Novel integral floating connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel connector in whole floating centering, which comprises a fixed base plate, a connector main body and a plurality of external floating components. A plurality of floating grooves vertically opposite to the second through holes of the fixed base plate are circumferentially arranged on the upper wall of the shell of the connector main body. The lower wall center of the floating grooves is fixedly connected with a lower connecting column, so that the connector main body is hung below the fixed base plate and the plug-in connecting end protrudes through the first through hole of the fixed base plate. The external floating component comprises a vortex spring, an upper connecting piece and the lower connecting column. The outer ring of the vortex spring elastically contacts the floating groove, and the inner ring thereof elastically contacts and sleeves the lower connecting column. The lower end of the upper connecting piece passes through the second through hole with a gap and is detachably connected with the lower connecting column. The external floating component can make the connector main body integrally float along the X axis and the Y axis relative to the fixed base plate and automatically center. The utility model has the effects of extremely simple and compact structure, greatly improved maintenance convenience, reliable centering and high centering precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connections, and in particular to a novel connector with an integral floating back. Background Technology

[0002] Battery swapping connectors are widely used in the new energy field, such as new energy vehicles. Battery swapping connectors typically adopt a built-in elastic floating structure, which integrates multiple sets of springs, local guides, and other floating mechanisms inside the connector. It compensates for minor deviations during docking only by the slight displacement of local components such as pins / holes inside the connector. Its drawbacks are: First, the internal mechanism is complex: the internal space of the connector is small and compact, making it difficult to arrange such a large number of components. This results in a large number of connector parts and a complex structure, requiring high assembly precision. The complex structure is also prone to interference, causing malfunctions such as jamming. At the same time, it limits the overall miniaturization design of the connector and makes it difficult to adapt to installation scenarios with narrow space (such as vehicle battery compartments). Second, maintenance is inconvenient: once the built-in floating mechanism fails (such as spring breakage or guide wear), the entire connector must be disassembled to the inside for repair. The disassembly process requires breaking the sealing structure, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, secondary assembly is prone to new performance problems due to insufficient precision, significantly increasing maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address one or more of the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a novel connector for integral floating return.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector in the novel integral floating return includes: a fixed base plate, a connector body, and a plurality of external floating components;

[0005] The fixed substrate has a first through hole in the middle and a plurality of second through holes around the first through hole;

[0006] The upper wall of the connector body is provided with multiple floating grooves that are perpendicularly opposite to the second through hole in the circumferential direction. The lower connecting post is fixedly connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating groove, so that the connector body is suspended below the fixed substrate and the plug end extends out of the first through hole.

[0007] The external floating assembly includes a spiral spring, an upper connector, and a lower connector. The outer ring of the spiral spring elastically contacts the floating groove, and its inner ring elastically contacts the lower connector. The lower end of the upper connector passes through the second through hole and is detachably connected to the lower connector. The external floating assembly enables the connector body to float relative to the fixed substrate along the X and Y axes and automatically return to center.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lower connecting post is a threaded post, and the upper connecting part is an externally threaded part. The cap end of the externally threaded part is attached to the periphery of the second through hole, and its lower threaded post is screwed into the central threaded hole of the threaded post.

[0009] In some implementations, the upper connector is a hexagonal flange screw.

[0010] In some implementations, the lower connecting column is welded or integrally connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a rear housing and a front housing, the two housings are fixedly connected as one unit by threaded parts, the rear housing is provided with a plurality of third through holes around its perimeter, the upper wall of the front housing and the third through holes surround each other to form a floating groove with a circular groove structure, and the lower connecting column is fixed to the upper wall of the front housing.

[0012] In some implementations, the four sets of external floating components, the four second through holes, and the four floating slots are all arranged in a cross-shaped symmetrical arrangement about the first through hole.

[0013] In some implementations, the spring force is the same in the initial state; the spring is made of 60Si2Mn spring steel with a stiffness coefficient of 8-10 N / mm and a fatigue life of ≥100,000 cycles.

