Rotary locking underwater wet plugging connector

Abstract

The invention discloses a rotary locking underwater wet plugging connector, which comprises a first plug connector and a second plug connector which are mutually plugged, the first plug connector comprises a first shell, a convex key is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first shell, the second plug connector comprises a second shell, a key slot is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second shell, and the convex key is inserted into the key slot. The key groove comprises a first groove part formed by extending in the axial direction of the second shell and a second groove part formed by extending in the circumferential direction of the second shell, the second groove part is communicated with the end, away from the second end face of the second shell, of the first groove part, and an elastic piece is arranged in the second shell and abuts against the first shell. The elastic component is used for applying elastic thrust opposite to the first direction to the first shell so that the protruding key can abut against the upper side wall of the second groove part. High-precision coaxial alignment can be achieved, meanwhile, the operation difficulty of a diver in the water flow interference and space limited environment is greatly reduced, the situation that screwing is not in place or damage is caused due to excessive screwing is avoided, and the connection stability and the operation reliability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as marine resource development and underwater facility maintenance, underwater wet-mating connectors play a crucial role, and the performance of their locking systems directly affects the stability and reliability of the entire connection. With the increasing complexity of marine engineering operating environments and the continuous improvement of operational requirements, the design of locking systems for underwater wet-mating connectors faces even greater challenges.

[0003] Traditional locking methods for underwater wet-plug connectors are generally threaded locking, which relies on the engagement of the internal thread of the plug housing and the external thread of the socket housing. While threaded locking offers advantages such as simple structure and low cost, it has several significant drawbacks when adapting to complex underwater operating scenarios and high-precision connection requirements: First, it lacks precision. Relying on the helical engagement of the threads for docking, it is prone to thread misalignment due to factors such as human or tool operation deviations and obstructed underwater visibility, making it difficult to ensure high-precision coaxial alignment of the plug and socket, which can easily lead to poor contact and signal loss. Second, divers are limited by water resistance and operating space, requiring repeated tightening to complete the locking process, which is difficult to operate and prone to problems such as incomplete tightening or over-tightening and damage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector that enables high-precision coaxial alignment while significantly reducing the operational difficulty for divers in environments with water flow interference and limited space. It also avoids situations where the connector is not tightened properly or is over-tightened, thereby improving connection stability and operational reliability.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector includes a first connector and a second connector that are mutually inserted.

[0007] The first connector includes a first housing, and a key is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first housing;

[0008] The second connector includes a second housing, and a keyway is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second housing. The keyway includes a first groove extending along the axial direction of the second housing and a second groove extending along the circumferential direction of the second housing. The second groove is connected to the end of the first groove away from the second end face of the second housing.

[0009] When the first connector is inserted into the second connector in the first direction, the convex key is at least partially accommodated in the first groove and slides along the axial direction of the first groove until the convex key moves to the position of the second groove. Then, the first housing is rotated to drive the convex key to slide towards the second groove until the convex key is at least partially accommodated in the second groove.

[0010] An elastic element is provided inside the second housing. One end of the elastic element is connected to the second housing and the other end abuts against the first housing. It is used to apply an elastic thrust to the first housing in the opposite direction to the first direction, so that the convex key abuts against the upper sidewall of the second groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper sidewall of the second groove is recessed to form a mounting groove that mates with the convex key;

[0012] When the convex key mates with the mounting groove, the elastic element is in a compressed state.

[0013] Furthermore, a protrusion is formed on the upper sidewall of the second groove, the protrusion being disposed adjacent to the mounting groove and located on the side of the mounting groove closer to the first groove, for limiting the protruding key.

[0014] Furthermore, a recess is formed on the upper sidewall of the second groove, the recess being located on the side of the protrusion away from the mounting groove, and the depth of the recess relative to the lowest point of the upper sidewall surface is greater than the depth of the mounting groove relative to the upper sidewall surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the protrusion includes a main body portion with an arc-shaped top and a first transition portion and a second transition portion extending from the main body portion along its two sides and with a gradually decreasing thickness.

[0016] The surface of the first transition portion smoothly transitions to the surface of the recess, and the edge of the second transition portion away from the main body portion is connected to the side wall forming the mounting groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the convex key is in the shape of an annular racetrack, and the axial length of the convex key is not greater than the minimum width of the second groove.

