Quick connect fluid connectors with roller mechanism actuator

摘要

Quick connect fluid connectors are described that can be used to connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system for transferring fluids between the first and second fluid systems. The connectors include an eccentric mounted roller mechanism disposed within a slot in a main body and that is in continuous engagement with front and back walls of the slot. The eccentric mounted roller mechanism is used to actuate connection collets when the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is rotated. Since the eccentric mounted roller mechanism is in substantially continuous contact with the front and back walls, this ensures a smooth actuation of the main body and the connection collets without any lost motion.

主权项

1. A quick-connect connector for transferring a fluid, comprising:
a cylindrical sleeve defining a longitudinal axis; a main body disposed at least partially in the sleeve, the main body and the sleeve are slideable relative to one another parallel to the longitudinal axis, the main body includes a first main body end region, a second main body end region, and a fluid port connected thereto that projects beyond an exterior of the cylindrical sleeve, the main body defines a fluid passageway that is in fluid communication with the fluid port, and the main body includes an actuation slot defined therein; a piston disposed at least partially within the main body, the piston and the main body are slideable relative to one another parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the piston includes a first piston end region that projects axially beyond the first main body end region of the main body, a second piston end region disposed within the main body, and a fluid passageway that extends from the first piston end region and is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway of the main body; a connection mechanism mounted to the first main body end region for connection to a fluid processing port, the connection mechanism includes a plurality of collets that surround the first piston end region, the collets being actuatable between a connect position for connection with the fluid processing port and a disconnect position; and an actuation mechanism for actuating the collets from the disconnect position to the connect position, the actuation mechanism includes a pair of cylinders rotatably supported by the sleeve for rotation about a first axis, and an eccentric mounted roller mechanism interconnecting the cylinders, the eccentric mounted roller mechanism being disposed within the actuation slot of the main body and extends along a second axis that is offset from the first axis.