Six-degree-of-freedom transition joint

Abstract

This invention discloses a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint in the field of connector technology, including a bottom connecting ring and a top connecting ring, with the top connecting ring disposed at one end of the bottom connecting ring. A bottom ring is fixedly connected to the end of the bottom connecting ring near the top connecting ring, and universal bearings are embedded and fixedly connected to the inner walls of both the bottom ring and the bottom connecting ring near the top connecting ring. The universal bearings enable flexible deflection in three rotational degrees of freedom between the bottom and top connecting rings. Combined with the elastic positioning structure of the compression spring and the positioning pin, multi-axial fine-tuning and locking can be achieved within a certain range, meeting the spatial connection requirements under complex working conditions. The compression spring within the compression groove provides continuous elastic pressure, keeping the positioning pin in a tightly pressed state, effectively preventing the joint from loosening under vibration or external force, ensuring the reliability and rotational accuracy of the connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint. Background Technology

[0002] In aerospace, robotic joints, precision instruments, and piping connections, transition joints are often required to connect components with different axes. Most existing transition joints only allow for single-axis or dual-axis angle adjustment, offering limited degrees of freedom and failing to meet the demands for multi-angle, multi-directional connections in complex spatial configurations.

[0003] Traditional rigid connections are prone to stress concentration and failure when exposed to vibration, thermal expansion, or installation errors. While existing universal joint structures can achieve a certain degree of deflection, they lack effective positioning and locking mechanisms, leading to loosening and decreased rotational accuracy over long-term use. Furthermore, existing joints are inconvenient to assemble and maintain, have unreliable positioning, and cannot achieve flexible connection and reliable locking within six degrees of freedom (three translational and three rotational). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint, comprising a bottom connecting ring and a top connecting ring, wherein the top connecting ring is disposed at one end of the bottom connecting ring. A bottom ring is fixedly connected to the end of the bottom connecting ring near the top connecting ring. Universal bearings are embedded and fixedly connected to the inner walls of the bottom ring and the bottom connecting ring near the top connecting ring. A top ring is fixedly connected to the end of the top connecting ring near the bottom connecting ring. Pressure grooves are formed between the bottom ring and the top ring, and compression springs are fixedly connected to the inner walls of multiple pressure grooves. Positioning pins are fixedly connected to the multiple pressure grooves located inside the compression springs.

[0006] As a further aspect of the present invention: the top of the bottom ring is uniformly threaded with multiple cross-grooved countersunk screws.

[0007] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the end of the top connecting ring away from the top ring is uniformly threaded with an internal hexagonal head screw.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a top groove is provided on the top of the top connecting ring, and a positioning cover is fixedly connected inside the top groove.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the top of the positioning cover is engaged with a pressure cap.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In the present invention, by setting up a universal bearing, flexible deflection in three rotational degrees of freedom is realized between the bottom connecting ring and the top connecting ring. Combined with the elastic positioning structure of the compression spring and the positioning column, multi-axial fine adjustment and locking can be realized within a certain range, meeting the spatial connection requirements under complex working conditions.

[0011] The compression spring inside the pressure groove provides continuous elastic pressure, keeping the positioning pin in a tight state at all times, effectively preventing the joint from loosening under vibration or external force, and ensuring the reliability of the connection and the rotation accuracy.

[0012] Phillips head countersunk screws and hex socket head cap screws are used for fixing connections at the bottom and top, respectively, and are easy to disassemble; the top groove, together with the positioning cap and the pressure cap, enables quick engagement and sealing of the top, facilitating daily maintenance and internal inspection.

[0013] The mating surfaces of the bottom ring and the top ring are precision machined, and with the help of the universal bearing, they achieve uniform force distribution. The overall structure is compact and suitable for applications with strict space and weight requirements, such as aerospace and robotics. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the six-degree-of-freedom transition joint of the present invention; Figure 2 This invention relates to a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint. Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Bottom connecting ring; 2. Bottom ring; 3. Top connecting ring; 4. Top ring; 5. Cross-head countersunk screw; 6. Universal bearing; 7. Compression spring; 8. Top groove; 9. Pressure cap; 10. Positioning cap; 11. Socket head cap screw; 12. Pressure groove; 13. Positioning pin. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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.

[0017] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "configuration" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or configuration, a detachable connection or configuration, or an integral connection or configuration. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] Please see Figures 1-2 In this embodiment of the invention, a six-degree-of-freedom transition joint is provided, which includes a bottom connecting ring 1 and a top connecting ring 3, with the top connecting ring 3 disposed at the upper end of the bottom connecting ring 1.

