Connecting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a connection device, which includes a main connector assembly and an extension connector assembly. The main connector assembly includes: a housing, which defines a fluid passage including a passage port and a communication opening, and a communication passage for communicating with the fluid passage; and a valve assembly, which is capable of switching between a first initial configuration in which the passage port is closed and the fluid passage communicates with the communication passage via the communication opening, and a first extended configuration in which the passage port is opened. The extension connector assembly includes an extension connector, and the extension connector includes: a housing, which includes a plug-in end and defines a fluid passage, and the plug-in end defines a passage port; and a valve unit, which is configured to be capable of switching between a second initial configuration in which the passage port is closed and a second extended configuration in which the passage port is opened. The plug-in end is adapted to be inserted into the passage port, so that the valve assembly and the valve unit are respectively switched to the first extended configuration and the second extended configuration, and the fluid passage is communicated with the fluid passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of connection devices, and specifically to connection devices for establishing fluid communication. Background Art

[0002] Connection devices are usually used for connecting pipelines, and have various structural forms. Connection devices have a wide range of applications in the vehicle field. For example, they can be applied to liquid and / or steam pipelines in vehicles, such as in the thermal management systems of new energy vehicles / autonomous vehicles.

[0003] Currently, the degree of vehicle intelligence is getting higher and higher. Drivers and passengers can interact with the vehicle through various intelligent systems installed in the vehicle to achieve intelligent functions such as autonomous driving. For intelligent systems that undertake huge data technology tasks (for example, advanced driver assistance systems, ADAS), they generate a large amount of heat by themselves and need to be equipped with a thermal management system for continuous thermal management. Since there is often a relatively mature thermal management system in the vehicle itself, how to extend the vehicle's own thermal management system to intelligent systems optionally selected according to customer needs, for example, is an urgent problem to be solved in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and propose an improved connection device.

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a connection device, the connection device comprising: a main connector assembly, the main connector assembly comprising: a housing, the housing defining at least two fluid channels and a communication channel for communicating the at least two fluid channels, the fluid channels including channel ports at their ends and communication openings on their circumferential sides; and a valve assembly, the valve assembly being disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration and a first extended configuration, wherein when the valve assembly is in the first initial configuration, the channel ports are closed and the fluid channels communicate with the communication channel via the communication openings, and when the valve assembly is in the first extended configuration, the channel ports are open; an extended connector assembly, the extended connector assembly including at least two extended connectors, each extended connector including: a housing, the housing including a plug end and defining a fluid passage, the plug end defining a passage port at the end of the fluid passage; and a valve unit, the valve unit being disposed within the housing and configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration that closes the passage port and a second extended configuration that opens the passage port; wherein the plug end is adapted to be inserted into the channel port so as to switch the valve assembly from the first initial configuration to the first extended configuration and the valve unit from the second initial configuration to the second extended configuration, thereby connecting the fluid channel and the fluid passage to each other.

[0006] By using the main connector assembly and the extended connector assembly in combination, the flow path of the fluid can be changed. This can conveniently achieve, for example, the expansion of a vehicle thermal management system and improve the flexibility of vehicle configuration.

[0007] According to the above technical concept, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0008] In some optional forms, when the valve assembly is in the first extended configuration, the communication openings are closed so that the fluid channels are disconnected from the communication channel.

[0009] In some optional forms, the valve assembly includes a sliding sleeve, the sliding sleeve being capable of moving along the fluid channel between a first initial position and a first extended position so as to switch the valve assembly between the first initial configuration and the first extended configuration accordingly.

[0010] In some optional forms, the sliding sleeve has opposite first and second axial ends, the first axial end closing the channel port when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position, and the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve closing the communication openings when the sliding sleeve is in the first extended position.

[0011] In some alternative forms, a sealing ring for making sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage is provided at the second axial end of the sliding sleeve.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the housing defines a channel communicating with the fluid passage and the communication passage, and the channel is arranged to enable the fluid between the sliding sleeve and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid passage to be discharged into the communication passage via the channel when the sliding sleeve returns from the first expanded position to the first initial position.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the channel is adjacent to the communication passage in the direction of the fluid passage and is closer to the passage port than the communication passage; wherein, the channel is arranged such that the channel faces the sealing ring when the sliding sleeve is in the first initial position.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the valve assembly further includes a valve stem and an elastic element. The valve stem is arranged inside the housing, and at least a part of the fluid passage including the passage port is defined between the valve stem and the housing. The sliding sleeve is sleeved outside the valve stem, and the elastic element is arranged to bias the sliding sleeve towards the first initial position.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the valve unit includes: a valve core that can move along the fluid passage between a second initial position of closing the passage port and a second expanded position of opening the passage port; and an elastic member that is arranged to bias the valve core towards the second initial position.

