EP4689420A1

EP4689420A1 - Assembly component and connector device

Info

Publication number: EP4689420A1
Application number: EP24720747.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chao Zhang
Original assignee: A Raymond SARL
Current assignee: A Raymond SARL
Priority date: 2023-04-03
Filing date: 2024-04-02
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: KR20250169254A; WO2024208235A1; CN222772855U; CN118775652A; CN222186168U; CN222186169U; CN222047009U; CN222047002U; CN118775655A

Abstract

The present disclose provides an assembly component and a connector device. The connector device includes the first connector (100). The first connector includes a first substrate (101) and an assembly component (130). The assembly component includes an outer sleeve (131), an inner sleeve (132) and a first elastic member (133). An inner cavity (1313) is formed inside the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is disposed on the first substrate, and the inner cavity is aligned with the first assembly hole on the first substrate. An assembly channel (1323) aligned with the first assembly hole is formed inside the inner sleeve. At least a portion of the inner sleeve is disposed within the inner cavity and includes a first end (1321) close to the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve and a second end (1322) close to the second end (1312) of the outer sleeve. The first end of the inner sleeve is adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end of the outer sleeve. The first elastic member is located between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, and both ends of the first elastic member are constrained to the first end of the outer sleeve and the second end of the inner sleeve, respectively. When the connector device is used, the second end or the first end of the inner sleeve may be in contact with the vehicle body, which facilitates the installation of the first connector.

Description

ASSEMBLY COMPONENT AND CONNECTOR DEVICE

RELATED FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of pipe joints, and in particular to an assembly component. The present disclosure also relates to a connector device comprising the assembly component.

BACKGROUND

New energy vehicles typically include a vehicle body and a battery pack removably disposed on the vehicle body for powering the vehicle. The temperature of the battery pack may rise during the charging and/or operation of the battery pack, which may lead to poor performance of the battery pack or even cause danger to the battery pack. To this end, the vehicle body is equipped with a first liquid coolant component and the battery pack is equipped with a second liquid coolant component. The first liquid coolant component and the second liquid coolant component are connected to form a circulation circuit. The liquid coolant circulates in the circulation circuit to cool the battery pack, thereby maintaining the battery pack within a proper temperature range.
The circulation circuit includes a first connector mounted on the vehicle body and a second connector mounted on the battery pack. The first connector is connected to the first liquid coolant component, and the second connector is connected to the second liquid coolant component. The first connector and the second connector are adapted to be quickly connected or separated to realize conduction and disconnection of the circulation circuit. However, the first connector in the prior art has a single mounting and fixing manner, which makes the mounting of the first connector inconvenient.

