeve 1, and the stop protrusion 101 can also be offset from the extension section 301. When the stop protrusion 101 enters between the inner wall of the extension section 301 and the outer wall of the locking sleeve 1, the stop protrusion 101 can press against the extension section 301, preventing the extension section 301 from being pressed. This prevents the locking block 3 from losing its lock on the upper housing assembly due to accidental contact with the extension section 301, thus ensuring the lock between the upper housing assembly and the locking block 3. When the stop protrusion 101 is misaligned with the extension section 301, the stop protrusion 101 loses its pressing against the extension section 301. At this time, the extension section 301 can be pressed normally. By pressing the extension section 301, the locking block 3 can be pushed, allowing the upper housing assembly and the connecting sleeve 2 to be unlocked normally.

[0033] To prevent the locking sleeve 1 from rotating due to vibration or other reasons after the stop protrusion 101 enters between the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1, the locking sleeve 1 and the connecting sleeve 2 are equipped with an anti-rotation structure. The anti-rotation structure can limit the rotation of the locking sleeve 1 after the stop protrusion 101 enters between the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1 by the rotation of the locking sleeve 1, so as to prevent the locking sleeve 1 from losing its locking on the locking block 3 and ensure the locking effect of the locking block 3.

[0034] In this utility model, the anti-rotation structure includes a paddle 102 disposed on the locking sleeve 1. The paddle 102 and the locking sleeve 1 are an integral structure. The paddle 102 can swing slightly outward or inward on the locking sleeve 1 due to external force. Specifically, an L-shaped groove can be opened at one end of the locking sleeve 1 near the locking block 3. One end of the L-shaped groove extends along the axial direction of the locking sleeve 1 and passes through the end face of the locking sleeve 1 near the locking block 3. The other end of the L-shaped groove extends along the circumference of the locking sleeve 1. At this time, one end of the lever 102 is flush with the end face of the locking sleeve 1 near the locking block 3. Alternatively, a U-shaped groove can be opened at one end of the locking sleeve 1 near the locking block 3. Both ends of the U-shaped groove extend along the circumference of the locking sleeve 1, and the middle section of the U-shaped groove extends along the axial direction of the locking sleeve 1. One side of the lever 102 is connected to the locking sleeve 1, and the other three sides of the lever 102 are separated from the locking sleeve 1 by a certain distance through the U-shaped groove. Regardless of how the paddle 102 is formed on the locking sleeve 1, only one side of the paddle 102 is connected to the locking sleeve 1, and the side of the paddle 102 connected to the locking sleeve 1 is the connecting end of the paddle 102, while the end of the paddle 102 away from the connecting end of the paddle 102 is the extension end of the paddle 102.

[0035] The inner wall of the lever 102 also has a protrusion, which is close to the extension section 301 of the lever 102. The outer wall of the connecting sleeve 2 has a protruding ridge 201. During the rotation of the locking sleeve 1, the stop protrusion 101 on the locking sleeve 1 gradually enters between the locking sleeve 1 and the extension section 301. The protrusion on the lever 102 gradually approaches the protruding ridge 201. When the protrusion contacts the protruding ridge 201, the locking sleeve 1 continues to rotate. The protrusion on the lever 102 will be squeezed by the protruding ridge 201, causing the extension end of the lever 102 to swing outward of the locking sleeve 1. As the locking sleeve 1 continues to rotate, the protrusion on the lever 102 crosses the protruding ridge 201 and abuts against it. After crossing the protruding ridge 201, the protrusion loses the squeezing force towards the outside of the locking sleeve 1, and the lever 102 returns to its original position. By engaging the protrusion and the ridge 201, the locking sleeve 1 is rotated into position and cannot rotate without external force, thus restricting its rotation.

[0036] In order to ensure that the protrusion of the locking sleeve 1 can smoothly cross the ridge 201 during rotation, and to better prevent the locking sleeve 1 from rotating, both the protrusion and the ridge 201 can be elongated. Both the protrusion and the ridge 201 extend along the axial direction of the locking sleeve 1, and the end face of the protrusion and the end face of the ridge 201 are triangular or trapezoidal. The side of the protrusion away from the lever 102 and the side of the ridge 201 away from the connecting sleeve 2 are both arc surfaces, or the side of the protrusion away from the lever 102 and the two sides of the protrusion, and the side of the ridge 201 away from the connecting sleeve 2 and the two sides of the ridge 201 are all rounded to make the protrusion cross the ridge 201 more smoothly.

