Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of connector and connector assembly, and connector assembly includes connector.The connector includes: connector body;Valve assembly, it is arranged in connector body and includes valve element, valve element can be moved between the opening position of the fluid passage of connector is opened and the closing position of fluid passage is closed;And sealing member, it is arranged to seal the gap between connector body and valve element when valve element is in closing position;Wherein, connector body has tubular shape and includes each single shaped first body portion and second body portion, first body portion is set outside second body portion, and wherein, first body portion and second body portion are connected with each other and jointly define annular groove for accommodating sealing member and open radially inward.The foregoing connector has improved leakproof effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to connectors and connector assemblies for establishing fluid communication. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are used in many different applications to establish fluid communication between fluid lines or fluid communication components. Connectors can be female or male connectors that connect directly or indirectly to fluid lines or fluid communication components. A male connector can be inserted into a female connector to establish fluid communication between fluid lines or fluid communication components.

[0003] A connector may include a connector body and a valve element disposed within the connector body. The valve element is movable between an open position, which opens the fluid passage of the connector, and a closed position, which closes the fluid passage. In some connectors, the connector body or valve element may have a tubular shape and include an annular groove to accommodate a sealing ring. The connector body or valve element can be injection molded. However, during injection molding, to facilitate demolding, the mold for the connector body or valve element with the annular groove is often left-right open. This results in a protruding parting line extending axially through the annular groove on the connector body or valve element, thus affecting the sealing effect of the sealing ring in the annular groove. Figure 1 The parting line 2 on the tubular valve element 1 is shown. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art and to propose an improved connector and a connector assembly including the connector.

[0005] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: a connector body; a valve assembly disposed within the connector body and including a valve element movable between an open position for opening a fluid passage of the connector and a closed position for closing the fluid passage; and at least one sealing member configured to seal a gap between the connector body and the valve element when the valve element is in the closed position; wherein the connector body has a tubular shape and includes a first body portion and a second body portion, each separately formed, the first body portion being sleeved over the second body portion, and wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are connected to each other and together define an annular groove that opens radially inward for receiving the at least one sealing member.

[0006] The fact that the first and second body portions of the connector body of the aforementioned connector are each molded separately and jointly define an annular groove allows for more flexible design of the shapes of the first and second body portions. This prevents the first and second body portions from generating protruding parting lines extending through the contact surface with at least one sealing member during injection molding, thus avoiding adverse effects on the sealing effect of the sealing member and improving its sealing performance. Furthermore, in designs where the sealing member used to seal the gap between the connector body and the valve element is located on the outer periphery of the valve element, the sealing member is compressed between the connector body and the valve element when the valve element is in the open position. In low-temperature environments, the physical properties of the sealing member may change (e.g., increased hardness, increased friction), making it difficult for the valve element, already in the open position, to return to the closed position, leading to fluid leakage. However, the design of the aforementioned connector where the sealing member used to seal the gap between the connector body and the valve element is located on the inner periphery of the connector body allows the valve element to disengage from the sealing member when the valve element is in the open position. This reduces the risk that the valve element may have difficulty returning to the closed position due to changes in the physical properties of the sealing member in low-temperature environments, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leakage.

