Patent Description:
Fluid connectors, fluid connections and fluid connection assemblies are integral components for many applications, and especially for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip, retaining ring clip, or snap ring carried on the connector body which is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of a tube end form when the tube end form is fully inserted into the connector body. However, in order for the fluid connector to properly function, slots or apertures must be machined in the connector body such that the retaining clip can protrude therethough and engage the tube end form, which requires extra post-process manufacturing. Additionally, during the assembly process, installation of the retaining clip onto the connector body is difficult and failure to install the retaining clip properly can jeopardize the structural integrity of the retaining clip. Furthermore, since the retaining clips are very thin and small, it is easy to lose them if dropped or misplaced.

Known coupling assemblies are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connection assembly including a retainer that allows for disassembly, eliminates the need for post-process machining, and reduces the insertion force required to assemble the fluid connector.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end including a radially inward extending protrusion, a first through-bore, a gland, and at least one seal arranged in the gland, and a retainer operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a ring portion forming a third end, the third end operatively arranged to enclose the at least one seal in the gland, at least one short finger extending from the ring portion, and at least one long finger extending from the ring portion and terminating at a fourth end, wherein when the retainer is connected to the connector body the at least one long finger extends out of the connector body from the second end.

In some embodiments, the at least one short finger comprises a radially outward extending projection operatively arranged to engage the radially inward extending protrusion. In some embodiments, the radially outward extending projection comprises a frusto-conical surface. In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises a frusto-conical radially inward facing surface adjacent the protrusion, and the radially outward extending projection is operatively arranged to engage the frusto-conical radially inward facing surface. In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises at least one hole aligned with the frusto-conical radially inward facing surface. In some embodiments, when the retainer is connected to the connector body, the at least one hole is aligned with the at least one short finger. In some embodiments, the at least one long finger comprises a radially inward extending projection. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder, wherein the radially inward extending projection is operatively arranged to engage the shoulder to lock the tube in the retainer. In some embodiments, the at least one short finger and the at least one long finger are separated by at least one slit. In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises a pocket, the radially outward extending projection operatively arranged to engage the pocket. In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises at least one hole aligned with the pocket, wherein the at least one hole provides access to the radially outward extending projection. In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a polymer.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a gland, and at least one seal arranged in the gland, and a retainer removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a ring portion, a plurality of short fingers extending from the ring portion and operatively arranged to connect the retainer to the connector body, and a plurality of long fingers extending from the ring portion, wherein when the retainer is connected to the connector body, the plurality of long fingers extend out of the connector body from the second end.

In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises at least one recess arranged proximate the second end. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of short fingers comprises a radially outward extending projection operatively arranged to engage the at least one recess to lock the retainer in the connector body. In some embodiments, the connector body further comprises at least one hole aligned with the at least one recess, wherein when the retainer is connected to the connector body, the at least one hole provides access to the radially outward extending projections. In some embodiments, the at least one recess comprises a continuous frusto-conical radially inward facing surface. In some embodiments, the at least one recess comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder, each of the plurality of long fingers comprises a radially inward extending projection, and the radially inward extending projections are operatively arranged to engage the shoulder outside of the connector body to lock the tube to the retainer.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a gland, and at least one seal arranged in the gland, a retainer removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a ring portion operatively arranged to enclose the at least one seal in the gland, at least one short finger extending from the ring portion, completely enclosed within the connector body, and operatively arranged to lock the retainer to the connector body, and at least one long finger extending from the ring portion, and a tube including a shoulder, wherein the at least one long finger engages the shoulder outside of the connector body to lock the tube to the retainer.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a quick connector assembly or quick connection mechanism that provides an ergonomically friendly, durable connection of a tube and connector body. The quick connector assembly addresses several problems: the design of the connection assembly reduces tube insertion forces into the connector body; the design of the connection assembly drives geometry changes within the connector body that makes machining the connector body more simple while reducing the cost of thereof; the connection assembly design improves tube retention to the connector body while minimizing axial travel of the tube; the connection assembly design provide for easier serviceability and disassembly; and, the connection assembly design simplifies the assembly process of the connector body as well as the insertion of the tube in the connector body.

