Fluid nozzle

Abstract

A fluid nozzle 100 comprising a tubular connector body 102 and a resilient sealing member, the tubular connector body comprising a fluid passage and at least one annular cavity 112, 114 extending cont

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to fluid nozzles for insertion into a fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement, and more specifically, to fluid nozzles having one or more annular cavities for housing resilient sealing members such as O-rings. Background Fluid nozzles, for example those used in filter cartridges, often incorporate one or more sealing mechanisms such as O-rings seated within annular cavities running around the outer surface of the nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into a corresponding mating component such as a fluid conduit or housing, the O-ring deforms and compresses against an inner surface of the mating component and forms a fluid-tight seal. This is known as a piston-type sealing arrangement. When designing such sealing arrangements, the sizing of the annular cavities and corresponding O-ring can be selected to provide an appropriate seal for a given application. However, the effectiveness of this sealing mechanism provided in the manufactured product is highly dependent on manufacturing tolerances. Even small variations in the O-ring dimensions, nozzle geometry, or the internal diameter of the fluid conduit or housing to which the nozzle is inserted, can significantly affect the quality of the seal. If tolerances lead to an insufficiently compressed O-ring, the seal may be weak, leading to fluid leakage. A possible solution is to increase the size of the O-ring or enlarge the diameter of the annular cavity to ensure better compression during insertion. However, such modifications often lead to additional problems. If the O-ring is oversized relative to the cavity or nozzle diameter, the insertion force required to seat the nozzle within the fluid conduit or housing increases significantly. This can cause the O-ring to rollout of its cavity, twist, or even break, upon insertion, ultimately compromising the seal rather than improving it. In addition, conventional nozzle designs that use annular cavities to seat O-rings can suffer from structural instability when operating at elevated temperatures, particularly but not exclusively where the nozzle is formed from a polymeric material. Under such conditions, the pressure exerted radially inwards by the compressed O-ring can cause the surrounding wall of the nozzle to deform, reducing the internal diameter of the nozzle and, in some cases, leading to partial collapse. This issue is particularly pronounced in thin-walled nozzles and during prolonged thermal and mechanical loading, where the material softening and sustained stress increase the likelihood of deformation. This problem is exacerbated in cases where an oversized sealing component has been selected to account for the problems associated with manufacturing tolerances. While the above problems are particularly associated with piston-type sealing arrangements used in nozzle applications, similar issues can also arise in other types of sealing arrangements such as static radial seal configurations involving nozzles. In such cases, a nozzle carrying a sealing component such as an O-ring may be inserted into a mating component such as a housing or fluid conduit to provide a fixed, static seal. These static arrangements are susceptible to the similar issues as dynamic piston-type seals. There is a need for an improved fluid nozzle design that ensures a consistent and reliable sealing engagement, even in the presence of normal manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining ease of insertion and preventingO-ringdisplacement or failure. The present invention seeks to address or at least alleviate these problems by providing a fluid nozzle configuration which enhances sealing effectiveness while minimising insertion related issues and / or improving structural stability even at high operating temperatures. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect, there is provided a fluid nozzle comprising a tubular connector body and a resilient sealing member, the tubular connector body comprising a fluid passage and at least one annular cavity extending continuously around the tubular connector body and housing a first portion of the resilient sealing member, wherein a second portion of the resilient sealing member protrudes from the annular cavity and is configured to form a fluid sealing engagement with an inner surface of a fluid conduit or housing upon insertion of the fluid nozzle into that fluid conduit or housing, and wherein at least one annular cavity comprises an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body and upon which the first portion of the resilient sealing member housed within the annular cavity is configured to sit, and wherein the tubular connector body, the annular ridge, and the resilient sealing member are configured such that, when the resilient sealing member is pushed into the annular cavity, it deforms against the annular ridge, thereby storing elastic potential energy and subsequently exerting a restoring force away from the annular cavity, urging the second portion of the resilient sealing member outwardly. The features of the fluid nozzle according to the first aspect are configured such that, in use, the resilient sealing member maybe pushed into the annular cavity-for exam pie, as a result of forces arising during insertion of the fluid nozzle into a receiving component such as a fluid conduit or housing - causing the resilient sealing member to deform against the annular ridge. This deformation stores elastic potential energy within the resilient sealing member, which acts to urge the portion of the resilient sealing member protruding from the nozzle (the second portion) outwardly. The resulting counterforce (the restoring force) can facilitate fluid sealing engagement with a corresponding surface (an engagement surface) of an appropriately sized fluid conduit or housing into which