[0016] In some alternative forms, the housing of the main connector assembly includes a cylindrical section that defines at least a part of the fluid passage including the passage port. The cylindrical section includes a locking protrusion provided on its outer periphery; the housing of the extension connector includes a housing body and a cylinder. The cylinder is at least partially received inside the housing body and includes the plug end. The extension connector further includes a locking sleeve that is rotatably sleeved outside the cylinder. At least a part of the locking sleeve is restricted between the housing body and the cylinder in the axial direction of the cylinder. The locking sleeve includes a guiding groove and a locking groove that are connected to each other provided on its circumferential wall; wherein, the locking protrusion is adapted to move along the guiding groove and drive the locking sleeve to rotate when the cylindrical section is inserted between the locking sleeve and the cylinder until the locking protrusion enters the locking groove, and the locking protrusion is adapted to engage with the locking groove due to the interaction between the valve assembly and the valve unit to prevent the cylindrical section from disengaging from the locking sleeve.

[0017] In this way, when the main connector assembly and the extension connector assembly are assembled, the docking and locking of the main connector assembly and the extension connector assembly can be completed by a direct insertion method, and the direct insertion method requires less operating space and is convenient to operate.

[0018] In some alternative forms, the housing body has a first limiting portion, the cylinder body has a second limiting portion disposed on its outer periphery, and the locking sleeve has a shoulder extending radially inwardly, wherein the shoulder is restricted between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

[0019] In some alternative forms, the locking sleeve has a first end and a second end, the guiding groove is in an arc shape and extends from the first end towards the second end, and the guiding groove has an inlet end at the first end and an outlet end away from the first end.

[0020] The connecting device according to the present invention is convenient to assemble, requires little space, and can change the flow path of the fluid to, for example, achieve the expansion of the thermal management system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following alternative embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the main connector assembly of the connecting device;

[0024] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the extension connector assembly of the connecting device;

[0025] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D are respectively Figure 1 perspective view, plan view, cross-sectional view and partial cross-sectional view of the main connector assembly and the extension connector assembly of the connecting device when they are initially in contact with each other during the assembly process;

[0026] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C are respectively Figure 1 perspective view, plan view and cross-sectional view of the main connector assembly and the extension connector assembly of the connecting device when the locking protrusion moves along the guiding groove during the assembly process;

[0027] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C They are Figure 1 A perspective view, a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a main connector assembly and an extended connector assembly of a connecting device when a locking protrusion enters a positioning end of a locking groove during assembly;

[0028] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C They are Figure 1 A perspective view, a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a main connector assembly and an extension connector assembly of a connecting device of the present invention when locked to each other, wherein a locking protrusion engages with a locking end of a locking groove;

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a main connector assembly and an extension connector assembly of a connecting device during the process of being disassembled from each other;

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a main connector assembly of a connecting device;

[0031] Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C They are Figure 9 A perspective view, a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a first housing member of a housing of a main connector assembly;

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 an exploded view of an expansion connector assembly of a connection device; and

[0033] Figure 12A and Figure 12B They are Figure 11 A perspective view and a plan view of a locking sleeve of an expansion connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely exemplary of specific ways to implement and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. When describing the structural positions of the various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., the directional expressions are not absolute, but relative. When the various components are arranged as shown in the figure, these directional expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the various components in the figure change, these directional expressions also change accordingly.

