CA2078173C - Metal retainer for quick connect tubing connector - Google Patents
Metal retainer for quick connect tubing connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2078173C CA2078173C CA002078173A CA2078173A CA2078173C CA 2078173 C CA2078173 C CA 2078173C CA 002078173 A CA002078173 A CA 002078173A CA 2078173 A CA2078173 A CA 2078173A CA 2078173 C CA2078173 C CA 2078173C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- recited
- radially
- connector
- braces
- axially
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 title description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- SUBDBMMJDZJVOS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-methoxy-2-{[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl}-1H-benzimidazole Chemical compound N=1C2=CC(OC)=CC=C2NC=1S(=O)CC1=NC=C(C)C(OC)=C1C SUBDBMMJDZJVOS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100536354 Drosophila melanogaster tant gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
- F16L37/084—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking
- F16L37/098—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of flexible hooks
- F16L37/0985—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of flexible hooks the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part
- F16L37/0987—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members combined with automatic locking by means of flexible hooks the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part the flexible hook being progressively compressed by axial tensile loads acting on the coupling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S285/00—Pipe joints or couplings
- Y10S285/921—Snap-fit
Abstract
A unique retainer is disclosed having a plurality of resilient arms securing a tube within a housing bore. The arms include a radially inner section having a pair of circumferentially extending braces which increase the strength of the arms. The braces have axial ends which are bent radially outwardly and increase the strength of the arms, and also result in a more consistent, predictable buckling force for the retainer. Arm bends are formed between the arm radially inner section and a radially outer section. The axially outer bends of the braces are generally axially aligned with these arm bends, such that the bends provide a planer surface for positioning the retainer within the housing. Also, "bumps" are defined at a radially inner face of the radially inner sections of the arms to create a high force resisting tube insertion. The bumps are at an angle relative to a central axis that is greater than the angle of the remainder of the radially inner section of the arms. Thus, the retainer arms may extend at a first angle which is relatively small relative to the axis and can provide a great force resisting tube removal, while the bumps are at the greater angle, and can provide a relatively great force resisting tube insertion.
Description
'XPEl13SS MAIL IICJ. f~t)27~9~3~6Y
': : 2~7~
t ~,0~013 M~ Ul17.TAT~ FOR QUIC~ C~ ,l lllUING C~CTOR
r~ r~J~aD OF ~
This in~ention relates generally to improvements in metal retainers for retaining tubing within a housing.
Metal retainers having arms which ~1e~ radially to allow a radially enlarged, or upset of a tube to pass through the armR are known. The arms fle~ radially inwardly once the upset portion of the tube pa6ses them, and abut the upset portlon, prevent~ng tube removal.
This general type of retainer is widely utilized.
It is a goal in the art that the retainer easily and quickly receive a tube, while at the same tin~e preventlng the tube from being pulled outuardly of the housing. The retainer will retain the tube in the housing until th~ retainer "buckles". The force required to buckle the retainer is defined herein a~ a "buckllng forca." It L~ dosir~bl~
that the buckling force be relativ01y hlgh, and con~tant and pre~lctable.
It i~ known in the prlor art to e~tend brace member~
circumferentially from the arms to provide additlonal strength resisting buckling, and further to provide a surface which properly po~itions the retainer. The prior art brace~ may reduce the con~is~ency of the buckling force for the metal retainer. Thi~ is undesirable, ~ince a consistent buckling force is ~ought, auch that the buckling ~orce for a particular aystem may be accurately predicted.
Some prior art retainers provide ~n lnsertion force re~i6ting tube insertion which illcreases sharply from a relatively low force to a relatively high force. Once thls high force l~ overcom~, ~ ~40-013 2~7~
and the tube move~ pa~t a particular point on the retainer, the momentum of the tube carries 1t to a fully connected position. Th1s i~ referred to as an "avalanche" type connector. Thi~ type of connector en6ures that a tube i9 properly connected withln a housing, s1nce the operator knows the relatively hlgh force must be encountered and overcome for the tube to be properly positioned. Once the high ~orce is encountered and overcome, tube mo~entum ensure6 that the tube i6 fully po6itioned within the housing. Known avalanche sy6~ems are qulte 6ucce6sEul, ho~ever, it i5 stlll deslred to lmprove upon the known sy~tems.
A disclo6ed embodiment of this invention includes a metal retainer havlng a plurality of arme each having a radlally outer section, and a radially inner section. The radlally inner section abut~
a radially enlarged, or upset portion of a tube. The retainer i~
received in a houcing bore, and retains the tube in the bore. An axis is de~ined extending into the bore. The rudially lr1ner section preferably ha~ clrcumferentlally extending braceu extend1ng from each circum~erential Hlde. In one preferred embodiment the braces have axially inner end~ which are bent radially outwardly from planar radially inwardly facing faceA of the braces, and axially outer ~nd~
which are Also bent radially outwardly from the inner face~ of the braces. The bends at the axial ends of the brace~ increas0 the buckling strength of the retainer, and-further ensure that the buckling force i~
relatively consistent, and thus predictable.