SUMMARY

In view of the above technical problems, the first aspect of the present disclosure provides an assembly component. The assembly component comprises: an outer sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; an inner cavity penetrating along an axial direction of the outer sleeve is formed in the outer sleeve; an inner sleeve internally provided with an assembly channel penetrating along an axial direction of the inner sleeve; at least a portion of the inner sleeve is disposed in the inner cavity; the inner sleeve has a first end and a second end, the first end of the inner sleeve is close to the first end of the outer sleeve, and the second end of the inner sleeve is close to the second end of the outer sleeve; the first end of the inner sleeve is adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end of the outer sleeve; and a first elastic member disposed between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, the first end of the first elastic member being constrained to the first end of the outer sleeve, the second end of the first elastic member being constrained to the second end of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is adapted to move axially relative to the inner sleeve.
In an embodiment, the outer sleeve is further provided with a guide sleeve extending from the first end of the outer sleeve into the inner cavity; and the inner sleeve extends through the guide sleeve.
In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the guide sleeve gradually increases along the direction of the guide sleeve extending towards the inner cavity.
In an embodiment, a sheath is provided at the second end of the inner sleeve; the sheath includes a protection plate extending radially outward from the second end of the inner sleeve and an outer tube extending from the protection plate toward the first end of the inner sleeve; at least a portion of the outer tube is radially spaced apart from the outer sleeve; and the second end of the first elastic member abuts the protection plate.
In an embodiment, the inner sleeve is integrally formed.
In an embodiment, the protection plate is provided with a center hole surrounded by the outer tube; the sheath further includes an inner tube extending from the circumferential edge of the center hole to the inner side of the outer tube along the axial direction of the inner sleeve; the inner tube is radially spaced apart from the outer tube; the sheath is adapted to be fixedly disposed at the second end of the inner sleeve through the inner tube, and the center hole is aligned with the assembly channel.
In an embodiment, the radial dimension of the outer tube is less than the radial dimension of the outer sleeve.
In an embodiment, the first end of the inner sleeve is provided with a first flange extending radially outward, the first flange being adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end of the outer sleeve.
In an embodiment, the assembly component further comprises a connecting piece, the connecting piece being adapted to extend through the assembly channel along a direction from the first end of the inner sleeve toward the second end of the inner sleeve, or adapted to extend through the assembly channel along a direction from the second end of the inner sleeve toward the first end of the inner sleeve.
The second aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector device. The connector device comprises a first connector, the first connector including: a first substrate provided with at least one assembly hole; and at least one assembly component according to the above context; the first end of the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the first substrate, and the assembly channel is aligned with the assembly hole.
In an embodiment, the outer sleeve is integrally formed with the first substrate.
In an embodiment, the first substrate has a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface opposite to the first mounting surface; the first substrate is further provided with at least one first mounting hole; the first connector further comprises: a shield plate arranged on the first mounting surface; the shield plate is provided with at least one through hole corresponding to the first mounting hole; and at least one first joint assembly, the first joint assembly including: a first connecting pipe provided with a second flange extending radially outward; the first connecting pipe is arranged corresponding to the respective through hole and the second flange abuts the shield plate; and a first valve assembly including a first valve housing; the first valve housing includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a first shoulder between the first pipe section and the second pipe section; the first shoulder abuts the second mounting surface, and the first pipe section extends through the corresponding through hole and the corresponding first mounting hole and is connected to the first connecting pipe.
In an embodiment, the first connecting pipe is provided with a first connecting cavity; at least a portion of the first pipe section is inserted into the first connecting cavity.
In an embodiment, the first connecting cavity includes a first circumferential side wall, and the second flange is located at an end of the first circumferential side wall facing the shield plate; the first connecting pipe further includes a first opening formed on the first circumferential side wall and a first elastic piece located in the first opening, the first elastic piece extending from an edge portion of the first opening close to the second flange into the first opening and separated from the remaining edge portion of the first opening; the first pipe section is provided with a first projection projecting radially outward, the first projection being adapted to be fit into the first opening and to engage with the first elastic piece.
In an embodiment, the shield plate is movably arranged on the first mounting surface; the first pipe section is adapted to move within the first mounting hole along a radial direction of the first mounting hole, and the shield plate and the second flange together maintain coverage of a gap between the first pipe section and the corresponding first mounting hole.
In an embodiment, the peripheral edge of the shield plate comprises an arc portion, and the arc portion is concentric with the corresponding through hole; the outer surface of the first pipe section is provided with a second projection which is adapted to contact with the inner surface of the first connecting pipe; the radius A of the arc portion, the radius B of the first mounting hole, the radius D of the second flange, the radius E of the through hole, and the outer radius G of the second projection satisfy the following relationship: (A-B) + (E-G) >X; and D+G>2E; wherein X is a maximum preset movement distance of the first pipe section in the corresponding first mounting hole along the radial direction of the first mounting hole.
In an embodiment, the first valve housing is adapted to move along the radial direction of the first mounting hole, and a floating member is provided between the first pipe section and the corresponding first mounting hole.
In an embodiment, the floating member has an end mating surface facing the second flange, and the end mating surface is flush with the first mounting surface or recessed into the first mounting hole.
In an embodiment, the floating member is configured as an elastic bushing, and the bushing is sleeved on the first pipe section.
In an embodiment, the bushing is provided with a plurality of apertures such that the bushing is adapted to be at least radially compressed; and an axially extending cutout is formed on the bushing, the bushing being adapted to be opened along the cutout.
In an embodiment, the first substrate is provided with two first mounting holes, the shield plate is provided with two through holes, and the two through holes are adapted to correspond to respective ones of the first mounting holes; two first joint assemblies are provided, and a floating member is arranged between each first pipe section and the corresponding first mounting hole, two floating members being independent of each other.
In an embodiment, a first chamfer is formed on each first shoulder; and two first valve assemblies are arranged such that the first chamfers of the two first shoulders face toward each other.
In an embodiment, the first valve assembly further includes a first valve core assembly slidably disposed within the first valve housing; the first valve core assembly includes a tubular sliding sleeve, a first valve plug in the sliding sleeve and a second elastic member; both ends of the second elastic member are abutted against the sliding sleeve and the first valve plug, respectively; the sliding sleeve is in sliding sealing contact with the inner surface of the first pipe section; and the first valve plug is adapted to sealingly contact or separate from the inner surface of the sliding sleeve.
In an embodiment, a first sealing ring is disposed between the first valve plug and the inner surface of the sliding sleeve.
In an embodiment, the first sealing ring is disposed on an outer surface of the first valve plug.
In an embodiment, a second sealing ring is disposed on an end surface of the sliding sleeve away from the first connecting pipe.
In an embodiment, the second sealing ring includes an annular body, a sealing lip and a wall portion which are formed on one end surface of the body; the sealing lip and the wall portion extend in a circumferential direction of the body and are radially spaced to form a groove between the sealing lip and the wall portion; and the sealing lip is adapted to be pressed into the groove.
In an embodiment, the connector device further comprises a second connector, the second connector including: a second substrate provided with at least one second mounting hole; and at least one second joint assembly; the second joint assembly includes a second valve assembly which includes a second valve housing; at least a portion of the second valve housing extends through the corresponding second mounting hole and is inserted into the second pipe section for connection with the second pipe section; the second valve housing includes a mating section adapted to be fit into the second mounting hole; an elastic third sealing ring is disposed between the mating section and the second mounting hole, and the third sealing ring is able to respond to movement of the second valve housing along a radial direction of the second mounting hole.
In an embodiment, a diameter of a cross section of the third sealing ring is between 3mm and 6mm.
In an embodiment, the second valve housing further includes a first connecting section and a second connecting section which are axially located on both sides of the mating section, and the first connecting section and the second connecting section are located on both sides of the second substrate; the second connecting section is adapted to be inserted into the second pipe section; the first connecting section is provided with a rib extending radially outward, and the second connecting section is provided with a second shoulder extending radially outward; the second shoulder is abutted against the second substrate; at least a portion of the rib is located in the second mounting hole and is radially spaced from the inner surface of the second mounting hole; and the third sealing ring is disposed between the rib and the second shoulder.
In an embodiment, a radial gap is provided between the rib and the inner surface of the second mounting hole, and the size of the radial gap between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.
In an embodiment, the second substrate has a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; the second mounting hole extends from the first end surface to the second end surface; the second shoulder is abutted against the second end surface; the second joint assembly further includes a second connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe being provided with a third flange extending radially outward; the second connecting pipe is adapted to be connected to the first connecting section, and the third flange is adapted to be abutted against the first end surface.
In an embodiment, the second connecting pipe is provided with a second connecting cavity; and at least a portion of the first connecting section is inserted into the second connecting cavity.
In an embodiment, the second connecting cavity includes a second circumferential side wall, and the third flange is located at an end of the second circumferential side wall facing the second substrate; the second connecting pipe further includes a second opening formed on the second circumferential side wall and a second elastic piece located in the second opening, the second elastic piece extending from an edge portion of the second opening close to the third flange into the second opening and separated from the remaining edge portion of the second opening; the second pipe section is provided with a second projection projecting radially outward, the second projection being adapted to be fit into the second opening and to engage with the second elastic piece.
