Self-centering guide mechanism for floating joints

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of automatic centering guide mechanism of floating joint, comprising: a fixed seat has an open side and a closed side with through-hole;An adapter seat is arranged in the fixed seat, and has two ends respectively extending towards the open side and extending to the outside of the fixed seat through the through-hole of the closed side, and an axial abutment portion is arranged between the two ends;A fastener is sleeved on the adapter seat from the closed side;A spring is located in the fixed seat and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the adapter seat, and one end of the spring abuts against the closed side;A sliding gasket is arranged between the spring and the axial abutment portion, and has a first side and a second side respectively in contact with the spring and the axial abutment portion.The improvement of the utility model is that: the second side of the sliding gasket and at least one of the axial abutment portion form a centering guide slope, whereby the adapter seat can be pushed back to the center position of the fixed seat, achieving automatic centering reset guide, and improving the docking accuracy, smoothness and overall durability of the quick connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an automatic centering guide mechanism for a floating connector. Background Technology

[0002] In data center applications, server racks house numerous high-performance server chassis, generating significant heat during operation. To improve heat dissipation efficiency and overcome size limitations, water cooling technology has gradually replaced traditional air cooling methods, delivering coolant to the server chassis via water-cooled piping. Because server chassis require frequent installation, removal, and maintenance, quick-connect couplings have become indispensable components of water cooling systems, enabling rapid connection or disconnection of fixed and movable piping. Female couplings are typically fixed inside the server rack, while male couplings connect or disconnect as the server chassis is installed or removed.

[0003] However, during the mating process, quick couplings often experience radial misalignment between the center positions of the male and female connectors due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly errors, leading to mating difficulties or poor sealing. To address this issue, some manufacturers have proposed a floating connector structure, allowing the adapter at the male connector end to slide radially relative to the fixed seat, compensating for mating deviations with the female connector and improving the reliability of the mating.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, prior art discloses a floating connector structure 1, which mainly includes a fixed base 10, an adapter base 11, a quick connector (as a male connector) 12, a sliding washer 13, a spring 14, an outer washer 15, and a retaining ring 16. When the quick connector 12 mates with a female connector (not shown) inside the server rack, the adapter base 11 can slide radially relative to the fixed base 10 to adjust the mating position and reduce installation errors. However, this structure still has the following disadvantages:

[0005] 1. Uncertain starting position: The adapter 11 can only remain in the offset position caused by the previous docking within the fixed base 10, lacking a guiding mechanism to automatically return to the center position. When the server chassis is reinstalled and docked with the female connector, if the adapter is still in the previous offset position or has shifted due to shaking, the new docking process may require greater insertion force, or in some cases, readjustment, thus reducing operational convenience.

[0006] 2. Increased mating resistance and localized wear: If the adapter 11 is left in the offset position and mating is performed without adjustment, the male and female connectors may make misaligned contact, resulting in increased insertion force and localized wear of the gasket and seals, thereby shortening their service life.

[0007] In summary, although previous technologies could compensate for docking deviations by allowing the adapter to move radially through a floating structure, the lack of an automatic centering and return guidance mechanism still resulted in problems such as uncertain initial docking position, excessive relative distance differences, excessive docking resistance, and rapid local wear of parts.

[0008] In view of this, how to design a joint mechanism that combines radial floating compensation and automatic centering guidance, so that it can compensate for deviations during docking and return to the center reference position after separation, thereby improving docking accuracy and ease of operation, remains an urgent issue for the industry to solve. Utility Model Content

