Working medium pipe quick connector, connecting pipe assembly and automobile air conditioner
By using the threaded connection and flanged structure design of the male and female connectors, the problem of inconvenient disassembly and assembly of the working fluid pipe is solved, enabling convenient maintenance and sealing connection of the working fluid pipe in automobiles.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202010272950.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-18
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-04-08
AI Technical Summary
The existing working fluid pipe is inconvenient to disassemble and assemble, especially when used in a car where it is affected by bumps, making maintenance difficult and the location is not fixed, which leads to inconvenience in maintenance.
The design employs male and female connectors, using threaded connections and a flanged structure to achieve a tight fit between the tube and the male connector. The pressure is adjusted using a nut, improving sealing and ease of assembly and disassembly.
It improves the ease of disassembly and assembly and the sealing performance of the working fluid tube, adapts to the maintenance needs in bumpy automotive environments, and simplifies the installation and disassembly process of the working fluid tube.
Smart Images

Figure CN111379910B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of working fluid pipes, and particularly to a quick-connect fitting for working fluid pipes, a connecting pipe assembly, and an automotive air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] The working fluid pipe is a conduit used to carry the working fluid. When the working fluid pipe is damaged, blocked, or deformed, it needs to be repaired or replaced. The existing working fluid pipes are inconvenient to disassemble and assemble, and take a long time. Especially when the working fluid pipe is used in automobiles, the bumps and vibrations of the vehicle cause great wear and tear on the working fluid pipe, resulting in frequent maintenance needs. Moreover, the maintenance locations are not fixed, which brings even more inconvenience to the maintenance of the working fluid pipe. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a quick-connect fitting for working fluid tubes, which aims to improve the ease of assembly and disassembly of working fluid tubes.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a quick-connect fitting for a working fluid pipe, comprising:
[0005] A male connector, the outer surface of which is threaded;
[0006] The female connector includes a tube and a nut connected to the outer surface of the tube. The tube extends into the male connector and is in sealing contact with the male connector. The nut is threadedly connected to the male connector.
[0007] Optionally, the end of the nut away from the male connector has a flange extending toward the axis of the nut, and the flange is annularly fitted onto the insertion tube.
[0008] Optionally, the annular surface of the flange near the male connector is adapted to the end face of the male connector near the flange, so that when the male connector and the female connector are assembled, the end face of the male connector fits against the annular surface.
[0009] Optionally, the male connector is located near the end face of the flange and extends biased toward the axis of the male connector in the direction from the male connector to the flange.
[0010] Optionally, the male connector includes:
[0011] A flow supply section, wherein the inner diameter of the flow supply section is smaller than the outer diameter of the cannula; and,
[0012] A connecting section is connected to the end of the supply section near the female connector. The inner diameter of the connecting section is larger than the inner diameter of the supply section. A first stepped surface is formed at the connection between the supply section and the connecting section. The insertion tube is inserted into the connecting section, and the end of the insertion tube abuts against the first stepped surface.
[0013] Optionally, the male connector further includes an installation section connected to the end of the mating section away from the supply section. The inner diameter of the installation section is larger than the inner diameter of the mating section. A first sealing ring is provided in the installation section, and the first sealing ring is in sealing contact with both the insertion tube and the installation section.
[0014] Optionally, the outer surface of the insertion tube is provided with a convex ring, the convex ring is arranged around the axis of the insertion tube, the convex ring is located on the side of the flange near the male connector, and the outer diameter of the convex ring is larger than the inner diameter of the flange.
[0015] Optionally, the surface of the convex ring near the flange is adapted to the annular surface of the flange near the male connector, so that the convex ring fits against the annular surface when the male connector and the female connector are assembled.
[0016] Optionally, the surface of the convex ring away from the flange is adapted to the end face of the male connector near the flange, so that when the male connector and the female connector are assembled, the convex ring is in contact with the end face of the male connector near the flange.
[0017] Optionally, the male connector includes:
[0018] The mounting tube has a thread on its outer surface and a first valve port formed inside it.
[0019] A piston, installed inside the mounting tube, movably seals the first valve port; and,
[0020] A first elastic reset element is installed inside the mounting tube. The first elastic reset element is connected to the piston to drive the piston to seal the first valve port.
[0021] The female connector also includes a push pin disposed inside the insertion tube, the push pin being used to abut against the piston, the piston having a first position for abutting against the push pin to open the first valve port, and a second position for closing the first valve port.
[0022] Optionally, the piston is slidably mounted inside the mounting tube along the axial direction of the mounting tube.
