Modular key self-locking type connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularized button self-locking type connector, which comprises a connector male end, a connector female end and a button self-locking mechanism, the outer side surface of a first shell is provided with a pressing groove, the inner side wall of a second shell is provided with a locking groove, and the pressing groove and the locking groove are matched with each other. The key self-locking mechanism comprises a pressing component slidably arranged in the pressing groove, a reset elastic body arranged between the bottom of the pressing groove and the pressing component and a containing groove, and the pressing component comprises an operation end exposed out of the first shell and a locking arm extending in the inserting direction. A lock catch structure matched with the locking groove is formed at the tail end of the locking arm. The technical scheme of the utility model aims to provide the connector which realizes stable connection through the self-locking structure after plugging is completed, and can prevent the connection reliability from being influenced by external force loosening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and in particular to a modular button self-locking connector. Background Technology

[0002] As electronic devices become increasingly complex, connectors, as a crucial component, face ever-higher performance and functional requirements. Traditional connectors, generally employing a rectangular design, suffer from bulkiness and high insertion / extraction forces, making them ill-suited for the compact space and high-frequency operation demands of modern devices. Common self-locking mechanisms often rely on threaded tightening or simple snap-fit ​​fixing, such as locking through rotating a threaded sleeve. These designs are cumbersome to operate and prone to loosening under vibration, resulting in insufficient connection stability. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a modular button self-locking connector, which is suitable for industrial equipment, medical devices and communication systems that require high-density signal transmission, fast plugging and unplugging and multi-scenario functional integration.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a modular self-locking button connector, comprising:

[0005] The male connector has a first housing, and the outer side of the first housing is provided with a pressing groove;

[0006] The female connector end has a second housing, the shape of which matches the insertion end of the first housing, and a locking groove is formed on the inner sidewall of the second housing; and

[0007] The button self-locking mechanism includes:

[0008] A pressing member is slidably disposed in the pressing groove. The pressing member includes an operating end exposed in the first housing and a locking arm extending in the insertion direction. The end of the locking arm forms a latch structure that cooperates with the locking groove.

[0009] A restoring elastomer, disposed between the bottom of the pressing groove and the pressing member, is used to provide a restoring force opposite to the pressing direction; and

[0010] A receiving groove is formed at the first housing insertion end and located below the locking arm;

[0011] When the insertion is complete, the locking structure is pressed by the reset elastic body and locked into the locking groove to form a mechanical interlock; when pressure is applied to the operating end, the pressing member compresses the reset elastic body along the pressing groove, causing the locking structure to retract into the receiving groove, thereby releasing the interlocking engagement with the locking groove.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a guide post is vertically provided on the bottom wall of the operating end, the reset elastic body is a spring body sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide post, and a guide groove correspondingly provided on the bottom wall of the pressing groove, which is in clearance fit with the guide post.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the guide column is a hollow structure with an axially penetrating cavity, and the bottom of the guide groove is provided with an auxiliary guide column whose extension direction is parallel to the insertion direction. During the pressing stroke of the pressing member, the front end of the auxiliary guide column is always inserted into the axially penetrating cavity of the guide column.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the circumferential edge of the operating end is provided with a plurality of elastic hooks, and the top periphery of the pressing groove is provided with a limiting flange to prevent the pressing member from disengaging from the pressing groove.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the male connector's insertion end is provided with at least one guide protrusion, the guide protrusion extending along the insertion direction, and the inner wall of the female connector's insertion end is provided with a guide groove at a corresponding position, the shape of the guide groove matching the guide protrusion.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the interior of the first and second housings is configured with a modular mounting structure, wherein multiple functional modules are detachably mounted within the modular mounting structure, and the functional modules include at least two of the following: an optical fiber module, a coaxial module, an air circuit module, and a signal needle module.