[0007] Based on the above-described technical concept, the first aspect of this utility model may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the first body portion includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion that are adjacent to each other, wherein the second body portion includes a third surface portion, and wherein the second surface portion forms the bottom surface of the annular groove, and the first surface portion and the third surface portion are located on opposite sides of the second surface portion and form two opposite sides of the annular groove.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments, the first body portion includes a radially inwardly projecting annular flange and the annular flange provides at least a portion of the first surface portion and / or the second surface portion, and / or the axial end face of the second body portion provides the third surface portion.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the annular groove tapers in a radially inward direction on the connector body.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the at least one sealing member includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member, wherein the annular groove receives the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and a spacer that spacees the first sealing member and the second sealing member apart.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the bottom surface of the annular groove includes a first bottom surface portion, a second bottom surface portion, and a stepped surface, wherein the first bottom surface portion is closer to the central axis of the connector body than the second bottom surface portion, and the stepped surface connects the first bottom surface portion and the second bottom surface portion, and wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member respectively contact the first bottom surface portion and the second bottom surface portion, and the spacer abuts against the stepped surface.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the second body portion is connected to the first body portion by at least one of interference fit and welding.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the second body portion and the first body portion includes a rib, and the first body portion and the second body portion are interference-fitted by the rib.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the valve assembly further includes a valve stem having a valve stem head, wherein the valve element is configured as a sleeve and fitted over the valve stem, wherein the valve element, when in the closed position, seals the annular gap between the connector body and the valve stem head to close the fluid passage, and when in the open position, disengages from the annular gap to open the fluid passage.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the connector body further includes an adapter for connection to a fluid conduit, the adapter being sleeved outside the first body portion and the second body portion and including a stepped portion, wherein the valve stem includes a valve stem base, and wherein the valve stem base is confined between an axial end of the second body portion and the stepped portion.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, the connector body includes an opening, wherein the valve element blocks the opening to close the fluid passage when in a closed position, and disengages from the opening to open the fluid passage when in an open position.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the connector includes a locking sleeve and is adapted to engage with a mating connector having a locking protrusion, wherein the locking sleeve is sleeved on the connector body and rotatably held on the connector body, the locking sleeve including a guide groove and a locking groove connected to each other, the guide groove including a smooth first guide surface, and the locking groove including a locking end; wherein the locking sleeve is adapted to rotate in a first direction in response to the locking protrusion entering the guide groove and pressing against the first guide surface during insertion of the mating connector between the locking sleeve and the connector body in an axial direction of the connector body, to allow the locking protrusion to move along the first guide surface toward the locking groove; and wherein the locking protrusion, after moving to the point where the locking groove and the guide groove engage, moves to the locking end and engages with the locking end due to the interaction of the valve assembly of the connector and the valve assembly of the mating connector, thereby preventing the mating connector from disengaging from the locking sleeve.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, the locking groove includes a second guide surface extending from the first guide surface to the locking end and inclined relative to the axial direction of the connector body, wherein the locking sleeve is adapted to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the locking protrusion pressing against the second guide surface due to the interaction of the valve assembly of the connector and the valve assembly of the mating connector after the locking protrusion has moved to the point where the locking groove connects with the guide groove, so as to allow the locking protrusion to move along the second guide surface to the locking end.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, both the first body portion and the second body portion have a tubular shape.

[0021] A second aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: a connector body and a valve assembly, the valve assembly being disposed within the connector body and comprising: a valve stem; a valve element configured as a sleeve and fitted over the valve stem, and movable between an open position for opening a fluid passage of the connector and a closed position for closing the fluid passage; and a sealing element configured to seal a gap between the valve element and the valve stem when the valve element is in the closed position; wherein the valve element comprises a first valve segment and a second valve segment, each separately formed, the first valve segment fitted over the second valve segment, and wherein the first valve segment and the second valve segment are connected to each other and together define an annular groove for receiving the sealing element and opening radially inward.

[0022] The fact that the first valve segment and the second valve segment of the valve element of the above connector are each molded and together define the annular groove allows for more flexible design of the shape of the first valve segment and the second valve segment. This ensures that the first valve segment and the second valve segment do not produce a protruding parting line extending through the contact surface between the annular groove and the sealing element during injection molding, thus avoiding adverse effects on the sealing effect of the sealing element and improving the sealing effect of the sealing element.

[0023] Based on the above-described technical concept, the second aspect of this utility model may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0024] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve segment includes a first surface region and a second surface region adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve segment includes a third surface region, and wherein the second surface region forms the bottom surface of the annular groove, and the first surface region and the third surface region are located on opposite sides of the second surface region and form two opposite sides of the annular groove.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve segment includes a radially inwardly projecting annular protrusion that provides at least a portion of the first surface region and / or the second surface region, and / or the axial end face of the second valve segment provides the third surface region.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, the annular groove tapers in the radially inward direction of the valve element.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve section and the second valve section are connected to each other by at least one of welding and snap-fitting.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve section has a tubular shape and the second valve section has an annular shape.