[0023] Optionally, the first elastic reset member includes:
[0024] A spring seat is connected to the mounting tube, and the spring seat is located on the side of the first valve port away from the insertion tube;
[0025] A first spring, one end of which is connected to the spring seat and the other end of which is connected to the piston.
[0026] Optionally, the piston has a protruding abutment block on its surface, the abutment block being located between the spring seat and the first valve port, the first spring being sleeved on the piston, and the end of the first spring away from the spring seat being connected to the abutment block.
[0027] Optionally, the cannula includes:
[0028] base tube; and
[0029] A valve sleeve, part of which is disposed inside the base tube, is slidably disposed along the axial direction of the base tube, is sealed to the insertion tube, is fitted with the ejector pin, and has a second valve port formed at one end of the valve sleeve away from the base tube. The ejector pin has a plug adapted to the second valve port, and the plug is located on the side of the valve sleeve away from the base tube.
[0030] A second elastic reset element is installed inside the base tube. The second elastic reset element is connected to the valve sleeve to drive the valve sleeve to connect with the plug.
[0031] The inner surface of the mounting tube forms a limiting protrusion, which is used to abut against the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a third position that abuts against the limiting protrusion to open the second valve port, and a fourth position that abuts against the plug.
[0032] Optionally, the second elastic reset member includes:
[0033] A fixing bracket is installed on the inner surface of the base tube, and the ejector pin is connected to the fixing bracket;
[0034] A second spring, one end of which is connected to the valve sleeve and the other end of which is connected to the fixing bracket, is located on the side of the fixing bracket closer to the male connector.
[0035] Optionally, the outer surface of the base tube is provided with a mounting groove, and the end of the nut away from the male connector is at least partially rotatably disposed in the mounting groove.
[0036] Optionally, the cannula includes:
[0037] base tube; and
[0038] A valve sleeve, partially disposed within the base tube, is slidably disposed along the axial direction of the base tube. The valve sleeve is sealed to the insertion tube, and a second valve port is formed at the end of the valve sleeve furthest from the base tube.
[0039] A ejector pin is disposed inside the valve sleeve and connected to the base tube. The ejector pin has a plug adapted to the second valve port, and the plug is located on the side of the valve sleeve away from the base tube.
[0040] A second elastic reset element is installed inside the base tube. The second elastic reset element is connected to the valve sleeve to drive the valve sleeve to connect with the plug.
[0041] The inner surface of the male connector has a limiting protrusion for abutting against the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a third position for abutting against the limiting protrusion to open the second valve port, and a fourth position for abutting against the plug.
[0042] Optionally, the mounting tube forms a first cavity located between the spring seat and the first valve port, and the abutment block is located in the first cavity;
[0043] The limiting protrusion has an abutting surface for abutting the valve sleeve, and the mounting tube also forms a second cavity located between the abutting surface and the first valve port. In the third working position, the plug is located in the second cavity.
[0044] The aspect ratio of the first cavity and the second cavity is greater than or equal to 0.8.
[0045] The present invention also proposes a connecting pipe assembly, comprising: a working fluid pipe assembly, the working fluid pipe assembly including the aforementioned working fluid pipe quick connector, the working fluid pipe assembly being used to connect an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.
[0046] Optionally, the connecting pipe assembly further includes: an electrical wire, a drain pipe, and cable ties for binding the working fluid pipe assembly, the electrical wire, and the water pipe.
[0047] The present invention also proposes an automotive air conditioner, the automotive air conditioner comprising:
[0048] An indoor unit for air conditioning, used for installation inside a car.
[0049] An outdoor air conditioning unit, for mounting on the outer surface of the vehicle body; and,
[0050] The working fluid tube assembly includes the aforementioned working fluid tube quick connector, and the working fluid tube assembly is used to pass through the vehicle body to connect the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.
[0051] This invention employs a nut on a female connector to engage with a male connector. The insertion tube of the female connector is inserted into the male connector, with the outer surface of the insertion tube abutting against the inner surface of the male connector. This increases the contact area between the insertion tube and the male connector, thereby improving the sealing performance of the connection. Rotating the nut adjusts the pressure applied to the male connector, further tightening the contact between the male connector and the insertion tube, thus enhancing the airtightness of the connection between the male connector and the female connector. Furthermore, during installation, the insertion tube is inserted into the male connector to pre-position the female connector, and then the nut is rotated to tighten it. Disassembly is simple and convenient; simply loosen the nut and remove the female connector. Attached Figure Description
[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0053] Figure 1 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the quick-connect fitting for the working fluid tube of the present invention in the assembled state with the working fluid tube;
[0054] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of Zhonggongzhi quick-connect fittings;
[0055] Figure 3 This is a front view of the second type of embodiment of the quick-connect fitting for the working fluid tube of the present invention in the assembled state with the working fluid tube;
[0056] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of Zhonggongzhi quick-connect fittings;
[0057] Figure 5 This is a front view of a third embodiment of the quick-connect fitting for the working fluid tube of the present invention;
[0058] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view at A10-A10;
[0059] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the male connector;
[0060] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the female connector.
