Floating joint centering structure

Abstract

The invention provides a floating joint centering structure. The floating joint centering structure comprises a seat body, a quick joint, a first external member and a second external member, a containing space is arranged in the seat body and used for the quick connector to penetrate through, an extending portion and a movable lining are arranged on the periphery of the quick connector, an axial elastic piece is arranged between the extending portion and the lining, and the opposite faces of the extending portion and the lining are respectively provided with a main curved face and an auxiliary curved face. And the first sleeve piece and the second sleeve piece are arranged in the seat body, are respectively positioned on the outer sides of the opposite surfaces of the extension part and the lining, and are respectively provided with a first corresponding curved surface and a second corresponding curved surface which form a rotatable contact interface with the main curved surface and the auxiliary curved surface, so that the quick coupling has multidirectional deflection capability. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are respectively provided with at least one first radial elastic piece and at least one second radial elastic piece. Therefore, when the quick connector deflects and displaces, an automatic centering and resetting effect can be achieved, and the butt joint precision and the structural stability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and particularly to a floating connector centering structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of data center and server technologies, quick connectors have become an indispensable component in water-cooling systems. To overcome center position misalignment caused by manufacturing tolerances or assembly errors, existing technologies have proposed connector designs with floating structures, allowing the connector end to slide radially relative to the fixed base, thereby compensating for mating deviations and improving reliability.

[0003] However, existing floating joint structures still have many shortcomings in practical applications. Existing floating joint centering structures typically lack an automatic return mechanism, causing the joint to remain in the offset position caused by the previous connection after separation, or to be in an unstable hovering state. When performing the next installation connection, if the joint is still in the offset position, the connection process will require a greater insertion force, reducing operational convenience.

[0004] Furthermore, because the joint cannot be automatically centered, the male and female joints are prone to misalignment or non-coaxial misalignment during mating. This not only increases the resistance during mating, but also causes abnormal wear of seals, gaskets and related parts due to eccentricity. Under long-term operation, this will lead to poor sealing and significantly shorten the service life of the joint structure.

[0005] In summary, while existing technologies allow for radial drift to compensate for deviations, the lack of an effective automatic centering and reset guiding mechanism results in insufficient docking accuracy, poor operational smoothness, and increased component maintenance costs. Therefore, designing a joint mechanism that combines multi-directional deflection compensation and automatic centering guidance, enabling it to compensate for deviations during docking and stably return to the center reference position after separation to improve docking accuracy and operational convenience, remains a pressing technical challenge for the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To effectively solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of prior art quick connectors, such as the lack of an effective automatic recovery mechanism, which causes the connector to hover at an offset position after separation, resulting in an uncertain starting position for the next docking, excessive relative distance difference, increased insertion and extraction resistance, accelerated wear of parts, and insufficient structural stability. Therefore, this invention provides a floating connector centering structure.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a floating joint centering structure, comprising: a base, a quick connector, a first kit, and a second kit. The base has an accommodating space and an inner surface. The quick connector passes through the accommodating space of the base and has an extended portion on its outer periphery and a bushing therethrough. A bushing passes through the other end of the quick connector toward the extended portion. An axial elastic member is provided between the extended portion and the bushing on opposite sides. The opposite surfaces of the extended portion and the bushing each have a primary curved surface and a secondary curved surface.

[0008] A first kit is disposed within the accommodating space corresponding to the extension portion. It has a first corresponding curved surface that forms a rotatable contact interface with the main curved surface of the extension portion. The outer periphery of the first kit has at least one first radial elastic element that radially contacts the inner surface of the base body to support the first kit disposed within the accommodating space.

[0009] A second kit is disposed within the accommodating space corresponding to the bushing, and has a second corresponding curved surface forming a rotatable contact interface with the sub-curved surface. The outer periphery of the second kit has at least one second radial elastic element that radially contacts the inner surface of the seat body to support the second kit disposed within the accommodating space.

[0010] When the quick connector deflects, the first and second radial elastic elements abut against the inner surface of the accommodating space to generate elastic deformation, providing radial elastic thrust. The first and second corresponding curved surfaces cooperate with the main curved surface and the secondary curved surface respectively to generate a restoring torque, thereby guiding the quick connector to automatically return to the center position of the base in multiple directions, achieving an automatic centering and reset effect and ensuring docking accuracy and stability.

