A charging and plugging mechanism for miniaturized underwater connectors

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of underwater connector technology and discloses a charging and plugging mechanism for miniaturized underwater connectors, comprising: a plugging / unplugging actuator assembly connected to an underwater plug for driving the underwater plug to move along the z-axis to insert into or remove from an underwater socket; a passive adjustment mechanism on which the plugging / unplugging actuator assembly is mounted and movable along the x-axis and y-axis; the mating end of the underwater plug has a first guide surface, and the mating end of the underwater socket has a second guide surface; when there is a plugging / unplugging deviation between the underwater plug and the underwater socket, the first and second guide surfaces come into contact and generate a horizontal thrust, which drives the underwater plug and the plugging / unplugging actuator assembly to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis, eliminating the plugging / unplugging deviation. This invention can effectively compensate for plugging / unplugging deviations during the alignment process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater connector technology, and in particular to a charging and plugging mechanism for miniaturized underwater connectors. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of miniaturized underwater equipment (such as micro autonomous underwater robots and small underwater observation platforms), their supporting charging and plugging mechanisms face stringent usage requirements. As a core component for the electrical connection of underwater equipment, the charging and plugging mechanism needs to balance miniaturization, lightweight design, high alignment accuracy, and reliable sealing performance.

[0003] In existing technologies, underwater charging plug-in / plug-out mechanisms are affected by installation errors and equipment attitude fluctuations. During the plug-in / plug-out alignment process, there are lateral or longitudinal deviations between the plug and socket, resulting in a low success rate of plug-in / plug-out alignment and easy wear of the connector. Currently, underwater charging plug-in / plug-out mechanisms lack an effective deviation compensation mechanism.

[0004] Therefore, how to effectively compensate for insertion and removal deviations during the insertion and removal alignment process is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a charging and plugging mechanism for miniaturized underwater connectors, which can effectively compensate for plugging and plugging deviations during the alignment process, thereby solving the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector, comprising:

[0007] The insertion / removal actuator assembly connects to the underwater plug and is used to drive the underwater plug to move along the z-axis to insert into or remove from the underwater socket.

[0008] A passive adjustment mechanism, wherein the plug-in actuator assembly is mounted on the passive adjustment mechanism and is movable along the x-axis and y-axis;

[0009] The underwater plug has a first guide surface at its mating end, and the underwater socket has a second guide surface at its mating end. When there is a plugging / unplugging deviation between the underwater plug and the underwater socket, the first guide surface and the second guide surface come into contact and generate a horizontal thrust. The horizontal thrust can drive the underwater plug and plugging / unplugging actuator assembly to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis to eliminate the plugging / unplugging deviation.

[0010] Furthermore, the passive adjustment mechanism includes:

[0011] The base is fixedly mounted on the base plate. The front and rear sides of the base are respectively provided with bases along the y-axis direction. The bases are provided with slides adapted to the first copper sleeve along the y-axis direction. The first copper sleeve is slidably connected to the slides.

[0012] The first slide rod has a through hole in the middle of the first copper sleeve along the y-axis direction. The first slide rod is slidably connected to the through hole. Its two ends extend to the left and right sides of the base and are fixed to two first limiting plates. The first limiting plates are arranged along the x-axis direction and fixed to the bottom plate.

[0013] The first passive adjusting spring is sleeved on the first slide rod and positioned between the first copper sleeve and the two first limiting plates;

[0014] The connecting plate has a through groove on its inner and outer surfaces, the through groove is arranged along the y-axis, and its inner side is connected to the slide rail. The connecting plate passes through the through groove and is connected to the first copper sleeve.

[0015] Two second limiting plates are arranged along the y-axis and connected to the connecting plate;

[0016] The second slide bar is arranged along the x-axis, and its two ends are fixed to the two second limiting plates respectively.

[0017] The second copper sleeve is slidably mounted on the second slide rod and close to the middle of the second slide rod;

[0018] The second passive adjusting spring is sleeved on the second slide rod and positioned between the second copper sleeve and the two second limiting plates;

[0019] The second copper sleeve is connected to the plug-in actuator assembly. When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug and the plug-in actuator assembly to move along the x-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly drives the second copper sleeve to move along the second slide bar, and the second passive adjusting spring generates corresponding elastic deformation. When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug and the plug-in actuator assembly to move along the y-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly drives the second copper sleeve, and the second copper sleeve drives the first copper sleeve to move along the first slide bar through the second slide bar, the second limiting plate and the connecting plate, and the first passive adjusting spring generates corresponding elastic deformation.

