Plug-in fluid connection assembly and pressure reducing valve

Abstract

This application discloses a plug-in fluid connection assembly and a pressure reducing valve. The plug-in fluid connection assembly includes: a first plug-in member, comprising a cylindrical first plug portion and a first channel penetrating the first plug portion; the inner circumferential surface of the first plug portion is provided with a first seal and a second seal arranged side by side; a second plug-in member, comprising a guide tube with a second channel in its inner cavity and a mating ring located on the outer circumference of the guide tube; the mating ring is provided with a third seal on its inner circumferential surface facing the guide tube; in the plug-in state, the guide tube is located within the first channel, the first plug-in member is located inside the mating ring, and the first seal seals the first plug portion and the guide tube; the second seal abuts against the first plug portion and the guide tube, and the third seal abuts against the first plug portion and the mating ring; the connection assembly relies solely on the seals to maintain the axial relative positions of the components. This application uses the deformation constraint of the seals to achieve the locking of the axial position of the connection assembly, taking into account both ease of use and structural simplicity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pressurized fluid transport, and in particular to a plug-in fluid connection assembly and a pressure reducing valve. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure reducing valves are common components in the fluid and high-pressure vessel industries. They generally include a valve body that provides a flow path, a control valve core mounted on the valve body, and a pressure reducing valve core. The control valve core controls the connection or disconnection between the flow path within the valve body and the fluid source. The pressure reducing valve core regulates the fluid pressure to a suitable value to meet the needs of subsequent loads. Depending on the required pressure reduction, the pressure reducing valve core can have multiple settings. In some scenarios, pressure reducing valves are typically installed directly on portable high-pressure vessels for convenient use. For example, in oxygen / air cylinders, the pressure reducing valve can be integrated into the cylinder valve, allowing the user to obtain a stable, low-pressure breathing gas from the high-pressure cylinder after connecting tubing and other components.

[0003] To facilitate quick connection or disconnection of low-pressure piping, existing technologies often employ quick-connect fittings. However, to ensure connection stability, axial locking components are typically included. These components may include radially movable steel balls, radially inserted pins or clips, threaded clamping caps or connecting rings, axially limiting clasps or restraint bands, or inserting claws into the pipe body. This has created a technological bias, namely that pressure piping connections always require axial locking components, and disconnections require releasing these components. This bias has led those skilled in the art to continuously attempt to improve the unlocking method of axial locking components to enhance the user experience of connecting / disconnecting low-pressure piping, but this has resulted in a failure to balance the ease of connection / disconnection with the simplicity of the connection component structure. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application discloses a plug-in fluid connection assembly having a relative plug-in state and a disconnected state, including:

[0005] The first connector includes a cylindrical first connector portion and a first channel penetrating the first connector portion. The inner circumferential surface of the first connector portion is provided with a first sealing element and a second sealing element arranged side by side.

[0006] The second connector includes a guide tube with a second channel in its inner cavity and a mating ring located on the outer periphery of the guide tube. The mating ring has a third sealing element on its inner circumferential surface facing the guide tube.

[0007] In the inserted state, a portion of the guide tube is located within the first channel, a portion of the first connector is located inside the mating ring, and the first seal seals the inner circumferential surface of the first connector and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube to seal the connection between the first channel and the second channel; the second seal abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first connector and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube, and the third seal abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the first connector and the inner circumferential surface of the mating ring; the first connector and the second connector maintain their axial relative position only by the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal.

[0008] Several alternative methods are provided below, but they are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution above. They are merely further additions or optimizations. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined with each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the first insertion part, and the outer peripheral surface of the first insertion part is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the mating ring.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal are staggered in the insertion direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guide tube sequentially includes, in the axial direction, a plug section for entering the first channel, a positioning section that mates with the mating ring, and a connecting section for the fluid pipeline; the outer peripheral surface of the plug section mates with the first seal and the second seal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the insertion section is provided with a retaining ring groove that mates with the second seal, and the two opposite sidewalls of the retaining ring groove are inclined to guide the second seal into or out.

