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] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector device for establishing fluid communication between fluid conduits.

Background Art

[0002] Connector devices can be used in various applications to establish connections and fluid communication between fluid conduits.

[0003] Connector devices generally include a female connector and a male connector each connected to a fluid conduit. The male connector can be inserted into the female connector to establish fluid communication between the fluid conduits. It is desirable for the female connector and the male connector to be adaptable to deviations in assembly in various directions when the female connector and the male connector are connected so that the female connector and the male connector can be easily assembled and connected to each other, which is particularly advantageous for application scenarios where the female connector and the male connector need to be frequently connected or disconnected. For example, some electric vehicle manufacturers currently select a battery pack replacement technology in which the male connector and the female connector of a connector device used to establish fluid communication between the thermal management system in a battery pack and the coolant supply system in a vehicle need to be repeatedly connected or disconnected many times. Therefore, it is desirable for the connector device to be able to absorb deviations in assembly in various directions during battery pack replacement. Also, in order to achieve weight reduction of the vehicle, it is desirable for the connector device applied to the vehicle to have a small weight.

[0004] Currently, utility model application CN216158545U provides a female connector and a connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising a female connector and a male connector for connecting to the female connector. The connector assembly is sleeve-shaped on the outside of the housing of the female connector and can absorb installation tolerances through the elastic deformation of a bushing positioned in the base receiving passage. However, the female connector does not have an independent floating device to absorb axial installation tolerances of the housing of the female connector. When the plug end of the male connector is inserted into the housing of the female connector, the valve structure of the female connector and the valve structure of the male connector can compensate for axial installation tolerances of the housing of the female connector. The insertion depth of the plug end of the male connector is not fixed, which can 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 novel type of self-sealing quick connector for water cooling pipelines. The quick connector includes a male connector comprising a fixing plate, a pipe connecting component, a male connector body, and an adjustment assembly having a spiral spring and a floating spring. The fixing plate is connected to the mounting surface through four adjustment assemblies, and three-dimensional displacement of the fixing plate can be automatically corrected using the floating spring and spiral spring. The male connector body of the male connector is firmly connected to the fixing plate, and when displacement of the assembly causes the male connector body to move or tilt the fixing plate, stress concentrates at the joint where the male connector body is connected to the fixing plate. Therefore, this structure is not suitable for male connectors made of plastic, otherwise, male connectors made of plastic will be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] China Utility Model No. 216158545 Specification [Patent Document 2] China Utility Model No. 213177219 Specification [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art and to provide an improved connector device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For the purposes described above, a connector device is provided by this disclosure. The connector device comprises a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly, the floating connector assembly comprising a base, a floating connector and a first floating unit. The base defines a base plane and provides a housing space for accommodating the first floating unit. The first floating unit comprises a through hole for receiving the floating connector and is configured to allow the floating connector to move radially through the through hole and to be tilted axially with respect to the through hole. The mating connector assembly comprises a mating connector suitable for coupling with the floating connector, the floating connector comprising a valve assembly and the mating connector comprising a valve unit, the valve assembly and valve unit configured to switch to an open state when the floating connector is coupled with the mating connector so that the flow paths of both the floating connector and the mating connector are opened. The floating connector assembly further comprises a second floating unit mounted on 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 the open position, the second floating unit becomes movable to a changed floating position relative to the base, in order to compensate for any deviation 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 any direction. Furthermore, the floating connector is positioned on the first floating unit at its base, which also helps to avoid damage to the floating connector caused by assembly deviations / tolerances when connecting the floating connector assembly to the mating connector assembly. This is particularly advantageous for floating connectors made from plastic. Additionally, an independent second floating unit is provided to absorb assembly deviations in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, and the second floating unit is configured to move to a changed floating position relative to the base after both the valve assembly and valve unit are switched to the open state, so that the second floating unit can prevent the valve assembly and valve unit from compensating for assembly deviations in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, thereby reducing wear on the valve assembly and valve unit.

