Fluid connector assembly

Abstract

A fluid connector assembly includes two identical connector members. Each connector member includes a connector member body arranged along a longitudinal axis. The connector member body includes: a first body end configured to engage and hermetically seal to a first body end of the other connector member; and a second body end configured to attach to a fluid conduit. The connector member body also defines an internal fluid passage concentrically arranged about the longitudinal axis. The connector member body additionally includes a protrusion disposed on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the connector member body defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion of the other connector member when the two connector members are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about their longitudinal axes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction

[0002] This disclosure relates to a fluid connector assembly, such as a fluid connector assembly for a cooling subsystem of a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Fluid connectors, or fittings, play a critical role in industrial systems, ensuring reliable, leak-free connections between hoses, pipes, and tubes. Fluid connectors allow multiple pipes to be connected to cover longer distances or to extend networks by branching, enabling systems that are far more complex than those that could be achieved using only individual pipes.

[0004] Quick-connect couplings are designed to be easier to use than traditional couplings and are used to provide quick make-or-break connections for gas or liquid transfer lines. In manual operation scenarios, quick-connect couplings replace threaded or flanged connections that require a wrench.

[0005] In motor vehicles, fluid connectors can be used to connect fluid lines that allow coolant to circulate through heat exchangers for thermal regulation of various systems. In electric vehicles, radiator or cold plate embodiments of heat exchangers can be used to remove heat from battery cells and other components of multi-cell rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS). Summary of the Invention

[0006] A fluid connector assembly includes two identical first connector members and a second connector member. Each connector member includes a connector member body disposed along a longitudinal axis. The connector member body includes: a first body end configured to engage and hermetically seal to a first body end of the other connector member; and a second body end configured to attach to a fluid conduit. The connector member body also defines an internal fluid passage concentrically arranged about the longitudinal axis. The connector member body additionally includes a protrusion disposed on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the connector member body defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion of the other connector member when the two connector members are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about their longitudinal axes.

[0007] The fluid connector assembly may also include a first spring clip and a second spring clip, which together are configured to fasten the two connector components.

[0008] The connector member body of each connector member may additionally define a first slot and a second slot. In such an embodiment, each of the first slot of the first connector member and the second slot of the second connector member may be configured to receive a first spring clip. Additionally, in the same embodiment, each of the second slot of the first connector member and the first slot of the second connector member may be configured to receive a second spring clip.

[0009] The first slot extends through the channel, and the second slot extends through the protrusion.

[0010] The connector component body may additionally define a conduit engagement surface arranged opposite to the protrusion.

[0011] The catheter engagement surface may include one or more barbs configured to secure and retain the engagement of the catheter with the corresponding connector component body.

[0012] The protrusion may include a beveled free end configured to guide the subject protrusion into a channel of another connector component.

[0013] The connector component body may have a cylindrical shape defined by its circumference. In such an embodiment, the protrusions and channels may be arranged 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, each of the protrusions and channels may extend around half the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0014] At least one of the connector components may additionally include a resilient element disposed on a first body end and configured to seal the two connected first body ends of the first connector component and the second connector component. The resilient element may be a flat washer or an O-ring.

[0015] A fluid conduit assembly is also disclosed, which includes a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit connected or coupled using a fluid connector assembly as described above.

[0016] Additionally, a cooling system having a fluid conduit assembly configured to circulate coolant through a fluid heat exchanger is disclosed.

[0017] This disclosure also relates to the following technical solutions:

[0018] 1. A fluid conduit assembly comprising:

[0019] First fluid conduit and second fluid conduit;

[0020] A fluid connector assembly having two identical first connector members and a second connector member configured to connect a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, wherein each connector member includes a connector member body having:

[0021] A first body end, configured to connect and hermetically seal to a first body end of another connector component; and

[0022] The second body end is configured to be attached to one of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.

[0023] 2. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 1, wherein each connector member has a connector member body: disposed along a longitudinal axis and defining an internal fluid passage concentrically arranged around the longitudinal axis; including a protrusion disposed on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and defining a channel configured to receive a protrusion of the other connector member when the two connector members are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

[0024] 3. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 2 further includes a first spring clip and a second spring clip, the first spring clip and the second spring clip being configured together to fasten the two connector components to each other.

[0025] 4. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 3, wherein:

[0026] The connector component body of each connector component additionally defines a first slot and a second slot;

[0027] Each of the first slot of the first connector member and the second slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the first spring clip; and

[0028] Each of the second slot of the first connector member and the first slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the second spring clip.

[0029] 5. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 4, wherein the first groove extends through the channel and the second groove extends through the protrusion.

[0030] 6. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 2, wherein the connector member body additionally defines a conduit engagement surface arranged opposite to the protrusion.

