A pipe seal quick coupling assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of pipe sealing quick connector assemblies, belong to pipeline joint field, including male plug and female socket;First check valve elastically telescopic along the axis is provided in plug shell, second check valve elastically telescopic along the axis is provided in socket shell, and male plug and female socket are connected under the state of plug-in through first check valve, second check valve abutment and lead through;The front end inner wall of plug shell is provided with pressure relief channel, and the sealing installation groove of the inner wall of the insertion cavity of female socket is communicated with pressure relief channel, shape memory alloy sealing ring is provided in sealing installation groove, heating wire is embedded in shape memory alloy sealing ring, heat-conducting column passes through the side wall of socket shell and extends into observation window on outer wall, and contact heat-conducting column in observation window is provided with thermochromic indicator sheet.The realization at least three kinds of functions such as quick plug-in, accurate monitoring of inflation pressure, product sealing property preliminary automatic detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipe fittings, and more specifically to a quick-connect pipe sealing assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the airtightness testing process for products such as new energy direct-cooling plates and vapor chambers, the core of the sealing joint is to achieve rapid sealing and connection between the testing pipeline and the product interface, and to stably complete gas filling under rated pressure, ensuring that the testing process is leak-free and error-free for passing the test. Existing hand-operated high-pressure gas filling guns have a redundant, separate structure for the gun body, adapter, and locking mechanism, resulting in extremely high procurement and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the tooling is labor-intensive to operate, increasing the workload of users. It also cannot perform preliminary product testing, relying instead on high-precision airtightness leak detection equipment, further increasing testing costs.

[0003] Furthermore, existing sealing elements (such as O-rings) and detection sensors are independent of each other. Sensors increase hardware costs and potential failure points, and cannot directly sense the condition of the sealing interface itself. Shape memory alloys (SMAs), as a novel functional material, exhibit a unique relationship between resistance and strain. Studies have shown that under isothermal conditions, the rate of change of resistance of SMA wire is proportional to strain. This characteristic provides a theoretical basis for using SMAs as both actuators and sensors, but its application in the field of seal detection has not yet been observed.

[0004] In the high-frequency use of quick couplings, it is also necessary to ensure that the sealing ring can only be energized and heated after the male plug is fully inserted and the locking steel ball accurately falls into the annular locking groove. Existing solutions mostly rely on sensors or software for judgment, which poses risks of response lag or electrical interference; while setting electrical contacts directly on the steel ball results in unstable contact due to rolling friction. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a purely physical, highly reliable, full-circumferentially covering interlocking mechanism that does not affect the original locking function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a quick-connect pipe sealing assembly that solves problems such as slow sealing and connection speed of existing quick-connect pipes, redundant structure of existing air guns, high procurement costs, laborious operation, and inability to perform preliminary sealing tests on products.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: A quick-connect fitting assembly for sealing pipes is provided, comprising a male plug and a female socket; The male plug includes a plug shell with a hollow tube structure, and a first one-way valve that elastically expands and contracts along the axial direction is provided inside the plug shell. The female socket includes a socket shell with a hollow tube structure, and a second one-way valve that elastically expands and contracts along the axial direction is provided inside the socket shell. When the male plug and the female socket are plugged in, they are connected by the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve. The inner wall of the plug housing has several pressure relief channels that penetrate the side wall of the plug housing in a circumferential direction. The pressure relief channels are connected to the sealing installation groove opened in the inner wall of the female socket's insertion cavity. A shape memory alloy sealing ring is installed in the sealing installation groove, and a heating wire is embedded in the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The side wall of the socket housing has an external pressure relief channel that communicates with the sealing installation groove, and a heat-conducting column that senses the heat generated by the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The heat-conducting column passes through the side wall of the socket housing and extends into an observation window on the outer wall. A thermochromic indicator sheet that contacts the heat-conducting column is installed in the observation window.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner wall of the plug end of the plug housing is set as a first conical slope, the end of the first one-way valve is provided with a first mating conical surface that mates with the first conical slope, and the pressure relief port of the pressure relief channel is located on the first conical slope; when the male plug and female socket are not plugged in, the first mating conical surface abuts against the first conical slope to seal the pressure relief channel and the inside of the male plug. The interior of the socket housing includes a plug-in cavity for plugging in the plug, a piston cavity in the middle for mounting a second one-way valve, and a connecting channel at the tail. A second conical inclined surface is provided on the inner wall where the plug-in cavity and the piston cavity transition. The end of the second one-way valve is provided with a second mating conical surface that mates with the second conical inclined surface. When the female socket and the male plug are not plugged in, the second mating conical surface abuts against the second conical inclined surface to seal the interior of the female socket.

[0008] Furthermore, the outer wall of the plug is provided with a limiting groove along the circumference, the bottom of the limiting groove is provided with an insulating layer, a number of fixed contacts are provided in the limiting groove, and an annular elastic conductive contact is provided at the upper end of the limiting groove; when the male plug and the female socket are plugged in, the elastic conductive contact is squeezed to contact the fixed contacts.

