Quick connector

A quick connector for making a releasable connection in a fluid line with a connector body, a male member, a retainer and a verification element. The connector body comprises a through bore, wherein the male member introduced into the through bore is releasably fixable in the through bore by the retainer. The retainer comprises a ring and the verification element has an annular body. The annular body of the verification element can be displaced in an axial direction with respect to the through bore from an initial open position to a verification position when the male member is secured by the retainer in the through bore to place the verification element in a verification and locked position. In one form, the retainer includes lifting arms pivotably attached within coupling openings which cooperate with the coupling projections of the verification element to permit axial translation of the verification element to the verification position when the male member is fully inserted into the through bore.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a quick connector for making a releasable connection in a fluid line with a connector body, a male member, a retainer and a verification element. Quick connectors of the type mentioned above are basically known from practice. It has initially proved itself to secure a male member with a retainer in a connector body. In addition, a verification element may be provided with which the proper fixation of the male member in the connector body by the retainer is provided. Such a quick connector is known, for example, from EP 1 719 944 B1. A horseshoe-shaped retention element holds a male member in a connector body, wherein a likewise horseshoe-shaped verification element only then can be moved in the radial direction with respect to a through bore of the connector body, when a radial upset of the male member is in contact with the verification element. The quick connector according to EP 1 719 944 B1 has generally proven itself in practice. However, it is desirable to simplify the structure of such a quick connector.

The underlying technical problem of the invention is therefore to propose a quick connector of the initially specified type that is characterized by a high reliability, a simple mounting and a high stability. The inventive quick connector is useful, for example, in the fluid line systems of internal combustion engines, in particular of vehicles. It is within the scope of the invention that the quick connector is used in a brake pipe system, the fuel line system and/or a urea solution conduit system.

To solve the technical problem, the teaching of the invention provides a quick connector to produce a releasable connection in a fluid line with a connector body, a male member, a retainer, and a verification element, wherein the male element that is introduced into the through bore can be held in the through bore by the retainer, preferably in a releasable connection, wherein the retainer comprises a ring, wherein the verification element comprises an annular body, wherein the ring and the annular body extend circumferentially around the connector body, and wherein the verification element can be moved in an axial direction with respect to the through bore from a free or unlatched position into a verification or latched position, when the male member is secured with the retainer in the through bore. Moreover, the verification element provides an additional locking mechanism to supplement the releasable retention of the male member within the connector body.

The connector body is suitably formed by at least two separate parts, namely a head element and a sealing element. It is recommended that a portion of the head element is inserted into the sealing element of the connector body. At least the sealing element of the connector body is advantageously made of an electrically conductive material, in particular an electrically conductive plastic (ESD plastic). According to one embodiment, the full connector body is made of conductive material. It is recommended that the through bore extends between a preferably head-end male member entry port of the connector body to a preferably sealing element side exit port. It is recommended that the through bore is formed circular and has a longitudinal axis or center axis which within the scope of the invention extends from the entry port to the exit port. Suitably, the exit port is arranged at an end of the sealing element that is facing away from the head element.

It is within the scope of the invention that the head element is, preferably releasably, latched to the sealing element. According to one embodiment, the connection between the head element and the sealing element is designed such that it can be permeated by liquids, that is, not fluid-tight.

Suitably, the head element has connecting elements, which cooperate with sealing element complementary connection elements. To produce the locking connection between the head element and the sealing element, the preferably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical portion of the head element is inserted into an insertion receptacle defined by the through bore of the sealing element. The portion of the head element that is inserted into the sealing element is preferably formed as the insertion section that supports the connecting element or the connecting elements to releasably retain the male member. Preferably, the sealing element comprises at least one locking opening, in which locking opening a locking protrusion of the head element engages to secure the head element to the sealing element. More preferably, a wall of the sealing element has two, and preferably four locking openings. The locking openings are preferably arranged equidistantly in the advantageously cylindrical wall of the sealing element. According to one proven embodiment, each locking opening is assigned one locking protrusion on the insertion section of the head element. By displacing the locking protrusions in the direction of the central axis of the through bore, it is possible within the scope of the invention, to separate the head element from the sealing element and advantageously remove it from the through bore of the sealing element.

It has proven itself that the through bore in the connector body, and preferably in the sealing element, has a sealing section, in which sealing section is retained at least one seal pack. For example, the seal pack is formed by two annular seals, between which annular rings is arranged a spacer (intermediate element).

The male member is preferably formed as an advantageously cylindrical tube with a flow channel, wherein a longitudinal axis of the flow channel in the assembled state is preferably aligned or approximately aligned with the central axis of the through bore. It is within the scope of the invention in that the male member includes a radial annular upset, which radial annular upset protrudes over the preferably cylindrical sealing surface of the male member. In other words the radial annular upset is formed as a bulge that is arranged on an exterior surface of the male member, that is, radially outward of the flow channel.

In the assembled state, the male member is inserted into the through bore, wherein the seal pack of the quick connector is fluid-tightly resting against the sealing surface of the male member. According to an embodiment, the male member includes an insertion end having a conical or spherical shell segment-shaped face end. In this manner, the male member can be easily inserted into the through bore and/or into the seal pack that is preferably formed as one or more O-ring seals. In the present invention, assembled state means that the male member is inserted into the connector body and fixed in the connector body with the retainer, wherein the connector body is preferably formed by the combination of the head element, connected to the sealing element.