[0009] To effectively solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic centering guide mechanism for a floating connector, which addresses the shortcomings of the prior art, such as the adapter being able to hover at any position and being unable to automatically return to the center of the fixed seat, resulting in uncertain initial docking position, excessive relative distance difference, increased insertion and extraction resistance, accelerated wear of parts, and insufficient structural stability.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an automatic centering guide mechanism for a floating joint, comprising: a fixed base, an adapter base, a fastener, a spring, and a sliding washer. The fixed base has an accommodating space and an open side and a closed side, the closed side having a through hole. The adapter base is disposed within the accommodating space of the fixed base, having two ends extending towards the open side and through the through holes to the outside of the fixed base, respectively, and having an axial abutment portion between the two ends. The fastener is sleeved onto the adapter base from the outside of the closed side to restrict its axial position. The spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the adapter base, with one end abutting against the closed side of the fixed base. The sliding washer is sleeved on the outer periphery of the adapter base and disposed between the spring and the axial abutment portion, having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side contacts the other end of the spring, and the second side contacts the axial abutment portion. The improved feature of this utility model is that: at least one of the second side and the axial abutment portion forms a centering guide slope, so that the axial preload applied by the spring can be applied to the sliding pad and converted into radial thrust through the centering guide slope, so as to push the adapter from the offset position back to the center position of the fixed seat, thereby achieving the effect of automatic centering and reset.

[0011] The improved features of this utility model are applicable not only to situations where the second side of the sliding pad forms a centering guide slope and the axial abutment portion is flat, but also to situations where the axial abutment portion of the adapter forms a centering guide slope while the second side of the sliding pad is flat; or where both the axial abutment portion of the adapter and the second side of the sliding pad form mutually cooperating centering guide slopes. Regardless of the above structural configuration, the axial preload of the spring can be converted into radial thrust through the centering guide slope, ensuring that the adapter can automatically return to the center (line) position.

[0012] The sliding pad has an outer ring side that adapts to the inner wall of the accommodating space, and an inner ring side located inside the outer ring side that adapts to the adapter seat. The centering guide slope is formed on the second side of the sliding pad and is gradually tapered from the outer ring side to the inner ring side. The axial abutment portion is a plane.

[0013] The centering guide slope is formed in the axial abutment portion and is gradually expanded from the outer periphery of the adapter towards the center, and the second side of the sliding pad is a plane.

[0014] The second side of the sliding pad and the axial abutment portion of the adapter form a mutually cooperating centering guide slope.

[0015] One end of the adapter is detachably connected to a quick connector.

[0016] It further includes an outer gasket disposed outside the closed side, located between the fastener and the fixing seat.

[0017] The outer surface of the closed side of the fixed base is provided with a sliding aid.

[0018] The outer surface of the closed side is provided with an annular groove for the sliding aid to be embedded.

[0019] By virtue of the above-mentioned improved features, this utility model has the following technical effects:

[0020] 1. Automatic centering: Utilizing the interaction between the spring and the centering guide ramp, the adapter can automatically return (reset) to the center position after radial offset, ensuring that the quick connector maintains the optimal starting state every time it is plugged in or unplugged.

[0021] 2. Reduce insertion and extraction resistance: The connectors are automatically centered during mating to avoid scratching interference caused by misalignment and improve the smoothness of insertion and extraction.

[0022] 3. Reduced wear and improved durability: Prevents long-term eccentric wear on gaskets and quick-connect seals in localized areas, extending service life. In summary, this invention effectively overcomes the shortcomings of prior art, providing a connector guiding mechanism that combines floating offset and automatic centering. It is particularly suitable for quick-connect applications in water-cooled heat dissipation equipment (servers, optical communication servers, communication equipment, or equipment requiring heat dissipation), thereby improving docking accuracy, reducing maintenance costs, and extending system life. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an existing floating joint structure;

[0024] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the automatic centering guide mechanism of the floating joint of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sliding pad of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter seat in a radially offset state when the male connector of the quick connector on the floating side of this utility model is connected to the female connector.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the process by which the adapter seat returns to the center position under the action of the spring and the sliding washer after the male and female quick connectors on the floating side of the present invention are separated.

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram showing the force transmission relationship between the spring, sliding washer, and adapter.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the quick connector (male) on the floating side of this utility model after it has returned to the center position;

[0030] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present utility model, wherein the axial abutment portion of the adapter seat forms a centered guide slope, and the second side of the sliding pad is a plane;

[0031] Figure 8B for Figure 8A A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0032] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present utility model, in which the axial abutment part of the adapter and the second side of the sliding pad both form mutually cooperating centering guide slopes.

