A twist-to-lock quick connect assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a twist lock formula quick -witted connecting assembly, including the first terminal and second terminal of detachable connection, the first terminal outside wall has set up twist type sliding slot, and the one end of sliding slot is through the first terminal and is connected with the one end of second terminal, the inside wall of second terminal is equipped with the slider that cooperates with sliding slot, when the first terminal is connected with second terminal, the first terminal is twisted and is inserted with second terminal, and the slider twist sliding connection is in sliding slot, the utility model discloses the quick connection of first terminal and second terminal is realized through twist lock formula fast lock's mode, and this design can save up to 80% assembly time compared with traditional thread connection, has convenient and quick technical effect, especially is applicable to the equipment interface of compact space and needing frequent maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of cable connectors, and in particular to a twist-lock type quick-connect assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In scenarios such as intelligent sensor networks, machine vision equipment, factory Ethernet cabling, and motion control units, cable connectors serve as key interfaces between sensors and control systems, and their reliability directly affects the stability of data transmission and the efficiency of system maintenance.

[0003] Traditionally, the assembly between cable connectors and control system panel sockets uses a male-female threaded connection design. The cable connector is a male end with a rigid pin, and the control system panel socket is a female end with a passive hole. By rotating the cable connector, the threaded connection is made onto the control system panel socket, and the pin and hole gradually approach and make contact to achieve electrical connection. However, this assembly method requires multiple turns of the cable connector, which is not very convenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problem of insufficient convenience in assembling traditional cable connectors and control system panel sockets by providing a torsion lock quick-connect assembly.

[0005] This utility model provides a twist-lock quick-connect assembly, including a detachably connected first terminal and a second terminal; the outer wall of the first terminal is provided with a twist-type groove, one end of the groove passes through the first terminal and connects to one end of the second terminal; the inner wall of the second terminal is provided with a slider that cooperates with the groove; when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are twisted and inserted, and the slider is twisted and slidably connected to the groove.

[0006] Furthermore, the torsion angle between the first terminal and the second terminal is 80°-100°.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer wall of the first terminal is provided with a slot that cooperates with the slider. The slot is connected to the other end of the slide groove that passes through the first terminal. The slider can be engaged with the slot after sliding.

[0008] Furthermore, the slot protrudes from the slide groove in the direction of the first terminal connecting to the second terminal, and the second terminal is provided with an elastic element. When the slider is engaged in the slot, the end of the first terminal connecting to the second terminal abuts against the elastic element.

[0009] Furthermore, the slider, slide groove and slot are provided in equal quantities, and every three mutually cooperating sliders, slide grooves and slots form a group. The sliders, slide grooves and slots are evenly distributed in multiple groups along the circumferential direction of the torsion axis of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, the first terminal includes a first housing and a first insulator, the first housing being rotatably sleeved on the first insulator, the sliding groove being formed on the outer side wall of the first housing, and the first insulator being provided with a pin; the second terminal includes a second housing and a second insulator, the second housing being fixedly sleeved on the second insulator, the slider being provided on the inner side wall of the second housing, and the second insulator being provided with an insertion hole that mates with the pin; the inner side wall of the first insulator is provided with a positioning post, and the outer side wall of the second insulator is provided with a positioning groove that mates with the positioning post; when the first terminal is inserted into the second terminal, the positioning post is inserted into the positioning groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the end of the first terminal away from the second terminal is provided with a threaded section for connecting a cable.

[0012] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided at the connection between the first terminal and the cable.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic element is a sealing gasket.

[0014] Furthermore, a shielding element is provided inside the second terminal.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention utilizes a torsion-lock type groove on the first terminal and a slider on the second terminal. When the first and second terminals are connected for assembly, they are twisted together, allowing the slider to slide within the groove. On one hand, the slider's forward movement drives the pin in the male terminal to insert into the socket in the female terminal; on the other hand, the slider's twisting motion within the groove locks the first and second terminals, preventing them from separating directly. Furthermore, as long as the friction between the slider and the groove is sufficient, the first and second terminals are less likely to twist relative to each other, thus quickly connecting and assembling them. This invention achieves rapid connection between the first and second terminals through a torsion-lock quick-lock mechanism. Compared to traditional threaded connections, this design can save up to 80% of assembly time, offering a convenient and quick technical advantage, especially suitable for equipment interfaces in compact spaces requiring frequent maintenance.

