Fluid line arrangement

Abstract

A fluid connector assembly comprises two identical connector elements. Each connector element has a connector body arranged along a longitudinal axis. The connector body has a first body end configured to couple with and hermetically seal the first body end of the other connector element, and a second body end configured to be attached to a fluid line. The connector body also defines an internal fluid passage arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. The connector body additionally features a projection located at the first body end, spaced from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.Furthermore, the connector element body defines a channel that is configured to accommodate the projection of the other connector element when the two connector elements are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present description relates to a fluid connector arrangement, such as for a cooling subsystem of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Fluid connectors or fittings play a crucial role in industrial systems, ensuring reliable, leak-free connections between hoses, pipes, and tubes. Fluid connectors allow multiple pipes to be joined to cover longer distances or to expand a network through branching, enabling more complex systems than could be achieved with individual pipes alone.

[0003] Quick-connect fittings are designed to be easier to use than conventional fittings and are used to provide a fast, interruptible connection of gas or liquid transfer lines. Manually operated quick-connect fittings replace threaded or flanged connections that require wrenches.

[0004] In motor vehicles, fluid connectors can be used to couple fluid lines that circulate coolant through heat exchangers to thermally regulate various systems. In electric vehicles, a heat sink or heat plate design of a heat exchanger can be used to dissipate heat from battery cells and other components of a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). Description

[0005] A fluid connector assembly comprises two identical connector elements, a first and a second. Each connector element has a connector body arranged along a longitudinal axis. The connector body has a first body end configured to couple and hermetically seal with the first body end of the other connector element, and a second body end configured to be attached to a fluid line. The connector body also defines an internal fluid passage arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. The connector body additionally features a projection located at the first body end, spaced from and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.Furthermore, the connector element body defines a channel that is configured to accommodate the projection of the other connector element when the two connector elements are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis.

[0006] The fluid connector assembly may also include a first spring clamp and a second spring clamp configured together to secure the two connector elements.

[0007] The connector body of each connector element can additionally define a first slot and a second slot. In such an embodiment, each of the first slot of the first connector element and the second slot of the second connector element can be configured to receive the first spring clamp. Additionally, in the same embodiment, each of the second slots of the first connector element and the second connector element can be configured to receive the second spring clamp.

[0008] The first slot can extend through the channel and the second slot can extend through the projection.

[0009] The connector element body can additionally define a conductor engagement surface that is positioned opposite the projection.

[0010] The conductor engagement surface may have one or more barbs configured to fix and maintain the engagement of the conductor with the corresponding connector element body.

[0011] The projection may have a chamfered free end configured to guide the projection in question into the channel of the other connector element.

[0012] The connector body can have a cylindrical shape defined by its circumference. In such an embodiment, the projection and the channel can be spaced 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, both the projection and the channel can extend around half the circumference of the cylindrical shape.

[0013] At least one of the connector elements may additionally have an elastic element located at the first body end and configured to seal the two coupled first body ends of the first and second connector elements. The elastic element may be a flat washer or an O-ring.

[0014] A fluid line arrangement comprising a first fluid line and a second fluid line connected or joined using the fluid connector arrangement as described above is also disclosed.

[0015] Additionally, a cooling system is disclosed which has such a fluid piping arrangement configured to circulate coolant through a fluid heat exchanger.

[0016] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present description, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) and the best way(s) for carrying out the described description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the attached claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle which uses various vehicle systems and corresponding cooling systems which employ heat exchangers which circulate coolant via respective fluid line arrangements as described. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic partial side view of a representative fluid piping arrangement shown in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the two fluid lines connected using a fluid connector arrangement having two identical connector elements, as described. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the fluid connector arrangement, which is shown in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the details of the connector elements as described. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective top view of one of the fluid connector elements, which is in Fig. 3 are shown, according to the description. Detailed description

[0017] The embodiments of the present description, as described herein, are intended to serve as examples. Other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. Furthermore, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily to scale. Some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of certain components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to use the present description in various ways.

[0018] Specific terminology may be used in the following description for reference purposes only and is therefore not intended to be restrictive. For example, terms such as "above" and "below" refer to directions in the referenced drawings. Terms such as "front," "back," "front," "back," "left," "right," "back," "sideways," "up," "down," "above," and "below," etc., describe the orientation and / or location of sections of the components or elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the components or elements under discussion. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and so on may be used to describe separate components.Such terminology may include the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning, and is used descriptively for the figures and does not constitute any limitations on the scope of the description as defined by the attached claims.

[0019] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 depicts a motor vehicle 10 with a powertrain 12. The vehicle 10 may be, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a passenger car, an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, or the like. It is also considered that the vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobility device, a robot, and the like, to achieve the purposes of this description. The powertrain 12 has one or more power sources, such as a traction motor or an electric motor-generator 14 and / or an internal combustion engine 16, configured to produce a power source torque T (in Fig. (as shown in Figure 1) to generate the power to drive the vehicle 10 via driven wheels 18 relative to a road surface 20. For example, the power sources 14 and 16 can work together to drive the vehicle 10. As shown, the drive train 12 can additionally include a transmission arrangement 22 that operatively connects the power source(s) to the driven wheels 18 to transmit the drive torque T to them.