The arm radially lnnar ~ection al50 ha~ an ax~ally lnner end that is bent radially outwardly. The bent axially inner end~ of the arm and the braces protect the tube agalnst damage3 and al~o provlde a relatively large contact area b0tween the retainer and tube upset 6 ~l00l3 ~7~3~73 portion. The bent brace outer ends, i~ comblnatlon with a bend on the arm between the radially outer and inner portion~, are generally co-planar, and locate the retainer within a housin~ bore.
In another feature of the presen~ inventlon, a radially inwardly facing face of the radially inner 6ection includes a bump which provide~ the avalanche point, or the relatively high ~orce re6isting tube in~ertion. As the up~et portion of the tube contacts this bump, the force required for further tube in~ertioll increases sharply. Once this force i6 overcome, momentum carries the tube to a ~ully inserted position. In one preferred embodiment, the bump i~ ramped wlth an axially outwardly facing ~urface extending radially and axlally $nwardly to a relatlvely flat surface. The bump i8 ramped back radially outwardly axially beyond the flat ~urface. The bump allowa the radially inner 6ection to be on a first relatively ~mall angle with re~pect to a bore axis~ such that the arm ha~ additional strength. At the ~ne time, the ramped surfaeea are at a relatlvely great angle to providc the sharply increased force again~t tube lnsertlon to give fln oper~tor the avalanche signal.
These and other obJects and features of tl~e prescnt invention ~re bc~t understood from the following sp0ciflcation~ and drawings of which the followlng i~ a brief descr~ption.
!
~RI~F nR~Tp~IoN O~ T~E D~INGS
Figure 1 is an assembly view of a connector according to the pre~ent invention.
Figure 2 ia a cross-sectional view through the as~embled colmector.
, ~
~ 240-013 ~7~
Fi~ure 3 18 an end vlew of the connector prlor to tube in~ertion.
Figure 4 i8 a per~pective view o~ the inventive retainer.
DRrA~n ~C~TPTI~N OF ~ PR~n~v ~M~0~DffeNT
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a connector 20 including conduit or hou~ing 22 defining a bore 23. An axis i8 defined extending into bore 23. An O-ring 24 and a spacer 26 are inserted axially into the bore. A retainer 28 i~ in~erted into bore 23, and secures a tube 30 within bore 23. Retalner 28 lDcludes a plurallty of circumferentially spaced arms 32 which abut a radially greater, or up6et portion 34 of tube 30 to retaln tube 30 in bore 23.
~ ach arm 32 includes a radially inner ~ection 33 which abut~
upset portion 34. A bump 36 formed from a radlally inner ~ace of radifllly lnner Qection 33 provide a relatively great fo~cc reslstln~
tube insertion, as will be explained below. Brace~ 38 exter~d circumferentlally from each clrcumferential ~lde of radially inner ~ection~ 33, and provide addltional ~trength agaln~t buckling of retalner 28.
As show~ in Figur~ 2, radially inner &ection 33 includes a lip 40 which abuts upset portion 34. Lip 40 i8 bellt radially outwardly such that it contact~ up~et portlon 34 over a relatively great surface area. A rear bend 42 connects radially inner section 33 wlth a radlally outer section 43. A rylindrical forward rlng 44 extends axlally from a ring 41 which connect~ the plurality of circumferentially ~paced arm~
32. Ring 44 provides guldanc~ for tube 30 in bore 23, and extend~ into 6_,~40~013 . ~ ~ 7 ~ 3 a frustoconical bore in spacer 26. As ~hown, rear bend 42 ab~t~ an , inner face 4S of housing 22 to position retainer 28 in bore 23.
When assembllng connector 20, retainer 28 i~ inltially placed in housing 22. Tube 30 i~ inserted until a forward end oE upset portion 34 abuts bumps 36. Until that point, the force resi6ting tube ingertion i8 relatively low. ~or further tube insertion, upaet portion 34 must flex the radially inner 6ections 33 radially outwardly such that upset portion~ 34 may move axially beyond bumps 36. This sharply increases the force reai~ting tube insertion. Onc~ the increaaed force is overcome, momentum carrie~ the tube to a fully inserted position as shown in Figure 2.
A~ shown in Figure 3, when retainer 28 i~ recelved within conduit 22, arms 32 are spaced circum~erentially about bore 23. Braces 38 extend circumferentially ~rom radially lnner section~ 33. Each bump 36 consist~ of an axlally outer r~mped portion 47 ext~ndlng radially outwardly ~nd axially inwardly from the radlally lnner ~ur~ace of radially inner ~ection 33. A flut or plnnar portlon 48 merge~ wlth outer rumped portion 47, and i~ Kenerally parallel to the remainder of radially inner section 33. An innar ramped portion 49 extends from planar portion 48 back to the radially inner surface of radially inner ~ection 33. Outer ramped portion 47 applies the sharply increased force. Once upaet portlon 34 ha~ moved beyond outer ramped portion 47, the momentum o~ the tube will carry it along planar portlon 48, and along inner ramped portion 49 such that tube 30 i9 fully inserted wlthin conduit 22.
