Electromagnetic attraction docking connector for microgravity environments

Abstract

The application relates to an electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for a micro-gravity environment, which comprises a front-end plug and a socket, wherein the plug shell is provided with a female transmission module, the socket shell is provided with a male transmission module, the plug shell is provided with an armature component, the socket shell is provided with an electromagnetic component, the armature component and the electromagnetic component can provide power for the plug and the socket to approach each other and can demagnetize after the electromagnetic component is powered off; the plug shell is further provided with a telescopic locking component which can move axially along the plug shell under the drive of a power mechanism, the socket shell is provided with a locking structure for locking with the telescopic locking component, before the male transmission module and the female transmission module are inserted, the locking structure is locked with the telescopic locking component under the adsorption of the armature component and the electromagnetic component, then moves to the plug end along with the telescopic locking component, provides docking power for the transmission modules, and makes the plug and the socket completely inserted, thereby satisfying the large insertion force insertion of the connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of connectors, and particularly relates to an electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for a microgravity environment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern satellites realize in-orbit assembly, reconfiguration and other functions through space docking technology and on-orbit replaceable module technology. The on-orbit replaceable module technology requires that each functional unit of the satellite exists in the form of a module, and each functional module can be quickly combined to realize energy and signal transmission between modules through the mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces arranged on the module docking surface. The mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces mainly consist of a mechanical interface, an electrical interface and a thermal conduction interface. The mechanical interface provides guidance and docking and separation functions; the electrical interface provides low-frequency signal, power signal, optical signal, optoelectronic mixed signal, high-low frequency mixed signal and other energy and signal transmission functions; and the thermal interface provides a heat flow channel for temperature control.

[0003] Modern satellites realize in-orbit assembly, reconfiguration and other functions through space docking technology and on-orbit replaceable module technology. The current satellite mechanical docking structure, such as the three-jaw rod type and the cone rod type, generally has the characteristics of large size, the need for additional provision of multiple alignment guide aids, the need for additional setting of observation devices to confirm the movement position of the equipment, and other characteristics, which makes it difficult to realize the miniaturization of the docking structure and the miniaturization requirement of the satellite module. Some docking interfaces, such as the hermaphroditic type, have a relatively short docking distance, a relatively small docking force, and many restrictions on the signal medium transmission interface arranged thereon, and the interface integration is limited, which makes it difficult to realize universal standardized design. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for a microgravity environment, which is distributed on the satellite modules to be connected at both ends, and the two ends are attracted and inserted by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil. The connector has a guide structure to realize attitude adjustment during the docking process, and the electromagnetic force connects the self-locking device of the connector, and the self-locking device provides insertion force for each medium transmission interface.

[0005] The technical scheme of the present application is as follows: The electromagnetic adsorption butt joint connector for micro-gravity environment comprises a front-end butt joint plug 1 and a socket 2, wherein the plug comprises a plug shell 11, and the socket comprises a socket shell 21; a female transmission module 14 is arranged in the plug shell 1, and a male transmission module 24 is arranged in the socket shell 21; an armature component 17 is arranged in the plug shell 11, and an electromagnetic component 27 is arranged in the socket shell 21; 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 demagnetize after the electromagnetic component 27 loses power; a telescopic locking component 12 capable of moving axially along the plug shell 11 under the driving of a power mechanism is further arranged in the plug shell 11, and a locking structure 22 for adapting and locking with the telescopic locking component 12 is arranged on the socket shell 21; before the male transmission module 24 and the female transmission module 14 are inserted, the locking structure 22 is locked with the telescopic locking component 12 under the adsorption of the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27, and then moves to the plug end along with the telescopic locking component 11 to provide insertion power for the male transmission module 24 and the female transmission module 14, so that the plug 1 and the socket 2 are completely inserted.

[0006] The technical scheme of the present application is as follows: The technical scheme of the present application is as follows:

[0007] The male transmission module 14 and the female transmission module 24 of the electromagnetic adsorption butt joint connector for micro-gravity environment comprise an optical path module, a radio frequency module, a low frequency module, a high speed module, an air 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 unified sizes and can be freely replaced as needed.