[0061] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0062]
[0063]
[0064] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0066] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0067] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if the word "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.
[0068] This invention proposes a quick-connect fitting for working fluid pipes.
[0069] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 8As shown, the quick-connect fitting 500 for the working fluid tube includes a male connector 510 and a female connector 520. The male connector 510 has threads on its outer surface. The female connector 520 includes a tube 521 and a nut 522 connected to the outer surface of the tube 521. The tube 521 extends into the male connector 510 and is in sealing contact with it. The nut 522 is threadedly connected to the male connector 510. When installing the male connector 510 and the female connector 520, the tube 521 is inserted into the male connector 510, and then the nut 522 is rotated to thread the tube into the male connector 510. When disassembling the quick-connect fitting 500, the nut 522 is rotated to loosen it, and then the tube 521 is pulled out of the male connector 510. The nut 522 presses against the male connector 510, causing the male connector 510 to abut against the insertion tube 521, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0070] The technical solution of this invention uses a nut 522 of a female connector 520 to cooperate with a male connector 510, inserting the insertion tube 521 of the female connector 520 into the male connector 510. The outer surface of the insertion tube 521 abuts against the inner surface of the male connector 510, which helps to increase the contact area between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510, thereby improving the sealing performance of the connection between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510. The rotation of the nut 522 can adjust the pressure of the nut 522 on the male connector 510. Therefore, by rotating the nut 522, the contact between the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521 can be made tighter, which helps to improve the sealing performance of the connection between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. In addition, when installing the male connector 510 and the female connector 520, the insertion tube 521 is inserted into the male connector 510 to pre-position the female connector 520, and then the nut 522 is rotated to tighten it. When disassembling the male connector 510 and the female connector 520, it is only necessary to loosen the nut 522 and then pull out the female connector 520. The disassembly and assembly of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 is simple and convenient.
[0071] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment of this example, as Figure 2As shown, the end of the nut 522 away from the male connector 510 has a flange 523 extending towards the axis of the nut 522. The flange 523 is annularly fitted onto the insertion tube 521. The flange 523 helps to maintain an installation space between the nut 522 and the insertion tube 521 for the male connector 510 to be inserted, facilitating the docking between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 and improving the efficiency of the assembly of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. Specifically, in this embodiment, the flange 523 is rotatably fitted onto the insertion tube 521, and the rotation of the nut 522 is not restricted by the insertion tube 521, facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the nut 522 and the male connector 510. Of course, in other embodiments, the flange 523 can also be fixedly connected to the insertion tube 521, and the flange 523 rotates with the insertion tube 521, which can also achieve quick disassembly and assembly of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0072] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the annular surface of the flange 523 near the male connector 510 is adapted to the end face of the male connector 510 near the flange 523, so that when the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled, the end face of the male connector 510 fits against the annular surface. The free end of the male connector 510 fits against the flange 523, which helps to improve the assembly accuracy of the male connector 510 and the nut 522. When the free end of the male connector 510 abuts against the flange 523, it indicates that the nut 522 has been assembled in place and no further rotation is required. Furthermore, since the free end of the male connector 510 and the flange 523 are in surface contact, it helps to reduce the pressure on the annular surface and protects the flange 523.
[0073] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the male connector 510 extends towards the axis of the male connector 510 in the direction from the male connector 510 to the flange 523, near the end face of the flange 523. Specifically, the outer diameter of the free end of the male connector 510 gradually decreases along the direction from the male connector 510 to the flange 523. When the nut 522 rotates in the direction of tightening the male connector 510, the flange 523 applies an external force to the free end of the male connector 510, causing the free end of the male connector 510 to deform towards the insertion tube 521. This helps to make the connection between the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521 tighter and enhances the sealing performance of the connection between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0074] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the inner surface of the nut 522 is provided with an annular groove 590 arranged around the axis of the nut 522, and the annular groove 590 is adjacent to the flange 523. Since the free end of the male connector 510 abuts against the flange 523 after the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled, the setting of the annular groove 590 provides space for the deformation of the free end, which can effectively prevent the free end from being damaged when the nut 522 is tightened; in addition, when impurities enter the nut 522, the impurities will be pushed into the annular groove 590 during the conversion process of the nut 522, which has the function of protecting the nut 522 and the male connector 510.