[0009] Furthermore, the heating wire is electrically connected to the external heating power supply circuit, the elastic conductive contact and the fixed contact are electrically connected to the external controller, and the heating power supply circuit is electrically connected to the controller; after the male plug and female socket are plugged in, the elastic conductive contact is squeezed to contact the fixed contact, and the heating power supply circuit heats the heating wire, causing the shape memory alloy sealing ring to undergo a phase transformation from low-temperature martensite to high-temperature austenite, shrinking and compressing the male plug and sealing the pressure relief channel.

[0010] Furthermore, a mating ring is movably fitted onto the outer shell of the socket, and a number of locking steel balls are evenly arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the insertion cavity. The locking steel balls are movably arranged in the spherical cup groove that penetrates the outer shell of the socket. The inner wall of the mating ring is provided with arc-shaped protrusions that compress the locking steel balls. When the female socket and the male plug are in the plugged-in state, the arc-shaped protrusions compress the locking steel balls and move them toward the inner side of the insertion cavity, so that the locking steel balls compress the elastic conductive contact and sink into the limiting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, a return spring is axially arranged between the inner wall of the mating ring and the outer wall of the socket housing; in the normal state, the arc-shaped protrusion of the return spring is located at the position of squeezing and locking the steel ball; when the male plug needs to be pulled out, the mating ring is pushed to make the arc-shaped protrusion leave the position of squeezing and locking the steel ball.

[0012] Furthermore, a trigger is provided on the outer wall of the mating ring, one end of which is hinged to a fixed bracket provided on the socket housing. By operating the trigger, the mating ring can slide along the axial direction of the socket housing.

[0013] Furthermore, the connection channel is connected to a T-type tee connector. One end of the T-type tee connector is connected to a pressure sensor, and the other end is connected to an electrically controlled shut-off valve. When the pressure sensor detects that the pressure continuously exceeds the threshold, the controller controls the heating power circuit to stop heating the heating wire. The shape memory alloy sealing ring naturally cools down and undergoes a reverse phase transformation from high-temperature austenite to low-temperature martensite, actively expanding to connect the pressure relief channel with the external pressure relief channel.

[0014] Furthermore, a reference sealing ring is provided next to the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The reference sealing ring has the same structure as the shape memory alloy sealing ring and is electrically connected to the heating power supply circuit. Both the shape memory alloy sealing ring and the reference sealing ring are provided with four leads that are respectively connected to the resistance measurement circuit for measuring the resistance change of the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The resistance measurement circuit is electrically connected to the controller. The reference sealing ring is used to dynamically eliminate the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations on the resistance measurement.

[0015] Furthermore, the first one-way valve includes a first valve seat fixedly disposed inside the plug end. The first valve seat has an annular structure and a Z-shaped cross-section. A first return spring is disposed on the first valve seat along the axial direction of the plug end. A first valve plug is disposed at the end of the first return spring. The first valve plug is slidably sealed on the inner wall of the plug end. A first valve core push rod is disposed at the end of the first valve plug. An abutment part is disposed at the front end of the first valve core push rod. A first mating conical surface is disposed on the first valve core push rod. When the first valve core push rod is abutted by the second valve core push rod, the first return spring is compressed, the first mating cone surface moves away from the first conical inclined surface, and the air passage inside the male plug is connected; the first valve plug is provided with an air passage. A first sealing ring is provided on the outside of the first mating conical surface. When the first mating conical surface and the first conical inclined surface abut and seal, the position of the first sealing ring corresponds to the pressure relief channel. The second one-way valve includes a second valve seat fixedly disposed in the piston chamber. The second valve seat has the same structure as the second valve seat, which is also an annular structure with a Z-shaped cross-section. A second return spring is disposed on the second valve seat along the axial direction of the socket housing. A second valve plug is disposed at the end of the second return spring. The second valve plug is slidably sealed on the inner wall of the insertion end. A second valve core push rod is disposed at the end of the second valve plug. An abutment part is also disposed at the front end of the second valve core push rod. A second mating conical surface is disposed on the second valve core push rod. When the second valve core push rod is abutted by the first valve core push rod, the second return spring is compressed, the second mating cone surface moves away from the second cone-shaped inclined surface, and the air passage inside the female socket is connected; the second valve plug is provided with an air passage. A second sealing ring is provided outside the second mating conical surface. When the second mating conical surface and the second conical inclined surface abut and seal, the second sealing ring is squeezed by the second conical inclined surface to achieve a seal.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: An intelligent quick connector assembly integrating a shape memory alloy self-sensing sealing ring and a pressure sensor is provided, which realizes at least three functions: quick insertion and removal, accurate monitoring of inflation pressure, and preliminary automatic detection of product sealing performance. At the same time, when the system detects overpressure, it can actively cut off the power to expand the shape memory alloy self-sensing sealing ring to release pressure, thereby realizing resettable overpressure protection.