In some embodiments, the connection assembly comprises a connector body, a tube, and a plastic retainer. The plastic or polymer retainer replaces current metal retainer technology and reduces insertion forces and machining costs, and simplifies the overall assembly. In some embodiments, the retainer forms half (the top half) of the seal or O-ring gland.

In some embodiments, the connector body comprises a straight bore to improve machinability and reduce costs. The O-ring is placed in the open O-ring gland. A backup ring (or backup rings) is placed on top of O-ring. The base diameter of the plastic retainer is large at the base so that it creates the top surface of the O-ring gland to seal the assembly. There are short and long fingers in this single piece retainer. The short fingers connect the retainer to the connector body and the long fingers connect the tube to the retainer.

The single retainer provides three functions: it creates the top sealing surface of the O-ring gland; it retains itself within the connector body (via the short fingers); and, it retains the tube (via the long fingers).

The short finger snap profile angle that snaps into the connector body has the same profile angle on the mating connector body recessed shoulder or protrusion. In some embodiments, the angled provide of the short finger projections and the recessed surface of the connector body may comprise a <NUM>-degree angle to allow for easier assembly (i.e., lower insertion force) yet improved retention. As the retainer is pressed/inserted into the connector body, it snaps in under the top ledge of the recessed shoulder. The through-bores circumferentially arranged in the connector body allow for access to the snaps, for example, by a disconnect too.

The long fingers of the retainer are operatively arranged to allow easy tube insertion and to limit axial movement of the tube relative to the retainer (and connector body). As the tube is inserted into the retainer (and connector body), the long fingers easily expand (due to the recess in the leg that thins out the leg allowing to be more spring like) and snap back to engage the tube bead. The relationship of the radius of the snap hook is perpendicular to the tube bead radius. This is optimized in order maintain retention of the tube.

In some embodiments, a retainer is provided for a new tube design including short and long fingers. The retainer serves as the top of the O-ring groove/gland and sealing surface. Through-bores circumferentially arranged on the connector body allow access to the short fingers. The short fingers snap in to grooves or pockets within the connector body to lock the retainer within the connector body. The long fingers snap over an edge of the tube and lock the tube to the retainer (and connector body).

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:.

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.

It should be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "nearly," "very nearly," "about," "approximately," "around," "bordering on," "close to," "essentially," "in the neighborhood of," "in the vicinity of," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term "proximate" is synonymous with terms such as "nearby," "close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "immediate," "adjoining," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

It should be understood that use of "or" in the present application is with respect to a "non-exclusive" arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that "item x is A or B," it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (<NUM>) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (<NUM>) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement for the statement "item x is A or B" would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and/or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

Moreover, as used herein, the phrases "comprises at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of:" is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, "and/or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

By "non-rotatably connected" elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required.

It should be appreciated that the term "tube" as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, or any other suitable pipe flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should further be appreciated that the term "tube" can mean a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of a gas or a liquid.

Adverting now to the figures, <FIG> is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. Fluid connection assembly <NUM> generally comprises tube <NUM> or tube end form or hose, connector body <NUM>, and retainer <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Tube <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, section <NUM>, shoulder or bead <NUM>, section <NUM>, end <NUM>, and through-bore <NUM>. Through-bore <NUM> extends through tube <NUM> from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. Section <NUM> is arranged between end <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. Shoulder <NUM> is arranged between section <NUM> and section <NUM> and comprises outward facing surface <NUM>. Outward facing surface <NUM> is curvilinear (i.e., parabolic in shape as best shown in <FIG>). Section <NUM> is arranged between shoulder <NUM> and end <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. Tube <NUM> is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>. Tube <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM>, in axial direction AD1, until retainer <NUM> snaps over shoulder <NUM> and is generally engages section <NUM> (i.e., fingers 78A-C are aligned with section <NUM>), as will be described in greater detail below It should be appreciated that tube <NUM> may be any traditional tube end form comprising a shoulder (e.g., a ramp), which extends radially outward on the outer surface of the tube, to displace a retainer of the connector body to secure the tube within the connector body. For example, tube <NUM> may comprise a shoulder including a straight ramp (i.e., constant linear ramp) or a curvilinear ramp. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises any tube end form that might utilize a retainer. For example, instead of a bead or a ramp-like shoulder, tube <NUM> may comprise a notch, a plurality of ramps, threading, a shoulder having a variable diameter portion (ramp) and a constant diameter portion connected thereto, any standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) end form, etc. The present disclosure should not be limited to the use of only the tube shown in the figures, but rather any tube end form suitable for fluidly connecting to a connector body via a retainer. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, and as shown, tube <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical surface at end <NUM>. Such frusto-conical surface aids in properly aligning tube <NUM> with respect to retainer <NUM> and connector body <NUM> during insertion of tube <NUM> into retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of retainer <NUM>. <FIG> is an elevational view of the retainer <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Retainer <NUM> generally comprises ring portion <NUM> forming end <NUM> and a plurality fingers (e.g., fingers 78A-C and fingers 82A-C) extending from ring portion <NUM> and forming end <NUM>. Ring portion <NUM> is generally ring shaped and comprises through-bore <NUM>. In some embodiments, when retainer <NUM> is fully inserted into connector body <NUM>, end <NUM> is operatively arranged to create the second half of the seal or O-ring gland, as will be described in greater detail below.

