Connector butt joint guiding device with reset function

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector butt joint guiding device with a reset function, and the device comprises a mounting housing, two opposite ends of which are respectively an open end and a closed end; the conducting pipe is arranged in the mounting shell in a penetrating manner; the reset mechanism comprises a reset seat, an axial reset assembly and a radial reset assembly, the reset seat is arranged in the mounting shell, an axial retreat gap is formed between the reset seat and the closed end, the axial reset assembly is connected between the reset seat and the closed end, and the reset seat is arranged outside the conduction pipe through a movable cavity in a sleeving mode; a radial movable gap is formed between the conduction pipe and the cavity wall of the movable cavity, and the radial reset assembly is connected between the conduction pipe and the cavity wall of the movable cavity; the guide mechanism comprises a transmission part and a guide pipe, the transmission part is fixedly arranged outside the conduction pipe in a sleeving mode, the reset seat is matched with the transmission part in an abutting mode, and the guide pipe is arranged on the transmission part. According to the connector butt joint guiding device with the reset function, the problems that alignment is difficult, reset is inconvenient and the like when a quick connector is in butt joint in a narrow space are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector docking guide device with a reset function. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industry and high-end equipment sectors, such as data center server liquid cooling systems and high-speed train hydraulic or cooling fluid circulation systems, quick couplings are widely used to achieve rapid connection and disconnection of fluid pipelines. These applications generally share a common technical challenge: due to factors such as cabinet welding deformation, accumulated tolerances in component assembly, and system vibration, the installation positions of the connectors often exhibit multi-dimensional spatial deviations, including axial misalignment, radial offset, and angular runout. When performing quick coupling connections under these constrained conditions, axial misalignment is highly likely to occur between the male and female connectors, meaning their central axes will have a certain angle. This angular offset can lead to various problems: Operators need to try and adjust repeatedly to barely get it working, which is not only time-consuming and laborious, but also seriously affects work efficiency in emergency situations or when frequent operations are required.

[0003] Forced or misaligned mating can cause abnormal compression, shearing, or scratches on the precision mating surfaces of the joint and the sealing rings (such as O-rings), leading to seal failure, fluid leakage, and shortening the service life of the joint.

[0004] The connectors at the equipment end are typically flexible hoses. When the connector is misaligned and connected at an angle, the flexible hose will be under continuous bending or torsional stress. Repeated or prolonged use of this method can lead to hose fatigue damage, localized collapse, thus affecting flow path, increasing flow resistance, and even increasing the risk of rupture.

[0005] Traditional rigid connection methods cannot effectively absorb such deviations, leading to interference, jamming, or poor sealing during mating, and even damage to the joint structure. Especially in blind mating conditions, operators cannot observe the mating status in real time. Without an effective error compensation mechanism, connection failure or leakage risks are highly likely, seriously affecting the efficiency and reliability of system deployment.

[0006] While achieving displacement compensation, it lacks precise automatic centering capability, which may cause the connector to be in an offset state after one insertion. This not only affects the uniformity of the seal after docking, but also brings uncertainty to subsequent blind pull-out and re-blind insertion operations, making it unable to meet the application scenarios of high-cycle and high-reliability insertion and removal.

[0007] Currently, common solutions for joint connections in confined spaces mainly rely on the operator's experience and feel, or on simple guiding structures. However, the former has poor reliability and requires high operator skill; the latter, while providing initial guidance, is usually a rigid structure lacking automatic compensation and reset capabilities. More importantly, existing technologies generally lack a "reset" function to automatically restore the connected pipeline (including the joint and the connected flexible pipe) from its initial misaligned state to its original natural state after connection. This leaves the pipeline system under suboptimal stress for extended periods, posing a potential threat to system reliability and safety.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to design corresponding technical solutions to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a connector docking guide device with a reset function to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is to design a connector docking guide device with a reset function, comprising: The mounting shell has an open end and a closed end at its two opposite ends, and the closed end has a through hole; A guide tube is inserted inside the mounting housing, and one end of the guide tube is provided with a connecting section that passes through the through hole and extends to the outside of the mounting housing; A reset mechanism includes a reset seat, an axial reset assembly, and a radial reset assembly. The reset seat is located inside a mounting housing, and an axial retraction gap is provided between one end of the reset seat and the closed end. The axial reset assembly is connected between the reset seat and the closed end. The reset seat has a movable cavity inside, and the reset seat is sleeved on the outside of a guide tube through the movable cavity. A radial movable gap is provided between the guide tube and the cavity wall of the movable cavity. The radial reset assembly is connected between the guide tube and the cavity wall of the movable cavity. The guiding mechanism includes a transmission component and two guiding tubes. The transmission component is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the guiding tube and located on the side of the reset seat away from the axial retraction gap. The reset seat and the transmission component are in abutting fit. The two guiding tubes are symmetrically arranged on the side of the transmission component away from the reset seat, and the inner wall of the end of the guiding tube away from the transmission component is a guide slope.

[0011] Preferably, the radial reset assembly is in the form of four sets, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the conductive tube.

[0012] Preferably, the radial reset assembly includes two radial reset springs arranged axially along the conductor.

[0013] Preferably, the movable cavity is a cylindrical cavity, and the conductive tube is coaxial with the movable cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the outer wall of the conductive tube and the cavity wall of the movable cavity are provided with corresponding positioning holes, and the two ends of the radial reset spring are respectively located in the positioning holes of the conductive tube and the cavity wall of the movable cavity.

[0015] Preferably, the axial reset assembly includes four axial guide rods and four axial reset springs. The four axial guide rods are arranged in a rectangular shape, with one end of each axial guide rod connected to a reset seat and the other end passing through a closed end and having a limiting head. The closed end has a guide hole for the axial guide rod to pass through. The four axial reset springs are respectively sleeved on the outside of the four axial guide rods, and both ends of the axial reset springs are respectively connected to the reset seat and the closed end.

[0016] Preferably, the reset seat has a radial protrusion at the axial center position, and the end of the axial guide rod away from the limiting head is connected to the radial protrusion.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission component is a plate-shaped structure perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide tube, and the end of the guide tube away from the transmission component has a flared opening.

[0018] Preferably, the outer wall of the connecting section is fitted with an elastic buckle through a slot, and the elastic buckle fits against the closed end.

[0019] Preferably, one side of the closed end extends vertically to form a fixing part, and the fixing part has a fixing hole.

[0020] The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: It provides a connector docking guide device with a reset function, which has a reasonable structure, realizes the automatic alignment and docking of quick connectors in a narrow space, and can automatically and reliably reset the connecting pipeline after the docking action is completed, thereby protecting the connecting pipeline and improving the reliability and service life of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the guiding tube in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the mounting shell in this invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the axial retraction clearance in this invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the radial movable clearance in this invention.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Mounting shell; 2. Open end; 3. Closed end; 4. Through hole; 5. Conductor tube; 6. Connecting section; 7. Reset seat; 8. Axial retraction clearance; 9. Movable cavity; 10. Radial movable clearance; 11. Transmission component; 12. Guide tube; 13. Guide slope; 14. Radial reset spring; 15. Axial guide rod; 16. Axial reset spring; 17. Limiting head; 18. Guide hole; 19. Radial protrusion; 20. Flared structure; 21. Elastic retaining ring; 22. Fixing part; 23. Fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows: In one specific embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a connector docking guide device with a reset function, comprising: The mounting shell 1 has an open end 2 and a closed end 3 at its two opposite ends, and the closed end 3 has a through hole 4. The guide tube 5 is inserted inside the mounting shell 1, and one end of the guide tube 5 is provided with a connecting section 6 that penetrates the through hole 4 and extends to the outside of the mounting shell 1; The reset mechanism includes a reset seat 7, an axial reset assembly, and a radial reset assembly. The reset seat 7 is located inside the mounting housing 1, and an axial retraction gap 8 is provided between one end of the reset seat 7 and the closed end 3. The axial reset assembly is connected between the reset seat 7 and the closed end 3. The reset seat 7 has a movable cavity 9 inside, and the reset seat 7 is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube 5 through the movable cavity 9. A radial movable gap 10 is provided between the guide tube 5 and the cavity wall of the movable cavity 9. The radial reset assembly is connected between the guide tube 5 and the cavity wall of the movable cavity 9. The guiding mechanism includes a transmission component 11 and two guiding tubes 12. The transmission component 11 is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the guiding tube 5 and located on the side of the reset seat 7 away from the axial retraction gap 8. The reset seat 7 abuts against the transmission component 11. The two guiding tubes 12 are symmetrically arranged on the side of the transmission component 11 away from the reset seat 7, and the inner wall of the end of the guiding tube 12 away from the transmission component 11 is a guide slope 13.

[0030] The present invention provides a method for using a connector docking guide device with a reset function, comprising the following steps: Fix the mounting shell 1 to the equipment end, connect the connecting section 6 of the guide tube 5 to the flexible tube at the equipment end, and install the equipment end connector at the other end of the guide tube 5. During the docking process, the free end connector is held by hand, and the guide post of the free end connector is brought into contact with the guide slope 13 of the guide tube 12. Through the contact and pressing fit between the guide post and the guide slope 13, the guide tube 12 is tilted under force, which in turn causes the transmission component 11 to tilt, thereby causing the connecting tube 5 and the equipment end connector to tilt, so as to align the free end connector and the equipment end connector. When the transmission component 11 tilts, it presses against the reset seat 7 to compress the axial reset component, and when the connecting tube 5 tilts, it compresses the radial reset component. The equipment end connector is a male or female quick connector, and the free end connector is a female or male connector that matches the equipment end connector. After the docking is completed, the free end connector is released, and the axial reset component pushes the reset seat 7 to abut the transmission component 11 to reset, so that the transmission component 11 drives the conduction tube 5 to reset. The radial reset component assists in driving the conduction tube 5 to reset, so that the flexible tube at the equipment end connected to the conduction tube 5 returns to its original state.

[0031] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, there are four sets of radial reset components, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the conductive tube 5.

[0032] The above solution can provide a uniform radial reset force, ensuring that the conductive tube 5 can be stably reset in all directions.

[0033] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the radial reset assembly includes two radial reset springs 14 arranged axially along the conductor 5.

[0034] The above solution can improve the stability and stroke of the radial support, and avoid jamming or inaccurate reset caused by single spring eccentric loading.

[0035] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the movable cavity 9 is a cylindrical cavity, and the conductive tube 5 is coaxial with the movable cavity 9.

[0036] The above solution helps ensure the alignment of the movement of the guide tube 5 within the movable cavity 9, reduces uneven wear, and improves service life.

[0037] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the conductive tube 5 and the cavity wall of the movable cavity 9 are provided with corresponding positioning holes, and the two ends of the radial reset spring 14 are respectively located in the positioning holes of the conductive tube 5 and the cavity wall of the movable cavity 9.

[0038] The above solution facilitates the installation and positioning of the radial return spring 14 and prevents the radial return spring 14 from shifting or falling off during operation.

[0039] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the axial reset assembly includes four axial guide rods 15 and four axial reset springs 16. The four axial guide rods 15 are arranged in a rectangular shape, with one end of each axial guide rod 15 connected to the reset seat 7 and the other end passing through the closed end 3 and having a limiting head 17. The closed end 3 has a guide hole 18 for the axial guide rod 15 to pass through. The four axial reset springs 16 are respectively sleeved on the outside of the four axial guide rods 15, and both ends of the axial reset springs 16 are respectively connected to the reset seat 7 and the closed end 3.

[0040] The above solution can provide stable axial guidance and reset force for the reset seat 7.

[0041] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the reset seat 7 has a radial protrusion 19 at the axial middle position, and the end of the axial guide rod 15 away from the limiting head 17 is connected to the radial protrusion 19.

[0042] The above solution can save axial space and make the structure more compact.