[0008] The armature component 17 of the electromagnetic adsorption butt joint connector for micro-gravity environment comprises an electromagnetic guide rod 1722 extending axially along the plug shell 11, and the electromagnetic component 27 comprises a guide groove 2731, which is gradually contracted in the radial direction from front to back to realize large-angle guide cooperation with the electromagnetic guide rod 1722.

[0009] The electromagnetic guide rod 1722 of the electromagnetic adsorption butt joint connector for micro-gravity environment is arranged in the armature component 17 in an axially elastic floating manner to prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged when there is a large butt joint error between the plug 1 and the socket 2.

[0010] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments includes an armature component 17 comprising 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. Each 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. Each electromagnetic coil 272 also has a guide core 273 fixed inside it. The front end of the guide core 273 extends out and forms a guide groove 2731 on its front end surface. The guide core 273 also has a guide pin hole 2732 for fitting with the electromagnetic guide rod 1722.

[0011] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments includes a floating magnetic block 1724 at the front end of the electromagnetic block 1721. The floating magnetic block 1724 is axially slidably guided within the electromagnetic block 1721 by a second floating spring 1725, and its front end extends out of the electromagnetic block 1721 through a tapered surface adapted to the guide groove 2731. The electromagnetic guide rod 1722 achieves axial elastic floating engagement with the electromagnetic block 1721 through a first floating spring 1723, and the small-diameter end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 passes through the floating magnetic block 1724 and extends out of the electromagnetic block 1721.

[0012] In the aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments, the first floating spring 1723 presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first magnetic cylinder 1726. The outer periphery of the front end of the first magnetic cylinder 1726 is also slidably fitted with a second magnetic cylinder 1727. The outer periphery of the front end of the second magnetic cylinder 1727 has a flange. The second floating spring 1725 presses the flange onto the floating magnetic block 1724 and radially engages with and limits the floating magnetic block 1724.

[0013] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments includes a guide pin 16 at the front end of the plug housing 11 and a guide sleeve 26 at the front end of the socket housing 21 that cooperates with the guide pin 16 at a large angle. The guide pin 16 can support the plug housing and socket housing when there is a large docking error between the plug 1 and the socket 2, thus preventing the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged by force.

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

[0015] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments triggers a feedback signal after the telescopic locking component 12 is locked to the locking structure 22.

[0016] The aforementioned electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments includes a telescopic locking component 12 comprising a spiral conveying device 121 and a steel ball locking head 122. 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 existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Through the above technical solution, this invention achieves considerable technological advancement and practicality, and has broad industrial application value. It possesses at least the following advantages: the connector of this invention has its two ends distributed on the satellite module to be connected. Magnetic force generated by an electromagnetic coil causes the two ends to attract and mate. A built-in guiding structure adjusts the orientation during the docking process. Electromagnetic force locks the connector's built-in telescopic locking component. Then, relying on an externally connected motor-driven telescopic mechanical locking component, the connector achieves a large-stroke mating, with a mating force exceeding 1000N, meeting the needs of various transmission media mating scenarios.

[0018] The present invention uses electromagnetic adsorption to achieve locking of the locking device, and the insertion of the transmission module is also achieved by 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 optical, electrical, radio frequency, high speed, gas, and liquid. Each transmission function adopts a modular design, and the modules can be selected according to the requirements.

[0019] Compared to purely mechanical docking structures, electromagnetic adsorption docking structures have the advantages of simple structure, fewer parts, ease of implementation, and small size. By controlling the current in the electromagnetic coil, the adsorption distance and docking force can be adjusted. The electromagnetic force acts directly on the armature with good directionality. The electromagnetic adsorption structure, combined with the guiding structure, reduces the complexity of the docking components, making it very suitable for use in the microgravity environment of aerospace.

