Floating docking structure and floating docking connector assembly

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of connectors, and provides a floating butt joint structure and a floating butt joint connector assembly. The floating butt joint structure comprises a first floating part and a second floating part. The first floating part is provided with a first matching surface, the second floating part is provided with a second matching surface, the first matching surface is in contact with the second matching surface, and the second floating part is allowed to slide and / or rotate relative to the first floating part. The application adopts linear contact matching of the first floating part and the second floating part at the socket end, sets elastic elements, adopts contact of an operating handle made of elastic material with the body at the plug end, realizes double flexible floating and buffering from the socket to the plug, reduces floating friction resistance, improves floating smoothness and plug-in fault tolerance, can effectively compensate for various deviations in the underwater plug-in process, can adapt to underwater vibration and impact, and expands the application range of the application in various underwater scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, and provides a floating docking structure and a floating docking connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater connectors are inserted and removed using an ROV robotic arm. During installation, the ROV operator uses an underwater camera to observe the socket position and manipulates the robotic arm to complete the insertion and removal. However, due to factors such as the marine environment, ROV attitude adjustment, and signal lag, the connector may wobble during insertion and removal, resulting in poor stability, low efficiency, and even damage. The efficient mating and high reliability of connectors affect the feasibility and operating cost of underwater systems; floating devices can reduce the risk of damage and improve operational efficiency.

[0003] Existing connector mating systems utilize floating units at both ends of the socket and plug to achieve positional tolerance and stress buffering. Specifically, a small-diameter screw sleeve is added to the socket flange mounting hole, and the sleeve engages with the mounting screw, passing through the flange hole. The sleeve diameter is smaller than the flange mounting hole diameter, allowing for radial clearance; its length is greater than the flange thickness, and it has an outer flange to prevent the flange from dislodging. The screw preload acts on the sleeve, allowing the flange to float. The axial float is determined by the sleeve length, and the radial float is determined by the difference in their diameters. An elastic rubber ring is installed at the plug end, utilizing rubber deformation to achieve radial flexible tilting and floating, compensating for positional errors. This structure, combining socket clearance fit with plug elastic floating, enables the connector to adapt in multiple directions, improving assembly reliability and durability.

[0004] However, the existing structure relies on a rigid mechanical clearance between the socket end screw sleeve and the mounting hole to achieve floating. Due to the lack of elastic elements for guidance and cushioning, the frictional force changes discontinuously during floating, resulting in limited angle adjustment capability and a tendency to jam when subjected to lateral forces or intrusion of small foreign objects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application addresses the problems of limited angle adjustment and susceptibility to jamming caused by existing connector mating structures that rely on rigid mechanical gaps for floating. On one hand, it provides a floating mating structure integrated into a connector socket to achieve flexible mating of the connector socket relative to the mounting component, comprising: A first floating element is used to fix the connector socket on the mounting base; The second floating element is connected to the main body of the connector socket; The first floating member has a first mating surface on the side facing the second floating member, and the second floating member has a second mating surface on the side facing the first floating member. The first mating surface and the second mating surface are in contact and engaged to allow the second floating member to slide and / or rotate relative to the first floating member. An elastic buffer unit, wherein the elastic buffer unit is disposed between the first floating member and the second floating member; and, A limiting unit is coaxially nested on the second floating member and is used to axially limit the elastic buffer unit and the first floating member.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the first floating element is a support flange having a central hole through which the connector socket passes. The second floating component is an internal support assembly, and the connector socket is fixed to the front end of the internal support assembly; The first mating surface is a raised arc surface formed on the inner side of the support flange, and the second mating surface is a raised plane formed on the outer side of the internal support assembly. The raised arc surface and the raised plane form a line contact.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the raised arc surface and the raised plane form cavities on both sides of the axial direction; The elastic buffer unit includes at least one elastic element disposed within the cavity.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, the elastic buffer unit includes two elastic elements, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the axial contact position between the raised arc surface and the raised plane.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the limiting unit is a flange retaining ring; The flange retaining ring is coaxially sleeved and fixed to the end of the internal support assembly away from the mounting base; The flange retaining ring abuts against the elastic buffer unit or the support flange on the side facing the support flange to limit the maximum axial separation distance between the support flange and the internal support assembly.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the flange retaining ring is fixedly connected to the internal support assembly by a plurality of radially arranged retaining ring screws.

[0011] This application, in another aspect, provides a floating docking connector assembly, comprising: a connector socket and a connector plug integrated with the floating docking structure described in any one of the above claims; as well as, An operating handle is fixed to the tail end of the connector plug and is used for clamping and operation by an external robotic arm. The second floating component in the floating docking structure is connected to the main body of the connector socket.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the operating handle is made of a resilient material.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the contact mounting surface between the operating handle and the connector plug body is a plane or an arc surface.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the operating handle is secured to the tail end of the connector plug by a plurality of mounting screws.

