CN101699122B

CN101699122B - Quick connector

Info

Publication number: CN101699122B
Application number: CN2009101521791A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·H·冈德森
Original assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems LLC
Current assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems LLC
Priority date: 2005-06-30
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-30
Also published as: CN1940372A; CN1940372B; FR2889287A1; DE102006030428B4; BRPI0602459A; JP4837458B2; DE102006062894B4; KR20070003692A; CN101699122A; DE102006030428A1; KR101227251B1; JP2007010153A

Abstract

A fluid coupling assembly is disclosed comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members. A removable protective cap attaches the retainer and seal onto a tube end and covers these components prior to assembly the retainer, seal member and protective cap cannot be assembled onto the tube end unless the seal is present within the protective cap.

Description

Quick connector

The denomination of invention that the application number 200610153425.1 that the application submits on June 30th, 2006 for the claimant is is divided an application for " quick connector ".

The application is the U. S. Patent sequence number of submitting on January 19th, 2,005 11/039; 541 part continuation application; This application is the part continuation application of the U. S. Patent sequence number 10/774,290 of submission on February 5th, 2004, so the content of its disclosure is hereby incorporated by.

Technical field

The application relates to adapter assembly, and relates more specifically to a kind of quick connector assembly, and its insertion element that is used for releasably will being formed on tube end is connected to the female connector body interior of hollow.

Background technique

In automobile and other field, a kind of adapter assembly that is commonly used to provide the fluid between two parts or the pipeline to connect is a quick connector, and it generally includes and holds and be clamped in the insertion element in the female connector main body.It is favourable using quick connector, and this is because can utilize minimum time and expense to set up sealing and firm fluid pipe-line.

Retainer is used for the insertion element is fixed to the inside of connector body.A kind of retainer comprises a plurality of locking components with locking arm, and said locking arm extends being formed at the radially enlarged jumping-up portion (upset) on the element that inserts and being limited between the ring surface in the connector body.Locking arm and pressing between the jumping-up section of the insertion element of an end and the ring surface at the connector body of the other end have prevented that the insertion element from deviating from from connector body.This retainer is general in the art and in many fluid pipe-lines are used, has proved effective.Instance is in United States Patent(USP) Nos. 5,161,832; 5,324,082; 5,626,371; With 5,628, disclose in 531.

The retainer that type is discussed above generally includes the main body of form of annular rings, and locking component is Unitarily molded on main body.The assembling of this retainer typically comprises retainer is inserted in the hole that is limited in the connector body.In carrying out the inserting step process, locking component and/or locking arm must radially curve inwardly to allow locking component to pass in the hole that the opening that defines inlet is assembled to connector body with respect to the retainer main body.

The development of this quick connector relevant with higher pressure applications has formed more firm retainer structure, and it makes the difficulty more that becomes in the hole that is placed on connector body.If this retainer is installed in being inserted into the hole of connector body on its relevant insertion element or the pipe before, said difficulty is bigger, and said process is to be used for some quick connectors at present to use the technology of being considered.It is the occasion such as the fluid system component of power steering pump, master cylinder and air-conditioning system parts that this procedure contemplates can make quick connector be applied to the connector body internal structure.

Be suitable in the process of quick connector of this application in improvement, have been found that because tubular element and get into limited annular space between the inlet in hole of main body, the radial motion of locking component receives the obstruction that contacts between the adjacent locking component sometimes.Apply excessive active force in this case and will damage the integrity of locking component and harm retainer and the fluid connection of generation.Therefore, people recognize need provide a kind of quick connector coupling assembly with retainer structure, and said retainer structure can be assembled in the relative connector body when it is installed to relevant pipe or inserts on the element reliably.This retainer allow locking component and/or locking arm carry out with retainer with insert element and be inserted in the step process in the connector body radially inwardly fully crooked and pass inlet and do not damage the structural integrity of locking component.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the exploded view of the fluid coupling assembly of the embodiment principle of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the cross-sectional side view of the female connector main body cut open along Fig. 1 cathetus 2-2;

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of the retainer of adapter assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the side view of retainer shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is the viewgraph of cross-section of the retainer cut open along Fig. 4 cathetus 5-5;

Fig. 6 is the viewgraph of cross-section of the retainer cut open along Fig. 4 cathetus 6-6;

Fig. 7 is the side view that the part of adapter connector among the Fig. 1 that is under the part assembling condition is cut open;

Fig. 8 is the cross-sectional side view that is in the fluid coupling shown in Figure 1 under the complete assembling condition;

Fig. 9 is the exploded view of the protective cap, related seals, retainer and the insertion element that have shown the principle of the invention;

Figure 10 is the side view of protective cap shown in Fig. 9;

Figure 11 is the front view of protective cap shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is the top view of protective cap shown in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is the viewgraph of cross-section of the protective cap cut open along Figure 10 cathetus 13-13;

Figure 14 is the cross sectional side view of connector cap among Fig. 9, and said connector cap forms the sub-component of the assembled in advance with sealing and retainer;

Figure 15 is the sectional view of connector cap assembly shown in the Figure 14 on the insertion element that partly is installed in the adapter connector assembly;

Figure 16 is the sectional view of connector cap assembly shown in the Figure 14 on the insertion element that is installed in the adapter connector assembly fully; With

Figure 17 is the sectional view that has shown connector cap assembly shown in Fig. 9 of abnormal conditions.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 schematically shows overall fluid coupling assembly with 10 expressions of the present invention.This fluid coupling comprises insertion element 12, and female connector main body 14 is used for inserting the retainer 16 and Sealing 18 that element 12 is fixed to connector body 14 inside.

