An integrated elastic floating connector and a floating electrical connector

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated elastic floating connector and a floating electrical connector. The integrated elastic floating connector includes a connecting flange, a mounting flange, and a base flange, which are coaxially arranged. The mounting flange is located between the connecting flange and the base flange and has a connecting through hole. A first limiting structure is provided on the side of the connecting flange facing the mounting flange, and a second limiting structure is provided on the side of the mounting flange facing the connecting flange. The first and second limiting structures limit each other and allow the connecting flange to float axially or circumferentially relative to the mounting flange. An inner spiral connecting strip passes through the connecting through hole, with one end connected to the connecting flange and the other end connected to the base flange. An outer spiral connecting strip is connected at one end to the mounting flange and the other end to the base flange. The outer spiral connecting strip is located on the outer periphery of the inner spiral connecting strip, and the spiral direction of the outer spiral connecting strip is opposite to that of the inner spiral connecting strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connection equipment technology, and more specifically to an integrated elastic floating connector and a floating electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of automatically mating electrical connectors using automatic mating technology, the connector plug is required to have a certain position and angle adjustment capability to accommodate the positional error between the male and female connectors during the mating process. This requires a floating component to provide a certain adjustment capability while maintaining the stability of the connector.

[0003] Existing floating components suffer from complex manufacturing processes, cumbersome assembly, small adjustment range, low degree of adjustment freedom, and poor reliability. Therefore, an integrated elastic floating component structure is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an integrated elastic floating connector and a floating electrical connector.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: An integrated elastic floating connector includes a connecting flange, a mounting flange, a base flange, an outer spiral connecting strip, and an inner spiral connecting strip. The connecting flange, the mounting flange, and the base flange are coaxially arranged. The mounting flange is located between the connecting flange and the base flange, and the mounting flange has a connecting through hole. A first limiting structure is provided on the side of the connecting flange facing the mounting flange, and a second limiting structure is provided on the side of the mounting flange facing the connecting flange. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure cooperate with each other to limit the connection flange and enable the connecting flange to float axially or circumferentially relative to the mounting flange.

[0006] The inner spiral connecting strip is disposed through the connecting through hole, one end of the inner spiral connecting strip is connected to the connecting flange, and the other end is connected to the base flange;

[0007] One end of the outer spiral connecting strip is connected to the mounting flange, and the other end is connected to the base flange. The outer spiral connecting strip is located on the outer periphery of the inner spiral connecting strip, and the spiral direction of the outer spiral connecting strip is opposite to that of the inner spiral connecting strip.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The integrated elastic floating connector of this invention adopts a nested combination of inner and outer spiral connecting strips, which decouples axial displacement adjustment and rotation angle adjustment, reduces component size, and provides six degrees of freedom adjustment capability; This invention can be applied to automatic docking of electrical connectors, solves the problem of low docking success rate caused by positional errors between male and female heads during automatic docking of electrical connectors, improves the adjustment capability of floating components, and simplifies assembly.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0010] Furthermore, the external spiral connecting strip consists of multiple strips, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting flange and the base flange.

[0011] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the uniformly arranged external spiral connecting strips make the circumferential force between the base flange and the mounting flange uniform and stable.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner spiral connecting strip consists of multiple strips, which are evenly arranged circumferentially along the connecting flange and the base flange.

[0013] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the uniformly arranged internal spiral connecting strips make the circumferential force between the base flange and the connecting flange uniform and stable.

[0014] Furthermore, both the connecting flange and the base flange are annular structures, and a positioning structure is provided on the side of the connecting flange facing away from the mounting flange.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the positioning structure facilitates the positioning and installation of the connecting flange with other structures.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting flange, mounting flange, base flange, outer spiral connecting strip, and inner spiral connecting strip are 3D printed integral structures.

[0017] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solutions are: the 3D printed one-piece structure is stable, reliable, and performs well.

[0018] Furthermore, the positioning structure includes multiple positioning ribs arranged along the periphery of the mounting flange.

[0019] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the positioning ribs facilitate positioning and installation with other installation structures.

[0020] Furthermore, the first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions. Both the first and second limiting protrusions extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange. The first limiting protrusion is provided with a first limiting groove arranged along its own length direction, and the second limiting protrusion is inserted into the first limiting groove of the corresponding first limiting protrusion.