[0013] In one embodiment, the positioning segment is enlarged in diameter compared to the insertion segment to achieve a tight fit with the mating ring, and the end of the positioning segment facing away from the insertion segment is provided with a positioning step that abuts against the mating ring.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second connector further includes

[0015] A screw-in connector is positioned on the positioning segment;

[0016] A clamping ring is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting segment and moves relative to the connecting segment via the screw seat;

[0017] The connecting section is provided with a clamping flange, and the clamping ring and the clamping flange cooperate with each other to position the fluid pipeline.

[0018] In one embodiment, the screw seat and the mating ring are an integral structure and have a through mounting hole, and the guide tube is inserted and positioned in the mounting hole;

[0019] The mounting hole is a stepped hole and a positioning enlargement hole is provided on the side near the screw seat. The guide tube is provided with a positioning step that cooperates with the positioning enlargement hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first connector further includes a plug valve core movably disposed within a first channel, the plug valve core being driven by fluid pressure to close the first channel; in the plugged state, the guide tube drives the plug valve core to open the first channel.

[0021] This application also discloses a pressure reducing valve, including a valve body and a pressure reducing valve core installed on the valve body. The valve body includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The fluid transported through the air inlet is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve core and then output from the air outlet. The air outlet is equipped with the plug-in fluid connection assembly described in the above technical solution.

[0022] The technical solution disclosed in this application overcomes the technical bias in the prior art. Since the pressure on the low-pressure side of the pressure reducing valve is relatively low, the existing method of locking the connecting assembly using an axial locking component can be abandoned. Instead, the axial position of the connecting assembly is locked by the deformation constraint of the seal. The overall structure of the connecting assembly is simple and compact, with no individual moving parts, facilitating assembly and production. In use, the connecting assembly can be connected or disconnected without separately operating the locking component, resulting in convenient operation and a good user experience.

[0023] The specific beneficial technical effects will be further explained in the specific implementation methods in conjunction with the specific structures or steps. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the plug-in fluid connection assembly in one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of each sealing component;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the disassembled state of the plug-in type fluid connection assembly;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the engagement of the clamping ring and the screw seat of the second connector;

[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the guide tube and the mounting hole of the second connector;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the guide tube in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure reducing valve structure in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the pressure reducing valve AA in the middle;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the pressure reducing valve BB in the diagram.

[0033] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows:

[0034] 100, First connector; 110, First channel; 120, First connector portion; 121, Connecting conical surface; 130, First connecting portion; 140, Driving portion; 150, Connecting valve core;

[0035] 200. Second connector; 210. Second channel; 220. Guide tube; 221. Connecting section; 2211. Retaining ring groove; 2212. Guide cone surface; 222. Positioning section; 2221. Positioning step; 223. Connecting section; 2231. Clamping flange; 224. Enlarged diameter section; 230. Mating ring; 240. Threaded seat; 241. Mounting hole; 2411. Positioning enlarged hole; 250. Clamping ring;

[0036] 301. First seal; 302. Second seal; 303. Third seal;

[0037] 910. Valve body; 921. Primary pressure reducing valve core; 922. Secondary pressure reducing valve core; 930. Air inlet; 940. Air outlet; 950. Control valve core; 960. Fluid passage. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it can be connected to a component in between. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may be set to a component in between.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] To avoid the cumbersome operation of individually controlling the locking component when the connection assembly is disconnected, as is the case in existing technologies, this application discloses a plug-in fluid connection assembly that relies solely on a seal to maintain the axial relative position of each component. (See attached document) Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment shows a plug-in fluid connection assembly with a relative plug-in state (see attached diagram). Figure 1 ) and separation state (see attached) Figure 3 The plug-in fluid connection assembly includes a first plug 100 and a second plug 200 that cooperate with each other.

[0042] The first connector 100 includes a cylindrical first connector portion 120 and a first channel 110 passing through the first connector portion 120. The inner circumferential surface of the first connector portion 120 is provided with a first sealing element 301 and a second sealing element 302 arranged side by side.

