Single line quick connector (SQC), a system comprising the single line quick connector and method of operating

A single line quick connector comprising:

• an outer housing having a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool;
• a flow bore for fluid connection with a fluid connection interface on a component;
• a screw element rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, the screw element extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprising external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination operable by the tool;
• and
• a collet sleeve rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, the collet sleeve comprising internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers for connection to the fluid connection interface;
• wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction, and a rotation of the screw element in a second direction opposite the first rotational direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction opposite the first axial direction;
• wherein the single line quick connector further comprises a fluid line insert for accommodation in a through-going opening in the outer housing of the single line quick connector, the fluid line insert comprising:
• a hole for receiving fastening means for connecting the fluid line insert to an inner surface of the outer housing radially opposite the through-going opening of the outer housing such that the fluid line insert is axially and rotationally fixed to the outer housing;
• a groove for receiving a coupler;
• an external connection interface for connection to an external fluid line;
• and
• a through-bore extending from the groove to the connection interface;
• wherein the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, and wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess are configured such that, when connected, the fluid line insert extends radially through the through-going opening and the at least one recess.

A method of engaging a single line quick connector to a fluid connection interface on a component, the single line quick connector comprising:

• an outer housing comprising a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool;
• a flow bore for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface;
• a screw element rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, the screw element extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprising external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination which is operable by the tool;
• a collet sleeve rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, the collet sleeve comprising internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers for connection to the fluid connection interface;
• and
• a fluid line insert connectable to a fluid line and comprising a groove for a coupler;
• wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that:
• a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction;
• and
• a rotation of the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction;
• wherein the outer housing comprises a radial through-going opening and the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, and wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess are configured such that, when connected, the fluid line insert extends radially through the through-going opening and the at least one recess;
• wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• radially positioning the fluid line insert into the through-going opening of the outer housing and the at least one recess of the collet sleeve;
• positioning a coupler inside the flow bore and the groove of the fluid line insert;
• providing the single line quick connector with the collet fingers in a disengaged position;
• moving the single line quick connector relative to the fluid connection interface into a position where the collet fingers snap onto or over the fluid connection interface;
• rotating the screw element in a first direction resulting in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, to an engaged position where the collet fingers are locked around the fluid connection interface;
• and
• connecting the fluid line to the fluid line insert.

A method of overriding a malfunctioning single line quick connector which is in an engaged position in which it is locked to a fluid connection interface on a component, the single line quick connector comprising:

• an outer housing comprising a tool interface at one axial end thereof for operation by a tool;
• a flow bore for fluid connection with the fluid connection interface;
• a screw element rotationally movable and axially fixed relative the outer housing, the screw element extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector and comprising external threads along a part of its axial length and a termination which is operable by the tool;
• a collet sleeve rotationally fixed and axially movable relative the outer housing, the collet sleeve comprising internal threads for cooperation with the external threads on the screw element and a plurality of collet fingers for connection to the fluid connection interface;
• and
• a fluid line insert connectable to a fluid line and comprising a groove for a coupler;
• wherein the outer housing, the screw element and the collet sleeve are arranged such that:
• a rotation of the screw element in a first direction results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a first axial direction;
• and
• a rotation of the screw element in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational direction, results in an axial movement of the outer housing relative the collet sleeve, and thus the collet fingers, in a second direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction;
• wherein the outer housing comprises a radial through-going opening and the collet sleeve comprises at least one recess between neighboring collet fingers, and wherein the through-going opening and the at least one recess are configured such that, when connected, the fluid line insert extends radially through the through-going opening and the at least one recess;
• wherein the method comprises the steps of:
• providing a milling tool on a tool;
• utilizing said milling tool to mill an annular groove around the screw element at least over a distance equal to a travel distance of the collet sleeve to thereby loosen the axially fixed relationship of the screw element relative the outer housing;
• and
• utilizing a pushing tool to axially move the outer housing relative the screw element and the collet sleeve to the disengaged position.