Fracturer assembly

Abstract

A breaker assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The assembly is movable between the first and second configurations, in which the first and second connectors are releasably engaged and define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, the fluid path including at least a partially radially extending portion; in the second configuration, the first and second connectors are not engaged. The assembly moves from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied. The assembly also includes a closing valve located in the first or second connector, which is in an open position to allow fluid flow when the assembly is in the first configuration, and moves to a closed position when the assembly moves to the second configuration to block the at least partially radially extending portion of the fluid path to prevent fluid flow.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a breakaway assembly, and more particularly to a breakaway assembly for use in a fluid dispensing system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Breakaway connectors or assemblies can be used in fluid dispensing systems, such as at a gas station or the like. Breakaway assemblies are designed to provide a breakaway in a fluid system that can shut down when a sufficient predetermined disconnect force is applied thereto. For example, in the event of a drive-off, a user of a fueling unit can inadvertently leave a nozzle in the tank of a vehicle or automobile and drive away. Breakaway assemblies are designed to provide a break point at which the hose or system can disconnect and also provide a shut down valve to prevent or minimize fuel loss. However, many current breakaway assemblies have various shortcomings.

[0003] Disposable breakaways typically use a shear pin or shear slot, but such shear elements cannot be fully tested during assembly, which can result in unpredictable performance. Many existing reconnectable breakaways use ring coil springs, canted coil springs, compression springs, and deflectable members to provide a releasable connection mechanism. However, such releasable connection mechanisms can have relatively large variations in material and / or tolerances, resulting in unpredictable disconnect forces.

[0004] Existing breakaways can also have problems accommodating pressure pulses of the dispensed fluid. Since disposable breakaways use rigid members designed to shear or break when a sufficient force is applied, and when a sufficiently powerful pressure pulse is transmitted, these parts can undesirably break. Reconnectable breakaways can also be susceptible to disconnecting due to force or pressure spikes and / or internal components can be damaged due to force or pressure spikes.

[0005] Finally, existing breakaways typically have a valve designed to shut down after a disconnect event. However, the valve can not shut down in a sufficiently predictable manner. SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention is a reconnectable breakaway assembly that provides a relatively consistent separation force, in one case using magnets, can accommodate force or pressure spikes in one case, and provides an improved closure valve arrangement in one case. More particularly, in one embodiment, the present invention is a breakaway assembly that includes a first connector and a second connector releasably coupled to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are releasably coupled together and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, wherein the fluid path includes at least a partially radially extending portion, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are not coupled together. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly. The assembly further includes a closure valve located in one of the first or second connectors, wherein the closure valve is configured to be in an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough when the assembly is in the first configuration, and to move to a closed position blocking the at least partially radially extending portion of the fluid path to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when the assembly moves to the second configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fueling system using a breakaway assembly;

[0008] Figure 1A is Figure 1 a detailed view of the area shown;

[0009] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a breakaway assembly in its connected configuration;

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a side cross-sectional view of the breakaway assembly of

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a front perspective view of the magnet unit of the breakaway assembly of

[0012] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a front perspective view of the magnet unit of

[0013] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6;

[0014] Figure 7 is Figure 4 a cross-section of an alternate configuration of the magnet unit of

[0015] Figure 8 isFigure 4 The cross-section of the alternative configuration of the magnet unit;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 The cross-section of the alternative configuration of the magnet unit;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 The cross-section of the alternative configuration of the magnet unit;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 The cross-section of the alternative configuration of the magnet unit;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the magnet unit;

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of the fracture assembly at the stress peak;

[0021] Figure 13A yes Figure 13 Detailed view of the area shown;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of another fracture component;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the magnet unit of the fracture assembly taken along line 15-15.

[0024] Figure 15A yes Figure 15 Side perspective view of the magnet holder of the magnet unit;

[0025] Figure 16 yes Figure 13A The detailed cross-sectional view of the area shown illustrates another embodiment of a fracture assembly with magnetic components for adapting to force spikes;

[0026] Figure 16A It shows Figure 16 Components during the peak of adaptability;

[0027] Figure 17 This is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the fracture assembly in its connection configuration;

[0028] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A side cross-sectional view of the fracture assembly, in which the shuttle moves downstream as a breaking step;

[0029] Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the breaker assembly in its disconnected configuration; Figure 17

[0030] Figure 20 is a detailed cross-section of the area shown in Figure 17

[0031] Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the breaker assembly in conjunction with a reconnection tool; and Figure 17

[0032] Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the breaker assembly in its connected configuration. Figure 21 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] System Overview

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a refill system 10 including a plurality of dispensers 12. Each dispenser 12 includes a dispenser body 14, a hose 16 connected to the dispenser body 14, and a nozzle 18 located at a distal end of the hose 16. Each hose 16 can generally be flexible and pliable to allow the hose 16 and nozzle 18 to be positioned in a convenient refill location as desired by the user / operator.

[0035] Each dispenser 12 is in fluid communication with a fuel / fluid reservoir 20 via a liquid or fluid conduit or pathway 22 extending from each dispenser 12 to the reservoir 20. The reservoir 20 includes or is fluidly coupled to a fuel pump 24 configured to draw fluid / fuel from the reservoir 20 through a tube 26. During refilling, as shown in Figure 1

[0036] In some cases, the system 10 can also include a vapor pathway 34 extending from the nozzle 18, through the hose 16 and a vapor conduit 36 to a ullage space of the tank 20. For example, as shown in Figure 1A

[0037] ​​​​​​The bellows is designed to form a seal around the nozzle 40 when it is inserted into the filler tube 28. The bellows helps capture and direct steam into the steam path 34, but steam can also be captured using the nozzle 18 without a bellows. System 10 may include a steam recovery pump 25 that applies suction to the steam path 34 to aid steam recovery; in some cases (e.g., a so-called "balanced" system), the steam recovery pump 25 may be omitted. Furthermore, in some cases, system 10 may not have a steam path 34; in such cases, system 10 may not have a steam conduit 36, and the hose 16 may not contain a steam path 34.

[0038] The system 10 disclosed herein can be used to store / distribute any of a variety of fluids, liquids, or fuels, including but not limited to petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas (including compressed natural gas (CNG)), biofuels, blended fuels, propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petroleum, etc., or other fuels or liquids such as hydrogen, ethanol, etc.

[0039] Each dispenser 12 may include an associated breaker assembly 42, which may be located on the dispenser 12 or at different locations along the system 10. For example, Figure 1 The leftmost dispenser 12' utilizes a breaker assembly 42 located at the base of the hose 16; Figure 1 The intermediate distributor 12 utilizes a breaker assembly 42 positioned adjacent to the nozzle 18; and Figure 1 The rightmost dispenser 12 utilizes a breaker assembly or assembly 42 located at the middle position of the hose 16. However, it should be understood that the breaker assembly 42 can be positioned at any of a variety of locations along the length of the hose 16, or at other locations within the refueling system 10. The breaker assembly 42 may include and / or be coupled to a swivel assembly such that the breaker assembly 42 presents a variety of positions and becomes aligned with any separation force applied thereto.

[0040] Fracturer Overview

[0041] Figure 2 and 3An embodiment of a breaker assembly 42 is shown for pumping conventional (typically liquid) fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, oil, etc., at relatively low pressures (e.g., less than about 50 psi in one case, less than about 100 psi in another, less than about 150 psi in yet another, or less than about 300 psi in yet another). The breaker assembly 42 includes a first or upstream connector 44 releasably coupled to a second or downstream connector 46. The breaker assembly 42 and connectors 44, 46 are generally annular in one case, with a fluid path 32 positioned therein; however, the breaker assembly 42 and connectors 44, 46 may have other desired shapes. The first connector 44 may connect to the upstream portion of system 10 / hose 16, while the second connector 46 may connect to the downstream portion of system 10 / hose 16 (it should be understood that this document refers to the direction of fluid / fuel flow to be dispensed (i.e.,...)). Figure 2 , 3 From right to left in 13 and 14, and Figures 17-19 (From left to right, unless otherwise specified, the direction is opposite to the direction of steam flow; terms related to the flow direction, such as "upstream" and "downstream," are used.) However, if desired, this orientation can be reversed so that the first connector 44 is connected to the downstream component, and the second connector 46 is connected to the upstream component. Both the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 can include threaded surfaces (e.g., the internal threaded surface or threaded adapter 48 shown) for securing the connectors 44, 46 to the associated upstream and downstream components. The threaded surface 48 can alternatively take the form of an external threaded surface, or use various other connection structures besides a threaded surface.

[0042] The first connector 44 may include a generally tubular or annular connecting portion 50, which may have various cross-sectional shapes, and may be removably received in a socket or protective cover 52 of the second connector 46. The connector 46 also includes a closing valve or lift valve 54 located therein. The lift valve 54 includes a body portion 56 having a downstream valve stem 58, an upstream valve stem 62, and a seal or sealing portion 64 coupled to the body portion 56. The downstream valve stem 58 is slidably received in a guide 66, which is positioned or centered in the second connector 46 by a plurality of radially extending guide tabs 68. The lift valve 54 also includes a spring 74 axially positioned between the guide 66 and the body portion 56. The body portion 56 / lift valve 54 is thus biased by the spring 74 to an upstream / closed position, in which the sealing portion 64 sealably engages the lift valve seat 76 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The second connector 46 may include a seal 47 on the radially outer surface of its axially forward-extending end to help form a seal with the inner surface of the first connector 44.

[0043] The first connector 44 may include a closing valve or lift valve 80 located therein. The lift valve 80 includes a body portion 82 having a downstream valve stem 84, an upstream valve stem 86, and a seal or sealing portion 88 coupled to the body portion 82. The upstream valve stem 86 is slidably received in a guide 90, which is positioned / centered in the first connector 44 by a plurality of radially extending guide tabs 92. The lift valve 80 also includes a spring 94 positioned between the guide 90 and the body portion 82. The body portion 82 / lift valve 80 is thus biased by the spring 94 to a downstream / closed position, in which the sealing portion 88 sealably engages the lift valve seat 96 (see [link to product details]). Figure 3 ).

[0044] During normal operation of the distributor 12, the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are arranged as follows: Figure 2 In the first / locked / connected / engaged state or configuration shown, the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are coupled together and define an open fluid conduit or fluid path 32 through which fluid can pass, such as Figure 2 The flow is as indicated by the arrow. In this configuration, the upstream stem 62 of the lift valve 54 engages the downstream stem 84 of the lift valve 80 and moves it away from its seat 96, or vice versa, such that the springs 74, 94 of both lift valves 54, 80 are compressed and both lift valves 54, 80 open. When the lift valves 54, 80 are open, the seals 64, 88 are spaced apart from their associated seats 76, 96, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the fluid path 32 / break assembly 42 / connector 44, 46. As will be described in detail below, a coupling mechanism or coupling system 41 is provided to releasably connect the connectors 44, 46 in the axial direction.

