Joint with snap

By setting snap-fit ​​blocks and positioning blocks on the connector body, combined with the design of tightening caps and fastening nuts, the problems of complex operation and loosening of existing bellows connectors are solved, achieving convenient installation and reliable fastening effect, and improving service life and fatigue resistance.

CN224592894UActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04ZHEJIANG HANGSHI ELECTRIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG HANGSHI ELECTRIC CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-21
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing corrugated pipe joints are complicated to connect, inconvenient to tighten, and prone to loosening, which affects the performance and reduces production efficiency.

Method used

A snap-fit ​​connector is designed, including a connector body, a tightening cap, and a fastening nut. The connector body is provided with a snap-fit ​​block and a positioning block. The tightening cap and the snap-fit ​​block are brought together and tightened by the contact of the inclined surfaces. The positioning block is adapted to the slot on the inner wall of the junction box. The fastening nut is locked from the outside to form a stable multi-point support structure.

Benefits of technology

It enables simple and quick positioning and installation, improves fastening reliability, reduces the risk of loosening, extends service life and enhances fatigue resistance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224592894U_ABST
    Figure CN224592894U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This utility model discloses a connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, comprising a connector body, a tightening cap, and a fastening nut. The connector body is hollow and has a through hole. A first thread and a second thread are provided on the connector body. Several snap-fit ​​blocks are provided at the end of the connector body near the first thread. The tightening cap is threadedly engaged with the first thread. The inner wall of the tightening cap has an abutting inclined surface for contacting the snap-fit ​​blocks, causing them to retract and tighten around the bellows. The fastening nut is threadedly engaged with the second thread. Several positioning blocks are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the other end of the connector body. The end of each positioning block near the second thread is higher than the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread. The end of the positioning block near the second thread is connected to the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread by a smooth inclined surface. Its structure is simple, positioning and installation are convenient, fastening is reliable, and it is easy to tighten promptly when loose, resulting in good performance.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector with a snap fastener. Background Technology

[0002] The existing bellows connector includes a hollow connector body and a locking cap. One end of the connector body is threaded into the locking cap, and the other end is used to fix the connector body to the junction box with a fastening nut. The locking cap has a through hole for the bellows to pass through. Several locking blocks are provided on the connector body at the connection position with the locking cap. The locking blocks are equidistantly arranged around the circumference of the connector body. The contact surface between the locking cap and the locking blocks is set at an angle to drive the locking blocks to clamp towards the center. When connecting the bellows, the bellows first passes through the through hole on the locking cap, then through the position of the locking blocks, and then through the entire connector body. During tightening, the contact between the locking cap and the locking blocks drives the top of the locking blocks to clamp towards the center until the bellows is locked. At the same time, the connector body is clamped to the junction box by two fastening nuts. This type of fixing structure to the junction box is relatively complicated to operate and inconvenient to tighten, which reduces production and processing efficiency. At the same time, the structure is prone to loosening after long-term use, making it difficult to tighten quickly and affecting the structure's performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a connector with a buckle, which has a simple structure, convenient positioning and installation, reliable fastening, and easy tightening when loose, and has a good performance.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, comprising a connector body, a tightening cap, and a fastening nut. The connector body is hollow and has a through hole. The connector body is provided with a first thread and a second thread. A plurality of snap-fit ​​blocks are provided at one end of the connector body near the first thread. The tightening cap is threadedly engaged with the first thread. The inner wall of the tightening cap is provided with an abutting inclined surface for contacting the snap-fit ​​blocks to retract and tighten around the bellows. The fastening nut is threadedly engaged with the second thread. A plurality of positioning blocks are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the other end of the connector body. The end of the positioning block near the second thread is higher than the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread. The end of the positioning block near the second thread is connected to the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread by a smooth inclined surface.

[0005] The advantages of this design are as follows: the positioning block can directly fit into the pre-set slot or stepped structure on the inner wall of the junction box, achieving one-click positioning and significantly reducing positioning time; at the same time, the protruding surface formed near the second thread end of the positioning block can form a stable bidirectional contact with the fastening nut. When the nut is tightened, the positioning block presses against the inner end face of the junction box, and the nut locks from the outside, avoiding loosening and displacement caused by unilateral force on traditional connectors; the smooth bevel between the positioning block and the snap-fit ​​block can avoid stress concentration caused by right-angle transition. When the connector is pulled by the pipeline, the external force can be transmitted to the body along the bevel, reducing the risk of breakage at the root of the snap-fit ​​block, improving the fatigue resistance of the connector by 25%, and extending its service life; the smooth bevel can serve as an assembly "guide surface". When inserted into the junction box, the bevel can help to calibrate the angle, avoid the snap-fit ​​block from rubbing against the edge of the junction box, protect the elastic structure of the snap-fit ​​block, and reduce assembly losses; at the same time, this structure is simple to operate, and quick positioning and convenient fastening do not require high-precision tools. Even novice installers can quickly get started, reducing installation errors caused by improper operation.

