Separable Assembly

Abstract

To provide a separation type assembly allowing for re-connection.SOLUTION: A separation type assembly 42 comprises a first connector 44 and a second connector 46 capable of being connected to the first connector removably. The separation type assembly can move between a first configuration where the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are connected removably and define together a flow path through which fluid can flow and a second configuration where the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are not connected to each other. When a prescribed separation force is applied to the separation type assembly 42, the separation type assembly moves from the first configuration to the second configuration. The separation type assembly further comprises a shut-off valve arranged at one of the first connector 44 and the second connector 46. The shut-off valve is situated in an opened position in the first configuration, allowing fluid to flow through the shut-off valve, and when it moves to the second configuration, moving to a closed position to close a part extending in a radial direction at least partially of the flow path and shutting off most of the flow of the fluid through the shut-off valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a separable assembly, and more particularly to a separable assembly for use in a fluid distribution system. [Background technology]

[0002] Breakaway connectors or assemblies can be used in fluid distribution systems, such as fueling stations. Breakaway assemblies are designed to provide a disconnect in a fluid system that closes when a sufficient, predetermined disconnect force is applied to the fluid system. For example, during disconnection, a user of a fueling unit may inadvertently leave the nozzle in the tank of a vehicle or automobile. Breakaway assemblies are designed to provide a disconnect point at which a hose or system can be separated, and also provide a shut-off valve to prevent or minimize fuel loss. However, many current breakaway assemblies suffer from various drawbacks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Disposable separable assemblies typically use shear pins or shear grooves, but such shear components cannot be fully tested during assembly, which can result in unpredictable performance. Many conventional reconnectable separable assemblies use garter springs, canted coil springs, compression springs, and deflectable components to provide a detachable connection mechanism. However, such detachable connection mechanisms have relatively large variations in materials and / or tolerances, resulting in unpredictable separation forces.

[0004] Conventional separable assemblies also have problems accommodating pressure pulses within the dispensed fluid. Disposable separable assemblies use rigid components designed to shear or break under sufficient force, causing such components to undesirably separate when subjected to a sufficiently strong pressure pulse. Reconnectable separable assemblies can also be separated by force or pressure spikes and / or internal components can be damaged by force or pressure spikes.

[0005] Finally, conventional separation assemblies typically have valves designed to close after separation, however, such valves do not close in a fully predictable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention is a reconnectable separable assembly that provides a relatively consistent separation force, in one example, uses magnets, in one example, can adjust for force spikes or pressure spikes, and in one example, provides an improved closure valve mechanism. More particularly, in one embodiment, the present invention is a separable assembly that includes a first connector and a second connector that is removably connectable to the first connector. The separable assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to one another. The separable assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the separable assembly. The separable assembly further includes a closure valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve configured to be in an open position when the separable assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow through the closure valve, and configured to move to a closed position that closes a portion of the at least partially radially extending flow path when the separable assembly is moved to the second configuration to generally block fluid flow through the closure valve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refueling system utilizing a separable assembly. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the area shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the separable assembly in a connected configuration. [Figure 3] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of FIG. 2 in an unconnected configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a magnet unit of the separable assembly of FIG. 2, partially disassembled. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the magnet unit of FIG. 4 in an assembled state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the magnet unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the magnet unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the magnet unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the magnet unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 11] 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of the magnet unit of FIG. 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the magnet unit of FIGS. 4 and 5. [Figure 13] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of FIG. 2 showing adjustment for a force spike. [Figure 13A] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the area shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of another separable assembly. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the magnet unit of the separable assembly of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15. [Figure 15A] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the magnet holder of the magnet unit of FIG. [Figure 16]FIG. 13B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the area indicated in FIG. 13A showing another embodiment of a separable assembly having a magnetic assembly for adjusting force spikes. [Figure 16A] 17 shows the components of FIG. 16 in the process of adjusting for force spikes. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the separable assembly shown in a connected configuration. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the separable assembly of FIG. 17, showing the shuttle moving downstream as a step in the separation. [Figure 19] 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of FIG. 17 shown in an unconnected configuration. [Figure 20] FIG. 18 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the area indicated in FIG. 17, illustrating adjustment of the force spike. [Figure 21] 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of FIG. 17, showing the reconnection tool connected. [Figure 22] 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the separable assembly of FIG. 21 in a connected configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] System Overview 1 is a schematic diagram of a refill system 10 including a plurality of dispensers 12. Each dispenser 12 includes a dispenser body 14, a hose 16 connected to the dispenser body 14, and a nozzle 18 disposed at the distal end of the hose 16. Each hose 16 is typically flexible and pliable, allowing the hose 16 and nozzle 18 to be positioned at a convenient refill location desired by a user / operator.

[0009] Each dispenser 12 is fluidly connected to a fuel / fluid storage tank 20 via a liquid or fluid conduit or pathway 22 extending from each dispenser 12 to the storage tank 20. The storage tank 20 includes or is fluidly connected to a fuel pump 24 configured to draw fluid / fuel from the storage tank 20 via a pipe 26. As shown with the dispenser 12' in use in FIG. 1 , during refueling, the nozzle 18 is inserted into a refueling pipe 28 of a vehicle fuel tank 30. The fuel pump 24 is then activated, pumping fuel from the storage tank 20 through the fluid conduit 22, the hose 16, the nozzle 18, and into the vehicle fuel tank 30 via a fuel or fluid pathway or fluid conduit 32 of the system 10.

[0010] In some examples, the system 10 may include a vapor path 34 extending from the nozzle 18 through the hose 16 and the vapor conduit 36 ​​to the interstitial space of the tank 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, the vapor path 34 of the hose 16 is supported on and substantially coaxial with the outer flow path 32 of the hose 16. The nozzle 18 may include a flexible vapor boot, bellows, sleeve, or the like (not shown) of a type known in the art that is connected to and extends around the outlet 40 of the nozzle 18.

[0011] The bellows is designed to form a seal around the outlet 40 when the outlet 40 is inserted into the make-up pipe 28. The bellows serves to capture vapors and direct them to the vapor path 34, although nozzle 18 without a bellows can also be used to capture the vapors. System 10 may further include a vapor recovery pump 25 that applies suction to the vapor path 34 to recover the vapors, although in some examples (e.g., so-called "balanced" systems), the vapor recovery pump 25 may be omitted. Furthermore, in some examples, system 10 may not include a vapor path 34, in which case system 10 may not include a vapor conduit 36 ​​and hose 16 may not include a vapor path 34 therein.

[0012] The system 10 disclosed herein may be utilized to store / dispense any of a variety of fluids, liquids, or fuels, including, but not limited to, gasoline, diesel, natural gas (including compressed natural gas (CNG)), biofuels, blended fuels, petroleum-based fuels such as propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), oil, or other fuels or liquids such as hydrogen, ethanol, etc.

[0013] Each dispenser 12 may include a separable assembly 42 connected thereto, which may be positioned at various locations on the dispenser 12 or along the system 10. For example, the left-most dispenser 12' in FIG. 1 utilizes a separable assembly 42 at the proximal end of the hose 16, the middle dispenser 12 in FIG. 1 utilizes a separable assembly 42 positioned adjacent the nozzle 18, and the right-most dispenser 12 in FIG. 1 utilizes a separable assembly or assemblies 42 at an intermediate location on the hose 16. However, it should be understood that the separable assembly 42 may be positioned at any of a variety of locations along the length of the hose 16 or at other locations on the refueling system 10. The separable assembly 42 may include and / or be connected to a swivel assembly, which may position the separable assembly 42 at various locations and align with any separation force applied to the separable assembly 42.

[0014] Separation Overview 2 and 3 illustrate one embodiment of a separable assembly 42 for use with conventional (typically liquid) fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, oil, and the like, which are pumped at relatively low pressures, such as, in one example, less than about 50 psi, in another example, less than about 100 psi, in another example, less than about 150 psi, and in yet another example, less than about 300 psi. The separable assembly 42 includes a first or upstream connector 44 removably connected to a second or downstream connector 46. In one example, the separable assembly 42 and connectors 44, 46 are generally annular in shape, with the flow passage 32 disposed therein, although other shapes may be used as desired. The first connector 44 can be connected to an upstream portion of the system 10 / hose 16, and the second connector 46 can be connected to a downstream portion of the system 10 / hose 16. (Terms used herein in terms of flow direction, such as "upstream" and "downstream," are used in terms of the direction of flow of the fluid / fuel being dispensed (i.e., from right to left in FIGS. 2, 3, 13, and 14, and from left to right in FIGS. 17-19, opposite the direction of steam flow, unless otherwise specified.) However, if desired, this orientation can be reversed, with the first connector 44 connected to a downstream component and the second connector 46 connected to an upstream component. Both the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 can include threaded surfaces (such as the threaded interior surface or threaded adapter 48 shown in the figures) for securing the connectors 44, 46 to the connected upstream and downstream components. Alternatively, the threaded surface 48 may be a threaded outer surface, or various other connection structures other than a threaded surface may be employed.

[0015] The first connector 44 can include a generally tubular or annular connecting portion 50, which can have various cross-sectional shapes and can be removably received in a socket or protective cover 52 of the second connector 46. The second connector 46 further includes a closure valve or poppet 54 disposed therein. The poppet 54 includes a body portion 56 having a downstream stem 58, an upstream stem 62, and a seal or sealing portion 64 connected to the body portion 56. The downstream stem 58 is slidably received within a guide 66, which is positioned or centered within the second connector 46 by a plurality of radially extending fins 68. The poppet 54 further includes a spring 74 axially disposed between the guide 66 and the body portion 56. The spring 74 biases the body portion 56 / poppet 54 to an upstream / closed position in which the sealing portion 64 sealingly engages a poppet seat 76 (see FIG. 3 ). The second connector 46 includes a seal 47 on the radially outer surface of its axially forward extending end to help form a seal with the inner surface of the first connector 44 .

[0016] The first connector 44 may include a closure valve or poppet valve 80 disposed therein. The poppet valve 80 includes a body portion 82 having a downstream stem 84, an upstream stem 86, and a seal or sealing portion 88 connected to the body portion 82. The upstream stem 86 is slidably received within a guide 90, which is positioned / centered within the first connector 44 by a plurality of radially extending fins 92. The poppet valve 80 further includes a spring 94 disposed between the guide 90 and the body portion 82. The spring 94 thereby biases the body portion 82 / poppet valve 80 to a downstream / closed position, with the sealing portion 88 sealingly engaging a poppet valve seat 96 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0017] During normal operation of the dispenser 12, the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are disposed in their first state or configuration / locked state or configuration / connected state or configuration / engaged state or configuration, as shown in FIGURE 2, where the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are connected to one another and define an open fluid conduit or flow path 32 through which fluid may flow, as indicated by the arrows in FIGURE 2. In this configuration, the upstream stem 62 of the poppet 54 engages and forces the downstream stem 84 of the poppet 80 away from its seat 96, and vice versa, thereby compressing the springs 74, 94 of both poppets 54, 80 and opening both poppets 54, 80. When the poppets 54, 80 are open, the seals 64, 88 move away from their associated seats 76, 96, allowing fluid to flow through the flow path 32 / separable assembly 42 / connectors 44, 46. As will be described in more detail below, a connection mechanism or system 41 is provided for axially and removably connecting the connectors 44, 46.