[0020] Furthermore, the plug-in actuator assembly includes:

[0021] The push rod sleeve is connected to the second copper sleeve at its bottom, and a piston channel is defined inside along the z-axis. The bottom of the piston channel is connected to the hydraulic power unit.

[0022] A push rod is slidably disposed in the piston channel, and the hydraulic power unit drives the push rod to move along the piston channel by injecting or extracting hydraulic oil into the piston channel.

[0023] The front end cap is sealed at the upper end of the push rod sleeve, and has mounting holes through its upper and lower surfaces. The push rod seal passes through the mounting holes and is connected to the underwater plug.

[0024] Furthermore, the second copper sleeve is provided with a screw, and the bottom of the push rod sleeve is provided with a connecting hole corresponding to the second copper sleeve. The side wall of the connecting hole is provided with a screw hole corresponding to the screw. The second copper sleeve is fitted into the connecting hole, and the screw is inserted into the screw hole.

[0025] Furthermore, a first limiting member is provided at the end of the first sliding rod, and the outer side of the first limiting plate is connected to the first limiting member.

[0026] Furthermore, a second limiting member is provided at the end of the second slide bar, and the outer side of the second limiting plate is connected to the second limiting member.

[0027] The present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0028] The present invention mounts the plug-in actuator assembly on a passive adjustment mechanism. It utilizes the plug-in / plug-out deviation between the underwater plug and the underwater socket to generate a horizontal thrust. The horizontal thrust can drive the underwater plug and the plug-in / plug-in actuator assembly to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis. The passive adjustment mechanism provides the movement space, thereby eliminating the plug-in / plug-out deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the plug-in actuator assembly and the passive adjustment mechanism;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plug-in actuator assembly.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the passive adjustment mechanism.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure;

[0035] The components include: 1. Insertion / removal actuator assembly; 101. Push rod sleeve; 1011. Connecting hole; 1012. Screw hole; 102. Push rod; 103. Front end cover; 2. Underwater plug; 201. First guide surface; 3. Passive adjustment mechanism; 301. Base; 3011. Base plate; 30111. Through groove; 3012. Slide rail; 302. First limiting plate; 303. First passive adjustment spring; 304. Connecting plate; 305. Second limiting plate; 306. Second copper sleeve; 307. Second passive adjustment spring; 4. Base plate; 5. Screw; 6. First limiting component; 7. Second limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "comprising" as used in this application means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein can include wireless connections or wireless coupling. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector, comprising:

[0040] The insertion / removal actuator assembly 1 is connected to the underwater plug 2 and is used to drive the underwater plug 2 to move along the z-axis to insert into or remove from the underwater socket.

[0041] The passive adjustment mechanism 3 and the plug-in actuator assembly 1 are mounted on the passive adjustment mechanism 3 and are able to move along the x-axis and y-axis;

[0042] The underwater plug 2 has a first guide surface 201 at its mating end, and the underwater socket has a second guide surface at its mating end. When there is a plugging / unplugging deviation between the underwater plug 2 and the underwater socket, the first guide surface 201 and the second guide surface come into contact and generate a horizontal thrust. The horizontal thrust can drive the underwater plug 2 and the plugging / unplugging actuator assembly 1 to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis to eliminate the plugging / unplugging deviation.

[0043] In this embodiment, the passive adjustment mechanism 3 includes:

[0044] The base 301 is fixedly mounted on the base plate 4. The front and rear sides of the base 301 are respectively provided with bases 3011 along the y-axis direction. The base 3011 is provided with a slide rail 3012 adapted to the first copper sleeve along the y-axis direction. The first copper sleeve is slidably connected to the slide rail 3012.

[0045] The first slide rod and the first copper sleeve have a through hole in the middle along the y-axis direction. The first slide rod is slidably connected to the through hole. Its two ends extend to the left and right sides of the base 301 and are fixed on the two first limiting plates 302. The first limiting plates 302 are arranged along the x-axis direction and fixed on the base plate 4.

[0046] The first passive adjusting spring 303 is sleeved on the first slide rod and positioned between the first copper sleeve and the two first limiting plates 302;

[0047] The connecting plate 304 and the base 3011 have through grooves 30111 through their inner and outer surfaces. The through grooves 30111 are arranged along the y-axis and their inner sides are connected to the slide rail 3012. The connecting plate 304 passes through the through grooves 30111 and is connected to the first copper sleeve.