the fluid nozzle is configured to be connected. As used herein, ‘resilient sealing member’ refers to an elastically deformable material configured to create the fluid sealing engagement when it is urged into contact with (and compressed against) an opposed surface of the fluid conduit or housing and returns substantially to its original shape when the deforming force is removed. As used herein, “outwardly” refers to a direction away from the annular cavity and the central longitudinal axis of the fluid nozzle (shown as A-A in Figure 1, which is also the longitudinal axis of the fluid passage), such that the protruding portion of the resilient sealing member may be urged into contact with a surface of the fluid conduit or housing surrounding the fluid nozzle. As used herein, ‘fluid sealing engagement’ refers to a contact interface between components (such as between the resilient sealing member and an opposed inner surface of a mating structure, including but not limited to a fluid conduit or housing) that substantially inhibits fluid leakage. In the context of the first aspect, fluid sealing engagement is achieved when the resilient sealing member, such as an O-ring, is compressed between the fluid nozzle and a mating component such as a fluid conduit or housing, to create a seal that reduces fluid passage to an extent sufficient for the intended application. As used herein, “fluid conduit or housing” refers broadly to any component of a fluid-handling system that is configured to receive, interface with, or engage the fluid nozzle to form a fluid sealing engagement. This includes, but is not limited to, pipes, tubes, fittings, filter heads, filter bowls, manifolds, valve bodies, cartridges, tanks, or other fluid-containing or fluid-directing structures, whether rigid orflexible, and whetherformed integrallywith or separable from the rest of the system. Advantageously, the annular ridge defines a structure within the at least one annular cavity that supports the resilient sealing member and allows it to deform more easily than if it were bearing against a flat cavity base. This improves insertion characteristics of the fluid nozzle into a fluid conduit or housing, particularly where variations in size due to normal manufacturing tolerances might otherwise lead to problems. For example, oversizing of the sealing member (or under sizing of the annular cavity, or both) can result in excessive insertion force, rolling, twisting, or extrusion of the sealing member. These issues are mitigated by the presence of the annular ridge, which enables the sealing member to deform in a controlled manner over the ridge and into the cavity. The ridge also accommodates further deformation in response to increased pressure during use, reducing the risk of sealing member displacement during insertion or operation. This configuration offers several advantages. The at least one annular ridge presents a smaller contact area than a flat cavity base, which means the resilient sealing member deforms more easily under the same insertion force. This improves insertion characteristics, particularly where dimensional tolerances would otherwise make insertion difficult or lead to issues like excessive friction, rolling, or extrusion of the sealing member. By allowing controlled deformation into the cavity, the annular ridge also reduces the radial pressure exerted on the fluid nozzle wall. This helps maintain the structural integrity of the fluid nozzle, especially at elevated temperatures, and reduces the risk of collapse. The at least one annular ridge further acts as a reinforcing feature, locally stiffening the fluid nozzle in the region of the annular cavity. The fluid nozzle is configured for insertion into a receiving component, such as a fluid conduit or housing, in a manner which allows a fluid sealing engagement to be formed, which means it is configured for insertion into a fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement. In such a configuration, the resilient sealing member protrudes from the nozzle and is arranged to be compressed between the nozzle and an opposed surface of the receiving component, thereby forming a sealing interface that substantially inhibits fluid leakage during use. That is, the nozzle is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted into the fluid conduit or housing so as to form a fluid sealing engagement, wherein the resilient sealing member protruding from the annular cavity (and fluid nozzle) is configured to be compressed between the fluid nozzle and an opposed surface (an engagement surface) of the fluid conduit or housing, thereby creating a contact interface that substantially inhibits fluid leakage during use. In the context of the nozzle and the fluid conduit or housing, "inserted into" means that at least a portion of the tubular connector body of the fluid nozzle is received within a corresponding opening or bore defined by the fluid conduit or housing. Optionally, each annular cavity is recessed into an outer surface of the tubular connector body. Optionally, the at least one annular cavity extends circumferentially around the tubular connector body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid passage. Optionally, the at least one annular cavity has a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: rectangular, trapezoidal, rounded, or V-shaped, preferably the cross-sectional profile of the at least one annular cavity is rectangular or trapezoidal with one or more radiused corners. Optionally, the tubular connector body comprises between two and twenty annular cavities, preferably between two and six of the annular cavities, and more preferably between two and three of the annular cavities. Optionally, the annular cavities are disposed along the length of the tubular connector body in a spaced apart arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple sealing engagement points, such as multiple sealing engagement points along the length of the tubular connector body, ensures that even if one seal is slightly compromised due to dimensional tolerances, another sealing member