[0035] In the present invention, the axial direction of a cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction along the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of the cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction along the perimeter of the component, and the radial direction of the cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0036] Figures 1 to 3 Shown is a connecting device 10 and its components according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A to 8 Shown is the process of assembling and disassembling a main connector assembly 100 and an extension connector assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9 to 10C Shown is the main connector assembly 100 and its component parts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11 to 12B Shown is the extension connector assembly 200 and its component parts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , the connecting device 10 may include a main connector assembly 100 and an extension connector assembly 200.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7C , the main connector assembly 100 includes: a housing 102 and a valve assembly 104. The housing 102 defines at least two fluid channels 106 and a communication channel 108 for communicating the at least two fluid channels 106. The fluid channels 106 include a first channel port 110 (see Figure 7C ) located at its end and a communication opening 112 located on its circumferential side. The valve assembly 104 is disposed within the housing 102 and is configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration (see Figure 2 ) and a first extended configuration (see Figure 7C ). Wherein, when the valve assembly 104 is in the first initial configuration, the first channel port 110 is closed and the fluid channel 106 is in communication with the communication channel 108 via the communication opening 112, and when the valve assembly 104 is in the first extended configuration, the first channel port 110 is open. The extension connector assembly 200 includes at least two extension connectors 202. Each extension connector 202 includes a housing 204 and a valve unit 206. The housing 204 includes a plug end 208 and defines a fluid passage 210. The plug end 208 defines a first passage port 212 (see Figure 11 ) at the end of the fluid passage 210. The valve unit 206 is disposed within the housing 204 and is configured to be switchable between a second initial configuration (see Figure 3 ) that closes the first passage port 212 and a second extended configuration (see Figure 7C) to switch therebetween. Wherein, the plug-in end 208 is adapted to be inserted into the first channel port 110, so that the valve assembly 104 is switched from the first initial configuration to the first extended configuration and the valve unit 206 is switched from the second initial configuration to the second extended configuration, thereby enabling the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 to communicate with each other.

[0039] Taking the connection device 10 applied to the thermal management system as an example, the main connector assembly 100 can be used alone to establish fluid communication of the main thermal management system through the fluid channel 106 and the communication channel 108. The extended connector assembly 200 can be used in cooperation with the main connector assembly 100 to introduce the fluid of the main thermal management system into the extended thermal management system through the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210. In this way, the extension of the thermal management system can be conveniently realized. For example, in the vehicle field, vehicle manufacturers can use the main connector assembly 100 in the basic vehicle configuration. If a user additionally selects an intelligent system (for example, an advanced driver assistance system, ADAS), the vehicle manufacturer can conveniently expand the thermal management system in the basic vehicle configuration through the extended connector assembly 200 to achieve the thermal management of the selected intelligent system, thereby endowing the vehicle configuration with flexibility to better meet the needs of different users.

[0040] Referring to Figure 2 、 Figure 9 and Figures 10A to 10B , the housing 102 of the main connector assembly 100 may include a first housing member 114 and a second housing member 116. The second housing member 116 and the first housing member 114 can be fixed together by interference fit, snap connection, welding, and any combination thereof, and jointly define a substantially linear fluid channel 106 including a first channel port 110 and a second channel port 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing member 116 and the first housing member 114 are fixed together by snap connection.

[0041] The first housing member 114 may have a substantially plate-shaped base 118 and a first cylindrical section 120 and a second cylindrical section 122 that are substantially perpendicular to the base 118 and extend in opposite directions. Wherein, the base 118 defines the communication channel 108, and the first cylindrical section 120 defines at least a part of the fluid channel 106 including the first channel port 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid channel 106 is substantially perpendicular to the communication channel 108. It can be understood that the fluid channel 106 and the communication channel 108 can also be at any other suitable angle. The second housing member 116 defines the second channel port 111, and the second channel port 111 can be in fluid communication with the main thermal management system as described above, for example.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes two first cylindrical sections 120, two second cylindrical sections 122, and two second housing members 116. The housing 102 can define two fluid channels 106. Such a configuration can enable thermal management expansion for, for example, one of the above-described optional intelligent systems. It can be understood that the housing 102 of the main connector assembly 100 can also include more than two first cylindrical sections 120, more than two second cylindrical sections 122, and more than two second housing members 116 to define more than two fluid channels 106 for more abundant thermal management expansion; correspondingly, the expansion connector assembly 200 can include more than two expansion connectors 202.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 9 , the valve assembly 104 of the main connector assembly 100 can be at least partially disposed within the first cylindrical section 120 and includes a valve stem 124, a sliding sleeve 126, and an elastic element 128.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 , the valve stem 124 can be positioned within the first cylindrical section 120 along the direction of the fluid channel 106. At least a portion of the fluid channel 106 including the first channel port 110 is defined between the valve stem 124 and the first cylindrical section 120.