[0018] When a sufficient separation force (i.e., a force applied at least partially along the axis of the separable assembly 42 / connectors 44, 46) is applied to the assembly 42, the connection mechanism 41 separates / disconnects, and the separable assembly 42 moves to its second state or configuration / separated or disconnected / disconnected state or disconnected configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. As the connectors 44, 46 move away from each other, the downstream stem 84 of the poppet 80 moves away from the upstream stem 62 of the poppet 54. The relative movement of the connectors 44, 46 away from each other allows the poppets 54, 80 to move to their closed positions, as shown in FIG. 3, where the seals 64, 88 engage the associated valve seats 76, 96, biased by the associated springs 74, 94.

[0019] The assembly 42 may be reusable, or may be configured such that the connectors 44, 46 can be connected / reconnected (i.e., moved from the configuration of FIG. 3 to the configuration of FIG. 2) without the need to repair or replace any parts of the assembly 42. In particular, when the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 are connected / reconnected, the downstream stem 84 of the poppet valve 80 engages the upstream stem 62 of the poppet valve 54. During the reconnection process, when sufficient axial compressive force is applied to the assembly 42, the bodies 56, 82 of the poppet valves 54, 80 and associated seals 64, 88 move away from their respective valve seats 76, 96 until the valves 54, 80 are in the position shown in FIG.

[0020] The illustrated embodiment shows both the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 having poppet valves 54, 80 therein. However, in another embodiment, only one of the connectors 44, 46 has a poppet valve. In this case, the other connector 44, 46 does not have a poppet valve, but can include an axially extending rigid open stand similar to section 62 / 84 that extends axially forward and can engage a poppet valve (e.g., valve 54, 80) of the other connector 44, 46 and bias the other poppet valve to an open position when the assembly 42 is in the connected configuration. In yet another alternative embodiment, when the assembly 42 is used with a distribution system utilizing a vapor recovery system, one or both of the connectors 44, 46 can include a poppet valve within the vapor path 34 or that at least partially defines the vapor path 34, which is open when the assembly 42 is in the connected configuration and automatically closes when the assembly 42 is moved to the unconnected position. Examples of these configurations are disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,931,499, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] Magnetic connection / disconnection The assembly 42 can include a connection mechanism 41 that removably connects the connectors 44, 46 to one another and maintains the assembly 42 in its connected position until a sufficient axial force is applied. The connection mechanism 41 can include a magnet unit 43 that includes a magnet connection portion 102 that houses various magnets 104 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 43 is connected to the first connector 44. The connection mechanism 41 can also include an attraction piece 106 (or other piece that completes the magnetic circuit), which can be made of a ferrous or other material that is attracted or can be attracted to the magnets 104 / magnet unit 43 by magnetic force. In the illustrated embodiment, the attraction piece 106 is connected to the second connector 46. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the magnet unit 43 constitutes or defines the connection portion 50 of the first connector 44, which is housed in a socket / cover 52 of the second connector 46. If desired, the positions of the magnet unit 43 and the attracting part 106 can be reversed from those shown in the figure, with the attracting part 106 connected to the first connector 44 and the magnet unit 43 connected to the second connector 46.

[0022] In one embodiment, the attraction piece 106 is generally annular, made of ferrous or other magnetizable material, and is threadably attached directly to the body of the first connector 44. Alternatively, the attraction piece 106 can be composed of or include a single magnet or multiple magnets that, when properly positioned, are constructed and arranged to be magnetically attracted to the associated magnet 104 of the magnet unit 43. Further alternatively, the attraction piece 106 may not be a continuous annular piece, but instead be various separate, discrete attraction piece units or portions arranged to magnetically interact with the magnet unit 43.

[0023] The magnets 104 of the magnet unit 43 can also be made from a variety of materials, including permanently magnetized materials such as rare-earth magnets, including neodymium, for example. The magnetic connection portion 102 and / or the attracting part 106 can be made from magnetized and / or magnetizable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials or metals (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, gadolinium, dysprosium), paramagnetic materials, diamagnetic materials, ferrimagnetic metals, ferromagnetic alloys, steel plate or cast steel, or, in some examples, non-magnetized or non-magnetizable materials, each of which can be optionally coated with a ferromagnetic coating or plating, such as nickel in one example, but can also be substantially any ferromagnetic metal or alloy that does not potentially unduly interfere with the desired magnetic field. The magnets 104 and / or the magnetic connection portion 102 and / or the attracting part 106 can be plated, coated, wrapped, or unplated.

[0024] In one example, the magnetic connection portion 102 and / or the attraction portion 106 can have a saturation point greater than about 1.25 Tesla or can be made of a material having such a saturation point to provide the desired ferromagnetic response. Specifically, rather than having multiple individual magnets 104 that directly interact with the attraction portion 106 through magnetic forces, it is desirable to have the magnetic connection portion 102 as a unit that interacts with the attraction portion 106 through magnetic forces when activated / magnetized by the magnets 104 housed within the magnetic connection portion 102. Thus, the magnetic connection portion 102 can be configured, sized, and shaped to generate a magnetic field in a desired and advantageous manner. In particular, the passage of the magnetic connection 102 through the induced magnetic field causes the magnetic field lines generated by the magnets 104 to pass through the radially inner 108 and radially outer 110 annular components or surfaces of the magnetic connection 102 (e.g., rather than through the base webs or end walls 112 of the magnetic connection 102), with the webs 112 acting as shunting members, thereby providing a stronger magnetic force. Furthermore, because the webs 112 act as shunting members, it is desirable to avoid or minimize magnetic field lines passing through the webs 112, and therefore, it is desirable to make the webs 112 as thin as possible.

[0025] The web 112 can be thick (e.g., axially) to allow the maximum amount of magnetic flux field to pass through the magnetic connection portion 102, and this thickness depends on a balance of several factors, including the strength of the magnetic field and the permeability and saturation limit of the material of the magnetic connection portion 102. The ratio of the thickness of the web 112 to the magnetic field penetration depth can be about 5% to about 15%, where the magnetic field penetration depth depends on the saturation point of the material of the magnetic connection portion 102. For magnetic flux densities between 1.25 T and 2 T, the magnetic field penetration depth can be between 0.25 inches and 0.625 inches, and the thickness of the web 112 can be between 0.0125 inches and 0.09375 inches. In one example, the axial length of the web 112 is less than about 25%, in another example less than 10%, in another example less than 5%, or in another example less than 2.5% of the length of the magnet 104 and / or the length of the magnet unit 43. In some instances, for magnetic performance reasons, it may be desirable to omit the web 112 entirely, however, this would make it difficult to physically maintain the magnet 104 in the desired axial position within the magnetic connection portion 102. In some instances, the web 112 may be grooved or have other openings to reduce the shunting effect of the web 112.

[0026] In this manner, the attracting piece 106 and the magnet unit 43 may form a connection mechanism 41 that removably connects the connectors 44, 46 and maintains the assembly 42 in its first state or configuration / locked state or locked configuration / connected state or connected configuration / engaged state or engaged configuration, as shown in Figure 2. Thus, the connection mechanism 41 may solely or primarily determine the separation force of the separable assembly 42.

[0027] When an external axial force greater than the force with which the magnet unit 43 attracts the attracting element 106 is applied to the separable assembly 42, separation occurs in the following order: First, the downstream connector 46, along with substantially all associated components of the downstream connector 46 (e.g., except for the associated closable poppet valve 54), moves away from the upstream connector 44. Both poppet valves 54, 80 can simultaneously begin moving toward their closed positions. In one example, the connectors 44, 46 move approximately 1 / 4 inch away from each other, after which both poppet valves 54, 80 move fully toward their closed positions. As the separation continues, in one example, the upstream connector 44 is fully withdrawn from the socket 52 of the downstream connector 46 after the longest movement, approximately 5 / 16 inch (FIG. 3 shows the substantially fully withdrawn state). In this state, the connectors 44, 46 are separated, and the poppet valves 80, 54 are closed, preventing or inhibiting fluid leakage.

[0028] After the connectors 44, 46 are separated, a user may wish to reconnect the connectors 44, 46. In one example, the connectors 44, 46 may be axially aligned and manually pushed together, engaging the magnet unit 43 with the socket 52. The connectors 44, 46 are then pushed together, compressing the springs 94, 74 and opening the poppet valves 80, 54, as shown in FIG. 2 . During reconnection, the attracting piece 106 is located on or within the downstream connector 46, such that upon insertion, the magnet unit 43 is sufficiently attracted to the attracting piece 106 that the magnet unit 43 / assembly 42 “snaps” into a predetermined position. Additionally, the attraction between the magnet unit 43 and the attracting piece 106 reduces the reconnection force and acts as a magnetic assist, assisting the user in reconnecting. Therefore, the (manual) force required to connect the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 can be less than the force required to pull the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 apart when disconnected, making the reconnection process easier and more convenient.

[0029] Magnet connection configuration In the embodiment shown in Figures 2-6, the magnet connection portion 102 has an upstream portion 102a with an annular channel or channel portion 114 formed therein that is removably attachable to a downstream portion 102b with a correspondingly formed and arranged channel or channel portion 116. Each upstream portion 102a, 102b can have a web or end wall 112 that is located at the axial end of the upstream portion 102a, 102b and adjacent to the associated channel 114, 116. The upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b can be separate pieces or sections that are connected to each other at or along a connection portion 105 aligned in a radial plane. One or both of the channel portions 114, 116 can accommodate a magnet 104 therein. Each magnet connection portion 102a, 102b can include a threaded surface 103 that is configured to threadably mate with one another to form the substantially closed magnet connection 102 shown in Figures 4 (when assembled) and 5. When the upstream and downstream portions 102a, 102b are mechanically, removably, or otherwise connected to form the fully assembled magnet unit 43, closed internal channels 114, 116 are formed therein that receive and encase the magnets 104 therein.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 4 , in one example, each magnet 104 is shaped like a rectangular prism, with the magnetic poles 118, 120 of the magnet 104 oriented perpendicular to the largest face of the magnet 104. In one example, the magnet 104 is oriented such that its north pole 118 is disposed on (extends perpendicular to) the radially inner surface of the magnet 104 and its south pole 120 is disposed on (extends perpendicular to) the radially outer surface of the magnet 104. Thus, the magnetic poles 118, 120 of the magnet 104 can be oriented perpendicular to the central axis A ( FIG. 2 ) of the assembly 42, or can be oriented non-parallel to the central axis A and can be aligned with radial lines pointing radially inward or radially outward.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , in one example, the channel 114 in the upstream portion 102a can be shaped like a prism when viewed from end, with a number of sides corresponding to the number of magnets 104 (12 sides in the illustrated embodiment), and the number of sides of the channel 114 can be adjusted to match the number of magnets 104 used. Note that while FIG. 6 shows the channel 114 formed in the upstream portion 102a, the channel 116 in the downstream portion 102b can be the same shape and position. Note that if the channels 114, 116 are not circular, the magnetic connectors 102a, 102b can be connected to each other using means other than the threaded surface 103, such as a press fit, rabbiting, a retaining ring, etc. The polygonal shape of the channels 114, 116 helps reduce the gap between the pole / maximum face of the magnet 104 and the magnetic connector 102, thereby improving magnetic performance. Additionally, this configuration allows for the use of rectangular prism magnets 104, as opposed to curved magnets, for example, which are more expensive and difficult to manufacture.