[0014] In some implementations, the floating adjustment range of the X-axis and Y-axis of the connector body is ±3-5mm, and the centering reset accuracy is ≤±0.1mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, a vertical gap is provided between the fixed substrate and the housing, or between the fixed substrate and the cap end of the upper connector.

[0016] In some implementations, the connector is the vehicle-side connector of the battery swapping connector, and the mounting base plate is the vehicle mounting interface plate.

[0017] The connector body also includes a first conductive component and guide posts. The first conductive component is fixedly connected in the middle of the housing, and guide posts are symmetrically connected on both sides, with the insertion port covered by a buffer rubber pad. The first conductive component includes power terminals and signal connectors.

[0018] This new type of integrated floating connector eliminates the built-in floating structure and uses an external floating component. Its advantages are: First, an extremely simple and compact structure: eliminating the built-in floating mechanism and using an external floating structure means the connector only needs conductive components inside, reducing the number of parts by more than 40% and the overall volume by 25%. This effectively reduces the number of internal parts, facilitating their placement, lowering assembly requirements, and solving problems such as interference and jamming. It also benefits the miniaturization of the connector and can be adapted to the confined space of vehicle battery compartments. Second, significantly improved maintenance convenience: the external floating component and the connector body are independently set up. In case of failure, there is no need to disassemble the connector body; only the faulty coil spring needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance time by 70% and eliminating the risk of secondary assembly precision issues. Third, the coil spring has no complex mating structure, making it less susceptible to dust and oil contamination, adapting to the complex environment of battery swapping stations, and reducing the risk of jamming by 90%. Fourth, this floating structure provides a balanced reset force and high centering accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connector in a novel integral floating loop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connector shown.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional exploded view of the connector shown;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional exploded view of the outer shell shown;

[0023] Figure 5 For having Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the battery swapping connector shown.

[0024] Connector 00;

[0025] Fixed substrate 01, first through hole 010, second through hole 011;

[0026] Connector body 02, housing 020, floating groove 021, first conductive component 022, guide post 023, rubber pad 024;

[0027] External floating assembly 03, spiral spring 1, upper connector 2, lower connector 3, center screw hole 31, rear housing 4, third through hole 41, front housing 5.

[0028] Battery connector 04. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to the directions in the accompanying drawings, while the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 The connector in a novel integral floating loop according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. As shown, the connector in the novel integral floating loop includes: a fixed base plate 01, a connector body 02, and a plurality of external floating components 03;

[0031] The fixed substrate 01 has a first through hole 010 in the middle and a plurality of second through holes 011 around the first through hole 010;

[0032] The upper wall of the outer shell 020 of the connector body 02 is provided with multiple floating grooves 021 that are vertically opposite to the second through hole 011. The lower connecting column 3 is fixedly connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating groove 021, so that the connector body 02 is suspended below the fixed base plate 01 and the insertion end extends out of the first through hole 010.

[0033] The external floating assembly 03 includes a spiral spring 1, an upper connector 2, and a lower connector 3. The outer ring of the spiral spring 1 elastically contacts the floating groove 021, and its inner ring elastically contacts the lower connector 3. The lower end of the upper connector 2 passes through the second through hole 011 and is detachably connected to the lower connector 3. The external floating assembly 03 enables the connector body 02 to float relative to the fixed substrate 01 along the X and Y axes and automatically return to center. In the initial state, the elastic force of multiple spiral springs 1 is balanced, keeping the connector body 02 in a centered position. During docking, if there is a positional deviation of the connector 04 at the battery end of the connector body 02, the connector body 02 floats and shifts under force, and the spiral spring 1 in the corresponding direction is compressed (the remaining spiral springs 1 provide auxiliary buffering). The deviation is absorbed by the deformation of the spiral spring 1, achieving floating adjustment. After docking is completed, the balanced elastic force of multiple sets of spiral springs 1 drives the entire module to automatically reset, achieving precise centering without the need for additional positioning components.

