A fluid connector having a self-relieving function

Abstract

The application relates to a fluid connector with a self-unloading pressure function, which comprises a shell, a valve rod, a valve core and a sleeve arranged in the cavity of the shell, a first spring arranged between the valve rod and the valve core, and a second spring arranged between the valve rod and the sleeve. When in a non-plugged and non-unloading pressure state, the valve core is axially blocked and radially sealed with the shell, the valve core and the valve rod are radially sealed, the sleeve is axially blocked and limited with the valve rod, and at least one axial gap is arranged on the end surface of the sleeve axially blocked with the valve rod. When in a plugged state, the valve core retreats after compressing the first spring, and the sealing with the valve rod or / and the shell is released. When in an unloading pressure state, the valve rod axially moves forward and is unsealed with the valve core, the second spring pushes the sleeve to keep the axial blocking cooperation with the valve rod, the radial gap between the sleeve and the valve rod, the gap and the radial gap between the sleeve and the valve core are communicated, and a channel for fluid outflow and pressure unloading is formed, so that rapid pressure unloading is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, and specifically relates to a fluid connector with a self-pressure relief function. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid connectors are key components in liquid cooling systems and are widely used in electronics, aerospace, and other fields. A fluid connector is a quick-connect that allows for connection or disconnection between liquid cooling modules, liquid cooling plates, and liquid cooling chassis without the need for external tools, greatly facilitating the installation and maintenance of liquid cooling systems.

[0003] Fluid connectors require frequent mating and unmating during liquid cooling system operation. To enable online module mating and unmating without shutting down the entire liquid cooling system, fluid connectors must have pressurized mating and unmating capabilities. Currently, fluid connectors with pressurized mating and unmating capabilities, when stored with liquid cooling modules or liquid cooling plates under pressurized and working fluid conditions, especially at high temperatures, experience a rapid increase in internal pressure, which can cause damage to the liquid cooling modules or plates due to expansion. Therefore, fluid connectors need self-pressure relief capabilities to address such operating conditions. Integrated fluid connectors with pressurized mating and unmating capabilities can meet both pressurized mating and unmating requirements and protect the liquid cooling modules or plates from damage caused by pressure increases under high-temperature environments. Therefore, integrated fluid connectors with pressurized mating and unmating capabilities better meet the current operating conditions of liquid cooling systems.

[0004] Currently, the self-unloading integrated fluid connector with pressurized plug-in design has a defect in its self-unloading structure in liquid cooling systems. The sleeve and valve stem at the self-unloading structure are tightly fitted surface to surface, forming a metal seal. This prevents the pressure in the liquid cooling system or module from being released when it rises to the pressure relief value, thus failing to protect the liquid cooling module or liquid cooling plate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a novel fluid connector with a self-pressure relief function. By creating a notch in the sleeve, it ensures unobstructed pressure relief flow when axially sealing with the valve stem, preventing the valve stem from forming a metal seal with the sleeve. This improves the reliability of the self-pressure relief function of the integrated fluid connector with pressurized plug-in operation. It can meet both direct plugging requirements under pressurized plug-in conditions and pressure relief protection modules under conditions of increased internal system pressure at high temperatures within a liquid-cooled system. It is designed for long-term use and features a stable and reliable structure.

[0006] The objective of this invention and the technical problem it solves are achieved by the following technical solution. A fluid connector with a self-unloading function, according to this invention, includes a front-end mating housing. A valve stem, a valve core, and a sleeve are disposed within the cavity of the housing. The rear end of the sleeve is axially stopped and limited by a limiting structure within the housing. A first spring is provided between the valve stem and the valve core, and a second spring is provided between the valve stem and the sleeve. When the connector is in a non-maturing and non-unloading state, the valve core and the housing are axially stopped and radially sealed, the valve core and the valve stem are radially sealed, the front end of the sleeve is axially stopped and limited by the valve stem, and the front end of the sleeve is axially stopped and limited by the valve stem. The end face of the axial stop fit of the valve stem is provided with at least one axially extending notch; when the connector is in the plugged state, the valve core compresses the first spring and retracts, releasing the seal with the valve stem and / or the housing; when the connector is in the depressurized state, the valve stem moves axially forward to release the seal with the valve core, and the second spring pushes the sleeve to maintain its axial stop fit with the valve stem. The radial clearance between the sleeve and the valve stem, the axial clearance between the sleeve and the valve stem formed by the notch, and the radial clearance between the sleeve and the valve core are connected to form a channel for fluid to flow out and depressurize.