[0011] The first and second components are housed within the base and located on the opposite outer sides of the extension and bushing, respectively. Each component forms a first corresponding curved surface and a second corresponding curved surface, which respectively form rotatable contact interfaces with the main curved surface and the secondary curved surface. Furthermore, each component is equipped with at least one first radial elastic element and at least one second radial elastic element that contact the inner surface of the base. This allows the quick connector to automatically return to the center position of the base when it undergoes deflection displacement. The elastic deformation generated by the two radial elastic elements against the inner surface provides radial thrust, and the first and second corresponding curved surfaces, in conjunction with the main and secondary curved surfaces, generate a restoring torque. This multi-directionally guides the quick connector to automatically return to the center position of the base, achieving automatic centering and reset, and ensuring docking accuracy and stability.

[0012] The seat has an extension wall on one side, which forms a first opening. The quick connector passes through the first opening, and the side of the first kit opposite to the first corresponding curved surface is attached to the extension wall.

[0013] A first gap is formed between the quick connector and the first opening, which provides space for the quick connector to deflect and move.

[0014] The main curved surface is formed on one side of the extended portion, and the bushing is inserted from the other end of the quick connector toward the extended portion.

[0015] The bushing extends into the extension portion, and the axial elastic member is arranged around the outer periphery of the extension portion. One end of the extension portion contacts a first plane of the extension portion, and the other end contacts a second plane of the bushing. The axial elastic member provides axial support force to the extension portion and the bushing, so that the main curved surface and the first corresponding curved surface and the secondary curved surface and the second corresponding curved surface remain in close contact.

[0016] On the other side of the base, there is a set of connectors. The set of connectors forms a second opening for the quick connector to pass through. The side of the second kit opposite to the second corresponding curved surface is attached to the set of connectors. A second gap is formed between the quick connector and the second opening, which provides space for the quick connector to deflect and move.

[0017] The first and second components are respectively formed with a first socket and a second socket to fit the quick connector. The first socket has a first outward expansion on the side opposite to the first opening, and the second socket has a second outward expansion on the side opposite to the second opening.

[0018] The inner surface of the base has a slot, and a fastener is provided in the slot. The fastener limits the assembly and thus limits the second kit in the base.

[0019] The first and second radial elastic elements are both wave springs.

[0020] The first kit has a first set of grooves, and the second kit has a second set of grooves. The first and second sets of grooves are respectively provided for the first and second radial elastic members.

[0021] The improved features of this invention are applicable not only to cases where the main surface and the secondary surface are spherical convex or arcuate convex surfaces, and the first corresponding surface and the second corresponding surface are spherical concave or arcuate concave surfaces, but also to cases where the main surface and the secondary surface are spherical concave or arcuate concave surfaces, and the first corresponding surface and the second corresponding surface are spherical convex or arcuate convex surfaces. Regardless of any of the above structural configurations, the quick connector can obtain multi-dimensional deflection capability, and the elastic force generated by the first radial elastic element and the second radial elastic element can provide radial thrust to guide the quick connector to automatically return to the center reference position after the quick connector generates deflection displacement, thereby achieving an automatic centering and reset effect.

[0022] By virtue of the above-described improvements, the present invention achieves the following technical effects:

[0023] 1. Compensation for mating tolerances: By utilizing the rotatable contact interface (such as curved surface, arc surface or spherical surface, etc.) for rotational fit, the quick connector can flexibly adapt to axial deviations or angular misalignments during mating, effectively reducing physical interference during insertion and removal.

[0024] 2. Achieve automatic reset: By converting the radial offset pressure of the radial elastic element on the inner surface of the seat into guiding thrust, the quick connector can quickly and automatically return to the correct position after misalignment, ensuring that each docking starts from the optimal center position, significantly improving docking accuracy.

[0025] 3. Extended service life: Due to its excellent self-centering effect, it can significantly reduce abnormal wear of parts and insertion / removal resistance caused by misalignment during mating, thereby maintaining excellent structural strength and extending service life.

