Connector device

Abstract

A connector device according to the present disclosure is provided, comprising a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly. The floating connector assembly comprises a base, a floating connector, a first floating unit, and a second floating unit. The first floating unit has a through hole for receiving the floating connector, and is configured so that the floating connector can move in the radial direction of the through hole and can be tilted relative to the axial direction of the through hole. The second floating unit is configured to be movable relative to the base in a direction perpendicular to a base plane. The mating connector assembly comprises the mating connector. A valve assembly is provided on the floating connector, and a valve unit is provided on the mating connector. The valve assembly and the valve unit are configured to be switched to an open state after the floating connector is connected to the mating connector. The second floating unit is movable to a changed floating position relative to the base after both the valve assembly and the valve unit are switched to the open state to compensate for deviation of the assembly in the direction perpendicular to the base plane. Therefore, the connector device can absorb assembly deviations in any direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to connector devices for establishing fluid communication between fluid lines. [Background technology]

[0002] Connector devices can be used in a variety of applications to establish connections and fluid communication between fluid lines.

[0003] A connector device generally includes a female connector and a male connector, each of which is connected to a fluid line. The male connector can be inserted into the female connector to establish fluid communication between the fluid lines. It is desirable that the female and male connectors be able to accommodate assembly deviations in various directions when they are connected so that they can be easily assembled and connected to each other. This is particularly advantageous for application scenarios in which the female and male connectors need to be frequently connected and disconnected. For example, some electric vehicle manufacturers currently choose a battery pack replacement technique in which the male and female connectors of a connector device used to establish fluid communication between a thermal management system in the battery pack and a coolant supply system in the vehicle need to be repeatedly connected and disconnected. Therefore, it is desirable that the connector device be able to absorb assembly deviations in various directions during battery pack replacement. It is also desirable that a connector device applied to a vehicle be able to have a small weight in order to achieve a lighter vehicle.

[0004] Currently, utility model application CN216158545U provides a female connector and a connector assembly, the connector assembly including a female connector and a male connector for coupling with the female connector. The connector assembly can accommodate installation tolerances through elastic deformation of a bushing that is sleeved on the outside of the female connector housing and disposed in a receiving passage in the base. However, the female connector does not have an independent floating device for absorbing installation tolerances in the axial direction of the female connector housing. When the plug end of the male connector is inserted into the female connector housing, the valve structure of the female connector and the valve structure of the male connector can compensate for installation tolerances in the axial direction of the female connector housing. The insertion depth of the plug end of the male connector is not fixed, which is likely to accelerate wear of the valve structure, such as wear of the sealing structure, and increase the risk of fluid leakage.

[0005] Another utility model application, CN213177219U, discloses a new type of self-sealing quick connector for water cooling lines. The quick connector includes a male connector, which includes a fixed plate, a pipe connection piece, a male connector body, and an adjustment assembly with a spiral spring and a floating spring. The fixed plate is connected to a mounting surface through four adjustment assemblies, and three-dimensional deviation of the fixed plate can be automatically corrected using the floating spring and the spiral spring. The male connector body of the male connector is firmly connected to the fixed plate. When the male connector body moves or tilts the fixed plate due to assembly deviation, stress is concentrated at the joint where the male connector body is connected to the fixed plate. Therefore, this structure is not suitable for male connectors made of plastic, and otherwise the male connector made of plastic will be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Utility Model No. 216158545 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Utility Model No. 213177219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and to provide an improved connector arrangement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure provides a connector device. The connector device includes a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly. The floating connector assembly includes a base, a floating connector, and a first floating unit. The base defines a base plane and includes an accommodation space for accommodating the first floating unit. The first floating unit includes a through hole for receiving the floating connector, and is configured to allow the floating connector to move in a radial direction of the through hole and to be tilted relative to an axial direction of the through hole. The mating connector assembly includes a mating connector adapted to be coupled with the floating connector, the floating connector including a valve assembly, and the mating connector including a valve unit, the valve assembly and the valve unit configured to switch to an open state when the floating connector is coupled with the mating connector so that both flow paths of the floating connector and the mating connector are opened. The floating connector assembly further includes a second floating unit attached to the base and configured to be movable relative to the base in a direction perpendicular to the base plane. The connector device is configured such that after both the valve assembly and the valve unit are switched to an open state, the second floating unit is movable to a changed floating position relative to the base to compensate for deviations in the assembly in a direction perpendicular to the base plane.

[0009] The first and second floating units of the floating connector assembly can absorb assembly deviations / tolerances in all directions. Furthermore, the floating connector is disposed on the first floating unit at the base, which also helps to avoid damage to the floating connector caused by assembly deviations / tolerances when connecting the floating connector assembly with a mating connector assembly. This is particularly advantageous for floating connectors made of plastic. Furthermore, an independent second floating unit is provided to absorb assembly deviations in a direction perpendicular to the base plane. The second floating unit is configured to be moved to a changed floating position relative to the base after both the valve assembly and the valve unit are switched to the open state. Therefore, the second floating unit can prevent the valve assembly and the valve unit from compensating for assembly deviations in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, thereby reducing wear on the valve assembly and the valve unit.

[0010] According to the above technical concept, the present disclosure may further include one or more of the following optional aspects.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the base includes a receiving cavity, and the second floating unit includes an enclosure and an elastic member. The enclosure is movable relative to the receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, and the enclosure and the receiving cavity together define a receiving space. The elastic member is disposed in the receiving space to bias the enclosure in a direction away from the base.

[0012] In some optional forms, the second floating unit further comprises a male threaded fastener and a matching member, the male threaded fastener extending through the receiving space and engaged with the matching member to mount the enclosure to the base.

[0013] In some optional forms, the enclosure is provided with an inverted conical restricting hole, the compliant member has an outer contour that matches the shape of the restricting hole, and the compliant member is positioned around the male threaded fastener in the restricting hole so as to be restricted by the restricting hole.

[0014] In some optional configurations, the mating member is provided with a first mating portion and the male threaded fastener is provided with a second mating portion that conforms to the first mating portion, the second mating portion establishing a form fit with the first mating portion.

[0015] In some optional forms, the first floating unit is in the form of a bushing and is made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material, with at least one cavity defined in a peripheral wall of the first floating unit.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the floating connector assembly includes at least two floating connectors, and the first floating unit includes at least two corresponding cylindrical portions, each cylindrical portion defining a respective through-hole for receiving a corresponding floating connector, the at least two cylindrical portions including a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion having parallel axes, the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion intersecting each other.

[0017] In some optional forms, the mating connector assembly further includes a mounting seat, and the mating connector is coupled to the mounting seat. The base or the mounting seat is provided with a stop portion configured to abut the mounting seat or base opposite the stop portion. In other words, one of the base and the mounting seat is provided with a stop portion suitable for abutting the other of the base and the mounting seat. The stop portion is configured to limit / fix the insertion depth when the floating connector and the mating connector are inserted together.

[0018] In some options, the base plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the through-hole.

[0019] In some optional forms, the floating connector assembly further includes a mounting plate having an opening for the floating connector to pass through, the floating connector being held at the base with the mounting plate, and the first protective cover being disposed around the floating connector to cover a gap between the floating connector and the edge of the opening.

[0020] In some optional forms, the floating connector assembly further includes a flexible first protective cover disposed around the floating connector to cover a gap between the floating connector and the base.

[0021] In some optional forms, the connector apparatus further comprises a second protective cover, the second protective cover being positioned to cover the interface where the floating connector is coupled to the mating connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The connector device according to the present disclosure can absorb assembly deviations in any direction, reduce damage to the floating connector and mating connector caused by assembly deviations, and extend the service life of the connector device.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood through the following optional embodiments, which are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a mating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly are coupled to one another. [Figure 4A] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with a valve assembly of the floating connector assembly in a closed state; [Figure 4B] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with a valve unit of the mating connector assembly in a closed state. [Figure 4C] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly are coupled to each other and the valve unit and valve assembly are both in an open state. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a first floating unit of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6A] 10A-10C are partial cross-sectional views of a connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure at various stages of coupling a floating connector assembly with a mating connector assembly with their axes not aligned with each other; [Figure 6B] 10A-10C are partial cross-sectional views of a connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure at various stages of coupling a floating connector assembly with a mating connector assembly with their axes not aligned with each other; [Figure 6C] 10A-10C are partial cross-sectional views of a connector apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure at various stages of coupling a floating connector assembly with a mating connector assembly with their axes not aligned with each other; [Figure 7] A simulation diagram of deformation of the first floating unit of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure during the process of connecting the floating connector assembly to the mating connector assembly with their axes not aligned. [Figure 8A] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the second floating unit in a changed floating position; [Figure 8B] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the second floating unit in a changed floating position; [Figure 8C]1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the second floating unit in a changed floating position; [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mating connector assembly of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it is understood that the specific embodiments discussed are intended only to illustrate particular ways to implement and use the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. When describing the structure and position of components, orientational expressions in this specification, such as "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," are relative, not absolute. When components are arranged as shown in the drawings, these orientational expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of these components in the drawings are changed, these orientational expressions should be changed accordingly.

[0026] In this disclosure, the axial direction of a cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction along the central axis of the component, the circumferential direction of a cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction along the periphery / perimeter of the component, and the radial direction of a cylindrical or annular component refers to the direction passing through the central axis of the component and perpendicular to the axial direction of the component.

[0027] 1-3 illustrate a connector apparatus 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector apparatus 10 includes a floating connector assembly 100 and a mating connector assembly 200 for coupling with the floating connector assembly 100. The floating connector assembly 100 and the mating connector assembly 200 may each be coupled with a fluid line (not shown). An example application of the connector apparatus 10 for establishing fluid communication between a thermal management system in a battery pack and a coolant supply system in a vehicle is described below.

[0028] 1 to 3 and 5, the floating connector assembly 100 includes a base 102, a floating connector 104, a first floating unit 106, and a second floating unit 108. The base 102 defines a base plane and includes an accommodation space 110 for accommodating the first floating unit 106. The first floating unit 106 includes a through hole 112 for receiving the floating connector 104, and is configured so that the floating connector 104 can move in the radial direction of the through hole 112 and can be tilted with respect to the axial direction of the through hole 112. The second floating unit 108 is attached to the base 102 and is configured so that it can move relative to the base 102 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane. The floating connector assembly 100 can be attached to a vehicle body via the second floating unit 108. The floating connector 104 may include a floating connector body 114 and a valve assembly 116 disposed in the floating connector body 114 and is in fluid communication with a fluid line in the vehicle's coolant supply system.

