CN217207898U - Connecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a connecting device, it includes main connector subassembly and extension connector subassembly. The main connector assembly includes: a housing defining a fluid passage including a passage port and a communication opening, and a communication passage for communicating the fluid passage; and a valve assembly switchable between a first initial configuration in which the passage port is closed and the fluid passage communicates with the communication passage via the communication opening, and a first expanded configuration in which the passage port is open. The extension connector assembly includes an extension connector including: a housing including a spigot end and defining a fluid passageway, the spigot end defining a passageway port; and a valve unit configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration in which the access port is closed and a second expanded configuration in which the access port is open. The plug end is adapted to be inserted into the channel port to switch the valve assembly and the valve unit to the first expanded configuration and the second expanded configuration, respectively, to place the fluid channel in communication with the fluid passageway.

Description

Connecting device

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of connection devices, and particularly to a connection device for establishing fluid communication.

Background

The connecting device is generally used for connecting pipelines, and has various structural forms. The connection device has a wide range of applications in the field of vehicles, for example, it may be applied to liquid and/or vapor lines in vehicles, such as in thermal management systems for new energy vehicles/autonomous vehicles.

At present, the degree of vehicle intelligence is increasing, and drivers and passengers can realize interaction with the vehicle through various intelligent systems equipped in the vehicle so as to realize intelligent functions such as automatic driving. For an intelligent system (for example, advanced driving assistance system, ADAS) which undertakes a huge data technology task, the calorific value of the intelligent system is large, and a thermal management system needs to be configured to perform continuous thermal management on the intelligent system. Because the vehicle itself often has a relatively mature thermal management system, how to extend the thermal management system of the vehicle itself to an intelligent system additionally selected according to, for example, customer requirements is a problem to be solved urgently in the industry.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The purpose of the utility model is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and provide an improved connecting device.

To this end, the utility model provides a connecting device, connecting device includes: a main connector assembly, the main connector assembly comprising: a housing defining at least two fluid passages and a communication passage for communicating the at least two fluid passages, the fluid passages including passage ports at end portions thereof and communication openings at a peripheral side thereof; and a valve assembly disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration and a first expanded configuration, wherein the passage port is closed and the fluid passage communicates with the communication passage via the communication opening when the valve assembly is in the first initial configuration, the passage port is open when the valve assembly is in the first expanded configuration; an expansion connector assembly comprising at least two expansion connectors, each expansion connector comprising: a housing including a spigot end and defining a fluid passageway, the spigot end defining a passageway port at an end of the fluid passageway; and a valve unit disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration in which the access port is closed and a second expanded configuration in which the access port is open; wherein the spigot end is adapted to be inserted into the channel port to switch the valve assembly from the first initial configuration to the first expanded configuration and the valve unit from the second initial configuration to the second expanded configuration to thereby place the fluid channel and the fluid passageway in communication with one another.

The flow path of the fluid may be altered by mating the main connector assembly with the extension connector assembly. This may facilitate expansion of, for example, a vehicle thermal management system, increasing flexibility in vehicle configuration.

In accordance with the above-described concepts, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following alternatives.

In some alternatives, the communication opening is closed such that the fluid passage is out of communication with the communication passage when the valve assembly is in the first expanded configuration.

In some alternatives, the valve assembly includes a sliding sleeve movable along the fluid passage between a first initial position and a first expanded position to switch the valve assembly between the first initial configuration and the first expanded configuration, respectively.

In some alternatives, the sliding sleeve has opposite first and second axial ends, the first axial end closing the passage port when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve closing the communication opening when the sliding sleeve is in the first expanded position.

In some alternatives, the sliding sleeve is provided at the second axial end with a sealing ring for sealing contact with an inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage.

In some alternatives, the housing defines a channel in communication with the fluid passage and the communication passage, the channel being configured to allow fluid between the sliding sleeve and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage to drain to the communication passage via the channel when the sliding sleeve returns from the first expanded position to the first initial position.

In some alternatives, the channel is adjacent the communication passage in the direction of the fluid passage and closer to the passage port than the communication passage; wherein the channel is arranged such that it faces the sealing ring when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position.