[0020] The telescopic locking device used in this invention features low initial locking force and reliable locking. Unlocking requires external force, such as a motor. This telescopic locking device reduces the suction force requirement and duration of the electromagnetic adsorption device, lightens its weight, makes the connector practical, and allows for large-scale docking depths with a docking force of up to 1000N, meeting the docking requirements of various transmission modules. Attached Figure Description

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

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a partial cross-section of the connector of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1A schematic diagram of the plug from the side;

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

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the armature component in the diagram;

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

[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] Figure 9 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the transmission module layout in the middle socket;

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

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the electromagnetic adsorption process of the connector plug and socket of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic adsorption process of the connector plug and socket of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the electromagnetic adsorption of the connector plug and socket of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the connector of the present invention locked in place;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the electromagnetic adsorption docking structure of the present invention;

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

[0037] [Explanation of Key Component Symbols]

[0038] 1: Plug 11: Plug housing

[0039] 12: Telescopic locking component 121 Screw conveyor device

[0040] 1211: Transmission nut; 1212: Fixing sleeve

[0041] 1213: Screw; 1214: Ball bearing

[0042] 122: Steel ball locking head; 1221: Locking shaft

[0043] 12211: Clearance slot 12212: First unlock slot

[0044] 1222: First ball bearing; 1223: Second ball bearing

[0045] 1224: Limit sleeve; 12241: Annular groove

[0046] 1225: Limiting spring; 1226: Support sleeve

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

[0048] 13: First Insulator

[0049] 14: Mother-end transmission module; 141: Mother-end optical path module

[0050] 142: Female RF Module; 143: Female High-Speed ​​Module

[0051] 144: Mother terminal low-frequency module; 145: Mother terminal air circuit module

[0052] 15: Mother end hydraulic circuit transfer sheet 16: Guide pin

[0053] 17: Armature component 171: Circular 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 terminal transmission module

[0063] 25: Male-end liquid circuit 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: Reluctance of the first annular magnetic circuit; R2: Reluctance of the second annular magnetic circuit.

[0069] G δ1 First air magnetic resistance G δ1 Second air magnetic resistance Detailed Implementation

[0070] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, details the specific implementation, structure, features, and effects of the electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments proposed according to the present invention.

[0071] Please see Figures 1-14 This is a schematic diagram of the various parts of the electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to the present invention. The connector includes a plug 1 and a socket 2. The plug 1 includes a plug housing 11, which is generally annular. 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 move axially along the plug housing 11 under the drive of a power mechanism. A first insulator 13 is also provided inside the plug housing 11. A female end transmission module 14 with different functions is fixedly assembled inside the first insulator 13. In this embodiment, the first insulator 13 is a central insulator fixedly arranged in the inner ring of the plug housing 11. 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 air path module 145, etc. In this embodiment, all the aforementioned female transmission modules 14 are replaceable modular transmission units. Except for the female high-speed module 143, which has a separate location due to shielding contact requirements, the other female transmission modules 14 have uniform external dimensions and can be interchanged or selected as needed. The outer ring of the plug housing 11 is also provided with a female liquid circuit transmission unit 15, which cools down the female transmission modules 14.

[0072] The socket 2 includes a socket housing 21, which is also ring-shaped. A locking ring 22 is fixedly installed 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 to lock it. After locking with the telescopic locking component 12, it can drive the socket housing 21 to move toward the plug 1 when the telescopic locking component 12 retracts axially, so as to realize the large insertion force of the plug and socket.

[0073] The socket housing 21 also includes a second insulator 23, within which male-end transmission modules 24 with different functions are fixedly assembled. In this embodiment, the second insulator 23 is a central insulator fixedly disposed within the inner ring of the socket housing 21. 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 air path module 245. In this embodiment, all the above-mentioned male-end transmission modules 24 are replaceable modular transmission units. Except for the male-end high-speed module 243, which has a separate specific position due to 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 circuit transmission unit 25, which is used to cool down the male end transmission module 24.