[0045] When sufficient separation force (i.e., a force applied at least partially along the axis of the fracture assembly 42 / connectors 44, 46) is applied to assembly 42, the coupling mechanism 41 releases / disconnects and the fracture assembly 42 moves to its position as described above. Figure 3 The second / disconnect / off state or configuration is shown. When connectors 44 and 46 are moved away from each other, the downstream stem 84 of lift valve 80 is pulled away from the upstream stem 62 of lift valve 54. The relative movement of connectors 44 and 46 away from each other allows lift valves 54 and 80 to be biased by their associated springs 74 and 94 and moved as shown. Figure 3 The closed position is shown, in which seals 64 and 88 engage their associated valve seats 76 and 96.

[0046] Component 42 can be reusable and can be configured such that connectors 44, 46 are connectable / reconnectable (i.e., reusable from...). Figure 3 Move the configuration to Figure 2(Configuration), without requiring any repair or replacement of any parts of component 42. Specifically, when the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are connected / reconnected, the downstream stem 84 of the lift valve 80 engages the upstream stem 62 of the lift valve 54. When sufficient axial pressure is applied to component 42 during reconnection, the body portions 56, 82 of the lift valves 54, 80 and the associated seals 64, 88 are disengaged from their respective seats 76, 96 until the valves 54, 80 are in a position as Figure 2 Up to the position shown.

[0047] The illustrated embodiment shows a first connector 44 and a second connector 46 having lift valves 54, 80. However, in an alternative embodiment, only one of the connectors 44, 46 has a lift valve. In this case, the other connector 44, 46 without a lift valve may include a rigid, axially extending retaining open support similar to portion 62 / 84, extending axially forward and capable of engaging the lift valve (e.g., valve 54, 80) in the other connector 44, 46, and pushing the other lift valve to the open position when assembly 42 is in its connected configuration. In yet another alternative embodiment, when assembly 42 is used with a distribution system utilizing a steam recovery system, one or both of the connectors 44, 46 may include a lift valve that defines or at least partially defines the steam path 34 in the steam path 34, which opens when assembly 42 is in the connected configuration and automatically closes when assembly 42 is moved to the disconnected position. Examples of these arrangements are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,931,499, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Magnetic connectors / breakers

[0049] Component 42 may include a coupling mechanism 41 that releasably couples connectors 44, 46 together to hold component 42 in its coupled position until sufficient axial force is applied. The coupling mechanism 41 may include a magnet unit 43 comprising a magnet connector 102 that houses various magnets 104 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 43 is coupled to the first connector 44. The coupling mechanism 41 may also include an attraction member 106 (or other member completing the magnetic circuit), which may be made of ferrous or other materials that are magnetically attracted or can be attracted to the magnets 104 / magnet unit 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction member 106 is coupled to the second connector 46. In a particular illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 43 forms or defines a coupling portion 50 of the first connector 44, which is received in a socket / protective cover 52 of the second connector 46. If necessary, the magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106 can be reversed as shown, such that the attraction member 106 is connected to the first connector 44, while the magnet unit 43 is connected to the second connector 46.

[0050] In one embodiment, the attraction member 106 is generally annular and made of ferrous or other magnetizable material, and is directly threaded to the body of the first connector 44. Alternatively, the attraction member 106 may be made of or comprise magnets or assemblies of magnets configured and arranged to be magnetically attracted to the associated magnets or assemblies of magnets 104 of the magnet unit 43 when properly aligned. Further alternatively, the attraction member 106 is not a continuous annular member, but may take the form of various discrete and spaced attraction member units or portions positioned to magnetically interact with the magnet unit 43.

[0051] The magnet 104 of magnet unit 43 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including permanent magnet materials (e.g., rare earth magnets, and in one case, neodymium). The magnet connector 102 and / or attraction member 106 can be made of magnetizable and / or magnetizable materials (such as ferromagnetic materials or metals (iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, gadolinium, dysprosium, etc.), paramagnetic materials, diamagnetic materials, ferrimagnetic metals, ferromagnetic alloys, steel plates, or cast steel), or in some cases, nonmagnetizable or non-magnetizable materials. Each material can be coated with a ferromagnetic coating or plating, for example, a nickel coating or plating in one case, but can be virtually any ferromagnetic metal or alloy coating or plating that will not excessively interfere with any potential desired magnetic field. The magnet 104 and / or magnet connector 102 and / or attraction member 106 can be plated, coated, encapsulated, or unplated.

[0052] In one embodiment, the magnet connector 102 and / or the attraction member 106 may have or be made of a material having a saturation point greater than about 1.25 Tesla to provide the desired ferromagnetic response. Specifically, it is desirable that the magnet connector 102 interacts magnetically with the attraction member 106 as a unit when the magnet 104 housed therein is excited / magnetized, rather than having the individual magnets 104 interact magnetically directly with the attraction member 106. Therefore, the magnet connector 102 can be configured, sized, and shaped to guide the magnetic field in a desired and advantageous manner. In particular, by allowing the induced magnetic field to pass through the magnet connector 102, the magnetic field lines originating from the magnet 104 tend to pass through the radially inner annular member or surface 108 and the radially outer annular member or surface 110 of the magnet connector 102 (rather than, for example, through the web or end wall 112 located at the base of the magnet connector 102), which provide stronger magnetic force because the web 112 acts as a shunt member. Furthermore, since the web 112 serves as a shunt member, it is desirable to avoid or minimize magnetic field lines passing through the web 112, and thus it is desirable to make the web 112 as thin as possible.

[0053] The web 112 may have a thickness (e.g., in the axial direction) that allows the maximum amount of magnetic flux to enter / pass through the magnet connector 102, depending on a balance of factors including the magnetic field strength and the permeability and saturation limit of the magnet connector 102 material. In one case, the ratio of the web 112 thickness to the field penetration depth may be between about 5% and about 15%, where the field penetration depth depends on the saturation point of the magnet connector 102 material. When the magnetic flux density is between 1.25T and 2T, the field penetration depth may range from 0.25" to 0.625", while the thickness of the web 112 may range from 0.0125" to 0.09375". In one case, the axial length of the web 112 is less than about 25% of the length of the magnet 104 and / or the length of the magnet unit 43, or in another case less than 10%, or in yet another case less than 5%, or in yet another case less than 2.5%. In some cases, it may be desirable to completely eliminate the web 112 for better magnetic performance, but doing so may make it difficult to physically hold the magnet 104 in the desired axial position within the magnet connector 102. In some cases, the web 112 may be slotted or have other openings to reduce the shunting effect of the web 112.

[0054] Therefore, the attracting member 106 and the magnet unit 43 can form a coupling mechanism 41 that releasably connects the connectors 44 and 46 together and tends to hold the assembly 42 in place. Figure 2 The first / locking / connection / engagement state or configuration is shown. The coupling mechanism 41 can therefore determine the separation force of the breaker assembly 42 individually or primarily.

[0055] When an external axial force greater than the attraction force of the magnet unit 43 on the attraction member 106 is applied to the breaker assembly 42, separation will occur in the following sequence. The downstream connector 46 will first move away from the upstream connector 44 along with almost all relevant parts of the downstream connector 46 (except for the relevant lift valve 54, which may begin to close). The two lift valves 54, 80 may begin to move to their closed positions simultaneously. In one case, after the connectors 44, 46 have moved away from each other by about 1 / 4" of their travel, the two lift valves 54, 80 will have fully moved to their closed positions. As the separation movement continues with a greater distance (approximately 5 / 16" of travel in one case), the upstream connector 44 will be completely pulled out of the socket 52 of the downstream connector 46 (in Figure 3 (As shown in the image, it is almost completely pulled out). In this state, connectors 44 and 46 are disconnected and lift valves 80 and 54 are closed to prevent or limit fluid leakage.

[0056] After connectors 44 and 46 are separated, they may need to be reconnected. In one case, connectors 44 and 46 can be axially aligned and manually pressed together so that magnet unit 43 is fitted into socket 52. Then connectors 44 and 46 are pressed together, and springs 94 and 74 are compressed until lift valves 80 and 54... Figure 2 Open as shown. During a reconnection event, because the attraction member 106 is located on or in the downstream connector 46, the magnet unit 43 will be sufficiently attracted to the attraction member 106 at some point during insertion, so that the magnet unit 43 / assembly 42 can be felt as "clicking" into place. Furthermore, the attraction between the magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106 can reduce the reconnection force and act as a magnetic aid feature to assist the user in reconnecting. Therefore, the (manual) force required to connect the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 can be less than the force required to separate the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 in a breakage event, which provides an easier and more convenient reconnection process.

[0057] Magnet connector configuration

[0058] exist Figures 2-6 In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet connector 102 has an upstream portion 102a in which an annular channel or channel portion 114 is formed, which is removably attached to a downstream portion 102b having a correspondingly shaped and positioned channel or channel portion 116. Each portion 102a, 102b may have a web or end wall 112 positioned at an axial end of the portion 102a, 102b and positioned near the associated channel 114, 116. The upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b may be discrete components or parts joined together on or along a connector 105 aligned in a radial plane. One or both channel portions 114, 116 may accommodate a magnet 104 therein. Each magnet connector portion 102a, 102b may include a threaded surface 103 thereon, wherein the threaded surfaces 103 are configured to engage each other threadedly to form Figure 4 (when assembled) and Figure 5 The generally enclosed magnet connector 102 is shown. When the magnet unit 43 is fully assembled by mechanically, releasably or otherwise joining the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b, an internal enclosed channel 114, 116 is formed therein, which accommodates and encapsulates the magnet 104.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment and with reference to Figure 4In one configuration, each magnet 104 is shaped as a rectangular prism, and the magnetic poles 118, 120 of the magnet 104 are oriented perpendicular to the largest surface of the magnet 104. In another configuration, the magnets 104 are arranged such that their north poles 118 lie on (perpendicular to) the radially inner surface of the magnet 104, while their south poles 120 lie on (perpendicular to) the radially outer surface of the magnet 104. Therefore, the magnetic poles 118, 120 of the magnets 104 can be perpendicular to the central axis A of the assembly 42. Figure 2 Oriented, or not parallel to axis A, and aligned with a radial line pointing inward or outward.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, in one case, the channel 114 of the upstream portion 102a can be formed as a prism in the end view, having a number of sides corresponding to the number of magnets 104 (twelve sides in the illustrated embodiment), wherein the number of sides of the channel 114 can be adjusted to match the number of magnets 104 to be used. It should be noted that although... Figure 6 Channel 114 formed in portion 102a is shown, but channel 116 in portion 102b can have the same shape and positioning. It should also be noted that when channels 114, 116 are not circular, magnet connector portions 102a, 102b can be connected together in ways other than threaded surface 103, such as by using press fit, overlap, retaining ring, etc. The polygonal shape of channels 114, 116 helps reduce any air gap 116 between the magnetic pole / maximum face of magnet 104 and magnet connector 102, thereby improving magnetic performance. Furthermore, this configuration allows the use of rectangular prism magnet 104 compared to, for example, bent magnets which may be more expensive and difficult to manufacture.

