Joint floating fixing seat automatic centering structure

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector, comprising a fixing seat, a connector, and an annular spring. The fixing seat has an open side and a closed side, and an accommodating space is formed therein. The closed side has a through hole. The connector is movably disposed in the accommodating space and includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end extends through the through hole to the outside of the fixing seat. The second end extends toward the open side. The annular spring is disposed between the fixing seat and the connector and includes a fixing ring and several extension arms. The extension arms extend outward from the fixing ring and abut against the inner surface of the fixing seat. When the connector is subjected to an external force and undergoes radial displacement, it drives the fixing ring and causes the extension arms to deform. When the external force disappears, the radial rebound force is released to allow the connector to return to the centered position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector. Background Technology

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

[0003] However, existing floating joint structures still have many shortcomings in practical applications. Most existing floating joint centering structures only provide radial clearance or sliding space, typically lacking an automatic return mechanism. While they can compensate for assembly deviations, they lack an elastic structure to guide return after radial displacement. As a result, the joint, after separation, can only remain in the offset position caused by the previous connection, or in an unstable hovering state. When performing the next installation connection, if the joint is still in the offset position, the connection process will require a greater insertion force, reducing operational convenience.

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

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

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a joint, which can automatically center the joint after the external force is released during joint docking, so as to ensure docking accuracy and improve overall operational convenience.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned objective of the present invention, the present invention provides an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a joint, characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] A fixed base has an open side and a closed side, a receiving space is formed inside the fixed base, and a through hole is provided on the closed side;

[0009] A connector, movably disposed within the receiving space, wherein the connector includes a first end and a second end, the first end extending through the through hole to the outside of the fixing base, and the second end extending toward the open side; and

[0010] A ring-shaped spring is disposed between the fixing base and the connector, and includes:

[0011] A retaining ring, located in the receiving space and fitted onto the connector; and

[0012] A plurality of extension arms are distributed on an outer surface of the fixing ring to surround the fixing ring, and extend outward from the fixing ring to abut an inner side of the fixing seat;

[0013] When the connector is subjected to an external force and undergoes a radial displacement relative to the fixed base, the connector drives the fixed ring and causes at least one of the plurality of extension arms to deform. When the external force disappears, the at least one of the plurality of extension arms releases a radial rebound force to push the fixed ring to return the connector to a central position.

[0014] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint further includes:

[0015] A backing pad, located within the receiving space, and comprising:

[0016] A pad neck extends outward through the through hole;

[0017] A radial flange portion engages one end of the gasket neck and abuts against the closed side; and

[0018] A sleeve portion extends axially from the radial flange portion and passes through the retaining ring, and the bearing gasket is sleeved onto the first end portion through the sleeve portion; and

[0019] An elastic element is sleeved on the first end, and one end of the elastic element is accommodated in the sleeve portion.

[0020] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the connector further includes at least one retaining ring, which is disposed on the sleeve portion and adjacent to the annular spring piece for axial alignment of the annular spring piece.

[0021] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint, wherein the number of the plurality of extension arms is at least three.

[0022] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the connector, wherein the fixing ring and the plurality of extension arms are integrally formed.

[0023] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint, wherein the plurality of extension arms are fixed to the fixing ring by means of plugging, welding or riveting.

[0024] The aforementioned automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the connector includes a plurality of extension arms, each of which comprises a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end is fixed to the fixing ring, making the extension arm a cantilever structure and extending from the fixing ring in a circumferential direction. The free end abuts against the inner surface in an elastic pre-compression manner.

