Pipeline connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pipeline connector. The pipeline connector is suitable for being connected with an external pipe with a plunger latch protruding outwards. The pipeline connector comprises a main body part. The main body part comprises a base, a pipe joint and a coaming. The pipe joint extends out of the base. A coaming extends from the base and surrounds the pipe joint. The coaming is spaced apart from the pipe joint to form a receiving space between the coaming and the pipe joint. And a locking hole is formed in the surrounding plate. When the external pipe and the main body part are connected together, a part of the external pipe is inserted into the receiving space and connected with the pipe joint, and the plunger latch is jointed into the locking hole, so that the external pipe and the pipe joint are quickly and stably connected together. When the external pipe is detached, the plunger latch is separated from the locking hole, and the external pipe can be separated from the pipe connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of pipe joints, and particularly to a pipeline connector. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles and other means of transportation, pipeline connectors are widely used to meet the connection requirements of pipelines. For example, in a vehicle driven by a battery pack, the vehicle body is configured with a coolant pipeline. The battery pack is also configured with a coolant pipeline, and a pipeline connector is used to connect the coolant pipeline in the battery pack to the coolant pipeline in the vehicle body to supply coolant to the battery pack.

[0003] In some cases, after removing the battery pack from the vehicle body, it is still necessary to quickly and stably connect the coolant pipeline of the battery pack to the coolant pipeline outside the vehicle to supply coolant to the battery pack to prevent the battery pack from experiencing thermal runaway. However, the pipeline connectors in the prior art cannot meet this requirement. Therefore, a pipeline connector that can quickly and stably connect to an external coolant pipeline is needed. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of the above technical problems, the present application provides a pipeline connector adapted to be connected to an external pipe, the external pipe having a latch protruding from the circumferential outer surface. The pipeline connector includes a main body portion, the main body portion including: a base; a pipe joint extending from the base; and a shroud extending from the base parallel to the axis of the pipe joint and surrounding the pipe joint; the shroud is spaced apart from the pipe joint to form a receiving space between the shroud and the pipe joint; a locking orifice communicating with the receiving space is provided on the shroud; wherein, the receiving space of the main body portion is adapted to receive at least a portion of the external pipe and the locking orifice is adapted to engage with the latch, and the pipe joint is adapted to be connected to the external pipe.

[0005] In one embodiment, the shroud has a distal end remote from the base; the locking orifice includes a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge are opposite and spaced apart along a first direction from the distal end of the shroud to the base, and the distance from the first edge to the base is greater than the distance from the second edge to the base; a partition rib extending into the locking orifice along the first direction is provided on the first edge; the end of the partition rib is spaced apart from the second edge to divide the locking orifice into a first socket and a second socket that communicate with each other along the circumference of the shroud.

[0006] In one embodiment, a chute is provided on the inner surface of the shroud facing the pipe joint, the chute extending from the distal end of the shroud to communicate with the first socket along the first direction.

[0007] In one embodiment, the starting end of the chute at the distal end of the shroud is configured in a flared shape.

[0008] In one embodiment, the latch on the outer connection pipe is adapted to enter the first socket along the chute, then rotate over the partition rib to enter the second socket and engage with the second socket; and / or the latch on the outer connection pipe is adapted to rotate from the second socket over the partition rib to enter the first socket, and then move along the chute away from the first socket.

[0009] In one embodiment, a plurality of locking orifices are provided on the shroud, and the plurality of locking orifices are evenly distributed circumferentially along the shroud.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first seal is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the pipe joint.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer connection pipe includes a first valve assembly, and the first valve assembly includes: a first pipe body, a latch protruding from the circumferential outer surface of the first pipe body; a first sliding sleeve slidably disposed in the first pipe body; a first valve plug disposed in the first pipe body and extending through the first sliding sleeve; and a first elastic member, with two ends of the first elastic member respectively abutting against the first valve plug and the first sliding sleeve, so as to be adapted to drive the first sliding sleeve to reciprocate axially relative to the first pipe body, thereby making the first sliding sleeve in sealing contact with or separated from the first valve plug.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first pipe body includes a mounting end, the mounting end is configured to be flared and adapted to be received in the receiving space; the latch is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the mounting end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer connection pipe is a connection part of the pipeline of the free device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pipeline connector is also adapted to be connected to a fixedly arranged pipeline adapter.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pipeline adapter further includes a machine platform, and a fixing structure is provided on the machine platform to fixedly arrange the pipeline adapter.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pipeline adapter includes a second valve assembly, and the second valve assembly includes: a second pipe body, at least a part of the second pipe body is adapted to be inserted into the receiving space and connected to the pipe joint; a second sliding sleeve slidably disposed in the second pipe body; a second valve plug disposed in the second pipe body and extending through the second sliding sleeve; and a second elastic member, with two ends of the second elastic member respectively abutting against the second valve plug and the second sliding sleeve, so as to be adapted to drive the second sliding sleeve to reciprocate axially relative to the second pipe body, thereby making the second sliding sleeve in sealing contact with or separated from the second valve plug.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pipeline adapter and the pipeline connector are adapted to be connected together by a first pressing force directed from the pipeline connector to the pipeline adapter, and / or a second pressing force directed from the pipeline adapter to the pipeline connector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pipeline connector further includes a third valve assembly, and the third valve assembly includes: a valve housing including a connecting section; the connecting section is connected to the pipe joint, and the connecting section and the pipe joint are on both sides of the base; a third valve plug extending into the interior of the pipe joint; and a third elastic member with both ends respectively abutting against the valve housing and the third valve plug, so that the third valve plug is adapted to reciprocate axially relative to the pipe joint, thereby enabling the third valve plug to be in sealing contact with or separated from the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint.