Fingers 78A-C extend from ring portion <NUM> in axial direction AD2 and are operatively arranged to engage shoulder <NUM> of tube <NUM>. Fingers 78A-C comprise radially inward extending projections 80A-C, respectively. Projections 80A-C extend in radial direction AD1 and, when engaged with shoulder <NUM>, lock tube <NUM> in retainer <NUM> (and connector body <NUM>). Fingers 78A-C further comprise frusto-conical surfaces 81A-C, respectively. As tube <NUM> is inserted into retainer <NUM> in axial direction AD1, frusto-conical surfaces 81A-C engage surface <NUM> of shoulder <NUM> forcing fingers 78A-C radially outward (i.e., in radial direction RD2). Once projections 80A-C are aligned with section <NUM>, fingers 78A-C snap back radially inward (i.e., in radial direction RD1) and secure tube <NUM> within retainer <NUM>. Fingers 78A-C are elastic and are operatively arranged to flex and/or bend relative to ring portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, retainer <NUM> comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, fingers 78A-C comprise a recess or thinned out portion that allows greater flexion.

Fingers 82A-C extend from ring portion <NUM> in axial direction AD2 and are operatively arranged to engage protrusion <NUM> and surface <NUM> of connector body <NUM>. Fingers 82A-C comprise radially outward extending projections 84A-C, respectively. Projections 84A-C extend in radial direction AD2 and, when engaged with radially inward extending protrusion <NUM>, lock retainer <NUM> in connector body <NUM>. Fingers 82A-C further comprise frusto-conical surfaces 85A-C, respectively. As retainer <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM> in axial direction AD1, frusto-conical surfaces 85A-C engage protrusion <NUM> of connector body <NUM> forcing fingers 82A-C radially inward (i.e., in radial direction RD1). Once projections 84A-C are aligned with surface <NUM>, fingers 82A-C snap back radially outward (i.e., in radial direction RD2) and secure retainer <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. Specifically, protrusion <NUM> of connector body <NUM> engages projections 84A-C, thereby preventing displacement of retainer <NUM> in axial direction AD2 with respect to connector body <NUM>. Fingers 82A-C are elastic and are operatively arranged to flex and/or bend relative to ring portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, when retainer <NUM> is secured in connector body <NUM>, fingers 82A-C and projections 84A-C are aligned with holes 49A-C. Such alignment allows a user to displace fingers 82A-C radially inward (i.e., in radial direction AD1) to disengage projections 84A-C from protrusion <NUM> and remove retainer <NUM> from connector body <NUM>. Fingers 82A-C further comprise radially inward facing surfaces 86A-C, respectively. Radially inward facing surfaces 86A-C are operatively arranged to engage tube <NUM>, specifically radially outward facing surface <NUM> of section <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown, fingers 78A-C and fingers 82A-C alternate circumferentially. In some embodiments, fingers 78A-C and fingers 82A-C do not alternate every single finger.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly <NUM> taken generally along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection <NUM> assembly taken generally along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Connector body <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, end <NUM>, and through-bore <NUM> extending from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. Connector body <NUM> comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprising one or more release holes (e.g., 49A-C) and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Holes 49A-C are operatively arranged to align with fingers 82A-C and allow for a user to displace fingers 82A-C radially inward in order to disengage projections 84A-C from protrusion <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to connect connector body <NUM> to another component, and may comprise threading. Connector body <NUM> further comprises radially inward extending protrusion <NUM> having (axial) surface <NUM>, frusto-conical surface <NUM>, gland or surface <NUM>, and radially inward facing surface <NUM>. Radially inward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> of tube <NUM>. Gland <NUM> is operatively arranged to at least partially enclose one or more seals (e.g., seals <NUM> and <NUM>). In some embodiments, fluid connection assembly <NUM> comprises an O-ring <NUM> and backup ring <NUM> arranged in gland <NUM>. When retainer <NUM> is locked in connector body <NUM>, end <NUM> encloses seals <NUM> and <NUM> completely within gland <NUM>. Seals <NUM> and <NUM> are operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> to fluidly seal connector body <NUM> and tube <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, gland <NUM> is arranged as a groove in radially inward facing surface <NUM> that fully encloses both sides of the one or more seals. In such embodiments, end <NUM> of retainer <NUM> does not enclose the seals within the gland. Frusto-conical surface <NUM> and protrusion <NUM>, specifically surface <NUM>, are operatively arranged to engage projections 84A-C of fingers 82A-C to lock retainer <NUM> within connector body <NUM>, as previously described.