In some alternatives, the valve assembly further comprises a valve stem disposed within the housing and defining at least a portion of the fluid passage therebetween including the passage port, and a resilient element disposed to bias the sliding sleeve toward the first initial position.

In some alternatives, the valve unit comprises: a spool movable along the fluid pathway between a second initial position closing the pathway port and a second expanded position opening the pathway port; and a resilient member arranged to bias the spool towards the second initial position.

In some alternatives, the housing of the main connector assembly includes a cylindrical section defining at least a portion of the fluid passage including the passage port, the cylindrical section including a locking projection disposed at an outer periphery thereof; the housing of the expansion connector comprises a housing body and a barrel, the barrel being at least partially received within the housing body and comprising the plug end, the expansion connector further comprising a locking sleeve rotatably sleeved outside the barrel, at least a portion of the locking sleeve being confined between the housing body and the barrel in an axial direction of the barrel, the locking sleeve comprising a guiding groove and a locking groove arranged on a circumferential wall thereof in connection with each other; wherein the locking projection is adapted to move along the guide groove and rotate the locking sleeve when the cylindrical section is inserted between the locking sleeve and the barrel until the locking projection enters the locking groove, and the locking projection is adapted to engage with the locking groove due to interaction of the valve assembly and the valve unit after entering the locking groove to hinder the cylindrical section from disengaging the locking sleeve.

Therefore, when the main connector assembly and the expansion connector assembly are assembled, the main connector assembly and the expansion connector assembly can be butted and locked in a direct-insertion mode, the operation space required by the direct-insertion mode is small, and the operation is convenient.

In some alternatives, the housing body has a first retaining portion, the barrel has a second retaining portion disposed at an outer periphery thereof, and the locking sleeve has a radially inwardly extending shoulder, wherein the shoulder is trapped between the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

In some alternatives, the locking sleeve has a first end and a second end, the guide groove being arcuate in shape and extending from the first end toward the second end, the guide groove having an inlet end at the first end and an outlet end remote from the first end.

According to the utility model discloses a connecting device equipment convenient operation, it is little to need the space to can change fluidic flow path, with for example realize the extension of thermal management system.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of alternative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts, and in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connection device according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main connector assembly of the connection device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an expansion connector assembly of the connection device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are perspective, plan, sectional and partial sectional views, respectively, of the connection device of FIG. 1 when the main and expansion connector assemblies are initially in contact with each other during assembly;

fig. 5A, 5B and 5C are a perspective view, a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, of the locking protrusion moving along the guide groove during assembly of the main connector assembly and the expansion connector assembly of the connecting device of fig. 1;

fig. 6A, 6B and 6C are a perspective view, a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, of the locking protrusion entering the positioning end of the locking recess during assembly of the main connector assembly and the expansion connector assembly of the connecting device of fig. 1;

fig. 7A, 7B and 7C are a perspective view, a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, of the connecting device of fig. 1 when the main connector assembly and the expansion connector assembly are locked to each other, with the locking protrusion engaged with the locking end of the locking groove;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connection device of FIG. 1 during disassembly of the main and expansion connector assemblies from one another;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the main connector assembly of the connection device of FIG. 1;

figures 10A, 10B and 10C are perspective, plan and sectional views, respectively, of a first housing member of the housing of the main connector assembly of figure 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an expansion connector assembly of the connection device of FIG. 1; and

fig. 12A and 12B are perspective and plan views, respectively, of the locking sleeve of the expansion connector assembly of fig. 11.

Detailed Description

The making and using of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is merely exemplary of specific ways to make and use the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The description herein of the structural positions of the respective components, such as the directions of upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., is not absolute, but relative. When the respective components are arranged as shown in the drawings, these directional expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the respective components in the drawings are changed, these directional expressions are also changed accordingly.

In the present invention, the axial direction of the cylindrical or annular member refers to a direction along the central axis of the member, the circumferential direction of the cylindrical or annular member refers to a direction along the circumference of the member, and the radial direction of the cylindrical or annular member refers to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the member through the central axis of the member.