[0045] The valve stem 124 can include a valve stem head 130, a valve stem base 132, and a valve stem middle 134 connecting the valve stem head 130 and the valve stem base 132. The valve stem head 130 and the first cylindrical section 120 jointly define the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106. A sealing ring 136 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve stem head 130 for sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 126.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 7C and Figure 8 , the sliding sleeve 126 is sleeved outside the valve stem 124 within the first cylindrical section 120. The sliding sleeve 126 is capable of moving between a first initial position (see Figure 2 ) and a first extended position (see Figure 7C ) along the direction of the fluid channel 106 to cause the valve assembly 104 to switch between a first initial configuration and a first extended configuration accordingly. The sliding sleeve 126 includes a first axial end 138 and a second axial end 140 (see Figure 8 ). Sealing rings 142 and 144 are respectively provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first axial end 138 and the second axial end 140 of the sliding sleeve 126 for sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid channel 106.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 10C, both ends of the elastic element 128 respectively abut against the inner stepped portion 146 of the sliding sleeve 126 and the valve stem base 132. The sliding sleeve 126 is biased towards the first initial position under the elastic force of the elastic element 128. A limiting protrusion 148 is provided on the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 126. A limiting surface 150 is provided on the inner periphery of the first cylindrical section 120 (see Figure 10C ). The limiting protrusion 148 and the limiting surface 150 can abut against each other to limit the sliding sleeve 126 in the first initial position of sealing contact with the valve stem head 130. The valve stem base 132 of the valve stem 124 can be pressed against the end face 117 of the second housing member 116 under the elastic force of the elastic element 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element 128 can be in the form of a helical spring.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2 , when the sliding sleeve 126 is biased in the first initial position by the elastic element 128 (at this time, the valve assembly 104 is in the first initial configuration), the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 cooperates with the sealing rings 136 and 142 to close the first channel port 110, so as to prevent the fluid in the main connector assembly 100 from flowing out of the first channel port 110, and the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 does not block the communication opening 112, so that the fluid channel 106 can communicate with the communication channel 108, so that the two fluid channels 106 communicate with each other through the communication channel 108.

[0049] Referring to Figure 7C , when the sliding sleeve 126 is subjected to a pushing force along the direction of the fluid channel 106, the sliding sleeve 126 can resist the elastic force of the elastic element 128 and move away from the first channel port 110 to the first extended position (at this time, the valve assembly 104 is in the first extended configuration). The movement of the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 away from the first channel port 110 causes the first channel port 110 to open, allowing the fluid channel 106 to communicate with the fluid path 210 of the expansion connector assembly 200, thereby realizing the expansion of, for example, a thermal management system. Optionally, when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first extended position, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 covers the communication opening 112 and cooperates with the sealing rings 142 and 144 to close the communication opening 112, thereby disconnecting the fluid communication between the two fluid channels 106 originally connected by the communication channel 108, so as to allow the fluid in the fluid channel 106 to more smoothly enter the fluid path 210 of the expansion connector assembly 200.

[0050] Optionally, referring to Figure 4C , Figure 4D and Figure 10C, the base 118 of the first housing member 114 defines a channel 152 that communicates with the fluid channel 106 and the communication channel 108, for discharging the fluid between the sliding sleeve 126 and the inner peripheral surface of the fluid channel 106 to the communication channel 108 when the sliding sleeve 126 returns from the first extended position to the first initial position. The channel 152 is adjacent to the communication channel 108 in the direction of the fluid channel 106 and is closer to the first channel port 110 than the communication channel 108. The channel 152 is arranged such that when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first initial position, the channel 152 faces the sealing ring 144 at the second axial end 140 of the sliding sleeve 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 152 may be arranged substantially parallel to the communication channel 108 and connect the two fluid channels 106. The channel 152 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. It can be understood that a channel 152 may also be provided beside each of the two fluid channels 106, and the two channels 152 are not directly connected to each other. The function of the channel 152 will be further described below.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the expansion connector assembly 200 includes two expansion connectors 202 to define two fluid passages 210. The two expansion connectors 202 are basically the same in construction, and the main difference lies only in the included sensor module 214 and the construction of the part of the housing 204 for accommodating the sensor module 214. It can be understood that, as described above, the expansion connector assembly 200 may include more than two expansion connectors 202 to define more than two fluid passages 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the two expansion connectors 202 are separated from each other. It can be understood that at least two expansion connectors 202 of the expansion connector assembly 200 may also be further coupled to each other, for example, coupled to each other through a substrate.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 11 , the housing 204 of the expansion connector 202 includes a housing body 216 and a cylinder 218. The housing body 216 may be generally in a bent cylindrical shape and has a receiving portion 219 for accommodating the sensor module 214 at the bent corner. The sensor module 214 may be a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The cylinder 218 may be generally in a straight cylindrical shape. The housing body 216 and the cylinder 218 may be fixed together by interference fit, snap connection, welding, and any combination thereof, and jointly define a fluid passage 210 including a first passage port 212 and a second passage port 213. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 216 and the cylinder 218 are fixed together by snap connection.

