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. Another example of fluid traveling between components is refrigeration lines, which may carry a refrigerant. A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle, and can be hazardous. As such, it is essential that fluid connectors for refrigeration lines be properly secured so as not to allow the release of any refrigerant.

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 when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, 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. Additionally, the force required to engage the tube into the connector body, and overcome the radial force of the retaining clip, is very large with current designs. Also, since the retaining clips are very thin and small, it is easy to lose them if dropped or misplaced. Furthermore, some connection assembly solutions take a long time to secure and require tools for the assembly process.

An example of a current fluid connection assembly design is the bolted flange, which reduces space efficiency. Torque applied to the bolt may cause unnecessary damage to the connection or components thereof, and requires tools to assemble. Another example of a current fluid connection assembly design is a quick connector comprising a retaining clip. The retaining clip design allows for increased joint movement, increased seal contamination, and is largely unable to meet performance criteria for extreme refrigerant conditions in its current state. A fluid connection assembly from which the pre-characterising part of claim <NUM> starts out is disclosed in <CIT>. Related art is disclosed in <CIT>.

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

The above object is solved by a fluid connection assembly as set forth in the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, the at least one tab comprises a first tab and a second tab, and in the locked state, the first tab extends through the first aperture and the second tab extends through the second aperture. In some embodiments, in the locked state, the first tab is arranged at an angle relative to the second tab, the angle being greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the first section comprises a male connector including a radially outward extending projection. In some embodiments, the second section comprises a female connector including an aperture, the aperture operatively arranged to engage the radially outward extending projection to fixedly secure the second section to the first section. In some embodiments, the male connector further comprises a channel, the female connector further comprises a projection, and the projection is operatively arranged to engage the channel to align the aperture with the radially outward extending projection. In some embodiments, the second radially inward facing surface is curvilinear. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder, wherein the retainer is arranged to secure the tube to the connector body. In some embodiments, the at least one tab is operatively arranged to engage the shoulder. In some embodiments, the tube further comprises a radially inward extending groove arranged proximate the shoulder, and in the locked state, the at least one tab is engaged with the groove.

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, and a first radially outward facing surface including a first groove and at least one aperture, the at least one aperture arranged in the first groove and extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and a retainer operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a first section, a second section hingedly connected to the first section, a first radially inward facing surface, and at least one tab extending radially inward from the first radially inward facing surface, the at least one tab including a second radially inward facing surface, and a tube including a shoulder, wherein, in a locked state the at least one tab extends through the at least one aperture and engages the shoulder.

In some embodiments, in the locked state, the second section is fixedly secured to the first section. In some embodiments, the first section comprises a male connector including a radially outward extending projection, the second section comprises a female connector including an aperture, and the aperture is operatively arranged to engage the radially outward extending projection to fixedly secure the second section to the first section. In some embodiments, the male connector further comprises a channel, the female connector further comprises a projection, and the projection is operatively arranged to engage the channel to align the aperture with the radially outward extending projection. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, the at least one tab comprises a first tab and a second tab, and in the locked state, the first tab extends through the first aperture and the second tab extends through the second aperture. In some embodiments, in the locked state, the first tab is arranged at an angle relative to the second tab, the angle being greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the second radially inward facing surface is curvilinear. In some embodiments, the tube further comprises a radially inward extending groove arranged proximate the shoulder, and in the locked state, the at least one tab is engaged with the groove. In some embodiments, the first section comprises a first width and the at least one tab comprises a second width, the second width being less than the first width.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly that provides a stable and reliable connection between a tube and a connector body, and allows for quick assembly. The fluid connection assembly of the present disclosure is space efficient, requires a low insertion force for assembly (i.e., insertion of the tube into the connector body), is easy to assemble and doesn't require tools, and is serviceable (i.e., can be easily disassembled). In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly comprises a plastic retainer that provides increased stability to reduce joint movement (i.e., angular or axial displacement of the tube with respect to the connector body).

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly comprising a snap on plastic retainer including a living hinge that traps/secures a standard Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) end form or tube inside of a connector body using inner tabs that fit into slots on the connector body and lock around the inserted tube. In the locked position, the plastic retainer securely holds the tube in place and can be unlocked for serviceability. Tabs arranged on the retainer also provide a greater defense to seal contamination (they prevent ingress of foreign material into the connection).

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.

It should be appreciated that the term "tube" as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end form, 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>, in a locked state. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. Fluid connection assembly <NUM> generally comprises retainer <NUM>, tube <NUM>, and connector body <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Tube <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, section <NUM>, bead or shoulder <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. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical taper or curvilinear surface proximate end <NUM> (see <FIG>). Shoulder <NUM> is arranged between section <NUM> and section <NUM> and comprises surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD1 and surface <NUM> is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is a frusto-conical surface extending from the radially outward facing surface of shoulder <NUM> radially inward in axial direction AD1. For example, surface <NUM> may be a linear conical shape and increases in diameter in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> may comprise linear portion and a conical or frusto-conical portion. 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> (or section <NUM>) further comprises radially inward extending groove <NUM>. In some embodiments, groove <NUM> is arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM> immediately adjacent to shoulder <NUM>. In some embodiments, groove <NUM> is spaced apart from shoulder <NUM>, for example in axial direction AD2. Groove <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage tabs 30A-B such that retainer <NUM> may only lock when properly aligned with tube <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below. Tube <NUM> is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>.