[0010] According to the technical concepts described above, this disclosure may further include one or more of the following optional forms:

[0011] In some optional configurations, the base comprises a receiving cavity, and the second floating unit comprises 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 positioned in the receiving space to bias the enclosure away from the base.

[0012] In some optional forms, the second floating unit further comprises a male screw fastener and a fitting member, the male screw fastener extending through the receiving space and engaging with the fitting member to mount the enclosing body to the base.

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

[0014] In some optional configurations, the compatible member is provided with a first compatible portion, and the male screw fastener is provided with a second compatible portion that matches the shape of the first compatible portion, and the second compatible portion establishes a morphological compatibility with the first compatible portion.

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

[0016] In some optional forms, the floating connector assembly comprises at least two floating connectors, and the first floating unit comprises at least two cylindrical portions corresponding to each other. Each cylindrical portion defines its own through-hole for receiving the corresponding floating connector. The at least two cylindrical portions comprise a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion whose axes are parallel to each other, and the first and second cylindrical portions intersect.

[0017] In some optional configurations, the mating connector assembly further comprises a mounting seat, and the mating connector is connected to the mounting seat. The base or mounting seat is provided with a stop portion configured to abut against 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 against 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 optional configurations, the foundation 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 and a flexible first protective cover. The mounting plate has an opening for the floating connector to pass through. The floating connector is held at the base using the mounting plate, and the first protective cover is disposed around the floating connector to cover the 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, and the first protective cover is disposed around the floating connector to cover the gap between the floating connector and the base.

[0021] In some optional forms, the connector device further includes a second protective cover, and the second protective cover is disposed to cover the joint where the floating connector is connected to the mating connector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] The connector device according to the present disclosure can absorb deviations in assembly in any direction, reduce damage to the floating connector and the 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, where like reference numerals refer to the same or similar components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the floating connector assembly of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the mating connector assembly of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the floating connector assembly and the mating connector assembly are connected to each other. [Figure 4A] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, where the valve assembly of the floating connector assembly is in a closed state. [Figure 4B] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a mating connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, where the valve unit of the mating connector assembly is in the closed position. [Figure 4C] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a floating connector assembly and a mating connector assembly are connected to each other, and both the valve unit and the valve assembly are in an open state. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the first floating unit of a floating connector assembly of a connector device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing various stages in which a floating connector assembly is connected to a mating connector assembly in a state where their axes are not aligned in a straight line. [Figure 6B] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing various stages in which a floating connector assembly is connected to a mating connector assembly in a state where their axes are not aligned in a straight line. [Figure 6C] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing various stages in which a floating connector assembly is connected to a mating connector assembly in a state where their axes are not aligned in a straight line. [Figure 7] This is a simulation diagram of the deformation of the first floating unit of a connector device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure during the process of connecting a floating connector assembly to a mating connector assembly while their axes are not aligned in a straight line. [Figure 8A] This 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] This 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]This 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] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] This is a perspective view of a mating connector assembly of a connector device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The implementation and use of embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it is considered that the specific embodiments discussed are intended only to illustrate specific ways of implementing and using the Disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the Disclosure. When describing the structure and location of components, the orientation expressions used herein, such as “up,” “down,” “up,” and “down,” are relative, not absolute. These orientation expressions are appropriate when components are arranged as shown in the drawings, but when the location of these components in the drawings changes, these orientation 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 circumference / periphery 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] Figures 1 to 3 show a connector device 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector device 10 comprises a floating connector assembly 100 and a mating connector assembly 200 for connection to the floating connector assembly 100. The floating connector assembly 100 and the mating connector assembly 200 can each be connected to a fluid conduit (not shown). The connector device 10 is used, for example, to establish fluid communication between a thermal management system in a battery pack and a coolant supply system in a vehicle, as described below.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the floating connector assembly 100 comprises 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 a housing space 110 for accommodating the first floating unit 106. The first floating unit 106 has a through hole 112 for receiving the floating connector 104, and is configured to allow the floating connector 104 to move radially through the through hole 112 and to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the through hole 112. The second floating unit 108 is mounted on the base 102 and is configured to be movable relative to the base 102 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane. The floating connector assembly 100 can be mounted on the vehicle body via the second floating unit 108. The floating connector 104 may comprise a floating connector body 114 and a valve assembly 116 positioned on the floating connector body 114, and is fluidly connected to a fluid pipeline in the vehicle's coolant supply system.

