Connector assembly

Abstract

The present application provides a connector assembly including a female connector and a male connector for mating with the female connector. The female connector includes a housing, a first barrel received in and fixed to the housing, and a locking sleeve rotatably sleeved outside the first barrel and including guide grooves and locking grooves connected to each other provided on a circumferential wall thereof. The male connector includes an outer shell and a second barrel received in and fixed to the outer shell and including locking protrusions provided on an outer circumference thereof. The locking protrusions are adapted to move along the guide grooves and rotate the locking sleeve when the second barrel is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel until the locking protrusions enter the locking grooves, and are adapted to engage with the locking grooves after entering the locking grooves to prevent the second barrel from being separated from the locking sleeve. The connector assembly according to the present application can facilitate the mating and locking of the female connector and the male connector in a smaller installation space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application generally relates to a connector assembly for establishing fluid communication. BACKGROUND

[0002] The connector assembly can be used in many different application scenarios to establish fluid communication between fluid lines.

[0003] The connector assembly generally comprises a female connector and a male connector each directly or indirectly coupled with a fluid line, the male connector can be inserted into the female connector and establish fluid communication between the fluid lines. In some application scenarios, it is required that the connector assembly has a bidirectional shut-off function to avoid fluid in the fluid lines flowing out through the female and male connectors when the female and male connectors are disconnected. In other application scenarios, for example in the case of battery packs applied to new energy vehicles, it is desired to quickly and conveniently complete the docking of the female and male connectors in a small installation space. In addition, the application scenarios of the connector assembly with the bidirectional shut-off function are more, and it is desired to expand the compatibility of the connector assembly to various application scenarios. At present, there are still many challenges in developing a connector assembly capable of achieving the above functions. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to propose an improved connector assembly to achieve one or more of the above functions.

[0005] The present application provides a connector assembly comprising a female connector and a male connector for mating with the female connector. The female connector comprises a housing, a first barrel defining a first axial direction, the first barrel being at least partially received in and fixed to the housing, a valve unit at least partially disposed in the first barrel, and a locking sleeve rotatably sleeved outside the first barrel, at least a portion of the locking sleeve being limited between the housing and the first barrel in the first axial direction, the locking sleeve comprising a guide groove and a locking groove connected to each other disposed on a circumferential wall thereof. The male connector comprises an outer shell, a second barrel defining a second axial direction, the second barrel being at least partially received in and fixed to the outer shell, the second barrel being configured to be inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel in the first axial direction, the second barrel comprising a locking protrusion disposed on an outer periphery thereof, and a valve assembly at least partially disposed in the second barrel. The locking protrusion is adapted to move along the guide groove and rotate the locking sleeve until the locking protrusion enters the locking groove when the second barrel is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel. The locking protrusion is adapted to engage with the locking groove to prevent the second barrel from being separated from the locking sleeve after entering the locking groove due to the interaction between the valve assembly and the valve unit.

[0006] By rotatably disposing the locking sleeve, the mating and locking of the female connector and the male connector can be achieved by a straight insertion when the female connector and the male connector are mated. This straight insertion requires less operation space and is convenient to operate. In addition, the housing of the female connector does not need to be rotated, and the rotation resistance of the fluid pipeline connected to the housing of the female connector can be reduced, and the connection stress between the housing of the female connector and the fluid pipeline can also be reduced.

[0007] According to the above technical concept, the present application can further comprise any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0008] In some optional forms, the housing has a first limiting portion, the first barrel has a second limiting portion disposed on an outer periphery thereof, and the locking sleeve has a shoulder portion extending radially inward, wherein the shoulder portion is limited between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

[0009] In some optional forms, the locking sleeve has a first end portion and a second end portion, the guide groove extends from the first end portion toward the second end portion, and the guide groove has an entrance end at the first end portion and an exit end away from the first end portion.

[0010] In some optional forms, the guide groove is in the shape of an arc.

[0011] In some optional forms, an included angle between a first radial direction of the locking sleeve pointing to the inlet end and a second radial direction of the locking sleeve pointing to the outlet end is less than 90°.

[0012] In some optional forms, the included angle is 30° to 60°.

[0013] In some optional forms, the included angle is 45°.

[0014] In some optional forms, the locking groove extends along the first axial direction, at least a portion of the locking groove extending from the outlet end of the guide groove towards the first end portion of the locking sleeve.

[0015] In some optional forms, the locking groove has a positioning end and a locking end opposite to each other, the positioning end and the locking end being located on two sides of the outlet end of the guide groove respectively, the locking end being closer to the first end portion of the locking sleeve than the positioning end, the locking protrusion being adapted to move along the guide groove and enter the positioning end when the second cylinder is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first cylinder, the locking protrusion being adapted to move from the positioning end to the locking end and engage with the locking end after entering the locking groove due to the interaction between the valve assembly and the valve unit.

[0016] In some optional forms, the housing comprises a first sleeve section and a second sleeve section, the first sleeve section and the second sleeve section being configured to be respectively cooperable with the first cylinder and the second cylinder; and the shell comprises a third sleeve section and a fourth sleeve section, the third sleeve section and the fourth sleeve section being configured to be respectively cooperable with the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In this way, the manufacturing cost, particularly the mold cost, of the connector assembly can be significantly reduced while providing a plurality of configurations of the connector assembly and expanding the application range of the connector assembly.

[0017] In some optional forms, the housing comprises a first connection section in the form of a hose connection section or a threaded connection section; and / or the shell comprises a second connection section in the form of a hose connection section or a threaded connection section.

