Floating module and connector assembly with same

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a floating module and a connector assembly with the floating module, the floating module comprises a floating plate, and the floating plate is provided with a radial floating hole for inserting a floating part. An elastic component for enabling the floating component to have a centering trend is arranged in a gap between the inner wall of the radial floating hole and the floating component; the connector assembly comprises a connector, and the floating module and the connector are arranged in the radial floating hole in a penetrating mode. Through the elastic component, the floating component automatically returns to the center, and radial floating in all directions in the radial direction can be achieved. The connector is arranged in the floating module, so that the connector can automatically return to the center when plugging is disconnected while radial floating is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular to a floating module and a connector assembly with the floating module. Background Art

[0002] In blind-plug liquid cooling cabinets in data centers, the accumulated relative tolerances between the manifold manifold and the server modules result in poor centering accuracy for fluid connectors. This radial deviation exceeds the maximum radial float capacity of existing fluid connectors. To increase the radial float capacity of the connectors to accommodate their inherent deviations and achieve centering during plugging, the connectors can be mounted on a radially floating floating module. Building on the connectors' inherent radial float capacity, the floating module's larger floating capacity can address the difficulty in centering fluid connectors in blind-plug liquid cooling cabinets.

[0003] The existing floating module lacks an automatic return to center function, that is, when it is not plugged in, in order to achieve the floating function, there needs to be a larger hole-axis gap between the connector and the structural parts of the floating module, thereby achieving a larger radial float. Since the connector lacks support in the floating module, the connector naturally sinks under the action of gravity and contacts the bottom of the hole of the floating module. It is not in the center position, occupying a certain amount of floating amount, so that the connector lacks the function of continuing to float downward.

[0004] In view of this, there is an urgent need to develop a floating module with an automatic return to center function and a connector suitable for installation. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a floating module and a connector assembly with a floating module.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution: A floating module proposed in the present invention includes a floating plate, the floating plate is provided with a radial floating hole for inserting a floating component, and the gap between the inner wall of the radial floating hole and the floating component is provided with an elastic component that makes the floating component tend to return to the center.

[0007] Compared with the existing technology, the benefits of this technical solution are:

[0008] The elastic component can automatically return the floating component to the center, thereby realizing radial floating in all radial directions.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating plate is provided with an axial sliding hole which is slidably sleeved on the support rod, and the support rod is sleeved with a return spring for applying elastic force to the floating plate.

[0010] Compared with the existing technology, the benefits of this technical solution are:

[0011] In the case of over-mating, axial floating can be achieved through the return spring, and the floating plate can be automatically reset when the mating is disconnected.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the support rod is arranged on the mounting plate, and the other end is provided with a limit rod, and the floating plate is pressed against the end surface of the limit rod under the elastic force of the return spring.

[0013] Furthermore, a screw hole for fixing the limiting rod is provided at the other end of the limiting rod.

[0014] Furthermore, a step is provided on the support rod for limiting the sliding range of the floating plate.

[0015] Compared with the existing technology, the benefits of this technical solution are:

[0016] Limit the floating range of the floating plate to avoid damage to components during over-insertion.

[0017] Furthermore, a limiting screw is provided at the end of the support rod for preventing the floating plate from falling off the support rod.

[0018] A connector assembly with a floating module comprises a connector and the floating module. The connector is inserted into a radial floating hole.

[0019] Compared with the existing technology, the benefits of this technical solution are:

[0020] The connector is arranged in the floating module, which can realize radial floating and automatically return the connector to the center when the plug is disconnected or connected.

[0021] Furthermore, the connector is provided with a floating section for passing through the radial floating hole, and a stopping section located in front of the floating section and resting against the floating plate to prevent the connector from falling out backwards.

[0022] Furthermore, a baffle is sleeved on the connector to prevent the elastic component from falling out of the radial floating hole backward, and a retaining spring is nested on the outer wall of the connector to prevent the baffle from falling off.

[0023] Furthermore, a guide plate is provided on the connector.

[0024] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In addition, in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 3D schematic diagram of

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connector;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the mid-radial floating structure;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure before axial floating;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure after axial floating;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module according to the present invention before axial floating;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module after axial floating.

[0034] Reference numerals

[0035] 1-connector, 101-floating section, 102-stop section,

[0036] 2- floating plate, 201- radial floating hole, 202- axial sliding hole, 203- avoidance hole,

[0037] 3-Return spring,

[0038] 4- baffle,

[0039] 5-circlip,

[0040] 6-Support rod, 601-Threaded hole

[0041] 7-Return spring,

[0042] 8-limit rod, 801-screw hole

[0043] 9-guide plate, 901-bottom plate, 902-vertical plate,

[0044] 10-Mounting plate,

[0045] 11-Limiting screw. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 6 The figure shows a first embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module of the present invention. The connector assembly includes a floating module and a connector 1. The connector 1 is installed on the floating module. The floating module can realize the radial floating function of the connector 1, the radial automatic return to center function, the axial floating function during over-insertion, and the axial automatic return function after the connector is disconnected.

[0048] In this embodiment, connector 1 is a fluid connector. It and the floating module form a floating connector assembly. Connector 1 has a self-sealing function, ensuring fluid flow when plugged in and self-sealing when disconnected. In other embodiments, different types of connectors can be selected and installed on the floating module as needed.

[0049] In this embodiment, the connector assembly includes two connectors 1, which are mounted on a floating plate 2. The connectors 1 can float radially on the floating plate 2, while the floating plate 2 can float axially within the floating module, thereby achieving both radial and axial floating of the connectors 1. In other embodiments, a different number of connectors 1 can be selected and mounted on the floating plate 2 as needed.

[0050] In this embodiment, a guide plate 9 is provided on the floating plate 2, floating with the connectors 1. The guide plate 9 is positioned between the two connectors 1 and can be integrally formed with the two connectors 1. In this embodiment, the connectors 1 are inserted onto the guide plate 9. The guide plate 2 is a T-shaped plate comprising two mutually perpendicular base plates 901 and a vertical plate 902. The connectors 1 pass through the base plates 901 and then through the floating plate 2. The through-holes in the base plates 901 and the connectors 1 are spaced apart. This allows the guide plate 9 to float radially when the connectors 1 are mated, driving the base plates 901 and connectors 1 to float. The vertical plates 902 are parallel to the two connectors 1 and are provided with guide holes that extend through the entire guide plate 9. When the headers are mated, the corresponding guide plates on the plug insert into the guide holes on the receptacle, guiding the mating process. Any misalignment between the guide plates and the guide holes will cause the guide plates to float radially.

[0051] The connector 1 is inserted into the radial floating hole 201 of the floating plate 2. The part of the connector 1 inserted into the radial floating hole 201 is the floating section 101. The outer diameter of the floating section 101 is smaller than the inner diameter of the radial floating hole 201, so that the connector 1 as a whole can float radially in the radial floating hole 201. The front side of the floating section 101 on the connector 1 is the stopping section 102, and the outer diameter of the stopping section 102 is larger than the inner diameter of the radial floating hole 201, so that the floating plate 2 has a stopping effect on the stopping section 102, preventing the connector 1 from falling out of the floating plate 2 backward; in this embodiment, the floating section 101 is simultaneously inserted into the through hole on the bottom plate 901 of the guide plate 9 and the radial floating hole 201, and the stopping section 102 limits the guide plate 9 between the stopping section 102 and the floating plate 2, and there is a gap between the bottom plate 901 of the guide plate 9 and the stopping section 102 and the floating plate 2, so as to prevent the stopping section 102 from pressing the bottom plate 901 and affecting the floating of the connector 1 and the guide plate 9 on the floating plate 2. In other embodiments, connector 1 may be threaded and fixed to guide plate 9. In this case, connector 1 may not have stopper section 102. Instead, its floating section 101 passes through radial floating hole 201. Guide plate 9 is located in front of floating plate 2, preventing connector 1 from dislodging toward the rear end and floating radially with connector 1. When the header is mated, connector 1 and the guide sleeve hole float radially together, facilitating guided insertion with the plug.

[0052] An avoidance hole 203 is provided on the floating plate 2. After the connector 1 and the guide plate 9 are installed on the floating plate 2, the guide sleeve hole on the guide plate 2 is opposite to the avoidance hole 203. When the guide plate on the plug is too long, the guide plate can be passed through the avoidance hole 203 to ensure that the plug is properly inserted.

[0053] A return spring 3 is sleeved on the outside of the floating section 101 of the connector 1. The return spring 3 is disposed in the gap between the floating section 101 and the radial floating hole 201. The connector 1 can overcome the elastic force of the return spring 3 to achieve radial floating. Alternatively, the connector 1 can be radially returned to its center under the elastic force of the return spring 3, maintaining the connector 1 in the middle of the radial floating hole 201. This fully utilizes the floating gap between the radial floating hole 201 and the floating section 101, enabling the connector 1 to float in all radial directions, thus preventing the connector 1 from deflecting to one side under the action of gravity and only being able to float to the other side. In other embodiments, the return spring 3 can be replaced with another elastic component having a radial elastic force, such as filling the radial floating hole 201 with elastic rubber or sponge.