[0029] The mating connector assembly 200 may comprise a mounting seat portion 202 and a mating connector 204. The mounting seat portion 202 can be mounted on the casing of the battery pack. The mating connector 204 may comprise a mating connector body 206 and a valve unit 208 disposed on the mating connector body 206, and can be fluidly connected to a fluid pipeline in the thermal management system of the battery pack.

[0030] The floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 can be connected to each other 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-in portion 210, which can be inserted into the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104 to achieve connection between the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204. It is also conceivable that the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204 may be configured such that the floating connector 104 is inserted into the mating connector 204, thereby achieving 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 connecting the floating connector assembly 100 in the vehicle body to 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 positioned on the first floating unit 106 at its base 102, which also helps to avoid damage to the floating connector 104 caused by assembly deviations during the process of connecting the floating connector 104 to the mating connector 204. This is particularly advantageous for floating connectors made from plastic, which will be described in detail below.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 is substantially plate-shaped. Referring to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system in Figure 1, the base plane defined by the base 102 is the XY plane of the base 102, that is, the plane on which the length direction X and width direction Y of the base 102 are located. When the floating connector assembly 100 is mounted on the vehicle body, the base plane is substantially parallel to the mounting surface on the vehicle body with respect to the floating connector assembly 100.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, the base 102 includes a housing space 110 that extends through the base 102 in 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] Referring to Figures 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 area 118 and a second area 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first area 118 and the second area 120 are formed separately and assembled together by snap fastening. This allows the second area 120 to have various configurations to adapt to different conduits, mating parts, or quick connectors, thereby expanding the range of applications for the floating connector assembly 100. The first area 118 and the second area 120 can be formed, for example, by injection molding. In the illustrated embodiment, the first area 118 and the second area 120 are assembled to form an elbow of approximately 90°, which is particularly advantageous for applications in limited mounting space. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that the first region 118 and the second region 120 may be assembled to form an elbow with any required angle, such as 45° or 135°, or to form a straight tube.

[0035] The first section 118 is substantially tubular. The first section 118 is coaxially positioned in the through hole 112, and its axial direction is also along the Z direction. An inlet 122 for inserting the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is provided at the end of the first section 118. The inlet 122 includes a guide surface 123 to guide the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 so that it is inserted into the first section 118.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first region 118 comprises a first flange 124 and a second flange 126 positioned 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 region 118 and are positioned on either side of the first floating unit 106, respectively. The outer diameters of both the first flange 124 and the second flange 126 are larger than the diameter of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 to prevent the floating connector 104 from disengaging from the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106. The outer diameter of a 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] Referring further to Figure 3, the floating connector body 114 can be held on 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 area 118 is confined between the base 102 and the mounting plate 128 in the Z direction, thereby preventing the floating connector body 114 from detaching from the base 102. The base 102 and the mounting plate 128 define a movable space 130 in which the first flange 124 moves. The movable space 130 and the housing 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., moves along the XY plane), or when it tilts with respect to the axial direction of the through-hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 (i.e., tilts with respect to the Z direction), the first flange 124 will translate, tilt, and / or rotate within the movement space 130.