[0048] Two second limiting plates 305 are arranged along the y-axis and connected to the connecting plate 304;

[0049] The second slide bar is arranged along the x-axis, and its two ends are respectively fixed on the two second limiting plates 305;

[0050] The second copper sleeve 306 is slidably mounted on the second slide rod and close to the middle of the second slide rod;

[0051] The second passive adjusting spring 307 is sleeved on the second slide rod and positioned between the second copper sleeve 306 and the two second limiting plates 305;

[0052] The second copper sleeve 306 is connected to the plug-in actuator assembly 1. When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug 2 and the plug-in actuator assembly 1 to move along the x-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly 1 drives the second copper sleeve 306 to move along the second slide bar, and the second passive adjusting spring 307 generates corresponding elastic deformation. When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug 2 and the plug-in actuator assembly 1 to move along the y-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly 1 drives the second copper sleeve 306. The second copper sleeve 306 drives the first copper sleeve to move along the first slide bar through the second slide bar, the second limiting plate 305 and the connecting plate 304, and the first passive adjusting spring 303 generates corresponding elastic deformation.

[0053] It should be noted that the base 3011 actually limits the first copper sleeve from the outside. Therefore, when the insertion and removal actuator assembly 1 moves along the x-axis, the base 3011 can limit the second slide rod in the x-axis direction, thereby ensuring that the second copper sleeve 306 and the second slide rod slide.

[0054] In this embodiment, the plug-in actuator assembly 1 includes:

[0055] The push rod sleeve 101 is connected to the second copper sleeve 306 at its bottom, and a piston channel is defined inside along the z-axis. The bottom of the piston channel is connected to the hydraulic power unit.

[0056] The push rod 102 is slidably disposed in the piston channel. The hydraulic power unit drives the push rod 102 to move along the piston channel by injecting or extracting hydraulic oil into the piston channel.

[0057] The front cover 103 is sealed at the upper end of the push rod sleeve 101, and has a mounting hole through its upper and lower surfaces. The push rod 102 passes through the mounting hole and is connected to the underwater plug 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the underwater plug 2 is provided with connecting ears on both sides for connecting the upper end of the push rod 102.

[0059] In this embodiment, the bottom of the push rod sleeve 101 can be provided with a connector that is connected to the hydraulic oil hose. The inner end of the connector is connected to the piston channel, and the outer end of the connector is connected to the hydraulic oil hose. The hydraulic oil hose is connected to the hydraulic power unit. The hydraulic power unit can be a hydraulic cylinder that can operate underwater, etc. The specific structure of the hydraulic power unit can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation. Its structure and working principle are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In this embodiment, a screw 5 is provided on the second copper sleeve 306, and a connecting hole 1011 is opened at the bottom of the push rod sleeve 101 corresponding to the second copper sleeve 306. A screw hole 1012 is opened on the side wall of the connecting hole 1011 corresponding to the screw 5. The second copper sleeve 306 is assembled into the connecting hole 1011, and the screw 5 is inserted into the screw hole 1012.

[0061] In this embodiment, a first limiting member 6 is provided at the end of the first sliding rod, and the outer side of the first limiting plate 302 is connected to the first limiting member 6.

[0062] In this embodiment, a second limiting member 7 is provided at the end of the second slide bar, and the outer side of the second limiting plate 305 is connected to the second limiting member 7.

[0063] The specific work process is as follows:

[0064] The underwater plug 2 has a first guide surface 201 at its mating end, and the underwater socket has a second guide surface at its mating end. The first guide surface 201 and the second guide surface are existing structures of the underwater plug 2 and the underwater socket, and their function is to guide the underwater plug 2 and the underwater socket to a position where they can be inserted or removed. When there is a misalignment between the underwater plug 2 and the underwater socket, the first guide surface 201 and the second guide surface come into contact and generate a horizontal thrust. This horizontal thrust can drive the underwater plug 2 and the insertion / removal actuator assembly 1 to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis.

[0065] When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug 2 and the plug-in / plug-out actuator assembly 1 to move along the x-axis, the plug-in / plug-out actuator assembly 1 drives the second copper sleeve 306 to move along the second slide bar, and the second passive adjusting spring 307 generates elastic deformation accordingly (it can be reset after being pulled out).

[0066] When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug 2 and the plug-in / plug-out actuator assembly 1 to move along the y-axis, the plug-in / plug-out actuator assembly 1 drives the second copper sleeve 306. The second copper sleeve 306 generates a force in the y-axis direction on the second slide rod, and drives the first copper sleeve to move along the first slide rod through the second slide rod, the second limiting plate 305 and the connecting plate 304. The first passive adjusting spring 303 generates elastic deformation accordingly (it can be reset after being pulled out).

