Connector and energy storage equipment comprising same

Abstract

The utility model provides a connector and energy storage equipment comprising the same, and the connector has an axial direction and a radial direction and comprises a male connector and a female connector. The male connector comprises a male connector outer valve element. The female connector comprises a female connector outer valve element, and the female connector outer valve element abuts against the male connector outer valve element in the axial direction. Wherein the male connector outer valve element comprises a male connector limiting part, the female connector outer valve element comprises a female connector limiting part, and the male connector limiting part can be connected with the female connector limiting part. According to the connector, the matched limiting structures are arranged on the valve elements of the male connector and the female connector, the female connector outer valve element is limited not to move in the radial direction, and when the male connector and the female connector are disassembled again, the female connector outer valve element can rebound to the first position of the female connector in the axial direction under the action of the elastic element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of connectors, and more particularly to a connector and an energy storage device comprising the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] In application environments such as energy storage, supercharging, hydrogen production, or data centers, connectors are often used to connect pipes. A bidirectional stop connector is a commonly used connector. The bidirectional stop connector usually includes a female connector and a male connector, and the female connector and the male connector are connected to two pipes to be connected respectively. The bidirectional stop function is achieved through the cooperation design of the female connector and the male connector. The traditional bidirectional stop connector utilizes the valve core and the sealing structure inside the female connector and the male connector to automatically close when the female connector and the male connector are separated to prevent fluid leakage; and to open when connected to allow fluid to pass through.

[0003] In some existing bidirectional stop connectors, the valve core connected with the elastic element is arranged inside the female connector and the male connector. When the female connector and the male connector are not connected, the spring in the female connector and the male connector pushes the valve core to the closed position, so that the valve core is in close contact with the corresponding sealing element, thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the end of the female connector and the male connector, and achieving bidirectional stop. When the female connector and the male connector are connected, the valve cores inside the female connector and the male connector interact to push the valve core to open against the elastic force of the spring, thereby forming a fluid passage allowing fluid to pass through. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] The present application provides a connector, the connector has an axial direction and a radial direction, and includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a male connector outer valve core. The female connector includes a female connector outer valve core, wherein the female connector outer valve core abuts with the male connector outer valve core along the axial direction. The male connector outer valve core includes a male connector limiting portion, and the female connector outer valve core includes a female connector limiting portion, and the male connector limiting portion can be engaged with the female connector limiting portion to limit the movement of the female connector outer valve core relative to the male connector outer valve core in the radial direction. The structure of the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion is arranged such that when the male connector outer valve core moves in a first direction along the axial direction, the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion remain engaged, and when the male connector outer valve core moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the axial direction, the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion are allowed to disengage.

[0005] The present application provides a connector, the connector has an axial direction and a radial direction, and includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a male connector outer valve core. The female connector includes a female connector outer valve core, wherein the female connector outer valve core abuts with the male connector outer valve core along the axial direction. The male connector outer valve core includes a male connector limiting portion, and the female connector outer valve core includes a female connector limiting portion, and the male connector limiting portion can be engaged with the female connector limiting portion to limit the movement of the female connector outer valve core relative to the male connector outer valve core in the radial direction. The structure of the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion is arranged such that when the male connector outer valve core moves in a first direction along the axial direction, the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion remain engaged, and when the male connector outer valve core moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the axial direction, the male connector limiting portion and the female connector limiting portion are allowed to disengage.

[0006] According to the above, the joint is a double check joint. Movement of the male outer valve core in the first direction can open the double check joint, and movement of the male outer valve core in the second direction can close the double check joint.

[0007] According to the above, the female joint limiting portion is arranged at an axial end of the female outer valve core facing the male outer valve core, and the male joint limiting portion is arranged at an axial end of the male outer valve core facing the female outer valve core.

[0008] According to the above, the female joint limiting portion is arranged on an end face of the axial end of the female outer valve core, and the male joint limiting portion is arranged on an end face of the axial end of the male outer valve core.

[0009] According to the above, one of the female joint limiting portion and the male joint limiting portion has a convex shape, and the other of the female joint limiting portion and the male joint limiting portion has a concave shape.

[0010] According to the above, one of the female joint limiting portion and the male joint limiting portion is a ring-shaped convex, and the other of the female joint limiting portion and the male joint limiting portion is a ring-shaped concave.

[0011] According to the above, the female joint comprises a female joint housing, the female joint housing comprising a female joint first outer housing, a female joint second outer housing, and a female joint inner housing, the female joint first outer housing and the female joint second outer housing being connected together, and the female joint inner housing being detachably connected inside the female joint first outer housing and the female joint second outer housing; wherein the female outer valve core is arranged inside the female joint inner housing.

[0012] According to the above, the female joint inner housing comprises an inner housing limiting portion arranged at one end of the female joint inner housing close to the male joint, and capable of abutting against an outer surface of the female outer valve core.

[0013] According to the above, the inner housing limiting portion is a ring-shaped convex.