Fig. 1 to 3 show a connection device 10 and its components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4A to 8 illustrate a process of assembling and disassembling the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9-10C illustrate a main connector assembly 100 and its component parts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11-12B illustrate an expansion connector assembly 200 and its component parts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, the connection device 10 may include a main connector assembly 100 and an expansion connector assembly 200.

Referring to fig. 2, 3 and 7C, the main connector assembly 100 includes: a housing 102 and a valve assembly 104. The housing 102 defines at least two fluid passages 106 and a communication passage 108 for communicating the at least two fluid passages 106. The fluid passage 106 includes a first passage port 110 (see fig. 7C) at an end portion thereof and a communication opening 112 at a circumferential side thereof. A valve assembly 104 is disposed within the housing 102 and is configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration (see fig. 2) and a first expanded configuration (see fig. 7C). Wherein the first passage port 110 is closed and the fluid passage 106 is in communication with the communication passage 108 via the communication opening 112 when the valve assembly 104 is in the first initial configuration, and the first passage port 110 is open when the valve assembly 104 is in the first expanded configuration. The expansion connector assembly 200 includes at least two expansion connectors 202. Each expansion connector 202 includes a housing 204 and a valve unit 206. The housing 204 includes a plug end 208 and defines a fluid passageway 210. The plug end 208 defines a first passageway port 212 at the end of the fluid passageway 210 (see fig. 11). The valve unit 206 is disposed within the housing 204 and is configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration (see fig. 3) in which the first passage port 212 is closed and a second expanded configuration (see fig. 7C) in which the first passage port 212 is open. Wherein the spigot end 208 is adapted to be inserted into the first channel port 110 to switch the valve assembly 104 from the first initial configuration to the first expanded configuration and the valve unit 206 from the second initial configuration to the second expanded configuration, thereby placing the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 in communication with one another.

Taking the example of the coupling device 10 being applied to a thermal management system, the main connector assembly 100 may be used alone to establish fluid communication with the main thermal management system through the fluid passage 106 and the communication passage 108. Expansion of the thermal management system may be facilitated by expansion connector assembly 200 being used in conjunction with main connector assembly 100 to introduce a fluid from the main thermal management system into the expansion thermal management system through fluid channel 106 and fluid passageway 210. For example, in the vehicle field, a vehicle manufacturer may use the main connector assembly 100 in a basic vehicle configuration, and if a user additionally selects an intelligent system (e.g., advanced driver assistance system, ADAS), the vehicle manufacturer may conveniently extend the thermal management system in the basic vehicle configuration through the extension connector assembly 200 to achieve thermal management of the selected intelligent system, thereby giving flexibility to the vehicle configuration to better meet the needs of different users.

Referring to fig. 2, 9, and 10A-10B, the housing 102 of the main connector assembly 100 may include a first housing member 114 and a second housing member 116. The second housing member 116 and the first housing member 114 may be secured together by interference fit, snap fit, welding, and any combination thereof, and collectively define a generally linear fluid channel 106 including the first channel port 110 and the second channel port 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing member 116 is secured to the first housing member 114 by a snap fit.

The first housing member 114 may have a generally plate-like base 118 and first and second cylindrical sections 120, 122 extending generally perpendicular to the base 118 and in opposite directions. Wherein the base 118 defines the communication channel 108 and the first cylindrical section 120 defines at least a portion of the fluid channel 106 including the first channel port 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid channel 106 is substantially perpendicular to the communication channel 108. It will be appreciated that the fluid passage 106 and the communication passage 108 may be at any other suitable angle. The second housing member 116 defines a second channel port 111, and the second channel port 111 can be in fluid communication with a primary thermal management system, for example as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes two first cylindrical sections 120, two second cylindrical sections 122, and two second housing members 116, the housing 102 may define two fluid passages 106. Such a configuration may enable thermal management extensions to, for example, an intelligent system such as one of the above-described alternatives. It will be appreciated that the housing 102 of the main connector assembly 100 may also include more than two first cylindrical sections 120, more than two second cylindrical sections 122, and more than two second housing members 116 to define more than two fluid passages 106 for a richer thermal management extension; accordingly, the expansion connector assembly 200 may include more than two expansion connectors 202.