[0053] The cylinder body 218 is at least partially received within the housing body 216, and the cylinder body 218 includes a plug end 208 in its axial direction. The plug end 208 defines a first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210. A sealing ring 220 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug end 208 to make sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 when the plug end 208 is inserted into the first cylindrical section 120. The housing body 216 defines a second passage port 213 of the fluid passage 210. The second passage port 213 may be in fluid communication with, for example, the extended thermal management system as described above.

[0054] Referring Figure 3 and Figure 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the valve unit 206 of the extended connector 202 may be disposed within the cylinder body 218. The valve unit 206 may include a valve core 222 and an elastic member 224.

[0055] Referring Figure 3 and Figure 7C , the valve core 222 is capable of moving between a second initial position (see Figure 3 ) and a second extended position (see Figure 7C ) along the direction of the fluid passage 210 (the axial direction of the cylinder body 218) so as to correspondingly switch the valve unit 206 between a second initial configuration and a second extended configuration. The valve core 222 may include a valve core head 226 and a bracket 228. A sealing ring 229 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve core head 226 to make sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plug end 208 of the cylinder body 218.

[0056] The elastic member 224 is provided to bias the valve core 222 towards the second initial position. One end of the elastic member 224 may abut against the bracket 228 of the valve core 222, and the other end of the elastic member 224 may abut against the inner stepped portion 230 of the housing body 216 (see Figure 3 ).

[0057] Referring Figure 3 , when the valve core 222 is biased by the elastic member 224 to the second initial position, the first passage port 212 is closed to prevent the fluid within the extended connector 202 from flowing out through the first passage port 212. Referring Figure 7C , when the valve core 222 is subjected to a pushing force along the direction of the fluid passage 210, the valve core 222 may move away from the first passage port 212 to the second extended position against the elastic force of the elastic member 224, so that the first passage port 212 is opened to allow the main connector assembly 100 to establish fluid communication with the extended connector assembly 200.

[0058] Referring Figure 3 、 Figure 4A and Figures 12A to 12B, in the illustrated embodiment, the expansion connector 202 may further include a locking sleeve 232. The locking sleeve 232 is rotatably sleeved outside the cylinder body 218, and at least a part of the locking sleeve 232 is restricted between the housing body 216 and the cylinder body 218 in the axial direction of the cylinder body 218. The locking sleeve 232 includes a guiding groove 234 and a locking groove 236 which are connected to each other and arranged on its circumferential wall. Correspondingly, the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 includes a locking protrusion 121 arranged on its outer circumference. The locking protrusion 121 is adapted to move along the guiding groove 234 and drive the locking sleeve 232 to rotate when the first cylindrical section 120 is inserted between the locking sleeve 232 and the cylinder body 218 until the locking protrusion 121 enters the locking groove 236, and the locking protrusion 121 is adapted to engage with the locking groove 236 due to the interaction between the valve assembly 104 and the valve unit 206 after entering the locking groove 236 to prevent the first cylindrical section 120 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 232.

[0059] The locking sleeve 232 has a first end 238 and a second end 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding groove 234 may be in an arc shape and extend from the first end 238 towards the second end 240. The guiding groove 234 may have an inlet end 248 located at the first end 238 of the locking sleeve 232 and an outlet end 250 away from the first end 238.

[0060] The locking groove 236 may extend in the axial direction of the locking sleeve 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking groove 236 has a positioning end 252 and a locking end 254 which are opposite to each other. The positioning end 252 and the locking end 254 are respectively located on both sides of the outlet end 250 of the guiding groove 234. The locking end 254 is closer to the first end 238 of the locking sleeve 232 than the positioning end 252.