[0014] The application also provides an energy storage device comprising the joint of the application.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the joint of the application limits the female outer valve core from moving in the radial direction by arranging the cooperating limiting structures on the valve cores of the male joint and the female joint, so that when the male joint and the female joint are disassembled again, the female outer valve core can rebound in the axial direction to the first position of the female joint under the action of the elastic element.

[0016] The joint of the present application sets the limiting structure on the valve core of the male joint and the female joint, and does not need to rely on the female joint shell to limit the radial movement of the outer valve core of the female joint, so as to reduce the length of the female joint shell, so that the joint has smaller size.

[0017] The female joint shell of the joint of the present application further comprises a female joint inner shell for retaining the female joint outer valve core, the female joint inner valve core and the female joint elastic element in place, so that the female joint inner shell, the female joint outer valve core, the female joint inner valve core and the female joint elastic element can be assembled together as a component, which not only facilitates assembly, but also can conveniently replace the female joint first outer shell and the female joint second outer shell of different shapes as needed.

[0018] In addition, the joint of the present application is particularly suitable for applications with multiple cutoff and communication needs, such as energy storage devices.

[0019] The "male joint" in the present application refers to a joint for active insertion, and the "female joint" in the present application refers to a joint for passive reception.

[0020] The "first direction" in the present application refers to the insertion direction of the male joint into the female joint.

[0021] The "second direction" refers to the direction opposite to the first direction, i.e. the direction of pulling out the male joint from the female joint.

[0022] Other purposes and advantages of the present application will be apparent and can help to have a comprehensive understanding of the present application through the description of the present application below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1A isometric view of a bidirectional cutoff joint according to one embodiment of the present application from one angle;

[0024] Figure 1B is an exploded view of the bidirectional cutoff joint shown in Figure 1A from another angle;

[0025] Figure 2A is an exploded view of the female joint in Figure 1A from one angle;

[0026] Figure 2B is an exploded view of the female joint in Figure 1A from another angle;

[0027] Figure 2C is an axial sectional view of the female joint in Figure 1A ;

[0028] Figure 3A is an axial sectional view of the female joint in Figure 1Aexploded view of the male connector in one angle;

[0029] Figure 3B for Figure 1A axial sectional view of the male connector in one angle;

[0030] Figure 4A axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop connector showing the male connector not yet inserted into the female connector;

[0031] Figure 4B axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop connector showing the male connector during insertion into the female connector;

[0032] Figure 4C axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop connector showing the male connector after insertion into the female connector.

[0033] Main designations:

[0034]

[0035] Before embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described herein with reference to the drawings, which are intended to demonstrate, but not limit, the application. It should be understood that the use of directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "in," "out," "top," and "bottom" are used for purposes of explanation only in relation to the examples illustrated in the drawings, and do not limit the application to the specific orientation shown. Since the embodiments disclosed herein can be manufactured in different orientations, the terms "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "in," "out," "top," and "bottom" are used only for convenience and are not intended to be limiting.

[0037] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A general structure of a bidirectional stop connector 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. Therein Figure 1A A perspective view of the bidirectional stop connector 100 is shown from a front perspective, Figure 1BAn exploded view of the bidirectional stop joint 100 is shown from a rear to front perspective, with the male joint 104 separated from the female joint 102. Although the present embodiment is described with respect to a bidirectional stop joint, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the joint of the present application can also be other types of joints. As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B The bidirectional stop joint 100 includes a male joint 104 and a female joint 102. The male joint 104 is fixedly connected to the female joint 102 by way of a plug connection, i.e., the male joint 104 is partially inserted into the female joint 102. When the male joint 104 is connected to the female joint 102, fluid communication is provided between the male joint 104 and the female joint 102. When the male joint 104 is not connected to the female joint 102, both the male joint 104 and the female joint 102 are stopped, and fluid is not allowed to pass through.

[0038] The female joint 102 is generally a straight cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the female joint 102 can also be an elbow shape or a cylindrical shape with other cross-sectional shapes to accommodate different application environments. The female joint 102 includes a female joint housing 101. The female joint 102 has an inner diameter at a rear end for receiving the male joint 104 that matches an outer diameter of the male joint 104, so that the male joint 104 can be inserted into the female joint 102. In the present embodiment, the female joint 102 has external threads at a front end of the female joint housing 101, so that the female joint 102 can be threadably connected to an external pipe (not shown) by way of the external threads. In other embodiments, the female joint 102 can be connected to an external pipe by other means, such as a clamp connection, etc. The female joint 102 defines a female joint passage 107 therethrough. A front end of the female joint passage 107 is for fluid communication with an external pipe (not shown), and a rear end of the female joint 102 receives and secures the male joint 104.