[0075] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the male connector 510 includes a supply section 511 and a mating section 512. The inner diameter of the supply section 511 is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion tube 521. A first stepped surface 514 is formed at the connection between the supply section 511 and the mating section 512, where the inner diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the supply section 511. The insertion tube 521 is inserted into the mating section 512, and its end abuts against the first stepped surface 514. The first stepped surface 514 has a limiting function. When the insertion tube 521 is inserted into the male connector 510, the contact between the insertion tube 521 and the first stepped surface 514 indicates that the insertion tube 521 is properly assembled. Afterwards, the nut 522 can be rotated to tighten the male connector 510, facilitating the mating of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the mating section 512 is larger than that of the supply section 511, providing more space for the insertion tube 521 to be installed. This allows the inner diameters of the supply section 511 and the insertion tube to be closer after the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are connected, resulting in a more stable flow of the working fluid within the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. Moreover, the first stepped surface 514 increases the contact area between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510, enhancing the airtightness of the connection between them.
[0076] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inner diameter of the mating section 512 gradually increases along the direction from the mating section 512 to the female connector 520. Specifically, the mating section 512 is flared and has a guiding function, facilitating the insertion of the insertion tube 521 into the mating section 512, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0077] Furthermore, in the first type of embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the male connector 510 further includes an installation section 513, which is connected to the end of the mating section 512 away from the supply section 511. The inner diameter of the installation section 513 is larger than the inner diameter of the mating section 512. A first sealing ring 560 is provided inside the installation section 513, and the first sealing ring 560 seals against both the insertion tube 521 and the installation section 513. Rotation of the nut 522 allows the installation section 513 and the insertion tube 521 to press against the first sealing ring 560, further enhancing the sealing effect between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510. The inner diameter of the installation section 513 is larger than that of the convection section, providing installation space for the first sealing ring 560 within the installation section 513, thus facilitating its installation.
[0078] In the second type of embodiment of this example, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the outer surface of the insertion tube 521 is provided with a convex ring 550. The convex ring 550 is arranged in a ring around the axis of the insertion tube 521. The convex ring 550 is located on the side of the flange 523 near the male connector 510. The outer diameter of the convex ring 550 is larger than the inner diameter of the flange 523. When the nut 522 is installed, the flange 523 can push the convex ring 550, so that the insertion tube 521 is inserted into the male connector 510. Therefore, when assembling the male connector 510 and the female connector 520, as long as the nut 522 is rotated into place, the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510 can be assembled in place, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0079] Furthermore, in the second type of embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the surface of the convex ring 550 near the flange 523 is adapted to the annular surface of the flange 523 near the male connector 510, so that the convex ring 550 fits against the annular surface when the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled. The fit between the convex ring 550 and the annular surface helps to improve the assembly accuracy of the insertion tube 521. It can be understood that the insertion tube 521 is positioned within the male connector 510 by the convex ring 550. The high fit between the thread and the convex ring 550 can effectively improve the positional accuracy of the insertion tube 521 within the male connector 510.
[0080] Furthermore, in the second type of embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the surface of the convex ring 550 away from the flange 523 is adapted to the end face of the male connector 510 near the flange 523, so that when the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled, the convex ring 550 and the end face of the male connector 510 near the flange 523 are in contact. Specifically, one side surface of the convex ring 550 is adapted to the flange 523, and the other side surface is adapted to the free end of the male connector 510. On the one hand, this can effectively improve the assembly accuracy between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. On the other hand, it can make the connection between the convex ring 550 and the male connector 510 tight. It can be understood that when the nut 522 rotates to tighten the male connector 510, the flange 523 of the nut 522 pushes the convex ring 550 towards the free end of the male connector 510, which can make the free end of the male connector 510 abut tightly against the convex ring 550, thereby making the connection between the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521 tighter, which is beneficial to enhancing the sealing performance of the connection between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. Furthermore, the convex ring 550 extends near the surface of the flange 523 and biased towards the insertion tube 521 along the direction from the male connector 510 to the flange 523. The convex ring 550 extends near the surface of the male connector 510 and biased towards the insertion tube 521 along the direction from the flange 523 to the male connector 510.
[0081] Furthermore, in the second type of embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the quick-connect plug assembly also includes a second sealing ring 570, which is disposed between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510. The second sealing ring 570 is in sealing contact with both the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510. When the nut 522 is screwed onto the male connector 510, it drives the male connector 510 to compress the second sealing ring 570, thereby ensuring a tight seal between the second sealing ring 570 and both the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521, which helps to guarantee the airtightness of the connection between the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521.
