Dustproof self-alignment device interface based on magnetic attraction power supply

Abstract

The application relates to the field of device interfaces, in particular to a dustproof self-alignment device interface based on magnetic attraction power supply, which comprises a module plug, a self-alignment guide cone, a dustproof valve piece, a dustproof valve mounting ring, a manual knob, a driving gear, a ring-shaped driven gear ring, a spring pressing needle, a pressing ring, a magnet and a device end interface seat; the dustproof valve piece is opened or closed by the manual knob; the module plug is provided with the self-alignment guide cone, module correction is completed in cooperation with a guide cone groove, the magnet adsorbs the module to make the device end interface contact and the plug interface contact butt joint, and the spring pressing needle provides auxiliary pressing and anti-vibration support; the application can realize interface dustproof, module self-alignment, magnetic attraction power supply and in-place detection, and solves the problems of underground module plug insertion position deviation, vibration loosening and contact dust influence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of modular power supply interface technology for downhole inspection equipment, and specifically to a dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply for replaceable modules such as detection modules and camera modules. Background Technology

[0002] Downhole inspection robots are typically equipped with replaceable modules such as cameras, gas detectors, or environmental monitoring systems. To facilitate module installation, removal, and power supply, pluggable power interfaces are usually provided between the modules and the robot body. The underground environment contains dust and moisture; after a module is removed, the device's interface is easily exposed and susceptible to corrosion. Furthermore, during module reinstallation, there may be issues with positioning deviations and improper connection.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent CN223942112U discloses a magnetic charging interface and charging robot system, including a contact device, a spring-loaded device, a magnet, a contact base, and a spring-loaded base. The contacts and spring-loaded pins are brought into contact by magnetic attraction. This solution can assist in interface docking, but it mainly relies on magnetic attraction to complete the connection and does not include a dustproof structure for scenarios involving dust and moisture in underground mines.

[0004] In existing technologies, some device interfaces use protective covers to shield the contacts, while others use guide pins or guide holes for positioning. Protective covers are prone to wear after repeated disassembly and assembly, and their dust and moisture protection effects are limited. The guide structures also offer limited accuracy in positioning the module. Furthermore, the power supply contacts may not be fully in place during module installation, making it difficult to determine if the module is reliably installed. Therefore, existing solutions struggle to balance contact dust protection, self-alignment during insertion, magnetic retention, and proper installation detection, leaving room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply, so as to solve the problems of positional deviation during module insertion, the need for dustproof protection of contacts when the interface is idle, and the difficulty in confirming the power supply status when the module is not installed properly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply includes a module connector (1), a self-aligning guide cone (2), a dustproof valve plate (3), a dustproof valve mounting ring (4), a dustproof valve manual knob (5), a drive gear (6), an annular driven gear ring (7), a spring clamping pin (8), a pressure ring (9), a magnet (10), a dustproof housing (11), and a device end interface seat (12). The dustproof housing (11) is mounted on the device end interface seat (12), the dustproof valve mounting ring (4) is located on the upper part of the dustproof housing (11), the dustproof valve plate (3) is rotatably mounted on the dustproof valve mounting ring (4), and the dustproof valve manual knob (5) is connected to the annular driven gear ring (7) through the drive gear (6).

[0007] Preferably, the dustproof valve plate (3) consists of multiple fan-shaped plates arranged circumferentially along the dustproof valve mounting ring (4). The outer ends of the multiple dustproof valve plates (3) are rotatably connected to the dustproof valve mounting ring (4), and the inner ends overlap each other. When the manual knob (5) of the dustproof valve is turned, it drives the drive gear (6) to rotate. The drive gear (6) drives the annular driven gear ring (7) to rotate around the center of the interface. The annular driven gear ring (7) then drives the multiple dustproof valve plates (3) to rotate synchronously, so that the dustproof valve plates (3) expand outward or close towards the center. After the dustproof valve plates (3) are expanded, they form a module insertion channel. After they are closed, they cover the spring clamping pin (8), the pressure ring (9), the equipment end interface contact (15), and the guide cone groove (14) to reduce the entry of dust and moisture into the interface.