[0019] In one embodiment, the base, the shroud and the pipe joint are integrally formed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base, the shroud and the pipe joint are respectively formed and then assembled together.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: The main body of the pipeline connector according to the present application includes a pipe joint and a shroud surrounding the pipe joint. Locking orifices are provided on the shroud. When connecting the external pipe to the main body, the external pipe is connected to the pipe joint; the latch on the external pipe engages into the locking orifices, thus quickly and stably connecting the external pipe to the pipe joint. When disassembling the external pipe, separating the latch from the locking orifices can separate the external pipe from the pipe joint. Description of the Drawings

[0022] With reference to non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present application, the present application will be further described based on multiple drawings in the subsequent detailed description. The drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematically shows a pipeline connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of.

[0025] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the I-I cross-sectional view of.

[0026] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the II-II cross-sectional view of.

[0027] Figure 5 Schematically shows the main body of the pipeline connector.

[0028] Figure 6 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the main body.

[0029] Figure 7 Schematically shows the locking orifices on the shroud.

[0030] Figure 8 Schematically shows the external pipe.

[0031] Figure 9 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the external connecting pipe.

[0032] Figure 10 Schematically shows the state where the latch on the external connecting pipe is inserted into the slideway on the surrounding plate.

[0033] Figure 11 Schematically shows the structure of a pipeline adapter.

[0034] Figure 12 Schematically connects the pipeline connector with Figure 11 the shown pipeline adapter in a connected state.

[0035] Figure 13 Schematically shows Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 1 Pipeline connector

[0038] 2 Body part

[0039] 20 Receiving space 201 First channel

[0040] 21 Base

[0041] 220 Third valve assembly 221 Valve housing

[0042] 222 Connection section 223 Third valve plug

[0043] 224 Third elastic member 225 Second seal

[0044] 23 Pipe joint

[0045] 231 End of the pipe joint 232 First seal

[0046] 25 Surrounding plate

[0047] 251 End of the surrounding plate 252 Slide groove

[0048] 253 Starting end of the slide groove

[0049] 26 Locking orifice

[0050] 261 First socket 262 Second socket

[0051] 264 First edge 265 Second edge

[0052] 266 Partition rib 268 Communication port

[0053] 3 External connecting pipe

[0054] 301 First valve assembly

[0055] 31 First pipe body

[0056] 311 Second channel 312 Installation end

[0057] 313 Latch 314 Inner shoulder of the first pipe body

[0058] 32 First sliding sleeve

[0059] 321 Outer shoulder of the first sliding sleeve 322 Inner shoulder of the first sliding sleeve

[0060] 33 First valve plug 331 Third seal

[0061] 332 Fourth seal 333 First valve stem

[0062] 334 First valve head

[0063] 34 First elastic member

[0064] 4 Adapter

[0065] 40 Second valve assembly 401 Vehicle body

[0066] 41 Second pipe body 42 Second sliding sleeve

[0067] 43 Second valve plug 44 Second elastic member

[0068] 45 Adapter pipe

[0069] 433 Second valve stem 434 Second valve head

[0070] 46 Machine platform

[0071] 461 Connecting column 462 Bolt

[0072] 463 Fixing structure 464 Connecting hole

[0073] Axial direction of the L pipe joint

[0074] D1 First direction D2 Second direction

[0075] S1 Clockwise direction S2 Clockwise direction Detailed implementation manners

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0077] Figure 1 The pipeline connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the pipeline connector 1 includes a main body 2. Figure 5 As shown, the main body 2 includes a base 21, two pipe joints 23 and two enclosures 25. The two enclosures 25 surround the two pipe joints 23 respectively. When the pipe connector 1 is used for a battery pack, the two pipe joints 23 can be used as the coolant inlet and coolant outlet of the battery pack, respectively, and are connected to different pipes (or external pipes), which will not be described here. For simplicity, the technical solution of the present application is described below with only one pipe joint 23 and the corresponding enclosure 25.