[0018] In some optional forms, the housing and the first cylinder are fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping and / or welding; and / or the shell and the second cylinder are fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping and / or welding.

[0019] In some alternatives, the first barrel has a spigot end defining a port, the valve unit includes a valve core and a resilient member, the valve core is movable along the first axial direction between a first closed position and a first open position, the resilient member biases the valve core towards the first closed position, wherein the valve core blocks the port when in the first closed position to close a flow path of the female connector, the valve core opens the flow path of the female connector when in the first open position.

[0020] In some alternatives, the spigot end defines a first inner peripheral ramp and a second inner peripheral ramp, an inner peripheral surface of the port, the first inner peripheral ramp and the second inner peripheral ramp successively abut in the first axial direction, the first inner peripheral ramp and the second inner peripheral ramp are configured to guide a seal embedded in an outer peripheral of the valve core to move in the first axial direction into sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the port, wherein the first inner peripheral ramp and the second inner peripheral ramp respectively have a first angle and a second angle with the first axial direction, the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0021] In some alternatives, the first angle is 5° to 15°.

[0022] In some alternatives, the valve assembly includes a valve stem, a sliding sleeve and a resilient element, the valve stem includes a valve stem head and a valve stem base at two ends thereof respectively, the sliding sleeve is sleeved outside the valve stem within the second barrel and is slidable along the second axial direction between a second closed position and a second open position, two ends of the resilient element abut against the sliding sleeve and the valve stem base respectively to bias the sliding sleeve towards the second closed position, wherein the sliding sleeve blocks an annular gap between the second barrel and the valve stem head when in the second closed position to close a flow path of the male connector, the sliding sleeve opens the flow path of the male connector when in the second open position.

[0023] In some alternatives, the valve stem base includes a base body provided with a through hole therethrough for fluid to flow through, a protrusion extending from a center of the base body away from the valve stem head, the protrusion is tapered in a direction away from the valve stem head.

[0024] In some alternatives, the protrusion is semi-ellipsoidal.

[0025] In some alternatives, the second barrel includes a second barrel body, the locking protrusion is made of metal, the second barrel body is made of plastic, the second barrel body and the locking protrusion are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0026] The connector assembly according to the present application can facilitate the docking and locking of the female connector and the male connector in a smaller operation space, and can be adapted to various application scenarios with low cost changes in configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present application will be better understood from the following detailed description of optional embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like or similar elements, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3A is a sectional view of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a partial enlarged view of

[0032] Figures 4A-4C are a perspective view, a front view and a sectional view, respectively, of a housing of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a first barrel of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are perspective views of a locking sleeve of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application, viewed from different angles;

[0035] Figure 6C is a front view of the locking sleeve of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a spool of the female connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a male connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 9is a cross-sectional view of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 10A and Figure 10B are perspective views of a housing of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, from different angles;

[0040] Figure 10C and Figure 10D are front view and cross-sectional view of a housing of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively;

[0041] Figure 11A and Figure 11B are perspective view and front view of a second barrel of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively;

[0042] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are perspective view and front view of a valve stem of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively;

[0043] Figure 13A and Figure 13B are perspective view and front view of a sliding sleeve of a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively;

[0044] Figures 14A-14C are perspective view, front view and cross-sectional view of a female connector and a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, when disconnected from each other;

[0045] Figures 15A-15C are perspective view, front view and cross-sectional view of a female connector and a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, when initially contacting each other during mating;

[0046] Figures 16A-16C are perspective view, front view and cross-sectional view of a female connector and a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, when a locking protrusion is moving along a guide groove during mating;

[0047] Figures 17A-17C are perspective view, front view and cross-sectional view of a female connector and a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, when a locking protrusion enters a positioning end of a locking groove during mating;

[0048] Figures 18A-18C are perspective view, front view and cross-sectional view of a female connector and a male connector of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present application, respectively, when locked to each other, wherein a locking protrusion is engaged with a locking end of a locking groove;

[0049] Figures 19A-19C A perspective view, a front view and a sectional view of a connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present application are shown, respectively;

[0050] Figures 20A-20C A perspective view, a front view and a sectional view of a connector assembly according to a third embodiment of the present application are shown, respectively;

[0051] Figures 21A-21C A perspective view, a front view and a sectional view of a connector assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present application are shown, respectively; and

[0052] Figures 22A-22C A perspective view, a front view and a sectional view of a connector assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present application are shown, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The implementations of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated that the particular implementations discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the application and do not limit the scope of the application. In describing and claiming the present application, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. Structure positions in the description such as upper, lower, top, bottom, and the like are relative and are described based on the orientation of the various components as shown in the drawings. When the positions of the various components are changed in the drawings, the directional terms are changed accordingly.