Insert element 12 for having the hollow rigid pipe 20 of free end 21.It forms the part of fluid pipe-line system.Just insert element 12, term " forward " means towards free end 21, and term " backward " means away from free end 21.

Insert element 12 and comprise having the radially enlarged annular jumping-up portion 22 of back to surface 23, said jumping-up portion has and the free end 21 of pipe 20 back to surface 23 that a segment distance forms of being separated by.Insert the cylindrical part 24 that element 12 comprises that also the outer surface pipe 20 pipe between jumping-up portion 22 and free end 21 limits.The cylindrical part 25 that is limited the outer surface of managing 20 equally extends across jumping-up portion 22.This cylindrical part can scribble nylon or other polymer protective coating.This coating back from free end 21 to jumping-up portion 22 removed by cylindrical part 24 to surface 23.

Female connector main body 14 as shown in the figure can be the parts of power steering system.Other possibly comprise braking system, transmission oil cooler system, heating heating ventilation and air-conditioning system, or any other fluid system of the releasable fluid-tight connection of needs in parts.

Like best image among Fig. 2, female connector main body 14 defines the axial bore 26 that is axially extended internally by the inlet of 28 expressions from totally, and said inlet is positioned at the intersection of hole 26 and the planar wall 34 of main body 12.Said hole 26 is symmetrical in center line 27.Hole 26 is divided into retainer and Sealing receiver portion 30 and pipe targeting part 32.Coaxial channel 33 extends into the inside of main body part 14 from pipe targeting part 32.

With regard to connector body 14, term " forward " means from entering the mouth 28 towards passage 33, and term " backward " means from passage 33 towards inlet 28.Term " inside " or " inwardly " mean radially towards center line 26, and " outside " or " outwards " means radially away from center line 27.

Inlet 28 is limited on axial cylindrical surface 36, and the retainer 16 that is placed in the hole 26 must pass said inlet with insertion element 12.Chamfering 40 intersects with axially extended periphery 36 with the planar wall 36 of main body 14.It makes retainer 16 be inserted into and becomes easy in the connector body 14.The front of axially extended periphery 36 be positioned at the inner radial finger of retainer and the Sealing receiver portion 30 in hole 26 to annular abutment surface 38.Surface 38 is as pressing locking surface retainer is clamped in 26 inside, hole, and element 12 is inserted in this hole clamping releasably again.

The axial front of periphery 36 is the periphery 42 of enlarged, thereafter immediately following the periphery 44 that has chamfering 43, this chamfering to lead to have with axial cylindrical surface 36 roughly the same diameters.Periphery 44 ends at immediately following the radially inner ring-shaped step 45 that chamfer surface 46 is arranged, and this chamfer surface is connected to the cylindrical seal surface 48 that ends at 50 places, annular radial surface.The periphery 42 of said annular radial face 38, enlarged, chamfering 43, periphery 44, radially inner ring-shaped step 45, chamfer surface 46, cylindrical seal surface 48 and annular radial surface 50 define the retainer and the Sealing receiver portion 30 of axial bore 26.

From annular surface 50 is periphery 52 inwardly axially, and it defines the insertion element targeting part 32 of axial bore 26.The Outer cylindrical part 24 that its size is processed tight covering insertion element 12 is positioned in the hole 26 will insert element 12 coaxially.

Said retainer parts 16 have been shown among Fig. 3-6.Retainer 16 is generally circular element, and it is suitable for being arranged on coaxially in the hole 26 in retainer and the Sealing receiver portion 32.This retainer comprises the main body of annulus 54 forms, and it has forward direction radial surface 56 and back to surface 58 radially.Concerning retainer 16, term " forward " and " backward " have with reference to the identical implication of those terms of connector body 14.That is, when retainer 16 was installed in the hole 26 of main body 14, forward surface 56 was towards passage 33, and the back to surface 58 towards inlet 28.Similarly, term " inside " and " outside " have with reference to connector body 14, hole 26, the identical implication of using with center line 27 of those terms.

The ring 54 of said retainer 16 has outer cylinder surface 55, and its size is processed in the periphery 44 that is assemblied in hole 26.When retainer was positioned in the hole 26, chamfering 57 was set to the chamfering 46 in the hole 26.

Annular extension part 62 axially extends forward from encircling 54.The size of the outer cylinder surface 63 of extension part 62 is processed with the guiding relation of tight spacing and cylindrical seal surface 48 and is assembled together.Extension part 62 has anterior radial ringed surperficial 64.When retainer 16 was assembled in the hole 26 of connector body 14, annular extension part 62 was exactly the part that limited cylindrical seal surface 48 and cooperates to put forward the arch fluid-tight with Sealing 18.

Hole 60 is limited in ring 54 and the extension part 62.The size in this hole is processed and is surrounded the cylindrical part 24 that defines the pipe 20 that inserts element 12.

Diagram retainer 16 comprises two first locking components 66 and two second locking components 68.Locking component 66 axially extends back away from annulus 54 with locking component 68.Except the locking component 68 that will be described in more detail below comprises the plane of flexure that is limited on the inclined-plane 116, locking component 66 is configuration similarly with locking component 68.Similar element 66 and similar element 68 are opposite each other and therefore define the locking component 66 and locking component 68 of over-over mode on diameter.Locking component 66 and have the purpose that is arranged alternately between the locking component 68 on inclined-plane 116 and be described below.