[0029] The mating connector assembly 200 may include a mounting seat 202 and a mating connector 204. The mounting seat 202 may be mounted to a casing of a battery pack. The mating connector 204 may include a mating connector body 206 and a valve unit 208 disposed on the mating connector body 206, and may be in fluid communication with a fluid line in a thermal management system of the battery pack.

[0030] The floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 may be coupled to one another and / or plugged together to achieve fluid communication between the vehicle's coolant supply system and the thermal management system in the battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector body 206 of the mating connector 204 has a plug portion 210 that can be inserted into the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 to achieve a connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204. It is contemplated that the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 may also be configured to allow the floating connector 104 to be inserted into the mating connector 204, thereby achieving a connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, during battery pack replacement (specifically, during the process of coupling the floating connector assembly 100 in the vehicle body with the mating connector assembly 200 in the battery pack and securing the battery pack to the vehicle body), the first floating unit 106 and the second floating unit 108 of the floating connector assembly 100 can absorb assembly deviations in any direction. Furthermore, the floating connector 104 is disposed in the first floating unit 106 in the base 102, which also helps to avoid damage to the floating connector 104 caused by assembly deviations during the process of coupling the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204. This is particularly advantageous for floating connectors made of plastic. This will be described in detail below.

[0032] 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 is substantially plate-shaped. With reference to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system in FIG. 1, the base plane defined by the base 102 is the XY plane of the base 102, i.e., the plane in which the length direction X and width direction Y of the base 102 lie. When the floating connector assembly 100 is mounted to a vehicle body, the base plane is substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the vehicle body for the floating connector assembly 100.

[0033] 3 , the base 102 includes an accommodation space 110 extending through the base 102 along a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., along the thickness direction Z of the base 102) to accommodate the first floating unit 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 is perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., the axial direction of the through-hole 112 is along the Z direction. The through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 receives at least a portion of the floating connector 104.

[0034] 1 and 3 , the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 defines the flow path of the floating connector 104 and includes a first section 118 and a second section 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 118 and the second section 120 are formed separately and assembled together by snap-fitting. This allows the second section 120 to have various configurations to accommodate different conduits, mating components, or quick connectors, thereby expanding the range of applications of the floating connector assembly 100. The first section 118 and the second section 120 can be formed, for example, by injection molding. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 118 and the second section 120 are assembled to form an approximately 90° elbow, which is particularly advantageous for applications with limited installation space. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the first section 118 and the second section 120 may be assembled to form an elbow with any desired angle, such as 45° or 135°, or to form a straight pipe.

[0035] The first section 118 is substantially tubular. The first section 118 is disposed coaxially with the through-hole 112, and the axial direction of the first section 118 also follows the Z direction. An entrance 122 for insertion of the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is provided at an end of the first section 118. The entrance 122 includes a guide surface 123 for guiding the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 for insertion into the first section 118.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 118 includes a first flange 124 and a second flange 126 disposed outside the first flange 124. Both the first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are substantially annular. The first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the first section 118 and positioned on opposite sides of the first floating unit 106. The outer diameters of the first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are both larger than the diameters of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 so as to prevent the floating connector 104 from disengaging from the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106. The outer diameter of the portion of the first area 118 that is received by the through hole 112 is essentially equal to the diameter of the through hole 112 so that the first area 118 can be held relatively stably in the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106.

[0037] 3 , the floating connector body 114 can be held to the base 102 using a mounting plate 128. The mounting plate 128 has an opening 129 through which the floating connector body 114 is oriented. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 128 is fixed to the base 102 such that the first flange 124 of the first section 118 is confined between the base 102 and the mounting plate 128 in the Z direction, preventing the floating connector body 114 from being removed from the base 102. The base 102 and the mounting plate 128 define a movement space 130 therebetween, in which the first flange 124 moves. The movement space 130 and the receiving space 110 are in communication with each other. When the floating connector 104 moves relative to the base 102 along the radial direction of the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 (i.e., when it moves along the XY plane) or when it tilts relative to the axial direction of the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 (i.e., when it tilts relative to the Z direction), the first flange 124 translates, tilts, and / or rotates within the movement space 130.

[0038] 4A and 4C , in the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 is a check valve and includes a valve stem 132, a sliding sleeve 134, a resilient element 136, a first sealing element 131, and a second sealing element 133. The valve stem 132 is disposed in the first section 118 along the axial direction of the first section 118. The valve stem 132 includes a valve stem head 135 and a valve stem base 137. The sliding sleeve 134 is positioned in the first section 118 and sleeved on the outside of the valve stem 132. The sliding sleeve 134 is slidable along the axial direction of the first section 118 between a closed position (shown in FIG. 4A ) and an open position (shown in FIG. 4C ), so that the valve assembly 116 can be switched between a closed state (shown in FIG. 4A ) and an open state (shown in FIG. 4C ) accordingly. The sliding sleeve 134 is biased toward the closed position by the elastic force of the elastic element 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element 136 is a coil spring, and two ends of the elastic element 136 abut the sliding sleeve 134 and the stem base 137, respectively. The first sealing element 131 is embedded in the outer periphery of the stem head 135 so as to be in sealing contact with the inner periphery of the sliding sleeve 134. The second sealing element 133 is embedded in the outer periphery of the sliding sleeve 134 so as to be in sealing contact with the inner periphery of the first section 118. As shown in FIG. 4A , when the sliding sleeve 134 is biased by the elastic element 136 toward the closed position, it fills the annular gap between the first section 118 and the stem head 135 to close the flow path of the floating connector 104. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the sliding sleeve 134 is pushed along the axial direction of the first section 118 by an external force, the sliding sleeve 134 can be moved to an open position against the elastic force of the elastic element 136 so that the flow path of the floating connector 104 is opened.