[0075] The plug housing 11 and the socket housing 12 are further guided and connected by a guide pin 16 and a guide sleeve 26 disposed at their front ends. In this embodiment, the guide pin 16 is located on the front end face of the plug housing 11, and the guide sleeve 26 is located on the front end face of the socket housing 21. However, in other embodiments, the positions of the guide pin 16 and the guide sleeve 26 can be interchanged. The front end of the guide sleeve 26 has a guide surface that gradually tapers from front to back; preferably, this guide surface is conical. In this embodiment, the guide pin 16 and the guide sleeve 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 a force for the plug and socket to approach each other. This electromagnetic adsorption device includes an electromagnetic component 27 and an armature component 17, one of which is disposed on the plug housing 11 and the other on the socket housing 21. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic component 27 is fixed to the socket housing 21; the armature component 17 is fixed to the plug housing 11. To prevent leakage, the male-end liquid transmission unit 25 and the female-end liquid transmission unit 15 are separately arranged on the socket housing 21 and the plug housing 11, respectively. They are isolated from other transmission modules in the inner ring by heat-conducting rings on the plug housing 21 and the socket housing 11. This allows the plug housing and the socket housing to not only secure the locking device, the central insulator, the liquid circuit module, the guide pin and guide sleeve, and the electromagnetic adsorption device, but also to conduct heat through the heat-conducting rings to the mating locking device.

[0077] The armature component 17 includes a first annular magnetic circuit 171 and two guide iron 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 iron 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 magnetic core of the socket to achieve guidance and attitude 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 each electromagnetic coil 272 also has a guide core 273 fixed inside. 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 narrows 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. The guide core 273 also has a guide pin hole 2732 coaxial with the guide groove 2731, for the electromagnetic rod 1722 at the front end of the armature component 17 to be inserted. The guide groove 2731 can guide the electromagnetic rod 1722 so that it can smoothly enter the guide pin hole 2731. In this embodiment, the guide groove 2731 is conical. The conical guide groove 2731 of the present invention can guide the plug and socket with large angle and large offset during electromagnetic adsorption, and can also adjust the posture between the two so that they can be accurately connected.

[0079] The first annular magnetic circuit 171, the second annular magnetic circuit 271, the guide core 172, and the electromagnet core 273 of this invention are all made of soft magnetic materials. Furthermore, the magnetic force of the electromagnet core 273 is guided in the same direction by the magnetism of the second annular magnetic circuit 271, which is composed of soft magnetic materials, thus connecting the magnetic forces generated by the two electromagnetic coils into a single unit, forming a horseshoe-shaped magnet. This structural design maximizes the attraction force and fully utilizes the coil's magnetic force. The horseshoe-shaped armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 of this invention both constitute an electromagnetic circuit. Current flowing through the coil generates a magnetic field, which is enhanced within the soft magnetic circuit. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated in the core and primarily used to enhance the attraction force, thereby improving the electromagnet's efficiency. Compared to a single linear solenoid lacking a closed-loop circuit, the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27 of this invention have less magnetic leakage and better electromagnetic energy utilization efficiency.

[0080] In this embodiment, to prevent damage to the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 due to misalignment of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the guide magnetic core caused by excessive posture difference between the plug 1 and the socket 2 or other reasons during docking, 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 a first floating spring 1723. A floating magnetic block 1724 is also floatingly disposed at the front end of the electromagnetic block 1721. 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 within the cavity of the electromagnetic block 1721 and is floatingly connected to the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block 1721 through a second floating spring 1725. The floating magnetic block 1724 achieves axial forward limiting through the cooperation of its front peripheral stepped surface with the front stop surface of the electromagnetic block 1721. The floating magnetic block 1724 has a through hole through which the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 passes. The outer periphery of the front end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is fitted with the inner wall of the through hole with a small clearance. The rear end of the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is axially limited by the floating magnetic block 1724. The first floating spring 1723 provides the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 with an axial force to disengage it from the floating magnetic block 1724. The first floating spring 1723 presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block 1721 through the first magnetic cylinder 1726. The outer periphery of the front end of the first magnetic cylinder 1726 is also slidably fitted with a second magnetic cylinder 1727. The outer periphery of the front end of the second magnetic cylinder 1727 has a flange. The second floating spring 1725 presses the flange onto the floating magnetic block 1724. To prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 and the floating magnetic block 1724 from wobbling when floating axially, the outer peripheral surface of the floating magnetic block 1724 is slidably guided to the inner wall of the electromagnetic block 1721, and the outer peripheral surface of the flange on the second magnetic cylinder 1727 is radially matched and limited to the inner peripheral surface of the rear cavity of the floating magnetic block 1724.