[0043] The second connector 200 includes a guide tube 220 with a second channel 210 in its inner cavity and a mating ring 230 located on the outer periphery of the guide tube 220. The mating ring 230 is provided with a third sealing element 303 facing the inner circumferential surface of the guide tube 220.

[0044] In the plugged-in state, a portion of the guide tube 220 is located within the first channel 110, and a portion of the first plug-in member 100 is located inside the mating ring 230. The first seal 301 seals the inner circumferential surface of the first plug-in portion 120 and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 220 to seal the connection between the first channel 110 and the second channel 210. In this configuration, the fluid pressure acts only on the end face of the guide tube 220 (the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube 220 minus the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 210) and the first seal 301. Simultaneously, the first seal 301, installed on the first plug-in portion 120, does not cause the guide tube 220 to exhibit axial movement, resulting in minimal force exerted by the fluid pressure on the guide tube 220. This provides a basis for maintaining the axial stability of the fluid connection assembly solely through the seal at lower fluid pressures. In this application, unless otherwise specified, "lower fluid pressure" or "low-pressure side" refers to a fluid pressure less than or equal to 0.2 MPa. In this embodiment, the constraint effect is further enhanced by a second seal 302 and a third seal 303. The second seal 302 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first insertion portion 120 and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 220, while the third seal 303 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion portion 120 and the inner circumferential surface of the mating ring 230. This coordination ensures that the first insertion member 100 and the second insertion member 200 maintain their axial relative positions solely by the first seal 301, the second seal 302, and the third seal 303.

[0045] For specific settings of the first connector 100, please refer to the attached document. Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 100 is cylindrical in shape, with a first connecting portion 130 at one end and a first plug-in portion 120 at the other end. A first channel 110 passes through the first connecting portion 130 and the first plug-in portion 120. The first connecting portion 130 is provided with a threaded structure for connecting to the valve body 910 and / or an air source. A driving portion 140 is provided in the middle of the cylindrical shape to realize the installation of the threaded structure. Two mounting ring grooves are provided side by side on the inner circumferential surface of the first plug-in portion 120 facing the first channel 110 for respectively installing the first seal 301 and the second seal 302. In one embodiment, the first connector 100 also includes a plug-in valve core 150 movably disposed in the first channel 110. The plug-in valve core 150 is driven by fluid pressure to close the first channel 110; in the plugged state, the guide tube 220 drives the plug-in valve core 150 to open the first channel 110. The first channel 110 within the first connecting part 130 is expanded to form a plug-in valve cavity, and the plug-in valve core 150 is located within the plug-in valve cavity.

[0046] For specific settings of the second connector 200, please refer to the attached document. Figure 4 To be continued Figure 6As shown, the guide tube 220 includes, in the axial direction, a plug section 221 for entering the first channel 110, a positioning section 222 that mates with the mating ring 230, and a connecting section 223 for the fluid pipeline. The mating ring 230, in addition to mates with the first plug portion 120, also provides protection for the guide tube 220 in the separated state, especially for the plug section 221. The outer circumferential surface of the plug section 221 mates with the first seal 301 and the second seal 302, and the smoothness of the outer circumference of the plug section 221 directly affects the sealing effect. The plug section 221 is provided with a retaining ring groove 2211 that mates with the second seal 302. The two opposite sidewalls of the retaining ring groove 2211 are inclined to guide the second seal 302 into or out. The included angle between the two sidewalls of the retaining ring groove 2211 ranges from 30 degrees to 160 degrees. Figure 6 In the process, the included angle A1 between the two side walls of the annular groove 2211 is maintained within the range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees. The positioning section 222 is enlarged in diameter compared to the insertion section 221 to achieve a tight fit with the mating ring 230. The outer diameter of the positioning section 222 is uniformly set, and the outer diameter of the insertion section 221 is uniformly set, with the two transitioning through the enlarged diameter section 224. The outer circumferential surface of the enlarged diameter section 224 is a conical surface, and the included angle A2 between the generatrix of the conical surface and the outer circumferential surface of the positioning section 222 is within the range of 15 degrees to 45 degrees. To ensure the accuracy of the mating position between the guide tube 220 and the mating ring 230, a positioning step 2221 is provided at the end of the positioning section 222 facing away from the insertion section 221. The positioning step 2221 can abut against the mating ring 230 or against the screw seat 240 mentioned below.