The retainer surrounds the radially outward surface of the connector body, preferably the head element. In a preferred configuration it comprises an oval shaped ring having a diameter on its minor axis slightly larger than the diameter of the head element, and a diameter on its major axis sufficiently large to permit compression radially inwardly to cause the ring to expand radially outwardly on its minor axis.

The retainer preferably has at least one retaining element or locking lug, which, in the assembled state, co-operates with the radial annular upset of the male member, and with which retaining element the male member can be secured in the connector body. The retaining element preferably extends through a window that is arranged in the connector body, preferably in the head element of the connector body, in order to secure the male member in the connector body. Preferably, the retaining element and the window associated with the retaining element provide an anti-rotation security, due to which a rotation of the retainer relative to the connector body is excluded. It is recommended that the retainer comprise two, retaining elements or locking lugs, wherein each retaining element is associated with a window in the connector body, preferably in the head element of the connector body. It is recommended that, in the assembled state of the quick connector, the retaining elements extend through the windows and interact with the radial annular upset of the male member in such a way that the male member is secured in the connector body. According to a preferred embodiment, the two retaining elements are preferably arranged opposite to each other, or diametrically on the retainer or on the ring at the minor axis. Apart from the position on the ring or the retainer, the retaining elements are suitably of an identical or substantially identical design. Preferably, the retaining element(s) are connected to the ring of the retainer such that the retaining element or the retaining elements point in the radial direction to the center axis of the through bore, and particularly preferably are spring-mounted by the ring shape of the retainer. Advantageously, a spring force is acting on the retaining element or the retaining elements, by which spring force the retaining element is pushed in the direction of the central axis of the through bore.

It is particularly preferable that the verification element is releasably axially displaceable from an initial open or unlatched position to the latched, or verification position in the axial direction with respect to the through bore, only when the male member is held by the retainer in the connector body. In the open or unlatched position, the verification element is positioned axially rearward, or toward the stem end of the connector body. In the latched, or verification position, the verification element is positioned axially toward the entry port end of the connector body.

When in the verification position, the verification element is advantageously connected, preferably releasably, to the retainer. In this way, it is ensured that a proper connection between the male member and the connector body is reliably and durably provided. According to one embodiment, the verification element, in the verification position is unreleasably connected to the retainer.

It is within the scope of the invention that in the open position and/or in the verification position, the verification element is, preferably releasably, locked in with the retainer. Particularly preferably, the verification element comprises at least one coupling element, which coupling element in the open position of the verification element co-operates with a complementary coupling element of the retainer. In this way, when in the open position the verification element is latched with the retainer. According to one embodiment, the coupling element is formed as a coupling projection, wherein the complementary coupling element in the retainer is formed as a coupling opening and wherein, in the open position of the verification element, the coupling projection is arranged in the coupling opening. Advantageously, the interaction of the verification element coupling element with the retainer complementary coupling element provides firm connection protected against axial translation of the verification element. Preferably a rotation of the verification element relative to the retainer, in the open position of the verification element is also prevented or excluded. According to an embodiment, the verification element comprises two, and preferably only two, coupling projections, which are arranged preferably diametrically to the annular body of the verification element. Each coupling element is suitably assigned an associated coupling opening in the retainer.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the verification element and/or the retainer is/are captively held on the connector body. The annular body of the verification element preferably comprises a preferably oval cross-section as is the ring of the retainer. It is within the scope of the invention that, in the assembled state of the quick connector, the connector body, preferably the head element is arranged within an interior space defined by the ring of the retainer and within an interior space defined by the annular body of the verification element. Basically, it is possible that the annular body and/or the ring have a quadrangular or rectangular cross-section, wherein the corners of the square or rectangle are rounded. According to an embodiment, the annular body and/or the ring is/are circular.

It is recommended that to produce a pre-assembled state of the quick connector, the head element of the connector body is introduced into the interior space of the ring of the retainer and into the interior space of the annular body of the verification element so that preferably the annular body and of the ring each extend circumferentially around the head element. Preferably, the head element carries the ring of the retainer and the annular body of the verification element and the head element is then connected to the sealing element to form the pre-assembled state. In the pre-assembled state, the male member is preferably not positioned in the connector body or otherwise secured in the connector body. In the pre-assembled state, and particularly preferably in the assembled state, it is advantageously ensured so that the retainer and/or the verification element cannot be pulled away from the connector body in the axial or radial direction. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is arranged between the verification element and the entry port of the head element on the connector body.

Advantageously, the connector body and preferably the head element has a collar circumferentially extending around the entry port, wherein according to an embodiment, the collar prevents pulling the retainer or the verification element from the connector body in the axial direction in the direction of the entry port. Preferably, the collar has a larger cross-section than the head element in a region, in which in the assembled and/or pre-assembled state the retainer and the verification element are arranged. In the assembled state and pre-assembled state, the collar preferably completely or substantially completely covers the retainer and the verification element. Within the scope of the invention, cover means that in the front view of the collar, the collar completely or essentially completely covers the retainer and/or the verification element. It is within the invention that the collar has an oval or approximately oval cross-sectional area, wherein in the cross-sectional area of the collar is arranged the insertion opening for the male member. The sealing element preferably has a larger circumference than the head element so that the verification element and/or the retainer cannot be pulled off the connector body in the axial direction toward the exit port.

Preferably, in the open position of the verification element the coupling projection extends in the radial direction through the coupling opening of the retainer into the through bore, where it is prevented from axial translation. Upon insertion of the male member into the connector body the coupling projection can be pressed away by the radial upset of the male member in the radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the through bore in such a way that the verification element is displaceable in the axial direction from the open position to the verification position.

