CONNECTOR SYSTEM
The connector system addresses the challenge of secure connection and leakage prevention by using a movable inner body and a non-uniform retaining element, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking of quick-disconnect fittings.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing quick-disconnect fittings face challenges in maintaining a secure connection while preventing fluid leakage, particularly when the valves are in the open position, and there is a need for a mechanism to ensure reliable locking and unlocking of connectors.
A connector system featuring a first connector with an inner body and an outer nut, where the inner body is movable along a longitudinal axis, and a retaining element with a non-uniform cross-section that is held in a locking position by the outer nut's internal thread, allowing radial movement to a release position, and a groove facilitating this movement.
The system ensures secure mechanical locking of connectors until valves are closed, preventing fluid leakage and enabling easy disconnection, while the non-uniform cross-section of the retaining element prevents incorrect assembly, enhancing operational reliability.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: CONNECTOR SYSTEM
[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application claims the benefit of Indian provisional application No. 202411101215, filed on December 20, 2024 and entitled "Connector System". TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] A quick-disconnect fitting may include a first connector and a second connector. The first connector defines a fluid passage. A first valve is movable between open and closed positions to control flow through the fluid passage of the first connector. The second connector also defines a fluid passage. A second valve is movable between open and closed positions to control flow through the fluid passage of the second connector. The second connector may be removably connected to the first connector such that, when connected, the passages are placed in fluidic communication with each other. The first and second valves are operational between open and closed positions to selectively place the fluid passages of the first and second parts in fluidic communication with each other.To mitigate leakage, the first and second connectors are configured to mechanically lock together to maintain the connection until both valves have been closed.
[0003] SUMMARY According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a connector system includes a first connector and a retainer. The first connector includes an inner body surrounded by an outer nut. The outer nut is movable relative to the inner body along a longitudinal axis of the first connector. The outer nut has an internal thread. The internal thread defines a circumferential groove at an intermediate location along its length. The inner body defines a mounting station. The retainer is positioned at the mounting station of the inner body of the first connector. The retainer is configured to move radially relative to the inner body of the first connector between a locking position and a release position. The retainer is held in the locking position by the internal thread of the outer nut.The groove along the internal thread accommodates the movement of the retaining element towards the release position. The retaining element has a non-uniform cross-section.
[0004] In some examples, an inner surface of the retaining element is profiled more closely than an outer surface.
[0005] In some examples, the retaining element has a tapered shape. In one example, the retaining element has a trapezoidal cross-section.
[0006] In some examples, the outer surface is flat. In other examples, the outer surface is convex. In some examples, the corners of the outer surface are rounded.
[0007] According to other aspects of the disclosure, a quick-disconnect connector system includes a first connector comprising an inner body extending along a longitudinal axis. The inner body defines a mounting station. The first connector also includes an outer nut extending around the inner body. The outer nut defines a groove. The inner body is movable relative to the outer nut along the longitudinal axis between an initial position, a transition position, and an operating position. The mounting station is aligned with the groove when the inner body is in the transition position. The mounting station is located on one side of the groove when the inner body is in the initial position. The mounting station is located on the opposite side of the groove when the inner body is in the operating position.The mounting station defines an opening extending radially opposite the longitudinal axis from a first open end to a second open end. The second open end is larger than the first open end.
[0008] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the following description. The inventive aspects may relate to individual features and combinations of features. It should be understood that the preceding general description and the detailed description that follows are merely examples and explanations and are not exhaustive of the general inventive concepts on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. Brief description of the drawings
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of the description, illustrate several aspects of this disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:
[0010] Fig. 1 is an axial cross-section of a connector system including a first connector (for example, a female plug) configured to pair with a second connector (for example, a male plug), the female plug carrying one or more retaining devices, the first and second plug connectors being shown spaced apart to facilitate visualization.
[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the axial cross-section of the first connector of the [Fig.l].
[0012] The [Fig.3] is an axial section of an example of an internal body suitable for use in the first connector of the [Fig.1].
[0013] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part of Fig. 3.
[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example of a suitable retaining element for use in the first connector of [Fig.l].
[0015] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the retaining element of Fig. 5.
[0016] Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the retaining element of Fig. 5, taken from the along line 7-7 of [Fig.6].
[0017] Fig. 8 shows the retaining element disposed in the release position relative to the mounting station and the second connector.
[0018] Figure [Fig. 9] is an axial cross-section of the first and second connectors assembled together.
