Robot docking connector

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of robotics, specifically to a robot docking connector. The robot docking connector includes a female docking seat, a mating head seat, and a ratchet connection mechanism. The female docking seat includes a female base plate, a docking sleeve, and a female power connection assembly. The docking sleeve is disposed on the female base plate and has a insertion cavity. The female power connection assembly is disposed within the insertion cavity. The mating head seat includes a docking plug and a head seat power connection assembly. The head seat power connection assembly is disposed at one end of the docking plug. The docking plug is used to insert into the insertion cavity to electrically connect the head seat power connection assembly and the female docking head seat power connection assembly. This invention solves the problem of backward displacement that easily occurs during existing robot docking processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of robotics, and in particular to a robot docking connector. Background Technology

[0002] A robot is a robotic system that typically consists of two wheels or wheel assemblies. This design allows the robot to move on a horizontal surface and to steer and rotate by controlling the different wheel speeds. Two-wheeled robots often use differential drive systems, enabling various movements such as forward, backward, and turning by independently controlling the speed of each wheel. Furthermore, two-wheeled robots can also achieve rotational movement by controlling the speed difference between their wheels, making them highly flexible and suitable for confined spaces and complex environments.

[0003] Currently, there is no structure for automatically connecting and transmitting data between two robots. Connecting two robots now requires manual connection using data cables, which is cumbersome and inconvenient. Therefore, a solution is needed to address the connectivity issues of existing robots. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention features a pawl that engages with the ratchet groove when the plug is inserted into the mating cavity, preventing the plug from shifting backward. The pawl remains in place until it is fully inserted, at which point a pulling element pulls it back to its original position, allowing it to retract and release. This improves stability during ratchet mating and eliminates backward movement during insertion. It solves the problem of backward movement that often occurs in existing robot docking connectors during the mating process.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a robot docking connector, including a docking female base, a mating head base, and a ratchet connection mechanism. The docking female base includes a female base plate, a docking sleeve, and a female base power connection assembly. The docking sleeve is disposed on the female base plate and has a insertion cavity. The female base power connection assembly is disposed within the insertion cavity. The mating head base includes a docking plug and a head base power connection assembly. The head base power connection assembly is disposed at one end of the docking plug, and the docking plug is used to insert into the insertion cavity. The ratchet connection mechanism includes a tension element, a ratchet seat, a pawl, and a ratchet tooth seat. The wall surface of the mating sleeve is provided with a ratchet groove extending into the insertion cavity. The ratchet seat is disposed within the ratchet groove and has a hinge groove for hinged engagement of the pawl. One end of the tension element is connected to the pawl to provide hinged tension. The ratchet tooth seat is disposed on the mating plug and has tooth grooves to engage with the pawl.

[0006] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the docking sleeve is provided with a connecting platform, one side of the connecting platform is connected to the female base plate, and a connecting element is provided on the side of the connecting platform opposite to the female base plate. One end of the tension element is connected to the connecting element and the other end is connected to the pawl.

[0007] A further improvement to the above solution is that a guide slope is provided at the port of the docking sleeve, the guide slope expands outward, and the guide slope is used to guide the docking plug toward the insertion cavity when it is inserted; the docking plug is provided with a guide ramp, and the guide ramp is used to cooperate with the guide slope.

[0008] A further improvement to the above scheme is that a limiting step is provided on the side of the insertion cavity near the guide slope, and the docking plug is provided with a stop step. When the docking plug is inserted into the insertion cavity, the limiting step is used to cooperate with the stop step to stop and limit the insertion.

[0009] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the female base plate is provided with a mounting platform facing the insertion cavity, and the female base power connection component is provided on the mounting platform; the end of the mating plug is provided with a fixing groove, the head power connection component is provided on the fixing groove, and the end of the fixing groove is provided with a covering platform, which is used to cover the outer periphery of the female base power connection component.

[0010] A further improvement to the above solution is that the tension element is a tension spring, the wall of the hinge groove is provided with a hinge positioning groove, the two sides of the pawl are provided with hinge shafts, one end of the hinge shaft extends into the hinge positioning groove; the pawl includes a tension connecting end and a ratchet connecting end, the hinge shaft is disposed between the tension connecting end and the ratchet connecting end, the tension connecting end is used to connect the tension element, and the ratchet connecting end is used to engage the tooth groove.