[0037] Since the engagement of the protrusion and the ridge 201 only restricts the rotation of the locking sleeve 1 after it has rotated, in order to prevent the stop protrusion 101 from misaligning with the connecting section after it has entered between the locking sleeve 1 and the connecting section due to the continued rotation of the locking sleeve 1, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the anti-rotation structure also includes a first boss 103 installed on the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 2 and a second boss 202 located on the outer wall of the locking sleeve 1. With the rotation direction of the locking sleeve 1 as the forward direction, the first boss 103 is located in front of the second boss 202. After the locking sleeve 1 rotates to the point where the stop protrusion 101 enters between the locking sleeve 1 and the extension section 301, the first boss 103 blocks the second boss 202, preventing the connecting sleeve from continuing to rotate, thereby preventing the locking sleeve 1 from continuing to rotate after the stop protrusion 101 enters between the locking sleeve 1 and the connecting section.

[0038] In this invention, the connecting sleeve 2 is a stepped shaft, meaning that the fixing stop protrusion 101 is eliminated compared to the connecting sleeve 2 in the prior art. The locking sleeve 1 is fitted onto the small-diameter end of the connecting sleeve 2. After the lower housing assembly 4 is connected to the connecting sleeve 2, one end of the locking sleeve 1 engages with the stepped surface of the connecting sleeve 2, while the other end engages with the lower housing assembly 4, thereby restricting the axial movement of the locking sleeve 1 on the connecting sleeve 2. Since the fixing stop protrusion 101 is eliminated from the connecting sleeve 2, the lower housing assembly 4 and the connecting sleeve 2 can be fixed by welding to ensure a tight seal. Alternatively, without considering the stability of the connection, the lower housing assembly 4 and the connecting sleeve 2 can still be connected by threads.

[0039] In this utility model, since one end of the locking sleeve 1 is restricted by the lower housing assembly 4, the locking sleeve 1 cannot continue to rotate after the stop protrusion 101 enters between the locking sleeve 1 and the connecting section. In this case, the first protrusion 103 can also be located on the lower housing assembly 4. At this time, the second protrusion 202 is located at the end of the locking sleeve 1 close to the lower housing assembly 4. This design can also prevent the locking sleeve 1 from continuing to rotate after it has been rotated to the correct position.

[0040] In this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, to facilitate the abutment of the stop protrusion 101 against the extension section 301, a first arc surface 104 is provided on the inner wall of the extension section 301. The two ends of the first arc surface 104 penetrate the two sides of the extension section 301 respectively. The first arc surface 104 can be a surface protruding from the inner surface of the extension section 301, or it can be a concave surface on the inner surface of the extension section 301. Simultaneously, the stop protrusion 101 has a second arc surface 302 that matches the first arc surface 104. To facilitate the smooth entry of the stop protrusion 101 between the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1 during rotation, the first arc surface 104 and the second arc surface 302 are in clearance fit. Alternatively, an arc chamfer or guide slope can be provided at both ends of the stop protrusion 101.

[0041] In order to prevent the telescopic spring connecting the inner wall of the extension section 301 and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 2 from affecting the rotation of the locking sleeve 1, the locking sleeve 1 is also provided with an opening 105 for avoiding the telescopic spring. The opening 105 extends along the circumference of the locking sleeve 1.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to observe the locking state of the locking block 3 immediately, a mark 106 can be provided on the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1 respectively. When the locking sleeve 1 rotates so that the stop protrusion 101 is located between the locking sleeve 1 and the extension section 301, the mark 106 on the extension section 301 is aligned with the mark 106 on the locking sleeve 1. When the locking sleeve 1 is not rotated to the fixed position, the mark 106 on the extension section 301 and the mark 106 on the locking sleeve 1 are misaligned. In this utility model, the mark 106 can be an arrow, an indicator line, etc.

[0043] In this utility model, when assembly is required, first, the locking sleeve 1 is put on the connecting sleeve 2, then the telescopic spring is placed inside the extension section 301, and the locking block 3 is inserted into the connecting sleeve 2. Next, the assembled lower housing assembly 4 is put on the connecting sleeve 2 and the lower housing assembly 4 is fixed to the connecting sleeve 2. Finally, the assembled upper housing assembly is inserted into the connecting sleeve 2.