[0019] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part of Fig. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] We will now refer in detail to exemplary aspects of this disclosure which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same numerical references will be used throughout the drawings to designate identical or similar parts.
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a quick-disconnect connector system 100 including a first connector 102 and a second connector 104 configured to be connected together. Each of the connectors 102, 104 is configured to terminate a conduit (for example, a flexible hose). The first and second connectors 102, 104 are configured to pair together along a longitudinal axis L to connect the conduits. In some embodiments, each of the connectors 102, 104 includes a valve 110, 112 that selectively closes the respective conduit when the connectors 102, 104 are disconnected. The pairing of the connectors 102, 104 opens the valves 110, 112 to fluidly connect the conduits.
[0022] The first connector 102 includes an inner body 106 surrounded by an outer nut 108. The inner body 106 carries the flap 110. The inner body 106 also defines one or more mounting stations 118 for retaining elements 120. In the illustrated example, the inner body 106 defines two opposing mounting stations 118, each extending along a portion of a circumference of the inner body 106. The outer nut 108 defines an internal thread 114. The outer nut 108 also defines a respective groove 116 for each mounting station 118 defined by the inner body 106. Each groove 116 is located in an intermediate point along the thread 114. For example, grooves 116 are cut or otherwise formed through the thread. Each groove 116 extends partially along an inner circumference of the outer nut 108. In some examples, the groove 116 extends orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis L. In some examples, the thread 114 is inclined with respect to the groove 116.
[0023] The inner body 106 is movable (e.g., sliding) along the longitudinal axis L relative to the outer nut 108. In some embodiments, the inner body 106 moves relative to the outer nut 108 between an initial position (e.g., see [Fig. 1]), a transition position (e.g., see [Fig. 8]), and an operating position (e.g., see Figures 9 and 10). In some embodiments, a actuating element (e.g., a spring) actuates the inner body 106 towards the initial position. Consequently, the inner body 106 is in the initial position when the connectors 102, 104 are disconnected from each other. Each mounting station 118 is positioned on a first side of the groove 116 when the inner body 106 is in the initial position.The inner body 106 moves from the initial position to the transition position against the stress of the stressing element while the connectors 102, 104 are initially connected, but before the valves 110, 112 begin to open.
[0024] Each mounting station 118 is aligned with the groove 116 when the inner body 106 is positioned in the transition position. Each retaining element 120 of the first connector 102 engages in a channel 128 of the second connector 104 when the outer nut 108 reaches the transition position. Consequently, the first and second connectors are mechanically held together before the valves 110, 112 begin to open. The outer nut 108 is then screwed onto the second connector 104, thus moving the inner body 106 from the transition position to the operating position. The valves 110, 112 open when the outer nut 108 is screwed onto the second connector body 104. Each mounting station 118 is disposed on the second side of the groove 116 when the inner body 106 is disposed in the operating position relative to the outer nut 108.
[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each assembly station 118 defines an opening extending radially opposite the longitudinal axis L from a first open end 122 to a second open end 124 (for example, see Figures 3 and 4). The second open end 124 is larger than the first open end 122. The opening also extends along a portion of the circumference of the inner body 106 between opposite circumferential ends 125 (for example, see [Fig. 2]). The opposite lateral walls 126 of the opening are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis L and extend between the first and second open ends 122, 124. In some examples, the side walls 126 move away from each other as the side walls 126 extend from the first open end 122 to the second open end 124.
[0026] A retaining element 120 is disposed at the mounting station 118. In the example shown in [Fig. 2], a respective retaining element 120 is disposed at each mounting station 118. In some examples, the retaining element 120 floats freely inside the opening. In some examples, the retaining element 120 is configured to move radially relative to the inner body 106 between a locking position and a release position. The retaining element 120 is held in the locking position by means of the thread 114 of the external nut 108 (for example, see [Fig. 10]). The groove 116 along the internal thread 114 accommodates the radial movement of the retaining element 120 towards the release position (for example, see [Fig. 8]).
[0027] According to aspects of the disclosure, the retaining element 120 has a non-uniform cross-section. In some embodiments, the retaining element 120 has a tapered cross-section. In one example, the retaining element 120 has a trapezoidal or rounded trapezoidal cross-section. In some examples, the retaining element 120 extends along a height t between an inner surface 130 and an outer surface 132. The retaining element 120 includes sides 136 extending between the inner and outer surfaces 130, 132. The inner surface 130 is configured to engage with the channel 128 of the second connector 104 when the first and second connectors 102, 104 are matched. In some examples, the inner surface 130 is more closely profiled than the outer surface 132.In some examples, the sides 136 move away from each other as they extend from the inner surface 130 to the outer surface 132.