[0047] The mating ring 230 is a single-end open cylindrical structure. The closed end allows the guide tube 220 to pass through and fit tightly with it, while the open end allows the first insertion part 120 to enter. The end near the open end is provided with a mounting ring groove for installing the third seal 303.

[0048] Reference Appendix Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the second connector 200 further includes a threaded seat 240 positioned on the positioning section 222 and a clamping ring 250 disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting section 223. The clamping ring 250 moves relative to the connecting section 223 via the threaded seat 240. The connecting section 223 is provided with a clamping flange 2231, and the clamping ring 250 and the clamping flange 2231 cooperate with each other to position the fluid pipeline. The threaded seat 240 and the mating ring 230 are an integral structure and are provided with a through mounting hole 241, into which the guide tube 220 is inserted and positioned. The mounting hole 241 is a stepped hole and is provided with a positioning enlarged hole 2411 on the side near the threaded seat 240. The guide tube 220 is provided with a positioning step 2221 that cooperates with the positioning enlarged hole 2411.

[0049] For specific settings of each seal, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2As shown, in the insertion direction, the first seal 301, the second seal 302, and the third seal 303 are staggered. This staggered arrangement ensures the coaxiality of the first insertion part and the second insertion part 200, improving the working efficiency of each seal. Furthermore, in the insertion direction, the third seal 303, the first seal 301, and the second seal 302 are arranged sequentially, with the second seal 302 being closest to the connecting section 223 of the guide tube 220. The working states of each seal are also different; the first seal 301 and the third seal 303 are pressed against their corresponding surfaces, while at least a portion of the second seal 302 enters the retaining ring groove 2211 to further improve the axial retaining effect. To improve the insertion feel of the first insertion part 100 and the second insertion part 200, a gap is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 220 and the inner circumferential surface of the first insertion part 120, and a gap is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion part 120 and the inner circumferential surface of the mating ring 230. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 In this configuration, the inner diameter of the first insertion portion 120 (the inner diameter of the first channel 110) D1 is increased by 0.5% to 5% compared to the outer diameter D2 of the guide tube 220, and the inner diameter D3 of the mating ring 230 is increased by 0.5% to 5% compared to the outer diameter D4 of the first insertion portion 120.

[0050] The connection process between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 will be described below:

[0051] Reference Appendix Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are axially aligned, especially the first channel 110 and the second channel 210 are axially aligned, and the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 move relative to each other in this axial direction (interlocking direction).

[0052] At the beginning of the insertion phase, the guide tube 220 enters the first channel 110 (i.e., the interior of the first insertion part 120). The end face of the guide tube 220 is provided with a guide cone surface 2212 to guide the deformation of the corresponding seal and avoid damage to the seal. At the same time, the first insertion part 120 enters the mating ring 230. The end of the first insertion part 120 is provided with an insertion cone surface 121 to guide the deformation of the corresponding seal and avoid damage to the seal.

[0053] Reference Appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 As shown, during the insertion process, the guide tube 220 drives the insertion valve core 150 to open the first channel 110, and the fluid medium enters the guide tube 220 through the insertion valve core 150. The first seal 301 seals the first insertion part 120 and the guide tube 220 (i.e., seals the connection between the first channel 110 and the second channel 210), the second seal 302 falls into the retaining ring groove 2211, and the third seal 303 squeezes the first insertion part 120 and the mating ring 230.

[0054] The separation process can be performed by reversing the operation, and will not be elaborated further. During the separation process, each seal automatically avoids component movement without individual operation, thereby achieving rapid separation and connection.