[0061] The polygons of channels 114 and 116 can be regular or irregular, and in some cases have at least four sides. However, polygonal channels 114 and 116 may be difficult to manufacture in some cases. Therefore, if necessary, alternatives can be used... Figure 7 The channels 114, 116 shown have a more easily manufacturable circular shape and can be used in conjunction with a rectangular prism magnet 104. In this case, the magnet 104 can be positioned tangent to the channels 114, 116. Furthermore, in this case, the magnet 104 and / or channels 114, 116 can also be configured such that each magnet 104 has three contact (or potential contact) points with the channels 114, 116: the central portion of each magnet 104 can contact or nearly contact the radial inner wall of the channels 114, 116, and the circumferential outer portion of each magnet 104 can contact or nearly contact the radial outer wall of the channels 114, 116. These three contact points (or nearly contact points) facilitate the secure positioning of each magnet 104 within the channels 114, 116.

[0062] To position the magnet 104 within channels 114, 116, providing three actual contact points may be impractical due to a lack of sufficiently precise manufacturing and tolerances. In this case, a relatively small radially extending outer gap 122 may exist between the outer circumference of the magnet 104 and the radial outer walls of channels 114, 116, and / or between the inner / central surface of the magnet 104 and the radial inner walls of channels 114, 116. In one case, the total cumulative length (in the radial direction) of the gap 122 for a given magnet 104 may be less than about 0.1", or in another case less than 0.05", or in yet another case less than about 0.03", or less than about 1% of the length of the magnet 104 (in the generally circumferential direction). The gap 122 may also be less than about 5% in one case, or less than about 1% in another case, relative to the radius of the outer surface of portions 102a / 102b.

[0063] Each magnet 104 may also define a somewhat triangular gap 124 positioned between the outer circumference of an adjacent magnet 104 and the radially inner surface of channels 114, 116. The inner gap 124 may decrease as more magnets 104 are used. The gap 124 of a given magnet 104 may each have a radial length corresponding to the parameters of the gap 122 described above, either individually or cumulatively.

[0064] Magnet 104 can also be positioned in various different arrangements, for example... Figure 8 The arrangement shown is positioned such that the magnet 104 is positioned in the end view in conjunction with... Figure 14 , 15 and Figure 15A The embodiments shown and described in more detail below are positioned in the same or similar manner in discrete and spaced-apart, generally radially aligned closed channels. Alternatively, as... Figures 9-11 As shown, magnet 104 can be positioned within channels 114, 116 forming various angles, defined by angles between: a) radially outward-extending lines aligned with channels 114, 116 and b) radial lines, such as Figures 9-11 The angles are shown in the diagram. Therefore, the plane defined by the largest surface of magnet 104 can be oriented perpendicular to the radial line ( Figure 6 and 7 (where the magnetic poles are aligned with the radial line) or parallel to the radial line (where the magnetic poles are aligned with the radial line) Figure 8 (where the magnetic poles are perpendicular to the radial line) or positioned at different angles relative to the radial line. Figures 9-11 ).

[0065] Because each magnet 104 can be formed as a rectangular prism, each magnet 104 can have a longest dimension (in one case, length), which extends axially or is oriented or aligned in the disclosed embodiments. Each magnet 104 can have a second longest dimension (in one case, width), which is as follows: Figure 8 As in the embodiments described, it extends radially or is oriented or aligned (e.g., extends along a radial line); or as Figure 6 and 7 As in the embodiments, it extends, is oriented, or is aligned approximately circumferentially. Each magnet 104 may have a third long dimension (thickness), which is as follows: Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the magnet 104 may extend radially or be oriented or aligned (e.g., extending along a radial line). In this configuration, the magnet 104 may also be considered circumferentially aligned.

[0066] exist Figure 11 In one embodiment, the face of magnet 104 having north pole 118 can be arranged radially inward toward the central axis A of assembly 42, which controls how a magnetic circuit is completed by a forced magnetic field through attraction member 106. When magnet 104 is at an angle equal to or greater than 45 degrees relative to the radial line (in one case, on the radially outer side of magnet 104) (e.g. Figure 11 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the angle is shown, this arrangement of inward-facing North Pole 118 can be utilized.

[0067] In the arrangement where the magnets 104 are arranged at an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees (e.g.) Figures 8-10 The polarity of magnet 104, or the inward-facing surface of magnet 104, can alternate between north pole 118 and south pole 120. In these cases, the magnetic poles 118, 120 of magnet 104 can alternate such that the north pole 118 of each magnet 104 faces the north pole 118 of the adjacent magnet 104. Furthermore, in these configurations, an even number of magnets 104 can be used to ensure that the alternating pattern is maintained around the entire circumference of magnet unit 43. This alternating arrangement of magnets 104 (e.g., when arranged at an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees) maximizes the magnetic flux field to produce the highest level of available magnetic attraction by physically isolating the opposite poles 118, 120 of adjacent magnets 104 to avoid magnetic short circuits between adjacent magnets 104.

[0068] Figures 8-10The arrangement shown (e.g., magnets 104 arranged at an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees) can also reduce the adverse effects of repulsive forces between adjacent magnets 104. Such repulsive forces occur when a magnetic field flows from the north pole 118 to the south pole 120 on magnets 104 and when magnetic fields from adjacent magnets 104 flow in the same direction. Thus, these magnetic interactions can be adapted by an alternating arrangement of magnetic poles to avoid a reduction in the net magnetic attraction force, which, as described above, defines or primarily determines the separation force between magnet unit 43 and attraction member 106.

[0069] If magnet 104 is arranged at an angle greater than approximately 45 degrees (e.g.) Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is 90 degrees, and Figure 11 If the angle is 60 degrees, then the number of magnets 104 can be even or odd, and due to the disappearance of magnetic force, magnetic poles 118 and 120 do not need to alternate. Figure 11 In some embodiments, the strength of magnet 104 may need to be relatively low because the north pole 118 is not physically isolated from the south pole 120 of adjacent magnet 104, making adjacent magnets 104 more prone to "short-circuiting". Furthermore, because the magnetic poles 118 / 120 on one magnet 104 are not physically isolated from the magnetic poles 118 / 120 on adjacent magnets 104, adjacent magnets 104 may experience greater repulsive forces. Therefore, in one case, magnet 104 is positioned at an angle not perpendicular to the radial line in the axial end view. However, in some cases, when a slight reduction in magnetic force is required to adjust and fine-tune the separation force as needed, a lower magnetic force may be desirable. Figure 11 The embodiments described herein may not provide other similar arrangements that optimize magnetic performance. Furthermore, it should be noted that other magnet arrangements are also possible, some of which are described in more detail below.

[0070] In some cases, magnet 104 can be arc-shaped and curved around center A, matching the curvature of curved channels 114, 116. However, in this case, because an arc-shaped magnet 104 is used, the inner surface defined by the inner diameter of the arc-shaped magnet 104 will have a smaller surface area than the outer surface defined by the outer diameter of the arc-shaped magnet. The thicker magnet 104 is, the greater the difference in surface area.

[0071] As is well known, magnetic flux is the strength of a magnetic force multiplied by the area surrounding the magnetic poles. When using an arc-shaped magnet 104, because the surface area of ​​the inner surface is smaller than that of the outer surface, the magnetic flux on the inner surface of the arc-shaped magnet 104 is greater than that on the outer surface. It is known that the number of magnetic field lines (magnetic field) from the north pole to the south pole of each magnet 104 must be the same. Because the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the arc-shaped magnet 104 is smaller than that of its outer surface, the magnetic flux density on the inner surface will be higher than that on the outer surface. The higher magnetic flux density results in a higher concentrated load on the inner surface of the arc-shaped magnet 104 than on the outer surface. Therefore, the use of the arc-shaped magnet 104 provides a lower net total magnetic force than achievable under optimized design because the surface area of ​​the flux field entering the attracting member 106 is smaller than the surface area required to effectively disperse and distribute the magnetic flux field. This leads to partial saturation of the attracting member 106, which in turn causes underutilization of the total available magnetic field. It has been found that the surface area of ​​the magnet 104 surface perpendicular to the magnetic poles of the magnet 104 has the greatest impact on the magnet's performance.

[0072] To provide a balanced magnetic flux field, it may be desirable for the inner ring 108 of the magnet unit 43 to have the same cross-sectional area and / or the same volume as the outer ring 110. However, the diameter of the inner ring 108 can be smaller than the diameter of the outer ring 110. Therefore, for example, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and 7 As shown, the inner ring 108 of the magnet unit 43 may be thicker in the radial direction than the outer ring 110 to provide equal cross-sectional area and / or volume, such that the magnetic flux in the inner ring 108 and the outer ring 110 is equal.

[0073] In some existing designs, the magnetic flux field around the end of a magnet 104 can be in the same direction as the magnetic flux field of adjacent magnets 104. These aligned magnetic flux forces generate a repulsive force and can cause magnets 104 to be ejected from magnet units 43, which can lead to damage or loss of magnets 104. The ejection force also makes the assembly and maintenance of magnet units 43 difficult and may require special processes and tools. Furthermore, in some existing designs, when magnets 104 are installed, each magnet 104 is biased away from adjacent magnets 104 due to the repulsive magnetic field. Therefore, in this case, the last few magnets 104 to be installed may require the use of special tools to reach into the magnet connector 102, and the existing magnets 104 may be pushed aside while the last few magnets 104 are being installed.

[0074] The axial lengths of channels 114 and 116 (and / or the axial length of each magnet 104) can vary depending on the desired magnetic flux field generated at the end of the magnet connector 102. Channels 114 and 116 may have an axial length approximately equal to or slightly larger than the axial length of the magnet 104 (in one case within approximately 0.5%, in another within approximately 1%, or in yet another within approximately 5%), such that the channels 114 and 116 axially and tightly accommodate the magnet 104 therein. Furthermore, the axial positions of channels 114 and 116 can be adjusted as needed. For example, in… Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the upstream portion 102a and its channel portion 114 of the magnet connector 102 may have the same axial length as the downstream portion 102b and its channel portion 116. In this case, the channels 114, 116 and the magnet 104 are axially centered in the magnet connector 102. In this case, the magnetic force on each axial side of the magnet connector 102 will be the same (assuming that other conditions that may affect the magnetic force are the same; for example, assuming that the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b are made of the same material, that their webs 112 have the same thickness, etc.).

[0075] However, if needed, magnet connectors 102 / channels 114, 116 can be as follows: Figure 12 The asymmetry shown makes one of the upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b and / or their channels 114, 116 longer than the other. In this case, more of the length of the magnet 104 is accommodated in one of the upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b. For example, in one case, one of the upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b may have up to 7 / 8 of the combined length of the channels 114, 116 and / or up to 7 / 8 of the combined length of the channels 114, 116 of the magnet 104 therein, while the other of the upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b may have the remaining length of the combined channels 114, 116 or the magnet 104 therein (less than 1 / 8 in the embodiment). The upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b having the smaller portion of magnets 104 / channels 114, 116 will have a weaker magnetic field compared to the other portions having the larger portion of magnets 104 / channels 114, 116.