Since bump 36 provides the aval~nche forcel the radiully inner sectlon 33 which secure tube 30 within bore 23 may b0 at an angle which i6 relatively small compared to the axis of the tube~ . Bump 36 6J ~ ~40-013 2~7~ 3 provides the sharply increased Çorce, while ~till allowing radlally inner section 33 to be at a relatively amall angle, where it can provide a 6trong force again~t tube removal.
As shown in Figure 4, radially lnner eections 33 extend for a greater circumferential extPnt than bumps 36. Braces 38 extend circumferentially and radially in~ardly from each circumferential side of radially inner sections 33. Each brace 38 has an inner bend 50 bent radially outw~rdly and back over brac~ 38. Inner bend3 50 are separate from forward lips 40. An outer bend 52 ~8 bent radially outwardly and back over brace 38. The included angle between the bends 50 and 52 and braces 48 is acute. Bends 52 and 42 all lie in a single plane, and that plane ls used to properly pO8~ tiOII retalner 28.
Brace~ 38 are generally parallelogram~like in shape. ~ends 50 increase the contact area between retainer 28 and tube upset portisn 34 at the axially inner end. It ha~ been found that the bends at the axial ends of the brace~ not only increa~e the Eorce Dece~sary to cause buckling of rctainer 28, but further en~ure that the buckling force l~
consistent and predlct~ble. Radially outer Hectlon 43 may have opening~
54 to decceuse the amount o~ materi~l and further concelltrnte the ~trength of retainer 28 at the radially inner section 33.
Preferably, retalner 28 ~8 st~mped from a metal, and more preferably from a stainless steel. Planar portion 48 pre~erably extends over a gre~ter axial length than either of the ranlped portion~ 47 and 49. In one embodiment planar portion 48 extended for 1.5 centimeters while the two ramp portions each extended for .3 cent~me~ers. In one embodiment the ramped portions extended at a 15~ angle from the inner face of radially inner section 33. In an embodiment the an~le between bend 50 and brace 38 wa~ 45~, and the angle between bend 52 and brace 38 was 0-5~.
A preferred embodiment of the present lnvention has been disclo~ed, however, a worker of ordinary ~kill ln the art would recognize that certain modification~ would come withln the ~cope of this invention. For that rea~on, the following claim~ should be ~tudied in order to determine the true ~cope and content of thi~ inYention.
. ~.
': : 2~7~
t ~,0~013 M~ Ul17.TAT~ FOR QUIC~ C~ ,l lllUING C~CTOR
r~ r~J~aD OF ~
This in~ention relates generally to improvements in metal retainers for retaining tubing within a housing.
Metal retainers having arms which ~1e~ radially to allow a radially enlarged, or upset of a tube to pass through the armR are known. The arms fle~ radially inwardly once the upset portion of the tube pa6ses them, and abut the upset portlon, prevent~ng tube removal.
This general type of retainer is widely utilized.
It is a goal in the art that the retainer easily and quickly receive a tube, while at the same tin~e preventlng the tube from being pulled outuardly of the housing. The retainer will retain the tube in the housing until th~ retainer "buckles". The force required to buckle the retainer is defined herein a~ a "buckllng forca." It L~ dosir~bl~
that the buckling force be relativ01y hlgh, and con~tant and pre~lctable.
It i~ known in the prlor art to e~tend brace member~
circumferentially from the arms to provide additlonal strength resisting buckling, and further to provide a surface which properly po~itions the retainer. The prior art brace~ may reduce the con~is~ency of the buckling force for the metal retainer. Thi~ is undesirable, ~ince a consistent buckling force is ~ought, auch that the buckling ~orce for a particular aystem may be accurately predicted.
Some prior art retainers provide ~n lnsertion force re~i6ting tube insertion which illcreases sharply from a relatively low force to a relatively high force. Once thls high force l~ overcom~, ~ ~40-013 2~7~
and the tube move~ pa~t a particular point on the retainer, the momentum of the tube carries 1t to a fully connected position. Th1s i~ referred to as an "avalanche" type connector. Thi~ type of connector en6ures that a tube i9 properly connected withln a housing, s1nce the operator knows the relatively hlgh force must be encountered and overcome for the tube to be properly positioned. Once the high ~orce is encountered and overcome, tube mo~entum ensure6 that the tube i6 fully po6itioned within the housing. Known avalanche sy6~ems are qulte 6ucce6sEul, ho~ever, it i5 stlll deslred to lmprove upon the known sy~tems.
