Connector retaining ring

Abstract

A connector retaining ring (1) configured to retain a connecting pin for securing a connector (SD) to an output of a power tool, comprising: an annular body (10) formed of an elastic thermoplastic material, which is configured to cooperate with a circumferential groove (G) on an outer side of the connecting part, wherein the annular body has two slotted portions (20, 30) arranged on opposite sides of the annular body, each slotted portion defining a flexible tab (21, 31) integrally connected to the annular body at one end (21a, 31a), each tab being configured to cooperate with a corresponding bore (B1, B2) provided in the connector, thereby retaining the connecting pin (P) extending therebetween.

Description

[0001] The present description relates generally to (in particular socket-shaped) connecting parts for driven tools (also called “power tools”), in particular to a retaining ring for fastening such a connecting part to the output of the driven tool.

[0002] Power tools for applying torque to fasteners, such as screws, are widely used in various industries. These tools can be electrically powered, including battery-powered tools. Torque-transmitting parts connected to the output shaft of a power tool are also known, particularly connecting parts, such as connectors for tightening nuts or bolts, extensions, or adapters.

[0003] In industrial and mechanical engineering applications, connectors with square drives often rely on retention mechanisms to prevent the connecting pins from falling out during use. A common solution is cylindrical connecting pins held in place by elastomeric O-rings seated in grooves within the connector. While effective in controlled environments, in oily or contaminated environments, these O-rings wear quickly and can become undetected, allowing the connecting pin to fall out. This can lead to component loss and costly disassembly.

[0004] Another method uses threaded pins inserted from both sides of the connector. While this method is secure, it requires threaded holes and special fasteners, making it unsuitable for retrofitting and too complex and costly for large-scale deployment.

[0005] Metal spring-based retention systems have also been used, but these often exert excessive force, which can, for example, hinder the simultaneous engagement of multiple fasteners in multi-spindle applications, thus impacting productivity and reducing the reliability of such automated or synchronized fastening systems.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved retention mechanism for connectors that can solve or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved retention mechanism that provides a more secure and reliable hold of the connector.

[0008] To better solve one or more of these problems, a connector retaining ring according to the independent claim is provided. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] A connector retaining ring is provided which is configured to retain a connecting pin for securing a (particularly female) connector to an output of a power tool, and which comprises an annular body formed from a resilient thermoplastic material which is configured to engage a circumferential groove (on an outer side) of the connector, the annular body comprising (no more or less than) two slotted portions positioned on opposite sides of the annular body, each slotted portion defining a flexible tab integrally connected to the annular body at one end, each tab being configured to cooperate (in use) with a corresponding bore in the connector, thereby retaining the connecting pin extending therebetween.

[0010] The connector retaining ring offers a solution to the problems described above, in particular by being designed to clamp into the holes (or possibly the groove) of a connector to prevent the connecting pin from falling out.

[0011] Specifically, the connector retaining ring utilizes the inherent elasticity of the plastic to act as a spring mechanism. For this purpose, the connector retaining ring may include two flexible tabs formed by slots on opposite sides of the annular body and connected to the main body at only one end. This design allows the tabs to flex outward during assembly and then return to the groove or bore of the connector, ensuring a firm and reliable hold without the need for additional fasteners or tools.For example, the connector retaining ring can be slid onto the connector, with the tabs flexing outward until the groove is reached, where the tabs initially spring / return inward. This is followed by a rotation of the connector retaining ring, allowing the tabs to spring / return further inward (possibly returning to a relaxed state) while the tabs and holes align to interlock. This provides a secure and reliable hold in a particularly convenient manner, thus providing a simple, cost-effective, and retrofittable connector retention solution.

[0012] As mentioned above, the connector retaining ring allows for slight movement while maintaining a secure fit compared to metal spring solutions. This flexibility makes it particularly well-suited for applications involving multiple connectors, such as engine mounting or wheel mounting, where a small amount of clearance is required to ensure all connectors engage simultaneously.

[0013] In addition to its primary function, the connector retaining ring can also serve secondary purposes, such as color coding to identify connectors or as attachment points for accessories such as RFID chips or insulated covers / lids.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connector retaining ring may be configured to be installed without tools, simplifying installation and reducing assembly time.