Locking component

66 and 68 is from encircling 54 cantilever settings and axially stretching out to surface 58 from the back.Axially extended elongated slot 72 is limited between each adjacent locking component 66 and 68.When

locking component

66 and 68 radially curved inwardly during assembly gets into the hole 26 of main body 14, said groove 72 provided the space that holds these elements.First inclined outer surface 84 and second inclined outer surface 86 define the discontinuous conical substantially foreign range of locking arm 80, its abutment surface (abutment surface) 82 abutment surface 88 expansions backward in the past.

Each

locking component

66 and 68 all comprises two relative thinner axial long columns 74, and its radial surface backward 58 from annulus 54 stretches out.These post bendings are inserted element radially inwardly motion of 12 last times to allow

locking component

66 and 68 to be assembled at retainer 16.

Each locking component 66 is connected through rear portion tie-beam 76 with 68 post 74, and said tie-beam defines the rear portion axial end portion 70 of each locking component.Said tie-beam 76 has outer surface, and it forms with the axial cylindrical surface 36 roughly the same diameters with hole 26.Said tie-beam also has curved inner surface 78, thereby it radially inwardly moves towards surface 25 between erecting stage to allow tie-beam 76 with cylindrical part 25 spaced relationship of carrying arch and pipe 20 greater than the diameter formation in retainer hole 60.

Each locking component 66 and two posts 74 of 68, ring 54 and rear portion tie-beam 76 define window 79.Each

locking component

66 and 68 also comprises the locking arm 80 of duck, and it axially extends forward from the tie-beam 76 between two posts 74 in window 79.The locking arm 80 of said duck separates through groove 77 and post 74.Therefore, each locking arm 80 links to each other with 68 with locking component 66 at tie-beam 76 places.To be installed to during the retainer 14 that inserts on the element 12 inserts through inlet 28, this relation allows to be connected to locking arm 80 relative movement or the bending of rear portion tie-beam 76.Said elongated relatively post 74 also provides necessary flexibility to insert to allow passing through inlet 28.

Each locking arm 80 has preceding abutment surface 82, the first inclined outer surfaces 84, the second inclined outer surfaces 86 at its front end, leads to back abutment surface 88.Back abutment surface 88 is positioned at the radially outer that is connected of each locking arm 80 and rear portion tie-beam 76.

Locking arm 80 so constitutes to make when retainer 16 is installed in the main body 14 with insertion element 12; The anterior abutment surface 82 of each locking arm 80 towards or press jumping-up portion 22 back to surface 23, and the rear portion abutment surface 88 of each locking arm 80 towards or the inner annular radial surface 38, hole 26 of pressing main body 14.Therefore releasably will insert element 12 is locked at connector body 14 inside to locking arm 80.The cylindrical surface 94 of each locking arm 80 extends back from anterior abutment surface 82.This surface is to form with pipe 20 cylindrical part 25 roughly the same diameters and to be positioned on the Outer cylindrical part 25 of pipe 20 at jumping-up portion 22 rear portions.

Because insert the radial extension of the jumping-up portion 22 on the element 20 and the relative size on the surface of the annular radial in the main body 14 38; Each locking arm 80 defines discontinuous coniform shape, and its rearward end from the inner cylindrical surface 94 of each locking arm 80 enlarges to the internal surface 78 of relevant tie-beam 76.This shape defines camming surface or inclined-plane 92.

Between the erecting stage of retainer 16; Jumping-up portion 22 through inserting element 12 joins inclined-plane or cam face 92 to and inserts on the element 12 causing the radially outer motion of locking arm 80, thus allow jumping-up portion 22 through and arrive front and ring 54 back of anterior abutment surface 82 to the position of the back on surface 58 radially.

First inclined outer surface 84 of each locking arm 80 and second inclined outer surface be as plane of flexure, and engage with the inlet chamfering 40 and the axial cylindrical surperficial 36 at inlet 28 places when in the hole 26 that retainer 16 is inserted into connector body 14.This joint makes

element

66 and 68 have required radially inside motion or is out of shape to allow through entering the mouth 28.The joint of locking arm 80 and rear portion tie-beam 76, even and the axial slim-lined construction of post 74 provide required flexibility also can make retainer pass the inlet 28 that limits barrel surface 36 when retainer 16 is installed in 12 last times of insertion element to allow retainer.

Locking element 68 (wherein having two) also comprises from the inclined-plane 116 that the radially-outer surface of each post 74 extends radially outwardly.Inclined-plane 116 defines from the front end 118 120 inclination plane of flexure 117 that extend to the back-end.This inclined-plane is from front end 118 120 radially outwards inclination to the back-end.Front end 118 is positioned at axial the place ahead of the anterior abutment surface 82 of duck locking arm 80.Plane of flexure 117 is positioned at axial the place ahead of first inclined outer surface 84 of locking arm 80 thus.As shown in the figure, the plane of flexure 117 on inclined-plane 116 is steep unlike the angle that kind of first inclined outer surface 82 of locking arm 80 with respect to the horizontal angle such as the center line in the illustrated embodiment 27.As an instance, the angle of the plane of flexure 117 on inclined-plane 116 can become 15 to 18 degree with horizontal line.The angle of first inclined outer surface 82 can be 35 to 40 degree, and the angle of second inclined outer surface 84 can be 18 to 20 degree.

