Connector and cooling connection structure of motor and electric controller

Abstract

The utility model provides a connector assembly and a cooling connection structure of a motor and an electric controller, and belongs to the technical field of automobiles, the connector assembly comprises a framework body and a wrapping layer wrapping the framework body, the framework body is tubular, sleeve-shaped or cylindrical, and the framework body is provided with a hollow cavity for fluid circulation; supporting bulges are arranged on the inner surface of the framework body; the framework body is covered with the covering layer in a vulcanization mode, when the connector is formed, an enveloping cavity of the covering layer needs to be formed by means of a forming mold, and the supporting protrusions are supported on the forming mold core so that a filling gap can be formed between the inner surface of the framework body and the forming mold core. The molten rubber can enter the filling gap and wrap the axial end face of the framework body, so that only the wrapping layer is exposed out of the two axial ends of the connector, and the framework body is wrapped in the wrapping layer and not exposed out. When the connector is assembled, the axial force directly acts on the coating layer, so that the interface between the framework body and the coating layer is prevented from being directly stressed, and the risk that the coating layer is stripped from the framework body can be avoided.

Description

Connectors and cooling connection structure between motor and electronic control Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of automotive technology, and more specifically, relates to a connector and a cooling connection structure for a motor and an electronic control unit. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are used to connect fluids between two components. For example, in new energy vehicles, the motor and electronic control unit are integrated into the same thermal management system. The water inlet of the motor and the water outlet of the motor controller (hereinafter referred to as the electronic control unit) can be connected through connectors to achieve efficient thermal management by sharing cooling water, and to realize the rational layout of the electric drive system in a limited space.

[0003] Currently, the connectors connecting the motor inlet and the electronically controlled outlet have the following structural defects: the connectors typically include a tubular support frame and a covering layer wrapped around the outer surface of the support frame. The axial end face of this connector exposes both the support frame and the covering layer, which are two materials with different hardnesses. During assembly, the axial end face of the connector bears axial force, which can easily cause the support frame and the covering layer to peel off, resulting in the risk of damage and poor sealing of the connector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a connector and a cooling connection structure for motor and electronic control, which aims to solve the problem of damage caused by axial force during connector assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a connector, including a skeleton body and a covering layer covering the skeleton body. The skeleton body is tubular; the inner surface of the skeleton body has a support protrusion; the support protrusion is used to support the connector on a molding core during molding, so that a filling gap is formed between the inner surface of the skeleton body and the molding core; the covering layer covers the outer surface of the skeleton body and covers the inner surface and axial end face of the skeleton body through the filling gap.

[0006] The solution shown in this application, compared with the prior art, uses supporting protrusions formed on the inner surface of the skeleton body to create a filling gap of vulcanized rubber between the inner surface of the skeleton body and the molding core. During vulcanization, the vulcanized rubber can bypass the axial end of the skeleton body and enter the filling gap, wrapping the axial end face of the skeleton body. Therefore, the axial end face of the connector is not exposed to the skeleton body; that is, the inner surface, outer surface, and axial end face of the skeleton body are all wrapped by the covering layer. When the connector is assembled, the axial force acts directly on the covering layer. As the main load-bearing structure, the axial force acts on the covering layer first and then is transmitted to the skeleton body through the elastic deformation of the rubber. This avoids direct force on the interface between the skeleton body and the covering layer, thereby preventing the peeling of the covering layer from the skeleton body, avoiding damage to the connector, and also avoiding the risk of seal failure due to peeling of the covering layer from the skeleton body.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the skeleton body includes: a split support skeleton, the support skeletons being arranged at intervals to form deformation gaps; the support skeleton having an axially extending support segment and a radially extending support protrusion, the inner diameter of the support segment being larger than the inner diameter of the support protrusion to form the filling gap; the covering layer partially filling the deformation gaps to form a connecting deformation portion to connect the support skeleton; the inner diameter of the connecting deformation portion being the same as the inner diameter of the support protrusion.