[0017] This invention further integrates a segmented arc-shaped spring sheet parallel circumferential interlocking structure to ensure that the shape memory alloy self-sensing sealing ring can only be energized and heated after the male plug is fully locked in place, eliminating safety hazards caused by misoperation; it integrates a heat-conducting column and an external thermochromic observation component, using the local cold spots caused by the throttling expansion of leaking gas to make the indicator sheet change color abnormally, realizing passive visual positioning of the circumferential location of the leak; it integrates an electrically controlled shut-off valve linked with the heating circuit of the shape memory alloy self-sensing sealing ring, automatically cutting off the gas path when the shape memory alloy self-sensing sealing ring fails or the system is powered off, forming redundant flow interruption protection.

[0018] Dual-function integration of shape memory alloy sealing rings: Integrating sealing execution (energized contraction) and resistance self-sensing into the same component, achieving sealing detection with zero additional hardware, while also having active overpressure relief protection function (power-off expansion relief).

[0019] Resettable overpressure safety protection: The shape memory alloy sealing ring of the present invention can actively expand to form a pressure relief channel when overpressure occurs. After the fault is eliminated, the seal can be restored simply by re-energizing and heating. It can be reused an unlimited number of times, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0020] Redundant safety protection: There is an independent pressure sensor, and the shape memory alloy sealing ring resistance self-sensing serves as a redundancy check. In case of overpressure, the shape memory alloy sealing ring itself provides a pressure relief channel, forming a triple safety protection.

[0021] Segmented arc-shaped springs in parallel interlock: purely physical, full circumferential coverage, high redundancy (power can be turned on when any group is closed), zero impact on the original locking function, long lifespan, and complete avoidance of electrical interference and sensor delay. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the male plug and female socket in the plugged-in state.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the female socket.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a female socket.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the male plug.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a male plug.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the thermochromic observation component.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a system diagram for the use of quick connector assemblies.

[0029] Among them, 1. male plug, 2. female socket, 3. pressure sensor, 4. T-type tee connector, 5. electrically controlled shut-off valve; 11. Plug housing; 12. First one-way valve; 13. Elastic conductive contact; 14. Fixed contact; 15. Insulating layer; 16. First conical slope; 17. Pressure relief channel; 121. First valve seat; 122. First return spring; 123. First valve plug; 124. First valve core push rod. 21. Socket housing; 22. Second one-way valve; 23. Trigger; 24. Connecting ring; 25. Return spring; 26. Locking ball; 27. Arc-shaped protrusion; 28. Shape memory alloy sealing ring; 29. ​​External pressure relief channel; 210. Heat-conducting column; 211. Fixing bracket; 212. Observation window; 213. Thermochromic indicator; 221. Second valve seat; 222. Second return spring; 223. Second valve plug; 224. Second valve core push rod; 225. Second conical slope. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0031] Example 1 This embodiment proposes a quick-connect pipe sealing assembly for an airtightness testing system for automotive battery liquid cooling plates, direct cooling plates, vapor chambers, and other products. It enables rapid sealing and connection between the testing pipeline and the product interface, and stably completes gas filling under rated pressure, ensuring that the testing process is leak-free and error-free, thus achieving a qualified result.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a quick-connect fitting assembly for sealing pipes includes a male plug 1 and a female socket 22.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the male plug 1 includes a plug housing 11 with a hollow tube structure, and a liquid-cooled plate detection port connected to its tail end. A first one-way valve 12, which elastically expands and contracts along the axial direction, is installed inside the plug housing 11. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the female socket 22 includes a socket housing 21 with a hollow tube structure. A second one-way valve 22 is provided inside the socket housing 21, which can elastically extend and retract along the axial direction. When the male plug 1 is plugged into the female socket 22, it is connected by the first one-way valve 12 and the second one-way valve 22.

[0034] The inner wall of the plug housing 11 has several pressure relief channels 17 circumferentially arranged along its front end, penetrating the side wall of the plug housing 11. These pressure relief channels 17 communicate with a sealing mounting groove on the inner wall of the female socket 22's insertion cavity. A shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 is installed in the sealing mounting groove, and a heating wire is embedded within the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28. The side wall of the socket housing 21 has an external pressure relief channel 29 communicating with the sealing mounting groove, and a heat-conducting column 210 that senses the heat generated by the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28. The heat-conducting column 210 passes through the side wall of the socket housing 21 and extends into an observation window 212 on the outer wall. A thermochromic indicator 213, in contact with the heat-conducting column 210, is installed in the observation window 212. Figure 6 As shown.

[0035] In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 is made of NiTi two-way shape memory alloy, and its structural parameters and working mode are shown in Table 1 below: Table 1 Working parameters of shape memory alloy sealing ring 28

[0036] High-temperature austenitic phase (heated to 70±5℃ by electric current): The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 shrinks and presses against the outer wall of the male plug 1, generating sealing contact pressure to achieve sealing.