[0016] This invention achieves a quick two-step "insertion-rotation" operation through a torsion lock structure, balancing connection efficiency and stability, significantly reducing on-site installation time, while also possessing excellent electrical characteristics and environmental adaptability, meeting the dedicated transmission requirements of industrial Ethernet, PROFINET and other protocols, and adapting to the connection of sensors, actuators and other devices. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the twist-lock quick-connect assembly and cable of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second terminal and the cable of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first terminal and the cable of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the second terminal of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Moreover, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0019] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a twist-lock type quick connection assembly, including a detachably connected first terminal 1 and a second terminal 2; a twist-type groove 121 is provided on the outer wall of the first terminal 1, one end of the groove 121 passes through the first terminal 1 and connects to the end of the second terminal 2; a slider 221 that cooperates with the groove 121 is provided on the inner wall of the second terminal 2; when the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 are connected, the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 are twisted and inserted, and the slider 221 is twisted and slidably connected to the groove 121.

[0020] In one specific embodiment, the first terminal 1 is a cable connector that serves as a male terminal. The first terminal 1 includes a first insulator 11 that is generally cylindrical in shape, and a first housing 12 that is rotatably sleeved on the first insulator 11. The first insulator 11 and the first housing 12 can rotate by engaging a groove and a boss between them, or they can rotate by other structures, such as bearings.

[0021] The material of the first insulator 11 can be PBT, LCP, PTFE, etc. The first insulator 11 has an open end for connecting to the second terminal 2, and four copper alloy pins 3 are fixedly connected inside the middle of this end.

[0022] The first housing 12 can be made of PA66+25GF reinforced nylon, etc. The first housing 12 has openings at both ends. One end is used to connect to the second terminal 2, and the other end is used to connect to the connector cable 4. The connector cable 4 can be connected using existing methods. Three grooves 121 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the outer wall of the end of the first housing 12 that connects to the second terminal 2. The grooves 121 are arc-shaped. One end of the groove 121 passes through the end of the first housing 12 that connects to the second terminal 2, and the other end of the groove 121 bends and extends toward the other end of the first housing 12. The groove 121 as a whole forms a torsion groove 121.

[0023] The second terminal 2 is a control system panel socket that serves as a female terminal. The second terminal 2 includes a second insulator 21 that is generally cylindrical in shape, and a second housing 22 that is fixedly sleeved on the second insulator 21.

[0024] The material of the second insulator 21 can be PBT, LCP, PTFE, etc. The second insulator 21 has four holes 5 in the middle of one end, which is used to connect the first terminal 1. The holes 5 are for the insertion of the pin 3 to achieve electrical connection.

[0025] The second housing 22 can be made of metal or engineering plastic. The second housing 22 has openings at both ends; one end is used to connect to the first terminal 1, and the other end is used to connect to the control system panel socket cable 6. The connection to the control system panel socket cable 6 can be made using existing methods. There is a space between the inner wall of the second housing 22 and the outer wall of the second insulator 21, which matches the end of the first terminal 1 that connects to the second terminal 2. Three sliders 221, which mate with the sliding groove 121, are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the end of the second housing 22 connected to the first terminal 1. The sliders 221 are integrally formed with the second housing 22 and protrude from the surface of the inner wall of the second housing 22.

