A guide connector structure for facilitating blind mating

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of guiding connector structure convenient for blind insertion belong to connector technical field, including connecting seat and connecting column;Connecting seat is equipped with guide sleeve, sliding rail sliding along connecting seat, floating ring for radial compensation and buffer spring, constitute precision guiding system, connecting column inside is equipped with locking mechanism, and locking mechanism includes fixed shell, clamping block and locking column;When connecting, locking column drives clamping block displacement and clamps self, realizes automatic locking, and locking mechanism further includes the unlocking ring that can be unlocked by pushing connecting column again and the reset spring for making clamping block reset after unlocking.The utility model solves the problem that the existing technology is difficult to align blind insertion, damaged due to collision and locked and unlocked complex, with the beneficial effects of accurate guidance, reliable connection, convenient operation and effective protection of components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a guide connector structure that facilitates blind mating. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors, as key components for transmitting electrical, optical, and fluid signals or energy, are widely used in many fields such as aerospace, industrial automation, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. In practical applications, reliable connection of connectors depends on the precise alignment of the plug and socket. Under ideal conditions with ample operating space and good lighting, operators can visually complete the alignment and insertion actions to ensure a smooth connection.

[0003] However, in many complex application scenarios, such as when the internal structure of the equipment is compact, the installation space is narrow, the lighting is dim, or when a quick plugging and unplugging operation is required, the operator cannot directly observe the connection interface and must perform blind plugging. In such cases, traditional connectors lack an effective guiding structure and rely solely on the operator's feel for exploration and trial, resulting in a time-consuming and laborious alignment process with a low success rate.

[0004] More seriously, during repeated attempts to align, the precision parts such as the port edges and internal pins of the plug and socket may be worn or even damaged due to frequent collisions and scratches. This not only affects the service life and reliability of the connector itself, but may also pose a serious threat to the stable operation of the entire equipment system.

[0005] Therefore, this utility model proposes a guide connector structure that facilitates blind mating to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, such as difficulty in alignment under blind mating conditions, damage due to repeated collisions, and complex or unreliable locking and unlocking operations, this utility model aims to provide a guide connector structure with improved structure that can effectively solve the above problems and facilitate blind mating.

[0007] This utility model provides a guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion, including: a connecting seat, a guide sleeve that can slide within the connecting seat, and a connecting post suitable for insertion into the connecting seat. The inner wall of the connecting seat is provided with a slide rail, and the guide sleeve slides in cooperation with the slide rail. It also includes a floating ring disposed outside the guide sleeve, a buffer spring disposed outside the guide sleeve, and a locking mechanism disposed inside the connecting post.

[0008] The locking mechanism is the core of achieving rapid locking, and includes a fixed shell fixed inside the connecting column, a locking block that can slide along the fixed shell, and a locking column that can move axially.

[0009] Furthermore, the floating ring is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide sleeve and can float radially within the connecting seat; the buffer spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide sleeve, and its two ends respectively abut against the inner side of the connecting seat and the floating ring; during connection, the connecting post is inserted into the connecting seat, causing the end of the locking post to push the locking block, thereby causing the locking block to move along the preset oblique groove in the fixed shell and finally lock the locking post, thus forming an integrated structure that combines multi-stage guidance, buffering and shock absorption and automatic locking functions.

[0010] Preferably, the inlet end of the connector is integrally formed with a flared opening, and the conical inner wall structure of the flared opening provides initial rough alignment guidance for the insertion of the connector post.

[0011] Preferably, the slide rail is further provided with a limiting block inside, and the guide sleeve is provided with a corresponding mating groove. The sliding fit between the limiting block and the mating groove forms a key-and-keyway guiding relationship, which effectively restricts the circumferential rotation of the guide sleeve when the guide sleeve slides along the axial direction.

[0012] Preferably, the guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion further includes a spring positioning seat, which is fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the connector seat, and the connector seat provides stable and reliable axial support and positioning for one end of the buffer spring.

[0013] Preferably, a wear-resistant sleeve is further provided between the floating ring and the guide sleeve. The wear-resistant sleeve is fixed around the outer surface of the guide sleeve and serves as an isolation layer between the two, effectively reducing the friction and wear generated when the floating ring and the guide sleeve float or slide relative to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a slidable unlocking ring, which is disposed inside the connecting post and located on the movement path of the locking block. When the connecting post is pushed again, the locking block contacts the unlocking ring and moves under the guidance of the unlocking ring, thereby disengaging from the locking post and achieving convenient unlocking.