[0033] Figure 9B for Figure 9A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 20 Fixed seat; 201 Open side; 202 Closed side; 2021 Through hole; 203 Accommodation space; 204 Annular groove; 21 Adapter seat; 211, 212 Ends; 214 Axial abutment part; 22 Sliding washer; 221 First side; 222 Second side; 223 Outer ring side; 224 Inner ring side; 23 Spring; 24 Fastener; 25 Outer washer; 26 Sliding aid; 27, 27a, 27b Centering guide slope; 28a Quick connector (male); 28b Quick connector (female); F Axial preload; Fr Radial thrust; Fa Axial component. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The above-mentioned objectives of this utility model and its structural and functional characteristics will be described with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the automatic centering guide mechanism of the floating joint of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sliding pad of this utility model. Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this utility model provides an automatic centering guide mechanism for a floating connector, which mainly includes a fixed base 20, an adapter base 21, a fastener 24, a spring 23 and a sliding washer 22.

[0037] The fixed base 20 has an open side 201 and a closed side 202, forming an accommodating space 203 between them. The closed side 202 has a through hole 2021, and an annular groove 204 is formed on the outer surface of the closed side 202. A sliding aid 26 (e.g., a plastic or rubber ring) is embedded in the annular groove 204 and disposed around the through hole 2021 to reduce the frictional resistance between the adapter 21 and the fixed base 20 during relative movement, thereby improving the smoothness of sliding and durability. The adapter 21 can be installed in the accommodating space 203 and can float to a limited extent in the radial direction relative to the fixed base 20 to compensate for radial offset during quick coupling.

[0038] The adapter 21 includes two ends 211 and 212. One end 211 extends toward the open side 201 of the fixed base 20 for engaging with a quick connector 28a, which in this embodiment is a male connector. The other end 212 of the adapter 21 extends through the through hole 2021 of the closed side 202 to the outside of the fixed base 20 for connection with a conduit and for external fastening. An axial abutment portion 214 is formed between the two ends 211 and 212, which in this embodiment is planar.

[0039] Fastener 24, such as a C-ring or O-ring, is sleeved onto the other end 212 of adapter 21 from the outside of the closed side 202 of the fixing seat 20 to restrict the position of adapter 21 in the axial direction and prevent adapter 21 from detaching from the receiving space 203. An outer gasket 25 may also be provided between fastener 24 and fixing seat 20, so that one side of it is close to the outer surface of the closed side 202 and the sliding member 26 to provide an axial bearing surface for fastener 24 and improve the stability of axial positioning and overall durability.

[0040] Spring 23 is pre-compressed and placed within the accommodating space 203, and sleeved on the outer periphery of adapter 21. One end of spring 23 abuts against the inner surface of the closed side 202 of fixed base 20, while the other end abuts against and applies force to sliding pad 22. Sliding pad 22 is sleeved on the outer periphery of adapter 21 and positioned between spring 23 and axial contact portion 214. It has an overall annular structure, including an outer ring side 223 that fits into the inner wall of accommodating space 203, and an inner ring side 224 that fits into the outer periphery of adapter 21. The two sides of sliding pad 22 are a first side 221 and a second side 222, respectively. The first side 221 is a plane, used to bear and contact one end of spring 23, so that the force applied by spring 23 is transmitted to sliding pad 22. The second side 222 gradually slopes from the outer ring side 223 to the inner ring side 224, forming a centrally located guide slope 27, which contacts the axially abutting part 214 of the adapter seat 21, which is in planar shape.