maintains fluid seal engagement integrity. Optionally, one or both of the annular cavities closest to each end of the tubular connector body comprise an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body, and preferably one or both of the annular cavities closest to each end of the tubular connector body comprise an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body. Advantageously, providing the annular cavities closest to each end of the tubular connector body with an annular ridge provides a balance of sealing performance and insertion characteristics. By positioning the annular cavities with annular ridges at one or both of the extremities of the tubular connector body insertion forces are optimised by allowing the intermediate sealing members to deform more freely into their respective cavities without the ridges (reducing overall resistance during insertion across some parts of the nozzle) while providing enhanced sealing at the most critical location(s). Optionally, the width of each of the at least one annular cavity housings resilient sealing member is less than twice the width of the resilient sealing member. Optionally, each annular cavity comprises side walls, preferably two side walls. Optionally, the annular ridge has a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: rounded, triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular. The annular ridge may have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular, with one or more radiused corners. Optionally, the annular ridge has a rounded cross-sectional profile. Optionally, the annular ridge has a semi-circular cross-sectional profile. The at least one annular cavity and annular ridge each define cross-sectional height and width dimensions and, optionally, the ratio between the height of the annular ridge (radius, if the annular ridge has a semi-circular cross-sectional profile) and the height (depth) of the annular cavity is between 0.1:5 and 2:5, preferably between 0.25:5 and 1:5. The annular ridge defines cross-sectional height and width dimensions and, optionally, the ratio between width and height of the annular ridge is 0.25:3 to 3:1, preferably between 1:2 and 2:1, most preferably 1:1. If the annular ridge is semi-circular in cross-sectional profile, then the ratio between width and height of the annular ridge will be 1:1. Optionally, the annular ridge is disposed within the annular cavity such that it extends from a base surface of the annular cavity towards an open end of the cavity. Optionally, the annular ridge is centrally positioned within the annular cavity. Optionally, the resilient sealing member is selected from the group consisting of: an O-ring, a sealing ring, or a lip seal, preferably the resilient sealing member is an O-ring. Optionally, the diameter of the base of the annular cavity is greater than an internal diameter of the resilient sealing member by 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm, most preferably 1 mm. Optionally, the resilient sealing member is formed from an elastomeric material. Optionally, the elastomeric material comprises at least one of: silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a fluorinated ethylene propylene / fluoroelastomer (FEP / FKM) blend such as a FEP / Viton™ blend, FKM such as Viton™, nitrile rubber such as buna-N, a fluorinated ethylene propylene / silicone (FEP / silicone) blend, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), a polychloroprene rubber such as Neoprene™, and butyl rubber. Optionally, the resilient sealing member is an O-ring having an FEP outer layer and a FKM core. Optionally, the cross-sectional profile of the resilient sealing member is toroidal, and may be toroidalwith a circularcross-section ora rectangularcross-section comprising radiused corners. Optionally, the annular ridge and the resilient sealing member are dimensioned such that, when the fluid nozzle is inserted into the fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement, the resilient sealing member is compressed to a predetermined extent. Optionally, the predetermined extent of compression is in the range 10 to 30 %, preferably 15 to 20 %. Optionally, the fluid nozzle comprises more than one annular cavity, wherein at least one of the annular cavities comprises an annular ridge and at least one does not, and wherein a top surface of the annular ridge within its annular cavity is substantially equal to the depth of the annular cavity that does not comprise the annular ridge. According to a second aspect, there is provided a fluid connector system, the system comprising: a fluid nozzle according to the first aspect including any of the features described as optional; and a fluid conduit or housing defining an engagement surface configured to receive the fluid nozzle, wherein the fluid nozzle is configured to be inserted into the fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement; wherein upon insertion of the fluid nozzle into the fluid conduit or housing, the configuration of the at least one annular cavity, the annular ridge, and the resilient sealing member causes the resilient sealing member to be pushed into the annular cavity and to deform against the annular ridge of the fluid nozzle, which in turn urges the resilient sealing member outwardly and into fluid sealing engagement with the engagement surface of the fluid conduit or housing. The fluid conduit or housing into which the fluid nozzle is configured to be inserted defines the engagement surface which may be shaped to provide mechanical support and / or sealing interaction with the resilient sealing member upon insertion of the fluid nozzle, preferably full insertion. According to a third aspect, there is provided a filter unit comprising: a filter housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for directing fluid through the filter unit; a filter media arranged within the filter housing for filtering fluid passing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and a fluid nozzle according to the first aspect including any of the features described as optional, the fluid nozzle