Connector device

Abstract

The application provides a connector device, which comprises a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly. The floating connector assembly comprises a base, a floating connector, a first floating unit and a second floating unit. The first floating unit comprises a through hole for receiving the floating connector and is configured to allow the floating connector to move radially along the through hole and to tilt axially relative to the through hole. The second floating unit is configured to be movable relative to the base in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base. The mating connector assembly comprises a mating connector. A valve assembly is arranged in the floating connector and a valve unit is arranged in the mating connector. The valve assembly and the valve unit are configured to switch to an open state after the floating connector and the mating connector are docked. The second floating unit moves to a different floating position relative to the base after the valve assembly and the valve unit switch to the open state to compensate for assembly deviation in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the base. Thus, the connector device can absorb assembly deviation in all directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to connector devices for establishing fluid communication between fluid lines. Background Technology

[0002] Connector devices can be used in many different applications to connect and establish fluid communication between fluid lines.

[0003] Connector assemblies typically consist of female and male connectors, each connected to a fluid line. The male connector inserts into the female connector to establish fluid communication between the lines. Ideally, the female and male connectors should be able to accommodate assembly deviations in all directions during connection, facilitating their assembly. This is particularly advantageous in applications requiring frequent connection and disconnection. For example, some electric vehicle manufacturers are opting for quick-swap battery pack technology. The male and female connectors in the connector assembly used to establish the fluid connection between the thermal management system in the battery pack and the coolant supply system in the vehicle require repeated connection and disconnection. Therefore, it is desirable for the connector assembly to absorb assembly deviations in all directions during quick battery pack swapping. Furthermore, connector assemblies used in automobiles are also expected to have a low weight to contribute to vehicle lightweighting.

[0004] Currently, utility model document CN 216158545 U provides a female connector and a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly includes the female connector and a male connector for mating with the female connector. The connector assembly can absorb installation tolerances through the elastic deformation of a bushing disposed outside the housing of the female connector and arranged in a receiving channel of the base. However, the female connector lacks an independent floating device to absorb installation tolerances along the axial direction of the female connector housing. When the mating end of the male connector is inserted into the housing of the female connector, the valve structure of both the female and male connectors may compensate for the installation tolerances along the axial direction of the female connector housing. The insertion depth of the male connector mating end is not fixed, which can easily accelerate the wear of the valve structure, such as the wear of the sealing structure, and increase the risk of fluid leakage.

[0005] Another utility model document, CN 213177219 U, discloses a novel self-sealing quick-connect coupling for water-cooled pipelines. This quick-connect coupling includes a male connector, which comprises a fixing plate, a piping connector, a male connector body, and adjusting components with a spiral spring and a floating spring. The fixing plate is connected to the mounting surface via four adjusting components, and the floating spring and spiral spring automatically correct any vertical, horizontal, or rearward / forward offset of the fixing plate. However, the male connector body is rigidly connected to the fixing plate. When the male connector body moves or tilts due to assembly deviations, stress concentration occurs at the connection point between the male connector body and the fixing plate. Therefore, this structure is not suitable for plastic male connectors, as it would damage them. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned background art and to propose an improved connector device.

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a connector device comprising a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly, wherein the floating connector assembly includes a base, a floating connector, and a first floating unit, the base defining a base plane and including a receiving space for accommodating the first floating unit, the first floating unit including a through-hole for receiving the floating connector and configured to allow the floating connector to move radially along the through-hole and tilt relative to the through-hole in an axial direction, wherein the mating connector assembly includes a mating connector adapted to mate with the floating connector, wherein a valve assembly is disposed within the floating connector and the mating connector... The device includes a valve unit. The valve assembly and the valve unit are configured to switch to an open state when the floating connector and the mating connector are docked, thereby opening the flow paths of both the floating connector and the mating connector. The floating connector assembly also includes a second floating unit, which is mounted to the base and configured to move relative to the base in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base. The connector device is configured such that after the valve assembly and the valve unit are switched to the open state, the second floating unit can move relative to the base to different floating positions to compensate for assembly deviations in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the base.

[0008] The first and second floating units of the floating connector assembly can absorb assembly deviations / tolerances in all directions. Simultaneously, the placement of the floating connector within the first floating unit of the base helps prevent damage to the floating connector from assembly deviations / tolerances during mating of the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly, which is particularly advantageous when the floating connector is made of plastic. Furthermore, because the independent second floating unit absorbs assembly deviations in the direction perpendicular to the base plane, and allows the second floating unit to move to different floating positions relative to the base after both the valve assembly and the valve unit are switched to the open state, it avoids the valve assembly and valve unit compensating for assembly deviations in the direction perpendicular to the base plane, reducing wear on the valve assembly and valve unit.