[0008] In the above technical solution, two support frames are spaced apart, forming a deformable gap that can be filled with flexible covering material. When the connector is vulcanized, the vulcanized rubber can fill the space between the two support frames, forming an elastic connecting deformation part. This changes the rigid connection between the two support frames from an undeformable rigid connection to a deformable flexible connection. When there is misalignment at the interface of the two components connected by the connector due to assembly errors or actual misalignment in the design, the axial ends of the connector allow for local micro-deformation through the deformation gap. This absorbs the eccentricity (such as axial offset or angular tilt) caused by processing, assembly errors, or design structure, reducing the rigid constraint on the sealing surface. This ensures that the connector can not only be installed smoothly under different working conditions, but also ensures the reliability of the seal.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the support protrusion is disposed at one end of the support segment near the deformation gap.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the position of the support protrusion limits the minimum distance of the deformation gap, ensuring that the deformation amount of the deformation gap is always within the design allowable range, and avoiding the risk of the sealing surface detaching due to overcompensation.

[0011] Optionally, the support protrusion is located at the middle position or off-center of the support segment.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the inner diameter of the covering layer covering the support segment is larger than the inner diameter of the support protrusion, forming a stepped inner diameter difference on the inner surface of the connector to facilitate demolding of the molding core.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the support protrusion is a continuous annular protrusion along the inner surface of the support segment.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the continuous annular protrusions can increase the contact area between the supporting protrusions and the forming mold core in the circumferential direction, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the support frame and the forming mold core.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer surface of the connecting deformation part is provided with a deformation groove.

[0016] That is, a deformation groove is provided on the outer surface of the covering layer at the position corresponding to the deformation gap. The diameter of the deformation groove is small, and the covering layer is easy to deform at this position. Moreover, the connecting deformation part at the deformation groove position is all made of rubber material. When the interfaces of the components connected at both ends of the connector are not concentric, or when there is an eccentricity, the connector will undergo local deformation at the position of the deformation groove, so that the two ends of the connector are eccentric and can respectively connect to the corresponding interfaces, thereby compensating for the eccentricity error or the eccentricity phenomenon in the design structure.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the deformation groove is an annular groove that extends circumferentially through the outer surface of the connecting deformation part.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the continuous deformation groove design can effectively increase the flexibility of the connecting deformation part, so that it can deform more flexibly in different directions when subjected to external forces, thereby better adapting to different working scenarios and installation requirements, and compensating for actual eccentricity errors or eccentricity phenomena in the design structure.

[0019] Another structural design for the deformation groove is that the deformation groove is a series of discontinuous grooves spaced along the outer circumference of the connecting deformation part. When connecting misaligned interfaces, the connector can also achieve deformation at this location.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the outer surface of the covering layer has a radially protruding sealing protrusion that is continuously formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the covering layer.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the sealing protrusion acts as a sealing ring. When the connector is inserted into the interface of the component, the sealing protrusion is subjected to radial pressure from the inner wall of the interface. Under the restriction and elastic force reset, the sealing protrusion can make tight contact with the inner wall of the interface and form an interference fit with the interface radially, thus preventing fluid from leaking out from between the covering layer and the interface, thereby ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the skeleton body is further provided with bonding holes for filling the covering layer. Through these bonding holes, the covering layer material can penetrate the skeleton body, forming a tighter connection, allowing the covering layer to cover the skeleton body in different directions, effectively reducing the risk of separation between the covering layer and the skeleton body, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the product under different operating conditions.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a cooling connection structure between the motor and the electronic control unit, which uses the aforementioned connector for connection.

