Automatic plugging device of electric connector

Abstract

An electric connector automatic plugging device provided by the present invention comprises a fixed socket, a reciprocating motion mechanism, a button mechanism, a locking mechanism and a plug floating mechanism, the reciprocating motion mechanism is installed below the button mechanism, the locking mechanism is installed in the reciprocating motion mechanism, the plug floating mechanism is installed at the front end of the reciprocating motion mechanism, and the plug floating mechanism is installed in the button mechanism. The plug floating mechanism is used for dynamically matching and fixing the socket. The device has the beneficial effects that the structure is simple, the function is complete, and the plugging work can be automatically completed; a pure mechanical structure can be separated from an external power source to work independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of product docking and assembly, and in particular relates to an automatic plugging device for an electric connector. Background Art

[0002] For scenarios such as automatic replacement of battery packs on transfer vehicles and automatic power supply of equipment, since there is no human intervention, the following problems exist when automatically plugging in electrical connectors: when plugging in electrical connectors, if there is no human assistance, it is difficult to plug in the male and female ends of the electrical connectors considering the interchangeability and alignment requirements of the plugs; the automatic insertion of electrical connectors requires a power source, but the entire vehicle is powered off when the transfer vehicle is changing batteries, so an external power source is required to drive it, and the automatic plugging device itself must meet the requirements of detachable external power source input.

[0003] The prior art relates to an automatic plugging mechanism, which mainly includes a body, a manipulator, a side push mechanism, and a flip mechanism, etc., to achieve the function of automatic plugging. Compared with the present invention, this mechanism has the following disadvantages: a complex structure, high manufacturing cost, and a large number of electrical components, which cannot be used in special environments such as explosion-proof environments.

[0004] The prior art relates to an automatic connector plugging mechanism, which includes a connector suction and positioning module and an FPC connector suction and positioning module, enabling automatic plugging of two electrical connectors. Compared to the present invention, this mechanism has shortcomings: it relies on a motor drive and is equipped with a suction and positioning mechanism, a force sensor, and a depth detection sensor. This results in a complex structure and inability to use an external power source, making it unsuitable for plugging electrical connectors into mobile devices such as vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide an automatic plugging device for an electrical connector to solve the problem that the electrical connector is difficult to plug and cannot work independently without an external power source.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0007] An automatic plugging device for an electrical connector includes a fixed socket, a reciprocating motion mechanism, a button mechanism, a locking mechanism and a plug floating mechanism. The reciprocating motion mechanism is installed below the button mechanism, the locking mechanism is installed inside the reciprocating motion mechanism, and the plug floating mechanism is installed at the front end of the reciprocating motion mechanism. The plug floating mechanism is used to dynamically match the fixed socket.

[0008] Furthermore, the button mechanism includes three buttons and a button frame. The three buttons are installed in the button frame. The three buttons are respectively an insert button, an extract button and an unlock button. The three buttons are distributed in an equilateral triangle. The three buttons pass through the spring and the insert button, the extract button and the unlock button are respectively located below them.

[0009] Furthermore, the reciprocating motion mechanism includes a plug mounting plate, which is mounted on the mechanism base plate through a slide rail. Two vertical guide rails are installed on the inner side of the plug mounting plate. The two guide rails are respectively slidably connected to sliders, and the two sliders are respectively installed with hinged supports. The two hinged supports are respectively connected to one end of the horizontal connecting rod, and the other ends of the two connecting rods respectively penetrate the pressing frame and the linear bearing and are movably connected to the rear end support frame. The two pressing frames are also respectively penetrated by vertical guide rods, and the insertion button and the extraction button are respectively installed above a pressing frame, and the rear end support frame is installed on the mechanism base plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a locking mechanism base, a locking hook, a tensioning spring, a key sliding seat and an unlocking button. A locking hook is installed above the locking mechanism base, and the locking hook is connected to the locking mechanism base through two tensioning springs. The two tensioning springs are installed on both sides of the locking hook. A key sliding seat is installed above the locking hook. The key sliding seat is installed inside the rear end support frame. A spring is installed above the key sliding seat, and the unlocking button passes through the spring and the key sliding seat.