[0026] When assembling the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, the first terminal 1 is inserted into the second terminal 2 and the first housing 12 is twisted. One end of the first terminal 1 connected to the second terminal 2 enters the space between the inner wall of the second housing 22 and the outer wall of the second insulator 21. The first housing 12 rotates, and the slider 221 enters the slide groove 121 and is twisted and slidably connected to the slide groove 121. At the same time, the pin 3 does not rotate and gradually inserts into the socket 5 to achieve electrical connection. When the slider 221 slides to the other end of the slide groove 121, the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 are connected together. At this time, the assembly between the cable connector and the control system panel socket is completed. Conversely, twisting the first housing 12 in the opposite direction can disassemble the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, thereby pulling the first terminal 1 off the second terminal 2.

[0027] This invention utilizes a torsion groove 121 on the first terminal 1 and a slider 221 on the second terminal 2. When the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 are connected for assembly, they are twisted together, allowing the slider 221 to slide within the groove 121. On one hand, the slider 221 moves forward, driving the pin 3 in the male terminal to insert into the socket 5 in the female terminal. On the other hand, the slider 221 twists, turning within the groove 121 and locking the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, preventing them from separating directly. Furthermore, as long as the friction between the slider 221 and the groove 121 is sufficient, the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 are less likely to twist relative to each other, thus quickly connecting and assembling them. This invention achieves rapid connection between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 through a torsion lock mechanism. Compared to traditional threaded connections, this design can save up to 80% of assembly time, offering a convenient and quick technical advantage, especially suitable for equipment interfaces with limited space and requiring frequent maintenance.

[0028] In one specific embodiment, the male and female terminals can be reversed, that is, the first terminal 1 is the control system panel socket as the female terminal, and the second terminal 2 is the cable connector as the male terminal. In this case, the pin 3 is set in the second terminal 2, and the socket 5 is set in the first terminal 1. When assembling the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, the second terminal 2 is inserted into the first terminal 1. The specific selection can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0029] In one specific embodiment, the shape of the groove 121 is not limited. It can be an arc, an S-shaped arc, or an angled groove, as long as it has a torsional effect and can achieve the purpose of torsion locking.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the relative torsional angle between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 can be controlled by adjusting the shape of the slide groove 121. When the projection of the slide groove 121 onto the plane where the end face of the first housing 12 connects to the second terminal 2 is approximately a quarter circle, the torsional angle between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 is approximately 90°. At this point, simply rotating the first terminal 1 approximately 90° onto the second terminal 2 is sufficient to lock the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2. Using a 90° rotation locking mechanism, after the cable connector is inserted into the control system panel socket, locking can be achieved by rotating the first terminal 1 at a small angle, forming a mechanical interlocking structure. This achieves a balance between locking and quick locking, resulting in high convenience. The aforementioned superior technical effects are achieved when the torsional angle between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 is between 80° and 100°.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the outer wall of the first housing 12 is provided with a groove 122 that mates with the slider 221. The groove 122 is connected to the other end of the groove 121 that penetrates the first housing 12. That is, one end of the groove 121 penetrates the first housing 12, and the other end is connected to the groove 122. The end of the groove 121 that connects to the groove 122 is bent and extended until its tangent is parallel to the plane where the end face of the first housing 12 connected to the second terminal 2 is located, and then connects to the groove 122. The groove 122 protrudes from the groove 121 in the direction of the end of the first housing 12 connected to the second terminal 2. When the slider 221 slides to the point where the groove 121 is away from the end that penetrates the first housing 12, the slider 221 can slide into the groove 122 and engage with it.

[0032] An elastic element 7 is fixedly connected inside the second terminal 2. The elastic element 7 is a silicone rubber sealing gasket. The elastic element 7 is located in the space between the inner side wall of the second housing 22 and the outer side wall of the second insulator 21, and is also located in the inner bottom wall of the second housing 22, and is sleeved on the second insulator 21.

[0033] When the first terminal 1 is inserted into the second terminal 2, the end of the first terminal 1 connected to the second terminal 2 abuts against the elastic member 7. Due to the elasticity of the elastic member 7, the end of the first terminal 1 connected to the second terminal 2 is pushed out under the action of the elasticity, causing the first terminal 1 to move slightly away from the second terminal 2, while the slider 221 remains stationary, thereby locking the slider 221 in the protruding part of the slot 122, locking the slider 221 tightly, and realizing the engagement of the slider 221 with the slot 122.