[0011] A further improvement to the above scheme is that an angle is formed between the tension connection end and the ratchet connection end.

[0012] A further improvement to the above solution is that the docking plug is provided with a ratchet mounting groove, the ratchet seat is disposed in the ratchet mounting groove, and the ratchet seat is provided with a clearance space on one side of the groove.

[0013] A further improvement to the above solution is that it also includes a directional movement mechanism, which is disposed on one side of the female base plate and is used to provide directional floating force to the female base plate.

[0014] A further improvement to the above solution is that the directional movement mechanism includes a movable base plate, a movable guide rail, and a movable tension assembly. The movable base plate is connected to the female base plate through the movable guide rail. The movable tension assembly includes a movable tension spring, and two tension shafts are provided at both ends of the movable tension spring. The two tension shafts are respectively connected to the movable base plate and the female base plate. Two sets of movable tension assemblies are provided, and the two sets of movable tension assemblies are respectively provided on both sides of the movable base plate.

[0015] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the directional movement mechanism is provided in two sets, and the movement track directions of the two sets of directional movement mechanisms are distributed in a cross shape.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] Compared to existing connectors, this invention, used for robot docking, data transmission, and power connection, incorporates a ratchet connection mechanism to prevent backlash during the connection of the female connector and the male connector. When the plug is inserted into the mating cavity, the pawl engages with the ratchet groove, preventing the plug from shifting backward until it is fully inserted. Only then is the pawl pulled back to its original position by a pulling element, allowing it to disengage. This significantly improves stability during ratchet mating, eliminating backlash during insertion and resolving the issue of potential backlash during existing docking processes.

[0018] This invention achieves a reliable conductive connection between the head connector and the female connector by inserting the plug into the mating cavity of the mating sleeve, ensuring the stability of the connector and the reliability of electrical transmission. A ratchet connection mechanism is employed, with a ratchet seat, pawl, and ratchet tooth seat design enabling flexible insertion, removal, and fixation of the connector, making connection operations more convenient and reliable. The connector uses a tension element and pawl connection method, providing stable hinge tension, thereby enhancing the connector's durability and stability and extending its service life. The connector structure is robust, making it less prone to loosening or disconnection during insertion and removal, which helps ensure safe use of the connector and reduces the risk of accidental disconnection. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the robot docking connector of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the robot docking connector;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Front view schematic diagram of the robot docking connector;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3Sectional view of AA;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the docking female connector for the robot docking connector;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the docking connector for the robot;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ratchet connection mechanism of the robot docking connector;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the ratchet connection mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the directional movement mechanism of the robot docking connector.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: docking female 1, female base plate 11, mounting platform 111, docking sleeve 12, insertion cavity 121, ratchet groove 122, connecting platform 123, connecting element 124, guide slope 125, limiting step 126, female power connection assembly 13;

[0029] 2. Connector base; 21. Connecting plug; 211. Guide ramp; 212. Stop step; 213. Fixing groove; 214. Covering platform; 215. Ratchet mounting groove; 22. Head base power connection assembly;

[0030] Ratchet connecting mechanism 3, tension element 31, ratchet seat 32, hinge groove 321, pawl 33, hinge shaft 331, tension connecting end 332, ratchet connecting end 333, ratchet seat 34, tooth groove 341, clearance position 342;

