Combined connector for fluid and electrical connection
First Claim
1. A combined connector assembly for fluid and electrical connection comprising:
- a socket assembly including a socket body having a first end, a second end, a fluid passage extending through the socket body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, and at least one cavity at a side thereof, a plurality of metal contacts affixed within the cavity of the socket assembly and adapted to be connected to a first external circuit;
a plug assembly including a plug body having a first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending through the plug body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, the first end being detachably sealingly received in the first opening of the socket body, thereby selectively providing fluid communication of the fluid passage of the socket body with the fluid passage of the plug body, the plug body including at least one lock member having an inwardly extending protrusion at an end thereof;
a plurality of metal contacts positioned on the protrusion of the lock member and adapted to be connected to a second external circuit, the contacts on the protrusion being pressed in contact with the contacts within the cavity when the protrusion of the lock member under a resilient force is engaged in the cavity of the socket body.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A combined connector assembly provided for quick, secure fluid and electrical connection includes a socket assembly and plug assembly. The socket assembly can be supported on various structures as a wall outlet or an appliance attachment by means of an adapter assembly. Interlocking means are incorporated with electrical contacts between socket and plug assemblies so that the fluid and electrical connection between the socket and plug assemblies can be quickly and securely established, eliminating the risk of accidental detachment of the plug assembly from the socket assembly. Seals and covers are provided to prevent fluid leakage from the assembly in both connected and disconnected positions. The combined connector assembly of the present invention can be advantageously used to connect an appliance to a water supply and drain system which pumps water to and removes water under vacuum from the appliance through a single hose in a pre-programmed manner.
94 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A combined connector assembly for fluid and electrical connection comprising:
-
a socket assembly including a socket body having a first end, a second end, a fluid passage extending through the socket body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, and at least one cavity at a side thereof, a plurality of metal contacts affixed within the cavity of the socket assembly and adapted to be connected to a first external circuit;
a plug assembly including a plug body having a first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending through the plug body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, the first end being detachably sealingly received in the first opening of the socket body, thereby selectively providing fluid communication of the fluid passage of the socket body with the fluid passage of the plug body, the plug body including at least one lock member having an inwardly extending protrusion at an end thereof;
a plurality of metal contacts positioned on the protrusion of the lock member and adapted to be connected to a second external circuit, the contacts on the protrusion being pressed in contact with the contacts within the cavity when the protrusion of the lock member under a resilient force is engaged in the cavity of the socket body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. for fluid and electrical connection comprising:
-
a socket assembly including a socket body having a first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending through the socket body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, the socket body including a cylindrical body at the second end thereof and a head at the first end thereof, the head including an end surface and two opposed side surfaces, each side surface having a cavity extending parallel to the end surface, a plurality of metal contacts affixed to the socket assembly and adapted to be connected to a first external circuit;
a plug assembly including a plug body having a first end, a second end, and a fluid passage extending through the plug body and forming first and second openings in the respective first and second ends, the first end being detachably sealingly received in the first opening of the socket body, thereby selectively providing fluid communication of the fluid passage of the socket body with the fluid passage of the plug body;
a plurality of metal contacts positioned on the plug assembly and adapted to be connected to a second external circuit; and
means for releasably interlocking the plug assembly and the socket assembly in the connected position, the means including a first part incorporated with the metal contacts affixed to the socket assembly and a second part incorporated with the metal contacts positioned on the plug assembly, the contacts of the socket assembly and the contacts of the plug assembly being in contact only when the first part engages the second part. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification