Patent Document

[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/947,135, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    A connector that fluidly connects a first fluid system to a second fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the second fluid system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A connector is often used to connect an external fluid system, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing equipment, to a second fluid system, for example manufacturing, test, or processing equipment. Once the connection is made and any valves are opened, fluid can flow through the connector either into the second fluid system or from the second fluid system depending on the processing operation being performed. 
         [0004]    Connectors are typically designed with one connection interface that enables the connector to be able to connect to the second fluid system in only one way. This means that a typical connector cannot be used to connect to fluid systems that require different connection interfaces on the connector. 
         [0005]    Further, conventional connectors are provided with one actuator for actuating the connectors, for example a manual or pneumatic/hydraulic actuator. However, one actuator is not necessarily appropriate for every connection to be made. For example, with manual and pneumatic/hydraulic connector actuation, the connection forces are hard to control which may prevent use of those types of actuators when connecting to a delicate or fragile fluid system. Further, space constraints may limit or prevent use of certain type of actuators. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A modular connector system is described that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, a modular connector system for connecting a first fluid system to a second fluid system includes a connector body having a connector end and an actuator end, and a plurality of connector units. Each connector unit includes a connection mechanism that detachably connects the respective connector unit to the connector end of the connector body. The connection mechanisms of the connector units connect the connector units to the connector end in the same manner, thereby allowing the different connector units to connect to the connector body. 
         [0008]    The modular connector system can also include a plurality of actuator units, each of which includes a connection mechanism that detachably connects the respective actuator unit to the actuator end of the connector body. The connection mechanisms of the actuator units can connect the actuator units to the actuator end in the same manner thereby allowing the different actuator units to connect to the connector body. 
         [0009]    Any type of detachable connection between the connector body and the connector units and/or actuator units can be used if found suitable. One form of detachable connection described herein comprises threads. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the connector body includes a generally hollow sleeve having a connector end and an actuator end, with threads at the connector end that enable connection to a connector unit and threads at the actuator end that enable connection to an actuator unit. A piston is slidably disposed within the sleeve so that the piston and the sleeve can move relative to one another. 
         [0011]    Each actuator unit can be comprised of an actuation mechanism, and a connection mechanism that detachably connects the respective actuator unit to an actuator end of a connector body. The connection mechanisms connect the actuator units to the actuator end in the same manner. 
         [0012]    Each connector unit can comprise means for connecting to the fluid system, and a connection mechanism that detachably connects the respective connector unit to a connector end of a connector body. The connection mechanisms connect the connector units to the connector end in the same manner. 
         [0013]    The modular connector system can also include a flexible drive to interconnect the connector body and a connector unit. The flexible drive can include an elongated, hollow flexible tube with a first end and a second end, a connection mechanism at the first end of the tube for detachably connecting the tube to the connector body, and a connection mechanism at the second end of the tube for detachably connecting the tube to the connector unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Further details are explained below with the help of the examples illustrated in the attached drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a modular connector in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the modular connector of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a connector body used in the modular connector system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector body. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the portion contained in area  5  from  FIG. 2  showing the connector unit in detail. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the actuator unit from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIGS. 7-12  illustrate alternative embodiments of connector units of the modular connector system. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 13-16  illustrate alternative embodiments of actuator units of the modular connector system. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 17-24  illustrate various embodiments of a flexible drive interconnecting the connector body and various connector units. 
           [0024]      FIG. 25  illustrates an embodiment without an integrated actuator unit fixed to the connector. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    A modular connector system is described that permits one or more parts of a connector to be changed to permit use of the connector with different fluid systems. As described herein, the connector system includes at least one connector body, a plurality of connector units that are each individually connectable to the connector body, a plurality of actuator units that are each individually connectable to the connector body, and optionally at least one flexible drive that is designed to interconnect the connector body to the connector units. However, alternative connector systems are possible, including those where the connector units can be changed but the actuator unit that is used is fixed, the actuator units can be changed but the connector unit that is used is fixed, the connector body can be changed but the connector unit and the actuator unit are fixed, and various other combinations. 
         [0026]    In its simplest form, a modular connector that is produced from the modular connector system includes a connector body, an actuating means for actuating the modular connector, and a means to connect the modular connector to a fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the fluid system. The actuating means can be an actuator unit, for example an actuator unit described herein. The means to connect can be a connector unit, for example a connector unit described herein. In certain embodiments, the modular connector can include a flexible drive between the connector body and the means to connect. 