[0038] Referring to Figures 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, an elastic element 136, a first sealing element 131, and a second sealing element 133. The valve stem 132 is positioned in the first region 118 along the axial direction of the first region 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 region 118 and is sleeve-shaped on the outside of the valve stem 132, and is slidable between a closed position (shown in Figure 4A) and an open position (shown in Figure 4C) along the axial direction of the first region 118, so that the valve assembly 116 can be switched between a closed state (shown in Figure 4A) and an open state (shown in Figure 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, with its two ends abutting the sliding sleeve 134 and the valve stem base 137, respectively. A first sealing element 131 is embedded on the outer circumference of the valve stem head 135 so as to seal and contact the inner surface of the sliding sleeve 134. A second sealing element 133 is embedded on the outer circumference of the sliding sleeve 134 so as to seal and contact the inner surface of the first region 118. As shown in Figure 4A, when the sliding sleeve 134 is biased by the elastic element 136 toward the closed position, it closes the annular gap between the first region 118 and the valve stem head 135 to close the flow path of the floating connector 104. As shown in Figure 4C, when the sliding sleeve 134 is pushed along the axial direction of the first region 118 by an external force, the sliding sleeve 134 can be moved to the open position against the elastic force of the elastic element 136 so that the flow path of the floating connector 104 is opened.

[0039] Referring to Figures 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 the embodiment, the first floating unit 106 is made from TPV. At least one cavity 138 is defined in the surrounding wall of the first floating unit 106. The combination of the material and cavity structure of the first floating unit 106 causes the first floating unit 106 to deform elastically when subjected to an external force. In this way, the first floating unit 106 moves the floating connector 104 radially across the through hole 112 of the first floating unit 106 relative to the base 102, or tilts it with respect 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 the base plane (i.e., floated along the XY plane) and tilted relative to the base plane (i.e., tilted relative to the Z direction) to adapt to deviations in assembly during the process of connecting the floating connector 104 with the mating connector 204.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous when connecting the floating connector 104 to the mating connector 204 if the first area 118 of the floating connector 104 and the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 are not aligned axially (for example, if the axis of the first area 118 of the floating connector 104 and the axis of the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 deviate from each other by a certain distance or form a certain angle). Here, 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. In the illustrated embodiments, 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 with respect to the Z direction, the floating connector 104 is further cushioned by the first floating unit 106. Compared to the case where the floating connector is firmly connected to the base, the structure of the floating connector 104 provided on the first floating unit 106 in this disclosure helps to avoid damage when the floating connector 104 is floating, especially when the floating connector 104 moves along the XY plane and tilts with respect to the Z direction. This structure further enables the floating connector 104 (in particular the floating connector body 114 of the floating connector 104) to be made from, for example, a plastic material, thereby reducing the weight of the connector device 10 and lowering the manufacturing cost of the connector device 10.

[0042] Figures 6A to 6C illustrate the process of connecting the floating connector 104 to the mating connector 204 / inserting the mating connector 204 into the floating connector 104 when the entrance 122 of the first area 118 of the floating connector 104 is not aligned axially with the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204. As shown in Figure 6A, and referring to Figures 6A to 6C, since the entrance 122 of the first area 118 of the floating connector 104 is not aligned axially with the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 initially pushes the first area 118 when it is inserted into the entrance 122 of the first area 118. At this time, the first floating unit 106 housing the first area 118 is elastically deformed to tilt the first area 118 with respect to the Z direction, so that the insertion portion 210 can be more easily inserted into the first area 118 through the entrance 122. Next, as shown in Figure 6B, the insertion portion 210 can be further inserted into the first area 118 under the guidance of the guide surface 123 of the entrance 122. Finally, as shown in Figure 6C, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into place, 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 has accordingly 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 has accordingly two mating connectors 204.