[0029] A third aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly comprising a connector according to a first or second aspect of the present invention and a mating connector adapted to be connected to the connector, thereby correspondingly having the advantages of the connector according to a first or second aspect of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Other features and advantages of this utility model will be better understood through the following detailed description of optional embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the valve element of a connector based on existing technology;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the first connector of the connector assembly;

[0034] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0035] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the valve element of the first connector in the middle;

[0036] Figure 4B yes Figure 3A A plan view of the valve stem of the first connector in the middle;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A A perspective view of the second body portion of the first connector in the image;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second connector;

[0040] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A plan view of the locking sleeve of the second connector;

[0041] Figure 9A and Figure 9B They are Figure 2 Plan view and sectional view of the first and second connectors of the connector assembly when the locking protrusion just reaches the entrance of the guide groove during the connection process.

[0042] Figure 10A and Figure 10B They are Figure 2 Plan view and sectional view of the connector assembly when the locking protrusion moves to the connection point between the guide groove and the locking groove during the connection process of the first connector and the second connector.

[0043] Figure 11A and Figure 11B They are Figure 2 Plan view and sectional view of the connector assembly when the locking protrusion engages with the locking groove during the connection of the first and second connectors (i.e., the first and second connectors are connected).

[0044] Figure 12This is a perspective view of the second connector of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 13A yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the second connector in the middle; and

[0046] Figure 13B yes Figure 13A A magnified view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways of implementing and using this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. In the description, the structural positions of the various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute, but relative. These orientations are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but these orientations change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0048] In this invention, the axial direction of a tubular or annular component refers to the direction of the component's central axis or the direction parallel to the central axis; the circumferential direction of a tubular or annular component refers to the direction along the circumference of the component; and the radial direction of a tubular or annular component refers to the direction passing through the component's central axis and perpendicular to the component's axial direction.

[0049] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Figures 1 to 11B A connector assembly and its constituent parts according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 9A to 11B The connector assembly 10 may include a first connector 100A and a second connector 100B. In other words, the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B can mate / connect with each other. In this document, the second connector 100B may be referred to as the mating connector of the first connector 100A, and the first connector 100A may also be referred to as the mating connector of the second connector 100B.

[0052] Each of the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B can switch between an open state with its fluid passage open and a closed state with its fluid passage closed. When the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B are disconnected, the fluid passages 102A of the first connector 100A and 102B of the second connector 100B are both closed to prevent fluid leakage in the fluid conduits connected to the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B. When the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B are connected to each other, the fluid passages 102A of the first connector 100A and 102B of the second connector 100B are both open, allowing the fluid conduits connected to the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B to communicate with each other.

[0053] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first connector 100A includes a connector body 104A, a valve assembly 106A, and at least one sealing member 108A, 108B. The valve assembly 106A is disposed within the connector body 104A and includes a valve element 110A. The valve element 110A is capable of being in an open position that opens the fluid passage 102A of the first connector 100A (see Open Position). Figure 10B , Figure 11B ) and the closed position that closes the fluid passage 102A (see Figure 3A , Figure 9B The valve element 110A moves between the valve elements 108A and 108B. At least one sealing member 108A, 108B is configured to seal the gap between the connector body 104A and the valve element 110A when the valve element 110A is in the closed position. The connector body 104A includes a first body portion 112A and a second body portion 114A, each separately formed. The first body portion 112A is fitted over the second body portion 114A, and the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A are connected to each other and together define an annular groove 116A that is radially inwardly open for receiving at least one sealing member 108A, 108B.

[0054] The first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A of the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A are each molded and together define the annular groove 116A. This allows for more flexible design of the shapes of the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A, so that the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A will not produce a protruding parting line extending through the contact surface of the annular groove 116A and at least one sealing member 108A, 108B during injection molding, thus avoiding adverse effects on the sealing effect of the sealing members 108A, 108B.