[0009] Based on the above-described technical concept, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0010] In some alternative forms, the base includes a receiving cavity, the second floating unit includes a housing and an elastic member, wherein the housing is movable relative to the receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base, the housing and the receiving cavity together define a receiving space, and wherein the elastic member is disposed within the receiving space for biasing the housing toward a direction away from the base.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the second floating unit further includes an externally threaded fastener and a mating element, the externally threaded fastener extending through the receiving space and engaging with the mating element to mount the housing to the base.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the housing is provided with an inverted conical limiting hole, and the mating member has an outer contour that matches the shape of the limiting hole, wherein the mating member is disposed in the limiting hole around the external threaded fastener to be limited by the limiting hole.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the mating component is provided with a first mating portion, and the external threaded fastener is provided with a second mating portion that matches the shape of the first mating portion, the second mating portion and the first mating portion being shaped to fit each other.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the first floating unit is in the form of a bushing and is made of thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material, and the first floating unit defines at least one cavity in its circumferential wall.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the floating connector assembly includes at least two floating connectors, with the first floating unit correspondingly including at least two cylindrical portions, each cylindrical portion defining a through-hole for receiving the respective floating connector, the at least two cylindrical portions including a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion that are parallel to each other and intersect each other.

[0016] In some alternative forms, the mating connector assembly further includes a mounting base to which the mating connector is connected, wherein the base or the mounting base is provided with a stop configured to abut against the opposing mounting base or the base. In other words, one of the base and the mounting base is provided with a stop adapted to abut against the other, the stop limiting the insertion depth when the floating connector and the mating connector are inserted.

[0017] In some alternative configurations, the base plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the through hole.

[0018] In some alternative forms, the floating connector assembly further includes a mounting plate and a flexible first protective cover, wherein the mounting plate has an opening through which the floating connector passes and is held on the base by means of the mounting plate, and the first protective cover is configured around the floating connector to cover the gap between the floating connector and the edge of the opening.

[0019] In some alternative forms, the floating connector assembly further includes a flexible first protective shield, wherein the first protective shield is configured around the floating connector to cover the gap between the floating connector and the base.

[0020] In some alternative forms, the connector assembly further includes a second protective cover configured to cover the mating area between the floating connector and the mating connector.

[0021] The connector device according to the present invention can absorb assembly deviations in all directions, and can also reduce the damage of assembly deviations to floating connectors and mating connectors, thereby extending the service life of the connector device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2This is a perspective view of a connector assembly mating with a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly are mated together.

[0026] Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve assembly of the floating connector assembly is in a closed state;

[0027] Figure 4B This is a partial cross-sectional view of a mating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve unit of the mating connector assembly is in a closed state;

[0028] Figure 4C This is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly are docked together, and both the valve unit and the valve assembly are in the open state.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first floating unit of the floating connector assembly of the connector device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figures 6A to 6C These are partial cross-sectional views of different stages during the off-axis docking process of the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a simulation diagram of the deformation of the first floating unit during the off-axis docking process of the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figures 8A to 8C These are partial cross-sectional views of the floating connector assembly of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the second floating unit is in different floating positions;

[0033] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the connector device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The descriptions of the structural positions of the various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These orientations are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the components in the figures change.

[0036] In this invention, the axial direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction along the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component, and the radial direction of a cylindrical or tubular component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 A connector device 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a floating connector assembly 100 and a mating connector assembly 200 for mating with the floating connector assembly 100. The floating connector assembly 100 and the mating connector assembly 200 may each be connected to a fluid line (not shown). The connector device 10 will now be described using an example of its application in establishing fluid communication between a thermal management system in a battery pack and a coolant supply system in a vehicle.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figure 5 The floating connector assembly 100 may include a base 102, a floating connector 104, a first floating unit 106, and a second floating unit 108. The base 102 defines a base plane and includes a receiving space 110 for receiving the first floating unit 106. The first floating unit 106 includes a through-hole 112 for receiving the floating connector 104 and is configured to allow the floating connector 104 to move radially along the through-hole 112 and to tilt axially relative to the through-hole 112. The second floating unit 108 is mounted to the base 102 and configured to move relative to the base 102 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane. The floating connector assembly 100 can be mounted to a vehicle body via the second floating unit 108. The floating connector 104 may include a floating connector body 114 and a valve assembly 116 disposed within the floating connector body 114, and can be fluidly connected to a fluid line in the vehicle's coolant supply system.

[0039] The mating connector assembly 200 may include a mounting base 202 and a mating connector 204. The mounting base 202 may be mounted to the battery pack housing. The mating connector 204 may include a mating connector body 206 and a valve unit 208 disposed within the mating connector body 206, and may be fluidly connected to fluid lines in the battery pack's thermal management system.

