Joint assembly and vehicle
By setting axial and circumferential limiting structures on the male and female connectors, dual limiting of the male and female connectors is achieved, which solves the problems of unstable connection and high assembly difficulty of the connector assembly in the prior art, and improves the connection stability and the sealing of the fluid channel.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
In existing vehicle piping systems, the connection reliability of connector components is unstable, axial force leads to high friction, and assembly operations are difficult.
The device employs a dual limiting method, combining axial and circumferential limiting structures. The male and female connectors can move relative to each other axially and rotate relative to each other circumferentially. The locking and unlocking functions of the axial and circumferential limiting structures work together to achieve dual limiting.
It improves the connection stability of the connector assembly, reduces assembly difficulty, reduces friction, and ensures stable flow and sealing of the fluid channel.
Smart Images
Figure CN224094036U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive component technology, and in particular to a connector assembly and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] For vehicle internal piping systems, such as fuel lines and air conditioning systems, there are multiple components. These components are connected to the pipes via connector assemblies to form a complete piping system. In related technologies, connector assemblies typically connect male and female connectors in a plug-in manner. However, this connection method only forms a single locking stop, and the connection reliability of the connector assembly is not stable. Furthermore, due to the axial force between the male and female connectors, the locking stop is subjected to significant friction. Releasing this locking stop requires a large external force, which is inconvenient for assembly personnel. Utility Model Content
[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a joint assembly and a vehicle that uses a dual limiting method consisting of an axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure to improve the connection stability of the joint assembly.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the connector assembly proposed in this utility model includes a female connector and a male connector inserted into the female connector. The male connector and the female connector are axially movable relative to each other and circumferentially rotatable relative to each other. The male connector and the female connector are locked together by an axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure. The circumferential limiting structure includes a first limiting structure provided on the male connector and a second limiting structure provided on the female connector. After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the channels in the male connector and the channels in the female connector are aligned. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are locked in the direction of rotation for unlocking.
[0005] In one embodiment, the female connector includes a connector body and a locking sleeve, the male connector is inserted into the connector body, the locking sleeve is axially movable and connected to the connector body, and is rotatable in the circumferential direction, the axial limiting structure and the circumferential limiting structure are disposed on the locking sleeve and the male connector, and the connector body is axially sandwiched between the locking sleeve and the male connector.
[0006] In one embodiment, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are located on opposite sides of the male connector and the locking sleeve along the axial direction.
[0007] In one embodiment, the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are configured as protrusions, and at least one of the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure is axially telescopic.
[0008] In one embodiment, a limiting ring is further protruding from the outer periphery of the male connector, and the first limiting structure is disposed on the side of the limiting ring opposite to the locking sleeve along the axial direction.
[0009] In one embodiment, the locking sleeve is provided with a deformation hole extending circumferentially, the deformation hole being disposed radially through the locking sleeve, and the second limiting structure and the deformation hole being disposed adjacent to each other in the axial direction.
[0010] In one embodiment, the inner circumference of the locking sleeve is provided with an internal thread, and the outer circumference of the male connector is provided with an external thread. After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the internal thread and the external thread are connected.
[0011] In one embodiment, the female connector further includes a reinforcing ring. After the male connector and the female connector are locked together, the reinforcing ring is axially sandwiched between the male connector and the locking sleeve, and / or radially sandwiched between the female connector and the locking sleeve.
[0012] In one embodiment, a clamping ring is provided on the outer periphery of the connector body, and a locking flange is provided at the end of the locking sleeve away from the male connector. The male connector includes a plug portion inserted into the female connector and a connecting portion with a diameter larger than the plug portion. An external thread is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting portion. The plug portion is inserted into the connector body, and the reinforcing ring is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the clamping ring along the axial direction.
[0013] After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the reinforcing ring and the clamping ring are axially clamped between the locking flange and the connecting part.
[0014] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the male connector and the inner peripheral wall of the female connector are sealed together by a sealing ring.
[0015] In one embodiment, the connector assembly is provided with at least two circumferential limiting structures, which are evenly spaced apart along the circumferential direction.
[0016] In one embodiment, a snap-fit connector is provided at the end of the female connector away from the male connector, the snap-fit connector being used to snap into an external pipe fitting.
[0017] This utility model also proposes a vehicle that includes the connector assembly as described above.
[0018] The technical solution of this utility model involves setting axial and circumferential limiting structures on the male and female connectors. The axial limiting structure locks the male and female connectors axially, while the circumferential limiting structure locks them circumferentially. After the male and female connectors move relative to each other axially to a predetermined position, they rotate relative to each other circumferentially in the locking direction until the first and second limiting structures lock in place in the unlocking direction, simultaneously preventing the axial limiting structure from unlocking and achieving locking of the male and female connectors. Conversely, when the male and female connectors rotate relative to each other circumferentially in the unlocking direction until the first and second limiting structures unlock, the circumferential limiting relationship is released, and the male and female connectors can then move relative to each other axially until the axial limiting structure unlocks, thus unlocking the male and female connectors. This creates a dual limiting system of circumferential and axial limiting, improving the stability of the connection between the male and female connectors. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the connector assembly provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural schematic diagram of the joint assembly;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another structural schematic diagram of the joint assembly;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the male and female connectors when unlocked;
[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the connector assembly;
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;
[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the joint assembly.
[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0028] 100. Male connector; 110. Connecting part; 111. External thread; 112. Limiting ring; 120. Plug part; 130. First limiting structure;
[0029] 200. Female connector; 210. Connector body; 211. Clamping ring; 212. Snap-fit connector; 213. Movable groove; 220. Reinforcing ring; 230. Locking sleeve; 231. Second limiting structure; 232. Internal thread; 233. Locking flange; 234. Deformation hole; 300. Sealing ring.
[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0034] This utility model proposes a connector assembly.
[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, the connector assembly includes a female connector 200 and a male connector 100 inserted into the female connector 200. The male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are axially movable relative to each other and circumferentially rotatable relative to each other. The male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked together by an axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure. The circumferential limiting structure includes a first limiting structure 130 provided on the male connector 100 and a second limiting structure 231 provided on the female connector 200. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the channels in the male connector 100 and the channels in the female connector 200 are aligned. The first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are locked in the direction of unlocking rotation.
[0036] The technical solution of this utility model involves setting an axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure on the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. The axial limiting structure locks the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 axially, and the circumferential limiting structure locks the female connector 200 and the male connector 100 circumferentially. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 move relative to each other axially to a predetermined position, they rotate relative to each other circumferentially in the direction of the locking rotation, until the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231... The locking engagement in the unlocking rotation direction simultaneously prevents the axial limiting structure from unlocking, thus locking the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. Correspondingly, when the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are caused to rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction along the unlocking rotation direction, after the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are unlocked, the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are released from the circumferential limiting relationship. Then, the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 can move relative to each other in the axial direction until the axial limiting structure unlocks, thus unlocking the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. In this way, a dual limiting mechanism of circumferential and axial limiting engagement is formed, improving the connection stability of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200.
[0037] In this case, the axial force on the connector assembly can easily generate a large frictional force between the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. By dividing the locking or unlocking operation of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 into axial movement and circumferential rotation, the frictional force is distributed to the circumferential rotation and axial movement. Furthermore, the circumferential rotation operation has lower resistance, which guides the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 to rotate to the position where they can be axially unlocked. Then, the operation of unlocking the axial limiting structure can be carried out in the direction of separation of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. The assembler does not need to overcome the large frictional force generated by the locking limiting, thereby reducing the difficulty of the assembler in disassembling and assembling the connector assembly.
[0038] It should be noted that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are locked in the direction of unlocking rotation. This can be understood as the locking or unlocking direction of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 being relative circumferential rotation. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 rotate relative to each other, the limiting cooperation of the axial limiting structure and the circumferential limiting structure is unlocked or locked in sequence. Here, the axial limiting structure can be designed to lock axially as the male connector 100 and female connector 200 move relative to each other along the axial direction. By utilizing the locking engagement of the circumferential limiting structure in the unlocking rotation direction, the relative axial movement of the male connector 100 and female connector 200 is simultaneously suppressed, i.e., the unlocking of the axial limiting structure is suppressed. For example, the axial limiting structure can be configured as a threaded engagement structure, and the circumferential limiting structure can be configured as a snap-fit structure. After the male connector 100 and female connector 200 are screwed to the predetermined position, the snap-fit structure is locked in the circumferential direction, making it difficult for the male connector 100 and female connector 200 to rotate in the reverse screwing direction, thus locking the male connector 100 and female connector 200. Correspondingly, the assembler applies a certain force to release the snap-fit relationship of the snap-fit structure in the circumferential direction, so that the threads between the male connector 100 and female connector 200 can be unlocked, thus unlocking the male connector 100 and female connector 200.
[0039] The axial limiting structure can also be achieved by moving the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 relative to each other along the axial direction to a predetermined position, and then locking them in the axial direction by rotating them relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Simultaneously, the locking operation of the circumferential limiting structure is also achieved. For example, one of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 is provided with an L-shaped groove in which a long groove extends axially and passes through the free end, and a short groove extends circumferentially; the other is provided with a sliding protrusion. When the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 move relative to each other along the axial direction, the sliding protrusion slides to the turning point of the L-shaped groove, and the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction until the... When the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are locked in the unlocking rotation direction, the sliding convex slides synchronously along the short groove section of the L-shaped groove, and similarly restricts the relative axial movement of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200, thereby locking the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. Correspondingly, the assembler applies a certain force to release the locking relationship of the circumferential limiting structure, so that the sliding convex slides back to the turning point of the L-shaped groove. Then, the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 move relative axially, and the sliding convex slides along the long groove section of the L-shaped groove, thereby unlocking the male connector 100 and the female connector 200.
[0040] It is understandable that the axial limiting structure works in conjunction with the circumferential limiting structure. The circumferential limiting structure restricts the relative rotation of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 in the circumferential direction, ensuring that the axial limiting structure can effectively restrict the relative movement of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 in the axial direction. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the main force direction is axial, and the force direction in the circumferential direction is smaller. This achieves a relatively slight locking fit of the circumferential limiting structure, ensuring the stability of the axial limiting structure. This ensures that the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are in a stable locked state. For the unlocking operation, the locking fit of the circumferential limiting structure is released by rotating it by a certain angle, thereby unlocking the axial limiting structure and the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. This reduces the operation difficulty for assembly personnel and also reduces the risk of damage to the axial limiting structure and the circumferential limiting structure. In addition, both the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 have channels within them. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the channels are connected and maintain a sealed relationship at the insertion points of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200, allowing for stable fluid flow through the channels and thus ensuring the stability of the pipeline system in which the connector assembly is located. Here, the fluid flowing within the channels can be fuel, refrigerant, or gas. The descriptions of axial, circumferential, and radial directions used in this solution refer to the channels within the connector assembly and will not be elaborated further here.
[0041] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7The female connector 200 includes a connector body 210 and a locking sleeve 230. The male connector 100 is inserted into the connector body 210. The locking sleeve 230 is axially movable and connected to the connector body 210 and can be rotated in the circumferential direction. An axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure are provided on the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. The connector body 210 is axially sandwiched between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. It is understood that the structure for locking the female connector 200 with the male connector 100 is set on the locking sleeve 230, and the channel of the female connector 200 is set in the connector body 210. The rotation and movement operations are separated from the connector body 210 connected to the male connector 100. During the locking and unlocking operations of the male connector 100 and the female connector 200, the connector body 210 can maintain the insertion relationship with the male connector 100, reducing the impact of the pipeline connected to the connector assembly on the connection between the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. This allows the connector assembly to complete the locking and unlocking operations in a relatively small space, improving the applicability of the connector assembly and reducing the difficulty of disassembling and assembling the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. In this embodiment, by connecting the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100, at least the connector body 210 is axially clamped between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. The locking sleeve 230 and the connector body 210 can be made of different materials to ensure the sealing of the peripheral wall after the channel is connected, as well as the connection stability of the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the female connector 200 can also be set as an integral connector. A circumferential sliding sleeve is provided at the connection between at least one of the female connector 200 and the male connector 100 and the pipeline. When one of the female connector 200 and the male connector 100 rotates, the circumferential sliding sleeve allows the connector assembly to rotate relative to the pipeline and maintain the connection sealing, thereby reducing the influence of the pipeline on the rotation of the male connector 100 or the female connector 200 and ensuring the ease of operation when assembling and disassembling the male connector 100 and the female connector 200.