[0026] In summary, the present invention effectively overcomes the shortcomings of prior art and provides a connector mechanism that combines floating offset and automatic guidance centering. It is particularly suitable for quick connector applications in water-cooled heat dissipation equipment (servers, optical communication servers, communication equipment, or equipment requiring heat dissipation), so as to improve docking accuracy, reduce maintenance costs and extend system life. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional combined schematic diagram of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of sectional view 4-4.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention, which is disposed in the chassis and connected to the female end of the water pipe.

[0032] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the floating joint centering structure and the offset female head of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6B The figure is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the radial downward thrust generated by the radial elastic element of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the floating joint centering structure of the present invention returning to the center position after docking with the female head that has shifted its position.

[0035] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the floating joint centering structure and the female head with angular offset before docking, according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention and the female head with angular offset.

[0037] Figure 7C This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the floating joint centering structure of the present invention returning to the center position after docking with the female head that has shifted at an angle.

[0038] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention docking with a female head offset at another angle.

[0039] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the floating joint centering structure of the present invention returning to the center position after docking with a female head that is offset at another angle.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the radial elastic element of the present invention generating full radial thrust.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the spherical transformation of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the female head docking of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention, which involves spherical transformation and angular offset.

[0043] Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the return to the center position of the female head after the spherical transformation and angular offset of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention are connected.

[0044] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Floating joint centering structure; 2. Seat; 21. Accommodating space; 22. Inner surface; 22. Slot; 221. Extension wall; 23. First opening; 231. First gap; 232. Assembly piece; 24. Second opening; 241. Second gap; 242. Fastener; 25. Quick connector; 3. Extended portion; 31. Main curved surface; 311. First plane; 312. Bushing; 32. Secondary curved surface; 321. Second plane; 322. Extension; 323. Axial elastic element; 324. First assembly; 4. First Corresponding surface 41; first set of grooves 42; first radial elastic element 43; first sleeve hole 44; first outward expansion 441; second kit 5; second corresponding surface 51; second set of grooves 52; second radial elastic element 53; second sleeve hole 54; second outward expansion 541; chassis 6; female head 7; first virtual sphere Vs1; second virtual sphere Vs2; first sphere center C1; second sphere center C2; first reset thrust Rt1; second reset thrust Rt2; connector rotation center Rc. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The above-mentioned objectives of the present invention and its structural and functional characteristics will be described with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, these are respectively a three-dimensional assembly schematic diagram, a three-dimensional exploded schematic diagram, a combined cross-sectional schematic diagram, and a schematic diagram of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown in the 4-4 sectional view, the present invention provides a floating connector centering structure 1, comprising: a base 2, a quick connector 3, a first kit 4, and a second kit 5.

[0047] The seat 2 has an accommodating space 21 inside, and an inner surface 22 is formed on the inner wall of the seat 2. A slot 221 is formed on one side of the inner surface 22. The side of the seat 2 opposite to the slot 221 has an inwardly extending extension wall 23, and a first opening 231 is formed in the center of the extension wall 23. A set of connectors 24 is provided inside the slot 221 of the seat 2. The set of connectors 24 can be a gasket, and a second opening 241 is formed in the center of the set of connectors 24. In this embodiment, an annular fastener 25 is provided in the slot 221. The fastener 25 can be a C-bolt. The fastener 25 limits the set of connectors 24, so that it is securely closed at one end of the accommodating space 21 of the seat 2.

[0048] The quick connector 3 is inserted into the receiving space 21 of the base 2 and passes through the first opening 231 and the second opening 241. A first gap 232 and a second gap 242 are formed between the diameter of the quick connector 3 and the diameters of the first opening 231 and the second opening 241, respectively, thereby allowing the quick connector 3 to have radial displacement and deflection space within the base 2. One end of the quick connector 3 has a radially expanding extension 31, one side of which forms an arc-shaped main curved surface 311, and the other side forms a first flat surface 312. A bushing 32 is fitted onto the quick connector 3, which passes through the other end of the quick connector 3 towards the extension 31. On one side of the bushing 32 opposite to the extension 31, an arc-shaped sub-curved surface 321 is formed. On the other side opposite to the extension 31, a second plane 322 and an extension 323 extending from the second plane 322 toward the extension 31 are formed. The end edge of the extension 323 may or may not touch the extension 31. In this invention, it is chosen not to touch the extension 31, thus forming a gap between them. On the opposite side of the extension 31 and the bushing 32, that is, between the first plane 312 and the second plane 322, an axial elastic member 324 is fitted. The axial elastic member 324 is arranged around the outer periphery of the extension 323, with one end contacting the first plane 312 and the other end contacting the second plane 322 of the bushing 32, thereby providing axial support force.