[0018] Furthermore, the convex key is clearance-fitted with the sidewall of the first groove.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple convex keys are provided, and the multiple convex keys are evenly distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first outer shell;

[0020] Each of the keyways corresponds to and is engaged with a corresponding convex key.

[0021] Furthermore, the first housing has a first end face facing the side of the second housing, and the first end face abuts against the elastic member.

[0022] Furthermore, a base is provided inside the second outer shell, and the base forms a fixing groove. When the elastic member is in a free state, one end of the elastic member is fixed in the fixing groove, and the other end extends out of the fixing groove and abuts against the first outer shell.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are:

[0024] 1. The first and second connectors in this invention adopt a combination structure of "axial insertion + circumferential rotation locking", which realizes convenient operation with only two steps of "insertion-rotation" without complicated tools. This facilitates rapid operation of underwater robots or humans in confined spaces, greatly reduces the difficulty of operation in environments with water flow interference and limited space, avoids damage from over-tightening or incomplete tightening, improves connection stability and operational reliability, and is suitable for long-term use in shallow and medium water scenarios such as marine exploration and underwater equipment power supply.

[0025] 2. By setting a recessed mounting groove on the upper side wall of the second groove and positioning it at the end of the second groove to mate with the convex key, and combining it with an elastic element in a compressed state, the self-positioning and locking of the convex key is achieved. This further prevents the convex key from dislodging from the second groove under vibration or external force, improves the overall tensile strength and reliability of the connector, and also helps operators judge whether the locking is in place by touch, thus improving operational safety.

[0026] 3. By setting a protrusion on the side of the mounting groove near the first groove, the protruding key is limited. The protruding key must overcome the obstruction of the protrusion to enter the mounting groove. After passing the protrusion, it is quickly embedded into the mounting groove under the thrust of the elastic element, generating obvious tactile feedback to prompt the operator that the locking is complete, thus avoiding the situation where it is not tightened properly.

[0027] 4. By setting a recess on the side of the protrusion away from the mounting groove, and the lowest point of the recess, depth a, is greater than the depth b of the mounting groove, the protruding key is guided so that it can fall into the recess when it initially contacts the upper sidewall, avoiding displacement or jamming. Especially in low-visibility underwater environments, the sliding path can be quickly located through tactile differences, improving docking efficiency.

[0028] 5. By designing the convex part as a main body with an arc-shaped top and first and second transition parts with gradually decreasing thickness on both sides, and with the first transition part smoothly transitioning to the concave part and the second transition part connecting to the side wall of the mounting groove, the convex key can slide smoothly in the second groove, reducing sliding resistance, avoiding jamming or impact, and ensuring smooth operation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the second outer shell;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a planar unfolded view of the interior of the second outer shell after it has been cut along its axial direction.

[0033] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the protruding key and the keyway when the first outer shell is pushed into the bottom of the second outer shell;

[0034] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the structure where the convex key moves to the concave part;

[0035] Figure 5c A schematic diagram of the structure where the convex key moves to the top position of the main body;

[0036] Figure 5d This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the convex key is connected to the mounting groove.

[0037] 100. First connector; 110. First housing; 111. First end face; 120. Protruding key; 200. Second connector; 210. Second housing; 211. Second end face; 220. Keyway; 221. First groove; 222. Second groove; 223. Upper sidewall; 224. Mounting groove; 225. Protrusion; 2250. Main body; 2251. First transition portion; 2252. Second transition portion; 226. Recess; 227. Lower sidewall; 230. Base; 231. Fixing groove; 300. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following detailed, non-limiting description of the invention's technical solutions, in conjunction with preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, is provided. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a rotary locking underwater wet plug connector, which includes a first plug 100 and a second plug 200 that are plugged into each other. In this embodiment, the first plug 100 is a plug and the second plug 200 is a socket.