[0040] The floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 can be mated / plugged together to achieve fluid communication between the vehicle's coolant supply system and the thermal management system in the battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector body 206 of the mating connector 204 has a plug portion 210 that can be inserted into the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 to achieve connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204. It is understood that the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 can also be configured to allow the floating connector 104 to be inserted into the mating connector 204, thereby achieving connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, during a quick battery pack swap (specifically, during the mating of the floating connector assembly 100 on the vehicle body with the mating connector assembly 200 on the battery pack and the securing of the battery pack to the vehicle body), the first floating unit 106 and the second floating unit 108 of the floating connector assembly 100 can absorb assembly misalignments in all directions. Simultaneously, the placement of the floating connector 104 within the first floating unit 106 in the base 102 also helps prevent damage to the floating connector 104 caused by assembly misalignments during mating with the mating connector 204, which is particularly advantageous when the floating connector 104 is made of plastic. This will be explained in detail below.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 is generally plate-shaped. Figure 1 Using the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system as a reference, the base plane defined by the base 102 is the XY plane of the base 102, that is, the plane containing the length direction X and the width direction Y of the base 102. When the floating connector assembly 100 is installed on the vehicle body, the base plane is approximately parallel to the mounting surface of the floating connector assembly 100 on the vehicle body.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 The base 102 includes a receiving space 110 extending through the base 102 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., the thickness direction Z of the base 102) for receiving a first floating unit 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 is perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., the axial direction of the through-hole 112 is along the Z direction. The through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 receives at least a portion of the floating connector 104.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 defines the flow path of the floating connector 104 and includes a first segment 118 and a second segment 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 118 and the second segment 120 are molded separately and assembled together by snap-fit. This allows the second segment 120 to have various configurations to adapt to different pipes or fittings or quick-connect couplings, expanding the application range of the floating connector assembly 100. The first segment 118 and the second segment 120 can be, for example, injection molded. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 118 and the second segment 120 are assembled to form an approximately 90° bend, which is particularly advantageous in situations where installation space is limited. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first segment 118 and the second segment 120 can also be assembled to form bends of any angle, such as 45° or 135°, or to form a straight pipe.

[0045] The first segment 118 may be generally tubular. The first segment 118 is coaxially disposed within the through-hole 112, and thus its axial direction is also along the Z-direction. The first segment 118 has an inlet 122 at its end for insertion of the mating connector 204's insertion portion 210. The inlet 122 includes a guide surface 123 to guide the insertion of the mating connector 204's insertion portion 210 into the first segment 118.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 118 includes a first flange 124 and a second flange 126 disposed on its outer side. Both the first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are generally annular in shape. The first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first segment 118 and are located on opposite sides of the first floating unit 106, respectively. The outer diameters of both the first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are larger than the diameter of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 to prevent the floating connector 104 from disengaging from the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106. The outer diameter of the portion of the first segment 118 received by the through-hole 112 is substantially equal to the diameter of the through-hole 112, such that the first segment 118 can be relatively stably held within the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 3The floating connector body 114 can be held on the base 102 by means of a mounting plate 128. The mounting plate 128 has an opening 129 through which the floating connector body 114 passes. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 128 is fixed to the base 102 such that the first flange 124 of the first segment 118 is constrained in the Z-direction between the base 102 and the mounting plate 128, thereby preventing the floating connector body 114 from detaching from the base 102. A movement space 130 is defined between the base 102 and the mounting plate 128, allowing the first flange 124 to move. The movement space 130 communicates with the receiving space 110. When the floating connector 104 moves relative to the base 102 in the radial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 (i.e., along the XY plane) or tilts relative to the axial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 (i.e., tilts relative to the Z-direction), the first flange 124 will translate, tilt, and / or rotate within the movement space 130.