A disclo6ed embodiment of this invention includes a metal retainer havlng a plurality of arme each having a radlally outer section, and a radially inner section. The radlally inner section abut~
a radially enlarged, or upset portion of a tube. The retainer i~
received in a houcing bore, and retains the tube in the bore. An axis is de~ined extending into the bore. The rudially lr1ner section preferably ha~ clrcumferentlally extending braceu extend1ng from each circum~erential Hlde. In one preferred embodiment the braces have axially inner end~ which are bent radially outwardly from planar radially inwardly facing faceA of the braces, and axially outer ~nd~
which are Also bent radially outwardly from the inner face~ of the braces. The bends at the axial ends of the brace~ increas0 the buckling strength of the retainer, and-further ensure that the buckling force i~
relatively consistent, and thus predictable.
The arm radially lnnar ~ection al50 ha~ an ax~ally lnner end that is bent radially outwardly. The bent axially inner end~ of the arm and the braces protect the tube agalnst damage3 and al~o provlde a relatively large contact area b0tween the retainer and tube upset 6 ~l00l3 ~7~3~73 portion. The bent brace outer ends, i~ comblnatlon with a bend on the arm between the radially outer and inner portion~, are generally co-planar, and locate the retainer within a housin~ bore.
In another feature of the presen~ inventlon, a radially inwardly facing face of the radially inner 6ection includes a bump which provide~ the avalanche point, or the relatively high ~orce re6isting tube in~ertion. As the up~et portion of the tube contacts this bump, the force required for further tube in~ertioll increases sharply. Once this force i6 overcome, momentum carries the tube to a ~ully inserted position. In one preferred embodiment, the bump i~ ramped wlth an axially outwardly facing ~urface extending radially and axlally $nwardly to a relatlvely flat surface. The bump i8 ramped back radially outwardly axially beyond the flat ~urface. The bump allowa the radially inner 6ection to be on a first relatively ~mall angle with re~pect to a bore axis~ such that the arm ha~ additional strength. At the ~ne time, the ramped surfaeea are at a relatlvely great angle to providc the sharply increased force again~t tube lnsertlon to give fln oper~tor the avalanche signal.
These and other obJects and features of tl~e prescnt invention ~re bc~t understood from the following sp0ciflcation~ and drawings of which the followlng i~ a brief descr~ption.
!
~RI~F nR~Tp~IoN O~ T~E D~INGS
Figure 1 is an assembly view of a connector according to the pre~ent invention.
Figure 2 ia a cross-sectional view through the as~embled colmector.
, ~
~ 240-013 ~7~
Fi~ure 3 18 an end vlew of the connector prlor to tube in~ertion.
Figure 4 i8 a per~pective view o~ the inventive retainer.
DRrA~n ~C~TPTI~N OF ~ PR~n~v ~M~0~DffeNT
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a connector 20 including conduit or hou~ing 22 defining a bore 23. An axis i8 defined extending into bore 23. An O-ring 24 and a spacer 26 are inserted axially into the bore. A retainer 28 i~ in~erted into bore 23, and secures a tube 30 within bore 23. Retalner 28 lDcludes a plurallty of circumferentially spaced arms 32 which abut a radially greater, or up6et portion 34 of tube 30 to retaln tube 30 in bore 23.
~ ach arm 32 includes a radially inner ~ection 33 which abut~
upset portion 34. A bump 36 formed from a radlally inner ~ace of radifllly lnner Qection 33 provide a relatively great fo~cc reslstln~
tube insertion, as will be explained below. Brace~ 38 exter~d circumferentlally from each clrcumferential ~lde of radially inner ~ection~ 33, and provide addltional ~trength agaln~t buckling of retalner 28.
As show~ in Figur~ 2, radially inner &ection 33 includes a lip 40 which abuts upset portion 34. Lip 40 i8 bellt radially outwardly such that it contact~ up~et portlon 34 over a relatively great surface area. A rear bend 42 connects radially inner section 33 wlth a radlally outer section 43. A rylindrical forward rlng 44 extends axlally from a ring 41 which connect~ the plurality of circumferentially ~paced arm~
32. Ring 44 provides guldanc~ for tube 30 in bore 23, and extend~ into 6_,~40~013 . ~ ~ 7 ~ 3 a frustoconical bore in spacer 26. As ~hown, rear bend 42 ab~t~ an , inner face 4S of housing 22 to position retainer 28 in bore 23.
When assembllng connector 20, retainer 28 i~ inltially placed in housing 22. Tube 30 i~ inserted until a forward end oE upset portion 34 abuts bumps 36. Until that point, the force resi6ting tube ingertion i8 relatively low. ~or further tube insertion, upaet portion 34 must flex the radially inner 6ections 33 radially outwardly such that upset portion~ 34 may move axially beyond bumps 36. This sharply increases the force reai~ting tube insertion. Onc~ the increaaed force is overcome, momentum carrie~ the tube to a fully inserted position as shown in Figure 2.
