Robot connector

Abstract

The robot connector comprises a socket and a plug, the socket is provided with a socket shell, and the socket shell is provided with a positioning key; the plug comprises a plug shell, a nut and a spring for providing axial pre-tightening force, the nut is used for connecting the plug and the socket, the nut is provided with a connecting channel for embedding the positioning key, the connecting channel is divided into an in-out part and a limiting part, the in-out part extends in the axis direction of the nut, and an opening in one end of the in-out part is formed in the end face of the nut; the limiting part communicates with the other end of the in-out part, and the extending direction of the limiting part deviates from the extending direction of the in-out part; one end of the spring abuts against the inner end face of the nut, the other end of the spring abuts against the plug shell, and when the plug is matched with the socket, the positioning key enters the limiting part along the in-out part, and the positioning key abuts against the inner wall of the limiting part under the action of axial pre-tightening force provided by the spring. The robot connector has the advantages of being high in connection reliability and easy to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connectors, and more particularly to a robot connector. Background Technology

[0002] As a core interconnect component for long-term moving equipment such as robots, robot dogs, and drones, robot connectors not only need to withstand high-frequency vibration and complex stress impacts over a long period of time, but also need to adapt to the equipment to achieve a compact layout and lightweight design. In order to achieve high-performance connections within a limited volume and weight, stringent requirements are placed on the connectors' lightweight, durability, and ease of maintenance.

[0003] However, current industry technologies primarily rely on traditional structural methods such as threaded connections or snap-fit ​​connections to achieve male-female connector mating. These traditional connection methods are prone to fatigue failure issues such as loosening, thread stripping, and snap-fit ​​breakage when subjected to complex conditions like high voltage and high-frequency vibration over extended periods, leading to unreliable connections and even equipment malfunctions. Furthermore, traditional connection methods often require specialized tools for disassembly and assembly, making repair and replacement cumbersome and hindering rapid equipment maintenance and upkeep. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems of unreliable robot connector connections and inconvenient maintenance mentioned above, this application provides a robot connector designed to improve the connection reliability and maintainability of the connector.

[0005] The robot connector provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A robot connector includes a socket and a plug. The socket has a socket housing with a positioning key. The plug includes a plug housing, a nut, and a spring for providing axial preload. The nut connects the plug and the socket and has a connection channel for the positioning key to be embedded in. The connection channel is divided into an inlet / outlet portion and a limiting portion. The inlet / outlet portion extends along the axial direction of the nut and is open at one end on the end face of the nut. The limiting portion communicates with the other end of the inlet / outlet portion and extends in a direction opposite to that of the inlet / outlet portion. One end of the spring abuts against the inner end face of the nut, and the other end of the spring abuts against the plug housing. When the plug mates with the socket, the positioning key enters the limiting portion along the inlet / outlet portion and abuts against the inner wall of the limiting portion under the axial preload provided by the spring.

[0007] Furthermore, the plug housing is provided with a support boss. When the plug is engaged with the socket, one end face of the support boss abuts against the end face of the socket housing, and the spring abuts against the other end face of the support boss.

[0008] Furthermore, the plug also includes a retaining ring; the plug housing is provided with a retaining ring groove, the retaining ring groove is located on the side of the nut away from the socket, and the retaining ring is fitted into the retaining ring groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the spring is a wave spring, with one end abutting against the support boss and the other end abutting against the inner end face of the nut.

[0010] Furthermore, the socket housing has a sealing groove inside, and a sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove; when the plug is engaged with the socket, the end face of the plug inserted into the socket housing abuts against the sealing ring.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the plug housing near the socket, and a corresponding limiting groove is provided on the inner wall of the socket housing near the plug; when the plug and the socket are engaged, the limiting protrusion moves within the limiting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning key is integrally formed with the socket housing.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple positioning keys are provided and distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the socket housing, and multiple connection channels are also provided, each corresponding to one of the positioning keys.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0015] 1. A connecting channel divided into an inlet / outlet section and a limiting section is provided on the nut to guide and limit the positioning key on the socket housing, so as to realize the quick connection of the plug and socket. Furthermore, due to the axial preload applied by the spring, the positioning key is tightly attached to the inner wall of the limiting section, thereby achieving the effect that the plug and socket are not easy to fall off, and improving the reliability of the connector.

[0016] 2. A support boss is added to the plug housing, which reliably fixes the spring to the plug. Even if the plug and socket are repeatedly plugged and unplugged, the spring will not fall off due to the lack of a limiting structure. At the same time, the abutment between the support boss and the end face of the socket housing ensures the effective transmission of axial force in the mating state, thereby ensuring the stability of the preload.

[0017] 3. The coordinated action of the snap ring, spring, and positioning key not only ensures the reliable fixation of the nut on the plug but also guarantees the convenience of quick disassembly, while also possessing high reliability and ease of maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the robot connector in the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the robot connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nut structure of the robot connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the robot connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wave spring structure of the robot connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the socket housing structure of the robot connector in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Plug; 11. Plug housing; 111. Support boss; 112. Snap ring groove; 113. Limiting protrusion; 2. Socket; 21. Socket housing; 211. Positioning key; 212. Sealing groove; 213. Limiting groove; 3. Nut; 31. Connecting channel; 311. Inlet / outlet; 3111. Guide groove; 3112. Guide hole; 312. Limiting part; 4. Spring; 5. Snap ring; 6. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-6 This application will be described in further detail.

[0026] This application discloses a robot connector, including: a socket 2 and a plug 1. The socket 2 has a socket housing 21, and the socket housing 21 is provided with a positioning key 211. The plug 1 includes a plug housing 11, a nut 3, and a spring 4 for providing axial preload. The nut 3 is used to connect the plug 1 and the socket 2. The nut 3 is provided with a connecting channel 31 for the positioning key 211 to be embedded. The connecting channel 31 is divided into an inlet / outlet portion 311 and a limiting portion 312. The inlet / outlet portion 311 extends along the axial direction of the nut 3. One end of the inlet portion 311 is open and disposed on the end face of the nut 3. The limiting portion 312 is connected to the other end of the inlet portion 311. The extending direction of the limiting portion 312 is deviated from the extending direction of the inlet portion 311. One end of the spring 4 abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3, and the other end of the spring 4 abuts against the plug housing 11. When the plug 1 is engaged with the socket 2, the positioning key 211 enters the limiting portion 312 along the inlet portion 311. Under the action of the axial preload provided by the spring 4, the positioning key 211 abuts against the inner wall of the limiting portion 312.

[0027] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The robot connector includes a socket 2 and a plug 1. The socket 2 has a socket housing 21, on which a positioning key 211 is provided. The plug 1 includes a spring 4, a plug housing 11, and a nut 3. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The nut 3 has a connecting channel 31 divided into an inlet / outlet portion 311 and a limiting portion 312. The inlet / outlet portion 311 extends along the axial direction of the nut 3. One end of the inlet / outlet portion 311 is a guide groove 3111 formed in the inner wall of the nut 3, and the other end is a guide hole 3112 penetrating the side wall of the nut 3. The limiting portion 312 is a hole that penetrates the nut 3 for positioning the positioning key 211. Its extension direction is deviated from the extension direction of the inlet / outlet portion 311. That is, the limiting portion 312 and the inlet / outlet portion 311 are circumferentially adjacent to each other around the axis of the nut 3 and communicate with the guide hole 3112 of the inlet / outlet portion 311. The spring 4 is used to provide an axial preload force that keeps the positioning key 211 abutting against the inner wall of the limiting portion 312. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are engaged, the positioning key 211 is axially guided into the limiting part 312 along the inlet / outlet part 311. Since the extending direction of the limiting part 312 deviates from the extending direction of the inlet / outlet part 311, it is tightly attached to the inner wall of the limiting part 312 under the action of the axial preload applied by the spring 4. Thus, the engagement of the plug and the socket is achieved through the engagement of the nut 3 and the positioning key.

[0028] It should be noted that the inlet / outlet portion 311 can be an arc-shaped groove or a straight groove, or it can be a combination of the guide groove 3111 and the guide hole 3112 described above; the limiting portion 312 can be an arc-shaped groove or a straight groove, or it can be a hole penetrating the nut 3. It is only necessary that the extension direction of the limiting portion 312 and the extension direction of the inlet / outlet portion 311 are not on the same straight line, that is, the extension direction of the limiting portion 312 deviates from the extension direction of the inlet / outlet portion 311. For example, in another embodiment: the inlet / outlet portion 311 can be a straight groove parallel to the axis, and the limiting portion 312 is a fan-shaped groove deviating from the extension direction of the inlet / outlet portion 311, and the connection between the two is an arc surface, forming an overall curved groove. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are engaged, although the position of the positioning key cannot be directly seen from the outside, the engagement of the inlet / outlet portion 311 and the limiting portion 312 still achieves the effect of the positioning key 211 being tightly attached to the inner wall of the limiting portion 312 under the axial preload applied by the spring 4.

[0029] Through the above technical solution, a connecting channel 31 divided into an inlet / outlet portion 311 and a limiting portion 312 is provided on the nut 3 to guide and limit the positioning key 211 on the socket housing 21, so as to realize the quick connection of the plug 1 and the socket 2. Furthermore, due to the axial preload applied by the spring 4, the positioning key 211 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the limiting portion 312, thereby achieving the effect that the plug 1 and the socket 2 are not easy to fall off, and improving the reliability of the connector.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, after the plug 1 and socket 2 are fully engaged, one end of the spring 4 abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3, and the other end directly abuts against the socket housing 21. At this time, the spring 4 can provide axial preload to make the positioning key 211 tightly adhere to the inner wall of the limiting part 312. However, when the plug 1 and socket 2 are separated, one end of the spring 4 abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3, while the other end, due to the loss of the abutment of the socket housing 21 and the absence of other limiting structures, will cause the spring 4 to fall directly off the plug 1. In order to solve the above problem, this application provides a support boss 111 on the plug housing 11. The specific implementation is as follows: The plug housing 11 is provided with a support boss 111. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are engaged, one end face of the support boss 111 abuts against the end face of the socket housing 21, and the spring 4 abuts against the other end face of the support boss 111.

[0031] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 After the plug 1 and socket 2 are fully engaged, one end face of the support boss 111 abuts against the end face of the socket housing 21, one end of the spring 4 abuts against the other end face of the support boss 111, and the other end of the spring 4 abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3. At this time, the spring 4 can provide axial preload to keep the positioning key 211 tightly against the inner wall of the limiting part 312. After the plug 1 and socket 2 are separated, that is, the support boss 111 is separated from the socket housing 21, the spring 4 is still located between the inner end face of the nut 3 and the end face of the support boss 111 away from the socket 2. The end face of the support boss 111 near the spring 4 can act as an axial stop for the spring 4, so that the spring 4 will not fall off due to the lack of a limiting structure.

[0032] By adding a support boss 111 to the plug housing 11, the spring 4 is reliably fixed on the plug 1. Even if the plug 1 and the socket 2 are repeatedly plugged and unplugged, the spring 4 will not fall off due to the lack of a limiting structure. At the same time, the abutment between the support boss 111 and the end face of the socket housing 21 ensures the effective transmission of axial force in the mating state, thereby ensuring the stability of the preload.

[0033] The connection between nut 3 and plug 1 can be a detachable connection such as a threaded connection or a locating pin connection. For example, nut 3 has external threads on its outer wall, and plug housing 11 has corresponding internal threads on its inner wall. Nut 3 is fixed to plug housing 11 by rotating the threaded connection. Threaded connections provide higher connection strength and are suitable for scenarios requiring frequent insertion and removal or bearing large axial forces.

[0034] For example, the nut 3 has multiple locating pin holes evenly distributed circumferentially on its end face, and the plug housing 11 has corresponding elastic locating pins. The nut 3 achieves quick alignment and fixation through the cooperation of the locating pin holes and the elastic locating pins. The locating pin connection method allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the nut 3, which is suitable for scenarios where simplified maintenance procedures are required.

[0035] To further improve the quick assembly and disassembly and easy maintenance of the robot connector, this embodiment uses the cooperation between the retaining ring 5 and the spring 4 to fix and limit the nut 3. The specific implementation is as follows: The plug 1 also includes a retaining ring 5; the plug housing 11 is provided with a retaining ring groove 112, the retaining ring groove 112 is located on the side of the nut 3 away from the socket 2, and the retaining ring 5 is embedded in the retaining ring groove 112.