[0031] Directional movement mechanism 4, movable base plate 41, movable guide rail 42, movable tension assembly 43, movable tension spring 431, tension shaft 432. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Figures 1-9 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a robot docking connector is provided, including a docking female base 1, a mating head base 2, and a ratchet connection mechanism 3. The docking female base 1 includes a female base plate 11, a docking sleeve 12, and a female base power connection assembly 13. The docking sleeve 12 is disposed on the female base plate 11 and has a insertion cavity 121. The female base power connection assembly 13 is disposed within the insertion cavity 121. The mating head base 2 includes a docking plug 21 and a head base power connection assembly 22. The head base power connection assembly 22 is disposed at one end of the docking plug 21. The docking plug 21 is used to insert into the insertion cavity 121 to connect the head base to power. Component 22 is electrically connected to the female connector assembly 13. The ratchet connection mechanism 3 includes a tension element 31, a ratchet seat 32, a pawl 33, and a ratchet tooth seat 34. The wall surface of the docking sleeve 12 is provided with a ratchet groove 122, which extends to the insertion cavity 121. The ratchet seat 32 is disposed within the ratchet groove 122 and is provided with a hinge groove 321 for hinged engagement of the pawl 33. One end of the tension element 31 is connected to the pawl 33 to provide hinged tension to the pawl 33. The ratchet tooth seat 34 is disposed on the docking plug 21 and is provided with a tooth groove 341 to engage with the pawl 33. This embodiment is used for robot docking, data transmission, power connection, etc., and includes a ratchet connection mechanism 3 to prevent backlash during docking of the female connector 1 and the docking connector 2. When the connector 21 is inserted into the insertion cavity 121, the pawl 33 engages with the ratchet groove 122, preventing the connector 21 from shifting backward. Only after it is fully inserted, and then pulled back to its original position by the pulling element 31, can the connector 21 be released. This improves stability during ratchet insertion, preventing backward movement and resolving the issue of easy backward movement during existing connector insertion processes.

[0035] In this embodiment, the insertion of the mating plug 21 into the insertion cavity 121 of the mating sleeve 12 achieves a reliable conductive connection between the head connector power assembly 22 and the female connector power assembly 13, ensuring the stability of the connector and the reliability of electrical transmission. A ratchet connection mechanism 3 is employed, with the design of the ratchet seat 32, pawl 33, and ratchet tooth seat 34, enabling flexible insertion, removal, and fixation of the connector, making the connection operation more convenient and reliable. The connector uses a connection method between the tension element 31 and the pawl 33, providing stable hinge tension, thereby enhancing the durability and stability of the connector and extending its service life. The connector structure is robust, and it is not prone to loosening or disconnection during insertion and removal, which helps ensure the safe use of the connector and reduces the risk of accidental disconnection.

[0036] The mating sleeve 12 is provided with a connecting platform 123. One side of the connecting platform 123 is connected to the female base plate 11, and the side of the connecting platform 123 opposite to the female base plate 11 is provided with a connecting element 124. One end of the tension element 31 is connected to the connecting element 124, and the other end is connected to the pawl 33. In this embodiment, the connecting platform 123 is used to cooperate with the installation and connection of the female base plate 11, and the structure is easy to assemble. The design of the connecting element 124 facilitates the connection and fixation of the tension element 31. In this embodiment, the tension element 31 is a shaft-shaped structural component or a screw, the purpose of which is to fix both ends of the tension spring and ensure the tension stability of the pawl 33 during the hinged movement.

[0037] A guide ramp 125 is provided at the port of the mating sleeve 12. The guide ramp 125 expands outward and guides the mating plug 21 toward the insertion cavity 121 when it is inserted. The mating plug 21 is provided with a guide ramp 211, which cooperates with the guide ramp 125. Specifically, a limiting step 126 is provided on the side of the insertion cavity 121 near the guide ramp 125, and the mating plug 21 is provided with a stop step 212. When the mating plug 21 is inserted into the insertion cavity 121, the limiting step 126 cooperates with the stop step 212 to stop and limit insertion. In this embodiment, the design of the guide ramp 125 and the guide ramp 211 ensures that the mating plug 21 is accurately guided toward the insertion cavity 121 when inserted, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the insertion and reducing the error rate. The coordinated design of the limiting step 126 and the anti-interference step 212 ensures reliable anti-interference when the mating plug 21 is inserted into the mating cavity 121, preventing over-insertion or dislodgement during the mating process and enhancing the reliability and stability of the connector. Precise mating guidance and reliable mating limiting design help reduce friction and collision between connecting components, extending the connector's service life and reducing wear and damage to parts. The optimized mating guidance design makes connector insertion and removal smoother and more convenient, reducing operational difficulty.

[0038] A mounting platform 111 is provided on the female base plate 11 facing the insertion cavity 121, and the female connector power assembly 13 is mounted on the mounting platform 111. A fixing groove 213 is provided at the end of the mating plug 21, and the head connector power assembly 22 is mounted on the fixing groove 213. A covering platform 214 is provided at the end of the fixing groove 213, and the covering platform 214 is used to cover the outer periphery of the female connector power assembly 13. In this embodiment, the design of the mounting platform 111 and the fixing groove 213 achieves a stable installation of the female connector power assembly 13 and the head connector power assembly 22, effectively preventing loosening or detachment due to vibration or external force during use. The covering platform 214 covers the outer periphery of the female connector power assembly 13, providing protection and reducing the corrosion and damage of the contactor by the external environment, thus extending the contactor's service life. The stable mounting structure and covering design help enhance the overall stability and reliability of the connector, ensuring stable connection and transmission quality during long-term use.

[0039] See Figures 7-8 As shown, the tension element 31 is a tension spring. The wall of the hinge groove 321 is provided with a hinge positioning groove. Hinge shafts 331 are provided on both sides of the pawl 33, with one end of each hinge shaft 331 extending into the hinge positioning groove. The pawl 33 includes a tension connecting end 332 and a ratchet connecting end 333. The hinge shaft 331 is positioned between the tension connecting end 332 and the ratchet connecting end 333. The tension connecting end 332 is used to connect the tension element 31, and the ratchet connecting end 333 is used to engage with the tooth groove 341. In this embodiment, the design of the hinge shaft 331 and the hinge positioning groove achieves a stable hinged connection between the pawl 33 and the ratchet connecting end 333, ensuring the reliability and stability of the connection. The tension spring connected to the tension connecting end 332 of the pawl 33 provides stable tension transmission, ensuring stable movement and force transmission of the pawl 33 during operation. Stable articulated connections and tension transmission design help enhance the overall reliability and stability of the connector, ensuring stable connection and transmission quality during long-term use.

[0040] An angle is formed between the tension connection end 332 and the ratchet connection end 333. In this embodiment, a relatively large angle structure is formed so that the ratchet teeth of the mating groove 341 can be formed under the cooperation of the hinge structure and the tension element 31.

[0041] The docking plug 21 is provided with a ratchet mounting groove 215, and the ratchet seat 34 is disposed in the ratchet mounting groove 215. The ratchet seat 34 is provided with a clearance position 342 on one side of the tooth groove 341. In this embodiment, multiple tooth grooves 341 are continuously arranged along the axial direction of the docking plug 21. The clearance position 322 is used to keep the pawl 33 in a state that does not move backward after it is inserted. When it is inserted into the designated position, it enters the clearance groove. When it needs to be pulled out, it can move backward under the action of the pulling element 31.

[0042] See Figure 9 As shown, it also includes a directional movement mechanism 4, which is disposed on one side of the female base plate 11 and is used to provide directional floating force to the female base plate 11. Specifically, the directional movement mechanism 4 includes a movable base plate 41, a movable guide rail 42, and a movable tension assembly 43. The movable base plate 41 is connected to the female base plate 11 through the movable guide rail 42. The movable tension assembly 43 includes a movable tension spring 431, with two tension shafts 432 disposed at both ends of the movable tension spring 431. The two tension shafts 432 are respectively connected to the movable base plate 41 and the female base plate 11. Two sets of movable tension assemblies 43 are provided, and the two sets of movable tension assemblies 43 are respectively disposed on both sides of the movable base plate 41. In this embodiment, the directional movement mechanism 4 is disposed on the female base plate 11, which can provide directional floating force to the female base plate 11, so that the connector can more flexibly adapt to the insertion operation in different directions during the connection process, thereby improving the applicability and flexibility of the connector. The connection between the movable base plate 41 and the movable guide rail 42 ensures a stable connection between the directional movement mechanism 4 and the female base plate 11, guaranteeing the stability and reliability of the connector during use. The movable tension assembly 43 uses a movable tension spring 431, connected to the movable base plate 41 and the female base plate 11 via a tension shaft 432, providing stable tension transmission and ensuring stable movement and force transmission of the directional movement mechanism 4. The design of the directional movement mechanism 4 allows the connector to better adapt to various insertion requirements at different angles and directions, improving the connector's versatility and adaptability. Specifically, the movable tension assembly 43 has two sets, with the tension shafts 432 in opposite positions (one side has two tension shafts 432 on the movable base plate 41 and the female base plate 11, and the other side has two tension shafts 432 on the female base plate 11 and the movable base plate 41). This generates opposing tension on both sides, keeping the female base plate 11 centered and allowing it to slide along the movable guide rail 42 when floating is required.

[0043] The directional movable mechanism 4 is provided in two sets, and the movable track directions of the two sets of directional movable mechanisms 4 are arranged in a cross shape. In this embodiment, a two-set design is adopted, and the cross-shaped distribution allows it to float along the cross direction, resulting in better stability during connector docking.

[0044] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A robot docking connector, characterized in that: include A female connector, comprising a female connector base plate, a female connector sleeve, and a female connector power connection assembly, wherein the female connector sleeve is disposed on the female connector base plate and has a insertion cavity, and the female connector power connection assembly is disposed within the insertion cavity; A connector base, comprising a mating plug and a head-mount electrical connection assembly, wherein the head-mount electrical connection assembly is disposed at one end of the mating plug, and the mating plug is used to be inserted into the insertion cavity to electrically connect the head-mount electrical connection assembly and the female connector electrical connection assembly. as well as A ratchet connection mechanism includes a tension element, a ratchet seat, a pawl, and a ratchet tooth seat. The wall of the mating sleeve has a ratchet groove extending into the insertion cavity. The ratchet seat is disposed within the ratchet groove and has a hinge groove for hinged engagement of the pawl. One end of the tension element is connected to the pawl to provide hinged tension. The ratchet tooth seat is disposed on the mating plug and has tooth grooves to engage with the pawl. The docking sleeve is provided with a connecting platform, one side of which is connected to the female base plate. A connecting element is provided on the side of the connecting platform opposite to the female base plate. One end of the tension element is connected to the connecting element and the other end is connected to the pawl. The tension element is a tension spring, the wall of the hinge groove is provided with a hinge positioning groove, the two sides of the pawl are provided with hinge shafts, one end of the hinge shaft extends into the hinge positioning groove; the pawl includes a tension connecting end and a ratchet connecting end, the hinge shaft is disposed between the tension connecting end and the ratchet connecting end, the tension connecting end is used to connect the tension element, and the ratchet connecting end is used to engage with the tooth groove.

2. The robot docking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The port of the docking sleeve is provided with a guide slope, which expands outward and is used to guide the docking plug toward the insertion cavity when it is inserted; the docking plug is provided with a guide ramp, which is used to cooperate with the guide slope.

3. The robot docking connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A limiting step is provided on the side of the insertion cavity near the guide slope, and the docking plug is provided with an anti-insertion step. When the docking plug is inserted into the insertion cavity, the limiting step is used to cooperate with the anti-insertion step to stop and limit the insertion.

4. The robot docking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The female base plate is provided with a mounting platform facing the insertion cavity, and the female base power connection component is provided on the mounting platform; the end of the docking plug is provided with a fixing groove, the head socket power connection component is provided on the fixing groove, and the end of the fixing groove is provided with a covering platform, which is used to cover the outer periphery of the female base power connection component.

5. The robot docking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: An angle is formed between the tension connection end and the ratchet connection end.

6. The robot docking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The docking plug is provided with a ratchet mounting groove, the ratchet seat is disposed in the ratchet mounting groove, and the ratchet seat is provided with a clearance position on one side of the groove.

7. The robot docking connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a directional movement mechanism, which is disposed on one side of the female base plate and is used to provide directional floating force to the female base plate.

8. The robot docking connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The directional movement mechanism includes a movable base plate, a movable guide rail, and a movable tension assembly. The movable base plate is connected to the female base plate via the movable guide rail. The movable tension assembly includes a movable tension spring, and two tension shafts are provided at both ends of the movable tension spring. The two tension shafts are respectively connected to the movable base plate and the female base plate. Two sets of movable tension assemblies are provided, and the two sets of movable tension assemblies are respectively provided on both sides of the movable base plate. The directional movement mechanism is provided in two sets, and the movement track directions of the two sets of directional movement mechanisms are distributed in a cross shape.

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