A~ shown in Figure 3, when retainer 28 i~ recelved within conduit 22, arms 32 are spaced circum~erentially about bore 23. Braces 38 extend circumferentially ~rom radially lnner section~ 33. Each bump 36 consist~ of an axlally outer r~mped portion 47 ext~ndlng radially outwardly ~nd axially inwardly from the radlally lnner ~ur~ace of radially inner ~ection 33. A flut or plnnar portlon 48 merge~ wlth outer rumped portion 47, and i~ Kenerally parallel to the remainder of radially inner section 33. An innar ramped portion 49 extends from planar portion 48 back to the radially inner surface of radially inner ~ection 33. Outer ramped portion 47 applies the sharply increased force. Once upaet portlon 34 ha~ moved beyond outer ramped portion 47, the momentum o~ the tube will carry it along planar portlon 48, and along inner ramped portion 49 such that tube 30 i9 fully inserted wlthin conduit 22.
Since bump 36 provides the aval~nche forcel the radiully inner sectlon 33 which secure tube 30 within bore 23 may b0 at an angle which i6 relatively small compared to the axis of the tube~ . Bump 36 6J ~ ~40-013 2~7~ 3 provides the sharply increased Çorce, while ~till allowing radlally inner section 33 to be at a relatively amall angle, where it can provide a 6trong force again~t tube removal.
As shown in Figure 4, radially lnner eections 33 extend for a greater circumferential extPnt than bumps 36. Braces 38 extend circumferentially and radially in~ardly from each circumferential side of radially inner sections 33. Each brace 38 has an inner bend 50 bent radially outw~rdly and back over brac~ 38. Inner bend3 50 are separate from forward lips 40. An outer bend 52 ~8 bent radially outwardly and back over brace 38. The included angle between the bends 50 and 52 and braces 48 is acute. Bends 52 and 42 all lie in a single plane, and that plane ls used to properly pO8~ tiOII retalner 28.
Brace~ 38 are generally parallelogram~like in shape. ~ends 50 increase the contact area between retainer 28 and tube upset portisn 34 at the axially inner end. It ha~ been found that the bends at the axial ends of the brace~ not only increa~e the Eorce Dece~sary to cause buckling of rctainer 28, but further en~ure that the buckling force l~
consistent and predlct~ble. Radially outer Hectlon 43 may have opening~
54 to decceuse the amount o~ materi~l and further concelltrnte the ~trength of retainer 28 at the radially inner section 33.
Preferably, retalner 28 ~8 st~mped from a metal, and more preferably from a stainless steel. Planar portion 48 pre~erably extends over a gre~ter axial length than either of the ranlped portion~ 47 and 49. In one embodiment planar portion 48 extended for 1.5 centimeters while the two ramp portions each extended for .3 cent~me~ers. In one embodiment the ramped portions extended at a 15~ angle from the inner face of radially inner section 33. In an embodiment the an~le between bend 50 and brace 38 wa~ 45~, and the angle between bend 52 and brace 38 was 0-5~.
A preferred embodiment of the present lnvention has been disclo~ed, however, a worker of ordinary ~kill ln the art would recognize that certain modification~ would come withln the ~cope of this invention. For that rea~on, the following claim~ should be ~tudied in order to determine the true ~cope and content of thi~ inYention.
. ~.
Claims (44)
1. A retainer for retaining a tube within a bore comprising:
a body centered on an axis, and having a plurality of resilient arms, each said arm having a radially outer section and a radially inner section, said radially inner sections extending for a first circumferential distance, and a brace extending circumferentially from both circumferential extents of said radially inner sections, said braces extending axially between first and second axial ends, and said first and second axial ends of said braces being bent radially outwardly of said braces.
a body centered on an axis, and having a plurality of resilient arms, each said arm having a radially outer section and a radially inner section, said radially inner sections extending for a first circumferential distance, and a brace extending circumferentially from both circumferential extents of said radially inner sections, said braces extending axially between first and second axial ends, and said first and second axial ends of said braces being bent radially outwardly of said braces.
2. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second axial ends define an acute included angle with said braces.
3. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein said braces extend circumferentially away from said circumferential extents of said radially inner sections for discrete amounts at both said first and second ends, such that said braces are parallelogram-like in shape.