[0039] The male joint 104 is generally a straight cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Similar to the female joint 102, in other embodiments, the male joint 104 can also be an elbow shape or a cylindrical shape with other cross-sectional shapes to accommodate different application environments. The male joint 104 includes a male joint housing 103, which in the present embodiment has external threads at a rear end of the male joint housing 103, so that the male joint 104 can be threadably connected to an external pipe (not shown) by way of the external threads. In other embodiments, the male joint 104 can be connected to an external pipe by other means, such as a clamp connection, etc. The male joint 104 defines a male joint passage 108 therethrough. A rear end of the male joint passage 108 is for fluid communication with an external pipe (not shown), and a front end of the male joint 104 is for insertion and securing into the female joint 102.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the female connector 102 further comprises a locking element 105. The locking element 105 is inserted into the female connector housing 101 and is movable up and down relative to the female connector housing 101. The locking element 105 is used to lock the male connector 104 and the female connector 102. Specifically, the outer surface of the male connector 104 is provided with a circumferentially extending groove 338 (see Figure 3A and Figure 3B ). In the present embodiment, the groove 338 is in the shape of a ring surrounding the outer circumference of the male connector 104 and is defined between two annular flanges protruding from the male connector 104. In other embodiments, the groove can also be formed by a recess on the outer surface of the male connector according to the specific size of the male connector. The groove 338 is used to receive the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105 of the female connector 102 (see further Figure 4C ) to fixedly connect and lock the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 relative to each other. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the locking element 105 can be provided in any known structure as long as a corresponding locking portion (e.g. groove) is provided on the male connector 104.

[0041] The male connector 104 has a guide wall 341 at one end for insertion into the female connector 102 (see further Figure 3A ). The guide wall 341 and the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105 cooperate to guide the male connector 104 to drive the locking element 105 to move upward when the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102. In the present embodiment, the guide wall 341 and the locking portion 223 are provided with complementary inclined surfaces to generate a driving force to drive the locking element 105 to move downward on the contact surface when the male connector 104 is forced to be inserted into the female connector 102. After the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 in place, the locking element 105 moves upward so that the locking portion 223 is inserted into the groove 338 to lock the male connector 104 and the female connector 102 relative to each other. In other embodiments, the guide wall 341 and the locking portion 223 can also have other shapes and structures. And in other embodiments, locking elements of other structures can be used as long as they can lock the male connector and the female connector in cooperation.

[0042] When the female connector 102 has not received and fixed the male connector 104, both the female connector passage 107 and the male connector passage 108 are closed (or disconnected), so that the external pipelines connected with the female connector 102 and the male connector 104 are equivalent to being cut off, to realize the bidirectional cut-off function of the bidirectional cut-off connector, i.e. the bidirectional cut-off connector 100 is closed. The specific structure of the closing and opening of the female connector passage 107 will be described in detail later Figures 2A-2C , and the specific structure of the closing and opening of the male connector passage 108 will be described in detail later Figures 3A-3B .

[0043] When the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102, the female connector passage 107 and the male connector passage 108 are both opened (or connected), and fluid communication is established between the female connector passage 107 and the male connector passage 108, so that fluid communication is established between the pipe to which the male connector 104 is connected and the pipe to which the female connector 102 is connected, so that the bidirectional stop connector 100 is opened.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the female connector 102 and the male connector 104 are substantially coaxially arranged in a cylindrical shape, so that the bidirectional stop connector 100 has an axis i. For the purpose of description, in the present application, the direction of extension of the axis i is defined as the axial direction, the direction around the axis i is defined as the circumferential direction, and the direction perpendicular to the axis i is defined as the radial direction. The male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 in the axial direction. In the present application, the insertion direction x of the male connector 104 is defined as the first direction, and the extraction direction of the male connector 104 is defined as the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. In the present application, in the axial direction of the bidirectional stop connector 100, the direction of the female connector 102 side is referred to as the front, and the direction of the male connector 104 side is referred to as the rear.

[0045] Figures 2A-2C The specific structure of the female connector 102 is shown. Among them Figure 2A and Figure 2B The perspective exploded view of the female connector 102 is shown from two viewing angles, Figure 2C The axial sectional view of the female connector 102 is shown. As Figures 2A-2C shown, the female connector housing 101 includes a female connector first outer housing 211, a female connector second outer housing 213, and a female connector inner housing 212. The female connector first outer housing 211 and the female connector second outer housing 213 are sealingly connected. In some embodiments, the female connector first outer housing 211 and the female connector second outer housing 213 are welded together. And the female connector inner housing 212 is detachably connected inside the female connector first outer housing 211 and the female connector second outer housing 213.

[0046] The female connector 102 further includes a female connector inner valve core 214, a female connector outer valve core 216, and a female connector elastic element 215. The female connector outer valve core 216 is used to abut against the male connector outer valve core 333 (see Figure 4A shown) in the axial direction, so as to be capable of moving in the axial direction relative to the female connector housing 101 along with the axial movement of the male connector outer valve core 333. The female connector housing 101 and the female connector inner valve core 214 jointly define the female connector passage 107, and the female connector outer valve core 216 opens (or connects) or closes (or disconnects) the female connector passage 107 through axial movement.