[0032] The polygonal shape of the channels 114, 116 may or may not be equilaterally equiangular, and in one example, has at least four sides. However, in some examples, polygonal channels 114, 116 may be difficult to machine. Therefore, if desired, desired channels 114, 116 having easier-to-machine circular shapes, as shown in FIG. 7 , may be used in combination with rectangular prism-shaped magnets 104. In this case, the magnets 104 may be positioned adjacent to the channels 114, 116. Furthermore, in this case, the magnets 104 and / or channels 114, 116 may be configured such that each magnet 104 has three contact points (or potential contact points) with the channels 114, 116, where the center of each magnet 104 may contact or substantially contact the radially inner wall of the channel 114, 116 and the circumferentially outer portion of each magnet 104 may contact or substantially contact the radially outer wall of the channel 114, 116. The three contact points (or substantial contact points) help to ensure that each magnet 104 is positioned within the channel 114,116.

[0033] In some cases where it is not practical to actually provide three contact points to position the magnet 104 in the channel 114, 116 due to insufficient manufacturing accuracy or sufficient tolerances, a relatively small radially extending outer gap 122 may be provided between the circumferentially outer portion of the magnet 104 and the radially outer wall of the channel 114, 116 and / or between the inner / central surface of the magnet 104 and the radially inner wall of the channel 114, 116. The gap 122 for a given magnet 104 may have a total cumulative length (in the radial direction) of less than about 0.1 inches, less than about 0.05 inches, or less than about 0.03 inches, or less than about 1% of the length of the magnet 104 (generally circumferentially). The gap 122 may also be less than about 5% or less than about 1% of the radius of the outer surface of the upstream portion 102 a / downstream portion 102 b.

[0034] Additionally, each magnet 104 may define a generally triangular gap 124 disposed between the circumferential outer side of an adjacent magnet 104 and the radially inner surface of the channels 114, 116. Using multiple magnets 104 can reduce the inner gap 124. The gaps 124 of a given magnet 104 can individually or cumulatively have radial lengths corresponding to the gap 122 parameters described above.

[0035] Additionally, the magnets 104 can be arranged in a variety of different configurations, such as shown in Figure 8, where, when viewed from the end, the magnets 104 are arranged in spaced apart, substantially radially aligned, discrete closed channels in the same or similar manner as the embodiments of Figures 14, 15, and 15A, described in more detail below. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 9-11, the magnets 104 can be arranged within channels 114, 116, which form various angles (defined by a) a line extending radially outwardly aligned with channels 114, 116 and b) an angle with a radial line, as shown by the labeled angles in Figures 9-11). Thus, the plane defined by the largest surface of the magnet 104 may be oriented perpendicular to the radial lines (Figures 6 and 7, in which the magnetic poles are aligned with the radial lines), or parallel to the radial lines (Figure 8, in which the magnetic poles are oriented perpendicular to the radial lines), or may be disposed at various angles relative to the radial lines (Figures 9-11).

[0036] Because each magnet 104 can be shaped like a rectangular prism, each magnet 104 can have a longest dimension (length, in one example), which, in the disclosed embodiments, extends, is oriented, or is aligned axially. Each magnet 104 can have a second longest dimension (width, in one example), which extends, is oriented, or is aligned radially (e.g., extending along a radial line), as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, or generally circumferentially, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7. Each magnet 104 can have a third longest dimension (thickness), which extends, is oriented, or is aligned radially (e.g., extending along a radial line), as in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7. In this configuration, the magnets 104 can also be considered to be aligned circumferentially.

[0037] 11, the face of the magnet 104 having the north pole 118 can be positioned to face radially inward toward the central axis A of the assembly 42, thereby controlling the degree to which the magnetic field acts on the attracting piece 106 to complete the magnetic circuit. This inward-facing north pole 118 position can be utilized when the magnet 104 is at an angle of 45 degrees or greater relative to a radial line (in one example, radially outward of the magnet 104), as shown in FIG. 11 and FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0038] In configurations where the magnets 104 are arranged at angles of 45 degrees or less (e.g., FIGS. 8-10 ), the magnetic poles of the magnets 104, i.e., the inward-facing surfaces of the magnets 104, may alternate between north poles 118 and south poles 120. In these cases, the magnetic poles 118, 120 of the magnets 104 may alternate such that the north pole 118 of each magnet 104 faces the north pole 118 of an adjacent magnet 104. Furthermore, in these configurations, a (strictly) even number of magnets 104 may be used to maintain the alternating pattern around the entire circumference of the magnet unit 43. This alternating arrangement of the magnets 104 (e.g., when arranged at angles of 45 degrees or less) maximizes the magnetic flux field and physically separates the opposite magnetic poles 118, 120 of adjacent magnets 104, thereby maximizing the available magnetic attraction and avoiding magnetic short-circuits between adjacent magnets 104.

[0039] 8-10 (e.g., magnets 104 positioned at angles of 45 degrees or less) can also reduce the adverse effects of repulsive forces between adjacent magnets 104. Such repulsive forces occur when the magnetic field flows from the north pole 118 to the south pole 120 of a magnet 104, and when the magnetic fields from adjacent magnets 104 flow in the same direction. This allows the interaction of these magnetic forces to be regulated by the alternating magnetic pole arrangement, avoiding a reduction in the net magnetic attractive force, which, as discussed above, defines or primarily determines the separation force between the magnet unit 43 and the attracting element 106.

[0040] When the magnets 104 are arranged at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or greater (e.g., 90 degrees in FIGS. 6 and 7 and 60 degrees in FIG. 11 ), the number of magnets 104 can be even or odd, and the magnetic poles 118, 120 do not need to be staggered because the magnetic forces cancel out. In the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the strength of the magnets 104 needs to be relatively small because the north poles 118 are not physically separated from the south poles 120 of adjacent magnets 104, making adjacent magnets 104 prone to "short circuits." Furthermore, because the magnetic poles 118 / 120 of one magnet 104 are not physically separated from the magnetic poles 118 / 120 of an adjacent magnet 104, the adjacent magnets 104 may experience a greater repulsive force. Thus, in one example, the magnets 104 are arranged at an angle that is not perpendicular to the radial line when viewed from the axial end. However, in some instances, where it is desirable to substantially weaken the magnetic force to adjust and fine-tune the desired separation force, the embodiment of Figure 11, or other similar configurations that do not provide optimized magnetic performance, may be desirable. Additionally, other magnet configurations are possible, some of which are detailed below.

[0041] In some instances, the magnet 104 can be arc-shaped and curved around a center A, and in some instances, the magnet 104 can match the curvature of the curved channels 114, 116. However, in this case, because an arch-shaped magnet 104 is used, the inner surface defined by the inner diameter of the arch-shaped magnet 104 has a smaller surface area than the outer surface defined by the outer diameter of the arch-shaped magnet. The thicker the magnet 104, the greater the difference in surface area.

[0042] As is well known, magnetic flux is the strength of the magnetic force multiplied by the area surrounding the magnetic pole. When using arch-shaped magnets 104, the magnetic flux at the inner surface of the arch-shaped magnet 104 is greater than the magnetic flux at the outer surface because the surface area of ​​the inner surface is smaller than the surface area of ​​the outer surface. It is known that the number of magnetic field lines (magnetic fields) from the north pole to the south pole must be the same for each magnet 104. In the case of arch-shaped magnets 104, the surface area of ​​the inner surface is smaller than the surface area of ​​the outer surface, so the magnetic flux density at the inner surface is greater than the magnetic flux density at the outer surface. As the magnetic flux density increases, the concentrated load on the inner surface of the arch-shaped magnet 104 is greater than the concentrated load on the outer surface. Thus, the use of arch-shaped magnets 104 generates a net magnetic force lower than that achievable with an optimized design. This is because the surface area of ​​the magnetic flux field entering the attracting element 106 is smaller than the surface area required to effectively disperse and distribute the magnetic flux field. This causes portions of the attracting element 106 to saturate and the entire available magnetic field to not be fully utilized. It has been found that the greatest impact on magnet performance is the surface area of ​​the faces of the magnet 104 that are perpendicular to the poles of the magnet 104.

[0043] To provide a balanced magnetic flux field, it is desirable for the inner annular portion 108 of the magnet unit 43 to have the same cross-sectional area and / or volume as the outer annular portion 110. However, the diameter of the inner annular portion 108 may be smaller than the diameter of the outer annular portion 110. Thus, for example, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 7, the inner annular portion 108 of the magnet unit 43 may be thicker in the radial direction than the outer annular portion 110, providing the same cross-sectional area and / or volume, thereby allowing for equal magnetic flux in the inner annular portion 108 and the outer annular portion 110.

[0044] In conventional designs, the magnetic flux field around the end of one magnet 104 is in the same direction as the magnetic flux field of an adjacent magnet 104. These aligned magnetic flux forces create a repulsive force that can push a magnet 104 out of the magnet unit 43, resulting in damage or loss of the magnet 104. This pushing force can also make assembly or repair of the magnet unit 43 difficult and require special processes and tools. Furthermore, in conventional designs, once the magnets 104 are installed, each magnet 104 is urged away from its neighbors by the repulsive magnetic field. Therefore, in this case, special tools must be used to reach the magnet connector 102 and push aside the previously installed magnets 104 before installing the last few magnets 104.