[0048] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4C In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 is a shut-off valve type and includes a valve stem 132, a sliding sleeve 134, an elastic element 136, a first sealing element 131, and a second sealing element 133. The valve stem 132 can be disposed within the first section 118 along the axial direction of the first section 118. The valve stem 132 has a valve stem head 135 and a valve stem base 137. The sliding sleeve 134 is sleeved inside the first section 118 on the outside of the valve stem 132 and is capable of being in a closed position along the axial direction of the first section 118. Figure 4A ) and opening position ( Figure 4C Slide between ) to cause valve assembly 116 to be in the closed state accordingly ( Figure 4A ) and open state ( Figure 4C Switching between the two positions. The sliding sleeve 134 is biased towards the closed position under the elastic force of the elastic element 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element 136 is a helical spring, with its two ends abutting against the sliding sleeve 134 and the valve stem base 137, respectively. The first sealing element 131 is embedded in the outer periphery of the valve stem head 135 to make sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 134. The second sealing element 133 is embedded in the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 134 to make sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first segment 118. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 4A As shown, when the sliding sleeve 134 is biased to the closed position by the elastic element 136, the sliding sleeve 134 blocks the annular gap between the first section 118 and the valve stem head 135, thereby closing the flow path of the floating connector 104. Figure 4CAs shown, when the sliding sleeve 134 is subjected to an external force pushing along the axial direction of the first section 118, the sliding sleeve 134 can resist the elastic force of the elastic element 136 and move to the open position, thereby opening the flow path of the floating connector 104.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first floating unit 106 is in the form of a bushing. The first floating unit 106 may be made of thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material. Optionally, the first floating unit 106 may be made of TPV. The first floating unit 106 defines at least one cavity 138 in its circumferential wall. The material of the first floating unit 106 and the cavity structure cooperate to allow the first floating unit 106 to elastically deform under external force. Thus, the first floating unit 106 allows the floating connector 104 to move radially relative to the base 102 along the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 or tilt relative to the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106. In other words, it allows the floating connector 104 to tilt relative to the base 102 along the base plane (i.e., float along the XY plane) and relative to a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., tilt relative to the Z direction) to accommodate assembly deviations when the floating connector 104 mates with the mating connector 204.

[0050] This is particularly advantageous when the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104 and the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 are not axially aligned when the floating connector 104 mates with the mating connector 204 (e.g., the axis of the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104 and the axis of the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 are offset from each other by a certain distance or at a certain angle). In this document, unless otherwise stated, the radial and axial directions of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 refer to the radial and axial directions of the through-hole 112 when the first floating unit 106 is in its original state; for the illustrated embodiment, the radial and axial directions of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 refer to the radial and axial directions of the through-hole 112 when the first floating unit 106 is not deformed.

[0051] Furthermore, when the floating connector 104 moves relative to the base 102 along the XY plane and tilts relative to the Z direction, the floating connector 104 is also cushioned by the first floating unit 106. Compared to the case where the floating connector is rigidly connected to the base, the structure of the floating connector 104 provided in the first floating unit 106 of the present invention helps to avoid damage to the floating connector 104 when it floats, especially when it moves along the XY plane / tilts relative to the Z direction. This, in turn, allows the floating connector 104 (especially the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104) to be made of, for example, plastic materials, to achieve a lighter connector device 10 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the connector device 10.

[0052] Figures 6A to 6C This illustrates the process of mating / plugging the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 together when the inlet 122 of the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104 is not axially aligned with the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204. (Refer to...) Figures 6A to 6C First, such as Figure 6A As shown, because the inlet 122 of the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104 is not axially aligned with the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 will push the first segment 118 when inserted into the inlet 122 of the first segment 118. At this time, the first floating unit 106 that accommodates the first segment 118 will undergo elastic deformation to allow the first segment 118 to tilt relative to the Z direction, thereby making it easier for the insertion portion 210 to be inserted into the first segment 118 through the inlet 122. Subsequently, as Figure 6B As shown, the insertion part 210 can be further inserted into the first segment 118 under the guidance of the guide surface 123 of the inlet 122. Finally, as Figure 6C As shown, the insertion part 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into place, thereby realizing the docking of the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the floating connector assembly 100 has two floating connectors 104, the first floating unit 106 correspondingly has two through holes 112a, 112b (which may be collectively referred to herein as through holes 112) for receiving the floating connectors 104, and the mating connector assembly 200 correspondingly has two mating connectors 204.

[0054] It is conceivable that the floating connector assembly 100 may also have one or more than two floating connectors 104, the first floating unit 106 may have a corresponding number of through holes 112, and the mating connector assembly 200 may have a corresponding number of mating connectors 204.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first floating unit 106 includes a first cylindrical portion 140a and a second cylindrical portion 140b (collectively referred to herein as cylindrical portion 140), the first cylindrical portion 140a defining a through-hole 112a and the second cylindrical portion defining a through-hole 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, each cylindrical portion 140 has a plurality of cavities 138 arranged generally along its circumferential direction and extending along its axial direction to facilitate elastic deformation of the first floating unit 106. It is understood that the first floating unit 106 may also have other suitable multi-cavity configurations, such as the circumferential walls of the cylindrical portion 140 being honeycomb-shaped.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the axes of the through holes 112a of the first cylindrical portion 140a and 112b of the second cylindrical portion 140b are parallel to each other and both perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., both along the Z direction. The first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b intersect each other. In other words, the distance D between the axis of the first cylindrical portion 140a and the axis of the second cylindrical portion 140b is less than the sum of the outer diameter R1 of the first cylindrical portion 140a and the outer diameter R2 of the second cylindrical portion 140b. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, during the docking of the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204, when the floating connector 104 needs to move relative to the base 102 along the XY plane and tilt relative to the Z direction, the first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b can coordinate their deformation and enhance the consistency of the deformation, thereby reducing the force required to deform the first floating unit 106, and thus reducing the insertion force required to complete the correct docking of the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b are symmetrically arranged.