[0047] The female joint elastic element 215 is supported between the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216, and is configured to provide a pre-tightening force to the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216. In the present embodiment, the female joint elastic element 215 is a spring. When the male joint 104 has not been inserted into the female joint 102, the spring is in a pre-tightening state of being compressed. During the process of inserting the male joint 104 into the female joint 102, the spring is further compressed. In the present embodiment, the female joint inner housing 212 further comprises an inner housing blocking portion 225 disposed at the front end (i.e. the end away from the male joint 104) and an inner housing limiting portion 226 disposed at the rear end (i.e. the end close to the male joint 104), which are annular protrusions protruding into the female joint passage 107. The inner housing blocking portion 225 abuts against the front side of the female joint inner valve core 214, and the inner housing limiting portion 226 abuts against the front side of the female joint outer valve core 216. The inner housing limiting portion 226 is capable of abutting against the outer surface of the female joint outer valve core 216 as the female joint outer valve core 216 moves. Thus, the female joint inner housing 212, together with the female joint elastic element 215, is capable of holding the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216 in place. In some specific embodiments, the female joint inner housing 212, the female joint elastic element 215, the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216 can be assembled together, and then assembled together between the female joint first outer housing 211 and the female joint second outer housing 213. This way, the connection of the female joint first outer housing 211 and the female joint second outer housing 213 is not affected by the internal elements of the female joint 102. Furthermore, the female joint inner housing 212, the female joint elastic element 215, the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216, as a whole, can be applicable to different shapes of the female joint first outer housing 211 and the female joint second outer housing 213. In some application scenarios, it can even be applicable to different types of joints.

[0048] More specifically, the female joint outer valve core 216 is generally cylindrical in shape, and has a limiting flange 217 at the front end. The limiting flange 217 is formed by protruding outward from the cylindrical wall of the front end of the female joint outer valve core 216. The inner housing limiting portion 226 of the female joint inner housing 212 comprises a ring-shaped protrusion matching the shape of the limiting flange 217. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the female joint inner housing 212 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the female joint outer valve core 216. Thus, the female joint outer valve core 216 can pass through the female joint inner housing 212 from front to back (i.e. from left to right in the figure) until the limiting flange 217 of the female joint outer valve core 216 engages with the inner housing limiting portion 226 of the female joint inner housing 212, preventing the female joint outer valve core 216 from being pulled out from the rear side of the female joint inner housing 212. Figure 2C

[0049] ​The female inner valve core 214 is generally rod-shaped with an axial length configured to enable its front end to abut the front end of the female inner housing 212 and its rear end to engage with the male inner valve core 336 when the male connector 104 is inserted (see Figure 4B The front end of the female inner valve core 214 includes a disc portion 227 matching the shape and size of the front end of the female inner housing 212. The disc portion 227 is provided with a pair of cut surfaces 221 on opposite sides. The inner housing blocking portion 225 of the female inner housing 212 includes a pair of bosses matching the shape of the cut surfaces 221. When the female inner valve core 214 is assembled with the female inner housing 212, the female inner valve core 214 is pushed into the female inner housing 212 from the rear to the front after the pair of cut surfaces 221 of the female inner valve core 214 align with the bosses of the inner housing blocking portion 225 of the female inner housing 212. After the cut surfaces 221 are aligned with the bosses of the inner housing blocking portion 225, the female inner valve core 214 and the female inner housing 212 are relatively rotated so that the bosses of the inner housing blocking portion 225 of the female inner housing 212 abut the edge of the disc portion 227, thereby preventing the female inner valve core 214 from being pulled out of the front side of the female inner housing 212.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the female outer valve core 216 and the female inner housing 212 are assembled together first, and then the female inner valve core 214 and the female elastic element 215 are assembled together into the female inner housing 212, with the rear end of the female elastic element 215 abutting the female outer valve core 216.

[0051] The female outer valve core 216 has a female closed position (i.e., a first position of the female connector) and a female open position (i.e., a second position of the female connector). The female outer valve core 216 is configured to move axially between the female closed position and the female open position. In the female closed position, the female outer valve core 216 is configured to abut the female inner valve core 214, and the female inner valve core 214 is configured to abut the male inner valve core 336. Figure 2C The female outer valve core 216 is shown in the female closed position. In the state as shown in FIG. 4A, the female connector passage 107 is closed (or disconnected). Specifically, the female connector 102 includes a third sealing ring 220. In the state as shown in FIG. 4A, the third sealing ring 220 is located at the periphery of the rear end of the female inner valve core 214 and is sealed and connected between the female outer valve core 216 and the female inner valve core 214. Thus, the rear side of the female connector passage 107 is closed by the female outer valve core 216 and the female inner valve core 214 in sealing contact, so that the female connector passage 107 is closed (or disconnected). Figure 2C Figure 2C

[0052] ​​When the female outer valve core 216 is moved axially forward to its open position by the pushing force of the male outer valve core 333 of the male connector 104, the female outer valve core 216 leaves the female inner valve core 214, so that the third sealing ring 220 is no longer in sealing contact with the female outer valve core 216, thereby enabling the female connector passage 107 to be opened (or connected).