[0017] This utility model's technical solution employs a button-operated self-locking mechanism to ensure stable locking of the connector after insertion, preventing loosening due to vibration or external force. Simultaneously, the user can release the self-locking mechanism by pressing, achieving quick insertion / removal and stable locking with low insertion / removal force, allowing for one-handed operation. The dual constraint of the guide post and auxiliary guide post ensures precise pressing movement, preventing offset and jamming; the elastic hook and limiting flange prevent component detachment, improving reliability under vibration environments. The precise fit between the guide protrusion and guide groove eliminates insertion misalignment, reducing the risk of terminal damage. The modular installation structure supports mixed configurations of fiber optic, coaxial, pneumatic, and signal pin modules, meeting multi-functional integration needs. The overall structure is compact, suitable for high-requirement scenarios such as industrial automation and medical equipment, significantly improving equipment integration and operational efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the male connector of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the female connector end of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the male connector of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector male and female ends of this utility model when they are not plugged in;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the male and female connector ends of this utility model when they are inserted.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A of the connector of this utility model.

[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0026] 1. Connector male end; 11. First housing; 12. Pressing groove; 2. Connector female end; 21. Second housing; 22. Locking groove; 3. Button self-locking mechanism; 31. Pressing component; 311. Operating end; 312. Locking arm; 313. Locking structure; 32. Spring body; 33. Receiving groove; 41. Guide post; 42. Guide slide; 43. Auxiliary guide post; 51. Elastic hook; 52. Limiting flange; 61. Guide protrusion; 62. Guide groove; 71. Module mounting structure; 72. Functional module.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0029] To address the problems in the background technology, this utility model proposes a modular button self-locking connector, comprising:

[0030] The male connector has a first housing, and the outer side of the first housing is provided with a pressing groove;

[0031] The female connector end has a second housing, the shape of which matches the insertion end of the first housing, and a locking groove is formed on the inner sidewall of the second housing; and

[0032] The button self-locking mechanism includes:

[0033] A pressing member is slidably disposed in the pressing groove. The pressing member includes an operating end exposed in the first housing and a locking arm extending in the insertion direction. The end of the locking arm forms a latch structure that cooperates with the locking groove.

[0034] A restoring elastomer, disposed between the bottom of the pressing groove and the pressing member, is used to provide a restoring force opposite to the pressing direction; and

[0035] A receiving groove is formed at the first housing insertion end and located below the locking arm;

[0036] When the insertion is complete, the locking structure is pressed by the reset elastic body and locked into the locking groove to form a mechanical interlock; when pressure is applied to the operating end, the pressing member compresses the reset elastic body along the pressing groove, causing the locking structure to retract into the receiving groove, thereby releasing the interlocking engagement with the locking groove.

[0037] Combined with reference Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector includes a male connector end, a female connector end, and a button self-locking mechanism. The first housing of the male connector end has a cylindrical design, with a longitudinally extending pressing groove on its outer surface. The depth and width of the groove are adapted to the movement requirements of subsequent components. The second housing of the female connector end is hollow, with its inner diameter matching the outer diameter of the male connector's insertion end. The inner wall of the second housing also has a locking groove located at the end of the insertion path, and its shape matches the locking structure of the male connector.

[0038] The button self-locking mechanism consists of a pressing component, a reset elastic body, and a receiving groove. The pressing component, made of metal or high-strength engineering plastic, is slidably mounted within the pressing groove of the male end housing. This component includes an operating end exposed on the housing surface and a locking arm extending along the insertion direction. The surface of the operating end may be provided with anti-slip textures or recesses to enhance the operating feel. The end of the locking arm is machined into a wedge shape, barb, or magnetic locking structure, its dimensions precisely matching the locking groove of the female end. The reset elastic body, using a stainless steel compression spring, silicone elastomer, air cushion, or other elastic reset structure, is fixed between the bottom of the pressing groove and the pressing component, providing a restoring force opposite to the pressing direction under normal conditions to ensure the locking structure stably engages with the locking groove. The receiving groove is located on the inner wall of the insertion end of the male end housing, below the locking arm, providing space for the locking mechanism to retract.

