Electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic adsorption butting connector for a microgravity environment, which comprises a plug and a socket, the front ends of the plug and the socket are inserted oppositely, a plug shell is provided with a female end transmission module, a socket shell is internally provided with a male end transmission module, the plug shell is provided with an armature component, and the socket shell is provided with an electromagnetic component. The armature part and the electromagnetic part can provide power for the plug and the socket to make the plug and the socket close to each other, and can be demagnetized after the electromagnetic part loses power. A telescopic locking component which can be driven by a power mechanism to move in the axial direction of the plug shell is further arranged in the plug shell, and a locking structure used for being locked with the telescopic locking component in a matched mode is arranged on the socket shell. And the locking structure is locked with the telescopic locking component under the adsorption action of the armature component and the electromagnetic component, and then moves towards the plug end along with the telescopic locking component to provide butt joint power for the transmission module, so that the plug and the socket are completely inserted, and the requirement of large-insertion-force insertion of the connector is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of connectors, and in particular relates to an electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment. Background Art

[0002] Modern satellites use space docking technology and on-orbit replaceable module technology to achieve on-orbit assembly, reconstruction and other functions. On-orbit replaceable module technology requires that the various functional units of the satellite exist in the form of modules, and the various functional modules can be quickly combined. Energy and signal transmission between modules is carried out through the electromechanical thermal interface arranged on the module docking surface. The electromechanical thermal interface is mainly composed of mechanical interface, electrical interface and heat conduction interface. Among them, the mechanical interface provides guidance, docking and separation functions; the electrical interface provides energy and signal transmission functions such as low-frequency signals, power signals, optical signals, optoelectronic mixed signals, high- and low-frequency mixed signals; the thermal interface provides a heat flow channel for temperature control.

[0003] Modern satellites use space docking technology and on-orbit replaceable module technology to achieve on-orbit assembly and reconstruction. At present, satellite mechanical docking structures such as the three-claw rod type and the cone rod type are generally large in size, require additional positioning guidance assistance, and require additional observation devices to confirm the movement position of the equipment. It is difficult to achieve the miniaturization of the docking structure and the miniaturization of satellite modules. Some docking interfaces, such as the hermaphroditic type, have a relatively short docking distance and relatively small docking force. There are many restrictions on the signal medium transmission interface arranged on it, and the interface integration is limited, making it difficult to achieve a universal standardized design. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment. The two ends of the connector are distributed on the satellite module to be connected. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil makes the two ends attract each other and plug in. The built-in guiding structure realizes the posture adjustment during the docking process. The electromagnetic force makes the connector connected with its own telescopic locking device, and the telescopic locking device provides plugging force for each medium transmission interface.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention and the technical problem to be solved are achieved by adopting the following technical solutions. According to the electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment proposed by the present invention, it includes a plug 1 and a socket 2 for front-end plugging, wherein the plug includes a plug housing 11, and the socket includes a socket housing 21, the plug housing 1 is equipped with a female end transmission module 14, and the socket housing is equipped with a male end transmission module 24, the plug housing 11 is provided with an armature component 17, and the socket housing 21 is provided with an electromagnetic component 27, the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 can provide power for the plug 1 and the socket 2 to approach each other, and can be demagnetized after the electromagnetic component 27 loses power; The plug housing 11 is also provided with a telescopic locking component 12 that can move axially along the plug housing 11 under the drive of the power mechanism, and the socket housing 21 is provided with a locking structure 22 for adapting and locking with the telescopic locking component 12. Before the male end transmission module 24 and the female end transmission module 14 are plugged in, the locking structure 22 is locked with the telescopic locking component 12 under the adsorption action of the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27, and then moves toward the plug end with the telescopic locking component 11, providing plug-in power for the male end transmission module 24 and the female end transmission module 14, so that the plug 1 and the socket 2 are fully plugged in.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention and the solution to its technical problems can be further achieved by adopting the following technical measures.

[0007] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the male end transmission module 14 and the female end transmission module 24 include an optical path module, a radio frequency module, a low frequency module, a high-speed module, a gas path module and a liquid path module, wherein the high-speed module and the liquid path module are separately arranged, and the other modules have a uniform external size and can be freely replaced as needed.

[0008] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the front end of the armature component 17 forms an electromagnetic guide rod 1722 extending axially along the plug housing 11, and the front end of the electromagnetic component 27 is provided with a guide groove 2731, the radial dimension of the guide groove gradually shrinks from front to back to achieve a large-angle guiding match with the electromagnetic guide rod 1722.

[0009] In the aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is axially elastically floatingly arranged on the armature component 17 to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged when a large docking error occurs between the plug 1 and the socket 2.

[0010] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the armature component 17 includes a first annular magnetic circuit 171 coaxially arranged with the plug housing 11 and two guide cores 172 symmetrically distributed at the front end of the first annular magnetic circuit, the guide core 172 includes an electromagnetic block 1721 and an electromagnetic guide rod 1722; the electromagnetic component 27 includes a second annular magnetic circuit 271 and two electromagnetic coils 272 with opposite polarities, and a guide core 273 is also fixed in each electromagnetic coil 272, the front end of the guide core 273 extends out and forms a guide groove 2731 on the front end surface, and a guide pin hole 2732 for adapting to the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is also provided in the guide core 273.