[0078] The pipe joint 23 extends from the base 21. In one embodiment, the pipe joint 23 is substantially in the shape of a circular tube.

[0079] The enclosing plate 25 extends from the base 21 parallel to the axial direction L of the pipe joint 23. The enclosing plate 25 is also spaced apart from the pipe joint 23 in the radial direction of the pipe joint 23 to form a receiving space 20 between the enclosing plate 25 and the pipe joint 23. For example, the enclosing plate 25 is also generally in the shape of a circular tube and is coaxial with the pipe joint 23, so that the receiving space 20 is generally in the shape of a circular ring to facilitate receiving an external pipe with a circular cross section (described below). A locking orifice 26 is also provided on the enclosing plate 25, and the locking orifice 26 is communicated with the receiving space 20.

[0080] Figure 8 The external pipe 3 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. The external pipe 3 has a latch 313 protruding from its circumferential outer surface, and a second channel 311 (such as Figure 9 shown).

[0081] When connecting the external tube 3 to the pipe joint 23, the external tube 3 is moved toward the pipe joint 23 so that at least a portion of the external tube 3 is inserted into the receiving space 23 and sleeved onto the pipe joint 23; at the same time, the latch 313 on the external tube 23 is engaged in the locking orifice 26. In this way, the external tube 3 and the pipe joint 23 (or the pipe connector 1) are quickly and stably connected together. Coolant can be supplied to the battery pack through the external tube 3 or the coolant in the battery pack can flow out through the external tube 3. When disassembling the external tube 3, the latch 313 is separated from the locking orifice 26 (for example, the latch 313 is removed from the locking orifice 26), and then the external tube 3 is removed from the receiving space 23, so that the external tube 3 is conveniently separated from the pipe joint 23 (or the pipe connector 1).

[0082] In addition, after connecting the external pipe 3 to the pipe joint 23, the surrounding plate 25 and the pipe joint 23 play a constraining role on the external pipe 3. This helps to prevent the external pipe 3 from wobbling radially relative to the pipe joint 23 along the radial direction of the pipe joint 23, and further helps to keep the external pipe 3 and the pipe joint 23 stably connected, preventing coolant leakage.

[0083] In one embodiment, the base 21, the surrounding plate 25 and the pipe joint 23 are integrally formed. This facilitates the manufacture of the main body 2. In some embodiments not shown, the base 21, the surrounding plate 25 and / or the pipe joint 23 can be independently formed and then assembled together. For example, the independently formed base 21, the surrounding plate 25 and / or the pipe joint 23 can be assembled together by connecting, clamping, welding or bonding with connecting parts.

[0084] In one embodiment, the external pipe is a component of the pipeline connector 1 of the present application. In other embodiments, the external pipe may not be a component of the pipeline connector 1, but a connecting part of any other suitable pipeline independent of the pipeline connector 1 of the present application, as long as a latch adapted to engage or separate from the above-mentioned locking orifice is constructed on the external pipe.

[0085] A plurality of locking orifices 26 can be provided on the surrounding plate 25, and the plurality of locking orifices 26 are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the surrounding plate 25. A corresponding number of latches 313 are provided on the circumferential outer surface of the external pipe 3. In this way, after the external pipe 3 is installed on the pipe joint 23, the force on the external pipe 3 is balanced, the stability of the external pipe 3 is improved, and the accidental disconnection of the external pipe 3 from the pipe joint 23 or unstable connection resulting in coolant leakage are prevented. In one embodiment, two locking orifices are provided on the surrounding plate, and the two locking orifices are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the surrounding plate. Correspondingly, there are also two latches on the external pipe, and they are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the external pipe.

[0086] Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the surrounding plate 25 has an end 251 away from the base 21. The locking orifice 26 includes a first edge 264 and a second edge 265. The first edge 264 and the second edge 265 are opposite and spaced apart along a first direction D1 from the end 251 of the surrounding plate 25 to the base 21 (the first direction D1 is generally parallel to the axial direction L of the pipe joint 23), and the first edge 264 is behind the second edge 265 along the first direction D1.