[0076] The magnetic force on each axial side of the magnet connector 102 can also vary depending on the method / mechanism used to engage the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b of the magnet unit 43. In one case, the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b are welded at the joint 105 to form a welded joint between them, but care should be taken that the heat from the welding process should not damage the magnet 104. In another case, the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b each have a threaded surface 103 as described above, and are thus engaged at the joint 105 by a threaded connection, but they can also be engaged by a variety of other mechanisms / methods (e.g., press fit, lap fit, retaining ring, etc.).

[0077] The joint 105 in the magnet connector 102 causes magnetic flux leakage, which varies depending on the nature of the joint 105. For example, the magnetic flux of the magnet connector 102 can behave similarly to a fluid seeking the path of least resistance. The point of magnetic flux leakage at the joint 105 of the magnet connector 102 forms a magnetoresistance region, which helps to divide the magnetic field within the magnet connector 102. Therefore, different types of joints 105 will allow or block the magnetic field to pass by different amounts.

[0078] For example, some connectors 105 may exhibit high flux field impedance and block magnetic fields, thus tending to magnetically isolate the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b, which can provide greater control over certain performance parameters. Other connectors may have relatively low flux field impedance to allow / transmit magnetic fields, thus tending to magnetically connect the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b, which can provide greater magnetic connection strength and separation force. If desired, washers or other components can be positioned in, at, or near the connector 105 to provide more predictable control over the flux field impedance at the connector 105. The use of washers or components may be more practical when the upstream portion 102a and / or the downstream portion 102b is made of paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials. Therefore, the configuration and assembly of the magnetic connector 102 can be varied to adjust the forces generated at each end to adjust the fracture characteristics and other magnetic properties of the fracturer assembly 42.

[0079] Furthermore, the materials of the upstream portion 102a and / or the downstream portion 102b of the magnet connector 102 can be changed to adjust the magnetic field. For example, the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b can be made of various different ferromagnetic metals or alloys with different saturation points. The upstream portion 102a or the downstream portion 102b made of a material with a lower saturation point will generate a lower magnetic force. If it is desired that only one side of the magnet connector 102 generates a magnetic force, one of the portions 102a and 102b can be made of a ferromagnetic material while the other portion can be made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material (e.g., 300 series stainless steel or 6000 grade aluminum), concentrating the magnetic flux at one end of the magnet connector 102.

[0080] Magnet 104 is typically fragile, so it may be desirable to position it to avoid receiving direct impact or loss of load. When magnet 104 is housed within the enclosed channels 114, 116 of magnet connector 102, the magnet unit 43 disclosed herein protects magnet 104 and protects it from direct impact. The enclosed channels 114, 116 allow the end faces of magnet 104 to be recessed, such that attraction member 106 does not physically engage or contact magnet 104, but rather engages or contacts magnet connector 102. Furthermore, the efficient design and this arrangement of magnet unit 43 maximizes the use of the magnetic flux field and allows magnet unit 43 to have a relatively small diameter, thereby resulting in a smaller profile for fracture assembly 42.

[0081] Another problem with magnets 104 is their susceptibility to corrosion. To address this, magnets 104 are typically coated or plated with various ferromagnetic metals, plastics, or other materials. However, if these coatings are damaged, magnets 104 will be susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, care must be taken during the assembly and storage of the breaker assembly 42 to ensure that the coatings or platings of magnets 104 are not damaged. Magnet connector 102 helps protect magnets 104 from corrosion by protecting them during installation and use. This design provides a magnet unit 43 with fully encapsulated magnets 104, sealed as a single sub-assembly in an airtight and / or watertight manner, which provides ease of handling and assembly and protects the encapsulated magnets 104.

[0082] Another potential problem is that magnet 104 may attract metal particles and other objects attracted by the magnetic field. When such objects or particles are located on magnet 104 and / or attraction member 106, if attraction member 106 and magnet unit 43 are engaged with each other, such objects or particles may be trapped and impacted, providing a pressure point that could damage or break attraction member 106 or magnet unit 43. However, in the current design, magnet 104 is positioned within enclosed channels 114, 116. Therefore, magnet 104 is protected, and the end faces of magnet unit 43 can be made of a more robust material that can withstand such impacts. In some cases, the radial outer surface of magnet connector 102 may be coated with aluminum or some other paramagnetic material to prevent the collection of metal from the surrounding environment onto magnet connector 102.

[0083] Some existing designs allow magnets to be directly exposed to atmospheric elements, which can lead to damage and / or corrosion. Furthermore, some existing designs are magnetically inefficient because portions of the magnetic field must traverse a considerable area of ​​air that does not contribute to the magnetic force. Additionally, due to the patterning of the magnet, some designs distribute the magnetic flux over an excessively large surface area, thus reducing the effective magnetic field strength. In contrast, in the design disclosed herein, magnet 104 can be completely encapsulated within magnet connector 102, thus protecting magnet 104 from any corrosive materials or debris. Furthermore, a design with higher magnetic efficiency is employed.

[0084] Figure 14 , 15 Figure 15A illustrates a particular embodiment in which the magnet connector 102 has a plurality of radially aligned channels 116, each channel tightly accommodating a magnet 104 therein. In this case, the magnets 104 are generally aligned along the radial lines of the breaker assembly 42. The magnets 104 can be arranged such that the magnetic poles 118, 120 are aligned as follows: Figure 8 In a layout where they are arranged in alternating directions. Additionally, in... Figure 15 In the case shown, there can be twelve channels 116 / magnets 104, which are spaced 30 degrees apart at the center. The thickness of each magnet 104 (and the corresponding channel 114, 116) is (in Figure 15 In the embodiments described herein, the length (generally extending circumferentially) is between about 0.025" and 0.3" and in another case, more specifically between about 0.1" and about 0.2"; the height (extending axially) is between about 0.2" and about 1" and in another case, more specifically between about 0.3" and about 0.4"; and the length (extending radially) is between about 0.25" and about 2" and in another case, more specifically between about 0.5" and about 1.25". The length and height dimensions described above can be reversed if desired. Regardless of orientation, these dimensions of magnet 104 and channels 114, 116 can also be applied to other embodiments described herein.

[0085] exist Figure 14 , 15 In embodiments 15A and 15A, the magnet unit 43 may include a magnet holder 117, such as Figure 15A As best shown, it can be used to hold the magnet 104 in a desired position and orientation. Specifically, the magnet holder 117 may include a base ring 119 (which may resemble and / or define a web 112) and a plurality of generally wedge-shaped spacers 121 coupled to the ring 119 and extending axially away from the ring 119. The spacers 121 define a generally rectangular prism-shaped channel 116 for receiving the magnet 104. The magnet unit 43 may include a retaining ring 123 received in a corresponding recess downstream of the magnet holder 117. Figure 14( ), so as to hold the magnet holder 117 and the magnet 104 in the proper position.

[0086] In this embodiment, the magnet retainer 117 can be made of the same material as the attraction member 106 described above (e.g., a ferromagnetic material), and in one case, it can be made of a magnetizable material. In this case, the base ring 119 of the magnet retainer 117 can serve as a shunt member, similar to... Figures 2-4 The web or end wall 112 of the embodiment, while the spacer 121 can be magnetized by the adjacent magnet 104. Although combined Figure 14 and 15 The embodiments shown depict magnet holder 117, but it should be understood that magnet holder 117 may be used in other configurations instead of magnet connector 102 if needed.

[0087] As described above, the coupling mechanism 41, including the magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106, provides a single or primary separating force to the fracturer assembly 42. From such... Figure 2 Starting at the connection position shown, connectors 44 and 46 are held together by the attraction between the magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106. This attraction can be a minimum of 100 pounds according to currently applicable U.S. standards / regulations, but can be set to various other levels as needed. Therefore, the use of magnets, along with the various adjustment factors described above, helps ensure that the separation force of the breaker assembly 42 is reliable and predictable, with relatively small differences between the different assemblies 42. In one case, the force required to separate the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 is at least about 50 pounds, or at least about 80 pounds, or at least about 100 pounds, or at least about 150 pounds, or between about 80 pounds and about 150 pounds, or at least about 300 pounds, or less than about 500 pounds, or less than about 300 pounds.

[0088] When reconnection of the fracturer assembly 42 is desired, connectors 44 and 46 can be pressed together axially, valve stems 84 and 62 engage with each other, and then the associated lift valves 80 and 54 are opened. When sufficient force is applied, the magnet unit 43 is positioned close enough to the attraction member 106 such that the attraction between these components overcomes the repulsive force exerted by springs 94 and 74, and the fracturer assembly 42 remains in place. Figure 2 The opening position is shown.

[0089] Force Peak Adaptation - Spring

[0090] The fluid in fluid path 32 may sometimes experience pressure spikes, pressure shocks, or line shocks (collectively referred to herein as force spikes) due to uneven operation of pump 24, pressure applied by user operation, or other forces that are relatively short in duration and often lead to undesirable separation. For example, in conventional fuel systems, force spikes may be caused by a shut-off valve in nozzle 18 that closes fluid path 32 while pump 24 continues to operate for a short period. Force spikes may also be caused by a user pulling on hose 16 or other sources. In many cases of pressure spikes, because the fluid can be considered incompressible and has a relatively high energy transfer rate, the pressure spike has relatively low energy and may disappear as it travels through the fluid path. However, in such cases, the pressure spike may persist for a relatively long period of time.

[0091] In some existing systems, force spikes can exert force on the lift valve 54 of the downstream connector 46 or other components of the downstream connector 46. In existing single-use breakers, the connecting member between the upstream connector 44 and the downstream connector 46 may be relatively stiff and may shear or break when a sufficient force spike is applied, resulting in undesirable separation. Some reconnectable breakers are better at handling pulse loads, such as those generated by a user pulling hard on the hose 16, but sufficiently large forces generated by the user can still cause separation. Reconnectable breakers using compression or tilting coil springs may lack sufficient response time; for example, they may not be able to pass the load through the coil in enough time, which could damage the compression or tilting coil spring.

[0092] For example Figure 2 and Figure 13 The fracture assembly 42 shown is configured to adapt to force spikes without damaging the components and without causing undesirable separation. Specifically, the upstream connector 44 may include an internal member 129 (e.g., in one case defined by a portion of the upstream connector 44 other than the magnet unit 43) having a limited range of axial movement or "floating" relative to the magnet unit 43 to allow assembly 42 to adapt to force spikes without causing undesirable separation events. The internal member 129 may be an annular component extending circumferentially around the fluid path 32. Thus, the magnet unit 43 can be considered movably mounted within the upstream connector 44, enabling assembly 42 to adapt to force peaks in the system without causing separation.

[0093] Specifically, the magnet unit 43 / magnet connector 102 may have a generally annular skirt 126, which may be part of or integral with the body of the magnet connector 102. The skirt 126 is positioned upstream of the magnet 104, defining a shoulder 128 and an annular recess 130 positioned upstream of the shoulder 128. An annular retaining ring 132 is held in the recess 130. The magnet unit 43 also includes a retaining washer 134 positioned near the retaining ring 132 and axially downstream of the retaining ring 132.