[0011] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the front end of the electromagnetic block 1721 is also provided with a floating magnetic block 1724, the floating magnetic block 1724 is axially slidingly guided in the electromagnetic block 1721 through the second floating spring 1725, and the conical surface of its front end adapted to the guide groove 2731 extends out of the electromagnetic block 1721; the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 realizes axial elastic floating cooperation with the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first floating spring 1723, and the small diameter end of the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 passes through the floating magnetic block 1724 and extends out of the electromagnetic block 1721.

[0012] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the first floating spring 1723 presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first magnetic tube 1726, the front end periphery of the first magnetic tube 1726 is also slidably covered with a second magnetic tube 1727, the front end periphery of the second magnetic tube 1727 has a flange, the second floating spring 1725 presses the flange onto the floating magnetic block 1724 and radially cooperates with the floating magnetic block 1724 to limit the position.

[0013] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the front end of the plug shell 11 is also arranged with a guide pin 16, the front end of the socket shell 21 is provided with a guide sleeve 26 that cooperates with the guide pin 16 at a large angle, and the guide pin 16 can be supported between the plug shell and the socket shell when a large docking error occurs between the plug 1 and the socket 2, to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged by force.

[0014] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment has two guide pins 16, and on the same circumference at the front end of the plug housing 11, the two guide pins 16 are symmetrically distributed, the two electromagnetic guide rods 1722 are symmetrically distributed, and the guide pins 16 and the electromagnetic guide rods 1722 are evenly staggered; and the radial size of the guide pins 16 is larger than the electromagnetic guide rods 1722.

[0015] In the aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment, a feedback signal is triggered after the telescopic locking component 12 and the locking structure 22 are locked.

[0016] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment, the telescopic locking component 12 includes a spiral transmission device 121 and a steel ball locking head 122, and the locking structure 22 is a locking ring that cooperates with the steel ball locking head 122 to lock and trigger a feedback signal.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. By means of the above technical scheme, the present invention can achieve considerable technical advancement and practicality, and has wide industrial utilization value, and has at least the following advantages: the two ends of the connector of the present invention are distributed on the satellite module to be connected, and the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil makes the two ends attract each other and plug in, and the self-contained guiding structure realizes the posture adjustment during the docking process, and the electromagnetic force makes the retractable locking component of the connector lock and connect; then, the retractable mechanical locking component driven by the external motor is used to complete the large-stroke plug-in of the connector, and the plug-in force can reach more than 1000N, which can meet the plug-in scenarios of various transmission media.

[0018] The electromagnetic adsorption of the present invention realizes the locking of the locking device, and the insertion and engagement of the transmission module is realized by relying on the locking device, so that the connector of the present invention can have electromechanical and thermal transmission capabilities, and can realize multi-media transmission such as light, electricity, radio frequency, high speed, gas, liquid, etc. Each transmission function adopts a modular design, and the modules can be selected according to needs.

[0019] Compared with the pure mechanical docking structure, the electromagnetic adsorption docking structure has the advantages of simple structure, fewer parts, easy implementation and small size. By using electromagnetic adsorption docking, the adsorption distance can be adjusted and the docking force can be controlled by controlling the current in the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic force acts directly on the armature and has good directionality. The electromagnetic adsorption structure cooperates with the guiding structure to reduce the complexity of the docking components and is very suitable for use in aerospace microgravity environments.

[0020] The telescopic locking device used in the present invention has the characteristics of small initial locking force and reliable locking. Unlocking requires external force such as a motor to provide unlocking force. The telescopic locking device reduces the suction force requirement and duration of the electromagnetic adsorption device, reduces the weight of the electromagnetic adsorption device, and makes the connector practical. The telescopic function of the device can achieve a large-size docking depth, and the docking force can reach 1000N, which can meet the docking requirements of various transmission modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the components of the connector of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a part of the connector of the present invention after being cut away;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1Schematic diagram of the plug sideways;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the socket;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the armature components;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of electromagnetic components in;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the telescopic locking component;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the layout of the middle plug transmission module;

[0029] Fig. 9 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the arrangement of the transmission module in the middle socket;

[0030] Fig.10 is another cross-sectional view of the connector of the present invention;

[0031] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the connector plug and socket of the present invention starting electromagnetic adsorption;

[0032] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the electromagnetic adsorption process of the connector plug and socket of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the electromagnetic adsorption of the connector plug and socket of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of the connector of the present invention being locked in place;

[0035] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram of the composition of the electromagnetic adsorption docking structure of the present invention;

[0036] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the working magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic adsorption docking structure of the present invention.