According to one embodiment of the quick connector of the invention the coupling openings of the retainer include lifting arms cantilevered at the axially inward ends of the coupling openings. These lift arms are thus interposed between the coupling projections of the verification element and the through bore of the connector body and impede penetration into the through bore by the coupling projections. The coupling projections of the verification element reside on the radial outer surface of the lifting arms of the retainer. In this embodiment the radial upset on the male member, preferably coacts with the lifting arms, to push the verification element coupling projections away from the longitudinal axis of the through bore in the radial direction, such that the verification element can be slid in the axial direction, from an initial open position to the verification position. The lifting arms are advantageously formed as an integral piece positioned within the coupling openings of the retainer. It is recommended that the verification element coupling projections lie directly on the lift arms, within the coupling openings and, particularly preferably, directly on a lifting arm, respectively, such that, according to the one embodiment, the radial upset of the male member presses exclusively against the verification element coupling projection lifting arms, respectively. It is contemplated that the coupling projections, respectively, lie against a surface of the lifting arms facing radially away from the through bore.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the radial upset of the male member acts directly against the coupling projections of the verification element, and according to another embodiment of the disclosure, the radial upset of the male member exerts a radial outward pressure on the coupling projections, exclusively via the lifting arms, within the coupling openings of the retainer. In either embodiment, on radial outward displacement of the coupling projections, the verification element may be axially displaced from an initial open position to the verification position.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention herein described include two diametrically opposed coupling projections on the verification element and two coupling openings formed on the retainer, also in diametrically opposite locations. It is, of course, possible for the coactions herein described to be provided employing only a single coupling opening with a lifting arm disposed therein and a single coupling projection coacting therewith.

Advantageously, the coupling projection includes a sloping contact surface so that the verification element is pushed axially away from the entry port when the radial upset of the male member abuts on the sloping contact surface and thereby pushes the coupling projection away from the longitudinal axis of the through bore. The sloping contact surface is orientated obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the through bore toward the exit port inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the through bore. If the male member provided with the radial upset is introduced, for example, into the connector body preassembled with the retainer and the verification element, the radial upset of male member must first be inserted into the entry port of the through bore in the direction of the exit port. The movement of the male member, starting from the entry port towards the exit port is, in the present invention, designated as the direction of insertion. After insertion of the male member into the entry port in the direction of insertion, the radial upset preferably initially passes the entry port, and, preferably immediately afterwards, the retainer. Once the radial upset is moved past the retainer in the direction of insertion, the radial upset advantageously hits the sloping contact surface of the coupling element of the verification element. By the application of axial force to the sloping contact surface the radial upset of the male member, the coupling element of the verification element is preferably axially displaced in the direction of the exit port, and particularly preferably, the coupling projection is pushed in the radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of the through bore. According to an embodiment the coupling element comprises two coupling projections, each with a sloping contact surface.

According to one embodiment, the retainer includes a coupling element receptacle, which is preferably openly formed only on one radially outward surface of the retainer that is distal to the through bore and wherein in the verification position of the verification element, the verification element coupling element (coupling projection) resides in the coupling element receptacle. Suitably the verification element is displaceable from the initial open position to the verification position only or exclusively, when the coupling element of the verification element is displaced to a shift, or axially displaceable position. The coupling element of the verification element is in the shift position, when the radial upset of the male member radially abuts onto the sloping contact surface of the coupling element (coupling projection) and the coupling element is pushed radially away from the longitudinal axis of the through bore.

According to one embodiment, each coupling projection preferably exhibits, a front surface facing the entry opening end, oriented to be able to be brought into contact with an abutment surface formed on the retainer locking lugs when the verification element is in the open position, and is to be displaced axially outward, opposite to the direction of insertion of the male member, toward the entry opening. In this condition, axial displacement of the verification element toward the entry opening is precluded. Thereafter, through radially outward action on the lifting arms in the coupling openings of the retainer, the coupling projections are urged radially outward from the longitudinal axis such that the verification element locking projections are released from blockage by the abutment surfaces and the verification element can be displaced to the verification position in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the male member. In the verification position, the coupling projections are locked within the coupling receptacles of the locking lugs of the retainer.

It is recommended that by an axial displacement of the verification element, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the through bore in the direction of the entry port, the coupling element is transferred to the coupling element receptacle of the retainer. It is possible that in the verification position the verification element is unreleasably locked with the retainer.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element of the verification element comprises preferably two coupling projections, wherein the coupling projections have a distance from each other set up in the direction of a diameter or a center of the through bore, which distance is smaller than the diameter of the radial upset of the male member so that the male member in the verification position of the verification element is each time secured in the connector body by the retainer and the verification element. According to one embodiment, the lifting arms of the retainer within the coupling openings are disposed between the radial upset of the male member and the verification element coupling elements and in their free undeformed state exhibit a radial spacing, smaller than the diameter (outer diameter) of the radial upset. Advantageously, the lifting arms are connected to the retainer, diametrically opposite one another, wherein it is particularly preferred that each lifting arm is assigned only one coupling projection. Advantageously, the male member is redundantly held in the through bore of the connector body by the retainer and the verification element. If, for example, due to mechanical damage the retainer can no longer secure the male member in the connector body, the verification element with the coupling projection(s) secures the coupling of the male member in the through bore of the connector body.

It is within the scope of the invention that the verification element coupling projections are each accommodated in a coupling receptacle of one of the retainer locking lugs when the verification element is disposed in the verification position, and in this manner, the locking lugs of the retainer press against the male member. It is ensured in this manner that if the male member moves opposite to the insertion direction, the upset is brought in to contact with the abutment surfaces of the locking lugs, and as a result, cannot be pulled out of the through bore.