         [0027]    With reference initially to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a modular connector  10  is illustrated that can fluidly connect a first fluid system (not shown) to an interface  100  of a second fluid system for performing processing operations, for example charging, evacuation and/or testing, on the second fluid system. The first fluid system to which the modular connector  10  is attached can be, for example, a source of air or helium for testing. The second fluid system to which the modular connector  10  is intended to connect can be, for example, a fluid reservoir. However, the modular connector  10  can be used with other fluid systems in which a connector is used to fluidly connect a first fluid system to a second fluid system. 
         [0028]    The modular connector  10  includes a connector body  12 , an actuating means in the form of an actuator unit  14  for actuating the connector, and a means to connect in the form of a connection unit  16 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , the actuator unit  14  connects to the connector body  12  in a detachable manner to allow a different actuator unit to be connected to the connector body for actuating the connector  10 . Likewise, the connection unit  16  connects to the connector body  12  in a detachable manner to allow a different connection unit to be connected to the connector body for connecting to the interface  100 . 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the connector body  12  includes a generally hollow, tubular sleeve  20  having an externally threaded back or actuator end  22  and an externally threaded front or connector end  24 . The threads form means by which the actuator unit  14  and connection unit  16  connect to the connector body. The back end  22  and front end  24  of the sleeve  20  are both open. The sleeve  20  also includes an elongated slot  26  formed therethrough. 
         [0030]    The connector body  12  also includes an actuation piston  30  that is slideably disposed within the sleeve  20  to permit relative sliding movement between the piston  30  and the inside surface of the sleeve  20 . The actuation piston  30  includes an internal axial passageway  60  extending through the front end thereof, and a radial passage  62  connected to the axial passageway  60 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a threaded fitting  64  is threaded into the radial passage  62  and forms a means to connect to the first fluid system. The slot  26  in the sleeve  20  accommodates rearward and forward movements of the fitting  64  as the piston  30  moves axially, and the fitting  64  protruding through the slot  26  limits rotational movement of the piston  30 . Further, the rear of the piston  30  includes an internally threaded hollow portion  66  at the rear of the actuation piston  30  which engages with the actuator unit  14  in a manner discussed below. 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the connection unit  16  includes a tube  70  that is threaded within the axial passageway  60  of the piston and extends beyond the end of the sleeve  20  and the piston  30 . Due to the threaded engagement between the tube  70  and the piston  30 , axial movement of the piston  30  results in corresponding axial movement of the tube  70 . A seal  72  is provided to seal between the outer circumference of the tube  70  and the interior of the passageway  60  to prevent fluid leaks. The tube  70  includes an internal flow passage  74  that communicates with the rear of the passageway  60  and with the radial passage  62  to form a fluid flow passage between the tube  70  and the fitting  64 . 
         [0032]    The connection unit  16  further includes a cap  80  that is threaded onto the threaded front end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The cap  80  includes a central opening  82  through which the tube  70  passes. At the point where the tube  70  extends past the cap  80 , the tube  70  includes a reduced diameter section  84  that extends to the front end of the tube  70 . A washer  86  is slid over the reduced diameter section  84 , followed by a tubular seal  88 , and another washer  90 . The washer  86 , the seal  88  and the washer  90  are retained on the tube  70  by a lock ring  92 . 
         [0033]    Actuation of the piston  30  is achieved using the actuator unit  14 . With reference to  FIG. 6 , the actuator unit  14  in this embodiment includes an actuation mechanism in the form of an electric actuator  34 , and a connection mechanism that detachably connects the actuator unit to the threaded end  22  of the connector body  12 . 
         [0034]    The connection mechanism of the actuator unit  14  includes an internally threaded hexagonal nut  32  that can thread onto the back end  22  of the sleeve  20  of the connector body  12 . The electric actuator  34  in this embodiment takes the form of an electric motor having a drive shaft  36  connected to a suitable reduction mechanism  38 , for example a gear box, to increase torque. The electric motor can be connected to any suitable source of electricity, for example a 120V source or to one or more batteries. The reduction mechanism  38  is fixed to the nut  32  via a flange  40  that is integral with the nut  32  and screws  42  that extend through the flange  40  and into threaded receptacles on the reduction mechanism  38 . The electric motor is preferably a two-way motor to allow forward and reverse rotation of the drive shaft  36 . 
         [0035]    The reduction mechanism  38  includes an output  44  that is fixed to a screw drive  46  for rotating the screw drive  46 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the screw drive  46  extends into the hollow portion  66  at the rear of the actuation piston  30 . A drive nut  48  is threaded onto the screw drive  46 . The exterior surface of the nut  48  is threaded and is screwed into the hollow portion  66  of the piston  30 . The nut  48  also includes a radial flange  52  on the rear end thereof that engages the rear of the piston  30 . When the actuator unit  14  is mounted in position, and when the screw drive  46  is rotated, the drive nut  48  is driven in a forward direction toward the connection mechanism  16  or driven in a rearward direction away from the connection mechanism  16 . Since the nut  48  is fixed to the piston  30 , the piston  30  moves with the nut  48  in either the forward or rearward direction. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , thrust washers  54  are disposed on either side of a flange  56  at the rear of the screw drive  46  within the nut  32 . The thrust washers  54  prevent transfer of thrust to drive gears in the reduction mechanism  38 . In addition, a drive support washer  58  is provided between the flange  52  and the thrust washers  54 , disposed around the screw drive  46  within the nut  32 . 
         [0037]    To achieve connection with the interface  100 , the projecting end of the tube  70  is inserted into the end of the interface  100 . The electric motor is then activated to rotate the screw drive  46  in the appropriate direction to cause the piston  30  to be actuated axially rearwardly. This retracts the tube  70  into the connector  10 , which causes the seal  88  to be compressed between the washers  86 ,  90 , due to engagement between the washer  86  and the cap  80 . As the seal  88  is compressed, it expands in diameter, and seals against the inner diameter of the interface  100 . Processing can then occur through the connector  10 , with fluid being able to flow through the connector between the first and second fluid systems. Disconnection is achieved by activating the motor to actuate the piston  30  forwardly to release the compression on the seal  88 , returning the connection unit  16  to its original state. 
         [0038]    When connected, the connection unit  16  in this embodiment seals with the fluid system interface  100 . There is no gripping ability provided by the connection unit  16  other than the friction of the seal  88  against the inner diameter of the fluid system interface. 
         [0039]    Other connection units can be used with the modular connector system. Examples of alternative connection units are illustrated in  FIGS. 7-12  in which the same reference numerals indicate elements that are similar to those described above. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 7 , the connection unit  120  that seals and grips with the interface  100  is illustrated. The connection unit  120  is similar in construction and operation to the non-modular connection mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,798 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0041]    The unit  120  comprises a tube  122  that is threaded within the axial passageway of the piston  30  and extends beyond the end of the sleeve  20  and the piston  30  similar to the tube  70 . Due to the threaded engagement between the tube  122  and the piston  30 , axial movement of the piston  30  results in corresponding axial movement of the tube  122 . A seal  124  is provided to seal between the outer circumference of the tube  122  and the interior of the passageway to prevent fluid leaks. The tube  122  includes an internal flow passage  125  similar to the internal passage  74 . 
         [0042]    The connection unit  120  further includes a cap  126  that is threaded onto the threaded front end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The cap  126  includes a central opening through which the tube  122  passes. A washer  128  is disposed over the tube, followed by a plurality of split collets  130 , a wedge  132 , and a seal  134 . The end of the tube  122  includes a flange  136  that retains the elements on the tube  122 . In addition, a resilient ring  138  surrounds the collets  130  to bias the collets to the position shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0043]    In use, the end of the connection unit  120  is inserted into the interface  100 . When the tube  122  is pulled rearwardly, the seal  134  is compressed and expands into engagement with the inner surface of the interface  100  to seal with the interface. In addition, the collets  130  are ramped outward by the wedge  132  into engagement with the inner diameter to grip with the interface  100 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows a connection unit  140  that grips and seals with internal threads of an interface  102 . The connection unit  140  is similar in construction and operation to the non-modular connection mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,290 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The sleeve  20  includes a modified piston  142  that is axially moveable in the sleeve  20 . The connection unit  140  includes a sleeve  144  that threads onto the threaded end  24  of the sleeve  20 . A hollow tube  146  is connected by threads to the piston  142  and extends into the sleeve  144 . A seal  148  is provided around the tube  146  to seal with the inner diameter of the sleeve  144 . The unit  140  also includes a plurality of split collets  150  that are pivotally connected to the end of the tube  146 , and a resilient ring  152  is disposed around the collets  150  to bias the collets. A pin  154  is disposed inside the collets  150 , and includes a tapered front end  156 . The pin  154  is supported by a cross-member  158  that is connected to the sleeve  144  via a retaining mechanism  159 . The front ends of the collets  150  are slideable on the outside of the pin  154 . 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 8 , the connection unit  140  is shown in its default, activated state. To activate the connection unit, the collets  150  are pushed outward over the end  156  of the pin  154  by the piston  142  and tube  146 . This permits the ends of the collets  150  to collapse under the bias of the ring  152  to a reduced diameter, allowing the end of the connection unit to be inserted into the interface  102 . The collets  150  are then retracted by pulling the piston and the tube toward the connector. As this occurs, the pin  154  causes the collets to expand outward back to the position shown in  FIG. 8  so that the outside of the collets grip with the threads on the interface  102 . At the same time, the interface  102  seals against the end face of the sleeve  144 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  shows a connection unit  160  that is designed to seal with the outer diameter of an interface  104 . The outer diameter can be smooth or it can have threads. There is no gripping ability provided by the connection unit  160  other than the friction of the seal against the outer diameter of the interface  104 . 
