High containment soft and hard module ventable connection and method

Abstract

The present application relates to high-closed soft and hard module breathable connecting piece, including interface component one and interface component two;The interface component one is mainly composed of enlarged section, connecting section and gas passage, the enlarged section is welded with connecting section, the enlarged section and connecting section inside are equipped with gas passage, the enlarged section is clamped with silica gel component, the connecting section is connected with interface component two through annular groove and annular protrusion;The silica gel component is square body structure or cylindrical structure, and the silica gel component connecting port is attached to the outer surface of the enlarged section of the interface component one.The beneficial effects of the present application are that the silica gel component is clamped with the interface component one, the interface component one is connected with the interface component two, the structure is reasonable, the silica gel component and the interface component can be directly buckled, no additional connection is needed, and the overall connection stability is good, and the air tightness and fastening of the flexible pneumatic structure are good.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connecting piece, in particular to a high-tightness soft and hard module ventilable connecting piece. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the flexible pneumatic technology represented by soft robots mainly applies the principle that flexible materials can be driven by fluid, and the products made have a large deformation space and high safety, which have been applied to materials, machinery, detection, service and medical treatment and other fields.

[0003] In the design and manufacturing process of the flexible pneumatic structure, the flexible inflatable structure and the interface components made of hard plastic (for example, PLA, polylactic acid) need to be connected. This hard component can become an interface for connecting other expansion components under the premise of ensuring air tightness, and can also be used as an inflation port of the entire structure.

[0004] In this process, the main technical difficulty is to reasonably design and manufacture the connecting structure between the silica gel and the hard material to ensure the air tightness of the entire flexible pneumatic structure. However, there is no solution to this technical difficulty in the prior art. Therefore, it is necessary to design a high-tightness soft and hard module ventilable connecting piece. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a high-tightness soft and hard module ventilable connecting piece and method.

[0006] The high-tightness soft and hard module ventilable connecting piece comprises an interface component one and an interface component two; the interface component one is mainly composed of an enlarged section, a connecting section and a gas channel, the enlarged section and the connecting section are welded and connected, the enlarged section and the connecting section are internally provided with a gas channel, the enlarged section is clamped with a silica gel component, and the connecting section is connected with the interface component two through an annular groove and an annular protrusion.

[0007] As a preferred, the silica gel component is a square structure or a cylindrical structure, and the silica gel component connecting port is attached to the outer surface of the enlarged section of the interface component one.

[0008] As a preferred, the interface component one and the interface component two are made of PLA material.

[0009] As a preferred, the outer diameter of the enlarged section near the silica gel component is greater than that of the end away from the silica gel component.

[0010] As a preferred, the outer surface of the enlarged section is provided with a texture.

[0011] As a preferred, the end of the enlarged section near the silica gel component is a double-ring structure, and a connecting rib is arranged between the double rings.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting section is provided with an annular groove, which is connected to the annular protrusion of the interface component two.

[0013] Preferably, the gas channel has a funnel-shaped structure, with a conical funnel located in the enlarged section, a funnel handle located in the connecting section and its end extending beyond the connecting section, and the extended part of the funnel handle extending into the interface component two.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, interface component two is a circular tube structure, and interface component two has an annular protrusion and a channel at one end near interface component one.

[0015] The manufacturing and installation method of this highly sealed flexible and rigid modular ventilated connector includes the following steps:

[0016] S1, Interface component one and interface component two for 3D printing PLA material; Interface component one consists of an enlarged section, a connecting section and a gas channel, and the connecting section is provided with an annular groove; Interface component two is provided with an annular protrusion;

[0017] S2, 3D printed silicone injection mold, the silicone injection mold has cavities for fixing interface component one;

[0018] S3. Fix the enlarged section of interface component one into the cavity reserved in the silicone injection mold;

[0019] S4. Pour silicone into the assembled mold, and make the silicone contact with the outer surface of the enlarged section of the interface component one;

[0020] S5. After the silicone has cured, demold and remove the mold. At this time, the silicone part and the interface part will snap together.