[0015] In one embodiment, the tabs are shaped (shaped) to engage (snap fit) into the holes and form a tight mechanical lock that resists vibration and axial movement.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of each tab is designed such that it can be inserted into the bore provided in the connecting part (extending therein). This allows for a particularly stable hold.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the portion of the tab configured to be inserted into the bore is a part extending inwardly from the annular body in a radial direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the section to be inserted into the bore has a circular cross-section that corresponds to the shape of the bore, so that a tight and stable fit is ensured.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the portion to be inserted into the bore has a first chamfered portion to facilitate the installation of the connector retaining ring. The chamfer may be provided on a side of the portion facing an insertion or placement direction (a circumferential direction). Such a chamfer facilitates the smooth and guided placement of the connector retaining ring by facilitating the insertion of the extending parts into the bore(s).

[0020] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the annular body corresponds to the outer diameter of the connector, and the tabs are designed to bend outward in the radial direction when the connector retaining ring is arranged so that they can slide over the surface of the connector and engage in the holes.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the slotted areas are arranged symmetrically around a central axis of the annular body. This ensures balanced deformation of the tabs during assembly and a more uniform holding force across the circumference of the connector.

[0022] According to one design, the slotted areas have an axial extent in the range of 50-90% of the total axial extent of the annular body, in particular 70-90%. This ensures a balance between sufficient strength of the tabs and maintaining structural integrity.

[0023] In one design, the outer side of each tab is curved and adapts to the curvature of the annular body. This allows for a more uniform profile.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the tabs are designed so that they are flush with the outer surface of the annular body in the relaxed state.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the tabs are designed so that when installed they are flush with the outer surface of the annular body.

[0026] For example, the tabs may be configured to flex outward during assembly (when sliding along the surface of the mating part) and return to a (more or less) flush position when the tabs and / or the protruding part enter the groove and / or the holes.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the tabs are configured to be manually removed from the bore to enable non-destructive removal. For example, the tabs may be designed to be pushed out of the bore. Such a design allows for reuse of the connector retaining ring.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the radially extending portion of the tab comprises a second chamfered portion to facilitate manual removal from the bore for non-destructive removal. The chamfer may be provided on a circumferentially facing side of the portion. Such a chamfer may facilitate smooth and guided removal.

[0029] In one embodiment, the tabs are designed so that removing the connector retaining ring requires the destruction of the connector retaining ring. Such a design can ensure regular replacement in critical applications, as the connector retaining ring cannot be reused once it is worn out, as can be the case with conventional O-ring solutions, for example.

[0030] In one embodiment, the annular body includes a breakable section to facilitate removal and allow intentional destruction when disassembly or replacement of the connector retaining ring is required.

[0031] In one embodiment, the annular body has an opening configured to allow a tool to engage therein to facilitate removal. Such portions may, for example, have a slot or opening configured to allow a tool, in particular a (flat) screwdriver, to engage the connector retaining ring to break it.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the connector retaining ring can be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. This enables the cost-effective production of connector retaining rings for a wide range of products without the need for complex tooling.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the connector retaining ring is suitable for production by injection molding. Such a design can be advantageous for large-scale production.

[0034] In one embodiment, the thermoplastic material is a material selected from: ABS, PETG, polypropylene and polyamide.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the annular body contains a dye for visual identification. This can be useful for quickly identifying connecting parts, organizing tools, etc.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the annular body comprises a fastening device for attaching an additional component, in particular an identification device, wherein the fastening device can be a separate device or an integrated / integrally arranged device.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the annular body contains an embedded additional component, in particular an identification device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the additional component is an RFID tag.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the annular body contains a fastening device for mounting a connector cover or a connector cover, e.g. an insulated connector cover.

[0040] In some embodiments, the annular body may have a textured or patterned surface to facilitate manual handling of the connector retaining ring. In other embodiments, the annular body has a smooth outer surface.

[0041] In one embodiment, the connecting part is a part from the group: socket, bit connection, bit holder, extension, quick-change adapter and / or rotatable connecting part cover.