[0008] Preferably, the dustproof housing (11) is connected to the device end interface seat (12) by a housing fixing key (13), which is used to limit the rotation of the dustproof housing (11) relative to the device end interface seat (12). The pressure ring (9) is located on the upper part of the device end interface seat (12) and on the periphery of the guide cone groove (14), and is used to limit the spring clamping pin (8) and the magnet (10) in the corresponding installation position.

[0009] Preferably, the device-side interface seat (12) is provided with a guide cone groove (14), which is a cone-shaped groove with a large opening at the top and a gradually narrowing bottom; the lower end of the module connector (1) is provided with a self-aligning guide cone (2) that cooperates with the guide cone groove (14). When the module connector (1) is inserted vertically downward from above the device-side interface seat (12), the self-aligning guide cone (2) first contacts the cone surface of the guide cone groove (14); when the module connector (1) has a lateral offset, the cone surface contact generates a lateral guiding force, causing the module connector (1) to gradually move towards the center position of the device-side interface seat (12), thereby completing the initial alignment in the insertion process.

[0010] Preferably, a magnet (10) is provided inside the device-side interface seat (12), and the magnet (10) is arranged circumferentially along the center of the interface; the module connector (1) is provided with a magnetic component or a component that can be attracted to the magnet (10). When the self-aligning guide cone (2) enters the guide cone groove (14), the magnet (10) generates an attraction force on the module connector (1), causing the module connector (1) to continue to move downward and abut against the positioning end face of the device-side interface seat (12). The self-aligning guide cone (2) completes the guidance, and the magnet (10) completes the attraction and retention, so that the module connector (1) reaches the final installation position.

[0011] Preferably, the device-side interface contact (15) is located at the lower part of the guide cone groove (14), and the plug-side interface contact (16) is located at the lower end of the self-aligning guide cone (2). When the module plug (1) is inserted downwards, the self-aligning guide cone (2) enters the guide cone groove (14) and gradually guides itself towards the center position of the device-side interface seat (12) under the action of the cone surface; when the self-aligning guide cone (2) is fully inserted into the guide cone groove (14), the plug-side interface contact (16) and the device-side interface contact (15) are aligned.

[0012] Preferably, the device-side interface contact (15) includes a positive power supply contact, a negative power supply contact, and a positioning detection contact, and the plug-side interface contact (16) includes contact pieces corresponding to the positive power supply contact, the negative power supply contact, and the positioning detection contact, respectively. The power supply spring pin in the device-side interface contact (15) and the power supply contact piece in the plug-side interface contact (16) form a power supply circuit, and the detection spring pin and the detection contact piece in the plug-side interface contact (16) form a positioning detection circuit. After the positioning detection circuit is connected, a connection signal indicating that the module is installed in place is output to the external control circuit. The external control circuit can connect or maintain the main power supply according to the connection signal; the specific control method of the external control circuit does not constitute the core of this invention.

[0013] Preferably, the spring clamping pins (8) are disposed on the pressure ring (9) and spaced apart circumferentially along the pressure ring (9); the upper end of the spring clamping pins (8) is connected to the pressure ring (9), and the lower end extends toward the dustproof valve plate (3). After the module connector (1) is installed in place, the spring clamping pins (8) press against the outer circumferential positioning surface of the module connector (1), providing auxiliary axial clamping force and vibration damping support force for the module connector (1), so that the module connector (1) is held in the positioning position of the equipment end interface seat (12). When the module is disassembled, the spring clamping pins (8) spring back, so that the module connector (1) pops out naturally.

[0014] When using this interface, first turn the manual knob (5) of the dustproof valve to make the driving gear (6) drive the ring driven gear (7) to rotate. Multiple dustproof valve plates (3) will simultaneously unfold outward to expose the guide cone groove (14), spring clamping pin (8), pressure ring (9), guide cone groove (14) and equipment end interface contact (15). Then, align the module plug (1) with the equipment end interface seat (12) from above and insert it downward. The self-aligning guide cone (2) cooperates with the guide cone groove (14) to laterally guide the module plug (1); the magnet (10) generates an adsorption force on the module plug (1) to make it stick to the positioning end face of the equipment end interface seat (12); the power supply spring pin contacts the power supply contact piece, and the detection spring pin connects with the detection contact piece to complete the power supply and positioning detection.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The manual knob of the dustproof valve drives the ring driven gear to rotate via a drive gear, causing multiple dustproof valve plates to open or close synchronously. When the valve plates are closed, they cover the interface opening, solving the problem of dust and moisture easily entering the interface in mining environments.