[0057] Reference Figures 8A to 8C The base 102 also includes a receiving cavity 144. The second floating unit 108 includes a housing 146 and an elastic member 148. The housing 146 is configured to move relative to the receiving cavity 144 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base, i.e., in the Z-direction. The housing 146 and the receiving cavity 144 together define a receiving space 145, and the elastic member 148 is disposed within the receiving space 145 for biasing the housing 146 away from the base 102.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 146 has a generally cylindrical shape and is at least partially disposed within the receiving cavity 144, which has a generally cylindrical shape that matches the housing 146 to guide movement of the housing 146 along the inner peripheral surface of the receiving cavity 144 in the Z-direction. It is understood that in other embodiments, the housing 146 may also be fitted outside the receiving cavity 144 to move along the outer peripheral surface of the receiving cavity 144 in the Z-direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 148 is a helical spring. It is understood that in other embodiments, the elastic member 148 may also be other components capable of applying a Z-direction biasing force to the housing 146.

[0059] The second floating unit 108 also includes an externally threaded fastener 150 and a mating member 152. The externally threaded fastener 150 may extend through the receiving space 145 and engage with the mating member 152 for movably mounting the housing 146 to the base 102. The externally threaded fastener 150 may be a bolt or stud, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the externally threaded fastener 150 extends through a resilient member 148 in the receiving space 145.

[0060] The end wall 154 of the housing 146 is provided with an inverted conical limiting hole 156, which tapers towards the base 102. The mating member 152 has an inverted conical outer contour that matches the shape of the limiting hole 156. The mating member 152 is disposed in the limiting hole 156 around the externally threaded fastener 150 and is limited by the limiting hole 156. Due to the elastic force of the elastic member 148 acting on the housing 146, the mating member 152 tends to move downwards relative to the limiting hole 156 of the housing 146. This relative movement tendency of the mating member 152 cooperates with the limiting effect of the limiting hole 156, securely holding the mating member 152 within the limiting hole 156 and preventing the mating member 152 from loosening.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating member 152 is provided with a first mating portion 158, and the externally threaded fastener 150 is provided with a second mating portion 160 that matches the shape of the first mating portion 158. The second mating portion 160 and the first mating portion 158 are shape-fitted to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating portion 158 is in the form of a convex portion, and the second mating portion 160 is in the form of a concave portion. It is understood that in other embodiments, the first mating portion 158 may be in the form of a concave portion, while the second mating portion 160 may be in the form of a convex portion. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the mating member 152 may also have an internal thread and threadedly engage with the externally threaded fastener 150.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating member 152 is generally conical in shape. Optionally, the mating member 152 may include two separately formed sections having the same semi-conical shape to together form a conical mating member 152, which facilitates the installation of the mating member 152. Specifically, when installing the mating member 152, the cover 146 can be pressed down to expose the second mating portion 160 of the external threaded fastener 150, then the two sections of the mating member 152 are engaged with the external threaded fastener 150, and finally the pressure applied to the cover 146 is stopped. The cover 146 will move upward under the elastic force of the elastic member 148 until the mating member 152 is received and confined within the limiting hole 156. It is understood that in other embodiments, the mating member 152 may also be composed of more than two circumferentially combined sections.

[0063] Reference Figures 8A to 8C The floating connector assembly 100 can be secured to the vehicle body via the external threaded fastener 150 of the second floating unit 108. When the floating connector assembly 100 is installed on the vehicle body, the end wall 154 of the cover 146 of the second floating unit 108 abuts against the vehicle body. Thus, especially during the process of securing the battery pack to the vehicle body after mating the mating connector assembly 200 on the battery pack with the floating connector assembly 100 on the vehicle body, the floating connector assembly 100 is subjected to the pushing force of the mating connector assembly 200, allowing the base 102 to move relative to the cover 146 / vehicle body in a direction perpendicular to the base plane (Z-direction), thereby absorbing Z-direction assembly deviations. Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the base 102 can move to different positions relative to the housing 146 in the Z direction. In other words, the second floating unit 108 can move to different floating positions to absorb / compensate for a certain range of Z-direction assembly deviations.