[0028] In some embodiments, the outer surface 132 is configured to slide past the thread 114 of the external nut 108 without catching. In some examples, the outer surface 132 is flat. In other examples, the outer surface 132 has a smooth contour. In some examples, the angles 134 on the opposite sides of the outer surface 132 are rounded to facilitate sliding past the thread 114.
[0029] In some embodiments, the retaining element 120 has an arc length p and a height t. In some examples, the retaining element 120 is profiled along the arc length p to generally correspond to a circumference of the inner body 106. In some examples, the inner surface 130 defines a concave contour along the arc length p while the outer surface 132 defines a convex contour along the arc length p (for example, see [Fig.6]). In some examples, the inner and outer surfaces 130, 132 define convex contours along a width w that is orthogonal to the arc length p (for example, see [Fig. 7]). In some examples, the retaining element 120 is profiled along the arc length p to define a distance x between the inner surface 130 at a central location along the arc length p and a reference plane RP extending between the axial ends of the inner surface 130 (for example, see [Fig. 6]). In some examples, the axial ends 138 of the retaining element 120 extend between the inner surface 130 and the outer surface 132 at an angle θ with respect to a midline m of the retaining element 120.
[0030] In some examples, the retaining element 120 is profiled along the arc length p such that:
[0031] [1] q = x + t = (R - t)(l - cos (q)) + t
[0032] where q is the distance between the reference plane RP and the outer surface 132 at level of the midline m and R is the radius of the arc of the outer surface 132. In addition, the retaining element 120 is profiled along the arc length p such that:
[0033] [2] p = 2R * sin (q).
[0034] In some implementations, the retaining element 120 has a keying design with respect to the mounting station 118. For example, the distance q of the retaining element 120 may be longer than the width of the opening at the mounting station 118 where the width extends along the longitudinal axis of the first connector 102. Consequently, the retaining element 120 cannot be assembled at a 90-degree angle. Furthermore, the width of the outer surface 132 of the retaining element 120 is greater than the width of the first open end 122 of the mounting station opening. Consequently, the retaining element 120 cannot be assembled upside down. Such a keying design prevents the retaining element 120 from being assembled in a way that would prevent the operation of the first connector 102 (for example, would prevent the outer nut 108 from sliding relative to the inner body 106).
[0035] In some implementations, the side walls 126 of the mounting station 118 are configured to facilitate the radial movement of the retaining element 120 relative to them. In some examples, the side walls 126 of the mounting station are at a different angle compared to the sides 136 of the retaining element 120. In some examples, the difference in angles allows the retaining element 120 to be supported inside the mounting station 118 at points of contact rather than along a majority of its sides. As a result, the element The 120 retention mechanism only needs to overcome friction at the contact points to move from the locked position to the released position.
[0036] Examples of the invention can be found in the following aspects of the disclosure.
[0037] Aspect 1 of the disclosure relates to a connector system, comprising:
[0038] a first connector having a longitudinal axis, the first connector including an inner body surrounded by an outer nut, the inner body being movable relative to the outer nut along the longitudinal axis, the outer nut having an internal thread, the internal thread defining a circumferential groove at an intermediate location along the internal thread, the inner body defining a mounting station; and
[0039] a retaining element disposed at the mounting station of the inner body of the first connector, the retaining element being configured to move radially relative to the inner body of the first connector between a locking position and a release position, the retaining element being held in the locking position by the internal thread of the outer nut, the groove along the internal thread allowing the movement of the retaining element to the release position, and the retaining element having a non-uniform cross-section.
[0040] Aspect 2 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 1, in which the retaining element has a length that extends partially along a circumference of the inner body, a width that extends along the longitudinal axis of the first connector, and a height that extends radially at a distance from the longitudinal axis from a first end surface to a second end surface, and in which the first end surface is profiled more closely than the second end surface.
[0041] Aspect 3 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 2, in which the second end surface is flat.
[0042] Aspect 4 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 2, in which the second end surface is convex.
[0043] Aspect 5 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 2, in which the corners of the second end surface are rounded.
[0044] Aspect 6 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 2, in which planar sides extend between the first and second end surfaces.
[0045] Aspect 7 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 2, in which the second end surface defines wings.
[0046] Aspect 8 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 1, in which the mounting station includes internal walls that support sides of the retaining element when the retaining element is arranged in the locking position, the internal walls being inclined differently from the sides of the retaining element.
