Flexible hose fitting with a locking metal cable having a buffering effect

Abstract

The utility model discloses a take locking metal cable hose joint with buffer effect. The hose joint includes intermediate pipe body, and cable joint structure, hose joint structure are connected respectively in the both ends of intermediate pipe body. The cable joint structure uses fastening cable. The hose joint structure includes joint nut. The hose joint structure still includes elastic buckle. The joint nut is connected on the intermediate pipe body, and the inner wall is equipped with annular limit slot. The utility model discloses through setting up outer limit boss on the elastic buckle, and setting up the annular limit slot of the width greater than outer limit boss on the inner wall of joint nut, provides reliable connection constraint to bellows simultaneously, avoids the rigid fixing of bellows to provide certain buffer effect under the vehicle operation, especially turning working condition, reduces the stress concentration of bellows end part, prolongs the service life of bellows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrical connection technology at the vehicle end of rail transit, specifically relating to a locking metal cable flexible conduit connector with a buffer function. Technical Background The vehicle-end electrical connection system is mainly used when rail vehicles are assembled or coupled to enable the conduction and transmission of power and control signals between vehicles, thereby ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the train. In existing rail trains, the metal cables of the connection system are usually sheathed with a corrugated pipe to provide mechanical protection and a certain degree of waterproof and dustproof protection for the cables.

[0002] In existing technologies, the designed service life of bellows is generally 8 to 12 years. However, under actual operating conditions, its lifespan is significantly affected by the vehicle's operating conditions. During train turns, one side of the bellows is under compression while the other side is under tension, and this deformation process is continuous and repetitive. Existing conventional hose joint structures typically fix and lock both ends of the bellows, with the bellows itself relying on the elastic deformation of the material to absorb relative displacement and buffer stress. Although this structure is simple, the lack of additional buffering or compensation mechanisms means that the bellows is subjected to alternating bending stress and axial tensile and compressive stress for extended periods, easily leading to localized stress concentration. This can cause cracks or even breakage before reaching the designed replacement cycle.

[0003] If the bellows is damaged, external moisture, dust, and even ice and snow particles can directly enter and come into contact with the metal cables. This not only reduces insulation performance but may also cause signal transmission failures or electrical short circuits, and in severe cases, affect the safe operation of the train. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flexible hose connector structure that can provide additional buffering and reduce stress concentration in the bellows during vehicle operation, in order to extend the life of the bellows, reduce maintenance frequency, and improve the overall reliability of the electrical connection system at the train end. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This utility model provides a waterproof and dustproof metal cable flexible conduit connector with a buffering function and locking mechanism. This utility model provides a locking metal cable hose connector with a buffer function, comprising an intermediate tube body and cable connector structures and hose connector structures respectively connected to both ends of the intermediate tube body. The cable connector structure is used to secure the cable. The hose connector structure includes a connector nut and an elastic buckle. The inner wall of the connector nut has an annular limiting groove. The elastic buckle includes two locking half-rings. The inner surface of the locking half-rings has one or more inner limiting protrusions that match the recessed structure of the corrugated pipe. The outer surface of the locking half-rings has an outer limiting protrusion. The outer limiting protrusion is located within the annular limiting groove of the connector nut. The width of the outer limiting protrusion is smaller than the width of the annular limiting groove.

[0005] Preferably, the width of the annular limiting groove is in a ratio of (2-3):1 to the width of the outer limiting boss. The ratio of the width difference between the annular limiting groove and the outer limiting boss to the diameter of the bellows is (1-2):25.

[0006] Preferably, the hose connector structure further includes a hose sealing ring. The hose sealing ring is disposed between the corrugated pipe and the inner wall of the intermediate pipe body.

[0007] Preferably, the inner wall of the hose sealing ring is provided with an annular limiting structure that mates with the end of the bellows. The inner wall of the hose sealing ring has one or more raised ring structures. The shape of the raised ring structure matches the recessed structure of the bellows, achieving a reliable seal at the connection between the hose sealing ring and the bellows.

[0008] Preferably, the outer circumferential surface of the hose sealing ring is provided with one or more sealing protrusions. The sealing protrusions abut against the inner wall of the central tube cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the inner cavity of the intermediate tube includes a flexible hose connection section, a limiting section, and a cable connection section arranged sequentially along the axial direction. A constricted limiting structure with a frustum-shaped surface is provided between the flexible hose connection section and the limiting section. Preferably, a stepped limiting structure is provided between the limiting section and the cable connection section. The hose sealing ring abuts against the stepped limiting structure.