[0049] The first component 4 is arranged around the outer periphery of the quick connector 3 and located between the outer side of the extension portion 31 and the inner side of the extension wall 23 of the base 2. It has a first corresponding curved surface 41 and a first set of grooves 42 located on the outer periphery, and at least one first radial elastic element 43 is disposed in the first set of grooves 42. The first radial elastic element 43 is in constant radial contact with the inner surface 22 of the base 2 to radially support the first component 4 disposed in the receiving space 21. In this embodiment, the first radial elastic element 43, for example but not limited to the wave spring shown in the figure, has a continuous staggered structure of crests and troughs, with the crests contacting the inner surface 22 and the troughs located in the first set of grooves 42. Furthermore, the main curved surface 311 of the quick connector 3 is defined as an outwardly convex spherical surface or an arcuate convex surface, while the first corresponding curved surface 41 of the first component 4 is correspondingly defined as an inwardly concave spherical surface or an arcuate concave surface. The first component 4 is supported and positioned by the rotatable contact interface between the first corresponding curved surface 41 and the main curved surface 311, and the axial limitation of the extended wall 23 of the base body 2 on the first component 4, so that the first component 4 and the outer peripheral wall of the quick connector 3 maintain a radial gap and do not contact each other.

[0050] The second assembly 5 is also located around the quick connector 3, between the connector 24 and the bushing 32. The second assembly 5 has a second corresponding curved surface 51 and a second set of grooves 52 on its outer periphery. At least one second radial elastic element 53 is disposed within the second set of grooves 52. The second radial elastic element 53 is in constant radial contact with the inner surface 22 of the seat 2, thus radially supporting the second assembly 5 within the receiving space 21. In this embodiment, the second radial elastic element 53, for example but not limited to the wave spring shown in the figure, has a continuous staggered structure of crests and troughs, with the crests contacting the inner surface 22 and the troughs located within the second set of grooves 52. Furthermore, the sub-curved surface 321 of the bushing 32 is defined as an outwardly convex spherical surface or an arcuate surface, while the second corresponding curved surface 51 of the second assembly 5 is correspondingly defined as an inwardly concave spherical surface or an arcuate surface. Similarly, the rotatable contact interface between the second corresponding curved surface 51 and the secondary curved surface 321 of the bushing 32 provides support and positioning, and the axial limiting effect of the connector 24 on the second assembly 5 ensures that a radial gap is maintained between the second assembly 5 and the outer peripheral wall of the quick connector 3, preventing them from contacting each other. Simultaneously, the axial force provided by the axial elastic element 324 between the extension 31 and the bushing 32 ensures that the rotatable contact interfaces between the main curved surface 311 and the first corresponding curved surface 41, and between the secondary curved surface 321 and the second corresponding curved surface 51, remain in close contact to stably transmit radial thrust and torque.

[0051] With the aforementioned configuration, the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5 form a dynamically balanced support structure within the accommodating space 21. Because the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5 remain in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the quick connector 3, the quick connector 3, when subjected to a deflecting force, can flexibly deflect in multiple directions through relative rotation or sliding between its rotatable contact interfaces (e.g., curved surfaces, arcuate surfaces, or spherical surfaces), without being affected by direct frictional interference from the assemblies. Furthermore, the first assembly 4 has a first sleeve hole 44 annularly disposed around the outer periphery of the quick connector 3, and the first sleeve hole 44 has a first outward expansion portion 441 on the side opposite to the first opening 231, forming a tapered hole. The second assembly 5 has a second sleeve hole 54 annularly disposed around the outer periphery of the quick connector 3, and the second sleeve hole 54 has a second outward expansion portion 541 on the side opposite to the second opening 241, forming a tapered hole. The first expansion portion 441 and the second expansion portion 541 are used to limit the maximum rotation angle of the quick connector 3 (for example, but not limited to about 2.5 degrees vertically).