To assemble fluid connection assembly <NUM>, seals <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in gland <NUM> and retainer <NUM> is then inserted in axial direction AD1, with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>. As retainer <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM>, frusto-conical surfaces 85A-C of projections 84A-C engage radially inward extending protrusion <NUM> thereby displacing fingers 82A-C radially inward. Once projections 84A-C are properly aligned with frusto-conical surface <NUM>, fingers 82A-C snap back radially outward, and projections 84A-C engage surface <NUM> of protrusion <NUM> thereby securing retainer <NUM> in connector body <NUM>. Then tube <NUM> is inserted in axial direction AD1, with end <NUM> first, into retainer <NUM>. As tube <NUM> is inserted into retainer <NUM>, frusto-conical surfaces 81A-C of projections 80A-C engage shoulder <NUM> displacing fingers 78A-C radially outward. Once projections 80A-C are aligned with section <NUM>, fingers 78A-C snap back radially inward, and projections 80A-C engage shoulder <NUM> and radially outward facing surface <NUM>, thereby securing tube <NUM> in retainer <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, when retainer <NUM> is fully assembled to connector body <NUM>, fingers 78A-C extend out of, in axial direction AD2, connector body <NUM>. Thus, when tube <NUM> is subsequently inserted into retainer <NUM>, protrusions 80A-C of fingers 78A-C engage shoulder <NUM> outside of connector body <NUM>, rather than inside. This is advantageous because it allows for greater flexion of fingers 78A-C and thus a lower required insertion force of tube <NUM> into retainer <NUM> (and connector body <NUM>).

<FIG> is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. Fluid connection assembly <NUM> generally comprises tube <NUM> or tube end form or hose, connector body <NUM>, and retainer <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Tube <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, section <NUM>, shoulder or groove <NUM>, section <NUM>, end <NUM>, and through-bore <NUM>. Through-bore <NUM> extends through tube <NUM> from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. Section <NUM> is arranged between end <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. Shoulder <NUM> is arranged between section <NUM> and section <NUM> and comprises shoulder (or axial) surface <NUM> and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> is frusto-conical and decreases in diameter in axial direction AD1. Section <NUM> is arranged between shoulder <NUM> and end <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. Tube <NUM> is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>. Tube <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM>, in axial direction AD1, until retainer <NUM> snaps over or into shoulder <NUM> and is generally engages surface <NUM> (i.e., fingers 178A-C are aligned with radially outward facing surface <NUM>), as will be described in greater detail below It should be appreciated that tube <NUM> may be any traditional tube end form comprising a shoulder (e.g., a ramp or a bead), which extends radially outward on the outer surface of the tube, to displace a retainer of the connector body to secure the tube within the connector body. For example, tube <NUM> may comprise a shoulder including a straight ramp (i.e., constant linear ramp) or a curvilinear ramp. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises any tube end form that might utilize a retainer. For example, instead of a groove, tube <NUM> may comprise a ramp, bead, notch, plurality of ramps, threading, shoulder having a variable diameter portion (ramp) and a constant diameter portion connected thereto, any standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) end form, etc. The present disclosure should not be limited to the use of only the tube shown in the figures, but rather any tube end form suitable for fluidly connecting to a connector body via a retainer. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, and as shown, tube <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical surface at end <NUM>. Such frusto-conical surface engages with projections 180A-C, specifically frusto-conical surfaces 181A-C, to force fingers 178A-C radially outward during insertion of tube <NUM> into retainer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of retainer <NUM>. <FIG> is an elevational view of retainer <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Retainer <NUM> generally comprises ring portion <NUM> forming end <NUM> and a plurality fingers (e.g., fingers 178A-C and fingers 182A-C) extending from ring portion <NUM> and forming end <NUM>. Ring portion <NUM> is generally ring shaped and comprises through-bore <NUM>. In some embodiments, when retainer <NUM> is fully inserted into connector body <NUM>, end <NUM> is operatively arranged to create the second half of the seal or O-ring gland, as will be described in greater detail below.