[0024] The connector connects the cooling water channels between the motor and the electronic control unit. During assembly, the connector is subjected to axial force when it is axially inserted into the motor's inlet and the electronic control unit's outlet. Because the entire axial end face of the connector is covered by the coating layer, the interface between the coating layer and the frame is not exposed, thus preventing damage from peeling off the frame layer and ensuring the sealing of the connection between the cooling water channels. This also reduces material costs and assembly time wasted due to connector damage. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the skeleton and covering layer of the connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector connection hole provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the height difference of the sealing protrusion of the connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the supporting skeleton provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the support frame used in the embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the connector and the molding core provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] In the figure: 1. Covering layer; 11. Connecting deformation part; 12. Sealing protrusion; 2. Support frame; 21. Support protrusion; 22. Support section; 23. Connecting hole; 3. Deformation groove; 4. Molding core; 41. Annular flange; 42. Limiting step; L1. Filling gap; L2. Deformation gap; L3. Covering gap. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on that other element. It should be understood that in this application, the skeleton body is a tubular structure. The term "radial" refers to the direction along the diameter of the tubular skeleton body, the term "axial" refers to the direction along the axis of the skeleton body, and the term "circumferential" refers to the circumferential direction of each part of the skeleton body. Other terms, such as "inner surface" refers to the direction towards the axis of the skeleton body, and "outer surface" refers to the direction away from the axis of the skeleton body. These indicated orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0035] It should also be noted that the connector, as a fluid channel connecting the two components, is tubular in shape, and therefore its axis coincides with the axis of the skeleton body, as does the axis of the covering layer. Therefore, the radial and axial terms in this application are clear and definite.

[0036] In the prior art, the axial end face of the connector exposes two materials with different hardnesses. Since the connector needs to be connected to the interface of two components to connect the fluid between the two components, it is inevitably subjected to axial force during assembly. This can easily cause the skeleton and the covering layer to peel off. The reason is that the two structures have an interface on the axial end face, and the axial end face exposes two materials with different hardnesses at the same time. When subjected to force, the difference in rigidity (the material of the skeleton is hard and the material of the covering layer is soft) leads to uncoordinated deformation. The axial force acts directly on the interface between the skeleton and the covering layer, resulting in the peeling of the covering layer from the supporting skeleton.

[0037] Based on the problems existing in the prior art, the design concept of this application is to make the material of the exposed axial end face of the connector uniform. However, the exposed axial end face of the relatively hard skeleton is not conducive to the fluid connection and sealing between the two components. Therefore, this application adopts a structure in which a softer material covering layer completely covers the axial end face and inner and outer surfaces of the skeleton.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 together. The connector provided in this application will now be described. The connector includes a skeleton body and a covering layer 1 covering the skeleton body. The skeleton body is tubular, sleeve-shaped, or cylindrical, and has a hollow cavity to facilitate fluid flow. The inner surface of the skeleton body has a support protrusion 21. The covering layer 1 is vulcanized and coated onto the skeleton body. During connector molding, a molding mold is used to form the enveloping cavity of the covering layer 1. The support protrusion 21 is used to support the connector on the molding core 4 during connector molding, so that a filling gap L1 is formed between the inner surface of the skeleton body and the molding core 4. During vulcanization molding, the molten rubber can enter the filling gap L1 and cover the axial end face of the skeleton body. Only the covering layer 1 is exposed at both axial ends of the formed connector, while the skeleton body is not exposed.

[0039] Specifically, the covering layer 1 covers the outer surface of the skeleton body and covers the inner surface and axial end face of the skeleton body through the filling gap L1.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the connector provided in this application, through the support protrusion 21 formed on the inner surface of the skeleton body, creates a vulcanized rubber filling gap L1 between the inner surface of the skeleton body and the molding core 4. During vulcanization, the vulcanized rubber can bypass the axial end of the skeleton body and enter the filling gap L1, wrapping the axial end face of the skeleton body. Therefore, the axial end face of the connector is not exposed to the skeleton body, that is, the inner surface, outer surface and axial end face of the skeleton body are all wrapped by the covering layer 1. When the connector is assembled, it inevitably bears axial force. At this time, the axial force acts directly on the covering layer 1. As the main force-bearing structure, the axial force first acts on the covering layer 1, and then is transmitted to the skeleton body through the elastic deformation of the rubber. This avoids the interface between the skeleton body and the covering layer 1 being directly stressed, thereby avoiding the peeling of the covering layer 1 from the skeleton body, avoiding damage to the connector, and avoiding the risk of seal failure due to peeling of the covering layer 1 from the skeleton body.