[0087] Also as Figure 7As shown, the first edge 264 is provided with a partition rib 266 extending along the first direction D1 toward the locking hole 26, and the end of the partition rib 266 is spaced apart from the second edge 265 (that is, the end of the partition rib 266 does not contact the second edge 265). In this way, the partition rib 266 divides the locking hole 26 into a first seat 261 and a second seat 262 that are connected to each other along the circumference of the enclosure 25 (for example, the first seat 261 and the second seat 262 are connected through the communication port 268). Figure 5 As shown, along the clockwise direction S1 , the first socket 261 is substantially located behind the second socket 262 .

[0088] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 , the pipeline connector 1 further includes a third valve assembly 220. The third valve assembly 220 includes a valve housing 221, a third valve plug 223 and a third elastic member 224. The valve housing 221 includes a connecting section 222. The connecting section 222 and the pipe joint 23 are located on both sides of the base 21, and the pipe joint 23 is connected to the connecting section 222 to define the first channel 201. The third valve plug 223 extends to the interior of the pipe joint 23. The two ends of the third elastic member 224 abut against the valve housing 221 and the third valve plug 223, respectively. In one embodiment, the third elastic member 224 is a coil spring.

[0089] In the initial state of the main body 2, the third elastic member 224 is in a natural state and applies a supporting force to the third valve plug 223 so that the third valve plug 223 is in sealing contact with the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23. In one embodiment, a second sealing member 225 is provided on the third valve plug 223, thereby achieving sealing contact between the third valve plug 223 and the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23. In one embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the pipe joint 23 has an end 231 away from the base 21 , and the end 231 of the pipe joint 23 forms a constricted shape, so that under the support of the third elastic member 224 , the third valve plug 223 is in sealing contact with the circumferential inner surface of the end 231 of the pipe joint 23 .

[0090] When the third valve plug 223 is pushed toward the inside of the pipe joint 23 along the first direction D1, the third valve plug 223 is separated from the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23, and the third elastic member 224 is compressed, and the first channel 201 is open. After the thrust on the third valve plug 223 is removed, the third elastic member 224 automatically recovers and drives the third valve plug 223 to automatically recover to the sealing contact with the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23, and the first channel 201 is disconnected (this will be described in detail below). In general, under the action of the third elastic member 224, the third valve plug 223 can reciprocate relative to the pipe joint 23 along the axial direction L of the pipe joint 23 and achieve sealing contact or separation with the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23.

[0091] ReferenceFigure 8 and Figure 9 , the outer connecting pipe 3 includes a first valve assembly 301. The first valve assembly 301 includes a first pipe body 31, a first sliding sleeve 32, a first valve plug 33, and a first elastic member 34.

[0092] A second channel 311 is formed inside the first pipe body 31 (as Figure 9 shown). The first pipe body 31 has a mounting end 312, and the mounting end 312 is adapted to be mounted into the receiving space 20. A latch 313 protrudes from the circumferential outer surface of the mounting end 312.

[0093] The first sliding sleeve 32 is slidably disposed inside the first pipe body 31. In one embodiment, a fourth seal 332 is provided between the first sliding sleeve 32 and the first pipe body 31 to seal the gap between the first sliding sleeve 32 and the first pipe body 31.

[0094] The first valve plug 33 includes a first valve stem 333 and a first valve head 334 at the first end of the first valve stem 333. The first valve plug 33 is disposed inside the first pipe body 31 and extends through the first sliding sleeve 32. The first valve head 334 can be in sealing contact with or separated from the first sliding sleeve 32, and the second end of the first valve stem 333 abuts against the first pipe body 31.

[0095] Two ends of the first elastic member 34 respectively abut against the second end of the first valve stem 333 and the first sliding sleeve 32. For example, the first elastic member 34 is a helical spring and surrounds the first valve plug 33. In one embodiment, a radially inwardly extending inner shoulder 314 is provided on the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe body 31 (for example, the inner shoulder 314 of the first pipe body 31 is at the middle of the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe body 31). The first end of the first sliding sleeve 32 is provided with a radially outwardly protruding outer shoulder 321, and the second end of the first sliding sleeve 32 is provided with a radially inwardly protruding inner shoulder 322. One end of the first elastic member 34 abuts against the inner shoulder 322 of the first sliding sleeve.

[0096] In the initial state of the outer connecting pipe 3, the first elastic member 34 is in a natural state and applies a supporting force to the first sliding sleeve 32 to make the first valve head 334 in sealing contact with the first sliding sleeve 32. In one embodiment, a third seal 331 is provided on the first valve head 334, thereby realizing the sealing contact between the first valve head 334 and the first sliding sleeve 32. For example, the first valve head 334 is in sealing contact with the inner shoulder 322 of the first sliding sleeve. In addition, the outer shoulder 321 of the first sliding sleeve is also engaged with the inner shoulder 314 of the first pipe body to engage the first sliding sleeve 32 with the first pipe body 31.