When retainer 16 is inserted in the inlet 28, contact chamfering 40 before the arbitrary portion of first inclined outer surface 84 or second inclined outer surface 86 of the surface 117 on the inclined-plane 116 on locking arm 80.This contact makes locking component 68 radially inwardly radially move inward before the motion at locking component 66.When insertion is carried out, first inclined outer surface of the locking arm 80 of locking component 66 contact chamfering 40 and inwardly motion of locking component 66 beginnings.When retainer 16 passes inlet 28 when inserting, two locking components 66 contact with axial cylindrical surperficial 36 with 68 first inclined outer surface 82.All locking components are inwardly deflection and followed by contact with second inclined outer surface 84 of locking arm 80 subsequently, inserts completion.

Retainer 16 is preferably by having desirable strength and flexible molded the forming of polymeric material.A kind of suitable polymers is for being called the polyether-ether-ketone (polyetheretherketone) of (PEEK).A kind of like this material is can be from Victrex USA, the Victrex PEEK that Greenville, SC buy ^TM450G.Has required intensity under pressure state, to keep the integrity of fluid coupling by the molded retainer that forms of this material.It also provides required flexibility to pack in the hole 26 of connector body 14 to allow between erecting stage, will to be installed in the retainer 16 that inserts on the element 12, and does not damage retainer.

Sealing 18 is annular, flexible O shape circle, and its fluid-tight of carrying between the cylindrical part 24 that has encircleed cylindrical seal surface 48 and inserted element 12 connects.The external diameter of O shape circle 18 is a bit larger tham the diameter on cylindrical seal surface 48, and the internal diameter of O shape circle 18 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical part 24 that inserts element 12.When fluid system is in operation pressure following time, thereby O shape circle presses the radial ringed surperficial 64 formation fluid-tight of forward directions of these surfaces and retainer 16.

Advantageously, quick connector of the present invention allow to get into retainer 16, Sealing 18 and insertion element 12 in the connector body assembly as pre-assembled unit.This characteristic is particularly useful in the application that the connector body shape is formed by the parts of fluid system.Typically, tube bank and related connector parts are supplied with by a source, and system unit is supplied with by another source.When the system unit as an assembly part has been installed in this assembly, and the pipe of tube bank is connected to said parts when accomplishing fluid path subsequently, can realize the saving of sizable time and cost.This is a desirable method in the assembling of for example motor vehicle.Utilize this configuration, eliminated needs the independent connector body of limiting hole 26, and as independent connector body parts with such as the additional fluid coupling between the fluid system component 16 of power steering pump or the like.

According to the present invention, insert the sub-component that element 12, retainer 16 and Sealing 18 are joined together to form the hole 26 that is used for being inserted into subsequently the fluidic component that defines connector body 14.For example, the supplier by manufacturer that is different from the parts that define connector body 14 or supplier provides at the pipe 20 that forms a fluid system part, and finally is assemblied under the situation that another place carries out, and this method is easily.Certainly, retainer 16 of the present invention and relevant seal with O ring spare 18 thereof at first are installed in the application in the hole of connector body parts at them and have advantage.In the latter who is concerned about, the extension part 62 of retainer 16 and and the interaction of the inner O shapes circle 18 in hole 26 provide effective layout with form connector body 14 and insert between the element 12 fluid-tight and no matter the assemble sequence that is adopted.

In order to form sub-component, retainer 16 is positioned at and inserts on the element 12, and manage 20 jumping-up portion 22 the preceding abutment surface 82 of locking arm 80 and encircle 54 back between surface 58.The contacting of interior cam surface 92 of the jumping-up portion 22 that inserts element 12 and

locking component

66 and 68 locking arm 80 expanded the arm radially outward.This bending motion is adapted to by the elasticity of the flexibility of colonnette 74 and retainer material.

In case the jumping-up portion 22 of insertion element 12 is set in place in the back space between surface 58 of the ring 54 of the preceding abutment surface 82 of arm 80 and retainer 16, locking arm 80 radially inwardly rebounds.In this position, the jumping-up portion 22 that inserts element 12 becomes to press relation at the back of ring 54 between the preceding abutment surface 82 of surface 58 and arm 80 and with them.The relation that the cylindrical part 25 of periphery 94 and pipe 20 is faced for little spacing.

The Sealing 18 of O shape cast formula is positioned to be close to the radial surface 64 of the annular extension part 62 that is positioned at the retainer 16 on pipe 20 the cylindrical part 24 subsequently to accomplish sub-component.

The composition element that inserts element 12, retainer 16 and O shape circle 18 is connected on the connector body 14 to accomplish close and firm being connected of liquid.Be inserted into all inlet 28 of element of inevitable requirement in the connector body 14 with inserting element 12, O shape circle 18 and retainer 16 through limiting barrel surface 36.The annular space that these elements must be limited through the periphery 36 in pipe 20 cylindrical part 24 and hole 26.

As shown in Figure 7, the plane of flexure 117 on the inclined-plane 116 of locking component 68 contacts with chamfering 40 for the first time.The plane of flexure 117 of the inclination on the inclined-plane 116 of locking component 68 contacts with chamfering 40 prior to the outer surface 84 that first on the locking arm 80 of locking component 66 tilts.Locking component 68 radially inwardly radially curves inwardly with respect to ring 54 before the motion at locking component 66, and the motion of said locking component 66 only just starts after first inclined outer surface, the 84 contact chamferings 40 of locking component 66.The result is that locking arm 68, locking arm 66 curve inwardly successively.Therefore, radially move inward before the similar motion of the tie-beam 76 of the rear portion tie-beam 76 on the locking arm 68 at the rear portion of locking component 66.