[0040] like Figures 1-4As shown, the first connector 100 includes a first housing 110, on which a key 120 is formed. The second connector 200 includes a second housing 210, on which a keyway 220 is formed. The keyway 220 includes a first groove 221 extending along the axial direction of the second housing 210 and a second groove 222 extending along the circumferential direction of the second housing 210. The second groove 222 communicates with one end of the first groove 221 away from the second end face 211 of the second housing 210. When the first connector 100 is inserted into the second connector 200 along the first direction, the key 120 at least partially... The key 120 is partially accommodated within the first groove 221 and slides along the axial direction of the first groove 221 until it moves to the position of the second groove 222. Then, the first outer shell 110 is rotated, causing the key 120 to slide towards the second groove 222 until it is at least partially accommodated within the second groove 222. An elastic element 300 is provided inside the second outer shell 210. One end of the elastic element 300 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the second outer shell 210, and the other end abuts against the first outer shell 110. This elastic element applies an elastic thrust to the first outer shell 110 in the opposite direction to the first direction, causing the key 120 to abut against the upper sidewall 223 of the second groove 222. When underwater connection is required, the operator aligns the first connector 100 with the second connector 200 and pushes the first connector 100 along the first direction (i.e., the axial insertion direction). During this process, the protruding key 120 on the outer peripheral wall of the first outer shell 110 will be precisely aligned with the first groove 221 of the keyway 220 on the inner peripheral wall of the second outer shell 210. The protruding key 120 is at least partially accommodated in the first groove 221, and slides smoothly along the axial direction of the first groove 221 as it is inserted until the protruding key 120 completely reaches the communication position between the first groove 221 and the second groove 222. Figure 5aAs shown in the diagram, the key 120 is positioned such that the initial docking of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is completed, and the internal conductive or signal transmission components are initially in contact. After the key 120 reaches the position of the second groove 222, the operator rotates the first housing 110 around its axis. The first housing 110 causes the key 120 to slide synchronously along the circumferential direction of the second groove 222. As the rotation progresses, the key 120 gradually penetrates deeper into the second groove 222 until it is at least partially and completely contained within the second groove 222 (typically, it slides to the end of the second groove 222). At this point, the rotation stops, and the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mechanically locked together to prevent axial disengagement. Throughout the entire insertion and locking process, the elastic element 300 inside the second housing 210 remains in a compressed state: one end of the elastic element 300 is fixedly connected to the second housing 210, while the other end continuously abuts against the first housing 110, applying an elastic thrust to the first housing 110 opposite to the first direction (insertion direction). This thrust causes the convex key 120 to tightly abut against the upper sidewall 223 of the second groove 222, eliminating the gap between the convex key 120 and the second groove 222, preventing loosening caused by underwater vibration, and ensuring a stable locking state. This rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector, through a combination structure of "axial insertion + circumferential rotation locking," requires only two steps: "insertion-rotation," eliminating the need for complex tools. This facilitates rapid operation by underwater robots or personnel in confined spaces, ultimately achieving high-precision coaxial alignment while significantly reducing the operational difficulty for divers in environments with water flow interference and limited space. It avoids situations of "not tightening properly" or "over-tightening causing damage," improving connection stability and operational reliability.

[0041] In this embodiment, the upper sidewall 223 of the second groove 222 is recessed to form a mounting groove 224 that mates with the protruding key 120. When the protruding key 120 mates with the mounting groove 224, the elastic member 300 is in a compressed state. Preferably, the mounting groove 224 is located at the end of the second groove 222. As the protruding key 120 enters and gradually penetrates the second groove 222, a reference... Figure 5d When the key 120 moves to the end of the second groove 222, under the thrust of the elastic element 300, the key 120 is precisely embedded in the mounting groove 224, achieving self-positioning and locking, further preventing the key 120 from dislodging from the second groove 222 under vibration or external force. The recessed structure of the mounting groove 224 matches the geometry of the key 120, forming a stable mechanical interlock, improving the overall tensile strength and reliability of the connector. In addition, this design also helps operators judge whether the locking is in place by feel underwater, improving operational safety.