[0015] This application provides a floating docking structure and a floating docking connector assembly. By employing a support flange at the socket end with line contact with the internal support assembly and incorporating an elastic element, and using an operating handle made of elastic material at the plug end that contacts the main body, dual flexible floating and cushioning are achieved from the socket to the plug. This reduces floating frictional resistance, improves floating smoothness and mating tolerance, effectively compensates for various deviations during underwater mating, adapts to underwater vibration and impact, and expands its applicability in various underwater scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the implementation of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional connector socket mating structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a conventional connector plug mating structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the rigid floating state of a conventional connector flange, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting base shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a support flange fixing structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the docking and floating of a connector socket and a connector socket, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a support flange shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a floating docking structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an elastic element shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the elastic element when the connector socket is horizontally inserted, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the elastic element when the connector socket is horizontally pulled out, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 10c This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the elastic element when the connector socket is tilted during an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 10d This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the elastic element when the connector socket is tilted and pulled out, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floating docking connector assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the operating handle shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is an exploded view of the operating handle as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the floating state of a connector plug as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the connection structure of the operating handle is shown as another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 16 An exploded view of the operating handle as shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the floating state of a connector plug, which is another exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0018] Attached image captions: 1-Mounting base; 2-Connector socket; 3-Connector plug; 4-Operating handle; 5-Elastic buffer unit; 6-First floating element; 7-Second floating element; 8-Connecting screw; 9-Limiting unit; 10-Retaining ring screw; 11-Mounting screw; 41-Contact mounting surface; 61-First mating surface; 62-Cavity; 63-Center hole; 71-Second mating surface; 100 - Connector flange; 101 - Flange hole; 102 - Screw sleeve; 200 - Fixing screw; 300 - Elastic rubber ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the embodiments of the invention will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a full understanding of how embodiments of the invention are carried out.

[0020] Underwater connectors are an indispensable component of underwater production and monitoring systems. At depths of hundreds or even thousands of meters, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) use robotic arms to perform the insertion and removal of connectors. During operation, ROV operators observe the connector socket position via an underwater camera and then manipulate the ROV robotic arm to insert or remove the connector plug. Due to the complex and variable marine environment, the dynamic adjustment of the ROV's attitude, and the lag in camera and robotic arm signals, the connector may wobble in various directions during insertion and removal, leading to poor stability, reduced efficiency, and even damage. In the marine environment, connectors must withstand harsh conditions such as high pressure, microbial adhesion, and complex currents. To ensure safe, reliable, and efficient underwater insertion and removal, while guaranteeing stable communication transmission after insertion and removal, the connector's floating structure, as the core structure for reliable insertion and removal, is of paramount importance in terms of its design rationality and reliability. In practical applications, the number of modules in underwater systems, such as those used for seabed observation and subsea oil and gas extraction, is increasing. These include underwater branchers, underwater integrated units, and wellheads. The core modules need to be fixed to the seabed first, and then different functional modules are connected using optical, electrical, and hydraulic connectors to form a complete observation or oil and gas extraction system, enabling power, communication, and fluid transmission. Due to the high cost and difficulty of underwater operations, the efficient mating of connectors and the high reliability of plugs and sockets directly affect the feasibility and operating cost of the entire underwater system. Floating connectors can effectively reduce the risk of damage during mating and improve ROV operational efficiency.

[0021] The flange clearance fit structure achieves positional tolerance and stress buffering during connection by designing floating units at both ends of the connector's socket and plug. Its specific structure and principle are as follows: Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, traditional flange clearance fit structures achieve tolerance and buffering by setting floating units at both the socket and plug ends. Specifically, refer to... Figure 1As shown, a smaller diameter screw sleeve 102 is added to the flange hole 101 of the connector flange 100. The screw sleeve 102 is fitted with the fixing screw 200, and a radial clearance is reserved between it and the flange hole 101. The screw sleeve 102 has a flange on its outer side to prevent it from coming out. After assembly, the preload is applied to the screw sleeve 102 rather than the connector flange 100, so that the connector flange 100 remains floating within the defined axial and radial clearances. Meanwhile, refer to... Figure 2 As shown, an elastic rubber ring 300 is provided at the end of the plug to compensate for radial and tilt positional errors using the deformation capacity of the rubber. The combination of these two features gives the connector a certain degree of self-adaptability in multiple directions.