[0039] 3 and 5 , in the illustrated embodiment, the first floating unit 106 is in the form of a bushing and may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material. In this embodiment, the first floating unit 106 is made from TPV. At least one cavity 138 is defined in the peripheral wall of the first floating unit 106. The combination of the material and cavity structure of the first floating unit 106 allows the first floating unit 106 to elastically deform when subjected to an external force. In this manner, the first floating unit 106 causes the floating connector 104 to move radially of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 relative to the base 102, or tilt relative to the axial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106. In other words, the floating connector 104 can be moved along a base plane relative to the base 102 (i.e., can float along the XY plane) and can be tilted relative to a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., can be tilted relative to the Z direction) to accommodate assembly deviations during the process of connecting the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous when the first section 118 of the floating connector 104 and the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 are not axially aligned (e.g., when the axis of the first section 118 of the floating connector 104 and the axis of the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 deviate from each other by a particular distance or form a particular angle) when the floating connector 104 is coupled with the mating connector 204. Herein, unless otherwise stated, the radial and axial directions of the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 refer to the radial and axial directions of the through hole 112 when the first floating unit 106 is in its original state. For the illustrated embodiment, the radial and axial directions of the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 refer to the radial and axial directions of the through hole 112 when the first floating unit 106 is not deformed.

[0041] Furthermore, when the floating connector 104 moves relative to the base 102 along the XY plane and tilts relative to the Z direction, the floating connector 104 is further cushioned by the first floating unit 106. Compared to when the floating connector is firmly connected to the base, the structure of the floating connector 104 provided in the first floating unit 106 in the present disclosure helps to avoid damage when the floating connector 104 floats, particularly when the floating connector 104 moves along the XY plane / tilts relative to the Z direction. This structure also enables the floating connector 104 (particularly, the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104) to be made of, for example, a plastic material, so as to realize a lightweight connector device 10 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the connector device 10.

[0042] 6A-6C illustrate the process of coupling / inserting the floating connector 104 with / into the mating connector 204 when the inlet 122 of the first section 118 of the floating connector 104 is not axially aligned with the bayonet portion 210 of the mating connector 204. As shown in FIG. 6A, and with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, because the inlet 122 of the first section 118 of the floating connector 104 is not axially aligned with the bayonet portion 210 of the mating connector 204, the bayonet portion 210 of the mating connector 204 initially pushes against the first section 118 when inserted into the inlet 122 of the first section 118. At this time, the first floating unit 106 accommodating the first section 118 is elastically deformed to tilt the first section 118 with respect to the Z direction so that the plug portion 210 can be more easily inserted into the first section 118 through the entrance 122. Next, as shown in Fig. 6B, the plug portion 210 can be further inserted into the first section 118 under the guidance of the guide surface 123 of the entrance 122. Finally, as shown in Fig. 6C, the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into place, thereby realizing the connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the floating connector assembly 100 has two floating connectors 104, the first floating unit 106 accordingly has two through holes 112a and 112b (collectively referred to herein as through holes 112) for receiving the floating connectors 104, and the mating connector assembly 200 accordingly has two mating connectors 204.

[0044] It is contemplated that the floating connector assembly 100 may have one or more floating connectors 104, the first floating unit 106 may have a corresponding number of through holes 112, and the mating connector assembly 200 may also have a corresponding number of mating connectors 204.

[0045] 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the first floating unit 106 comprises a first cylindrical portion 140a and a second cylindrical portion 140b (collectively referred to herein as cylindrical portions 140), with the first cylindrical portion 140a defining a through-hole 112a and the second cylindrical portion 140b defining a through-hole 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, each cylindrical portion 140 has a plurality of cavities 138 disposed along the periphery and extending axially therethrough to facilitate elastic deformation of the first floating unit 106. It is contemplated that the first floating unit 106 may have other suitable multiple cavity configurations. For example, the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 140 may be honeycomb-shaped.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of the through hole 112a in the first cylindrical portion 140a and the axis of the through hole 112b in the second cylindrical portion 140b are parallel to each other and both perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., both along the Z direction. The first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b intersect. In other words, the distance D between the axis of the first cylindrical portion 140a and the axis of the second cylindrical portion 140b is less than the sum of the outer diameter R1 of the first cylindrical portion 140a and the outer diameter R2 of the second cylindrical portion 140b. 7, when the floating connector 104 is required to move relative to the base 102 along the XY plane and tilt relative to the Z direction when coupling the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204, the first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b can be deformed in a coordinated manner to improve the consistency of deformation, thereby reducing the force required to deform the first floating unit 106 and therefore the insertion force required to complete proper coupling of the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b are arranged symmetrically.