[0020] As shown, the vehicle 10 additionally features an electronic control unit 24. The electronic control unit 24 can be a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions on the vehicle 10, or a powertrain control module (PCM) configured to control the powertrain 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque T. The vehicle 10 also features a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 26 configured to generate and store electrical energy through heat-generating electrochemical reactions for supplying the powertrain 12 and the control unit 24. The RESS 26 can be connected to the power sources 14 and 16, the electronic control unit 24, and other vehicle systems via a high-voltage bus 28.

[0021] Vehicle systems, such as the power sources 14 and 16, the transmission assembly 22, and the RESS 26, typically generate thermal energy as a byproduct of their operation. However, such systems can start operating from a relatively cold state, in which system efficiency is below optimum. Accordingly, thermal energy must be managed effectively to improve system efficiency on the one hand and to mitigate heat buildup and the resulting deterioration in system performance and reliability on the other. For this purpose, the vehicle 10 also incorporates heat exchangers 30 configured to circulate coolant and thereby regulate thermal energy in such vehicle systems, e.g., by either adding or removing it.Accordingly, the powertrain 12, the electronic control unit 24, and the RESS 26 can be representative of the vehicle systems that use heat exchangers 30 for their thermal regulation. Suitable heat exchangers 30 can be integrated into the respective vehicle systems as sub-assemblies or located remotely from them.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a representative heat exchanger 30 is typically connected to a fluid pump 32 via fluid line arrangements 34, such as a fluid inlet line and a fluid outlet line. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each fluid line assembly 34 has a first fluid line 36-1 and a second fluid line 36-2 configured to be connected or coupled together. Each fluid line 36-1, 36-2 may employ flexible hoses or have one or more flexible hose sections connected to one or more rigid tubes. Each fluid line assembly 34 also has a fluid connector assembly 38 having two substantially identical (as permitted by manufacturing tolerances), asymmetrical or one-sided connector elements—a first connector element 40-1 and a second connector element 40-2. The first and second connector elements 40-1, 40-2 are configured to connect the respective first and second fluid lines 36-1, 36-2.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 3 Each connector element 40-1, 40-2 has a connector element body 42, which has a first body end 42-1 configured to couple with the first body end of the other connector element and seal it hermetically (thereby creating a fluid-tight connection). The connector element body 42 can be either injection-molded from a polymer or cast or machined from a metal, such as aluminum. The connector element body 42 of each connector element 40-1, 40-2 also has a second body end 42-2 configured to be attached to a corresponding first and second fluid line 36-1, 36-2. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connector element body 42 of each connector element 40-1, 40-2 can generally have a circular cross-section. The connector element body 42 is arranged along a longitudinal axis X (in Fig. (3 shown) and defines an internal fluid passage 44, which is arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. Each connector element body 42 can also have a projection 46, which is arranged at the first body end 42-1 and is spaced from the longitudinal axis X and extends parallel to it.

[0024] With renewed reference to Fig. 3. Each connector element body 42 can additionally define a channel or pocket 48. The channel 48 of one connector element is configured to receive the projection 46 of the other matching connector element when the two connector elements 40-1, 40-2 are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis X (as shown in Figure 3). Fig. 3). The projection 46 of each element body 40 can have a chamfered free end 50 configured to guide the projection in question into the channel 48 of the other connector element. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the connector element body 42 can have a generally cylindrical shape 52, which is generally defined by its circumference. Referring to Fig. 3. The projection 46 and the channel 48 can be arranged substantially 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, both the projection 46 and the channel 48 can extend substantially around half the circumference of the cylindrical shape 52, i.e., form a 180-degree arc around it.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Each connector element 40-1, 40-2 can also have a first spring clamp 54-1 and a second spring clamp 54-2. The first and second spring clamps 54-1, 54-2 are configured together to fasten the two connector elements 40-1, 40-2 to one another. As shown, the connector element body 42 of each connector element 40-1, 40-2 can also define a first slot 56-1 and a second slot 56-2. In the embodiment in question, each of the first slot 56-1 of the first connector element 40-1 and the second slot 56-2 of the second connector element 40-2 can be configured to receive the first spring clamp 54-1. Additionally, in the same embodiment, each of the second slot 56-2 of the first connector element 40-1 and of the first slot 56-1 of the second connector element 40-2 can be configured to accommodate the second spring clamp 54-2.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first slot 56-1 can extend substantially orthogonally through the channel 48, and the second slot 56-2 can extend substantially orthogonally through the projection 46. Once seated in their respective channel slots 56-1, the first and second spring clamps 54-1, 54-2 are expanded by the corresponding projections 46 during engagement of the two connector elements 40-1, 40-2, until the spring clamps snap into the projection slots 56-2. The chamfered free end 50 of each projection 46 can assist the expansion of the spring clamps 54-1, 54-2 when the two connector elements 40-1, 40-2 are engaged, allowing the spring clamps to seat in their respective projection slots 56-2. As a result, the spring clamps 54-1, 54-2 can engage in the connector element body 42 of each connector element 40-1, 40-2 and thereby lock the two connector elements together.