[0015] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a return spring, which is housed within the fixed housing and continuously applies a return force to the locking block, ensuring that the locking block can automatically return to its initial standby position after the unlocking action is completed.

[0016] Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes a fixing post and a pull ring for human-machine interaction. The fixing post connects the locking block and the pull ring into one unit, and the pull ring extends out of the connecting post, providing an alternative solution for manual forced unlocking by direct pulling.

[0017] Preferably, the guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion further includes a sealing ring, which is embedded at the connection between the connector and the flared end, and is used to ensure the sealing of the connection after the connector post and the connector are mated.

[0018] Preferably, the fixed shell can serve as the internal skeleton of the locking mechanism and provide space for the installation and positioning of other components such as the return spring.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model solves the problems of difficult alignment and low fault tolerance when blindly inserting connectors in the prior art by setting a flared mouth for coarse guidance and using a radially floating ring in conjunction with the guide sleeve and slide rail for precision calibration, thus realizing fast, accurate and automatic alignment connection even when it is not visible.

[0020] 2. This utility model, by setting an internal locking mechanism consisting of a card block, a locking post and an unlocking ring, realizes the function of automatic locking upon pushing in, and provides two methods of unlocking: pushing again or manually unlocking via a pull ring. This solves the problems of unreliable connector locking or cumbersome and inconvenient unlocking operations in the prior art.

[0021] 3. This utility model solves the problem in the prior art that the internal components of the connector are easily damaged by impact due to rigid collision during docking by setting a buffer spring between the connector seat and the guide assembly. It effectively absorbs and buffers the impact force, protects the connector itself and related equipment, and extends the overall service life. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the connector base structure of a guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the fixed shell structure of a guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion, as shown in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking ring structure of a guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Connecting seat; 2. Locking mechanism; 201. Fixed shell; 202. Fixed post; 203. Return spring; 204. Locking block; 205. Pull ring; 206. Connecting post; 207. Locking post; 208. Unlocking ring; 3. Spring positioning seat; 4. Buffer spring; 5. Floating ring; 6. Wear-resistant sleeve; 7. Guide sleeve; 8. Slide rail; 9. Limiting block; 10. Sealing ring; 11. Trumpet mouth. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit its scope.

[0026] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts relevant to the utility model are shown schematically in each drawing; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "a" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0027] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] Example: Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a guide connector structure that facilitates blind mating, which aims to solve the problems of difficult alignment, damage due to collision, and complex locking and unlocking operations of connectors in the prior art during blind mating.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the guide connector structure that facilitates blind insertion includes a connector seat 1 as the main support and a connecting post 206 suitable for insertion into the connector seat 1. The connector seat 1 and the connecting post 206 together constitute the main frame of the connector. Inside the connector seat 1, there are components for achieving precise guidance and buffering. A slide rail 8 is provided axially on the inner wall of the connector seat 1. The guide sleeve 7 is slidably housed in the connector seat 1 and slides in cooperation with the slide rail 8. A floating ring 5 is provided around the outer ring of the guide sleeve 7. The floating ring 5 can float radially within the connector seat 1, thereby providing position compensation for the alignment process of the guide sleeve 7. A buffer spring 4 is also provided between the floating ring 5 and the inner wall of the connector seat 1. The buffer spring 4 is sleeved on the outside of the guide sleeve 7, and its two ends abut against the inner side of the connector seat 1 and the floating ring 5, respectively, to absorb impact energy when the connecting post 206 is inserted, thereby playing a buffering and protective role.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, inside the connecting post 206, a locking mechanism 2 is provided for quick locking and unlocking. The core components of the locking mechanism 2 include a fixed shell 201 fixedly connected inside the connecting post 206, a locking block 204 that can slide along the fixed shell 201, and a locking post 207 that can be axially moved inside the connecting post 206. When the connecting post 206 is pushed into the connecting seat 1 and reaches the predetermined position, the end of the locking post 207 will move forward and push the locking block 204, causing the locking block 204 to move along the preset inclined groove until it finally locks the locking post 207. Through this mechanical engagement, the connecting post 206 is firmly locked inside the connecting seat 1, completing the connection action.