According to an embodiment, in a retaining element, a coupling receptacle is formed, wherein the opening of the coupling receptacle is formed in a radially outward face of the retaining element that is facing away from the through bore. According to an advantageous embodiment, the number of the coupling receptacles corresponds to the number of the coupling elements on the verification element.

Advantageously, the or each retaining element comprises a guide surface that is obliquely oriented to the central axis of the through bore, which guide surface is formed in such a manner that upon insertion of the male member into the through bore the retaining element be pressed by the radial upset radially outwards with respect to the through bore. According to a preferred embodiment, the guide surface extends from an entry port end of the guide surface to an exit port side end of the guide surface, in the radial direction obliquely inwardly toward the central axis and axially toward the exit port of the through bore. To produce the assembled state, the male member is suitably introduced into the connector body that is provided with the retainer and the verification element, or into the pre-assembled connector body. According to an embodiment, during the insertion the radial upset of the male member is brought in contact with the guide surface or surfaces so that the retaining element or the retaining elements are pressed outwardly in the radial direction or away from the central axis of the through bore. Once the radial upset of the member is suitably moved past the retaining element or retaining elements in the axial direction, the retaining element or retaining elements are preferably acted upon by the spring force and thus preferably pressed radially inward in the direction of the central axis. The abutment surface(s) of the retaining element is(are) brought into a rest in abutting relation to an outward radial annular surface of the radial upset of the male member that is suitably oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the through bore. The abutment surface(s) of the retaining elements are particularly preferably oriented transversely to the central axis of the through bore.

According to an embodiment, the retaining element(s) is/are connected to the retainer such that the guide surface of the retaining element(s) protrude into the interior space (interior ring) of the retainer that is formed as a ring. The retaining element(s) particularly preferably project(s) starting from the ring only into the interior space defined by the ring. According to an embodiment, the retaining element or each retaining element comprises a contact surface with which, in the assembled state of the quick connector, the retaining element, or each retaining element, rests on a section of preferably the sealing surface of the male member arranged between the radial upset and the entry port of the connector body. The contact surface suitable has a curvature, which corresponds to the curvature of the sealing surface of the male member. More preferably, the retaining element(s) rest on only a portion of the circumference of the male member.

According to an embodiment, at least one retaining element, preferably each retaining element, includes a security projection, which in the assembled state secures the retaining element against a displacement or deformation in the direction away from the center axis of the through bore. Preferably, each retaining element of the retainer includes one security projection. It is possible that by a pressure in the fluid system, into which fluid system the quick connector is integrated, the male member is pushed in the direction of the collar of the connector body or the head element. Advantageously, the retainer of the male member is pressed toward the collar by means of a pressure in the fluid system. The security projection of the respective retaining element advantageously co-operates with the connector body. The connector body, in particular the head element collar, suitably prevents the retaining element(s), preferably during the pressurization of the fluid system, from being moved radially outwardly from the central axis, whereby the male member is releasably secured in the connector body. Particularly preferably, the security projections in the assembled state rest on an annular surface of the through bore of the connector body, preferably of the head element or the collar. According to an embodiment, the security projection is above a collar-facing surface or end face of a retaining element. The resting of the security projection of a retaining element on the through bore-side ring surface of the head element or the collar advantageously precludes the retaining element from moving in the radial direction from the center axis of the through bore.

The retainer conveniently comprises at least one actuator, wherein a force on the actuator preferably directed to the center axis can deform the retainer such that the retaining element can be moved in radial direction from the center axis of the through bore. The actuating device is advantageously formed as a handle plate or compression plate. In a particularly preferable embodiment, the retainer has two, in particular only two, actuating devices, which are arranged opposite to each other or diametrically on the ring which is oval shaped having a major axis and a minor axis. According to an embodiment, the actuating devices are connected to the ring at the major axis such that a interconnecting the actuating devices is oriented perpendicular to another, which interconnects the retaining elements that are connected to the ring at the minor axis. If a force is exerted on the actuator(s), preferably in the radial direction inwardly or in the direction of the central axis of the through bore, the retainer formed by the ring is deformed, preferably pressed flat, so that the distance between the actuator and the central axis is particularly preferably reduced. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the distance between the retaining elements of the retainer is at least as large as the diameter of the radial upset of the male member, when the actuating means are acted upon by a force and the retainer is pressed flat, the retaining elements are withdrawn radially outwardly away from the central axis of the through bore.

According to an embodiment, the verification element comprises at least one flat locking plate, which in the verification position and/or in the open position engages the compression element of the retainer. The locking element, or locking elements are positioned between the radially inner surface of the compression element(s) and the radially outer surface of the quick connector body. The at least one locking element couples the verification element with the retainer so that, in the assembled state of the quick connector, the retainer is deformable exclusively together with the verification element. According to a preferred embodiment, the verification element has two, and particularly preferably only two, flat locking plates, wherein in the assembled state of the quick connector, a flat locking plate bears against a compression element that is associated with the locking plate.

It is within the scope of the invention that the verification element located in the verification position is deformed when the retainer is deformed by radial inward pressure to the compression elements of the retainer. On such compression of the compression elements, the retaining element(s) connected to the ring of the retainer element are preferably moved, by the deformation of the ring, radially outward or from the central axis, and the coupling elements of the verification element retained in the coupling receptacles of the retainer are also moved radially outward or from the center axis of the through bore and the radial upset of the male member is released. The radial upset can then slide axially the direction opposite the direction of insertion past the retaining element(s) in the direction of the entry port.