[0041] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 As shown, it is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the adapter seat in a radially offset state when the male head of the quick connector on the floating side of this utility model is connected to the female head. Figure 5 In the process of the quick connector on the floating side of this utility model, after the male and female heads are separated, the adapter seat automatically returns (resets) to the center position under the action of the spring and the sliding washer; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram showing the force transmission relationship between the spring, sliding washer, and adapter. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the male quick connector on the floating side of this utility model after it has returned to the center position.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, when the quick connector 28a (male) on the floating side of this invention mates with the quick connector 28b (female) on the mating side, the adapter 21 may be radially offset due to manufacturing tolerances, assembly errors, or inaccurate alignment during use. In this case, the axis of the adapter 21 does not coincide with the axis of the fixed base 20, causing the adapter 21 to deviate from the center position relative to the fixed base 20. This results in the insertion end of the quick connector 28a (male) and the mating end of the quick connector 28b (female) being misaligned or tilted. Since the adapter 21 can float radially within the accommodating space 203, under the action of the insertion force, the quick connector 28a (male) can still compensate for the radial offset along with the adapter 21, gradually guiding its insertion end to align with the quick connector 28b (female) to complete the mating. In other words, the quick connector 28a (male) can compensate for misalignment during mating by moderately displacing in the radial direction through the radial floating design of the adapter 21, thus avoiding mating interference or failure due to misalignment of axes. After mating is completed, the quick connector 28a (male) and the adapter 21 can remain in the offset position (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown, it hovers in a slightly lower position).

[0043] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, after the floating-side quick connector 28a (male) and the mating-side quick connector 28b (female) of this utility model are separated, the adapter 21 is no longer restricted by the force and offset of the mating side, and automatically returns to the center position under the action of the spring 23 and the sliding washer 22. One end of the spring 23 abuts against the closed side 202 of the fixed seat 20, and the other end applies force to the adapter 21 through the sliding washer 22. When the quick connector 28a (male) and the quick connector 28b (female) are separated, the spring 23 located in the accommodating space 203 generates an axial preload F due to precompression, which first acts on the first side 221 of the sliding washer 22, and is transmitted to its second side 222 through the sliding washer 22. Since the second side 222 has a centering guide slope 27 that contacts the axial abutment portion 214 of the adapter 21, the axial preload F is converted into a radial thrust Fr via the centering guide slope 27, guiding the adapter 21 to gradually move from the offset position toward the central axis of the fixed seat 20. The sliding aid 26 can reduce the friction between the outer pad 25 and the fixed seat 20 during the return process, ensuring smooth return action and preventing premature wear of parts.

[0044] Specifically, the axial preload F applied by the spring 23 to the sliding pad 22 is decomposed into an axial component force Fa and a radial thrust Fr via the centering guide ramp 27 on the second side 222. The axial component force Fa maintains tight contact between the sliding pad 22 and the axial abutment portion 214, and is restricted and balanced by the fastener 24 fitted onto the other end 212 of the adapter 21, ensuring that the adapter 21 does not loosen in the axial direction. The radial thrust Fr acts on the adapter 21 radially toward the center of the fixed seat 20, gradually pushing the adapter 21 back from its original offset position to the center position of the fixed seat 20, forming an automatic centering and reset process. Through this mechanical decomposition and transmission mechanism, after the quick connectors (male and female) 28a and 28b are separated, the adapter 21 can be automatically guided back to a coaxial state with the fixed seat 20, avoiding suspension in the offset position.

[0045] like Figure 7 Please refer to the above as shown. Figures 4 to 6As shown, after the axial preload F of the spring 23 and the centering guide slope 27 of the second side 222 of the sliding pad 22 are continuously applied, the adapter 21 automatically returns from the radially offset position to the center position of the fixed base 20. In this state, the quick connector 28a (male) also returns to the central axis along with the adapter 21 and remains in a position coaxial with the fixed base 20. Because the centering guide slope 27 of the second side 222 provides continuous guidance, the adapter 21 will not be suspended in any offset position, but can be guided back and stably maintained in the center (line) state of the fixed base 20. With this design, the present invention can realize the automatic centering and reset guiding function, so that when the quick connector 28a (male) is reconnected to the quick connector 28b (female), it can always start from the center state. This not only ensures high precision and smooth operation of the quick connectors (male and female) 28a and 28b during insertion, but also reduces interference and insertion / removal resistance caused by excessive misalignment or large differences in misalignment distance during the connection process. It effectively reduces interference and eccentric wear of seals and related parts, thereby extending the service life of the overall structure and significantly improving the durability and reliability of the quick connectors (male and female) 28a and 28b under long-term operation.