In whole insertion process, the cylindrical surface 94 of locking arm 80 rests on the cylindrical part 25 of pipe 20.Contacting between the surface 117 on inclined-plane 116 and the inclined

outer surface

84 and 86 of locking arm 80 caused the retainer element to twist with certain mode or is crooked so that rear portion tie-beam 76 is inwardly moved towards pipe 20, thus the cylindrical part 25 of the pipe 20 of inlet that allows locking

component

66 and 68 to pass to limit and insertion element 12 periphery 36.It is believed that and in retainer 16, have a plurality of curved parts.It is believed that locking arm 80 with respect to 76 bendings of rear portion tie-beam to hold rear portion tie-beam 76 towards pipe 20 motion.In the process that realizes this motion, locking arm 80 is around the contact rotation of cylindrical surface 94 on the cylindrical part 25 of pipe 20.It is also believed that and in post 74, have bending.

When inserting element 12, retainer 16 and O shape circle 18 and be inserted in the connector body 14 fully, upspring outer surface up to rear portion tie-beam 76 of locking

component

66 and 68 radially outwards moves to till 36 one-tenth little spacings of the cylindrical surface that limits inlet 28 concern.

As shown in Figure 8, in its complete insertion position, retainer 16 is constrained in the connector body 14 radial and axially.The cylinder-shaped extension portion 62 of retainer 16 is arranged on 48 inside, sealing cylinder surface to guide retainer 16 in connector body 14 inner radial.

Periphery 44 and radially inner ring-shaped step 45 that the periphery 55 of annulus 54 is arranged in hole 26 press relation for 56 one-tenth with the forward direction radial surface of ring 54.The rear portion abutment surface 88 that said contact has limited the locking component 66 that presses with main body 116

radial surfaces

38 and 68 further forward motion and limited the motion backward of retainer 16.

When retainer 16 constrains in the hole 26 of connector body 14, O shape circle 18 with insert element 12 and constrain in equally in the hole 26 of connector body 14.The cylindrical part 24 that inserts element 12 is arranged on the cylindrical surface 60 of ring 54 and the inside of extension part 62.In addition, the little spacing guiding relation between pipe 20 cylindrical part 24 and the periphery 52 that defines the hole 26 of inserting element targeting part 32 is with respect to hole 26 guiding insertion elements 12.

The back of ring 54 prevented to insert element 12 further inside motions to surface 58 radially with pressing of the front surface of jumping-up portion 22.Back surperficial 23 of jumping-up portion 22 has prevented to insert further backward motion of element 12 with pressing of the preceding abutment surface 82 of locking arm 80.Therefore, insert element 12 constrains in the hole 26 that reaches connector body 14 in the retainer 16 radial and axially.

In the mounting point, O shape circle 18 is arranged in the space that the cylindrical seal surface 48 radial ringed surperficial 64, the annular radial surface 50 of axial bore 26, the cylindrical part 24 that inserts element 12 and axial bore 26 before the annular extension part 62 limits.Likewise, seal with O ring spare be positioned to press ring 54 annular extension part 62 radial ringed surperficial 64.The external diameter of O shape circle 18 is processed the diameter that is slightly larger than cylindrical seal surface 48, and internal diameter is slightly less than the barrel surface 24 of pipe 20.O shape circle 18 therefore radial compression is inserting between element 12 and the cylindrical seal surface 48.Under the serviceability of fluid system pressurization, O shape circle is compelled near radial ringed surperficial 64 before the annular extension part 62, impels retainer backward.The thrust load that is imposed on O shape circle 18 by hydrodynamic pressure is delivered to connector body 14 through the rear portion abutment surface 88 of locking arm 80, and said abutment surface acts on the annular radial surface 38 in the hole 26.These active forces impel the cylindrical part 24 of O shape circle and cylindrical seal surface 48, pipe 16, and radial ringed surperficial 64 sealings contact with the formation fluid-tight seal with the forward direction of retainer 16.

Although the inclined-plane 116 that above-mentioned illustrative examples uses the post 74 from locking component 68 that defines plane of flexure 117 to extend radially outwardly radially curved inwardly before locking component 66 to guarantee locking component 68, the design that is to use other retainers that allow the locking component sequential movements also within the scope of the invention.Can predict, for example, only have a locking component 68 to have inclined-plane 116.Another possible improvement is that inclined-plane 116 only is arranged on the post 74 of each locking component 68.Another instance of the alternative designs of retainer 16 is the front of first inclined outer surface 84 of the locking arm 80 that is positioned at locking component 66 of first inclined outer surface 84 with locking component 68.In the method, the radially inner motion of rear portion tie-beam 76 that will serve as the initial deflection face and will cause locking component 68 similarly of first inclined surface 84 of location forwardly of locking component 68 is successively at the rear portion of locking component 66 tie-beam 76 radially inwardly before the motion.

With reference now to Fig. 9-17,, it has shown another aspect of the present invention.On retainer 16 and O shape enclose 18, provide protective cap 132 and protect these parts in the assembly process during used another position to be transported to.Fig. 9 has shown that totally it comprises the protective cap 132 that surrounds retainer 16 and O shape circle 18 by the sub-component of the connector cap of 130 expressions.Pipe end 12, retainer 16 and Sealing 18 formerly are described with reference to figure 1-8.