[0082] Furthermore, in the second type of embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the outer surface of the insertion tube 521 is provided with an annular mounting groove 524. The mounting groove 524 is located on the side of the flange 523 near the male connector 510, and the second sealing ring 570 is disposed in the mounting groove 524. The mounting groove 524 serves to fix the position of the second sealing ring 570, ensuring that the second sealing ring 570 can be located between the insertion tube 521 and the male connector 510 after the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled. This ensures that the second sealing ring 570 can effectively perform its sealing function. In addition, the mounting groove 524 provides deformation space for the second sealing ring 570, which can prevent the second sealing ring 570 from causing a gap between the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521. That is to say, while the second sealing ring 570 is in close contact with the male connector 510 and the insertion tube 521, the inner surface of the male connector 510 can also be in close contact with the outer surface of the plug, which has a double sealing effect and can effectively ensure the airtightness of the connection between the male connector 510 and the female connector 520.
[0083] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment of this example, such as Figures 5 to 8As shown, the male connector 510 includes: an installation tube 515, a piston 518, and a first elastic reset member 530. The installation tube 515 has threads on its outer surface, and a first valve port 516 is formed inside the installation tube 515. Specifically, a retaining ring is provided on the inner surface of the installation tube 515, and the retaining ring forms the first valve port 516. The piston 518 is installed inside the installation tube 515 and movably covers the first valve port 516. The first elastic reset member 530 is installed inside the installation tube 515 and is connected to the piston 518 to drive the piston 518 to cover the first valve port 516. The female connector 520 also includes a push pin 528 disposed inside the insertion tube 521. The push pin 528 is used to abut against the piston 518. The piston 518 has a first position that abuts against the push pin 528 to open the first valve port 516 and a second position that closes the first valve port 516. Specifically, before the male connector 510 is installed, the first elastic reset member 530 drives the piston 518 to close the first valve port 516. After the male connector 510 and the female connector 520 are assembled, the ejector pin 528 abuts against the piston 518, pushing the piston 518 to move, thereby opening the first valve port 516 and connecting the male connector 510 and the female connector 520. Therefore, the male connector 510 is only conductive in the assembled state. Thus, the working fluid pipe connected to the male connector 510 can be directly assembled even if there is working fluid inside, without having to wait for the male connector 510 to be installed before adding working fluid to the working fluid pipe, which is convenient to operate. Especially when used in automotive air conditioning, because automotive air conditioning is subjected to bumps for a long time, the pipeline may fail at any location. The quick-connect fitting 500 for the working fluid pipe in this embodiment facilitates pipeline maintenance anytime and anywhere, and there is no need to worry about working fluid leakage at the male connector 510 end, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance.
[0084] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the piston 518 is slidably mounted within the mounting tube 515 along its axial direction. After being pushed against by the ejector pin 528, the piston 518 slides away from the insertion tube 521 along the axis of the mounting tube 515. When the ejector pin 528 is released, the piston 518, under the action of the first elastic reset member 530, slides closer to the insertion tube 521 along the axis of the mounting tube 515. Since the ejector pin 528 also moves along the axial direction of the mounting tube 515 when the insertion tube 521 is inserted into the male connector 510, the piston 518 and the ejector pin 528 move in the same direction, which helps ensure that the ejector pin 528 reliably and continuously pushes against the piston 518. Of course, the piston 518 is not limited to the above technical solution. In other embodiments, the piston 518 can also be rotatably connected to the mounting tube 515, which has the advantage of convenient piston 518 installation.
[0085] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the first elastic reset member 530 includes a spring seat 531 and a first spring 532. The spring seat 531 is connected to the mounting tube 515 and is located on the side of the first valve port 516 away from the insertion tube 521. One end of the first spring 532 is connected to the spring seat 531, and the other end is connected to the piston 518. When the ejector pin 528 abuts against the piston 518, the first spring 532 contracts under force. When the ejector pin 528 is released, the first spring 532 rebounds to push the piston 518 to close the first valve port 516, thereby closing the male connector 510. This provides stable opening and closing of the piston 518.
[0086] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the piston 518 has a protruding abutment block 519 on its surface. The abutment block 519 is located between the spring seat 531 and the first valve port 516. The first spring 532 is sleeved on the piston 518, and the end of the first spring 532 away from the spring seat 531 is connected to the abutment block 519. The abutment block is used to abut the first spring 532, which has the advantage of facilitating the installation of the first spring 532 and is conducive to the stable installation of the first spring 532.
