Connector assembly

Systems and methods are described relating a connector assembly having a mating end and a non-mating end, the mating end configured to engage a mating end of another connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a housing, a central member disposed within the housing, and a sleeve disposed between the central member and the housing. The sleeve may be slidably coupled to the housing and may be slidable along an axial direction relative to the central member. The sleeve, when slidably moved to an open position, may form a flow channel defined by at least (1) a sloped surface on the sleeve and (2) a sloped surface on the central member. The sleeve, when slidably moved to a closed position, may close the flow channel.

BACKGROUND

Modern machines such as cars, trucks, vans, airplanes, boats, and the like, use fluids during operation. Some fluids, such as gasoline, diesel, and ethanol, are consumed by modern machines for propulsion. Other fluids, such as lubricants and coolants, are circulated for protecting internal components.

Fluids for modern machines may flow by way of flow paths formed by a series of tubes and connectors. Generally, a connector system includes connector devices that can connect together to form a flow path between two fluid reservoirs, and disconnect from one another to separate a flow path between two fluid reservoirs. Disconnecting the connector devices when a flow path exists between the two fluid reservoirs may cause fluid to uncontrollably drain from both fluid reservoirs. As a result, valved connectors have been developed to prevent fluid from flowing out of the reservoirs when the flow path is disconnected, by sealing respective openings on each side of the separated flow path. Valved connectors as discussed in the present disclosure generally refer to connectors that have the ability to cut off the flow of fluids upon disconnection. Some valved connectors are also known as dry break connectors, which refer to valved connectors that prevent residual spillage upon disconnection and the cut off of fluid flow. Other valved connectors, i.e., those that are not strictly “dry” connectors, may leave some residual fluid, such as small amounts of fluid left in pockets or recesses, that can spill from the system after disconnection and the cut off of fluid flow. While the term “reservoir” is used herein to describe both sides of a connection system (e.g., “between the two reservoirs”), the direction of fluid flow may only be in one direction and not in both directions. One reservoir may be flowing to the other in one direction through the connector system. A “reservoir” thus is a potential source of fluid and does not necessarily connote a particular direction of fluid flow. The structural design of current valved connectors creates impedances within flow paths through the connectors, thereby causing inefficient fluid flow. Accordingly, there is a need for improved design of valved connectors.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide apparatuses and systems for improved valved connectors that have smooth and efficient flow paths. An exemplary valved connector includes a central member having a smooth conical surface as part of a flow channel along which fluid may flow within the valved connector. Structures that may impede the flow of fluids through the flow channel, such as springs or other structural impedances, may be removed from the flow channel, thereby minimizing flow impedance and turbulence and providing a smooth and efficient flow path.

In some embodiments, a connector assembly may include a mating end and a non-mating end, the mating end configured to engage a mating end of another connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a housing, a central member disposed within the housing, and a sleeve disposed between the central member and the housing. The sleeve may be slidably coupled to the housing and slidable along an axial direction relative to the central member. When slidably moved to an open position, the sleeve may form a flow channel defined by at least (1) a sloped surface on the sleeve and (2) a sloped surface on the central member. When slidably moved to a closed position, the sleeve may close the flow channel.

The sloped surface on the sleeve may be part of a conical surface on the sleeve, and the sloped surface on the central member may be a part of a conical surface on the central member. The conical surface may have a narrow end toward the non-mating end of the connector assembly and a wide end toward the mating end of the connector assembly. At the mating end of the connector assembly, the sleeve may extend past the housing along the axial direction. The housing may extend past the entire sleeve along the axial direction toward the mating end of the connector assembly. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly may further include a spring coupled to the sleeve and configured to apply a force to move the sleeve toward the closed position. The spring may be positioned out of a direct path of fluid flow through the flow channel. The spring may be compressed when the sleeve is in the open position and decompressed when the sleeve is in the closed position. The central member may include a contact surface, and the contact surface may define a recess at the mating end of the connector assembly. The central member may include a contact surface, and the contact surface may define a protrusion at the mating end of the connector assembly. The protrusion may be configured to insert into a recess defined by a contact surface of a central member of another connector assembly.