[0064] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The floating connector assembly 100 also includes a flexible first protective cover 162. The first protective cover 162 is configured around the floating connector 104 to at least cover the gap between the floating connector 104 and the edge of the opening 129 of the mounting plate 128, preventing foreign objects from entering the moving space 130, the receiving space 110, the cavity 138 of the first floating unit 106, and the floating connector 104. When the floating connector 104 moves relative to the base 102, the first protective cover 162 can deform with the movement of the floating connector 104, while preventing the intrusion of foreign objects (dust, water, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 may have a corrugated cross-section to make it easier for the first protective cover 162 to deform with the movement of the floating connector 104.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 is provided with an opening 164 for the floating connector 104 to pass through. The first protective cover 162 can be sealed to the floating connector 104 at the opening 164 by means of, for example, bonding, laser welding, high-frequency welding, or secondary injection molding. The outer edge of the first protective cover 162 can be fixed to the base 102 by a pressure ring 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 includes a protrusion 168. The protrusion 168 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base, i.e., substantially along the Z-direction, and extends through the mounting plate 128, the outer edge of the first protective cover 162, and the pressure ring 166. The free end of the protrusion 168 is connected to the spring nut 170 (see...). Figure 1 The outer edge of the first protective cover 162 is clamped between the pressure ring 166 and the mounting plate 128 fixed to the base 102, thereby fixing the outer edge of the first protective cover 162 to the base 102.

[0066] Understandably, the first protective cover 162 may also be configured around the floating connector 104 to cover the gap between the floating connector 104 and the base 102 to prevent the intrusion of foreign objects, for example, when the floating connector assembly 100 does not have a mounting plate.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4B The mounting base 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 is generally plate-shaped. The mounting base 202 includes a fastening hole 203 for fasteners to pass through, thereby securing the mounting base 202 to the battery pack housing. The mating connector body 206 of the mating connector 204 of the mating connector assembly 200 defines the flow path of the mating connector 204. The mating connector body 206 includes a mating portion 210 and an adapter portion 212.

[0068] The plug portion 210 is generally tubular and extends generally perpendicular to the mounting base 202. The plug portion 210 defines a port 214 at its end. The plug portion 210 can be inserted into the float connector 104 through the inlet 122. A first sealing member 215 is embedded in the outer periphery of the plug portion 210 (see...). Figure 4B This is used to make sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104. The outer side of the insertion portion 210 is also provided with a plurality of guide ribs 216 (see...). Figure 2 The guide ribs 216 can mate with the guide surface 123 of the floating connector 104 to facilitate alignment of the mating portion 210 of the mating connector 204 with the first segment 118 of the floating connector 104. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of guide ribs 216 are arranged radially around the mating portion 210.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug portion 210 is integrally formed with the mounting base 202. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the plug portion 210 may also be fixed to the mounting base 202 in other ways. The adapter portion 212 may be fixed to the plug portion 210, for example, by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The adapter portion 212 may have different configurations to accommodate different pipes or fittings, expanding the application range of the mating connector assembly 200.

[0070] Reference Figure 4B and Figure 4C The valve unit 208 is a shut-off valve type and includes a valve core 218, an elastic member 220, and a second sealing member 222. The valve core 218 is capable of being in a closed position along the axial direction of the insertion portion 210. Figure 4B ) and opening position ( Figure 4C The valve unit 208 is moved between the states of ) to correspondingly switch between the closed and closed states. Figure 4B ) and open state ( Figure 4C Switching between the closed and open positions. The resilient member 220 can bias the valve core 218 towards the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 220 is a helical spring. The second sealing member 222 is embedded in the outer periphery of the valve core 218. Figure 4B As shown, when the valve core 218 is biased to the closed position by the elastic member 220, the valve core 218 blocks the port 214, thereby closing the flow path of the mating connector 204. Figure 4C As shown, when the valve core 218 is subjected to an external force pushing along the axial direction of the insertion portion 210, the valve core 218 can resist the elastic force of the elastic member 220 and move away from the port 214 to the open position, thereby opening the flow path of the mating connector 204.

[0071] Reference Figures 4A to 4CWhen the floating connector 104 mates with the mating connector 204, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 inserts into the floating connector 104 and pushes the sliding sleeve 134 of the floating connector 104 from the closed position toward the open position. Simultaneously, the valve stem 132 of the floating connector 104 pushes the valve core 218 of the mating connector 204 from the closed position toward the open position. When both the sliding sleeve 134 and the valve core 218 reach the open position, the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 are mated. The valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 are both in their final open state. This opens the flow paths of both the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204, allowing them to communicate fluidly with each other, thus establishing fluid communication between the fluid lines connected by the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204. When the mating connector 204 is pulled out from the floating connector 104, disconnecting the mating connector 204 from the floating connector 104, the sliding sleeve 134 of the floating connector 104 and the valve core 218 of the mating connector 204 will both return to the closed position. At this time, the flow path of the floating connector 104 and the flow path of the mating connector 204 are both closed, and the fluid in the fluid pipelines connected to the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 will not leak.