[0021] Among them, the bottom connecting ring 1 is fixedly connected to the bottom ring 2 near the top connecting ring 3 by welding or integral molding. The inner wall of the bottom ring 2 is embedded and fixedly connected to the universal bearing 6. The outer ring of the universal bearing 6 is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the bottom connecting ring 1, and the inner ring is fitted with the outer wall of the top ring 4 to achieve free rotation in multiple axes.

[0022] Multiple pressure grooves 12 are evenly provided on the end faces of the bottom ring 2 and the top ring 4 that are close to each other. A compression spring 7 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of each pressure groove 12, and a positioning post 13 is fixedly connected inside the compression spring 7. When the top ring 4 is in contact with the bottom ring 2, the compression spring 7 is in a compressed state, and the positioning post 13 extends under the action of elastic force to achieve automatic positioning and locking.

[0023] The top of the bottom ring 2 is evenly threaded with multiple cross-slot countersunk screws 5, which are used to fasten the bottom ring 2 to the external parts. The countersunk design ensures a flat surface.

[0024] The end of the top connecting ring 3 away from the top ring 4 is uniformly threaded with an internal hexagonal head screw 11 for connecting and fixing to the upper part. The internal hexagonal design makes it easy to tighten using an internal hexagonal wrench.

[0025] The top connecting ring 3 has a top groove 8, and a positioning cover 10 is fixedly connected inside the top groove 8. A pressure cover 9 is engaged on the top of the positioning cover 10. The pressure cover 9 is fixed by a snap-fit ​​method to achieve top sealing and protection, while also facilitating quick disassembly and assembly.

[0026] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The bottom connecting ring 1 forms a multi-axis deflectable connection structure with the top ring 4 of the top connecting ring 3 through the bottom ring 2 and the universal bearing 6. The universal bearing 6 allows the top connecting ring 3 to deflect freely in three rotational degrees of freedom relative to the bottom connecting ring 1. When a certain angle needs to be locked, the operator rotates the top connecting ring 3 to align the groove 12 of the bottom ring 2 with the top ring 4. Under the action of elastic force, the compression spring 7 pushes the positioning pin 13 out and inserts it into the corresponding positioning hole to achieve angle locking. At the same time, the pressure cap 9 seals and protects the top by engaging with the positioning cap 10.

[0027] When angle adjustment is needed, press the pressure cap 9 to disengage it from the positioning cap 10, then rotate the top connecting ring 3. The inner ring of the universal bearing 6 rotates with the top ring 4, the compression spring 7 is compressed and then released, and the positioning pin 13 retracts into the pressure groove 12, thus achieving free adjustment. After adjustment, release the pressure spring 7, the compression spring 7 automatically resets, and the positioning pin 13 locks into the new position again.

[0028] Usage steps: Step 1: Secure the bottom connecting ring 1 to the lower base or pipe using Phillips head countersunk screws 5, and tighten screws 5 with a Phillips head screwdriver. Step 2: Connect the top connecting ring 3 to the upper component using the Allen head screw 11, and tighten the screw 11 using an Allen wrench. Step 3: Adjust the angle: Press the cover 9 to disengage it from the positioning cover 10, rotate the top connecting ring 3 to the desired angle, and the universal bearing 6 provides multi-axis rotational freedom. Step 4: Loosen the pressure cap 9, and the pressure spring 7 pushes the positioning pin 13 to automatically lock the current angle. The positioning pin 13 is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole to complete the locking.

[0029] Step 5: During routine maintenance, remove the pressure cap 9 to inspect and lubricate internal components such as the universal bearing 6. The top groove 8 provides a maintenance access.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0031] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A six-degree-of-freedom transition joint, comprising a bottom connecting ring (1) and a top connecting ring (3), wherein the top connecting ring (3) is disposed at one end of the bottom connecting ring (1), characterized in that: The bottom connecting ring (1) is fixedly connected to a bottom ring (2) at one end near the top connecting ring (3). A universal bearing (6) is embedded and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the bottom ring (2) and the bottom connecting ring (1) near the top connecting ring (3). A top ring (4) is fixedly connected to the end of the top connecting ring (3) near the bottom connecting ring (1). A pressure groove (12) is provided between the bottom ring (2) and the top ring (4) and they are close to each other. A pressure spring (7) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the multiple pressure grooves (12). A positioning post (13) is fixedly connected to the multiple pressure grooves (12) inside the pressure spring (7).

2. The six-degree-of-freedom transition joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the bottom ring (2) is uniformly threaded with multiple cross-slot countersunk screws (5).

3. The six-degree-of-freedom transition joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top connecting ring (3) is threaded with an internal hexagon head screw (11) at the end away from the top ring (4).

4. The six-degree-of-freedom transition joint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the top connecting ring (3) has a top groove (8), and a positioning cover (10) is fixedly connected inside the top groove (8).

5. The six-degree-of-freedom transition joint according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the positioning cover (10) is engaged with a pressure cap (9).

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