[0039] Specifically, during the insertion process, the male and female ends of the connector are aligned and inserted. As the insertion deepens, the locking structure automatically engages with the female end's locking groove under the pressure of the reset elastic body, forming a mechanical interlock. At this point, the connector is in a stable locked state and can withstand axial tension and vibration impact. To disengage, the user presses the operating end, driving the pressing component to slide along the pressing groove into the housing. The locking arm retracts accordingly, and the locking structure completely disengages from the locking groove and retracts into the receiving groove, releasing the interlock. After releasing the pressure, the reset elastic body quickly pushes the pressing component back to its initial position, preparing the locking structure for the next insertion.

[0040] In one possible implementation, a guide post is vertically provided on the bottom wall of the operating end, the reset elastic body is a spring body sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide post, and a guide groove correspondingly provided on the bottom wall of the pressing groove, which is in clearance fit with the guide post.

[0041] Combined with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a cylindrical guide post extends vertically from the bottom wall of the operating end. This guide post is made of high-strength metal or engineering plastic, with a smooth outer surface and a diameter matching a preset gap. The reset elastic body is a stainless steel helical spring, tightly fitted around the outer circumference of the guide post. One end is fixed to the bottom wall of the operating end, and the other end abuts against the bottom wall of the pressing groove. A guide groove is provided on the bottom wall of the pressing groove corresponding to the position of the guide post. The inner diameter of the groove is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide post, forming a clearance fit. This design ensures that the pressing component always moves axially during sliding, avoiding jamming caused by offset or tilting. When the user applies pressure to the operating end, the guide post slides smoothly along the guide groove, the spring is uniformly compressed, and the locking structure at the end of the locking arm retracts precisely into the receiving groove, releasing the interlock with the locking groove at the female end. After releasing the pressure, the spring quickly rebounds, driving the guide post to reset the pressing component to its initial position. This structure significantly improves the smoothness of the operation and the accuracy of the reset.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the guide column is a hollow structure with an axially penetrating cavity, and the bottom of the guide groove is provided with an auxiliary guide column whose extension direction is parallel to the insertion direction. During the pressing stroke of the pressing member, the front end of the auxiliary guide column is always inserted into the axially penetrating cavity of the guide column.

[0043] Combined with reference Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the guide post adopts a hollow cylindrical structure, forming an axially through cavity. The material is high-strength stainless steel or engineering plastic, and the inner wall of the cavity is polished to reduce frictional resistance. An auxiliary guide post is fixedly installed at the bottom of the guide groove. The extension direction of this auxiliary guide post is strictly parallel to the connector insertion direction, and its outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the guide post cavity, forming a clearance fit. In the initial state, the front end of the auxiliary guide post is inserted into the cavity of the guide post, with an insertion depth of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the total cavity length. When the user presses the operating end, the guide post moves down along the guide groove with the pressing component, and the auxiliary guide post gradually penetrates deeper into the cavity, maintaining its insertion state throughout, forming a double axial constraint. This design effectively suppresses radial offset or torsion that may occur during pressing, ensuring precise alignment of the locking arm's latch structure with the female locking groove during disengagement.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the circumferential edge of the operating end is provided with a plurality of elastic hooks, and the top periphery of the pressing groove is provided with a limiting flange to prevent the pressing member from disengaging from the pressing groove.

[0045] Combined with reference Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, three elastic hooks are evenly distributed on both sides of the operating end. The hooks are made of spring steel or high-elasticity nylon, and their ends are bent inward to form barbs. A limiting flange is integrally formed on the top periphery of the pressing groove. The inner diameter of the flange is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the operating end, and its lower surface has an annular step that matches the barb of the elastic hook. Under normal conditions, the barb of the elastic hook is embedded below the step of the limiting flange, forming an axial constraint to prevent the pressing component from coming out of the pressing groove due to vibration or accidental contact. When the user applies pressure, the operating end moves downward, and the elastic hook undergoes elastic deformation under the pressure of the step. The barb slides along the inner wall of the limiting flange, allowing the pressing component to press down normally. After releasing the pressure, the elastic hook springs back to its initial position, and the barb re-engages below the step to complete the limiting. This structure ensures the freedom of the pressing stroke while completely eliminating the risk of component detachment. In addition, a guide slope is provided at the end of the barb to reduce sliding friction and extend the service life of the hook.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the male connector's insertion end is provided with at least one guide protrusion, the guide protrusion extending along the insertion direction, and the inner wall of the female connector's insertion end is provided with a guide groove at a corresponding position, the shape of the guide groove matching the guide protrusion.