[0047] Aspect 9 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 1, in which the groove extends orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis; and in which the internal thread is inclined with respect to the groove.
[0048] Aspect 10 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 1, further comprising a second connector including a body carrying a second flap, the body of the second connector having an external thread which fits into the internal thread of the external nut of the first connector, the body of the second connector defining an outwardly oriented channel configured to receive the retaining element when the body of the second connector is matched with the inner body of the first connector.
[0049] Aspect 11 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system, comprising:
[0050] a first connector including an inner body extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner body defining a mounting station, the first connector also including an outer nut extending around the inner body, the outer nut defining a groove, the inner body being movable relative to the outer nut along the longitudinal axis between an initial position, a transition position and an operating position, the mounting station being aligned with the groove when the inner body is in the transition position, the mounting station being located on a first side of the groove when the inner body is in the initial position, and the mounting station being located on a second opposite side of the groove when the inner body is in the operating position,The mounting station defines an opening extending radially at a distance from the longitudinal axis from a first open end to a second open end, the second open end being larger than the first open end.
[0051] Aspect 12 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 11, further comprising:
[0052] a second connector defining a channel; and
[0053] a retaining element disposed at the assembly station of the first connector, the retaining element being configured to engage with the channel of the second connector during the pairing of the first and second connectors.
[0054] Aspect 13 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 12, in which the retaining element engages with the channel when the outer nut is disposed in the transition position.
[0055] Aspect 14 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 13, in which the retaining element continues to engage with the channel when the outer nut moves between the transition position and the operating position.
[0056] Aspect 15 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 13, in which the retaining element is released from the channel when the outer nut moves from the transition position to the initial position.
[0057] Aspect 16 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 12, in which the retaining element has a non-uniform cross-section.
[0058] Aspect 17 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 16, in which the retaining element includes sides extending between a first end and a second end, the second end being wider than the first end.
[0059] Aspect 18 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 17, in which the sides are inclined relative to each other.
[0060] Aspect 19 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 17, in which the sides are parallel to each other; and in which the second end includes rims extending outwards beyond the sides.
[0061] Aspect 20 relates to a quick-disconnect connector system according to aspect 17, in which the second end defines a convex contact surface.
[0062] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of this disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily be apparent to a person skilled in the art. However, it is intended that these modifications and equivalents will be included within the scope of the claims annexed hereto.
Claims
Demands
1. Quick disconnect connector system (100), comprising: a first connector (102) having a longitudinal axis, the first connector (102) including an inner body (106) surrounded by an outer nut (108), the inner body (106) being movable relative to the outer nut (108) along the longitudinal axis, the outer nut (108) having an internal thread (114), the internal thread (114) defining a circumferential groove (116) at an intermediate location along the internal thread (114), the inner body (106) defining a mounting station (118);and a retaining element (120) disposed at the mounting station (118) of the inner body (106) of the first connector (102), the retaining element (120) being configured to move radially relative to the inner body (106) of the first connector (102) between a locking position and a release position, the retaining element (120) being held in the locking position by the internal thread (114) of the external nut (108), the groove (116) along the internal thread (114) allowing the movement of the retaining element (120) to the release position, and the retaining element (120) having a non-uniform cross-section.;
2. Quick-disconnect connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (120) has a length that extends partially along a circumference of the inner body (106), a width that extends along the longitudinal axis of the first connector (102), and a height that extends radially away from the longitudinal axis from a first end surface and towards a second end surface, and wherein the first end surface is more closely profiled than the second end surface.
3. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second end surface is flat.
4. Quick-disconnect connector system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the second end surface is convex.
5. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the corners of the second end surface are rounded.
6. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein planar sides extend between the first and second end surfaces.
7. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second end surface defines wings.
8. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mounting station (118) includes internal walls that support sides of the retaining element (120) when the retaining element (120) is disposed in the locking position, the internal walls being inclined differently from the sides of the retaining element (120).
9. Quick disconnect connector system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the groove (116) extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the internal thread (114) is inclined relative to the groove (116).
10. Quick-disconnect connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second connector (104) including a body carrying a second flap (112), the body of the second connector (104) having an external thread that fits the internal thread (114) of the external nut (108) of the first connector (102), the body of the second connector (104) defining an outwardly oriented channel (128) configured to receive the retaining element (120) when the body of the second connector is paired with the inner body (106) of the first connector (102).