[0042] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examination of the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below.

[0043] The invention is described in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary connecting part, Fig. 2 a side view of an exemplary connecting part, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an exemplary connector and a connector retaining ring, Fig. 4 a perspective view of an exemplary connector retaining ring, Fig. 5a is a plan view of part of an exemplary connector retaining ring, Fig. 5b is a plan view of part of an exemplary connector retaining ring, Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector and a connector retaining ring, Fig. 6b a side view of an exemplary connector and a connector retaining ring, Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector and connector retaining ring, and Fig. 7b a side view of an exemplary connector and a connector retaining ring.

[0044] All figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale and generally show only parts necessary to explain the invention, other parts being omitted or merely indicated.

[0045] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a connector SD, in this case a standard connector for tightening a threaded fastener (not shown). Such a known standard connector typically has a square-section recess at its rear end SDb, designed to receive the square end portion of the output shaft of a power tool, and an internal cross-sectional shape at its front end SDa, adapted to the type of fastener to be tightened, for example, a hexagonal shape.

[0046] The SD connector from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 further comprises a circumferential groove G provided on an outer side of the connecting part SD and two bores B1, B2 provided on opposite sides of the connecting part.

[0047] In Fig. 3, an exemplary connector SD and a connector retaining ring 1 arranged / installed on the connector SD are shown. The connector retaining ring 1 is configured to hold a connecting pin (not shown) for securing the connector SD to an output of a power tool, particularly a square drive having a through hole through which the connecting pin extends.

[0048] The also in Fig. The connector retaining ring shown in Figure 4 may comprise an annular body 10 made of a resilient thermoplastic material such as ABS or PETG and be designed to mate with the circumferential groove G (and / or the bores B1, B2) of the connector SD.

[0049] The annular body 10 may include two slotted portions 20, 30 disposed on opposite sides of the annular body 10. Each slotted portion 20, 30 defines a flexible tab 21, 31 integrally connected to the annular body 10 at one end 21a, 31a. Furthermore, each tab may be configured to engage, in use, a corresponding bore B1, B2 in the connector. This retains the connecting pin extending therebetween when the connector is secured to the output shaft.

[0050] At least one portion 22, 32 of each tab 21, 31, e.g., a portion 22, 32 extending radially inward, may be configured to be inserted into the bores B1, B2 provided in the connecting part SD. The portion 22, 32 may further have a circular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the bore.

[0051] In order to facilitate the installation / arrangement of the connector retaining ring 1, the portion 22, 32 may further comprise a first chamfered portion 23 provided on a side of the portion 22, 32 facing in an axial direction.

[0052] For example, in Fig. 3, the inner diameter of the annular body 10 may correspond to the outer diameter of the connecting part SD, wherein the tabs 21, 31 may be designed such that they bend outwards in the radial direction when the connecting part retaining ring 1 is mounted.

[0053] An outer side of each tab 21, 31 can, for example, be curved and adapt to the curvature of the annular body. The tabs can, for example, be designed so that they are flush with the outer surface of the annular body 10 both in the relaxed state and in the installed state, i.e., when the connector retaining ring 1 is in place and the sections 22, 32 extend into the bores B1, B2.

[0054] The Fig. 6a and b and 7a and b show the connector retaining ring 1 at various stages of an exemplary assembly process. When the connector retaining ring 1 is pushed onto the connector SD, the tabs 21, 31 can bend outward, as shown in the Fig. 6a and b, showing a deformed state of the connector retaining ring 1 during assembly. When the groove G and the holes B1, B2 in the Fig. 7a and b, the tabs return inwards and adapt again to the curvature of the ring body 10, being flush with the ring body 10 (ie the connector retaining ring 1 is engaged and undeformed).

