Quick-fit snap fastener connection

Abstract

This utility model provides a quick-install spring-loaded connector, relating to the field of furniture hardware technology. It includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is embedded in a first panel and includes a rod and a rod expansion insert. The upper end of the rod is slidably disposed within the rod expansion insert, and an elastic expansion sleeve is fitted over the outer part of the rod expansion insert. The second connector is embedded in a second panel and includes an expansion portion and a guide portion. A lock cylinder and a slotted expansion insert are disposed within the expansion portion. The upper and lower surfaces of the lock cylinder are continuous, and a notch is present on the side wall. The slotted expansion insert is disposed below the lock cylinder. The lower part of the expansion portion is elastic. The guide portion has a groove and a sliding groove. The groove is adapted to the lower end of the rod, and the sliding groove slopes from the groove towards the notch. This utility model enables quick and convenient installation while maintaining high stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of furniture hardware technology, and in particular to a concealed quick-release snap fastener connector. Background Technology

[0002] A connector is a connecting mechanism used in furniture. It is used to assemble the finished product by installing and locking it onto the pre-processed furniture substrate. Furniture on the market generally uses "three-in-one connectors" or "four-in-one connectors" to connect the panels. However, these methods leave visible holes (eccentric wheels) in the furniture, making the connectors partially or completely visible after assembly. This reduces the overall aesthetics and durability of the furniture, and limits its design flexibility and design possibilities.

[0003] Furniture production and sales are gradually trending towards a front-end sales, back-end manufacturing model. The factory processes the panels, which are then transported to the end consumer for assembly. In this model, economy and convenience are crucial factors to consider both the production and installation processes. Currently, furniture on the market uses "three-in-one connectors" to join panels, which cannot be pre-installed in the factory and must be tightened with screws on-site. This easily leads to problems such as missing, incorrectly installed, or damaged hardware. Since the installation site is often far from the factory, these issues result in very high after-sales costs. Furthermore, the cumbersome on-site installation significantly increases labor costs and can lead to a poor delivery experience for the end consumer.

[0004] Post-production furniture transportation is a crucial part of the delivery service. Using pre-assembled "three-in-one connectors" prevents the flat packaging of panels during transport, increasing transportation costs and the probability of panel damage. This hinders the establishment of the furniture factory's delivery system and is detrimental to improving production efficiency.

[0005] With the widespread adoption of online shopping and efficient furniture sales methods like IKEA, easy packaging, tool-free assembly, and standardized installation of furniture are becoming increasingly important. Traditional three-in-one connectors require a more cumbersome process, more tools, and more steps, which limits their effectiveness in this sales model. The industry trend demands a convenient, robust, tool-free, and quick-assembly connector product.

[0006] The current trend of furniture customization is sweeping the industry, and non-standard size customization and non-standard product production bring greater processing difficulties to furniture manufacturers. The process of assembling cabinets using traditional "three-in-one connectors" requires high precision in hole machining and panel dimensional accuracy. Errors can easily lead to uneven panel placement after cabinet assembly.

[0007] Furniture products often encounter special situations such as after-sales repairs after delivery to the end consumer. Furniture using "three-in-one connectors" to join panels requires disassembling the entire cabinet. In residential environments, cumbersome after-sales service can easily lead to dissatisfaction among end consumers. Therefore, the need for connectors that allow for the removal of individual panels is becoming increasingly important.

[0008] Furthermore, furniture or cabinets assembled and delivered using "three-in-one connectors" often experience loosening of the internal cam lock components after prolonged use, sometimes even detaching from the pre-drilled holes in the panels. This can cause the cabinet structure to become loose and wobbly. Such problems require frequent re-tightening of the cam locks, making furniture maintenance cumbersome and burdensome. Utility Model Content

[0009] To address the problems of cumbersome installation and insufficient stability in existing technologies, this utility model provides a quick-release snap-fit ​​connector that enables fast and convenient installation while maintaining high stability.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0011] The first connector is used to be embedded in the first plate. The first connector includes a rod body and a rod expansion insert. The upper end of the rod body is slidably disposed in the rod expansion insert, and the outer part of the rod expansion insert is fitted with an elastic expansion sleeve.