[0054] In the present application, the axial direction of a cylindrical or ring-shaped component refers to the direction along the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of the cylindrical or ring-shaped component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component, and the radial direction of the cylindrical or ring-shaped component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0055] Figures 1-18C A connector assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1-3B and Figures 8A-9The connector assembly 10 comprises a female connector 100 and a male connector 200 for mating with the female connector 100. The female connector 100 comprises a housing 102, a first barrel 104, a valve unit 106 and a locking sleeve 108. The first barrel 104 defines a first axial direction Al, and is at least partially received within and fixed to the housing 102. The valve unit 106 is at least partially disposed within the first barrel 104. The locking sleeve 108 is rotatably sleeved outside the first barrel 104. At least a portion of the locking sleeve 108 is limited between the housing 102 and the first barrel 104 in the first axial direction Al. The locking sleeve 108 comprises a guide groove 110 and a locking groove 112 which are connected to each other on a circumferential wall thereof. The male connector 200 comprises an outer shell 202, a second barrel 204 and a valve assembly 206. The second barrel 204 defines a second axial direction A2, and is at least partially received within and fixed to the outer shell 202. The second barrel 204 is configured to be inserted between the locking sleeve 108 and the first barrel 104 along the first axial direction Al. The second barrel 204 comprises a locking protrusion 208 disposed on an outer periphery thereof. The valve assembly 206 is at least partially disposed within the second barrel 204. The locking protrusion 208 is adapted to move along the guide groove 110 and rotate the locking sleeve 108 when the second barrel 204 is inserted between the locking sleeve 108 and the first barrel 104 until the locking protrusion 208 enters the locking groove 112. The locking protrusion 208 is adapted to engage with the locking groove 112 to prevent the second barrel 204 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 108 after entering the locking groove 112 due to the interaction between the valve assembly 206 and the valve unit 106.

[0057] Figures 2A-7B The female connector 100 of the connector assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present application and its individual components are shown. The housing 102, the first barrel 104 and the locking sleeve 108 of the female connector 100 can all be formed by injection molding.

[0058] With reference to Figure 3A and Figures 4A-4C The housing 102 of the female connector 100 can be substantially cylindrical in shape, and comprises a first connecting section 114, a first sleeve section 116 and a second sleeve section 118 which are connected to each other in the first axial direction Al. The first connecting section 114 can be directly connected with a fluid line to be in fluid communication with the fluid line. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting section 114 can be in the form of a hose connecting section to be directly connected with a hose (not shown). The first connecting section 114 comprises a plurality of circumferential annular flanges 120 on an outer periphery thereof, and the hose can be sleeved outside the first connecting section 114 and retained in connection with the housing 102 by the annular flanges 120.

[0059] With reference toFigure 5A and Figure 5B The first barrel 104 of the female connector 100 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a fixed end 122 and a plug-in end 124 in the first axial direction A1. The plug-in end 124 of the first barrel 104 defines a port 126 (see Figure 18C ).

[0060] With reference to Figure 3A and Figure 4C , in the illustrated embodiment, the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100 is at least partially received within the first sleeve section 116 of the housing 102 and is fixed to the first sleeve section 116 of the housing 102.

[0061] The first sleeve section 116 of the housing 102 is configured to cooperate with the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104. Optionally, the first sleeve section 116 can be interference fit with the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104, such that the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104 is fixed to the first sleeve section 116.

[0062] Optionally, the first sleeve section 116 and the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104 can be further fixed to each other by welding along the circumferential direction to provide higher fixing strength and to achieve sealing between the first sleeve section 116 and the first barrel 104, thereby reducing the use of sealing members and saving costs.

[0063] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3A and Figure 4C , the outer peripheral surface of the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104 can be provided with a first positioning protrusion 128, and correspondingly, the inner peripheral surface of the first sleeve section 116 can be provided with a first positioning recess 130, the first positioning protrusion 128 can be clamped with the first positioning recess 130 to improve the fixing strength of the first barrel 104 and the first sleeve section 116.

[0064] It can be understood that the housing 102 and the first barrel 104 can be fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping, welding, and any combination thereof.

[0065] In addition, with reference to Figure 3A , Figure 4C and Figure 14C , the second sleeve section 118 of the housing 102 is configured to cooperate with the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200. In other words, according to actual application requirements, for example, in the case that the outer shell of the male connector 200 needs to have a hose connecting section, the housing 102 of the female connector 100 can also be used as the outer shell of the male connector 200 to assemble and fix the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200, without the need to re-open the mold to manufacture the outer shell of the male connector 200 with the hose connecting section.

[0066] Thus, the first and second sleeve sections 116 and 118 of the housing 102 can be respectively matched with the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100 and the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200, which can reduce the injection mold required in the manufacturing process of the connector assembly 10, and significantly reduce the manufacturing cost, which will be further described below.

[0067] The diameters of the first connecting section 114, the first sleeve section 116 and the second sleeve section 118 can be increased in sequence, so as to form a first inner step portion 132 between the first connecting section 114 and the first sleeve section 116, and a second inner step portion 134 between the first sleeve section 116 and the second sleeve section 118. The first inner step portion 132 can be used to limit the first barrel 104 when the first sleeve section 116 is matched with the first barrel 104.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B and Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the illustrated embodiment, the valve unit 106 can be arranged in the first barrel 104. The valve unit 106 can include a valve core 136 and an elastic member 138. The valve core 136 is movable along the first axial direction A1 between a first closed position (A1a) and a first open position (A1b). The elastic member 138 biases the valve core 136 towards the first closed position. Wherein the valve core 136 blocks the port 126 when in the first closed position to close the flow path of the female connector 100, and the valve core 136 opens the flow path of the female connector 100 when in the first open position. Figure 3B Figure 18C

[0069] The valve core 136 can include a valve core head 140 and a bracket 142. A seal 144 can be arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the valve core head 140 and the inner peripheral surface of the first barrel 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal 144 is embedded in the outer periphery of the valve core head 140 for sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the port 126 of the plug end 124. The valve core 136 can be injection molded.