[0081] In this embodiment of the invention, there are two guide pins 16 on the plug housing 11, and the two guide pins 16 and two electromagnetic rods 1722 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the plug housing 11. The two guide pins 16 and the two electromagnetic rods 1722 are also symmetrically distributed around the plug housing 11. Correspondingly, the two guide sleeves 26 and two guide cores 273 evenly distributed around the circumference of the socket housing 12 are divided into two groups, with the two guide sleeves 26 and the two guide cores also symmetrically distributed. To prevent mis-insertion of the aforementioned guiding structure during plug and socket mating, the radial dimension of the guide pin 16 is larger than that of the electromagnetic rod 1722. Correspondingly, the radial dimension of the hole in the guide sleeve 26 that matches the guide pin 16 is also larger than that of the guide pin hole 2731 on the electromagnet core. As a result, when mis-insertion occurs, the guide pin 16 is stuck at the small-sized guide pin hole 2731. At this time, the more easily damaged electromagnetic rod 1722 also reaches the large-sized guide sleeve 26, and it is not under force, which can effectively prevent damage to the electromagnetic rod 1722. At the same time, the cooperation between the guide pin 16 and the guide pin hole 2731 also prevents the plug and socket from getting closer. They need to be separated and adjusted before re-interlocking, avoiding damage caused by continued incorrect insertion.

[0082] Furthermore, the guide pin 16 of this invention can also prevent damage to the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 caused by excessive differences in the posture of the plug and socket. When there is a large misalignment error between the plug and socket, the guide structure cannot play a guiding role. At this time, the guide structure will first contact the housing at the other end. Since the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 is an axial telescopic structure, under the premise of having a guide pin 16 without axial telescopic floating function, the blocking cooperation between the guide pin 16 and the front end face of the socket housing ensures that there is sufficient distance between the plug and socket, which can prevent the electromagnetic guide rod 1722 from being damaged by a large axial force after reaching its maximum telescopic length.

[0083] In this invention, the socket 2 moves closer to the plug 1 under the electromagnetic attraction of the electromagnetic component 27 and the armature component 17. Electromagnetic adsorption docking is achieved through the large-angle guidance of the guide pin 16 and guide sleeve 26, and the large-angle guidance of the electromagnetic rod 1722 and guide core 273. When the socket 2 moves to a certain extent, the telescopic locking component 12 and the locking ring 22 cooperate to lock, simultaneously triggering a locking feedback signal. This stops the electromagnetic component 27 from supplying power and simultaneously starts the drive mechanism of the telescopic locking component 12, causing 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 towards the plug, allowing the plug and socket to be properly inserted. This ensures that the male and female ends of the various functional modules at both ends are properly connected. The plug and socket also have a proper insertion feedback function, which sends a stop signal to the drive structure of the telescopic locking component 12.

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

[0085] The spiral conveying device 121 includes a transmission nut 1211 rotatably disposed in the plug housing 1. A fixing sleeve 1212 is fixedly disposed inside the transmission nut 1211. A screw 1213 is assembled inside the fixing sleeve 1212. The screw 1213 rotatably engages with the fixing sleeve 1212, enabling the rotational motion of the transmission nut 1211 to be converted into axial movement. The fixing sleeve 1212 has multiple sets of through holes evenly spaced along the axial direction and equipped with balls 1214. The trajectory formed by the through holes is consistent with the spiral raceway of the screw 1213. This ensures that when the fixing sleeve 1212 is assembled with the transmission nut 1211 and the screw 1213, the balls 1214 in the through holes of the fixing sleeve 1212 are constrained by the cylindrical surface of the inner circumference of the transmission nut 1211 and the spiral raceway on the screw 1213, respectively. When the transmission nut 1211 drives the fixed sleeve 1212 to rotate together, the ball 1214 will rotate together with the fixed sleeve 12122, thereby driving the screw 1213 to produce axial movement.