[0022] However, refer to Figure 3 As shown, this structure has significant drawbacks: 1. Floating relies on rigid gaps, lacking elastic guidance and buffering, resulting in discontinuous friction, easy jamming, and limited angle adjustment capability; 2. To achieve uniform floating at multiple points, it is usually necessary to configure screw sleeves 102 and fixing screws 200 assemblies one by one in multiple flange holes 101. The large number of parts and high requirements for assembly alignment make the installation and subsequent maintenance disassembly steps cumbersome; 3. The screw sleeve 102, as a key floating component, is a thin-walled metal part. In the corrosive marine environment, it has a large exposed area and is susceptible to chloride ion corrosion and electrochemical corrosion. Long-term use may affect the floating performance or even lead to structural failure due to deformation or damage. These problems are interrelated and jointly restrict the smoothness of floating, ease of maintenance, and long-term reliability of this structure in complex environments.

[0023] To solve the above problems, refer to Figure 4 As shown, this application provides a floating mating structure integrated into the connector socket 2 to achieve flexible mating of the connector socket 2 relative to the mounting member. The mounting member is specifically the mounting base 1, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As shown, the mounting base 1 serves as the fixed carrier for the connector socket 2, providing a mounting support foundation for the entire floating docking structure. The floating docking structure includes a first floating component 6, a second floating component 7, an elastic buffer unit 5, and a limiting unit 9.

[0024] The first floating member 6 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 1, and the second floating member 7 is fixedly connected to the body of the connector socket 2. The two are kept in contact through their opposing mating surfaces, allowing the second floating member 7 to slide and / or rotate relative to the first floating member 6, and there is a gap between the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7 to accommodate the elastic buffer unit 5.

[0025] Specifically, the first floating member 6 serves as a connecting component between the connector socket 2 and the mounting base 1, used to fix the connector socket 2 on the mounting base 1, thereby achieving the basic connection and positioning between the connector socket 2 and the mounting base 1. The second floating member 7 is fixedly connected to the main body of the connector socket 2, serving as a supporting structure for the main body of the connector socket 2, and becoming a load-bearing component for the connector socket 2 to achieve floating motion.

[0026] The first floating member 6 has a first mating surface 61 machined on the side facing the second floating member 7, and the second floating member 7 has a corresponding second mating surface 71 machined on the side facing the first floating member 6. The first mating surface 61 and the second mating surface 71 are in contact with each other. This mating method provides a motion basis for the sliding and / or rotation of the second floating member 7 relative to the first floating member 6, so that the second floating member 7 can drive the connector socket 2 body to complete multi-directional position adjustment relative to the first floating member 6 and the mounting base 1.

[0027] The elastic buffer unit 5 is disposed in the gap between the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7, providing elastic buffering and restoring force when the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7 move relative to each other. The limiting unit 9 is coaxially nested on the second floating member 7, and its main function is to axially limit the elastic buffer unit 5 and the first floating member 6, preventing the elastic buffer unit 5 from falling out of the gap between the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7, and at the same time limiting the maximum axial relative displacement between the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7, ensuring the stability of the fit of each component.

[0028] In underwater operation scenarios, refer to Figure 6 As shown, when the external robotic arm controls the connector plug 3 and connector socket 2 to mate, due to factors such as the marine environment and the control precision of the robotic arm, the connector plug and connector socket 2 are prone to mating deviation, including radial offset and angular tilt. At this time, the connector socket 2 will be subjected to the lateral force or eccentric force transmitted by the connector plug. This force will cause the second floating member 7 connected to the main body of the connector socket 2 to slide and / or rotate relative to the first floating member 6 fixed on the mounting base 1. The contact mating structure of the first mating surface 61 and the second mating surface 71 provides a smooth movement path for this relative movement, avoiding mating jamming caused by movement obstruction.

[0029] Meanwhile, during the relative movement between the second floating member 7 and the first floating member 6, the elastic buffer unit 5 between them will be squeezed and undergo elastic deformation. The elastic deformation process will absorb the offset and impact force generated during the mating process, alleviate the hard contact impact when the connector plug 3 and the connector socket 2 are mated, and solve the technical problem that the traditional rigid gap floating structure is prone to jamming when mating deviation and the large mating impact force leads to connector damage.

[0030] Understandably, after the external force disappears, the elastic restoring force of the elastic buffer unit 5 will drive the second floating member 7 to return to the initial mating position relative to the first floating member 6, thereby realizing the automatic reset of the connector socket 2. The limiting unit 9 always axially limits the elastic buffer unit 5 and the first floating member 6 throughout the entire movement process, preventing the elastic buffer unit 5 from falling off due to excessive compression or movement deviation, and at the same time avoiding the separation of the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7 due to excessive relative displacement, thus solving the problems of easy loosening of components and poor mating stability in traditional structures.