[0070] ​​One end of the elastic member 138 can abut against the bracket 142 of the valve core 136, and the other end of the elastic member 138 can abut against the first inner step portion 132 of the housing 102, thereby biasing the valve core 136 towards the first closed position of the plugging port 126. When the valve core 136 is biased in the first closed position by the elastic member 138, the valve core head 140 is in sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the port 126, so that the fluid path of the female connector 100 is closed. When the valve core 136 is subjected to an external force of pushing in the first axial direction Al, the valve core 136 can move away from the port 126 to the first open position against the elastic force of the elastic member 138, so that the flow path of the female connector 100 is opened. The elastic member 138 can be in the form of a coil spring.

[0071] As shown in Figure 18C , when the valve core 136 is in the first open position, fluid can enter the interior of the first barrel 104 from the port 126 of the first barrel 104, flow through the gap between the first barrel 104 and the valve core 136, and then flow into the fluid line (not shown) coupled with the female connector 100, and vice versa.

[0072] Referring back to Figure 3B , the inner periphery of the spigot end 124 can define a first inner peripheral slope 146 and a second inner peripheral slope 148, the inner peripheral surface of the port 126, the first inner peripheral slope 146 and the second inner peripheral slope 148 are sequentially connected in the first axial direction Al, and the first inner peripheral slope 146 and the second inner peripheral slope 148 are used to guide the seal 144 embedded in the outer periphery of the valve core 136 to move in the first axial direction Al to sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the port 126. The first inner peripheral slope 146 and the second inner peripheral slope 148 are respectively inclined at a first angle and a second angle with respect to the first axial direction Al, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle. The first angle can be, for example, 5° to 15°. By guiding the seal 144 of the valve core 136 into the port 126 through two inner peripheral slopes with smaller angles with respect to the first axial direction Al, the elastic force provided by the elastic member 138 required for the valve core 136 to move from the first open position to the first closed position of the plugging port 126 can be reduced. On the one hand, since only a smaller elastic force needs to be provided by the elastic member 138, the service life of the elastic member 138 can be improved, thereby improving the service life of the female connector 100; on the other hand, it allows the use of an elastic member 138 with a lower elastic coefficient to reset the valve core 136 to the first closed position, which makes the assembly of the female connector 100 easier.

[0073] Referring to Figure 3A , Figure 4C , Figure 5A andFigures 6A-6C The locking sleeve 108 of the female connector 100 can be coaxially sleeved outside the first barrel 104 in a rotatable manner.

[0074] The locking sleeve 108 has a first end 150 and a second end 152. The locking sleeve 108 can also have a shoulder 154 extending radially inward. The housing 102 can have a first limiting portion 156. The first barrel 104 can have a second limiting portion 158 arranged on the outer periphery thereof. The shoulder 154 of the locking sleeve 108 can be limited between the first limiting portion 156 and the second limiting portion 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting portion 156 of the housing 102 can be an axial end of the housing 102, the second limiting portion 158 of the first barrel 104 can be in the form of an annular flange, and the shoulder 154 of the locking sleeve 108 can be annular in shape and located at the second end 152 of the locking sleeve 108.

[0075] The locking sleeve 108 can include a guide groove 110 and a locking groove 112 passing through the circumferential wall thereof and connected to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide groove 110 can extend from the first end 150 toward the second end 152 and be arc-shaped. The guide groove 110 can have an entry end 160 located at the first end 150 of the locking sleeve 108 and an exit end 162 away from the first end 150.

[0076] The locking groove 112 can extend along the first axial direction Al, at least a portion of the locking groove 112 extending from the exit end 162 of the guide groove 110 toward the first end 150 of the locking sleeve 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking groove 112 has a positioning end 164 and a locking end 166 opposite to each other. The positioning end 164 and the locking end 166 are located on two sides of the exit end 162 of the guide groove 110, respectively. The locking end 166 is closer to the first end 150 of the locking sleeve 108 than the positioning end 164.

[0077] Referring to Figures 14A-18C When the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200 is inserted between the locking sleeve 108 and the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100 under the action of an external force, the locking protrusion 208 can move along the guide groove 110 and enter the positioning end 164. The locking protrusion 208 is adapted to move from the positioning end 164 to the locking end 166 and engage with the locking end 166 after entering the locking groove 112 due to the interaction of the valve assembly 206 and the valve unit 106 and the tendency of the two to separate from each other, thereby locking the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 to each other, which will be described in detail below.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6B and Figure 6CThe included angle between the first radial direction R1 of the locking sleeve 108 pointing to the inlet end 160 and the second radial direction R2 of the locking sleeve 108 pointing to the outlet end 162 is less than 90°, preferably, the included angle is 30° to 60°, more preferably, the included angle is 45°.

[0079] If the included angle is too large, the locking protrusion 208 will be blocked when moving along the guide groove 110, resulting in that the locking sleeve 108 cannot be rotated in place, and further resulting in that the locking protrusion 208 cannot enter the locking groove 112 to achieve final locking. If the included angle is too small, the substantially triangular wall portion of the locking sleeve 108 between the guide groove 110 and the locking groove 112 and the first end portion 150 will be relatively weak, which cannot meet the pull-out force resistance requirement of the connector assembly 10. Thus, in the case that the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 have been locked to each other, if the male connector 200 is subjected to an accidental pulling force, the locking sleeve 108 can be damaged under the action of the pulling force, and further resulting in that the male connector 200 and the female connector 100 are disconnected.