[0041] The skeleton can be made of plastic through injection molding; it can also be made of alloy materials, such as aluminum alloy or zinc alloy; or it can be made of stainless steel. The main function of the skeleton is to provide mechanical support and maintain its shape, and it also directly affects sealing performance, assembly reliability, and durability.

[0042] Specifically, the skeleton provides rigid support for the connector, preventing the covering layer 1 (rubber) from collapsing and deforming under pressure or during insertion and removal; it also resists external vibration, impact, or fluid pressure.

[0043] The covering layer 1 is typically formed by vulcanizing vulcanized rubber (such as EPDM, fluororubber, or silicone) onto the skeleton body. This covering layer achieves a seal for the connector, specifically: the covering layer 1 completely encloses the skeleton body (including the axial end face). When the connector is assembled to the component requiring connection, the covering layer 1 undergoes elastic deformation to fill the gap between the connector and the component, blocking the path for fluid (gas / liquid) leakage. Therefore, after the connector is assembled, the elasticity of the covering layer 1 acts as a seal for the fluid, preventing leakage.

[0044] The components referred to here can be two pipes, or a pipe and a cooler; when applied to automobiles, they can be battery cooling pipes, engine radiator pipes, and motor cooling channels and electronic control cooling channels.

[0045] It should also be noted that the fluid connected by the connector provided in this application includes, but is not limited to, liquids, and can also be connected to gases, connecting two components that require gas communication.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, the skeleton body can be an integral structure (not shown) or a split structure (see Figure 1). When the skeleton body is an integral structure, the support protrusion 21 can be located at the center of the skeleton body along the axial direction or at a position deviating from the center of the axial direction, both of which can form a filling gap L1 covering the skeleton body between the skeleton body and the molding core 4.

[0047] Because assembly errors are inevitable between the two components connected by the connector, the interfaces of the two components are not concentric, that is, there is an eccentricity problem between the two connected interfaces. In this integrated skeleton structure, since the skeleton maintains the coaxiality of both ends, the contact surface of the covering layer 1 will be pressurized on one side during the assembly of the connector, while the pressure on the other side is insufficient, forming a local gap. The contact pressure of the connector is unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction, and the minimum clamping force required for sealing cannot be reached in some areas, thus forming a leak and causing the seal to fail. Therefore, this integrated skeleton has no ability to adjust for deformation and eccentricity and cannot well meet the sealing requirements of specific operating conditions.

[0048] In particular, due to the misalignment of the interfaces of the two components in the design, the application of this connector, which lacks the ability to deform and adjust for eccentricity, will be somewhat limited. In other words, the universality of the connector connection will be poor. In order to improve the universality of the connector and meet the needs of eccentricity and space compensation under actual working conditions, the skeleton of this application adopts a split structure as shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the skeleton body includes a split support skeleton 2, which is spaced apart to form deformation gaps L2. The support skeleton 2 has a support segment 22 extending axially and a support protrusion 21 extending radially. The inner diameter D3 of the support segment 22 is larger than the inner diameter D2 of the support protrusion 21. With this design, when the support protrusion 21 is supported on the molding core 4, the diameter difference between the support segment 22 and the support protrusion 21 forms a filling gap L1. The covering layer 1 partially fills the deformation gaps L2 to form a connecting deformation part 11 to connect the support skeleton 2. The inner diameter of the connecting deformation part 11 is the same as the inner diameter of the support protrusion 21.

[0050] In the above technical solution, two support frames 2 are spaced apart, forming a deformation gap L2 between them. When the connector is vulcanized, the vulcanized rubber can fill the space between the two support frames 2, forming an elastic connecting deformation part 11. This changes the rigid connection between the two support frames 2 from an undeformable rigid connection to a flexible connection that can deform. When there is misalignment due to assembly errors or actual misalignment in the design at the two interfaces connected by the connector, the axial ends of the connector are allowed to undergo local micro-deformation through the deformation gap L2. This absorbs the eccentricity (such as axial offset or angular tilt) caused by processing, assembly errors, or design structure, reducing the rigid constraint on the sealing surface. This ensures that the connector can not only be installed smoothly under different working conditions, but also ensures the reliability of the seal.