[0042] Without loss of generality, the locking sleeve 230 can move axially relative to the connector body 210 on the outer periphery of the connector body 210, and can also partially slide through the connector body 210. In this embodiment, a movable groove 213 is recessed on the outer periphery of the connector body 210, and the movable groove 213 extends axially. The locking sleeve 230 is slidably disposed in the movable groove 213. It can be understood that during the locking and unlocking of the locking sleeve 230 to the male connector 100, the locking sleeve 230 is limited to move within the movable groove 213. On the one hand, after the female connector 200 is unlocked, the locking sleeve 230 is still limited to the connector body 210, which facilitates the subsequent connection operation with the male connector 100. On the other hand, the movable groove 213 also provides the connector body 210 with the locking sleeve 230 abutting against the side wall of the connector body 210 axially after the locking sleeve 230 is locked to the male connector 100, thereby stably clamping the connector body 210 axially between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. Thus, it is understandable that the connector body 210 is clamped axially between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100, which means that part of the connector body 210 is clamped to ensure the stability of the male connector 100 and the connector body 210 being inserted together axially.
[0043] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4The first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are located on opposite sides of the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230 along the axial direction. It can be understood that after the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100 are in a predetermined relative position in the axial direction, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are at least partially opposite each other in the circumferential direction. After the locking sleeve 230 rotates, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 engage with each other and restrict the locking sleeve 230 from rotating in the unlocking direction, thereby ensuring the locking relationship between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100 in the unlocking rotation direction. The first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are located on opposite sides of the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230 along the axial direction. This prevents the circumferential limiting structure from occupying the radial gap between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100, ensuring that the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100 can slide and abut in the radial direction. This prevents external contaminants from entering the channel within the male connector 100 and the female connector 200, thereby improving the cleanliness of the fluid flowing within the channel. It should be noted that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 need to have a certain amount of room for movement in opposite directions so that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can alternate positions in the circumferential direction to complete the circumferential unlocking and locking operations. Thus, selecting this room for movement in the axial direction, compared to other directions, provides sufficient space for the movement or deformation of the circumferential limiting structure, ensuring the ease of operation of the circumferential limiting structure during the locking and unlocking process. Of course, in other embodiments, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 may be located on opposite sides of the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230 in the radial direction.
[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The male connector 100 also has a protruding limiting ring 112 on its outer periphery. A first limiting structure 130 is located on the side of the limiting ring 112 opposite to the locking sleeve 230 along the axial direction. It can be understood that the limiting ring 112, due to its protrusion on the outer periphery of the male connector 100, provides the first limiting structure 130 with a suitable position and force support. Correspondingly, a second limiting structure 231 is located on the side of the locking sleeve 230 facing the limiting ring 112, ensuring that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can be axially opposite each other. Simultaneously, it reduces the radial volume occupied by the male connector 100, allowing the connector assembly to adapt to smaller installation environments and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the limiting ring 112 also provides a reference for the axial movement of the locking sleeve 230, providing guidance for assembly personnel during connection operations and reducing the difficulty of locking the connector assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, two connecting segments may be recessed on the outer periphery of the male connector 100, with the axial limiting structure set on the connecting segment with the smaller diameter, and the first limiting structure 130 set on the step surface formed by the two connecting segments, so as to be axially opposite to the second limiting structure 231.