[0031] The floating docking structure in this embodiment achieves flexible floating of the connector socket 2 relative to the mounting base 1 through the relative movement of the first floating member 6 and the second floating member 7, combined with the buffering effect of the elastic buffer unit 5. This effectively compensates for various deviations during the mating process, improves the smoothness of mating, and avoids jamming. The elastic buffer unit 5 alleviates the impact of mating, reduces the risk of connector damage, and improves the reliability of the connector. The axial limiting function of the limiting unit 9 ensures the assembly stability of each component, prevents component loosening, and ensures the long-term effective operation of the floating docking structure. Furthermore, the entire structure is integrated inside the connector socket 2, eliminating the need for additional floating components on the mounting base 1, simplifying the connection structure between the connector and the mounting base 1, and improving assembly convenience.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first floating component 6 may include a support flange, which is an annular structure with a central hole 63 machined at its center for the connector socket 2 to pass through. The connector socket 2 can pass through the central hole 63 to achieve coaxial assembly with the support flange. The outer periphery of the support flange is used to cooperate with the mounting hole of the mounting base 1 to fix the support flange on the mounting base 1, thereby completing the connection and positioning of the connector socket 2 and the mounting base 1.

[0033] The second floating component 7 may include an internal support assembly, which is the core support structure of the connector socket 2. The connector socket 2 is fixed to the front end of the internal support assembly, so that the connector socket 2 can be adjusted in position as the internal support assembly moves. The outer periphery of the internal support assembly matches the center hole 63 of the support flange to ensure the coaxiality of the two.

[0034] Reference Figure 7As shown, the first mating surface 61 can be a raised arc surface integrally formed on the inner side of the support flange. This raised arc surface is arranged circumferentially along the center hole of the support flange, forming a continuous arc-shaped mating surface. The second mating surface 71 can be a raised plane integrally formed on the outer side of the internal support assembly. This raised plane is arranged circumferentially along the internal support assembly, forming a continuous planar mating surface. The raised arc surface and the raised plane fit together to form a line contact mating structure. This line contact mating method can effectively reduce the sliding friction resistance between the two, providing smoother movement conditions for the sliding and / or rotation of the internal support assembly relative to the support flange.

[0035] During underwater connector mating operations, the external robotic arm manipulates the connector plug to move closer to the connector socket 2. When a mating deviation occurs, the contact between the connector plug and the connector socket 2 generates a lateral force. This force is transmitted to the internal support assembly fixed to the connector socket 2, causing the internal support assembly to be subject to a movement tendency relative to the support flange. Since the support flange is fixed by the mounting base 1, the internal support assembly will slide and / or rotate relative to the support flange under the drive of the force. At this time, the raised arc surface on the inner side of the support flange and the raised plane on the outer side of the internal support assembly maintain line contact and complete relative movement along the contact line.

[0036] The line contact mating method significantly reduces the friction area between the two, lowers the sliding friction resistance, and avoids the motion jamming problem caused by excessive friction resistance in traditional surface contact or rigid clearance mating. It effectively solves the technical problems of unsmooth floating and limited angle adjustment capability when the traditional floating structure has misalignment during mating. At the same time, the movement of the internal support component relative to the support flange drives the connector socket 2 to complete the adaptive adjustment of position and angle, so that the mating port of the connector socket 2 matches the connector plug, and compensates for radial and angular deviations during mating.

[0037] In this embodiment, the floating docking structure is adapted to the connector socket 2 through the structural design of the supporting flange and internal supporting components, achieving integrated assembly of the floating structure and the connector socket 2, thus simplifying the overall assembly structure. Both the raised arc surface and the raised plane are integrally molded structures, improving the structural strength and processing accuracy of the mating surfaces, ensuring the stability and service life of the fit; the line contact mating method reduces wear on the mating surfaces, reduces the impact of foreign matter adhesion on movement in the marine environment, and improves the structure's environmental adaptability.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 8As shown, the raised arc surface and the raised plane form a cavity 62 on both sides of the axial direction. The cavity 62 is formed by the raised arc surface of the supporting flange, the raised plane of the internal supporting component and the axial end face of the two together, providing a space for the installation of the elastic buffer unit 5. The shape of the cavity 62 is adapted to the shape of the elastic buffer unit 5, ensuring that the elastic buffer unit 5 can be stably installed in the cavity 62.

[0039] Reference Figure 9 As shown, the elastic buffer unit 5 includes at least one elastic element, which is disposed in the cavity 62. The outer peripheral side of the elastic element is in contact with the inner wall of the cavity 62, and the two axial ends are respectively in contact with the axial end faces of the support flange and the internal support assembly, so that the elastic element can produce uniform elastic deformation when subjected to axial compression.

[0040] When there is a misalignment between the connector plug and the connector socket 2, the lateral force on the connector socket 2 causes the internal support assembly to slide and / or rotate relative to the support flange. This relative movement causes the space of the cavity 62 on both sides of the raised arc surface and the raised plane to change. One side of the cavity 62 is compressed, while the other side of the cavity 62 is enlarged. The elastic element in the compressed cavity 62 is subjected to axial compression by the support flange and the internal support assembly, resulting in elastic deformation.