[0086] The steel ball locking head 122 is fixed to the front end of the screw 1213, and the steel ball locking head 122 includes a locking shaft 1221, a first ball 1222, a second ball 1223, a limiting sleeve 1224, a limiting spring 1225, and a support sleeve 1226. The locking shaft 1221 is fixedly disposed in the support sleeve 1226, and a relief groove 12211 is provided on one side of the locking shaft 1221. The relief groove 12211 extends along the locking shaft 12213. 21 extends axially to the front end face of the locking shaft 1221. The support sleeve 1226 has 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 on the side corresponding to the relief groove 12211. The locking shaft 1221 also has a first unlocking groove 12212 that partially accommodates the first ball 1222 at the position corresponding to the first locking hole 12261. The limiting sleeve 1224 is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the support sleeve 1226. The limiting spring 1225 provides the limiting sleeve 1224 with the power to slide axially forward. The inner side of the limiting sleeve 1224 is also provided with an annular groove 12241 for avoiding the second ball 1223. The second ball 1223 is located in the second locking hole 12262, and its upper end is limited by the bottom of the clearance groove 1221, while its 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, preventing it from coming out of the front end of the support sleeve 1226. The inner wall of the front end of the limiting sleeve 1224 slides with a small gap with the support sleeve 1226, 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, within which a locking feedback component is installed. This locking feedback component can send a stop-operation feedback signal to the electromagnetic component 27 when the locking shaft 1221 and the locking housing 221 are locked together by the first ball bearing 1222. In this embodiment, the locking housing 221 is locked together with a steel ball locking head via a locking groove 2211 at its front end. Specifically, when the plug and socket approach each other under the action of electromagnetic force, the support sleeve 1226 enters the cavity at the front end of the locking housing 221. At the same time, as the plug and socket continue to approach each other, the front end face of the limiting sleeve 1224 is blocked by the front end face of the locking housing 221. When the plug and socket continue to approach each other, the support sleeve 1226 continues to extend into the locking housing, and the first ball 1222 disengages from the limiting sleeve 1224 and enters the locking housing 221 along with the support sleeve 1226. When it moves to the position corresponding to the locking groove 2211 in the locking housing 221, the lower part of the first ball 1222 falls into the locking groove 2211, while the upper part remains in the relief groove 1211. At this time, the telescopic locking component locks with the locking ring.

[0088] The locking feedback component includes an insulating support 222, which has a contact mounting hole. The bottom of the contact mounting hole has a first inner conductor with a tail wire. The front end of a second inner conductor 223 is slidably disposed in the contact mounting hole. The second inner conductor 223 and the insulating support 222 are also axially floatingly connected through an elastic floating component. When the steel ball locking head is locked with the locking housing, the second inner conductor 223 is pushed by the support sleeve 1226 to compress the elastic floating component and retract to make contact with the first inner conductor, thereby triggering a feedback signal.

[0089] In this embodiment of the invention, the elastic floating component includes a floating spring 224, a floating support 225, and a connecting conductor 226. The front end of the second inner conductor 223 is fixedly connected to the connecting conductor 226. The floating support 225 slides against the inner wall of the locking housing. The floating spring 224 is located between the insulating support 222 and the connecting conductor 226. That is, the connecting conductor 226 is pressed against the floating support 225 under the action of the floating spring 224. When the support sleeve 1226 enters the locking housing 221, it pushes the floating support 225, which in turn pushes the connecting conductor 226 backward. This causes the connecting conductor 226 to compress the floating spring 224, causing the second floating inner conductor 223 to slide until it contacts and conducts with the first inner conductor.

[0090] The specific usage process of the connector of this invention is described as follows:

[0091] In a microgravity environment, when the satellite unit equipped with the connector moves to a distance where it can be attracted, the electromagnetic adsorption device is powered on, generating an adsorption force that brings the satellite unit plug 1 and socket 2 closer together. Driven by the electromagnetic attraction, the connectors begin to mate once they reach a certain distance. First, the guide pin 16 on the plug 1 and the tapered guide hole at the front end of the guide sleeve 26, as well as the guide rod 1722 and the tapered guide hole at the front end of the electromagnet core 273, guide and correct the position and posture of the plug and socket, achieving coarse guidance and positioning when they mate. Then, as the plug and socket continue to approach each other, precise positioning is achieved through the cooperation of the guide pin and the corresponding pin hole, and the cooperation of the electromagnetic rod and the corresponding guide pin hole. Finally, the telescopic locking component located at the center of the connector is fitted and locked with the locking ring (at this time, the telescopic locking component is in the extended state, which can lock before other components of the connector are inserted. The electromagnetic force mainly meets the locking force required by the locking component), triggering a feedback signal, which controls the electromagnetic adsorption device to stop working.