In some embodiments, a connector system may include a first connector assembly having a first mating end and a first non-mating end. The first connector assembly may include a first housing, a first central member disposed within the first housing, and a first sleeve disposed between the first central member and the first housing. The first sleeve may be slidably coupled to the first housing and may be slidable along an axial direction relative to the first central member. The connector system may also include a second connector assembly having a second mating end and a second non-mating end. The second mating end may be configured to engage the first mating end. The second connector assembly may include a second housing, a second central member disposed within the second housing, and a second sleeve disposed between the second central member and the second housing. The second sleeve may be slidably coupled to the second housing and may be slidable along the axial direction. When the connector system is in a connected state, the first connector assembly may be coupled to the second connector assembly, which forms a flow channel defined by at least (1) a first sloped surface on the first sleeve, (2) a first sloped surface on the first central member, (3) a second sloped surface on the second sleeve, and (4) a second sloped surface on the second central member. When the connector system is in a disconnected state, the first connector assembly may be separated from the second connector assembly. In the disconnected state, the first and second sleeves may close the first and second flow channels, respectively.

The first sloped surface on the first sleeve may be part of a conical surface on the first sleeve. The first sloped surface on the first central member may be a part of a conical surface on the first central member. The second sloped surface on the second sleeve may be part of a conical surface on the second sleeve. The second sloped surface on the second central member may be a part of a conical surface on the second central member. The conical surface of the first central member may have a narrow end toward the first non-mating end of the first connector assembly, as well as a wide end toward the first mating end of the first connector assembly. The conical surface of the second central member may have a narrow end toward the second non-mating end of the second connector assembly, as well as a wide end toward the second mating end of the second connector assembly. Thus, the mating ends of the first and second connector assemblies may face one another. The first sloped surface and the second sloped surface may be asymmetrical and form a tear drop shape.

In some embodiments, a method of connecting a first connector assembly with a second connector assembly may include a step of orienting a first mating end of the first connector assembly toward a second mating end of the second connector assembly. The method may also include a step of applying a first pressure against the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly toward one another. The method may further include a step of contacting a first sleeve of the first connector assembly with a second sleeve of the second connector assembly. The first pressure may be greater than a second pressure applied by a first spring against the first sleeve and a second spring against the second sleeve. In addition, the method may include a step of coupling a first housing of the first connector assembly with a second housing of the second connector assembly. Thus, a flow channel may be formed that extends across the entire connector system.

Coupling the first housing with the second housing may be performed by further applying the first pressure against the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly to insert the second connector assembly into the first connector assembly. Coupling the first housing with the second housing may move the first sleeve and the second sleeve from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the first sleeve may contact a first central member of the first connector assembly, and the second sleeve may contact a second central member of the second connector assembly. In the open position, the first sleeve may be separated from a first central member, and the second sleeve may be separated from a second central member. In certain embodiments, the flow channel may surround the first central member and the second central member.

A better understanding of the nature and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure may be gained with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary valved connector assembly includes a central member and a housing. A sleeve is positioned between the central member and the housing and configured to slide in an axial direction to close a flow channel by pinching the sleeve against the central member when the sleeve is in a closed position (e.g., when the valved connectors are disconnected such that a flow path between two fluid reservoirs is separated). The flow channel may open by sliding the sleeve away from a surface of the central member when the sleeve is in an open position (e.g., when the valved connectors are connected to form a flow path between the two fluid reservoirs). The flow channel may be defined by a surface of the central member and a surface of the sleeve such that the flow channel surrounds a radial surface of the central member. The central member may include a smooth conical surface that tapers away from a mating end of the connector assembly, thereby providing a smooth surface along which fluid may flow in the flow channel. The smooth conical surface minimizes flow impedance and turbulence of fluid flow, thus providing a consistent and efficient flow path.

Valved connectors discussed herein may be implemented in any machine that uses fluid during operation and employs a connector. For example, valved connectors may be implemented in electric vehicles that use coolant fluid to cool battery modules.FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary electric vehicle100according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle100may include several battery modules102and104configured to dissipate stored charge to power electric motors106and108for propelling vehicle100and/or to power an electronic device110such as an infotainment system, control panel, climate control system, and the like. As is generally known, batteries depend for their operation on an electrochemical process. The operation of a battery usually generates heat due to power losses as current flows through the internal resistance of the battery, which is known as Joule heating. To counteract the effects of Joule heating, a cooling system may be implemented to cool the battery modules during discharging and/or charging. The cooling system may flow a cooling fluid over battery cells of battery modules102and104to reduce the effects of Joule heating, as will be discussed further herein.