[0061] The locking sleeve 232 may have a radially inward extending shoulder 242. Correspondingly, the housing body 216 may have a first limiting portion 244. The cylinder body 218 may have a second limiting portion 246 arranged on its outer circumference. The shoulder 242 may be restricted between the first limiting portion 244 and the second limiting portion 246. In the illustrated embodiment, the first limiting portion 244 of the housing 204 may be an end portion of the housing body 216, the second limiting portion 246 of the cylinder body 218 may be in the form of an annular flange, and the shoulder 242 of the locking sleeve 232 may be located at the second end 240 of the locking sleeve 232.

[0062] Refer to Figures 4A to 7C, when the first cylindrical section 120 of the expansion connector assembly 200 is inserted between the locking sleeve 232 and the first cylinder 218 of the main connector assembly 100 under an external force, the locking protrusion 121 can move along the guiding groove 234 and enter the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236. The locking protrusion 121 is adapted to move from the positioning end 252 to the locking end 254 and engage with the locking end 254 due to the interaction between the valve assembly 104 and the valve unit 206 after entering the positioning end 252, thereby locking the first cylindrical section 120 and the locking sleeve 232 to each other, which will be described in detail below.

[0063] The following combines Figures 4A to 8 to describe the process of assembling and disassembling the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 according to the present invention.

[0064] When assembling the main connector assembly 100 and the expansion connector assembly 200 with each other, first, as Figures 4A to 4C shown, the operator can insert the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 between the corresponding cylinder 218 of the expansion connector assembly 200 and the locking sleeve 232, so that the locking protrusion 121 of the first cylindrical section 120 is aligned with the entrance end 248 of the guiding groove 234 of the locking sleeve 232. At this time, the valve stem 124 and the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 respectively initially contact the valve core 222 of the expansion connector assembly 200 and the insertion end 208 of the cylinder 218. The sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 is in the first initial position, and the valve core 222 of the expansion connector assembly 200 is in the second initial position. The two fluid channels 106 of the main connector assembly 100 are communicated with each other through the communication channel 108 and can be used to establish fluid communication of, for example, the main thermal management system as described above. The fluid can flow into the main connector assembly 100 through the second fluid port 111 of one fluid channel 106 and then flow out of the main connector assembly 100 from the second fluid port 111 of the other fluid channel 106.

[0065] As Figures 5A to 5CAs shown, as the first cylindrical section 120 continues to be inserted, the locking protrusion 121 moves along the guiding groove 234 and drives the locking sleeve 232 to rotate. During this process, the valve stem 124 of the main connector assembly 100 pushes the valve core 222 from the second initial position towards the second extended position against the elastic force of the elastic member 224 of the extended connector assembly 200, causing the valve core 222 to move away from the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210 to open the first passage port 212. At the same time, the insertion end 208 of the extended connector assembly 200 pushes the sliding sleeve 126 from the first initial position towards the first extended position against the elastic force of the elastic element 128 of the main connector assembly 100, causing the first axial end 138 of the sliding sleeve 126 to gradually move away from the first passage port 110 of the fluid passage 106 to open the first passage port 110, and the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 gradually covers the communication opening 112.

[0066] After that, as Figures 6A to 6C shown, as the first cylindrical section 120 is further inserted, the valve core 222 further moves away from the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210, the sliding sleeve 126 further moves away from the first passage port 110 of the fluid passage 106, and at the same time, the locking protrusion 121 enters the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236. Since the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236 is located on one side of the exit end 250 of the arc-shaped guiding groove 234, and there is no smooth transition between the exit end 250 of the guiding groove 234 and the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236, when the locking protrusion 121 enters the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236, the operator will receive a tactile feedback, and then can stop applying the insertion force to the main connector assembly 100.

[0067] Then, as Figures 7A to 7CAs shown, the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 tend to separate from each other under the elastic forces of their respective elastic elements 128 and elastic members 224, causing the locking protrusion 121 of the main connector assembly 100 to move from the positioning end 252 of the locking groove 236 to the locking end 254 and engage with the locking end 254, so as to prevent the first cylindrical section 120 of the main connector assembly 100 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 232, thereby achieving the mutual locking of the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200. At this time, the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 is in the first extended position, the valve core 222 of the extension connector assembly 200 is in the second extended position, the first channel port 110 of the fluid channel 106 of the main connector assembly 100 and the first passage port 212 of the fluid passage 210 of the extension connector assembly 200 are opened, and the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 are in fluid communication with each other. At this time, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve 126 completely covers the communication opening 112 and cooperates with the sealing rings 142 and 144 to close the communication opening 112, thereby disconnecting the fluid connection between the fluid channel 106 and the communication channel 108, and further disconnecting the fluid connection between the two fluid channels 106. Thus, for example, the fluid from the main thermal management system can flow into the fluid channel 106 and the fluid passage 210 communicating therewith through the second fluid port 111 of one fluid channel 106, then flow into the extended thermal management system from the second passage port 213 of the fluid passage 210, and then flow back to the main thermal management system through the other fluid passages 210 and fluid channels 106 communicating with each other, thereby achieving the extension of the thermal management system.