In an embodiment, the second valve assembly further includes a second valve core assembly slidably disposed within the second valve housing; the second valve core assembly includes a second valve plug adapted to sealingly contact or separate from an inner surface of the second connecting section; and a third elastic piece, the both ends of the third elastic piece being abutted against the second valve plug and the second connecting pipe, respectively; the second valve housing and the second valve plug are adapted to reciprocate axially with respect to each other; wherein the second connecting section is adapted to be inserted into the second pipe section and abutted against the sliding sleeve, and the second valve plug is adapted to be abutted against the first valve plug.
In an embodiment, a guide ring is disposed on the inner side wall of the second pipe section, and a first end of the guide ring away from the first pipe section is configured in a flared shape; and the second connecting section is adapted to be inserted into the guide ring.
In an embodiment, the first end of the guide ring is provided with a plurality of slits extending parallel to the axial direction of the guide ring; and the plurality of slits are distributed along the circumferential direction of the guide ring.
In an embodiment, a limit portion extending radially inwards is formed on the inner wall of the second pipe section; the second end of the guide ring facing the first pipe section is spaced from the limit portion, and a fourth sealing ring is arranged between the limit portion and the second end of the guide ring; the circumferential outer surface of the second connecting section is adapted to be in sealing contact with the fourth sealing ring.
In an embodiment, the inner surface of the second connecting section at the end away from the first connecting section is configured as a radially inward inclined plane, and a fifth sealing ring is arranged between the second valve plug and the inclined plane.
In an embodiment, the fifth sealing ring is disposed on the second valve plug.
In an embodiment, a mounting area is defined on the second substrate, and the second mounting hole is disposed in the mounting area; and a sixth sealing ring surrounding the mounting area is located on the second substrate.
In an embodiment, a seventh sealing ring is arranged on the second substrate along a circumferential edge of each second mounting hole, and the seventh sealing ring surrounds the corresponding second valve housing; and the second pipe section is adapted to abut the seventh sealing ring.
The present disclosure has beneficial effects as follows: the first connector of the connector device of the present disclosure is equipped with an assembly component. When the first connector is mounted, a user may, according to a specific setting of a connecting surface on the vehicle body, make the first end or the second end of the inner sleeve of the assembly component come into contact with the connecting surface of the vehicle body to adaptively mount the first connector to the connecting surface at different positions of the vehicle body. This facilitates the installation of the first connector. In addition, when the first connector is mounted, a user may freely choose an appropriate connecting piece, which also facilitates the use of the first connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the aid of the non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a connector device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the connector device.
FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly component.
FIG. 4a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an inner sleeve integrally formed.
FIG. 4b schematically shows a separately formed sheath and an inner sleeve.
FIG. 5 schematically shows one manner of use of the assembly component.
FIG. 6 schematically shows another manner of use of the assembly component.
FIG. 7 schematically shows a first connector.
FIG. 8 schematically shows the first connector shown in FIG. 7 with a shield plate and a first connecting pipe removed.
FIG. 9 schematically shows a first substrate.
FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector.
FIG. 11 schematically shows a shield plate.
FIG. 12 schematically shows a first valve housing.
FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the first valve housing.
FIG. 14 schematically shows a first connecting pipe.
FIG. 15 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the first connecting pipe.
FIG. 16 schematically shows a floating member.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part I in FIG. 2.
FIG. 18 schematically shows a second sealing ring.
FIG. 19 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the second sealing ring.
FIG. 20 schematically shows a guide ring.
FIG. 21 schematically shows a second connector.
FIG. 22 schematically shows a second substrate.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector.
FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of part II in FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 schematically shows a second valve housing.
FIG. 26 schematically shows a second connecting pipe.
List of reference signs
1 Connector device
100 First connector                  101 First substrate
102 Assembly hole                    104 First mounting hole
105 First mounting surface of the first substrate
106 Second mounting surface of the first substrate
110 First joint assembly
111 First connecting pipe
1111 First connecting cavity        1112 First elastic piece
1113 Second flange                  1114 First circumferential side wall
1115 First opening
112 First valve assembly
1121 First pipe section              1122 Second pipe section
1123 First shoulder                  1124 First projection
1125 First valve housing             1126 Limit portion
1127 Second projection               1128 First chamfer
1129 Space between the sliding sleeve and the first valve housing
113 First valve core assembly
1131 Sliding sleeve                   1132 First valve plug
1133 Second elastic member
120 Guide ring
1201 First end of guide ring            1202 Second end of guide ring
1203 Slit                           1204 Engaging projection
130 Assembly component
131 Outer sleeve
1311 First end of the outer sleeve        1312 Second end of the outer sleeve
1313 Inner cavity of the outer sleeve     1314 Guide sleeve
132 Inner sleeve
1321 First end of the inner sleeve   1322 Second end of the inner sleeve
1323 Assembly channel                1324 Connecting piece
1325 First flange                    1326 Receiving space
133 First elastic member
134 Sheath
1341 Outer Tube                      1342 Center hole
1343 Protection plate                1344 Inner tube
140 Floating member
1401 Cutout                         1402 Aperture
1403 End mating surface of floating member
150 Shield plate
1501 Through hole                    1502 Peripheral edge of shield plate
1503 Arc portion
200 Second connector                  202 Second substrate
203 Mounting area                     204 Second mounting hole
205 First end surface                 206 Second end surface
2041 Inner surface of the second mounting hole
213 Second valve core assembly
2131 Second valve plug                 2133 Third elastic member
220 Second joint assembly
223 Second connecting pipe
2231 Second connecting cavity          2232 Second elastic piece
2233 Third flange                      2234 Second circumferential side wall
2235 Second opening
224 Second valve assembly
2241 First connecting section         2242 Second connecting section
2243 Second shoulder                  2244 Second projection
2245 Second chamfer
2246 Inclined plane                    2247 Rib
2248 Second valve housing              2249 Mating section
301 First sealing ring                 302 Second sealing ring
3021 Body                              3022 Sealing lip
3023 Groove                            3024 Wall portion
303 Third sealing ring
304 Fourth sealing ring                 305 Fifth sealing ring
306 Sixth sealing ring                  307 Seventh sealing ring
4 Battery pack housing
α Gap angle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely in combination with the specific embodiments of the present disclosure and the corresponding drawings. It will be apparent that the described examples are only a part of the examples of the present disclosure but not all of them. Based on the examples in the present disclosure, all the other examples obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
In the present disclosure, "axial direction" of a cylindrical or annular member refers to a direction generally along the central axis of the cylindrical or annular member; "radial direction" of the cylindrical or annular member refers to a direction generally along a radius of the cylindrical or annular member.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a connector device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector device 1 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200 assembled with the first connector 100. The first connector 100 includes a first substrate 101 and a first joint assembly 110 (shown in FIG. 7) mounted on the first substrate 101. The second connector 200 includes a second substrate 202 and a second joint assembly 220 (shown in FIG. 21) mounted on the second substrate 202. When the connector device 1 is used, the first connector 100 is provided on one of the vehicle body and the battery pack, and the first joint assembly 110 is connected to a corresponding liquid coolant component (not shown) ; and the second connector 200 is provided on the other of the vehicle body and the battery pack, and the second joint assembly 220 is also connected to a corresponding liquid coolant component (not shown) . After the first joint assembly 110 and the second joint assembly 220 are connected together, conduction of a liquid coolant circulation circuit is realized; and after the first joint assembly 110 and the second joint assembly 220 are separated from each other (for example, when the battery pack is replaced) , the liquid coolant circulation circuit is disconnected. For simplicity, in the present disclosure, the connector device 1 of the present disclosure is described by taking an example in which the first connector 100 is mounted on the vehicle body and the second connector 200 is mounted on the battery pack.
The first connector 100 will be described below.
As shown in FIGs. 7 to 9, the first connector 100 includes a first substrate 101. The first substrate 101 is provided with two first mounting holes 104 and four assembly holes 102. A first joint assembly 110 (shown in FIG. 7) is mounted in each of the first mounting holes 104. As such, two first joint assemblies 110 are used to form a liquid coolant return channel and a liquid coolant outflow channel, respectively, for the convenience of the user.
The first connector 100 further includes assembly components 130, the assembly components 130 being provided to correspond to the corresponding assembly holes 102, respectively. In the present disclosure, the first substrate 101 is generally arranged along the XY plane of a XYZ three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and each of the assembly components 130 is generally parallel to the Z direction of the XYZ three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the assembly components 130 includes an outer sleeve 131, an inner sleeve 132, and a first elastic member 133. The outer sleeve 131 has an inner cavity 1313 penetrating in the axial direction of the outer sleeve 131. The outer sleeve 131 is disposed to surround the assembly hole 102 and a first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131 is fixedly connected to the first substrate 101, and a second end 1312 of the outer sleeve 131 is open. In an embodiment, the outer sleeve 131 is integrally formed with the first substrate 101. The inner sleeve 132 has an assembly channel 1323 penetrating in the axial direction of the inner sleeve 132. The inner sleeve 132 extends out of the inner cavity 1313 of the outer sleeve 131. Optionally, the inner sleeve 132 is disposed coaxially with the outer sleeve 130. Accordingly, the assembly channel 1323 is aligned with the assembly hole 102. The first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132 may engage with or disengage from the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131. The second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132 is located on the outside of the inner cavity 1313. A sheath 134 mated with the inner cavity 1313 is provided at the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132. The sheath 134, the outer sleeve 131, and the inner sleeve 132 together define a receiving space 1326. The first elastic member 133 is disposed in the receiving space 1326. One end of the first elastic member 133 abuts the outer sleeve 131, and the other end abuts the sheath 134. As a result, the outer sleeve 131 may axially reciprocate (i.e., along the Z direction) with respect to the inner sleeve 132.
The assembly component 130 also contain a connecting piece 1324, and the connecting piece 1324 may be removable and replaceable. Thus, any connecting piece 1324 (e.g., bolt or screw) that is mated with the assembly channel 1323 of the inner sleeve 132 may be used to mount the first connector 100 onto the vehicle body, which is convenient for the user. After the connecting piece 1324 is directed through the inner sleeve 132 of the assembly component 130 to mount the first connector 100 to the vehicle body, the inner sleeve 132 remains stationary relative to the vehicle body. The first connector 100 may be mounted to the vehicle body by passing the connecting piece 1324 axially upwardly through the assembly channel 1323 (i.e., along the direction from the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132 toward the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132, as shown in FIG. 5) so that the sheath 134 (or the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132) is in contact with a connecting surface of the vehicle body; and the first connector 100 may also be mounted to the vehicle body by passing the connecting piece 1324 axially downwardly through the assembly channel 1323 (i.e., along the direction from the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132 toward the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132, as shown in FIG. 6) such that the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132 is in contact with a connecting surface of the vehicle body. In other words, the first connector 100 of the present disclosure may be mounted in two different manners. Thus, those skilled in the art may adaptively mount the first connector 100 to the connecting surface at different positions of the vehicle body through the first end 1321 or the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132 according to the actual arrangement of the connecting surface of the vehicle body, which facilitates the installation of the first connector 100 and also helps to expand the application range of the connector device 1.
The sheath 134 also provides a certain shielding effect on the receiving space 1326, preventing large particles or pollutants in the external environment from entering the receiving space 1326 and further affecting the operation of the first elastic member 133 and/or the outer sleeve 131.
In an embodiment, the sheath 134 and the inner sleeve 132 are two parts fixedly connected together. For example, the sheath 134 is welded to the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132. Of course, the sheath 134 and the inner sleeve 132 may be integrally formed.
As shown in FIG. 4a, in the case where the sheath 134 is integrally formed with the inner sleeve 132, the sheath 134 includes a protection plate 1343 extending radially outward from the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132 and an outer tube 1341 extending from the protection plate 1343 toward the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132. At least a portion of the outer tube 1341 is radially spaced from the outer sleeve 131. The second end of the first elastic member 133 abuts the protection plate 1343.
As shown in FIG. 4b, in the case where the sheath 134 is a separate part, the sheath 134 includes a protection plate 1343, an outer tube 1341 and an inner tube 1344. The protection plate 1343 is provided with a center hole 1342. The protection plate 1343 is generally annular in shape as a whole. An outer tube 1341 extends from the protection plate 1343 along the axial direction of the inner sleeve 132 toward the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132, and the outer tube 1341 surrounds the center hole 1342. The inner tube 1344 extends from the circumferential edge of the center hole 1342 to the inside of the outer tube 1341 in the axial direction of the inner sleeve 132, and the inner tube 1344 is radially spaced from the outer tube 1341. In this way, the inner tube 1344 and the second end 1322 of the inner sleeve 132 are fixedly connected (e.g., welded) together, and the center hole 1342 is aligned with the assembly channel 1323, thereby assembling the sheath 134 with the inner sleeve 132.
Further as shown in FIG. 3, the radial dimension of the outer tube 1341 is smaller than the radial dimension of the outer sleeve 131. Thus, a portion of the outer tube 1341 is located in the inner cavity 1313, which helps to reduce the overall size of the first connector 100 (or connector device 1) to facilitate use of the first connector 100 (or connector device 1) in a narrow space. Of course, the radial dimension of the outer tube 1341 may be configured to be larger than the radial dimension of the outer sleeve 131 as required.
Further according to the connector device 1 of the present disclosure, after the first connector 100 is installed on the vehicle body, the inner sleeve 132 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body. When the second joint assembly 220 is pushed hard to be fitted with the first joint assembly 110, the inner sleeve 132 remains stationary, and the first substrate 101 and the outer sleeve 131 may be pushed. In this case, the first elastic member 133 is compressed to act as a buffer, which avoids damage to the first connector 100.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first elastic member 133 is a coil spring disposed around the inner sleeve 132. Of course, the first elastic member 133 may also be other types of elastic members, such as elastic rubber pads, etc., which will not be described herein again.
Further as shown in FIG. 3, the first end 1321 of the inner sleeve 132 is provided with a first flange 1325 that extends radially outward, the first flange 1325 being adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131. Thus, when the first flange 1325 is engaged with the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131, the first flange 1325 exerts an axial constraint effect (i.e., along a Z direction) on the inner sleeve 132 to prevent the inner sleeve 132 from being pulled out of the outer sleeve 131 in the direction from the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131 toward the second end 1312 of the outer sleeve 131. It should be noted that the first flange 1325 does not constrain the inner sleeve 132 in a direction from the second end 1312 of the outer sleeve 131 toward the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131. For example, when the first elastic member 133 is compressed, the inner sleeve 132 and the outer sleeve 131 move relative to each other (i.e., the outer sleeve 131 moves in a direction from its first end 1311 toward its second end 1312 relative to the inner sleeve 132) such that the first end 1321 (or the first flange 1325) of the inner sleeve 132 is disengaged from the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131. It should be noted that the first substrate 101 moves synchronously with the outer sleeve 131 as the outer sleeve 131 moves since the outer sleeve 131 is connected to the first substrate 101.
Further as shown in FIG. 3, the outer sleeve 131 is further provided with a guide sleeve 1314 extending from the first end 1311 of the outer sleeve 131 into the inner cavity 1313. The inner diameter of the guide sleeve 1314 gradually increases along the extension direction of the guide sleeve 1314. The inner sleeve 132 extends through the guide sleeve 1314. The guide sleeve 1314 is generally flared as a whole and an appropriate gap angle α is formed between the guide sleeve 1314 and the inner sleeve 132. The gap angle α is capable of accommodating angle variations between the outer sleeve 131 and the inner sleeve 132. For example, the first substrate 101 may not be parallel to the second substrate 202 when the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200, which may cause a series of problems making the connector device 1 unstable, such as poor connection between the first joint assembly 110 and the second joint assembly 220. In this case, the outer sleeve 131 may be tilted relative to the inner sleeve 132 by means of the gap angle α, and the first substrate 101 fixedly connected to the outer sleeve 131 may also be tilted accordingly, so that the first substrate 101 is adjusted to be parallel to the second substrate 202. This helps the first joint assembly 110 and the second joint assembly 220 to be connected together smoothly and sealingly, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the connector device 1. In an embodiment, the gap angle α is between 2 and 4 degrees. Of course, the gap angle α may also be configured into other value ranges according to actual conditions, which will not be described herein again.
As shown in FIG. 10, each first joint assembly 110 includes a shield plate 150, a first valve assembly 112, and a first connecting pipe 111.
As shown in FIG. 11, the shield plate 150 is oblong in shape. The shield plate 150 is provided with two through holes 1501. The shield plate 150 is movably disposed on the first mounting surface 105 of the first substrate 101. The two through holes 1501 correspond to the two first mounting holes 104, respectively.
As shown in FIGs. 14 and 15, the first connecting pipe 111 is provided with a second flange 1113 extending radially outward. The second flange 1113 abuts the shield plate 150. In other words, the shield plate 150 supports the first connecting pipe 111.
As a whole, the first substrate 101 always supports the shield plate 150, and the shield plate 150 always supports the second flange 1113. In this way, the first connecting pipe 111 (or the first joint assembly 110) does not fall off from the first substrate 101 or the shield plate 150, and thus damage of the first connector 100 is avoided.
As shown in FIG. 10, the first valve assembly 112 comprises a first valve housing 1125 and a first valve core assembly 113 disposed in the first valve housing 1125. The first valve housing 1125 includes a first pipe section 1121, a second pipe section 1122, and a first shoulder 1123 between the first pipe section 1121 and the second pipe section 1122. The first shoulder 1123 abuts the second mounting surface 106 of the first substrate 101. The first pipe section 1121 extends through the first mounting hole 104 and the corresponding through hole 1501, and is connected to and in communication with the first connecting pipe 111 (for example, the first pipe section 1121 is inserted into the first connecting pipe 111) . The shield plate 150 and the second flange 1113 together maintain a complete coverage of the gap between the first pipe section 1121 and the corresponding first mounting hole 104. Thus, the first joint assembly 110 and the shield plate 150 are prevented from falling off more effectively, and contaminants in the external environment are prevented from entering the first mounting hole 104.
In an embodiment, in the first connector 100, the first valve assembly 112 (or the first pipe section 1121) may move in the first mounting hole 104 along a radial direction of the first mounting hole 104 (i.e., move in the XY plane) . It should be known that the movement may occur during the assembly of the connector device 1 or during the use of the connector device 1. The shield plate 150 is movably arranged on the first mounting surface 105 so as to be able to move with the movement of the first joint assembly 110. For example, if the second pipe section 1122 of the first valve housing 1125 is not aligned with the second connecting section 2242 of the corresponding second valve housing 2248 during the connecting process of the first connector 100 to the second connector 200, the first valve housing 1125 of the first joint assembly 110 may generally move along the radial direction of the first mounting hole 104, until the second pipe section 1122 is aligned with the second connecting section 2242. The second connecting section 2242 is thereby smoothly inserted into the second pipe section 1122, so that the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected. As such, the first valve assembly 112 is capable of accommodating assembly deviations that may occur when the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200. It should be also known that the first valve assembly 112 may also move in the XY plane due to the influence in the external use environment after the connector device 1 is assembled and put into use.
A floating member 140 is provided between the first pipe section 1121 and the first mounting hole 104. When the first pipe section 1121 of the first valve housing 1125 moves in the first mounting hole 104, and the floating member 140 is pressed by the first pipe section 1121 to accommodate the movement of the first pipe section 1121.
Optionally, a floating member 140 is provided between each first pipe section 1121 and the inner surface of the corresponding first mounting hole 104, and two floating members 140 are independent of each other. In this way, when the connector device 1 is used, the two floating members 140 act independently and will not be involved with each other. In addition, the two floating members 140 are independent of each other, which also facilitates individual maintenance and replacement of each floating member. In another embodiment, the two floating members 140 may also be connected as one unit.
In an embodiment, the floating member 140 is configured as an elastic bushing and is sleeved on the first pipe section 1121. As shown in FIG. 16, the bushing is provided with a plurality of apertures 1402 such that the bushing may be compressed to accommodate the assembly deviations described previously. In other embodiments, the floating member 140 may also be a spring, which is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described herein again.
In an embodiment, further as shown in FIG. 16, an axial cutout 1401 is formed on the bushing. Thus, when the bushing is assembled, the bushing may be opened along the cutout 1401 to clamp onto the first pipe section 1121. The cutout 1401 returns to closure when the bushing is assembled in place.
Further as shown in FIG. 8, the floating member 140 has an end mating surface 1403 facing the second flange 1113, and the end mating surface 1403 is flush with the first mounting surface 105 or recessed into the first mounting hole 104. Thus, the movement of the shield plate 150 on the first mounting surface 105 is not blocked by the floating member 140, and the movement of the first pipe section 1121 is not blocked by the shield plate 150.