[0053] In the present embodiment, the female connector 102 further comprises a first sealing ring 218 and a second sealing ring 219. When the female outer valve core 216 is in the female connector closed position, the first sealing ring 218 is sealingly connected between the female outer valve core 216 and the female connector second outer housing 213. And when the female outer valve core 216 is in its female connector open position, the first sealing ring 218 is sealingly connected between the male outer valve core 333 and the female connector second outer housing 213 (see Figure 4C The second sealing ring 219 is sealingly connected between the female connector first outer housing 211 and the female connector second outer housing 213. The first sealing ring 218 and the second sealing ring 219 can prevent fluid from leaking between the female connector housing 101 and the corresponding valve core.

[0054] In the present application, the male outer valve core 333 further comprises a male connector limiting portion 332, and the female outer valve core 216 comprises a female connector limiting portion 222, the male connector limiting portion 332 can engage with the female connector limiting portion 222 to limit the movement of the female outer valve core 216 relative to the male outer valve core 333 in the radial direction. The movement in the radial direction here includes movement perpendicular to the axial direction, or wobble relative to the axial direction, etc. This will be described in detail later.

[0055] In the present application, the female connector second outer housing 213 is provided with a clamping groove 224, and the locking element 105 passes through the clamping groove 224 and moves up and down therein. During the process of inserting the male connector 104 into the female connector 102, the locking element 105 can move downward to make the locking portion 223 avoid the movement path of the male connector 104. After the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 in place, the locking element 105 can move upward into the recess 338 of the male connector 104, thereby locking the male connector 104 and the female connector 102. In the present embodiment, the side of the female connector second outer housing 213 is also provided with at least one window 228, which communicates with the clamping groove 224, so as to expose or shield a specific part on the locking element 105, such as a two-dimensional code area, etc., with the up and down movement of the locking element 105.

[0056] Figures 3A-3B The specific structure of the male connector 104 is shown. Among them Figure 3A A perspective exploded view of the male connector 104 is shown, Figure 3B An axial sectional view of the male connector 104 is shown. As Figures 3A-3BAs shown, the male connector 104 includes a male connector housing 103, a male connector outer spool 333, a male connector inner spool 336, and a male connector elastic element 335. The male connector outer spool 333 is sealingly connected with the male connector housing 103. The male connector inner spool 336 is axially movable relative to the male connector outer spool 333 and the male connector housing 103. The male connector housing 103 and the male connector outer spool 333 jointly define a male connector passage 108, and the male connector inner spool 336 opens (or connects) or closes (or disconnects) the male connector passage 108 by axial movement.

[0057] The male connector housing 103 includes a male connector rear housing 331 and a blocking seat 334. The blocking seat 334 is connected inside the male connector rear housing 331. The male connector elastic element 335 is supported between the blocking seat 334 of the male connector housing 103 and the male connector inner spool 336, and is arranged to provide a pre-tightening force to the male connector housing 103 and the male connector inner spool 336. In this embodiment, the male connector elastic element 335 is also a spring. When the male connector 104 has not yet been inserted into the female connector 102, the spring is in a pre-tightening state of being compressed. During the process of inserting the male connector 104 into the female connector 102, the spring is further compressed. The male connector inner spool 336 is sleeved inside the male connector outer spool 333. In this embodiment, the front end of the male connector outer spool 333 is provided with a male connector blocking portion 342, which protrudes into the male connector passage 108. The male connector inner spool 336 is arranged to have a shape matching the male connector blocking portion 342 of the male connector outer spool 333, so as to avoid the male connector inner spool 336 from being pulled out from the front side of the male connector outer spool 333, but not to limit the rearward movement of the male connector inner spool 336. The rear side of the male connector outer spool 333 is limited by the male connector rear housing 331 and the blocking seat 334, so as to support the male connector elastic element 335.

[0058] In this embodiment, the male connector inner spool 336 has a male connector closed position (i.e., a first position of the male connector) and a male connector open position (i.e., a second position of the male connector). The male connector inner spool 336 is arranged to move axially between the male connector closed position and the male connector open position. Among them Figure 3B As shown, the male connector inner spool 336 is in the male connector closed position. In the state as shown in FIG. 4A, Figure 3B As shown, the male connector passage 108 is closed (or disconnected). Specifically, the male connector 104 includes a fourth sealing ring 337. In the state as shown in FIG. 4B, Figure 3B As shown, the fourth sealing ring 337 is located at the periphery of the front end of the male connector outer spool 333 and is sealingly connected between the male connector outer spool 333 and the male connector inner spool 336. Thus, the front side of the male connector passage 108 is closed by the sealing contact of the male connector outer spool 333 and the male connector inner spool 336, so that the male connector passage 108 is closed (or disconnected).