[0055] Furthermore, in designs where the sealing member used to seal the gap between the connector body and the valve element is located on the outer periphery of the valve element, the sealing member is compressed between the connector body and the valve element when the valve element is in the open position. In low-temperature environments, the physical properties of the sealing member may change (e.g., increased hardness, increased friction), making it difficult for the valve element, already in the open position, to return to the closed position when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected, leading to fluid leakage. However, the design of the sealing members 108A and 108B of the first connector 100A, used to seal the gap between the connector body 104A and the valve element 110A, located on the inner periphery of the connector body 104A, allows the valve element 110A to disengage from the sealing members 108A and 108B when it is in the open position. This reduces the risk that the valve element 110A may have difficulty returning to the closed position due to changes in the physical properties of the sealing members 108A and 108B in low-temperature environments, thereby reducing the risk of fluid leakage.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figures 3A to 4B The valve assembly 106A may further include a valve stem 118, a resilient member 120A, and a sealing element 122A. The valve stem 118 may have a valve stem head 124, a valve stem base 126, and a valve stem middle portion 128. The valve stem middle portion 128 extends axially along the connector body 104A and connects the valve stem head 124 and the valve stem base 126. The valve element 110A may be configured as a sleeve and fitted over the valve stem 118. The resilient member 120A may be disposed between the valve element 110A and the valve stem base 126 to bias the valve element 110A toward a closed position. The sealing element 122A may seal the gap between the valve element 110A and the valve stem head 124 when the valve element 110A is in the closed position. When in the closed position, valve element 110A blocks the annular gap between connector body 104A (more specifically, first body portion 112A and second body portion 114A) and valve stem head 124 to close fluid passage 102A, and when in the open position, it disengages from the annular gap to open fluid passage 102A. Valve stem 118 and valve element 110A can be injection molded.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, valve element 110A may include a first valve segment 130 and a second valve segment 132, each formed separately. The first valve segment 130 is fitted over the second valve segment 132, and the first valve segment 130 and the second valve segment 132 are connected to each other and jointly define an annular groove 134 that is radially inwardly open for receiving a sealing element 122A. The fact that the first valve segment 130 and the second valve segment 132 of valve element 110A are each formed separately and jointly define the annular groove 134 allows for more flexible design of the shapes of the first valve segment 130 and the second valve segment 132, ensuring that during injection molding, the first valve segment 130 and the second valve segment 132 do not produce protruding parting lines extending through the contact surface between the annular groove 134 and the sealing element 122A, thus avoiding adverse effects on the sealing effect of the sealing element 122A.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve section 130 has a tubular shape, and the second valve section 132 has an annular shape. The first valve section 130 includes a first surface region 136 and a second surface region 138 adjacent to each other, wherein the annular section 132 includes a third surface region 140, and wherein the second surface region 138 forms the bottom surface of an annular groove 134. The first surface region 136 and the third surface region 140 are located on opposite sides of the second surface region 138 and form two opposite sides of the annular groove 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve section 130 includes a radially inwardly projecting annular protrusion 142. The annular protrusion 142 provides for the first surface region 136 and the second surface region 138. The second valve section 132 can be connected to the axial end of the annular protrusion 142. Optionally, the first valve section 130 and the second valve section 132 are connected to each other by at least one of welding and snap-fitting. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface region 136 and the third surface region 140 are inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve element 110A, such that the annular groove 134 tapers in the radially inward direction of the valve element 110A. This tapering configuration of the annular groove 134 allows the sealing element 122A to be more securely held on the valve element 110A. Since the sealing element 122A, used to seal the gap between the valve element 110A and the valve stem head 124, is located on the valve element 110A, no seal is required on the valve stem head 124, resulting in a smooth outer peripheral surface for the valve stem head 124. This simplifies the injection molding mold and process of the valve stem 118, facilitating quality control.