[0006] As a further feature of this invention, at least three positioning blocks are provided, and the positioning blocks are spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the connector body.

[0007] The advantages of this design are as follows: By using at least three positioning blocks spaced apart on the outer periphery of the connector body, the geometric support characteristics of triangles and above can significantly improve assembly stability. Compared to two positioning blocks, which are prone to rotational shift due to uneven force distribution, three or more positioning blocks can form multiple points of uniform support around the connector body, creating a stable contact positioning structure with the inner end face of the junction box, preventing the connector from becoming eccentric or tilted during assembly. Simultaneously, the spaced arrangement allows each positioning block to evenly distribute the axial pressure generated when tightening the nut, preventing excessive localized force that could cause deformation of the positioning blocks or displacement of the connector body. Even in long-term vibration environments, it can maintain a stable connection between the connector and the junction box, further ensuring the robustness and reliability of the overall assembly structure.

[0008] As a further feature of this invention, a window is provided on the connector body corresponding to the position of the positioning block.

[0009] The advantages of this design are as follows: The positioning block needs to be adapted to the junction box interface size, which may result in slight contraction for smooth insertion. The window on the connector body corresponding to the positioning block's position provides ample internal space for the positioning block's contraction, preventing structural damage caused by rigid compression between the positioning block and the connector body due to insufficient space for contraction. Simultaneously, the window eliminates material constraints during positioning block deformation, allowing for more flexible contraction and ensuring smooth insertion into the junction box's pre-designed structure, preventing assembly jamming due to deformation obstruction. Furthermore, during subsequent springback, the window prevents additional friction between the positioning block and the body, ensuring positioning block reset accuracy, further maintaining a stable assembly relationship between the connector and the junction box, and extending the structural lifespan of the positioning block.

[0010] As a further feature of this invention, the connector body is provided with a positioning flange in the through hole, and the positioning flange is disposed between the window and the snap-fit ​​block.

[0011] The advantages of this design are as follows: The positioning flange between the window and the snap-fit ​​block on the connector body limits the range of motion of the bellows, preventing it from shifting towards the window and into the positioning block's retraction area. Without this flange, the positioning block might rub or squeeze against the outer wall of the bellows during retraction deformation. This could lead to insufficient retraction and uneven deformation due to the bellows' obstruction, and might also prevent the positioning block from properly embedding into the junction box's pre-designed structure, affecting assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, the positioning flange protects the outer wall of the bellows from scratches and damage by the retracting positioning block. While ensuring the effective retraction of the positioning block, it also maintains the structural integrity of the bellows, further enhancing the overall reliability of the connector assembly. As a further feature of this invention, the end face of the fastening nut facing the positioning block is provided with several empty grooves.

[0012] The benefits of this design are as follows: It achieves weight reduction and cost reduction. The hollow groove reduces the amount of material used in the nut, reducing the overall weight of the joint while maintaining structural strength. This is especially suitable for scenarios where installation weight is sensitive, while also reducing production material costs. The hollow groove can also accommodate small debris or excess sealant generated during assembly, preventing it from accumulating between the mating surfaces of the nut and the positioning block, ensuring a tight fit and maintaining a stable fastening state, thus avoiding loosening caused by foreign objects. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This utility model provides an embodiment of a connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, such as... Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the connector includes a connector body 1, a tightening cap 2, and a fastening nut 3. The connector body 1 is hollow and has a through hole. The connector body 1 is provided with a first thread 11 and a second thread 12. Several locking blocks are provided at the end of the connector body 1 near the first thread 11. The tightening cap 2 is threadedly engaged with the first thread 11. The inner wall of the tightening cap 2 is provided with a contact slope for abutting the locking blocks to close and tighten the bellows. The fastening nut 3 is threadedly engaged with the second thread 12. Several positioning blocks 4 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the other end of the connector body 1. The end of the positioning block 4 near the second thread 12 is higher than the end of the locking block away from the second thread 12. The end of the positioning block 4 near the second thread 12 is connected to the end of the locking block away from the second thread 12 by a smooth slope. The advantages of this design are as follows: the positioning block 4 can be directly fitted with the preset slot or stepped structure on the inner wall of the junction box, achieving one-time insertion and positioning, significantly reducing positioning time; at the same time, the protruding surface formed near the end of the second thread 12 of the positioning block 4 can form a stable bidirectional contact with the fastening nut 3. When the nut is tightened, the positioning block 4 presses against the inner end face of the junction box, and the nut locks from the outside, avoiding loosening and displacement caused by unilateral force on traditional connectors; the smooth inclined surface between the positioning block and the snap-fit ​​block can avoid stress concentration caused by right-angle transition. When the connector is pulled by the pipeline, the external force can be transmitted to the body along the inclined surface, reducing the risk of breakage at the root of the snap-fit ​​block, improving the fatigue resistance of the connector by 25%, and extending its service life; the smooth inclined surface can serve as an assembly "guide surface". When inserted into the junction box, the inclined surface can help to calibrate the angle, avoid the snap-fit ​​block from rubbing against the edge of the junction box, protect the elastic structure of the snap-fit ​​block, and reduce assembly loss; at the same time, this structure is simple to operate, and quick positioning and convenient fastening do not require high-precision tools. Even novice installers can quickly get started, reducing installation errors caused by improper operation.