In the assembled state, the retainer can slide, relative to the entry port or the collar of the connector body, in the axial direction such that the security projections of the retainer are detachable from the connector body, in particular from the annular surface of the collar, and can be preferably brought into a released state. Suitably, only in the released state of the locking element, a radial displacement of the retaining element(s) by applying force onto the compression plates is possible such that the retaining element(s) release the radial upset of the male member. Preferably, in the assembled state the retainer can be moved, preferably with the verification element that is attached to the retainer, in the axial direction toward the exit port or the sealing element.

The invention is based on the finding that the quick connector according to the invention is characterized by an advantageous high reliability and surprisingly easy assembly. Because both the retainer and the verification element are formed as a ring, surrounding the connector body, unwanted separation of the retainer and/or the verification element is avoided. The formation of the connector body in connection with the surrounding retainer and the verification element also ensures that with regard to the longitudinal axis of the through bore, only assembly steps are required that are aligned in the axial direction with respect to the through bore. The fact that in the inventive quick connector the insertion of an element in a radial direction with respect to the through bore of the connector body can be dispensed of, the inventive quick connector can also be installed, without any problem, in spatially extremely cramped conditions, for example, by one hand. The detection of a proper connection between the connector body and the male member can be determined in an advantageous manner also by one hand only, in that the verification element may be translated axially from the open position to the verification position. A high precision requiring insertion of a verification element into the connector body is avoided by the invented quick connector in a surprisingly simple manner. Furthermore, the inventive quick connector is characterized by an improved guidance of the male member, which advantageously reflects on the stability and robustness of the quick connector. Moreover, the inventive quick connector, in particular the connector body, which can be made of ESD plastics, also makes possible to discharge electrostatic charges. The inventive design and attachment of the verification element further ensures that a redundant securing of the male member formed radial upset with the connector body is achieved. Even if the retainer as the primary retention element for the male member fails, for example, because of a break, the male member is still reliably held in the through bore of the connector body by the verification element.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings that illustrate an exemplary embodiment, which is not limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1shows an inventive quick connector1for producing a releasable connection in a fluid line of a motor vehicle. The quick connector1has a connector body2, which is formed by a head element3and a sealing element4. Around the head element3extends a retainer6designed as a ring5, which releasably secures a tubular male member7in the connector body2. The male member7, seen inFIGS. 4 to 8, is a tube and has a radial upset8, which protrudes over a sealing surface9of the male member7. Furthermore, the quick connector1ofFIG. 1has a verification element10, which is arranged according toFIG. 1in a verification position and in this way indicates that the male member7is properly held by the retainer6in the head element3of the connector body2of the quick connector1.

According to the embodiment, the connector body2has a through bore11, about a central axis25which extends from an entry port12to an exit port13. The entry port12shown inFIG. 1is arranged in an end face37of the head element3, while the exit port13is arranged at an inward end of the sealing element4. Further illustrated in the partial section ofFIG. 2is that in the sealing element4, a sealing assembly16is arranged, which is formed by two O-ring seals17, and an intermediate element18that is arranged between the O-ring seals17. According toFIG. 2, the seal assembly16seals against the connector body2in through bore11, and against the sealing surface9of the male member7.

In this description, axially inward means toward the exit port13and axially outward means toward the entry port12. Radially inward used herein means toward the central axis25of the connector body, and radially outward means in the opposite direction.

InFIG. 1a quick connector coupling1is shown, which includes a generally cylindrical hollow two piece body comprising a head element3, which is connected to a sealing element4. These elements define through bore11along longitudinal axis25. The head element3includes a male member entry port12at one end formed by cylindrical surface33extending inward from end face37. A collar31surrounds end of head element3at entry port12. Referring toFIG. 9, the opposite end of head element3comprises an insertion portion having an axially slotted wall80. An annular wall of the head element3extending between collar31and slotted wall80defines diametrically spaced windows97open to the through bore11.

In accordance withFIG. 9the sealing element4includes an exit port13at an end axially farthest away from the head element3. As illustrated, the end of sealing element4defining the exit port13is configured to define a barbed hose connection aligned along longitudinal axis25. As is common in quick connector configurations, the barbed hose connection end of the connector body could be disposed at some angle relative to the rest of the connector body, for example, at a ninety degree (90°) angle.

Preferably and in accordance withFIG. 9the end of the sealing element4axially nearest the insertion portion of the head element3comprises an insertion receptacle84sized to axially receive and support the insertion portion slotted wall80. The sealing element4includes a radial flange86surrounding the open end of the insertion receptacle84.

FIG. 9, showing the connector body2, shows that the slotted wall80of head element3, in accordance with a design example, includes four locking protrusions90at the insertion portion, which are inserted into the sealing element4in the assembled condition of the quick connector body2. In the assembled condition of the quick connector body2the locking protrusions90take hold in the corresponding locking openings91of the sealing element4. As a result of the locking protrusions90taking hold in the corresponding locking openings91the head element3is fixated to the sealing element4.

The insertion receptacle84includes groove-shaped guides92, in which, in assembled condition, complementary guides of the head element3in the shape of ribs93take hold. In accordance with the design example of the head element3is fixated to the sealing element4in anti-twist fashion. As illustrated, the insertion receptacle84includes four groove-shaped guides92and four locking openings91and the insertion portion of the head element3of the connector body includes two equally spaced ribs93and four equally spaced locking protrusions90. Thus, the rotational orientation of the head element3relative to the sealing element4may be indexed in ninety degree (90°) intervals. This is important in instances for example, when the stem end is formed at an angle, for example, a ninety degree (90°) angle to the remainder of the connector body along axis25.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the head element3is interlocked with the sealing element4with the insertion portion of the head element disposed within and locked into the insertion receptacle84of the sealing element4.