[0010] Preferably, the cable connector structure includes a tail helix and a cable sealing ring. The tail helix is ​​threadedly connected to a flexible hose connection section within the inner cavity of the intermediate tube. The cable sealing ring includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section. The small-diameter section is located within the intermediate tube. The large-diameter section is located between the end of the tail helix and a constriction limiting structure within the intermediate tube.

[0011] Preferably, the small-diameter section is provided with one or more locking protrusions. The inner wall of the tail screw tube is provided with a limiting groove that matches the locking protrusion.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the connector nut facing away from the middle tube body has an inward flange structure.

[0013] The present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0014] This invention provides a reliable connection constraint for the bellows by setting an outer limiting boss on the elastic buckle and an annular limiting groove with a width greater than the outer limiting boss on the inner wall of the connector nut. This avoids rigid fixing of the bellows while providing a certain buffering effect during vehicle operation, especially during turning, reducing stress concentration at the bellows end, extending the bellows' service life, and improving the overall reliability of the vehicle-end electrical connection system. Furthermore, this invention includes a two-end sealing structure, achieving effective waterproofing and dustproofing. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the separated state of the components of the hose connector provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the hose connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tail screw tube in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cable sealing ring in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate tube in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hose sealing ring in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic buckle in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the joint nut in an embodiment of the present utility model; Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Tail helix; 1-1. Circumferential limiting groove; 2. Cable sealing ring; 2-1. Large diameter section; 2-2. Small diameter section; 2-3. Locking boss; 3. Intermediate tube body; 3-1. Flexible hose connection section; 3-2. Limiting section; 3-3. Cable connection section; 3-4. Narrowing limiting structure; 3-5. Stepped limiting structure; 4. Flexible hose sealing ring; 4-1. Annular limiting structure; 4-2. Raised ring structure; 4-3. Sealing protrusion; 5. Elastic buckle; 5-1. Inner limiting boss; 5-2. Outer limiting boss; 6. Connector nut; 6-1. Annular limiting groove; 7. Metal cable; 8. Corrugated pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used in the description of this utility model are all based on the indicated orientation or positional relationship shown in the component drawings and the positional relationship shown in the connector assembly drawings. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description, and are not intended to 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.

[0020] Example like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the locking metal cable flexible conduit connector with buffer function includes an intermediate tube body 3, and cable connector structures and flexible conduit structures respectively connected to both ends of the intermediate tube body 3. In this embodiment, the locking metal cable flexible conduit connector needs to be installed in the order of assembling the flexible conduit structure first, and then assembling the cable connector structure.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner cavity of the intermediate tube 3 is through-connected at both ends. The inner cavity of the intermediate tube 3 is divided axially into a flexible hose connection section 3-1, a limiting section 3-2, and a cable connection section 3-3. A constricted limiting structure 3-4 with a frustum-shaped surface is provided between the flexible hose connection section 3-1 and the limiting section 3-2; a stepped limiting structure 3-5 is provided between the limiting section 3-2 and the cable connection section 3-3.

[0022] The intermediate tube 3 has internal threads and external threads at both ends. The internal thread corresponds to the cable connection section 3-3. The external thread corresponds to the hose connection section 3-1.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cable connector structure includes a tail screw tube 1 and a cable sealing ring 2. The tail screw tube 1 has external threads. The external threads on the tail screw tube 1 are screwed into the internal threads of the intermediate tube body 3.

[0024] The cable sealing ring 2 includes an integrally formed large-diameter section 2-1 and a small-diameter section 2-2. A stepped limiting surface is formed between the large-diameter section 2-1 and the small-diameter section 2-2. The small-diameter section 2-2 extends into the intermediate tube 3. The two ends of the large-diameter section 2-1 respectively abut against the end of the tail screw tube 1 and the constriction limiting structure 3-4 inside the intermediate tube 3.

[0025] The small-diameter section 2-2 is provided with multiple locking protrusions 2-3 evenly distributed circumferentially. The inner wall of the tail screw tube 1 is provided with multiple circumferential limiting grooves 1-1. The number of locking protrusions 2-3 and circumferential limiting grooves 1-1 are the same and correspond one-to-one. The locking protrusions 2-3 are located in the corresponding circumferential limiting grooves 1-1. The circumferential limiting grooves 1-1 and locking protrusions 2-3 cooperate to achieve circumferential positioning and anti-rotation of the cable sealing ring 2.

