Connectors with locking structures
The innovative locking mechanism for high-voltage connectors addresses durability and usability issues by using a handle with pivot arms and a sliding pin to ensure secure and durable connections, enhancing reliability and ease of use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing high-voltage connectors face issues with springback or loosening due to external forces or vibration, compromising connection reliability, and secondary locking mechanisms suffer from hook fatigue and inconvenient pressure positions, leading to durability and ease-of-use challenges.
A locking mechanism featuring a handle with pivot arms, a connecting link, and a pin that slides along a stop block to engage with a locking hole, ensuring secure connection without deformation, using a protective plate and anti-slip patterns for ease of use.
The mechanism provides a reliable and durable locking action between connectors, preventing disconnection and reducing the risk of breakage, with improved user convenience through rotatable design and anti-slip features.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION Technical Area
[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors and in particular connectors with locking structures. Description of the state of the art
[0002] Prior art high-voltage connectors typically feature a primary locking mechanism to ensure a secure connection after insertion. However, in some applications, relying solely on the primary lock can still pose a risk of springback or loosening due to external forces or prolonged vibration, potentially compromising connection reliability. Therefore, some connector designs incorporate an additional secondary lock to further secure the primary lock once engaged, thus preventing accidental loosening.
[0003] In existing designs, the secondary locking mechanism often uses a flexible hook to interact with a rotary handle. When the hook engages with the handle, the primary lock is secured in its closed position to achieve the secondary locking action. Furthermore, to release the secondary lock, the operator must use their fingers to push the hook to the left. The hook deforms upward and disengages from the rotary handle, thus unlocking the secondary lock.
[0004] In the prior art, however, the hook is subjected to a stress concentration when the handle is retracted, and prolonged operation can easily lead to fatigue fracture of the hook, resulting in locking failure. Furthermore, the pressure position of the handle during the unlocking process of existing structures can be inconvenient. Therefore, the secondary locking mechanism still requires improvement in terms of durability and ease of use. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One goal of this disclosure is to provide connectors with locking structures that allow the user to apply force to lock the connector and provide a more reliable locking effect between the first connector and the second connector.
[0006] This disclosure provides connectors with locking structures, including a first connector, a handle locking assembly, and a second connector. The first connector includes a first body and a pair of first pivot shafts arranged on the first body. The handle locking assembly includes a handle and a lock. The handle includes a pair of pivot arms and a connecting link that joins the pair of pivot arms. Each pivot arm defines a first pivot hole and a second pivot hole. The handle is movably coupled to the first body by the pair of first pivot shafts that extend through the first pivot holes of the pair of pivot arms. The lock includes a pressure plate, a pair of insertion legs connected to the pressure plate, and a pin arranged between the pair of insertion legs.The second connector comprises a second body and a pair of secondary pivot shafts mounted on the second body. The second body can be engaged with the first body and is provided with a stop block and a locking hole. The pair of secondary pivot shafts extends through the secondary pivot holes of the pair of pivot arms. The connecting link defines a through-slot corresponding to the position of the stop block and includes a stop plate located within the through-slot. The locking mechanism is slidable along the stop plate within the through-slot and engages with the connecting link. The handle rotates toward the second body to rest against one side of the stop block.When the locking mechanism is actuated by an external force, the locking mechanism moves towards the stop block to cause the pin to extend into the locking hole, thereby locking the second connector to the first connector.
[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first connector further comprises a protective plate arranged on the first body. The protective plate is positioned on one side of the pair of first pivot shafts. Each pivot arm has an arc-shaped section; when the handle is rotated toward the first body, the arc-shaped section rests against the protective plate to cause the first body to move away from the second body.
[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second body is provided with a pair of projections. The pair of pivot arms is provided with a pair of engagement slots corresponding to the pair of projections, and the handle engages the pair of projections through the pair of engagement slots, thereby locking the second connector to one side of the first connector.
[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting element includes a pair of guide grooves arranged on two sides of the boundary plate. The pair of insertion legs moves along the pair of guide grooves within the through slot.
[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, each insertion leg is provided with a slot at the end facing the stop block. A limiting surface is defined at the bottom of the slot. Each insertion leg of the lock is configured to slide along the guide grooves until the limiting surface abuts the inner wall of the guide grooves, thereby limiting the depth by which the pin extends into the locking hole.
[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting element is provided with a notch on the side facing the stop block.
[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a limiting groove is defined on the limiting plate and the pressure plate is provided with a plurality of limiting blocks on one side facing the pin, and the limiting blocks project into the limiting groove.