[0016] When the self-aligning guide cone is inserted into the guide cone groove, the mating cone surface can gradually guide the module connector towards the center of the interface, solving the problems of easy deflection and difficulty in accurate contact alignment during module insertion.

[0017] After the magnet is guided, it attracts the module connector, keeping the connector in the installation position and ensuring a stable fit between the device-side interface contacts and the plug interface contacts, thus solving the problem of module loosening and unstable contact caused by vibration.

[0018] The device-side interface contacts are located at the bottom of the guide cone groove. By setting power supply contacts and detection contacts separately, the problem of difficulty in determining whether the module is connected when it is not installed in place is solved.

[0019] The spring-loaded clamping pin is mounted on the pressure ring. After the module is installed, it applies pressure to the module connector and absorbs some of the axial vibration, thus solving the problem of easy wear of the interface contacts after long-term use. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall exploded structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the module insertion state of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interface structure of the dustproof valve after it is opened according to the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Module connector; 2. Self-aligning guide cone; 3. Dustproof valve plate; 4. Dustproof valve mounting ring; 5. Dustproof valve manual knob; 6. Drive gear; 7. Annular driven gear ring; 8. Spring clamping pin; 9. Pressure ring; 10. Magnet; 11. Dustproof housing; 12. Equipment end interface socket; 13. Housing fixing key; 14. Guide cone groove; 15. Equipment end interface contact; 16. Plug interface contact. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5 The following embodiments further illustrate the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments are used to illustrate the technical solutions and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection.

[0028] As a specific embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply includes a module connector (1), a self-aligning guide cone (2), a dustproof valve plate (3), a dustproof valve mounting ring (4), a dustproof valve manual knob (5), a drive gear (6), an annular driven gear ring (7), a spring clamping pin (8), a pressure ring (9), a magnet (10), a dustproof shell (11), a device end interface seat (12), a shell fixing key (13), a guide cone groove (14), a device end interface contact (15), and a plug interface contact (16). The device end interface seat (12) is fixedly installed at the module installation position of the downhole inspection robot. The module connector (1) is installed at the lower end of the camera module, gas detection module, or environmental detection module. The module connector (1) is inserted into the device end interface seat (12) from top to bottom.

[0029] As a specific embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The module connector (1) includes a plug-in flange and a self-aligning guide cone (2); the plug-in flange is fixedly connected to the module housing, and the self-aligning guide cone (2) is located below the plug-in flange and extends downward along the module plug-in direction. The plug interface contact (16) is located on the lower end face of the self-aligning guide cone (2), and the plug interface contact (16) includes a positive contact piece, a negative contact piece, and a detection contact piece, which respectively cooperate with the corresponding contacts in the device end interface contact (15).

[0030] As a specific embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The dustproof housing (11) is positioned above the device-end interface seat (12), and the housing fixing key (13) is positioned between the dustproof housing (11) and the device-end interface seat (12) to restrict the rotation of the dustproof housing (11) relative to the device-end interface seat (12). The pressure ring (9) is positioned at the upper end of the dustproof housing (11), and multiple spring clamping pins (8) are mounted on the pressure ring (9) and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pressure ring (9); the lower end of the spring clamping pin (8) faces the insertion flange positioning end face of the module connector (1).

[0031] The device-side interface socket (12) has a guide cone groove (14) at its center, which gradually tapers from top to bottom. The device-side interface contact (15) is located on the lower end face of the guide cone groove (14) and is directly opposite the plug interface contact (16). The device-side interface contact (15) includes a positive power supply contact, a negative power supply contact, and a detection contact. The positive power supply contact and the negative power supply contact are used to transmit positive and negative power to the module, respectively. The detection contact is used to form a position detection circuit with the detection contact piece in the plug interface contact (16).