FIG. 3illustrates the retainer6and the verification element10of the quick connector. The retainer6in a pre-assembled condition encircles the head element3. It includes a ring5which has two retaining elements in the form of locking lugs19and two compression plates20. The two retaining elements19and the two compression plates20are respectively arranged diametrically on the ring5of the retainer6.

FIG. 1shows that the retainer6having ring5surrounds the head element3. The locking lugs19reach through windows97in the wall of the head element3and extend into the through bore11of the connector body2. The windows97have an axial length somewhat longer than the axial length of the locking lugs19to permit limited axial translation of the retainer6and locking lugs19.

As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3, the ring5is oval shaped having a diameter on its minor axis slightly larger than the outer surface of the head element3. As illustrated, the locking lugs19are provided on ring5at the minor axis. The ring5has a diameter on its major axis about a third larger than the diameter along the minor axis. As illustrated, the compression plates20are provided on ring5at the major axis. This relationship permits compressive deformation of the ring toward the extent of the head element3. Such compression at the compression plates20deform the ring5to a generally circular form. This action is sufficient to withdraw the locking lugs19from the through bore11but not from windows97.

The locking lugs19of retainer6each have an abutment surface21, facing axially inward as seen inFIGS. 4 to 8, by which in the assembled state the retainer6abuts on an outward radial annular surface22of the radial upset8of male member7. As seen inFIG. 5, locking surfaces21terminate in an axially inward directed ridge30. As seen inFIG. 6the ridges30are spaced apart a distance somewhat greater than the size of the outer diameter of radial upset8of male member7. Thus, when abutment surfaces21of locking lugs19abut the outward4radial annular surface22of a radial upset8the ridges30reside radially outward of the radially outer surface of upset8. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 4the retaining elements19each have axial outward opening, inward from coupling openings26forming a coupling element receptacle29extending radially inward toward the contact surfaces23of the retaining element19.

Furthermore, the retaining elements19each have an axial contact surface23, which is curved in accordance with the embodiment, and has the same curvature as the outer surface of the male member7at the sealing surface9. In the assembled state, the contact surfaces23of retaining elements19rest against the sealing surface9of the male member7outward of radial upset8.

FIGS. 3 and 4further illustrate that the retaining elements19each have an angled guide surface24starting from an outward end of the guide surfaces24and extending inwardly obliquely in the direction of a central axis or the longitudinal axis25of the through bore11, and converge in the direction toward the exit port13. As seen inFIG. 6, the forwardmost ends of the guide surfaces24nearest the entry port12each form a security projection32. The security projections32are arranged to engage, in the assembled condition, cylindrical surface33of the head element3defining the entry port12.

The axial spacing between the collar31of head element3and the radial flange86of sealing element4is larger than the axial extent of the ring5of retainer6thus permitting limited axial movement of the retainer6relative to the connector body2. Such movement is limited by the axial length of the compression plates20which abut the collar31on translation in the axially outward direction. The retainer6is unrestrained between limits of its permissible axial movement. Bias toward the entry port13end of connector body2is provided by pressurization of the fluid system which acts on the end of the male member7that resides within the through bore11.

The foregoing limited axial movement of retainer6is necessary to permit disengagement of the security projections32from cylindrical surface33of head element3in instances where it is desired to retract or withdraw the locking lugs19from the through bore11through windows97. Under conditions of a pressurized fluid in the fluid system, the male member7and consequently the locking lugs19are urged toward the entry port12in collar31causing the security projections32to engage cylindrical surface33preventing radial outward movement of locking lugs19. Thus, the retainer6must be translated axially inward to disengage security projections32from cylindrical surface33.

InFIG. 3it can be seen that the ring5of the retainers6is oval shaped. By pressing the compression plates20toward each other, the retainer6can be deformed such that, starting from the assembled state shown inFIG. 1, locking lugs19may be withdrawn radially outward and the distance between the contact surfaces23increased such that the male member7including the radial upset8can be moved outward in the direction of the entry port12of the connector body2past the locking lugs19and so the male member7can be removed from the connector body2.

Further illustrated inFIG. 3is that the verification element10has generally annular body14complimentary to the ring5of retainer6that resides axially inward of retainer ring5. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3, verification element10includes two coupling elements in the form of coupling projections15disposed diametrically opposed on the minor axis. A pair of manipulation plates are positioned radially outward of the coupling projections15. As seen inFIG. 3, the manipulation plates reside outward of and in overlying relation to the portion of ring5of retainer6carrying locking lugs19.

On its major axis, annular body14of verification element10is provided with flat locking plates34. Plates34extend axially outward from annular body14and reside radially inward of compression plates20of retainer6. Thus, on compression of compression plate20toward each other to radially withdraw locking lugs19from through bore11, locking plates24are compressed toward each other, causing coupling projections15to move radially outward in complementary fashion with locking lugs19.

Notably, it is necessary to pre-assemble the retainer6and verification element10before positioning them about the head element3of the connector body2. Such pre-assembly may be accomplished by urging the flat locking plates34together to urge coupling projections sufficiently far apart to insert them into the coupling openings26of retainer6. On release of such compression, coupling projections15assume a position within coupling openings26, facing radially inwardly with axial contact surfaces23positioned for recognition of the insertion of the male member7through contact with radial upset8.