[0080] Referring back to Figure 3A When the female connector 100 is assembled, the locking sleeve 108 can be first sleeved on the outside of the first barrel 104, then the valve unit 106 is placed in the first barrel 104, and the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104 is inserted into the first sleeving section 116 of the housing 102, so that the shoulder portion 154 of the locking sleeve 108 is located between the first limiting portion 156 of the housing 102 and the second limiting portion 158 of the first barrel 104. Then, for example, the fixed end 122 of the first barrel 104 and the first sleeving section 116 of the housing 102 are welded together along the circumferential direction. Thus, the assembly of the female connector 100 is achieved. The above assembly process is only an example and is not limiting.

[0081] Figures 8A-13B The male connector 200 of the connector assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present application and its respective constituent parts are shown.

[0082] Referring back to Figures 10A-10DThe housing 202 of the male connector 200 can have a substantially cylindrical shape and include a second connecting section 210, a third sleeving section 212 and a fourth sleeving section 214 connected in sequence. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connecting section 210 can be in the form of a threaded connecting section and can be fixed to a device using the connector assembly 10, for example, to a battery pack of a new energy vehicle, for example, can be threadedly engaged with a threaded hole (not shown) in a shell wall of the battery pack. The housing 202 of the male connector 200 can be injection molded.

[0083] With reference to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The second barrel 204 can include a second barrel body 216 and a locking protrusion 208. The second barrel body 216 can have a substantially cylindrical shape and include a fixed end 218 and a plug-in end 220. The plug-in end 220 of the second barrel body 216 defines an opening 222. Optionally, the locking protrusion 208 can be made of metal, the second barrel body 216 can be made of plastic, and the second barrel body 216 and the locking protrusion 208 can be integrally formed by insert injection molding to improve the pull-out resistance of the connector assembly 10.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the second barrel 204 can include two locking protrusions 208 arranged opposite in the radial direction thereof. Correspondingly, the locking sleeve 108 of the female connector 100 can have two guide grooves 110 and two locking grooves 112 thereon.

[0085] With reference to Figure 9 The second barrel 204 of the male connector 200 is at least partially received in the fourth sleeving section 214 of the housing 202 and fixed to the fourth sleeving section 214 of the housing 202.

[0086] The fourth sleeving section 214 of the housing 202 is configured to cooperate with the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204. Optionally, the fourth sleeving section 214 can be interference-fitted with the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204, so that the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204 is fixed to the fourth sleeving section 214.

[0087] Optionally, the fourth sleeving section 214 and the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204 can be further fixed to each other by welding in the circumferential direction to provide higher fixing strength and achieve sealing between the fourth sleeving section 214 and the second barrel 204, thereby reducing the use of sealing members and saving costs.

[0088] Optionally, as Figure 9As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204 can be provided with a second positioning protrusion 224, and correspondingly, the circumferential wall of the fourth sleeving section 214 can be provided with a second positioning recess 226. The second positioning protrusion 224 and the second positioning recess 226 can be clamped with each other to improve the fixing strength of the fixed end 218 of the second barrel 204 and the fourth sleeving section 214.

[0089] It can be understood that the shell 202 and the second barrel 204 can be fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping, welding, and any combination thereof.

[0090] In addition, referring to Figure 9 , Figure 10D and Figure 14C , the third sleeving section 212 of the shell 202 is configured to be capable of cooperating with the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100. In other words, according to actual application requirements, for example, in the case that the shell of the female connector 100 needs to have a threaded connecting section, the shell 202 of the male connector 200 can also be used as the shell of the female connector 100 to assemble and fix the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100, without the need to re-open the mold to manufacture the shell with a threaded connecting section for the female connector 100.

[0091] Thus, the third sleeving section 212 and the fourth sleeving section 214 of the shell 202 are capable of cooperating with the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100 and the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200 respectively, which can reduce the injection mold required in the manufacturing process of the connector assembly 10, and significantly reduce the manufacturing cost, which will be further described below.

[0092] The diameters of the second connecting section 210, the third sleeving section 212, and the fourth sleeving section 214 can increase in sequence, thereby forming a third inner step 228 between the second connecting section 210 and the third sleeving section 212, and forming a fourth inner step 230 between the third sleeving section 212 and the fourth sleeving section 214. The fourth inner step 230 can be used to limit the second barrel 204 when the fourth sleeving section 214 cooperates with the second barrel 204.

[0093] In addition, an outer step 232 is also formed between the second connecting section 210 and the third sleeving section 212. Figure 10D The outer step 232 can be embedded with a sealing member 234 (see Figure 9 ) to realize the sealed connection of the shell 202 and the shell wall of the battery pack of the new energy vehicle, for example.

[0094] Referring to Figure 9The valve assembly 206 of the male connector 200 includes a valve stem 236, a sliding sleeve 238, and a resilient element 240. The valve stem 236 includes a valve stem head 241 and a valve stem base 242 at two ends thereof, respectively. The sliding sleeve 238 is sleeved outside the valve stem 236 within the second barrel 204 and is slidable along the second axial direction A2 between a second closed position and a second open position. The two ends of the resilient element 240 abut against the sliding sleeve 238 and the valve stem base 242, respectively, to bias the sliding sleeve 238 towards the second closed position. Wherein, the sliding sleeve 238 blocks an annular gap between the second barrel 204 and the valve stem head 241 when in the second closed position to close the flow path of the male connector 200, and the sliding sleeve 238 is in the second open position when the flow path of the male connector 200 is open. The valve stem 236 and the sliding sleeve 238 can be injection molded.

[0095] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 12A and Figure 12B The valve stem 236 can be positioned in the second barrel 204 along the second axial direction A2. The valve stem 236 can include the valve stem head 241, the valve stem base 242, and a valve stem middle portion 244 connecting the valve stem head 241 and the valve stem base 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve stem 236 is integrally formed.