[0051] Therefore, this application improves the assembly tolerance by setting the skeleton body in separate parts, allowing for a certain range of assembly deviations, reducing reliance on high-precision machining and assembly, and saving costs. The flexible deformable connecting deformation part 11 is used to compensate for eccentricity errors, so that the sealing surface is uniformly pressed; the rigid skeleton maintains the overall structural stability and prevents excessive deformation from causing sealing failure. Specifically, since the covering layer 1 is integrally vulcanized, the connecting deformation part 11 is part of the covering layer 1. This application defines the filling material filled between the two supporting skeletons 2, in order to facilitate the description of the structure and function of each part of the connector.

[0052] In this application, to facilitate the description of the function and structure of each part, the structure of different parts of the support frame 2 is divided into support segments 22 and support protrusions 21. In fact, the support frame 2 is preferably a single integrated structure to ensure the overall support rigidity of the support frame 2. The support segments 22 mainly maintain the overall shape and rigidity of the connector, while the support protrusions 21 are mainly provided to support the support frame 2, so as to fix the position between the support frame 2 and the molding core 4, so as to form the filling gap L1.

[0053] The inner diameter of the connecting deformation part 11 is the same as the inner diameter of the support protrusion 21 to take into account the need for demolding after the connector is vulcanized. Demolding of the product after molding is a problem that must be considered in vulcanization. Since the connecting deformation part 11 is located between the two support skeletons 2 and also in the middle of the connector axis, the inner diameter of the connecting deformation part 11 between the two support skeletons 2 is flush with the inner diameter of the support protrusion 21, and will not affect demolding.

[0054] In addition, compared with the connectors provided by the prior art where the inner surface of the support frame 2 is not covered with rubber material, the inner surfaces of the two support frames 2 in this application are covered by the covering layer 1 because of the filling gap L1 between them and the molding core 4. When corrosive liquids or gases flow in the inner cavity of the connector, these corrosive liquids or gases do not come into contact with the support frame 2, so they will not cause corrosion to the support frame 2, thereby extending the service life of the connector.

[0055] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, a support protrusion 21 is disposed at one end of the support section 22 near the deformation gap L2. The position of the support protrusion 21 defines the minimum distance of the deformation gap L2, ensuring that the deformation of the deformation gap L2 is always within the design allowable range, and avoiding the risk of overcompensation leading to the detachment of the sealing surface.

[0056] Optionally, the support protrusion 21 can be positioned at a certain distance from the shaft end of the support section 22 near the deformation gap L2, for example, at the middle position or off-center position of the support section 22.

[0057] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 6, the inner diameter D1 of the covering layer 1 covering the support section 22 is greater than the inner diameter D2 of the support protrusion 21. The above technical solution forms a stepped inner diameter difference by making the inner diameter of the covering layer 1 greater than the inner diameter of the support protrusion 21, so as to facilitate the demolding of the molding core 4.

[0058] Correspondingly, the molding core 4 is provided with a limiting step 42 for the positioning support skeleton 2. When the molding core 4 is axially inserted into the support skeleton 2, the support protrusion 21 contacts the limiting step 42 axially, thereby achieving axial positioning and reducing the assembly difficulty during vulcanization molding.

[0059] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 to 6, the support protrusion 21 is a continuous annular protrusion along the inner surface of the support segment 22. This continuous annular protrusion increases the circumferential contact area between the support protrusion 21 and the molding core 4, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the support frame 2 and the molding core 4.

[0060] Since the main function of the support protrusions 21 is to provide support, so as to form a filling gap L1 between the support frame 2 and the molding core 4, the support protrusions 21 can also be a discontinuous structure set on the inner surface of the support frame 2. For example, three, four, or five support protrusions 21 can be uniformly and spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the support frame 2. The support frame 2 as a whole can also achieve the purpose of stable support and forming the filling gap L1 through these spaced support protrusions 21. When the support protrusions 21 are spaced apart, the gap formed between two support protrusions 21 will also be filled with rubber material.