[0025] Based on the above, the automatic centering structure of the floating fixing seat of the present invention utilizes the setting of annular springs and the deformation of the extension arms and the released radial rebound force to reset the joint to the center position, thereby achieving the effect of automatic centering. In addition, the extension arms at different positions can generate unequal amounts of deformation and rebound force to compensate for asymmetrical external forces or eccentricity, and further improve the docking accuracy of the joint and the stability of the overall structure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the joint in an offset state according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the automatic centering structure of the joint floating fixing seat.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ring spring configuration of an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ring spring configuration of an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10 - Automatic centering structure of the floating fixing seat of the connector; 20 - Fixing seat; 201 - Open side; 202 - Closed side; 2021 - Through hole; 203 - Accommodation space; 204 - Inner surface; 21 - Connector; 211 - First end; 212 - Second end; 22 - Annular spring; 221 - Fixing ring; 2211 - Outer surface; 222 - Extension arm; 2221 - Fixed end; 2222 - Free end; 23 - Supporting gasket; 231 - Gasket neck; 232 - Radial flange; 233 - Sleeve; 24 - Elastic element; 25 - Snap ring; A - Central shaft; C - Snap; Ce - External connector; D - Radial direction; Dr - Radial displacement; F - External force; Fr - Radial rebound force; W - Outer gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures shown are an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an automatic centering structure 10 for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic centering structure 10 for a floating fixing seat of a connector mainly includes a fixing seat 20, a connector 21, and an annular spring 22.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a connector. The fixing seat 20 has an open side 201 and a closed side 202, and a receiving space 203 is defined between the two sides inside the fixing seat 20. A through hole 2021 is provided on the closed side 202, which allows components with an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole 2021 to pass through. In addition, the fixing seat 20 can be a rectangular block structure, a circular column structure, or an arbitrary polygonal block or cubic structure according to different requirements for installation in the receiving space 203; the present invention is not limited to this.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the connector 21 is movably disposed within the receiving space 203 of the fixed base 20 and floats radially D relative to the fixed base 20. The connector 21 includes a first end 211 and a second end 212, wherein the first end 211 and the second end 212 are opposite each other, and the outer diameter of the first end 211 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second end 212 and the diameter of the through hole 2021 of the fixed base 20. When the connector 21 is disposed in the receiving space 203, the connector 21 can extend beyond the fixed base 20 through the through hole 2021 via the first end 211 and connect to the fixed base 20 via an outer gasket W or a snap fastener C. The second end 212 extends toward the open side 201 of the fixed base 20 as a mating end for abutting with an external connector Ce. In some embodiments, the connector 21 may form a male connector, a female connector, or other fluid connection member that can abut with a corresponding connector; this is not limited to these embodiments.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the annular spring 22 is disposed between the fixed base 20 and the connector 21, and the annular spring 22 may include a fixed ring 221 and several extension arms 222. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the retaining ring 221 is sleeved on the first end 211 of the connector 21 and located in the accommodating space 203. Several extending arms 222 are distributed around the retaining ring 221 on its outer surface 2211, and these extending arms 222 extend outward from the retaining ring 221 circumferentially or radially. When the annular spring 22 is positioned in the accommodating space 203, the extending arms 222 abut against the inner surface 204 of the retaining seat 20.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 21 in an offset state in an automatic centering structure 10 for a floating fixed seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the connector 21 mates with the external connector Ce, the connector 21 is subjected to an external force F, resulting in a radial displacement Dr relative to the central axis A of the fixed seat 20. The connector 21 drives the fixing ring 221 sleeved on the first end 211 to move radially in the direction D, causing the extension arm 222 abutting against the inner surface 204 of the fixed seat 20 to deform. In this embodiment, the extension arm 222 at different positions undergoes unequal deformation. When the external force F disappears, each extension arm 222 releases unequal rebound force to return the connector 21 to the position of the central axis A via the fixing ring 221.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic configuration of the annular spring 22 in an automatic centering structure 10 for a floating fixing seat of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Each extension arm 222 in the annular spring 22 includes a fixed end 2221 and a free end 2222. The fixed end 2221 is fixed to the fixing ring 221, such that the extension arm 222 forms a curved cantilever structure and extends outward from the fixing ring 221 along the circumferential direction. The free end 2222 is the outwardly extending end of the extension arm 222, and abuts against the inner surface 204 of the fixing seat 20 in an elastic pre-compression manner. Specifically, the extension arm 222 has a preset curvature, which can generate pre-compression contact with the inner surface 204 even when no force is applied.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, these extension arms 222 extend circumferentially from the fixing ring 221, forming a cantilever structure with a relatively long lever arm. When the joint 21 is displaced relative to the fixing seat 20, the extension arms 222 at different positions will produce unequal bending deformations and release corresponding radial rebound forces Fr. The radial rebound forces Fr released by these extension arms 222 can form a centripetal resultant force pointing towards the central axis A, thereby gradually guiding the joint 21 from the offset position to the centered position.