[0036] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 On the plug housing 11, a retaining ring groove 112 is provided on the side of the nut 3 away from the socket 2. The retaining ring 5 is embedded in the retaining ring groove 112 and plays an axial limiting role to prevent the nut 3 from falling off the plug 1, so that the nut 3 is still fixed on the plug 1. When plug 1 and socket 2 are fully engaged, one end of spring 4 abuts against the inner end face of nut 3 and the other end abuts against the end face of support boss 111. The axial preload applied by spring 4 causes positioning key 211 to be tightly against the inner wall of limiting part 312, thereby achieving axial and circumferential fixation of nut 3 between plug 1 and socket 2, that is, achieving full engagement of plug 1 and socket 2. At this time, there is an axial gap between the outer end face of nut 3 away from socket 2 and snap ring 5. When plug 1 and socket 2 are separated, since positioning key 211 has disengaged from limiting part 312 on nut 3, the inner end face of nut 3 moves away from support boss 111 under the action of spring 4, that is, the outer end face of nut 3 approaches snap ring 5 under the action of spring 4. If the preset axial preload of spring 4 is large enough, the outer end face of nut 3 will abut against snap ring 5 under the action of spring 4. Even if the preset axial preload of spring 4 is insufficient to push the outer end face of nut 3 to fully abut against snap ring 5, snap ring 5 can still limit the axial displacement of nut 3 through its structural rigidity. When it is necessary to remove nut 3 from plug 1, simply remove snap ring 5 first, and then nut 3 can be removed axially from plug 1.

[0037] Through the above technical solution, the coordinated cooperation between the snap ring 5, the spring 4 and the positioning key 211 not only achieves reliable fixation of the nut 3 on the plug 1, but also ensures the convenience of quick disassembly, while also having high reliability and easy maintenance.

[0038] The robot connector proposed in this application uses springs 4 of various types, including helical springs 4, disc springs 4, rubber springs 4, and wave springs 4. The characteristics of different types of springs 4 make them suitable for different application scenarios. For example, when the connector spring 4 needs to withstand large deformation and load, and has high requirements for corrosion resistance and wear resistance, a rubber spring 4 can be selected. Alternatively, for ease of manufacturing and cost reduction, a helical spring 4, which is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, can be selected. To ensure the reliability of the robot connector, the spring 4 needs to provide a large elastic force and deformation within a small axial dimension, and the spring 4 also needs to effectively absorb impact and vibration energy. In this embodiment, the spring 4 selected is a wave spring 4, as detailed below: one end of the wave spring 4 abuts against the support boss 111, and the other end abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3.

[0039] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, the spring 4 selected is a wave spring 4. One end of the wave spring 4 abuts against the support boss 111, and the other end abuts against the inner end face of the nut 3, providing a stable axial preload to the nut 3. The unique wave structure of the wave spring 4 enables it to provide a large elastic force and deformation within a small axial dimension, while also possessing good elasticity and buffering performance, effectively absorbing impact and vibration energy, thereby improving the reliability of the connector.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the inner cavity of the socket housing 21 is provided with a sealing groove 212, and a sealing ring 6 is embedded in the sealing groove 212; when the plug 1 is engaged with the socket 2, the end face of the plug 1 inserted into the inner cavity of the socket housing 21 abuts against the sealing ring 6.

[0041] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 To improve the connector's sealing performance, an annular sealing groove 212 is formed on the inner wall of the socket housing 21 where it mates with the plug 1. The sealing ring 6 is embedded in the sealing groove 212 with an interference fit and fits tightly against the inner end face of the socket 2, ensuring a tight fit between the sealing ring 6 and the bottom and side wall of the sealing groove 212, effectively preventing fluid or impurities from seeping into the connector interface. When the plug 1 mates with the socket 2, the end face of the plug 1 inserted into the inner cavity of the socket housing 21 abuts against the sealing ring 6. As the insertion depth of the plug 1 increases, the sealing ring 6 is axially compressed and undergoes elastic deformation, thereby tightly filling the tiny gap between the end face of the plug 1 and the end face of the inner cavity of the socket 2, forming a reliable sealing barrier. This effectively prevents external media such as moisture and dust from intruding into the connector, thus achieving waterproof and dustproof effects.

[0042] In one specific embodiment, a limiting protrusion 113 is provided on the outer wall of the plug housing 11 near the socket 2, and a corresponding limiting groove 213 is provided on the inner wall of the socket housing 21 near the plug 1; when the plug 1 and the socket 2 are engaged, the limiting protrusion 113 moves within the limiting groove 213.

[0043] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 The outer wall of the plug housing 11 has three circumferentially spaced limiting protrusions 113. Correspondingly, the inner wall of the socket housing 21 has three circumferentially spaced limiting grooves 213 that match the limiting protrusions 113. A certain fitting gap exists between the limiting protrusions 113 and the limiting grooves 213. During the connection between the plug 1 and the socket 2, the limiting protrusions 113 enter the limiting grooves 213 and move along the grooves towards the socket 2, providing a guiding function and ensuring that the plug 1 can be smoothly inserted into the socket 2, improving connection efficiency. Furthermore, the cooperation between the limiting protrusions 113 and the limiting grooves 213 effectively limits the relative rotation angle between the plug 1 and the socket 2, preventing connection failure or damage to internal components due to excessive rotation.