[0097] When the first sliding sleeve 32 is pushed in the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 (i.e., the direction from the base 21 towards the end 251 of the enclosing plate 25) (as Figure 3 andFigure 4 As shown in the figure, the first sleeve 32 is separated from the first valve head 334 (that is, the first valve head 334 is separated from the inner shoulder 322 of the first sleeve), at which time the first elastic member 34 is compressed, the second channel 311 is connected, and the outer shoulder 321 of the first sleeve is also separated from the inner shoulder 314 of the first tube body. After the thrust on the first sleeve 32 is removed, the first elastic member 34 automatically recovers and drives the first sleeve 32 to automatically recover to the sealing contact with the first valve head 334 (that is, the first valve head 334 is in sealing contact with the inner shoulder 322 of the first sleeve again), and the second channel 311 is disconnected (this will be described in detail below). In general, under the action of the first elastic member 34, the first sleeve 32 can slide back and forth relative to the first tube body 31 (or the first valve plug 33) along the axial direction L of the pipe joint 23, and achieve separation and sealing contact with the first valve head 334.

[0098] When the main body 2 is in the initial state and the external pipe 3 is also in the initial state, the external pipe 3 can be connected to the pipe joint 23. The connection process and the disassembly process of the external pipe 3 and the pipe joint 23 are described below.

[0099] First, the mounting end 312 of the first tube body 31 of the external tube 3 is inserted into the receiving space 20 of the main body 2 along the first direction D1, and the mounting end 312 of the first tube body 31 is sleeved on the pipe joint 23. At this time, the latch 313 on the external tube 3 is engaged with the first seat 261, the third valve plug 223 is in contact with the first valve head 334, and the pipe joint 23 is in contact with the first sleeve 32 of the external tube 3. In one embodiment, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the mounting end 312 of the first tube body 31 is configured to be flared and adapted to be received in the receiving space 20. According to this structure, the flared mounting end 312 guides the installation of the first tube body 31 on the pipe joint 32, which helps to easily install the external tube 3 on the pipe joint 23.

[0100] Then, a thrust is applied to the external tube 3 along the first direction D1 to make the first tube body 31 of the external tube 3 continue to move into the receiving space 20 (i.e., the latch 313 continues to move in the first seat 261 along the first direction D1). At this time, the tube joint 23 pushes the first sleeve 32 along the second direction D2, and the first valve plug 33 pushes the third valve plug 223 along the first direction D1. The third elastic member 224 and the first elastic member 34 are compressed. As described above, the second channel 311 and the first channel 201 are both connected and communicated with each other to form a through coolant channel.

[0101] When the latch 313 reaches the communication port 268 between the first receiving seat 261 and the second receiving seat 262 , the external tube 3 is rotated in the clockwise direction S1 , so that the latch 313 rotates over the partition rib 266 and enters the second receiving seat 262 .

[0102] Next, the thrust applied to the outer adapter 3 is removed. The first elastic member 34 slightly recovers and automatically drives the first pipe body 31 to move in the second direction D2 until the latch 313 abuts against the first edge 264 of the locking orifice 26 and thus stably engages with the second socket 262. In this case, the latch 313 is blocked by the separating rib 266 in the counterclockwise direction S2. In this way, the outer adapter 3 cannot rotate in the counterclockwise direction S2, cannot move in the second direction D2, and can hardly move in the first direction D1 either (because the first pipe body 31 is pushed by the first elastic member 34 in the second direction D2), and thus is stably connected to the pipe joint 23. It should be understood that when the thrust applied to the outer adapter 3 is removed, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the third valve plug 223 still abuts against the first valve head 334, the pipe joint 23 still abuts against the first sliding sleeve 32 of the outer adapter 3, and the third elastic member 224 and the first elastic member 34 are still compressed. Therefore, the second channel 311 and the first channel 201 still remain in communication and are connected to each other to form a continuous coolant channel.

[0103] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, a first seal 232 is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the pipe joint 23. For example, the first seal 232 is generally located at the end 231 of the pipe joint 23. After the outer adapter 3 is connected to the pipe joint 23, the first seal 232 is in sealing contact with the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe body 31 of the outer adapter 3 (as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown), thereby sealing the gap between the circumferential outer surface of the pipe joint 23 and the circumferential inner surface of the first pipe body 31, which can prevent coolant leakage.