Fingers 178A-C extend from ring portion <NUM> in axial direction AD2 and are operatively arranged to engage shoulder <NUM> of tube <NUM>. Fingers 178A-C comprise radially inward extending projections 180A-C, respectively. Projections 180A-C extend in radial direction AD1 and, when engaged with shoulder <NUM>, lock tube <NUM> in retainer <NUM> (and connector body <NUM>). Fingers 178A-C further comprise frusto-conical surfaces 181A-C, respectively. As tube <NUM> is inserted into retainer <NUM> in axial direction AD1, frusto-conical surfaces 181A-C engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> of section <NUM> forcing fingers 178A-C radially outward (i.e., in radial direction RD2). In a non-flexed state, projections 180A-C have an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of radially outward facing surface <NUM>, which causes the outward displacement of fingers 178A-C when engaged with section <NUM>. Once projections 180A-C are aligned with radially outward facing surface <NUM>, fingers 178A-C snap back radially inward (i.e., in radial direction RD1) and secure tube <NUM> within retainer <NUM>. Specifically, projections 180A-C engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> and surface <NUM> to prevent displacement of tube <NUM> in axial direction AD2 relative to retainer <NUM>. Fingers 178A-C are elastic and are operatively arranged to flex and/or bend relative to ring portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, retainer <NUM> comprises a polymer.