[0092] After the electromagnetic adsorption device stops working, the motor drives the spiral conveyor 121 of the telescopic locking component to move. The spiral conveyor 121 drives the steel ball locking head 122 to move backward, providing mating force for the connector plug and socket multi-media transmission module, so that the connector plug and socket are mated in place. After the connector plug and socket are mated in place, a positioning signal is triggered, and the positioning signal controls the motor to stop working.

[0093] When separation is required, the motor reverses the direction of the spiral conveyor 121 to achieve connector separation.

[0094] In other embodiments of the present invention, the housings of the connector plug and socket may also be formed using other structures, and are not limited to the annular shape of this application. The connector plug and socket may also achieve coarse guidance and attitude adjustment solely through an electromagnetic adsorption device, eliminating the need for guide pins and guide sleeves, or increasing the number of guide pins and guide sleeves as needed. The plug and socket of the present invention may also employ other mechanical structures for locking. The structure of the telescopic locking component is not limited to the combination of the screw drive device and the steel ball locking head in the embodiments of the present invention, and the locking structure adapted to the telescopic locking component is not limited to the locking ring in the embodiments of the present invention; it only needs to provide engagement power to 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 inserted into place. At this time, the telescopic locking component and the adapted locking structure may not trigger feedback when locking, or the triggered feedback is feedback that makes the power structure of the telescopic locking structure start working.

[0096] Please see Figure 15 and Figure 16 The present invention also provides an electromagnetic adsorption device composed of the armature component 17 and the electromagnetic component 27, and a scheme 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 socket 2, and the plug 1 and socket 2 are locked by the telescopic locking device. This telescopic locking device locks the plug 1 and socket 2 before they are inserted. The electromagnetic adsorption docking structure provides the power for automatic locking of the telescopic locking device, while the telescopic locking device provides the insertion power for the plug and socket to complete the docking of their components after locking. The plug 1 and socket 2 can be the plug and socket described in various embodiments of the present invention, or other structures.

[0097] The present invention comprises an armature component and an electromagnetic component in an electromagnetic adsorption docking structure. Figure 16The illustrated ring-shaped magnetic circuit, once established, constrains magnetic field lines, increases magnetic flux, and enhances the magnetic attraction of the docking structure. Specifically, both the electromagnetic component and the armature component of this invention form a horseshoe-shaped structure and constitute an electromagnetic loop. Current flowing through the coil generates a magnetic field, which is amplified within the soft magnetic circuit. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated in the iron core and primarily used to enhance the attraction force, thereby improving the electromagnet's efficiency. Compared to a single linear solenoid lacking a closed-loop circuit, this invention, by forming a closed ring circuit, reduces magnetic leakage and achieves better efficiency in utilizing electromagnetic energy.

[0098] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments, comprising a plug and a socket for mating, wherein the plug includes a plug housing, the socket includes a socket housing, the plug housing houses a female transmission module, and the socket housing houses a male transmission module, characterized in that: It also includes an electromagnetic adsorption device, which comprises an armature component and an electromagnetic component. The armature component is fixed to the plug housing, and the electromagnetic component is fixed to the socket housing. The armature component and the electromagnetic component provide the power to bring the plug and socket closer together, and can demagnetize the electromagnetic component after it is de-energized. The plug housing is also provided with a telescopic locking component that can move axially along the plug housing under the drive of the power mechanism. The socket housing is provided with a locking structure for fitting and locking with the telescopic locking component. The locking structure can lock with the telescopic locking component under the adsorption of the armature component and the electromagnetic component. The telescopic locking component retracts axially along the plug housing under the drive of the power mechanism, causing the socket housing to move towards the plug end with the telescopic locking component, providing docking power for the male and female transmission modules, so that the plug and socket are fully inserted.

2. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The male and female transmission modules 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. The high-speed module and the liquid path module are set separately, while the other modules have the same external dimensions and can be freely replaced as needed.

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

4. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electromagnetic guide rod can float elastically along the mating direction to prevent damage to the electromagnetic guide rod when there is a large mating error between the plug and the socket.