[0037]

Main component symbol description

[0038] 1: Plug 11: Plug housing

[0039] 12: Telescopic locking component 121 spiral conveyor

[0040] 1211: Drive nut 1212: Fixed sleeve

[0041] 1213: Screw 1214: Ball

[0042] 122: Ball locking head 1221: Locking shaft

[0043] 12211: yield slot 12212: first unlock slot

[0044] 1222: First ball 1223: Second ball

[0045] 1224: Limit sleeve 12241: Ring groove

[0046] 1225: Limit spring 1226: Support sleeve

[0047] 12261: First locking hole 12262: Second locking hole

[0048] 13: First Insulator

[0049] 14: Female transmission module 141: Female optical module

[0050] 142: Female RF module 143: Female high-speed module

[0051] 144: Female low frequency module 145: Female gas path module

[0052] 15: Female end fluid path transmission sheet 16: Guide pin

[0053] 17: Armature component 171: Annular magnetic circuit

[0054] 172: Guide core 1721: Electromagnetic block

[0055] 1722: electromagnetic guide rod 1723: first floating spring

[0056] 1724: floating magnet 1725: second floating spring

[0057] 1726: first magnetic cylinder 1727: second magnetic cylinder

[0058] 2: Socket 21: Socket housing

[0059] 22: Locking ring 221: Locking housing

[0060] 2211: Locking groove 222 Insulation support part

[0061] 223: Second inner conductor 224: Floating spring

[0062] 23: Second insulator 24: Male end transmission module

[0063] 25: Male end fluid transmission unit 26: Guide sleeve

[0064] 27: Electromagnetic component 271: Second annular magnetic circuit

[0065] 272: electromagnetic coil 273: guide core

[0066] 2731: Guide groove 2732: Guide pin hole

[0067] 226: Connecting conductors

[0068] R1: Magnetic resistance of the first annular magnetic circuit R2: Magnetic resistance of the second annular magnetic circuit

[0069] G δ1 : The first air magnetic resistance G δ1 :Second air reluctance DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] In order to further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined invention purpose, the specific implementation method, structure, characteristics and effects of the electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment proposed by the present invention are described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0071] See also Figure 1-14 , which is a schematic structural diagram of various parts of the electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment of the present invention, the connector includes a plug 1 and a socket 2, the plug 1 includes a plug housing 11, the plug housing 11 is annular as a whole, a telescopic locking component 12 is arranged in the cavity at the center of the annular plug housing 11, the telescopic locking component 12 can be driven by a power mechanism along the axial direction of the plug housing 11 Telescopic movement, a first insulator 13 is also provided in the plug housing 11, and a female end transmission module 14 with different functions is fixedly assembled in the first insulator 13. In this embodiment, the first insulator 13 is a central insulator fixedly arranged on the inner ring of the plug housing 11, and the transmission modules are distributed circumferentially along the central insulator. Preferably, the female end transmission module 14 includes a female end optical path module 141, a female end radio frequency module 142, a female end high-speed module 143, a female end low-frequency module 144 and a female end gas path module 145, etc. In this embodiment, the female end transmission modules 14 are all replaceable modular transmission units, and except for the female end high-speed module 143 which has a separate position due to shielding contact requirements, the other female end transmission modules 14 have uniform external dimensions and can be interchanged or installed as needed. The outer ring of the plug housing 11 is also arranged with a female end liquid transmission unit 15, through which the female end liquid transmission unit 15 cools the female end transmission module 14.

[0072] The socket 2 includes a socket housing 21, which is also annular as a whole, and a locking ring 22 is fixedly arranged in the cavity at the center of the socket housing 21. The locking ring 22 can cooperate with the telescopic locking component 12 on the plug 1 for locking, and can drive the socket housing 21 to move toward the plug 1 when the telescopic locking component 12 is axially retracted after being locked with the telescopic locking component 12, so as to achieve a large plug-in force plug-in between the plug and the socket.

[0073] The socket housing 21 is also provided with a second insulator 23, in which a male end transmission module 24 with different functions is fixedly installed. In this embodiment, the second insulator 23 is a central insulator fixedly arranged on the inner circle of the socket housing 21, and the male end transmission modules 24 are distributed circumferentially along the central insulator. Preferably, the male end transmission modules 24 include a male end optical path module 241, a male end radio frequency module 242, a male end high-speed module 243, a male end low-frequency module 244, and a male end gas path module 245. In this embodiment, the male end transmission modules 24 are all replaceable modular transmission units, and except for the male end high-speed module 243 which has a separate specific position due to the shielding and grounding requirements, the other male end transmission modules 24 have uniform external dimensions and can be interchanged or selected as needed.

[0074] The outer ring of the socket housing 21 is also provided with a male end liquid path transmission unit 25 for cooling the male end transmission module 24 .

[0075] The plug housing 11 and the socket housing 12 are also guided and docked by the guide pins 16 and guide sleeves 26 arranged at the front ends thereof. In this embodiment, the guide pins 16 are located on the front end face of the plug housing 11, and the guide sleeves 26 are located on the front end face of the socket housing 21, but in other embodiments, the positions of the guide pins 16 and the guide sleeves 26 can be swapped. The front end of the guide sleeve 26 has a guide surface that gradually shrinks from front to back, and preferably, the guide surface is tapered. In this embodiment, the guide pins 16 and the guide sleeves 26 are respectively distributed on the outermost sides of the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 21.