[0032] As a specific embodiment of the present invention, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The magnet (10) is located inside the pressure ring (9) and arranged circumferentially along the guide cone groove (14); the plug flange of the module plug (1) is provided with a magnetic part that attracts the magnet (10). The dust valve mounting ring (4) is located at the upper end of the dustproof shell (11), and multiple dust valve plates (3) are arranged circumferentially along the dust valve mounting ring (4). The outer end of each dust valve plate (3) is rotatably connected to the dust valve mounting ring (4), and the inner ends overlap each other when closed to form a ring-shaped shielding surface.

[0033] The manual knob (5) of the dustproof valve is located on one side of the dustproof valve mounting ring (4). The driving gear (6) is fixed on the knob shaft of the manual knob (5). The driving gear (6) meshes with the annular driven gear ring (7). The annular driven gear ring (7) cooperates with the transmission part of each dustproof valve plate (3). When the operator rotates the manual knob (5), the driving gear (6) drives the annular driven gear ring (7) to rotate. The annular driven gear ring (7) drives multiple dustproof valve plates (3) to expand outward or close towards the center synchronously. After the dustproof valve plates (3) close, they cover the interface opening above the guide cone groove (14) to prevent dust and moisture from entering. After the dustproof valve plates (3) expand, they make way for the module insertion channel.

[0034] In use, first turn the manual knob (5) of the dustproof valve to make the dustproof valve plate (3) unfold outward, exposing the guide cone groove (14) and the equipment end interface contact (15). Then, insert the module connector (1) into the equipment end interface seat (12) from top to bottom. When the module connector (1) has a small lateral offset, the self-aligning guide cone (2) first contacts the cone surface of the guide cone groove (14); as the module connector (1) continues to move down, the guide cone groove (14) generates a lateral guiding effect on the self-aligning guide cone (2), so that the module connector (1) gradually moves to the center position of the equipment end interface seat (12).

[0035] After the self-aligning guide cone (2) is fully inserted into the guide cone groove (14), the magnet (10) generates an attraction force on the magnetic part of the module connector (1), causing the module connector (1) to continue to press against the positioning end face of the equipment end interface seat (12). At the same time, the spring clamping pin (8) on the pressure ring (9) elastically abuts against the positioning end face of the plug flange of the module connector (1), applying an auxiliary clamping force to the module connector (1). The spring clamping pin (8) is used to reduce the axial loosening of the module in a vibration environment and does not participate in the power supply and detection between the equipment end interface contact (15) and the plug interface contact (16).

[0036] After the module connector (1) reaches its final position, the plug interface contact (16) located at the lower end of the self-aligning guide cone (2) directly connects with the device end interface contact (15) located at the lower part of the guide cone groove (14). The positive and negative contact pieces respectively contact the corresponding positive and negative power supply contacts, forming a module power supply circuit. The detection contact is recessed relative to the power supply contact. The detection contact piece on the plug interface contact (16) only contacts the detection contact and forms a positioning detection circuit after the self-aligning guide cone (2) has completely fallen into the guide cone groove (14) and abuts against the positioning end face. The external control circuit confirms that the module has been installed in place based on the connection signal of this detection circuit, and then connects or maintains the main power supply.

[0037] When the module needs to be disassembled, first disconnect the external power supply, and then take out the module connector (1) upwards. The plug interface contact (16) separates from the equipment end interface contact (15), and the positioning detection circuit is disconnected; the spring clamping pin (8) returns to its initial extended state. Then, rotate the dustproof valve manual knob (5) in the opposite direction to make multiple dustproof valve plates (3) close towards the center, cover the interface opening again, and provide dustproof protection for the guide cone groove (14) and the equipment end interface contact (15).