[0045] The axial lengths of the channels 114, 116 (and / or the axial length of each magnet 104) can vary depending on the desired magnetic flux field generated at the end of the magnet connection portion 102. The axial lengths of the channels 114, 116 can be approximately the same as or slightly greater than the axial length of the magnet 104 (in one example, within about 0.5%, in another example, within about 1%, or in another example, within about 5%), such that the channels 114, 116 closely axially accommodate the magnet 104 therein. Furthermore, the axial positions of the channels 114, 116 can be adjusted as needed. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the axial lengths of the upstream portion 102a of the magnet connection portion 102 and its channel portion 114 can be the same as the downstream portion 102b and its channel portion 116. In this case, the channels 114, 116 and the magnet 104 are axially centered within the magnet connection portion 102. In this case, the magnetic force on each axial side of the magnetic connection portion 102 will be the same (assuming other conditions affecting the magnetic force are the same, for example, assuming that the upstream portion 102a and the downstream portion 102b are made of the same material and that their webs 112 have the same thickness).

[0046] However, if desired, the magnet connection portion 102 / channels 114, 116 can be asymmetric, as shown in FIG. 12 , such that either the upstream portion 102 a or the downstream portion 102 b and / or one of their channels 114, 116 is longer than the other. In this case, the majority of the length of the magnet 104 is contained within one of the upstream portion 102 a and the downstream portion 102 b. For example, in one example, one of the upstream portion 102 a and the downstream portion 102 b can be up to 7 / 8 of the axial length of the combined channels 114, 116 and / or up to 7 / 8 of the axial length of the magnet 104 therein, while the other of the upstream portion 102 a and the downstream portion 102 b can be the remaining length (in the illustrated embodiment, only 1 / 8) of the length of the combined channels 114, 116 or magnet 104 therein. The upstream section 102a or downstream section 102b containing a portion of the magnets 104 / channels 114, 116 will have a weaker magnetic flux field than the other sections containing a larger portion of the magnets 104 / channels 114, 116.

[0047] Additionally, the magnetic force on each axial side of the magnet connection portion 102 can be varied depending on the method / mechanism used to connect the upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b of the magnet unit 43. In one example, the upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b are connected by welding at the connection portion 105, although care should be taken to ensure that the heat of the welding process does not damage the magnets 104. In another example, the upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b each have a threaded surface 103, as described above, and are therefore connected at the connection portion 105 by threading, although various other mechanisms / methods may also be used for connection, such as press-fitting, a rabbit, a retaining ring, etc.

[0048] The magnetic flux field can leak through the connections 105 of the magnetic connections 102, which can vary depending on the nature of the connections 105. For example, the magnetic field in the magnetic connections 102 behaves like a fluid that follows the path of least resistance. The points at which the magnetic flux field leaks through the connections 105 of the magnetic connections 102 create resistance regions and help divide the magnetic field in the magnetic connections 102. Thus, different types of connections 105 allow or suppress different amounts of magnetic field to pass through.

[0049] For example, certain connections 105 have a high magnetic flux field impedance and can close the magnetic field, thereby magnetically isolating the upstream and downstream sections 102a, 102b, and thus allowing for greater control over certain performance parameters. Other connections have a relatively low magnetic flux field impedance and can accept / transmit the magnetic field, thereby magnetically connecting the upstream and downstream sections 102a, 102b, thereby increasing the magnetic coupling strength and separation force. If desired, gaskets or other components can be placed at or near the connection 105 to predictably control the magnetic flux field impedance at the connection 105. The use of gaskets or components is more practical when the upstream and / or downstream sections 102a, 102b are made of paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials. Therefore, the configuration and assembly of the magnetic connection 102 can be modified to adjust the forces generated at each end of the magnetic connection 102 and thereby adjust the separation characteristics and other magnetic performance of the separable assembly 42.

[0050] Additionally, the material of the upstream portion 102a and / or downstream portion 102b of the magnetic connection portion 102 can be varied to tailor the magnetic field. For example, the upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b can be made of a variety of different ferromagnetic metals or alloys with different saturation points. An upstream portion 102a or downstream portion 102b made of a material with a lower saturation point will generate a weaker magnetic force. If it is desired to generate a magnetic force on only one side of the magnetic connection portion 102, one of the upstream portion 102a and downstream portion 102b can be made of a ferromagnetic material and the other can be made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material, such as 300 series stainless steel or 6000 grade aluminum, to concentrate the magnetic flux at one end of the magnetic connection portion 102.

[0051] Because magnets 104 are often fragile, it is desirable to position such magnets 104 in a manner that protects them from direct impact, i.e., distributes the load. The magnet unit 43 disclosed herein protects the magnets 104 when they are housed in the closed channels 114, 116 of the magnet connection portion 102, shielding them from direct impact. The closed channels 114, 116 allow the end faces of the magnets 104 to be recessed, so that the attracting pieces 106 do not physically engage or contact the magnets 104, but instead engage or contact the magnet connection portion 102. Furthermore, an efficient design and layout of the magnet unit 43 maximizes utilization of the magnetic flux field and allows the magnet unit 43 to have a relatively small diameter, thereby enabling a smaller profile for the separable assembly 42.

[0052] Another concern with magnets 104 is that they may corrode. To address this issue, magnets 104 are often coated or plated with various ferromagnetic metals, plastics, or other materials. However, if these coatings are damaged, the magnets 104 become susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, care must be taken during assembly and storage of the separable assemblies 42 to ensure that the coating or plating on the magnets 104 is not damaged. The magnet connectors 102 help protect the magnets 104 from corrosion by protecting the magnets during the installation process and use. This design provides a magnet unit 43 that completely encases the magnets 104 as a single subassembly that is easy to handle and assemble, and the magnets are sealed to prevent air and / or water intrusion, protecting the encased magnets 104 through this design.

[0053] Another potential problem is that the magnet 104 may attract metal particles and other objects that are attracted to magnetic fields. If such objects or particles are placed on the magnet 104 and / or the attracting element 106, they may become trapped and collide when the attracting element 106 and the magnet unit 43 engage with each other, creating pressure points that can damage or crack the attracting element 106 or the magnet unit 43. However, in modern designs, the magnet 104 is placed within closed channels 114, 116. This protects the magnet 104 and allows the end faces of the magnet unit 43, which can be made of a more robust material, to withstand such impacts. In some examples, the radially outer surface of the magnetic connection portion 102 can be coated with aluminum or other paramagnetic material to prevent metal from collecting on the magnetic connection portion 102 from the surrounding environment.

[0054] Some conventional designs expose the magnets directly to atmospheric elements, potentially damaging and / or corroding them. Furthermore, some conventional designs have inefficient magnetic designs, in that certain portions of the magnetic field must pass through significant areas of air and do not contribute to the magnetic force. Furthermore, some designs, due to the magnet pattern, distribute the magnetic flux field over a very large surface area, reducing the effective strength of the magnetic field. In contrast, in the design disclosed herein, the magnets 104 are completely enclosed within the magnet connectors 102, which protect the magnets 104 from any corrosive materials or debris. Furthermore, a more efficient magnetic design is utilized.

[0055] 14, 15, and 15A illustrate one particular embodiment in which the magnet connector 102 has a plurality of radially aligned channels 116, each containing a closely spaced magnet 104 therein. In this case, the magnets 104 are generally aligned along a radial line of the separable assembly 42. The magnets 104 may be arranged so that the magnetic poles 118, 120 alternate, as in the layout of FIG. 8. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 15, there are 12 channels 116 / magnets 104 spaced 30 degrees apart from the center. Each magnet 104 (and corresponding channels 114, 116) has a thickness (extending generally circumferentially in the embodiment of FIG. 15) of about 0.025 inches to about 0.3 inches, and in another example, about 0.1 inches to about 0.2 inches; a height (extending axially) of about 0.2 inches to about 1 inch, and in another example, about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches; and a length (extending radially) of about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches, and in another example, about 0.5 inches to about 1.25 inches. The length and height dimensions may be reversed if desired. These magnet 104 and channel 114, 116 dimensions, regardless of orientation, are also applicable to the other embodiments described herein.

[0056] 14, 15, and 15A, the magnet unit 43 can include a magnet holder 117, as best shown in FIG. 15A, which can be used to secure the magnet 104 in a desired position and orientation. Specifically, the magnet holder 117 can include a base ring 119 (which can be similar to and / or define the web 112) and a plurality of generally wedge-shaped spacers 121 connected to and extending axially away from the ring 119. The spacers 121 define generally rectangular prism-shaped channels 116 in which the magnets 104 are received. The magnet unit 43 can include a retaining ring 123 (FIG. 14), which is received in a corresponding recess downstream of the magnet holder 117 and maintains the magnet holder 117 and the magnet 104 in place.

[0057] In this embodiment, the magnet holder 117 can be made of the same material as the attracting element 106 described above, e.g., a ferromagnetic material, and in one example, can be made of a magnetizable material. In this case, the base ring 119 of the magnet holder 117 can function as a shunt element similar to the web or end wall 112 of the embodiment of Figures 2-4, and the spacer 121 can be magnetized by the adjacent magnet 104. While the magnet holder 117 is shown with the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15, it should be understood that the magnet holder 117 can have other configurations instead of the magnet connecting element 102, if desired.

[0058] As described above, the connection mechanism 41 includes the magnet unit 43 and the attracting element 106 and provides the sole or primary separation force for the separable assembly 42. Starting from the connected position, as shown in FIG. 2 , the connectors 44, 46 are maintained connected by the magnetic attraction between the magnet unit 43 and the attracting element 106. This magnetic attraction force may be at least 100 pounds per currently applicable U.S. standards / regulations, but may be set to various other levels as needed. In this manner, the use of magnets, along with the various adjustment elements described above, ensures that the separation force of the separable assembly 42 is reliable and predictable, with relatively little variation between different assemblies 42. In one example, the force required to separate the first connector 44 and the second connector 46 is at least about 50 pounds, in another example, at least about 80 pounds, in another example, at least about 100 pounds, in another example, at least about 150 pounds, in another example, between about 80 pounds and about 150 pounds, in another example, at least about 300 pounds, in another example, about 500 pounds, or in yet another example, less than 300 pounds.

[0059] When it is desired to reconnect the separable assembly 42, the connectors 44, 46 can be pressed axially together, engaging the stems 84, 62 and opening the associated poppet valves 80, 54. When sufficient force is applied, the magnet unit 43 is brought sufficiently close to the attracting piece 106 that the magnetic attraction between these pieces overcomes the repulsive force provided by the springs 94, 74, maintaining the separable assembly 42 in the open position shown in FIG.

[0060] Force Spike Adjustment - Spring Fluid in the flow path 32 may occasionally experience pressure spikes, pressure shocks, or line shocks due to uneven operation of the pump 24, pressure applied by user action, or other forces of relatively short duration that may cause undesired separation (collectively referred to herein as force spikes). For example, in a conventional fuel system, a pressure spike may be caused by a shut-off valve in the nozzle 18 closing off the flow path 32 while the pump 24 continues to operate for a short period of time. Force spikes may also be caused by a user pulling on the hose 16 or by other factors. In many pressure spikes, the energy of the pressure spike is relatively small and, because the fluid is considered incompressible and the energy transfer rate is relatively high, the pressure spike may dissipate as it travels down the flow path. In this case, however, the pressure spike may exist for a relatively long period of time.

[0061] In some conventional systems, force spikes can apply force to the poppet valve 54 of the downstream connector 46 or other components of the downstream connector 46. In conventional disposable separable assemblies, the connecting components connecting the upstream connector 44 and the downstream connector 46 are relatively stiff and can shear or break under a sufficient force spike, causing undesirable separation. While some reconnectable separable assemblies are suitable for handling shock loads caused by, for example, a user pulling on the hose 16, a sufficiently large user force can still cause separation. Reconfigurable separable assemblies that use compression or canted coil springs may not have sufficient response time, for example, to transfer the load through the coil in a sufficient amount of time, potentially damaging the compression or canted coil spring.

[0062] For example, the separable assembly 42 shown in FIGS. 2 and 13 is configured to accommodate force spikes without damaging the components and without causing undesirable excessive separation. Specifically, the upstream connector 44 can include an inner component 129 (e.g., defined, in one example, by portions of the upstream connector 44 other than the magnet unit 43) that has a limited range of axial movement, or “float,” relative to the magnet unit 43, allowing the assembly 42 to accommodate force spikes without causing undesirable separation. The inner component 129 can be an annular component that extends circumferentially all around the flow path 32. The magnet unit 43 can thus be considered movably mounted inside the upstream connector 44, allowing the assembly 42 to accommodate force spikes in the system without causing separation.

[0063] In particular, the magnet unit 43 / magnet connection portion 102 can have a generally annular skirt 126, which can be part of the magnet connection portion 102 or can be integral with the body of the magnet connection portion 102. The skirt 126 is disposed upstream of the magnet 104 and defines a shoulder 128 and an annular recess 130 located upstream of the shoulder 128. An annular retaining ring 132 is disposed in the recess 130. The magnet unit 43 further includes a retaining washer 134 disposed axially downstream adjacent the retaining ring 132.

[0064] Inner component 129 has a lip 136 that is disposed adjacent to and axially spaced from retention washer 134 when assembly 42 is in the position shown in FIG. 2 . A first gap 137 is disposed between lip 136 and retention washer 134 during normal operation. A biasing or resilient element 138 is disposed in a recess in inner component 129 and is compressible to engage both inner component 129 and retention washer 134, and may include or take the form of a wire wave spring or other spring or resilient element having a predetermined preload. Resilient element 138 may bias inner component 129 to its rest position, or an axially inward position, as shown in FIG. 1 , isolating inner component 129 from fluid in flow passage 32.

[0065] When a pressure spike propagates through the flow path 32 and / or a shock load is applied (e.g., by a user), the applied force causes the inner part 129 (located at the upstream connector) and the poppet valve 80 of the upstream connector 44 to move axially away from the magnet unit 43 and the upstream connector 44. As shown in Figures 13 and 13A, in one example, relative movement occurs such that the inner part 129 and the poppet valve 80 move upstream to an operating position or axially outer position compared to Figure 2. The inner part 129 can move upstream in the relative direction until a lip 136 of the inner part 129 engages the retaining washer 134, thereby eliminating the first gap 137 of Figure 2 while introducing a second gap 140 between the shoulder 128 and the downstream face of the inner part 129, as shown in Figures 13 and 13A. The magnet unit 43 and the attracting part 106 remain connected by magnetic force during such force spike-inducing movement, and the full stroke of movement to accommodate the force spike is defined by a first gap 137 in FIG. 2 , which in FIG. 13 disappears during the complete movement of the inner part 129. Of course, the inner part 129 does not necessarily have to move a full stroke to accommodate the force spike, and in such a case the gap 137 is reduced / narrowed, but not necessarily eliminated. In this way, the upstream connector 44 accommodates the force spike by having a gap introduced therein, while the connection between the upstream connector 44 and the downstream connector 46 is maintained.

[0066] When the force spike overcomes the resistance of the resilient element 138, the inner element 129 / assembly 42 moves axially a fixed distance to the force spike adjustment position shown in FIG. 13. The associated poppet valve 80 remains open and does not move to its closed position, even though the inner element 129 is in its force spike adjustment position. The inner element 129 can move to its force adjustment position while the rest of the connector 44 and / or the other connector 46 remain relatively fixed. Because the force spike is typically a fast pulse, once the inner element 129 moves to the pressure spike adjustment position or force spike adjustment position, the force spike decreases sufficiently and the resilient element 138 quickly urges the assembly 42 back to the position shown in FIG. 2, with the downstream face of the inner element 129 engaging and pressing against the shoulder 128 of the magnet unit 43. It should be noted that in the force spike adjustment position shown in FIG. 13, sufficient separation force applied externally, or by a sufficiently large pressure spike, or a combination thereof, will still pull the magnet unit 43 / upstream connector 44 away from the attracting piece 106 / downstream connector 46 during separation as described above.

[0067] Assembly 42 can accommodate force spikes propagating in both the upstream and downstream directions. In particular, both such force spikes can cause the same relative movement of the assembly from the rest position of FIG. 2, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A. Thus, resilient element 138 can accommodate and absorb pressure or force spikes in one direction. Furthermore, if a user pulls on hose 16 and applies a direct physical force that could separate assembly 42, resilient element 138 can help absorb such force and inhibit separation from occurring.

[0068] The resilient element 138 has a predetermined preload and compression point load. Both the resilient element 138 and the maximum dimension of the gap 140 limit the stroke of the inner element 129 to a predetermined distance, preventing the seal 47 at the upstream outer peripheral edge of the downstream connector 46 from being pulled out or dislodged from the hole in the inner surface of the upstream connector 44 when the assembly 42 is in the force spike adjustment position. Thus, the maximum stroke distance (e.g., the axial dimension of the gap 137 and / or the gap 140, which may be reduced by the compressed length of the resilient element 138) may be relatively short, for example, less than about 5 / 16 inch in one example, less than about ¼ inch in another example, less than about ⅛ inch in another example, less than about 1 / 16 inch in another example, or greater than about 1 / 32 inch in yet another example.

[0069] The force required to move the assembly 42 to the force spike adjustment position can be set to a value less than the separation force. For example, if the separation force is set to 250 pounds, the force required to move the assembly 42 to the force spike adjustment position can be set to a value less than 250 pounds, such as approximately 175 pounds in one example. The assembly 42 can accommodate various levels of force spike less than the separation force, such as at least approximately 40 pounds in one example, at least approximately 60 pounds in another example, at least approximately 80 pounds in yet another example, greater than approximately 25% of the separation force, greater than approximately 50% of the separation force in another example, less than the separation force, and less than approximately 90% of the separation force in another example. The force required to cause the force spike adjustment should be large enough to meaningfully adjust the force spike, but not so high as to risk ineffectiveness and substantial nullification by separation, nor so low as to allow frequent adjustment of the force spike, which could cause fatigue of the various components that adjust the force spike.

[0070] When such a force spike occurs, the energy of the force spike is absorbed by the resilient component 138. This modulation of the force spike reduces unintended disconnections and improves the fuel delivery experience. Additionally, the inner component 129 is able to move / float relative to the rest of the upstream connector 44, isolating the connection 105 of the magnetic connection 102 from the fluid force spike. Instead of applying a force to the connection 105, the force spike is applied to annular areas such as the retaining washer 134, the retaining ring 132, and the recess 130 of the assembly 42, which can be designed and configured to modulate the applied load.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, instead of moving or "floating" the magnet unit 43 to accommodate force spikes, the attracting element 106 can be configured to "float" within the downstream connector 46, allowing the downstream connector 46 to accommodate force spikes in either direction. In this embodiment, a resilient element 138 (and, if necessary, a retaining ring 132 and a retaining washer 134) is positioned adjacent to the attracting element 106 (e.g., in the gap 113, for example) in a manner apparent to one skilled in the art, as taught in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 13 . In this case, when there is a force spike in the flow path 32, the attracting element 106 moves slightly in a relative axial direction, such as downstream, compressing the associated resilient element 138 and absorbing the force spike. Once the force spike subsides, the attracting element 106 is biased by the spring / resilient element 138 to return to its original position.

[0072] As described above, the magnet unit 43 and / or the attraction element 106 can adjust force spikes in the system using springs or other energy absorption devices. When both the magnet unit 43 and the attraction element 106 are configured to adjust force spikes, the force spike adjustment system can be configured to adjust the force spikes in stages. For example, multiple elastic elements 138 can have different spring constants or be configured to operate at different levels of force. In this case, one force spike adjustment system can operate at a lower pressure or force, while the other force spike adjustment system can operate at a higher pressure or force. In one example, the higher force spike adjustment system can be configured to operate just after the lower force spike adjustment system reaches its limit, i.e., in one example, when or just before the gap 137 is eliminated. Such a “dual float” system can combine force spikes and adjust force spikes in a more efficient manner, allowing for adjustment of higher force spikes.

[0073] Additionally, while the force spike adjustment system is illustrated herein in connection with magnetic connection system 41, it should be understood that it is not necessarily limited to use with such magnetic connection system 41. Alternatively, the force spike adjustment system and features can be used with virtually any system or component that connects first connector 44 and second connector 46, including mechanical connection systems.

[0074] Force Spike Adjustment - Magnetic Another embodiment for adjusting force spikes other than utilizing a resilient element 138 is shown in FIG. 16 , where, in one example, a magnetizable material 142 is connected to the inner component 129 of the upstream connector 44 (e.g., by a threaded connection 144, as shown schematically in one example, although various other connection mechanisms can be used), and the magnet 104 can act as a biasing element to help adjust force spikes. The magnetizable material 142 is positioned adjacent to, but not directly connected to, the shoulder 128 of the magnet unit 43 / magnet connection portion 102. The magnetizable material 142 can be, for example, a ferromagnetic alloy element having a saturation point greater than 1.25 Tesla. The magnetizable material 142 is magnetically attracted to the magnet 104 / magnet unit 43 (with a force less than the separation force), allowing the magnet unit 43 to float and adjust for line and pressure shocks as described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, upon a line shock, impact load, or force spike of sufficient force, inner part 129 moves relatively upstream (and / or connector 46 moves relatively downstream), narrowing or closing gap 137 while another gap 140 (FIG. 16A) between magnetizable material 142 and shoulder 128 opens.

[0075] 16, when magnetic force is used to control and adjust the magnetic force spike, one end (e.g., the upstream end) of the magnet unit 43 may be required to have a smaller magnetic force than the other end (e.g., the downstream end) to ensure that the force required to move the assembly 42 to the force spike adjustment position (FIG. 16A) is less than the separation force. This can be achieved in several ways as discussed above, such as by making the downstream portion 102b of the magnetic connection 102 from a material that has a higher saturation point than the upstream portion 102a, thereby increasing its efficiency and separation force, or by using a gasket in the connection 105, by changing the position of the magnets 104 within the magnetic connection 102, or by increasing the thickness of the web. In one example, one of the upstream portion 102a / downstream portion 102b of the magnetic connection portion 102 (in one example, the downstream portion 102b) can be made of a material having a saturation point greater than 1.25 Tesla, and the other upstream portion 102a / downstream portion 102b (the upstream portion 102a) can be made of a material having a saturation point less than 1.25 Tesla, or can be made of a paramagnetic alloy or material or a diamagnetic alloy or material. When using a spring or other elastic component 138 to adjust for force spikes or pressure spikes, a magnetic field may not be needed upstream of the magnetic connection portion 102, so the upstream portion 102a of the magnetic connection portion 102 can be made of a paramagnetic material or a diamagnetic material.

[0076] Another method for reducing the magnetic force at the upstream end of the magnet unit 43 / magnet connection portion 102 is to simply increase the web thickness 146 (e.g., the thickness extending axially at the upstream end) of the upstream portion 102a, thereby shunting the magnetic flux and reducing the magnetic force to a desired level. However, it has been found that making the web thickness 146 too large (for example, greater than about 1 / 4 inch) is not practical because the magnetic attraction force becomes too low. On the other hand, making the web thickness 146 too small (for example, less than about 1 / 64 inch) can compromise the strength / integrity of the magnet unit 43. Another method for reducing the magnetic force at the upstream end of the magnet unit 43 is to reduce the diameter of the magnet unit 43, thereby reducing magnetic efficiency.

[0077] It should also be appreciated that the magnetic force spike damping system (FIGS. 16 and 16A) can be used in combination with the spring force spike damping system (FIGS. 1, 12, 13, and 15) to provide two separate force spike damping systems that can be used together, acting on the same components or different components to provide incremental force spike damping as described above. A magnetic pressure dissipation system can also be used on the downstream connector 46, provided with corresponding structure to that described above and adapted as needed.

[0078] It can thus be seen that when the magnet unit 43 is used to adjust the force spike, the magnet unit 43 serves the dual purpose of controlling the separation force and controlling the adjustment force of the force spike. The magnet unit 43 thus provides a usable magnetic field at both its axial ends, where the relative strength of the magnetic field at each end can be controlled as desired. Alternatively, the magnet unit 43 may provide a usable magnetic field at only one of its ends.

[0079] Safe isolation of relatively high pressures The above-described separation assembly 42 is typically designed for use with conventional fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, which are not stored and / or dispensed under significant pressure. However, the magnetic separation design and / or similar or comparable structures can also be used in systems that store and deliver fuels or fluids, such as CNG, hydrogen, or LPG, under relatively high pressure. In such cases, the fuel can be stored and dispensed under pressure (in one example, in the range of about 70 psi to about 10,000 psi; in another example, between about 2,900 psi and about 3,600 psi; in another example, at least about 70 psi; in another example, at least about 150 psi; in another example, at least about 2,000 psi; in another example, at least about 2,900 psi; in another example, less than about 3,600 psi; or in another example, less than about 10,000 psi).

[0080] The separable assembly 42' shown in Figures 17-22 is substantially similar to that shown in Figures 2-16, and the same reference numerals (with or without "prime" notation and / or letter notation, in some instances) are used for the same or similar components, but the flow direction in Figures 17-22 is opposite to that in Figures 2-16. Thus, for example, the separable assembly 42' in Figures 17-22 includes a first or upstream connector 44' and a second or downstream connector 46', with the dispensed fluid flowing from left to right. The first connector 44' includes a connecting structure 147 having a series of substantially axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges or jaws 148 that are removably engageable with circumferentially extending recesses / ramps 150 of the second connector 46', as described in more detail below. The second connector 46' has a neck portion 154 with a recess 150 on its radially outer surface, and a fixed shaft part 153 is disposed within the second connector 46'. The shaft part 153 has an internal cavity 155 and faces upstream. A poppet valve 80' is disposed within the second connector 46'. A valve 151, such as a curtain valve having a curtain valve portion, a shuttle valve, a shut-off valve, or the like, or a slider 152 is movably disposed within the first connector 44' and can move between an upstream position / open position shown in FIG. 17 and a downstream position / closed position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0081] The first connector 44′ includes a central shaft or tubular structure 158 to which the slider 152 is movably / slidably mounted. The slider 152 includes an annular sealing structure 156 that fits snugly around the central shaft 158. The central shaft 158 ​​may be hollow and have a central cavity 160 therein and a plurality of radially extending openings 162 (or at least partially radially extending openings 162, which in one example may extend primarily radially or at an average angle relative to the central shaft greater than 45 degrees in one example, greater than 65 degrees in another example, and in yet another example may extend strictly radially), which form part of the flow path 32 and are disposed adjacent its downstream end and fluidly connected to the cavity 160. The first connector 44′ includes a pair of seals 164, 166 disposed on the central shaft 158. The upstream seal 164 is disposed upstream of the opening 162, and the downstream seal 166 is disposed downstream of the opening 162.

[0082] 17, when the assembly 42′ is in the connected configuration, the downstream end of the central shaft 158 ​​is received in the internal cavity 155 of the shaft part 153. In this position, the downstream seal 166 of the first connector 44′ engages the radially inner surface of the shaft part 153 (e.g., the radially outer surface of the internal cavity 155), and the upstream seal 164 of the first connector 44′ engages the radially inner surface of the distal end of the neck portion 154, sealing off fluid within the flow path 32 as fluid flows from the upstream connector 44′ to the downstream connector 46′, as shown by the arrows in FIG.

[0083] In this manner, fluid can flow downstream through cavity 160 in central shaft 158 ​​and radially outward through openings 162 to reach poppet valve 80'. Poppet valve 80' includes a movable part 168 having a sealing surface 170, which is biased to an upstream / sealed position by spring 94'. When poppet valve 80' is closed, its sealing surface 170 sealingly engages a valve seat 172 on shaft portion 53, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Conversely, when sufficient fluid pressure acts on poppet valve 80', movable part 168 moves downstream, compressing spring 94' and allowing fluid to flow through poppet valve 80', as shown in FIG. 17. Thus, when assembly 42' is configured as shown in FIG. 17, sufficient pressure can allow fluid to flow to nozzle 18 in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 17.

[0084] When an axial separation force is applied to the first connector 44' and the second connector 46', the slider 152 moves to a downstream position (as described in detail below), as shown in FIG. 18 . In this position, the sealing structure 156 of the slider 152 extends over and sealingly engages / covers the opening 162 in the central shaft 158, thereby stopping fluid flow as or in the manner of a curtain valve. The sealing structure 156 of the slider 152 simultaneously sealingly engages both seals 164, 166 of the upstream connector 44' to ensure a tight seal. When the first connector 44' and the second connector 46' are properly and fully reconnected, the slider 152 retracts, or moves upstream (as described in detail below), exposing the opening 162 and allowing fluid to flow through the assembly 42'.

[0085] As described above, the connecting structure 147 can include a plurality of axially extending flanges 148 in the first connector 44′, with each flange 148 spaced circumferentially from any adjacent flange 148. Each flange 148 can move or rotate radially (e.g., moved radially outward from the position shown in FIG. 17 to the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19). Each flange 148 is biased to its radially outward position, shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, by a spring 182 or the like, which extends circumferentially around the proximal end of the flange 148 and biases the flange 148 radially outward by a lever force. Each flange 148 is also axially connected to the slider 152 and can move axially therewith.

[0086] When the slider 152 / connecting structure 147 is in its upstream or first axial position, as shown in FIG. 17 , the downstream end of the flange 148 is positioned radially inward of the pulling piece 106b and is prevented from moving radially outward. This means that the flange 148 is positioned in the recess 150, securely gripping the downstream connector 46′ and preventing separation. Conversely, when the slider 152 / connecting structure is moved to its downstream or second axial position, as shown in FIG. 18 , the downstream end of the flange 148 protrudes axially beyond the pulling piece 106b, allowing the flange 148 to move radially outward from the recess 150, thereby releasing the downstream connector 46′. In this way, the slider 152 is securely axially connected to the downstream connector 46′ when the assembly 42′ is in the connected configuration, and the slider or closure valve 152 is released and not axially connected to the downstream connector 46′ when the assembly 42′ is in the disconnected configuration. In other words, the downstream connector 46' can be configured to move the slider or closure valve 152 to a closed position when the assembly 42' changes from a connected configuration to a disconnected configuration.

[0087] Each flange 148 may include a sloped surface 180 (i.e., extending at an angle other than parallel to the central shaft) on its radially inner surface. The upstream connector 46' may include a ramp or inclined surface 190 that engages with the ramp or inclined surface 180 when the slider is in its upstream position, as shown in FIG. 17 . As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , when the slider 152 slides to its downstream position, the inclined surfaces 180 / 190 slide axially against each other, thereby positively moving the flange 148 to its radially outer position and releasing the downstream connector 46'. Conversely, when the slider 152 returns to its upstream position (e.g., moving from the position of FIGS. 18 / 19 to the position of FIG. 17 ), the inclined surface 191 on the radially outer surface of the flange 148 engages the inclined surface 193 of the attracting piece 106b, positively moving the flange 148 to its radially inner position. However, it should be understood that the connection structure 147 may take various other forms or mechanisms for releasably connecting the slider 152 and the downstream connector 46', such as various ramps, interconnecting fingers, interconnecting shapes, magnetic connections, spring connections, etc.

[0088] The connection mechanism 41' can be used to axially secure the upstream connector 44' and the downstream connector 46' by securing the slider 152 in its upstream position, and to provide solely or primarily a separation force to the separable assembly 42'. The connection mechanism 41' can include a magnet unit 43' connected to or forming part of a slider 152 that is the same as or similar to the magnet unit 43' described above. In this case, however, the magnet unit 43' is connected to the slider 152 and can move with the slider 152, as described in more detail below. Additionally, the assembly 42' can include a pair of attracting pieces 106a, 106b that are the same as or similar to the attracting piece 106 described above. In particular, the attracting element 106a in the embodiment of Figures 17-22 is located at the upstream end of the upstream connector 44' and magnetically engages the magnet unit 43' / slider 152 to provide a separation force when the magnet unit 43' / slider 152 is in the upstream position. Additionally, the upstream attracting element 106a floats axially within the system, allowing the attracting element 106a to move axially but constraining both axial movements by the fixed body 111 and the retaining washer 134, respectively. The attracting element 106a may be biased in the upstream direction by a spring or resilient element 138.