[0059] Reference Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, a first body portion 112A and a second body portion 114A of the connector body 104A are connected to each other to form a tubular member 144A for receiving a valve assembly 106A. Both the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A may have a tubular shape. The first body portion 112A of the connector body 104A may include a first surface portion 146A and a second surface portion 148A adjacent to each other. The second body portion 114A may include a third surface portion 150A. The second surface portion 148A may form the bottom surface of an annular groove 116A, with the first surface portion 146A and the third surface portion 150A located on opposite sides of the second surface portion 148A and forming two opposite sides of the annular groove 116A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 112A includes a radially inwardly projecting annular flange 152A. The annular flange 152A defines an opening 154A for insertion of a second connector 100B (i.e., a mating connector). An annular flange 152A provides a portion of a first surface portion 146A and a second surface portion 148A. In other embodiments not shown, the annular flange of the first body portion may only provide the first surface portion, and the second surface portion may be a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first body portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial end face of the second body portion 114A provides a third surface portion 150A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface portion 146A is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the connector body 104A, such that the annular groove 116A tapers in a radially inward direction of the connector body 104A. The tapering configuration of the annular groove 116A enables the sealing member 108A to be more securely held on the connector body 104A. The aforementioned configuration of the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A avoids the formation of protruding parting lines on the contact surfaces of the annular groove 116A and the sealing members 108A and 108B during injection molding, thereby ensuring the sealing effect of the sealing members 108A and 108B.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one sealing member includes a first sealing member 108A and a second sealing member 108B. An annular groove 116A receives the first sealing member 108A, the second sealing member 108B, and a spacer 156 that spacees the first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B apart. The first sealing member 108A, the second sealing member 108B, and the spacer 156 all have annular shapes. By providing the first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B, a double seal can be provided between the connector body 104A and the valve element 110A. The spacer 156, cooperating with the annular groove 116A, can stably hold the first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B on the connector body 104A, respectively. As the valve element 110A moves from the open position to the closed position, it sequentially contacts and compresses the second sealing member 108B and the first sealing member 108A. This reduces the force value by 50% compared to contacting both sealing members simultaneously. As a result, the rebound force required for the valve element 110A to reset can be avoided even when the number of sealing members is increased.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface of the annular groove 116A (i.e., the second surface portion 148A of the first body portion 112A) includes a first bottom surface portion 158, a second bottom surface portion 160, and a stepped surface 162. The first bottom surface portion 158 is closer to the central axis of the connector body 104A and closer to the axial end of the connector body 104A including the opening 154A than the second bottom surface portion 160. The stepped surface 162 connects the first bottom surface portion 158 and the second bottom surface portion 160. The first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B contact the first bottom surface portion 158 and the second bottom surface portion 160, respectively, and the spacer 156 abuts against / contacts the stepped surface 162 and the second bottom surface portion 160. Thus, when the liquid pressure inside the first connector 100A is high and pushes the second sealing member 108B to the left, the spacer 156 can abut against the stepped surface 162 to share the liquid pressure and reduce the force transmitted to the first sealing member 108A, which is closer to the opening 154A. This reduces the risk of the first sealing member 108A, the second sealing member 108B, and the spacer 156 dislodging from the annular groove 116A. To ensure that both the first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B can make sealing contact with the valve element 110A, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second sealing member 108B is larger than that of the first sealing member 108A.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A can each be injection molded. The second body portion 114A can be connected to the first body portion 112A by at least one of interference fit and welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body portion 114A includes a plurality of ribs 164. The plurality of ribs 164 can extend axially and are circumferentially spaced on the outer peripheral surface of the second body portion 114A. The second body portion 114A is interference-fitted to the first body portion 112A by at least one rib 164. It is conceivable that in other embodiments (not shown), the plurality of ribs can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first body portion; in other embodiments (not shown), the first body portion and the second body portion can have other structures to achieve the interference fit.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 112A may further include a pair of locking protrusions 166. These locking protrusions 166 are disposed on the outer periphery of the first body portion 112A and are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction; their function will be further described below.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 104A further includes a tubular adapter member 168A for connection to a fluid conduit. The adapter member 168A is sleeved outside the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A and includes a stepped portion 169A. A valve stem base 126 is positioned between the axial end of the second body portion 114A and the stepped portion 169A of the adapter member 168A. In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter member 168A is in the form of a straight tube and has external threads for connection to the fluid conduit.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figures 9A to 11B The second connector 100B of the connector assembly 10 may include a connector body 104B and a valve assembly 106B. The connector body 104B includes a tubular member 144B and an adapter member 168B connected to each other. The tubular member 144B is used to receive the valve assembly 106B. The tubular member 144B has openings 154B for fluid inflow and outflow. The adapter member 168B is in the form of a bend and has a plurality of annular protrusions 170 on its outer periphery for connection to a hose. The valve assembly 106B may include a valve element 110B and a resilient member 120B. The valve element 110B includes a generally funnel-shaped valve core 172 and a support frame 174 connected to the valve core 172. The valve element 110B is capable of an open position that opens the fluid passage 102B of the second connector 100B (see...). Figure 10B and Figure 11B ) and the closing position that closes the fluid channel 102B (see Figure 7 and Figure 9BThe valve element 110B moves between the second connector body 104B and the valve core 172 when it is in the closed position, thereby closing the fluid passage 102B. When it is in the open position, it moves away from the annular gap, thereby opening the fluid passage 102B. The elastic member 120B may be disposed and compressed between the support frame 174 and the stepped portion 169B of the adapter member 168B to bias the valve element 110B toward the closed position.