[0042] like Figure 5cAs shown, a protrusion 225 is also formed on the upper sidewall 223 of the second groove 222. The protrusion 225 is adjacent to the mounting groove 224 and is located on the side of the mounting groove 224 closer to the first groove 221, which is used to limit the protruding key 120. When the protruding key 120 slides along the second groove 222 and approaches the mounting groove 224, it needs to overcome the obstruction of the protrusion 225. At this time, the thrust of the elastic member 300 makes the protruding key 120 press tightly against the upper sidewall 223, ensuring that the protruding key 120 smoothly passes the protrusion 225 and quickly embeds into the mounting groove 224, producing obvious tactile feedback to prompt the operator that the locking is complete.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, a recess 226 is also formed on the upper sidewall 223 of the second groove 222. The recess 226 is located on the side of the protrusion 225 away from the mounting groove 224, and the depth a of the lowest point of the recess 226 relative to the surface of the upper sidewall 223 is greater than the depth b of the mounting groove 224 relative to the surface of the upper sidewall 223. The recess 226 is used to guide the protruding key 120 to smoothly enter the second groove 222 and slide towards the mounting groove 224. (Refer to...) Figure 5b When the protruding key 120 initially contacts the upper sidewall 223, its front end first falls into the recess 226. Since depth a is greater than depth b, a clear guide groove structure is formed, effectively preventing the protruding key 120 from shifting or getting stuck during insertion. This stepped depth design makes the operation smoother, especially in low-visibility underwater environments, where the difference in touch can quickly locate the sliding path and improve docking efficiency. The guiding role of the recess 226 and the limiting function of the protrusion 225 work together to form a continuous action path of "guidance-sliding-locking", ensuring that the protruding key 120 can still accurately complete docking under complex working conditions. Throughout the process, the elastic element 300 continuously provides a stable clamping force, ensuring that the protruding key 120 is always in close contact with the upper sidewall 223 and all structural surfaces. At the same time, the rebound force of the elastic element 300 is released the moment the protruding key 120 passes the protrusion 225, causing the protruding key 120 to quickly embed into the mounting groove 224, forming a clear force feedback and further enhancing the locking reliability.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 225 includes a main body 2250 with an arc-shaped top, and a first transition portion 2251 and a second transition portion 2252 extending from the main body 2250 along its two sides, with a gradually decreasing thickness. The surface of the first transition portion 2251 smoothly transitions to the surface of the recess 226, and the edge of the second transition portion 2252 away from the main body 2250 connects to the sidewall forming the mounting groove 224. (Reference) Figure 5b During the sliding process, the front end of the convex key 120 first smoothly enters along the concave portion 226, as further referenced. Figure 5cIt then contacts the first transition section 2251 and gradually rises, overcoming the elastic resistance of the elastic member 300, and continues to climb towards the arc-shaped top of the main body 2250 until it reaches the arc-shaped top of the main body 2250, further referencing... Figure 5d After passing the highest point, it slides smoothly down along the second transition section 2252. At this time, the rebound force of the elastic element 300 quickly pushes the convex key 120 down, making it smoothly embedded in the mounting groove 224, completing the locking action. The smooth connection between the arc-shaped main body 2250 and the transition section effectively reduces sliding resistance, avoids jamming or impact, and ensures smooth operation.

[0045] like Figure 5c As shown, the convex key 120 is in the shape of an annular racetrack, and the axial length L of the convex key 120 is not greater than the minimum width D of the second groove 222. In this embodiment, the minimum width D of the second groove 222 is the distance between the top of the main body 2250 and the lower sidewall 227 of the second groove 222. The purpose is to ensure that the convex key 120 can slide smoothly in the second groove 222 and accurately enter the mounting groove 224.

[0046] The key 120 is clearance-fitted with the sidewall of the first groove 221. The clearance fit between the key 120 and the sidewall of the first groove 221 effectively restricts the radial displacement of the key 120 without affecting its axial movement, thus preventing the key 120 from tilting.