[0059] When the male inner valve core 336 is moved axially backward to its open position by the pushing force of the female inner valve core 214, the male inner valve core 336 leaves the male outer valve core 333, so that the fourth sealing ring 337 is no longer in sealing contact with the male outer valve core 333, thereby enabling the opening (or connection) of the male port passage 108.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the male port 104 further comprises a fifth sealing ring 339, which is sealingly connected between the male rear housing 331 and the male outer valve core 333. The fifth sealing ring 339 can prevent fluid from leaking between the male port housing 103 and the corresponding valve core.

[0061] In some embodiments, the male port limiting portion 332 is arranged on an axial end of the male outer valve core 333, such as an end face of the axial end, which faces the female outer valve core 216. And the female port limiting portion 222 is arranged on an axial end of the female outer valve core 216, such as an end face of the axial end, which faces the male outer valve core 333. The male port limiting portion 332 and the female port limiting portion 222 are arranged to have matching shapes, so that when the male outer valve core 333 is moved in a first direction (i.e. the insertion direction) along the axial direction, the male port limiting portion 332 and the female port limiting portion 222 remain engaged, while when the male outer valve core 333 is moved in a second direction (i.e. the extraction direction) opposite to the first direction along the axial direction, the male port limiting portion 332 and the female port limiting portion 222 are allowed to disengage. Thus, in the insertion direction, the male outer valve core 333 and the female outer valve core 216 can jointly move in the insertion direction x. But in the extraction direction, the male outer valve core 333 can leave the female outer valve core 216.

[0062] In some embodiments, the female port limiting portion 222 and the male port limiting portion 332 are arranged as a convex-concave matching structure. One of the female port limiting portion 222 and the male port limiting portion 332 has a convex shape, such as comprising at least one protrusion, and the other has a concave shape, such as comprising at least one groove. The groove can at least partially accommodate the protrusion. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is formed to protrude axially, and the at least one groove is formed to be concave axially. Through the structure of the axially matched protrusion and groove, the female outer valve core 216 can be better held axially by the male outer valve core 333. The protrusion height of the at least one protrusion and the concave height of the at least one groove are arranged to be able to hold the female outer valve core 216 axially by the male outer valve core 333.

[0063] In some embodiments, one of the female joint limiting portion 222 and the male joint limiting portion 332 is an annular protrusion, and the other is an annular groove. In the present embodiment, the female joint limiting portion 222 comprises a continuously extending annular protrusion protruding axially rearward from the end of the female joint outer valve core 216, and the male joint limiting portion 332 comprises a continuously extending annular groove recessed axially rearward from the end of the male joint outer valve core 333. The annular protrusion and the annular groove have a square cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the annular protrusion and the annular groove can also be provided in any shape such as a triangular cross-section, a zigzag cross-section, or a trapezoidal cross-section. Those skilled in the art can understand that at least one protrusion can also be provided as a plurality of protrusions arranged circumferentially or a plurality of protrusions spaced radially, and at least one groove can also be provided as a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially or a plurality of grooves spaced radially. And those skilled in the art can understand that the male joint limiting portion and the female joint limiting portion can also be provided in other cooperating shapes, as long as they can limit the radial movement of the female joint outer valve core 216 relative to the male joint outer valve core 333, and can keep the male joint limiting portion and the female joint limiting portion engaged in the first direction and allow the male joint limiting portion and the female joint limiting portion to disengage in the second direction.

[0064] In the application, since the male joint outer valve core 333 is fixedly connected with the male joint housing 103, during the axial insertion of the male joint 104, it can be ensured that the male joint outer valve core 333 moves axially. Since the inner diameter D1 of the female joint inner housing 212 is greater than the outer diameter D2 of the female joint outer valve core 216, when the female joint outer valve core 216 moves axially to a certain position, there will be a gap between the female joint inner housing 212 and the female joint outer valve core 216, so that the female joint outer valve core 216 can no longer be kept axially by the female joint housing 101. Without the male joint limiting portion and the female joint limiting portion, the female joint outer valve core 216 is prone to radial movement, such as movement perpendicular to the axial direction or wobbling relative to the axial direction. If the female joint outer valve core 216 moves radially, after the male joint outer valve core 333 no longer abuts against the female joint outer valve core 216, the female joint outer valve core 216 will not be able to return to the female joint closed position under the action of the female joint elastic element 215.

[0065] And without the male joint limiting portion and the female joint limiting portion, in order to avoid the radial movement of the female joint outer valve core 216, it is necessary to increase the contact distance between the female joint housing and the female joint outer valve core 216, that is, to increase the size of the female joint housing under the condition that the stroke of the female joint outer valve core 216 is certain.

[0066] The application sets the male joint limiting part and the female joint limiting part to limit the radial movement of the female joint outer valve core 216 by the male joint outer valve core 333, so that even if the female joint outer valve core 216 moves to a certain position and no longer contacts and limits the female joint housing 101, radial movement will not occur. When the male joint outer valve core 333 moves away from the female joint outer valve core 216 in the second direction, the female joint outer valve core 216 can be guided and limited by the male joint limiting part and the female joint limiting part, and returned to the female joint closing position in the axial direction under the action of the female joint elastic element 215, to close the female joint channel 107 again. Not only can the reliability of the joint be increased, but also the size of the joint can be reduced.