[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second body is provided with a projecting post on one side of the stop block. The connecting member is formed with a through-hole corresponding to the position of the projecting post. The projecting post extends through the through-hole and projects into the through-slot.
[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the pin has a recess formed on the side facing the projecting post, and a guide chamfer is formed on the side of the recess facing away from the stop block.
[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the printing plate is provided with a printing section and a plurality of anti-slip patterns.
[0016] In contrast to the prior art, the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure is pivotably mounted on the first and second connectors. The handle locking arrangement is rotatable relative to both the first and second connectors. The second body engages appropriately with the first body and is provided with a stop block and a locking hole. Furthermore, the locking mechanism of the handle locking arrangement is provided with a pin. When the lock is actuated by an external force to move towards the stop block, the pin extends into the locking hole. Since the pin rests in the locking hole without deformation, it avoids breakage or permanent deformation, thus ensuring a more reliable locking action between the first and second connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The features of the disclosure which are deemed to be novel are set forth in particular in the attached claims. However, the disclosure itself can best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure, which describes a number of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view illustrating connectors with locking structures of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view illustrating connectors with locking structures of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view illustrating the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view illustrating the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 and Fig. Six perspective views illustrate the two sides of the locking of the present revelation. Fig. 7 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic view illustrating the rotation of the handle of the present revelation. Fig. Figure 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the handle locking assembly during rotation. Fig. Figure 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the handle locking assembly after rotation. Fig. 11 is a locking schematic view of the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The technical content of this disclosure becomes apparent with the detailed description of embodiments, which are accompanied by illustrative drawings, as follows. It is intended that the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are to be regarded as illustrative and not as limiting.
[0019] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2, which are a perspective schematic view and a perspective exploded view of connectors with locking structures of the present disclosure, provides connectors with locking structures, including a first connector 10, a handle locking assembly 20, and a second connector 30. The handle locking assembly 20 is pivotally coupled to the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. The handle locking assembly 20 is rotatable relative to both the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. The first connector 10 and the second connector 30 are locked by the handle locking assembly 20, thus preventing any release between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. A more detailed description of the locking structure of the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 is provided below.
[0020] The first connector 10 includes a first body 11 and a pair of first pivot shafts 12 arranged on the first body 11. The handle locking assembly 20 includes a handle 21 and a lock 22. The handle 21 includes a pair of pivot arms 23 and a connecting link 24 that joins the pair of pivot arms 23. Each pivot arm 23 defines a first pivot hole 231 and a second pivot hole 232. The handle 21 is movably coupled to the first body 11 by the pair of first pivot shafts 12, which extend through the first pivot holes 231 of the pair of pivot arms 23. Additionally, the second connector 30 includes a second body 31 and a pair of second pivot shafts 32 arranged on the second body 31. The pair of second pivot shafts 32 extends through the second pivot holes 232 of the pair of pivot arms 23.Accordingly, the second body 31 can be engaged with the first body 11, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 are locked by the handle locking arrangement 20.
[0021] In this embodiment, the second body 31 defines a stop block 311 and a locking hole 312. The second body 31 is provided with a projecting post 313 on one side of the stop block 311. Additionally, the first connector 10 includes a protective plate 13, which is arranged on the first body 11, and the protective plate 13 is positioned on one side of the pair of first pivot shafts 12. Furthermore, each pivot arm 23 has an arcuate section 233. When the handle 21 is rotated toward the first body 11, the arcuate section 233 abuts the protective plate 13, and the first body 11 moves away from the second body 31.
[0022] Furthermore, the second body 31 is provided with a pair of projections 314. The pair of pivot arms 23 is provided with a pair of engagement slots 230 that correspond to the pair of projections 314. The handle 21 engages the pair of projections 314 through the pair of engagement slots 230, thereby locking the second connector 30 to one side of the first connector 10. This forms the main locking mechanism between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30.
[0023] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4, which is a perspective schematic view and a perspective exploded view of the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure, shows the handle locking arrangement 20 comprising a handle 21 and a locking device 22. The handle 21 includes pivot arms 23 and a connecting member 24. The connecting member 24 is formed with a through slot 240 corresponding to the position of the stop block 311 and a limiting plate 241 arranged within the through slot 240. A limiting groove 242 is defined on the limiting plate 241. The connecting member 24 includes a pair of guide grooves 243 arranged on two sides of the limiting plate 241. Additionally, the locking device 22 includes a pressure plate 221, a pair of insertion legs 222 connected to the pressure plate 221, and a pin 223 arranged between the pair of insertion legs 222.The locking mechanism 22 slides along the pair of guide grooves 243 within the through slot 240 through the pair of insertion legs 222 and engages with the connecting element 24. It should be noted that the connecting element 24 has a notch 244 on the side facing the stop block 311.