[0011] Furthermore, the plug floating mechanism includes a floating plug, a floating plug limit frame and a nitrogen spring. The floating plug limit frame is installed on the outer side of the front end of the plug mounting plate. The floating plug passes through the floating plug limit frame and is connected to four nitrogen springs. The four nitrogen springs are installed on the inner side of the front end of the plug mounting plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixed socket is used to match a floating plug, and the floating plug includes a guide pin and a positioning pin. The floating plug is aligned with the fixed socket through the guide pin, the positioning pin and the positioning hole of the fixed socket. The four nitrogen springs provide a dynamic floating range for the alignment process.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the automatic plugging device for electrical connectors described in the present invention has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. The present invention designs an automatic connector plug-in device, which can be used to realize the automatic plug-in of electrical connectors during the process of battery replacement of transfer vehicles and automatic power supply of equipment.

[0015] 2. The present invention has the characteristics of simple structure: the present invention is composed of simple mechanical parts, with simple structure and stable function, without electrical components such as motors, and can be applied to special use environments such as explosion-proof.

[0016] 3. The present invention has the characteristics of strong operability: the present invention utilizes an external button-type power source input method, has strong operability, and is highly compatible with the input power source form.

[0017] 4. The present invention has the characteristic of flexible use: in response to the demand for plugging in electrical connectors in explosion-proof environments, the device can be placed in the body of a transfer vehicle or in a fixed installation position.

[0018] 5. The present invention enables the insertion, removal, and locking of the electrical connector. A floating mechanism is provided at the front end to meet the requirements for automatic plugging of the electrical connector. When externally driven automatic plugging is required, the insertion and removal of the electrical connector can be achieved by manually or using an external power source such as a cylinder. The unlock button must be kept pressed during operation to avoid damage to the connector caused by improper plugging and unplugging.

[0019] 6. The present invention has a high degree of modularity: the present invention is a self-contained module, which is easy to replace and maintain in the event of a failure or during routine maintenance.

[0020] 7. The present invention has wide versatility: it can be used in confined installation spaces such as transfer vehicles, as well as in equipment locations such as platforms. Furthermore, it can achieve automatic plugging and unplugging of electrical connectors by switching power sources such as electricity, gas, and hydraulics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a reciprocating motion mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a plug floating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operation from the inserted state to the unplugged state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operation from the unplugging state to the plugging state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Fixed socket; 2. Reciprocating motion mechanism; 201. Plug mounting plate; 202. Slider; 203. Articulated support; 204. Connecting rod; 205. Guide rail; 206. Guide rod; 207. Pressing frame; 208. Mechanism base; 209. Linear bearing; 210. Rear end support frame; 3. Key mechanism; 4. Locking mechanism; 401. Locking hook; 402. Locking mechanism base; 403. Tension spring; 404. Key sliding seat; 405. Unlocking button; 5. Plug floating mechanism; 501. Floating plug; 502. Floating plug limit frame; 503. Nitrogen spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0034] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, an automatic plugging device for an electrical connector includes a fixed socket 1, a reciprocating motion mechanism 2, a button mechanism 3, a locking mechanism 4 and a plug floating mechanism 5. The reciprocating motion mechanism 2 is installed below the button mechanism 3, the locking mechanism 4 is installed inside the reciprocating motion mechanism 2, and the plug floating mechanism 5 is installed at the front end of the reciprocating motion mechanism 2. The plug floating mechanism 5 is used to dynamically match the fixed socket 1.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the button mechanism 3 includes three buttons and a button frame, and the three buttons are installed in the button frame. The three buttons are respectively an insert button, an unplug button and an unlock button. The three buttons are distributed in an equilateral triangle. The three buttons pass through the spring and the insert button, the unplug button and the unlock button 405 are respectively corresponding below them. The reciprocating motion mechanism 2 includes a plug mounting plate 201, which is mounted on the mechanism base plate 208 through a slide rail. Two vertical guide rails 205 are installed on the inner side of the plug mounting plate 201. The two guide rails 205 are respectively slidably connected to the slider 202. The two sliders 202 are respectively installed with a hinged support 203. The two hinged supports 203 are respectively connected to one end of the horizontal connecting rod 204. The other ends of the two connecting rods 204 respectively pass through the pressing frame 207 and the linear bearing 209 and are movably connected to the rear end support frame 210. The two pressing frames 207 are also respectively penetrated by the vertical guide rod 206. The insert button and the pull-out button are respectively installed above a pressing frame 207. The rear end support frame 210 is installed on the mechanism base plate 208. The locking mechanism 4 includes a locking mechanism base 402, a locking hook 401, a tensioning spring 403, a key sliding seat 404 and an unlocking button 405. The locking hook 401 is installed above the locking mechanism base 402, and the locking hook 401 is connected to the locking mechanism base 402 through two tensioning springs 403. The two tensioning springs 403 are installed on both sides of the locking hook 401. A key sliding seat 404 is installed above the locking hook 401. The key sliding seat 404 is installed inside the rear end support frame 210. A spring is installed above the key sliding seat 404, and the unlocking button 405 passes through the spring and the key sliding seat 404. The floating plug mechanism 5 comprises a floating plug 501, a floating plug retaining frame 502, and nitrogen springs 503. The floating plug retaining frame 502 is mounted on the front exterior of the plug mounting plate 201. The floating plug 501 extends through the floating plug retaining frame 502 and connects to four nitrogen springs 503, which are mounted on the front interior of the plug mounting plate 201. The fixed socket 1 is designed to mate with the floating plug 501. The floating plug 501 includes guide pins and positioning pins. The floating plug 501 is aligned with the fixed socket 1 using the guide pins, positioning pins, and positioning holes in the fixed socket 1. The four nitrogen springs 503 provide a dynamic floating range for this alignment process. In this embodiment, when the unlock button is pressed, the unlock button 405 is depressed, driving the locking hook 401 upward, thereby releasing the locking mechanism 4. When the extraction button is pressed, the extraction button, provided the unlock button is already depressed, drives the reciprocating mechanism 2 inward. When the insert button is pressed, under the premise that the unlock button has been pressed, the insert button is pressed down to drive the reciprocating motion mechanism 2 to slide outward.