[0044] In this utility model, in order to facilitate the rotation of the locking sleeve 1, anti-slip texture can also be provided on the locking sleeve 1.

[0045] In use, after the locking block 3 locks the upper housing assembly and the connecting sleeve 2, the locking sleeve 1 is rotated. During the rotation, the stop protrusion 101 gradually enters the inner side of the extension section 301. The locking sleeve 1 is rotated further. When the protrusion on the lever 102 abuts against the protrusion 201 on the connecting sleeve 2, the locking sleeve 1 is rotated further. The protrusion on the lever 102 will be squeezed by the protrusion 201, causing the extension end of the lever 102 to swing outward towards the locking sleeve 1. As the locking sleeve 1 continues to rotate, the protrusion on the lever 102 crosses the protrusion 201 and abuts against it. After crossing the protrusion 201, the protrusion loses the squeezing force towards the outside of the locking sleeve 1, the lever 102 resets, and the stop protrusion 101 enters between the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1. At this time, the first boss 103 and the second boss 202 cooperate to restrict the locking sleeve 1 from continuing to rotate, and the protrusion and the protrusion 201 cooperate to restrict the locking sleeve 1 from rotating back.

[0046] When it is necessary to unlock the locking block 3, the locking sleeve 1 is manually rotated. The protrusion on the lever 102 is squeezed by the ridge 201, causing the extension end of the lever 102 to swing outward of the locking sleeve 1. As the locking sleeve 1 rotates, the protrusion on the lever 102 crosses the ridge 201. After crossing the ridge 201, the protrusion loses the squeezing force on the outside of the locking sleeve 1, the lever 102 resets, and the stop protrusion 101 exits between the extension section 301 and the locking sleeve 1.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A snap-locking structure for a pipe connector, characterized in that, The device includes a connecting sleeve (2), a locking block (3), and a locking sleeve (1). The locking block (3) is inserted into the connecting sleeve (2) and passes through one side of the connecting sleeve (2), allowing it to be pushed and pulled outward. The locking block (3) has a through hole corresponding to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve (2). The pushing and pulling side of the locking block has an extension section (301) extending along one end of the connecting sleeve (2). A telescopic spring is also installed between the extension section (301) and the connecting sleeve (2). The locking sleeve (1) can rotate on the connecting sleeve (2) but cannot move axially. The outer wall of the locking sleeve (1) is provided with a stop protrusion (101) that can abut against the extension section (301) and the locking sleeve (1).

2. The snap-locking structure for pipe connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking sleeve (1) and the connecting sleeve (2) are equipped with anti-rotation structures. The anti-rotation structures can prevent the locking sleeve (1) from rotating when the stop protrusion (101) abuts against the extension section (301) and the locking sleeve (1).

3. The snap-locking structure for pipe connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-rotation structure includes a paddle (102) disposed on the locking sleeve (1), the inner wall of the paddle (102) has a protrusion, and the outer wall of the connecting sleeve (2) also has a protruding ridge (201) adapted to the protrusion.

4. The snap-locking structure for pipe connectors according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusions and ridges (201) are both elongated, and the end faces of the protrusions and ridges (201) are both triangular or trapezoidal.

5. The snap-locking structure for pipe connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-rotation structure also includes a first boss (103) on the locking sleeve (1) and a second boss (202) on the locking sleeve (1). When the stop protrusion (101) abuts against the extension section (301) and the locking sleeve (1), the first boss (103) and the second boss (202) abut against each other.

6. The snap-locking structure for a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The connecting sleeve (2) is a stepped shaft, and the locking sleeve (1) is fitted on the small diameter end of the connecting sleeve (2).

7. The snap-locking structure for a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the extension section (301) has a first arc surface (104), and the stop protrusion (101) has a second arc surface (302) that is adapted to the first arc surface (104).

8. The snap-locking structure for a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The two ends of the stop protrusion (101) have rounded chamfers.

9. The snap-locking structure for a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The locking sleeve (1) is also provided with an opening (105) for avoiding the telescopic spring.

10. The snap-locking structure for a pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The extension section (301) and the locking sleeve (1) have corresponding markings (106).

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