[0047] Multiple convex keys 120 are provided, and these keys 120 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the first housing 110. Multiple keyways 220 are matched one-to-one with the multiple convex keys 120. This makes the force more even, distributing the locking force and external impacts (such as water flow and vibration) to multiple sets of mating structures, avoiding wear and deformation of a single convex key 120 due to concentrated force, and extending the service life of the component. At the same time, the coordinated positioning of multiple sets of convex keys 120 and keyways 220 reduces the offset error during insertion. Even in underwater scenarios with poor visibility and limited operating space, it can quickly and accurately connect, and after locking, it is not easy to loosen or detach due to external force, ensuring continuous signal and power transmission.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 110 has a first end face 111 facing the side of the second housing 210, and the first end face 111 abuts against the elastic member 300.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, a base 230 is provided inside the second outer shell 210, forming a fixing groove 231. When the elastic member 300 is in a free state, one end of the elastic member 300 is fixed in the fixing groove 231, and the other end extends out of the fixing groove 231 and abuts against the first outer shell 110. This achieves stable installation and force transmission of the elastic member 300, ensuring that the elastic member 300 can continuously apply a reverse elastic thrust to the first outer shell 110, thereby enhancing the locking effect.

[0050] In order to further improve the ability of the elastic element 300 to apply a balanced elastic thrust to the first housing 110, in this embodiment, multiple elastic elements 300 are provided, and the multiple elastic elements 300 are evenly distributed around the axis of the second housing 210.

[0051] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector, comprising a first plug-in member (100) and a second plug-in member (200) that are mutually plugged in, characterized in that, The first connector (100) includes a first housing (110), and a key (120) is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the first housing (110); The second connector (200) includes a second housing (210), and a keyway (220) is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the second housing (210). The keyway (220) includes a first groove (221) extending along the axial direction of the second housing (210) and a second groove (222) extending along the circumferential direction of the second housing (210). The second groove (222) communicates with one end of the first groove (221) away from the second end face (211) of the second housing (210). When the first connector (100) is inserted into the second connector (200) along the first direction, the convex key (120) is at least partially accommodated in the first groove (221) and slides along the axial direction of the first groove (221) until the convex key (120) moves to the position of the second groove (222). Then, the first housing (110) is rotated to drive the convex key (120) to slide towards the second groove (222) until the convex key (120) is at least partially accommodated in the second groove (222). An elastic element (300) is provided inside the second outer shell (210). One end of the elastic element (300) is connected to the second outer shell (210) and the other end abuts against the first outer shell (110). It is used to apply an elastic thrust opposite to the first direction to the first outer shell (110), so that the protruding key (120) abuts against the upper sidewall (223) of the second groove (222).

2. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper sidewall (223) of the second groove (222) is recessed to form a mounting groove (224) that mates with the convex key (120); When the convex key (120) mates with the mounting groove (224), the elastic element (300) is in a compressed state.

3. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, A protrusion (225) is also formed on the upper sidewall (223) of the second groove (222). The protrusion (225) is disposed adjacent to the mounting groove (224), and the protrusion (225) is located on the side of the mounting groove (224) near the first groove (221) to limit the protruding key (120).

4. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, A recess (226) is also formed on the upper sidewall (223) of the second groove (222). The recess (226) is located on the side of the protrusion (225) away from the mounting groove (224), and the depth (a) of the lowest point of the recess (226) relative to the surface of the upper sidewall (223) is greater than the depth (b) of the mounting groove (224) relative to the surface of the upper sidewall (223).

5. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion (225) includes a main body (2250) with an arc-shaped top, and a first transition portion (2251) and a second transition portion (2252) extending from the main body (2250) along its two sides and with a gradually decreasing thickness. The surface of the first transition portion (2251) is smoothly connected to the surface of the recess (226), and the edge of the second transition portion (2252) away from the main body portion (2250) is connected to the side wall forming the mounting groove (224).

6. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex key (120) is in the shape of an annular racetrack, and the axial length (L) of the convex key (120) is not greater than the minimum width (D) of the second groove (222).

7. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex key (120) is clearance-fitted with the side wall of the first groove (221).

8. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The convex key (120) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple convex keys (120) are evenly distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first outer shell (110); The multiple keyways (220) are matched one-to-one with the multiple convex keys (120).

9. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing (110) has a first end face (111) facing the side of the second housing (210), and the first end face (111) abuts against the elastic member (300).

10. The rotary locking underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second outer shell (210) is provided with a base (230) inside, and the base (230) forms a fixing groove (231). When the elastic member (300) is in a free state, one end of the elastic member (300) is fixed in the fixing groove (231), and the other end extends out of the fixing groove (231) and abuts against the first outer shell (110).

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