[0044] It is conceivable 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] Referring to Figure 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 portion 140), the first cylindrical portion 140a having a through hole 112a and the second cylindrical portion 140b having a through hole 112b. In the illustrated embodiment, each cylindrical portion 140 has a plurality of cavities 138 arranged around the circumference of the cylindrical portion and extending axially along the cylindrical portion to facilitate the elastic deformation of the first floating unit 106. It is conceivable that the first floating unit 106 may have other suitable configurations of cavities. For example, the surrounding walls of the cylindrical portion 140 may be honeycomb-shaped.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the axes 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, both are perpendicular to the base plane, that is, both are aligned in 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. In this configuration, as shown in Figure 7, when connecting the floating connector 104 to the mating connector 204, if the floating connector 104 needs to move relative to the base 102 along the XY plane and tilt with respect to the Z direction, the first cylindrical portion 140a and the second cylindrical portion 140b can be deformed in a coordinated manner, increasing the consistency of the deformation, thereby reducing the force required to deform the first floating unit 106, and therefore reducing the insertion force required to complete the proper connection 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] Referring to Figures 8A to 8C, the base 102 further includes a receiving cavity 144. The second floating unit 108 includes a casing 146 and an elastic member 148. The casing 146 is configured to be movable relative to the receiving cavity 144 in a direction perpendicular to the base plane, that is, movable along the Z direction. The casing 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 casing 146 away from the base 102.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 146 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is at least partially positioned in the receiving cavity 144, the receiving cavity 144 having a substantially cylindrical shape that conforms to the shape of the enclosure 146 in order to guide the enclosure 146 to move along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving cavity 144 in the Z direction. In other embodiments, it can be understood that the enclosure 146 may be sleeve-shaped on the outside of the receiving cavity 144 in order to move along the outer circumferential surface of the receiving cavity 144 in the Z direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 148 is a coil spring. In other embodiments, it can be understood that the elastic member 148 may be any other component that can apply a biasing force in the Z direction to the enclosure 146.

[0049] The second floating unit 108 further comprises a male screw fastener 150 and a fitting member 152. The male screw fastener 150 may extend through the receiving space 145 and may engage with the fitting member 152 to movably mount the enclosure 146 to the base 102. The male screw fastener 150 may be a screw bolt or a screw stud. In the illustrated embodiment, the male screw fastener 150 extends through the elastic member 148 in the receiving space 145.

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

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting member 152 is provided with a first fitting portion 158, and the male screw fastener 150 is provided with a second fitting portion 160 that matches the shape of the first fitting portion 158, thereby establishing a morphological compatibility between the second fitting portion 160 and the first fitting portion 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fitting portion 158 is in a protruding form, and the second fitting portion 160 is in a recessed form. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first fitting portion 158 may be in a recessed form, and the second fitting portion 160 may be in a protruding form. It can also be understood that in other embodiments, the fitting member 152 may have female threads and may be screwed into the male screw fastener 150.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting member 152 is conical in shape as a whole. Optionally, the fitting member 152 may include two separately formed sections having the same semi-conical shape to jointly form the conical fitting member 152, which can facilitate the installation of the fitting member 152. Clearly, during the installation of the fitting member 152, the enclosure 146 is pushed downward to expose the second fitting portion 160 of the male screw fastener 150, then the two sections of the fitting member 152 engage with the male screw fastener 150, and finally the pressure in the enclosure 146 is released, and the enclosure 146 moves upward under the elastic force of the elastic member 148 until the fitting member 152 is accepted and restricted in the limiting hole 156. In other embodiments, it can be understood that the fitting member 152 may be formed by a combination of two or more sections around a perimeter.

[0053] Referring to Figures 8A to 8C, the floating connector assembly 100 can be attached to the vehicle body via the male screw 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 way, the floating connector assembly 100 can be pushed by the mating connector assembly 200, in particular, during the process of fixing the battery pack to the vehicle body after the mating connector assembly 200 in the battery pack has been connected / inserted with the floating connector assembly 100 in the vehicle body, so that the base 102 can be moved 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 Figures 8A to 8C, the base 102 can be moved to a changed position 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 in order to absorb / compensate for deviations in the assembly in the Z direction within a certain range.