[0061] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, a deformation groove 3 is provided on the outer surface of the connecting deformation part 11. That is, a deformation groove 3 is provided on the outer surface of the covering layer 1 at the position corresponding to the deformation gap L2. The diameter of the covering layer 1 at the position of the deformation groove 3 is small, making it easy to deform. Moreover, the connecting deformation part 11 at the position of the deformation groove 3 is entirely made of rubber material. When the interfaces of the components connected at both ends of the connector are not concentric, or when there is an eccentricity, the connector will undergo local deformation at the position of the deformation groove 3, thereby making the two ends of the connector eccentric and able to connect to the corresponding interfaces respectively, thereby compensating for the eccentricity error or the eccentricity phenomenon in the design structure.

[0062] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the deformation groove 3 is an annular groove that extends circumferentially through the outer surface of the connecting deformation part 11. This continuously extending deformation groove 3 design can effectively increase the flexibility of the connecting deformation part 11, allowing it to deform more flexibly in different directions when subjected to external forces, thereby better adapting to different working scenarios and installation requirements.

[0063] The purpose of the structural design of the deformation groove 3 is to design a weakening structure on the covering layer 1 so that the connector can deform from that point when it is subjected to external force. Therefore, there is another structure, which is that the deformation groove 3 is a groove that is discontinuously arranged at intervals along the outer circumference of the connecting deformation part 11. When connecting interfaces that are not concentric, the connector can also achieve the purpose of deformation at that point.

[0064] Of course, the design of the deformation groove 3 of the weakened structure will not affect the overall connection strength of the covering layer 1, because the inner diameter of the connecting deformation part 11 is small at the position of the deformation groove 3, so it can also make up for the missing rubber material at the position of the deformation groove 3, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the two support skeletons 2.

[0065] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the outer surface of the covering layer 1 has a radially protruding sealing protrusion 12, which is continuously formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the covering layer 1. The sealing protrusion 12 functions as a sealing ring. When the connector is inserted into the interface of the component, the sealing protrusion 12 is subjected to radial pressure from the inner wall of the interface. Under the constraint and the reset of the elastic force, the sealing protrusion 12 can make tight contact with the inner wall of the interface, forming an interference fit with the interface radially, preventing fluid from leaking out between the covering layer 1 and the interface, thereby ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0066] To achieve a reliable seal for the connector, the radial difference H between the sealing protrusion and the covering layer 1 should not be less than 1 mm, as shown in Figure 3. For example, H can be 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, etc.

[0067] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the skeleton body is further provided with bonding holes 23 for filling the covering layer 1. The bonding holes 23 can significantly enhance the bonding strength between the covering layer 1 and the skeleton body. Through these bonding holes 23, the material of the covering layer 1 can penetrate the skeleton body, forming a tighter connection, allowing the covering layer 1 to cover the skeleton body in different directions, effectively reducing the risk of separation between the covering layer 1 and the skeleton body, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the product under different operating conditions. Moreover, the presence of the bonding holes 23 helps to guide the material to be evenly distributed when filling the covering layer 1, avoiding local underfilling or overfilling. In addition, the bonding holes 23 can also reduce the weight of the entire structure to a certain extent without affecting its mechanical properties, achieving a good balance between product performance and lightweighting.

[0068] Optionally, multiple connecting holes 23 are evenly provided along the circumference of the skeleton body. The shape of the connecting holes 23 can be unlimited, such as circular holes, elliptical holes, polygonal holes, etc. For the separately configured support skeleton 2, each support skeleton 2 is provided with multiple connecting holes 23.