[0012] The second connector is used to be embedded in the second plate. The second connector includes an expansion part and a guide part. The expansion part is provided with a lock cylinder and a slot expansion plug. The upper and lower surfaces of the lock cylinder are connected and the side wall has a notch. The slot expansion plug is located below the lock cylinder. The lower part of the expansion part is elastic. The guide part has a slot and a sliding groove. The slot is adapted to the lower end of the rod body. The sliding groove is inclined from the slot to the notch.

[0013] In one state, the lower end of the rod is inserted into the slot, slides along the groove towards the notch to contact the slot expansion plug and move downward, thereby pushing the slot expansion plug downward to open the lower part of the expansion part. At the same time, the upper end of the rod drives the rod expansion plug downward to open the expansion sleeve.

[0014] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes a rod expansion insert with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. The rod expansion insert has a through hole extending from top to bottom through its body. The through hole has an inwardly protruding limiting step. The upper end of the rod is slidably disposed within the through hole. The upper end of the rod has a limiting head that can abut against the limiting step. The outer surface of the rod expansion insert has a first inclined portion. The expansion sleeve is fitted onto the lower part of the rod expansion insert. The expansion sleeve has a first slope inside. The first slope is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion sleeve. The first slope is adapted to the first inclined portion.

[0015] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes a rod body comprising a detachably connected upper rod body and a lower rod body. The upper end of the upper rod body has the limiting head, and the lower end of the upper rod body has a first thread. The upper end of the lower rod body has a first threaded hole, and the first thread is adapted to the first threaded hole. The lower end of the lower rod body is connected to a rod head via a connecting rod. The diameter of the connecting rod gradually decreases from the lower rod body towards the rod head, and the rod head is elliptical.

[0016] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes two protrusions on the upper surface of the expansion portion. The two protrusions are arc-shaped and elastic, and are horizontally oriented towards the slot. A first traction ramp is provided below the protrusions, and a second traction ramp is provided inside the lock cylinder. The first traction ramp and the second traction ramp are adapted to each other, and the distance between the two protrusions is less than the diameter of the connecting rod.

[0017] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes a groove expansion plug with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. The lower part of the groove expansion plug has a second inclined portion, and a second slope is provided inside the expansion portion. The second slope is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion portion. The second slope is adapted to the second inclined portion. The upper part of the groove expansion plug has an inclined surface, which faces the notch and is inclined upward. The lower end of the inclined surface is connected to the second traction inclined surface, and the higher end of the inclined surface is connected to a plane.

[0018] The quick-release spring-loaded connector described above further includes a retaining ring and a spring. The lower part of the rod expansion insert has a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring has multiple metal baffles arranged around its center. The metal baffles are elastic. The multiple metal baffles are inclined downwards and toward the central axis of the retaining ring. The diameter of the ring formed by the multiple metal baffles is smaller than the diameter of the lower surface of the retaining ring groove. The retaining ring is disposed in the retaining ring groove. The upper rod body passes through the rod expansion insert and the spring. The diameter of the lower rod body is larger than the diameter of the upper rod body. The two ends of the spring abut against the lower surface of the rod expansion insert and the upper surface of the lower rod body, respectively.

[0019] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes a hollow outer shell. The upper end of the outer shell has a second threaded hole, and the lower part of the expansion sleeve has a second thread that matches the second threaded hole. The diameter of the lower opening of the outer shell is smaller than the diameter of the lower rod. The lower surface of the outer shell has a first slot, and the outer surface of the outer shell has a rod self-tapping thread. The upper end of the outer shell has a first anti-reverse tooth, and the middle part of the expansion sleeve has a second anti-reverse tooth that matches the first anti-reverse tooth.

[0020] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener further includes a multi-layered toothed anti-reverse tooth on the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, with a bending notch in the middle of the multi-layered toothed anti-reverse tooth, a first reverse tooth on the outer surface of the expansion part, and a second reverse tooth on the outer surface of the guide part.

[0021] As described above, the quick-release snap fastener is further provided with the lock cylinder being threadedly connected to the expansion part, and the upper surface of the lock cylinder having a second slot.

[0022] In the quick-release snap fastener described above, the upper surface of the guide portion is flush with the upper surface of the expansion portion, the depth of the guide portion is less than the depth of the expansion portion, and the diameter of the guide portion is less than the diameter of the expansion portion.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] 1. This utility model achieves a concealed connection between the first plate and the second plate through the linkage of the first connector and the second connector. The hardware of the connector is not exposed at all, which improves the overall aesthetics. At the same time, it has the characteristics of lightweight processing, high installation efficiency, and repeated disassembly and reassembly.