[0054] Referring again to Figures 1 and 3, the floating connector assembly 100 further comprises a flexible first protective cover 162. The first protective cover 162 is positioned around the floating connector 104 to at least cover 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 housing space 110, the cavity 138 of the first floating unit 106, and the floating connector 104, etc. When the floating connector 104 is moved relative to the base 102, the first protective cover 162 can deform for / follow the movement of the floating connector 104, so as to prevent the ingress of foreign matter (such as dust and water). In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 may have a corrugated cross-section so as to be able to deform more easily following the movement of the floating connector 104.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first protective cover 162 is provided with an opening 164 for the floating connector 104 to pass through. The first protective cover 162 may be sealed and connected to the floating connector 104 at the opening 164, for example, by joining, laser welding, high-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 projection 168. The projection 168 extends substantially perpendicular to the base plane, i.e., 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 projection 168 engages with a spring nut 170 (see Figure 1) to tighten the outer edge of the first protective cover 162 between the press 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] For example, in cases where the mounting plate is omitted from the floating connector assembly 100, it can be understood that the first protective cover 162 may be positioned around the floating connector 104 to cover the gap between the floating connector 104 and the base 102 in order to prevent foreign matter from entering.

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

[0058] The insertion portion 210 is substantially tubular and extends substantially perpendicular to the mounting seat portion 202. A port 214 is provided at the end of the insertion portion 210. The insertion 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 Figure 4B) for sealing and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the first area 118 of the floating connector 104 is embedded in the outer circumference of the insertion portion 210. A plurality of guide ribs 216 (see Figure 2) are further arranged outside the insertion portion 210. The guide ribs 216 can cooperate with the guide surface 123 of the floating connector 104 to facilitate aligning the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 with the first area 118 of the floating connector 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of guide ribs 216 are arranged radially around the insertion portion 210.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion portion 210 is formed integrally with the mounting seat portion 202. In other embodiments, it can be understood that the insertion portion 210 may be fixed to the mounting seat portion 202 by other means. The adapter portion 212 may be fixed to the insertion portion 210, for example, by a snap fastener. The adapter portion 212 may have different configurations to adapt to different conduits or mating parts, thereby expanding the range of application of the mating connector assembly 200.

[0060] Referring to Figures 4B and 4C, the valve unit 208 is a check valve and comprises a valve core 218, an elastic component 220, and a second sealing member 222. The valve core 218 is movable along the axial direction of the insertion portion 210 between a closed position (see Figure 4B) and an open position (see Figure 4C), and accordingly, the valve unit 208 can be switched between a closed state (see Figure 4B) and an open state (see Figure 4C). The valve core 218 is biased toward the closed position by the elastic component 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic component 220 is a coil spring. The second sealing member 222 is embedded on the outer circumference of the valve core 218. As shown in Figure 4B, when the valve core 218 is biased toward the closed position by the elastic component 220, the valve core 218 closes / seals the port 214 so that the flow path of the mating connector 204 is closed. As shown in Figure 4C, when the valve core 218 is pushed along the axial direction of the insertion 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 component 220, so that the flow path of the mating connector 204 is opened.

[0061] Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, while the floating connector 104 is connected to the mating connector 204, the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector 104, pushing the sliding sleeve 134 of the floating connector 104 from the closed position to 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 to 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 reach the final open state, so that both the flow path of the floating connector 104 and the flow path of the mating connector 204 are opened and fluid communication with each other, thereby establishing fluid communication between the conduit connected to the floating connector 104 and the conduit connected to the mating connector 204. When the mating connector 204 is disconnected from the floating connector 104 by pulling out the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 from 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 this time, both the flow path of the floating connector 104 and the flow path of the mating connector 204 are closed, and no fluid leaks from the fluid conduits connected to the floating connector 104 and the mating connector 204, respectively.

[0062] 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 illustrative, and it can be understood that any other suitable check valve structure may be used to achieve the bidirectional shutoff function of the connector device 10.