[0094] When component 42 is in Figure 2 In the indicated position, the inner member 129 has a lip 136 positioned adjacent to and axially spaced from the retaining washer 134. Under normal operating conditions, a first gap 137 is positioned between the lip 136 and the retaining washer 134. A biasing element or resilient member 138 is positioned in a recess of the inner member 129 and can compress and engage the inner member 129 and the retaining washer 134, and may include or be in the form of a wire wave spring or other spring or a resilient member with a predetermined preload. The resilient member 138 biases the inner member 129 to its position as shown. Figure 1 The static or axially internal position shown can be fluidly isolated from fluid path 32.

[0095] When pressure spikes propagate through fluid path 32 and / or when a pulsed load is applied (e.g., by a user), the applied force can cause the lift valve 80 (carried along with it) of the internal component 129 and upstream connector 44 to move axially away from the magnet unit 43 and upstream connector 44. Figure 13 and 13A As shown, in one case, the relative movement can manifest as the internal component 129 and the lift valve 80 moving in relation to each other. Figure 2 Compared to moving upstream to an actuating or axially external position, the inner member 129 can move upstream in a relative direction until the lip 136 of the inner member 129 engages the retaining washer 134, thereby eliminating... Figure 2 The first gap 137, while introducing a gap between the shoulder 128 and the downstream surface of the internal member 129, such as Figure 13 and 13A The second gap 140 is shown. The magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106 maintain magnetic connection during the movement caused by this force spike, and the force spike adapts to the entire stroke of the movement by... Figure 2 The first gap 137 defines the space during full movement of the internal member 129. Figure 13The gap is eliminated. Of course, the internal component 129 does not necessarily need to move its full stroke to accommodate the force spike, in which case the gap 137 will decrease / narrow but not necessarily be eliminated. In this way, the upstream connector 44 can introduce a gap therein to accommodate the force spike, while the upstream connector 44 and the downstream connector 46 remain connected.

[0096] If the force spike overcomes the resistance of the elastic member 138, the internal member 129 / assembly 42 will move axially outward by up to a fixed distance until it... Figure 13 The force spike adaptation position is shown. Even when the internal member 129 is in its force spike adaptation position, the lift valve 80 remains open and does not shift to its closed position. The internal member 129 can move to its force adaptation position while the rest of connector 44 and / or the other connector 46 remains relatively fixed. Since the spike force is typically a rapid pulse, once the internal member 129 shifts to the pressure spike or force spike adaptation position and the force spike has sufficiently decreased, the resilient member 138 will rapidly push the assembly 42 back to its closed position. Figure 2 The position shown indicates that the downstream surface of the internal member 129 engages and presses against the shoulder 128 of the magnet unit 43. It should be noted that in the separation event described above, when in... Figure 13 When the force spike is adapted to the position shown, a sufficient separation force applied externally or by a sufficiently high pressure peak or a combination thereof will still cause the magnet unit 43 / upstream connector 44 to separate from the attraction member 106 / downstream connector 46.

[0097] Component 42 can accommodate force spikes propagating in both upstream and downstream directions. Specifically, as... Figure 13 and 13A As shown, these two force spikes can cause the component to... Figure 2 The same relative movement occurs at the rest position. Therefore, the elastic member 138 can adapt to and absorb pressure or peak force in either direction. In addition, when a user pulls the hose 16 sharply, thereby applying a direct physical force that tends to separate the assembly 42, the elastic member 138 can help absorb this force and reduce breakage events.

[0098] The resilient member 138 will have a predetermined preload force and compression point load. The maximum dimensions of both the resilient member 138 and the gap 140 limit the travel of the inner member 129 to a predetermined distance to ensure that the seal 47 on the upstream outer peripheral end of the downstream connector 46 is not pulled out of the hole in the inner surface of the upstream connector 44 or pulled away from contact with the inner surface of the upstream connector 44 when the assembly 42 is in its force peak adaptation position. Therefore, the maximum travel distance (e.g., the axial dimensions of the gap 137 and / or the gap 140, which may be shortened due to the compression length of the resilient member 138) can be relatively short, for example, less than about 5 / 16" in one case, or less than about 1 / 4" in another, or less than about 1 / 8" in yet another, or less than about 1 / 16" in yet another, and greater than about 1 / 32" in yet another.

[0099] The force required to move component 42 to its force peak adaptation position can be set to a value lower than the separation force. For example, if the separation force is set to 250 pounds, the force required to move component 42 to its force peak adaptation position can be set to a value less than 250 pounds, such as approximately 175 pounds in one case. Component 42 is capable of adapting to force peaks at various levels less than the separation force, such as at least approximately 40 pounds in one case, at least approximately 60 pounds in another case, at least approximately 80 pounds in yet another case, or approximately 25% greater than the separation force in one case, or approximately 50% greater than the separation force in another case, or less than the separation force in one case, or approximately 90% less than the separation force in yet another case. The force required to induce force peak adaptation should be large enough to adapt to meaningful force peaks, but not so high as to effectively cover the risk of failure and fracture events, nor so low as to enable frequent force peak adaptation, which would lead to fatigue of the various components adapting to the force peaks.

[0100] In such force spike events, the energy of the force spike is absorbed by the elastic component 138. This adaptation of the force spike reduces accidental separation and improves the fuel dispensing experience. Furthermore, allowing the internal component 129 to move / float relative to the rest of the upstream connector 44 isolates the joint 105 of the magnet connector 102 from the fluid spike force. Instead of applying force to the joint 105, the spike force is applied to annular regions such as the retaining washer 134, the retaining ring 132, and the recess 130 of the assembly 42, which can be designed and configured to adapt to the applied load.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, instead of moving or "floating" the magnet unit 43 to accommodate force spikes, the attraction member 106 may be configured to "float" within the downstream connector 46, allowing the downstream connector 46 to accommodate force spikes in either direction. In this embodiment, the resilient member 138 (along with the retaining ring 132 and retaining washer 134, if desired) is arranged in accordance with the specifications of a person skilled in the art. Figure 2 and Figure 13 The teachings of the illustrated embodiment are readily apparent in the positioning near the suction member 106 (in one case, for example, in the gap 113). In this case, when a force spike is present in the fluid path 32, the suction member 106 can move slightly relative to the axial direction, for example, downstream, and the associated elastic member 138 is compressed, thereby absorbing the force of the force spike. Once the force spike disappears, the suction member 106 returns to its original position under the bias of the spring / elastic member 138.

[0102] As described above, the magnet unit 43 and / or the attraction member 106 can use springs or other energy-absorbing devices to adapt to force spikes in the system. When both the magnet unit 43 and the attraction member 106 are configured to adapt to force spikes, the force spike adaptation system can be arranged to adapt to the force spikes in a phased manner. For example, the elastic member 138 may have different spring constants or otherwise be arranged to be activated under different levels of force. In this case, one force spike adaptation system may be activated under lower pressure or force, while another force spike adaptation system may be activated under higher pressure or force. In one case, the higher force spike adaptation system may be configured to be activated only when the lower force spike adaptation system reaches its limit; this is a case in which gap 137 is eliminated or prior to it. Therefore, this “dual-floating” system can support spike forces and adapt to them more effectively, and provides the ability to adapt to stronger force spikes.

[0103] It should be further understood that although the force peak adaptation system is shown in conjunction with the magnetic coupling system 41 herein, it is not necessarily limited to use with such a magnetic coupling system 41. Rather, the force peak adaptation system and features can be used with virtually any system or component (including mechanical coupling systems) connecting the first connector 44 and the second connector 46.

[0104] Force Peak Adaptation – Magnetic

[0105] In another alternative embodiment for adaptive peaks, not as Figure 16As illustrated in one case, using the elastic member 138, the magnetizable material 142 can be connected (e.g., in one case via a threaded connector 144 schematically shown, but various other connection mechanisms can be used) to the internal member 129 of the upstream connector 44, and the magnet 104 can act as a biasing element to help accommodate force spikes. The magnetizable material 142 is positioned adjacent to but not directly connected to the shoulder 128 of the magnet unit 43 / magnet connector 102. The magnetizable material 142 can be, for example, a ferromagnetic alloy member with a saturation point greater than 1.25 Tesla. The magnetizable material 142 can be magnetically attracted to the magnet 104 / magnet unit 43 (with a force lower than the separation force) to allow the magnet unit 43 to float to accommodate line impacts or pressure impacts as described above. Figure 16 In the embodiments, when subjected to a sufficiently strong line impact, pulse load, or force spike, the internal member 129 will move relative upstream (and / or the connector 46 will move relative downstream), thereby narrowing or closing gap 137, while opening another gap 140 between the magnetizable material 142 and the shoulder 128. Figure 16A ).

[0106] For example, when according to Figure 16 In embodiments where magnetic force is used to control and adapt to force spikes, it may be desirable for one end (e.g., the upstream end) of the magnet unit 43 to have a lower magnetic force than the other end (e.g., the downstream end) to ensure that the assembly 42 moves the assembly 42 to its force spike adaptation position. Figure 16A The required force is less than the separation force. This can be achieved in some of the ways outlined above, such as by making the downstream portion 102b of the magnet connector 102 made of a material with a higher saturation point than the upstream portion 102a, thereby increasing its efficiency and separation force, or by using a washer at the joint 105, by changing the position of the magnet 104 in the magnet connector 102, by increasing the thickness of the web, etc. In one case, one of the portions 102a / 102b of the magnet connector 102 (in one case the downstream portion 102b) can be made of a material with a saturation point greater than 1.25 Tesla, while the other portion 102a / 102b (the upstream portion 102a) can be made of a material with a saturation point less than 1.25 Tesla, or of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic alloy or material. In cases where a spring or other elastic component 138 is used to accommodate force or pressure spikes, the upstream portion 102a of the magnet connector 102 can be made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material because a magnetic field may not be required on the upstream side of the magnet connector 102.

[0107] Another way to provide reduced magnetic force at the upstream end of magnet unit 43 / magnet connector 102 is to simply increase the thickness of the web 146 of the upstream portion 102a (e.g., the axially extending thickness at the upstream end), which shunts the magnetic flux to reduce the magnetic force to the desired level. However, it has been found that if the web thickness 146 is made too large (in one case greater than about 1 / 4), the attractive force may be reduced too much and therefore may be impractical. On the other hand, if the web thickness 146 is too small (in one case less than about 1 / 64), it may compromise the strength / integrity of magnet unit 43. Another way to provide reduced magnetic force at the upstream end of magnet unit 43 would be to reduce the diameter of magnet unit 43, which would reduce magnetic efficiency.

[0108] It should also be understood that magnetic-based systems used for vanishing force spikes ( Figure 16 and 16A It can be used with spring-based systems for vanishing force spikes. Figure 1 , 12 (13 and 15) can be used in combination to provide two separate systems that can be used together to adapt to force spikes acting on the same or different parts, to provide the staged force spike adaptation as described above. It should also be noted that the magnetic pressure disappearance system can also be used in the downstream connector 46 by providing and adapting a structure corresponding to the above-described structure as needed.