[0027] The connector element body 42 can also be a conductor engagement surface 58 (in Fig. 3) define, which is located near the second body end 42-2 opposite the projection 46. The conduit engagement surface 58 can have one or more barbs 60 configured to fix and maintain the engagement of the respective fluid conduit 36-1, 36-2 with the corresponding connector element body 42. Although not shown, clamps can be used to further secure the fluid conduit 36-1, 36-2 to the respective connector elements 40-1, 40-2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, each connector element 40-1, 40-2 can additionally have an elastic element or a seal 62 arranged at the first body end 42-1. The elastic element 62 can be, for example, a flat rubber ring or a flat washer. The elastic elements 62 can be separate components, each mounted on the respective first body end 42-1, e.g., by an epoxy resin, or injection-molded together with the respective connector element body 42. The elastic element 62 is configured to seal the two coupled first body ends 43-1 of the first and second connector elements 40-1, 40-2.

[0028] Alternatively, the elastic element 62 can be an O-ring (in Fig.(3 shown). In such an embodiment, the fluid connector assembly 38 can have a single O-ring arranged between the two connector elements 40-1, 40-2. The O-ring can be compressed by the connector elements 40-1, 40-2 within the fluid connector assembly 38. In such an embodiment, the first body end 42-1 of each connector element 40-1, 40-2 can define a complementary groove 64 configured to seat the O-ring. The grooves 64 in question can be defined by a depth shallower than the radius of the O-ring to facilitate adequate O-ring compression. To facilitate assembly, the O-ring can be mounted to one of the connector elements 40-1, 40-2, for example, by an epoxy resin.

[0029] The fluid connector assembly 38 is produced using two coupled identical asymmetric connector elements. The two connector elements are designed to fit together when positioned opposite each other or at 180 degrees relative to each other about a common longitudinal axis. Each connector element has features such as a projection and a channel configured to receive such a projection to secure the two connector elements relative to each other. A seal may be provided at the interface between individual connector elements to ensure a hermetic seal is maintained. The fluid line assembly also includes clamps configured to lock the connector elements relative to each other, achieving a reliable, leak-free assembly.The fluid connector arrangement in question can be used to create low- or medium-pressure line arrangements, such as for circulating coolant between heat exchangers and vehicle systems.

[0030] The detailed description and the drawings or figures support and illustrate the description, but the scope of the description is defined exclusively by the claims. While some of the best ways and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed description have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for implementing the description, which are defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as independent embodiments.Rather, it is possible that each of the features described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a multitude of other desired features from other embodiments, leading to other embodiments that are not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Fluid conduit arrangement comprising: a first fluid line and a second fluid line; a fluid connector arrangement having two identical, a first and a second, connector elements configured to connect the first and second fluid lines, each connector element having a connector element body having the following: a first body end configured to couple with the first body end of the other connector element and to hermetically seal it; and a second body end configured to be attached to one of the first and second fluid lines. [2] Fluid conduit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connector element body of each connector element is arranged along a longitudinal axis and defines an internal fluid passage which is arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis, has a projection which is arranged at the first body end and is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and extends parallel to it, and defines a channel which is configured to accommodate the projection of the other connector element when the two connector elements are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other about the longitudinal axis. [3] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 2, further comprising a first spring clamp and a second spring clamp configured together to fasten the two connector elements to each other. [4] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 3, wherein: The connector element body of each connector element additionally defines a first slot and a second slot; Each of the first slot of the first connector element and the second slot of the second connector element is configured to receive the first spring clamp; and Each of the second slot of the first connector element and the first slot of the second connector element is configured to accommodate the second spring clamp. [5] Fluid conduit arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the first slot extends through the channel and the second slot extends through the projection. [6] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the connector element body additionally defines a line engagement surface which is arranged opposite the projection. [7] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the line engagement surface has one or more barbs configured to fix and maintain the engagement of the line with the corresponding connector element body. [8] Fluid conduit arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the projection has a chamfered free end configured to guide the projection in question into the channel of the other connector element. [9] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: the connector element body has a cylindrical shape defined by a circumference; the projection and the channel are spaced 180 degrees apart with respect to the longitudinal axis; and Both the projection and the channel extend by half the circumference of the cylindrical shape. [10] Fluid line arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one connector element additionally has an elastic element which is arranged at the first body end and is configured to seal the two coupled first body ends of the first and second connector element.

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