[0034] Furthermore, the lower connecting post 3 is a threaded post, and the upper connecting part 2 is an externally threaded part. The cap end of the externally threaded part fits against the periphery of the second through hole 011, and its lower stud is screwed into the central threaded hole 31 of the threaded post. The upper connecting part 2 is preferably a hexagonal flange screw, which has good connection and limiting functions, and effectively realizes the locking of the connector body and the fixing base plate 01.

[0035] This new type of integrated floating return connector eliminates the built-in floating structure and uses an external floating component 03. Its advantages are: First, an extremely simple and compact structure: eliminating the built-in floating mechanism and using an external floating structure means the connector only needs conductive components inside, reducing the number of parts by more than 40% and the overall volume by 25%. This effectively reduces the number of internal parts, facilitating their placement, lowering assembly requirements, and solving problems such as interference and jamming. It also benefits the miniaturization of the connector and can be adapted to the confined space of vehicle battery compartments. Second, significantly improved maintenance convenience: the external floating component 03 and the connector body 02 are independently set. In case of failure, there is no need to disassemble the connector body 02; only the faulty vortex spring 1 needs to be replaced, reducing maintenance time by 70% and eliminating the risk of secondary assembly precision issues. Third, the vortex spring 1 has no complex mating structure, is less affected by dust and oil, adapts to the complex environment of battery swapping stations, and reduces the risk of jamming by 90%. Fourth, this floating structure provides a balanced reset force and high centering accuracy.

[0036] Furthermore, the lower connecting column 3 is preferably welded or integrally connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating groove 021; when the two are integrally connected, the lower connecting column 3 and the floating groove 021 are integral castings. The advantages are: this structure facilitates installation and manufacturing, and simplifies assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the outer casing 020 includes a rear casing 4 and a front casing 5, which are fixedly connected as a single unit by threaded connections. The rear casing 4 has multiple third through holes 41 around its perimeter. The upper wall of the front casing 5 and the third through holes 41 mutually surround each other to form a floating groove 021 with a circular groove structure. The lower connecting column 3 is fixed to the upper wall of the front casing 5. Preferably, the external floating assembly 03 consists of four sets arranged symmetrically about the first through hole 010, and four second through holes 011 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the first through hole 010. The upper wall of the outer casing 020 has four floating grooves 021 arranged symmetrically about its perimeter, meaning both longitudinal and transverse symmetry. Its beneficial effect is that after docking, the balanced elastic force of the four sets of spiral springs drives the connector body 02 to automatically reset, achieving precise centering without the need for additional positioning components.

[0038] In the initial state, the spring force of the spiral spring 1 is the same; preferably, the spiral spring 1 is made of 60Si2Mn spring steel with a stiffness coefficient of 8-10 N / mm and a fatigue life of ≥100,000 cycles. Its beneficial effects are: the selected spiral spring 1 has high reliability, stable centering accuracy, and no significant attenuation of centering performance over long-term use.

[0039] Preferably, the floating adjustment range of the X-axis and Y-axis of the connector body 02 is ±3-5mm, and the centering accuracy is ≤±0.1mm. Its advantages are: the selected vortex spring 1 provides reliable and wide-ranging deviation compensation; the ±3-5mm floating range can cover most vehicle parking and robotic arm positioning deviations; and the vortex spring deformation buffer avoids hard impacts to the housing.

[0040] Furthermore, a vertical gap is provided between the fixed base plate 01 and the outer shell 020, or between the fixed base plate 01 and the cap end of the upper connector 2. The vertical gap is 1-2 mm. The advantage of this arrangement is that it facilitates ensuring that there is no jamming or floating offset between the fixed base plate 01 and the connector body 2.

[0041] Preferably, a vertical floating spring is also provided between the fixed base plate 01 and the outer shell 020 to achieve vertical floating.