[0096] The valve stem base 242 includes a base body 246 and a protrusion 248. The base body 246 can be provided with a through hole 250 therethrough for the fluid to flow through via the through hole 250. The protrusion 248 can extend from the center of the base body 246 along the second axial direction A2 away from the valve stem head 241. The protrusion 248 can taper in a direction away from the valve stem head 241 to prevent the cross-sectional size of the flow path of the male connector 200 from abruptly changing near the base body 246, thereby avoiding turbulence. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 248 can be semi-ellipsoidal. The valve stem middle portion 244 can be provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 252 to increase the strength of the valve stem 236.

[0097] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 13A and Figure 13B The sliding sleeve 238 is sleeved outside the valve stem 236 within the second barrel 204 and is slidable along the second axial direction A2 between a second closed position and a second open position. Seals 254, 256 are respectively provided between the outer peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 238 and the inner peripheral surface of the second barrel 204, and between the inner peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 238 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve stem head 241.

[0098] The two ends of the elastic element 240 abut against the inner stepped portion 258 of the sliding sleeve 238 and the valve stem base 242, respectively. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 240, the sliding sleeve 238 is biased towards the second closed position. A limiting protrusion 260 is provided on the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 238. A limiting surface 262 is provided on the inner periphery of the second cylinder 204. The limiting protrusion 260 and the limiting surface 262 can abut against each other to limit the sliding sleeve 238 to the second closed position, which is in sealing contact with the valve stem head 241. The elastic element 240 can be in the form of a helical spring.

[0099] When the sliding sleeve 238 is biased into the second closed position by the elastic element 240, the sliding sleeve 238 cooperates with the seals 254 and 256 to block the annular gap between the second cylinder 204 and the valve stem head 241, thereby closing the flow path of the male connector 200. When the sliding sleeve 238 is subjected to a pushing force along the second axial direction A2, the sliding sleeve 238 can resist the elastic force of the elastic element 240 and move away from the valve stem head 241 to the second open position, thereby opening the flow path of the male connector 200.

[0100] like Figure 18C As shown, when the sliding sleeve 238 is in the second open position, fluid can enter the housing 202 through the gap between the sliding sleeve 238 and the valve stem 236, then flow through the through hole 250 of the valve stem 236, and then flow into the fluid line (not shown) connected to the male connector 200. Similarly, fluid can also flow into the housing 202 from the fluid line connected to the male connector 200 in the opposite direction, and then flow out through the gap between the sliding sleeve 238 and the valve stem 236.

[0101] Return to reference Figure 9 When assembling the male connector 200, the valve assembly 206 can be placed inside the second cylinder 204 first, and the fixed end 218 of the second cylinder 204 can be inserted into the fourth socket section 214 of the housing 202. Then, for example, the fixed end 218 of the second cylinder 204 and the fourth socket section 214 of the housing 202 can be welded together with each other in the circumferential direction. This completes the assembly of the male connector 200. The above assembly process is merely an example and not a limitation.

[0102] The following is combined Figures 14A-18C The process of mating and locking the female connector 100 and male connector 200 of the connector assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] Figures 14A-14C The diagram shows the state when the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are disconnected from each other. At this time, the valve core 136 of the female connector 100 is in the first closed position, and the sliding sleeve 238 of the male connector 200 is in the second closed position.

[0104] When the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated to each other, as shown in FIG. 1, first, an operator can insert the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200 between the first barrel 104 and the locking sleeve 108 of the female connector 100, such that the locking protrusion 208 of the second barrel 204 is inserted into the entrance end 160 of the guide groove 110 of the locking sleeve 108. At this time, the valve stem 236 and the sliding sleeve 238 of the male connector 200 initially contact the valve core 136 and the spigot end 124 of the first barrel 104 of the female connector 100, respectively. Figures 15A-15C

[0105] As the second barrel 204 continues to be inserted, as shown in FIG. 2, the locking protrusion 208 will move along the guide groove 110 and rotate the locking sleeve 108. In this process, the valve stem 236 of the male connector 200 will push the valve core 136 from the first closed position toward the first open position against the elastic force of the elastic member 138 of the female connector 100, while the spigot end 124 of the female connector 100 will push the sliding sleeve 238 from the second closed position toward the second open position against the elastic force of the elastic element 240 of the male connector 200. Figures 16A-16C

[0106] Afterwards, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking protrusion 208 will enter the positioning end 164 of the locking groove 112. Since the positioning end 164 of the locking groove 112 is located on one side of the exit end 162 of the arc-shaped guide groove 110, there is a non-smooth transition between the exit end 162 of the guide groove 110 and the positioning end 164 of the locking groove 112, and the operator will get a tactile feedback when the locking protrusion 208 enters the positioning end 164 of the locking groove 112, at which time the insertion force can no longer be applied to the male connector 200. Figures 17A-17C Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 will have a tendency to separate from each other under the elastic force of the elastic member 138 and the elastic element 240, respectively, such that the locking protrusion 208 of the male connector 200 moves from the positioning end 164 to the locking end 166 of the locking groove 112 and engages with the locking end 166 to hinder the second barrel 204 of the male connector 200 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 108, thereby achieving the mutual locking of the female connector 100 and the male connector 200. At this time, the valve core 136 of the female connector 100 is in the first open position, the sliding sleeve 238 of the male connector 200 is in the second open position, and the flow paths of the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are both open and in fluid communication with each other.