[0047] 8A-8C, the base 102 further includes a receiving cavity 144. The second floating unit 108 includes an enclosure 146 and an elastic member 148. The enclosure 146 is configured to be movable relative to the receiving cavity 144 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., movable along the Z direction. The enclosure 146 and the receiving cavity 144 together define a receiving space 145, and the elastic member 148 is disposed in the receiving space 145 to bias the enclosure 146 in a direction away from the base 102.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 146 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is at least partially disposed in the receiving cavity 144, which has a substantially cylindrical shape that matches the shape of the enclosure 146 to guide the enclosure 146 for movement in the Z direction along the inner periphery of the receiving cavity 144. It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the enclosure 146 can be sleeved outside the receiving cavity 144 for movement in the Z direction along the outer periphery of the receiving cavity 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 148 is a coil spring. It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the resilient member 148 can be any other component capable of applying a biasing force to the enclosure 146 in the Z direction.

[0049] The second floating unit 108 further includes an externally threaded fastener 150 and a mating member 152. The externally threaded fastener 150 can extend through the receiving space 145 and can engage with the mating member 152 to movably mount the enclosure 146 to the base 102. The externally threaded fastener 150 can be a threaded bolt or a threaded stud. In the illustrated embodiment, the externally threaded fastener 150 extends through the resilient member 148 in the receiving space 145.

[0050] The end wall 154 of the enclosure 146 is provided with an inverted conical restricting hole 156 that tapers toward the base 102. The compliant member 152 has an outer contour that matches the shape of the restricting hole 156. The compliant member 152 is disposed around the male threaded fastener 150 in the restricting hole 156 to be restricted by the restricting hole 156. Because the enclosure 146 is subjected to the elastic force of the elastic member 148, the compliant member 152 has a tendency to move downward relative to the restricting hole 156 of the enclosure 146. The relative movement tendency of the compliant member 152 and the restricting function of the restricting hole 156 work together to hold the compliant member 152 securely in the restricting hole 156 to prevent the compliant member 152 from loosening.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating member 152 is provided with a first mating portion 158 and the male-threaded fastener 150 is provided with a second mating portion 160 that conforms to the first mating portion 158 and establishes a form fit with the first mating portion 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating portion 158 is in the form of a protrusion and the second mating portion 160 is in the form of a recess. It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first mating portion 158 can be in the form of a recess and the second mating portion 160 can be in the form of a protrusion. It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the mating member 152 can have female threads and can threadably mate with the male-threaded fastener 150.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the compliant member 152 is generally conical in shape. Optionally, the compliant member 152 may include two separately formed sections having the same semi-conical shape to cooperate to form the conical compliant member 152, which may facilitate installation of the compliant member 152. Specifically, during installation of the compliant member 152, the enclosure 146 is pushed downward to expose the second compliant portion 160 of the male-threaded fastener 150; then, the two sections of the compliant member 152 are engaged with the male-threaded fastener 150; and finally, the pressure on the enclosure 146 is released, and the enclosure 146 moves upward under the elastic force of the elastic member 148 until the compliant member 152 is received and restricted in the restricting hole 156. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the compliant member 152 may be formed by a circumferential combination of two or more sections.

[0053] 8A-8C, the floating connector assembly 100 can be attached to the vehicle body via the male thread fastener 150 of the second floating unit 108. When the floating connector assembly 100 is attached to the vehicle body, the end wall 154 of the enclosure 146 of the second floating unit 108 abuts against the vehicle body. In this manner, particularly in the process of securing the battery pack to the vehicle body after the mating connector assembly 200 in the battery pack is coupled / inserted with the floating connector assembly 100 in the vehicle body, the floating connector assembly 100 can be pushed by the mating connector assembly 200 so that the base 102 can move relative to the enclosure 146 / vehicle body along a direction perpendicular to the base plane (along the Z direction), thereby absorbing deviations in the assembly in the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the base 102 can be moved to different positions relative to the enclosure 146 in the Z direction. In other words, the second floating unit 108 can be moved to a changed floating position to absorb / compensate for assembly deviations in the Z direction within a certain range.

[0054] 1 and 3 , the floating connector assembly 100 further includes a flexible first protective cover 162. The first protective cover 162 is disposed around the floating connector 104 to cover at least the gap between the floating connector 104 and the edge of the opening 129 of the mounting plate 128 so as to prevent foreign matter from entering the movement space 130, the accommodation space 110, the cavity 138 of the first floating unit 106, the floating connector 104, etc. When the floating connector 104 is moved relative to the base 102, the first protective cover 162 can deform due to / following the movement of the floating connector 104 and can prevent the intrusion of foreign matter (such as dust and water). In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 can have a corrugated cross-section so that it can more easily deform following the movement of the floating connector 104.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 has an opening 164 for the floating connector 104 to pass through. The first protective cover 162 may be sealingly coupled to the floating connector 104 at the opening 164, for example, by bonding, laser welding, radio frequency welding, or overmolding. The outer edge of the first protective cover 162 may be secured to the base 102 by a press ring 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 includes a protrusion 168. The protrusion 168 extends substantially perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., extends along the Z direction, and extends through the mounting plate 128, the outer edge of the first protective cover 162, and the press ring 166. The free end of the protrusion 168 is engaged with a spring nut 170 (see FIG. 1 ) to clamp the outer edge of the first protective cover 162 between the pressure ring 166 and the mounting plate 128 fixed to the base 102 so that the outer edge of the first protective cover 162 is fixed to the base 102.