[0037] 1. Design Boundaries and Failure Warnings of Shape Memory Alloy Sealing Ring 28: In this embodiment, the maximum working strain of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 is precisely controlled to be <1.5% using the above parameters (room temperature gap 0.05~0.15mm, working compression 0.2~0.4mm). This value is far below the initial strain threshold (typically 3%~5%) for stress-induced martensitic transformation of NiTi shape memory alloy. If the actual strain of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 exceeds the phase transformation threshold due to overload or temperature runaway, the sealing ring will enter the austenite→martensite phase transformation region, at which point the following seal failure risk will occur: Hyperelastic deformation: The strain is no longer proportional to the stress, and the sealing ring may undergo excessive radial contraction or irreversible plastic deformation, resulting in unstable or lost contact pressure with the male plug 1. Recovery lag: After power failure and cooling, the sealing ring may not be able to fully recover to the initial martensitic phase gap, causing difficulty in the next insertion and removal or a decrease in sealing force.

[0038] Therefore, the present invention monitors the resistance change rate of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 in real time through the controller. When the resistance is detected to exceed the linear calibration range, it is immediately determined to be "abnormal or overloaded sealing ring", the detection is stopped and a maintenance alarm is issued to prevent safety accidents caused by sealing failure.

[0039] 2. Electrical connections and temperature compensation: The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 integrates a miniature heating wire, which is energized by the controller via PWM. Simultaneously, the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 has four leads at both ends, connected to the controller's high-precision resistance measurement circuit (precision constant current source, instrumentation amplifier, 24-bit Σ-Δ ADC) using a four-wire Kelvin connection. The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 serves both as an actuator (contracting upon energization to achieve sealing) and a sensing element (reflecting strain through changes in its own resistance).

[0040] In addition, a reference sealing ring is provided inside the female socket 22 near the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28. The two ends of the reference sealing ring are also provided with four leads that connect to the high-precision resistance measurement circuit of the controller. The reference sealing ring is not controlled by mechanical stress (it is made of the same material and manufactured in the same batch as the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28) and is used to dynamically eliminate the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations on resistance measurement.

[0041] The resistance of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 is significantly affected by temperature. In order to eliminate the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations on measurement accuracy, this invention adopts a dual-resistance differential temperature compensation method.

[0042] Set a reference sealing ring and define a correction resistor. The reference sealing ring is identical in material and size to the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28, and is not subject to any mechanical stress (it only senses temperature changes). The reference sealing ring and the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 are connected in parallel to the resistance measurement circuit, and the controller simultaneously acquires the two resistance signals.

[0043]

[0044] For the real-time resistance of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28, For the real-time resistance of the sealing ring, , These are the zero-point reference resistances measured after the first insertion and heating to stabilize on the same day (before inflation, at "zero stress and current temperature"), corresponding to atmospheric pressure conditions.

[0045] When the controller detects that the intake pressure exceeds the upper limit threshold and remains abnormal (e.g., proportional valve failure or gas source loss of control), it immediately cuts off the heating current of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28. The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 begins to cool naturally, and its temperature rapidly drops below the martensitic transformation temperature, resulting in an austenite → martensite reverse phase transformation. The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 recovers from a contracted and compressed state to an expanded and relaxed state. This expansion action causes a new radial gap to be formed between the inner ring of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 and the outer wall of the male plug 1. The previously compressed sealing interface now has a pressure relief path, and the high-pressure gas is actively released to the atmosphere along this gap. At the same time, the controller closes the charging valve, activates the audible and visual alarm to issue an overpressure alarm, and records the pressure relief event in the memory.

[0046] The active pressure relief function in this embodiment has the following technical advantages: Resettable: Unlike traditional disposable rupture discs, the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 of this invention automatically returns to its expanded and relaxed state after pressure relief (power-off cooling). Once the fault is cleared and reheated, it can restore its normal sealing function and is reusable. Although the natural cooling rate is limited, the response of this embodiment is sufficient to provide effective protection against pressure rise faults commonly encountered in production line airtightness testing, and it has the significant advantage of being reusable.

[0047] No additional hardware required: Pressure relief is achieved entirely by utilizing the phase change characteristics of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 itself, without adding any valves or sensors, resulting in zero cost increase.

[0048] In this embodiment, eight observation windows 212 are arranged circumferentially on the socket housing 21, each observation window 212 covering a 45° central angle. The specific implementation principle is as follows: Leakage occurs → Local temperature drop in the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 near the leak point (forming a cold spot).

[0049] Temperature transfer → The inner end of the heat-conducting pillar 210 in this area contacts the outer surface of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28, and the low temperature is quickly conducted to the outer end of the heat-conducting pillar 210.

[0050] Thermochromic indicator 213 responds → The temperature of thermochromic indicator 213 at the outer end of heat-conducting pillar 210 decreases accordingly, and its color undergoes a reversible change (from bright yellow back to orange-red or dark green).