[0104] When removing the outer adapter 3 from the pipe joint 23, first apply a thrust to the outer adapter 3 in the first direction D1 to press the first pipe body 31 of the outer adapter 3 into the receiving space 20. When the latch 313 reaches the communication port 268 of the first socket 261 and the second socket 262, rotate the outer adapter 3 in the counterclockwise direction S2 so that the latch 313 rotates over the separating rib 266 and enters the first socket 261. Then, pull the outer adapter 3 in the second direction D2, and the outer adapter 3 can be separated from the pipe joint 23. During the installation and removal of the outer adapter 3, the operator only needs to press, pull, and rotate the outer adapter 3 without other operations, which facilitates quickly assembling or disassembling the outer adapter 3 with the pipe joint 23 (or the main body 2 of the pipeline connector 1).

[0105] It should be noted that after the external connecting pipe 3 is detached from the pipe joint 23, both the third elastic member 224 and the first elastic member 34 automatically recover, causing the first channel 201 to automatically disconnect and the second channel 311 to automatically disconnect (as described above), thus preventing coolant from leaking from the first channel 201 and the second channel 311.

[0106] In one embodiment, the partition rib 266 can be configured to extend a relatively small distance from the first edge 264. In this way, after the external connecting pipe 3 is installed on the pipe joint 23, the partition rib 266 can still prevent the external connecting pipe 3 from rotating counterclockwise in the direction S2; moreover, when installing or detaching the external connecting pipe 3, the operator only needs to slightly push the external connecting pipe 3 to easily align the latch 313 with the communication port 268, which further facilitates the installation and detachment of the external connecting pipe 3. The specific dimensions of the partition rib can be determined according to the actual situation and are not limited here.

[0107] Also as Figure 7 shown, a sliding groove 252 is provided on the inner surface of the surrounding plate 25 facing the pipe joint 23. The sliding groove 252 extends from the end 251 of the surrounding plate 25 in the first direction D1 to communicate with the first socket 261. In this way, when installing the external connecting pipe 3, the sliding groove 252 provides a movement space for the latch 313 on the external connecting pipe 3. As Figure 10 shown, when installing the external connecting pipe 3, align the latch 313 with the sliding groove 252 so that the latch 313 smoothly slides into the first socket 261 along the sliding groove 252, which makes the installation of the external connecting pipe 3 more smooth. Additionally, during the installation process of the external connecting pipe 3, the sliding groove 252 restricts the latch 313 to prevent the latch 313 from deviating from the first socket 261.

[0108] Also as Figure 7 shown, the starting end 253 of the sliding groove 252 at the end 251 of the surrounding plate 25 is configured to be flared. In other words, the width dimension of the starting end 253 of the sliding groove 252 is greater than the width dimension of the remaining part of the sliding groove 252. This facilitates quickly aligning the latch 313 with the sliding groove 252, and thus helps to quickly and accurately connect the external connecting pipe 3 and the pipe joint 23 together.

[0109] It should also be understood that a pipe without a latch (not shown in the figure) can also be connected to the pipe joint of the pipeline connector of the present application. For example, after inserting the installation end of such a pipe into the receiving space, the pipe and the pipe joint can be stably connected together by other means.

[0110] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13, the pipeline connector 1 can be connected to the fixedly arranged pipeline adapter 4. In one embodiment, the pipeline connector 1 is arranged on a battery pack (not shown in the figure) of an electric vehicle, and the pipeline adapter 4 is fixedly arranged on the vehicle body 401 of the electric vehicle. For example, referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the pipeline adapter 4 further includes a machine platform 46 connected to the second valve assembly 40. A fixing structure 463 is arranged on the machine platform 46, and the fixing structure 463 is used to arrange the pipeline adapter 4 on the vehicle body 401. In one embodiment, the fixing structure 463 includes a bolt 462 and a connecting column 461 connected to the machine platform 46. A connecting hole 464 matching the bolt 462 is constructed on the vehicle body 401. In this way, the bolt 462 is passed through the connecting hole 464 and connected into the connecting column 461, so as to fixedly arrange the pipeline adapter 4 on the vehicle body 401. In one embodiment, the number of the fixing structures 463 is multiple (for example, four), and they are generally evenly distributed on the machine platform 46 to improve the stability of the pipeline adapter 4.

[0111] Of course, according to the actual situation, the pipeline adapter can also be arranged on the battery pack of the electric vehicle, and the pipeline connector can be arranged on the vehicle body of the electric vehicle, which will not be elaborated here.