[0037] The working principle of the present invention is as follows:

[0038] Figure 6 The figure shows the plug-in state. When the plug needs to be unplugged, the specific operation process is as follows:

[0039] (1) The unlock button on the key mechanism 3 is pressed by external force, and the unlock button presses the unlock button 405 of the locking mechanism 4, so that the locking hook 401 is lifted, and the reciprocating motion mechanism 3 is unlocked (keep pressing the unlock button).

[0040] (2) The unplug button on the key mechanism 3 is pressed by an external force. The unplug button presses the pressing frame 207 in the reciprocating mechanism 3. When the pressing frame 207 below the unplug button moves downward, it drives the slider 202 to move upward. Since the connecting crossbar 204 is of a fixed length, when the pressing frame 207 moves downward, the rear slider 202 slides backward, driving the plug mounting plate 201 to move backward, thereby causing the reciprocating mechanism to unplug the plug. After reaching the unplug position (the unplug button reaches the limit of travel), the unplug button and the unlock button on the key mechanism 3 are lifted to lock the reciprocating mechanism after the plug is unplugged.

[0041] Figure 7 The figure shows the unplugged state. When the plug needs to be inserted, the specific operation process is as follows:

[0042] (1) The unlock button on the key mechanism 3 is pressed by external force, and the unlock button presses the unlock button 405 of the locking mechanism 4, so that the locking hook 401 is lifted, and the reciprocating motion mechanism 3 is unlocked (keep pressing the unlock button).

[0043] (2) The insertion button on the key mechanism 3 is pressed by an external force, and the insertion button presses the pressing frame 207 in the reciprocating mechanism 3. When the pressing frame 207 below the insertion button moves downward, it drives the slider 202 to move downward. Since the connecting cross bar 204 is of a fixed length, when the pressing frame 207 moves downward, the rear end slider 202 slides forward, driving the plug mounting plate 201 to move forward, so that the reciprocating mechanism inserts the plug.

[0044] (3) The guide pins and positioning pins on the floating plug 501 in the plug floating mechanism 5 cooperate with the holes on the fixed socket 1 to achieve alignment, and the nitrogen spring 503 provides a floating range to achieve floating guide insertion between the floating plug 501 and the fixed socket 1.

[0045] (4) After reaching the insertion position (the insertion button reaches the limit stroke), lift the insertion button and the unlocking button on the key mechanism 3 to lock the reciprocating mechanism after the plug is inserted.

[0046] The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0047] 1. The present invention designs an automatic connector plug-in device, which can be used to realize the automatic plug-in of electrical connectors during the process of battery replacement of transfer vehicles and automatic power supply of equipment.