[0044] The positioning key 211 and the socket housing 21 can be detachably connected by means of threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or other means, and the positioning key 211 and the socket housing 21 can be integrally formed. To make the overall structure more stable and reduce malfunctions caused by loosening or breakage at the connection between the positioning key 211 and the socket housing 21, the positioning key 211 and the socket housing 21 in this embodiment are designed as an integral piece, as detailed in the following specific embodiment: the positioning key 211 and the socket housing 21 are integrally formed.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, multiple positioning keys 211 are provided and distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the socket housing 21, and multiple connection channels 31 are also provided and correspond one-to-one with the positioning keys 211.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 To ensure stable docking of the robot connector in three-dimensional space, three evenly spaced positioning keys 211 and connecting channels 31 are provided in this embodiment. Each set of positioning keys 211 and connecting channels 31 are evenly distributed at 120° intervals along the connector axis.

[0047] In other embodiments, the number of positioning keys 211 and connection channels 31 can be set differently according to actual conditions, provided that a one-to-one correspondence is ensured. For example, there can be 4 positioning keys 211 and 4 corresponding connection channels 31. To ensure connection reliability, the number is generally no less than 2, and the spacing between each positioning key 211 and each connection channel 31 needs to be evenly distributed.

[0048] Furthermore, one embodiment of the robot connector in this application uses a high-strength titanium alloy for its main structure. Titanium alloy possesses excellent high-temperature resistance, maintaining stable mechanical properties even at high temperatures. Simultaneously, it exhibits good wear resistance and corrosion resistance, effectively resisting wear and corrosion and extending the connector's service life. Moreover, titanium alloy has low density and is lightweight, contributing to a reduction in connector weight.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A robot connector, characterized in that: The device includes a plug (1) and a socket (2). The socket (2) has a socket housing (21) and a positioning key (211) thereon. The plug (1) includes a plug housing (11), a nut (3), and a spring (4) for providing axial preload. The nut (3) is used to connect the plug (1) and the socket (2). The nut (3) has a connecting channel (31) for the positioning key (211) to be embedded in. The connecting channel (31) is divided into an inlet / outlet portion (311) and a limiting portion (312). The inlet / outlet portion (311) extends along the axial direction of the nut (3). One end of the nut (3) is open and located on the end face of the nut (3). The limiting part (312) is connected to the other end of the inlet and outlet part (311). The extension direction of the limiting part (312) is deviated from the extension direction of the inlet and outlet part (311). One end of the spring (4) abuts against the inner end face of the nut (3), and the other end of the spring (4) abuts against the plug housing (11). When the plug (1) is engaged with the socket (2), the positioning key (211) enters the limiting part (312) along the inlet and outlet part (311). The positioning key (211) abuts against the inner wall of the limiting part (312) under the action of the axial preload provided by the spring (4).

2. The robot connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug housing (11) is provided with a support boss (111). When the plug (1) is engaged with the socket (2), one end face of the support boss (111) abuts against the end face of the socket housing (21), and the spring (4) abuts against the other end face of the support boss (111).

3. A robot connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plug (1) also includes a retaining ring (5); the plug housing (11) is provided with a retaining ring groove (112), the retaining ring groove (112) is located on the side of the nut (3) away from the socket (2), and the retaining ring (5) is embedded in the retaining ring groove (112).

4. A robot connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spring (4) is a wave spring (4), one end of which abuts against the support boss (111), and the other end abuts against the inner end face of the nut (3).

5. A robot connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket housing (21) has a sealing groove (212) inside, and a sealing ring (6) is embedded in the sealing groove (212); when the plug (1) is engaged with the socket (2), the end face of the plug (1) inserted into the socket housing (21) abuts against the sealing ring (6).

6. A robot connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the plug housing (11) near the socket (2) is provided with a limiting protrusion (113), and the inner wall of the socket housing (21) near the plug (1) is provided with a corresponding limiting groove (213); when the plug (1) and the socket (2) are engaged, the limiting protrusion (113) moves within the limiting groove (213).

7. A robot connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning key (211) is integrally formed with the socket housing (21).

8. A robot connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning keys (211) are provided in multiples and are distributed at intervals along the outer periphery of the socket housing (21). The connection channels (31) are also provided in multiples and correspond one-to-one with the positioning keys (211).

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