[0068] Moreover, when the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 are assembled, the docking and locking of the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 can be completed by means of a direct insertion method with the rotatably arranged locking sleeve 232, and at the same time, the flow path of the fluid is changed. The direct insertion method requires less operating space and is convenient to operate.

[0069] In addition, the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 can also be disassembled. Figure 8 The state during the disassembly of the main connector assembly 100 and the extension connector assembly 200 is shown. At this time, the sliding sleeve 126 of the main connector assembly 100 moves from the first extended position towards the first initial position. Since the channel 152 is arranged such that when the sliding sleeve 126 is in the first initial position, the channel 152 faces the sealing ring 144 at the second axial end 140 of the sliding sleeve 126, therefore, when the sliding sleeve 126 approaches the first initial position, the sealing ring 144 on the sliding sleeve 126 does not make complete sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the fluid channel 106, and the fluid (i.e., Figure 8The fluid in the middle region A can flow into the communication channel 108 through the channel 152. It can be understood that if the channel 152 is not provided, as the sliding sleeve 126 moves from the first extended position towards the first initial position, the sealing ring 144 on the sliding sleeve 126 will be in sealing contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid channel 106 after moving past the communication channel 108, making it difficult for the fluid in the region A to be discharged, and thus hindering the sliding sleeve 126 from returning to the first initial position. Therefore, the channel 152 can help discharge the fluid in the region A, enabling the sliding sleeve 126 to smoothly return to the first initial position.

[0070] It should be understood that the connecting device 10 according to the present invention can be applied to various application scenarios where it is necessary to expand or change the flow path of the fluid, and is not limited to the vehicle thermal management system exemplarily introduced herein.

[0071] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein can be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials well known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 12B The illustrated embodiments only show the shapes, sizes, and arrangement manners of the various optional components of the connecting device according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not restrictive. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangement manners can also be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0072] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it can be understood that under the creative concept of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept, but all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connecting device (10) for establishing fluid communication, characterized in that, the connecting device (10) includes a main connector assembly (100), and the main connector assembly (100) includes: a housing (102), the housing (102) defining at least two fluid channels (106) and a communication channel (108) for communicating the at least two fluid channels (106), the fluid channels (106) including channel ports (110) and communication openings (112) located on the periphery of the fluid channels (106); and a valve assembly (104), the valve assembly (104) being disposed within the housing (102) and configured to be switchable between a first initial configuration and a first extended configuration, wherein when the valve assembly (104) is in the first initial configuration, the channel ports (110) are closed and the fluid channels (106) communicate with the communication channel (108) via the communication openings (112), and when the valve assembly (104) is in the first extended configuration, the channel ports (110) are open; wherein the main connector assembly (100) is configured to be docked with an extended connector assembly (200) that defines at least two fluid passages (210), so that the valve assembly (104) is switched from the first initial configuration to the first extended configuration, and further so that the channel ports (110) are opened to allow the fluid channels (106) and the fluid passages (210) to communicate with each other; wherein the valve assembly (104) includes a sliding sleeve (126), and the sliding sleeve (126) is capable of moving along the fluid channel (106) between a first initial position and a first extended position, so that the valve assembly (104) is correspondingly switched between the first initial configuration and the first extended configuration; wherein the sliding sleeve (126) has opposite first and second axial ends (138, 140), the first axial end (138) closing the channel ports (110) when the sliding sleeve (126) is in the first initial position, the circumferential wall of the sliding sleeve (126) closing the communication openings (112) when the sliding sleeve (126) is in the first extended position, and the sliding sleeve (126) being provided with a sealing ring (144) at the second axial end (140) for sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the fluid channel (106); wherein the housing (102) defines a channel (152) communicating with the fluid channels (106) and the communication channel (108), and the channel (152) is arranged to allow the fluid between the sliding sleeve (126) and the inner circumferential surface of the fluid channel (106) to be discharged to the communication channel (108) via the channel (152) when the sliding sleeve (126) returns from the first extended position to the first initial position; Wherein, the slot (152) is adjacent to the communication channel (108) in the direction of the fluid channel (106) and is closer to the channel port (110) than the communication channel (108); wherein, the slot (152) is arranged such that when the sliding sleeve (126) is in the first initial position, the slot (152) faces the sealing ring (144).

2. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the valve assembly (104) is in the first extended configuration, the communication opening (112) is closed so that the fluid channel (106) is disconnected from the communication channel (108).

3. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the connecting device (10) further includes the extension connector assembly (200), the extension connector assembly (200) includes at least two extension connectors (202), each extension connector (202) includes a housing (204), the housing (204) includes a plug end (208) and defines a fluid passage (210), the plug end (208) defines a passage port (212) of the fluid passage (210), wherein, the plug end (208) is adapted to be inserted into the channel port (110) to switch the valve assembly (104) from the first initial configuration to the first extended configuration.

4. The connecting device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, the extension connector (202) further includes a valve unit (206), the valve unit (206) is arranged in the housing (204) and is configured to be able to switch between a second initial configuration that closes the passage port (212) and a second extended configuration that opens the passage port (212), wherein, the valve unit (206) is configured to be adapted to switch from the second initial configuration to the second extended configuration when the plug end (208) is inserted into the channel port (110).

5. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the valve assembly (104) further includes an elastic element (128), the elastic element (128) is arranged to bias the sliding sleeve (126) towards the first initial position.

6. The connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the valve assembly (104) further includes a valve stem (124), the valve stem (124) is arranged in the outer shell (102), at least a part of the fluid channel (106) including the channel port (110) is defined between the valve stem (124) and the outer shell (102), and the sliding sleeve (126) is sleeved outside the valve stem (124).

7. The connecting device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve unit (206) includes: a valve core (222) that can move along the fluid passage (210) between a second initial position closing the passage port (212) and a second extended position opening the passage port (212); and an elastic member (224) arranged to bias the valve core (222) towards the second initial position.

8. The connecting device (10) according to claim 4, wherein, the housing (102) of the main connector assembly (100) includes a cylindrical section (120) having locking protrusions (121) provided on its outer periphery; the extension connector (202) includes a locking sleeve (232), the housing (204) of the extension connector (202) includes a cylinder (218), the locking sleeve (232) is rotatably sleeved outside the cylinder (218), and the locking sleeve (232) includes guiding grooves (234) and locking grooves (236) connected to each other provided on its circumferential wall; wherein, the locking protrusion (121) is adapted to move along the guiding groove (234) and drive the locking sleeve (232) to rotate when the cylindrical section (120) is inserted between the locking sleeve (232) and the cylinder (218) until the locking protrusion (121) enters the locking groove (236).

9. The connecting device (10) according to claim 8, wherein, the cylindrical section (120) defines at least a part of the fluid channel (106) including the channel port (110), the cylinder (218) includes the insertion end (208), wherein, the locking protrusion (121) is adapted to engage with the locking groove (236) after entering the locking groove (236) due to the interaction between the valve assembly (104) and the valve unit (206) to prevent the cylindrical section (120) from disengaging from the locking sleeve (232).

10. The connecting device (10) according to claim 8, wherein, the housing (204) of the extension connector (202) includes a housing body (216), the cylinder (218) is at least partially received within the housing body (216), and at least a part of the locking sleeve (232) is restricted between the housing body (216) and the cylinder (218) in the axial direction of the cylinder (218).

11. The connecting device (10) according to claim 10, wherein, the housing body (216) has a first limiting portion (244), the cylinder (218) has a second limiting portion (246) provided on its outer periphery, and the locking sleeve (232) has a radially inward extending shoulder (242), wherein, the shoulder (242) is restricted between the first limiting portion (244) and the second limiting portion (246).

12. The connecting device (10) according to claim 8, Characterized in that, The locking sleeve (232) has a first end (238) and a second end (240), the guiding groove (234) is in an arc shape and extends from the first end (238) towards the second end (240), and the guiding groove (234) has an inlet end (248) located at the first end (238) and an outlet end (250) away from the first end (238).

Images