         [0047]    The connection unit  160  includes a sleeve  162  that threads onto the threaded end  24  of the sleeve  20 . A seal  164  is disposed inside the sleeve  162 , sandwiched between two washers  166 ,  168 . The washer  166  is movable axially within the sleeve  162 . In use, the interface  104  is inserted into the connection unit  160 . The piston  30  is advanced axially to push the washer  166 . This compresses and extrudes the seal  164  against the outer diameter of the interface  104 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows a connection unit  180  that grips and seals with the interface  104 . The connection unit  180  is similar in construction and operation to the non-modular connection mechanism disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,537 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connection unit  180  includes a sleeve  182  that threads onto the threaded end  24  of the sleeve  20 . A hollow tube  184  is connected by threads to a modified piston  186  and extends partially into the sleeve  182 . A seal  188  is disposed inside the sleeve  182 , sandwiched between the end of the tube  184  and a washer  190 . A plurality of split collets  192  are disposed inside the front end of the sleeve  182 , with outer surfaces  194  of the collets  192  being sloped. A wear ring  196  is disposed between the outer surface of the collets  192  and the inner surface of the sleeve  182  so as to reduce the wear on the collets and the sleeve. 
         [0049]    In use, the interface  104  is inserted into the connection unit  180 . The piston  186  is advanced axially to push against the seal  188 . This compresses and extrudes the seal  188  against the outer diameter of the interface  104 . At the same time, the collets  192  are ramped inward onto the outer diameter to grip the interface  104 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 11A-E  show a connection unit  200  that is configured to seal with an interface  106  and to grip onto the interface  106  which is externally threaded or includes another feature that can be used for gripping, for example a bead, barb, bump, etc. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 11A , which shows the connection unit  200  in a default position, the connection unit  200  includes a sleeve  202 , and a lock ring  204  is threaded onto the threaded end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The lock ring  204  is disposed between a shoulder  206  on the sleeve  202  and a retainer  208  secured to the rear of the sleeve. A hollow tube  210  is threaded into a modified piston  212  and extends into the sleeve  202 . A plurality of collets  214  are pivotally secured to the end of the tube  210 , and a resilient biasing member  216  ( FIG. 11B ), for example a o-ring, biases the collets outward. 