Referring to fig. 2 and 9, the valve assembly 104 of the main connector assembly 100 may be at least partially disposed within the first cylindrical section 120 and include a valve stem 124, a sliding sleeve 126, and a resilient element 128.

Referring to fig. 2, the valve stem 124 may be positioned within the first cylindrical section 120 in the direction of the fluid passage 106. The valve stem 124 and the first barrel section 120 define therebetween at least a portion of the fluid passage 106 including the first passage port 110.

The valve stem 124 may include a valve stem head 130, a valve stem base 132, and a valve stem midsection 134 connecting the valve stem head 130 and the valve stem base 132. The valve stem head 130 and the first cylindrical section 120 collectively define the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106. The outer peripheral surface of the valve stem head 130 is provided with a seal ring 136 to be in sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 126.

Referring to fig. 2, 7C and 8, a sliding sleeve 126 is sleeved outside the valve stem 124 within the first cylindrical section 120. The sliding sleeve 126 is movable in the direction of the fluid passage 106 between a first initial position (see fig. 2) and a first expanded position (see fig. 7C) to switch the valve assembly 104 between the first initial configuration and the first expanded configuration, respectively. The sliding sleeve 126 includes a first axial end 138 and a second axial end 140 (see fig. 8). The outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second axial ends 138, 140 of the sliding sleeve 126 are provided with sealing rings 142, 144, respectively, to be in sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage 106.

Referring to fig. 2 and 10C, the two ends of the resilient element 128 abut the inner step portion 146 of the sliding sleeve 126 and the valve stem base 132, respectively. The sliding sleeve 126 is biased towards the first initial position by the resilient force of the resilient element 128. The outer circumference of the sliding sleeve 126 is provided with a limit projection 148. The inner periphery of the first cylindrical section 120 is provided with a stopper surface 150 (see fig. 10C). The stop tab 148 and stop surface 150 may abut one another to stop the sliding sleeve 126 in a first initial position in sealing contact with the valve stem head 130. The stem base 132 of the valve stem 124 may be pressed against the end surface 117 of the second housing member 116 by the elastic force of the elastic element 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient element 128 may be in the form of a coil spring.

Referring to fig. 2, when the sliding sleeve 126 is biased by the resilient element 128 in a first initial position (at which time the valve assembly 104 is in a first initial configuration), the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 cooperates with the sealing rings 136, 142 to close the first passage port 110 to prevent fluid within the main connector assembly 100 from flowing out of the first passage port 110, and the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 does not obscure the communication opening 112 so that the fluid passage 106 can communicate with the communication passage 108, thereby allowing the two fluid passages 106 to communicate with each other through the communication passage 108.

Referring to fig. 7C, when the sliding sleeve 126 is subjected to a biasing force in the direction of the fluid channel 106, the sliding sleeve 126 may be moved away from the first channel port 110 against the resilient force of the resilient element 128 to a first expanded position (at which time the valve assembly 104 is in a first expanded configuration), with the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 moving away from the first channel port 110 such that the first channel port 110 is open to allow the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 of the expansion connector assembly 200 to communicate with one another, thereby enabling expansion of, for example, a thermal management system. Optionally, when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first expanded position, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 covers the communication opening 112 and cooperates with the sealing rings 142, 144 to close the communication opening 112, thereby interrupting fluid communication between the two fluid channels 106 that would otherwise be communicated by the communication channel 108, thereby allowing fluid within the fluid channels 106 to more smoothly enter the fluid passage 210 of the expanded connector assembly 200.