It should be noted that the shield plate 150 and the second flange 1113 together always maintain a complete coverage of the gap between the first pipe section 1121 and the corresponding first mounting hole 104. This may prevent external pollutants from entering the first mounting hole 104 and adversely affecting the movement of the first pipe section 1121 (or the first valve assembly 112) .
As a whole, the shield plate 150 not only serves to always support the first connecting pipe 111, but also, together with the second flange 1113 of the first connecting pipe 111, serves to prevent the first mounting hole 104 and the floating member 140 from being contaminated.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 11, both ends of the peripheral edge 1502 of the shield plate 150 are each provided with an arc portion 1503, and the arc portion 1503 is concentric with the corresponding through hole 1501. In this case, the radius A of the arc portion 1503, the radius B of the first mounting hole 104, the radius D of the second flange 1113, the radius E of the through hole 1501, and the outer radius G of the projection 1127 (shown in FIG. 13) of the first pipe section 1121 mated with the first connecting pipe 111 satisfy the following relationship:
(A-B) + (E-G) >X; and D+G>2E;
wherein, X is a maximum preset movement distance of the first pipe section 1121 in the corresponding first mounting hole 104.
When the size of each part of the first connector 100 satisfies the relationship of the above formula, regardless of how the first joint assembly 110 moves in the XY plane, the shield plate 150 and the second flange 1113 together maintain a complete coverage of the gap between the first pipe section 1121 and the corresponding first mounting hole 104. Thus, it is ensured that the first substrate 101 always supports the shield plate 150 and the shield plate 150 always supports the second flange 1113, which more effectively prevents the first joint assembly 110 from falling off from the first substrate 101 or the shield plate 150. In addition, dust is also prevented from falling into the first mounting hole 104. It is should be understood that those skilled in the art may set the value of X as required, but the value of X should satisfy the requirements described above.
In addition, when the connector device 1 is used, a part of the corresponding second valve housing 2248 (described below) of the second joint assembly 220 is inserted into the second pipe section 1122, and the second valve housing 2248 pushes the first valve core assembly 113 to automatically realize the conduction of the first valve assembly 112. Upon pulling the second valve housing 2248 out of the second pipe section 1122, the first valve core assembly 113 automatically returns to realize the closing of the first valve assembly 112. As a result, when the battery pack is replaced, quick disconnection and conduction of the liquid coolant circulation circuit may be realized by using the connector device 1 of the present disclosure, and the mounting efficiency of the battery pack may be improved.
Alternatively, further as shown in FIG. 14, the first connecting pipe 111 is configured with a first connecting cavity 1111. In this way, at least a portion of the first pipe section 1121 is fixedly connected to the first connecting cavity 1111. As a whole, at least a portion of the first pipe section 1121 is sleeved in the first connecting pipe 111, which helps to improve the stability of the connection therebetween.
Further as shown in FIG. 14, a first opening 1115 and a first elastic piece 1112 located in the first opening 1115 are formed on the first circumferential side wall 1114 of the first connecting cavity 1111. The first elastic piece 1112 extends from an edge portion of the first opening 1115 close to the second flange 1113 into the first opening 1115 and is separated from the remaining edge portion of the first opening 1115. As shown in FIG. 12, the first pipe section 1121 is provided with a first projection 1124 projecting radially outward, the first projection 1124 being adapted to be fit into the first opening 1115 and to be engaged with the first elastic piece 1112. Thus, when the first connecting pipe 111 and the first pipe section 1121 are assembled together, it is only necessary to push the first connecting pipe 111 towards the first valve assembly 112 to realize the connection therebetween, which facilitates the operation of a user. In other embodiments, the first connecting pipe 111 may also be threadedly engaged with the first valve assembly 112 (or the first pipe section 1121) .
When the first connector 100 is assembled, the shield plate 150 is arranged on the first mounting surface 105 of the first substrate 101, and the two through holes 1501 are aligned with the corresponding first mounting holes 104, respectively. Then, the first pipe section 1121 of the first valve assembly 112 is passed through the corresponding first mounting hole 104 and the corresponding through hole 1501, and the first shoulder 1123 is abutted against the second mounting surface 106 of the first substrate 101. Next, the first connecting cavity 1111 of the first connecting pipe 111 and the first pipe section 1121 are fit together, and the first projection 1124 of the first pipe section 1121 is fit into the first opening 1115 and engaged with the first elastic piece 1112 to achieve the connection of the first valve assembly 112 and the first connecting pipe 111. At the same time, the second flange 1113 abuts the shield plate 150. As a whole, the interconnection of the first connecting pipe 111, the first valve assembly 112, the shield plate 150, the first substrate 101 is realized by the structures (for example, by the first mounting hole 104, the second flange 1113, the first elastic piece 1112, the first projection 1124, the first shoulder 1123, etc. ) of themselves, without additional fixing members. As a result, the number of parts of the first connector 100 and the connector device 1 is reduced, which lowers the cost and also facilitates the assembly of the first connector 100.
Further as shown in FIG. 12, a first chamfer 1128 is formed on each first shoulder 1123. After the two first valve assemblies 112 are mounted on the first substrate 101, the first chamfers 1128 of the two first shoulders 1123 face toward each other. According to the structure, the distance between the two first valve assemblies 112 (or the two first valve housings 1125) may be reduced, thereby making the structure of the first connector 100 more compact. This helps to miniaturize the first connector 100 and the connector device 1 so that the first connector 100 and the connector device 1 may be easily mounted in a narrow space.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 10, a guide ring 120 is provided on the inner side wall of the second pipe section 1122. Further as shown in FIG. 20, the first end 1201 of the guide ring 120 away from the first pipe section 1121 is configured in a flared shape. When the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200, the second valve housing 2248 of the second valve assembly 224 is inserted into the guide ring 120. As a whole, the guide ring 120 is generally in bell mouth shape, which assists in guiding insertion of the second valve housing 2248.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the first end 1201 of the guide ring 120 is provided with a plurality of slits 1203 extending along the axial direction of the guide ring 120. The slits 1203 are distributed circumferentially so that the first end 1201 with the flared shape is resiliently compressed radially inward when the guide ring 120 is assembled to the second pipe section 1122. After the guide ring 120 is assembled in place, the first end 1201 of the guide ring 120 automatically expands radially outward and is tightly engaged with the inner surface of the second pipe section 1122, for example, by the engaging projection 1204.
Optionally, returning to FIG. 10, a fourth sealing ring 304 is arranged between the second end 1202 of the guide ring 120 facing the first pipe section 1121 and the inner side wall of the second pipe section 1122. For example, a limit portion 1126 extending radially inwards is formed on the inner wall of the second pipe section 1122. The fourth sealing ring 304 is located between the limit portion 1126 and the second end 1202 of the guide ring 120. After the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200 and the connector device 1 is in communication, the corresponding second valve housing 2248 is in sealing contact with the fourth sealing ring 304 (as shown in FIG. 2) , and thus the fourth sealing ring 304 seals the gap between the second valve housing 2248 and the second pipe section 1122 to avoid leakage of the liquid coolant. In addition, compared with the arrangement of the fourth sealing ring 304 on the second valve housing 2248, the fourth sealing ring 304 in the solution of the present disclosure is subject to very little wear, which is beneficial to prolonging the service life of the fourth sealing ring 304. Furthermore, the guide ring 120 keeps the fourth sealing ring 304 in the first connector 100 at all times, which reduces the risk of contamination and damage to the fourth sealing ring 304 caused by the external environment and also helps to prolong the service life of the fourth sealing ring 304.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the first valve core assembly 113 includes a tubular sliding sleeve 1131, a first valve plug 1132, and a second elastic member 1133. Two ends of the second elastic member 1133 abut against the sliding sleeve 1131 and the first valve plug 1132, respectively. The sliding sleeve 1131 is in sliding sealing contact with the inner surface of the first valve housing 1125. The first valve plug 1132 is disposed in the sliding sleeve 1131 and is adapted to sealingly contact or separate from the inner surface of the sliding sleeve 1131. As shown in FIG. 2, after the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200, the corresponding second valve housing 2248 axially pushes the sliding sleeve 1131 to move, so that the sliding sleeve 1131 is separated from the first valve plug 1132 (at this time, the second elastic member 1133 is pressed) , whereby the first connector 100 is conducted. At the same time, the second connector 200 is also conducted (described below) , and thus the connector device 1 is conducted. When the first connector 100 is separated from the second connector 200, the second valve housing 2248 is pulled out of the second pipe section 1122 (or the guide ring 120) , the second elastic member 1133 recovers and pushes the sliding sleeve 1131 to return to sealing contact with the first valve plug 1132, and the first connector 100 is closed to avoid leakage of the liquid coolant.
Optionally, further as shown in FIG. 10, a first sealing ring 301 for radial seal is arranged between the first valve plug 1132 and the inner surface of the sliding sleeve 1131. The first sealing ring 301 arranged in this manner has good sealing properties, which helps to ensure that the first connector 100 does not leak after the second valve assembly 224 is pulled out of the first valve assembly 112.
In an embodiment, the first sealing ring 301 is arranged on the first valve plug 1132.
In the prior art, at the moment when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected and conducted, part of the liquid coolant may leak from the gap between the sliding sleeve 1131 and the corresponding second valve housing 2248 into the space 1129 between the sliding sleeve 1131 and the first valve housing 1125. To this end, optionally, as shown in FIGs. 10 and 17, a second sealing ring 302 is arranged on the end surface of the sliding sleeve 1131 away from the first connecting pipe 111. In this way, the second sealing ring 302 is pressed when the second valve housing 2248 abuts the sliding sleeve 1131, making the second sealing ring 302 seal the gap between the second valve housing 2248 and the sliding sleeve 1131. This helps to prevent leakage of liquid coolant into the space 1129 between the sliding sleeve 1131 and the first valve housing 1125, which in turn avoids the loss of liquid coolant.
Optionally, as shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, the second sealing ring 302 includes an annular body 3021, a sealing lip 3022 and a wall portion 3024 which are formed on one end surface of the body 3021. The sealing lip 3022 and the wall portion 3024 extend in a circumferential direction of the body 3021 and are radially spaced to form a groove 3023 therebetween. The opening of the groove 3023 faces away from the first connecting pipe 111. The sealing lip 3022 is adapted to be pressed into the groove 3023. According to this structure, the sealing lip 3022 is pressed into the groove 3023 by the second valve assembly 224 to further improve the sealing effect of the second sealing ring 302 when the second valve assembly 224 is inserted into the first valve assembly 112.
The second connector 200 will be described below.
As shown in FIGs. 21 and 22, a mounting area 203 is defined on the second substrate 202, and second mounting holes 204 corresponding to the first mounting holes 104 are formed in the mounting area 203. For example, two second mounting holes 204 are formed. Second joint assemblies 220 are mounted in the second mounting holes 204, respectively. Similar to the first connector 100, the second substrate 202 is arranged generally along the XY plane of a XYZ three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, and the central axis of each second mounting hole 204 is generally parallel to the Z direction of the XYZ three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.