         [0052]    In addition, a sealing piston  218  is disposed inside the end of the tube  210  and inside the collets  214 . A main seal  220  is secured to the end of the piston  218  for sealing engagement with the interface  106 . Further, a plurality of push pins  222  extend through the end of the tube  210  and are engaged with the rear of the piston  218  and the end  24  of the sleeve  20 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 11B  shows the connection unit  200  in an open position, with the front ends of the collets  214  advanced axially by the piston  212  from the front end of the sleeve  202  which remains stationary with the sleeve  20 . The biasing force provided by the biasing member  216  causes the collets  214  to pivot open to facilitate insertion of the interface  106 . In addition, the front end of the tube  210  advances relative to the pins  222  to a position adjacent the rear side of the piston  218 . This permits the interface  106  to be inserted a maximum distance into the connection unit  200 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 11C  illustrates the start of connection. The interface  106  is inserted up to the main seal  220  and the piston  212  starting to be pulled back into the connector. The interior of the collets  214  are threaded. As a result, during connection as the collets close over the threads on the interface  106 , the threads may not exactly align. This can cause the interface  106  to back off the seal  220  slightly, for example up to ½ a thread, to match threads. The push pins  222  do not provide any function during the start of connection. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11D  illustrates the connector in mid connection. The piston  212  continues to draw the tube  210 , collets  214 , interface  106  and the sealing piston  218  into the sleeve  202  and the sleeve  20 . When the push pins  222  contact the end  24  of the sleeve  20 , the movement of the sealing piston  218  is stopped. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11E  illustrates the connector at full connection. As connection continues between  FIGS. 11D and 11E , the push pins  222  continue to stop movement of the sealing piston  218 . As the interface  106  continues to be drawn into the connector, the interface  106  seals tightly against the main seal  220 . A seal  224  is provided that seals between the sealing piston  218  and the interior of the tube  210 . The seal  224  of the sealing piston  218  provides a larger sealing diameter than the main seal  220  so when under pressure, the sealing piston will generate a greater seal against the interface  106 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  shows a connection unit  230  that grips and seals with an interface  108 . The connection unit  230  is similar in construction and operation to the non-modular connection mechanism disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/671,747 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connection unit  230  has a semi-cylindrical nest  232  that includes a flange  234  that is configured to grip over a thread or another feature on the interface  108 . The nest  232  is threaded onto the threaded end  24  of the sleeve  20 . A seal  236  is disposed at the end of a piston  238  configured to seal with an internal diameter of the interface  108 . 
         [0058]    In use, the interface  108  is inserted into the nest  232  so that the flange  234  grips over the threads or other feature on the interface. The piston  238  is then actuated forward into the interface  108  so that the seal  236  seals against the inner diameter of the interface  108 . 
         [0059]    Connection units other than those described and illustrated herein can be used, provided they are found suitable for modularity. 
         [0060]    As should be apparent, the connector units described above share a common connection mechanism, for example threads, that detachably connects the respective connector unit to the connector end of the connector body and connect the connector units to the connector end in the same manner. 
         [0061]    To further enhance modularity, other actuator units can be used with the modular connector system. Examples of alternative actuator units are illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16  in which the same reference numerals indicate elements that are similar to those described above. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 13 and 14  provide a top view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of a manually activated actuator unit  300  shown connected to the back end  22  of the connector body  12 . 
         [0063]    The actuator unit  300  includes an internally threaded hexagonal nut  302  that can thread onto the back end  22  of the sleeve  20  of the connector body  12 . The rear end of the nut  302  is slotted and a temporary force squeeze handle  304  is pivotally attached to the nut  302  by a pin  306  for providing a temporary compression motion. A piston  308  is threaded into the hollow portion  66  of the actuation piston  30  to fix the piston  308  to the piston  30 . The rear end of the piston  308  is engaged with the squeeze handle  304 . 
         [0064]    When the squeeze handle  304  is squeezed in the direction of the arrow, the piston  308  and piston  30  are pushed forward to actuate the connector unit. When the handle  304  is released, the pistons  30 ,  308  are biased by a suitable biasing means, for example a coil spring  310 , back to their position shown and the handle  304  returned to its original position. 
         [0065]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional side view of a manually activated actuator unit  320  shown connected to the back end  22  of the connector body  12  which is only partially illustrated. The actuator unit  320  includes an internally threaded hexagonal nut  322  that can thread onto the back end  22  of the sleeve  20  of the connector body  12 . The rear end of the nut  322  is slotted and a flip handle  324  is pivotally attached to the nut  322  by a pin  326 . A piston  328  is threaded into the hollow portion of the actuation piston  30  to fix the piston  328  to the piston  30 . The rear end of the piston  328  is engaged with the flip handle  324 . 
         [0066]    The flip handle  324  provides a constant compression force.  FIG. 15  illustrates the deactivated or default position. When the handle  324  is rotated up or down, the piston  328  and the piston  30  are pushed forward to actuate the connector unit. When the handle  324  is rotated back to the position shown in  FIG. 15 , the pistons  30 ,  328  are biased by a suitable biasing means, for example a coil spring acting between the connector body  12  and the piston  30 , back to their position. 