[0109] Therefore, it can be seen that when the magnet unit 43 is used to adapt to force spikes, the magnet unit 43 plays a dual role in controlling the separation force and controlling the force spike adaptation force. Thus, the magnet unit 43 provides a usable magnetic field at both ends of its axial direction, wherein the relative strength of the magnetic field at each end can be controlled as needed. Alternatively, the magnet unit 43 may provide a usable magnetic field only at one end.

[0110] Relatively high voltage safety breaker

[0111] The aforementioned breaker assembly 42 is typically designed for storing and / or delivering conventional fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, that are not stored and / or delivered at significant pressures. However, magnetic breaker designs and / or similar or analogous structures can also be used in systems storing and delivering fuels or fluids, such as compressed natural gas, hydrogen, and liquefied petroleum gas, at relatively high pressures. In these cases, the fuel can be stored and distributed at certain pressures (which in one case are between about 70 psi and about 10,000 psi, and in another case are between about 2,900 psi and about 3,600 psi, or in one case are at least about 70 psi, in another at least about 150 psi, or in another at least about 2,000 psi, or in another at least about 2,900 psi, or in one case less than about 3,600 psi, or in another less than about 10,000 psi).

[0112] Figures 17-22 The fracture assembly 42' shown is somewhat similar to Figures 2-16 The fracture components shown, wherein the same reference numerals (in some cases with or without single quotes and / or letter indicators) are used for the same or similar parts, but Figures 17-22 The flow direction in the attached diagram is the same as Figures 2-16 In the embodiments, the flow directions are opposite. Therefore, for example... Figures 17-22 The rupture assembly 42' includes a first or upstream connector 44' and a second or downstream connector 46', and the fluid to be dispensed flows in a left-to-right direction. The first connector 44' includes a connection structure 147 having a series of generally axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges or jaws 148 that can releasably engage a circumferentially extending recess / ramp 150 on the second connector 46', as will be described in more detail below. The second connector 46' has a neck 154 that carries the recess 150 on its radially outer surface, and a retaining shaft member 153 is positioned within the second connector 46'. The shaft member 153 has an inner cavity 155 and faces upstream. A lift valve 80' is located within the second connector 46'. A valve 151 (e.g., a curtain valve having a curtain valve member, shuttle valve, closing valve, or slide member 152) is movably positioned within the first connector 44' and can be... Figure 17 The upstream position / open position shown is similar to... Figure 18 and 19 Move between the downstream / closed position shown.

[0113] The first connector 44' includes a central shaft or tubular structure 158, around which a slider 152 is movably / slidably mounted. The slider 152 includes an annular sealing structure 156 that fits tightly around the central shaft 158. The central shaft 158 ​​may be hollow, having a central cavity 160 and a plurality of radially extending openings 162 (or at least partially radially extending openings 162, which may extend primarily radially, or in one case form an average angle greater than 45 degrees relative to the central shaft, or in another case form an average angle greater than 65 degrees, or in yet another case extend strictly radially), forming a portion of a fluid path 32 located near its downstream end, in fluid communication with the cavity 160. The first connector 44' has a pair of seals 164, 166 positioned on the central shaft 158. The upstream seal 164 is located upstream of the opening 162, while the downstream seal 166 is located downstream of the opening 162.

[0114] When component 42' is in its such Figure 17 In the illustrated connection configuration, the downstream end of the central shaft 158 ​​is accommodated within the cavity 155 of the shaft member 153. In this position, the downstream seal 166 of the first connector 44' engages the radially inner surface of the shaft member 153 (e.g., the radially outer surface of the cavity 155), and the upstream seal 164 of the first connector 44' engages the radially inner surface of the distal end of the neck 154 to allow for fluid flow... Figure 17 The fluid in the sealed fluid path 32 flows from the upstream connector 44' to the downstream connector 46' as shown by the arrow in the diagram.

[0115] In this way, fluid can flow downward along the cavity 160 of the central shaft 158, radially outward through the opening 162, and encounter the lift valve 80'. The lift valve 80' includes a movable member 168 with a sealing surface 170, and is biased to an upstream / sealed position by a spring 94'. When the lift valve 80' is closed, its sealing surface 170 sealably engages the valve seat 172 on the shaft portion 53, as... Figure 18 and 19 As shown. Conversely, when a sufficiently pressurized fluid acts on the lift valve 80', the movable member 168 moves downstream, compressing the spring 94' and allowing fluid to flow as... Figure 17 The flow passes through the lift valve 80' as shown. Therefore, when component 42' is in... Figure 17 In the configuration shown, under sufficient pressure, the fluid can flow along... Figure 17 The arrow indicates that the flow is directed toward nozzle 18.

[0116] When axial separation force is applied to the first connector 44' and the second connector 46', the sliding member 152... Figure 18The slider 152 moves to the downstream position as shown (in a manner that will be described in more detail below). In this position, the sealing structure 156 of the slider 152 extends over and seals the opening 162 of the central shaft 158, thus acting as or acting as a curtain valve to prevent fluid flow. The sealing structure 156 of the slider 152 also seals the two seals 164, 166 of the upstream connector 44' to provide a strong seal. When the first connector 44' and the second connector 46' are properly and fully reconnected, the slider 152 retracts or moves upstream (in a manner that will be described in more detail below), exposing the opening 162 so that fluid can flow through the assembly 42'.

[0117] As described above, the connection structure 147 may include a plurality of axially extending flanges 148 on the first connector 44', wherein each flange 148 is circumferentially spaced from any adjacent flange 148. Each flange 148 may be movable or pivoted in the radial direction (e.g., from...). Figure 17 The position shown moves radially outward. Figure 18 and 19 (as shown in the diagram). Each flange 148 can be biased to its position by means of a spring 182, which extends circumferentially around the base end of the flange 148 and pushes the flange 148 radially outward by a lever force. Figure 18 and 19 In the radially outward position shown, it pivots about pivot position 188. Each flange 148 may also be axially coupled to the slider 152 and move axially together with the slider 152.

[0118] When the slider 152 / connecting structure 147 is in its such position Figure 17 In the upstream position or first axial position shown, the downstream end of flange 148 is radially positioned inside the attracting member 106b and prevents radial outward movement. This means that flange 148 is located in recess 150 and firmly clamps the downstream connector 46', preventing breakage. In contrast, when the slider 152 / connection structure moves to its position as shown... Figure 18 In the downstream or second axial position shown, the downstream end of flange 148 protrudes axially beyond the suction member 106, allowing flange 148 to move radially outward from recess 150, thereby releasing downstream connector 46'. In this way, slider 152 can be actively axially engaged with downstream connector 46' when assembly 42' is in the connected configuration, and when assembly 42' is in the disconnected configuration, slide valve or closing valve 152 is released and not axially engaged with downstream connector 46'. In other words, downstream connector 46' can be configured to move slider or closing valve 152 to the closed position when assembly 42' moves from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration.

[0119] Each flange 148 may include a surface 180 angled (i.e., extending at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis) on its radially inner surface. The upstream connector 46' may include a ramp or inclined surface 190 when the slider 152 is in its... Figure 17 At the upstream position shown, the ramp or inclined surface 190 engages with the ramp or inclined surface 180. When the slider 152 slides to its position... Figure 18 and 19 In the downstream position shown, the inclined surfaces 180 / 190 slide axially relative to each other, thereby actively moving the flanges 148 to their radially outward position, thus releasing the downstream connector 46'. Conversely, when the slider 152 moves back to its upstream position (e.g., from...), Figure 18 The position of / 19 is moved to Figure 17 (Position), the inclined surface 191 on the radially outer surface of the flange 148 engages the inclined surface 193 on the attracting member 106b to actively move the flange 148 to their radially inner position. However, it should be understood that the connection structure 147 may take any of a variety of other forms or mechanisms for releasably connecting the slider 152 and the downstream connector 46', such as various ramps, interlocking fingers, interlocking geometries, magnetic couplings, spring couplings, etc.

[0120] The coupling mechanism 41' can be used to fix the slider 152 in its upstream position, thereby axially fixing the upstream connector 44' and the downstream connector 46', and providing a separation force individually or primarily to the breaker assembly 42'. The coupling mechanism 41' may include a magnet unit 43', which is coupled to or forms part of the slider 152, identical or similar to the magnet unit 43' described above. However, in this case, the magnet unit 43' is coupled to the slider 152 and can move together with the slider 152 as will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, the assembly 42' may include a pair of attraction members 106a, 106b identical or similar to the attraction member 106 outlined above. Specifically, Figures 17-22 In this embodiment, the attraction member 106a is located at the upstream end of the upstream connector 44' and magnetically engages the magnet unit 43' / slider 152 to provide a separation force when the magnet unit 43' / slider 152 is in its upstream position. Furthermore, the upstream attraction member 106a can axially float in the system, allowing axial movement, but this movement in both axial directions is constrained by the fixing body 111 and the retaining washer 134, respectively. The attraction member 106a can be biased in the upstream direction by a spring or elastic element 138.

[0121] The attraction member 106b is located downstream of the upstream connector 44' and magnetically engages with the magnet unit 43' / slider 152 when it is in its downstream position to provide the desired reconnection force. The magnet unit 43' can be magnetically attracted to the attraction members 106a, 106b by adjusting the characteristics of the magnet unit 43' and / or the attraction members 106a, 106b, for example as described above, and with the same or variable attraction. In one embodiment, the attraction force of the magnet unit 43' on the downstream attraction member 106b (when the slider 152 is in its downstream position) is greater than the attraction force of the magnet unit 43' on the upstream attraction member 106a (when the slider 152 is in its upstream position). Therefore, in this case, the reconnection force of the assembly 42' may be greater than the separation force. This provides a safety feature described in more detail below.

[0122] When component 42' is in Figure 17 In the fully connected configuration shown, the slider 152 is in its upstream position and is held in place due to the magnetic engagement between the magnet unit 43' and the attraction member 106a. During a breakage event, a downstream axial force is applied to the second connector 46', which is transmitted to the slider 152 due to the engagement of the ramp 190 of the neck 154 and the inclined surface 180 of the flange 148. Therefore, the applied separation force is applied to and must first overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet unit 43' and the upstream attraction member 106a, causing the slider 152 to move to its position in the upstream position. Figure 18 The downstream position is shown in the diagram. When the slider 152 moves to its downstream position, the distal end of the flange 148 moves axially away from the attraction member 106b, allowing the flange 148 to move to its radially outward position under the bias of the spring 182. This, in turn, causes the flange 148 to release the downstream connector 46', and the slider 152 moves fully to its downstream position.

[0123] When the downstream connector 46' separates from the upstream connector 44', the downstream connector 46' applies a downstream force to the slider 152, thereby firmly pulling the slider 152 to its closed position to seal the opening 162 with seals 164, 166 as described above. Furthermore, as the slider 152 moves downstream, the force of the pressurized fluid upstream of the slider 152 pushes the slider 152 to its closed position, thus providing a reliable seal. When the downstream connector 46' separates from the upstream connector 44', the lift valve 80' in the downstream connector 46' closes under the bias of its spring 94, which overcomes the depressurization in the fluid path 32 caused by the closure of the opening 162. Therefore, after the separation event, connectors 44', 46' can be reliably and fluidly sealed.