4. A quick connect tubing connector comprising:
a tube extending along an axis, and having a first outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and having at least one upset portion of a greater outer diameter at one axial location;
a body defining a bore to receive said tube, said bore extending from an outer end axially inwardly; and a retainer positioned within said bore to retain said tube within said bore, said retainer having a plurality of resilient arms extending axially and radially inwardly from an axially outer end of said bore, said resilient arms having a greatest inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of said upset portion, and a smallest inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said upset portion, said resilient arms having a radially inwardly facing surface extending for a first circumferential extent, and braces extending circumferentially from said radially inner surface of said arms, said braces extending axially between a brace axially inner end and a brace axially outer end, and bends extending radially outwardly from said braces at both said brace axially inner end and brace axially outer ends.
a tube extending along an axis, and having a first outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and having at least one upset portion of a greater outer diameter at one axial location;
a body defining a bore to receive said tube, said bore extending from an outer end axially inwardly; and a retainer positioned within said bore to retain said tube within said bore, said retainer having a plurality of resilient arms extending axially and radially inwardly from an axially outer end of said bore, said resilient arms having a greatest inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of said upset portion, and a smallest inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said upset portion, said resilient arms having a radially inwardly facing surface extending for a first circumferential extent, and braces extending circumferentially from said radially inner surface of said arms, said braces extending axially between a brace axially inner end and a brace axially outer end, and bends extending radially outwardly from said braces at both said brace axially inner end and brace axially outer ends.
5. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein said braces extend radially inwardly in a direction moving circumferentially from said arms.
6. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein a radially inner section of said arms extends to a forward lip which contacts said upset portion, said forward lip being bent radially outwardly.
7. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein each said arm has a radially inner section connected to a radially outer section at an arm bend adjacent said outer end of said bore, said bends at said axially outer end of said braces and said arm bends being generally axially aligned, such that they are generally located in a single plane perpendicular to said axis.
8. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein said arms have a radially inner section which contacts said upset portion and extends along a first plane, and a bump extending radially inwardly from said first plane, said bump having a radially inner dimension which is less than the radially outer dimension of said upset portion, such that said bump resists insertion of said upset portion.
9. A connector as recited in claim 8, wherein said bump has an outer ramped portion extending from a radially inner face of said radially inner section at an angle relative to said axis which is greater than an angle of said first plane relative to said axis, said outer ramped portion extending to a generally flat portion, and said outer ramped portion extends at an angle relative to said axis that is greater than the angle at which said flat portion extends relative to said axis.
10. A quick connect tubing connector comprising:
a tube extending along an axis, and having a first outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and at least outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and at least one upset portion of a greater outer dimension at one axial location;
a body defining a bore to receive said tube, said bore extending from an outer end axially inwardly; and a retainer positioned within said bore to retain said tube within said bore, said retainer having a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient arms, each of said arms having a radially outer section connected to a radially inner section at an arm bend, said radially inner sections extending radially and axially inwardly from said arm bend to abut an axially outer face of said upset portion and retain said tube within said housing, said radially inner sections having a brace extending circumferentially from each circumferential extent of said radially inner sections, said braces extending axially from a brace axially inner end to a brace axially outer end, an outer bend being formed at said brace axially outer end, said brace outer bend extending radially outwardly from said brace, and said brace outer bend being axially aligned with said arm bend, such that said arm bends and said brace outer bends all generally lie in a single plane drawn perpendicular to said axis.
a tube extending along an axis, and having a first outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and at least outer diameter over the majority of an axial length, and at least one upset portion of a greater outer dimension at one axial location;
a body defining a bore to receive said tube, said bore extending from an outer end axially inwardly; and a retainer positioned within said bore to retain said tube within said bore, said retainer having a plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient arms, each of said arms having a radially outer section connected to a radially inner section at an arm bend, said radially inner sections extending radially and axially inwardly from said arm bend to abut an axially outer face of said upset portion and retain said tube within said housing, said radially inner sections having a brace extending circumferentially from each circumferential extent of said radially inner sections, said braces extending axially from a brace axially inner end to a brace axially outer end, an outer bend being formed at said brace axially outer end, said brace outer bend extending radially outwardly from said brace, and said brace outer bend being axially aligned with said arm bend, such that said arm bends and said brace outer bends all generally lie in a single plane drawn perpendicular to said axis.
11. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said braces extend radially inwardly in a direction moving circumferentially from said circumferential extents of said radially inner sections.
12. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said axially inner end of said braces is also bent radially outwardly of said braces.
13. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said outer bends and said arm bends abut an inner face of said body.
14. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein said radially inner sections include a bump extending radially inwardly from said radially inner section.
15. A retainer as recited in claim 14, wherein said bump has a ramped portion extending radially at a first angle and a flat portion extending axially from said ramped portion at an angle to said axis that is less than said first angle.
16. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein a connector ring connects inner axial ends of said radially outer sections of said arms, and in cylindrical ring extends axially inwardly from said connector ring.
17. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein said body has four resilient arms.
18. A retainer as recited in claim 1, wherein said radially outer sections and said radially inner sections of said arms are connected at arm bends, said arm bends being generally axially aligned with said first bent axial ends of said braces, such that said arm bends and brace bends are generally located in a single plane perpendicular to said axis.
19. A connector as recited in claim 7, wherein said arm bends and said bends at said axially outer ends of said braces are in substantially planar engagement with an inner face of said body, such that loads resulting from resistance against tube removal are distributed uniformly to said arms and to said braces without deformation of said arms or said braces.
20. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein said retainer has four resilient arms.
21. A connector as recited in claim 19, wherein said arm and said braces contact said inner face of said seal body at at least 12 circumferentially spaced locations.
22. A connector as recited in claim 4, wherein said bends at said axially outer ends of said braces contact said upset portion.
23. A connector as recited in claim 6, wherein said bends at said axially outer ends of said braces contact said upset portion.
24. A connector as recited in claim 23, wherein said arms and said braces contact said upset portion at at least 12 circumferentially spaced locations.
25. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said retainer has four resilient arms.
26. A connector as recited in claim 13, wherein said outer bends and said arm bends are in planar engagement with said inner face of said body, such that loads resulting from resistance against tube removal are distributed uniformly to said arms and to said braces without deformation of said arms or said braces.
27. A connector as recited in claim 13, wherein said arm bends and said outer bends contact said inner face of said body at at least 12 circumferentially spaced locations.
28. A connector as recited in claim 12, wherein said bends at said axially inner ends of said braces abut said axially outer face of said upset portion.
29. A connector as recited in claim 28, wherein said arms and said braces contact said upset portions at at least 12 circumferentially spaced locations.
30. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said radially inner sections include a bump extending radially inwardly from said radially inner sections.
31. A connector as recited in claim 30, wherein said bump has a ramped portion extending radially inwardly at a first angle and a flat portion extending axially from said ramped portion at an angle to said axis that is less than said first angle.
32. A connector as recited in claim 10, wherein a connector ring connects inner axial ends of said radially outer sections of said arms, and a cylindrical ring extends axially inwardly from said connector ring.
33. A retainer for retaining a tube within a bore comprising: a body centered on an axis, and having a plurality of resilient arms extending from a ring, each said arm having a radially outer section and a radially inner section, said radially inner sections extending for a first circumferential distance, and a brace extending circumferentially from at least one of the circumferential extents of said radially inner sections, said brace extending axially from a brace axial inner end adjacent said ring to a brace axial outer end remote from said ring, an inner bend being formed at said brace axial inner end.
34. A retainer as recited in claim 33, wherein a brace extends circumferentially from each circumferential extent of said radially inner sections.
35. A retainer as recited in claim 33, wherein said inner bend is bent radially outwardly of said brace.
36. A retainer as recited in claim 33, wherein an outer bend is formed at said brace axially outer end.
37. A retainer as recited in claim 36, wherein said outer bend is bent radially outwardly of said brace.
38. A retainer as recited in claim 33, wherein said radially outer section is connected to said radially inner section of each said arm at an arm bend.
39. A retainer as recited in claim 36, wherein said radially outer section is connected to said radially inner section of each said arm at an arm bend.
40. A retainer as recited in claim 39, wherein said outer bends of said braces are axially aligned with said arm bends, such that said arm bends and said outer bends all generally lie in a single plane drawn perpendicular to said axis.
41. A connector as recited in claim 33, wherein said radially inner sections include a bump extending radially inwardly from said radially inner sections.
42. A connector as recited in claim 41, wherein said bump has a ramped portion extending radially inwardly at a first angle and a flat portion extending axially from said ramped portion at an angle to said axis that is less than said first angle.
43. A connector as recited in claim 33, wherein a connector ring connects inner axial ends of said radially outer sections of said arms, and a cylindrical ring extends axially inwardly from said connector ring.
44. A retainer as recited in claim 33, wherein said body has four resilient arms.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/766,619 US5257833A (en) | 1991-09-25 | 1991-09-25 | Metal retainer for quick connect tubing connector |
| US766,619 | 1991-09-25 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2078173A1 CA2078173A1 (en) | 1993-03-26 |
| CA2078173C true CA2078173C (en) | 1999-07-20 |
Family
ID=25076998
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002078173A Expired - Fee Related CA2078173C (en) | 1991-09-25 | 1992-09-14 | Metal retainer for quick connect tubing connector |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5257833A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0534658A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05203088A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9105052A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2078173C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9205450A (en) |
Families Citing this family (30)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5782508A (en) * | 1980-10-29 | 1998-07-21 | Proprietary Technologies, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector assembly |
| US5486025A (en) * | 1994-09-29 | 1996-01-23 | Bundy Corporation | Stuffer pin assembly for quick connector |
| US5465647A (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1995-11-14 | Polygon Company | Fluid cylinder end cap assembly |
| US5651303A (en) * | 1994-11-14 | 1997-07-29 | Polygon Company | Fluid cylinder end cap assembly |
| EP0742401A3 (en) * | 1995-05-08 | 1998-05-27 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Manually releasable quick connector |