[0112] As Figure 11 shown, the pipeline adapter 4 includes two adapter pipes 45. The two adapter pipes 45 are respectively connected to the two pipe joints 23 of the pipeline connector 1. For simplicity, only one adapter pipe 45 will be used to describe the technical solution of the present application below. As Figure 11 shown, the adapter pipe 45 includes a second valve assembly 40. The second valve assembly 40 includes: a second pipe body 41, a second sliding sleeve 42, a second valve plug 43, and a second elastic member 44. The second sliding sleeve 42 is slidably arranged in the second pipe body 41. The second valve plug 43 includes a second valve rod 433 and a second valve head 434 at the first end of the second valve rod 433. The second valve plug 43 is arranged in the second pipe body 41 and extends through the second sliding sleeve 42. The second valve head 434 can be in sealing contact with or separated from the second sliding sleeve 42, and the second end of the second valve rod 433 abuts against the second pipe body 41. The second elastic member 44 is arranged in the second pipe body 41 and its two ends respectively abut against the second end of the second valve rod 433 and the second sliding sleeve 42. In one embodiment, the second elastic member 44 is a helical spring and surrounds the second valve plug 43.

[0113] Also as Figure 13As shown, when the pipeline connector 1 is connected to the pipeline adapter 4, at least part of the second tube body 41 is inserted into the receiving space 20 and sleeved on the pipe joint 23. The second valve head 434 abuts against the third valve plug 223; the pipe joint 23 abuts against the second sliding sleeve 42 and pushes the second sliding sleeve 42 along the second direction D2. The second sliding sleeve 42 is separated from the second valve head 434, and the pipe joint 23 is also separated from the third valve plug 223, so that the pipeline connector 1 and the pipeline adapter 4 are connected and a through coolant channel is formed. At this time, the first elastic member 34 and the second elastic member 44 are both compressed.

[0114] When the pipeline connector 1 is separated from the pipeline adapter 4, the second pipe body 41 is pulled out of the receiving space 20 and separated from the pipe joint 23. In this way, the second elastic member 44 recovers and drives the second sliding sleeve 42 to move along the first direction D1 to seal and contact with the second valve head 434. The third elastic member 224 drives the third valve plug 223 to move along the second direction D2 to seal and contact with the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint 23. In this way, the pipeline connector 1 and the pipeline adapter 4 are each sealed to prevent coolant leakage.

[0115] After the battery pack is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body, the battery pack will apply a first pressing force from the pipeline connector 1 to the pipeline adapter 4 (i.e., generally along the second direction D2) to the pipeline connector 1. Under the action of the first pressing force, the pipe joint 23 of the pipeline connector 1 and the corresponding second pipe body 41 of the pipeline adapter 4 are tightly and stably matched together, thereby achieving a stable connection between the pipeline connector 1 and the pipeline adapter 4. It should be understood that a second pressing force from the pipeline adapter 4 to the pipeline connector 1 can also be applied to the pipeline adapter 4 to stably connect the pipeline connector 1 and the pipeline adapter 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] In addition, Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the pipeline adapter 4 is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body 401, and the pipeline connector 1 is mounted on the battery pack. Overall, the pipeline adapter becomes a part of the vehicle body. After the battery pack is mounted on the vehicle body, the pipeline connector and the pipeline adapter are permanently and stably connected together. In other words, the pipeline connector is stably used in a constant environment.

[0117] In one embodiment, the external pipe 3 as described above can be a connecting portion of a pipeline of a free device. For example, the free device is a suitable fluid device outside the vehicle, which can be used to pump coolant. The external pipe 3 can be quickly connected or disconnected with the pipeline connector 1. In this way, the pipeline connector 1 and the external pipe 3 can form a temporary connection. In other words, the pipeline connector can be temporarily used in a changing environment. It can be seen that the application range of the pipeline connector of the present application is relatively large.

[0118] It should be understood that the pipeline connector may not be applied to the battery pack, but to other devices that need to be cooled; correspondingly, the pipeline adapter may not be applied to the vehicle body, but to other devices used for pumping coolant; and vice versa.

[0119] The above are only embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A pipe connector, suitable for connecting to an external pipe (3), wherein the external pipe (3) has a latch (313) protruding from a peripheral outer surface, characterized in that: The pipeline connector (1) comprises a main body (2), and the main body (2) comprises: Base (21); a pipe joint (23), the pipe joint (23) extending from the base (21); and a shroud (25), the shroud (25) extending from the base (21) parallel to the axial direction (L) of the pipe joint (23) and surrounding the pipe joint (23); the shroud (25) is spaced apart from the pipe joint (23) to form a receiving space (20) between the shroud (25) and the pipe joint (23); a locking orifice (26) communicating with the receiving space (20) is provided on the shroud (25); The receiving space (20) of the main body (2) is adapted to receive at least a portion of the external tube (3) and the locking aperture (26) is adapted to engage with the latch (313), and the pipe joint (23) is adapted to be connected to the external tube (3).