[0067] The second passive adjusting spring 307 and the first passive adjusting spring 303 provide the x-axis and y-axis movement space for the insertion and removal actuator, which can effectively compensate for insertion and removal deviations during the insertion and removal alignment process.

[0068] 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" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0069] 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 technical features indicated. 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.

[0070] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0071] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector, characterized in that, include: The insertion / removal actuator assembly (1) is connected to the underwater plug (2) and is used to drive the underwater plug (2) to move along the z-axis to insert into or remove from the underwater socket; Passive adjustment mechanism (3), wherein the plug-in actuator assembly (1) is mounted on the passive adjustment mechanism (3) and is movable along the x-axis and y-axis; The underwater plug (2) has a first guide surface (201) at its mating end and a second guide surface at its mating end. When there is a plugging / unplugging deviation between the underwater plug (2) and the underwater socket, the first guide surface (201) and the second guide surface come into contact and generate a horizontal thrust. The horizontal thrust can drive the underwater plug (2) and the plugging / unplugging actuator assembly (1) to move along the x-axis and / or y-axis to eliminate the plugging / unplugging deviation.

2. The charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passive adjustment mechanism (3) includes: The base (301) is fixedly mounted on the base plate (4). The front and rear sides of the base (301) are respectively provided with bases (3011) along the y-axis direction. The base (3011) is provided with a slide (3012) adapted to the first copper sleeve along the y-axis direction. The first copper sleeve is slidably connected to the slide (3012). The first slide rod has a through hole in the middle of the first copper sleeve along the y-axis direction. The first slide rod is slidably connected to the through hole. Its two ends extend to the left and right sides of the base (301) and are fixed on the two first limiting plates (302). The first limiting plates (302) are arranged along the x-axis direction and fixed on the base plate (4). The first passive adjusting spring (303) is sleeved on the first slide rod and positioned between the first copper sleeve and the two first limiting plates (302); The connecting plate (304) has a through groove (30111) through its inner and outer surfaces. The through groove (30111) is arranged along the y-axis and its inner side is connected to the slide (3012). The connecting plate (304) passes through the through groove (30111) and is connected to the first copper sleeve. Two second limiting plates (305) are arranged along the y-axis and connected to the connecting plate (304); The second slide bar is arranged along the x-axis, and its two ends are fixed to the two second limiting plates (305) respectively; The second copper sleeve (306) is slidably mounted on the second slide rod and close to the middle of the second slide rod; The second passive adjusting spring (307) is sleeved on the second slide rod and positioned between the second copper sleeve (306) and the two second limiting plates (305); The second copper sleeve (306) is connected to the plug-in actuator assembly (1). When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug (2) and the plug-in actuator assembly (1) to move along the x-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly (1) drives the second copper sleeve (306) to move along the second slide bar, and the second passive adjusting spring (307) generates elastic deformation accordingly. When the horizontal thrust drives the underwater plug (2) and the plug-in actuator assembly (1) to move along the y-axis, the plug-in actuator assembly (1) drives the second copper sleeve (306). The second copper sleeve (306) drives the first copper sleeve to move along the first slide bar through the second slide bar, the second limiting plate (305) and the connecting plate (304), and the first passive adjusting spring (303) generates elastic deformation accordingly.

3. A charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plug-in actuator assembly (1) includes: The push rod sleeve (101) is connected to the second copper sleeve (306) at its bottom, and a piston channel is defined inside along the z-axis. The bottom of the piston channel is connected to the hydraulic power unit. The push rod (102) is slidably disposed in the piston channel, and the hydraulic power unit drives the push rod (102) to move along the piston channel by injecting or extracting hydraulic oil into the piston channel; The front cover (103) is sealed at the upper end of the push rod sleeve (101), and has an installation hole through the upper and lower surfaces. The push rod (102) passes through the installation hole and is connected to the underwater plug (2).

4. A charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second copper sleeve (306) is provided with a screw (5), and the bottom of the push rod sleeve (101) is provided with a connecting hole (1011) corresponding to the second copper sleeve (306). The side wall of the connecting hole (1011) is provided with a screw hole (1012) corresponding to the screw (5). The second copper sleeve (306) is assembled into the connecting hole (1011), and the screw (5) is inserted into the screw hole (1012).

5. A charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the first slide bar is provided with a first limiting member (6), and the outer side of the first limiting plate (302) is connected to the first limiting member (6).

6. A charging and plugging mechanism for a miniaturized underwater connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the second slide bar is provided with a second limiting member (7), and the outer side of the second limiting plate (305) is connected to the second limiting member (7).

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