[0124] To connect connectors 44' and 46' and move component 42' to its connection configuration, connectors 44' and 46' can be configured as follows: Figure 19 and 21 The process begins at the axially spaced positions shown. Then connectors 44' and 46' move axially together and the second connector 46' engages the slider 152. Figure 18 The slider 152 is moved upstream (exposing opening 162 and opening valve 151) until magnet unit 43 engages upstream attraction member 106a. Once the second connector 46' is fully axially inserted, flange 148 moves radially inward through inclined surface 191, thereby placing spring 182 under tension. Flange 148 then engages ramp 190 and is received in recess 150 to secure connectors 44', 46' together. Once connectors 44', 46' are connected and curtain valve 151 is open, pressurized fluid flows into downstream connector 46' and opens lift valve 80' due to the pressure exerted by the fluid on lift valve 80', as... Figure 17 As shown.

[0125] In order to remove component 42' from its Figure 19 Move the disconnect configuration to its Figure 17 In one case, the connection configuration can utilize, for example... Figure 21 and 22 The reconnection tool 202 is shown. The connection tool 202 includes a pair of manually operable handles 204 operably connected to a first connector 206 and a second connector 208 via various linkages and pivot connections. The first connector 206 is a generally annular member configured to fit snugly into a recess 210 on the outer surface of the first connector 44'. The second connector 208 is a generally annular member configured to fit over a lip 212 of the second connector 46'.

[0126] When the connection tool 202 is in Figure 21 In the configuration shown, with handle 204 oriented radially, the first connector 206 and the second connector 208 are axially spaced apart. The connecting tool 202 is then operated such that handles 204 pivot about their pivot point 203 until their handles 204 are axially oriented, and the first connector 206 and the second connector 208 are axially moved as shown. Figure 22 As shown, they are brought closer together, thereby pulling the second connector 46' into the first connector 44' as outlined above. In some cases, tool 202 may be provided only to certified, trained personnel to ensure the connection and reconnection process is performed correctly and the system is properly inspected before and after disconnection.

[0127] When the slider 152 is in its downstream position ( Figure 18 and 19The magnet unit 43' magnetically interacts with and is thus magnetically coupled to the downstream attraction member 106b. The downstream attraction member 106b thus serves as a safety measure to lock the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 in its closed position and requires a predetermined force to move the slider 152 away from the downstream position. Specifically, the magnet unit 43' and the attraction member 106b together ensure that a sufficiently large force is required to return the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 to its open position so that only authorized / fully trained personnel can reconnect assembly 42'. This helps ensure that assembly 42' is properly assembled and that the parts are in good working order. In one case, the force required to remove the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 from its downstream position is approximately 200 pounds, or in another case greater than the separation force, or in yet another case greater than approximately 25% of the separation force, or in yet another case less than the separation force, or in yet another case less than approximately 50% of the separation force. However, including the attraction member 106b is optional and can be omitted if necessary.

[0128] In some cases, the downstream connector 46' may include a discharge port 200 in the form of a relatively small opening. Figure 19 This provides a fluid path within the downstream connector 46' (downstream of the lift valve 80') to the ambient atmosphere. In this configuration, following a separation event when the lift valve 80' of the downstream connector 46' closes, the vent 200 allows the controller to release fluid that may have been collected by the lift valve 80' to reduce pressure in the system.

[0129] Figures 17-22Component 42' provides a robust and reliable shut-off valve, wherein the sealing function is provided by a sealing structure 156 of the slider 152, which extends over and seals the opening 162 of the central shaft 158. In this configuration, the sealing surface is entirely within the assembly 42' in both the connected and disconnected states and is protected from external forces and dust / debris. When the slider 152 is sealed on the outer surface / diameter of the central shaft 158, the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 allows flow or cuts off flow from the radially outer side of the fluid path 32 / cavity 160. When the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 is closed, the presence of pressure in the central shaft 158 ​​cavity 160 exerts a radially outward force. However, the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 is axially movable between its open and closed positions. Therefore, the presence of radially applied pressure in cavity 160 / central shaft 158 ​​does not affect the operation of slider 152 / curtain valve 151, and when slider 152 is in its downstream / closed position, curtain valve 151 is thus pressure balanced, and the fluid pressure does not open or close curtain valve 151. In this case, external force is required to open or close slider 152 / curtain valve 151. Furthermore, when slider 152 is in its downstream position, two seals 164, 166 engage slider 152, thereby capturing / closing opening 162 to obtain a strong seal. Therefore, curtain valve 151 reduces sensitivity to force spikes, although component 42' may include force spike adaptation features described below.

[0130] As described above, seals 164 and 166 are captured and internally positioned to resist removal. In contrast, in some other designs, seals may be blown out of position during a breakage event, and the person reconnecting the assembly may not notice the missing seal. However, this design minimizes the chance of displacement of seals 164 and 166. Furthermore, the inclined surface 180 on the flange 148 axially connecting the two connectors 44' and 46' faces radially inward and is protected from damage. The corresponding inclined ramp 190 faces radially outward but is also protected from damage when the assembly 42' is in its connected configuration; additionally, ramp 190 is readily visible after a separation event for inspection to ensure it is not damaged.

[0131] Furthermore, the magnet unit 43' is directly coupled to the slider 152 / curtain valve 151, which provides a faster response when fluid flow is terminated. Many current systems rely on pressure, flow, and bias springs to close check valves, etc. In those cases, if there is any debris in the fluid path 32, the valve may remain open and / or close slowly. In contrast, because the slider 152 is slidably positioned on and slides axially on the central shaft 158, the assembly 42' has little or no surface (e.g., a surface perpendicular to the flow direction) on which debris can accumulate to prevent the valve 151 from closing. Furthermore, any debris located on the central shaft 158 ​​can be removed and cleared by the axial sliding of the slider 152, providing a self-cleaning design.

[0132] The design of component 42', particularly the slider 152 / curtain valve 151, provides for a configuration where, when component 42' is in its connected configuration, a relatively small number of parts in the upstream connector 44' are exposed to pressure; these include, for example, the slider 152, the two seals 164, 166, the upstream threaded adapter 48, the central shaft 158, and the internal components of the downstream connector 46'. After a separation event, when the curtain valve 151 is closed, the only parts of the upstream connector 44' exposed to pressure due to the pressurized fluid therein are the slider 152, the valve 151, the central shaft 158, and the upstream threaded adapter 48. Therefore, by providing a relatively small number of parts exposed to pressure, the chance of pressure loss is reduced, and the cost and complexity of component 42' are decreased.

[0133] As described above, in both states of component 42', the inclined engagement surfaces 180 and 190, which transmit the separation force, are similarly positioned and protected internally. Finally, the relatively straight flow path through component 42' provides relatively few bends and changes in direction for the fluid, which reduces pressure, reduces wear and tear on component 42', and reduces the chance of blockages or flow obstructions.

[0134] Pressure spike adaptation – high pressure

[0135] Pressurized fuel may be exposed to pressure spikes due to, for example, the fluid path connection to the compressor, which causes pressure fluctuations during compressor operation. Pressure spikes may also occur when an operator pulls on hose 16 sharply. Because the fluid is compressible but at relatively high pressures, shock waves (which may originate from upstream sources such as the compressor or pump) may propagate through the system relatively quickly, presenting as high-pressure spikes over a relatively short period of time.

[0136] exist Figures 17-20During a pressure spike event in component 42', since component 42' reaches pressure equilibrium as described above, the fluid-based pressure spike may not directly cause or induce separation of component 42'. Instead, a fluid-based pressure spike from an upstream source may increase the pressure applied to seals 164, 166. Seals 164, 166 may be temporarily contained, releasing or "burping" pressure or fluid into surrounding volumes, such as the cavity 155 of shaft member 153. Sufficient burping of fluid or pressure may eventually accumulate to the point that a relatively strong separation force is applied to component 42'. Furthermore, external separation forces, such as a user pulling on hose 16, may apply separation forces that may need to be adapted. Therefore, it is possible to... Figures 17-20 The pressure spike / separation force adaptation features described above are utilized in component 42', such as floating magnet unit 43' and / or floating attraction members 106a, 106b.

[0137] In particular, such as Figure 17 and 20 As shown, the central axis 158 of the upstream connector 44' may have a retaining ring 132 received in a recess 130 on its outer surface, thereby holding the washer 134 in place. When as Figure 17 When the connection arrangement is as shown and is not adapted to pressure spikes, the axially extending gap 195 is located between the washer 134 and the suction member 106a, and the suction member 106a is spring-biased to the upstream position 138.

[0138] When component 42' experiences a pressure spike, the slider 152, the magnet unit 43', and the attraction member 106a holding the magnetic coupling to the magnet unit 43' can move slightly downstream relative to the rest of component 42, thereby overcoming the spring force of the elastic member 138 and eliminating the gap 195 as the magnet unit 43' and attraction member 106a move downstream. This relative movement produces, upstream of attraction member 106a, a... Figure 20 The new gap 197 is shown, and the spring 138 is compressed. When in Figure 20 When the pressure spike adapts to the position, if sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly (see Figure 42'), the magnet unit 43' and the slider 152 will separate from the attraction member 106a and move downstream, and the assembly 42' will move to... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The configuration shown. However, assuming no separation force is experienced, once the pressure peak force disappears, component 42' will return to its original position because the spring or elastic element 138, which attempts to expand backward to its original position, is biased. Figure 17 The location shown.

[0139] Because the impact time from the compressor / pump, etc., is relatively short, the gaps 195 and / or 197 can be relatively small, for example, between approximately 0.005" and approximately 0.04", and in another case, approximately 0.02". In this case, the gaps 195 / 197 are... Figure 2 , 3 The gap 137 can be relatively small compared to the embodiment shown in 13, to ensure that there is no movement in component 42' sufficient to pull any seal out of position. However, Figure 17 and 20 In some embodiments, the gaps 195 / 197 can also be large enough (up to about 0.2 in some cases) to accommodate downstream movement 16 of the suction member 106a caused by a user pulling the hose 16, in a manner that can accommodate pressure spikes.

[0140] Therefore, it can be seen that the system described and illustrated herein can provide a fluid distribution system that can use magnetic features to provide separation force; can use magnetic features to accommodate pressure spikes; can provide robust valves and strong sealing capabilities; can accommodate pressure spikes with features other than magnetism; and provides a variety of other features and advantages described herein.

[0141] The invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, and it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A fracture breaker assembly, comprising: First connector; A second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the component is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first and second connectors are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, wherein the fluid path includes at least a partially radially extending portion, and in the second configuration the first and second connectors are not coupled together, wherein the component is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the component; and A closing valve, located in one of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position when the component is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to be moved to a closed position when the component moves to the second configuration to block the at least partially radially extending portion of the fluid path to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, and wherein the other of the first connector or the second connector is configured to actively move the closing valve to a closed position when the component moves from the first configuration to the second configuration.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The closing valve is configured to move axially when moving between an open position and a closed position.

3. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector and the second connector are configured to move axially relative to each other when the components move from the first configuration to the second configuration.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, One of the first connector or the second connector has a shaft that defines at least a portion of the fluid path therein, and the at least partially radially extending portion includes an opening formed in or defined by the shaft.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The closing valve includes a slider that can slide along the axis between an open position and a closed position.

6. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The shaft is hollow and has multiple radially extending openings, each of which is sealed by the closing valve when the closing valve is in the closed position, and each of which is not sealed by the closing valve when the closing valve is in the open position.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The other of the first connector or the second connector includes a connection structure that can be releasably connected to the closing valve.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The closing valve is configured to move axially when moving between an open position and a closed position, and the connecting structure is configured to move axially as the closing valve moves between the open position and the closed position.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The connection structure is configured to connect the first connector and the second connector when the connection structure is in a first axial position, and not connect the first connector and the second connector when the connection structure is in a second axial position.

10. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The connection structure includes an inclined surface on the first connector and an inclined surface on the second connector, wherein each inclined surface is configured to engage with each other to hold the component in the first configuration until a separation force is applied to the component.

11. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The connection structure includes a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges coupled to one of the first connectors or the second connector, wherein each flange is configured to engage a recess on the other of the first connectors or the second connector to hold the assembly in the first configuration until a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly, and wherein each flange is configured to move axially with the closing valve as the closing valve moves between an open position and a closed position.

12. The component of claim 11, wherein, Each flange is movable between a radially outer position and a radially inner position, wherein when each flange is in the radially inner position, each flange is configured to engage the recess to fully retain the component in the first configuration, and wherein when each flange is in the radially outer position, the flange does not engage the recess to fully retain the component in the first configuration, and wherein when the connecting structure is in the first axial position, each flange is in the radially inner position, and when the connecting structure is in the second axial position, each flange is in the radially outer position.

13. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The closing valve is coupled to at least a portion of a connecting structure configured to releasably connect the first connector to the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to move axially from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the closing valve is configured to be magnetically held in the open position until a predetermined separation force is applied to the component.

14. The component of claim 13, wherein, The closing valve includes a magnet unit or is coupled to a magnet unit, and wherein one of the first connector or the second connector includes an attraction member that is magnetically attracted to the magnet unit to magnetically hold the closing valve in the open position.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein, The magnet unit includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together defining a channel therebetween, and wherein the magnet unit also includes a plurality of magnets received in the channel.

16. The component of claim 13, wherein, The closing valve includes or is coupled to a magnet unit, and wherein one of the first connectors or the second connector includes an attraction member that is magnetically attracted to the magnet unit to magnetically hold the closing valve in the closed position.

17. The component of claim 1, wherein, When the component is in the first configuration and the closing valve remains open, at least a portion of one of the first connectors or the second connector is axially movable relative to the remainder of the first connector or the second connector, or is axially movable relative to the other of the first connector or the second connector, to accommodate force spikes.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein, At least a portion of the first or second connector is biased to a rest position by a biasing element and configured to move axially to an actuated position when an adaptive force spike occurs.

19. The component of claim 18, wherein, The biasing element is fluidly isolated from the fluid path.

20. The component of claim 18, wherein, The biasing element is at least one of an elastic member or a magnet.

21. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The component is configured to receive fluid and operate as a rupture assembly for fluid at a pressure of at least 2000 psi.

22. A method for using a fracture assembly, comprising: A fracture assembly is obtained, the fracture assembly including a first connector and a second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the assembly is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration, in the first configuration the first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, and in the second configuration the first connector and the second connector are not coupled together, wherein the fluid path includes at least a partially radially extending portion, wherein the assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly, the assembly including a closing valve located in one of the first connectors, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to be moved to a closed position when the assembly moves to the second configuration to block the at least partially radially extending portion of the fluid path to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough, and wherein the other of the first connectors or the second connector is configured to actively move the closing valve to a closed position when the assembly moves from the first configuration to the second configuration; and The first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled together, such that the components are in a first configuration.

23. A fracture breaker assembly, comprising: First connector; A second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the component is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, and in the second configuration the first connector and the second connector are not coupled together, wherein the component is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the component; and A closing valve, located in one of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough when the component is in the first configuration, and to be moved to a closed position to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when the component is moved to the second configuration, wherein the closing valve surrounds and receives at least a portion of the fluid path therein, and wherein the component is configured to achieve pressure equilibrium when in the second configuration, such that the forces caused by internal pressure are balanced when the component is in the second configuration and pressurized fluid is in the fluid path.

24. The component of claim 23, wherein, At least a portion of the fluid path is defined by an axis, and the closed valve is movable along the axis between the open position and the closed position.

25. A fracture assembly, comprising: First connector; A second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the component is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, and in the second configuration the first connector and the second connector are not coupled together, wherein the component is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the component; A closing valve, located in one of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position when the component is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to be moved to a closed position when the component is moved to the second configuration to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough; An attractive member, which is connected to one of the first connector or the second connector; as well as A magnet unit, which is coupled to the other of the first connector or the second connector, wherein when the component is in the first configuration, the attraction member and the magnet unit magnetically attract each other to hold the component in the first configuration, wherein the magnet unit includes one or more magnets such that the magnetic poles of each magnet are oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the component, and wherein the component is configured to receive fluid and operate as a rupture assembly for fluid at a pressure of at least 2000 psi.

26. The component of claim 25, wherein, The fluid path includes a radially extending portion, and wherein when the closing valve is in the closed position, the closing valve blocks the radially extending portion of the fluid path.

27. The component of claim 25, wherein, The closing valve is configured to move axially when moving between an open position and a closed position.

28. The component of claim 25, wherein, The magnet unit includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion together defining a channel therebetween, and wherein the magnet unit also includes the plurality of magnets housed in the channel.

29. The component of claim 28, wherein, The channel is polygonal in the axial end view.

30. The component of claim 28, wherein, The channel is circular in the axial end view.

31. The component of claim 25, wherein the magnetic attraction between the attracting member and the magnet unit defines or primarily contributes to the separation force required to move the component from the first configuration to the second configuration.

32. The assembly of claim 25, wherein each magnet is generally shaped as a rectangular prism and aligned with the radial line of the fracture assembly in an axial end view.

33. The assembly of claim 25, wherein each magnet is generally shaped as a rectangular prism and is circumferentially arranged in the fracture assembly in an axial end view.

34. The component of claim 25, wherein the magnet unit is annular and extends completely around the fluid path.

35. The component of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector is axially movable away from at least a portion of the other of the first connector or the second connector, while the attraction member and the magnet unit are not axially movable relative to each other to accommodate force spikes, wherein the component is configured such that the axial movement of the at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector to accommodate force spikes is independent of movement of the component between the first configuration and the second configuration.

36. The component of claim 35, wherein at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector is magnetically attracted to the magnet unit, and wherein the magnetic attraction between the at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector and the magnet unit is configured to be overcome by a force spike when the component adapts to a force spike.

37. The assembly of claim 25, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector is fluidly coupled to a fuel dispensing nozzle to dispense fuel into a vehicle fuel tank, and wherein the other of the first connector and the second connector is fluidly coupled to a fuel pump.

38. A fracture assembly, comprising: First connector; A second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the component is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, and in the second configuration the first connector and the second connector are not coupled together, wherein the component is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the component; as well as A closing valve, located in one of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough when the component is in the first configuration, and to be moved to a closed position to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when the component is moved to the second configuration, and wherein the other of the first connector or the second connector is configured to actively move the closing valve to a closed position when the component moves from the first configuration to the second configuration.

39. The component of claim 38, wherein, The closing valve is configured to be actively axially coupled to the other of the first connector or the second connector when the component is in a first configuration, and not axially coupled to the other of the first connector or the second connector when the component is in a second configuration.

40. The component of claim 38, wherein, The component includes a connection structure configured to releasably connect the other of the first connector and the second connector to the closing valve.

41. The component of claim 40, wherein, The closing valve is configured to move axially when moving between the open position and the closed position, and the connecting structure is configured to move at least partially axially together with the closing valve between the open position and the closed position.

42. The component of claim 40, wherein, The connection structure is configured to connect the other of the first connector or the second connector to the closing valve when the closing valve is in a first axial position, and not connect the other of the first connector or the second connector when the closing valve is in a second axial position.

43. The component of claim 40, wherein, A portion of the connection structure is coupled to the other of the first connector and the second connector, and wherein the portion of the connection structure is coupled to the closing valve.

44. The component of claim 40, wherein, The connection structure includes an inclined surface on the other of the first connector or the second connector and an inclined surface coupled to the closing valve, wherein each inclined surface is configured to engage with each other to hold the component in the first configuration until a separation force is applied to the component.

45. The component of claim 40, wherein, The connection structure includes a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges that are coupled to one of the closing valve or the other of the first connector or the second connector, wherein each flange is configured to engage a recess on the other of the closing valve or the other of the first connector or the second connector to retain the assembly in the first configuration until a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly, and wherein each flange is configured to move axially with the closing valve as the closing valve moves between an open position and a closed position.

46. ​​The component of claim 45, wherein, Each flange is movable between a radially outer position and a radially inner position, wherein when each flange is in the radially inner position, the flange is configured to engage the recess to hold the assembly in a first configuration, and wherein when each flange is in the radially outer position, the flange is configured not to engage the recess, and wherein when the connecting structure is in a first axial position, each flange is in the radially inner position, and when the connecting structure is in a second axial position, each flange is in the radially outer position.

47. The component of claim 40, wherein, The first connector or the second connector is configured to be actively axially connected to the other of the first connector or the second connector via the connection structure when the component is in a first configuration, and not axially connected to the other of the first connector or the second connector via the connection structure when the component is in a second configuration.

48. The component of claim 38, wherein, The closing valve is configured to remain magnetically in the open position until a predetermined separation force is applied to the component.

49. The component of claim 48, wherein, The closing valve includes a magnet unit or is coupled to a magnet unit, and one of the first connectors or the second connector includes an attraction member that is magnetically attracted to the magnet unit to magnetically hold the closing valve in the open position.

50. The component of claim 49, wherein, The magnet unit includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion together defining a channel therebetween, and wherein the magnet unit further includes a plurality of magnets received in the channel.

51. A fracture assembly, comprising: First connector; A second connector releasably coupled to the first connector, wherein the component is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first connector and the second connector are releasably coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid can flow, and in the second configuration the first connector and the second connector are not coupled together, wherein the component is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the component; as well as A closing valve, located in one of the first connector or the second connector, wherein the closing valve is configured to be in an open position to allow fluid to flow therethrough when the component is in the first configuration, and to be in a closed position to substantially prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when the component is moved to the second configuration, and wherein the closing valve is configured to be actively axially coupled to the other of the first connector or the second connector when the component is in the first configuration, and not actively axially coupled to the other of the first connector or the second connector when the component is in the second configuration.

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