[0067] Figures 4A-4C The axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop joint is shown when the male joint 104 is inserted into the female joint 102 at different positions. Among them Figure 4A The axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop joint 100 is shown when the male joint 104 has not been inserted into the female joint 102. Figure 4B The axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop joint 100 is shown during the process of inserting the male joint 104 into the female joint 102. Figure 4C The axial sectional view of the bidirectional stop joint 100 is shown after the male joint 104 is inserted into the female joint 102 in place. Among them, the movement of the male joint outer valve core 333 in the first direction can be guided along Figures 4A-4C The bidirectional stop joint 100 is opened in the order shown. The movement of the male joint outer valve core 333 in the second direction can be guided along Figures 4C-4A The bidirectional stop joint 100 is closed in the order shown.

[0068] As Figure 4A shown, the male joint 104 has not been inserted into the female joint 102. The female joint outer valve core 216 of the female joint 102 is in the female joint closing position. The female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216 are in sealing contact to close the female joint channel 107. The female joint elastic element 215 abuts between the female joint outer valve core 216 and the female joint inner valve core 214 and applies a pre-tightening force in the axial direction to the female joint outer valve core 216 and the female joint inner valve core 214. The inner housing blocking part 225 of the female joint housing 101 abuts the front side of the female joint inner valve core 214, and the inner housing limiting part 226 of the female joint housing 101 abuts the limiting flange 217 of the front side of the female joint outer valve core 216, so that the female joint inner valve core 214 and the female joint outer valve core 216 are kept in place to close the female joint channel 107.

[0069] The male inner valve core 336 of the male connector 104 is in the male closed position. The male inner valve core 336 and the male outer valve core 333 are in sealing contact to close the male passage 108. The male spring element 335 abuts between the male inner valve core 336 and the male housing 103 and exerts a pre-tightening force in axial direction on the male inner valve core 336 and the male housing 103. The male outer valve core 333 and the male spring element 335 hold the male inner valve core 336 in place to close the male passage 108. The locking element 105 is in the upper end position and the locking portion 223 blocks the insertion path of the male connector 104.

[0070] At this time, the front end of the male outer valve core 333 abuts the rear end of the female outer valve core 216 and the female limiting portion 222 is accommodated in the male limiting portion 332, but the male connector 104 has not yet been inserted into the female connector 102, so the male outer valve core 333 has not yet pushed the female outer valve core 216. As the operator pushes the male connector 104 from rear to front (i.e. Figure 4A from right to left or in the first direction) from the female connector 102, the male outer valve core 333 pushes the female outer valve core 216 so that the female spring element 215 is compressed. And as the male connector 104 moves forward, the male inner valve core 336 abuts to the female inner valve core 214. The female inner valve core 214 pushes the male inner valve core 336 rearward so that the male spring element 335 is also compressed, and the male inner valve core 336 leaves the male closed position. Until it reaches the position as shown in Figure 4B .

[0071] As shown in Figure 4B , during the insertion of the male connector 104 into the female connector 102, the female outer valve core 216 has left the female closed position, but has not yet reached the open position. The female inner valve core 214 is in sealing contact with the male outer valve core 333, although not in sealing contact with the female outer valve core 216, so the female passage 107 is still closed. The female spring element 215 is compressed. The limiting flange 217 of the female outer valve core 216 leaves the inner housing limiting portion 226 of the female housing 101, but the outer surface of the female outer valve core 216 is still in contact with the inner housing limiting portion 226, so the female outer valve core 216 cannot move radially.

[0072] The male inner spool 336 of the male connector 104 is away from the male closed position, but has not yet reached the male open position. The male inner spool 336 is no longer in sealing contact with the male outer spool 333, so that the male passage 108 is partially open. The male elastic element 335 is compressed as the male connector 104 moves forward. The groove 338 of the male connector 104 is not yet aligned with the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105, the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105 is still blocking the insertion path of the male connector 104, and is about to come into contact with the guide wall 341 of the male connector 104.

[0073] At this time, the front end of the male outer spool 333 is still abutting against the rear end of the female outer spool 216, and the female limiting portion 222 is still accommodated in the male limiting portion 332. And the front end of the male inner spool 336 abuts against the front end of the female inner spool 214. As the operator further pushes the male connector 104 from back to front (i.e. Figure 4B from right to left, i.e. in the first direction), the guide wall 341 of the male connector 104 pushes the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105 through the complementary bevel, so that the locking element 105 moves downward. And as the locking element 105 moves downward, the locking portion 223 exits the insertion path of the male connector 104, thereby allowing the male connector 104 to continue to be inserted into the female connector 102 in the first direction. The male outer spool 333 further pushes the female outer spool 216, so that the female elastic element 215 is further compressed. And the female inner spool 214 further pushes the male inner spool 336 rearward, so that the male elastic element 335 is also further compressed. Until it reaches the position as shown in Figure 4C .