[0072] It is understood that the structure of the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 described above is merely exemplary, and any other suitable shut-off valve structure can be used to achieve the bidirectional shut-off function of the connector device 10.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figures 8A to 8CThe connector device 10 is configured such that: after both valve assembly 116 and valve unit 208 are switched to the open state, the second floating unit 108 moves relative to the base 102 to different floating positions to accommodate / absorb / compensate assembly deviations (i.e., Z-axis assembly deviations) in the direction perpendicular to the base plane, particularly Z-axis assembly deviations during the process of securing the battery pack to the vehicle body with fasteners. In other words, when the floating connector 104 is mated with the mating connector 204, the elastic element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the elastic member 220 of the valve unit 208 are first compressed, causing the valve assembly 116 and valve unit 208 to switch to the open state. Then, the elastic member 148 of the second floating unit 108 is compressed, causing the housing 146 of the second floating unit 108 to move relative to the base 102 to different floating positions. This can be achieved, for example, by having the elastic member 148 of the second floating unit 108 have a relatively larger elastic coefficient than the elastic element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the elastic member 220 of the valve unit 208. By using an independent second floating unit 108 to move to different floating positions relative to the base 102 after both valve assembly 116 and valve unit 208 are switched to the open state, the valve assembly 116 and valve unit 208 can avoid compensating for Z-axis assembly errors, reduce wear on valve assembly 116 and valve unit 208, and extend the service life of connector device 10.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The mounting base 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 is also provided with a stop 224. The stop 224 can abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 when the insertion part 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector 104 to fix the insertion depth of the insertion part 210. Because the stop 224 is provided, when the insertion part 210 is inserted to the preset position, the stop 224 of the mating connector assembly 200 will abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100. Then, the Z-axis assembly deviation during the insertion process will be absorbed by the second floating unit 108 of the floating connector assembly 100, which helps to prevent the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and / or the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 from compensating for or absorbing the Z-axis assembly deviation, and helps to extend the service life of the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208. It is worth noting that, thanks to the stop portion 224, during the docking process of the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204, and especially during the process of compensating for Z-axis assembly errors when the battery pack is fixed to the vehicle body, the root of the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 will not directly push the first flange 124 against the mounting plate 128 by directly pushing the inlet 122 of the floating connector 104, thereby increasing the stress on the mounting plate 128. This can prevent the mounting plate 128 from fatigue fracture and reduce the cycle life of the connector device 10 after the vehicle has replaced the battery pack many times, i.e., after the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is repeatedly inserted and removed.

[0075] Understandably, alternatively, a stop may also be provided on the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 to abut against the mounting base 202 of the mating connector assembly 200, thereby controlling the insertion depth of the insertion portion 210.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 The stop portion 224 protrudes relative to the mounting base 202 and is disposed around the insertion portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop portion 224 is in the form of a boss to increase the abutment surface with the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100, ensuring stable contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector assembly 200 includes two mating connectors 204, and correspondingly, the stop portion 224 may include two stop portions 226. In the illustrated embodiment, each stop portion 226 surrounds the entire circumference of the insertion portion 210 of the corresponding mating connector 204. It is understood that the stop portion 224 may also have other configurations, for example, the stop portion 226 of the stop portion 224 may be disposed only on one side of the corresponding insertion portion 210 and not surround its entire circumference.

[0077] The following reference Figure 3This section provides a brief overview of the assembly of the connector assembly 10 during quick battery pack replacement. When replacing the battery pack, the mating connector 204 on the battery pack is initially aligned with the floating connector 104 on the vehicle body. Then, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 via the inlet 122. Once the floating connector 104 and mating connector 204 are aligned, fluid communication is established between the thermal management system in the battery pack and the coolant supply system in the vehicle. The battery pack can then be further secured to the vehicle body with fasteners, thereby fixing the floating connector assembly 100 and the mating connector assembly 200 together. During quick battery pack replacement, the first floating unit 106 and the second floating unit 108 can absorb assembly deviations in all directions.

[0078] It is understood that when the connector device 10 is applied to a vehicle battery pack quick-change scenario, the floating connector assembly 100 can be fixed to the battery pack housing, while the mating connector assembly 200 can be fixed to the vehicle body. Furthermore, it is understood that the application scenarios of the connector device 10 according to the present invention are not limited to this, but can be used in various scenarios requiring the establishment of fluid communication.