[0107] Figures 18A-18C

[0108] ​​​​By rotatably arranging the locking sleeve 108, the mating and locking of the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 can be completed in a straight insertion manner when the female connector 100 and the male connector 200 are mated. This straight insertion manner, on the one hand, requires a smaller operation space and is convenient to operate, and is particularly suitable for use in a battery pack with a small internal space, such as a new energy vehicle. On the other hand, the shell 102 of the female connector 100 does not need to be rotated, and the rotational resistance brought by the fluid pipeline connected to the shell 102 of the female connector 100 when the shell 102 of the female connector 100 is rotated can be overcome, so that the connection stress between the shell 102 of the female connector 100 and the fluid pipeline connected thereto can be reduced.

[0109] Figures 19A-19C A connector assembly 10A according to a second embodiment of the application is shown. The connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment is basically identical to the connector assembly 10 according to the first embodiment, with the only difference being that the shell 102A of the female connector 100A and the first barrel 104A of the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment are fixed to each other by interference fit and welding, without a clamping structure for fixing the two, and similarly, the housing 202A of the male connector 200A and the second barrel 204A are fixed to each other by interference fit and welding, without a clamping structure for fixing the two. The same parts of the two embodiments will not be described again.

[0110] Figures 20A-20C A connector assembly 10B according to a third embodiment of the application is shown. The connector assembly 10B according to the third embodiment is basically identical to the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment, with the only difference being that the second connection section 210B of the housing 202B of the male connector 200B of the connector assembly 10B according to the third embodiment is in the form of a hose connection section, and the housing 202B of the male connector 200B and the shell 102B of the female connector 100B have the same configuration. The same parts of the two embodiments will not be described again.

[0111] Figures 21A-21C A connector assembly 10C according to a fourth embodiment of the application is shown. The connector assembly 10C according to the fourth embodiment is basically identical to the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment, with the only difference being that the first connection section 114C of the shell 102C of the female connector 100C of the connector assembly 10C according to the fourth embodiment is in the form of a threaded connection section, and the second connection section 210C of the housing 202C of the male connector 200C is in the form of a hose connection section. The same parts of the two embodiments will not be described again.

[0112] Figures 22A-22CA connector assembly 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present application is shown. The connector assembly 10D according to the fifth embodiment is substantially identical to the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment, with the only difference being that the first connecting section 114D of the housing 102D of the female connector 100D of the connector assembly 10D according to the fifth embodiment is in the form of a threaded connecting section, and the housing 102D of the female connector 100D and the outer shell 202D of the male connector 200D have the same configuration. The same parts of the two embodiments will not be described again.

[0113] With reference to Figures 19A-22C , the two-end connecting section configurations of the connector assemblies 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present application are different, and can be adapted to different application scenarios.

[0114] The connector assemblies 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present application have the same configuration for the parts other than the housing and the outer shell. Thus, when manufacturing the connector assemblies according to the second to fifth embodiments of the present application, the plastic parts of the connector assemblies other than the outer shell and the housing can share the injection mold.

[0115] Moreover, the outer shell and the housing of the connector assemblies 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D according to the second to fifth embodiments can also share the injection mold. Specifically, taking the second embodiment as an example, similar to the first embodiment, with reference to Figure 19C , the first sleeve section 116A and the second sleeve section 118A of the housing 102A of the female connector 100A of the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment are configured to be able to cooperate with the first barrel 104A of the female connector 100A and the second barrel 204A of the male connector 200A, respectively, and the third sleeve section 212A and the fourth sleeve section 214A of the outer shell 202A of the male connector 200A are able to cooperate with the first barrel 104A of the female connector 100A and the second barrel 204A of the male connector 200A, respectively. In other words, the housing 102A of the connector assembly 10A according to the second embodiment can cooperate with the first barrel 104A and / or the second barrel 204A according to actual requirements, to be used as the housing of the female connector and / or the outer shell of the male connector, and similarly, the outer shell 202A can also be used as the housing of the female connector and / or the outer shell of the male connector.

[0116] Thus, only the injection mold for the housing 102A and the outer shell 202A needs to be designed, for example Figures 19A-19CThe housing 102A and the shell 202A of the connector assembly 10 of the second embodiment are custom injection molded, for example, a first mold and a second mold for injection molding the housing 102A and the shell 202A, respectively, that meet the requirements of the connector assembly for the housing and the shell of the second embodiment to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the housing 102B and the shell 202B of the connector assembly 10B of the third embodiment can both have the same configuration as the housing 102A of the connector assembly 10A of the second embodiment and be manufactured with the first mold described above. The housing 102C and the shell 202C of the connector assembly 10C of the fourth embodiment can have the same configuration as the shell 202A and the housing 102A of the connector assembly 10A of the second embodiment, respectively, and be manufactured with the second mold and the first mold described above, respectively. The housing 102D and the shell 202D of the connector assembly 10D of the fifth embodiment can both have the same configuration as the shell 202A of the connector assembly 10A of the second embodiment and be manufactured with the second mold described above.

[0117] Thus, the number of custom molds required for manufacturing connector assemblies of various configurations can be significantly reduced, and since the cost of mold opening accounts for a considerable proportion of the cost of manufacturing plastic products, this can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of the connector assemblies while providing connector assemblies of various configurations and expanding the application range of the connector assemblies.