[0026] During the installation of the metal cable 7, the metal cable 7 is sequentially threaded through the tail screw tube 1, the cable sealing ring 2, and the intermediate tube 3. Then, when the external thread of the tail screw tube 1 is screwed into the internal thread of the intermediate tube 3, the end face of the cable sealing ring 2 is compressed against the constriction limiting structure 3-4 inside the intermediate tube 3. Under this compression, the cable sealing ring 2 retracts inward, locking the metal cable 7 and preventing axial movement of the metal cable 7, while simultaneously preventing moisture and dust from contacting the metal cable 7.

[0027] In some embodiments, the diameter of the metal cable 7 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cable sealing ring 2, and installation may be completed by lubrication.

[0028] In some embodiments, the diameter of the metal cable 7 can be 4-7 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the cable sealing ring 2, and the installation is completed by wrapping a layer of double-sided heat shrink tubing around the cable clamping position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cable sealing ring 2 can be made of plastic, and double-sided heat shrink tubing is used at the clamping position of the metal cable 7 to protect the metal cable 7, thus completing the installation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the material of the cable sealing ring is rubber.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the hose connector structure includes a hose sealing ring 4, an elastic snap 5, and a connector nut 6. The connector nut 6 is threaded onto the intermediate tube body 3, and its inner wall is provided with an annular limiting groove 6-1. The hose sealing ring 4 is installed between the end of the bellows 8 and the inner wall of the intermediate tube body 3 to achieve a seal between the bellows 8 and the intermediate tube body 3. The elastic snap 5 is installed between the connector nut 6 and the bellows 8 to provide positional constraint for the bellows 8 and the connector nut 6, allowing for a certain amount of movement.

[0032] In some embodiments, the annular limiting groove 6-1 is located at the end of the inner wall of the connector nut 6 away from the intermediate tube 3.

[0033] The hose sealing ring 4 is disposed in the hose connection section 3-1 within the inner cavity of the intermediate tube body 3, and abuts against the stepped limiting structure 3-5. The inner end of the hose sealing ring 4 is provided with an annular limiting structure 4-1 that mates with the end of the bellows 8. The inner circumferential diameter of the annular limiting structure 4-1 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the end of the bellows 8. This allows the end of the bellows 8 to abut against the annular limiting structure 4-1, forming axial positioning.

[0034] The elastic buckle 5 has a two-half structure, comprising two independent locking half-rings. The inner surface of each locking half-ring has one or more inner limiting protrusions 5-1 that match the recessed structure of the outer wall of the bellows 8. In some embodiments, two inner limiting protrusions 5-1 are provided on the inner side of the locking half-ring. These two inner limiting protrusions 5-1 respectively lock onto two adjacent recessed structures on the bellows 8. The two locking half-rings are respectively locked onto both sides of the bellows 8, forming a complete elastic buckle 5.

[0035] An outer limiting boss 5-2 is provided on the outer surface of the snap-fit ​​semi-ring. The outer limiting boss 5-2 is located within the annular limiting groove 6-1 of the connector nut 6. The width of the annular limiting groove 6-1 is 2-3 times the width of the outer limiting boss 5-2 (preferably 2.5 times in some embodiments), so that the elastic buckle 5 can move or swing within the annular limiting groove 6-1 when the bellows 8 bends and deforms, avoiding a rigid connection between the bellows 8 and the connector nut 6, and mitigating fatigue damage at the connection between the bellows 8 and the connector nut 6 during long-term repeated deformation of the bellows 8.

[0036] In some embodiments, the diameter (outer diameter) of the bellows is 50 mm; the width of the annular limiting groove 6-1 is 5 mm; and the width of the outer limiting boss 5-2 is 2 mm. The ratio of the width difference between the annular limiting groove 6-1 and the outer limiting boss 5-2 to the diameter of the bellows is 3:50. In some other embodiments, this ratio can take other values ​​within the range of (1 to 2):25, such as 1:25 or 2:25.

[0037] Depending on the pitch, wall thickness, and material of the corrugated pipe 8, the distance between the elastic buckle 5, the connection position of the corrugated pipe 8, and the port of the corrugated pipe 8 can be finely adjusted within the range of 5-7 corrugated units.

[0038] During the installation of the bellows 8, the ends of the bellows 8 are sequentially passed through the connector nut 6 and then through the hose sealing ring 4. The two snap-fit ​​semi-rings of the elastic buckle 5 are fitted around the outside of the bellows 8, so that the inner limiting boss 5-1 of the elastic buckle 5 snaps into the recessed structure on the bellows 8. Through the elastic deformation of the elastic buckle 5, the elastic buckle 5 is installed into the connector nut 6, so that the outer limiting boss 5-2 is in the annular limiting groove 6-1 of the connector nut 6.