[0031] 7. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 6, wherein the conduit engagement surface includes one or more barbs, the one or more barbs being configured to secure and retain engagement between the conduit and the corresponding connector component body.

[0032] 8. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion includes a chamfered free end configured to guide the protrusion into a channel of the other connector member.

[0033] 9. The fluid conduit assembly according to technical solution 2, wherein:

[0034] The connector component body has a cylindrical shape defined by a circumference;

[0035] The protrusion and the channel are arranged 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis; and

[0036] Each of the protrusions and channels extends about half the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0037] 10. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one connector member additionally includes an elastic element disposed on the first body end and configured to seal the two connected first body ends of the first connector member and the second connector member.

[0038] 11. A fluid connector assembly comprising:

[0039] Two identical first connector components and second connector components, wherein each connector component includes a connector component body disposed along a longitudinal axis, wherein the connector component body:

[0040] Includes: a first body end configured to connect with and hermetically seal to the first body end of the other connector member; and a second body end configured to attach to a fluid conduit;

[0041] Defines an internal fluid passage arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis;

[0042] Includes protrusions arranged on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and

[0043] A defined channel is provided, which is configured to receive a protrusion of the other connector member when the two connector members are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

[0044] 12. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a first spring clip and a second spring clip, the first spring clip and the second spring clip being configured together to fasten the two connector components to each other.

[0045] 13. The fluid connector assembly according to technical solution 12, wherein:

[0046] The connector component body of each connector component additionally defines a first slot and a second slot;

[0047] Each of the first slot of the first connector member and the second slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the first spring clip; and

[0048] Each of the second slot of the first connector member and the first slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the second spring clip.

[0049] 14. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first groove extends through the channel and the second groove extends through the protrusion.

[0050] 15. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the connector member body additionally defines a conduit engagement surface arranged opposite to the protrusion.

[0051] 16. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein the conduit engagement surface includes one or more barbs configured to secure and retain engagement between the respective conduit and the corresponding connector component body.

[0052] 17. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion includes a chamfered free end configured to guide the main protrusion into a channel of the other connector member.

[0053] 18. The fluid connector assembly according to technical solution 11, wherein:

[0054] The connector component body has a cylindrical shape defined by a circumference;

[0055] The protrusion and the channel are arranged 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis; and

[0056] Each of the protrusions and channels extends about half the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0057] 19. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein at least one connector member additionally includes an elastic element disposed on the first body end and configured to seal the two connected first body ends of the first connector member and the second connector member.

[0058] 20. A cooling system comprising:

[0059] Fluid heat exchanger;

[0060] A fluid conduit assembly configured to circulate coolant through the fluid heat exchanger, the fluid conduit assembly comprising:

[0061] First fluid conduit and second fluid conduit;

[0062] A fluid connector assembly having two identical first connector members and a second connector member configured to connect a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, wherein each connector member includes a connector member body having:

[0063] A first body end, configured to connect and hermetically seal to the first body end of the other connector component; and

[0064] The second body end is configured to be attached to one of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit;

[0065] Each connector component has a connector component body that: is disposed along a longitudinal axis and defines an internal fluid passage arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis; includes a protrusion disposed on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion of the other connector component when the two connector components are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

[0066] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of the multiple embodiments and multiple best modes for carrying out the described disclosure when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure, which employs various vehicle systems and corresponding cooling systems, which employ heat exchangers that circulate coolant via corresponding fluid conduit assemblies.

[0068] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a close-up schematic partial side view of a representative fluid conduit assembly, illustrating two fluid conduits connected using a fluid connector assembly with two identical connector components.

[0069] Figure 3 Based on this disclosure Figure 2 The schematic cross-sectional side view of the fluid connector assembly shown illustrates the details of the connector components.

[0070] Figure 4 Based on this disclosure Figure 3 A schematic perspective top view of one of the fluid connector components shown. Detailed Implementation

[0071] The embodiments of this disclosure as described herein are intended to be illustrative. Other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. Additionally, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure in various ways.

[0072] Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference only, and therefore these terms are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions referenced in the drawings. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “in front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of portions of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which becomes clear by reference to the text describing the component or element under discussion and the associated drawings. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe individual components. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings, and are used descriptively in the drawings and do not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0073] refer to Figure 1The diagram depicts a motor vehicle 10 having a powertrain 12. Vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, passenger vehicles, aircraft, water vehicles, trains, etc. It is also envisioned that vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobile device, a robot, etc., to achieve the purposes of this disclosure. The powertrain 12 includes one or more power sources, such as a traction motor or electric motor generator 14 and / or an internal combustion engine 16, said one or more power sources being configured to generate a power source torque T (in the form of a torque T). Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) for propulsing the vehicle 10 relative to the road surface 20 via driven wheel 18. For example, power sources 14 and 16 may work together to provide power to the vehicle 10. As shown, the powertrain 12 may additionally include a transmission assembly 22 that operatively connects the power sources(s) to the driven wheel(s) for transmitting drive torque T to the driven wheel(s).