[0034] The design of the slider 221 engaging with the slot 122 further locks and reinforces the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, making the cable connector and the control system panel socket more stable to assemble. Compared with traditional threaded connections that require a torque wrench to check the tightness after assembly, this utility model eliminates the need for a torque wrench to check the tightness after assembly. It provides clear feedback through the "click" sound when the connection is fully rotated. Moreover, once locked, it can withstand strong vibrations and accidental pulling, and is less likely to cause loosening of the pin 3 and socket 5 due to vibration or mechanical stress, resulting in poor contact. It is suitable for dynamic scenarios such as factory assembly lines and mobile devices.

[0035] In addition to its elasticity, the elastic element 7 also has another function: to seal the connection between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2, effectively preventing dust, water immersion, and high-pressure washing. The protection level reaches IP67 to IP69K, making it suitable for humid, dusty, and washing cleaning scenarios.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, the number of sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122 may not all be three. For example, there may be four sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122, with each group consisting of four mutually cooperating sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122. A total of four groups of such sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122 are provided, and these four groups are evenly distributed circumferentially along the torsional axis of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2. In other embodiments, the number of sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122 may be more or less, such as two groups or five groups. To a certain extent, the more sliders 221, slide grooves 121, and slots 122 there are, the tighter the connection between the cable connector and the control system panel socket.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, three positioning posts 111 are circumferentially distributed on the inner sidewall of one end of the first insulator 11 connected to the second terminal 2. The positions of the three positioning posts 111 are not uniformly distributed. The length direction of the positioning posts 111 is the same as the axial direction of the first insulator 11. One end of the positioning posts 111 extends to the opening at one end of the first insulator 11 connected to the second terminal 2.

[0038] The outer wall of the second insulator 21 has three axially distributed positioning grooves 211 that mate with the positioning posts 111. The three positioning grooves 211 are unevenly distributed, and their length direction is the same as the axial direction of the second insulator 21. One end of the positioning groove 211 extends to the opening at the end of the second insulator 21 connected to the first terminal 1, and the second insulator 21 protrudes from the opening at the end of the first terminal 1 of the second housing 22. When the three positioning posts 111 are aligned with the three positioning grooves 211 respectively, the four pins 3 are aligned with the four sockets 5 respectively.

[0039] By aligning and inserting the three positioning posts 111 into the three positioning slots 211, the four pins 3 are aligned and inserted into the four sockets 5. Because the second insulator 21 protrudes and the distribution of the three positioning posts 111 and the three positioning slots 211 is uneven, the pins 3 and sockets 5 have a quick positioning and anti-misinsertion function, enabling the pins 3 to be quickly aligned and inserted into the sockets 5, further improving the ease of assembly between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, a threaded segment 123 for connecting a connector cable 4 is fixedly connected to the end of the first terminal 1 away from the second terminal 2. The threaded segment 123 is located in the first housing 12. The threaded segment 123 has an internal thread, which can be threadedly connected to the external thread of the connector cable 4.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, a sealing ring 8 is installed at the connection between the first terminal 1 and the connector cable 4 to improve the sealing performance between the first terminal 1 and the connector cable 4. Specifically, the threaded section 123 also has an external thread, and a locking plate 9 is threadedly connected to the external thread. The sealing ring 8 is a silicone rubber sealing ring 8, which is sleeved on the threaded section 123 at the end of the first housing 12 near the connector cable 4. A baffle 101 is threadedly connected to the external thread of the connector cable 4, and the sealing ring 8 is located between the locking plate 9 and the baffle 101, covering the outside of the connection between the first housing 12 and the connector cable 4. When the first terminal 1 and the connector cable 4 are threadedly connected, the locking plate 9 is rotated towards the sealing ring 8, causing the locking plate 9 to move and compress the sealing ring 8, thus improving the sealing performance between the first terminal 1 and the connector cable 4. In other embodiments, the sealing ring 8 can also be fixedly connected to the internal thread of the threaded section 123, so that the sealing ring 8 seals the inside of the connection between the first terminal 1 and the connector cable 4.