[0076] The connector of the present invention also includes an electromagnetic adsorption device for providing power for the plug and the socket to approach each other, and the electromagnetic adsorption device includes an electromagnetic component 27 and an armature component 17, one of which is arranged on the plug housing 11, and the other is arranged on the socket housing 21. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic component 27 is fixed on the socket housing 21; the armature component 17 is fixed on the plug housing 11. In order to prevent leakage, the male end liquid path transmission unit 25 and the female end liquid path transmission unit 15 of the present invention are distributed and arranged separately on the socket housing 21 and the plug housing 11, and are isolated from other transmission modules in the inner circle by the heat conductive rings on the plug housing 21 and the socket housing 11, so that the plug housing and the socket housing can not only realize the fixing of the locking device, the central insulator, the liquid path module, the guide pin and the guide sleeve, and the electromagnetic adsorption device, but also realize the heat conduction of the plug-in locking device through the heat conductive ring.

[0077] The armature component 17 includes a first annular magnetic circuit 171 and two guide cores 172 symmetrically distributed on one side of the first annular magnetic circuit 171. The first annular magnetic circuit 171 is coaxially arranged with the plug housing 11. The guide core 172 includes an electromagnetic block 1721 and an electromagnetic guide rod 1722. The outer peripheral surface of the electromagnetic block 1721 is connected to the first annular magnetic circuit 171. The electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is used to cooperate with the guide core of the socket to achieve guidance and posture adjustment during adsorption.

[0078] The electromagnetic component 27 includes a second annular magnetic circuit 271 and two electromagnetic coils 272 symmetrically distributed on one side of the second annular magnetic circuit 271. The two electromagnetic coils 272 have opposite polarities, and a guide core 273 is fixed in each electromagnetic coil 272. The front end of the guide core 273 extends out of the electromagnetic coil 272 and the socket housing 21 and forms a guide groove 2731 that gradually shrinks from front to back on the front end surface. The rear end extends out of the electromagnetic coil 272 and is connected and fixed to the second annular magnetic circuit 271. A guide pin hole 2732 coaxial with the guide groove 2731 is also provided in the guide core 273 for inserting the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 at the front end of the armature component 17. The guide groove 2731 can guide the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 so that it can smoothly enter the guide pin hole 2731. In this embodiment, the guide groove 2731 is conical. The setting of the conical guide groove 2731 of the present invention can realize large-angle and large-excursion guidance of the plug and the socket during electromagnetic adsorption, and can also realize the adjustment of the posture between the two, so that the two can be connected accurately.

[0079] The first annular magnetic circuit 171, the second annular magnetic circuit 271, the guide iron core 172 and the electromagnet core 273 of the present invention are all made of soft magnetic materials. The magnetic force of the electromagnet core 273 is guided to the same direction by the magnetic force of the second annular magnetic circuit 271 made of soft magnetic materials, so that the magnetic forces generated by the two electromagnetic coils are connected as a whole, forming a horseshoe-shaped magnet as a whole, which maximizes the suction force in the structural form and makes full use of the magnetic force of the coil. The horseshoe-shaped armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 of the present invention both constitute an electromagnetic circuit, and the current passes through the coil to generate a magnetic field, which is enhanced in the soft magnetic magnetic circuit. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated in the iron core and is mainly used to parameterize the suction force, which can improve the efficiency of the electromagnet. Compared with a single linear solenoid lacking a closed loop, the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 of the present invention have less magnetic leakage and better utilization efficiency of electromagnetic energy.