[0074] As shown in Figure 4C , after the male connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102 in place, the groove 338 of the male connector 104 is aligned with the locking portion 223 of the locking element 105. The locking element 105 moves upward so that the locking portion 223 is inserted into the groove 338, locking the relative position of the male connector 104 and the female connector 102. At this time, the female outer spool 216 reaches the open position. The female inner spool 214 is neither in sealing contact with the female outer spool 216 nor in sealing contact with the male outer spool 333, so that the female passage 107 is open. The female elastic element 215 is compressed to the shortest length, providing an elastic force to the female inner spool 214 and the female outer spool 216 to drive the female outer spool 216 to move rearward. The female outer spool 216 is completely away from the female inner housing 212 of the female connector housing 101, but the female limiting portion 222 of the female outer spool 216 is kept in place by the male limiting portion 332 of the male outer spool 333 to avoid radial movement of the female outer spool 216.

[0075] The male inner valve core 336 of the male connector 104 reaches the male open position. The male inner valve core 336 is spaced apart from the male outer valve core 333 by a distance such that the male passage 108 is fully open. The male spring element 335 is compressed to its shortest length providing a spring force to the male connector housing 103 and the male inner valve core 336 driving the male inner valve core 336 to move forward.

[0076] At this time, both the female passage 107 and the male passage 108 are open and in fluid communication, enabling fluid communication between the pipe connected to the male connector 104 and the pipe connected to the female connector 102, the bidirectional stop connector 100 is open.

[0077] When it is necessary to close the bidirectional stop connector 100, i.e. to shut off the pipe connected to the male connector 104 and the pipe connected to the female connector 102, the operator presses the locking element 105 such that the locking portion 223 exits the groove 338 of the male connector 104. The operator can pull the male connector 104 out of the female connector 102 in the second direction from front to back. The front side of the male inner valve core 336 of the male connector 104 is no longer abutted by the female inner valve core 214, and thus moves axially to the male closed position under the spring force of the male spring element 335 such that the male passage 108 is closed. The female limiting portion 222 of the female outer valve core 216 is guided by the male limiting portion 332 of the male outer valve core 333, and thus as the male connector 104 is pulled out in the second direction, the female outer valve core 216 also moves axially to the female closed position under the spring force of the female spring element 215 such that the female passage 107 is closed.

[0078] Although the present application has been described in connection with the embodiments thereof as substantially described above, it will be understood that various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents thereof, whether known or not, can be used by persons of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in the specification are exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, the disclosure in the specification can be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects. Accordingly, the examples of the embodiments of the present application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Therefore, the present application is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A coupling having an axial direction and a radial direction, characterized by comprising: a male coupling, comprising a male coupling outer spool; and a female coupling, comprising a female coupling outer spool, wherein the female coupling outer spool abuts against the male coupling outer spool along the axial direction; wherein the male coupling outer spool comprises a male coupling limiting portion, the female coupling outer spool comprises a female coupling limiting portion, and the male coupling limiting portion is engageable with the female coupling limiting portion.

2. The joint of claim 1, wherein: The coupling is a bidirectional shut-off coupling.

3. The fitting of claim 1, wherein: The female coupling limiting portion is arranged at an axial end of the female coupling outer spool facing the male coupling outer spool, and the male coupling limiting portion is arranged at an axial end of the male coupling outer spool facing the female coupling outer spool.

4. The joint of claim 3, wherein: The female coupling limiting portion is arranged on an end face of the axial end of the female coupling outer spool, and the male coupling limiting portion is arranged on an end face of the axial end of the male coupling outer spool.

5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein: One of the female coupling limiting portion and the male coupling limiting portion has a protruding shape, and the other of the female coupling limiting portion and the male coupling limiting portion has a recessed shape.

6. The fitting of claim 1, wherein: One of the female coupling limiting portion and the male coupling limiting portion is an annular protrusion, and the other of the female coupling limiting portion and the male coupling limiting portion is an annular recess.

7. The fitting of claim 1, wherein: The female coupling comprises a female coupling housing, the female coupling housing comprising a female coupling first outer housing, a female coupling second outer housing, and a female coupling inner housing, the female coupling first outer housing and the female coupling second outer housing being connected together, and the female coupling inner housing being detachably connected inside the female coupling first outer housing and the female coupling second outer housing; wherein the female coupling outer spool is arranged inside the female coupling inner housing.

8. The coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that: the female coupling inner housing comprises an inner housing limiting portion arranged at one end of the female coupling inner housing close to the male coupling and abutting against an outer surface of the female coupling outer spool.

9. The coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that: the inner housing limiting portion is an annular protrusion.

10. An energy storage device, characterized by comprising the coupling according to any one of claims 1-9. ​

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