[0041] During the elastic deformation process, the elastic element converts the offset generated during the mating process into elastic potential energy, thereby absorbing the offset and buffering the impact force when the connector plug and connector socket 2 come into contact, avoiding damage to the connector components caused by hard contact. This solves the technical problem of no buffer component and large mating impact in traditional rigid gap structures.

[0042] The elastic element on the tension side remains in its initial state or is slightly stretched, providing an auxiliary force for the reset of the internal support assembly. After the internal support assembly completes the angle and position adjustment relative to the support flange, the elastic reset force of the elastic element will push the internal support assembly to move back to its initial position, so that the connector socket 2 maintains a precise mating state with the connector plug. Throughout the entire movement, the elastic element is always installed in the cavity 62. The structure of the cavity 62 plays a radial limiting role for the elastic element, preventing the elastic element from radially shifting and ensuring the effectiveness of the elastic buffer.

[0043] In this embodiment, the cavity 62 provides a dedicated installation space for the elastic element, enabling integrated assembly of the elastic element with the supporting flange and internal support components, thus simplifying the installation structure of the elastic buffer unit 5. The elastic element is located inside the cavity 62 and is radially limited by the inner wall of the cavity 62, preventing radial displacement and detachment of the elastic element during operation and ensuring the stable performance of the elastic buffering effect. The setting of at least one elastic element can be flexibly configured according to actual mating requirements, meeting buffering needs while adapting to different underwater operating environments.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, reference continues to be made to Figure 9 As shown, the elastic buffer unit 5 includes two elastic elements, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the contact position between the first mating surface 61 and the second mating surface 71. The structural specifications of the two elastic elements are adapted to the cavities 62 on both sides of the axial direction. In some embodiments, when the cavities 62 on both sides of the first mating surface 61 and the second mating surface 71 are the same size, the specifications of the two elastic elements are also the same. Furthermore, the two elastic elements are symmetrically arranged with the axial contact position of the first mating surface 61 and the second mating surface 71 as the center of symmetry, so that the two elastic elements can produce symmetrical elastic deformation during operation, ensuring the uniformity of force on the internal support assembly relative to the support flange.

[0045] Reference Figure 10a and Figure 10b As shown, Figure 10a A schematic diagram showing the state of the elastic element when the connector plug is horizontally inserted into the connector socket. Figure 10b This diagram illustrates the state of the elastic element when the connector plug is horizontally pulled out of the connector socket. When the connector plug 3 and connector socket 2 are horizontally inserted, the cavities 62 on both sides of the axial direction undergo volume changes. When the connector plug 3 is inserted, the cavity 62 on the side closer to the connector plug 3 is compressed, while the cavity 62 on the other side is enlarged. Conversely, when the connector plug 3 is pulled out, the cavity 62 on the side farther from the connector plug 3 is compressed, while the cavity 62 on the other side is enlarged. The elastic element on the compressed side is subjected to axial compression by the support flange and the internal support assembly, resulting in elastic deformation that absorbs the offset and impact force in that direction. The elastic element on the enlarged side relaxes while maintaining elastic constraint on the internal support assembly.

[0046] Similarly, refer to Figure 10c and Figure 10d As shown, Figure 10c A schematic diagram showing the state of the elastic element when the connector plug is tilted and inserted into the connector socket. Figure 10dThis diagram illustrates the state of the elastic element when the connector plug is tilted out of the connector socket. When there is a radial offset or angular tilt in the connector plug 3 and connector socket 2, the movement angle or displacement of the internal support assembly increases, the deformation of the elastic element on the compression side increases synchronously, and the buffering force also increases, effectively preventing excessive movement of the internal support assembly. This solves the structural deformation problem caused by uneven force during movement due to the lack of symmetrical buffer components in traditional structures. After mating, the external force disappears, and the elastic restoring force of the elastic element on the compression side and the pressure of the elastic element on the amplification side work together to stably drive the internal support assembly back to the initial coaxial mating position relative to the support flange, achieving precise reset of the connector socket 2. Furthermore, the symmetrical arrangement of the two elastic elements ensures that the elastic force on the internal support assembly remains balanced throughout the entire movement, preventing the internal support assembly from jamming or wearing unevenly due to uneven force.