[0021] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme are: the two limiting protrusions cooperate with each other to ensure that the floating amount meets the docking requirements, while limiting the deformation of the spiral connecting strip and ensuring the reaction force during the docking process.

[0022] Furthermore, the first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions. Both the first and second limiting protrusions extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange. The second limiting protrusion is provided with a second limiting groove arranged along its own length direction. The first limiting protrusion is inserted into the second limiting groove of the corresponding second limiting protrusion.

[0023] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme are: the two limiting protrusions cooperate with each other to ensure that the floating amount meets the docking requirements, while limiting the deformation of the spiral connecting strip and ensuring the reaction force during the docking process.

[0024] Furthermore, the mounting flange has a square structure, and mounting holes are provided at all four corners of the mounting flange.

[0025] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are: the setting of the mounting holes facilitates connection with the mounting plate and enables the installation and positioning of the entire floating connector.

[0026] A floating electrical connector includes the aforementioned integrated flexible floating connector, and further includes a mounting plate and an electrical connector plug assembly. The mounting plate has an assembly through hole, through which a base flange passes. The mounting flange is fixed to the mounting plate, and the electrical connector plug assembly is fixed to the connecting flange.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the floating electrical connector of the present invention is fixed to the mounting plate and the clamping structure by the mounting flange and the connecting flange respectively, thereby allowing the connector plug to shift or deflect within a certain range, providing the connector plug with six degrees of freedom adjustment capability. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the integrated elastic floating connector of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention, which includes an external spiral connecting strip between the mounting flange and the base flange.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of a floating electrical connector according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a floating electrical connector according to the present invention.

[0032] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0033] 1. Connecting flange;

[0034] 2. Mounting flange; 21. Mounting hole; 22. Positioning rib; 23. Connection through hole;

[0035] 3. Base flange; 4. Outer spiral connecting strip; 5. Inner spiral connecting strip; 6. First limiting protrusion; 7. Second limiting protrusion; 8. Mounting plate; 81. Assembly through hole;

[0036] 9. Clamping structure; 91. Electrical connector plug. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0038] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an integrated elastic floating connector according to this embodiment includes a connecting flange 1, a mounting flange 2, a base flange 3, an outer spiral connecting strip 4, and an inner spiral connecting strip 5. The connecting flange 1, the mounting flange 2, and the base flange 3 are coaxially arranged. The mounting flange 2 is located between the connecting flange 1 and the base flange 3, and the mounting flange 2 has a connecting through hole 23. The connecting flange 1 has a first limiting structure on the side facing the mounting flange 2, and the mounting flange 2 has a second limiting structure on the side facing the connecting flange 1. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure cooperate to limit the movement of the connecting flange 1, allowing the connecting flange 1 to float axially or circumferentially relative to the mounting flange 2.

[0039] The inner spiral connecting strip 5 is disposed through the connecting through hole 23. One end of the inner spiral connecting strip 5 is connected to the connecting flange 1, and the other end is connected to the base flange 3.

[0040] One end of the outer spiral connecting strip 4 is connected to the mounting flange 2, and the other end is connected to the base flange 3. The outer spiral connecting strip 4 is located on the outer periphery of the inner spiral connecting strip 5, and the spiral direction of the outer spiral connecting strip 4 is opposite to that of the inner spiral connecting strip 5.

[0041] Among them, all the outer spiral connecting strips 4 have the same helix degree, and all the inner spiral connecting strips have the same helix degree.

[0042] This embodiment employs a helical structure to ensure low stress levels under large deformation conditions and provides six degrees of freedom adjustment capability. Simultaneously, the inner and outer helices are in opposite directions, eliminating the coupling between axial displacement and axial rotation. The nested inner and outer helices shorten the overall length of the structure, and placing a portion of the helical structure at the rear of the mounting plate reduces space requirements. A limiting structure ensures that the floating amount meets docking requirements while restricting the deformation of the elastic structure, guaranteeing the reaction force during the docking process.

[0043] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, there are multiple external spiral connecting strips 4, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting flange 2 and the base flange 3. Optionally, there can be four external spiral connecting strips 4, arranged at 90° intervals along the circumference. The evenly arranged external spiral connecting strips ensure uniform and stable circumferential force distribution between the base flange and the mounting flange.

[0044] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, there are multiple inner spiral connecting strips 5, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the connecting flange 1 and the base flange 3. Optionally, there can be four inner spiral connecting strips 5, arranged at 90° intervals along the circumference. The evenly arranged inner spiral connecting strips ensure uniform and stable circumferential force distribution between the base flange and the connecting flange.

[0045] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, both the connecting flange 1 and the base flange 3 are annular structures. A positioning structure is provided on the side of the connecting flange 1 facing away from the mounting flange 2. This positioning structure facilitates the positioning and installation of the connecting flange with other structures.

[0046] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the connecting flange 1, mounting flange 2, base flange 3, outer spiral connecting strip 4, and inner spiral connecting strip 5 in this embodiment are 3D-printed integral structures. The 3D-printed integral structure ensures structural stability, reliability, and good performance. The integrated design and additive manufacturing technology reduce the number of parts, simplify assembly, and improve reliability.

[0047] The positioning structure can be any structure capable of achieving the positioning function, such as a columnar structure or a grooved structure.

[0048] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the positioning structure includes multiple positioning ribs 22 arranged along the periphery of the mounting flange 1. The positioning ribs 22 can be arc-shaped or other shapes; the arc-shaped ribs can be arranged along the edge of the connecting hole in the middle of the connecting flange 1. The number of positioning ribs 22 can be arbitrarily set, for example, 3, 4, or 5. The positioning ribs facilitate positioning and installation with other mounting structures, determining the relative position of the object to be connected and the floating connector. Multiple connecting holes can be provided on the connecting flange 1 for connecting and fixing to the object to be connected.

[0049] This embodiment provides two matching structures between the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure, as shown below:

[0050] Structure 1: The first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions 6, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions 7. Both the first and second limiting protrusions 6 extend parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange 1. Each first limiting protrusion 6 has a first limiting groove arranged along its length. Each second limiting protrusion 7 is inserted into a corresponding first limiting groove of the first limiting protrusion 6. The first limiting groove can be an open structure facing inwards or outwards, or it can be a closed blind hole structure. The mutual cooperation between the two limiting protrusions ensures that the floating amount meets the docking requirements, while limiting the deformation of the spiral connecting strip and ensuring the reaction force during the docking process. A certain floating gap can be reserved between the peripheral wall of the second limiting protrusion 7 and the first limiting groove, which is beneficial for floating connection.

[0051] Matching Structure Two: such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions 6, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions 7. Both the first and second limiting protrusions 6 extend parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange 1. Each second limiting protrusion 7 has a second limiting groove arranged along its length. The first limiting protrusions 6 are inserted one-to-one into the corresponding second limiting groove of the second limiting protrusion 7. The second limiting groove can be an open structure facing inwards or outwards, or it can be a closed blind hole structure. The mutual cooperation between the two limiting protrusions ensures that the floating amount meets the docking requirements, while limiting the deformation of the spiral connecting strip and ensuring the reaction force during the docking process. A certain floating gap can be reserved between the peripheral sidewall of the first limiting protrusion 6 and the second limiting groove, which is beneficial for floating connection.

[0052] The shape of the limiting groove can be square, circular, elliptical, or irregular.

[0053] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the mounting flange 2 in this embodiment has a square structure, and mounting holes 21 are provided at each of the four corners of the mounting flange 2. The mounting holes facilitate connection with the mounting plate and allow for the installation and positioning of the entire floating connector.

[0054] Simulation experiments were conducted on the integrated elastic floating connector of this embodiment. 316 stainless steel was selected as the manufacturing material for the elastic floating component, with a yield strength of 205 MPa. Based on the displacement and stress distribution under all-directional elastic deformation, its maximum stress of approximately 160 MPa can be obtained. This satisfies the strength index while meeting the floating amount requirement, and also leaves a certain margin.

[0055] This embodiment of an integrated elastic floating connector uses a nested combination of inner and outer spiral connecting strips to decouple axial displacement adjustment from angular adjustment, reduce component size, and provide six degrees of freedom adjustment capability. This embodiment can be applied to automatic docking of electrical connectors, solving the problem of low docking success rate caused by positional errors between male and female heads during automatic docking of electrical connectors, improving the adjustment capability of the floating component, and simplifying assembly.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a floating electrical connector of this embodiment includes the aforementioned integrated elastic floating connector, a mounting plate 8, and an electrical connector plug assembly. The mounting plate 8 has a mounting through hole 81 through which the base flange 3 passes. The mounting flange 2 is fixed to the mounting plate 8, and the electrical connector plug assembly is fixed to the connecting flange 1. The electrical connector plug assembly can be coaxially arranged with the base flange 3, the mounting flange 2, and the connecting flange 1.

[0057] The electrical connector plug assembly adopts an existing plug structure, which may include a clamping structure 9 and an electrical connector plug 91. One axial end of the clamping structure 9 can be positioned with the positioning structure of the connecting flange 1, and then fixed to the connecting hole of the connecting flange 1 by bolts. Then the electrical connector plug 91 can be installed in the clamping structure.

[0058] The floating electrical connector in this embodiment is fixed to the mounting plate and clamping structure via mounting flanges and connecting flanges, allowing the connector plug to shift or deflect within a certain range, providing six degrees of freedom adjustment capability. Employing an integrated elastic floating connector, it offers the following rapid design capabilities: its stiffness and dimensions can be quickly adjusted to suit different scenarios by changing the diameter, number, and height of the inner and outer spiral structures; the limiting range can be quickly adjusted by changing the size and arrangement of the limiting structure; and it can quickly adapt to different positioning interfaces by changing the size and arrangement of the positioning structure. The integrated solution, manufactured using additive manufacturing, reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly steps, reduces volume and weight, and expands its application range.

[0059] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not 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 invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated elastic floating connector, characterized in that, The system includes a connecting flange, a mounting flange, a base flange, an outer spiral connecting strip, and an inner spiral connecting strip. The connecting flange, mounting flange, and base flange are coaxially arranged, with the mounting flange located between the connecting flange and the base flange. The mounting flange has a connecting through hole. The connecting flange has a first limiting structure on the side facing the mounting flange, and the mounting flange has a second limiting structure on the side facing the connecting flange. The first and second limiting structures cooperate to limit the movement of the connecting flange, allowing it to float axially or circumferentially relative to the mounting flange. The inner spiral connecting strip is disposed through the connecting through hole, one end of the inner spiral connecting strip is connected to the connecting flange, and the other end is connected to the base flange; One end of the outer spiral connecting strip is connected to the mounting flange, and the other end is connected to the base flange. The outer spiral connecting strip is located on the outer periphery of the inner spiral connecting strip, and the spiral direction of the outer spiral connecting strip is opposite to that of the inner spiral connecting strip. The external spiral connecting strip consists of multiple strips, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting flange and the base flange.

2. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner spiral connecting strip consists of multiple strips, which are evenly arranged circumferentially along the connecting flange and the base flange.

3. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the connecting flange and the base flange are circular ring structures, and the connecting flange has a positioning structure on the side facing away from the mounting flange.

4. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes multiple positioning ribs arranged along the periphery of the mounting flange.

5. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting flange, mounting flange, base flange, outer spiral connecting strip, and inner spiral connecting strip are 3D printed integral structures.

6. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions. Both the first and second limiting protrusions extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange. The first limiting protrusion is provided with a first limiting groove arranged along its own length direction. The second limiting protrusions are inserted into the first limiting grooves of the corresponding first limiting protrusions.

7. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting structure includes multiple first limiting protrusions, and the second limiting structure includes multiple second limiting protrusions. Both the first and second limiting protrusions extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the connecting flange. The second limiting protrusion is provided with a second limiting groove arranged along its own length direction. The first limiting protrusions are inserted into the second limiting grooves of the corresponding second limiting protrusions.

8. The integrated elastic floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting flange has a square structure, and mounting holes are provided at all four corners of the mounting flange.

9. A floating electrical connector, characterized in that, The integrated flexible floating connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further includes a mounting plate and an electrical connector plug assembly, wherein the mounting plate has an assembly through hole, the base flange passes through the assembly through hole, the mounting flange is fixed on the mounting plate, and the electrical connector plug assembly is fixed on the connecting flange.

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