[0021] S6. Pass the gas passage of interface component one through the hole of interface component two, and connect interface component one and interface component two through the annular groove and annular protrusion.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] 1. The silicone component of the present invention is snapped into interface component one, and interface component one is plugged into interface component two. The structure is reasonable. The silicone component and interface component can be directly snapped together without additional connection. The overall connection stability is good, and the airtightness and fastening of the flexible pneumatic structure are good.

[0024] 2. The structure of the present invention is easily expandable and has a wide range of applications. It can be connected to other expansion components to achieve combined control of the inflation structure. It is simple to operate and has a reliable connection. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a ventilated connector for a highly sealed soft and rigid module;

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of breathable connectors for highly sealed soft and rigid modules;

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilable connector between highly sealed soft and rigid modules;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a silicone component;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of interface component one;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of interface component two;

[0031] Figure 7 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the ventilated connector between the high-sealing soft and rigid modules.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Silicone component 1, Interface component one 2, Interface component two 3. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments. The description of the embodiments below is only for the purpose of helping to understand the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] Embodiment 1 of this application provides a highly airtight flexible and rigid module airtight connector. This connector enhances the airtightness of the connection between the flexible and rigid modules, allowing highly elastic silicone and non-deformable rigid components to be tightly bonded, ensuring the airtightness and fastness of the pneumatic silicone.

[0036] The highly sealed flexible and rigid module airtight connector includes interface component 1 (2) and interface component 2 (3). During silicone injection, silicone component 1 and interface component 2 naturally interlock. Silicone component 1 has a cuboid or cylindrical structure, and its connection point fits tightly with the outer surface of interface component 2, achieving a seamless, leak-proof connection. Interface component 1 (2) and interface component 2 (3) can be quickly connected via plugging and unplugging. Both interface component 1 (2) and interface component 2 (3) are made of PLA material. Interface component 2 mainly consists of an enlarged section, a connecting section, and a gas channel. The enlarged section is used to connect with silicone component 1, and the connecting section is used to connect with interface component 3. The enlarged section and the connecting section are welded together. Gas channels are provided inside the enlarged section and the connecting section. The outer diameter of the enlarged section near silicone component 1 is larger than the outer diameter away from silicone component 1. The design of the interface being wider inside and narrower outside enhances the airtightness of the interface in the direction perpendicular to the air intake. The texture on the outer surface of the enlarged section increases the contact area between the interface component and the silicone component, thereby enhancing the tightness of the connection. The end of the enlarged section near silicone component 1 has a double-ring structure, with connecting ribs between the double rings to ensure free airflow during inflation and deflation while also providing structural strength. The connecting section has an annular groove, which engages with the annular protrusion of interface component 3 to achieve a plug-in connection. The gas channel has a funnel-shaped structure, with a conical funnel located inside the enlarged section and a funnel handle located inside the connecting section with its end extending beyond the connecting section. The part of the funnel handle extending beyond the connecting section extends into interface component 3. Interface component 2 3 is a circular tube structure. Interface component 2 3 has an annular protrusion and a channel for the funnel handle to pass through at one end near interface component 1 2.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] Embodiment 2 of this application provides a method for manufacturing and installing a highly airtight flexible and rigid modular ventilable connector, comprising the following steps:

[0039] S1, Interface component 1 2 and Interface component 2 3 for 3D printing PLA material; wherein Interface component 1 2 consists of an enlarged section, a connecting section and a gas channel, and the connecting section is provided with an annular groove; wherein Interface component 2 3 is provided with an annular protrusion;

[0040] S2, 3D printed silicone injection mold, the silicone injection mold has cavities for fixing interface component 2, so that it can be tightly connected with the interface component;

[0041] S3. Fix the enlarged section of interface component 2 into the cavity reserved in the silicone injection mold;

[0042] S4. Pour silicone into the assembled mold, ensuring that the silicone is in full contact with the outer surface of the enlarged section of interface component 2.