At the same time, the flat locking plates assume a position radially inward of compression plates20for subsequent response to movement of the compression plates toward each other on application of radially inward compressive force. The combined retainer6and verification element10may then be installed upon the head element2of the connector body3prior to joinder of the head element3to the sealing element4.

As shown inFIG. 3, the coupling projections15of verification element10pass through coupling openings26in the retaining elements19, so that the coupling projections15extend into the through bore11of the connector body2. The radially inward ends of coupling projections15, which extend into the through bore11, have sloping contact surfaces27. The sloping contact surfaces27converge from their outward ends to their inward ends diagonally in the direction of the central or longitudinal axis25and toward the exit port13of the through bore11. The contact surfaces27are arranged to sense the presence of radial upset8of male member7on full insertion of the male member7into through bore11. The oblique surfaces27of the coupling projections15of the coupling element protrude through the coupling openings26of the retaining element19, into the through bore11of the connector body2.

FIG. 4shows the male member7, with the retainer6, introduced into the connector body2such that the male member7is movably guided in the axial direction with respect to the central axis25. In this way, on axial insertion of male member7, the retainer6and verification element10are displaced axially inward with respect to the central axis25to the limit of travel of retainer6in windows17.

According toFIG. 4, the verification element10is in its initial open or unlatched position, in which the coupling projections15extend through the coupling openings26into the through bore11. The axially outward ends of coupling projections15are disposed radially inward of axially inward directed ridges30. This relationship restricts axial translation of verification element10toward entry port12until full insertion of male member7as is described further below.

As shown inFIG. 5, as the male member7is displaced further into the through bore11of the connector body2, the radial upset8is brought into contact with the guide surfaces24of the retaining elements19. Because of this, the retaining elements19are pressed apart in radial direction with respect to the central axis25so that the radial upset8can slide between the retaining elements19. It is further shown inFIG. 5that the radial upset8rests against the sloping contact surfaces27of the coupling projections15of the verification element10. That is, upset8pushes away the coupling projections15in the radial outward direction from the longitudinal axis25of the through bore11.

As soon as the radial upset8passes the locking lugs19, the locking lugs return back to an undeformed condition, so that the abutment surfaces21(SeeFIGS. 4 and 6) of the retaining elements19rest against the outward radial annular surface22of the radial upset8and secure the male member7in the connector body2. By the radial upset8of the male member7, the sloping contact surfaces27of the verification element10are pressed outward in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis25, and as shown inFIG. 6the displacement of the sloping contact surfaces27radially outwardly and away from the longitudinal axis25causes the coupling projections15to be pressed away from the central axis25in the radial direction. In this position, the coupling projections15are supported upon the outer annular surface of the upset radial8. By manually translating, or sliding the verification element10in the outward direction, toward the entry port12, it is possible as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, to move the coupling projections15past the axially inwardly directed ridges30on abutment surfaces21of retainer6and into the coupling receptacles29of locking lugs19of the retainer.

FIG. 8illustrates the verification element10in the verification position, in which the verification element10is displaced in the axially outward direction toward the entry port12of the connector body2or the head element3the full distance of the displacement path V from its open position to its verification position. The verification position of the verification element10is the extreme position of the axial outward displacement, at the outward end of the axial displacement path V. The open position is the inward end of the path of axial displacement V, the extreme position of axially inward displacement.

At the outward end of displacement path V (SeeFIG. 5) as illustrated inFIG. 8, the coupling projections15enter into the coupling receptacles29. As illustrated, in the verification position the coupling projections15are disposed in the coupling receptacles29of the locking lugs19. There the coupling projections15augment the locked relationship between retainer6and male member7preventing its withdrawal from through bore11. In fact, the coupling projections15are sufficient to maintain the male member7within the through bore on inadvertent incapacity of the retainer6.

Notably in the verification position, illustrated inFIG. 8, the verification element10is axially translated outward relative to the retainer6, closing the axial spacing between ring5and annular body14thus providing visual confirmation of a complete securement of the male member within through bore11.

FIGS. 4 to 8show that the verification element10can be displaced only from the open position shown inFIG. 4to the verification position shown inFIG. 8, when the male member7is fully inserted into the connector body2. There the radial upset8is secured by the retaining elements19of the retainer6in the connector body2. The displacement of the verification element10from the open position shown inFIG. 4to the verification position as shown inFIGS. 4 and 8allows easy detection of the properly established connection between the male member7and the connector body2. It is further illustrated inFIG. 8that a radial distance A between the coupling projections15is designed such that the distance A is smaller than the diameter of the radial upset8of the male member7. This guarantees in case of failure of the retainer6, it is ensured that the retaining elements19and/or coupling projections15abut outward radial annular surface22of the radial upset8and redundantly secure the male member7in the connector body2.

Moreover,FIGS. 4 and 8show that the verification element10is locked with the retainer6both in the open position shown inFIG. 4and in the verification position shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 8furthermore shows that a force exerted on a fluid system, which is not shown, the male member7is pushed in the direction of the entry port12. Thereby the radial upset8of the male member7acts on the retaining elements19of the retainer, whereby the retainer is pressed against a collar31of the head element3, in which the entry port12is arranged. As shown inFIG. 8, the retaining elements19each have a security projection32, wherein the security projections32rest against a through bore-side annular surface33of the head element3or the collar31. In this way, it is ensured that an unintended deformation of ring5of the retainer6and the annular body14of the verification element10is prevented, which could otherwise result in an inadvertent release of the male member7.