[0080] In this embodiment, in order to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the guide core from being misaligned due to the large posture difference between the plug 1 and the socket 2 or other reasons during docking, and thus causing the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 to be damaged, the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 can float along the axial direction of the armature component 17. Specifically, the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is connected to the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first floating spring 1723. A floating magnetic block 1724 is also provided at the front end of the electromagnetic block 1721 in a floating manner. The floating magnetic block 1724 has a conical surface adapted to the guide groove 2731 on the socket guide core 273. The rear end of the floating magnetic block 1724 is located in the cavity of the electromagnetic block 1721 and is floatingly connected to the bottom end surface of the electromagnetic block 1721 through the second floating spring 1725. The floating magnetic block 1724 achieves axial forward limit by the cooperation of the outer peripheral stepped surface of its front end with the front stop surface of the electromagnetic block 1721. The floating magnet 1724 has a through hole for the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 to pass through, and the outer periphery of the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 cooperates with a small gap between the inner wall of the through hole, and the rear end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is axially limited by the floating magnet 1724. The first floating spring 1723 provides the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 with an axial force to separate it from the floating magnet 1724. The first floating spring 1723 presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first magnetic tube 1726. The outer periphery of the front end of the first magnetic tube 1726 is also slidably covered with a second magnetic tube 1727. The outer periphery of the front end of the second magnetic tube 1727 has a flange, and the second floating spring 1725 presses the flange onto the floating magnet 1724. To prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the floating magnet 1724 from swaying when floating axially, the outer circumference of the floating magnet 1724 is slidably guided with the inner wall of the electromagnetic block 1721, and the outer circumference of the folded edge on the second magnetic cylinder 1727 is radially limited with the inner circumference of the rear end cavity of the floating magnet 1724.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present invention, there are two guide pins 16 on the plug housing 11, and the two guide pins 16 and the two electromagnetic guide rods 1722 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the plug housing 11, and the two guide pins 16 are symmetrically distributed on the plug housing 11, and the two electromagnetic guide rods 1722 are also symmetrically distributed on the plug housing 11. Correspondingly, the two guide sleeves 26 and the two guide cores 273 evenly distributed around the socket housing 12 are divided into two groups, and the two guide sleeves 26 are symmetrically distributed, and the two guide cores are also symmetrically distributed. In order to prevent the above-mentioned guiding structure from being misinserted when the plug and the socket are docked, the radial dimension of the guiding pin 16 is larger than the radial dimension of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722, and the radial dimension of the corresponding hole in the guide sleeve 26 that is adapted to the guiding pin 16 is also larger than the radial dimension of the guide pin hole 2731 on the electromagnetic core. As a result, when misinsertion occurs, the guiding pin 16 is stuck at the opening of the small-sized guide pin hole 2731. At this time, the electromagnetic guide rod 1722, which is more easily damaged, also reaches the large-sized guide sleeve 26 and is not subjected to force, which can effectively prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged. At the same time, the cooperation between the guiding pin 16 and the guide pin hole 2731 also makes it impossible for the plug and the socket to get closer. They need to be separated and adjusted before docking again, thereby avoiding damage caused by continued incorrect insertion.

[0082] In addition, the provision of the guide pin 16 of the present invention can also prevent damage to the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 caused by excessive difference in posture between the plug and the socket. When a large docking error occurs between the plug and the socket, the guide structure cannot play a guiding role. At this time, the guide structure will first contact the shell at the other end, and the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is an axial telescopic structure. On the premise that a guide pin 16 without an axial telescopic floating function is provided, the plug and the socket are provided with a sufficient spacing through the blocking cooperation between the guide pin 16 and the front end face of the socket shell, which can prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged by a large axial force after reaching the maximum telescopic length.

[0083] The socket 2 of the present invention approaches the plug 1 under the electromagnetic attraction of the electromagnetic component 27 and the armature component 17, and realizes electromagnetic adsorption docking through the large-angle guidance of the guide pin 16 and the guide sleeve 26, and the large-angle guidance of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the guide iron core 273. When the socket 2 moves to a certain extent, the telescopic locking component 12 and the locking ring 22 cooperate to lock, and at the same time trigger the locking feedback signal, so that the electromagnetic component 27 stops supplying power, and at the same time the driving mechanism of the telescopic locking component 12 starts working, driving the telescopic locking component 12 to move axially backward. At this time, the locking ring 22 locked with the telescopic locking component 12 drives the socket to move toward the plug, so that the plug and the socket are plugged in place, so that the male and female ends of the functional modules at both ends are docked. The plug and the socket also have a plug-in feedback function, and the feedback function sends a stop signal to the driving structure of the telescopic locking component 12.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present invention, the telescopic locking component 12 is a spiral telescopic locking structure, which includes a spiral transmission device 121 and a steel ball locking head 122, wherein the steel ball locking head 122 cooperates with the locking ring 22 to lock, and the spiral transmission device 121 drives the steel ball locking head 122 to move axially forward and backward. The driving mechanism is a motor that drives the spiral transmission device.

[0085] The spiral transmission device 121 includes a transmission nut 1211 rotatably arranged in the plug housing 1, a fixed sleeve 1212 is fixedly arranged in the transmission nut 1211, a screw rod 1213 is installed in the fixed sleeve 1212, and the screw rod 1213 is rotatably matched with the fixed sleeve 1212 to convert the rotational motion of the transmission nut 1211 into axial movement. The fixed sleeve 1212 is provided with a plurality of through holes equidistantly distributed along the axial direction and equipped with balls 1214, and the trajectory formed by the through holes is consistent with the spiral raceway of the screw rod 1213, so that when the fixed sleeve 1212 is assembled with the transmission nut 1211 and the screw rod 1213, the balls 1214 in the through holes of the fixed sleeve 1212 are respectively constrained by the cylindrical surface of the inner circumference of the transmission nut 1211 and the spiral raceway on the screw rod 1213. When the transmission nut 1211 drives the fixing sleeve 1212 to rotate together, the ball 1214 will rotate together with the fixing sleeve 12122, thereby driving the screw rod 1213 to generate axial movement.