[0052] Please see Figure 5The diagram illustrates an implementation of the floating connector centering structure of the present invention, which is mounted on a chassis and connected to a female connector of a water pipe. In practical applications, the base 2 is fixedly mounted on a chassis 6 (e.g., a server rack or electronic device housing), while the connecting end of the quick connector 3 faces outwards for connection to a female connector 7 with fluid delivery function. The chassis 6 slides into a cabinet (not shown) using a slide rail (not shown), and the cabinet is pre-installed with fluid supply pipes and female connectors 7 at the ends of these pipes. As the chassis 6 moves along the slide rail into the cabinet, the quick connector 3 mounted on the chassis 6 moves towards the female connector 7 inside the cabinet for automatic connection.

[0053] Please see Figure 6A As shown, this is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating connector centering structure and the offset female connector of the present invention. When the quick connector 3 moves closer to the female connector 7 in the cabinet along with the chassis 6 for insertion, if the female connector 7 is located slightly above the quick connector 3, its axis will be radially offset relative to the axis of the quick connector 3 (upward offset as shown by the arrow in the figure). The end of the quick connector 3 will be guided by the female connector 7 to move upward. At this time, the quick connector 3 will drive the first kit 4 and the second kit 5 to move radially upward synchronously within the accommodating space 21 of the base 2.

[0054] When the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5 are pressed upwards, the first radial elastic element 43 and the second radial elastic element 53 located above will be squeezed by the inner surface 22 of the seat body 2 and undergo elastic deformation. Figure 6B As shown in the figure, the first and second radial elastic elements 43 and 53 (wave springs) will store an elastic potential energy after being compressed, and generate a reverse radial downward thrust on the first and second components 4 and 5 (as shown by the arrow in the figure).

[0055] like Figure 6C As shown, the radial downward thrust guides the first component 4 and the second component 5 to slide downwards along the inner surface 22, thereby causing the quick connector 3 to automatically return to the center reference position of the base 2. In this way, the present invention ensures that the quick connector 3 maintains center alignment even when not under force, achieving an automatic centering and reset effect and ensuring the accuracy and stability of subsequent docking.

[0056] The key to this invention lies in the fact that the first assembly 4 and the spherical surface of the main curved surface 311 share a first virtual sphere Vs1, and the second assembly 5 and the spherical surface of the secondary curved surface 321 share a second virtual sphere Vs2. The first and second virtual spheres Vs1 and Vs2 respectively have a first center C1 and a second center C2, and a joint rotation center Rc is formed at the straight line center point between the first center C1 and the second center C2. Figure 7AAs shown, before the quick connector 3 moves with the chassis 6 towards the female connector 7 inside the cabinet for insertion, the quick connector 3 is inserted and centered on the base 2. If the axis of the female connector 7 and the axis of the quick connector 3 have angular and positional deviations (e.g. Figure 7B (As indicated by the upward tilting arrow), the end of the quick connector 3 will be guided by the female connector 7 to produce an angular deflection, causing the quick connector 3 to deflect angularly around the connector rotation center Rc. The deflection angle and radial displacement distance of the quick connector 3 will be limited by the diameters of the first opening 231 and the second opening 241. At this time, the quick connector 3 will use its main curved surface 311 and the secondary curved surface 321 of the bushing 32 to slide and rotate on the first corresponding curved surface 41 of the first assembly 4 and the second corresponding curved surface 51 of the second assembly 5, respectively. The first ball center C1 corresponding to the first assembly 4 moves upward, driving the first assembly 4 to move upward and press against the upper part of the first radial elastic member 43. At the same time, the second ball center C2 corresponding to the second assembly 5 moves downward, driving the second assembly 5 to move downward and press against the lower part of the second radial elastic member 53. As a result, the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5 will be radially misaligned in opposite directions due to the leverage effect of the quick connector 3.

[0057] And such Figure 7C As shown, the first radial elastic element 43 of the upward-moving first assembly 4 generates a radial downward thrust to guide the first assembly 4 to form a first reset thrust Rt1 relative to the first sphere center C1; the radial upward thrust of the second radial elastic element 53 of the downward-moving second assembly 5 will guide the second assembly 5 to form a second reset thrust Rt2 relative to the second sphere center C2, causing the quick connector 3 to deflect at an angle with the connector rotation center Rc as the rotation center point. The first and second reset thrusts Rt1 and Rt2 drive the quick connector 3 to rotate back to the center, so that the connector axis re-coincides with the center line of the base 2, achieving an automatic centering and reset effect of multi-directional offset.

