A quick connect connector and apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a quick connector relates to the field of connection technology, the utility model provides a kind of quick connector, including first connecting piece, second connecting piece and locking marble;Quick groove is opened on first connecting piece, and quick flange is set on second connecting piece, and quick flange is embedded in quick groove or pulled out from quick groove, to make first connecting piece and second connecting piece axial connection or disconnect;Locking marble is arranged in first connecting piece, and locking marble is telescopic and protrudes from the groove wall of quick groove along the axial direction;When first connecting piece is connected with second connecting piece, locking marble protrudes and supports second connecting piece along the axial direction, to make second connecting piece press first connecting piece.The utility model has the beneficial effects of convenient connection, quick disassembly, stable connection, connection feedback, blind disassembly and blind installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connection technology, and in particular to a quick-connect connector. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios such as underwater photography, environmental detection, and scene lighting, it is often necessary to combine multiple lenses, multiple sensors, and multiple light sources. In such scenarios where multiple devices work together in coordination, operators often need to use connectors to connect different devices and quickly disassemble or replace a specific device according to the specific needs of the scenario.

[0003] Existing connectors often use bolt-nut screw-on connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or O-ring compression connections to connect different devices. When applying these connectors to specific scenarios, bolt-nut screw-on connectors often present significant problems with inconvenient assembly and disassembly. Users often need to visually observe the angle and position of the bolt and nut, align them, and tighten or loosen them segment by segment, carefully observing to determine whether they are fully tightened or over-tightened. This connection method requires careful observation of the connection structure and cannot be blindly assembled or disassembled by feel. The entire assembly and disassembly process is cumbersome and complex, making it difficult to quickly change devices. While snap-fit ​​connections or O-ring compression connections are convenient, they often have significant problems with weak connections in practical applications, making them unsuitable for scenarios with large or heavy equipment or other requirements for high connection stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a connector that is easy to assemble and disassemble and provides a stable connection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a quick-connect connector, including a first connector, a second connector, and a locking ball; the first connector has a quick-connect groove, and the second connector has a quick-connect flange, which is inserted into or pulled out of the quick-connect groove to allow the first connector and the second connector to be axially connected or disconnected; the locking ball is disposed on the first connector and is axially retractable protruding from the groove wall of the quick-connect groove; when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the locking ball protrudes axially to abut against the second connector, so that the second connector presses against the first connector.

[0006] Optionally, the first connector includes a first connector body, a stop ring, and a locking flange; the stop ring is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body on the side away from the second connector, and the stop ring is integrally formed with the first connector body; the locking flange is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body on the side close to the second connector, and the locking flange is integrally formed with the first connector body; the locking flange and the stop ring are spaced apart to form a quick-connect groove.

[0007] Optionally, the quick-connect flange includes a connecting flange and a limiting block. The connecting flange is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the second connector, and the limiting block is disposed at the end of the connecting flange. The limiting block extends axially and is disposed on the outer periphery of the second connector. The limiting block and the connecting flange are integrally formed, and the two are connected to form an L-shaped structure.

[0008] Optionally, the locking ball includes a spring, a top ball, and a ball housing; the spring is installed in the ball housing, one end of the spring is connected to the ball housing, and the other end of the spring is connected to the top ball, the top ball compresses the spring and is retractably ejected from the opening of the ball housing.

[0009] Optionally, an external thread is provided on the ball bearing shell; a locking thread through hole is provided on the locking flange along the axial direction, and the external thread on the ball bearing shell is adapted to the locking thread through hole.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes a feedback ball, with a blind hole formed radially on the second connector, the feedback ball being embedded in the blind hole, and the feedback ball being radially retractable and protruding from the second connector.

[0011] Optionally, a continuous undulating concave ring adapted to the feedback ball is formed circumferentially along the upper edge of the locking flange.