[0043] S5. After the silicone has cured, demold and remove the mold. At this time, silicone component 1 and interface component 2 will naturally snap together.

[0044] S6. Pass the gas passage of interface component 2 through the hole of interface component 3, and connect interface component 2 and interface component 3 through the annular groove and annular protrusion.

[0045] The connector of this invention is suitable for most manufacturing processes, including but not limited to CNC machining and 3D printing.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] The structure of this invention is easily expandable and can be connected to other expansion components to achieve combined control of the inflation structure.

[0048] Based on the existing dimensions of the flexible structure, the dimensions of the interface components are designed to ensure a tight connection with the flexible structure. Then, the fabricated interface component one is fastened to the flexible structure, allowing the flexible material to seamlessly enclose the enlarged section of interface component one. The connecting section of interface component one is then inserted into interface component two. Interface component two is then connected to an inflation / deflation control device, enabling inflation or deflation of the flexible structure through the interface components. Alternatively, multiple flexible pneumatic structures can be connected to individual interface components, and then these multiple interface components are connected to a main pipeline. Each interface component two can be fitted with a partition plate, and the opening or closing of the partition plate controls the continuity of each interface component. Finally, the main pipeline is connected to an inflation / deflation control device, achieving combined control of multiple flexible pneumatic structures.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing and installing a highly airtight flexible and rigid modular ventilated connector, characterized in that: The high-sealing soft and hard module ventilable connector includes interface component one (2) and interface component two (3); the interface component one (2) is mainly composed of an enlarged section, a connecting section and a gas channel. The enlarged section and the connecting section are welded together. The enlarged section and the connecting section are provided with a gas channel. The enlarged section is snapped into the silicone component (1). The connecting section and the interface component two (3) are connected by an annular groove and an annular protrusion. The outer diameter of the end of the enlarged section near the silicone component (1) is larger than the outer diameter of the end away from the silicone component (1). The outer surface of the enlarged section is textured. The end of the enlarged section near the silicone component (1) is a double ring structure. A connecting rib is provided between the double rings. The gas channel is a funnel-shaped structure. The conical funnel is located inside the enlarged section. The funnel handle is located inside the connecting section and the end extends beyond the connecting section. The part of the funnel handle extends into the interface component two (3). The manufacturing and installation method of this highly sealed flexible and rigid modular ventilated connector includes the following steps: S1, Interface component one (2) and interface component two (3) for 3D printing PLA material; the interface component one (2) consists of an enlarged section, a connecting section and a gas channel, and the connecting section is provided with an annular groove; the interface component two (3) is provided with an annular protrusion; S2, 3D printed silicone injection mold, the silicone injection mold is provided with cavities for fixing interface component one (2); S3. Fix the enlarged section of interface component 1 (2) into the cavity reserved in the silicone injection mold; S4. Pour silicone into the assembled mold. The silicone comes into contact with the outer surface of the enlarged section of the interface component 1 (2). The silicone seamlessly wraps the enlarged section of the interface component 1 (2). S5. After the silicone has cured, demold and remove the mold. At this time, the silicone component (1) and the interface component (2) are snapped together. S6. Pass the gas passage of interface component one (2) through the hole of interface component two (3), and connect interface component one (2) and interface component two (3) through the annular groove and the annular protrusion.

2. The method for manufacturing and installing the highly sealed flexible and rigid modular ventilable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The silicone component (1) has a cuboid or cylindrical structure, and the connection port of the silicone component (1) is attached to the outer surface of the enlarged section of the interface component (2).

3. The method for manufacturing and installing the highly airtight flexible and rigid modular ventilable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Interface component one (2) and interface component two (3) are made of PLA material.

4. The method for manufacturing and installing the highly airtight flexible and rigid modular ventilable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting section is provided with an annular groove, which is connected to the annular protrusion of the interface component two (3).

5. The method for manufacturing and installing the highly sealed flexible and rigid modular ventilable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Interface component two (3) is a circular tube structure. Interface component two (3) has an annular protrusion and a channel at one end near interface component one (2).

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