[0086] The steel ball locking head 122 is fixed at the front end of the screw rod 1213, and the steel ball locking head 122 includes a locking shaft 1221, a first ball 1222, a second ball 1223, a limit sleeve 1224, a limit spring 1225 and a support sleeve 1226, wherein the locking shaft 1221 is fixedly arranged in the support sleeve 1226, and a clearance groove 12211 is provided on one side of the locking shaft 1221. 21 axially extends to the front end face of the locking shaft 1221, and a first locking hole 12261 for the first ball 1222 to pass through and a second locking hole 12262 for the second ball 1223 to pass through are distributed axially front to back on one side of the support sleeve 1226 corresponding to the yield groove 12211, and a first unlocking groove 12212 for partially accommodating the first ball 1222 is also provided at a position on the locking shaft 1221 corresponding to the first locking hole 12261. The limiting sleeve 1224 is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the supporting sleeve 1226, and the limiting spring 1225 provides the limiting sleeve 1224 with the power to slide forward axially, and the inner side of the limiting sleeve 1224 is also provided with an annular groove 12241 for avoiding the second ball 1223, and the second ball 1223 is located in the second locking hole 12262, and its upper end is limited by the bottom of the groove 1221, and the lower end is limited by the bottom of the annular groove 12241, at this time, the limiting sleeve 1224 is axially limited by the second ball 1223 to prevent it from escaping from the front end of the supporting sleeve 1226. The inner side wall of the front end of the limiting sleeve 1224 slides with the supporting sleeve 1226 with a small gap, so that the upper end of the first ball 1222 enters the first unlocking groove 12212.

[0087] The locking ring 22 includes a locking housing 221, in which a locking feedback component is installed. The locking feedback component can send a feedback signal of stopping to the electromagnetic component 27 when the locking shaft 1221 and the locking housing 221 are locked by the first ball 1222. In this embodiment, the locking housing 221 is locked by the locking groove 2211 at its front end and the steel ball locking head. Specifically, when the plug and the socket approach each other under the action of electromagnetic force, the support sleeve 1226 enters the cavity at the front end of the locking shell 221. At the same time, as the plug and the socket continue to approach each other, the front end face of the limit sleeve 1224 is blocked by the front end face of the locking shell 221. When the plug and the socket continue to approach each other, the support sleeve 1226 continues to extend into the locking shell, and the first ball 1222 disengages from the limit sleeve 1224 and enters the locking shell 221 with the support sleeve 1226. When it moves to a position corresponding to the locking groove 2211 in the locking shell 221, the bottom of the first ball 1222 falls into the locking groove 2211, and the top is still located in the give way groove 1211. At this time, the telescopic locking component is locked with the locking ring.

[0088] The locking feedback component includes an insulating support portion 222, in which a contact mounting hole is provided, a first inner conductor with a tail connection is provided at the bottom of the contact mounting hole, a front end of the second inner conductor 223 is slidably arranged in the contact mounting hole, and an axial floating connection is also achieved between the second inner conductor 223 and the insulating support portion 222 through an elastic floating component. When the steel ball locking head is locked with the locking shell, the second inner conductor 223 is pushed by the support sleeve 1226 to compress the elastic floating component and retreat to achieve contact and conduction with the first inner conductor, thereby triggering a feedback signal.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic floating component includes a floating spring 224, a floating support 225 and a connecting conductor 226, wherein the front end of the second inner conductor 223 is connected and fixed to the connecting conductor 226, the floating support 225 is slidably matched with the inner wall of the locking shell, and the floating spring 224 is located between the insulating support part 222 and the connecting conductor 226, that is, the connecting conductor 226 is pressed on the floating support 225 under the action of the floating spring 224, so that when the support sleeve 1226 enters the locking shell 221, it pushes the floating support 225, and then pushes the connecting conductor 226 backward through the floating support 225, so that the connecting conductor 226 compresses the floating spring 224, driving the second floating inner conductor 223 to slide until it contacts and conducts with the first inner conductor.

[0090] The specific use process of the connector of the present invention is described as follows:

[0091] In a microgravity environment, when the satellite unit equipped with a connector moves to an adsorbable distance, the electromagnetic adsorption device is powered on to generate an adsorption force to bring the satellite unit plug 1 and the socket 2 closer together; driven by the electromagnetic suction force, the connectors that are close to a certain degree begin to be plugged in, and firstly, the position and posture of the plug and the socket are corrected through the guidance correction of the guide pin 16 on the plug 1 and the tapered guide hole at the front end of the guide sleeve 26, and the guidance correction of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the tapered guide hole at the front end of the electromagnetic core 273, so as to achieve rough guide positioning when the two are plugged in; then, when the plug and the socket continue to approach, precise positioning is achieved through the cooperation of the guide pin and the corresponding pin hole, and the cooperation of the electromagnetic guide rod and the corresponding guide pin hole; until the telescopic locking component arranged at the center of the connector is adapted and locked with the locking ring (at this time, the telescopic locking component is in an extended state, and can be locked before other components of the connector are plugged in. The electromagnetic force mainly satisfies the locking force required by the locking component), and a feedback signal is triggered, and the feedback signal controls the electromagnetic adsorption device to stop working.