[0025] 2. The upper part of the first connecting locking rod and the bottom of the second connecting locking groove of this utility model are equipped with expansion plugs. While the two plates slide and lock, the first connecting part and the second connecting part expand in conjunction, saving the working time of pre-embedding expansion of each accessory.

[0026] 3. The anti-reverse teeth on the outer surface of the expansion sleeve, the reverse teeth on the outer surface of the expansion part and the guide part of this utility model further increase the friction between it and the inner wall of the board substrate, which greatly improves the stability of the connection between it and the board. The accessories are difficult to come out after installation, so that the two boards can be installed stably, and the furniture assembly is more secure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the quick-release snap fastener connector in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view of the first connector in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at point AA;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the structure of the first connector in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a top view of the second connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view at point BB;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the structure of the second connector in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 8 to 10 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first connector and the second connector in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 11 for Figure 8 Cross-sectional view;

[0037] Figure 12 for Figure 9 Cross-sectional view;

[0038] Figure 13 for Figure 10 Cross-sectional view;

[0039] Figures 14 to 16 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first plate and the second plate in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0040] In the diagram: 1. First connector; 2. Second connector; 3. Rod expansion insert; 4. Expansion sleeve; 5. Expansion part; 6. Guide part; 7. Lock cylinder; 8. Slot expansion insert; 9. Slot; 10. Slide groove; 11. Through hole; 12. Limiting step; 13. Limiting head; 14. First inclined part; 15. First ramp; 16. Second inclined part; 17. Second ramp; 18. Upper rod body; 19. Lower rod body; 20. First thread; 21. First threaded hole; 22. Connecting rod; 23. Rod head; 24. Boss; 25. Lock 26. Spring ring; 27. Spring; 28. Housing; 29. ​​First anti-reverse tooth; 20. Second anti-reverse tooth; 31. Self-tapping thread of rod; 32. First reverse tooth; 33. Notch; 34. Snap ring groove; 35. Second reverse tooth; 36. Second threaded hole; 37. Bending notch; 38. First traction ramp; 39. Second traction ramp; 40. First slot; 42. Second slot; 43. Angled surface; 44. Flat surface; 45. Anti-reverse reverse tooth; 46. Metal baffle; 47. First plate; 48. Second plate. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] Example:

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of this utility model are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0044] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 utility model 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] This utility model provides a technical solution: a quick-release spring-loaded connector, comprising a first connector 1 and a second connector 2. The first connector 1 is embedded in a first plate 47 and includes a rod body and a rod expansion insert 3. The upper end of the rod body is disposed within the rod expansion insert 3, and an elastic expansion sleeve 4 is fitted over the outer part of the rod expansion insert 3. The second connector 2 is embedded in a second plate 48 and includes an expansion portion 5 and a guide portion 6. A lock cylinder 7 and a slot expansion insert 8 are disposed within the expansion portion 5, and the upper and lower surfaces of the lock cylinder 7 penetrate... The side wall has a notch 32, the slot expansion plug 8 is located below the lock cylinder 7, the lower part of the expansion part 5 is elastic, the guide part 6 has a slot 9 and a slide groove 10, the slot 9 is adapted to the lower end of the rod, and the slide groove 10 is inclined from the slot 9 to the notch 32; in one state, the lower end of the rod is inserted into the slot 9, slides along the slide groove 10 to the notch 32, thereby contacting the slot expansion plug 8 and moving downward, thereby pushing the slot expansion plug 8 to move downward and opening the lower part of the expansion part 5, while the upper end of the rod drives the rod expansion plug 3 to move downward and open the expansion sleeve 4.