Although embodiments are discussed with respect to electric vehicles, one skilled in the art would understand that valved connectors may be implemented in any machine where fluid is used. For example, valved connectors discussed herein may be implemented in gas-powered vehicles. A gas-powered vehicle may have a valved connector at the end of a fuel line for its fuel tank that is configured to mate with a complementary valved connector at the end of a fuel source so that, when connected, allow fuel to flow from the fuel source to the fuel tank, and, when disconnected, prevent fuel from uncontrollably flowing out of the fuel tank and the fuel source. It should therefore be appreciated that applications of valved connectors discussed herein are not strictly limited to electric vehicles. Additionally, althoughFIG. 1illustrates only two battery modules, it is to be appreciated that embodiments are not intended to be limited to two battery modules, and that other embodiments may have more or fewer battery modules in a vehicle.

I. Cooling System

As mentioned above, a cooling system may be implemented in an electric vehicle to counteract rises in temperature caused by Joule heating.FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary cooling system200for an electric vehicle, such as vehicle100inFIG. 1. Cooling system200may include a pump216for pumping coolant fluid to battery modules202and204. Each battery module202and204may include a chamber203and205for housing battery cells206and208, respectively. Battery cells206and208may store charge for powering individual components of the electric vehicle, such as one or more electric motors and electronic devices.

In some embodiments, pump216pumps coolant fluid to battery modules202and204in a closed loop flow path. For instance, pump216may pump coolant fluid in a counter-clockwise direction, e.g., to battery module202through tubes218and220and connector system210A, then to battery module204through tubes224and226and connector system210B, and then back to pump216through a heat removal component230, tubes228and230, and connector system210C, or in a clockwise direction through a reverse component order. Heat removal component230may remove heat from the coolant fluid flowing through cooling system200such that coolant fluid flowing through chambers203and205may remain cold enough to cool battery cells206and208. When reaching battery module202, coolant fluid may flow into chamber203and flow around battery cells206to cool battery cells206before flowing to chamber205to cool battery cells208. After passing over battery cells208, coolant fluid may flow back to pump216, which may recirculate coolant fluid back to chamber203.

Here, valved connector systems are used to facilitate easy connection and disconnection of battery modules202and204. As shown, connector system210A may be positioned along a flow path between pump216and battery module202. Connector system210B may be positioned along a flow path between battery module202and battery module204. Connector system210C may be positioned along a flow path between battery module204and pump216. Each connector system210A,210B, and210C may include a first connector assembly212A,212B, or212C, respectively, and a second connector assembly214A,214B, or214C, respectively. First and second connector assemblies212A and214A may be configured to enable coolant fluid to flow across connector system210A when connected, and prevent coolant fluid from flowing across connector system210A when disconnected. Connector systems210B and210C operate in a similar fashion. Connector systems210A-210C allow individual battery modules to be added or removed for various purposes, such as installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and/or replacement. As an example, connector systems210A and210B may be disconnected so that battery module202may be removed from cooling system200.

In certain embodiments, connector systems210A-210C may be valved connector systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, when first and second connector assemblies212A-212C and214A-214C are disconnected, respective tubes may be sealed such that coolant fluid does not uncontrollably flow out of the fluid reservoirs to which they are attached. Using valved connectors is beneficial in that coolant fluid does not have to be drained from cooling system200when performing maintenance on a battery module. Likewise, cooling system200does not need to be filled back up with coolant fluid after performing maintenance on a battery module. Nor does a technician need to find a place to temporarily store the drained coolant fluid while performing maintenance on the disconnected battery module. Thus, maintenance is significantly easier to perform, and costs associated with performing such maintenance is substantially decreased.