[0047] In this embodiment, the symmetrical arrangement of the two elastic elements achieves bidirectional elastic buffering of the internal support assembly. Regardless of the direction of movement of the internal support assembly, corresponding elastic buffering can be obtained, improving the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the buffering. The symmetrical elastic force ensures uniform force distribution during the movement of the internal support assembly, avoiding uneven wear of mating surfaces and structural deformation caused by unilateral force, thus extending the service life of the support flange and the internal support assembly. The adaptive installation of the two elastic elements with the two side cavities 62 ensures the assembly stability of the elastic buffer unit 5, preventing the elastic elements from loosening or being damaged in the marine environment.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, reference continues to be made to Figure 8 As shown, the limiting unit 9 may include a flange retaining ring. The flange retaining ring is an annular structure, and its inner diameter is adapted to the outer diameter of the internal support component. It can be coaxially sleeved and fixed to the end of the internal support component away from the mounting base 1, so that the flange retaining ring and the internal support component form a fixed integral structure. It moves synchronously with the movement of the internal support component. The side of the flange retaining ring facing the support flange abuts against the elastic buffer unit 5 or the support flange. This abutment method is an axial mechanical limiting, which directly limits the maximum axial separation distance between the support flange and the internal support component, avoiding separation due to excessive axial displacement. At the same time, it plays an axial pressing role on the elastic buffer unit 5, preventing the elastic buffer unit 5 from falling out of the cavity 62.

[0049] Specifically, during the mating process between the connector socket 2 and the connector plug, the internal support assembly slides and / or rotates relative to the support flange, causing the elastic element to undergo elastic deformation. At the same time, the internal support assembly will have a slight axial movement tendency. At this time, the flange retaining ring acts as a limiting unit 9, and its side facing the support flange always maintains abutment with the elastic buffer unit 5 or the support flange. When the internal support assembly moves away from the mounting base 1, the flange retaining ring will form a physical block by abutting against the elastic element or the support flange, limiting the maximum axial displacement of the internal support assembly and preventing axial separation between the support flange and the internal support assembly.

[0050] Meanwhile, the axial contact of the flange retaining ring with the elastic buffer unit 5 keeps the elastic element pressed within the cavity 62, preventing the elastic element from falling out of the cavity 62 due to the axial movement of the internal support assembly. This ensures the assembly stability of the elastic buffer unit 5. After the internal support assembly completes its movement and resets, the flange retaining ring returns to its initial limit position, continuing to axially limit the elastic buffer unit 5 and the support flange, ensuring the integrity of the entire floating docking structure in the non-working state.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the flange retaining ring is fixedly connected to the internal support assembly by a plurality of radially arranged retaining ring screws 10. The plurality of retaining ring screws 10 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the flange retaining ring, and the axis of the retaining ring screws 10 is perpendicular to the axis of the internal support assembly. After the retaining ring screws 10 pass through the radial threaded hole of the flange retaining ring, they are screwed into the corresponding threaded hole on the outer circumference of the internal support assembly, thereby achieving rigid fixation between the flange retaining ring and the internal support assembly.

[0052] When installing the flange retaining ring, the flange retaining ring is coaxially fitted onto the end of the internal support assembly away from the mounting base 1. The circumferential position of the flange retaining ring is adjusted so that the radial threaded hole on the flange retaining ring is aligned with the corresponding threaded hole on the internal support assembly. Then, multiple retaining ring screws 10 are screwed radially into the threaded hole until the head of the retaining ring screw 10 presses against the outer circumferential surface of the flange retaining ring, thus completing the fixing of the flange retaining ring to the internal support assembly.

[0053] Understandably, the multiple circumferentially distributed retaining ring screws 10 provide a uniform fixing force for the flange retaining ring, ensuring the stability of the limiting function. In subsequent maintenance and repair, the flange retaining ring can be quickly disassembled by unscrewing the retaining ring screws 10, which facilitates the inspection, replacement and maintenance of the elastic elements and mating surfaces in the cavity 62, thus improving the maintenance convenience of the floating docking structure.

[0054] Another aspect of this application provides a floating docking connector assembly, as shown in reference to... Figure 11As shown, the component includes a connector socket 2 and a connector plug 3 integrated with the aforementioned floating docking structure. The floating docking connector component also includes an operating handle 4, which is fixed to the tail end of the connector plug 3. Its shape is adapted to the clamping structure of the external robotic arm and is specifically designed to be clamped and operated by the external robotic arm. By clamping the operating handle 4, the external robotic arm realizes motion control of the connector plug 3, driving the connector plug 3 to complete the mating and unmating actions with the connector socket 2. The fixed connection between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 is a rigid connection, ensuring that the force of the external robotic arm can be effectively transmitted to the connector plug 3, making the movement of the connector plug 3 more precise.

[0055] In the underwater connector mating operation, the external robotic arm first clamps the operating handle 4 fixed to the tail end of the connector plug 3. By manipulating the operating handle 4, the connector plug 3 is moved closer to the connector socket 2. During this approach, due to factors such as ocean currents, the precision of the robotic arm's control, and underwater visual biases, the connector plug 3 and connector socket 2 are prone to mating deviations such as radial offset and angular tilt. During this process, the operating handle 4, as the connecting component between the external robotic arm and the connector plug 3, can dynamically transmit the control force of the external robotic arm to the connector plug 3, allowing the connector plug 3 to adapt to the floating adjustment of the connector socket 2 until the connector plug 3 and connector socket 2 are successfully mated.