[0034] A flared opening 11 is integrally formed at the inlet end of the connector 1. The conical inner wall structure of the flared opening 11 provides a wide introduction range during the initial insertion of the connector post 206, thereby achieving rough alignment guidance. After passing through the flared opening 11, the end of the connector post 206 will contact the guide sleeve 7. The guide sleeve 7 forms a sliding connection with the slide rail 8 fixed on the inner wall of the connector 1, thereby performing precise axial calibration under the guidance of the slide rail 8. In order to prevent the connector post 206 from undergoing undesirable rotation during insertion, which would lead to docking failure, a limiting block 9 is also provided inside the slide rail 8. At the same time, a corresponding mating groove is provided on the outer wall of the guide sleeve 7. The limiting block 9 and the mating groove slide together to ensure that the guide sleeve 7 can only move along the preset axial path, thereby ensuring the unique correct posture of the connection. The connector structure also includes a sealing ring 10, which is embedded at the connection between the connector 1 and the flared opening 11, and is used to ensure the sealing of the connection part after the connector post 206 docks with the connector 1.

[0035] A floating ring 5 is also provided between the outer periphery of the guide sleeve 7 and the inner wall of the connecting seat 1. The floating ring 5 is arranged around the outer periphery of the guide sleeve 7, and the outer diameter of the floating ring 5 is smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting seat 1, so that the floating ring 5 can float radially within the connecting seat 1. When there is a slight axial deviation between the connecting post 206 and the connecting seat 1, the floating ring 5 can make adaptive position adjustments, driving the guide sleeve 7 to move as a whole, realizing automatic position compensation. A wear-resistant sleeve 6 is also provided between the floating ring 5 and the guide sleeve 7, and the wear-resistant sleeve 6 is fixed around the outer periphery of the guide sleeve 7. The surface is designed to reduce friction and wear between the floating ring 5 and the guide sleeve 7 during relative movement. A spring positioning seat 3 is also fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the connector 1. One end of the buffer spring 4 abuts against the spring positioning seat 3, and the other end abuts against the floating ring 5. The buffer spring 4 is compressed during the connection process to absorb the impact energy generated during docking and effectively protect the precision structure inside the connector. After the connection is completed, the sealing ring 10 set at the connection between the connector 1 and the flared mouth 11 is pressed tight to prevent external dust and moisture from entering.

[0036] As a preferred implementation method, for convenient unlocking operation, please refer to... Figure 4 The locking mechanism 2 also includes an unlocking ring 208, which is slidably disposed inside the connecting post 206 and located on the front movement path of the locking block 204. When unlocking is required, pushing the connecting post 206 forward again will cause the locking block 204, which is already in a locked state, to continue sliding forward until it contacts the unlocking ring 208. The internal structure of the unlocking ring 208 has a guide slope. Under the action of the guide slope of the unlocking ring 208, the locking block 204 will move along a new path, thereby breaking free from the locking state of the locking post 207 and unlocking, making the unlocking action extremely convenient.

[0037] As another preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 The locking mechanism 2 also includes a return spring 203; the return spring 203 is located inside the fixed housing 201 and continuously applies a rearward return force to the locking block 204. After unlocking in the aforementioned manner, the locking block 204 will quickly return to its initial position before locking under the force of the return spring 203 and be in a standby state.

[0038] As another preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 The locking mechanism 2 also includes a fixed post 202 and a pull ring 205. One end of the fixed post 202 is fixedly connected to the locking block 204, and the other end is connected to the pull ring 205. The pull ring 205 extends out of the connecting post 206. When manual unlocking is required, the operator can directly pull the pull ring 205. The pull ring 205 directly drives the locking block 204 through the fixed post 202, forcibly overcoming the elastic force of the return spring 203 and moving backward, thereby disengaging from the locking post 207 and unlocking.

[0039] As a specific structural implementation, the fixed shell 201, as the load-bearing component of the locking mechanism 2, is firmly fixed inside the connecting column 206. It not only provides a precise guiding path for the sliding of the locking block 204, but also provides a reliable installation space and positioning reference for internal parts such as the return spring 203.