[0079] Figures 9A to 9B A connector device 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is similar to the connector device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, except that the connector device 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment includes a flexible second protective cover 228 in addition to the flexible first protective cover 126. The second protective cover 228 is configured to cover / surround the mating area of ​​the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 after they are mated to prevent foreign objects from entering the cavity of the first floating unit 106, the floating connector 104, the mating connector 204, etc.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, a second protective cover 228 is disposed around the stop 224 and has an accordion-like construction. One end 229 of the second protective cover 228 is sealingly fixed to the outer periphery of the stop 224. The other end / free end 230 of the second protective cover 228 can abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 after the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 are mated to prevent the ingress of foreign objects. It is understood that the second protective cover 228 may also be fixed at one end to the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100, and the other end is used to abut against the mounting base 202 of the mating connector assembly 200.

[0081] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubber, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations thereof known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 9B The illustrated embodiments only show the shape, size and arrangement of various optional components of the connector device and its constituent parts according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0082] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the disclosed concepts under the inventive concept of the present invention, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connector device (10), the connector device (10) comprising a floating connector assembly (100) and a mating connector assembly (200), wherein, The floating connector assembly (100) includes a base (102), a floating connector (104), and a first floating unit (106). The base (102) defines a base plane and includes a receiving space (110) for receiving the first floating unit (106). The first floating unit (106) includes a through-hole (112) for receiving the floating connector (104) and is configured to allow the floating connector (104) to move radially along the through-hole (112) and tilt axially relative to the through-hole (112). The mating connection... The connector assembly (200) includes a mating connector (204) adapted to mate with the floating connector (104), wherein a valve assembly (116) is disposed within the floating connector (104) and a valve unit (208) is disposed within the mating connector (204), the valve assembly (116) and the valve unit (208) being configured to both switch to an open state when the floating connector (104) and the mating connector (204) are mated, such that the flow paths of both the floating connector (104) and the mating connector (204) are open, characterized in that... The floating connector assembly (100) further includes a second floating unit (108), which is mounted to the base (102) and configured to move relative to the base (102) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base. The connector device (10) is configured such that the second floating unit (108) can move to different floating positions relative to the base (102) after both the valve assembly (116) and the valve unit (208) are switched to the open state to compensate for assembly deviations in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the base.

2. The connector device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The base (102) includes a receiving cavity (144), and the second floating unit (108) includes a cover (146) and an elastic member (148), wherein the cover (146) is movable relative to the receiving cavity (144) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base, the cover (146) and the receiving cavity (144) together define a receiving space (145), and wherein the elastic member (148) is disposed within the receiving space (145) for biasing the cover (146) away from the base (102).

3. The connector device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The second floating unit (108) also includes an external threaded fastener (150) and a mating part (152), the external threaded fastener (150) extending through the receiving space (145) and engaging with the mating part (152) to mount the cover (146) to the base (102).

4. The connector device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The housing (146) is provided with an inverted conical limiting hole (156), and the mating part (152) has an outer contour that matches the shape of the limiting hole (156), wherein the mating part (152) is disposed in the limiting hole (156) around the external threaded fastener (150) so as to be limited by the limiting hole (156).

5. The connector arrangement (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The mating part (152) is provided with a first mating part (158), and the external threaded fastener (150) is provided with a second mating part (160) that matches the shape of the first mating part (158). The second mating part (160) and the first mating part (158) are shaped to fit each other.

6. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first floating unit (106) is in the form of a bushing and is made of thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material, and the first floating unit (106) defines at least one cavity (138) in its circumferential wall.

7. The connector device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The floating connector assembly (100) includes at least two floating connectors (104), and the first floating unit (106) accordingly includes at least two cylindrical portions, each cylindrical portion defining a through hole for receiving the corresponding floating connector (104). The at least two cylindrical portions include a first cylindrical portion (140a) and a second cylindrical portion (140b) with parallel axes, and the first cylindrical portion (140a) and the second cylindrical portion (140b) intersect each other.

8. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The mating connector assembly (200) further includes a mounting base (202), to which the mating connector (204) is connected, wherein the base (102) or the mounting base (202) is provided with a stop (224) configured to abut against the mounting base (202) or the base (102) opposite to it.

9. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The base plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the through hole (112).

10. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The floating connector assembly (100) further includes a mounting plate (128) and a flexible first protective cover (162), wherein the mounting plate (128) has an opening (129) through which the floating connector (104) passes, the floating connector (104) being held on the base (102) by means of the mounting plate (128), and the first protective cover (162) is configured around the floating connector (104) to cover the gap between the floating connector (104) and the edge of the opening (129).

11. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The floating connector assembly (100) further includes a flexible first protective cover, wherein the first protective cover is configured around the floating connector (104) to cover the gap between the floating connector (104) and the base (102).

12. The connector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The connector assembly (10) further includes a second protective cover (228) configured to cover the mating area of ​​the floating connector (104) and the mating connector (204).

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