| US5730475A (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1998-03-24 | Form Rite | Quick connect fluid coupling with collet retainer |
| USD387147S (en) * | 1996-03-21 | 1997-12-02 | Ark Plas Products, Inc. | Plastic luer fitting |
| US5711553A (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 1998-01-27 | Stmc-Llc | Quick connect fluid coupling |
| US6079750A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 2000-06-27 | Dana Corporation | Integrated hose body quick connects |
| DE29900796U1 (en) | 1998-04-03 | 1999-04-08 | Geberit Technik Ag | Device for connecting a pipe socket, tubular fitting or fittings to a pipe |
| US6412826B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2002-07-02 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | High pressure quick connector |
| US6343814B1 (en) * | 1999-11-08 | 2002-02-05 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Insertion verifier dust cap |
| US7344166B2 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2008-03-18 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Quick connector for high pressure applications |
| EP1561990B1 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2008-08-20 | TI Group Automotive Systems LLC | Quick connector for high pressure applications |
| US20060066101A1 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2006-03-30 | Hollnagel Harold E | High pressure line connector |
| US7189097B2 (en) * | 2005-02-11 | 2007-03-13 | Winchester Electronics Corporation | Snap lock connector |
| US7967342B2 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2011-06-28 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Anti-rotation quick connector |
| US8113548B2 (en) * | 2005-06-30 | 2012-02-14 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Quick connector for high pressure applications |
| DE102005034497A1 (en) * | 2005-07-20 | 2007-02-01 | Ims Connector Systems Gmbh | Connectors and mating connectors |
| US7850208B2 (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2010-12-14 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Stamped collet for push-to-connect tube fittings |
| US7731245B2 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2010-06-08 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Quick connector coupling |
| US7780201B2 (en) * | 2006-10-13 | 2010-08-24 | Medela Holding Ag | Tube connector with three part construction and latching component |
| US8939470B2 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2015-01-27 | Stephen H. Gunderson | Quick connector for high pressure applications |
| JP4573853B2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2010-11-04 | 株式会社アルファ | Push button cylinder lock |
| US20100066075A1 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2010-03-18 | Crompton David B | Removal tool and method for push-fit fluid flow systems |
| US20100052315A1 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2010-03-04 | Ti Group Automotive Systems, Llc | Quick connector coupling with lateral stabilization |
| US8662540B2 (en) | 2011-11-02 | 2014-03-04 | Philip C. Whitener | Quick tube connector |
| FR3004780B1 (en) * | 2013-04-17 | 2015-05-01 | Raymond A & Cie | LOCK FOR TUBULAR CONNECTION AND TUBULAR CONNECTION OBTAINED |
| US9752714B2 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2017-09-05 | Eldon James Corp. | Releasable valved coupler |
| US20230383879A1 (en) * | 2022-05-24 | 2023-11-30 | RB Distribution, Inc. | Double sided connector |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4979765A (en) * | 1980-10-29 | 1990-12-25 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector assembly |
| US5009454A (en) * | 1980-10-29 | 1991-04-23 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector assembly |
| US4681351A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1987-07-21 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector assembly |
| US4541658A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1985-09-17 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector assembly |
| US4778203A (en) * | 1982-03-22 | 1988-10-18 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Swivelable quick connector for high temperature connection |
| US4756558A (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1988-07-12 | General Motors Corporation | Quick connect tube coupling |
| US4846506A (en) * | 1987-09-04 | 1989-07-11 | U.S. Plastics Corporation | Quick connect coupling |
| US5002315A (en) * | 1988-04-07 | 1991-03-26 | Proprietary Technology, Inc. | Quick connector |
| US4927185A (en) * | 1989-03-07 | 1990-05-22 | Huron Products Corporation | Release tool for fluid quick connectors |
| DE69027861T2 (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1997-01-23 | Proprietary Technology Inc | QUICK LOCKING CONNECTION THROUGH LOCKING MECHANISM |
| US5039139A (en) * | 1990-01-25 | 1991-08-13 | Ford Motor Company | Tube spring steel tab lock coupling connector and method for connecting telescoping tubes |
| US5139228A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1992-08-18 | Huron Products, Inc. | Fluid connector |
| US5100182A (en) * | 1990-09-20 | 1992-03-31 | U.S. Plastics Corporation | Fluid connector |
| US5161834A (en) * | 1990-09-27 | 1992-11-10 | Huron Products, Inc. | Fluid connector with cartridge member and release mechanism |
-
1991
- 1991-09-25 US US07/766,619 patent/US5257833A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-11-20 BR BR919105052A patent/BR9105052A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1992
- 1992-09-14 CA CA002078173A patent/CA2078173C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-09-14 EP EP92308350A patent/EP0534658A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-09-24 MX MX9205450A patent/MX9205450A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-09-25 JP JP4256354A patent/JPH05203088A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX9205450A (en) | 1993-07-01 |
| JPH05203088A (en) | 1993-08-10 |
| CA2078173A1 (en) | 1993-03-26 |
| EP0534658A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 |
| US5257833A (en) | 1993-11-02 |
| BR9105052A (en) | 1993-04-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |