A socket

Abstract

The utility model discloses a socket, including shell, socket conductor, sliding ring, annular slider, ball and spring constitute. When the external plug is inserted, it promotes the annular slider in the shell compression spring, makes the ball fall into the ring groove of plug and realizes the preliminary locking. At this time, the user axial pull and rotate the sliding ring of shell periphery, make its on the clamping slot and the clamping column locking of shell, the sliding ring inner wall will ball tightly press into the ring groove of plug, complete firm mechanical locking, effectively resist vibration and external force. When unlocking, only need to rotate the sliding ring in reverse, and the clamping column is separated from the clamping slot, and the spring resets, and the ball in its inside reset storage groove provides the exit space for the ball, thereby easily pulls out the plug. The utility model through the linkage of sliding ring, ball and slider, realized the quick, reliable locking and one button type safety unlocking after the plug is inserted, greatly improved the convenience and security of connection, especially suitable for the scene of high reliability requirement such as industrial equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical equipment, and in particular to a socket. Background Technology

[0002] Cable connectors are used to connect two active devices to transmit current or signals. A connector consists of a plug and a connector, which are respectively connected to a cable. By inserting the plug into the connector, conductivity is established between the two cable segments, thus enabling the flow of current or signals. The plug typically includes a plug conductor with an insulating sleeve on the outside. Similarly, the connector includes a connector core and an insulating sleeve on the outside of the connector core. In use, the plug is inserted into the connector, establishing conductivity between the plug conductor and the connector conductor, thus enabling the cable connector to function.

[0003] When a plug and socket are mated, it is necessary to prevent them from detaching to ensure a safe connection. However, in existing technologies, the connection between the plug and socket mostly relies on friction locking between the housings. This method has significant drawbacks: First, the user needs to forcefully rotate or agitate the plug during the mating process, which is inconvenient and prone to wear. Second, friction locking has low reliability and is prone to detachment under vibration or external force, affecting the safety and stability of the connection. This limits the application of connectors in high-reliability scenarios (such as industrial equipment or mobile environments). Therefore, a new locking mechanism is urgently needed to improve the convenience and security of the connection. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a socket.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A socket includes a housing and a socket conductor disposed within the housing. An opening is provided at one end of the housing for an external connector to insert and connect with the socket conductor. An insertion space is formed between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the socket conductor. An annular slider is disposed around the outer periphery of the socket conductor. A spring is disposed between the annular slider and the housing at the end away from the housing opening. A ball bearing mounting groove is also provided on the housing, through which a ball is disposed. When the annular slider moves to the ball bearing mounting groove, it can push the ball out of the insertion space. A slip ring is also provided on the housing, which can slide on the housing and press the ball into the insertion space. A ball return and receiving groove is provided on the contact surface between the slip ring and the housing, so that after the ball enters the ball return and receiving groove, the ball disengages from the insertion space.

[0007] The above technical solution, through the linkage mechanism of the annular slider, ball bearing, and slip ring, achieves automatic locking and manual unlocking of the plug connection. When the plug needs to be connected to the socket, pulling the slip ring aligns the ball bearing return slot on the slip ring with the ball bearing mounting slot. At this time, the second spring pushes the slider to move, pushing the ball bearing into the ball bearing return slot. The plug is then inserted into the insertion space, pushing the slider. When the annular groove on the plug reaches the ball bearing mounting slot, the ball bearing partially falls into the annular groove on the plug. Then, the slip ring is moved to misalign the ball bearing return slot with the ball bearing mounting slot, preventing the ball bearing from retracting into the ball bearing return slot, thus locking the plug and socket. When unlocking is required, the slip ring is moved so that the ball bearing return slot on the slip ring aligns with the ball bearing mounting slot on the housing. The plug is then pulled out, and the ball bearing is gradually pressed from the plug's annular groove into the return slot and then into the ball bearing return slot until it is completely detached from the plug, releasing the mechanical locking. The user can then easily pull the plug out completely. This structure completely changes the traditional locking method that relies on friction, effectively solving the problems of loose connections and easy detachment, and significantly improving the reliability and safety of the connection.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, one end of the slip ring contacts the outer periphery of the housing, and the other end forms an installation space with the outer periphery of the housing. A spring is provided in the installation space. A slot is also provided on the slip ring, and a pin is provided on the housing. The pin is engaged in the slot to restrict the slip ring from moving axially along the housing. At this time, the ball can enter the ball reset and storage groove.

[0009] With the above technical solution, a spring and a slot-pin engagement mechanism are set between the slip ring and the housing. When the pin is engaged in the slot, the slip ring is restricted from axial movement, so that the ball is stably accommodated in the reset and storage slot. When reset is required, simply rotate the slip ring slightly, and after the pin is disengaged from the slot, the spring can automatically and quickly pull the slip ring back to the initial position.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the slot is arranged along the circumference of the housing, and a guide groove communicating with the slot is also provided in the axial direction of the housing.

[0011] The above technical solution arranges the slot along the circumference of the housing and connects it with the axial guide groove, forming a clear "L"-shaped movement trajectory. When operating the slip ring, the user can first pull it axially along the guide groove, and then easily rotate it by a small angle to allow the locking pin to enter the circumferential slot and achieve locking. This guiding structure makes the complex locking action simple, intuitive, and provides clear tactile feedback, effectively reducing the possibility of misoperation.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, an elastic protrusion is also provided at one end of the card slot contact.

[0013] The above technical solution incorporates a resilient protrusion at one end of the card slot, forming a crucial anti-accidental contact safety mechanism. When the card pin slides past the protrusion into the card slot, a distinct tactile feedback is generated, providing clear locking cues. Reverse unlocking requires sufficient rotational force to overcome the resistance of the protrusion. This effectively prevents accidental unlocking due to equipment vibration or accidental contact, ensuring absolute reliability of the connection under harsh operating conditions.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a socket hole is provided at one end of the socket conductor, an inner core is provided inside the socket hole, and the inner core is connected to the socket conductor; a socket conductor insulating sleeve is provided at the end of the socket conductor, and a core insulating sleeve is provided at the end of the inner core.

[0015] By using the above technical solution, a socket conductor insulation sleeve is set at the end of the socket conductor, and a core insulation sleeve is set at the end of the inner core, which completely wraps the live conductor components, effectively preventing the risk of accidental contact by users or accidental short circuits by tools, and greatly improving electrical safety.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, an annular barb is further provided on the socket conductor, and the socket conductor insulating sleeve is engaged with the annular barb.

[0017] The above technical solution achieves a secure fixation of the insulation sleeve by engaging with the annular barb on the socket conductor. This snap-fit ​​method provides high connection strength, capable of withstanding significant axial tensile and torsional forces, effectively preventing the insulation sleeve from loosening or shifting during use due to insertion / removal, vibration, or other reasons, thus ensuring the durability and reliability of the insulation protection. Compared to simple interference fits or adhesive bonding, this mechanical interlocking structure is more resistant to aging, offers better stability, and guarantees the long-term safe operation of the product.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, a contact spring is further provided on the inner wall of the conductor socket of the socket.

[0019] By incorporating a contact spring into the inner wall of the socket conductor hole using the above technical solution, the stability and reliability of the electrical connection are significantly improved. When the plug is inserted, the contact spring makes elastic contact with the plug conductor surface, compensating for gaps caused by insertion and removal wear, maintaining stable contact pressure over a long period, avoiding signal attenuation or power loss due to poor contact, and extending the connector's service life.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a tail cap for sealing the opening of the housing, the tail cap including a cover plate and a sleeve for inserting into the insertion space, and an annular groove for accommodating the ball is also provided on the outer periphery of the sleeve.

[0021] Through the above technical solution, the tail cover provides physical protection against dust and accidental contact for the socket opening when not in use.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, a mounting base for fixing the housing is further provided on the housing.

[0023] With the above technical solution, the socket can be firmly installed on the equipment panel, bracket or specific base using standard fasteners such as screws through the fixing holes on the mounting base. This effectively resists the force generated during plugging and unplugging operations and various environmental vibrations, prevents the socket from loosening or shifting, and ensures the long-term stability of the electrical connection.