[0042] In one specific embodiment, a shielding member 102 for improving the shielding of the second terminal 2 is installed inside the second terminal 2. Specifically, the shielding member 102 is a wave-shaped metal wave spring with a notch. The shielding member 102 is located in the space between the inner sidewall of the second housing 22 and the outer sidewall of the second insulator 21, and is also located on the inner bottom wall of the second housing 22, and is sleeved on the second insulator 21, and is located outside the ring of the elastic member 7.

[0043] After inserting the first terminal 1 into the second terminal 2, the end of the first terminal 1 connected to the second terminal 2 can compress the shielding member 102, making close contact with the shielding member 102 at multiple points. At the same time, the notch provides space for the shielding member 102 to deform under compression. The shielding member 102 provides a certain shielding effect between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 2 by reflecting and absorbing electromagnetic waves. Meanwhile, the elastic structure of the wave spring can adapt to high-frequency vibration and maintain the continuity of the shielding. Therefore, it has excellent EMC protection performance and can effectively suppress electromagnetic interference in industrial environments.

[0044] This utility model's twist-lock quick-connect assembly is a compact signal and data transmission interface device designed specifically for industrial automation scenarios. It adopts a twist-lock quick-connect structure, and its core conforms to the IEC 61076-2-101 international standard. It also adopts a 4-pin standard configuration, with pin definitions corresponding to 100Mbps Ethernet transmission: pin 1 (TD+), pin 2 (TD-), pin 3 (RD+), and pin 4 (RD-). It achieves a maximum data transmission rate of 100Mbps through differential signal pairs and can be directly applied to harsh environments such as outdoor, food processing, and automobile manufacturing.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly, characterized in that: It includes a detachably connected first terminal and a second terminal; the outer wall of the first terminal is provided with a torsion groove, one end of the groove passes through the first terminal and connects to the second terminal; the inner wall of the second terminal is provided with a slider that cooperates with the groove; when the first terminal and the second terminal are connected, the first terminal and the second terminal are twisted and inserted, and the slider is twisted and slidably connected to the groove.

2. The twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torsion angle between the first terminal and the second terminal is 80°-100°.

3. The twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the first terminal is provided with a slot that cooperates with the slider. The slot is connected to the other end of the slide groove that passes through the first terminal. The slider can be engaged with the slot after sliding.

4. The twist-lock quick-connect assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slot protrudes from the slide groove in the direction of the first terminal connecting to the second terminal. The second terminal is provided with an elastic element. When the slider is engaged in the slot, the end of the first terminal connecting to the second terminal abuts against the elastic element.

5. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slider, slide groove and slot are provided in equal quantities, and every three sliders, slide grooves and slots that cooperate with each other form a group. The sliders, slide grooves and slots are evenly distributed in multiple groups along the circumference of the torsion axis of the first terminal and the second terminal.

6. The twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first terminal includes a first housing and a first insulator. The first housing is rotatably sleeved on the first insulator. A sliding groove is formed on the outer wall of the first housing. The first insulator is provided with a pin. The second terminal includes a second housing and a second insulator. The second housing is fixedly sleeved on the second insulator. A slider is provided on the inner wall of the second housing. The second insulator is provided with a insertion hole that mates with the pin. The inner wall of the first insulator is provided with a positioning post. The outer wall of the second insulator is provided with a positioning groove that mates with the positioning post. When the first terminal is inserted into the second terminal, the positioning post is inserted into the positioning groove.

7. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the first terminal away from the second terminal has a threaded section for connecting a cable.

8. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided at the connection point between the first terminal and the cable.

9. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic element is a sealing gasket.

10. A twist-lock type quick-connect assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second terminal is equipped with a shield.

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