[0007] The objectives of this invention and the technical problems it addresses can be further achieved by the following technical measures.

[0008] In the aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, the end faces of the sleeve and valve stem axial stop fit are both annular surfaces, and at least one outer ring of the two annular surfaces is provided with a chamfer or rounded corner structure to reduce the contact area with the other annular surface.

[0009] The aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function is characterized in that: the notch is located on the inner ring of the sleeve front end face that is in axial contact with the valve stem, and the outer ring that is in axial contact with the valve stem is blocked on the radially outer side of the notch.

[0010] The aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function also has a chamfer or fillet on the side of the sleeve front end face that connects with the notch, for increasing the axial clearance between the sleeve and the valve stem.

[0011] The aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function has a notch that extends axially at least to the valve stem where the diameter gradually narrows from front to back to increase the pressure relief flow channel.

[0012] The aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function also includes a limiting platform inside the housing to prevent the valve stem from moving too far forward axially during pressure relief.

[0013] In the aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, the tail of the valve stem is fixedly connected to a fixing member, which cooperates with the stop structure inside the housing to stop and limit the movement. The first spring and the second spring are both pressed on the fixing member, which is also provided with through holes for fluid to flow through the two side cavities.

[0014] In the aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, the limiting platform is integrally formed with the housing, and the limiting structure inside the housing that axially stops and limits the rear end of the valve stem is a snap ring.

[0015] In the aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, the valve stem and valve core are radially sealed through a second sealing element, and the valve core and housing are radially sealed through a first sealing element.

[0016] In the aforementioned fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, the valve stem and the fixing component are integrally formed, and the stop structure and the limiting platform that are axially matched with the valve stem inside the housing can be detached and fixed inside the housing.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Through the above technical solution, this invention achieves considerable technological advancement and practicality, and has broad industrial application value, possessing at least the following advantages:

[0018] This invention eliminates axial contact between the sleeve and valve stem by adding one or more notches at the axial contact point, thus preventing the sleeve and valve stem from forming a metal seal. The notches enable communication between the radial clearance between the sleeve and valve stem and between the sleeve and valve core, thereby ensuring unobstructed pressure relief flow and achieving reliable pressure relief. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing state of the fluid connector with self-pressure relief function of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure relief state of the fluid connector with self-pressure relief function of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0023] [Explanation of Key Component Symbols]

[0024] 1: Shell

[0025] 2: Valve core

[0026] 3: Valve stem

[0027] 4: Sleeve

[0028] 5: First spring

[0029] 6: Second spring

[0030] 7: First seal

[0031] 8: Second seal

[0032] 9: Snap ring

[0033] 10: Fasteners

[0034] 11: Limiting Platform

[0035] 12: Gap

[0036] 13: Rounded corners Detailed Implementation

[0037] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in order to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0038] Please see Figure 1-4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fluid connector with self-pressure relief function of the present invention. The fluid connector includes a housing 1 for front-end insertion, which supports the entire connector and provides an inner cavity to form a flow channel. Within the inner cavity of the housing 1, a valve stem 3, a sleeve 4, and a valve core 2 are arranged radially from the inside out. A first spring 5 is provided between the valve stem 3 and the valve core 2, and a second spring 6 is provided between the valve stem 3 and the sleeve 4. When the connector is in a non-inserted state, the valve core 24 is axially limited by a stop structure and radially sealed by a first sealing element 7. The first spring 5 provides elastic force to keep the valve core 2 in a sealed position with the housing 1. When the connector is in an inserted state, the valve core 2 moves axially backward under the push of the insertion end, and the first sealing element 7 releases the seal between the valve core 2 and the housing 1. Preferably, the first sealing element 7 is an O-ring installed inside the housing 1, and the O-ring has two axially spaced rings to ensure reliable sealing between the valve core 2 and the housing 1.

[0039] The housing 1 also includes a retaining spring 9, which restricts the axial position of the valve stem 3, allowing the valve stem 3 to maintain a radial seal via the second seal 8 when the connector is not depressurized and not engaged. In this case, the sleeve 4, under the elastic force of the second spring 6, engages with the valve stem 3 axially via its front end face. In other embodiments, the axial position of the valve stem 3 can also be restricted within the housing 1 by other limiting structures. In this embodiment, the second seal 8 is an O-ring mounted on the valve core, but it is not limited to this.