[0058] When the female head 7 exhibits an angular offset in another direction (such as...) Figure 8A (As shown by the downward tilt angle), the quick connector 3 can also be deflected accordingly. At this time, the first assembly 4 moves downward, while the second assembly 5 moves upward. By reverse-pressing the first and second radial elastic members 43 and 53, the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5 simultaneously and respectively form the first and second reset thrusts Rt1 and Rt2 relative to the first and second ball centers C1 and C2 (as shown by the downward tilt angle). Figure 8B (As shown).

[0059] Since the first and second radial elastic elements 43 and 53 are arranged around the inner surface 22 of the base 2, when the quick connector 3 is subjected to an external force of offset in any dimension (including radial, angular, or rotational), the first and second radial elastic elements 43 and 53 can instantly generate a full radial elastic restoring force (e.g., Figure 9 (As shown). Once the docking is completed or the external force disappears, the first and second reset thrusts Rt1 and Rt2 relative to the first and second ball centers C1 and C2 will drive the quick connector 3 to rotate back to center with the connector rotation center Rc as the rotation center point, so that the connector axis re-coincides with the center line of the base 2, achieving the automatic centering and reset effect of multi-directional offset.

[0060] Because the quick connector 3 is elastically supported within the base 2 by the first assembly 4 and the second assembly 5, it possesses the aforementioned multi-directional deflection and radial displacement capabilities. Therefore, when the female connector 7 is constrained by pipeline configuration or installation errors, resulting in radial offset or angular deviation from the axis of the quick connector 3, the quick connector 3 can be adjusted in real time by the floating mechanism of the present invention to smoothly connect with the female connector 7, ensuring the stability of the fluid circuit connection.

[0061] Therefore, the first and second radial elastic elements 43 and 53 provide surrounding elastic support for the first and second components 4 and 5, respectively. Combined with the rotation or sliding between these rotatable contact interfaces, the quick connector 3 possesses a highly sensitive floating compensation capability. When the external force disappears, the first component 4 and the second component 5, along with the first and second radial elastic elements 43 and 53, can generate a reset elastic force and first and second reset thrusts Rt1 and Rt2 relative to the first and second sphere centers C1 and C2, guiding the quick connector 3 to automatically return to the center position of the base 2. This not only reduces mechanical interference and wear during automatic docking but also ensures that the quick connector 3 maintains a precise initial alignment during multiple docking cycles, effectively improving the maintenance convenience and safety of the heat dissipation system or other fluid transmission systems.

[0062] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 11A and Figure 11B The figures shown are, respectively, a three-dimensional combination schematic diagram of the spherical transformation of the floating joint centering structure of the present invention, a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the female head docking with spherical interface transformation and angular offset, and a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the female head returning to the center position after docking. The basic components of this embodiment (such as the base 2, quick connector 3, first kit 4, and second kit 5, etc.) and their automatic centering operation principles are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The main difference lies in the interchange of the concave and convex features of the rotatable contact interface.

[0063] In this embodiment, the main curved surface 311 of the extended portion 31 is defined as an inwardly concave spherical surface, while the first corresponding curved surface 41 of the first assembly 4 is correspondingly defined as an outwardly convex spherical surface, and the two also form a rotatable contact interface for rotational engagement. Similarly, the secondary curved surface 321 of the bushing 32 is also defined as an inwardly concave spherical surface, while the second corresponding curved surface 51 of the second assembly 5 is correspondingly defined as an outwardly convex spherical surface, and the two also form a rotatable contact interface (e.g., a spherical surface) for rotational or sliding engagement. The axial elastic member 324 disposed between the bushing 32 and the extended portion 31 is a disc-shaped, dish-shaped, or geometrically shaped spring, and its two ends respectively contact the bushing 32 and the extended portion 31.

[0064] Through the interchangeable configuration of the aforementioned rotatable contact interface features, the first kit 4 and the second kit 5 can also be supported and positioned by the first corresponding curved surface 41 and the second corresponding curved surface 51, respectively, with respect to the corresponding main curved surface 311 and the secondary curved surface 321. Combined with the axial limiting of the extension wall 23 and the connecting piece 24, the two kits can still maintain a radial gap with the outer peripheral wall of the quick connector 3 without contacting it when they are wrapped around the outer periphery of the quick connector 3.