[0048] Specifically, see Figures 8 to 16 The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are respectively installed in the two plates (first plate 47 and second plate 48) that need to be spliced. When splicing the two plates, the lower end of the rod in the first connector 1 is inserted into the slot 9 in the second connector 2, and the plate with the first connector 1 is pushed, so that the rod slides in the sliding groove 10 towards the lock cylinder 7 under force. When the lower end of the rod reaches between the lock cylinder 7 and the slot expansion plug 8, the lower end of the rod continues to be pushed. Since there are obstacles in front and above in the direction of travel, the lower end of the rod can only move downward, thereby pushing the slot expansion plug 8 below the lock cylinder 7 to move downward, and then expanding and fixing the lower part of the expansion part 5. At the same time, since the lower end of the rod moves downward, its upper end drives the rod expansion plug 3 to move downward, and then also expands and fixes the expansion sleeve 4. Therefore, this quick-release snap fastener only requires a pushing force to achieve quick and convenient installation of the two plates. At the same time, the pushing force causes the top of the first connector 1 and the bottom of the second connector 2 to expand, resulting in high stability after the two plates are installed.

[0049] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the rod expansion plug 3 is shaped with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. The rod expansion plug 3 has a through hole 11 extending from top to bottom through its body. The through hole 11 has an inwardly protruding limiting step 12. The upper end of the rod is disposed in the through hole 11 and has a limiting head 13 that can abut against the limiting step 12. The outer surface of the rod expansion plug 3 has a first inclined portion 14. The expansion sleeve 4 is sleeved on the lower part of the rod expansion plug 3. The expansion sleeve 4 has a first slope 15 disposed inside it. The first slope 15 is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion sleeve 4. The first slope 15 is adapted to the first inclined portion 14. See again. Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the lower end of the rod slides downwards, the limiting head 13 at the upper end of the rod abuts against the limiting step 12 inside the rod expansion plug 3, thereby driving the rod expansion plug 3 to move downwards, thus achieving the effect of the rod expansion plug 3 opening the expansion sleeve 4. Furthermore, the first ramp 15 and the first inclined portion 14 have the same inclination. Since the rod expansion plug 3 is shaped with a larger top and a smaller bottom, and the expansion sleeve 4 is elastic, when the rod expansion plug 3 moves downwards, the close cooperation between the first inclined portion 14 of the rod expansion plug 3 and the first ramp 15 of the expansion sleeve 4 provides guidance for the movement of the rod expansion plug 3, thus smoothly opening the expansion sleeve 4. The overall structural design is simple and ingenious.

[0050] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the rod body includes an upper rod body 18 and a lower rod body 19 that are detachably connected. The upper end of the upper rod body 18 has a limiting head 13, and the lower end of the upper rod body 18 has a first thread 20. The upper end of the lower rod body 19 has a first threaded hole 21 that is adapted to the first thread 20. The lower end of the lower rod body 19 is connected to a rod head 23 through a connecting rod 22. The diameter of the connecting rod 22 gradually decreases from the lower rod body 19 toward the rod head 23, and the rod head 23 is elliptical.