[0066] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The second connector 100B may further include a locking sleeve 178. The locking sleeve 178 is sleeved on the connector body 104B and rotatably held on the connector body 104B. The locking sleeve 178 includes a guide groove 180 and a locking groove 182 connected to each other on its circumferential wall. The guide groove 180 includes a smooth first guide surface 184. The locking groove 182 includes a locking end 183 and a second guide surface 186 adjacent to the first guide surface 184.

[0067] like Figures 9A to 10B As shown, during the insertion of the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A between the locking sleeve 178 and the connector body 104B of the second connector 100B in the axial direction, the locking sleeve 178 can respond to the locking protrusion 166 entering the guide groove 180 and pressing the first guide surface 184 along the first direction (from Figure 10A The locking protrusion 166 is rotated (counterclockwise when viewed from right to left) to allow the locking protrusion 166 to move along the first guide surface 184 toward the locking groove 182. During this time, the connector body 104B of the second connector 100B is inserted into the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A, the valve stem 118 of the first connector 100A pushes the valve element 110B of the second connector 100B toward the open position, and the connector body 104B of the second connector 100B pushes the valve element 110A of the first connector 100A toward the open position.

[0068] like Figures 10A to 11BAs shown, after the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A is inserted into place, i.e., the locking protrusion 166 moves to the connection between the locking groove 182 and the guide groove 180, the installer can remove the insertion force. The locking protrusion 166 can then move to the locking end 183 of the locking groove 182 and engage with it due to the interaction of the valve assembly 106A of the first connector 100A and the valve assembly 106B of the second connector 100B (more specifically, the elastic force of the elastic member 120A of the first connector 100A and the elastic member 120B of the second connector 100B), thereby preventing the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A from disengaging from the locking sleeve 178 of the second connector 100B. The smooth first guide surface 184 of the guide groove 180 facilitates the smooth movement of the locking protrusion 166 to the connection between the locking groove 182 and the guide groove 180, thereby facilitating the entry of the locking protrusion 166 into and engagement with the locking groove 182 to complete the connection between the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B. like Figure 11B As shown, when the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B are connected, the gap between the connector body 104A of the first connector 100A and the connector body 104B of the second connector 100B can be sealed by the first sealing member 108A and the second sealing member 108B of the first connector 100A, eliminating the need for a sealing component on the outer periphery of the connector body 104B of the second connector 100B. Therefore, when the second connector 100B is not connected to the first connector 100A (e.g., during transportation), there is no exposed sealing component, eliminating the need for a dust cover to protect the sealing component on the second connector 100B, thus reducing costs.

[0069] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figures 10A to 11B In the illustrated embodiment, the locking groove 182 further includes a second guide surface 186. The second guide surface 186 extends from the first guide surface 184 to the locking end 183 and is inclined relative to the axial direction of the connector body 104B. During the connection of the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B, after the locking protrusion 166 moves to the point where the locking groove 182 connects with the guide groove 180, the locking sleeve 178 can, in response to the locking protrusion 166 pressing the second guide surface 186 in a second direction opposite to the first direction (from the first direction) due to the interaction of the valve assembly 106A of the first connector 100A and the valve assembly 106B of the second connector 100B (more specifically, the elastic force of the elastic member 120A of the first connector 100A and the elastic member 120B of the second connector 100B). Figure 10AThe locking protrusion 166 is rotated clockwise (when viewed from right to left) to allow the locking protrusion 166 to move along the second guide surface 186 to the locking end 183. The inclined second guide surface 186 can guide the locking protrusion 166 to enter the locking end 183 more smoothly to engage with the locking end 183, which is beneficial for the correct connection of the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B.