[0040] Working principle: During the docking operation, the connecting post 206 is first aligned with the entrance of the connecting seat 1. The large opening of the flared mouth 11 guides the connecting post 206 in, completing a rough alignment. As the connecting post 206 continues to be pushed in, the end of the connecting post 206 contacts the guide sleeve 7 and, under the buffering action of the buffer spring 4, smoothly pushes the guide sleeve 7 to slide along the slide rail 8 into the connecting seat 1. During this process, the cooperation between the limiting block 9 and the mating groove on the guide sleeve 7 ensures that the guide sleeve 7 will not rotate, while the floating ring 5 can make radial adaptive adjustments according to the actual alignment deviation, thereby achieving precise guidance and calibration together until the connecting post 206 reaches the predetermined depth. When the connecting post 206 reaches the predetermined depth, the locking post 207 inside the connecting post 206 moves forward, and the end of the locking post 207 pushes the locking block 204. Guided by the fixed shell 201, the locking block 204 slides along the preset inclined groove inside the fixed shell 201 and finally locks into the locking position on the locking post 207, thereby automatically locking the connecting post 206. When unlocking is required, the connecting post 206 can be pushed forward again, causing the locking block 204 to slide and contact the unlocking ring 208, and then disengage from the locked state under the guidance of the unlocking ring 208. Alternatively, the pull ring 205 can be pulled directly, forcibly moving the locking block 204 through the fixed post 202 to unlock. After unlocking, the reset spring 203 will push the locking block 204 back to the initial position, preparing for the next connection.

[0041] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A guide connector structure for easy blind mating, comprising: The connecting seat (1), guide sleeve (7) and connecting post (206) are provided with a slide rail (8) along the axial direction on the inner wall of the connecting seat (1). The guide sleeve (7) is slidably housed in the connecting seat (1) and slides in cooperation with the slide rail (8). The connecting post (206) is adapted to be inserted into the connecting seat (1). The invention is characterized by further comprising: a floating ring (5) and a buffer spring (4), wherein the floating ring (5) is disposed around the outer periphery of the guide sleeve (7) and is capable of radially floating within the connecting seat (1) to provide position compensation for the guide sleeve (7); and the buffer spring (4) is sleeved on the outside of the guide sleeve (7) and its two ends respectively abut against the inner side of the connecting seat (1) and the floating ring (5) to buffer the impact when the connecting post (206) is inserted.

2. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide connector structure for easy blind insertion also includes a locking mechanism (2), which is disposed in the connecting post (206). The locking mechanism (2) includes a fixed shell (201), a locking block (204) that can slide along the fixed shell (201), and a locking post (207) that can move axially. When the connecting post (206) is inserted into place, the end of the locking post (207) pushes the locking block (204), causing the locking block (204) to move along a preset oblique groove and hold the locking post (207), thereby locking the connecting post (206) in the connecting seat (1).

3. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet end of the connector (1) is integrally formed with a flared mouth (11) for rough alignment guidance during the initial insertion of the connector (206).

4. A guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slide rail (8) is also provided with a limiting block (9), which slides in conjunction with the groove on the guide sleeve (7) to restrict the circumferential rotation of the guide sleeve (7) when the guide sleeve (7) slides along the axial direction of the slide rail (8).

5. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector structure also includes a spring positioning seat (3), which is fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the connector seat (1) and is used to axially position one end of the buffer spring (4).

6. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wear-resistant sleeve (6) is also provided between the floating ring (5) and the guide sleeve (7). The wear-resistant sleeve (6) is fixed around the outer surface of the guide sleeve (7) to reduce the friction generated when the floating ring (5) and the guide sleeve (7) move relative to each other.

7. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (2) further includes an unlocking ring (208), which is slidably disposed within the connecting post (206). When the connecting post (206) is pushed again, the locking block (204) slides to a position that contacts the unlocking ring (208) and, guided by the unlocking ring (208), disengages from the locking post (207) to unlock.

8. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (2) further includes a reset spring (203), which is disposed inside the fixed housing (201) and continuously applies a reset force to the locking block (204) to push the locking block (204) back to the initial position before locking after unlocking.

9. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking mechanism (2) further includes a fixed post (202) and a pull ring (205). The fixed post (202) is fixedly connected to the locking block (204). The pull ring (205) extends out of the connecting post (206) and is connected to the fixed post (202). It is used to force the locking block (204) to move against the elastic force of the reset spring (203) by pulling the pull ring (205), thereby realizing manual unlocking.

10. The guide connector structure for easy blind mating according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector structure also includes a sealing ring (10), which is embedded at the connection between the connector (1) and the flared mouth (11) to ensure the sealing of the connection part after the connector (206) and the connector (1) are mated.

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