Optionally, referring to fig. 4C, 4D, and 10C, the base portion 118 of the first housing member 114 defines a channel 152 in communication with the fluid passage 106 and the communication passage 108 for venting fluid between the sliding sleeve 126 and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage 106 to the communication passage 108 when the sliding sleeve 126 returns from the first expanded position to the first initial position. The channel 152 is adjacent to the communication passage 108 in the direction of the fluid passage 106, and is closer to the first passage port 110 than the communication passage 108. The channel 152 is arranged such that the channel 152 faces the seal ring 144 at the second axial end 140 of the sliding sleeve 126 when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first initial position. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 152 may be disposed substantially parallel to the communication passage 108 and communicate the two fluid passages 106. The channel 152 may have a generally rectangular cross-section. It will be appreciated that one channel 152 may be provided adjacent each of the two fluid passageways 106, and that the two channels 152 are not directly connected to each other. The function of the channel 152 will be further explained below.

Referring to fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the expansion connector assembly 200 includes two expansion connectors 202 to define two fluid passageways 210. The two expansion connectors 202 are substantially identical in construction, differing primarily only in the construction of the sensor module 214 contained therein and the portion of the housing 204 that houses the sensor module 214. It is understood that the expansion connector assembly 200 may include more than two expansion connectors 202 to define more than two fluid passages 210, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the two expansion connectors 202 are separate from each other. It is understood that the at least two expansion connectors 202 of the expansion connector assembly 200 may also be further coupled to each other, such as by a substrate.

Referring to fig. 3 and 11, the housing 204 of the expansion connector 202 includes a housing body 216 and a barrel 218. The case body 216 may have a substantially bent cylindrical shape, and has a receiving portion 219 for receiving the sensor module 214 at a corner of the bend. The sensor module 214 may be a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. The cylinder 218 may be substantially straight cylindrical in shape. Housing body 216 and cartridge 218 may be secured together by interference fit, snap fit, welding, and any combination thereof, and collectively define a fluid passageway 210 including a first passageway port 212 and a second passageway port 213. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 216 and the cartridge 218 are secured together by a snap fit.

The cartridge 218 is at least partially received within the housing body 216, and the cartridge 218 includes a plug end 208 in an axial direction thereof, the plug end 208 defining a first passageway port 212 of the fluid passageway 210. The outer peripheral surface of the mating end 208 may be provided with a sealing ring 220 to sealingly contact the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 when the mating end 208 is inserted into the first cylindrical section 120. The housing body 216 defines a second passage port 213 of the fluid passage 210. The second access port 213 may be in fluid communication with an extended thermal management system, for example, as described above.

Referring to fig. 3 and 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve unit 206 of the expansion connector 202 may be disposed within a barrel 218. The valve unit 206 may include a spool 222 and an elastic member 224.

Referring to fig. 3 and 7C, the spool 222 is movable in the direction of the fluid passage 210 (axial direction of the barrel 218) between a second initial position (see fig. 3) and a second expanded position (see fig. 7C) to correspondingly switch the valve unit 206 between the second initial configuration and the second expanded configuration. The valve cartridge 222 may include a cartridge head 226 and a poppet 228. The outer peripheral surface of the cartridge head 226 is provided with a sealing ring 229 for sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the spigot end 208 of the barrel 218.

The resilient member 224 is provided to bias the spool 222 toward the second initial position. One end of the resilient member 224 may abut a shelf 228 of the spool 222 and the other end of the resilient member 224 may abut an inner step 230 of the housing body 216 (see fig. 3).

Referring to fig. 3, the spool 222 closes the first passage port 212 when biased by the elastic member 224 at the second initial position to prevent the fluid within the expansion connector 202 from flowing out through the first passage port 212. Referring to fig. 7C, when the spool 222 is subjected to a biasing force in the direction of the fluid passage 210, the spool 222 may move away from the first passage port 212 to a second expanded position against the resilient force of the resilient member 224 such that the first passage port 212 is open to allow the main connector assembly 100 to establish fluid communication with the expanding connector assembly 200.