In Figure 10-13, shown protective cap 132.This protective cap forms by suitable material is molded such as the polymeric material of nylon, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or other.Protective cap 132 is generally annular and comprises the cannulated sleeve 134 with closed front end 135 and have front cone shape part 138 and the annulus 136 of the rear portion cylindrical part 140 that separates with the rear portion of sleeve 134.Two posts 152 opposite each other are connected to the rearward end of sleeve 134 narrow end of the cone-shaped section 138 of ring 136 on the diameter.

Sleeve 134 is coaxial in longitudinal center line 137 with annulus 136.Cannulated sleeve 134 defines internal holes 142, and its somewhat larger in diameter is in the diameter of the cylindrical part 24 of the pipe 20 that inserts element 12.Insert 12 last times of element when sub-component 130 is installed in, the size of said sleeve is processed a part of holding the pipe end 21 and the cylindrical part 24 of pipe 20.

The ring 136 of protective cap 132 defines from the through hole 148 of 150 extensions that enter the mouth.When retainer 16 and O shape circle 18 were arranged on protective cap 132 inside, ring 136 covered locking

components

66 and 68 usually.Ring 136 cylindrical surface 144 is enough greatly allowing locking

component

66 and 68 radially outward motion, thus allow protective cap 132, O shape enclose 18 and retainer 16 be connected on the insertion element 12 during jumping-up portion 22 is passed through, as will explaining.Interior, conical surface 146 sizes of shaping cone-shaped section 138 are processed the conical outer scope of the locking arm 80 of tight covering locking component 66, and said conical outer scope is limited first inclined

outer surface

84 and 86 of second inclined outer surfaces of each locking arm 80.Like the hereinafter illustrated in detail, when location like this, interior, conical surface 146 has prevented locking component 66 and the 68 radially outer motions with respect to the ring 54 of retainer main body.

From the axial rearward end portion of sleeve 134 two fixing clamps 154 that extended radially outwardly, it is locating on diameter between post 152 opposite each otherly.Each fixing clamp 154 comprises the actuator 158 that is connected to the rearward end of sleeve 134 through venturi portion 156, and said venturi portion allows fixing clamp 154 crooked with respect to the remainder of protective cap 132.Each fixing clamp 154 has front surface 162 and surface, back 164.

Hook 160 axially stretches out from back surperficial 164 of each actuator 158 backward.Hook 160 is tapered to being positioned at its free-ended radial end face 165 from the wide base that is positioned at itself and surperficial 164 joints.Hook 160 is used for retainer 16 releasably is connected to protective cap 132.

Each hook 160 comprises taper abutment surface 166, and it extends to axial surface 167 to interior from radial end face 165.Conical surface 166 has smooth radius at surperficial 167 places, and it helps O shape circle 18 is inserted in the space that is limited hook 160 and post 152 inside internal surfaces.The conical surface 166 of each hook 160 can be engaged by the chamfering 57 of the ring 54 of retainer 16 when retainer 16 is connected on the protective cap.This joint makes hook 160 bendings or makes the ring 54 of retainer 16 can be positioned between the hook around venturi portion 156 rotations.

The axial surface 167 of each hook and another hook 160 interior to axial surface 167 from a distance, said distance is less than the external diameter on the exterior cylindrical surface 55 of the annulus 54 of retainer 16.Front on surface 167, each hook 160 comprise the forward connection surface 168 of stretching out on surface 169 to extending axially.Each hook 160 extend axially the surface 169 from a distance, said distance is greater than the diameter on the exterior cylindrical surface 55 of the annulus 54 of retainer 16.The size of hook is processed and is utilized the covering back to radially the connection surface 168 on surface 58 and surface 169 main rings 54 with retainer 16 that extend axially on covering exterior cylindrical surface 55 are clamped in the diametrically opposite window 79.

Each extends axially surface 169 the anterior conical surface of convergent is connected to front axle on extensional surface 170.The surface 170 of hook 160 from a distance, said distance is a bit larger tham the diameter of the anterior cylinder-shaped extension portion 62 of retainer 16.Preferably, thus surface 170 separates friction clamping O shape circle 18 with the distance of the external diameter that is slightly less than O shape circle 18.Front axle intersects to the radially stop surface 171 of extensional surface 170 with the rear portion scope that defines venturi portion 156.

When O shape circle 18 was arranged on the inside of protective cap 132 with retainer 16, hook 160 put in the window 79 of one of pair of locking member 66 or 68.O shape circle 18 forwardly is positioned between the axial surface 170 radially near the stop surface 171.The annular extension part 62 of retainer 16 and encircle 54 between the radially forward surface 168 of O shape circle 18 and hook 160, said radially forward surface and ring 54 back to the 58 one-tenth sagittal planes in surface to concerning.Extending axially surface 169 is positioned and 55 one-tenth little spacing relations of outside cylindrical surface of encircling 54.Therefore, O shape circle 18 releasably is clamped in the protective cap 132 with retainer 16.

The radially forward surface 168 of hook 160 and the axial distance between the radially stop surface 171 at venturi portion 156 places are a bit larger tham the forward direction annular extension part 62 of O shape circle 18, retainer 16 and the axial thickness of annulus 54 combinations.Yet O shape circle 18 radially compress somewhat extends axially between the surface 170 at the forward direction of hook 160.The restoring force that applies by elastic O-ring 18 help with O shape circle releasably remain between the hook 160 the appropriate location up to be installed to insert on the element 12 till.