[0051] Specifically, see Figures 2 to 7 The rod body is specifically divided into an upper rod 18 and a lower rod 19, which are fixed by a threaded connection, resulting in a simple and stable connection structure. Because the diameter of the through hole 11 is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, its cross-section forms a convex profile. The upper rod 18 passes through the through hole 11 from top to bottom. The limiting head 13 at the top of the upper rod 18 abuts against the limiting step 12 inside the through hole 11, preventing the upper rod 18 from continuing through the through hole 11, thus restricting its movement within the rod expansion insert 3. The rod head 23 is elliptical and has a certain thickness. This ensures that the contact surface with the groove 10 is unevenly distributed in different directions. During sliding, the contact between the major and minor axes of the ellipse and the groove wall effectively restricts the freedom of the rod head 23 in multiple directions, making it less prone to left-right or up-down wobbling within the groove 10 and resulting in a smoother sliding process. On the other hand, the first connector 1 is securely locked inside the second connector 2, preventing any wobbling. This means the cabinet shelves are more stable after installation and will not wobble. Simultaneously, the elliptical rod head 23 has a relatively large contact area with the groove 10, allowing stress to be distributed more evenly on the contact surface under load, thus reducing the risk of localized stress concentration. Furthermore, the diameter of the connecting rod 22 gradually decreases from the lower rod body 19 towards the rod head 23, which limits the outward extension length of the connecting rod 22.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the upper surface of the expansion portion 5 is further provided with two protrusions 24. The two protrusions 24 are arc-shaped and elastic, and are horizontally oriented towards the slot 9. A first traction slope 38 is provided below the protrusions 24, and a second traction slope 39 is provided inside the lock cylinder 7. The first traction slope 38 and the second traction slope 39 are adapted to each other, and the distance between the two protrusions 24 is smaller than the diameter of the connecting rod 22. See again... Figures 2 to 7 As the rod head 23 tilts and displaces within the groove, the traction ramps (first traction ramp 38 and second traction ramp 39) act as a guide, causing the lower rod body 19 to be subjected to a vertical traction force, pulling the entire rod body out vertically. Simultaneously, the distance between the two bosses 24 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the connecting rod 22. Since both bosses 24 are elastic, when the connecting rod 22 slides between them, the external force causes elastic deformation in the two bosses 24, allowing the connecting rod 22 to pass through. Furthermore, after the connecting rod 22 passes the two bosses 24, the two bosses 24 return to their original state, forming a narrow channel behind the connecting rod 22. Without a certain degree of external force, the connecting rod 24 cannot return on its own, thus preventing children from accidentally disassembling the plate and increasing the stability of the installation.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the groove expansion plug 8 is further shaped as a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. The lower part of the groove expansion plug 8 has a second inclined portion 16, and a second ramp 17 is provided inside the expansion portion 5. The second ramp 17 is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion portion 5. The second ramp 17 is adapted to the second inclined portion 16. The upper part of the groove expansion plug 8 has a slope 43, which faces the notch 32 and is inclined upward. The higher end of the slope 43 is connected to a plane 44. See again... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second ramp 17 and the second inclined part 16 have the same inclination. Since the groove expansion plug 8 is shaped with a larger top and a smaller bottom, and the lower part of the expansion part 5 is elastic, when the groove expansion plug 8 moves downward, the second inclined part 16 of the groove expansion plug 8 and the second ramp 17 of the expansion part 5 work together to provide guidance for the downward displacement of the groove expansion plug 8. Meanwhile, the rod head 23 moves along the inclined plane 43 (the inclined plane 43 works with the traction inclined plane to keep the entire rod in the vertical direction and continuously subjected to force) to the plane 44 and is subjected to force to press down the groove expansion plug 8, thereby opening up the lower part of the expansion part 5.

[0054] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, a retaining ring 25 and a spring 26 are further included. A retaining ring groove 33 is provided at the lower part of the rod expansion insert 3. The retaining ring 25 has multiple metal baffles 46 arranged around its center. The metal baffles 46 are elastic, and the multiple metal baffles 46 are inclined downwards towards the central axis of the retaining ring 25. The diameter of the ring formed by the multiple metal baffles 46 is smaller than the diameter of the lower surface of the retaining ring groove 25. The retaining ring 25 is disposed in the retaining ring groove 33. The upper rod 18 passes through the rod expansion insert 3 and the spring 26. The diameter of the lower rod 19 is larger than the diameter of the upper rod 18. The two ends of the spring 26 abut against the lower surface of the rod expansion insert 3 and the upper surface of the lower rod 19, respectively. See again... Figure 3 In this design, after the expansion sleeve 4 is installed on the outer edge of the rod expansion insert 3, the retaining ring 25 is inserted from the bottom into the retaining ring groove 33. The downward-sloping, elastic metal baffle 46 contacts the bottom of the retaining ring groove 33 and is compressed, undergoing elastic deformation, expanding outwards and releasing a circular space allowing the retaining ring groove 33 to pass through. Once the elastic metal baffle on the retaining ring 25 has completely passed the bottom step of the retaining ring groove 33, the elastic metal baffle 46 quickly returns to its original shape, abutting against the bottom step of the retaining ring groove 33 from above, forming a counter-tooth to prevent retraction. At this time, the retaining ring 25 is confined to the bottom of the rod expansion insert 3 and cannot retract, abutting against the expansion sleeve 4 from above, providing a positioning function for the expansion sleeve 4, ensuring that the expansion sleeve 4 will not fall out of the rod expansion insert 3 in any working scenario. Additionally, during plate installation, the spring 26 undergoes elastic deformation under force. After the plate is removed, due to the disappearance of the external force, the spring force of the spring 26 causes the upper rod body 18 to move upwards and reset.