Referring to fig. 3, 4A, and 12A-12B, in the illustrated embodiment, the expansion connector 202 may further include a locking sleeve 232. The locking sleeve 232 is rotatably sleeved outside the cylinder 218, and at least a portion of the locking sleeve 232 is confined between the housing body 216 and the cylinder 218 in an axial direction of the cylinder 218. The locking sleeve 232 includes a guide groove 234 and a locking groove 236 provided on a circumferential wall thereof to be connected to each other. Accordingly, the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 includes a locking protrusion 121 disposed at an outer periphery thereof. The locking protrusion 121 is adapted to move along the guide groove 234 and rotate the locking sleeve 232 when the first cylindrical section 120 is inserted between the locking sleeve 232 and the barrel 218 until the locking protrusion 121 enters the locking groove 236, and the locking protrusion 121 is adapted to engage with the locking groove 236 due to the interaction of the valve assembly 104 and the valve unit 206 after entering the locking groove 236 to hinder the first cylindrical section 120 from disengaging the locking sleeve 232.

The locking sleeve 232 has a first end 238 and a second end 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide groove 234 may be arcuate in shape and extend from the first end 238 toward the second end 240. The guide groove 234 may have an inlet end 248 at the first end 238 of the locking sleeve 232 and an outlet end 250 distal from the first end 238.

The locking groove 236 may extend in an axial direction of the locking sleeve 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking recess 236 has a locating end 252 and a locking end 254 opposite one another. The locating end 252 and the locking end 254 are located on either side of the outlet end 250 of the guide groove 234. The locking end 254 is closer to the first end 238 of the locking sleeve 232 than the positioning end 252.

The locking sleeve 232 may have a radially inwardly extending shoulder 242. Accordingly, the case body 216 may have a first stopper 244. The cylinder 218 may have a second stopper 246 provided at an outer circumference thereof. The shoulder 242 may be constrained between the first stop portion 244 and the second stop portion 246. In the illustrated embodiment, the first restraint portion 244 of the housing 204 may be an end of the housing body 216, the second restraint portion 246 of the barrel 218 may be in the form of an annular flange, and the shoulder 242 of the locking sleeve 232 may be located at the second end 240 of the locking sleeve 232.

Referring to fig. 4A to 7C, when the first cylindrical section 120 of the expansion connector assembly 200 is inserted between the locking sleeve 232 and the first cylinder 218 of the main connector assembly 100 by an external force, the locking protrusion 121 may move along the guide groove 234 and enter the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236. The locking tab 121 is adapted to move from the positioning end 252 to the locking end 254 due to the interaction of the valve assembly 104 and the valve unit 206 upon entering the positioning end 252 and into engagement with the locking end 254, thereby locking the first cylindrical section 120 and the locking sleeve 232 to one another, as will be described in more detail below.

The process of assembling and disassembling the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 4A to 8.

In assembling the main connector assembly 100 and the expanding connector assembly 200 to each other, first, as shown in fig. 4A to 4C, an operator may insert the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 between the respective barrel 218 of the expanding connector assembly 200 and the locking sleeve 232 such that the locking protrusion 121 of the first cylindrical section 120 is aligned to the inlet end 248 of the guide groove 234 of the locking sleeve 232. At this point, the valve stem 124 and the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 initially contact the valve cartridge 222 and the mating end 208 of the barrel 218, respectively, of the extended connector assembly 200. The sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 is in a first initial position and the spool 222 of the expansion connector assembly 200 is in a second initial position. The two fluid passages 106 of the main connector assembly 100 communicate with each other through a communication passage 108, which may be used to establish fluid communication with a primary thermal management system, such as described above. Fluid may flow into the main connector assembly 100 through the second fluid port 111 of one fluid passage 106 and then out of the main connector assembly 100 from the second fluid port 111 of another fluid passage 106.

As the first cylindrical section 120 continues to be inserted, the locking protrusion 121 moves along the guiding groove 234 and rotates the locking sleeve 232, as shown in fig. 5A to 5C. In this process, the valve stem 124 of the main connector assembly 100 may push the valve spool 222 from the second initial position toward the second expanded position against the elastic force of the elastic member 224 of the expansion connector assembly 200, so that the valve spool 222 moves away from the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210 to open the first passage port 212. At the same time, the plugging end 208 of the expanding connector assembly 200 may push the sliding sleeve 126 from the first initial position towards the first expanded position against the elastic force of the elastic element 128 of the main connector assembly 100, such that the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 gradually moves away from the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106 to open the first channel port 110, and the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 gradually covers the communication opening 112.