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The enclosure plate (25) has an end (251) away from the base (21); The locking aperture (26) includes a first edge (264) and a second edge (265), the first edge (264) and the second edge (265) being opposite and spaced apart along a first direction (D1) from an end (251) of the enclosure (25) toward the base (21), and a distance from the first edge (264) to the base (21) is greater than a distance from the second edge (265) to the base (21); The first edge (264) is provided with a partition rib (266) extending along the first direction (D1) toward the locking hole (26); the end of the partition rib (266) is spaced apart from the second edge (265) to divide the locking hole (26) into a first seat (261) and a second seat (262) which are interconnected along the circumference of the enclosure (25).

3. The pipeline connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A slide groove (252) is provided on the inner surface of the enclosure (25) facing the pipe joint (23), and the slide groove (252) extends along the first direction (D1) from the end (251) of the enclosure (25) to communicate with the first receiving seat (261).

4. The pipeline connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The starting end (253) of the slide groove (252) located at the end (251) of the enclosure plate (25) is configured in a flared shape.

5. The pipeline connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The latch (313) on the external tube (3) is adapted to enter the first receiving seat (261) along the slide groove (252), and then rotate over the partition rib (266) to enter the second receiving seat (262) and engage with the second receiving seat (262); and / or The latch (313) on the external tube (3) is adapted to rotate from the second receiving seat (262) over the partition rib (266) into the first receiving seat (261), and then move along the slide groove (252) to leave the first receiving seat (261).

6. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of locking holes (26) are provided on the enclosure plate (25), and the plurality of locking holes (26) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the enclosure plate (25).

7. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first sealing member (232) is provided on the circumferential outer surface of the pipe joint (23).

8. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external pipe (3) comprises a first valve assembly (301), wherein the first valve assembly (301) comprises: A first tube body (31), wherein the latch (313) protrudes from a circumferential outer surface of the first tube body (31); A first sliding sleeve (32) is slidably disposed in the first tube body (31); A first valve plug (33) is disposed in the first tube body (31) and extends through the first sliding sleeve (32); and A first elastic member (34), two ends of which respectively abut against the first valve plug (33) and the first sliding sleeve (32), so as to be suitable for driving the first sliding sleeve (32) to slide back and forth along the axial direction (L) relative to the first tube body (31), so that the first sliding sleeve (32) and the first valve plug (33) are in sealing contact or separation.

9. The pipeline connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first tube body (31) comprises a mounting end (312), the mounting end (312) is configured to be flared and suitable for being received in the receiving space (20); the latch (313) is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the mounting end (312).

10. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external pipe (3) is a connecting part of the pipeline of the free device.

11. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipeline connector (1) is also suitable for connecting to a fixedly arranged pipeline adapter (4).

12. The pipeline connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pipeline adapter (4) comprises a machine platform (46), and a fixing structure (463) is arranged on the machine platform (46) to fix the pipeline adapter (4).

13. The pipeline connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The pipeline adapter (4) comprises a second valve assembly (40), wherein the second valve assembly (40) comprises: a second pipe body (41), at least a portion of which is adapted to be inserted into the receiving space (20) and connected to the pipe joint (23); A second sliding sleeve (42) is slidably disposed in the second tube body (41); a second valve plug (43), disposed in the second tube body (41) and extending through the second sliding sleeve (42); and A second elastic member (44), two ends of which respectively abut against the second valve plug (43) and the second sliding sleeve (42), so as to be suitable for driving the second sliding sleeve (42) to slide back and forth along the axial direction (L) relative to the second tube body (41), so that the second sliding sleeve (42) and the second valve plug (43) are in sealing contact or separation.

14. The pipeline connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The tube adapter (4) and the tube connector (1) are suitable for being connected together by a first pressing force directed from the tube connector (1) to the tube adapter (4), and / or a second pressing force directed from the tube adapter (4) to the tube connector (1).

15. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipeline connector (1) further comprises a third valve assembly (220), wherein the third valve assembly (220) comprises: A valve housing (221) comprises a connecting section (222); the connecting section (222) is connected to the pipe joint (23), and the connecting section (222) and the pipe joint (23) are located on both sides of the base (21); a third valve plug (223) extending into the interior of the pipe joint (23); and The third elastic member (224) has two ends respectively abutting against the valve housing (221) and the third valve plug (223), so that the third valve plug (223) is suitable for reciprocating along the axial direction (L) relative to the pipe joint (23), thereby making the third valve plug (223) sealably contact or separate from the circumferential inner surface of the pipe joint (23).

16. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (21), the enclosure (25) and the pipe joint (23) are integrally formed.

17. The pipeline connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (21), the enclosure (25) and the pipe joint (23) are formed separately and then assembled together.

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