[0118] It should be understood that, Figures 1-22C It should be understood that,

[0119] The technical content and technical features of the present application have been disclosed above, however, it should be understood that, under the creative idea of the present application, those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the disclosed concepts, but all of them belong to the protection scope of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than limiting, and the protection scope of the present application is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (10) comprising a female connector (100) and a male connector (200) for mating with the female connector, characterized in that, the female connector comprises a housing (102), a first barrel (104) defining a first axial direction (Al), the first barrel being at least partially received in and fixed to the housing, a valve unit (106) at least partially disposed in the first barrel, and a locking sleeve (108) rotatably sleeved outside the first barrel, at least a portion of the locking sleeve being limited between the housing and the first barrel in the first axial direction, the locking sleeve comprising a guide groove (110) and a locking groove (112) disposed on a circumferential wall thereof and connected to each other; the male connector comprises an outer shell (202), a second barrel (204) defining a second axial direction (A2), the second barrel being at least partially received in and fixed to the outer shell, the second barrel being configured to be inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel along the first axial direction, the second barrel comprising a locking protrusion (208) disposed on an outer periphery thereof, and a valve assembly (206) at least partially disposed in the second barrel; wherein the locking protrusion is adapted to move along the guide groove and rotate the locking sleeve when the second barrel is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel until the locking protrusion enters the locking groove, wherein the locking protrusion is adapted to engage with the locking groove to prevent the second barrel from disengaging from the locking sleeve after entering the locking groove due to the interaction of the valve assembly and the valve unit; wherein the locking sleeve has a first end (150) and a second end (152), the guide groove extends from the first end towards the second end, the guide groove has an entry end (160) at the first end and an exit end (162) away from the first end, wherein the locking groove extends in the first axial direction, at least a portion of the locking groove extends from the exit end of the guide groove towards the first end of the locking sleeve, the locking groove has a positioning end (164) and a locking end (166) opposite to each other, the positioning end and the locking end are located on two sides of the exit end of the guide groove respectively, the exit end and the positioning end are not smoothly transitioned, the locking end is closer to the first end of the locking sleeve than the positioning end, wherein the locking protrusion is adapted to move along the guide groove and enter the positioning end when the second barrel is inserted between the locking sleeve and the first barrel, the locking protrusion is adapted to move from the positioning end to the locking end and engage with the locking end after entering the locking groove due to the interaction of the valve assembly and the valve unit.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The housing has a first limiting portion (156), the first barrel has a second limiting portion (158) arranged on the outer periphery thereof, and the locking sleeve has a shoulder portion (154) extending radially inward, wherein the shoulder portion is limited between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The guide groove is in an arc shape.

4. The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein, An included angle between a first radial direction (R1) of the locking sleeve pointing to the inlet end and a second radial direction (R2) of the locking sleeve pointing to the outlet end is less than 90°.

5. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein, The included angle is 30° to 60°.

6. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein, The included angle is 45°.

7. The connector assembly of any of claims 1-6, wherein, The housing comprises a first sleeve portion (116) and a second sleeve portion (118) configured to be respectively cooperated with the first barrel and the second barrel; and The housing comprises a third sleeve portion (212) and a fourth sleeve portion (214) configured to be respectively cooperated with the first barrel and the second barrel.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein, The housing comprises a first connecting portion (114) in the form of a hose connecting portion or a threaded connecting portion; and / or The housing comprises a second connecting portion (210) in the form of a hose connecting portion or a threaded connecting portion.

9. The connector assembly of any of claims 1-6, wherein, The housing and the first barrel are fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping and / or welding; and / or The housing and the second barrel are fixed to each other by interference fit, clamping and / or welding.

10. The connector assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The first barrel has a plug end (124) defining a port (126), The valve unit comprises a valve core (136) movable along the first axial direction between a first closed position and a first open position, and an elastic member (138) biasing the valve core towards the first closed position, Wherein, the valve core blocks the port when in the first closed position to close the flow path of the female connector, and the valve core opens the flow path of the female connector when in the first open position.

11. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein, The plug end defines a first inner peripheral inclined surface (146) and a second inner peripheral inclined surface (148), and an inner peripheral surface of the port, the first inner peripheral inclined surface and the second inner peripheral inclined surface are sequentially connected in the first axial direction, the first inner peripheral inclined surface and the second inner peripheral inclined surface are used to guide a seal (144) embedded on the outer periphery of the valve core to move to sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the port along the first axial direction, Wherein, the first inner peripheral inclined surface and the second inner peripheral inclined surface respectively form a first angle and a second angle with the first axial direction, and the first angle is less than the second angle.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first angle is 5° to 15°.

13. The connector assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The valve assembly comprises a valve stem (236) including a valve stem head (241) and a valve stem base (242) at two ends thereof respectively, a sliding sleeve (238) sleeved outside the valve stem within the second cylinder body and capable of sliding along the second axial direction between a second closed position and a second open position, and an elastic element (240) abutting against the sliding sleeve and the valve stem base at two ends thereof respectively to bias the sliding sleeve towards the second closed position, wherein the sliding sleeve blocks an annular gap between the second cylinder body and the valve stem head when in the second closed position to close the flow path of the male connector, and the flow path of the male connector is open when the sliding sleeve is in the second open position.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein, The valve stem base comprises: a base body (246) provided with a through hole (250) therethrough for fluid to flow through via the through hole; a protrusion (248) extending from the center of the base body away from the valve stem head, the protrusion being tapered in a direction away from the valve stem head.

15. The connector assembly of claim 14, wherein, The protrusion is semi-ellipsoidal.

16. The connector assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The second cylinder body comprises a second cylinder main body (216), the locking protrusion is made of metal, the second cylinder main body is made of plastic, and the second cylinder main body and the locking protrusion are integrally formed by insert injection molding.

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