[0048] 2. The present invention has the characteristics of simple structure: the present invention is composed of simple mechanical parts, with simple structure and stable function, without electrical components such as motors, and can be applied to special use environments such as explosion-proof.

[0049] 3. The present invention has the characteristics of strong operability: the present invention utilizes an external button-type power source input method, has strong operability, and is highly compatible with the input power source form.

[0050] 4. The present invention has the characteristic of flexible use: in response to the demand for plugging in electrical connectors in explosion-proof environments, the device can be placed in the body of a transfer vehicle or in a fixed installation position.

[0051] 5. The present invention enables the insertion, removal, and locking of the electrical connector. A floating mechanism is provided at the front end to meet the requirements for automatic plugging of the electrical connector. When externally driven automatic plugging is required, the insertion and removal of the electrical connector can be achieved by manually or using an external power source such as a cylinder. The unlock button must be kept pressed during operation to avoid damage to the connector caused by improper plugging and unplugging.

[0052] 6. The present invention has a high degree of modularity: the present invention is a self-contained module, which is easy to replace and maintain in the event of a failure or during routine maintenance.

[0053] 7. The present invention has wide versatility: it can be used in confined installation spaces such as transfer vehicles, as well as in equipment locations such as platforms. Furthermore, it can achieve automatic plugging and unplugging of electrical connectors by switching power sources such as electricity, gas, and hydraulics.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic plugging device for an electrical connector, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fixed socket (1), a reciprocating mechanism (2), a key mechanism (3), a locking mechanism (4) and a plug floating mechanism (5); the reciprocating mechanism (2) is installed below the key mechanism (3); the locking mechanism (4) is installed inside the reciprocating mechanism (2); the plug floating mechanism (5) is installed at the front end of the reciprocating mechanism (2); and the plug floating mechanism (5) is used for dynamically matching the fixed socket (1).

2. The automatic plugging device for an electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button mechanism (3) comprises three buttons and a button frame. The three buttons are installed in the button frame. The three buttons are respectively an insert button, an extract button and an unlock button. The three buttons are distributed in an equilateral triangle. The three buttons pass through the spring and the insert button, the extract button and the unlock button (405) are respectively located below the three buttons.

3. The automatic plugging device for an electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reciprocating motion mechanism (2) includes a plug mounting plate (201), the plug mounting plate (201) is mounted on the mechanism base plate (208) through a slide rail, two vertical guide rails (205) are mounted on the inner side of the plug mounting plate (201), the two guide rails (205) are respectively slidably connected to a slider (202), the two sliders (202) are respectively mounted with a hinged support (203), the two hinged supports (203) are respectively connected to one end of a horizontal connecting rod (204), the other ends of the two connecting rods (204) respectively penetrate a pressing frame (207) and a linear bearing (209) and are movably connected to a rear end support frame (210), the two pressing frames (207) are also respectively penetrated by a vertical guide rod (206), the insertion button and the extraction button are respectively mounted above one pressing frame (207), and the rear end support frame (210) is mounted on the mechanism base plate (208).

4. The automatic plugging device for an electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (4) comprises a locking mechanism base (402), a locking hook (401), a tensioning spring (403), a key sliding seat (404) and an unlocking button (405). A locking hook (401) is installed above the locking mechanism base (402), and the locking hook (401) is connected to the locking mechanism base (402) through two tensioning springs (403). The two tensioning springs (403) are installed on both sides of the locking hook (401). A key sliding seat (404) is installed above the locking hook (401). The key sliding seat (404) is installed inside the rear end support frame (210). A spring is installed above the key sliding seat (404), and the unlocking button (405) passes through the spring and the key sliding seat (404).

5. The automatic plugging device for an electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plug floating mechanism (5) comprises a floating plug (501), a floating plug limiting frame (502) and a nitrogen spring (503); the floating plug limiting frame (502) is mounted on the front outer side of the plug mounting plate (201); the floating plug (501) passes through the floating plug limiting frame (502) and is connected to four nitrogen springs (503); the four nitrogen springs (503) are mounted on the front inner side of the plug mounting plate (201).

6. The automatic plugging device for an electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixed socket (1) is used to match the floating plug (501), and the floating plug (501) includes a guide pin and a positioning pin. The floating plug (501) is aligned with the fixed socket (1) through the guide pin, the positioning pin and the positioning hole of the fixed socket (1). The four nitrogen springs (503) provide a dynamic floating range for the alignment process.

Images