[0056] It can be appreciated that a first protective cover 162 may be placed around the floating connector 104 to cover the gap between the floating connector 104 and the base 102 to prevent the ingress of foreign matter, for example, when the mounting plate is omitted from the floating connector assembly 100.

[0057] 2, 3, and 4B, the mounting seat 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 is substantially plate-shaped. The mounting seat 202 includes fastener holes 203 through which fasteners can pass to secure the mounting seat 202 to the casing of the battery pack. The mating connector body 206 of the mating connector 204 of the mating connector assembly 200 defines a flow passage of the mating connector 204. The mating connector body 206 includes a bayonet portion 210 and an adapter portion 212.

[0058] The plug portion 210 is substantially tubular and extends substantially perpendicular to the mounting seat 202. A port 214 is provided at the end of the plug portion 210. The plug portion 210 can be inserted into the floating connector 104 through the inlet 122 of the floating connector 104. A first sealing member 215 (see FIG. 4B ) is embedded in the outer periphery of the plug portion 210 for sealingly contacting the inner circumferential surface of the first section 118 of the floating connector 104. A plurality of guide ribs 216 (see FIG. 2 ) are further disposed on the exterior of the plug portion 210. The guide ribs 216 can cooperate with the guide surface 123 of the floating connector 104 to facilitate aligning the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 with the first section 118 of the floating connector 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of guide ribs 216 are radially disposed around the plug portion 210.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the bayonet portion 210 is integrally formed with the mounting seat 202. It can be appreciated that in other embodiments, the bayonet portion 210 may be secured to the mounting seat 202 by other means. The adapter portion 212 may be secured to the bayonet portion 210 by, for example, a snap-fit. The adapter portion 212 may have different configurations to accommodate different conduits or mating components, expanding the range of applications of the mating connector assembly 200.

[0060] 4B and 4C, the valve unit 208 is a check valve and includes a valve core 218, an elastic element 220, and a second sealing element 222. The valve core 218 is movable along the axial direction of the insertion portion 210 between a closed position (see FIG. 4B) and an open position (see FIG. 4C). Accordingly, the valve unit 208 can be switched between a closed state (see FIG. 4B) and an open state (see FIG. 4C). The valve core 218 is biased toward the closed position by the elastic element 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element 220 is a coil spring. The second sealing element 222 is embedded in the outer periphery of the valve core 218. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the valve core 218 is biased toward the closed position by the elastic element 220, the valve core 218 blocks / seals the port 214 so that the flow path of the mating connector 204 is closed. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the valve core 218 is pushed along the axial direction of the insert portion 210 by an external force, the valve core 218 can be moved away from the port 214 to an open position against the elastic force of the elastic element 220 so as to open the flow path of the mating connector 204.

[0061] 4A-4C, during coupling of the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204, the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted / plugged into the floating connector 104, pushing the sliding sleeve 134 of the floating connector 104 from the closed position toward the open position, and the valve stem 132 of the floating connector 104 pushes the valve core 218 of the mating connector 204 from the closed position toward the open position. When both the sliding sleeve 134 and the valve core 218 reach the open position, the connection of the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204 is completed and both the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 are in their final open states, so that the flow paths of the floating connector 104 and the flow paths of the mating connector 204 are both opened and fluidly connected to each other, thereby establishing fluid communication between the pipelines connected to the floating connector 104 and the pipelines connected to the mating connector 204. When the mating connector 204 is disconnected from the floating connector 104 by pulling the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 out of the floating connector 104, the sliding sleeve 134 of the floating connector 104 and the valve core 218 of the mating connector 204 return to their closed positions, at which time both the flow paths of the floating connector 104 and the flow paths of the mating connector 204 are closed, and no fluid leaks in the fluid lines connected to the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204, respectively.

[0062] It can be understood that the structure of the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and the structure of the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 are merely exemplary, and any other suitable check valve structure may be used to realize the bidirectional shut-off function of the connector device 10.

[0063] 2, 3, and 8A-8C, the connector device 10 is configured such that the second floating unit 108 is movable to a changed floating position relative to the base 102 after both the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 are switched to the open state so as to accommodate / absorb / compensate for assembly deviation in a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., assembly deviation in the Z direction), particularly, assembly deviation in the Z direction occurs while fastening the battery pack to the vehicle body via the fastener. In other words, during coupling of the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204, the elastic element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the elastic part 220 of the valve unit 208 are initially compressed, so that the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 are switched to the open state. As such, the resilient member 148 of the second floating unit 108 is compressed such that the enclosure 146 of the second floating unit 108 is moved to a changed floating position relative to the base 102. This can be achieved, for example, by configuring the resilient member 148 of the second floating unit 108 to have a greater modulus of elasticity than the resilient element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the resilient component 220 of the valve unit 208. Providing an independent second floating unit 108 that is movable to a changed floating position relative to the base 102 after both the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 are switched to an open state can prevent the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 from compensating for assembly failure in the Z direction, reducing wear on the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208, and extending the service life of the connector apparatus 10.