[0024] In summary, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0025] 1. This utility model achieves automatic locking and manual unlocking of the plug connection by setting a linkage mechanism of annular slider, ball bearing, and slip ring. When the plug needs to be connected to the socket, pulling the slip ring aligns the ball bearing return groove on the slip ring with the ball bearing mounting groove. At this time, the second spring pushes the slider to move, pushing the ball bearing into the ball bearing return groove. The plug is then inserted into the insertion space, pushing the slider to move. When the annular groove on the plug reaches the ball bearing mounting groove, the ball bearing partially falls into the annular groove on the plug. Then, the slip ring is moved to misalign the ball bearing return groove with the ball bearing mounting groove, preventing the ball bearing from retracting into the ball bearing return groove, thus locking the plug and socket. When unlocking is required, the slip ring is moved to align the ball bearing return groove on the slip ring with the ball bearing mounting groove on the housing. The plug is then pulled out, and the ball bearing is gradually pressed from the plug's annular groove into the return groove and then into the ball bearing return groove until it is completely detached from the plug, releasing the mechanical locking. The user can then easily pull the plug out completely. This structure completely changes the traditional locking method that relies on friction, effectively solving the problems of loose connections and easy detachment, and significantly improving the reliability and safety of the connection. It is particularly suitable for high-reliability application scenarios such as industrial equipment and vehicles with continuous vibration, and completely solves the technical problem of loose plug and socket connections and easy detachment.

[0026] 2. This invention features an elastic protrusion at one end of the circumferential groove of the slip ring. When the user rotates the slip ring to lock it, the locking pin passes over the protrusion and enters the groove, producing a clear "jerk" or "click" sound, providing tactile and audible indication of the "locked" state, making the operation feedback intuitive and clear. More importantly, this protrusion constitutes a crucial safety mechanism against accidental unlocking: when unlocking, the user must actively apply sufficient rotational force to overcome the resistance of the protrusion in order to rotate the locking pin out of the groove. This effectively prevents the slip ring from accidentally rotating and unlocking during normal use due to accidental contact or environmental vibration, avoiding unexpected disconnection of the connection and greatly enhancing the safety and reliability of the product under complex working conditions.

[0027] 3. By setting an annular barb on the socket conductor and engaging it with the insulating sleeve of the socket conductor, a mechanical and secure fixation of the insulating sleeve is achieved. This snap-fit ​​structure provides a connection strength far superior to simple interference fits or adhesive bonding, and can withstand the axial tensile force generated by insertion and removal operations as well as various external impacts, effectively preventing the insulating sleeve from loosening, shifting, or failing due to material aging during use. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the socket of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the socket of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the socket of this utility model with the end cap removed.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the socket end cap of this utility model.

[0032] The components in the diagram are: 1. Socket conductor; 2. Socket housing; 3. Slip ring; 4. First spring; 5. Ball bearing; 6. Limiting ring; 7. Socket conductor insulating sleeve; 8. Annular barb; 9. Inner core; 10. Core insulating sleeve; 11. Contact spring; 12. Mounting base; 13. Wiring nut; 14. Color ring; 15. Locking post; 16. Guide groove; 17. Locking groove; 18. Protrusion; 19. Annular slider; 20. Second spring; 21. Cover plate; 22. Sealing ring; 23. Insert sleeve; 24. Annular groove; 25. Ball bearing mounting groove; 26. Ball bearing reset and storage groove. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This utility model will be described in further detail.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, this embodiment discloses a socket, including a housing 2 and a socket conductor 1 disposed within the housing 2. One end of the housing 2 has an opening for an external connector to be inserted and connected to the socket conductor 1, and the other end of the socket conductor 1 has a wiring nut 13 for connecting to a cable. A mounting base 12 is also provided on the housing 2, with fixing holes for fixing the housing 2 in place. A color ring 14 is also provided on the housing for identifying the socket; for example, red represents a socket, preventing accidental operation.

[0035] A socket is provided at one end of the socket conductor 1, and an inner core 9 is provided inside the socket. The inner core 9 is connected to the socket conductor 1 by a thread, thereby making the inner core 9 and the socket conductor 1 conductive. A contact spring 11 is also provided on the inner wall of the socket hole of the socket conductor 1. The contact spring 11 enables the plug conductor and the socket conductor to fit tightly when the plug is inserted, ensuring the stability of the conductivity.

[0036] To prevent accidental contact with the socket conductor 1 during use and improve safety, in this embodiment, a socket conductor insulating sleeve 7 is provided at the end of the socket conductor 1, and a core insulating sleeve 10 is provided at the end of the inner core 9. To prevent the socket conductor insulating sleeve 7 from falling off, an annular barb 7 is also provided on the socket conductor 1, and the socket conductor insulating sleeve 7 is engaged with the annular barb 7.