[0042] Furthermore, connector 00 is the vehicle-side connector of the battery swapping connector, and fixed base plate 01 is the vehicle mounting interface plate;

[0043] The connector body 02 also includes a first conductive component 022 and a guide post 023. The first conductive component 022 is fixedly connected in the middle of the outer shell 020, and the guide posts 023 are symmetrically connected on both sides. The plug-in port is covered with a buffer rubber pad 024. The first conductive component 022 includes power terminals and signal connectors. The terminals are made of copper alloy material and are silver-plated to improve conductivity and corrosion resistance. Each connection terminal is surrounded by an insulating sleeve to prevent short circuits.

[0044] The battery swapping connector also includes a battery-side connector 04 that plugs into the vehicle-side connector. The battery-side connector 04 includes a second conductive component coupled to the first conductive component 022 and a guide sleeve that mates with a guide post 023. The mating of the guide post 023 and the guide sleeve guides the plug accurately into the connector during insertion, while allowing a certain range of movement. The guide post is generally made of stainless steel with a polished surface to reduce friction.

[0045] The 020 housing is made of aluminum alloy, which is lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant. As the supporting structure of the entire connector, it withstands external mechanical stress. Its advantages include excellent mating and extraction performance, making it suitable for various applications.

[0046] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A novel connector with an integral floating return mechanism, characterized in that, Includes: a fixed base plate (01), a connector body (02), and multiple external floating components (03); The fixed substrate (01) has a first through hole (010) in the middle and a plurality of second through holes (011) around the first through hole (010); The connector body (02) has a plurality of floating grooves (021) circumferentially arranged on the upper wall of the outer shell (020) and vertically opposite to the second through hole (011). The lower connecting column (3) is fixedly connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating groove (021), so that the connector body (02) is suspended below the fixed base plate (01) and the plug end extends out of the first through hole (010). The external floating assembly (03) includes a spiral spring (1), an upper connector (2), and a lower connector (3). The outer ring of the spiral spring (1) elastically contacts the floating groove (021), and its inner ring elastically contacts the lower connector (3). The lower end of the upper connector (2) passes through the second through hole (011) and is detachably connected to the lower connector (3). The external floating assembly (03) enables the connector body (02) to float relative to the fixed substrate (01) along the X-axis and Y-axis and automatically return to center.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower connecting post (3) is a screw hole post, and the upper connecting part (2) is an external threaded part. The cap end of the external threaded part is attached to the periphery of the second through hole (011), and its lower stud is screwed into the central screw hole (31) of the screw hole post.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper connector (2) is a hexagonal flange screw.

4. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower connecting column (3) is welded or integrally connected to the center of the lower wall of the floating tank (021).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer shell (020) includes a rear shell (4) and a front shell (5). The two shells are fixedly connected as one unit by threaded parts. The rear shell (4) is provided with multiple third through holes (41) around its perimeter. The upper wall of the front shell (5) and the third through holes (41) surround each other to form a floating groove (021) with a circular groove structure. The lower connecting column (3) is fixed to the upper wall of the front shell (5).

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that... The four sets of external floating components (03), four second through holes (011) and four floating grooves (021) are all arranged in a cross-symmetric manner about the first through hole (010).

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the initial state, the spring force of the spiral spring (1) is the same; the spiral spring (1) is made of 60Si2Mn spring steel with a stiffness coefficient of 8-10N / mm and a fatigue life of ≥100,000 cycles.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The floating adjustment range of the X-axis and Y-axis of the connector body (02) is ±3-5mm, and the centering reset accuracy is ≤±0.1mm.

9. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that... A vertical gap is provided between the fixed base plate (01) and the outer shell (020) or between the fixed base plate (01) and the cap end of the upper connector (2).

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The connector (00) is the vehicle-end connector of the battery swapping connector, and the fixing base plate (01) is the vehicle mounting interface plate; The connector body (02) further includes a first conductive component (022) and a guide post (023). The outer shell (020) is fixedly connected to the first conductive component (022) in the middle and symmetrically connected to the guide posts (023) on both sides, and its plug-in port is covered with a buffer rubber pad (024). The first conductive component (022) includes a power terminal and a signal connector.

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