[0045] Following this embodiment, regarding the movement or deformation relationship of the circumferential limiting structure during the locking and unlocking processes, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 are configured as protrusions, and at least one of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can be extended and retracted axially. It can be understood that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 alternate positions in the circumferential direction to achieve circumferential locking and unlocking. For example, in the locking rotational direction, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 exchange circumferential positions to lock the fit in the unlocking rotational direction; in the unlocking rotational direction, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 exchange circumferential positions until circumferential unlocking. Thus, the axial extension and retraction of at least one of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 reduces the difficulty of exchanging the circumferential positions of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231, and also provides a positional reference for the circumferential limiting structure in the locking and unlocking positions, thereby reducing the operational difficulty of locking or unlocking the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. In this embodiment, at least one of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can extend and retract axially. This can be achieved by sliding extension and retraction of at least one of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 axially, such as by configuring it as an axially sliding protrusion with a bottom spring for locking support. Alternatively, at least one of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can elastically deform axially to provide operating space for circumferential position exchange. Of course, in other embodiments, the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 can also be configured as circumferentially pluggable structures; or, one of the first limiting structures 130 can be configured as a groove and the other as a protrusion.
[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4The locking sleeve 230 is provided with a circumferentially extending deformation hole 234, which radially penetrates the locking sleeve 230. The second limiting structure 231 and the deformation hole 234 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction. It should be noted that the distance between the deformation hole 234 and the second limiting structure 231 is small, and the structure of the locking sleeve 230 at this distance can elastically deform. On the one hand, this provides elastic movement space for the second limiting structure 231 and the first limiting structure 130 when switching circumferential positions, reducing the risk of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 getting stuck. On the other hand, it also ensures that the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 maintain a locking engagement relationship in the unlocking rotation direction. When the locking sleeve 230 rotates, the area from the deformation hole 234 to the second limiting structure 231 can undergo slight elastic deformation, improving the smoothness of the first limiting structure 130 or the second limiting structure with the convex shape entering / leaving the locking position, and avoiding jamming or operational difficulties due to excessive stiffness. At the same time, it also minimizes structural damage to the locking sleeve 230 and ensures a tight fit between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the deformation hole 234 can be located on the male connector 100 axially adjacent to the first limiting structure 130; or, at least one of the first limiting structure 130 or the second limiting structure 231 can be configured as an elastic protrusion.
[0047] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The axial limiting structure includes an internal thread 232 on the inner circumference of the locking sleeve 230 and an external thread 111 on the outer circumference of the male connector 100. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the internal thread 232 and the external thread 111 are connected. After the internal thread 232 and the external thread 111 are connected, they provide axial stability and restriction for the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100. The rotation of the locking sleeve 230 is divided into two stages: one stage connects the internal thread 232 and the external thread 111 to prevent the male connector 100 from disengaging from the locking sleeve 230; the other stage switches the circumferential relative position of the first limiting structure 130 and the second limiting structure 231 to a locked engagement state in the unlocking rotation direction. Thus, the assembler can lock or unlock the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 by rotating the locking sleeve 230. Simultaneously, after the locking relationship is decomposed into axial and circumferential forces, the force required by the assembler is reduced, thereby lowering the operational difficulty. Furthermore, the threaded connection provides a controllable and uniform preload, improving the sealing performance at the connection between the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230, preventing leakage or intrusion of external contaminants. This is suitable for piping systems with high sealing requirements, such as those for fuel and air conditioning refrigerants. Of course, in other embodiments, the L-shaped groove mentioned above can be provided on the outer periphery of the male connector 100, and the sliding protrusion mentioned above can be provided on the inner periphery of the locking sleeve 230.
[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 5 to 7 The female connector 200 also includes a reinforcing ring 220. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the reinforcing ring 220 is clamped axially between the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230, or radially between the female connector 200 and the locking sleeve 230, or both axially and radially between the male connector 100 and the locking sleeve 230. It should be noted that the radial thickness of the reinforcing ring 220 is not less than the protrusion height of the internal thread 232. The starting point of the protrusion height of the internal thread 232 and the position where the reinforcing ring 220 abuts against the inner circumferential wall of the locking sleeve 230 are on the same circumferential wall. This allows the locking sleeve 230 to detach axially from the male connector 100 relative to the connector body 210 when the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100 are unlocked, reducing the impact of the insertion and receiving force of the male connector 100 and the connector body 210 on the locking or unlocking operation of the locking sleeve 230. Thus, when the reinforcing ring 220 is axially clamped, it can increase the axial clamping force in the locked state. When radially clamped, it can improve the fit and stability between the locking sleeve 230 and the female connector 200, thereby enhancing the structural rigidity and deformation resistance of the connector assembly. Furthermore, slight dimensional deviations or thermal expansion and contraction effects may exist during actual assembly. The reinforcing ring 220 can absorb these errors through its own deformation or dimensional design, ensuring the stability of the male connector 100 and female connector 200 after locking. In addition, the reinforcing ring 220 can also act as a buffer element, absorbing some of the energy from external vibrations or impacts, providing damping during the locking process, facilitating manual judgment of whether the locking is complete, and reducing stress wear between the locking sleeve 230 and the connector body 210. Of course, in other embodiments, a reinforcing ring can also be protruded from the locking sleeve 230 at the position corresponding to the reinforcing ring 220, and the size of the reinforcing ring can be set with reference to the reinforcing ring 220.