As shown in FIG. 23, each second joint assembly 220 includes a second connecting pipe 223 and a second valve assembly 224.
As shown in FIGs. 23 and 26, the second connecting pipe 223 is provided with a third flange 2233 extending radially outward. The third flange 2233 abuts the first end surface 205 of the second substrate 202. Optionally, the second connecting pipe 223 is configured with a second connecting cavity 2231, and the third flange 2233 is located at the edge of the second connecting cavity 2231.
As shown in FIGs. 23 and 25, the second valve assembly 224 includes a second valve housing 2248 and a second valve core assembly 213 disposed in the second valve housing 2248. The second valve housing 2248 includes a first connecting section 2241, a second connecting section 2242, and a mating section 2249 between the first connecting section 2241 and the second connecting section 2242. The second connecting section 2242 is configured with a second shoulder 2243. The second shoulder 2243 abuts the second end surface 206 of the second substrate 202 opposite to the first end surface 205. The second connecting section 2242 is inserted into the second pipe section 1122 of the corresponding first valve assembly 112. The first connecting section 2241 extends through the corresponding second mounting hole 204 and is connected to and in communication with the second connecting pipe 223. The mating section 2249 is fit in the second mounting hole 204. Optionally, at least a portion of the first connecting section 2241 is fixedly connected to the second connecting cavity 2231.
Optionally, further as shown in FIGs. 25 and 26, a second opening 2235 and a second elastic piece 2232 located in the second opening 2235 are formed on the second circumferential side wall 2234 of the second connecting cavity 2231. The second elastic piece 2232 extends from an edge portion of the second opening 2235 close to the third flange 2233 into the second opening 2235 and is separated from the remaining edge portion of the second opening 2235. The first connecting section 2241 is provided with a second projection 2244 projecting radially outward. Thus, the second projection 2244 is adapted to be fit into the second opening 2235 and to engage with the second elastic piece 2232, thereby connecting the first connecting section 2241 to the second connecting pipe 223.
As a whole, similar to the first connector 100, when the second connector 200 is assembled, the first connecting section 2241 of the second valve assembly 224 is passed through the corresponding second mounting hole 204, and the second shoulder 2243 is abutted against the second end surface 206 of the second substrate 202. Then, the second projection 2244 of the first connecting section 2241 is fitted into the second opening 2235 and engaged with the second elastic piece 2232 of the second connecting pipe 223. At the same time, the third flange 2233 abuts the first end surface 205 of the second substrate 202. As a result, the second connecting pipe 223, the second valve assembly 224 and the second substrate 202 are connected to each other by structures of themselves, without additional fixing members. Thus, the number of parts of the second connector 200 and the connector device 1 is reduced, which lowers the cost and also facilitates the assembly of the second connector 200.
Optionally, as shown in FIGs. 23 and 25, the outer surface of the end portion of the second connecting section 2242 is configured with a second chamfer 2245. The second chamfer 2245 serves as a guide for insertion of the second connecting section 2242 into second pipe section 1122. In addition, after the second connecting section 2242 is inserted into the second pipe section 1122, the second chamfer 2245 is in sealing contact with the fourth sealing ring 304 to further prevent leakage of the liquid coolant (as shown in FIG. 2) . Further, a conical seal is formed between the fourth sealing ring 304 and the second chamfer 2245, and the conical seal causes less resistance to the movement of second connecting section 2242 when the second valve assembly 224 is inserted or removed.
Further as shown in FIG. 23, the second valve core assembly 213 includes a second valve plug 2131 and a third elastic member 2133. The second valve plug 2131 is disposed in the second connecting section 2242 and adapted to sealingly contact or separate from the inner surface of the second connecting section 2242. Two ends of the third elastic member 2133 abuts the second connecting pipe 223 and the second valve plug 2131, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, when the second connecting section 2242 is inserted into the corresponding second pipe section 1122, the second valve plug 2131 abuts the first valve plug 1132. The sliding sleeve 1131 is pushed by the second connecting section 2242 (or the second valve housing 2248) to move axially to be separated from the first valve plug 1132, and the second valve housing 2248 is also synchronously separated from the second valve plug 2131 (at this time, the third elastic member 2133 is compressed) , whereby the connector device 1 is conducted. When the second connecting section 2242 is pulled out of the second pipe section 1122, the first connector 100 is closed (as previously described) . The second valve plug 2131 is returned by the push of the third elastic member 2133 to sealing contact with the second valve housing 2248 (or the second connecting section 2242) , whereby the second connector 200 is also closed.
Optionally, as shown in FIG. 23, the inner surface at the end of the second connecting section 2242 is configured as a radially inward inclined plane 2246. The end of the second connecting section 2242 is formed in a neck shape as a whole. A fifth sealing ring 305 is provided between the second valve plug 2131 and the inclined plane 2246, and thus a conical seal is formed between the second valve plug 2131 and the inclined plane 2246. According to the structure, during the relative movement of the second valve plug 2131 and the second connecting section 2242, resistance caused by the fifth sealing ring 305 is small, so that the relative movement of the second connector 200 and the first connector 100 is more easily realized.
In an embodiment, the fifth sealing ring 305 is disposed on the second valve plug 2131.
As shown in FIGs. 23 and 2, an elastic third sealing ring 303 is arranged between the mating section 2249 and the second mounting hole 204. Thus, the third sealing ring 303 seals the gap between the mating section 2249 and the second mounting hole 204. With respect to the battery pack, the second connecting section 2242 of the second valve assembly 224 extends out of the battery pack housing 4, and the second substrate 202 is located in the battery pack housing 4 (as shown in FIG. 23) . In this way, the third sealing ring 303 is capable of preventing contaminants in the external environment from entering the battery pack through the gap between the mating section 2249 and the second mounting hole 204. In addition, the third sealing ring 303 is also capable of preventing water from entering the battery pack during the wading driving, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery pack and the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the second valve housing 2248 (or the second valve assembly 224) is adapted to move within the corresponding second mounting hole 204 along the radial direction of the second mounting hole 204 (i.e., move in the XY plane) , thereby absorbing assembly deviations of the first valve assembly 112 and/or the second valve assembly 224. The third sealing ring 303 is able to accommodate the movement of the second valve assembly 224. For example, when the distance between two second pipe sections 1122 (e.g., the distance between the centerlines of the two second pipe sections 1122) is unequal to the distance between two second connecting sections 2242 (e.g., the distance between the centerlines of the two second connecting sections 2242) , the movement of the second valve assembly 224 enables the two second connecting sections 2242 to be smoothly inserted into the corresponding second pipe sections 1122, respectively, thereby successfully completing the connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. As a whole, the third sealing ring 303 not only has a sealing function of waterproof and contaminant-proof, but also is capable of accommodating the movement of the second valve assembly 224 along the radial direction of the second mounting hole 204.
For example, in some earlier connector devices, no structure (typically a spring or an elastic bushing) is provided on the first connector and/or the second connector specifically designed to respond to the movement of the first valve assembly and/or the second valve assembly. When the second connector of such an earlier connector device needs to be replaced, the second valve assembly of an alternative second connector may not be provided exactly the same as the second valve assembly of the second connector of the earlier connector device, resulting in the second valve assembly of the alternative second connector not being accurately aligned with the first valve assembly of the first connector of the early connector device, which in turn results in the failure of the connection of the alternative second connector and the first connector of the earlier connector device or results in an adverse effect on the reliability and stability of the connector device after maintenance. The two second valve assembly 224 of the second connector 200 of the present disclosure can be adjusted to be accurately aligned with the two first valve assembly of the first connector, respectively by means of the third sealing ring 303, so that the use of the second connector 200 of the present disclosure contributes to improving the reliability and stability of the connector device after maintenance.
In addition, there are also connector devices which, due to their high structural accuracy (e.g., connector devices made of metal) , do not need to be provided in their original products with a structure specifically designed to respond to the movement of the first valve assembly and/or the second valve assembly. However, during subsequent maintenance of the connector device, the connection problems as described above also occur when an alternative second connector is used. However, in the second connector 200 of the present disclosure, each first sealing ring 301 provides an appropriate radial movement capability for the corresponding second valve assembly 224, so that the second connector 200 of the present disclosure can be smoothly and accurately assembled with the first connector of the connector device as described above.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the cross section of the third sealing ring 303 is between 3mm and 6mm. The third sealing ring 303 is capable to well accommodate the movement of the second valve assembly 224, and play a good elastic support role on the second valve assembly 224 when the second valve assembly 224 radially moves. Of course, the third sealing ring 303 may also be configured with other cross-sectional diameter dimensions, which is not limited herein.
In another embodiment, the third sealing ring 303 may be made of EPDM rubber or other elastic rubbers.
Optionally, further as shown in FIGs. 23, 24 and 25, a rib 2247 is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the first connecting section 2241. The third sealing ring 303 is disposed between the rib 2247 and the second shoulder 2243. The rib 2247 is axially spaced from the inner surface 2041 of the second mounting hole 204, so that a radial gap is formed between the rib 2247 and the inner surface 2041 of the second mounting hole 204. The radial gap provides sufficient movement space for the movement of the second valve housing 2248 (or the second valve assembly 224) . In an embodiment, the radial gap between the rib 2247 and the inner surface 2041 of the second mounting hole 204 is between 0.2 mm and 0.5mm.
Optionally, as shown in FIGs. 21 and 22, a sixth sealing ring 306 is arranged on the second substrate 202 and surrounds the mounting area 203. After the second connector 200 is installed in the battery pack, the sixth sealing ring 306 is in sealing contact with the battery pack housing to seal the gap between the second substrate 202 and the battery pack housing 4, thereby preventing pollutants such as water, dust, etc., from entering the battery pack.
Optionally, further as shown in FIG. 22, seventh sealing rings 307 are arranged in the mounting area 203, each surrounding one second valve assembly 224 (i.e., along the circumferential edge of each second mounting hole 204) . The corresponding end portion of the first valve assembly 112 abuts the seventh sealing rings 307, thereby preventing impurities such as water, dust, etc. from entering the connector device 1.
The above descriptions are only examples of the present disclosure, which are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosures. The present disclosure is subject to various changes and variations for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions or improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims of the present application.