II. Connector Assembly

Using valved connector systems may increase flow resistance through cooling system200. The internal structural configuration of each connector system210may create fluid turbulence that impedes the smooth flow of fluid from one reservoir to the other. Higher impedances require a stronger pump216to overcome the impedance to continue fluid flow through cooling system200. Stronger pumps216use more power, dissipate more heat, are more expensive, and may negatively impact the range of an electric vehicle. Thus, reducing the amount of fluid impedance across each connector system210A-210C may allow cooling system200to be implemented with a weaker pump that uses less power, is cooler to run, is less expensive, and may positively impact the range of an electric vehicle. Embodiments herein disclose improved valved connector assemblies that have low flow impedances.

According to some embodiments, first connector assemblies212A-212C may be configured to mate with respective second connector assemblies214A-214C when connector system210A-210C is connected to allow fluid flow. First connector assemblies212A-212C may be male connector assemblies that couple with second connector assemblies214A-214C configured as female connector assemblies, or vice versa.

A. Male Connector Assembly

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an exemplary male valved connector assembly300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Connector assembly300includes a mating end301and a non-mating end303opposite of mating end301. Mating end301of connector assembly300may be configured to couple with a female valved connector assembly, as will be discussed further herein. Connector assembly300includes a housing302and a central member304. Housing302may be attached to a reservoir coupler322that is configured to couple with a reservoir for providing and receiving fluid through connector assembly300. In some embodiments, reservoir coupler322may be a separate structure that is attached to housing302, or may be a part of housing302.

Central member304may be a single, unitary structure that includes a head portion305, a tail portion307, and a body portion309between head portion305and tail portion307. Head portion305may have a cross-sectional diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of tail portion307. In some embodiments, head portion305includes a contact surface315defining a recess319within which a central member of a female connector may insert and make contact with contact surface315, as will be discussed further herein. In some embodiments, contact surface315may not define a recess319, but instead define a flat, vertical surface that may make contact with a corresponding flat, vertical surface. Tail portion307may include a base306fixed against housing302such that central member304does not move relative to housing302. Base306can be a part of tail portion307such that base306is part of the single, unitary structure of central member304, or base306can be a separate structure that is fixed to central member304. Although base306may fix central member304to housing302, embodiments are not so limited. In some embodiments, head portion305may be fixed to housing302, and/or body portion309may be fixed to housing302. It is to be appreciated that any suitable method of attaching central member304to housing302is envisioned in certain embodiments herein. In particular embodiments, central member304is oriented within housing302such that tail portion307faces non-mating end303and head portion305faces mating end301. Arranging central member304in this orientation provides for low fluid impedance across male connector assembly300, as will be discussed in more detail further herein.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, body portion309may have a sloped surface311that creates a conical shape that is wider near head portion305and narrower near tail portion307. Sloped surface311is a smooth surface that gradually transitions from head portion305to tail portion307. In some embodiments, the transition of sloped surface311across body portion309is continuous such that the slope does not change sign across the entire sloped surface311when traveling along the axial direction310. For instance, in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3, the tangent of every point along bottom sloped surface311(on the underside of central member304, traveling along the axial direction310) may have a negative slope. That is, the slope may not change sign from negative to positive along this path. In certain embodiments, sloped surface311can have any suitable slope profile. As an example, slope surface311can have a linear or an exponential slope profile.

Connector assembly300may also include a sleeve308, which may be positioned between central member304and housing302. In some embodiments, sleeve308can be slidably coupled to housing302. Being slidably coupled to housing302means that sleeve308is coupled to housing302in a way that allows sleeve308to slide along a certain direction relative to housing302(as well as central member304given that central member304is fixed to housing302). For instance, sleeve308may be slidably coupled to housing302such that it is allowed to move along an axial direction310relative to housing302and central member304. In some embodiments, a spring312rests within a spring chamber314formed by vacant space between sleeve308and housing302. Spring312may be coupled to sleeve308and configured to apply pressure313against sleeve308toward mating end301of connector assembly300. In certain embodiments, spring312is positioned out of the flow path of the fluid, preventing the presence of the spring from creating fluid turbulence and impedance along the flow path. A thickest portion of sleeve308may prevent sleeve308from being pushed out of housing302by wedging against both central member304and housing302. In some embodiments, a seal316may be positioned on central member304to form a non-permeable barrier at an interface317to prevent fluid from flowing between central member304and sleeve308when sleeve308is pressed against central member304. Seal316may be an o-ring, or any other suitable seal for preventing fluid flow. In some embodiments, seal316may be positioned within a groove321in head portion305or between head portion305and body portion309. Groove321, however, may not create fluid turbulence because when seal316is positioned in groove321, the outer curvature of seal316may continue the smooth surface of head portion305and/or body portion309. Although seal316is positioned on central member304, some embodiments may be configured to have seal316positioned on sleeve308. Seal316may be positioned on sleeve308such that a non-permeable barrier may be formed at interface317to prevent fluid flow when sleeve308is pressed against central member304.