[0063] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 8A-8C, the connector device 10 is configured such that, in order to adapt to / absorb / compensate for assembly deviations in a direction perpendicular to the base plane (i.e., assembly deviations in the Z direction), the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 are both switched to an open state, after which the second floating unit 108 becomes movable to a changed floating position relative to the base 102, in particular, where assembly deviations in the Z direction occur while the battery pack is fixed to the vehicle body via fasteners. In other words, while connecting the floating connector 104 to the mating connector 204, the elastic element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the elastic component 220 of the valve unit 208 are initially compressed, so that the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 are switched to an open state. Therefore, the elastic member 148 of the second floating unit 108 is compressed so that the enclosing body 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 elastic member 148 of the second floating unit 108 to have a greater elastic modulus than the elastic element 136 of the valve assembly 116 and the elastic component 220 of the valve unit 208. By providing an independent second floating unit 108 that can move to a changed floating position relative to the base 102 after both the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 have been switched to the open state, it is possible to prevent the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208 from compensating for assembly failure in the Z direction, reduce wear on the valve assembly 116 and the valve unit 208, and extend the service life of the connector device 10.

[0064] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the mounting seat portion 202 of the mating connector assembly 200 is further provided with a stop portion 224. The stop portion 224 can abut against the base portion 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 when the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 is inserted into the floating connector 104 in order to fix the insertion depth of the insertion portion 210. By providing the stop portion 224, the stop portion 224 of the mating connector assembly 200 will come into contact with the base portion 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 when the insertion portion 210 is inserted into a preset position. As a result, deviations in the Z-direction of the assembly during the insertion process will be absorbed by the second floating unit 108 of the floating connector assembly 100. This 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 deviations in the Z-direction of the assembly, thereby extending 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 to the mating connector 204, and especially during the process of compensating for deviations / failures in the Z-direction of assembly when fixing the battery pack to the vehicle body, the base of the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 does not directly press against the inlet 122 of the floating connector 104, thereby preventing the first flange 124 from pressing against the mounting plate 128 and avoiding an increase in stress on the mounting plate 128. Therefore, by providing the stop portion 224, fatigue failure of the mounting plate 128 can be avoided after the vehicle's battery pack has been replaced many times, or in other words, after the insertion portion 210 of the mating connector 204 has been repeatedly inserted and removed, thereby preventing a reduction in the cycle life of the connector device 10.

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

[0066] Referring to Figure 2, the stop portion 224 protrudes from the mounting seat portion 202 and surrounds the insertion portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop portion 224 is protruding to increase the contact surface with the base portion 102 of the floating connector assembly 100 and to ensure stable contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector assembly 200 includes two mating connectors 204. Therefore, the stop portion 224 may include two stop areas 226. In the illustrated embodiment, each stop area 226 surrounds the entire perimeter of the insertion 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 only on one side of the corresponding insertion portion 210, rather than surrounding the entire perimeter of the corresponding insertion portion.

[0067] Referring to Figure 3, the assembly of the connector device 10 during the replacement of the vehicle's battery pack is briefly described below. When the vehicle's battery pack is replaced, the mating connector 204 in the battery pack is pre-aligned with the floating connector 104 in 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 secured 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 the replacement of the battery pack, the first floating unit 106 and the second floating unit 108 can absorb assembly deviations in any direction.

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

[0069] Figures 9A and 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, the difference being that the connector device 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment further comprises a flexible second protective cover 228 in addition to the flexible first protective cover 162. The second protective cover 228 is positioned to cover / enclose the joint / boundary surface to which the floating connector 104 is connected to the mating connector 204 after the floating connector 104 is connected to 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 positioned around the stop portion 224 and has a bellows structure. One end 229 of the second protective cover 228 is sealed and fixed to the outer circumference of the stop portion 224. The other end / 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 connected to the mating connector 204 to prevent foreign matter from entering. In other embodiments, it can be understood that one end of the second protective cover may be fixed to the base 102 of the floating connector assembly 100, and the other end of the second protective cover may abut against the mounting seat 202 of the mating connector assembly 200.