[0065] In this embodiment, the quick connector 3 is inserted into the female connector 7 at one end on the same side as the first component 4 (the left end in the figure). That is, the female connector 7 is connected to the quick connector 3 from the left side in the figure. The axial thrust is first applied to the axial elastic member 324 along the quick connector 3, so that it can bear the load and achieve the buffering effect of axial compression. When the quick connector 3 in this embodiment is deflected or rotated by an external force, it will also utilize the relative sliding or rotation of the rotatable contact interface, and through the first component 4 and the second component 5 and the first and second radial elastic members 43 and 53, a restoring elastic force relative to the first and second spherical centers C1 and C2 and the first and second restoring thrusts Rt1 and Rt2 can be generated, guiding the quick connector 3 to automatically return to the center reference position of the base 2 in multiple directions. Therefore, the technical features of the present invention are not limited to the concave and convex directions of the curved surface. As long as the corresponding curved surface, spherical surface or arc surface forms a matching multi-directional rotation, the aforementioned multi-directional automatic centering effect can be achieved.

Claims

1. A floating joint centering structure, characterized in that, include: A single entity having a accommodating space and forming an inner surface; A quick connector is inserted into the receiving space of the base body. The quick connector has a protrusion and a bushing. An axial elastic member is provided between the opposite sides of the protrusion and the bushing. The opposite sides of the protrusion and the bushing have a main curved surface and a secondary curved surface, respectively. A first kit is disposed in the accommodating space and corresponds to the extension, having a first corresponding curved surface. The first corresponding curved surface forms a rotatable contact interface with the main curved surface of the extension. The outer periphery of the first kit has at least one first radial elastic member, which radially contacts the inner surface of the base to support the first kit in the accommodating space. A second kit is disposed within the accommodating space and corresponding to the bushing, having a second corresponding curved surface, the second corresponding curved surface forming a rotatable contact interface with the sub-curved surface, the outer periphery of the second kit having at least one second radial elastic member, the at least one second radial elastic member radially contacting the inner surface of the seat body to support the second kit within the accommodating space; When the quick connector deflects, the first and second radial elastic elements abut against the inner surface of the accommodating space to generate elastic deformation, providing radial elastic thrust. The first and second corresponding curved surfaces cooperate with the main and secondary curved surfaces respectively to generate a restoring torque, thereby guiding the quick connector to automatically return to the center position of the base, achieving automatic centering and reset effect and ensuring docking accuracy and stability.

2. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The seat has an extension wall on one side, which forms a first opening. The quick connector passes through the first opening, and the side of the first kit opposite to the first corresponding curved surface is attached to the extension wall.

3. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A first gap is formed between the quick connector and the first opening, which provides space for the quick connector to deflect and move.

4. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main curved surface is formed on one side of the extension, and the bushing passes through the quick connector from one end toward the extension.

5. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The bushing extends into the extension portion, and the axial elastic member is arranged around the outer periphery of the extension portion. One end of the extension portion contacts a first plane of the extension portion, and the other end contacts a second plane of the bushing. The axial elastic member provides axial support force to the extension portion and the bushing, so that the main curved surface and the first corresponding curved surface and the secondary curved surface and the second corresponding curved surface remain in close contact.

6. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, On the other side of the base, a set of connectors is provided, which forms a second opening for the quick connector to pass through. The side of the second kit opposite to the second corresponding curved surface is attached to the set of connectors. A second gap is formed between the quick connector and the second opening, which provides space for the quick connector to deflect and move.

7. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first and second kits are respectively formed with a first socket and a second socket to fit the quick connector. The first socket has a first outward expansion on the side opposite to the first opening, and the second socket has a second outward expansion on the side opposite to the second opening.

8. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A slot is formed on the inner surface of the base, and a fastener is provided in the slot. The fastener limits the assembly and thus limits the second kit in the base.

9. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first radial elastic element and the second radial elastic element are both wave springs.

10. The floating joint centering structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first kit has a first set of slots, and the second kit has a second set of slots. The first set of slots and the second set of slots are respectively provided for the first radial elastic element and the second radial elastic element.

Images