In particular embodiments, when sleeve308is wedged between central member304and housing302, sleeve308is in a closed position, meaning fluid is prevented from flowing across an entire flow channel318, as shown inFIG. 3. Flow channel318may be a length of vacant space formed by surfaces of sleeve308, central member304, and housing302through which fluid may flow between mating end301and non-mating end303of connector assembly300. A flow path320illustrates one possible direction of fluid flow through flow channel318. Fluid may flow into connector assembly from non-mating end303toward mating end301. Given that connector assembly300shown inFIG. 3is in a closed position, flow channel318is closed, thereby preventing flow path320from extending all the way to mating end301past interface317. As a result, fluid flowing into connector assembly300from non-mating end303is sealed within connector assembly300and prevented from flowing out of connector assembly300. In some embodiments, when sleeve308is in the closed position, sleeve308extends past housing302along axial direction310toward mating end301of connector assembly300.

As mentioned herein, pressure313applied by spring312moves sleeve308into the closed position where sleeve308is wedged between central member304and housing302. When pressure313is overcome by a greater pressure in an opposing direction, then sleeve308may slide into an open position, as shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating male valved connector assembly300when sleeve308is in the open position. Pressure404that is greater than pressure313inFIG. 3causes spring312to compress and sleeve308to move along axial direction310toward non-mating end303until it contacts a seat402. In some embodiments, seat402may be a protruding portion412of housing302that protrudes toward central member304to stop further movement of sleeve308. In the open position, sleeve308no longer contacts central member304so that a flow channel406may extend across the entire connector assembly300between mating end301and non-mating end303. In certain embodiments, flow channel406may be a vacant space defined by sleeve308and central member304. In some embodiments, when spring312is compressed and flow channel406extends across the entire connector assembly300, sleeve308may not contact seat402. A gap may be positioned between sleeve308and seat402to allow for actuation of a locking feature (not shown) on housing302, such as a bayonet style locking feature. In such embodiments, sleeve308may be positioned a distance of between 0.25 to 0.75 mm, such as 0.5 mm, away from seat402.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, sleeve308may include a sloped surface410that complements sloped surface311of central member304. Similar to sloped surface311, sloped surface410may be smooth and continuous such that fluid is not impeded when flowing across sloped surface410. The complementary sloped surfaces410and311form a portion of flow channel406that has minimal flow impedances. Thus, when sleeve308in the open position, fluids may flow along a flow path408through flow channel406from non-mating end303to mating end301without encountering substantial flow impedances from central member304and sleeve308. Furthermore, spring312is positioned outside of flow channel406, and isolated from flow channel406by sleeve308so that it is not directly in flow path408. Accordingly, spring312does not create turbulence in fluid flowing through flow channel406, thereby improving flow efficiency of connector assembly300. As shown inFIG. 4, flow channel406may surround the outer radial surface of central member304and allow flow path408to flow along the outer radial surface of central member304.

FIG. 5is a cut-away diagram illustrating a perspective cross-sectional view of connector assembly300for a better understanding of its three-dimensional structure. In some embodiments, connector assembly300may have a cylindrical three-dimensional shape where the cross-section across its central axis has a substantially circular profile. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments are not limited to cross-sections with substantially circular profiles. Rather, cross-sectional profiles of any shape without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such as, but not limited to, rectangular and ovular cross-sectional profiles are envisioned in some embodiments herein.