[0056] The floating docking connector assembly provided in this embodiment integrates a flexible floating docking structure inside the connector socket 2, and is equipped with a dedicated operating handle 4 that cooperates with the connector plug 3 to form a complete floating docking connector assembly. This enables coordinated movement of the plug end and the socket end, improving the overall mating tolerance.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the operating handle 4 is made of an elastic material. The elastic material has good flexibility and elastic deformation ability, and can generate elastic deformation when subjected to external force. After the external force disappears, it returns to its initial shape. The overall structure of the operating handle 4 is integrally formed by the elastic material, which ensures the structural strength and uniformity of elastic deformation of the operating handle 4.

[0058] Furthermore, during the elastic deformation of the operating handle 4, the flexibility of its elastic material can absorb part of the mating impact force, further mitigating the hard contact impact between the connector plug and the connector socket 2 and reducing the risk of damage to the connector components. During the mating and unmating operation, the clamping force of the external robotic arm keeps the operating handle 4 rigid, ensuring the effective transmission of the mating and unmating force and ensuring the smooth progress of the mating and unmating operation.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 12-14As shown, the contact mounting surface 41 between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body is a plane. This plane is an integrally formed planar structure on the side of the operating handle 4 facing the connector plug 3 body. The connector plug 3 body has a corresponding mating surface that matches this plane, forming a planar contact fit between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body. This planar contact fit increases the contact area between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body, thereby improving the stability and reliability of their connection.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 15 and Figure 17 As shown, the contact mounting surface 41 between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body can also be an arc surface. This arc surface is also an integrally formed arc structure on the side of the operating handle 4 facing the connector plug 3 body. The connector plug 3 body has a corresponding mating surface that matches this arc surface, so that an arc surface contact fit is formed between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body. This arc surface contact fit provides a smooth movement path for slight rotation of the operating handle 4 relative to the connector plug 3 body.

[0061] Specifically, when the external robotic arm grips the operating handle 4 and drives the connector plug 3 to mate with the connector socket 2, if a misalignment occurs, the lateral force on the connector plug 3 is transmitted to the operating handle 4. Since the operating handle 4 is made of elastic material and has an arc-shaped contact with the connector plug 3 body, under the drive of the force, the operating handle 4 will undergo elastic deformation and rotate slightly relative to the connector plug 3 body along the arc-shaped contact surface. This rotation will drive the head of the connector plug 3 to complete the angle adjustment, realizing the adaptive floating of the connector plug 3 in the angular direction and compensating for the angle deviation.

[0062] Furthermore, the elastic deformation of the operating handle 4 can compensate for radial deviation, while the floating mating structure inside the connector socket 2 completes further deviation compensation. The low frictional resistance of the arc-shaped contact mating surface ensures smooth movement and avoids jamming. Simultaneously, during insertion and removal operations, the large clamping force maintains a rigid connection between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body, with no relative movement between the arc-shaped contact mating surfaces, ensuring effective transmission of insertion and removal forces.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, reference continues to be made to Figures 12-17As shown, the operating handle 4 is fixed to the tail end of the connector plug 3 by multiple mounting screws 11. The multiple mounting screws 11 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the operating handle 4, and the axis of the mounting screws 11 is parallel to the axis of the connector plug 3. The operating handle 4 is machined with mounting holes for the mounting screws 11 to pass through. The tail end of the connector plug 3 body is correspondingly machined with a threaded hole. After the mounting screws 11 pass through the mounting holes of the operating handle 4, they are screwed into the threaded holes of the connector plug 3 body, thereby realizing the detachable fixed connection between the operating handle 4 and the tail end of the connector plug 3.

[0064] Understandably, the multiple circumferentially evenly distributed mounting screws 11 provide a uniform fixing force for the operating handle 4, ensuring a stable connection between the operating handle 4 and the connector plug 3 body. This prevents circumferential rotation or axial displacement of the operating handle 4 under external force, guaranteeing effective force transmission. Simultaneously, the mounting screws 11 do not affect the elastic deformation of the operating handle 4 or the relative rotation along the arc-shaped contact surface. During subsequent maintenance and repair, the operating handle 4 can be quickly disassembled by unscrewing the mounting screws 11, facilitating inspection, maintenance, and replacement.