[0037] A space is inserted between the inner wall of the housing 2 and the outer wall of the socket conductor 1. An annular slider 19 is provided on the outer periphery of the socket conductor 1, and a second spring 20 is provided between the end of the annular slider 19 away from the opening of the housing 2 and the housing 2. A ball bearing mounting groove 25 is also provided on the housing 2, penetrating the housing 2. A ball bearing 5 is disposed in the ball bearing mounting groove 25. The outer peripheral surface of the annular slider 19 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 2. Without external force, the annular slider 19 will move to the position of the ball bearing mounting groove 25 under the action of the second spring 20. When the annular slider 19 moves to the position of the ball bearing mounting groove 25, it can push the ball bearing 5 out of the insertion space.

[0038] A slip ring 3 is also provided on the housing 2. The slip ring 3 can slide on the housing 2 and can press the ball 5 into the insertion space.

[0039] The slip ring 3 has a ball return and storage groove 26 on its contact surface with the housing. After the ball 5 enters the ball return and storage groove 26, the ball 5 disengages from the insertion space. One end of the slip ring 3 contacts the outer periphery of the housing 2, and the other end forms an installation space with the outer periphery of the housing 2. A first spring 4 is provided in the installation space. A slot 17 is also provided on the slip ring 3, and a locking post 15 is provided on the housing 2. The locking post 15 can be locked into the slot 17 to restrict the slip ring 3 from moving axially along the housing 2. At this time, the ball 5 can enter the ball return and storage groove 26.

[0040] The slot 17 is arranged circumferentially along the housing 2, and a guide groove 16 communicating with the slot 17 is also provided axially along the housing 2. A flexible protrusion 18 is also provided at the end that contacts the slot 17.

[0041] The socket in this embodiment also includes a tail cover for sealing the opening of the housing 2. The tail cover includes a cover plate 21 and a socket 23 for inserting into the insertion space. An annular groove 24 for accommodating the ball 5 is also provided on the outer periphery of the socket 23.

[0042] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0043] When the socket is not in use (assuming the end cap is not inserted), its internal mechanism is in a specific initial position, ready for the insertion and locking of the plug.

[0044] At this time, under the thrust of the second spring 20, the annular slider 19 is located near the opening of the housing 2. The annular slider 19 is also limited by the socket conductor insulation sleeve 7 in the axial direction, so that the annular slider 19 is exactly located in the ball mounting groove 25. The annular slider 19 pushes the ball 5 into the ball reset and storage groove 26.

[0045] When the plug needs to be inserted: the external plug is inserted through the opening of housing 2, and its end first contacts and pushes the annular slider 19. The insertion force pushes the annular slider 19 into the housing 2, compressing the second spring 20 thereafter.

[0046] When the annular groove on the plug housing moves to the position where it is exactly aligned with the ball mounting groove 25, the ball 5 protrudes into the insertion space and engages with the annular groove on the plug housing. At this point, the plug has achieved preliminary mechanical interlocking, but the locked state has not yet been fixed.

[0047] Pull the slip ring 3 to the locked position: After the plug is inserted and you feel a "click" sound to initially lock it in place, the user needs to pull the slip ring 3 to the left (near the opening of the socket 2) to overcome the force of the first spring 4.

[0048] When the slip ring 3 is pulled, the retaining pin 15 on the housing moves along the guide groove 16 on the slip ring. When the slip ring 3 is pulled to a specific position, the user slightly rotates the slip ring, causing the retaining pin 15 to slide into the retaining groove 17. The retaining groove 17 is circumferentially arranged, so after the retaining pin 15 is engaged, the axial movement of the slip ring 3 is effectively restricted.

[0049] In this locked position, the ball return and storage groove 26 on the inner side of the slip ring is not aligned with the ball, and the inner wall of the slip ring 3 firmly presses the ball 5 into the annular groove of the plug housing, completely eliminating the possibility of the ball 5 loosening. At the same time, the first spring 4 inside the slip ring is in a compressed state, storing the return spring force.

[0050] When it is necessary to unplug the plug, the user first needs to release the circumferential lock of the slip ring 3: the user slightly rotates the slip ring 3 by hand. At this time, the locking pin 15 on the housing needs to slide out of the locking groove 17. During the sliding process, the locking pin 15 must overcome the resistance generated by the elastic protrusion 18 provided at one end of the locking groove 17.