[0087] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the male connector 510 also includes a third sealing ring 580 sleeved on the piston 518, the third sealing ring 580 being used to abut against the wall of the first valve port 516. The third sealing ring 580 is used to enhance the sealing effect of the piston 518 on the first valve port 516, ensuring that the working fluid does not leak when the male connector 510 is not assembled.
[0088] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the insertion cannula 521 includes: a base tube 525, a valve sleeve 526, and a second elastic reset member 540. A portion of the valve sleeve 526 is disposed within the base tube 525. The valve sleeve 526 is slidably disposed along the axial direction of the base tube 525. The valve sleeve 526 is sealed to the insertion cannula 521. The valve sleeve 526 is fitted with the ejector pin 528. A second valve port 527 is formed at the end of the valve sleeve 526 away from the base tube 525. The ejector pin 528 has a plug 529 adapted to the second valve port 527. The plug 529 is located at... The valve sleeve 526 is located on the side away from the base tube 525; a second elastic reset member 540 is installed inside the base tube 525 and connected to the valve sleeve 526 to drive the valve sleeve 526 to connect with the plug 529; a limiting protrusion 517 is formed on the inner surface of the mounting tube 515, the limiting protrusion 517 is used to abut against the valve sleeve 526, the valve sleeve 526 has a third position that abuts against the limiting protrusion 517 to open the second valve port 527, and a fourth position that abuts against the plug 529. The second elastic reset member 540 tends to push the valve sleeve 526 out of the base tube 525, so that when the female connector 520 is not assembled, the second reset spring pushes the valve sleeve 526, causing the plug 529 to seal the second valve port 527 of the valve sleeve 526, so that the female connector remains in a sealed state when not assembled. When the female plug and the male plug are assembled, the valve sleeve 526 of the female plug is abutted by the limiting protrusion 517 and retracts into the base tube 525, thereby opening the second valve port 527 and enabling the female connector 520 to conduct. Therefore, after the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 abut, the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 are connected. Thus, the application of the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 greatly facilitates the installation and disassembly of the working fluid tube. Before the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 are separated, there is no need to control the working fluid in advance. After the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 are connected, the valve sleeve 526 is in the third position, the piston 518 is in the first position, and the female connector 520 and the male connector 510 are automatically connected without the need for separate vacuuming.
[0089] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the second elastic reset member 540 includes a fixing frame 541 and a second spring 542. The fixing frame 541 is connected to the sleeve. One end of the second spring 542 is connected to the fixing frame 541, and the other end is connected to the valve sleeve 526. The second spring 542 is located on the side of the fixing frame 541 near the male connector 510. The fixing frame 541 facilitates the installation of the second spring 542. The second spring 542 tends to push the valve body, causing the second valve port 527 to be closed by the plug 529. By using a spring in the driving member, it has the advantage of minimal impact on the flow of the working fluid. More specifically, the female connector 520 has a pin 528 inside the base tube 525. The pin 528 is connected to the base tube 525 through a fixing bracket 541. The second spring 542 is connected to the base tube 525 through the fixing bracket 541. One end of the pin 528 is provided with a plug 529. The second spring 542 is sleeved on the pin 528, which has the characteristic of stable installation of the second spring 542.
[0090] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the female connector 520 further includes a fourth sealing ring, which is installed on the outer surface of the plug 529 and abuts against the wall of the second valve port 527. The fourth sealing ring can effectively improve the sealing performance between the sleeve and the second valve port 527.
[0091] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, the outer surface of the base tube 525 is provided with a mounting groove 524, and the end of the nut 522 away from the male connector 510 is at least partially rotatably disposed in the mounting groove 524. Specifically, the end of the nut 522 away from the male connector 510 is provided with a flange 523 extending towards the base tube 525. The flange 523 cooperates with the mounting groove 524, and the nut 522 is fixed in the mounting groove 524, which facilitates the installation of the nut 522. When the nut 522 is tightened and rotated, it can push the ejector pin 528 to open the piston 518 and push the limiting protrusion 517 to open the valve sleeve 526, so that the first valve port 516 and the second valve port 527 are connected, which has the characteristics of convenient installation.
[0092] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figures 6 to 8As shown, the mounting tube 515 forms a first cavity 591 located between the spring seat 531 and the first valve port 516. The abutment block 519 is located in the first cavity 591 and slides within it. The length-to-diameter ratio of the first cavity 591 is greater than or equal to 0.8. Specifically, the length-to-diameter ratio of the first cavity 591 refers to the ratio of its axial length L1 in the mounting tube 515 to its maximum diameter. When the length-to-diameter ratio of the first cavity 591 is too small, the flow capacity of the working fluid in the first cavity 591 is poor, resulting in poor flow of the working fluid in the first cavity 591 even when the piston 518 has opened the first valve port 516. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length-to-diameter ratio of the first cavity 591 is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.8 to ensure the flow performance of the working fluid within the working fluid pipe connector 510.