[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 5 to 7The outer periphery of the connector body 210 is provided with a clamping ring 211, and the locking sleeve 230 is provided with a locking flange 233 at the end away from the male connector 100. The male connector 100 includes a plug portion 120 inserted into the female connector 200 and a connecting portion 110 with a diameter larger than the plug portion 120. The external thread 111 is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 110. The plug portion 120 is inserted into the connector body 210. The reinforcing ring 220 is axially slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the clamping ring 211. After the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 are locked, the reinforcing ring 220 and the clamping ring 211 are axially clamped between the locking flange 233 and the connecting portion 110. It can be understood that the locking sleeve 230, through the locking flange 233, presses the clamping ring 211 of the connector body 210 against the stepped surface formed by the connecting portion 110 at the plug portion 120. The portion of the locking sleeve 230 that presses against the connector body 210 corresponds radially to the outer periphery of the plug portion 120 and is adapted to the diameter of the connecting portion 110, so that the radial volumes of the female connector 200 and the male connector 100 are close, ensuring that the dimensions of the connector assembly are regular and facilitating the installation of the connector assembly in the pipeline system. Referring to the above description of the movable groove 213, in this embodiment, the locking flange 233 is slidably connected within the movable groove 213. The movable groove 213, by limiting the axial movement range of the locking flange 233, prevents the locking sleeve 230 from detaching from the connector body 210, facilitating the subsequent connection and assembly of the female connector 200 and the male connector 100. Furthermore, from the channel to the locking sleeve 230, the sequence is: plug portion 120, connector body 210, reinforcing ring 220, and locking sleeve 230. The force-bearing position between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100 and connector body 210 is close to the insertion position of the plug portion 120 and connector body 210, providing a deeper insertion depth for the plug portion 120 and ensuring the sealing of the channel's peripheral wall after the plug portion 120 and connector body 210 are inserted. Of course, in other embodiments, the radial dimension of the connector body 210 can be adapted to the radial dimension of the male connector 100, with the locking sleeve 230 fully covering the connector body 210, and the entire connector body 210 sandwiched between the locking sleeve 230 and the male connector 100.
[0050] Regarding the sealing performance of the insertion between the male connector 100 and the female connector 200, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figures 5 to 7The outer peripheral wall of the male connector 100 and the inner peripheral wall of the female connector 200 are sealed together by a sealing ring 300. It can be understood that the sealing ring 300 is interference-fitted between the male connector 100 and the female connector 200. Referring to the description above of the male connector 100's plug portion 120 being inserted into the female connector 200, the sealing ring 300 can be arranged around the outer periphery of the plug portion 120, or the sealing ring 300 can be interference-fitted axially on the opposite side of the connector body 210 and the male connector 100. In this way, the sealing ring 300 fills the tiny gap between the male connector 100 and the female connector 200 through compression deformation, preventing leakage of liquid or gaseous media in the channel and ensuring the safe operation of fuel, air conditioning, cooling, and other piping systems. Furthermore, in actual assembly, there may be dimensional deviations caused by manufacturing errors, axial misalignment, or temperature changes. The sealing ring 300 has a certain elastic compensation capability to adapt to these errors, ensuring good sealing performance even under non-ideal conditions. Without loss of generality, one of the outer peripheral wall of the male connector 100 and the inner peripheral wall of the female connector 200 is provided with a receiving groove, and the sealing ring 300 is adapted to be installed in the receiving groove.