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

[0072] The technical content and features of this disclosure are disclosed above. However, it can be understood that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements to the concepts disclosed above under the creative concepts of this disclosure, and that all such modifications and improvements will also fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure. The above-mentioned embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of this 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 Guide surface 124 First flange 126 Second flange 128 Mounting plate 129 Aperture 130 Mobile 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 section 140a First cylindrical section 140b Second cylindrical section 144 Receiving Cavities 145 Acceptance Space 146 Encirclement 148 Elastic members 150 Male screw fasteners 152 Compatible parts 154 End wall 156 Restriction holes 158 First fitting part 160 Second fitting part 162 First protective cover 164 Opening 166 Press-fit ring 168 Protrusion 170 Spring Nut 200 Mating Connector Assembly 202 Mounting seat section 203 fastening holes 204 Mating Connector 206 Mating connector body 208 Valve Unit 210 Insertion part 212 Adapter part 214 ports 215 First sealing member 216 Guide Rib 218 Valve core 220 Elastic parts 222 Second sealing member 224 Stop part 226 Stop area 228 Second protective cover 229 One end of the second protective cover 228 230 The other end / free end of the second protective cover 228 D 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 section 140b X Length direction of base 102 Y width direction of base 102 Z base 102 thickness direction

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) has a plate shape, the main surface of the base (102) defines a base plane, and has a housing space (110) for housing the first floating unit (106), the first floating unit (106) has a through hole (112) for receiving the floating connector (104), and the floating connector (104) is moved radially through the through hole (112), and the through hole (112) is configured to be tilted with respect to the axial direction, and the mating connector assembly (200) comprises a mating connector (204) adapted to be connected to the floating connector (104), the floating connector (104) comprises a valve assembly (116), and the mating connector (204) comprises a valve unit (208), both of which are configured to switch to an open state when the floating connector (104) is connected to the mating connector (204) so ​​that the flow paths of both the floating connector (104) and the mating connector (204) are opened. The floating connector assembly (100) further comprises a second floating unit (108) which is mounted on the base (102) and is 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) becomes movable to a floating position changed relative to the base (102) in order to compensate for deviations in assembly in the direction perpendicular to the base plane.

2. The connector device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the base (102) comprises a receiving cavity (144), the second floating unit (108) comprises a surrounding body (146) and an elastic member (148), the surrounding body (146) is movable relative to the receiving cavity (144) in the direction perpendicular to the base plane, the surrounding body (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 surrounding body (146) in a direction away from the base (102).

3. The connector device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second floating unit (108) further comprises a male screw fastener (150) and a fitting member (152), the male screw fastener (150) extending through the receiving space (145) and engaging with the fitting member (152) to mount the enclosing body (146) onto the base (102).

4. The connector device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the surrounding body (146) is provided with an inverted conical limiting hole (156), the fitting member (152) has an outer contour that matches the shape of the limiting hole (156), and the fitting member (152) is positioned around the male screw fastener (150) in the limiting hole (156) so as to be restricted by the limiting hole (156).

5. The connector device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fitting member (152) is provided with a first fitting portion (158), the male screw fastener (150) is provided with a second fitting portion (160) that matches the shape of the first fitting portion (158), and the second fitting portion (160) establishes a conformal shape with the first fitting portion (158).

6. The connector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first floating unit (106) is in the form of a bushing and is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and / or rubber material, and at least one cavity (138) is defined in the surrounding wall of the first floating unit (106).

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

8. The connector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mating connector assembly (200) further comprises a mounting seat portion (202), the mating connector (204) is connected to the mounting seat portion (202), and the base portion (102) or the mounting seat portion (202) is provided with a stop portion (224) configured to abut against the mounting seat portion (202) or the base portion (102) facing 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. The connector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the floating connector assembly (100) further comprises a mounting plate (128) and a flexible first protective cover (162), the mounting plate (128) having an opening (129) for the floating connector (104) to pass through, the floating connector (104) being held at the base (102) using the mounting plate (128), and the first protective cover (162) being positioned around the floating connector (104) to cover the gap between the floating connector (104) and the edge of the opening (129).

11. The connector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 the gap between the floating connector (104) and the base (102).

12. The connector device (10) further comprises a second protective cover (228), the second protective cover (228) being positioned to cover the joint where the floating connector (104) is connected to the mating connector (204), according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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