[0055] Combining the above and the appendix Figure 7 To be continued Figure 9 As shown, this application also discloses a pressure reducing valve, including a valve body 910 and a pressure reducing valve core installed on the valve body 910. The valve body 910 includes an air inlet 930 and an air outlet 940. The fluid transported through the air inlet 930 is pressure-reduced by the pressure reducing valve core and then output from the air outlet 940. The air outlet 940 is equipped with the plug-in fluid connection assembly described above. In this embodiment, the first plug-in member 100 of the plug-in fluid connection assembly is screwed to the valve body 910 through a first connecting part 130. The second plug-in member 200 is connected to the fluid pipeline of the gas load through the mutual cooperation of the clamping ring 250 and the clamping flange 2231. The insertion / separation of the first plug-in member 100 and the second plug-in member 200 are described above to achieve a fast and stable connection / disconnection between the valve body 910 and the gas load.

[0056] The valve body 910 is mounted on a pressure vessel. Fluid within the pressure vessel passes through an inlet 930, a control valve core 950, a primary pressure-reducing valve core 921, a secondary pressure-reducing valve core 922, an outlet 940, a first channel 110, and a second channel 210, forming a complete fluid passage 960. In one embodiment, the pressure-reducing valve is a breathing valve for providing breathing gas, with a nominal pressure of 3 to 10 MPa and an outlet pressure of 0.05 to 0.1 MPa at 940. The specific configuration of the control valve core 950, the primary pressure-reducing valve core 921, the secondary pressure-reducing valve core 922, and other related technical details of the pressure-reducing valve (not described) can be implemented using existing technology and will not be elaborated further here.

[0057] The technical features of the embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. When technical features of different embodiments are embodied in the same drawing, it can be regarded as the drawing also disclosing examples of combinations of the various embodiments involved.

[0058] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A plug-in fluid connection assembly, having a relative plug-in state and a disconnected state, characterized in that, include: The first connector includes a cylindrical first connector portion and a first channel penetrating the first connector portion. The inner circumferential surface of the first connector portion is provided with a first sealing element and a second sealing element arranged side by side. The second connector includes a guide tube with a second channel in its inner cavity and a mating ring located on the outer periphery of the guide tube. The mating ring has a third sealing element on its inner circumferential surface facing the guide tube. In the inserted state, a portion of the guide tube is located within the first channel, a portion of the first connector is located inside the mating ring, and the first seal seals the inner circumferential surface of the first connector and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube to seal the connection between the first channel and the second channel; the second seal abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first connector and the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube, and the third seal abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the first connector and the inner circumferential surface of the mating ring; the first connector and the second connector maintain their axial relative position only by the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal.

2. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the guide tube is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the first insertion part, and the outer circumferential surface of the first insertion part is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the mating ring.

3. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the insertion direction, the first seal, the second seal, and the third seal are staggered.

4. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube includes, in the axial direction, a plug section for entering the first channel, a positioning section that mates with the mating ring, and a connecting section for the fluid pipeline; the outer peripheral surface of the plug section mates with the first seal and the second seal.

5. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insertion section is provided with a retaining ring groove that mates with the second seal. The two opposite sidewalls of the retaining ring groove are inclined to guide the second seal into or out.

6. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning section is enlarged in diameter compared to the insertion section to achieve a tight fit with the mating ring, and the end of the positioning section facing away from the insertion section is provided with a positioning step that abuts against the mating ring.

7. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second connector also includes A screw-in connector is positioned on the positioning segment; A clamping ring is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting segment and moves relative to the connecting segment via the screw seat; The connecting section is provided with a clamping flange, and the clamping ring and the clamping flange cooperate with each other to position the fluid pipeline.

8. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The screw seat and the mating ring are an integral structure and have a through mounting hole, and the guide tube is inserted and positioned in the mounting hole; The mounting hole is a stepped hole and a positioning enlargement hole is provided on the side near the screw seat. The guide tube is provided with a positioning step that cooperates with the positioning enlargement hole.

9. The plug-in fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector further includes a plug valve core movably disposed within the first channel, the plug valve core being driven by fluid pressure to close the first channel; in the plugged state, the guide tube drives the plug valve core to open the first channel.

10. A pressure reducing valve, characterized in that, The device includes a valve body and a pressure reducing valve core mounted on the valve body. The valve body includes an air inlet and an air outlet. The fluid transported through the air inlet is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve core and then output from the air outlet. The air outlet is equipped with a plug-in fluid connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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