[0055] In the exemplary connector retaining ring 1 of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the tabs 21, 31 are designed such that to remove the connector retaining ring 1, the connector retaining ring 1 must be destroyed. For this purpose, the annular body 10 comprises two breakable sections 27a, 27b in the form of openings 27a, 27b, which are designed such that a tool, e.g., a flat screwdriver, can engage them to facilitate destruction and thus removal.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 5a shows one of the tabs 21 of a connector retaining ring 1 according to an alternative embodiment, in which the tabs are configured to be manually released from the bores for non-destructive removal. The radially extending portion 22 in this case comprises a second beveled portion 25 provided on a side facing the circumferential direction to facilitate manual release from the bore for non-destructive removal. Fig. Figure 5b shows an embodiment in which the tabs are configured so that they can be removed from the bores by destructive removal, and in which the second bevel 25 is therefore missing. The first bevel 23 is not visible in the plan views of Fig. 5a and b visible for both embodiments.

[0057] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such figures and descriptions are to be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications, variations, and changes are conceivable within the scope defined in the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a," "an," "another" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] A connector retaining ring (1) configured to retain a connecting pin for securing a connector (SD) to an output of a power tool, comprising: an annular body (10) formed of an elastic thermoplastic material, which is configured to cooperate with a circumferential groove (G) on an outer side of the connecting part, wherein the annular body has two slotted portions (20, 30) arranged on opposite sides of the annular body, each slotted portion defining a flexible tab (21, 31) integrally connected to the annular body at one end (21a, 31a), each tab being configured to cooperate with a corresponding bore (B1, B2) provided in the connector, thereby retaining the connecting pin (P) extending therebetween. [2] The connector retaining ring of claim 1, wherein the tabs are configured to snap into the bores. [3] A connector retaining ring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion (22, 32) of each tab is configured to be inserted into the bore provided in the connector retaining ring. [4] A terminal retaining ring according to claim 3, wherein the portion (22, 32) of the tab configured to be inserted into the bore is a portion extending inwardly from the annular body (10) in a radial direction. [5] A connector retaining ring according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the portion (22, 32) designed to be inserted into the bore has a circular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the bore. [6] A connector retaining ring according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the portion (22, 32) adapted to be inserted into the bore comprises a first beveled portion (23, 33) to facilitate the arrangement of the connector retaining ring. [7] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner diameter of the annular body corresponds to the outer diameter of the connector retaining ring and wherein the tabs are designed to bend outwardly in a radial direction during assembly of the ring. [8] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slotted portions (20, 30) are arranged symmetrically about a central axis of the annular body. [9] Connector retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slotted regions (20, 30) have an extension along an axial direction in the range of 50-90% of that of the annular body, in particular of 70-90%. [10] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer side (24, 34) of each tab (21, 31) is curved and conforms to the curvature of the annular body. [11] The connector retaining ring of claim 10, wherein the tabs are configured to be flush with the outer surface of the annular body in the relaxed state. [12] A connector retaining ring according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the tabs are designed to be flush with the outer surface of the annular body when installed. [13] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tabs are configured to be manually disengaged from the bore for non-destructive removal. [14] The connector retaining ring of claim 13, wherein the radial portion (22, 32) includes a second beveled portion (25, 35) to facilitate manual disengagement from the bore for non-destructive removal. [15] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the tabs are designed such that removal of the connector retaining ring requires destruction of the connector retaining ring. [16] The connector retaining ring of claim 15, wherein the annular body includes a breakable portion to facilitate removal. [17] A terminal retaining ring according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the annular body has an opening (27a; 27b) configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate removal. [18] Connection part retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection part retaining ring can be produced by means of additive manufacturing processes. [19] Connection part retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, wherein the connection part retaining ring can be produced by an injection molding process. [20] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic material is a material selected from: ABS, PETG, polypropylene and polyamide. [21] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular body comprises a dye for visual identification. [22] Connector retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular body has a fastening device for the mounting of an additional component, in particular an identification device. [23] Connector retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 21, wherein the annular body has an embedded additional component, in particular an identification device. [24] Connector retaining ring according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the additional component is an RFID tag. [25] Connector retaining ring according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular body has a fastening device for mounting a connector cover, in particular an insulated connector cover. [26] A connector retaining ring according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is a part selected from the group consisting of: socket, bit connector, bit holder, extension, quick-change adapter and / or a rotatable connector cover.

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