[0054] To prevent connector 1 from dislodging from the front side of floating plate 2 and prevent return spring 3 from dislodging from radial floating hole 201, the portion of connector 1's floating section 101 located on the rear side of floating plate 2 is inserted into the through-hole of baffle 4. This section of floating section 101 is loosely fitted with baffle 4. Meanwhile, a retaining spring 5 nests within a groove on the outer wall of floating end 101 on the rear side of baffle 4, preventing baffle 4 from dislodging. A gap exists between baffle 4 and floating plate 2, preventing baffle 4 from pressing against the floating plate 2, thereby preventing the baffle 4 and retaining spring 5 from floating radially with connector 1.

[0055] Floating plate 2 is provided with an axial sliding hole 202, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of radial floating hole 201. In this embodiment, an axial sliding hole 202 is provided at each of the four corners of floating plate 2. Support rods 6 are slidably inserted into these axial sliding holes 202. Support rods 6 are fixedly mounted, allowing floating plate 2 to slide along these rods, achieving axial floating.

[0056] A return spring 7 is mounted on the support rod 6, with one end of the return spring 7 resting against the rear end of the support rod 6 and the other end resting against the rear side of the floating plate 2. When the floating plate 2 moves rearward due to the insertion force during over-engagement, the return spring 7 is compressed and applies an elastic force to the floating plate 2, allowing the headstock to be securely engaged. After disconnection, the restoring force of the return spring 7 returns the floating plate 2 to its original position.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rear ends of the support rods 6 are mounted on the mounting plate 10, and the rear ends of the return springs 7 abut against the mounting plate 10, thereby providing floating support for the floating plate 2. The mounting plate 10 provides auxiliary support for the support rods 6, thereby fixing the relative positions of the support rods 6 and providing auxiliary mounting and fixing of the socket.

[0058] The front end of support rod 6 is provided with a threaded hole 601, which is threadedly connected to limit rod 8. The rear end of limit rod 8 is provided with a screw, which is screwed into the threaded hole 601 of support rod 6. Under the elastic force of return spring 7, floating plate 2 abuts against the rear end surface of limit rod 8. Support rod 6 is a stepped shaft, with the diameter of the front section of support rod 6 being smaller than the diameter of the rear section of support rod 6. Under the action of the insertion force, floating plate 2 moves toward the rear end until it abuts against the step of support rod 6. The step of support rod 6 and the rear end surface of limit rod 8 limit the axial floating range of floating plate 2.

[0059] The front end of the limit rod 8 is provided with a screw hole 801. After the head seat is fully inserted, a screw is passed through the corresponding mounting panel and screwed into the screw hole 801 to secure the connector assembly. Alternatively, a screw can be passed through the plug and screwed into the screw hole 801 to achieve installation and tightening of the connector 1 after insertion.

[0060] By providing a large hole-axis gap between the radial floating hole 201 of the floating plate 2 and the floating section 101 at the rear of the connector 1 in the present invention, space for radial floating of the connector 1 is provided, thereby realizing the radial floating function of the connector. At the same time, a return spring 3 is provided between the floating section 101 at the rear of the connector and the radial floating hole 201 of the floating plate 2 to provide elastic force for the connector 1 to return to center, thereby realizing the radial automatic return function of the connector 1. When the headers are plugged in, if radial deviation occurs, the connectors are initially plugged in under the action of the connector 1 and the guide plate 9. Under the action of the plugging force, the connector 1 moves radially and overcomes the elastic force of the return spring 3 to achieve radial floating plugging, avoiding the situation where the connectors cannot be plugged in due to radial tolerance. When disconnecting, the return spring 3 automatically returns to center under the action of the restoring force, preventing the connector 1 from deflecting to one side under the action of gravity, and realizing the floating of the connector 1 in all directions in the radial direction.

[0061] When the headers are plugged in, the floating plate 2 is subjected to the backward plugging force of the connector 1. The return spring 7 behind the floating plate 2 provides a forward supporting force to the floating plate 2. When the supporting force is greater than the plugging force of the connector 1, the floating plate 2 will not retreat, ensuring that the header is fully plugged in. If the header continues to be plugged in, the backward force on the floating plate 2 will be greater than the supporting force of the return spring 7, and the floating plate 2 will retreat along the support rod 6. As the plugging stroke increases, it will retreat until it reaches the limit step on the support rod 6, thereby achieving the axial floating function during over-plugging and preventing damage to the connector due to over-plugging when there is axial tolerance. When the header is disconnected, the floating plate 2 returns to its initial position under the action of the return spring 7, achieving the axial automatic reset function.