Thereafter, as the first barrel section 120 is inserted further, the spool 222 moves further away from the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210, the sliding sleeve 126 moves further away from the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106, and the locking protrusion 121 enters the positioning end 252 of the locking recess 236, as shown in fig. 6A-6C. Because the alignment end 252 of the locking recess 236 is located on one side of the exit end 250 of the arcuate guide recess 234 and the non-smooth transition between the exit end 250 of the guide recess 234 and the alignment end 252 of the locking recess 236, the operator is provided with tactile feedback as the locking protrusion 121 enters the alignment end 252 of the locking recess 236, after which the application of the insertion force to the main connector assembly 100 may be stopped.

Then, as shown in fig. 7A to 7C, the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 tend to separate from each other by the elastic force of the respective elastic elements 128 and the elastic members 224, so that the locking protrusions 121 of the main connector assembly 100 move from the positioning ends 252 to the locking ends 254 of the locking grooves 236 and engage with the locking ends 254 to hinder the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 232, thereby achieving locking of the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 to each other. At this time, the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 is in the first expanded position, the spool 222 of the expansion connector assembly 200 is in the second expanded position, the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106 of the main connector assembly 100 and the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210 of the expansion connector assembly 200 are open, and the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 are in fluid communication with each other. At this point, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 completely covers the communication opening 112 and cooperates with the sealing rings 142, 144 to close the communication opening 112, thereby fluidly disconnecting the fluid passage 106 from the communication passage 108 and, thus, the two fluid passages 106. Thus, for example, fluid from the primary thermal management system can flow into one fluid channel 106 and the fluid passageway 210 communicating therewith through the second fluid port 111 of that fluid channel 106, then flow from the second passageway port 213 of that fluid passageway 210 into the expansion thermal management system, and then flow back to the primary thermal management system via the other fluid passageway 210 and fluid channel 106 communicating with each other, thereby enabling expansion of the thermal management system.

Also, when the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 are assembled, it is possible to accomplish the mating and locking of the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 by means of the rotatably provided locking sleeve 232 in an in-line manner and simultaneously change the flow path of the fluid. The direct insertion mode requires a smaller operation space and is convenient to operate.

In addition, the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 may also be disassembled. Fig. 8 shows a state during disassembly of the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200. At this time, the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 moves from the first expanded position toward the first initial position. Since the channel 152 is disposed such that the channel 152 faces the seal ring 144 at the second axial end 140 of the sliding sleeve 126 when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first initial position, the seal ring 144 on the sliding sleeve 126 does not come into full sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage 106 when the sliding sleeve 126 approaches the first initial position, and fluid between the sliding sleeve 126 and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage 106 (i.e., fluid in region a in fig. 8) can flow into the communication passage 108 through the channel 152. It will be appreciated that without the provision of the channel 152, as the sliding sleeve 126 moves from the first expanded position towards the first initial position, the sealing ring 144 on the sliding sleeve 126 will sealingly contact the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage 106 after moving through the communication passage 108, resulting in difficult fluid drainage in region a, which in turn prevents the sliding sleeve 126 from returning to the first initial position. Thus, the channel 152 may facilitate fluid drainage in the area a, allowing the sliding sleeve 126 to smoothly return to the first initial position.

It should be understood that the connection device 10 according to the present invention may be applied to various application scenarios where it is necessary to expand or change the flow path of a fluid, and is not limited to the thermal management system of a vehicle as exemplarily described herein.