[0039] Because the extension arm 222 and the inner surface 204 form a circumferential contact relationship, the force is distributed along the length of the extension arm 222, thereby reducing local stress concentration and improving structural durability. In addition, the cantilever structure of the extension arm 222 and the circumferential configuration of the inner surface 204 of the fixing base 20 make the recovery process smoother and avoid local stress concentration, thereby further improving centering stability and docking accuracy.

[0040] In some embodiments, the annular spring 22 includes at least three extending arms 222. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the annular spring 22 includes three extending arms 222. The three extending arms 222 are evenly distributed on the outer surface 2211 of the fixing ring 221 to surround the fixing ring 221. In the absence of other forces, each extending arm 222 of the annular spring 22 abuts against the inner surface 204 of the fixing seat 20, keeping the fixing ring 221 in a central position. This configuration, utilizing the three extending arms 222 to form a uniform three-point support, simultaneously maintains structural simplicity and achieves radial force balance, thus ensuring a stable central position.

[0041] Specifically, when the connector 21 is subjected to force and undergoes radial displacement, the three extension arms 222 respectively generate corresponding elastic deformation. Since each extension arm 222 is distributed circumferentially, the extension arm 222 on the displacement direction side deforms and provides a radial rebound force Fr. When the force on the connector 21 is removed, the annular spring 22 can form a centripetal resultant force through the radial rebound force Fr generated by the elastic deformation of the extension arms 222, so as to guide the connector 21 back to the center position and further achieve a good automatic centering effect.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 5 As shown, this is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the annular spring 22 in an automatic centering structure 10 for a floating fixing seat of a joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In one embodiment, the annular spring 22 includes eight extension arms 222.

[0043] In this embodiment, eight extension arms 222 are also evenly distributed on the outer surface 2211 of the fixing ring 221 to surround the fixing ring 221. When no force is applied, each extension arm 222 extends along the circumference of the fixing ring 221 and abuts against the inner surface 204 of the fixing seat 20. Through this multi-point support structure, the annular spring 22 can provide a more continuous and uniform contact state, ensuring that the fixing ring 221 is stably located in the central position. When the joint 21 is subjected to force and undergoes radial displacement, the eight extension arms 222 undergo compressive deformation along the inner edge of the fixing seat 20, and the amount of compressive deformation varies depending on the direction of displacement. When the force on the joint 21 is removed, each extension arm 222 generates a corresponding radial rebound force Fr according to its respective compressive deformation, bringing the joint 21 back to the central position. However, the number of extension arms 222 can be greater than or equal to three, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] In some embodiments, the annular spring 22 may be a structure integrally formed of a fixing ring 221 and several extension arms 222. In other embodiments, the extension arms 222 may be fixed to the fixing ring 221 by means of insertion, welding, or riveting to form the annular spring 22.

[0045] In some embodiments, the automatic centering structure 10 of the floating fixing seat further includes a support pad 23 and an elastic member 24. Please refer again. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The support gasket 23 is located in the receiving space 203. The support gasket 23 may include a gasket neck 231, a radial flange portion 232, and a sleeve portion 233. The support gasket 23 is mainly used to provide structural support and maintain the relative configuration relationship between the joint 21 and the annular spring 22, so that the elastic deformation and recovery of the annular spring 22 in the radial direction D can be stably performed.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the gasket neck 231 is connected to the sleeve portion 233, and the radial flange portion 232 is located between the gasket neck 231 and the sleeve portion 233. The outer diameter of the radial flange portion 232 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 233. The sleeve portion 233 extends axially from the radial flange portion 232. The gasket neck 231 passes through the through hole 2021 and abuts against the closed side 202 with the radial flange portion 232, so as to place the supporting gasket 23 in the fixing seat 20. Figure 2 As shown, the bearing gasket 23 can be located between the connector 21 and the annular spring 22 in the receiving space 203. Specifically, the sleeve portion 233 passes through the retaining ring 221, and the bearing gasket 23 is sleeved on the first end 211 of the connector 21 by means of the sleeve portion 233.