[0062] like Figure 7 The figure shows a second embodiment of a connector assembly with a floating module of the present invention. The second embodiment is improved on the basis of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the limit rod 8 of the first embodiment is replaced by a limit screw 11, and the limit screw 11 is screwed into the threaded hole 601 of the support rod 6. Under the action of the reset spring 7, the floating plate 2 rests on the head of the limit screw 11.

[0063] In the first embodiment, both the limiting rod 8 and the mounting plate 10 are provided with mounting holes for securing the connector assembly to the mounting panel. The limiting rod 8's mounting hole is a screw hole 801. The connector assembly can be installed through only one of these mounting holes, thus achieving the same floating function. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the mounting hole on the end face of the limiting rod 8 can be removed, retaining only its function of limiting the floating plate 2. Thus, the limiting rod 8 can be simplified to a limiting screw 11, and the connector assembly can then be installed through the rear mounting plate 10.

[0064] like Figures 8 and 9The third embodiment of the connector assembly with a floating module of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the mounting plate 10 is removed and the connector assembly is installed only by the screw hole 801 on the end face of the limiting rod 8, which can also achieve the floating function.

[0065] In the fourth embodiment of the connector assembly with a floating module of the present invention, the support rod 6, the return spring 7, the limit rod 8, and the mounting plate 10 can be removed, and only the radial floating and automatic return functions are retained.

[0066] Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a floating module, includes a floating module in a connector assembly with a floating module. The floating module includes a floating plate 2, a centering spring 3, a support rod 6, a reset spring 7, a limit rod 8, and a mounting plate 10. The matching relationship of the floating module is the same as the matching relationship of the floating module in the embodiment of the connector assembly with a floating module, and will not be repeated here. In addition to being able to mount connectors, the floating module can also be mounted with other devices that require radial floating, for example, floating components such as locating pins or locating holes that require floating. When two devices need to be guided for insertion and mating by the locating pins or locating holes, the radially floating locating pins or locating holes can achieve guided insertion and mating even if there is a radial deviation.

[0067] In a second embodiment of a floating module, the limiting rod 8 may be replaced with a limiting screw 11 , or a stop block may be provided at the front end of the support rod 6 to prevent the floating plate 2 from falling out forward.

[0068] In a third embodiment of a floating module, the mounting plate 10 can be removed and the installation and fixation can be performed by using the limiting rods 8 , or the support rods 6 can be directly fixed.

[0069] In a fourth embodiment of a floating module, the support rod 6, the return spring 7, the limit rod 8, and the mounting plate 10 can be removed, and only the radial floating and automatic return functions are retained.

[0070] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment by any technician familiar with the profession based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A floating module, comprising a floating plate (2), characterized in that: The floating plate (2) is provided with a radial floating hole (201) for inserting a floating component, and the gap between the inner wall of the radial floating hole (201) and the floating component is provided with an elastic component that enables the floating component to have a tendency to return to the center.

2. A floating module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating plate (2) is provided with an axial sliding hole (202) which is slidably sleeved on the support rod (6), and the support rod (6) is sleeved with a return spring (7) for applying elastic force to the floating plate (2).

3. A floating module according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the support rod (6) is arranged on the mounting plate (10), and the other end is provided with a limiting rod (8); the floating plate (2) abuts against the end surface of the limiting rod (8) under the elastic force of the return spring (7).

4. A floating module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The other end of the limiting rod (8) is provided with a screw hole (801) for fixing the limiting rod (8).

5. The floating module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support rod (6) is provided with a step for limiting the sliding range of the floating plate (2).

6. The floating module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the support rod (6) is provided with a limiting screw (11) for preventing the floating plate (2) from falling off the support rod (6).

7. A connector assembly with a floating module, characterized in that: The floating module comprises a connector (1) and any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connector (1) is inserted into a radial floating hole (201).

8. The connector assembly with a floating module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connector (1) is provided with a floating section (101) for passing through the radial floating hole (201), and a stopping section (102) located in front of the floating section (101) and resting against the floating plate (2) to prevent the connector (1) from falling out backwards.

9. The connector assembly with a floating module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connector (1) is sleeved with a baffle (4) for preventing the elastic component from falling out of the radial floating hole (201) backwards, and the outer wall of the connector (1) is embedded with a retaining spring (5) for preventing the baffle (4) from falling off.

10. The connector assembly with a floating module according to claim 7, characterized in that: A guide plate (9) is provided on the connector (1).

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