As shown inFIG. 5, the structure of base306may be configured to fix central member304to housing302without substantially impeding fluid flow through flow channel406. In some embodiments, base306includes a ring502and one or more arms504coupling tail portion307of central member304to ring502for securing central member304to housing302. Base306may be fixed to housing302by confining base306between protruding portion412of housing302and reservoir coupler322in a way that prevents central member304from moving relative to housing302. A better perspective of the entire structure of central member304is shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 6is a simplified diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary connector assembly600, such as male valved connector assembly300discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3-5, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The exploded view separates the various components of connector assembly600so that each component can be individually observed.

As shown inFIG. 6, housing602may be a cylindrical structure configured to house sleeve608and central member604. A spring612may wrap around a portion of sleeve608and be configured to apply pressure against sleeve608as discussed herein with respect to spring312and sleeve308inFIG. 3. Central member604may be fixed to housing602by being pressed between a protruding portion (not shown inFIG. 6but similar to protruding portion412inFIG. 4) of housing602and a reservoir coupler610. In some embodiments, base606of central member604includes a ring612and one or more arms614. Arms614may couple ring612to central member604so that when ring612is secured between housing602and reservoir coupler610, central member604is fixed to housing602. In particular embodiments, ring612and arms614form an opening616in base606to allow fluid to flow through a flow channel, e.g., flow channel406inFIG. 4. Arms614may be arranged in any configuration. For instance, arms614may be positioned at the equator of ring612in a horizontal or vertical direction, or any other angle therebetween. Additionally and alternatively, some embodiments may have more or less than two arms614.

B. Female Connector Assembly

FIGS. 3-6illustrate an exemplary male valved connector assembly for coupling with a female valved connector assembly. As will be appreciated herein, components and structures of the exemplary male valved connector are configured to couple with corresponding components and structures of the female valved connector assembly.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate an exemplary female valved connector assembly700according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically,FIG. 7is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating female connector assembly700whose sleeve is in a closed position, andFIG. 8is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating female connector assembly700whose sleeve is in an open position. Components of female connector assembly700that correspond with components of male connector assembly300inFIGS. 3-6are substantially similar and serve substantially similar purposes. Thus, details of those corresponding components can be referenced in the respective discussions inFIGS. 3-6. Discussions ofFIGS. 7-8highlight differences between male and female valved connectors, according to embodiments herein.

As shown inFIG. 7, female connector assembly700includes a housing702attached to a reservoir coupler722, a central member704disposed within housing702, and a sleeve708positioned between housing702and central member704. Sleeve708may be slidably coupled with housing702such that sleeve708may move in an axial direction710relative to central member704and housing702. Sleeve708and central member704may form a flow channel718through which fluid may flow. A spring712may be positioned around sleeve708outside of flow channel718, and may be configured to apply pressure713against sleeve708toward mating end701of connector assembly700.

Similar to male connector assembly300inFIG. 3, when pressure applied by spring712is overcome by a greater pressure804in an opposite direction, e.g., toward non-mating end703, sleeve708may move into the open position, as shown inFIG. 8. In the open position, sleeve708may press against a seat802, which may be a protruding portion812of housing302that protrudes toward central member704to stop further movement of sleeve708. A sloped surface711of central member704and a sloped surface810of sleeve708form a part of a flow channel806that extends an entire length between mating end701and non-mating end703. Sloped surfaces711and810are smooth and continuous such that fluid efficiently flows along a flow path808from non-mating end703to mating end701, or vice versa.

Unlike male connector assembly300, head portion705of central member704may include a contact surface715defining a protrusion719instead of a recess319shown inFIG. 3. Protrusion719may be positioned along the central axis of central member704, and configured to insert into recess319when mated with female connector assembly700, as will be discussed further herein. In some embodiments, contact surface715may not define a protrusion719, but instead define a flat, vertical surface. Additionally or alternatively, unlike male connector assembly300, sleeve708does not extend past housing702along an axial direction710toward mating end701of connector assembly700when sleeve708is in the closed position. According to some embodiments, mating end701of housing702extends past sleeve708so that housing702may receive another connector assembly, such as male connector assembly300.