Fingers 182A-C extend from ring portion <NUM> in axial direction AD2 and are operatively arranged to engage pockets 152A-C and surface <NUM> of connector body <NUM>. Fingers 182A-C comprise radially outward extending projections 184A-C, respectively. Projections 184A-C extend in radial direction AD2 and, when engaged with pockets 152A-C, specifically surface <NUM>, lock retainer <NUM> in connector body <NUM>. Fingers 182A-C further comprise frusto-conical surfaces 185A-C, respectively. As retainer <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM> in axial direction AD1, frusto-conical surfaces 185A-C engage end <NUM> of connector body <NUM> forcing fingers 182A-C radially inward (i.e., in radial direction RD1). Once projections 184A-C are aligned with pockets 152A-C, fingers 182A-C snap back radially outward (i.e., in radial direction RD2) and secure retainer <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. Specifically, surface <NUM> of each of pockets 152A-C of connector body <NUM> engages projections 184A-C, thereby preventing displacement of retainer <NUM> in axial direction AD2 with respect to connector body <NUM>. Fingers 182A-C are elastic and are operatively arranged to flex and/or bend relative to ring portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, when retainer <NUM> is secured in connector body <NUM>, fingers 182A-C and projections 184A-C are aligned with holes 149A-C. Such alignment allows a user to displace fingers 182A-C radially inward (i.e., in radial direction AD1) to disengage projections 184A-C from pockets 152A-C and remove retainer <NUM> from connector body <NUM>. It should be appreciated that pockets 152A-C aid with proper alignment of fingers 182A-C with holes 149A-C. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when projections 184A-C are fully engaged with pockets 152A-C, retainer <NUM> is non-rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>. Retainer <NUM> further comprises radially inward facing surface <NUM>. Radially inward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage tube <NUM>, specifically radially outward facing surface <NUM> of section <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown, fingers 178A-C and fingers 182A-C alternate circumferentially. In some embodiments, fingers 178A-C and fingers 182A-C do not alternate every single finger. In some embodiments, fingers 178A-C are separated from fingers 182A-C by slits <NUM>. Slits <NUM> more elastic displacement (i.e., flex) between fingers 178A-C and 182A-C. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, and as shown, retainer <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical surface at end <NUM>. Such frusto-conical surface aids in properly aligning retainer <NUM> with respect to connector body <NUM> during insertion of retainer <NUM> into connector body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly <NUM> taken generally along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly <NUM> taken generally along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Connector body <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, end <NUM>, and through-bore <NUM> extending from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. Connector body <NUM> comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprising one or more release holes (e.g., 149A-C) and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Holes 149A-C are operatively arranged to align with fingers 182A-C and allow for a user to displace fingers 182A-C radially inward in order to disengage projections 184A-C from pockets 152A-C. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to connect connector body <NUM> to another component, and may comprise threading. Connector body <NUM> further comprises radially outward extending pockets 152A-C, each of pockets 152A-C including (axial) surface <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, gland or surface <NUM>, and radially inward facing surface <NUM>. Radially inward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> of tube <NUM>. Surface <NUM> and radially inward facing surface <NUM> are operatively arranged to at least partially enclose one or more seals (e.g., seals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). In some embodiments, fluid connection assembly <NUM> comprises an O-ring <NUM>, backup ring <NUM>, and backup ring <NUM> arranged in gland <NUM>. When retainer <NUM> is locked in connector body <NUM>, end <NUM> encloses seals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> completely within gland <NUM>. Seals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM> to fluidly seal connector body <NUM> and tube <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, gland <NUM> is arranged as a groove in radially inward facing surface <NUM> that fully encloses both sides of the one or more seals. In such embodiments, end <NUM> of retainer <NUM> does not enclose the seals within the gland. Pockets 152A-C, specifically surface(s) <NUM>, are operatively arranged to engage projections 184A-C of fingers 182A-C to lock retainer <NUM> within connector body <NUM>, as previously described. Radially inward facing surface <NUM> further engages a radially outward facing surface of retainer <NUM>.

To assemble fluid connection assembly <NUM>, seals <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged in gland <NUM> and retainer <NUM> is then inserted in axial direction AD1, with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>. As retainer <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM>, frusto-conical surfaces 185A-C of projections 184A-C engage end <NUM> of connector body <NUM> thereby displacing fingers 182A-C radially inward. Once projections 184A-C are properly aligned with pockets surface 152A-C, fingers 182A-C snap back radially outward, and projections 184A-C engage surface(s) <NUM> of pockets 152A-C thereby securing retainer <NUM> in connector body <NUM>. Then tube <NUM> is inserted in axial direction AD1, with end <NUM> first, into retainer <NUM>. As tube <NUM> is inserted into retainer <NUM>, frusto-conical surfaces 181A-C of projections 180A-C engage section <NUM>, specifically radially outward facing surface <NUM>, displacing fingers 178A-C radially outward. Once projections 180A-C are aligned with radially outward facing surface <NUM>, fingers 178A-C snap back radially inward, and projections 180A-C engage shoulder <NUM>, specifically radially outward facing surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>, thereby securing tube <NUM> in retainer <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fluid connection assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>, <NUM>), including:
a first end (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a radially inward extending protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first through-bore (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a gland (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
at least one seal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged in the gland (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body (<NUM>, <NUM>), the retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) including:
a ring portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) forming a third end (<NUM>, <NUM>), the third end (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively arranged to enclose the at least one seal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the gland (<NUM>, <NUM>);
at least one short finger (82A-C, 182A-C) extending from the ring portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a first axial direction (AD2); and
at least one long finger (78A-C, 178A-C) extending from the ring portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the first axial direction (AD2) and terminating at a fourth end (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein when the retainer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is connected to the connector body (<NUM>, <NUM>) the at least one long finger (78A-C, 178A-C) extends out of the connector body (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>).