[0038] The basic principles, main structure, and working process of the present invention have been shown and described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the structural concept of the present invention, the number of dustproof valve plates (3) can be set to three, four, or more; signal contacts can also be added to the device-side interface contacts (15) and plug-side interface contacts (16). All the above changes should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply, comprising a module connector (1), a self-aligning guide cone (2), a dustproof valve plate (3), a dustproof valve mounting ring (4), a dustproof valve manual knob (5), a drive gear (6), an annular driven gear ring (7), a spring clamping pin (8), a pressure ring (9), a magnet (10), a dustproof housing (11), and a device end interface seat (12), characterized in that, The device-side interface socket (12) is fixedly installed at the module installation position of the inspection equipment. The dustproof housing (11) is installed above the device-side interface socket (12). The dustproof valve mounting ring (4) is installed at the upper end of the dustproof housing (11). The dustproof valve plate (3) is arranged circumferentially along the dustproof valve mounting ring (4) and is rotatably connected to the dustproof valve mounting ring (4). The dustproof valve manual knob (5) is connected to the annular driven gear ring (7) through the driving gear (6). (7) Connected to the dustproof valve plate (3) in a transmission manner; the center of the equipment end interface seat (12) is provided with a guide cone groove (14), the self-aligning guide cone (2) is set at the lower end of the module plug (1) and cooperates with the guide cone groove (14), the magnet (10) is set at the upper part of the equipment end interface seat (12), after the module plug (1) is aligned by the cooperation of the self-aligning guide cone (2) and the guide cone groove (14), it is attached to the equipment end interface seat (12) under the adsorption of the magnet (10).

2. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module connector (1) includes a plug flange and a self-aligning guide cone (2). The plug flange is used to fix the connection with the detection module, camera module or environmental detection module. The self-aligning guide cone (2) is located below the plug flange and extends downward along the module plugging direction. The lower end of the self-aligning guide cone (2) is provided with a plug interface contact (16).

3. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide cone groove (14) is located at the center of the device end interface seat (12). The guide cone groove (14) is a cone-shaped groove with a large opening at the top and a gradually narrowing bottom. The lower part of the guide cone groove (14) is provided with a device end interface contact (15). The device end interface contact (15) is directly opposite to the plug interface contact (16). When the module plug (1) is inserted downward, the self-aligning guide cone (2) moves the module plug (1) toward the center of the device end interface seat (12) by cooperating with the cone surface of the guide cone groove (14).

4. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 3, characterized in that, The device-side interface contact (15) includes a positive power supply contact, a negative power supply contact, and a detection contact. The plug-side interface contact (16) includes a positive contact piece, a negative contact piece, and a detection contact piece corresponding to the positive power supply contact, the negative power supply contact, and the detection contact, respectively. After the self-aligning guide cone (2) is fully inserted into the guide cone groove (14), the plug-side interface contact (16) and the device-side interface contact (15) are directly connected to form a power supply circuit and a positioning detection circuit.

5. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure ring (9) is set on the upper end of the dustproof shell (11), and the spring clamping pins (8) are installed on the pressure ring (9) and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pressure ring (9). The spring clamping pins (8) are set towards the positioning end face of the plug flange of the module plug (1). After the module plug (1) is installed in place, the spring clamping pins (8) elastically abut against the positioning end face of the plug flange to provide auxiliary clamping force and vibration-damping support for the module plug (1).

6. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 5, characterized in that, The magnet (10) is located inside the pressure ring (9) and is arranged circumferentially along the guide cone groove (14); the plug flange of the module plug (1) is provided with a magnetic part that attracts the magnet (10). After the alignment guide cone (2) enters the guide cone groove (14), the magnet (10) attracts the magnetic part, so that the module plug (1) is attached to the positioning end face of the equipment end interface seat (12).

7. The dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dustproof valve plate (3) consists of multiple fan-shaped plates. The outer end of each dustproof valve plate (3) is rotatably connected to the dustproof valve mounting ring (4). The inner ends of each dustproof valve plate (3) overlap each other in the closed state. When the manual knob (5) of the dustproof valve is turned, the driving gear (6) drives the annular driven gear ring (7) to rotate. The annular driven gear ring (7) drives multiple dustproof valve plates (3) to expand outward or close towards the center in sync. After the dustproof valve plate (3) expands outward, it forms a module insertion channel. After closing towards the center, it covers the interface opening above the guide cone groove (14).

8. A dustproof self-aligning device interface based on magnetic power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 7, set at the module installation position of the downhole inspection robot, the detection module, camera module or environmental detection module is connected to the device end interface seat (12) via the module plug (1); when the module is installed, the dustproof valve manual knob (5) drives the dustproof valve plate (3) to open, the module plug (1) completes the alignment through the self-aligning guide cone (2) and the guide cone groove (14), and under the attraction of the magnet (10), the plug interface contact (16) is connected to the device end interface contact (15) to supply power to the module and form a positioning detection circuit.

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