[0055] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the first connector 1 further includes a hollow outer shell 27. The upper end of the outer shell 27 has a second threaded hole 36, and the lower part of the expansion sleeve 4 has a second thread 35, which is adapted to the second threaded hole 36. The diameter of the lower opening of the outer shell 27 is smaller than the diameter of the lower rod 19. The lower surface of the outer shell 27 has a first slot 40, and the outer surface of the outer shell has a rod self-tapping thread 30. The upper end of the outer shell 27 has a first anti-reverse tooth 28, and the middle part of the expansion sleeve 4 has a second anti-reverse tooth 29, which are adapted to each other. See again... Figure 2The outer shell 27 and the expansion sleeve are fixed by a threaded connection. Furthermore, the first anti-reverse tooth 28 and the second anti-reverse tooth 29 have the same tooth shape (both are triangular teeth) and number of teeth. When the outer shell 27 and the expansion sleeve 4 are threadedly tightened, the engagement between the first anti-reverse tooth 28 and the second anti-reverse tooth 29 effectively prevents relative rotation between them, making it impossible for them to be loosened. Simultaneously, the threaded connection is locked to the end, forming a tight fit where they cannot move forward or backward relative to each other. Similarly, during the installation of the first connector 1, a matching flathead screwdriver is used to screw the self-tapping thread 30 of the first connector mating rod into the preset mounting hole of the first plate 47 through the first flathead slot 40 on the lower surface of the outer shell 27. The anti-reverse action of the first anti-reverse tooth 28 and the second anti-reverse tooth 29 prevents the expansion sleeve 4 from rotating with the outer shell 27 within the preset mounting hole, thus preventing it from falling off.

[0056] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the expansion sleeve 4 is provided with multiple layers of toothed anti-retraction teeth 45, and a bending notch 37 is provided in the middle of the multiple layers of toothed anti-retraction teeth 45; the outer surface of the expansion part 5 is provided with a first tooth 31; and the outer surface of the guide part 6 is provided with a second tooth 34. See again... Figure 6 The anti-reverse tooth 45 can work in conjunction with the expansion sleeve 4 to form a more stable expansion self-locking within the first plate 47. Similarly, the first reverse tooth 31 and the second reverse tooth 34 can form a more stable expansion self-locking within the second plate 48 with the expansion part 5 and the guide part 6. In addition, the bending notch 37 can reserve a releasable space for the annular expansion of the upper part.

[0057] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the lock cylinder 7 is threadedly connected to the expansion portion 5, and a second slot 42 is formed on the upper surface of the lock cylinder 7. See again... Figure 5 The lock cylinder 7 and the expansion part 5 are fixed by a threaded connection. The lock cylinder 7 can be screwed into the expansion part 5 by using a matching flathead screwdriver corresponding to the second flathead slot 42. When the lock cylinder 7 is tightened in place, the notch 32 of the lock cylinder 7 is aligned with the two bosses 24 and faces the first traction slope 38 in the guide part 6.

[0058] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments, the upper surface of the guide portion 6 is flush with the upper surface of the expansion portion 5, and the depth of the guide portion 6 is less than the depth of the expansion portion 5, and the diameter of the guide portion 6 is less than the diameter of the expansion portion 5. See again... Figure 7Because the depth of the guide part 6 is less than the depth of the expansion part 5, it can be used for mounting holes with varying depths. Additionally, the lower part of the expansion part 5 can expand outwards to improve installation stability. Furthermore, the diameter of the guide part 6 is smaller than the diameter of the expansion part 5, preventing installers from accidentally knocking the parts in the wrong direction. At the same time, the larger diameter of the expansion part 5 results in a larger anti-reverse tooth area, leading to stronger expansion locking force and friction.