Claims

An assembly component, characterized in that the assembly component (130) comprises:

an outer sleeve (131) having a first end (1311) and a second end (1312) opposite to the first end (1311) ; an inner cavity (1313) penetrating along an axial direction of the outer sleeve (131) is formed in the outer sleeve (131) ;

an inner sleeve (132) internally provided with an assembly channel (1323) penetrating along an axial direction of the inner sleeve (132) ; at least a portion of the inner sleeve (132) is disposed in the inner cavity (1313) ; the inner sleeve (132) has a first end (1321) and a second end (1322) , the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) is close to the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) , and the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) is close to the second end (1312) of the outer sleeve (131) ; the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) is adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) ; and

a first elastic member (133) disposed between the outer sleeve (131) and the inner sleeve (132) , a first end of the first elastic member (133) being constrained to the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) , a second end of the first elastic member (133) being constrained to the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) ; the outer sleeve (131) is adapted to move axially relative to the inner sleeve (132) .
An assembly component according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer sleeve (131) is further provided with a guide sleeve (1314) extending from the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) into the inner cavity (1313) ; and the inner sleeve (132) extends through the guide sleeve (1314) .
An assembly component according to claim 2, characterized in that an inner diameter of the guide sleeve (1314) gradually increases along a direction of the guide sleeve (1314) extending toward the inner cavity (1313) .
An assembly component according to claim 1, characterized in that a sheath (134) is provided at the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) ; the sheath (134) includes a protection plate (1343) extending radially outward from the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) and an outer tube (1341) extending from the protection plate (1343) toward the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) ; at least a portion of the outer tube (1341) is radially spaced apart from the outer sleeve (131) ; and the second end of the first elastic member (133) abuts the protection plate (1343) .
An assembly component according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner sleeve (132) is integrally formed.
An assembly component according to claim 4, characterized in that, the protection plate (1343) is provided with a center hole (1342) surrounded by the outer tube (1341) ;

the sheath (134) further comprises an inner tube (1344) extending from a circumferential edge of the center hole (1342) to an inner side of the outer tube (1341) along the axial direction of the inner sleeve (132) ; the inner tube (1344) is radially spaced apart from the outer tube (1341) ; and

the sheath (134) is adapted to be fixedly disposed at the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) through the inner tube (1344) , and the center hole (1342) is aligned with the assembly channel (1323) .
An assembly component according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a radial dimension of the outer tube (1341) is less than a radial dimension of the outer sleeve (131) .
An assembly component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) is provided with a first flange (1325) extending radially outward, the first flange (1325) being adapted to engage with or disengage from the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) .
An assembly component according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly component (130) further comprises a connecting piece (1324) , the connecting piece (1324) being adapted to extend through the assembly channel (1323) along a direction from the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) toward the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) , or adapted to extend through the assembly channel (1323) along a direction from the second end (1322) of the inner sleeve (132) toward the first end (1321) of the inner sleeve (132) .
A connector device, characterized in that the connector device comprises a first connector (100) , the first connector (100) comprising:

a first substrate (101) provided with at least one assembly hole (102) ; and

at least one assembly component (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the first end (1311) of the outer sleeve (131) is fixedly connected to the first substrate (101) and the assembly channel (1323) is aligned with the assembly hole (102) .
A connector device according to claim 10, characterized in that the outer sleeve (131) is integrally formed with the first substrate (101) .
A connector device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first substrate (101) has a first mounting surface (105) and a second mounting surface (106) opposite to the first mounting surface (105) ; the first substrate (101) is further provided with at least one first mounting hole (104) ;

the first connector (100) further comprises:

a shield plate (150) arranged on the first mounting surface (105) ; the shield plate (150) being provided with at least one through hole (1501) corresponding to the first mounting hole (104) ; and

at least one first joint assembly (110) , including:

a first connecting pipe (111) provided with a second flange (1113) extending radially outward; the first connecting pipe (111) is arranged corresponding to the respective through hole (1501) and the second flange (1113) abuts the shield plate (150) ; and

a first valve assembly (112) including a first valve housing (1125) ; the first valve housing (1125) includes a first pipe section (1121) , a second pipe section (1122) , and a first shoulder (1123) between the first pipe section (1121) and the second pipe section (1122) ; the first shoulder (1123) abuts the second mounting surface (106) , and the first pipe section (1121) extends through the corresponding through hole (1501) and the corresponding first mounting hole (104) and is connected to the first connecting pipe (111) .
A connector device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first connecting pipe (111) is provided with a first connecting cavity (1111) ; and at least a portion of the first pipe section (1121) is inserted into the first connecting cavity (1111) .
A connector device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first connecting cavity (1111) includes a first circumferential side wall (1114) , and the second flange (1113) is located at an end of the first circumferential side wall (1114) facing the shield plate (150) ;

the first connecting pipe (111) further includes: a first opening (1115) formed on the first circumferential side wall (1114) and a first elastic piece (1112) located in the first opening (1115) , the first elastic piece (1112) extending from an edge portion of the first opening (1115) close to the second flange (1113) into the first opening (1115) and separated from the remaining edge portion of the first opening (1115) ;

the first pipe section (1121) is provided with a first projection (1124) projecting radially outward, the first projection (1124) being adapted to be fit into the first opening (1115) and to engage with the first elastic piece (1112) .
A connector device according to claim 12, characterized in that the shield plate (150) is movably arranged on the first mounting surface (105) ; the first pipe section (1121) is adapted to move within the first mounting hole (104) along a radial direction of the first mounting hole (104) , and the shield plate (150) and the second flange (1113) together maintain coverage of a gap between the first pipe section (1121) and the respective first mounting hole (104) .
A connector device according to claim 15, characterized in that a peripheral edge (1502) of the shield plate (150) includes an arc portion (1503) , and the arc portion (1503) is concentric with the corresponding through hole (1501) ; an outer surface of the first pipe section (1121) is provided with a second projection (1127) which is adapted to contact with an inner surface of the first connecting pipe (111) ;

a radius A of the arc portion (1503) , a radius B of the first mounting hole (104) , a radius D of the second flange (1113) , a radius E of the through hole (1501) , and a outer radius G of the second projection (1127) satisfy the following relationship:
(A-B) + (E-G) >X; and D+G>2E;