[0039] Understandably, the end of the connector nut 6 facing away from the intermediate tube 3 has an inner flange structure. The inner diameter of the inner flange structure is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the bellows 8, which can ensure that the bellows 8 will not come out from the top due to the deformation of the elastic buckle 5 when subjected to tension. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the inner flange structure is 36mm, which can be adapted to bellows 8 with a diameter of 32mm to 36mm.

[0040] The inner diameter of the hose sealing ring 4 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the bellows 8, ensuring the firmness of the frictional connection between the hose sealing ring 4 and the bellows 8.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the hose sealing ring 4 is provided with one or more raised ring structures 4-2. The raised ring structure 4-2 can be engaged with the recessed structure on the bellows 8 to prevent the hose sealing ring 4 from detaching from the bellows 8. The raised ring structure 4-2 is hill-shaped, and the width of its protrusion is greater than the width of a section of the recessed structure of the bellows 8. During installation, the raised ring structure 4-2 is embedded in the recessed structure of the bellows 8 to prevent moisture and dust from entering the bellows port and contacting the metal cable 7, thus forming a reliable seal.

[0042] The outer circumferential surface of the hose sealing ring 4 is provided with one or more sealing protrusions 4-3. The sealing protrusions 4-3 abut against the side wall of the hose connection section 3-1 inside the middle tube body 3 to form a friction fit and achieve a reliable seal. This improves the connection reliability between the corrugated pipe 8 and the connector nut 6 while providing waterproofing and dustproofing. The hose connector is assembled by screwing the external thread of the middle tube body 3 and the internal thread of the connector nut 6 together.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A locking metal cable hose connector with a buffer function, comprising an intermediate tube (3), and cable connector structures and hose connector structures respectively connected to both ends of the intermediate tube (3); the cable connector structure is used to fasten the cable; the hose connector structure includes a connector nut (6); characterized in that: The hose connector structure also includes an elastic buckle (5); the inner wall of the connector nut (6) is provided with an annular limiting groove (6-1); the elastic buckle (5) includes two snap-fit ​​half-rings; the inner side of the snap-fit ​​half-ring is provided with one or more inner limiting bosses (5-1) that match the recessed structure of the bellows (8); the outer side of the snap-fit ​​half-ring is provided with an outer limiting boss (5-2); the outer limiting boss (5-2) is located in the annular limiting groove (6-1) of the connector nut (6); the width of the outer limiting boss (5-2) is smaller than the width of the annular limiting groove (6-1).

2. A locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the annular limiting groove (6-1) and the width of the outer limiting boss (5-2) are (2-3):1; the ratio of the width difference between the annular limiting groove (6-1) and the outer limiting boss (5-2) to the diameter of the bellows is (1-2):

25.

3. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hose connector structure also includes a hose sealing ring (4); the hose sealing ring (4) is disposed between the corrugated pipe (8) and the inner wall of the intermediate pipe body (3).

4. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the hose sealing ring (4) is provided with an annular limiting structure (4-1) that matches the end of the bellows (8); the inner wall of the hose sealing ring (4) is provided with one or more convex ring structures (4-2); the shape of the convex ring structure (4-2) matches the recessed structure of the bellows (8).

5. The locking metal cable flexible conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the hose sealing ring (4) is provided with one or more sealing protrusions (4-3); the sealing protrusions (4-3) abut against the inner wall of the middle tube body (3).

6. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner cavity of the intermediate tube (3) includes a flexible hose connection section (3-1), a limiting section (3-2) and a cable connection section (3-3) arranged sequentially along the axial direction; a constricted limiting structure (3-4) with a frustum-shaped surface is provided between the flexible hose connection section (3-1) and the limiting section (3-2).

7. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 6, characterized in that: A stepped limiting structure (3-5) is provided between the limiting section (3-2) and the cable connection section (3-3); the hose sealing ring (4) abuts against the stepped limiting structure (3-5).

8. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cable connector structure includes a tail helix (1) and a cable sealing ring (2); the tail helix (1) is threadedly connected to the flexible hose connection section (3-1) inside the middle tube (3); the cable sealing ring (2) includes a large diameter section (2-1) and a small diameter section (2-2); the small diameter section (2-2) is located inside the middle tube (3); the large diameter section (2-1) is located between the end of the tail helix (1) and the constriction limiting structure (3-4) inside the middle tube (3).

9. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 8, characterized in that: One or more locking protrusions (2-3) are provided on the small diameter section (2-2); the inner wall of the tail screw tube (1) is provided with a limiting groove (1-1) that matches the locking protrusions (2-3).

10. The locking metal cable conduit connector with buffering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the connector nut (6) facing away from the middle tube body (3) is provided with an inward flange structure.

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