[0051] Regarding the placement of the circumferential limiting structure, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connector assembly is provided with at least two circumferential limiting structures, which are evenly spaced along the circumference. It can be seen that the multiple circumferential limiting structures evenly spaced along the circumference can distribute the torque generated during circumferential locking and unlocking to multiple positions, improving the overall torsional resistance. After the male connector 100 and female connector 200 are locked, their circumferential locking fit is stable, which helps to reduce the impact of unilateral force on the stability of the axial limiting structure in the locked state.
[0052] For the connection between the female connector 200 and the external pipe fitting, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The female connector 200, at the end furthest from the male connector 100, is provided with a clamping connector 212, which is used to clamp onto an external pipe fitting. The clamping connector 212 improves the ease of connection between the female connector 200 and the external pipe fitting through a simple plug-in connection. The clamping connector 212 is at least partially inserted into the external fitting. A movable groove 213 of the limiting locking sleeve 230, with axially movable space, is located adjacent to the clamping connector 212. The outer circumference of the clamping connector 212 is provided with multiple axially spaced ribs, forming a bamboo-like structure. This not only improves the ease of connection between the female connector 200 and the external pipe fitting but also ensures the sealing of the connection.
[0053] This utility model also proposes a vehicle including a connector assembly. The specific structure of the connector assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this vehicle adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here. The connector assembly can be applied to vehicle fuel lines, refrigerant lines, and other piping systems with multiple components for adjustment, requiring the connection of multiple pipes.
[0054] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a female connector and a male connector inserted into the female connector. The male connector and the female connector are axially movable relative to each other and circumferentially rotatable relative to each other. The male connector and the female connector are locked together by an axial limiting structure and a circumferential limiting structure. The circumferential limiting structure includes a first limiting structure provided on the male connector and a second limiting structure provided on the female connector. After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the channels in the male connector and the channels in the female connector are aligned. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are locked in the direction of rotation for unlocking.
2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The female connector includes a connector body and a locking sleeve. The male connector is inserted into the connector body. The locking sleeve is axially movable and connected to the connector body, and can be rotated in the circumferential direction. The axial limiting structure and the circumferential limiting structure are disposed on the locking sleeve and the male connector. The connector body is axially sandwiched between the locking sleeve and the male connector.
3. The connector assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are located on opposite sides of the male connector and the locking sleeve along the axial direction.
4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are configured as protrusions, and at least one of the first limiting structure and the second limiting structure can be extended and retracted along the axial direction; And / or, the outer periphery of the male connector is further provided with a limiting ring, and the first limiting structure is disposed on the side of the limiting ring opposite to the locking sleeve along the axial direction.
5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The locking sleeve is provided with a deformation hole extending circumferentially, the deformation hole being arranged radially through the locking sleeve, and the second limiting structure and the deformation hole being arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.
6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The axial limiting structure includes an internal thread on the inner circumference of the locking sleeve and an external thread on the outer circumference of the male connector. After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the internal thread and the external thread are connected.
7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The female connector also includes a reinforcing ring. After the male connector and the female connector are locked together, the reinforcing ring is axially sandwiched between the male connector and the locking sleeve, and / or radially sandwiched between the female connector and the locking sleeve.
8. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the connector body is provided with a clamping ring, and the locking sleeve is provided with a locking flange at the end away from the male connector. The male connector includes a plug portion inserted into the female connector and a connecting portion with a diameter larger than the plug portion. The external thread is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting portion. The plug portion is inserted into the connector body, and the reinforcing ring is axially slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the clamping ring. After the male connector and the female connector are locked, the reinforcing ring and the clamping ring are axially clamped between the locking flange and the connecting part.
9. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the male connector and the inner peripheral wall of the female connector are sealed together by a sealing ring; And / or, the connector assembly is provided with at least two of the circumferential limiting structures, and the two circumferential limiting structures are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction; And / or, the female connector is provided with a snap-fit connector at the end away from the male connector, the snap-fit connector being used to snap into an external pipe fitting.
10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the connector assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.