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

6. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 5, characterized in that: The front end of the electromagnetic block is also provided with a floating magnetic block, which is axially slidably guided inside the electromagnetic block by a second floating spring, and its front end extends out of the electromagnetic block with a tapered surface adapted to the guide groove; the electromagnetic guide rod achieves axial elastic floating cooperation with the electromagnetic block through a first floating spring, and the small-diameter end of 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 environments according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first floating spring presses the bottom end face of the electromagnetic block with the first magnetic cylinder. The outer periphery of the front end of the first magnetic cylinder is also slidably fitted with a second magnetic cylinder. The outer periphery of the front end of the second magnetic cylinder has a flange. The flange is pressed onto the floating magnetic block by the second floating spring and is radially matched and limited by the floating magnetic block.

8. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to any one of claims 3-7, characterized in that: The plug housing has a guide pin at the front end, and the socket housing has a guide sleeve at the front end that cooperates with the guide pin at a large angle. The guide pin can support the plug housing and socket housing when there is a large misalignment between the plug and the socket, thus preventing the electromagnetic rod from being damaged by force.

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

10. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 9, characterized in that: The radial dimension of the guide pin is larger than that of the electromagnetic rod, so that when the plug and socket are mis-inserted, the guide pin is stuck at the small guide pin hole, preventing the plug and socket from getting closer.

11. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic locking component will trigger a feedback signal after locking with the locking structure.

12. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 11, characterized in that: The telescopic locking component includes a spiral conveying device and a steel ball locking head. 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 environments according to claim 12, characterized in that: The spiral conveying device includes a transmission nut rotatably disposed in the plug housing, a fixed sleeve fixedly disposed inside the transmission nut, and a screw rod assembled inside the fixed sleeve. The screw rod rotatably engages with the fixed sleeve, enabling the rotational movement of the transmission nut to be converted into axial movement. The steel ball locking head is fixed to the front end of the screw rod.

14. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 13, characterized in that: The steel ball locking head includes a locking shaft, a first ball, a second ball, a limiting sleeve, a limiting spring, and a support sleeve. The locking shaft is fixedly installed inside the support sleeve, and one side of it has a relief groove extending axially to the front end face. On the side of the support sleeve corresponding to the relief groove, a first locking hole for the first ball to pass through and a second locking hole for the second ball to pass through are distributed axially back and forth. The locking shaft also has a first unlocking groove partially accommodating the first ball at a position corresponding to the first locking hole. The limiting sleeve is slidably fitted onto the outer circumference of the support sleeve. The lower end of the ball is located in the annular groove on the limiting sleeve. The limiting spring provides the limiting sleeve with the power to slide forward axially, so that the inner wall of the front end of the limiting sleeve slides with a small gap to the support sleeve. When the limiting sleeve is axially limited forward by the second ball, the upper end of the first ball is located in the first unlocking groove. The locking ring includes a locking housing. The front end of the locking housing has a cavity for the support sleeve to enter. The inner wall of the cavity has a locking groove that is adapted to lock the first ball. When the first ball falls into the locking groove, the front end of the limiting sleeve is blocked by the front end of the locking housing.

15. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to claim 14, characterized in that: The locking housing also includes a locking feedback component, which comprises an insulating support portion. The insulating support portion has a contact mounting hole, and a first inner conductor and a second inner conductor are arranged front and rear within the contact mounting hole. The first inner conductor is located at the rear of the contact mounting hole, and the second inner conductor is slidably disposed at the front of the contact mounting hole. The front of the insulating support portion also has an elastic floating component for providing a force to the second inner conductor to move it away from the first inner conductor. When the steel ball locking head locks with the locking housing, the second inner conductor is pushed by the support sleeve to compress the elastic floating component and retract, thereby achieving contact and conduction with the first inner conductor, thus triggering a feedback signal.

16. The electromagnetic adsorption docking connector for microgravity environments according to any one of claims 2-7 and 9-10, characterized in that: The telescopic locking component and locking structure are located in the cavities at the center of the plug housing and the socket housing, respectively. The inner rings of the plug housing and the socket housing are 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 on the outer ring of the socket housing / plug housing.

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