Said post 152 has axial length to make when the annular extension part 62 of O shape circle 18, retainer 16 and annulus 54 shown in figure 14ly by hook 160 promptly the time, and the interior tapered surface 146 of annulus 136 and the inclined

outer surface

84 and 86 of locking arm 80 separate fully that radially outward moves under jumping-up portion 22 and the interior cam surface 92 contacted situation managing to allow their.Yet under the situation that does not have O shape circle 18, protective cap 132 can move axially with respect to retainer 16 to be enough to orientate interior tapered surface 146 as with locking arm 80 86 one-tenth little spacing covering relations of second inclined outer surface.In this position, stoped locking arm 80 radially outer motions, thereby prevented that the insertion of jumping-up portion 22 from surpassing locking arm 80.

Under the situation that does not have O shape circle 18, insert 12 last times of element when attempting protective cap 132 and retainer 16 be connected to, this moving can and be taken place really.(referring to Figure 17).This action hinders to accomplish the step of attempting to assemble and indicate and lacks O shape circle 18.Like this, just prevented to lack the incorrect assembling of O shape circle 18.

Protective cap 132 also comprises with about 180 spends radially blocked part 173 of separately two.Align with one of fixing clamp 154 in each blocked part.Said blocked part extends radially outwardly being positioned at front axially-spaced one distance of the anterior face 162 of associated actuator 158 outer surface from sleeve 134.Distance between each actuator 158 and the relevant blocked part 173 is arranged so that so it allows fixing clamp 154 to rotate to a position and makes hook 160 move along exterior cylindrical surface 55 radially outwards of the loop section 54 of retainer 16.In case O shape circle 18 is assembled to retainer 16 and inserts on the element 12, this moving allows to remove protective cap 132.This blocked part 173 has prevented fixing clamp 154 overbendings, and this overbending possibly cause neck 156 fractures of protective cap 132 subsequently.

Removing of protective cap 132 can perhaps can be carried out followed by being connected to the step of inserting on the element 12 after a while.Yet this step took place before insertion element 12 is assembled in the connector body 14.

For the sub-component 130 that forms the connector cap, O shape circle 18 inserts through the opening end 150 in the hole 148 of ring 136.This O shape circle is placed between the anterior axial surface 170 of hook 166 becoming to press relation at venturi portion 156 places in post 152 and the space that hook 160 limits and with stop surface 171 radially.Retainer 16 inserts till the chamfering 57 of retainer 16 presses the taper abutment surface 166 of each hook 160 through encircling 136 hole 148.Protective cap 132 and retainer 16 circumferential alignment, the axial motion of cap 132 and retainer 16 causes the free end of hook 160 to get in the diametrically opposite window 79 of locking component 66 or locking component 68 like this.

Retainer 16 axially inserts the conical surface 166 of each hook 160 of chamfering 57 backups of the main ring 54 that causes retainer 16 with respect to the continuation of protective cap 132, cause relevant actuator 158 crooked at venturi portion 156 places.Hook 160 allows ring 54 through axial surface 167 in its free end expansion.Shown in figure 14, in case encircle 54 back to radially surface 58 is through axial surfaces 167, the elastic property of the polymeric material of protective cap 132 allows actuator 158 and hook 160 to turn back to common non-bending position.The radially forward connection of hook 160 surface 168 adapter rings 54 back to surface 58 radially to accomplish the sub-components 130 of connector cap.

At rigging position, the free end of each hook 160 is arranged in locking

component

66 or 68 the correlation window 79 on the retainer 16.Radially connect surface 168 and press the back of ring 54 to radially surface 58 is axially mobile backward with respect to protective cap 132 to prevent retainer 16.O shape circle 18 is positioned at axial the place ahead of anterior radial ringed surperficial 64 of cylinder-shaped extension portion 62.O shape circle 18 is clamped in the protective cap 132, forward annular surface 64 and radially between the stop surface 171 and diametrically opposite front axle between extensional surface 170.

Connector cap assembly 130 can be sent to another position and be used to be assembled to and insert element 12, and said sub-component comprises and has insertion O shape circle 18 and the protective cap 132 of retainer 16 wherein.Equally, can form and be assembled to the pipe that has connector cap assembly 130 that inserts on the element 12, be used to accomplish subsequently and be connected with the fluid-tight of main body part 14.In every kind of situation, people should be clear, and protective cap 132 removed from sub-component 130 before insertion element 12 is connected on the connector body 14.This removing through actuator 158 realize towards the bending of blocked part 173 radially, thus make hook 160 fully expansion with release cap 132 from back-up ring 54.

With reference to Figure 15 and 16, through cap till the motion to axial on pipe 20 the free end 21 is connected to connector cap assembly 130 to insert on the element 12 interior cam surface 92 up to the locking component 66 of retainer 16 and 68 locking arm 80 contact the jumping-up portion 22 of insertion element 12 (referring to Figure 15).The diameter that the diameter of jumping-up portion 22 limits greater than the cylindrical surface 94 locking arm 80.Cause the locking arm 80 radially outwards expansion of retainer 16 from the active force of motion to axial of cap 130 on pipe 20.In case arm 80 has been crossed the jumping-up portion 22 that inserts element 12, the radially inside bullet of arm 80 is to rigging position, and is shown in figure 16.At this rigging position, the jumping-up portion 22 that inserts element 12 becomes to press relation at the back of ring 54 between the preceding abutment surface 82 of surface 58 and locking arm 80 and with them, thereby has prevented that retainer 16 from endwisely slipping along inserting element 12.O shape circle 18 also is positioned on the periphery 24 of pipe 20 in annular extension part 62 the place aheads that are positioned at ring 54.The internal diameter size of O shape circle 18 makes its gripping surface 24 and keeps going up in position.