[0059] Installation and usage instructions for this quick-release spring-loaded connector: See again Figures 8 to 16 First, pre-drill mounting holes in the two plates to be installed. Then, install the first and second connectors into their corresponding mounting holes. After installation, the lower end of the rod of the first connector will be exposed. Insert the lower end of the rod into the slot of the second connector and push the plate with the first connector, causing the rod to slide towards the lock cylinder under force in the groove. After the lower end of the rod reaches the first traction slope, it continues to be pushed. Due to obstacles in the forward and upward direction of travel, the lower end of the rod can only move diagonally downward along the first traction slope. When the rod reaches the point where the lock cylinder connects with the slot expansion plug, the trajectory connects to the second traction slope. At this time, the lock rod continues to be pushed forward, thereby pushing the slot expansion plug below the lock cylinder downward, releasing space to allow the rod head to pass through, and then expanding and fixing the lower part of the expansion part. When the rod head moves to the plane, the forward movement ends, and the downward distance of the slot expansion plug is equal to the thickness of the rod head. At the same time, as the lower end of the rod moves downward, its upper end drives the rod expansion insert to move downward, which in turn expands and fixes the expansion sleeve. As can be clearly seen from the figure, when using this quick-release spring-loaded connector to install two plates, the first and second connectors will not be exposed after installation, and the mounting holes of the two plates will also be invisible, achieving a completely concealed effect for the connectors and mounting holes, greatly improving the overall aesthetics.

[0060] The installation principle of this quick-release spring-loaded connector is as follows: See Figures 8 to 13The first and second plates are connected perpendicularly to each other. The second connector and the first connector are assembled and installed in the pre-set mounting holes of the plates as described above. The rod head of the first connector is inserted into the slot of the second connector and hooked onto the slide groove. Then, the first plate is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the installation of the first connector. Inside the second connector, the rod head slides along the traction ramp to between the lock cylinder and the slot expansion plug. During this process, the rod head moves horizontally, and through the compression of the space between the two, it pushes the slot expansion plug to move vertically downward along the ramp. This opens the lower end of the expansion part, which has a certain elasticity, and together with the counter-tooth of the outer edge of the expansion part, forms an expansion self-locking mechanism within the second plate. On the other hand, during the inclined displacement of the rod head of the second connector in the slide groove, the traction ramp will act as a compression guide, so that the lower rod body is subjected to a vertical traction force, causing the rod body to be pulled out in the vertical direction. Because there is a limiting head at the upper end of the upper rod, which engages with the limiting step on the expansion plug, the rod is pulled out, which will drive the rod expansion plug to move downward, and at the same time expand the expansion sleeve. In conjunction with the toothed anti-reverse teeth on the outer edge of the expansion sleeve, an expansion self-locking is formed in the first plate.

[0061] Therefore, this utility model addresses some pain points in the existing industry by providing an innovative, concealed, aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-manufacture, and repeatedly disassembled and reassembled hidden snap-fit ​​connector. Through concealed connection, the connector holes are completely hidden after cabinet assembly, providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance. For furniture manufacturers' production and sales systems: this connector allows for pre-embedding in the factory, followed by flattened packaging of the panels, improving processing efficiency and reducing redundant costs related to logistics and after-sales service, helping furniture manufacturers establish a stable and economical delivery model. Furthermore, this connector enables tool-free installation at the point of sale, expanding new models for online furniture sales, lowering the barrier to furniture purchase, exploring new industry models, and seeking new opportunities and growth. Simultaneously, this connector allows for simultaneous internal expansion of the connector while the two panels are locked, saving the time required for pre-embedding expansion of various components—one action, three locking points. This further provides furniture with a robust panel connection method, offering higher strength and stability. Furthermore, the connector of this utility model locks the panels by sliding and pushing, and has a push-locking tolerance. Even if the furniture factory drills holes or cuts materials to dimensions that do not meet standards, the tolerance adjustment ensures that the flatness of the furniture installation is not affected, avoiding defects such as uneven panel connections. Additionally, furniture assembled using this connector has a convenient single-panel removal solution. Any area within the cabinet requiring after-sales service can be quickly addressed using this method, simplifying the after-sales process. Moreover, panels assembled using this connector are internally secured, preventing loosening during use and eliminating the need for maintenance using devices like "cam locks."

[0062] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0063] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made based on the substance of the content of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-fit carabiner connector, characterized in that, include: The first connector is used to be embedded in the first plate. The first connector includes a rod body and a rod expansion insert. The upper end of the rod body is slidably disposed in the rod expansion insert, and the outer part of the rod expansion insert is fitted with an elastic expansion sleeve. The second connector is used to be embedded in the second plate. The second connector includes an expansion part and a guide part. The expansion part is provided with a lock cylinder and a slot expansion plug. The upper and lower surfaces of the lock cylinder are connected and the side wall has a notch. The slot expansion plug is located below the lock cylinder. The lower part of the expansion part is elastic. The guide part has a slot and a sliding groove. The slot is adapted to the lower end of the rod body. The sliding groove is inclined from the slot to the notch. In one state, the lower end of the rod is inserted into the slot, slides along the groove towards the notch to contact the slot expansion plug and move downward, thereby pushing the slot expansion plug downward to open the lower part of the expansion part. At the same time, the upper end of the rod drives the rod expansion plug downward to open the expansion sleeve.