III. Valved Connector System

As discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 3-8, a sleeve of a connector assembly can move between a closed position and an open position. The position of the sleeve may be dependent upon whether a male valved connector assembly and a female valved connector assembly in a valved connector assembly system are connected together. For instance, if the male and female connector assemblies are disconnected from each other, then sleeves of both connector assemblies are in the closed position to prevent fluid from flowing out of respective connector assemblies. Additionally or alternatively, if the male and female connector assemblies are connected together, then sleeves of both connector assemblies are in the open position to allow fluid to flow between both connector assemblies. Details of such connector systems are discussed in detail further herein.

FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10Billustrate exemplary valved connector systems900and1000according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 9is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a symmetrical valved connector system900in a disconnected state,FIG. 10Ais a cross-sectional diagram illustrating symmetrical valved connector system900in a connected state, andFIG. 10Bis a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an asymmetrical valved connector system1000in a connected state.

As shown inFIG. 9, valved connector system900includes a first valved connector assembly902and a second valved connector assembly904. First connector assembly902may be a female connector assembly, and second connector assembly904may be a male connector assembly. Details of first and second connector assemblies902and904may be referenced in corresponding sections of the detailed description herein with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8, andFIGS. 3-6, respectively. AlthoughFIG. 9shows first connector assembly902as a female connector assembly and second connector assembly904as a male connector assembly, embodiments herein are not limited to such configurations. For instance, in other embodiments, first connector assembly902may be a male connector assembly and second connector assembly904may be a female connector assembly.

When connector system900is in the disconnected state, first connector902is separated from second connector assembly904such that respective first and second sleeves906and908are in the closed position, where first and second sleeves906and908contact corresponding first and second central members910and912to prevent fluid from flowing out of first and second mating ends922and924, respectively. That is, pressure applied by first and second springs918and920press first and second sleeves906and908against first and second central members910and912to seal off first and second flow channels914and916, respectively.

In some embodiments, first connector assembly902and second connector assembly904are configured to couple with one another, resulting in connector system900being in a connected state. For instance, first and second mating ends922and924of both first connector assembly902and second connector assembly904may couple with one another so that fluid may flow through connector system900between first and second non-mating ends926and928, as shown inFIG. 10A.

Connector system900transitions into a connected state by pressing first and second connector assemblies902and904together. When first connector assembly902is pressed against second connector assembly904, tips of first and second sleeves906and908contact one another. As pressure is further applied to press first and second connector assemblies902and904together, pressures applied by first and second springs918and920are overcome and second housing932inserts into first housing930. As shown inFIG. 10A, at least a portion of second housing932inserts into first housing930when first and second connector assemblies902and904couple together. In some embodiments, pressure applied to press first and second connector assemblies902and904together is greater than the combined pressures applied by first and second springs918and920. Accordingly, first and second springs918and920collapse under the applied pressure and cause first and second sleeves906and908to move into the open position. Once in the open position, first and second flow channels914and916open, and since first and second flow channels914and916are positioned adjacent to one another, first and second flow channels914and916form a single, combined flow channel that forms a combined flow path1002. Combined flow path1002extends between first non-mating end926and second non-mating end928so that fluid can flow across the entire connector system909.

Once connector system900is in the connected state, first and second housings930and932may be attached to one another by static frictional force, or by any other means, such as by a latch, hook, clip, ball bearing and groove (e.g., a bayonet style locking mechanism), or any other suitable mechanical fastening system. In some embodiments, a protrusion938defined by a first contact surface939of first central member910is positioned within a recess940defined by a second contact surface941of second central member912. Protrusion938and recess940help to align and secure first central member910with second central member912. Although a protrusion is shown as a part of first central member910, and a recess is shown as a part of second central member912, embodiments are not so limited. For instance, a protrusion may be a part of second central member912and a recess may be a part of first central member910. In some embodiments, central members910and912may not have protrusion938or recess940. In these embodiments, central members910and912may have contact surfaces939and941which are flat (e.g., vertical from the perspective ofFIG. 9) so that no part of first central member910inserts into second central member912. As shown inFIG. 10A, first and second sleeves906and908stay in the open position to form combined flow path1002.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, first and second flow channels are formed by the smooth and continuous surfaces of first and second central members910and912and first and second sleeves906and908, as discussed herein individually with respect toFIGS. 3-4 and 7-8. The smooth, continuous surfaces combined with the placement of first and second springs918and920, e.g., outside of combined flow path1002, provides efficient flow between first and second non-mating ends926and928. AlthoughFIG. 10Aillustrates combined flow path1002as flowing in a direction from second non-mating end928to first non-mating end926where fluid first flows over second central member912and then over first central member910, one skilled in the art understands that this is not intended to be limiting. Connector systems900also enable a combined fluid path to flow in the opposite direction, e.g., from first non-mating end926to the second non-mating end928where fluid first flows over first central member910and then over second central member912.