[0040] At least one axially extending notch 12 is provided circumferentially on the end face of the sleeve 4 where it axially stops the valve core 2. This notch 12 eliminates the mechanical seal between the sleeve 4 end face and the valve core 2, allowing the radial gaps between the sleeve 4 and the valve stem 3, and between the sleeve 4 and the valve core 2, to communicate through the notch 12. Thus, when the self-relieving pressure component composed of the sleeve 4 and the valve stem 3 moves axially forward under fluid pressure until the seal between the valve stem 3 and the valve core 2 is released, the fluid in the housing 1 can flow out sequentially through the radial gap between the sleeve 4 and the valve stem 3, the gap between the notch 12 and the valve stem 3, the radial gap between the sleeve 4 and the valve core 3, and the gap between the valve stem 3 and the valve core 2, achieving pressure relief. That is, when the connector is in the pressure-relieved state, the valve stem 3 and the valve core 2 are unsealed, and the portion of the sleeve 4 with the notch 12 on its end face is in clearance fit with the valve stem 3 to ensure unobstructed pressure relief flow.

[0041] In this embodiment, the valve stem 3 is axially stopped by its outer circumferential stepped surface 31 and the front end face of the sleeve 4. The outer ring of the stepped surface 31 has a chamfer or fillet 13, which is clearance-fitted with the outer ring of the front end face of the sleeve 4. This reduces the axial contact area between the sleeve 4 and the valve stem 3 while ensuring axial positioning. The notch 12 is located at the portion of the inner ring of the front end face of the sleeve 4 that contacts the valve stem 3 and extends axially along the sleeve 4. Preferably, the notch 12 is further provided at the connection point with the front end face of the sleeve 4 to increase the axial clearance between it and the valve core. In this embodiment, the notch 12 extends axially at least to the point where the valve stem 3 gradually tapers from front to back, increasing the radial reduction between the sleeve 4 and the valve stem 3 at this point to enlarge the pressure relief flow channel.

[0042] In this embodiment, the outer ring of the front end of the sleeve 4 is also provided with a chamfer or rounded corner to reduce contact with the annular stepped surface 31 of the valve stem. In other embodiments, chamfers or rounded corners and other structures to reduce contact between the two may be provided only at the front end of the sleeve 4 or on the outer ring of the annular stepped surface 31 of the valve stem 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the valve stem 3 has a structure that is large at both ends and small in the middle. The large diameter at the front end is used to cooperate with the valve core 2 to seal and close the flow channel. The large diameter at the rear end is used to set the fluid pressure, and a channel for fluid to pass through is provided at the large diameter at the rear end. The small diameter in the middle is used to allow fluid to pass freely and reduce the fluid velocity.

[0044] When the connector is mated, the valve core 2 and the sleeve 4 are further limited in axial movement through the cooperation of the concave and convex structure. That is, the valve core 2 can drive the sleeve 4 to move axially backward synchronously, further opening the flow channel inside the connector and ensuring the smooth flow of the channel after mating. Specifically, the valve core 2 is provided with an inner boss 21, and the sleeve 4 is provided with an outer boss 41 on its outer periphery. The rear end face of the inner boss and the front end face of the outer boss are axially mated and limited. When the connector is not mated, there is a sufficient gap between the inner boss and the outer boss so that when the pressure is released, the sleeve can move forward until the notch 12 reaches the front of the sealing position between the valve core 2 and the valve stem 3.

[0045] The housing 1 is also provided with a limiting platform 11 for limiting the axial forward movement of the valve stem 3 and preventing it from moving too far forward during pressure relief.

[0046] In this embodiment, the valve stem 3 includes a large-diameter section at the front end and a small-diameter section at the rear end, with the rear end of the small-diameter section fixedly connected to the fixing member 10. The fixing member, together with the retaining spring 9 and the limiting platform 11, achieves axial movement limitation. The first spring and the second spring both press on the fixing member 10. The fixing member 10 is provided with a channel for fluid to pass through, so as to realize the communication between the channels inside the housing 1 on both sides. In this embodiment, the limiting platform 11 is formed by protruding inward from the inner wall of the housing 1, but it is not limited to this.

[0047] During the pressure relief process of the fluid connector of the present invention, under the action of the medium pressure in the cavity of the housing 1, the second spring 6, valve stem 3, sleeve 4, and fixing member 10 form a self-pressure relief component that can move axially as a whole. The self-pressure relief component moves axially and separates from the second sealing member at the valve core 2. The housing 1, valve stem 3, and sleeve 4 form a micro-channel through the notch on the sleeve 4. The fluid medium leaks through the micro-channel, reducing the internal pressure of the channel.