[0024] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6, which are perspective views illustrating two sides of the locking mechanism of the present disclosure, shows that the locking mechanism 22 comprises a pressure plate 221, a pair of insertion legs 222, and a pin 223. The pressure plate 221 is provided with a pressure section 224 and a plurality of anti-slip patterns 225, and the pressure plate 221 further has a plurality of limiting blocks 226 on the side facing the pin 223. The pressure section 224 and the anti-slip patterns 225 make it easier for a user to apply force to move the locking mechanism 22. Each insertion leg 222 is L-shaped and is provided with a slot 220 at one end facing the stop block 311 (see Figure 6). Fig. 2) A boundary surface 227 is defined at the bottom of the slot 220. In addition, the pin 223 is provided with a recess 228 on the side facing the projecting post 313, and a guide chamfer 229 is formed on the side of the recess 228 away from the stop block 311.
[0025] It should be noted that the pin 223 of the locking device 22 in the present disclosure is configured as a cantilever and has elastic deformability, so that the pin 223 deforms elastically during movement in order to pass over the projecting post 313 and engage in the positioning.
[0026] With reference also to Fig. Figure 7, which is an assembled cross-sectional view of the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure, shows the connecting member 24 defining a through slot 240 and a limiting plate 241, and a limiting groove 242 is defined on the limiting plate 241. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 22 engages with the connecting member 24, the limiting blocks 226 of the locking mechanism 22 project into the limiting groove 242. Additionally, the connecting member 24 is provided with a through hole 245 at the position corresponding to the projecting post 313 (see Figure 7). Fig. 2).
[0027] With further reference to the Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 10, which illustrates a schematic view of the handle rotation, a partial cross-sectional view of the handle locking assembly during rotation, and a partial cross-sectional view after rotation, shows that the handle locking assembly 20 is pivotably connected to the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. The handle locking assembly 20 is rotatable relative to both the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. The handle 21 of the handle locking assembly 20 can be rotated toward the second body 31 of the second connector 30 to abut one side of the stop block 311, and the stop block 311 extends into the notch 244 of the connecting member 24 (see Figure 10). Fig. 1).
[0028] It should be noted that when the handle 21 of the handle locking assembly 20 is rotated towards the second body 31, the projections 314, which are arranged on the second body 31, can engage in the engagement slots 230 of the handle 21. Accordingly, the second connector 30 is locked to one side of the first connector 10 to achieve the primary locking between the second connector 30 and the first connector 10. In particular, the projecting post 313 on the second body 31 extends through the through-hole 245 of the connecting member 24 and projects into the through-slot 240. Accordingly, the projecting post 313 abuts the pin 223 of the locking assembly 22 and rests in the recess 228 of the pin 223. Additionally, the guide chamfer 229 is formed on the recess 228 of the pin 223. The guide chamfer 229 makes it easier for the pin 223 to cross the projecting post 313.
[0029] With further reference to Fig. Figure 11, which is a locking schematic view of the handle locking arrangement of the present disclosure. When the lock 22 is actuated by an external force to move towards the stop block, the pin 223 extends into the locking hole 312. It should be noted that each insertion leg 222 of the lock 22 can slide along the guide groove 243 until the limiting surface 227 at the bottom of the slot 220 abuts the inner wall of each guide groove, thereby limiting the depth by which the pin 223 extends into the locking hole 312 (see Figure 11). Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) Furthermore, the pin 223 is blocked by the projecting post 313 to prevent it from moving past the projecting post 313, thus preventing the handle 21 from rotating. This acts as a secondary locking mechanism between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30, ensuring that the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 do not become disconnected (see Fig. 1).
[0030] It should be noted that the locking mechanism 22 of the present disclosure is provided with a pressure section 224 and anti-slip patterns 225, which make it easier for a user to apply force and move the locking mechanism 22. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 22 of the handle locking assembly 20 elastically deforms the pin 223 to bypass the projecting post 313 on the second body 31, thereby allowing the pin 223 to extend into the locking hole 312. The pin 223 is prevented from moving past the projecting post 313. Since the pin 223 comes to rest in an undeformed state in the locking hole 312, it also avoids breakage or permanent deformation, thus maintaining proper positioning. This provides a more reliable locking action between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30.
[0031] Although this disclosure has been described using specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made to it by a person skilled in the art without deviating from the scope and intent of this disclosure as set out in the claims.