         [0067]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of a pneumatic/hydraulic activated actuator unit  330  shown connected to the back end  22  of the connector body  12  which is only partially illustrated. The actuator unit  330  includes an internally threaded hexagonal nut  332  that can thread onto the back end  22  of the sleeve  20  of the connector body  12 . The nut  332  includes a fluid port  334  for pneumatic/hydraulic fluid. An o-ring  336  is disposed around a modified piston  338  that functions similarly to the piston  30 . The piston  338  has a circumferential channel  340  that receives the o-ring  336 . 
         [0068]    In use, pressurized fluid, for example air or hydraulic fluid, is introduced through the port  334  and acts on the rear of the piston  338 . This pushes the piston  338  to actuate the connection unit. The force applied to the piston  338  can be a constant force if a constant fluid pressure is applied, or momentary if the fluid pressure is reduced. When air is used as the pressurized fluid, a spring may be used to bias the piston  338  back to the deactivated position. When hydraulic fluid is used, a biasing spring can be used to bias the piston back to the deactivated position, or withdrawal of the hydraulic fluid can cause the piston to pull back due to suction. 
         [0069]    In certain case, the modular connector is used in tight spaces that make it difficult for both the connection unit and the actuator unit to be located in that space. Therefore, a flexible drive, examples of which are illustrated in  FIGS. 17-24 , can be provided between the connector body and the connection unit. 
         [0070]      FIG. 17  illustrates a flexible drive  400  between the connector body  12  and the actuation unit  16  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The flexible drive  400  includes a flexible external sleeve  402  having a cap  404  at one end that is threaded onto the front end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The opposite end  406  of the sleeve  402  is externally threaded and the cap  80  of the connection unit  16  is threaded onto the end  406 . The sleeve  402  can be made of a suitable flexible material, for example an elastomer. 
         [0071]    A flexible, hollow shaft  410  is disposed inside the sleeve  402 . One end  412  of the shaft  410  is fixed to the piston  30  by threads, while the other end  414  of the shaft  410  is fixed to the tube  70  of the connection unit  16 . The shaft  410  includes a flow passage  416  to allow fluid to flow therethrough from the connection unit  16  to the connector body  12 . The shaft  410  is movable relative to the sleeve  402  to enable the shaft  410  to be pushed or pulled by the piston  30  to actuate the connection unit  16 . For example, when the piston  30  is actuated backward, the piston  30  pulls the shaft  410  backward, which retracts the tube  70  to actuate the connection unit  16  as described above. 
         [0072]      FIG. 18  illustrates a flexible drive  430  similar in construction and function to the flexible drive  400 . One end of the drive  430  is connected to the connector body  12  in the same manner as the flexible drive  400 , while the opposite end is connected to the connection unit  120  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The drive  430  includes a flexible external sleeve  432  and a hollow, flexible shaft  434  movable inside the sleeve  432 , with the shaft  434  defining a flow passage  436  for fluid. 
         [0073]    The flexible drives in  FIGS. 17 and 18  can be used with any connection unit, including any connection unit described herein, which is activated by pushing or pulling of the shaft. 
         [0074]      FIG. 19  illustrates a flexible drive  450  that utilizes hydraulic actuation. The flexible drive  450  is connected between the connector body  12  and the connection unit  140  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The flexible drive  450  includes a flexible external sleeve  452  having a cap  454  at one end that is threaded onto the front end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The opposite end  456  of the sleeve  452  is externally threaded and the sleeve  144  of the connection unit  140  is threaded onto the end  456 . 
         [0075]    A flexible, hollow shaft  460  is disposed inside the sleeve  452 . One end  462  of the shaft  460  is disposed inside the piston  30 , while the other end  464  of the shaft  460  is fixed to the tube  146  of the connection unit  140 . The end  464  of the shaft  460  is formed into a piston  466  that is fixed to the tube  146  and is slideable within the end  456  of the sleeve  452 . O-rings  468 ,  470  are provided to seal between the tube  146  and the piston  466 , and between the piston  466  and the sleeve  452 , respectively. The shaft  460  includes a flow passage  472  to allow fluid to flow therethrough between the connection unit  140  and the connector body  12 . In addition, a space  474  is provided between the sleeve  452  and the shaft  460  for hydraulic fluid 
         [0076]    In addition, the front end of the piston  30  is modified with an exterior channel to receive an o-ring  476  for sealing with the interior of the sleeve  20 , and an interior channel  478  to receive an o-ring for sealing with the exterior of the end  462 . Thus, an enclosed hydraulic chamber is defined between the front end of the piston  30 , the space  474 , and the rear end  480  of the piston  466 . 