It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials known to those skilled in the art. The illustrated embodiment of fig. 1-12B show only the shape, size and arrangement of the various optional components of the connection device according to the present invention, however, it is merely illustrative and not limiting and other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The technical content and technical features of the present invention have been disclosed above, but it should be understood that various changes and modifications of the concept disclosed above can be made by those skilled in the art under the inventive concept of the present invention, and all fall within the scope of the present invention. The above description of embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (12)

1. A connection device, characterized in that it comprises:

a main connector assembly, the main connector assembly comprising: a housing defining at least two fluid passages and a communication passage for communicating the at least two fluid passages, the fluid passages including passage ports at end portions thereof and communication openings at a peripheral side thereof; and a valve assembly disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration and a first expanded configuration, wherein the passage port is closed and the fluid passage communicates with the communication passage via the communication opening when the valve assembly is in the first initial configuration, the passage port is open when the valve assembly is in the first expanded configuration;

an expansion connector assembly comprising at least two expansion connectors, each expansion connector comprising: a housing including a spigot end and defining a fluid passageway, the spigot end defining a passageway port at an end of the fluid passageway; and a valve unit disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration in which the access port is closed and a second expanded configuration in which the access port is open;

wherein the spigot end is adapted to be inserted into the channel port to switch the valve assembly from the first initial configuration to the first expanded configuration and the valve unit from the second initial configuration to the second expanded configuration to place the fluid channel and the fluid passageway in communication with one another.

2. The connection device recited in claim 1, wherein when the valve assembly is in the first expanded configuration, the communication opening is closed such that the fluid passage is disconnected from the communication passage.

3. The connection device recited in claim 1 or 2 wherein the valve assembly includes a sliding sleeve movable along the fluid passage between a first initial position and a first expanded position to shift the valve assembly between the first initial configuration and the first expanded configuration, respectively.

4. The connection device recited in claim 3, wherein the sliding sleeve has opposite first and second axial ends, the first axial end closing the passage port when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve closing the communication opening when the sliding sleeve is in the first expanded position.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, wherein the sliding sleeve is provided at the second axial end with a seal ring for sealing contact with an inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage.

6. The connection device recited in claim 5, wherein the housing defines a channel in communication with the fluid passage and the communication passage, the channel being configured for venting fluid between the sliding sleeve and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage to the communication passage via the channel when the sliding sleeve returns from the first expanded position to the first initial position.

7. The connecting device according to claim 6, wherein the channel is adjacent to the communication passage in the direction of the fluid passage and is closer to the passage port than the communication passage; wherein the channel is arranged such that it faces the sealing ring when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position.

8. The coupling device of claim 3, wherein the valve assembly further comprises a valve stem disposed within the housing and defining at least a portion of the fluid passage therebetween including the passage port, the sliding sleeve being sleeved on an exterior of the valve stem, and a resilient element disposed to bias the sliding sleeve toward the first initial position.

9. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve unit comprises: a spool movable along the fluid pathway between a second initial position closing the pathway port and a second expanded position opening the pathway port; and a resilient member arranged to bias the spool towards the second initial position.

10. The connection device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing of the main connector assembly comprises a cylindrical section defining at least a portion of the fluid passage including the passage port, the cylindrical section including a locking protrusion disposed at an outer periphery thereof;

the housing of the expansion connector comprises a housing body and a barrel, the barrel being at least partially received within the housing body and comprising the plug end, the expansion connector further comprising a locking sleeve rotatably sleeved outside the barrel, at least a portion of the locking sleeve being confined between the housing body and the barrel in an axial direction of the barrel, the locking sleeve comprising a guiding groove and a locking groove arranged on a circumferential wall thereof in connection with each other;

wherein the locking projection is adapted to move along the guide groove and rotate the locking sleeve when the cylindrical section is inserted between the locking sleeve and the barrel until the locking projection enters the locking groove, and the locking projection is adapted to engage with the locking groove due to interaction of the valve assembly and the valve unit after entering the locking groove to hinder the cylindrical section from disengaging the locking sleeve.

11. The coupling device of claim 10, wherein the housing body has a first retaining portion, the barrel has a second retaining portion disposed on an outer periphery thereof, and the locking sleeve has a radially inwardly extending shoulder, wherein the shoulder is captured between the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

12. The connection device recited in claim 11, wherein the locking sleeve has a first end and a second end, the guide groove being arcuate in shape and extending from the first end toward the second end, the guide groove having an inlet end at the first end and an outlet end remote from the first end.

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