[0074] As shown, vehicle 10 additionally includes an electronic controller 24. The electronic controller 24 may be a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions on vehicle 10, or a powertrain control module (PCM) configured to control the powertrain 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque T. Vehicle 10 also includes a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 26, which is configured to generate and store electrical energy through a heat-generating electrochemical reaction to supply electrical energy to the powertrain 12 and controller 24. RESS 26 may be connected via a high-voltage bus 28 to power sources 14 and 16, electronic controller 24, and other vehicle systems.

[0075] Vehicle systems (such as power sources 14 and 16, transmission assemblies 22 and RESS 26) typically generate heat as a byproduct of their operation. However, such systems can begin operation in a relatively cold state, where system efficiency is below optimal. Therefore, effective management of heat energy is necessary to improve system efficiency on the one hand and mitigate heat buildup and the resulting degradation in system performance and reliability on the other. For this purpose, vehicle 10 also includes a heat exchanger 30 configured to circulate coolant and thereby regulate (e.g., increase or remove) the heat energy in such vehicle systems. Thus, powertrain 12, electronic controller 24, and RESS 26 can represent vehicle systems thermally regulated by heat exchanger 30. A suitable heat exchanger 30 can be integrated as a sub-component into the corresponding vehicle system or arranged remotely from the corresponding vehicle system.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, a representative heat exchanger 30 is typically connected to a fluid pump 32 via a fluid conduit assembly 34 (such as a fluid inlet conduit and a fluid outlet conduit). Figure 2As shown, each fluid conduit assembly 34 includes a first fluid conduit 36-1 and a second fluid conduit 36-2 configured to be connected or coupled together. Each fluid conduit 36-1, 36-2 may be a flexible hose or include flexible hose portions connected to (a plurality of) rigid pipes (a plurality of) pipes. Each fluid conduit assembly 34 also includes a fluid connector assembly 38 having two substantially identical (as permitted by manufacturing tolerances), asymmetrical or unilateral connector members—a first connector member 40-1 and a second connector member 40-2. The first connector member 40-1 and the second connector member 40-2 are configured to connect the respective first fluid conduit 36-1 and second fluid conduit 36-2.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 Each connector component 40-1, 40-2 includes a connector component body 42 having a first body end 42-1 configured to engage and hermetically seal to the first body end of another connector component (creating a fluid-impermeable connection). The connector component body 42 may be polymer injection molded or cast or machined from metal (such as aluminum). The connector component body 42 of each connector component 40-1, 40-2 also includes a second body end 42-2 configured to attach to a corresponding one of the first fluid conduit 36-1 and the second fluid conduit 36-2. Figure 2 As shown, the connector component body 42 of each connector component 40-1, 40-2 may have a generally circular cross-section. The connector component body 42 is located along the longitudinal axis X (in... Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) is configured and defines an internal fluid passage 44 arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. Each connector component body 42 may also include a protrusion 46 disposed on the first body end 42-1, spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0078] Refer again Figure 3 Each connector member body 42 may additionally define a channel or recess 48. The channel 48 of one connector member is configured to receive a protrusion 46 (e.g., ...) of another mating connector member when the two connector members 40-1, 40-2 rotate 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis X. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). Each component body 40's protrusion 46 may include a beveled free end 50 configured to guide the protrusion into a channel 48 of another connector component. (As shown in the diagram) Figure 4 As illustrated, the connector component body 42 may have a generally cylindrical shape 52, typically defined by its circumference. (Reference) Figure 3The protrusions 46 and channels 48 may be arranged approximately 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, each of the protrusions 46 and channels 48 may extend approximately half the circumference of the cylindrical shape 52 (i.e., occupying a 180-degree arc around the cylindrical shape).

[0079] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each connector member 40-1, 40-2 may further include a first spring clip 54-1 and a second spring clip 54-2. The first spring clip 54-1 and the second spring clip 54-2 are together configured to secure the two connector members 40-1, 40-2 to each other. As shown, the connector member body 42 of each connector member 40-1, 40-2 may also define a first slot 56-1 and a second slot 56-2. In the discussed embodiments, each of the first slot 56-1 of the first connector member 40-1 and the second slot 56-2 of the second connector member 40-2 may be configured to receive the first spring clip 54-1. Additionally, in the same embodiment, each of the second slot 56-2 of the first connector member 40-1 and the first slot 56-1 of the second connector member 40-2 may be configured to receive the second spring clip 54-2.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the first slot 56-1 extends substantially orthogonally through the channel 48, and the second slot 56-2 extends substantially orthogonally through the protrusion 46. Once seated in the corresponding channel slot 56-1, during engagement of the two connector members 40-1, 40-2, the first spring clip 54-1 and the second spring clip 54-2 expand through the corresponding protrusion 46 until these spring clips engage in the protrusion slot 56-2. The beveled free end 50 of each protrusion 46 assists in the expansion of the spring clips 54-1, 54-2 during engagement of the two connector members 40-1, 40-2, allowing them to seat in the corresponding protrusion slot 56-2. As a result, the spring clips 54-1, 54-2 engage the connector member body 42 of each connector member 40-1, 40-2 and thereby lock the two connector members together.

[0081] The connector component body 42 may also define the conduit mating surface 58 (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram), the conduit engagement surface 58 is arranged opposite the protrusion 46 near the second body end 42-2. The conduit engagement surface 58 may include one or more barbs 60 configured to secure and retain the engagement of the respective fluid conduits 36-1, 36-2 with the corresponding connector member body 42. Although not shown, a clamp may be used to further secure the fluid conduits 36-1, 36-2 to the corresponding connector members 40-1, 40-2. Figure 4As shown, each connector component 40-1, 40-2 may additionally include an elastic element or washer 62 disposed on a first body end 42-1. The elastic element 62 may be, for example, a flat rubber ring or washer. The elastic element 62 may be a separate component, each elastic element seated on and mounted to the respective first body end 42-1, for example, by means of epoxy resin, or injection molded together with the respective connector component body 42. The elastic element 62 is configured to seal the two connected first body ends 43-1 of the first connector component 40-1 and the second connector component 40-2.

[0082] Alternatively, the elastic element 62 can be an O-ring (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). In such an embodiment, the fluid connector assembly 38 may include a single O-ring disposed between two connector members 40-1, 40-2. This O-ring may be compressed by the connector members 40-1, 40-2 in the fluid connector assembly 38. In such an embodiment, a first body end 42-1 of each connector member 40-1, 40-2 may define a complementary recess 64 configured to seat the O-ring. The recess 64 in question may be defined by a depth shallower than the radius of the O-ring to facilitate proper O-ring compression. For ease of assembly, the O-ring may be mounted to one of the connector members 40-1, 40-2, for example, using epoxy resin.

[0083] In general, the fluid connector assembly 38 is produced using two identical, coupled asymmetrical connector members. The two connector members are constructed to assemble when arranged relative to each other or at 180 degrees about a common longitudinal axis. Each connector member includes features such as protrusions and channels configured to receive such protrusions to secure the two connector members relative to each other. Multiple gaskets may be provided at the interface between the respective connector members to ensure a hermetically tight seal is maintained. The fluid conduit assembly also includes clamps configured to lock the connector members relative to each other and achieve a reliable, leak-free assembly. The fluid connector assembly in question can be used to produce low- or medium-pressure conduit assemblies for circulating coolant between heat exchangers and vehicle systems.

[0084] The detailed description and accompanying drawings support and describe this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings or the various embodiments mentioned in this description are not necessarily to be construed as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one of the examples of embodiments may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid conduit assembly comprising: First fluid conduit and second fluid conduit; A fluid connector assembly having two identical first connector members and a second connector member configured to connect a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, wherein each connector member includes a connector member body having: The first body end is configured to connect with and hermetically seal to the first body end of another connector component; as well as The second body end is configured to be attached to one of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.

2. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector component body of each connector component: is arranged along the longitudinal axis and defines an internal fluid passage concentrically arranged around the longitudinal axis; Includes protrusions arranged on the first body end and spaced apart from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; And a defined channel configured to receive a protrusion of the other connector member when the two connector members are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

3. The fluid conduit assembly of claim 2, further comprising a first spring clip and a second spring clip, the first spring clip and the second spring clip being configured together to secure the two connector components to each other.

4. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The connector component body of each connector component additionally defines a first slot and a second slot; Each of the first slot of the first connector member and the second slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the first spring clip; and Each of the second slot of the first connector member and the first slot of the second connector member is configured to receive the second spring clip.

5. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The first groove extends through the channel, and the second groove extends through the protrusion.

6. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The connector component body additionally defines a conduit engagement surface arranged opposite to the protrusion.

7. The fluid conduit assembly of claim 6, wherein, The catheter engagement surface includes one or more barbs configured to secure and retain the engagement of the catheter with the corresponding connector component body.

8. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The protrusion includes a beveled free end configured to guide the protrusion into a channel of the other connector component.

9. The fluid conduit assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The connector component body has a cylindrical shape defined by a circumference; The protrusion and the channel are arranged 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis; and Each of the protrusions and channels extends about half the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

10. The fluid conduit assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one connector component additionally includes an elastic element disposed on the first body end and configured to seal the two connected first body ends of the first connector component and the second connector component.

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