Another embodiment of a quick connector, designated100, according to the invention, is depicted in theFIGS. 10 to 14. Identical reference symbols are used inFIGS. 1 to 9as well as10to14for identical components or parts of the quick connector1and the quick connector100. Modifications of components used inFIGS. 1 to 9have the same reference number along with a “prime,” and these components have similar structure and function as the components described in reference toFIGS. 1 to 9, except where noted below. The quick connector100ofFIGS. 10 to 14is essentially the same as the quick connector1ofFIGS. 1 to 9with the following exceptions.

Referring toFIG. 3, the retainer6of this embodiment includes diametrically positioned coupling openings26through which the coupling projections15of the verification element10extend. As previously described, when the verification element10is in the initial open position, the coupling projections15prevent axial translation of the verification element through an butting relation with abutment surfaces21of the locking lugs19of retainer6. They are also accessible through coupling openings26for radial outward displacement by the radial upset8of male member7to permit axial translation of the verification element to the verification position, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIGS. 10 through 14, it is depicted that retainer6′ includes lifting arms35, within coupling openings26′ which are connected to the retainer6′ at diametrically opposing sides to one another, and which flank the through bore11. The lifting arms35depicted inFIGS. 10 to 14are each associated with a coupling projection15′ of verification element10′, wherein the coupling projections15′ lie against the lifting arms35of the retainer6′ in the open position of the verification element10′ depicted inFIG. 10. In this regard, the coupling projections15′ of the embodiment ofFIGS. 10 to 14are of a somewhat lesser radial length than the coupling projections15of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 9to account for the radial thickness of the lifting arms35.

The pre-assembled state of quick connector100is depicted inFIG. 10, wherein the head element3of the connector body2is inserted into the back of retainer6′ and the verification element10′, and locked to the sealing element4, wherein the retainer6′ lies against the collar31of the head element3. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the male member7is inserted in the through bore11, such that the radial upset8of the male member7does not yet act on angled surfaces24′ of locking lugs19′ of retainer6′. If the male member7is further pushed in the direction of insertion, or from the entry port12toward the exit port13along the longitudinal axis25of the through bore11in the connector body2, respectively, then the upset8is brought into contact with the angled surfaces24′ of the retainer6′. As a result, the locking lugs19′ of retainer6′ are expanded, as is depicted inFIG. 11as a result of contact of radial upset8with the angled guide surfaces24′ of the locking lugs19′ of retainer6′.

InFIG. 11, axial contact surfaces23′ of the locking lugs19′ of the retainer6′ are radially outward of the upset8, and rest against the upset8. As a result of the radial expansion of the locking lugs19′ of retainer6′, the verification element10′ is likewise expanded, wherein a displacement of the verification element10′ from an initial open position depicted inFIGS. 10 and 11to the verification position depicted inFIG. 14is impossible, because the coupling projections15′ of the verification element10′ cannot be moved past the abutment surfaces21′ of the locking lugs19′ in a direction toward the entry port12.

The further insertion of the male member7toward the exit port13is depicted inFIGS. 12 and 13. InFIG. 12, both the locking lugs19′ of the retainer6′, as well as the lifting arms35, rest against the upset. Because the axial contact surfaces23′ of the locking lugs19′ of retainer6′ do not yet rest against the sealing surface9of the male member7, displacement of the verification element10′ toward the entry port12is prevented by means of the coupling projections15′ resting against the abutment surfaces21′. If the male member7, starting from the position shown inFIG. 10, is displaced further in the insertion direction, in accordance withFIG. 13, the contact surfaces23′ of the locking lugs19′ are brought into contact with sealing surface9of the male member7, and the lifting arms35within coupling openings26′ of retainer6′ are pushed apart from one another by means of the upset8. The transition position, or displacement position, respectively, of the verification elements10′ is depicted inFIG. 13, in which displacement position, the lifting arms35push the coupling projections15′ of the verification element10′ apart, in such a manner that the coupling projections15′ can slide past the abutment surfaces21′ of the retainer6′. The verification element10′ can be displaced toward the entry port12, starting from the position depicted inFIG. 13, to the verification position depicted inFIG. 14. In the verification positions ofFIG. 14, the coupling projections15′ of the element10′ reside within the coupling receptacles29′ of the locking lugs19′ of retainer6′. The unstressed shape of the verification element10′ urges the coupling projections15′ into the coupling receptacles29′ and releasably retains them in the receptacles29′. It is necessary to apply an external force to deform the shape of the verification element10′ to dislodge the coupling projections15′ from the coupling receptacles29′ of the retainer6′.

In the verification position of the verification element10′ depicted inFIG. 14removal of the male member7from the connector body2is precluded by both the retainer6′ and the verification element10′. The release of the connection between the connector body2and the male member7in accordance with the quick connector100occurs in a manner analogous to the separation of the connection between the male member7and the connector body2in accordance with the quick connector1of the earlier embodiment.

Preferably, and according to the embodiment example in accordance withFIGS. 10 to 14, the lifting arms35, supported in a spring-loaded manner on the retainer6′, exhibit a lower return force than the locking lugs19connected in a spring-loaded manner to the back of retainer6in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 9. In this manner, it is ensured, preferably and as shown inFIGS. 10 to 14, that with a pressing of the lifting arm35against the retainer6′, through the upset8of the male member7, only the lifting arms are deformed, or pushed outward, respectively, and the locking lugs19′ of the retainer6′ rest against the male member7, or preferably, and according toFIG. 13, against the cylindrical sealing surface9of the male member7.