[0012] Optionally, it also includes a first magnet and a second magnet; the first magnet is disposed on the side of the stop ring near the second connector, and the first magnet is connected to the stop ring; the second magnet is disposed on the side of the quick-connect flange near the first connector, and the second magnet is connected to the quick-connect flange; the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other.

[0013] Optionally, the second connector has an external thread on its outer periphery for connecting one of the mating devices to be connected; the stop ring has an internal thread on its inner wall for connecting the other mating device to be connected.

[0014] This invention also provides a device that uses the quick-connect connector described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Easy to connect and quick to disassemble: The two devices to be connected are connected to the first connector and the second connector respectively. The user can quickly connect or disconnect the first connector and the second connector coaxially by means of the cooperation between the quick groove and the quick flange. The operation is convenient and the assembly and disassembly are quick. Stable connection: When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the locking ball is pushed out, so that the second connector presses against the first connector, which enhances the connection strength between the first connector and the second connector and ensures a stable and reliable connection. It features connection feedback for easy blind disassembly and assembly: Due to the special structural design of the locking ball being retractable and protruding from the first connector, when using the connector provided in this utility model, the user can clearly know the state of the locking ball by the impact sound and the impact feeling transmitted when the locking ball is pushed out. This allows the user to judge the connection status between the first connector and the second connector. In harsh environments, there is no need to carefully observe the specific connection status of the connector with the naked eye, making blind disassembly and assembly convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the quick-connect connector provided in a specific embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the quick-connect connector provided in the specific implementation embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first connector in the quick-connect connector provided in a specific embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the first connector, locking ball, and first magnet in the quick-connect connector provided in a specific embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second connector in the quick-connect connector provided in a specific embodiment; Figure 6 This is a first cross-sectional view of the quick-connect connector provided in the specific embodiment in a fully connected state. Figure 7 This is a second cross-sectional view of the quick-connect connector provided in the specific embodiment in a fully connected state. Figure 1-7 In the diagram, the following components are labeled: First connector: 1, Second connector: 2, Locking ball: 3, Feedback ball: 4, First magnet: 5, Second magnet: 6, Quick-connect flange: F, Connecting flange: F1, Limiting block: F2, First connector body: 11, Stop ring: 12, Locking flange: 13, Quick-connect groove: L, Internal thread: 121, Locking thread through hole: 131, Concave ring: 132, Top ball: 31, Ball shell: 32. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on this utility model.

[0019] Please see Figure 1-7In this specific embodiment, a quick-connect connector is provided, including a first connector 1, a second connector 2, a locking ball 3, a feedback ball 4, a first magnet 5, and a second magnet 6; The first connector 1 includes a first connector body 11, a stop ring 12, and a locking flange 13. The stop ring 12 is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body 11 and is integrally formed with the first connector body 11. The locking flange 13 is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body 11 on the side away from the second connector 2 and is integrally formed with the first connector body 11. The locking flange 13 and the stop ring 12 are spaced apart, leaving a certain gap between them, which serves as a quick-connect groove L. In this specific embodiment, the stop ring 12 is a full-circle ring, and three locking flanges 13 are provided. Adjacent locking flanges 13 are evenly spaced, and the three locking flanges 13 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the first connector body 11 on the side closer to the second connector 2. The first connector body 11, the stop ring 12, and the three locking flanges 13 are integrally formed.

[0020] The second connector 2 is provided with a quick-connect flange F, which includes a connecting flange F1 and a limiting block F2. The connecting flange F1 is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the second connector 2, and the limiting block F2 is located at the end of the connecting flange F1. The limiting block F2 extends axially and is located on the outer periphery of the second connector 2, and the limiting block F2 and the connecting flange F1 are integrally formed, forming an L-shaped structure. In this specific embodiment, three quick-connect flanges F are provided, with adjacent quick-connect flanges F evenly spaced and distributed on the outer periphery of the second connector 2. The circumferential width of each quick-connect flange F is set to be less than the spacing between two adjacent locking flanges 12, so that each quick-connect flange F at the second connector 2 can be correspondingly embedded between two adjacent locking flanges 13 at the first connector 1, and the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are thus staggered and tightly fitted together.