[0048] The sleeve 4 of this invention adopts an axial notch 12 on the inner ring at the front end, which can effectively prevent the sleeve from forming a metal seal with the valve stem and achieve the pressure relief function. In this embodiment, when the second seal 8 is located on the valve core 2, the notch 12 does not affect the smoothness of the outer circumference of the sleeve 4, which can prevent the second seal 8 from being worn when passing through the sleeve and extend the service life of the fluid connector.

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, the notch 12 is a hole that can penetrate the sleeve 4 radially. In this case, the chamfer, fillet or other structures that reduce the axial contact area between the front end of the sleeve 4 and the annular stepped surface 31 of the valve stem can be eliminated.

[0050] When the pressure of the fluid medium inside the flow channel of the fluid connector of this invention increases, the first spring 5 is compressed, and the valve stem 3, sleeve 4, fixing member 10, and second spring 6 move axially forward as a whole. After a certain distance, the valve stem 3 separates from the valve core 2 and the second seal. The gaps created by the sleeve 4 radially with the valve stem 3, the sleeve 4 axially with the valve stem 3, and the sleeve 4 radially with the valve core 2 allow the medium inside the flow channel to slightly permeate, reducing the internal pressure and achieving a pressure relief function. This protects the liquid cooling module, liquid cooling plate, and other liquid cooling-related components. After the liquid cooling system or liquid cooling module is depressurized through this type of fluid connector, the fluid connector returns to a sealed state by the spring force of the first spring 5. All parts of the fluid connector reset, the socket returns to a sealed state, and the liquid cooling system or liquid cooling module is thus in a sealed state.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fluid connector with self-pressure relief function, characterized in that: The connector includes a front-end mating housing. Within the housing cavity are a valve stem, a valve core, and a sleeve. The rear end of the valve stem is axially stopped and limited by a limiting structure within the housing. A first spring is provided between the valve stem and the valve core, and a second spring is provided between the valve stem and the sleeve. When the connector is in a non-mating, non-depressurized state, the valve core and housing are axially stopped and radially sealed. The valve core and valve stem are radially sealed. The sleeve is axially stopped and limited by the valve stem, and at least one axially extending notch is provided on the end face of the sleeve where it axially stops the valve stem. When the connector is in a mating state, the valve core compresses the first spring and retracts, releasing the seal with the valve stem and / or the housing. When the connector is in a depressurized state, the valve stem moves axially forward, releasing the seal with the valve core. The second spring pushes the sleeve to maintain its axial stop with the valve stem. The radial gap between the sleeve and the valve stem, the axial gap between the sleeve and the valve stem formed by the notch, and the radial gap between the sleeve and the valve core are interconnected, forming a channel for fluid to flow out and depressurize.

2. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end faces of the sleeve and valve stem axial stop fit are both annular surfaces, and at least one of the annular surfaces has a chamfer or rounded corner structure to reduce the contact area with the other annular surface.

3. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The notch is located on the inner ring of the sleeve front end face that is in axial contact with the valve stem, and the outer ring that is in axial contact with the valve stem is blocked on the radially outer side of the notch.

4. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The side of the sleeve front end face that connects with the notch is also provided with a chamfer or fillet to increase the axial clearance between it and the valve stem.

5. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The notch extends axially at least to the point where the valve stem gradually tapers from front to back to increase the pressure relief flow channel.

6. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is also equipped with a limiting platform to prevent the valve stem from moving too far forward axially during pressure relief.

7. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tail of the valve stem is fixedly connected to the fixing member, which cooperates with the stop structure inside the housing to stop and limit the movement. The first spring and the second spring are both pressed on the fixing member, which is also provided with through holes for fluid to flow in the two side cavities.

8. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The limiting platform is integrally formed with the housing, and the limiting structure inside the housing that axially stops and limits the rear end of the valve stem is a snap ring.

9. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6-8, characterized in that: The valve stem and valve core are radially sealed by a second sealing element, and the valve core and housing are radially sealed by a first sealing element.

10. The fluid connector with self-pressure relief function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The valve stem and the fixing component are integrally formed. The stopping structure and the limiting platform that cooperate with the valve stem axially to stop and limit the movement inside the housing can be detached and fixed inside the housing.

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