[0092] After the electromagnetic adsorption device stops working, the motor drives the spiral conveying device 121 of the telescopic locking component to move, and the spiral conveying device 121 drives the steel ball locking head 122 to move backward, providing a docking force for the connector plug and the socket multimedia transmission module, so that the connector plug and the socket are plugged into place. After the connector plug and the socket are plugged into place, an in-place signal is triggered, and the in-place signal controls the motor to stop working.

[0093] When separation is required, the motor drives the spiral conveying device 121 in reverse direction to achieve the separation of the connectors.

[0094] In other embodiments of the present invention, the housing of the connector plug and socket may also be formed by other structures, and is not limited to the ring shape of the present application. The connector plug and socket may also achieve rough guidance and posture adjustment only by electromagnetic adsorption devices, and the design of guide pins and guide sleeves may be cancelled, or the number of guide pins and guide sleeves may be increased as needed. The plug and socket of the present invention may also be locked by other mechanical structures, and the structure of the telescopic locking component is not limited to the combination of the spiral transmission device and the steel ball locking head in the embodiment of the present invention, and the locking structure adapted to the telescopic locking component is not limited to the locking ring in the embodiment of the present invention, and it is only necessary to provide plug-in power for each module of the plug and socket after locking.

[0095] In other embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic adsorption device stops working after the connector is plugged into place. At this time, the telescopic locking component and the matching locking structure may not trigger feedback when locking, or the triggered feedback is feedback that causes the power structure of the telescopic locking structure to start working.

[0096] See also Fig.15 and Fig.16 The present invention also provides an electromagnetic adsorption device composed of the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27, and a solution for applying the electromagnetic adsorption device in a connector with a telescopic locking device in a microgravity environment. The armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 are respectively located on the connector plug 1 and the socket 2, and the plug 1 and the socket 2 are locked by the telescopic locking device, and the telescopic locking device completes the locking before the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged in. The electromagnetic adsorption docking structure provides the telescopic locking device with power for automatic locking, and the telescopic locking device provides the plug and the socket with plugging power to complete the docking of their various components after locking. The plug 1 and the socket 2 can be the plug and the socket described in each embodiment of the present invention, or other structures.

[0097] The electromagnetic adsorption docking structure of the present invention is composed of an armature component and an electromagnetic component. Fig.16The annular magnetic circuit shown in the figure can constrain the magnetic lines of force, increase the magnetic flux, and enhance the magnetic attraction of the docking structure. Specifically, the electromagnetic component and the armature component of the present invention both form a horseshoe structure and an electromagnetic circuit. The current passes through the coil to generate a magnetic field, which is enhanced in the soft magnetic magnetic circuit. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated in the iron core and is mainly used to parameterize the attraction, which can improve the performance of the electromagnet. Compared with a single linear solenoid that lacks a closed loop, the present invention forms a closed annular loop, which reduces leakage magnetic flux and improves the efficiency of electromagnetic energy utilization.

[0098] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with the profession can make some changes or modify the technical contents disclosed above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment, comprising a plug and a socket for mating, wherein the plug comprises a plug housing, the socket comprises a socket housing, a female end transmission module is installed in the plug housing, and a male end transmission module is installed in the socket housing, characterized in that: It also includes an electromagnetic adsorption device, which includes an armature component and an electromagnetic component, one of which is fixed on the plug shell, and the other is fixed on the socket shell; the armature component and the electromagnetic component can provide power for the plug and the socket to approach each other when the electromagnetic component is energized, and can be demagnetized after the electromagnetic component loses power; the plug shell is also provided with a telescopic locking component that can move axially along the plug shell under the drive of the power mechanism, and the socket shell is provided with a locking structure for matching and locking with the telescopic locking component, the locking structure can be locked with the telescopic locking component under the adsorption action of the armature component and the electromagnetic component, and then drive the socket shell to move toward the plug end with the telescopic locking component, provide docking power for the male end transmission module and the female end transmission module, so that the plug and the socket are fully plugged in.

2. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The male transmission module and the female transmission module include an optical path module, a radio frequency module, a low frequency module, a high-speed module, a gas path module and a liquid path module, wherein the high-speed module and the liquid path module are separately provided, and the other modules have the same external dimensions and can be freely replaced as needed.

3. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The armature component has an electromagnetic guide rod extending out of the front end surface of the plug / socket housing and extending axially along the plug / socket housing. A guide groove is provided at the front end of the electromagnetic component at a corresponding position on the front end surface of the socket / plug housing. The radial dimension of the guide groove gradually shrinks from front to back to achieve a large-angle guiding match with the electromagnetic guide rod.

4. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electromagnetic guide rod can float elastically along the plugging direction to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod from being damaged when a large docking error occurs between the plug and the socket.

5. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The armature component includes a first annular magnetic circuit coaxially arranged with the plug / socket housing and two guide cores symmetrically distributed at the front end of the first annular magnetic circuit, and the guide core includes an electromagnetic block and an electromagnetic guide rod; the electromagnetic component includes a second annular magnetic circuit and two electromagnetic coils with opposite polarities, and a guide core is also fixed in each electromagnetic coil, the rear end of the guide core is connected to the second annular magnetic circuit, the front end extends out of the socket / plug housing and forms a guide groove on the front end surface of the socket / plug housing, and the guide core is also provided with a guide pin hole for matching with the electromagnetic guide rod.

6. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 5, characterized in that: A floating magnetic block is also provided in the electromagnetic block. The floating magnetic block is axially slidingly guided in the electromagnetic block by a second floating spring, and a conical surface at the front end of the floating magnetic block matches the guide groove and extends out of the electromagnetic block. The electromagnetic guide rod realizes axial elastic floating cooperation with the electromagnetic block through the first floating spring, and the small diameter end at the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod passes through the floating magnetic block and extends out of the electromagnetic block.

7. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first floating spring presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block through the first magnetic cylinder, and the second magnetic cylinder is also slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the front end of the first magnetic cylinder. The outer periphery of the front end of the second magnetic cylinder has a flange, which is pressed against the floating magnetic block by the second floating spring and radially cooperates with the floating magnetic block to limit the position.

8. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: One of the front ends of the plug housing and the socket housing is provided with a guide pin, and the other front end is provided with a guide sleeve that cooperates with the guide pin at a large angle. The guide pin can be supported between the plug housing and the socket housing when a large docking error occurs between the plug and the socket to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod from being damaged by force.

9. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 8, characterized in that: There are two guide pins, which are evenly and staggeredly distributed on the same circumference of the front end of the plug / socket housing with the electromagnetic guide rod.

10. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The radial dimension of the guide pin is larger than the radial dimension of the electromagnetic guide rod, so that when the plug and the socket are inserted incorrectly, the guide pin is stuck at the opening of the small-sized guide pin hole, so that the plug and the socket cannot move closer.

11. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the telescopic locking component is locked with the locking structure, a feedback signal will be triggered.

12. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 11, characterized in that: The telescopic locking component includes a spiral transmission device and a steel ball locking head, and the locking structure is a locking ring that cooperates with the steel ball locking head to lock and trigger a feedback signal.

13. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environment according to claim 12, characterized in that: The spiral transmission device includes a transmission nut rotatably arranged in a plug housing, a fixing sleeve fixedly arranged in the transmission nut, a screw rod assembled in the fixing sleeve, the screw rod and the fixing sleeve rotatably cooperate to convert the rotational motion of the transmission nut into axial movement, and the steel ball locking head is fixed at the front end of the screw rod.

14. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 13, characterized in that: The steel ball locking head comprises a locking shaft, a first ball, a second ball, a limiting sleeve, a limiting spring and a supporting sleeve, wherein the locking shaft is fixedly arranged in the supporting sleeve, and one side of the locking shaft is provided with a avoiding groove extending axially to the front end face, and a first locking hole for the first roller to pass through and a second locking hole for the second roller to pass through are distributed axially front and back on one side of the supporting sleeve corresponding to the avoiding groove, and a first unlocking groove for partially accommodating the first ball is also provided at a position corresponding to the first locking hole on the locking shaft; the limiting sleeve sliding sleeve is arranged on the outer periphery of the supporting sleeve, and the lower end of the second ball is located in the annular groove in the limiting position, and the limiting spring provides the limiting sleeve with power to slide forward axially, so that the inner side wall of the front end of the limiting sleeve slides with the supporting sleeve with a small gap, and the upper end of the first ball is located in the first unlocking groove; the locking ring comprises a locking shell, and the front end of the locking shell has a cavity for the supporting sleeve to enter, and the inner wall of the cavity has a locking groove adapted to lock with the first ball, and the front end face of the limiting sleeve is blocked by the front end face of the locking shell.

15. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 14, characterized in that: A locking feedback component is also provided in the locking shell, and the locking feedback component includes an insulating support portion, a contact mounting hole is provided in the insulating support portion, and a first inner conductor and a second inner conductor are provided in front and back of the contact mounting hole, wherein the first inner conductor is fixed at the tail end of the contact mounting hole, and the second inner conductor is slidably provided at the front end of the contact mounting hole, and an elastic floating component for providing a force for the second inner conductor to keep it away from the first inner conductor is also provided at the front end of the insulating support component, and when the steel ball locking head is locked with the locking shell, the second inner conductor is pushed by the support sleeve to compress the elastic floating component and retreat to achieve contact and conduction with the first inner conductor, thereby triggering a feedback signal.

16. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to claim 15, characterized in that: The elastic floating component includes a floating spring, a floating support and a connecting conductor, wherein the floating support is slidably matched with the inner wall of the locking shell, and the connecting conductor located between the insulating support part and the float is pressed onto the floating support by the floating spring, and the front end of the second inner conductor is connected to the connecting conductor.

17. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for use in a microgravity environment according to any one of claims 2-7 and 9-15, characterized in that: The telescopic locking component and the locking structure are respectively located in the cavity in the center of the plug shell and the socket shell. The inner circles of the plug shell and the socket shell are both provided with a central insulator. The optical path module, the radio frequency module, the low frequency module, the high speed module and the gas path module are fixed in the central insulator. The liquid path module is located in the outer circle of the socket shell / plug shell.

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