[0093] Furthermore, in the third type of embodiment, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the limiting protrusion 517 has an abutment surface 593 for abutting the valve sleeve 526. The mounting tube 515 forms a second cavity 592 located between the abutment surface 593 and the first valve port 516. In the third position, the plug 529 is located in the second cavity 592, and the length-to-diameter ratio of the second cavity 592 is greater than or equal to 0.8. Specifically, the length-to-diameter ratio of the second cavity 592 refers to the ratio of the length L2 of the second cavity 592 in the axial direction of the mounting tube 515 to the maximum diameter of the second cavity 592. When the length-to-diameter ratio of the second cavity 592 is too small, the flow capacity of the working fluid in the second cavity 592 is poor, and when the female connector 520 is in the open state, the plug 529 is located in the second cavity 592, which will affect the flow of the working fluid in the quick-connect fitting of the working fluid tube. Therefore, in this embodiment, the length-to-diameter ratio of the second cavity 592 is controlled to be greater than or equal to 0.8 to ensure the flow performance of the working fluid in the quick-connect fitting of the working fluid tube.
[0094] This invention also proposes a connecting pipe assembly, which includes a working fluid pipe assembly. The working fluid pipe assembly includes a quick-connect fitting, the specific structure of which is described in the above embodiments. Since this connecting pipe assembly adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here. The working fluid pipe assembly is used to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of an air conditioner.
[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting pipe assembly further includes: an electrical wire, a water pipe, and cable ties for binding the working fluid pipe assembly, the electrical wire, and the water pipe. The cable ties are used to connect the working fluid pipe assembly, the electrical wire, and the water pipe together, serving to organize the wiring. The working fluid pipe assembly includes a rubber hose, which is connected to the working fluid pipe quick-connect fitting 500. Because the rubber hose, the electrical wire, and the water pipe are all flexible, the connecting pipe assembly has good bending performance, facilitating installation according to the on-site construction conditions. In addition, the connecting pipe assembly also has good shock absorption function, which helps to reduce noise.
[0096] This invention also proposes an automotive air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a connecting pipe assembly. The specific structure of the connecting pipe assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this connecting pipe assembly adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here. The indoor unit is installed inside the vehicle body; the outdoor unit is installed on the outer surface of the vehicle body; and the connecting pipe assembly passes through the vehicle body to connect the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
[0097] Furthermore, the automotive air conditioner also includes a working fluid, and the working fluid pipe assembly is used to transport the working fluid. The working fluid's operating pressure is less than or equal to 5 MPa. More specifically, the refrigerant is R134a type refrigerant, which is characterized by its low pressure. Of course, the refrigerant in this embodiment can also be R410A type refrigerant, R22 type refrigerant, etc. Specifically, R22 type refrigerant mainly includes CHClF2, R410A type refrigerant mainly includes difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane, R32 type refrigerant mainly includes CH2F2, and R134a type refrigerant mainly includes CH2FCF3. The components of the above-mentioned refrigerants all include small organic molecules. These small organic molecules can easily enter organic materials. Therefore, this application uses a multi-layered hose, which not only has good flexibility and shock absorption performance, but also better sealing performance. This helps to reduce or avoid the escape of small molecule refrigerants. Moreover, the working pressure of R134a refrigerant is low, and it is not easy for it to escape through the hose. Therefore, the hose in this embodiment is used to pass R134a refrigerant.
[0098] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A quick-connect fitting for a working fluid pipe, characterized in that, include: A male connector, the outer surface of which is threaded; A female connector, comprising a tube and a nut connected to the outer surface of the tube, the tube extending into the male connector, the tube sealingly abutting against the male connector, and the nut being threadedly connected to the male connector; The end of the nut away from the male connector has a flange extending toward the axis of the nut, and the flange is looped around the insertion tube in a ring shape; The outer surface of the insertion tube is provided with a convex ring, the convex ring is arranged around the axis of the insertion tube, the convex ring is located on the side of the flange close to the male connector, and the outer diameter of the convex ring is larger than the inner diameter of the flange; The surface of the convex ring away from the flange is adapted to the end face of the male connector near the flange, so that when the male connector and the female connector are assembled, the convex ring is in contact with the end face of the male connector near the flange; The flange is rotatably fitted onto the insertion tube so that the rotation of the nut is not restricted by the insertion tube; The surface of the convex ring near the flange is adapted to the annular surface of the flange near the male connector, so that the convex ring fits against the annular surface when the male connector and the female connector are assembled. The convex ring is close to the surface of the flange and extends towards the insertion tube along the direction from the male connector to the flange.
2. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flange near the annular surface of the male connector is adapted to the end face of the male connector near the flange, so that when the male connector and the female connector are assembled, the end face of the male connector fits against the annular surface.
3. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The male connector is located near the end face of the flange and extends off-center from the axis of the male connector in the direction from the male connector to the flange.
4. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The male connector includes: A flow supply section, wherein the inner diameter of the flow supply section is smaller than the outer diameter of the cannula; and, A connecting section is connected to the end of the supply section near the female connector. The inner diameter of the connecting section is larger than the inner diameter of the supply section. A first stepped surface is formed at the connection between the supply section and the connecting section. The insertion tube is inserted into the connecting section, and the end of the insertion tube abuts against the first stepped surface.
5. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The male connector also includes an installation section, which is connected to the end of the mating section away from the supply section. The inner diameter of the installation section is larger than the inner diameter of the mating section. A first sealing ring is provided in the installation section, and the first sealing ring is in sealing contact with both the insertion tube and the installation section.
6. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The male connector includes: The mounting tube has a thread on its outer surface and a first valve port formed inside it. A piston, installed inside the mounting tube, movably seals the first valve port; and, A first elastic reset element is installed inside the mounting tube. The first elastic reset element is connected to the piston to drive the piston to seal the first valve port. The female connector also includes a push pin disposed inside the insertion tube, the push pin being used to abut against the piston, the piston having a first position for abutting against the push pin to open the first valve port, and a second position for closing the first valve port.
7. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The piston is slidably mounted inside the mounting tube along the axial direction of the mounting tube.
8. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first elastic reset member includes: A spring seat is connected to the mounting tube, and the spring seat is located on the side of the first valve port away from the insertion tube; A first spring, one end of which is connected to the spring seat and the other end of which is connected to the piston.
9. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The piston has a protruding abutment block on its surface. The abutment block is located between the spring seat and the first valve port. The first spring is sleeved on the piston, and the end of the first spring away from the spring seat is connected to the abutment block.
10. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The cannula includes: base tube; and A valve sleeve, part of which is disposed inside the base tube, is slidably disposed along the axial direction of the base tube, is sealed to the insertion tube, is fitted with the ejector pin, and has a second valve port formed at one end of the valve sleeve away from the base tube. The ejector pin has a plug adapted to the second valve port, and the plug is located on the side of the valve sleeve away from the base tube. A second elastic reset element is installed inside the base tube. The second elastic reset element is connected to the valve sleeve to drive the valve sleeve to connect with the plug. The inner surface of the mounting tube forms a limiting protrusion, which is used to abut against the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a third position that abuts against the limiting protrusion to open the second valve port, and a fourth position that abuts against the plug.
11. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The second elastic reset member includes: A fixing bracket is installed on the inner surface of the base tube, and the ejector pin is connected to the fixing bracket; A second spring, one end of which is connected to the valve sleeve and the other end of which is connected to the fixing bracket, is located on the side of the fixing bracket closer to the male connector.
12. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The outer surface of the base tube is provided with a mounting groove, and the end of the nut away from the male connector is at least partially rotatably disposed in the mounting groove.
13. The quick-connect fitting for the working fluid pipe as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The mounting tube has a first cavity located between the spring seat and the first valve port; The limiting protrusion has an abutting surface for abutting the valve sleeve, and the mounting tube also forms a second cavity located between the abutting surface and the first valve port. In the third working position, the plug is located in the second cavity. The aspect ratio of the first cavity and the second cavity is greater than or equal to 0.
8.
14. A connecting pipe assembly, characterized in that, include: A working fluid tube assembly, the working fluid tube assembly including the working fluid tube quick connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, the working fluid tube assembly being used to connect an indoor unit of an air conditioner and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.
15. The connecting pipe assembly as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The connecting pipe assembly also includes: an electrical wire, a drain pipe, and cable ties for binding the working fluid pipe assembly, the electrical wire, and the water pipe.
16. An automotive air conditioner, characterized in that, The automotive air conditioning system includes: An indoor unit for air conditioning, used for installation inside a car. Air conditioner outdoor unit, for installation on the exterior surface of a vehicle; and, A working fluid tube assembly, the working fluid tube assembly including a working fluid tube quick connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, the working fluid tube assembly being used to pass through the vehicle body to connect the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.
Citation Information
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