wherein X is a maximum preset movement distance of the first pipe section (1121) in the corresponding first mounting hole (104) along the radial direction of the first mounting hole (104) .
A connector device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first valve housing (1125) is adapted to move along the radial direction of the first mounting hole (104) , and a floating member (140) is provided between the first pipe section (1121) and the corresponding first mounting hole (104) .
A connector device according to claim 17, characterized in that the floating member (140) has an end mating surface (1403) facing the second flange (1113) , and the end mating surface (1403) is flush with the first mounting surface (105) or recessed into the first mounting hole (104) .
A connector device according to claim 17, characterized in that the floating member (140) is configured as an elastic bushing and the bushing is sleeved on the first pipe section (1121) .
A connector device according to claim 19, characterized in that the bushing is provided with a plurality of apertures (1402) such that the bushing is adapted to be at least radially compressed;

an axially extending cutout (1401) is formed on the bushing, the bushing being adapted to be opened along the cutout (1401) .
A connector device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first substrate (101) is provided with two first mounting holes (104) , the shield plate (150) is provided with two through holes (1501) , and the two through holes (1501) are adapted to correspond to respective ones of the first mounting holes (104) ;

two first joint assemblies (110) are provided, and a floating member (140) is arranged between each first pipe section (1121) and the corresponding first mounting hole (104) , two floating members (140) being independent of each other.
A connector device according to claim 21, characterized in that a first chamfer (1128) is formed on each first shoulder (1123) ; and two first valve assemblies (112) are arranged such that the first chamfers (1128) of two first shoulders (1123) face toward each other.
A connector device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first valve assembly (112) further includes a first valve core assembly (113) slidably disposed within the first valve housing (1125) ;

the first valve core assembly (113) includes a tubular sliding sleeve (1131) , a first valve plug (1132) in the sliding sleeve (1131) and a second elastic member (1133) ; both ends of the second elastic member (1133) are abutted against the sliding sleeve (1131) and the first valve plug (1132) , respectively; the sliding sleeve (1131) is in sliding sealing contact with an inner surface of the first pipe section (1121) ; and the first valve plug (1132) is adapted to sealingly contact or separate from an inner surface of the sliding sleeve (1131) .
A connector device according to claim 23, characterized in that a first sealing ring (301) is disposed between the first valve plug (1132) and the inner surface of the sliding sleeve (1131) .
A connector device according to claim 24, characterized in that the first sealing ring (301) is disposed on an outer surface of the first valve plug (1132) .
A connector device according to claim 23, characterized in that a second sealing ring (302) is disposed on an end surface of the sliding sleeve (1131) away from the first connecting pipe (111) .
A connector device according to claim 26, characterized in that the second sealing ring (302) includes an annular body (3021) , a sealing lip (3022) and a wall portion (3024) which are formed on one end surface of the body (3021) ; the sealing lip (3022) and the wall portion (3024) extend in a circumferential direction of the body (3021) and are radially spaced to form a groove (3023) between the sealing lip (3022) and the wall portion (3024) ; and

the sealing lip (3022) is adapted to be pressed into the groove (3023) .
A connector device according to claim 23, characterized in that the connector device further comprises a second connector (200) , the second connector (200) including:

a second substrate (202) provided with at least one second mounting hole (204) ; and

at least one second joint assembly (220) including a second valve assembly (224) which includes a second valve housing (2248) ; at least a portion of the second valve housing (2248) extends through the corresponding second mounting hole (204) and is inserted into the second pipe section (1122) for connection with the second pipe section (1122) ; the second valve housing (2248) includes a mating section (2249) adapted to be fit into the second mounting hole (204) ; an elastic third sealing ring (303) is disposed between the mating section (2249) and the second mounting hole (204) , and the third sealing ring (303) is able to respond to movement of the second valve housing (2248) along a radial direction of the second mounting hole (204) .
A connector device according to claim 28, characterized in that a diameter of a cross section of the third sealing ring (303) is between 3mm and 6mm.
A connector device according to claim 28, characterized in that the second valve housing (2248) further includes a first connecting section (2241) and a second connecting section (2242) which are axially located on both sides of the mating section (2249) , and the first connecting section (2241) and the second connecting section (2242) are located on both sides of the second substrate (202) ; the second connecting section (2242) is adapted to be inserted into the second pipe section (1122) ;

the first connecting section (2241) is provided with a rib (2247) extending radially outward, and the second connecting section (2242) is provided with a second shoulder (2243) extending radially outward; the second shoulder (2243) is abutted against the second substrate (202) ; at least a portion of the rib (2247) is located in the second mounting hole (204) and is radially spaced from an inner surface (2041) of the second mounting hole (204) ; and the third sealing ring (303) is disposed between the rib (2247) and the second shoulder (2243) .
A connector device according to claim 30, characterized in that a radial gap is provided between the rib (2247) and the inner surface (2041) of the second mounting hole (204) , and a size of the radial gap is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.
A connector device according to claim 31, characterized in that the second substrate (202) has a first end surface (205) and a second end surface (206) opposite to the first end surface (205) ; the second mounting hole (204) extends from the first end surface (205) to the second end surface (206) ;

the second shoulder (2243) is abutted against the second end surface (206) ;

the second joint assembly (220) further includes a second connecting pipe (223) , the second connecting pipe (223) being provided with a third flange (2233) extending radially outward; the second connecting pipe (223) is adapted to be connected to the first connecting section (2241) , and the third flange (2233) is adapted to be abutted against the first end surface (205) .
A connector device according to claim 32, characterized in that the second connecting pipe (223) is provided with a second connecting cavity (2231) ; and at least a portion of the first connecting section (2241) is inserted into the second connecting cavity (2231) .
A connector device according to claim 33, characterized in that the second connecting cavity (2231) includes a second circumferential side wall (2234) , and the third flange (2233) is located at an end of the second circumferential side wall (2234) facing the second substrate (202) ;

the second connecting pipe (223) further includes a second opening (2235) formed on the second circumferential side wall (2234) and a second elastic piece (2232) located in the second opening (2235) , the second elastic piece (2232) extending from an edge portion of the second opening (2235) close to the third flange (2233) into the second opening (2235) and separated from the remaining edge portion of the second opening (2235) ;

the second pipe section (2241) is provided with a second projection (2244) projecting radially outward, the second projection (2244) being adapted to be fit into the second opening (2235) and to engage with the second elastic piece (2232) .
A connector device according to claim 32, characterized in that the second valve assembly (224) further includes a second valve core assembly (213) slidably disposed within the second valve housing (2248) , the second valve core assembly (213) including:

a second valve plug (2131) adapted to sealingly contact or separate from an inner surface of the second connecting section (2242) ; and

a third elastic piece (2133) , both ends of the third elastic piece (2133) being abutted against the second valve plug (2131) and the second connecting pipe (223) , respectively; the second valve housing (2248) and the second valve plug (2131) are adapted to reciprocate axially with respect to each other;

wherein the second connecting section (2242) is adapted to be inserted into the second pipe section (1122) and is abutted against the sliding sleeve (1131) , and the second valve plug (2131) is adapted to be abutted against the first valve plug (1132) .
A connector device according to claim 30, characterized in that a guide ring (120) is disposed on an inner side wall of the second pipe section (1122) , and a first end (1201) of the guide ring (120) away from the first pipe section (1121) is configured in a flared shape;

the second connecting section (2242) is adapted to be inserted into the guide ring (120) .
A connector device according to claim 36, characterized in that the first end (1201) of the guide ring (120) is provided with a plurality of slits (1203) extending parallel to an axial direction of the guide ring (120) ; and the plurality of slits (1203) are distributed along a circumferential direction of the guide ring (120) .
A connector device according to claim 36, characterized in that a limit portion (1126) extending radially inwards is formed on the inner wall of the second pipe section (1122) ;

a second end (1202) of the guide ring (120) facing the first pipe section (1121) is spaced from the limit portion (1126) , and a fourth sealing ring (304) is arranged between the limit portion (1126) and the second end (1202) of the guide ring (120) ; a circumferential outer surface of the second connecting section (2242) is adapted to be in sealing contact with the fourth sealing ring (304) .
A connector device according to claim 38, characterized in that an inner surface of the second connecting section (2242) at an end away from the first connecting section (2241) is configured as a radially inward inclined plane (2246) , and a fifth sealing ring (305) is arranged between the second valve plug (2131) and the inclined plane (2246) .
A connector device according to claim 39, characterized in that the fifth sealing ring (305) is disposed on the second valve plug (2131) .
A connector device according to claim 28, characterized in that a mounting area (203) is defined on the second substrate (202) , and the second mounting hole (204) is located in the mounting area (203) ;

a sixth sealing ring (306) surrounding the mounting area (203) is arranged on the second substrate (202) .
A connector device according to claim 28, characterized in that a seventh sealing ring (307) is arranged on the second substrate (202) along a circumferential edge of each second mounting hole (204) , and the seventh sealing ring (307) surrounds the corresponding second valve housing (2248) ; and the second pipe section (1122) is adapted to abut against the seventh sealing ring (307) .