         [0077]    When the piston  30  is actuated in a forward direction, the volume of the hydraulic chamber is reduced which increases the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The fluid then pushes on the rear end  480  of the piston  466 , which actuates the tube  146  to activate the connector as described above for  FIG. 8 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 20  illustrates a flexible drive  500  that is similar in construction and function to the flexible drive  450 , and that is connected between the connector body  12  and the actuation unit  160  described above in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 21  illustrates a flexible drive  510  that is similar in construction and function to the flexible drive  450 , and that is connected between the connector body  12  and the actuation unit  180  described above in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 22  illustrates a flexible drive  520  that is similar in construction and function to the flexible drive  450  connected between the connector body  12  and the actuation unit  200  described in  FIGS. 11A-E . 
         [0081]      FIG. 23  illustrates a flexible drive  530  that utilizes hydraulic activation but where the processing fluid exits from the connection unit through the forward end of the flexible drive  530 . The flexible drive  530  includes a hollow, flexible hydraulic line  532  that contains hydraulic fluid. One end of the line  532  is connected by a cap  534  to the end  24  of the sleeve  20 . The front end of the piston  30  is modified with an exterior channel to receive an o-ring  536  for sealing with the interior of the sleeve  20 . 
         [0082]    The opposite end of the line  532  is of enlarged size and includes a threaded fitting  538  secured thereto for passage of process fluid. The line  532  is connected to the connection unit  180  described in  FIG. 10 . A piston  540  is disposed within the enlarged end of the line  532 , with the piston secured to the tube  184 . O-rings  542 ,  544  are provided forwardly of the fitting  538  to seal between the piston  540  and the tube  184 , and between the piston  540  and the interior of the line  532 . In addition, an o-ring  546  is provided to seal between the rear of the piston  540  and the interior of the line  532 . In addition, radial flow passages  548  are formed in the piston  540  and fluidly connect the hollow interior of the tube  184  with the fitting  538  to permit processing fluid to flow. 
         [0083]    In use, actuation of the piston  30  in a forward direction decreases the volume of the hydraulic chamber, causing the hydraulic fluid to push on the rear of the piston  540  thereby forcing the piston, and the tube  184 , forward to activate the connection unit  180  as described above in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 24  illustrates a flexible drive  560  that is similar in construction and function to the flexible drive  530 , but which is connected to the connection unit  160  described above in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0085]    The flexible drives of  FIGS. 19-24  can be used with any connection unit, including any connection unit described herein, which is suitable for being activated by the hydraulic activation that is described. 
         [0086]      FIG. 25  illustrates an embodiment of a connector  600  that includes the connector body  12 , and a connection unit, for example connection unit  16 . In  FIG. 25 , the same reference numerals indicate elements that are similar to those described above in  FIGS. 1-6 . The connector  600  is similar to the connector  10  described above, except that the electric motor  34  and the reduction mechanism  38  are not connected to the connector  600 . Instead, the connector  600  is provided with an interface to which a drive mechanism connects to actuate the connector. With this embodiment, the drive mechanism can stay with a station while the connector  600  moves down an assembly line connected to the interface of the second fluid system. At the end of the assembly line, another drive mechanism can be provided to remove the connector  600  from the second fluid system. 
         [0087]    The interface of the connector  600  includes a screw drive shaft  602  connected to the drive nut  48 . The shaft  602  extends rearwardly to a free end  604  that is suitably shaped for engagement by a drive mechanism. A clutch mechanism  606  is fixed to the rear of the nut  32  via the flange  40 . The clutch mechanism  606  resists unwanted loosening of the connector  10  while traveling down the assembly line. 
         [0088]    In use of the connector  600 , a drive mechanism (not shown) at a station is connected to the connector  600 . The drive mechanism connects to the nut  32  and to the free end  604  of the shaft  602 . Engagement with the nut  32  prevents rotation of the nut and connector during rotation of the shaft  602 . The drive mechanism then rotates the shaft  602  to actuate the drive nut  48  and the connection unit  16  as described above for  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0089]    The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or novel characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Category: 4