[0047] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, three trapezoidal cross-section guide protrusions are evenly arranged circumferentially on the outer wall of the male connector's insertion end. The protrusions are made of wear-resistant nylon or metal alloy. A guide groove is machined at a corresponding position on the inner wall of the female connector's insertion end, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove perfectly matches the guide protrusions. During insertion, the guide protrusions preferentially contact the chamfered surface at the entrance of the guide groove, guiding the male and female ends to automatically align and avoiding the risk of misalignment or displacement. When fully inserted, the guide protrusions are completely embedded in the guide groove, and their trapezoidal sidewalls form surface contact with the sidewalls of the groove, restricting the connector's circumferential rotation and radial wobble.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first and second housings are internally configured with a modular mounting structure. This modular mounting structure allows for the detachable installation of multiple functional modules, including at least two of the following: fiber optic modules, coaxial modules, pneumatic modules, and signal pin modules. Specifically, both the male end of the first housing and the female end of the second housing have independent chambers. Each chamber is connected to a functional module via a standardized snap-fit ​​interface or a magnetic track. The functional modules include fiber optic modules, coaxial modules, pneumatic modules, and signal pin modules, and users can select at least two modules for combination installation according to their needs. This design allows a single connector to simultaneously meet the complex functional requirements of signal transmission, fiber optic communication, and pneumatic control, significantly improving equipment integration and scenario adaptability. It is particularly suitable for fields with stringent requirements for space utilization and functional expandability, such as industrial automation, medical equipment, and intelligent robots.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A modular button self-locking connector, characterized in that, include: The male connector has a first housing, and the outer side of the first housing is provided with a pressing groove; The female connector end has a second housing, the shape of which matches the plug-in end of the first housing, and a locking groove is provided on the inner side wall of the second housing; and The button self-locking mechanism includes: A pressing member is slidably disposed in the pressing groove. The pressing member includes an operating end exposed in the first housing and a locking arm extending in the insertion direction. The end of the locking arm forms a latch structure that cooperates with the locking groove. A restoring elastomer, disposed between the bottom of the pressing groove and the pressing member, is used to provide a restoring force opposite to the pressing direction; and A receiving groove is formed at the first housing insertion end and located below the locking arm; When the insertion is complete, the locking structure is pressed by the reset elastic body and locked into the locking groove to form a mechanical interlock; when pressure is applied to the operating end, the pressing member compresses the reset elastic body along the pressing groove, causing the locking structure to retract into the receiving groove, thereby releasing the interlocking engagement with the locking groove.

2. The modular button self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the operating end is vertically provided with a guide column, the reset elastic body is a spring body sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide column, and the bottom wall of the pressing groove is correspondingly provided with a guide groove that is clearance-fitted with the guide column.

3. The modular button self-locking connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide column is a hollow structure with an axial through cavity. The bottom of the guide groove is provided with an auxiliary guide column whose extension direction is parallel to the insertion direction. During the pressing stroke of the pressing component, the front end of the auxiliary guide column is always inserted into the axial through cavity of the guide column.

4. The modular button self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential edge of the operating end is provided with multiple elastic hooks, and the top periphery of the pressing groove is provided with a limiting flange to prevent the pressing component from detaching from the pressing groove.

5. The modular button self-locking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the male connector's insertion end is provided with at least one guide protrusion, which extends along the insertion direction. The inner wall of the female connector's insertion end is provided with a guide groove at a corresponding position, and the shape of the guide groove matches the guide protrusion.

6. The modular button self-locking connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first and second housings are internally configured with a module mounting structure, and multiple functional modules are detachably mounted within the module mounting structure. The functional modules include at least two of the following: an optical fiber module, a coaxial module, an air circuit module, and a signal needle module.

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