2. The quick-fit carabiner connector according to claim 1, wherein The rod expansion plug has a shape that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The rod expansion plug has a through hole that runs from top to bottom through its body. The through hole has an inwardly protruding limiting step. The upper end of the rod is slidably disposed in the through hole. The upper end of the rod has a limiting head that can abut against the limiting step. The outer surface of the rod expansion plug has a first inclined portion. The expansion sleeve is sleeved on the lower part of the rod expansion plug. The expansion sleeve has a first slope that is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion sleeve. The first slope is adapted to the first inclined portion.

3. The quick-fit carabiner connector of claim 1, wherein, The rod body includes a detachably connected upper rod body and a lower rod body. The upper end of the upper rod body has the limiting head, and the lower end of the upper rod body has a first thread. The upper end of the lower rod body has a first threaded hole, and the first thread is adapted to the first threaded hole. The lower end of the lower rod body is connected to a rod head through a connecting rod. The diameter of the connecting rod gradually decreases from the lower rod body towards the rod head, and the rod head is elliptical.

4. The fast-buckling carabiner connector of claim 3, wherein, The upper surface of the expansion part is provided with two protrusions, which are arc-shaped and elastic. The two protrusions are horizontally oriented towards the slot. A first traction slope is provided below the protrusions, and a second traction slope is provided inside the lock cylinder. The first traction slope and the second traction slope are adapted to each other. The distance between the two protrusions is less than the diameter of the connecting rod.

5. The quick-release snap fastener according to claim 4, characterized in that, The groove expansion plug has a shape that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. The lower part of the groove expansion plug has a second inclined part. A second slope is provided inside the expansion part. The second slope is downward and inclined toward the central axis of the expansion part. The second slope is adapted to the second inclined part. The upper part of the groove expansion plug has a slope. The slope faces the notch and is inclined upward. The lower end of the slope is connected to the second traction slope, and the higher end of the slope is connected to a plane.

6. The quick-release spring-loaded connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a retaining ring and a spring. The lower part of the rod expansion insert has a retaining ring groove. The retaining ring has multiple metal baffles arranged around its center. The metal baffles are elastic. The multiple metal baffles are inclined downwards and toward the central axis of the retaining ring. The diameter of the ring formed by the multiple metal baffles is smaller than the diameter of the lower surface of the retaining ring groove. The retaining ring is disposed in the retaining ring groove. The upper rod body passes through the rod expansion insert and the spring. The diameter of the lower rod body is larger than the diameter of the upper rod body. The two ends of the spring abut against the lower surface of the rod expansion insert and the upper surface of the lower rod body, respectively.

7. The quick-release snap fastener according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first connector also includes a hollow outer shell, the upper end of which has a second threaded hole, the lower part of which has a second thread, the second thread being adapted to the second threaded hole, the diameter of the lower opening of the outer shell being smaller than the diameter of the lower rod, the lower surface of the outer shell having a first slot, the outer surface of the outer shell having a rod self-tapping thread, the upper end of the outer shell having a first anti-reverse tooth, the middle part of the expansion sleeve having a second anti-reverse tooth, the first anti-reverse tooth being adapted to the second anti-reverse tooth.

8. The quick-release snap fastener according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the expansion sleeve is provided with multiple layers of toothed anti-reverse teeth, and a bending notch is provided in the middle of the multiple layers of toothed anti-reverse teeth. The outer surface of the expansion part is provided with a first reverse tooth, and the outer surface of the guide part is provided with a second reverse tooth.

9. The quick-release spring-loaded connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock cylinder is threadedly connected to the expansion part, and a second slot is provided on the upper surface of the lock cylinder.

10. The quick-release spring-loaded connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the guide portion is flush with the upper surface of the expansion portion, the depth of the guide portion is less than the depth of the expansion portion, and the diameter of the guide portion is less than the diameter of the expansion portion.

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