[0064] 2 and 3, the mounting seat 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 is further provided with a stop portion 224. The stop portion 224 can abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 when the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector 104 to fix the insertion depth of the plug portion 210. By providing the stop portion 224, the stop portion 224 of the mating connector assembly 200 will abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 when the insertion portion 210 is inserted into a predetermined position, so that any deviation in the assembly in the Z direction during the insertion process will be absorbed by the second floating unit 108 of the floating connector assembly 100, which prevents the valve assembly 116 of the floating connector 104 and / or the valve unit 208 of the mating connector 204 from compensating for or absorbing the deviation in the assembly in the Z direction, and extends the service life of the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208. It is worth noting that, thanks to the stop portion 224, during the process of connecting the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204, and especially during the process of compensating for deviations / failures in assembly in the Z direction when fastening the battery pack to the vehicle body, the root of the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 does not directly press the inlet 122 of the floating connector 104, thereby not pressing / pushing the first flange 124 against the mounting plate 128, thereby avoiding increasing stress on the mounting plate 128. Therefore, by providing the stop portion 224, fatigue fracture of the mounting plate 128 can be avoided after the vehicle's battery pack has been replaced many times, in other words, after the plug portion 210 of the mating connector 204 has been repeatedly plugged in and unplugged, thereby avoiding a decrease in the cycle life of the connector device 10.

[0065] Alternatively, it can be understood that a stop portion may be disposed on the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 to abut against the mounting seat 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 to control the insertion depth of the plug portion 210.

[0066] 2 , the stop portion 224 protrudes from the mounting seat 202 and surrounds the plug portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop portion 224 has a protruding configuration to increase the contact surface with the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 and ensure stable contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector assembly 200 includes two mating connectors 204. Accordingly, the stop portion 224 may include two stop areas 226. In the illustrated embodiment, each stop area 226 surrounds the entire periphery of the plug portion 210 of the corresponding mating connector 204. It can be understood that the stop portion 224 may have other configurations. For example, each stop area 226 of the stop portion 224 may be provided on only one side of the corresponding plug portion 210 rather than surrounding the entire periphery of the corresponding plug portion.

[0067] 3 , the assembly of the connector device 10 during replacement of a vehicle's battery pack is briefly introduced below. When a vehicle's battery pack is replaced, the mating connector 204 on the battery pack is pre-aligned with the floating connector 104 on the vehicle body, and then the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 through the inlet 122 of the floating connector 104. After the connection of the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204 is completed, fluid communication is established between the thermal management system in the battery pack and the coolant supply system in the vehicle. Next, the battery pack can be further fixed to the vehicle body via fasteners so that the floating connector assembly 100 and the mating connector assembly 200 are fixed to each other. During battery pack replacement, the first floating unit 106 and the second floating unit 108 can absorb assembly deviations in any direction.

[0068] It can be understood that when the connector device 10 is applied to a situation where a battery pack of a vehicle is replaced, the floating connector assembly 100 can be fixed / attached to the casing of the battery pack, and the mating connector assembly 200 can be fixed / attached to the vehicle body. It can also be understood that the connector device 10 according to the present disclosure can be applied not only to the above situation, but also to various situations where fluid communication needs to be established.

[0069] 9A-9B show another connector device 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector device 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment is similar to the connector device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with the difference being that the connector device 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment further includes a flexible second protective cover 228 in addition to the flexible first protective cover 162. The second protective cover 228 is positioned to cover / surround the joint / interface where the floating connector 104 is coupled with the mating connector 204 after the floating connector 104 is coupled with the mating connector 204, so as to prevent foreign matter from entering the cavity of the first floating unit 106, the floating connector 104, and the mating connector 204.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the second protective cover 228 is disposed around the stop portion 224 and has a bellows structure. One end 229 of the second protective cover 228 is sealingly fixed to the outer periphery of the stop portion 224. The other / free end 230 of the second protective cover 228 can abut against the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 after the floating connector 104 is coupled with the mating connector 204 to prevent the ingress of foreign matter. It can be understood that in other embodiments, one end of the second protective cover can be fixed to the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 and the other end of the second protective cover can abut against the mounting seat 202 of the mating connector assembly 200.