[0069] Referring to Figure 6, the covering layer 1 in the connector of this application is vulcanized onto the support frame 2. After vulcanization, demolding is required. Since the inner diameter of the support protrusion 21 on the support frame 2 is smaller than the inner diameter of its support section 22, a stepped inner wall with a small inner diameter in the middle and a large inner diameter at both ends is formed in the hollow cavity of the connector. Therefore, the molding core 4 used for vulcanizing the connector of this application is also a split structure. As mentioned above, a limiting step 42 is provided on the circumferential surface of the molding core 4 to be axially positioned with the support protrusion 21. Before vulcanization, the two support frames 2 are respectively fitted onto two molding cores 4 of the same structure and size, and the two molding cores 4 are made to be in close contact back to back. The outer end of the molding core 4 is provided with a radially protruding annular flange 41. A covering gap L3 is reserved between the axial end of the support frame 2 and the annular flange 41 to cover the axial end face of the support frame 2, so as to achieve the purpose of not exposing the axial end face of the support frame 2.

[0070] For example, the molding die for the molded connector includes two molding cores 4 and a molding outer mold. The inner wall of the molding outer mold is a curved surface that adapts to the outer surface of the connector. The molding outer mold and the molding cores 4 form an envelope cavity that adapts to the connector.

[0071] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a cooling connection structure for a motor and an electronic control unit, which uses the aforementioned connector for connection.

[0072] In new energy vehicles, the further compression of available space in the vehicle leads to an increasingly integrated layout of the electric drive system, which serves as the vehicle's power output unit. To achieve a reasonable arrangement of the electric drive system within a limited space, the motor and motor controller (referred to as the electronic control unit) are usually integrated into the same thermal management system, achieving efficient thermal management by sharing cooling water. Therefore, the cooling water channels in the motor and the cooling water channels in the electronic control unit need to be sealed and connected by connectors.

[0073] Specifically, an inlet connector is installed at the inlet of the motor cooling water channel, and an outlet connector is installed at the outlet of the electronic control cooling water channel. One end of the connector is installed on the inlet connector, and the other end is installed on the outlet connector. During assembly, the connector is subjected to axial force when it is axially inserted into the inlet and outlet connectors. At this time, since the axial end face of the connector is completely covered by the covering layer 1, the interface between the covering layer 1 and the skeleton body is not exposed, thus avoiding the problem of peeling and damage between the skeleton body and the covering layer 1. In this case, the material cost and assembly time wasted due to connector damage can be reduced.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, include: The skeleton is tubular; the inner surface of the skeleton has supporting protrusions (21); The support protrusion (21) is supported on the molding core (4) during the molding of the connector so that a filling gap (L1) is formed between the inner surface of the skeleton and the molding core (4); and the covering layer (1) covers the outer surface of the skeleton and covers the inner surface and axial end face of the skeleton through the filling gap (L1).

2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The skeleton body includes: a split support skeleton (2), the support skeleton (2) being arranged at intervals to form deformation gaps (L2); the support skeleton (2) having a support segment (22) extending axially and a support protrusion (21) extending radially; the inner diameter of the support segment (22) being larger than the inner diameter of the support protrusion (21) to form the filling gap (L1); the covering layer (1) partially filling the deformation gaps (L2) to form a connecting deformation part (11) to connect the support skeleton (2); the inner diameter of the connecting deformation part (11) being the same as the inner diameter of the support protrusion (21).

3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support protrusion (21) is located at one end of the support section (22) near the deformation gap (L2).

4. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the covering layer (1) covering the support section (22) is larger than the inner diameter of the support protrusion (21).

5. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support protrusion (21) is a continuous annular protrusion along the inner surface of the support segment (22).

6. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the connecting deformation part (11) is provided with a deformation groove (3).

7. The connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The deformation groove (3) is an annular groove that runs circumferentially through the outer surface of the connecting deformation part (11).

8. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the covering layer (1) has a radially protruding sealing protrusion (12), which is continuously formed in a ring shape along the outer surface of the covering layer (1).

9. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The skeleton body is also provided with bonding holes (23) for filling the covering layer (1).

10. A cooling connection structure between the motor and the electronic control unit, characterized in that, The connector used is as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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