According to the present invention, protective cap 132 is arranged as guarantees that O shape circle 18 is present in the place ahead of the retainer 16 of sub-component 130 inside.Connector sub-component 130 must comprise O shape circle 18 so that it is assembled on the insertion element 12.If O shape circle 18 is positioned at axial the place ahead of retainer 16, connector cap assembly 130 axially makes cap 132 move axially till the interior tapered surface 146 of ring 136 closely covers second inclined outer surface 86 of locking arm 80 with respect to retainer 16 with respect to the motion of inserting element 12.Equally, the taper abutment surface 166 of each hook 160 moves to pressing relation with 84 one-tenth little spacings of first inclined outer surface of relevant locking arm 80.As explained earlier, locking

component

66 or 68 and protective cap 132 between relation prevented that protective cap 132 and retainer 16 are assembled to the completion on the pipe 20.Shown among Figure 17 and lacked the situation that O shape circle 18 is caused in the sub-component 130.

Be inserted in the hole 26 of connector body 14 in order to insert element 12, protective cap 132 must at first remove.In order to remove protective cap 132, two actuators 158 of 173 pullings towards the blocked part.Fixing clamp 154 rotates forward and causes hook 160 radially outwards to move.In case radial surface 168 be arranged on retainer 16 ring 54 exterior cylindrical surface 55 the footpath to the outside, protective cap can be through being removed with respect to axially forward the motion of inserting element 12.When protective cap 132 removes, have continuous O shape circle 18 and can be inserted in the hole 26 of connector body 14 according to the mode identical with previous description with the insertion element 12 of retainer 16.

Each characteristic of the present invention is described with reference to above-mentioned illustrative examples.People should be clear, do not break away from by as the situation of the spirit and scope of the invention of following claim representative under can carry out modification.

Claims

1. protective cap sub-component that is used for quick connector coupling comprises:

One protective cap, is connected at least one post of said ring and at least one fixing clamp that extends from said sleeve with said sleeve at the annulus that it has cannulated sleeve, separate with said sleeve;

One Sealing, it is arranged on the inner radial of said at least one post and said at least one fixing clamp; With

One comprises the retainer of annulus part; The said loop section of wherein said retainer releasably is connected to said protective cap through said at least one fixing clamp, and said at least one fixing clamp is configured to allow its bending to discharge said retainer from said protective cap.

2. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 1; Wherein said protective cap comprises from radially-protruding two fixing clamps of said sleeve; In the said fixing clamp each all comprises the hook that axially extends towards said ring; Said hook is configured to releasably be connected on the said loop section of said retainer, and said fixing clamp also defines and is suitable for bending to discharge the venturi portion of said hook from said retainer loop section.

3. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 2; Wherein said retainer comprises the forward annular extension part that stretches out towards said Sealing; Said fixing clamp defines radially stop surface, and said Sealing is arranged between the said annular extension part of said radially stop surface and said retainer.

4. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 3; In the wherein said hook each comprises that all radially abutment surface is releasably to engage the said loop section of said retainer; The said radially axial distance between the abutment surface of the said radially stop surface of said fixing clamp and said hook is slightly larger than the axial thickness of said loop section combination of said forward annular extension part and the said retainer of said Sealing, said retainer, and the said forward annular extension part of said Sealing, said retainer and the said loop section of said retainer are arranged on said radially stop surface and said hook said radially between the abutment surface of said fixing clamp.

5. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 4; In the wherein said hook each all defines front axle to extensional surface; Said front axle separates to the distance of extensional surface with the excircle that is slightly less than said Sealing, and said Sealing is arranged on the said of said hook and extends axially between the surface.

6. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 4; Wherein said retainer comprises at least two locking components that axially stretch out from said loop section; Each said locking component comprises locking arm, the locking arm of said locking component be suitable for be positioned at the correlative tubular element on jumping-up portion when engaging the radially outward bending to allow the motion to axial of jumping-up portion and said locking arm;

The said ring of said protective cap defines the inner circular poppet surface that can be positioned to become with the locking arm of said locking component little spacing covering relation, with prevent this bending and stop the correlative tubular element jumping-up portion this to axial the motion, and

In said sub-component, lack under the situation of said Sealing, the said interior, conical surface of the said ring of said protective cap can be positioned to become with said locking component this little spacing covering relation.

7. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 6; In the said hook of the said fixing clamp of wherein said protective cap at least one comprises the taper abutment surface that presses one of said locking component preventing that said locking component radially outward is fully crooked, allows said locking arm and the said of jumping-up portion to move to axial thereby in said protective cap sub-component, lack under the situation of said Sealing.

8. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 2; Wherein said protective cap also comprises the radially stop element that extends radially outwardly from the said sleeve adjacent with each said fixing clamp, and said fixing clamp engages to limit the bending motion of said fixing clamp with said radially stop element.

9. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Sealing are elastic O-ring.

10. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 5, wherein said Sealing are elastic O-ring.

11. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective cap forms by nylon polymer is molded.

12. protective cap sub-component as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective cap forms by high density polyethylene (HDPE) is molded.