[0089] The attraction piece 106b is located at the downstream end of the upstream connector 44′ and magnetically engages the magnet unit 43′ / slider 152 when the magnet unit 43′ / slider 152 is in the downstream position to provide a desired reconnection force. The magnet unit 43′ can be magnetically attracted to the attraction pieces 106a, 106b, for example, by adjusting the properties of the magnet unit 43′ and / or the attraction pieces 106a, 106b in the same or different ways, as described above. In one embodiment, the attraction of the magnet unit 43′ to the downstream attraction piece 106b (when the slider 152 is in its downstream position) is greater than the attraction of the magnet unit 43′ to the upstream attraction piece 106a (when the slider 152 is in its upstream position). Thus, in this case, the reconnection force of the assembly 42′ may be greater than the separation force. This can provide a safety feature, as described in more detail below.

[0090] When the assembly 42′ is in the fully connected configuration shown in FIG. 17 , the slider 152 is in its upstream position, maintained in position by the magnetic connection between the magnet unit 43′ and the attracting piece 106a. During separation, a downstream axial force is applied to the second connector 46′, which is transferred to the slider 152 by the engagement between the angled surface 190 of the neck 154 and the angled surface 180 of the flange 148. Thus, the applied separation force adds to and initially overcomes the magnetic attraction force between the magnet unit 43′ and the upstream attracting piece 106a, causing the slider 152 to move to its downstream position, shown in FIG. 18 . As the slider 152 moves to its downstream position, the distal end of the flange 148 moves axially away from the attracting piece 106b, allowing the flange 148 to move to its radially outward position, biased by the spring 182. This causes flange 148 to release downstream connector 46' and slider 152 to move fully to its downstream position.

[0091] When the downstream connector 46' separates from the upstream connector 44', the downstream connector 46' exerts a downstream force on the slider 152, thereby reliably pulling the slider 152 to the closed position and sealing the opening 162 with the seals 164, 166 as described above. Additionally, as the slider 152 moves downstream, the force of the pressurized fluid upstream of the slider 152 urges the slider 152 toward the closed position, providing a reliable seal. As the downstream connector 46' separates from the upstream connector 44', the poppet valve 80' in the downstream connector 46' is biased closed by its spring 94, closing the opening 162 and overcoming the reduced pressure in the flow path 32. Thus, after separation, both connectors 44', 46' are reliably sealed against fluid ingress.

[0092] To connect the connectors 44', 46' and move the assembly 42' into its connected configuration, the connectors 44', 46' can start in axially spaced positions, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. The connectors 44', 46' are then moved axially together, moving the slider 152 (FIG. 18) upstream (exposing the opening 162 and opening the valve 151) until the second connector 46' engages the slider 152 and the magnet unit 43 engages the upstream attracting piece 106a. Once the second connector 46' is fully axially inserted, the flange 148 is moved radially inward by the ramped surface 191, pressuring the spring 182. The flange 148 then engages the ramped surface 190 and is received in the recess 150, securing the connectors 44', 46' together. When connectors 44' and 46' are connected and curtain valve 151 is opened, pressurized fluid flows into downstream connector 46' and poppet valve 80' therein opens due to the pressure the fluid exerts on poppet valve 80', as shown in FIG. 17.

[0093] To reconnect the assembly 42′ from the unconnected configuration of FIG. 19 to the connected configuration of FIG. 17 , in one example, a reconnection tool 202 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be used. The connection tool 202 includes a pair of manually operable handles 204 that are operably connected to a first connecting portion 206 and a second connecting portion 208 via various linkages and pivot connections. The first connecting portion 206 is a generally annular piece configured to fit snugly into a recess 210 on the outer surface of the first connector 44′. The second connecting portion 208 is a generally annular piece configured to mate with a lip 212 of the second connector 46′.

[0094] 21 , when the handle 204 is oriented radially, the first connecting portion 206 and the second connecting portion 208 are axially spaced apart relative to one another. The connection tool 202 is then manipulated to rotate the handle 204 about their pivot point 203 until the handle 204 is axially oriented, causing the first connecting portion 206 and the second connecting portion 208 to move axially toward one another, as shown in FIG. 22 , thereby drawing the second connector 46′ into the first connector 44′, as described above. In some examples, the tool 202 may be provided only to qualified and trained personnel to ensure that the connection and reconnection processes are properly completed and that the system is properly inspected before and after disconnection.

[0095] When the slider 152 is in its downstream position (FIGS. 18 and 19), the magnet unit 43' magnetically connects to the downstream attracting piece 106b by interacting with the downstream attracting piece 106b. The downstream attracting piece 106b thus functions as a security measure to lock the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 in the closed position, requiring a predetermined force to move the slider 152 away from the downstream position. In particular, the magnet unit 43' and the attracting piece 106b together ensure that a sufficiently large force is required to return the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 to its open position, so that only qualified / well-trained personnel can reconnect the assembly 42'. This helps ensure that the assembly 42' is properly assembled and that the components are in good working order. In one example, the force required to move slider 152 / curtain valve 151 away from its downstream position is approximately 200 pounds, in one example greater than the separation force, in one example greater than approximately 25% of the separation force, in one example less than the separation force, or in another example less than approximately 50% of the separation force. However, the placement of attracting element 106b is optional, and attracting element 106b can be omitted if desired.

[0096] In some examples, the downstream connector 46' can include a vent 200 (FIG. 19) in the form of a relatively small opening that fluidly connects a flow path within the downstream connector 46' (downstream of the poppet valve 80') with the surrounding atmosphere. In this case, after separation, when the poppet valve 80' of the downstream connector 46 is closed, the vent 200 can provide a controlled release of fluid trapped by the poppet valve 80', reducing pressure within the system.

[0097] The assembly 42' of Figures 17-22 provides a robust and reliable shut-off valve in which the sealing function is provided by a sealing structure 156 of the slider 152 that extends over and seals against an opening 162 in the central shaft 158. In this case, the sealing surface is located entirely within the assembly 42', protected from external forces and dirt / debris, in both the connected and disconnected states of the assembly 42'. Because the slider 152 seals against the outer surface / diameter of the central shaft 158, the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 allows or blocks flow from the radially outward side of the flow passage 32 / cavity 160. When the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 is closed, pressure within the cavity 160 of the central shaft 158 ​​exerts a radially outward force. However, the slider 152 / curtain valve 151 can move axially between its open and closed positions. Thus, pressure applied radially into cavity 160 / center shaft 158 ​​does not affect the operation of slider 152 / curtain valve 151, thereby balancing the pressure on curtain valve 151 when slider 152 is in its downstream / closed position, and fluid pressure does not cause curtain valve 151 to open or close. In this case, an external force is required to open or close slider 152 / curtain valve 151. Furthermore, when slider 152 is in its downstream position, both seals 164, 166 engage slider 152, thereby capturing / closing opening 162 and providing a secure seal. Curtain valve 151 is thus reduced in sensitivity to force spikes, although assembly 42′ may include force spike adjustment features, as described below.

[0098] As mentioned above, the seals 164, 166 are trapped and positioned inward, making them difficult to dislodge. Conversely, with certain other designs, the seals may be blown out of position during separation, and the person reconnecting the assembly may not notice the seals are missing. However, the present design minimizes the likelihood of the seals 164, 166 becoming dislocated. Additionally, the angled surface 180 of the flange 148 that axially connects the two connectors 44', 46' faces radially inward, protecting it from damage. The corresponding angled surface 190 faces radially outward, protecting it from damage when the assembly 42' is in its connected configuration. Furthermore, the angled surface 190 is easily visible for inspection after separation, ensuring that the angled surface 190 is not damaged.

[0099] Additionally, the magnet unit 43' is directly connected to the slider 152 / curtain valve 151, providing a faster response when stopping fluid flow. Many conventional systems rely on pressure, flow, and biasing springs to close check valves or the like. In such cases, the presence of debris in the flow path 32 can cause the valve to remain open and / or close slowly. Conversely, because the slider 152 is slidably disposed on the central shaft 158 ​​and slides axially along the central shaft, the assembly 42' has no or nearly no surfaces (e.g., surfaces perpendicular to the flow direction) on which debris can collect, preventing the valve 151 from closing. Furthermore, debris on the central shaft 158 ​​can be displaced and removed by the axial sliding of the slider 152, providing a self-cleaning design.

[0100] The design of assembly 42', and particularly slider 152 / curtain valve 151, provides for components where relatively few parts of upstream connector 44' are subjected to pressure when assembly 42' is in the connected configuration, such as slider 152, both seals 164 and 166, upstream threaded adapter 48, center shaft 158, and the internal components of downstream connector 46'. After disconnection, when curtain valve 151 is closed, the only parts of upstream connector 44' that are subjected to pressure by the pressurized fluid therein are slider 152, valve 151, center shaft 158, and upstream threaded adapter 48. Thus, having a relatively small number of parts subjected to pressure reduces the potential for pressure loss and also reduces the cost and complexity of assembly 42'.

[0101] As noted above, the angled engagement surfaces 180, 190 that transmit the separation force are similarly positioned and protected in both states of the assembly 42'. Finally, the flow path through the assembly 42' is relatively straight, with fewer turns and redirections for the fluid, reducing pressure, wear and tear on the assembly 42', and reducing the opportunity for blockages and flow obstructions.

[0102] Adjusting Pressure Spikes - High Pressure For example, pressurized fuel may experience pressure spikes because the flow path is connected to a compressor that generates pressure fluctuations when the compressor is operating. Pressure spikes may also occur when an operator pulls on hose 16. Although the fluid may be compressed, at relatively high pressures, shock waves (which may arise from an upstream source such as a compressor or pump) will propagate through the system relatively quickly, providing a high-pressure spike for a relatively short period of time.

[0103] During a pressure spike in the assembly 42' of Figures 17-20, the assembly 42' remains pressure balanced as described above, so the fluid-induced pressure spike does not directly lead to or cause separation of the assembly 42'. Alternatively, a pressure spike caused by fluid from an upstream source may exert a large pressure on the seals 164, 166. The seals 164, 166 may be temporarily configured to release or "burp" the pressure or fluid into a surrounding volume, such as the internal cavity 155 of the shaft component 153. Sufficient fluid or pressure burping may result in a relatively strong separation force on the assembly 42'. Additionally, an external separation force, such as a user pulling on the hose 16, may create a separation force that must be adjusted. Thus, the pressure spike / separation force adjustment mechanism, floating magnet unit 43' and / or floating attracting elements 106a, 106b, etc., described above may be utilized in assembly 42' of Figures 17-20.

[0104] In particular, as shown in Figures 17 and 20, the central shaft 158 ​​of the upstream connector 44' can have a retaining ring 132 received in a recess 130 in its outer surface to maintain the washer 134 in a predetermined position. When not accommodating pressure spikes in the connection configuration, an axially extending gap 195 exists between the washer 134 and the attracting piece 106a, as shown in Figure 17, and the attracting piece 106a is biased upstream by the spring 138.

[0105] When a pressure spike occurs in the assembly 42', the slider 152, the magnet unit 43' while magnetically connected to the magnet unit 43', and the attracting element 106a can move slightly downstream relative to the rest of the assembly 42, overcoming the spring force of the resilient element 138 and eliminating the gap 195 as the magnet unit 43' and attracting element 106a move downstream. This relative movement creates a new gap 197 upstream of the attracting element 106a, as shown in FIG. 20, compressing the spring 138. When a sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly 42' when it is in the pressure spike adjustment position shown in FIG. 20, the magnet unit 43' and the slider 152 move downstream, away from the attracting element 106a, and the assembly 42' assumes the configuration shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. However, assuming no separation force occurs, once the force of the pressure spike subsides, the assembly 42' will be biased by the spring or resilient element 138 to return to its original position, returning to the position shown in FIG.

[0106] Because the duration of the shock from the compressor / pump, etc., is relatively short, the gaps 195 and / or 197 can be relatively small, for example, from about 0.005 inches to about 0.04 inches, and in yet another example, about 0.02 inches. In this case, the gaps 195 / 197 can be smaller than the gap 137 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 13 to ensure that the assembly 42' does not experience movement that pulls the seal out of place. However, the gaps 195 / 197 in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 20 can also be large enough (up to about 0.2 inches in some examples) to accommodate downstream movement of the pull piece 106a caused by a user pulling on the hose 16 in the same way that it accommodates pressure spikes.

[0107] It can therefore be seen that the system described and illustrated herein is a fluid distribution system that can use magnetic properties to provide a separation force, utilize magnetic properties to adjust for pressure spikes, provide a valve with a durable and strong sealing function, use features and mechanisms other than magnets to adjust for pressure spikes, and provide various other features and advantages as described herein.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations of the present invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A separable assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, the flow path including at least a partially radially extending portion, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; a shut-off valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector; Including, the closure valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough and to move to a closed position when the assembly is moved to the second configuration to close at least a partially radially extending portion of the flow path to substantially stop fluid flow. Separate assembly.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the closure valve is configured to move axially when moving between the open and closed positions.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to move axially relative to one another when the assembly moves from the first configuration to the second configuration.

4. One of the first connector or the second connector has a shaft that defines at least a portion of the flow path therein; The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least partially radially extending portion includes or is defined by an opening formed in the shaft.

5. The assembly of claim 4 , wherein the closure valve includes a slider slidable along the shaft between the open and closed positions.

6. the shaft is hollow and has a plurality of radially extending openings; 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein each of the openings is sealed by the closure valve when the closure valve is in the closed position and is not sealed by the closure valve when the closure valve is in the open position.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the other of the first connector and the second connector includes a connection structure removably connectable to the closure valve.

8. the stop valve is configured to move axially when moving between the open position and the closed position; The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the connecting structure is configured to move axially with the closure valve between the open and closed positions.

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

10. the connection structure includes an inclined surface of the first connector and an inclined surface of the second connector, The assembly of claim 7 , wherein the ramped surfaces are configured to engage each other to maintain the assembly in the first configuration until the separation force is applied to the assembly.

11. the connecting structure includes a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges connected to one of the first connector and the second connector; each flange is configured to engage a recess in the other of the first and second connectors to maintain the assembly in the first configuration until a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; The assembly of claim 7 , wherein each flange is configured to move axially with the closure valve as the closure valve moves between the open and closed positions.

12. Each flange is movable between a radially outer position and a radially inner position; When each flange is in the radially inner position, each flange is configured to engage the recess sufficiently to maintain the assembly in the first configuration; when each flange is in its radially outer position, the flange does not engage the recess sufficiently to maintain the assembly in the first configuration; each flange is in a radially inward position when the connecting structure is in a first axial position; The assembly of claim 11 , wherein each flange is in a radially outer position when the connecting structure is in the second axial position.

13. the closure valve is connected to at least a portion of a connection structure configured to removably connect the first connector to the second connector; the closure valve is configured to move axially from the open position to the closed position; The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the closure valve is configured to be maintained in the open position by a magnetic force until the predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly.

14. the shut-off valve includes a magnet unit or is connected to a magnet unit; 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector includes an attracting part that is attracted to the magnet unit by magnetic force, and the magnetic force maintains the closure valve in an open position.

15. the magnet unit includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion and the second portion together define a channel between the first portion and the second portion; The assembly of claim 14 , wherein the magnet unit further comprises a plurality of magnets housed in the channel.

16. the shut-off valve includes a magnet unit or is connected to a magnet unit; 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein one of the first connector or the second connector includes an attracting element that is attracted to the magnet unit by magnetic force, thereby maintaining the closure valve in the closed position by magnetic force.

17. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the first connector and the second connector is axially movable relative to another portion of the one of the first connector and the second connector, or axially movable relative to the other of the first connector and the second connector, to accommodate force spikes when the closure valve remains open when the assembly is in the first configuration.

18. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the first connector and the second connector are biased to a rest position by a biasing member and configured to move axially to an operating position upon accommodating a force spike.

19. 20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the biasing portion is isolated from fluid in the flow path.

20. 20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the biasing member is at least one of a resilient element and a magnet.

21. 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured to contain a fluid and operate as a separate assembly for fluids at a pressure of at least about 2000 psi.

22. 1. A method of using a separable assembly, comprising: accessing a separable assembly including a first connector and a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to one another, the flow path including at least a partially radially extending portion, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration upon application of a predetermined separation force to the assembly, the assembly including a closure valve disposed on one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve being configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration through which a fluid may flow, and to be configured to move to a closed position that closes at least the partially radially extending portion of the flow path to substantially prevent fluid flow therethrough when the assembly is moved to the second configuration; removably connecting the first connector and the second connector to place the assembly in a first configuration; A method comprising:

23. A separable assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to each other, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; a closure valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve being configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to move to a closed position when the assembly is moved to the second configuration to substantially stop fluid flow therethrough, the closure valve covering and receiving at least a portion of the flow path therethrough; A separable assembly comprising:

24. At least a portion of the flow path is defined by a shaft; 24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the closure valve is axially movable along the shaft between the open position and the closed position.

25. A separable assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to each other, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; a closure valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration allowing fluid to flow through the closure valve, and configured to move to a closed position to substantially stop fluid flow through the closure valve when the assembly is moved to the second configuration; a pulling component connected to one of the first connector and the second connector; a magnet unit connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector, wherein when the assembly is in the first configuration, the attracting piece and the magnet unit are attracted to each other by magnetic force to maintain the assembly in the first configuration, and the assembly is configured to contain a fluid and operate as a separable assembly for fluid at a pressure of at least about 2000 psi; A separable assembly comprising:

26. the flow passage includes a radially extending portion; 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the closure valve closes a radially extending portion of the flow passage when the closure valve is in a closed position.

27. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the closure valve is configured to move axially when moving between the open and closed positions.

28. the magnet unit includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion together defining a channel therebetween; 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the magnet unit further comprises a plurality of magnets housed in the channel.

29. 30. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the channel is polygonal when viewed from an axial end.

30. 30. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the channel is circular when viewed from an axial end.

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

32. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein each magnet is shaped like a generally rectangular prism when viewed from an axial end and is aligned with a radial line of the separable assembly.

33. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein each magnet is shaped like a generally rectangular prism when viewed from an axial end and is circumferentially arranged within the separable assembly.

34. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the magnet unit is annular and extends completely around the flow path.

35. 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector is movable axially away from at least a portion of the other of the first connector and the second connector, while the attraction piece and the magnet unit do not move axially relative to each other to accommodate force spikes.

36. at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector is attracted to the magnet unit by a magnetic force; 36. The assembly of claim 35, wherein the magnetic force between at least a portion of the first connector or the second connector and the magnet unit is configured to be counteracted by a force spike when the assembly accommodates the force spike.

37. one of the first connector and the second connector is fluidly connected to a fuel dispensing nozzle for dispensing fuel into a fuel tank of a vehicle; 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the other of the first connector and the second connector is fluidly connected to a fuel pump.

38. A separable assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to each other, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; a closure valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve being configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough and to move to a closed position when the assembly is moved to the second configuration to substantially stop fluid flow therethrough, the other of the first connector and the second connector being configured to positively move the closure valve to the closed position when the assembly is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration; A separable assembly comprising:

39. 39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein the closure valve is configured to be securely axially connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector when the assembly is in the first configuration, and configured to be axially disconnected from the other of the first connector and the second connector when the assembly is in the second configuration.

40. 39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein the assembly includes a connection structure configured to removably connect the other of the first connector and the second connector to the closure valve.

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

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

43. a portion of the connection structure is connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector; 41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein a portion of the connecting structure is connected to the closure valve.

44. the connection structure includes an inclined surface of the other of the first connector and the second connector, and an inclined surface connected to the closing valve, 41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein the ramped surfaces are configured to engage each other to maintain the assembly in the first configuration until the separation force is applied to the assembly.

45. the connecting structure includes a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced flanges connected to one of the closure valves or the other of the first connector and the second connector; each flange is configured to engage a recess in the other of the closure valves or the other of the first connector and the second connector to maintain the assembly in the first configuration until the predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; 41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein each flange is configured to move axially with the closure valve as the closure valve moves between the open and closed positions.

46. Each flange is movable between a radially outer position and a radially inner position; the flanges are configured to engage the recesses when each flange is in a radially inward position to maintain the assembly in the first configuration; the flanges are configured not to engage the recesses when each flange is in its radially outer position; each flange is in a radially inward position when the connecting structure is in a first axial position; 46. ​​The assembly of claim 45, wherein each flange is in a radially outer position when the connecting structure is in the second axial position.

47. 41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector is configured to be securely axially connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector by the connecting structure when the assembly is in the first configuration, and configured not to be axially connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector by the connecting structure when the assembly is in the second configuration.

48. 39. The assembly of claim 38, wherein the closure valve is configured to be maintained in the open position by a magnetic force until the predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly.

49. the shut-off valve includes a magnet unit or is connected to a magnet unit; 49. The assembly of claim 48, wherein one of the first connector and the second connector includes an attracting part that is attracted to the magnet unit by a magnetic force and maintains the closure valve in an open position by the magnetic force.

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

51. A separable assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the assembly being movable between a first configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are removably connected and together define a flow path through which a fluid may flow, and a second configuration in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected to each other, the assembly being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a predetermined separation force is applied to the assembly; a closure valve disposed in one of the first connector and the second connector, the closure valve configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough and configured to move to a closed position to substantially block fluid flow therethrough when the assembly is moved to the second configuration, the closure valve configured to be securely axially connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector when the assembly is in the first configuration and not securely axially connected to the other of the first connector and the second connector when the assembly is in the second configuration; A separable assembly comprising:

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