As shown inFIG. 10A, first and second sloped surfaces934and936, respectively, are symmetrical, meaning the slope of first sloped surface934is a mirror image of second sloped surface936. In alternative and additional embodiments, an asymmetrical first and second sloped surface may be implemented in connector system900. The asymmetrical sloped surfaces may optimize fluid flow in one direction. As example, the asymmetrical sloped surfaces may create a tear drop shape where a sloped surface of one central member has a larger slope than the sloped surface of the other central member, as shown inFIG. 10Billustrating asymmetrical valved connector system1000.

According to certain embodiments, asymmetrical valved connector system1000may be substantially similar to symmetrical valved connector system900, save for a few differences regarding the asymmetrical surfaces of the central members. For instance, valved connector system1000includes a first central member1004and a second central member1005. First central member1004may have a first sloped surface1006, and second central member1005may have a second sloped surface1008. As shown inFIG. 10B, second sloped surface1008has a larger slope, and/or a more exponential slope, than first sloped surface1006, thereby forming an asymmetrical, e.g., tear drop, profile. The asymmetrical sloped surfaces create a combined flow path1003that flows through second flow channel1012and first flow channel1010(together forming a single flow channel) in a way that optimizes flow in one direction. As an example, a flow of fluid flowing toward the greater-sloped surface and then passing over the lesser-sloped surface, e.g., from second non-mating end928to first non-mating end926, is optimized by the asymmetrical surfaces of first and second sloped surfaces1006and1008. It is to be appreciated that the asymmetrical profile may be reversed for optimizing fluid flow in the opposite direction, e.g., from first non-mating end926to second non-mating end928.

The efficient flow of fluid results in a low fluid pressure drop between first non-mating end926and second non-mating end928. “Pressure drop” may be defined by the difference in flow pressure between the pressure at first non-mating end926and second non-mating end928, or vice versa depending on the direction of flow. In some embodiments, connector system900may have a pressure drop ranging between 0.5 to 1 psi at a flow rate of approximately 45 liters per minute (LPM).

FIG. 11is a graph1100plotting two separate curves: a first curve1102showing the trend of pressure drop across a first connector system that does not have the smooth central members arranged in embodiments discussed herein, and a second curve1104showing the trend of pressure drop across a second connector system that does have the smooth central members arranged in embodiments discussed herein. Graph1100has a Y-axis representing pressure drop in pounds per square inch (psi) increasing upwards, and an X-axis representing flow rate increasing to the right.

As shown inFIG. 11, both first and second curves1102and1104may have an exponential curve profile; however, first curve1102may have a larger pressure drop as flow rate increases than second curve1104. For instance, at a flow rate of between 30 to 60 LPM, first connection system (represented by first curve1102) may have a pressure drop of between 2 to 3 psi, while second connector system, e.g., connector system900inFIG. 9, (represented by second curve1104) may have a pressure drop of between 0.5 and 1 psi. It should be noted that these and other specific numerical values and numeric ranges are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different numerical values may be exhibited in different embodiments and/or different implementations of the system.

A larger pressure drop requires larger pump power to flow fluid through the first connector system. In order to provide larger pump power, a larger pump that needs more electrical operating power is required. Being able to provide high flow rate at lower pressures, as achieved by valved connector systems discussed herein and shown by second curve1104, avoids these shortcomings. Lower pressure drop means that the fluid pump does not have to provide very high pressure to compensate for pressure losses through the connector system. Because the pump does not have to provide very high pressure, a pump that uses less electrical power can be used in the cooling system.

Although the disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.