[0021] The locking ball 3 includes a spring (not shown), a top ball 31, and a ball shell 32. The spring is installed in the ball shell 32, with one end connected to the ball shell 32 and the other end connected to the top ball 31. The top ball 31 compresses the spring and is retractably ejected from the opening of the ball shell 32. The ball shell 32 has an external thread. The locking flange 13 has an axially oriented locking thread through hole 131, which is matched with the external thread on the ball shell 32. By selecting a suitable position for the locking thread through hole 131, whether the top ball 31 in the locking ball 3 is compressed will directly indicate whether the connecting flange F1 has moved to the installation position of the locking ball 3. In this specific embodiment, the locking thread through hole 131 is set to be on the side of the locking flange 13 away from the limiting block F2. Once the top ball 31 in the locking ball 3 is compressed, it means that the connecting flange 13 has been fully inserted into the quick-connect groove L. As described above, in this specific embodiment, three locking flanges 13 are provided. The three locking flanges 13 will respectively form three quick-connect grooves L with the stop ring 12. Corresponding to the three locking flanges 13 and the three quick-connect grooves L formed respectively, in this specific embodiment, three locking balls 3 are provided. Each locking ball 3 is located at the end of its corresponding locking flange 13 away from the limiting block F2. In this way, in this specific embodiment, the top ball 31 in each locking ball 3 will be retractably protruding from the bottom of each quick-connect groove L. Once the top ball 31 in the locking ball 3 is squeezed, it means that its corresponding connecting flange F1 has extended into the bottom of its corresponding quick-connect groove L, and the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 2 are now fully connected.

[0022] The gap width between the locking flange 13 and the stop ring 12 is adapted to the thickness of the connecting flange F1. That is, the gap between the locking flange 13 and the stop ring 12 serves as the quick-connect groove L, and the connecting flange F2 can be inserted into or pulled out of the quick-connect groove L. Since the quick-connect flange F is circumferentially arranged on the second connector 2, and the quick-connect groove L is also arranged circumferentially around the inner wall of the first connector body 11, when using the quick-connect connector provided in this embodiment, the user needs to hold the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 with both hands, bring them close together, and adjust the position of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 so that the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are staggered and tightly fitted together. This ensures that each quick-connect flange F at the second connector 2 can be inserted between two adjacent locking flanges 13 at the first connector 1. After staggering and tightening, the user can then... By twisting the second connector 2 in the forward circumferential direction, each connecting flange F1 is gradually inserted into its corresponding quick-connect groove L, thus completing the connection between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. To disassemble, the user holds the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 with both hands, and first twists the second connector 2 in the reverse circumferential direction, gradually pulling each connecting flange F1 out of its corresponding quick-connect groove L. When each quick-connect flange F at the second connector 2 is completely offset from the two adjacent locking flanges at the first connector 1, pulling the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 away will disassemble them. Using the quick-connect connector provided in this embodiment, the user only needs two steps—tightening and tightening—to complete the connection, and two steps—untightening and pulling away—to complete the disassembly, making the operation very simple. When the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are connected, the interlocking structure of the quick-connect flanges F and the quick-connect groove L also provides strong connection strength. When the user rotates the second connector 2 in the forward circumferential direction, causing the connecting flange F1 to gradually embed into its corresponding quick-connect groove L, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 gradually connect. During this process, the limiting block F2 gradually approaches its corresponding locking flange 13 but does not make contact. Continuing to rotate the second connector 2 in the forward circumferential direction, when the limiting block 13 contacts its corresponding locking flange 13 and presses against it, the connecting flange F1 is now fully embedded in its corresponding quick-connect groove L. The top bead 31 of the corresponding locking ball 3 is compressed, producing a short "click" sound. The locking ball 3 protrudes axially to abut against and press the connecting flange F1, making it press against the stop ring 12. The user clearly feels resistance to rotation. At this point, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are connected. When the second connector 2 is fully connected, the locking ball 3 protrudes axially and abuts against its corresponding connecting flange F1, continuously pressing the second connector 2, further enhancing the connection strength between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2; when the user twists the second connector 2 in the reverse direction along the circumference, so that the connecting flange F1 is gradually pulled out from the quick-connect groove L, the top ball 31 in the original locking ball 3 is no longer squeezed by the connecting flange F1, the spring pushes the top ball 31 to pop out, and makes a short "click" sound again. The user can also clearly feel the jolt transmitted by the release of the locking ball 3, and the twisting resistance is significantly reduced. Continue twisting until each quick-connect flange F1 at the second connector 2 is completely misaligned with the two adjacent locking flanges 13 at the first connector 1. Pulling the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 away will separate them. It is easy to see that, thanks to the special structure and placement of the locking ball 3, users can clearly know the locking status by the short "click" sound and short thud emitted by the locking ball 3 during the connection or disassembly process. The connection and disassembly process of this connector has clear connection feedback, which can realize blind insertion and blind locking, making it convenient for users to blindly install and disassemble.