[0046] In addition to the above Figures 2 to 7 In an embodiment where the second side 222 of the sliding pad 22 forms a centering guide slope 27, which mates with the axial abutment portion 214 of the plane of the adapter 21, in addition to the above embodiments, Figures 8A to 9B The figure shows other alternative designs of this utility model. For example... Figure 8A And its enlarged schematic diagram Figure 8B As shown, a centering guide slope 27 is formed in the axial abutment portion 214 of the adapter 21. This centering guide slope 27 is gradually widened and inclined towards the center from the outer periphery of the adapter 21. The second side 222 of the sliding washer 22 is flat. The force applied by the spring 23 is transmitted through the sliding washer 22 to the centering guide slope 27 of the axial abutment portion 214, achieving the same automatic centering effect as in the previous embodiment, whereby the adapter 21 automatically returns to a coaxial position with the fixed seat 20 after the quick connectors (male and female) 28a and 28b are separated. Furthermore... Figure 9A And its enlarged schematic diagram Figure 9B As shown, the axial contact portion 214 of the adapter 21 and the second side 222 of the sliding pad 22 both form mutually cooperating centering guide slopes 27a and 27b. This double slope design also achieves the automatic guiding centering effect of the adapter 21 moving from the offset position to the central axis of the fixed seat 20 after the quick connector (male and female) 28a and 28b are separated by the spring 23.

[0047] In summary, the improved features of this utility model are not limited to a specific centering guide slope setting method. Whether it is a single-sided centering guide slope 27 of the sliding pad 22, a single-sided centering guide slope 27 of the adapter 21, or both double centering guide slopes 27a and 27b working together, the axial preload F of the spring 23 can be converted into radial thrust Fr, so that the adapter 21 automatically returns to the center position, achieving the function of automatic centering guide.

[0048] The present invention has been described in detail above. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made based on the present invention should still fall within the patent coverage of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic centering guide mechanism for a floating connector, comprising: A fixed base has an open side and a closed side, a receiving space is formed inside the fixed base, and a through hole is provided on the closed side; An adapter is disposed within the accommodating space of the fixed base. One end of the adapter extends toward the open side, and the other end passes through the through hole on the closed side and extends beyond the fixed base. An axial abutment portion is provided between the two ends of the adapter. A fastener is fitted onto the adapter on the outside of the closed side to restrict the position of the adapter in the axial direction; A spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the adapter and located within the accommodating space, with one end of the spring contacting the closed side of the fixed base; and A sliding washer is fitted around the outer periphery of the adapter and disposed between the spring and the axial abutment portion. The sliding washer has a first side and a second side. The first side contacts the other end of the spring, and the second side contacts the axial abutment portion. Its characteristic is that: The second side of the sliding pad forms a centering guide slope with at least one of the axial abutment portions to guide and convert the axial preload applied by the spring into radial thrust, causing the adapter to automatically return from the radial offset position to the center position.

2. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding pad has an outer ring side to fit the inner wall of the receiving space, and an inner ring side located inside the outer ring side and fitted onto the adapter. The centering guide slope is formed on the second side of the sliding pad and is inclined from the outer ring side to the inner ring side. The axial abutment portion is a plane.

3. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The centering guide slope is formed in the axial abutment portion and is gradually inclined from the outer periphery of the adapter towards the center, and the second side of the sliding pad is a plane.

4. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second side of the sliding pad and the axial abutment portion of the adapter form a mutually cooperating centering guide slope.

5. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the adapter can be detachably connected to a quick connector.

6. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an outer gasket disposed outside the closed side, located between the fastener and the fixing seat.

7. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the closed side of the fixed base is provided with a sliding aid.

8. The automatic centering guide mechanism for the floating joint as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The outer surface of the closed side is provided with an annular groove for the sliding aid to be embedded.

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