[0051] When the user applies enough rotational force to move the locking pin 15 past the protrusion 18, a clear "jerk" or "click" will be felt, providing a clear tactile and audible indication that the lock has been released. Subsequently, the locking pin 15 can enter the guide groove 16, and the axial movement restriction of the slip ring 3 is released.

[0052] The key function of bump 18 is to prevent the slip ring 3 from accidentally rotating and unlocking due to accidental contact or slight vibration during use, greatly enhancing the reliability of the connection. Unlocking can only be completed when the user actively applies sufficient rotational force.

[0053] After the circumferential lock is released, slip ring 3 automatically completes the subsequent actions under the action of the first spring 4:

[0054] Automatic reset of the slip ring: Once the locking pin 15 enters the guide groove 16, the first spring 4, which has been in a stretched state, loses its axial constraint, and its stored elastic potential energy is immediately released, pulling the slip ring 3 to move and slide to reset.

[0055] The slip ring 3 slides, aligning its inner ball return and storage groove 26 with the ball mounting groove 25. The plug is pulled out, and the ball 5 is pressed from the plug ring groove into the ball mounting groove 25, gradually entering the ball return and storage groove 26 until it is completely disengaged from the plug, releasing the mechanical locking. The user can easily pull the plug out completely. The entire mechanism returns to standby mode.

[0056] After the plug is unplugged, the tail cap can be inserted into the opening on the housing 2. The insertion and removal of the tail cap are the same as the insertion and removal of the plug described above.

[0057] The above are all preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape and principle of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A socket, comprising a housing (2), a socket conductor (1) disposed within the housing (2), wherein an opening is provided at one end of the housing (2) for an external connector to be inserted and connected to the socket conductor (1), characterized in that: An insertion space is provided between the inner wall of the housing (2) and the outer wall of the socket conductor (1). An annular slider (19) is provided on the outer periphery of the socket conductor (1). A spring is provided between the end of the annular slider (19) away from the opening of the housing (2) and the housing (2). A ball bearing mounting groove (25) is also provided on the housing (2). A ball bearing (5) is provided in the ball bearing mounting groove (25). When the annular slider (19) moves to the position of the ball bearing mounting groove (25), it can push the ball bearing (5) out of the insertion space. A slip ring (3) is also provided on the housing (2). The slip ring (3) can slide on the housing (2). The slip ring (3) can press the ball bearing (5) into the insertion space. A ball bearing reset and storage groove (26) is provided on the contact surface between the slip ring and the housing. After the ball bearing (5) enters the ball bearing reset and storage groove (26), the ball bearing (5) is removed from the insertion space.

2. A socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the slip ring (3) contacts the outer periphery of the housing (2), and the other end forms an installation space with the outer periphery of the housing (2). A spring is provided in the installation space. A slot is also provided on the slip ring (3), and a pin (15) is provided on the housing (2). The pin (15) can be inserted into the slot to restrict the slip ring (3) from moving axially along the housing (2). At this time, the ball (5) can enter the ball reset storage groove (26).

3. A socket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slot (17) is arranged circumferentially along the housing (2), and a guide groove (16) communicating with the slot (17) is also provided axially along the housing (2).

4. A socket according to claim 3, characterized in that: An elastic protrusion (18) is also provided at one end of the card slot (17) that is in contact with the card slot (17).

5. A socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: A socket is provided at one end of the socket conductor (1), and an inner core (9) is provided inside the socket. The inner core (9) is connected to the socket conductor (1). A socket conductor insulating sleeve (7) is provided at the end of the socket conductor (1), and a core insulating sleeve (10) is provided at the end of the inner core (9).

6. A socket according to claim 5, characterized in that: An annular barb (8) is also provided on the socket conductor (1), and the socket conductor insulating sleeve (7) is engaged with the annular barb (8).

7. A socket according to claim 5, characterized in that: A contact spring (11) is also provided on the inner wall of the socket conductor (1) socket.

8. A socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a tail cap for sealing the opening of the housing (2), the tail cap including a cover plate (21) and a sleeve (23) for inserting into the insertion space, and an annular groove (24) for accommodating the ball (5) is also provided on the outer periphery of the sleeve (23).

9. A socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting base (12) for fixing the housing is also provided on the housing.

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