[0070] Figures 12 to 13B A second connector of a connector assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 12 to 13B The construction of the second connector shown is similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second connector shown has a similar construction, the difference being that... Figures 12 to 13B The sealing member 108C of the second connector 100B for sealing the gap between the connector body 104B and the valve element 110B is disposed on the connector body 104B, which includes the first body portion 112B and the second body portion 114B, similar to the arrangement of the sealing members 108A and 108B and the first body portion 112A and the second body portion 114A of the first connector 100A in FIG3, which will be briefly described below.

[0071] Reference Figures 12 to 13B The second connector 100B includes a connector body 104B, a valve assembly 106B, and at least one sealing member 108C. The connector body 104B includes an opening 154B. The valve assembly 106B is disposed within the connector body 104B and includes a valve element 110B. The valve element 110B is configurable in an open position and a closed position (see...). Figure 13A The valve element 110B moves between the valve body 104B and the valve element 110B. When the valve element 110B is in the closed position, it seals the opening 154B to close the fluid passage 102B of the second connector 100B, and when it is in the open position, it moves away from the opening 154B to open the fluid passage 102B. At least one sealing member 108C is configured to seal the gap between the connector body 104B and the valve element 110B when the valve element 110B is in the closed position. The connector body 104B includes a first body portion 112B and a second body portion 114B, each separately formed. The first body portion 112B is fitted over the second body portion 114B, and the first body portion 112B and the second body portion 114B are connected to each other and together define an annular groove 116B that opens radially inward for receiving at least one sealing member 108C.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, both the first body portion 112B and the second body portion 114B may have a tubular shape. The first body portion 112B includes a first surface portion 146B and a second surface portion 148B that are adjacent to each other. The second body portion 114B includes a third surface portion 150B. The second surface portion 148B forms the bottom surface of the annular groove 116B, and the first surface portion 146B and the third surface portion 150B are located on opposite sides of the second surface portion 148B and form two opposite sides of the annular groove 116B.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 112B includes a radially inwardly projecting annular flange 152B. The annular flange 152B defines an opening 154B for insertion of the first connector 110A and provides a first surface portion 146B and a second surface portion 148B. A third surface portion 150B is provided on the axial end face of the second body portion 114B. An annular groove 116B tapers in a radially inward direction of the connector body 104B. The second body portion 114B is connected to the first body portion 112B by at least one of interference fit and soldering.

[0074] It should also be understood that the various components and features described herein may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers, rubber, metals, and other suitable materials or combinations thereof known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1 to 13B The embodiments shown only illustrate the shape, quantity, size and arrangement of various optional components of the connector and connector assembly according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0075] The technical content and features of this utility model have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that, under the inventive concept of this utility model, those skilled in the art can easily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments based on the disclosed content. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. This disclosure is intended to cover these modifications, variations, and equivalents. The description of the above embodiments is exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of this utility model is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, The connectors (100A; 100B) include: Connector body (104A; 104B); A valve assembly (106A; 106B), disposed within the connector body and including a valve element (110A; 110B), the valve element being movable between an open position that opens a fluid passage (102A; 102B) of the connector and a closed position that closes the fluid passage; and At least one sealing member (108A, 108B; 108C) is configured to seal the gap between the connector body and the valve element when the valve element is in the closed position; The connector body has a tubular shape and includes a first body portion (112A; 112B) and a second body portion (114A; 114B) each formed separately. The first body portion is sleeved over the second body portion, and the first body portion and the second body portion are connected to each other and together define an annular groove (116A; 116B) for receiving the at least one sealing member and opening radially inward.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first body portion includes a first surface portion (146A; 146B) and a second surface portion (148A; 148B) adjacent to each other, wherein the second body portion includes a third surface portion (150A; 150B), and wherein the second surface portion forms the bottom surface of the annular groove, the first surface portion and the third surface portion are located on opposite sides of the second surface portion and form two opposite sides of the annular groove.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first body portion includes a radially inwardly projecting annular flange (152A; 152B) and the annular flange provides at least a portion of the first surface portion and / or the second surface portion, and / or the axial end face of the second body portion provides the third surface portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular groove tapers inward in the radial direction of the connector body.

5. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one sealing member includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member, wherein the annular groove accommodates the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and a spacer (156) that separates the first sealing member from the second sealing member.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the annular groove includes a first bottom surface portion (158), a second bottom surface portion (160), and a stepped surface (162), wherein the first bottom surface portion is closer to the central axis of the connector body than the second bottom surface portion, and the stepped surface connects the first bottom surface portion and the second bottom surface portion, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member respectively contact the first bottom surface portion and the second bottom surface portion, and the spacer abuts against the stepped surface.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second body portion is connected to the first body portion by at least one of interference fit and welding.

8. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the second body portion and the first body portion includes a rib (164), and the first body portion and the second body portion are interference-fitted by the rib.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The valve assembly further includes a valve stem (118) having a valve stem head (124), wherein the valve element is configured as a sleeve and fitted over the valve stem, wherein the valve element, when in the closed position, seals the annular gap between the connector body and the valve stem head to close the fluid passage, and when in the open position, moves away from the annular gap to open the fluid passage.

10. The connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connector body further includes an adapter (168A) for connection with a fluid conduit, the adapter being sleeved outside the first body portion and the second body portion and including a stepped portion (169A), wherein the valve stem includes a valve stem base (126), and wherein the valve stem base is confined between the axial end of the second body portion and the stepped portion.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The connector body includes an opening (154B), wherein the valve element blocks the opening to close the fluid passage when in the closed position, and disengages from the opening to open the fluid passage when in the open position.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The connector includes a locking sleeve (178) and is adapted to connect with a mating connector having a locking protrusion (166). The locking sleeve is sleeved on the connector body and rotatably held on the connector body. The locking sleeve includes a guide groove (180) and a locking groove (182) connected to each other. The guide groove includes a smooth first guide surface (184), and the locking groove includes a locking end (183). The locking sleeve is adapted to rotate in a first direction in response to the locking protrusion entering the guide groove and pressing against the first guide surface during the insertion of the mating connector between the locking sleeve and the connector body in the axial direction of the connector body, so as to allow the locking protrusion to move along the first guide surface toward the locking groove; and wherein the locking protrusion is adapted to move to the locking end and engage with the locking end due to the interaction of the valve assembly of the connector and the valve assembly of the mating connector after moving to the junction of the locking groove and the guide groove, so as to prevent the mating connector from disengaging from the locking sleeve.

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking groove includes a second guide surface (186) extending from the first guide surface to the locking end and inclined relative to the axial direction of the connector body, wherein the locking sleeve is adapted to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the locking protrusion pressing against the second guide surface due to the interaction of the valve assembly of the connector and the valve assembly of the mating connector after the locking protrusion has moved to the point where the locking groove connects with the guide groove, so as to allow the locking protrusion to move along the second guide surface to the locking end.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Both the first body portion and the second body portion have a tubular shape.

15. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes: Connector body; and Valve assembly, disposed within the connector body and comprising: valve stem, A valve element configured as a sleeve fitted over the valve stem, and movable between an open position that opens the fluid passage of the connector and a closed position that closes the fluid passage; and A sealing element (122A) configured to seal the gap between the valve element and the valve stem when the valve element is in the closed position; The valve element includes a first valve section (130) and a second valve section (132) each formed separately, the first valve section being sleeved over the second valve section, and wherein the first valve section and the second valve section are connected to each other and together define an annular groove (134) for receiving the sealing element and opening radially inward.

16. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first valve section includes a first surface region (136) and a second surface region (138) that are adjacent to each other, wherein the second valve section (132) includes a third surface region (140), and wherein the second surface region forms the bottom surface of the annular groove, the first surface region and the third surface region are located on opposite sides of the second surface region and form two opposite sides of the annular groove.

17. The connector according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first valve section includes a radially inwardly projecting annular protrusion (142) and the annular protrusion provides at least a portion of the first surface region and / or the second surface region, and / or the axial end face of the second valve section provides the third surface region.

18. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, The annular groove tapers inward in the radial direction of the valve element.

19. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first valve section and the second valve section are connected to each other by at least one of welding and snap-fitting.

20. The connector according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The first valve section has a tubular shape, and the second valve section has an annular shape.

21. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The connector assembly (10) includes a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 20 and a mating connector adapted to be connected to the connector.

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