[0023] In this specific embodiment, a blind hole 21 is radially formed on the second connector 2, and the feedback ball 4 is embedded in the blind hole 21, with the feedback ball 4 radially retractable protruding from the second connector 2. A continuous undulating concave ring 132 adapted to the feedback ball 4 is formed circumferentially on the locking flange 13. During manufacturing, the technician can select the same ball structure as the locking ball 3 for use as the feedback ball 4 in this specific real-time mode. The feedback ball 4 is embedded in the second connector 2 through the blind hole 21, which is radially arranged, so the feedback ball 4 will radially retractably protrude from the surface of the second connector 2. When the first connector 1 is not connected to the second connector 2, the feedback ball 4 is not compressed. However, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are pressed together, and the user twists the second connector 2 and pushes the quick-connect flange F into the quick-connect groove L, the protruding locking flange 13 is pressed against the side wall of the second connector 2, and the feedback ball 4 begins to be compressed. The feedback ball 4 begins to slide across the area where the concave ring 132 is formed on the locking flange 13. Since the concave ring 132 is a wavy groove that undulates continuously in the circumferential direction, the feedback ball 4 is compatible with the concave ring 132. When it slides across the concave ring 132 with continuous ups and downs, the feedback ball 4 will regularly strike the concave ring 132, making a continuous, rhythmic, and regular "click-click-click" sound. Through the continuous "click-click-click" sound and the continuous, rhythmic tapping sensation, the user can clearly know the degree of connection between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2.

[0024] In this specific embodiment, the first magnet 5 is disposed on the side of the stop ring 12 near the second connector 2, and the first magnet 5 is connected to the stop ring 12; the second magnet 6 is disposed on the side of the quick-connect flange F near the first connector 1, and the second magnet 5 is connected to the quick-connect flange F; the first magnet 5 and the second magnet 6 attract each other. In harsh environments with low visibility, such as underwater or sandstorm environments, the mutual attraction between the first magnet 5 and the second magnet 6 will help the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 to automatically align. The user holds the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 with both hands respectively, and pushes them closer together. The first magnet 5 attracts the second magnet 6, automatically aligning and tightening the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. At this time, the user only needs to continue to twist the second connector 2 in the circumferential positive direction to connect the two. When applied to environments with low visibility and inconvenient visual observation, the arrangement of the first magnet 5 and the second magnet 6 will help the user to connect more conveniently and quickly.

[0025] In this invention, the second connector 2 has an external thread 22 on its outer periphery for connecting one of the compatible devices to be connected; the stop ring 12 has an internal thread 121 on its inner wall for connecting the other compatible device to be connected. The external thread 22 on the outer periphery of the second connector 2 allows for easy connection or disconnection from the device to be connected. Similarly, the internal thread 121 on the inner wall of the stop ring 12 allows for easy connection of the first connector 1 to another device to be connected. The two devices are then connected or disconnected through the mating of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, making the operation convenient and the assembly / disassembly quick.