being connectable to the filter housing and configured to be inserted into a fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement as described in relation to the first and second aspects. Optionally, the outlet or inlet comprises the fluid nozzle. Preferably, the outlet comprises the fluid nozzle. Brief Description of the Drawings The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional drawing of an example nozzle in accordance with this disclosure inserted into a fluid conduit thereby forming a fluid sealing engagement. Figure 2 shows a top-down view of the example nozzle shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description The present disclosure relates to fluid nozzles, for example to fluid nozzles suitable for insertion into a fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement, but also to a fluid connector system comprising a fluid nozzle as disclosed herein and to a filter cartridge comprising a fluid nozzle as disclosed herein. The following detailed description relates to an example fluid nozzle in accordance with the present disclosure as applied to a filter cartridge, forming a piston-type fluid sealing arrangement. Although the example embodiments described herein relate primarily to a piston-type sealing arrangements used with a nozzle, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the invention to be applied to other sealing arrangements to similar effect, such as static radial sealing configurations in which a fluid nozzle carrying a sealing component such as an O-ring is configured to be inserted into a mating component (such as a fluid conduit or housing) to form a fixed seal. An example fluid nozzle in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally at item 100 in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows a cross section through fluid nozzle 100 as it is inserted within a fluid conduit 200 (which may alternatively be a housing), and Figure 2 shows a top-down view of the same nozzle 100 which is shown not inserted into fluid conduit 200. The nozzle 100 is configured to be inserted into a fluid conduit or housing 200 and, when inserted, to form a sealing engagement with said fluid conduit or housing 200, as shown in Figure 1. The features of the nozzle 100 which are described herein provide such configuration. Tubular connector body 102 forms the main structural component of the nozzle 100. Tubular connector body 102 is a tube-like structure through which fluid is directed either into or out of a system such as a filter unit. The tubular connector body 102 comprises a fluid passage 104 which is the main passageway to allow fluid to pass through the nozzle 100. Tubular connector body 102 comprises an optionaltapered section 108 which mayor may not be present, depending on fluid flow requirements in the intended applicational use of the nozzle 100. The tubular connector body 102 may alternatively be a straight tube, i.e. have a constant diameter. At one end the tubular connector body 102 is connected a flange 106 which may form part of a filter cartridge body (if nozzle 100 is used as part of a filter cartridge) or may alternatively form a surface to be connected to another flange with an intermediary sealing mechanism (such as a gasket) to prevent leaks or may be connected to the end of a tubular structure or housing (not shown in the figures). The flange 106 is mounted at an angle 90 degrees to the axis of the tubular connector body 102. The tubular connector body 102 and flange 106 may be made from any suitable material so long as the necessary structural integrity is obtained. The type of material selected can vary depending on the applicational use, such as the environment it will be exposed to through use. The tubular connector body 102 and flange 106 may be made from: • Metals, for example stainless steel to obtain excellent resistance to corrosion, high strength, good durability and an ability to withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel is advantageous for applications involving food processing, medicinal applications, or corrosive environments. • A polymeric material, for example polypropylene. Polypropylene is highly resistant to chemical solvents, bases and acids, making it advantageous for use in harsh chemical environments. It also has the necessary structural integrity and is lightweight. Other polymeric materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) may be used to obtain a nozzle 100 which is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, corrosion, and has non-stick properties. The external side profile of the tubular connector body 102, as viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the fluid passage 104, is generally straight and not tapered, however this is not essential and a tapered tubular connector body 102 may be employed. The external side profile of the tubular connector body 102 comprises a stepped section 110 at the base thereof which is shaped to fit with a corresponding part located at the entrance of the fluid conduit or housing which the nozzle 100 is to be inserted. Such a stepped section 110 is not essential but is advantageous to provide a secure mechanical interlock between the base of the tubular connector body 102 and the fluid conduit or housing 200. Additionally, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the tubular connector body 102 and the fluid passage 104, taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A, may vary. While in many examples (and as shown in the Figures) this cross-section is circular, it may instead be oval, square, rectangular, or another suitable shape. Where the cross-sectional shape of the tubular connector body 102 is non-circular, the geometry of the sealing arrangement, including, for example, the shape of the resilient sealing member, may be correspondingly adapted to conform to the external profile of the tubular connector body 102 in the region of the annular cavity, such that a fluid sealing engagement can still be reliably formed around the circumference of the fluid nozzle. Tubular connector body 102 comprises two annular cavities 112, 114 arranged along its length, each cavity being a ring-shaped recess, recessed into the outer surface of the tubular connector body 102, that encircles the tubular connector body 102. The dimensions of each of the ring-shaped recesses forming annular cavities 112,114 are configured to house a portion of a resilient sealing member 116 in the form of a ring (known as an ‘O-ring’). The O-ring 116 shown in Figure 1 is a ring of elastomeric material which fits snugly within the cavities 112,114. The inside diameter of each O-ring 116 is less than the outside diameter of the section of the tubular connection body 102 comprising the O-ring, so that the O-ring 116 is partly housed within the annular cavity 112,114 and will not fall out unless the O-ring is physically stretched and pulled out of the annular cavity 112,114. Part of the O-ring 116 protrudes from the tubular connector body 102 and this protruding part is configured (at least by way of extent of protrusion, and geometry and resilience of the O-ring 116) to assist in the formation of the fluid sealing engagement with the fluid conduit or housing 200 it is to be used with. Each annular cavity 112,114 has a cross-sectional profile which may be rectangular, trapezoidal, rounded, or V-shaped. These profiles may include radiused corners (such as a rectangular, trapezoidal or V-shaped profile with radiused corners). The cross-sectional profile of the annular cavities 112,114 shown in Figure 1 for nozzle 100 are rectangular with radiused corners. The annular cavity 112 comprises an annular ridge 118, which extends continuously around the tubular connector body 102. The annular ridge 118 is centrally positioned within the annular cavity 112 (i.e. is equidistant between the side walls of the annular cavity 112) and extends from the base surface of the cavity 112 towards the open end of the annular cavity 112. This annular ridge 118 is positioned to support the portion of the resilient sealing member 116 that sits within the cavity. The cross-sectional profile of the annular ridge 118 may be rounded, triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular, though preferably the cross-section is semi-circular as shown in Figure 1. The annular ridge 118 of nozzle 100 has a semi-circular cross section with width and height ratio of 1:1. As shown in Figure 1, the depth of the annular cavity 114 is equal to the height of the annular ridge 118 within annular cavity 112, such that the base surface of annular cavity 114 is aligned with the top of the annular ridge 118, with the base of annular cavity 112 (either side of annular ridge 118) being deeper than that of annular cavity 114. The difference in depth between the base of annular cavity 112 and annular cavity 114 corresponds to the height of the annular ridge 118 which is 0.5 mm but may be different heights such as between 0.1 and 5 mm, preferably 0.2 and 2 mm, such as 0.5 or 1 mm. The annular cavities 112,114 combined with the O-rings 116 play a role in facilitating the sealing function of the nozzle 100. In use, and upon insertion of the nozzle 100 into the fluid conduit or housing (as shown at item 200), the O-rings 116 within annular cavity 112 are configured to deform against the annular ridge 118 and an opposed surface of the fluid conduit or housing 200 as shown in Figure 1, which in turn urges the protruding portion of the O-ring 116 into sealing engagement with the opposed surface of the fluid conduit or housing 200. The O-ring 116 within annular cavity 114 without an annular ridge 118 also deforms into the annular cavity 114 and also is urged towards an opposed surface of the fluid conduit or housing 200 to form a sealing engagement therewith. The properties of the nozzle 100 such as the dimensions of the tubular connector body 102, the annular cavities 112,114, and of the resilient sealing member 116, are configured to form a fluid sealing engagement with a fluid conduit or housing 200 when the nozzle 100 is inserted therein, and to obtain a balance between ease of insertion and sealing performance for the sealed engagement formed. These properties may be configured to provide a specific / desired degree of compression of the resilient sealing member 116, such as 10 to 30 % compression and preferably 15 to 20 %. In particular, the fluid nozzle 100 may be designed such that, when manufactured to nominal dimensions, the resilient sealing member achieves a target compression (e.g. 10-30 %) upon insertion into the mating component, thereby providing a reliable sealing force under ideal fit conditions (i.e. where the parts a re manufactured to precisely the correct dimensions). “Compression” in this context refers to the amount the resilient sealing member 116 is compressed in a radial direction (i.e. the reduction in cross-sectional height when installed within the annular cavity 112,114 and compressed between two mating surfaces). The required degree of compression needed to obtain a sufficient seal may vary depending on the material being used, for example, a stiffer material requires less compression to achieve a seal, whereas a softer, more compliant material may require greater compression to ensure adequate sealing force. The annular cavity 112,114 depth may be less than the cross-sectional diameter of the sealing member 116 to achieve a desired percentage compression (such as 10-30%), and the annular cavity width may be selected to allow for thermal expansion or volume swell for a specific application. Generally, if an O-ring sealing member 116 is used then design standards such as (but not limited to) ISO 3601, BS 4518, or BS 1806 may be used to select annular cavity 112,114 and resilient sealing member 116 dimensions for a given application. These design standards do not disclose or contemplate the use of an annular ridge 118. However, it has been found that (while not essential) improved performance can be achieved by first dimensioning the annular cavity 112 according to standard design guidance and then forming the annular ridge 118 by selectively removing material from the cavity base on either side, leaving the ridge as a centrally raised support feature, not present in conventional designs. In this approach, the height of the annular ridge 118 in the cavity 112 may match the depth of the annular cavity 114, as discussed above. This configuration has been found to improve nozzle sealing performance, insertion characteristics, and resilience to dimensional variation and pressure fluctuations. The annular ridge 118 accommodates size variation due to manufacturing tolerances in the fluid nozzle 100, sealing member 116, or mating component 200, by locally supporting the resilient sealing member 116 in a way that allows it to deform more easily and predictably under compressive force. This helps to maintain low insertion forces, reduces the risk of rolling, twisting or extrusion of the sealing member during insertion, and reduces excessive inwards radial pressure on the nozzle wall, thereby preserving structural integrity and reducing the risk of collapse, particularly in thin-walled or polymeric nozzle designs. The annular ridge 118 also provides a local stiffening effect at the annular cavity, which reinforces the nozzle structure to improve structural stability of the nozzle during thermal and mechanical loading. By configuring the height and width of the annular ridge 118 along with the ratio between the height of the annular ridge 118 and the height / depth of the annular cavity 112 (and the cross-sectional profiles of both 112 and 118), the deformation of the resilient sealing member 116 into the annular ridge 118 upon insertion into the fluid conduit or housing 200 can be optimised. Suitable width and height ratios for the annular ridge 118 are between 0.25:3 to 3:1 and preferably 1:2 to 2:1, most preferably 1:1. The ratio between the height of the annular ridge and the height (depth) of the annular cavity is between 0.1:5 and 2:5, preferably between 0.25:5 and 1:5. Such ratios (combined with the cross-sectional profiles for the annular ridge and cavities discussed herein) have been found to provide adequate deformation properties while mitigating damage to the resilient sealing member 116. The widths of the annular cavities 112,114 are selected to provide a snug fit with the resilient sealing member 116 housed therewithin to ensure adequate positioning and compression of the resilient sealing member during use, while also accommodating any expected swelling of the resilient sealing member 116 which may occur during applicational use (depending on operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, and the chemical environment). The width of the annular cavities 112,114 are just slightly larger than the resilient sealing members 116 however the width of the cavities 112,114 should preferably be less than twice the width of the resilient sealing member housed within. The tubular connector body 102 may comprise a different number of annular cavities 112,114. For example, nozzle 100 may be provided with only one annular cavity corresponding to annular cavity 112. Alternatively, any number of annular cavities 112,114 may be provided. However, large numbers of annular cavities are generally unnecessary given they add to the length of the nozzle 100 making the nozzle impractically long, and only a modest number of annular cavities 112,114 each with a corresponding resilient sealing material 116 is necessary to provide an effective fluid seal. Preferably, between 2 and 6 annular cavities 112,114 may be provided disposed along the length of the tubular connector body 102 in any combination (either a 112 or 114 annular cavity) however it is generally preferably to have an annular cavity 112 comprising an annular ridge 118 at one or both ends of the tubular connector body 102 (i.e. at one or both extremities of the tubular connector body 102) to provide a balance of sealing performance and insertion characteristics. The resilient sealing member 116, configured as an O-ring 116 in fluid nozzle 100, is integral to ensuring a reliable fluid sealing engagement. For nozzle 100, the O-ring 116 is made from silicone due to its superior flexibility, excellent temperature resistance, and its effectiveness in sealing across a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions. Alternatively, the O-ring can be fabricated from various other polymeric materials to meet specific operational requirements. These include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which is highly resistant to weathering, ozone, UV, and certain chemicals, making it ideal for steam or outdoor applications; and fluorinated ethylene propylene combined with a fluoroelastomer (FEP / FKM), such as a FEP / Viton™ blend, known for their superior chemical resistance and high-temperature endurance, suitable for harsh chemical environments. Other polymeric materials such as nitrile rubber, polychloroprene rubber such as Neoprene™, and butyl rubber could also be used, depending on their resistance to oils, gases, or specific physical durability required by the application. Therefore, the resilient sealing member 116 can comprise one or more of silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a fluorinated ethylene propylene and fluoroelastomer (FEP / FKM) blend such as a FEP / Viton™ blend, a nitrile rubber such as buna-N, a fluorinated ethylene propylene / silicone (FEP / silicone) blend, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), a polychloroprene rubber such as Neoprene™, or butyl rubber. The resilient sealing member 116 (the O-ring) is toroidal with a circular cross-section, though is not limited to this and may be toroidal with a rectangular cross-section optionally comprising radiused corners. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent features. All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination). It will be appreciated that many of the features described above, particularly of the preferred embodiments, are inventive in their own right and not just as part of an embodiment of the present invention. Independent protection may be sought for these features in addition to or alternative to any invention presently claimed.

Claims

1. A fluid nozzlecomprising: a tubular connector body and a resilient sealing member, the tubular connector body comprising a fluid passage and at least one annular cavity extending continuously around the tubular connector body and housing a first portion of the resilient sealing member,wherein a second portion of the resilient sealing member protrudes from the annular cavity and is configured to form a fluid sealing engagement with an inner surface of a fluid conduit or housing upon insertion of the fluid nozzle into that fluid conduit or housing, and whereinat least one annular cavity comprises an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body and upon which the first portion of the resilient sealing member housed within the annular cavity is configured to sit,wherein the tubular connector body, the annular ridge and the resilient sealing member are configured such that, when the resilient sealing member is pushed into the annular cavity, it deforms against the annular ridge, thereby storing elastic potential energy and subsequently exerting a restoring force away from the annular cavity, urging the second portion of the resilient sealing member outwardly.

2. The fluid nozzle of claim 1, wherein each annular cavity is recessed into an outer surface of the tubular connector body.

3. The fluid nozzle of claim 1, wherein the at least one annular cavity extends circumferentially around the tubular connector body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid passage.

4. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one annular cavity has a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: rectangular, trapezoidal, rounded, or V-shaped, preferably the cross-sectional profile of the at least one annular cavity is rectangular or trapezoidal with one or more radiused corners.

5. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular connector body comprises between two and twenty annular cavities, preferably between two and six of the annular cavities, and more preferably between two and three of the annular cavities.

6. The fluid nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the annular cavities are disposed along the length of the tubular connector body in a spaced apart arrangement.

7. The fluid nozzle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein one or both of the annular cavities closest to each end of the tubular connector body comprise an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body, and preferably one or both of the annular cavities closest to each end of the tubular connector body comprise an annular ridge extending continuously around the tubular connector body.

8. The fluid nozzle according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the dimensions of the resilient sealing members within the annular cavities are substantially the same.

9. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of each of the at least one annular cavity housing a resilient sealing member is less than twice the width of the resilient sealing member.

10. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein each annular cavity comprises side walls, preferably two side walls.

11. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular ridge has a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: rounded, triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular.

12. The fluid nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the annular ridge has a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular, with one or more radiused corners.

13. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular ridge has a rounded cross-sectional profile.

14. The fluid nozzle according to claim 13, wherein the annular ridge has a semi-circular cross-sectional profile.

15. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one annular cavity and annular ridge each define cross-sectional height and width dimensions, and the ratio between the height of the annular ridge and the height (depth) of the annular cavity is between 0.1:5 and 2:5, preferably between 0.25:5 and 1:5.

16. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular ridge defines cross-sectional height and width dimensions, and the ratio between width and height of the annular ridge is 0.25:3 to 3:1, preferably between 1:2 and 2:1, most preferably 1:1.

17. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular ridge is disposed within the annular cavity such that it extends from a base surface of the annular cavity towards an open end of the cavity.

18. The fluid nozzle according to claim 17, wherein the annular ridge is centrally positioned within the annular cavity.

19. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient sealing member is selected from the group consisting of: an O-ring, a sealing ring, or a lip seal, preferably the resilient sealing member is an O-ring.

20. The fluid nozzle according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the diameter of the base of the annular cavity is greater than an internal diameter of the resilient sealing member by 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm, most preferably 1 mm.

21. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient sealing member is formed from an elastomeric material.

22. The fluid nozzle according to claim 21, wherein the elastomeric material comprises at least one of silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a fluorinated ethylene propylene / fluoroelastomer (FEP / FKM) blend such as a FEP / Viton™ blend, FKM such as Viton™, nitrile rubber such as buna-N, a fluorinated ethylene propylene / silicone (FEP / silicone) blend, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), a polychloroprene rubber such as Neoprene™, and butyl rubber.

23. The fluid nozzle according to claim 21, wherein the resilient sealing member is an O-ring having an FEP outer layer and a FKM core.

24. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the resilient sealing member is toroidal, and may be toroidal with a circular crosssection or a rectangular cross-section comprising radiused corners.

25. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular ridge and the resilient sealing member are dimensioned such that, when the fluid nozzle is inserted into the fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement, the resilient sealing member is compressed to a predetermined extent.

26. The fluid nozzle according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined extent of compression is in the range 10 to 30 % and preferably 15 to 20 %.

27. The fluid nozzle according to any preceding claim, comprising more than one annular cavity, wherein at least one of the annular cavities comprises an annular ridge and at least one does not, and wherein a top surface of the annular ridge within its annular cavity is substantially equal to the depth of the annular cavity that does not comprise the annular ridge.

28. A fluid connector system, the system comprising:a fluid nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 27; anda fluid conduit or housing defining an engagement surface configured to receive the fluid nozzle, whereinthe fluid nozzle is configured to be inserted into the fluid conduit or housing to form a fluid sealing engagement; whereinupon insertion of the fluid nozzle into the fluid conduit or housing, the configuration of the at least one annular cavity, the annular ridge, and the resilient sealing member causes the resilient sealing member to be pushed into the annular cavity and to deform against the annular ridge of the fluid nozzle, which in turn urges the resilient sealing member outwardly and into fluid sealing engagement with the engagement surface of the fluid conduit or housing.

29. A filter unit comprising: a filter housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for directing fluid through the filter unit; a filter media arranged within the filter housing for filtering fluid passing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and a fluid nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 27, the nozzle being fluidly connected to the filter5 housing and configured to be inserted into a fluid conduit or housing to form a fluidsealing engagement.

30. The filter unit according to claim 29, wherein the outlet or inlet comprises the fluid nozzle.A

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