[0071] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein can be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations of materials familiar to those skilled in the art. The embodiments shown in Figures 1-9B are merely illustrative of the shape, size, and arrangement of each optional component of a connector device according to the present disclosure. However, these embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] The technical contents and technical features of the present disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it can be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements to the above-disclosed concepts under the creative concept of the present disclosure, and all these various modifications and improvements also fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is for illustrative purposes only, not for limiting purposes, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Connector device 100 Floating connector assembly 102 Base 104 Floating Connector 106 First Floating Unit 108 Second Floating Unit 110 Containment Space 112, 112a, 112b through hole 114 Floating connector body 116 Valve assembly 118 First Area 120 Second Area 122 Entrance 123 Guideway 124 First flange 126 Second flange 128 Mounting plate 129 Aperture 130 Moving Space 131 first sealing element 132 Valve stem 133 Second sealing element 134 Sliding sleeve body 135 Valve stem head 136 Elastic Elements 137 Valve stem base 138 Cavity 140 Cylindrical part 140a first cylindrical portion 140b second cylindrical portion 144 Receiving Cavity 145 Reception Space 146 Enclosure 148 Elastic Member 150 Male thread fastener 152 Compatible materials 154 End Wall 156 Restriction hole 158 First Relevant Part 160 Second Conforming Part 162 First Protective Cover 164 Openings 166 Pressing Ring 168 Protrusion 170 Spring nut 200 Mating connector assembly 202 Mounting seat 203 Fastening hole 204 Mating Connector 206 Mating connector body 208 Valve Unit 210 Insertion part 212 Adapter part Port 214 215 First sealing member 216 Guide rib 218 Valve Core 220 Elastic parts 222 Second sealing member 224 Stop part 226 Stop area 228 Secondary Protective Cover 229 One end of the second protective cover 228 230 other end / free end of second protective cover 228 D. The distance between the axis of the first cylindrical portion 140a and the axis of the second cylindrical portion 140b R1: Outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 140a R2: Outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 140b X: Lengthwise direction of the base 102 Y: width direction of the base 102 Z: thickness direction of the base 102

Claims

1. A connector device (10) comprising a floating connector assembly (100) and a mating connector assembly (200), wherein the floating connector assembly (100) comprises a base (102), a floating connector (104), and a first floating unit (106), wherein the base (102) defines a base plane and comprises an accommodation space (110) for accommodating the first floating unit (106), and the first floating unit (106) comprises a through hole (112) for receiving the floating connector (104), and the floating connector (104) is moved in a radial direction of the through hole (112) and in an axial direction of the through hole (112). the mating connector assembly (200) comprises a mating connector (204) adapted to be coupled with the floating connector (104), the floating connector (104) comprising a valve assembly (116), the mating connector (204) comprising a valve unit (208), both the valve assembly (116) and the valve unit (208) configured to switch to an open state when the floating connector (104) is coupled with the mating connector (204) such that flow paths of the floating connector (104) and the mating connector (204) are both opened; The floating connector assembly (100) further comprises a second floating unit (108) mounted to the base (102) and configured to be movable relative to the base (102) in a direction perpendicular to the base plane; The connector device (10) is configured such that after both the valve assembly (116) and the valve unit (208) are switched to the open state, the second floating unit (108) is movable to a changed floating position relative to the base (102) to compensate for assembly deviation in the direction perpendicular to the base plane.

2. 2. The connector device (10) of claim 1, wherein the base (102) includes a receiving cavity (144), the second floating unit (108) includes an enclosure (146) and an elastic member (148), the enclosure (146) is movable relative to the receiving cavity (144) in the direction perpendicular to the base plane, the enclosure (146) and the receiving cavity (144) together define a receiving space (145), and the elastic member (148) is positioned in the receiving space (145) to bias the enclosure (146) in a direction away from the base (102).

3. 3. The connector device (10) of claim 2, wherein the second floating unit (108) further comprises a male threaded fastener (150) and a mating member (152), the male threaded fastener (150) extending through the receiving space (145) and engaged with the mating member (152) to attach the enclosure (146) to the base (102).

4. 4. The connector device (10) of claim 3, wherein the enclosure (146) is provided with an inverted conical restricting hole (156), the compliant member (152) has an outer contour that matches the shape of the restricting hole (156), and the compliant member (152) is disposed around the male threaded fastener (150) in the restricting hole (156) so as to be restricted by the restricting hole (156).

5. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the mating member (152) is provided with a first mating portion (158), and the male threaded fastener (150) is provided with a second mating portion (160) that conforms to the first mating portion (158), and the second mating portion (160) establishes a form fit with the first mating portion (158).

6. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first floating unit (106) is in the form of a bushing and is made from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material, and at least one cavity (138) is defined in a peripheral wall of the first floating unit (106).

7. 7. The connector device (10) of claim 6, wherein the floating connector assembly (100) comprises at least two floating connectors (104), the first floating unit (106) comprises at least two corresponding cylindrical portions, each cylindrical portion defining a through hole for receiving a corresponding floating connector (104), the at least two cylindrical portions comprising a first cylindrical portion (140a) and a second cylindrical portion (140b) having axes parallel to each other, and the first cylindrical portion (140a) and the second cylindrical portion (140b) intersecting.

8. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 1, wherein the mating connector assembly (200) further comprises a mounting seat (202), the mating connector (204) is connected to the mounting seat (202), and the base (102) or the mounting seat (202) is provided with a stop portion (224) configured to abut the mounting seat (202) or the base (102) opposite the stop portion (224).

9. The connector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base plane is perpendicular to the axial direction of the through hole (112).

10. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 1, wherein the floating connector assembly (100) further comprises a mounting plate (128) having an opening (129) for the floating connector (104) to pass through, the floating connector (104) being held on the base (102) using the mounting plate (128), and the first protective cover (162) being positioned around the floating connector (104) to cover a gap between the floating connector (104) and an edge of the opening (129).

11. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 1, wherein the floating connector assembly (100) further comprises a flexible first protective cover, the first protective cover being positioned around the floating connector (104) to cover a gap between the floating connector (104) and the base (102).

12. 5. The connector device (10) of claim 1, further comprising a second protective cover (228), the second protective cover (228) being positioned to cover a joint where the floating connector (104) is connected to the mating connector (204).

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