[0047] exist Figure 2In this embodiment, the elastic element 24 is located between the bearing pad 23 and the connector 21. The elastic element 24 can be accommodated in the sleeve portion 233 and sleeved on the outer periphery of the first end 211. One end of the elastic element 24 can abut against the inner sidewall of the sleeve portion 233. The sleeve portion 233 is provided to accommodate and guide the elastic element 24. During the docking of the connector 21 with the external connector Ce, the elastic element 24 can maintain a stable direction of movement when compressed or returning to its free length. The elastic element 24 can be, for example, a telescopic spring, or other elastic element with linear telescopic change, but this invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] In some embodiments, the automatic centering structure 10 of the floating fixing seat further includes at least one retaining ring 25. The retaining ring 25 is disposed on the sleeve portion 233 and adjacent to the annular spring piece 22 to axially align the annular spring piece 22. During use, the retaining ring 25 engages with the sleeve portion 233 and prevents axial displacement of the annular spring piece 22 by being adjacent to it, thereby further improving the stability of the overall structure. In other embodiments, the retaining ring 25 may also be disposed between the elastic member 24 and the second end 212 to act as an abutment against the elastic member 24.

[0049] The automatic centering structure of the floating fixing seat of the present invention utilizes the setting of annular springs and the deformation of the extension arms and the released radial rebound force to reset the joint to the center position to achieve the effect of automatic centering. In addition, the extension arms at different positions can generate different amounts of deformation and rebound force to compensate for asymmetrical external forces or eccentricity, and further improve the docking accuracy of the joint and the stability of the overall structure.

Claims

1. An automatic centering structure for a floating fixing seat of a joint, characterized in that, Include: A fixed base has an open side and a closed side, a receiving space is formed inside the fixed base, and a through hole is provided on the closed side; A connector, movably disposed within the receiving space, wherein the connector includes a first end and a second end, the first end extending through the through hole to the outside of the fixing base, and the second end extending toward the open side; and A ring-shaped spring is disposed between the fixing base and the connector, and includes: A retaining ring, located in the receiving space and fitted onto the connector; and A plurality of extension arms are distributed on an outer surface of the fixing ring to surround the fixing ring, and extend outward from the fixing ring to abut an inner side of the fixing seat; When the connector is subjected to an external force and undergoes a radial displacement relative to the fixed base, the connector drives the fixed ring and causes at least one of the plurality of extension arms to deform. When the external force disappears, the at least one of the plurality of extension arms releases a radial rebound force to push the fixed ring to return the connector to a central position.

2. The automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A backing pad, located within the receiving space, and comprising: A pad neck extends outward through the through hole; A radial flange portion engages one end of the gasket neck and abuts against the closed side; and A sleeve portion extends axially from the radial flange portion and passes through the retaining ring, and the bearing gasket is sleeved onto the first end portion through the sleeve portion; and An elastic element is sleeved on the first end, and one end of the elastic element is accommodated in the sleeve portion.

3. The automatic centering structure of the floating fixing seat for the joint as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes at least one retaining ring disposed on the sleeve portion and adjacent to the annular spring piece for axial alignment of the annular spring piece.

4. The automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the plurality of extension arms is at least three.

5. The automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining ring and the plurality of extension arms are integrally formed.

6. The automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of extension arms are fixed to the retaining ring by means of plugging, welding or riveting.

7. The automatic centering structure for the floating fixing seat of the joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of extension arms includes a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end is fixed to the fixing ring, making the extension arm a cantilever structure and extending from the fixing ring in a circumferential direction. The free end abuts against the inner surface in an elastically pre-compressed manner.

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