[0015] As a further provision of this embodiment, four positioning blocks 4 are provided, spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the connector body 1. The advantages of this arrangement are: by having four positioning blocks 4 spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the connector body 1, reliable geometric support characteristics significantly improve assembly stability. Compared to two positioning blocks 4, which are prone to rotational displacement due to uneven force distribution, four positioning blocks 4 provide multi-point uniform support around the connector body 1, forming a stable contact positioning structure with the inner end face of the junction box, preventing eccentricity or tilting of the connector during assembly. Simultaneously, the spaced arrangement allows each positioning block 4 to evenly distribute the axial pressure generated when tightening the fastening nut 3, preventing excessive local force that could cause deformation of the positioning block 4 or displacement of the connector body 1. Even in long-term vibration environments, it maintains a stable connection between the connector and the junction box, further ensuring the robustness and reliability of the overall assembly structure.

[0016] As a further feature of this embodiment, a window 13 is provided on the connector body 1 corresponding to the position of the positioning block 4. The advantages of this design are as follows: Since the positioning block 4 needs to adapt to the junction box interface size and may undergo slight contraction deformation for smooth insertion, the window 13 on the connector body 1 corresponding to the position of the positioning block 4 provides ample internal space for the contraction of the positioning block 4, preventing structural damage caused by rigid compression between the positioning block 4 and the connector body 1 due to insufficient space for contraction. Simultaneously, the window 13 eliminates material constraints during the deformation of the positioning block 4, allowing for more flexible contraction and ensuring smooth insertion into the junction box's pre-set structure, avoiding assembly jamming due to deformation obstruction. Furthermore, when the positioning block 4 subsequently springs back to its original position, the window 13 prevents additional friction between it and the body, ensuring the positioning block 4's reset accuracy, further maintaining a stable assembly relationship between the connector and the junction box, and extending the structural service life of the positioning block 4.

[0017] As a further feature of this embodiment, the connector body 1 is provided with a positioning flange 14 in the through hole, and the positioning flange 14 is located between the window 13 and the snap-fit ​​block. The beneficial effect of this configuration is that the positioning flange 14 between the window 13 and the snap-fit ​​block limits the range of motion of the bellows, preventing it from shifting towards the window 13 and into the retracting area of ​​the positioning block 4. Without this flange, the positioning block 4 may rub or squeeze against the outer wall of the bellows during retraction deformation. This would not only result in insufficient retraction and uneven deformation of the positioning block 4 due to the obstruction of the bellows, but also prevent the positioning block 4 from being smoothly embedded into the pre-set structure of the junction box, affecting assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, the positioning flange 14 also protects the outer wall of the bellows from being scratched or damaged by the retracting positioning block 4. While ensuring the retraction effect of the positioning block 4, it also maintains the structural integrity of the bellows, further improving the overall reliability of the connector assembly. As a further feature of this embodiment, the end face of the fastening nut 3 facing the positioning block 4 is provided with several slots 31. The advantages of this design are: it achieves weight reduction and cost reduction; the slots 31 reduce the amount of material used in the nut, reducing the overall weight of the joint while ensuring structural strength, which is particularly suitable for scenarios where installation weight is sensitive, while also reducing production material costs. The slots 31 can also accommodate small debris or excess sealant generated during assembly, preventing them from accumulating between the mating surfaces of the nut and the positioning block 4, ensuring tight contact between the two, maintaining a stable fastening state, and avoiding loosening caused by foreign objects.

[0018] The above examples are merely one preferred embodiment of this utility model. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, comprising a connector body, a tightening cap, and a fastening nut, wherein the connector body is hollow and has a through hole, the connector body has a first thread and a second thread, a plurality of snap-fit ​​blocks are provided at one end of the connector body near the first thread, the tightening cap is threadedly engaged with the first thread, the inner wall of the tightening cap is provided with an abutting inclined surface for contacting the snap-fit ​​blocks to retract and tighten the snap-fit ​​blocks around the bellows, and the fastening nut is threadedly engaged with the second thread, characterized in that: A plurality of positioning blocks are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the other end of the connector body. The end of the positioning block near the second thread is higher than the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread. The end of the positioning block near the second thread is connected to the end of the snap-fit ​​block away from the second thread by a smooth inclined surface.

2. The connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning blocks are configured in at least three pieces, and the positioning blocks are spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the connector body.

3. The connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: A window is provided on the connector body at the position corresponding to the positioning block.

4. The connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connector body has a positioning flange in the through hole, and the positioning flange is located between the window and the snap-fit ​​block.

5. The connector with a snap-fit ​​mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end face of the fastening nut facing the positioning block has several empty slots.