[0065] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the overall usage process of the floating docking structure and floating docking connector assembly provided in this application includes an assembly stage and an underwater mating stage. Specifically, in the assembly stage, the first elastic element is first installed in the corresponding position of the internal support assembly; the support flange is coaxially nested on the internal support assembly, so that the inner raised arc surface of the support flange and the outer raised plane of the internal support assembly form a line contact fit, and the positioning groove fits with the positioning platform; the second elastic element is installed in the cavity 62 on the other side of the support flange; the flange retaining ring is coaxially sleeved on the end of the internal support assembly away from the mounting base 1, the circumferential position is adjusted to align the threaded holes, and the flange retaining ring is fixed on the internal support assembly with retaining ring screws 10 so that it abuts against the elastic element. Subsequently, the assembled connector socket 2 is passed through one side of the mounting base 1, so that the axis of the connector socket 2 is concentric with the center hole of the mounting base 1, and the support flange is fixed on the mounting base 1 with connecting screws 8. Finally, align the mounting hole of the operating handle 4 with the threaded hole at the tail end of the connector plug 3 body, so that the arc-shaped contact surfaces fit together, and screw the mounting screw 11 into the threaded hole to fix it.

[0066] During the underwater mating phase, the underwater robotic arm, remotely controlled, grips the operating handle 4, bringing the connector plug 3 closer to the connector socket 2. Upon contact, the internal support assembly of the connector socket 2 slides or rotates relative to the support flange, compressing the elastic element; simultaneously, the operating handle 4 elastically deforms and rotates relative to it, compensating for any misalignment. The connector plug 3 is then inserted into the connector socket 2, completing the mating process.

[0067] The floating docking structure and floating docking connector assembly provided in this application, through an integrated design, utilizes a support flange at the socket end with line contact with the internal support assembly and incorporates an elastic element. At the plug end, an operating handle made of elastic material contacts the main body, achieving dual flexible floating and buffering from the socket to the plug. This reduces floating frictional resistance, improves floating smoothness and mating tolerance, and effectively compensates for various deviations during underwater mating. All components employ quick-disassembly mechanical connections, facilitating maintenance and replacement of vulnerable parts such as elastic elements. The overall structure is compact, the connection is reliable, and it can withstand underwater vibration and impact, expanding its applicability in various underwater scenarios.

[0068] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the disclosure in the specification and the embodiments. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A floating mating structure integrated into a connector socket for achieving flexible mating of the connector socket relative to a mounting member, characterized in that, include: The first floating member (6) is used to fix the connector socket (2) on the mounting base (1); The second floating member (7) is connected to the main body of the connector socket (2); The first floating member (6) has a first mating surface (61) on the side facing the second floating member (7), and the second floating member (7) has a second mating surface (71) on the side facing the first floating member (6). The first mating surface (61) and the second mating surface (71) are in contact and mating to allow the second floating member (7) to slide and / or rotate relative to the first floating member (6). An elastic buffer unit (5) is disposed between the first floating member (6) and the second floating member (7); and, The limiting unit (9) is coaxially nested on the second floating member (7) and is used to axially limit the elastic buffer unit (5) and the first floating member (6).

2. The floating docking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first floating element (6) is a support flange, which has a central hole through which the connector socket (2) passes; The second floating member (7) is an internal support assembly, and the connector socket (2) is fixed to the front end of the internal support assembly; The first mating surface (61) is a raised arc surface formed on the inner side of the support flange, and the second mating surface (71) is a raised plane formed on the outer side of the internal support assembly. The raised arc surface and the raised plane form a line contact.

3. The floating docking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first mating surface (61) and the second mating surface (71) form cavities (62) on both sides of the axial direction. The elastic buffer unit (5) includes at least one elastic element disposed within the cavity (62).

4. The floating docking structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic buffer unit (5) includes two elastic elements, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the axial contact position of the first mating surface (61) and the second mating surface (71).

5. The floating docking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting unit (9) is a flange retaining ring; The flange retaining ring is coaxially sleeved and fixed to the end of the second floating member (7) away from the mounting base (1); The flange retaining ring abuts against the elastic buffer unit (5) or the first floating member (6) on the side facing the first floating member (6) to limit the maximum axial separation distance between the first floating member (6) and the second floating member (7).

6. The floating docking structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flange retaining ring is fixedly connected to the second floating member (7) by a plurality of radially arranged retaining ring screws (10).

7. A floating docking connector assembly, characterized in that, include: A connector socket (2) and a connector plug (3) having the floating docking structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as, Operating handle (4), the operating handle (4) is fixed to the tail end of the connector plug (3) and is used to be clamped and operated by an external robotic arm; The second floating component in the floating docking structure is connected to the main body of the connector socket (2).

8. The floating docking connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operating handle (4) is made of elastic material.

9. The floating docking connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The contact mounting surface (41) between the operating handle (4) and the connector plug (3) body is a plane or an arc surface.

10. The floating docking connector assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The operating handle (4) is fixed to the tail end of the connector plug (3) by a plurality of mounting screws (11).

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