[0051] Visual inspection → The operator can see the abnormal color of the thermochromic indicator 213 through the observation window 212. The circumferential direction of the leak can be determined according to the number and location of the thermochromic indicator 213.

[0052] Each step in the above physical chain has a clear heat transfer and thermodynamic basis, and there are no electronic or software components, so the reliability is extremely high.

[0053] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting column 210 is made of oxygen-free copper (thermal conductivity of approximately 400 W / (m·K)) and is plated with nickel to prevent oxidation. The thermochromic indicator 213 is a circular thin sheet with a ceramic or heat-resistant polymer substrate. The substrate surface is coated with a transition metal oxide-based reversible thermochromic material, such as tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide (W-VO2). The color-changing temperature range is 65~75℃. Within this range, the color gradually changes from dark green at room temperature to orange-red and then bright yellow. The color reversibly recovers when the temperature decreases.

[0054] The inner wall of the plug housing 11 is configured as a first conical slope 16, and the end of the first one-way valve 12 is provided with a first mating conical surface that cooperates with the first conical slope 16. The pressure relief port of the pressure relief channel 17 is located on the first conical slope 16. When the male plug 1 and the female socket 22 are not plugged in, the first mating conical surface abuts against the first conical slope 16 to seal the pressure relief channel 17 and the interior of the male plug 1.

[0055] The interior of the socket housing 21 includes a plug-in cavity for plugging in the plug end, a piston cavity in the middle for mounting the second one-way valve 22, and a connecting channel at the tail end; a second conical inclined surface 225 is provided on the inner wall where the plug-in cavity and the piston cavity transition, and a second mating conical surface that mates with the second conical inclined surface 225 is provided at the end of the second one-way valve 22; when the female socket 22 and the male plug 1 are not plugged in, the second mating conical surface abuts against the second conical inclined surface 225 to seal the interior of the female socket 22.

[0056] The outer wall of the plug terminal is provided with a limiting groove along the circumference. An insulating layer 15 is provided at the bottom of the limiting groove. Several fixed contacts 14 are provided in the limiting groove. An annular elastic conductive contact piece 13 is provided at the upper end of the limiting groove. When the male plug 1 and the female socket 22 are plugged in, the elastic conductive contact piece 13 is pressed to contact the fixed contacts 14.

[0057] The heating wire is electrically connected to the external heating power supply circuit, the elastic conductive contact 13 and the fixed contact 14 are electrically connected to the external controller, and the heating power supply circuit is electrically connected to the controller. After the male plug 1 and the female socket 22 are plugged in, the elastic conductive contact 13 is squeezed to contact the fixed contact 14, and the heating power supply circuit heats the heating wire, causing the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 to undergo a phase transformation from low-temperature martensite to high-temperature austenite, shrinking and compressing the male plug 1 and sealing the pressure relief channel 17.

[0058] A mating ring 24 is movably fitted onto the outer shell 21 of the socket. A number of locking steel balls 26 are evenly arranged circumferentially on the inner wall of the insertion cavity. The locking steel balls 26 are movably arranged in the spherical cup groove that passes through the socket shell 21. The inner wall of the mating ring 24 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 27 that compresses the locking steel balls 26. When the female socket 22 and the male plug 1 are plugged in, the arc-shaped protrusion 27 compresses the locking steel balls 26 and moves them toward the inside of the insertion cavity, so that the locking steel balls 26 compress the elastic conductive contact 13 and sink into the limiting groove.

[0059] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in this embodiment, ten sets of interlocking units (10 fixed contacts 14 and 10 locking steel balls 26) are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction. Each set of interlocking units covers a 36° central angle. Electrically, a fully parallel connection controller is adopted, that is, the heating power circuit can heat the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 when any set of interlocking units is turned on.

[0060] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 15 is an arc-shaped insulating substrate, and its dimensional parameters are as follows: Shape: Arc-shaped, with an arc length corresponding to a central angle of 36°, and a thickness of 0.2~0.3mm. Material: Polyimide or ceramic, temperature resistance ≥150℃, insulation resistance ≥1012Ω. Installation: Ten substrates are joined end-to-end to form a complete ring, which is then fixed to the bottom of the limiting groove with high-temperature resistant adhesive. An internal groove is provided to secure the arc-shaped elastic conductive contact 13.

[0061] In this embodiment, the ten sets of fixed contacts 14 are arc-shaped fixed contacts 14, and their dimensional parameters are as follows: Shape: Curved metal sheet (copper alloy, gold-plated surface), thickness 0.1~0.2mm, width 1.5~2.5mm. Lead wires: Each arc-shaped fixed contact 14 has an independent lead wire. All the wires are connected in parallel inside the male plug 1 and then connected to the heating power circuit (positive power supply) and one end of the controller.

[0062] In this embodiment, the elastic conductive contact 13 is an arc-shaped elastic conductive contact 13, and its dimensional parameters are as follows: Material: Beryllium bronze (C17200), 0.1mm thick, with an insulating layer of 15 on the outer surface. Installation: The middle part is freely arched, with an arch height of 0.3~0.4mm. In its natural state, the lowest point of the spring piece (the back side corresponding to the top of the arch) maintains a gap of about 0.2mm with the arc-shaped fixed contact 14.

[0063] Lead wires: Each arc-shaped elastic conductive contact 13 has an independent lead wire, and all the wires are connected in parallel to the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 and one end of the controller.

[0064] Working principle: When the male plug 1 is not locked, all elastic conductive contacts 13 remain naturally arched, and the heating power circuit is open. When the male plug 1 is fully inserted and the mating ring 24 moves under the action of the return spring 25, the arc-shaped protrusion 27 on its inner wall simultaneously pushes the ten locking steel balls 26 radially inward, pressing the corresponding elastic conductive contacts 13. The arched part of the elastic conductive contacts 13 is pressed down, forming metal contact with the fixed contact 14. The switch is closed, and the heating power circuit is connected. When the test ends or the device is accidentally loosened, the locking steel balls 26 exit the spherical cup groove, and the elastic conductive contacts 13 recover their arched shape due to their own elasticity. The heating power circuit is cut off, and the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 cools and expands to achieve active pressure relief.

[0065] A return spring 25 is axially arranged between the inner wall of the mating ring 24 and the outer wall of the socket housing 21; in the normal state, the arc-shaped protrusion 27 of the return spring 25 is located at the position of the compression locking steel ball 26; when the male plug 1 needs to be pulled out, the mating ring 24 is pushed to make the arc-shaped protrusion 27 leave the position of the compression locking steel ball 26.

[0066] A trigger 23 is provided on the outer wall of the mating ring 24. One end of the trigger 23 is hinged to a fixed bracket 211 provided on the socket housing 21. By operating the trigger 23, the mating ring 24 can slide along the axial direction of the socket housing 21. The trigger 23 is hinged to the fixed bracket 211 via a hinge pin, and the trigger 23 can swing within a certain angle around the hinge pin; the trigger 23 enables the mating ring 24 to move left and right on the socket housing 21.

[0067] Example 2 like Figures 1-5 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the specific structures of the first check valve 12 and the second check valve 22 are disclosed; specifically: The first one-way valve 12 includes a first valve seat 121 fixedly disposed inside the plug end. The first valve seat 121 has an annular structure and a Z-shaped cross-section. A first return spring 122 is disposed on the first valve seat 121 along the axial direction of the plug end. A first valve plug 123 is disposed at the end of the first return spring 122. The first valve plug 123 is slidably sealed to the inner wall of the plug end. A first valve core push rod 124 is disposed at the end of the first valve plug 123. An abutment portion is disposed at the front end of the first valve core push rod 124. A first mating conical surface is disposed on the first valve core push rod 124. When the first valve core push rod 124 is abutted by the second valve core push rod 224, the first return spring 122 is compressed, the first mating conical surface moves away from the first conical inclined surface 16, and the air passage inside the male plug 1 is connected. An air passage is provided on the first valve plug 123.

[0068] Furthermore, a first sealing ring is provided outside the first mating conical surface. When the first mating conical surface and the first conical inclined surface 16 abut and seal, the position of the first sealing ring corresponds to that of the pressure relief channel 17.

[0069] The second one-way valve 22 includes a second valve seat 221 fixedly disposed within the piston chamber. The second valve seat 221 has the same structure as the first valve seat 221, also being an annular structure with a Z-shaped cross-section. A second return spring 222 is disposed on the second valve seat 221 along the axial direction of the socket housing 21. A second valve plug 223 is disposed at the end of the second return spring 222. The second valve plug 223 is slidably sealed on the inner wall of the insertion end. A second valve core push rod 224 is disposed at the end of the second valve plug 223. The front end of the second valve core push rod 224 is also provided with an abutment portion. A second mating conical surface is disposed on the second valve core push rod 224. When the second valve core push rod 224 is abutted by the first valve core push rod 124, the second return spring 222 is compressed, and the second mating conical surface moves away from the second conical inclined surface 225, thus connecting the air passage inside the female socket 22. An air passage is provided on the second valve plug 223.

[0070] Furthermore, a second sealing ring is provided outside the second mating conical surface. When the second mating conical surface and the second conical inclined surface 225 abut and seal, the second sealing ring is squeezed by the second conical inclined surface 225 to achieve sealing.

[0071] In the non-plugged state (i.e., when the male plug 1 is not inserted), the return spring 25 pushes the mating ring 24 to the position closest to the end of the female socket 22's insertion cavity. At this time, the locking steel ball 26 is embedded in the spherical cup groove under the action of gravity, forming a self-locking state. At the same time, the valve core rod of the one-way valve is pressed tightly against the conical inclined surface under the combined action of the return spring 25 and the internal pressure of the charging gas, keeping the outlet closed and preventing gas leakage. When it is necessary to detect gas leakage of the automotive battery liquid cooling plate, the male plug 1 is inserted into the female socket 22's outer shell from the insertion cavity. First, the trigger 23 pushes the mating ring 24 to slide backward against the elastic force of the return spring 25. The first valve core rod 124 of the first one-way valve 12 of the male plug 1 pushes the second valve core rod 224 of the second one-way valve 22 in the female socket 22 to move synchronously, so that the first mating cone surface disengages from the first conical inclined surface 16 and the second mating cone surface disengages from the second conical inclined surface 225, and the two one-way valves open. After the male plug 1 is inserted to the predetermined position, the limiting groove of the male plug 1 is aligned with the locking steel ball 26, and the locking steel ball falls into the limiting groove. At the same time, the mating ring 24 returns to its maximum movement position under the action of the return spring 25, indicating that it has self-locked in place. At this time, the male plug 1 cannot be pulled out, and the two one-way valves remain open. Simultaneously, the first valve core push rod 124 and the second valve core push rod 224 push against each other, and the two one-way valves open synchronously, fully connecting the air passage between the air inlet and the automotive battery liquid cooling plate.

[0072] Example 3 like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the male plug 1 and female socket 22 of embodiment 2 are connected to the detection pipeline. The connection channel on the female socket 22 is connected to the T-type tee connector 4. One end of the T-type tee connector 4 is connected to the pressure sensor 3, and the other end is connected to the electric shut-off valve 5. When the pressure sensor 3 detects that the pressure continuously exceeds the threshold, the controller controls the heating power circuit to stop heating the heating wire. The shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 naturally cools down and undergoes a reverse phase transformation from high-temperature austenite to low-temperature martensite. It actively expands to connect the pressure relief channel 17 with the external pressure relief channel 29.

[0073] Meanwhile, a pressure sensor 3 can be connected to the male plug 1 end. The two pressure sensors 3 at both ends detect the air pressure at both ends respectively. The pressure sensor 3 is electrically connected to the controller. The pressure sensor 3 at the female plug 22 end is used to monitor the inflation pressure in real time and undertakes the dual functions of overpressure protection and inflation full judgment. The pressure sensor 3 at the male plug 1 end is used to monitor the actual pressure entering the inside of the tested part, as a redundant basis for sealing judgment.

[0074] An electrically controlled shut-off valve 5 is installed in series on the filling pipeline between the outlet of the gas cylinder (gas source) and the inlet of the T-type tee connector 4. The electrically controlled shut-off valve 5 is a normally closed two-position two-way solenoid valve, and its two ends are sealed to the outlet of the gas cylinder (gas source) and the inlet of the T-type tee connector 4 respectively through pipelines.

[0075] Linkage Logic: When the male plug 1 is locked in place and the interlocking structure is closed, power is supplied to the heating power circuit, energizing the heating wire inside the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28. Simultaneously, the solenoid coil of the electrically controlled shut-off valve 5 is energized, opening the valve and allowing the detection gas in the gas cylinder to enter the subsequent pipeline. When the detection is completed or an abnormality occurs, the controller cuts off the power supply, the heating wire of the shape memory alloy sealing ring 28 loses power and cools down, and the electrically controlled shut-off valve 5 closes, cutting off the gas supply.

Claims

1. A quick-connect fitting assembly for pipe sealing, characterized in that, Includes male plugs and female sockets; The male plug includes a plug shell with a hollow tube structure, and a first one-way valve that elastically expands and contracts along the axial direction is provided inside the plug shell. The female socket includes a socket shell with a hollow tube structure, and a second one-way valve that elastically expands and contracts along the axial direction is provided inside the socket shell. When the male plug and the female socket are plugged in, they are connected and communicated through the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve. The plug housing has several pressure relief channels circumferentially arranged on the inner wall of the front end, penetrating the side wall of the plug housing. The pressure relief channels are connected to the sealing mounting groove opened in the inner wall of the female socket's insertion cavity. A shape memory alloy sealing ring is arranged in the sealing mounting groove, and a heating wire is embedded in the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The side wall of the socket housing has an external pressure relief channel connected to the sealing mounting groove, and a heat-conducting column that senses the heat generated by the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The heat-conducting column passes through the side wall of the socket housing and extends into an observation window on the outer wall. A thermochromic indicator sheet that contacts the heat-conducting column is arranged in the observation window. The outer wall of the plug housing at the insertion end is provided with a limiting groove along the circumference. An insulating layer is provided at the bottom of the limiting groove. Several fixed contacts are provided in the limiting groove. An annular elastic conductive contact is provided at the upper end of the limiting groove. When the male plug is plugged into the female socket, the elastic conductive contact is pressed into contact with the fixed contacts. The heating wire is electrically connected to an external heating power supply circuit, the elastic conductive contact and the fixed contact are electrically connected to an external controller, and the heating power supply circuit is electrically connected to the controller; when the male plug and the female socket are plugged in, the elastic conductive contact is squeezed to contact the fixed contact, and the heating power supply circuit heats the heating wire, causing the shape memory alloy sealing ring to undergo a phase transformation from low-temperature martensite to high-temperature austenite, shrinking and compressing the male plug and sealing the pressure relief channel; The socket housing is movably fitted with a mating ring, and the inner wall of the insertion cavity is uniformly arranged with a number of locking steel balls in a circumferential direction. The locking steel balls are movably arranged in a spherical cup groove that penetrates the socket housing. The inner wall of the mating ring is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion that compresses the locking steel balls. When the female socket and the male plug are plugged in, the arc-shaped protrusion compresses the locking steel balls and moves them toward the inside of the insertion cavity, so that the locking steel balls compress the elastic conductive contact and sink into the limiting groove.

2. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the plug end of the plug housing is configured as a first conical slope, the end of the first one-way valve is provided with a first mating conical surface that cooperates with the first conical slope, and the pressure relief port of the pressure relief channel is located on the first conical slope; when the male plug and female socket are not plugged in, the first mating conical surface abuts against the first conical slope to seal the pressure relief channel and the inside of the male plug. The interior of the socket housing includes a plug-in cavity for inserting the plug end, a piston cavity in the middle for installing a second one-way valve, and a connecting channel at the tail end; a second conical inclined surface is provided on the inner wall where the plug-in cavity and the piston cavity transition, and a second mating conical surface is provided at the end of the second one-way valve to cooperate with the second conical inclined surface; when the female socket and the male plug are not plugged in, the second mating conical surface abuts against the second conical inclined surface to seal the interior of the female socket.

3. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A return spring is axially arranged between the inner wall of the mating ring and the outer wall of the socket housing; in the normal state, the arc-shaped protrusion of the return spring is located at the position of the compression locking steel ball; when the male plug needs to be pulled out, the mating ring is pushed to make the arc-shaped protrusion move away from the position of the compression locking steel ball.

4. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, A trigger is provided on the outer wall of the mating ring. One end of the trigger is hinged to a fixed bracket provided on the socket housing. By operating the trigger, the mating ring can slide along the axial direction of the socket housing.

5. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket housing is connected to a T-shaped tee connector. One end of the T-shaped tee connector is connected to a pressure sensor, and the other end is connected to an electrically controlled shut-off valve. When the pressure sensor detects that the pressure continuously exceeds the threshold, the controller controls the heating power circuit to stop heating the heating wire. The shape memory alloy sealing ring naturally cools down and undergoes a reverse phase transformation from high-temperature austenite to low-temperature martensite, actively expanding to connect the pressure relief channel with the external pressure relief channel.

6. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A reference sealing ring is provided next to the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The reference sealing ring has the same structure as the shape memory alloy sealing ring and is electrically connected to the heating power supply circuit. Both the shape memory alloy sealing ring and the reference sealing ring are provided with four leads, which are respectively connected to the resistance measurement circuit for measuring the resistance change of the shape memory alloy sealing ring. The resistance measurement circuit is electrically connected to the controller. The reference sealing ring is used to dynamically eliminate the influence of ambient temperature fluctuations on the resistance measurement.

7. The quick-connect pipe sealing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first one-way valve includes a first valve seat fixedly disposed inside the plug end. The first valve seat has an annular structure and a Z-shaped cross-section. A first return spring is disposed on the first valve seat along the axial direction of the plug end. A first valve plug is disposed at the end of the first return spring. The first valve plug is slidably sealed on the inner wall of the plug end. A first valve core push rod is disposed at the end of the first valve plug. An abutment part is disposed at the front end of the first valve core push rod. A first mating conical surface is disposed on the first valve core push rod. When the first valve core push rod is abutted by the second valve core push rod, the first return spring is compressed, the first mating cone surface moves away from the first conical inclined surface, and the air passage inside the male plug is connected; the first valve plug is provided with an air passage. A first sealing ring is provided on the outside of the first mating conical surface. When the first mating conical surface and the first conical inclined surface abut and seal, the position of the first sealing ring corresponds to the pressure relief channel. The second one-way valve includes a second valve seat fixedly disposed in the piston chamber. The second valve seat has the same structure as the second valve seat, which is also an annular structure with a Z-shaped cross-section. A second return spring is disposed on the second valve seat along the axial direction of the socket housing. A second valve plug is disposed at the end of the second return spring. The second valve plug is slidably sealed on the inner wall of the insertion end. A second valve core push rod is disposed at the end of the second valve plug. An abutment part is also disposed at the front end of the second valve core push rod. The second mating conical surface is disposed on the second valve core push rod. When the second valve core push rod is abutted by the first valve core push rod, the second return spring is compressed, the second mating cone surface moves away from the second cone-shaped inclined surface, and the air passage inside the female socket is connected; the second valve plug is provided with an air passage. A second sealing ring is provided outside the second mating conical surface. When the second mating conical surface and the second conical inclined surface abut and seal, the second sealing ring is squeezed by the second conical inclined surface to achieve a seal.

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