[0043] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the transmission component 11 is a plate-shaped structure perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide tube 5, and the end of the guide tube 12 away from the transmission component 11 has a flared structure 20.

[0044] The above solution is adopted as follows: by setting the transmission component 11 as a plate structure, the transmission component 1 and the end wall of the reset seat 7 can be tightly fitted over a large area, improving the stability and reliability of force transmission; by setting the guide tube 12 as a flared structure 20, the guide post of the free end connector can be more easily inserted, reducing the accuracy requirements in the initial stage of docking.

[0045] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the connecting section 6 is fitted with an elastic buckle 21 through a slot, and the elastic buckle 21 fits into the closed end 3.

[0046] The above solution can restrict the movement of the conductive tube 5 to the open end of the mounting shell 1, preventing it from coming out, while allowing the conductive tube 5 to tilt within a certain range.

[0047] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a fixing part 22 is formed by vertically extending one side of the closed end 3, and the fixing part 22 has a fixing hole 23.

[0048] The above solution facilitates the installation of the entire device on the equipment, improving ease of use.

[0049] The following is a detailed description of how to use the device of the present invention. This method is suitable for completing the entire process of quick connector docking and resetting in environments with limited operating space.

[0050] Step 1: Securely install the guiding device at a predetermined position on the equipment via the fixing part 22 and fixing hole 23 on the closed end 3. Next, connect the flexible pipeline (e.g., coolant hose) at the equipment end to the connecting section 6 of the connecting pipe 5. Finally, install the equipment end connector (e.g., female connector) of the quick connector onto the end of the connecting pipe 5 located on the open end 2 side of the mounting housing 1. At this time, the device is in the initial docking state, the connecting pipe 5 is centered in the movable cavity 9 under the action of the radial return spring 14, the transmission component 11 is kept upright under the resisting force transmitted by the axial return spring 16 through the return seat 7, and the axis of the guiding pipe 12 is parallel to the axis of the connecting pipe 5.

[0051] Step 2: The operator holds the free end of the quick connector to be connected (e.g., male). Due to space constraints and limited operating posture, the axis of the free end connector is often difficult to align with the axis of the equipment end connector, resulting in an initial offset angle between them. The free end connector has guide posts corresponding to the number and position of the guide tubes 12. The operator moves the free end connector toward the equipment end connector. When the guide posts of the free end connector begin to contact the guide ramp 13 at the end of the guide tube 12, the docking guidance process officially begins. Due to the initial angular deviation, the guide posts are not perpendicularly aligned with the opening of the guide tube 12, but rather make contact with the guide ramp 13. As the free end connector continues to be pushed forward, the guide posts will press and slide along the guide ramp 13. During this process, the continuous pressure of the guide posts on the guide ramp 13 will force the guide tube 12 to rotate. The rotation of the guide tube 12, through its fixed connection with the transmission component 11, causes the transmission component 11 to tilt synchronously. This causes the transmission component 11 to rotate along with the fixed guide tube 5 and the equipment end connector, correcting the angular deviation between the equipment end connector and the free end connector, making their axes more parallel, thus preparing for subsequent direct insertion. Simultaneously, the deflection of the guide tube 5 compresses or stretches the corresponding radial return spring 14, while the tilt of the transmission component 11 pushes the reset seat 7 to overcome the resistance of the axial return spring 16, causing the axial guide rod 15 to move towards the closed end 3 of the mounting housing 1, thereby compressing the axial return spring 16. The axial return spring 16 and the radial return spring 14 provide the support force required during the docking process and store elastic potential energy for subsequent reset.

[0052] Step 3: Under the continuous guidance of the guide tube 12, the guide post of the free end connector gradually slides into the guide tube 12, and the axis of the free end connector itself tends to be consistent with the axis of the adjusted equipment end connector. After the angle deviation is effectively corrected, the operator can smoothly continue to push the free end connector in a straight line, and finally make the free end connector and the equipment end connector accurately aligned and connected. At this time, the transmission component 11 and the guide tube 5 still maintain a certain tilt angle, and the axial return spring 16 and the radial return spring 14 are both in a compressed and stored energy state.

[0053] Step 4: After the docking operation is completed, the operator releases the free end connector. At this point, the free end connector is locked together with the equipment end connector, and the externally applied guiding force disappears. The compressed axial return spring 16 immediately releases its stored elastic potential energy, pushing the return seat 7 towards the transmission component 11. The end face of the return seat 7 tightly abuts against the transmission component 11, applying an axial thrust that forces the transmission component 11 to return to a vertical state. During the reset process of the transmission component 11, the guide tube 5 synchronously returns to its original position. Simultaneously, each radial return spring 14, under the action of its elastic restoring force, assists the guide tube 5 in accurately returning to the initial center position of the movable cavity 9. Finally, the transmission component 11, the guide tube 5, and the connected equipment end connector and flexible pipeline all return to their natural, stress-free state before docking.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector docking guide device with reset function, characterized in that, include: The mounting shell (1) has an open end (2) and a closed end (3) at its two opposite ends, and the closed end (3) has a through hole (4). The guide tube (5) is installed inside the mounting shell (1), and one end of the guide tube (5) is provided with a connecting section (6) that penetrates the through hole (4) and extends to the outside of the mounting shell (1). The reset mechanism includes a reset seat (7), an axial reset assembly and a radial reset assembly. The reset seat (7) is located inside the mounting shell (1), and an axial retraction gap (8) is provided between one end of the reset seat (7) and the closed end (3). The axial reset assembly is connected between the reset seat (7) and the closed end (3). The reset seat (7) has a movable cavity (9) inside, and the reset seat (7) is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube (5) through the movable cavity (9). A radial movable gap (10) is provided between the guide tube (5) and the cavity wall of the movable cavity (9). The radial reset assembly is connected between the guide tube (5) and the cavity wall of the movable cavity (9). The guiding mechanism includes a transmission component (11) and two guiding tubes (12). The transmission component (11) is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the guiding tube (5) and located on the side of the reset seat (6) away from the axial retraction gap (8). The reset seat (6) and the transmission component (11) are in abutting cooperation. The two guiding tubes (12) are symmetrically arranged on the side of the transmission component (11) facing away from the reset seat (7), and the inner wall of the end of the guiding tube (12) away from the transmission component (11) is a guide slope (13).

2. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial reset assembly consists of four sets, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the conductive tube (5).

3. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radial reset assembly includes two radial reset springs (14) arranged axially along the conductor (5).

4. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable cavity (9) is a cylindrical cavity, and the conductive tube (5) is coaxial with the movable cavity (9).

5. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the guide tube (5) and the cavity wall of the movable cavity (9) are provided with corresponding positioning holes, and the two ends of the radial reset spring (14) are respectively located in the positioning holes of the guide tube (5) and the cavity wall of the movable cavity (9).

6. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial reset assembly includes four axial guide rods (15) and four axial reset springs (16). The four axial guide rods (15) are arranged in a rectangular shape, and one end of the axial guide rod (15) is connected to the reset seat (7), and the other end passes through the closed end (3) and is provided with a limiting head (17). The closed end (3) is provided with a guide hole (18) for the axial guide rod (15) to pass through. The four axial reset springs (16) are respectively sleeved on the outside of the four axial guide rods (15), and the two ends of the axial reset springs (16) are respectively connected to the reset seat (7) and the closed end (3).

7. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reset seat (7) has a radial protrusion (19) at the axial middle position, and the end of the axial guide rod (15) away from the limiting head (17) is connected to the radial protrusion (19).

8. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component (11) is a plate-shaped structure perpendicular to the axis of the guide tube (5), and the end of the guide tube (12) away from the transmission component (11) is a flared structure (20).

9. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the connecting section (6) is fitted with an elastic buckle (21) through a slot, and the elastic buckle (21) fits against the closed end (3).

10. The connector docking guide device with reset function according to claim 1, wherein one side of the closed end (3) extends vertically to form a fixing part (22), and the fixing part (22) is provided with a fixing hole (23).

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