[0026] This invention also provides a device that uses the quick-connect connector described above. If the device is used in an underwater camera wet lens system, the quick-connect connector allows connection of wide-angle and macro lenses without the need to tighten threads or remove clips, reducing the impact of water flow on the connection structure during underwater photography. This allows underwater photographers to easily install and remove lenses blindly and quickly change lenses. If the device is a diving light and macro accessory system, the quick-connect connector allows connection of the diving light and accessories such as macro magnifiers / red light filters / softboxes. Users can precisely align and lock the connector with one hand, eliminating concerns about accidental disconnection or rotational errors. This is suitable for special applications such as photographing miniature marine life, coral textures, and nighttime guidance. If the device is an underwater sensor mounting system, the quick-connect connectors described above can be used to connect probes and front-end modules for different purposes within the system. This helps users improve device compatibility and deployment efficiency, enhance system standardization capabilities, and facilitate applications in professional scenarios such as underwater scientific research, industrial inspection, and environmental assessment. If the device is a land-based optical application device, the quick-connect connectors described above can be used to connect components such as ND filters, polarizing filters, or light shields. The quick-connect connector features automatic alignment due to the mutual attraction between the first and second magnets, quick-connect flanges and quick-connect slots for quick connection and disconnection, and locking springs for secure locking to prevent loosening. Users can easily and quickly replace and adjust components such as lenses, optical modules, and filters.

[0027] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-connect connector, characterized in that, The device includes a first connector, a second connector, and a locking ball. The first connector has a quick-connect groove, and the second connector has a quick-connect flange. The quick-connect flange is inserted into or pulled out of the quick-connect groove, allowing the first connector and the second connector to be axially connected or disconnected. The locking ball is disposed on the first connector and is axially retractable, protruding from the groove wall of the quick-connect groove. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the locking ball protrudes axially and abuts against the second connector, causing the second connector to press against the first connector.

2. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector includes a first connector body, a stop ring, and a locking flange; the stop ring is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body on the side away from the second connector, and the stop ring is integrally formed with the first connector body; the locking flange is disposed on the inner wall of the first connector body on the side close to the second connector, and the locking flange is integrally formed with the first connector body; the locking flange and the stop ring are spaced apart to form the quick-connect groove.

3. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The quick-connect flange includes a connecting flange and a limiting block; the connecting flange is circumferentially arranged around the outer periphery of the second connector, and the limiting block is disposed at the end of the connecting flange, and the limiting block and the connecting flange are integrally formed.

4. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The locking ball includes a spring, a top ball, and a ball shell; the spring is installed in the ball shell, one end of the spring is connected to the ball shell, and the other end of the spring is connected to the top ball. The top ball presses against the spring and is retractably pushed out from the opening of the ball shell.

5. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The ball bearing shell has an external thread; the locking flange has an axially extending locking thread through hole, and the external thread on the ball bearing shell is adapted to the locking thread through hole.

6. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a feedback ball; a blind hole is formed on the second connector along the radial direction, the feedback ball is embedded in the blind hole, and the feedback ball protrudes radially and retractably from the second connector.

7. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The locking flange has a continuous undulating concave ring along its circumferential direction that is adapted to the feedback ball.

8. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first magnet and a second magnet; the first magnet is disposed on the side of the stop ring near the second connector, and the first magnet is connected to the stop ring; the second magnet is disposed on the side of the quick-connect flange near the first connector, and the second magnet is connected to the quick-connect flange; the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other.

9. The quick-connect connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second connector has an external thread on its outer circumference for connecting to one of the compatible devices; the stop ring has an internal thread on its inner wall for connecting to another compatible device.

10. A device, characterized in that, The device uses the quick-connect connector as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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