Tube <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM> until section <NUM>, or radially outward facing surface <NUM>, engages seal <NUM> (see <FIG>). Shoulder <NUM> is engaged with or arranged proximate to or abuts against surface <NUM> of connector body <NUM> and groove <NUM> is axially aligned with apertures 55A-B, at which point retainer <NUM> is assembled to secure tube <NUM> to connector body <NUM>. Tube <NUM>, specifically radially outward facing surface <NUM>, comprises diameter D1. Radially inward facing surfaces 32A-B of tabs 30A-B, respectively, form diameter D2, which is less than diameter D1. The diameter of groove <NUM> corresponds to diameter D2 such that retainer <NUM> may only be locked (i.e., male connector <NUM> engages female connector <NUM>) when tabs 30A-B engage groove <NUM>. The assembly of retainer <NUM> onto connector body <NUM> to lock tube <NUM> therein will be described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated that tube <NUM> may be any traditional tube or tube end form comprising a bead, radially outward extending protrusion or flange, or ramp profile, which extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube, to secure the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a metal. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a ceramic.

<FIG> is an elevational view of retainer <NUM>. <FIG> is a front perspective view of retainer <NUM>, in an unlocked state. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of retainer <NUM>, in the unlocked state. <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>.

Retainer <NUM> generally comprises section 20A, section 20B, end <NUM>, end <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, section 20A is hingedly connected to section 20B, via, for example, hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, section 20A is removably connected to section 20B. When sections 20A and 20B are connected or retainer <NUM> is in the locked state (<FIG>), hole <NUM> is formed therebetween; however, it should be appreciated that even in the unlocked state, it could be said that each of sections 20A and 20B include a respective hole <NUM>.

Radially inward facing surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage or abut against radially outward facing surface <NUM> of connector body <NUM>. Retainer <NUM> further comprises one or more tabs (e.g., tab 32A and tab 32B) extending radially inward in radial direction RD2 from radially inward facing surface <NUM>. In the locked state, and as best seen in <FIG>, radially inward facing surface <NUM> engages or abuts against or is arranged proximate to radially outward facing surface <NUM>, and end <NUM> engages or abuts against or is arranged proximate to head <NUM>. Also, tab 30A extends through aperture 55A and engages radially outward facing surface <NUM> and shoulder <NUM>, specifically surface <NUM>, and tab 30B extends through aperture 55B and engages radially outward facing surface <NUM> and shoulder <NUM>, specifically surface <NUM>, to lock tube <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown, tab 30A and tab 30B engage groove <NUM> in order to form the locked state. In such embodiments, retainer <NUM> is incapable of locking unless tabs 30A-B engage groove <NUM>. Tab 30A comprises radially inward facing surface 32A, which comprises a curvilinear surface that is substantially equal to the curvilinear surface of groove <NUM> (i.e., radially inward facing surface 32A and groove <NUM> have substantially the same diameter). Tab 30B comprises radially inward facing surface 32B which comprises a curvilinear surface that is substantially equal to the curvilinear surface of groove <NUM> (i.e., radially inward facing surface 32B and groove <NUM> have substantially the same diameter). When in the locked state, each of radially inward facing surfaces 32A and 32B comprise diameter D2, which is less than diameter D1 of radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Thus, when tabs 30A-B are axially aligned with groove <NUM>, retainer <NUM> is capable of locking; however, when tabs 30A-B are not axially aligned with groove <NUM>, retainer <NUM> is not capable of locking. For example, if tabs 30A-B are aligned with radially outward facing surface <NUM>, since diameter D1 is greater than diameter D2, male connector <NUM> will not be capable of engaging with female connector <NUM>. Tab 30A is arranged at angle α relative to tab 30B. In some embodiments, angle α is greater than <NUM>° and less than <NUM>°. In some embodiments, angle α is greater than or equal to <NUM>°. In some embodiments angle α is less than or equal to <NUM>°. It should be appreciated that tabs 30A and 30B are solid components including a substantial width that circumscribes tube <NUM> in the locked state. The design of tabs 30A and 30B prevent ingress of foreign material into fluid connection assembly <NUM> that may jeopardize the seal between tube <NUM> and connector body <NUM> (i.e., O-ring <NUM>). As best seen in <FIG>, section 20A and/or section 20B comprise width W1 and tab 30A and/or tab 30B comprise width W2. Width W2 is less than width W1. This design is important because it allows sections 20A-B to abut against radially outward facing surface <NUM> when tabs 30A-B are fully inserted in apertures 55A-B, respectively (i.e., preventing over insertion of tabs 30A-B). In some embodiments, retainer <NUM> comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, retainer <NUM> comprises a metal. In some embodiments, retainer <NUM> comprises a ceramic.

Section 20A comprises male connector <NUM> and section 20B comprises female connector <NUM>. As shown, male connector <NUM> on section 20A is arranged to engage female connector <NUM> on section 20B such that sections 20A and 20B are fixedly secured. In some embodiments, male connector <NUM> is hook-shaped (in a radially outward direction) and includes groove 36A and projection 36B. Groove 36A is arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Projection 36B extends generally radially outward in radial direction RD1 from groove 36A. In some embodiments, projection 36B comprises a tapered section near its top end operatively arranged to allow engagement of projection 36B with female connector <NUM>, specifically, aperture 38A, to occur with greater ease. Projection 36B further comprises channel 36C. Channel 36C comprises a bottom portion, and two tapered side wall portions extending from the bottom portion. Channel 36C is arranged to engage projection 38B of female connector <NUM> in order to properly align projection 36B with aperture 38A.

Female connector <NUM> comprises aperture 38A extending radially inward from radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Aperture 38A is operatively arranged to engage projection 36B to lock section 20B to section 20A. Female connector <NUM> further comprises projection 38B. In some embodiments, projection 38B is arranged proximate to radially inward facing surface <NUM> and includes at least two tapered surfaces. The tapered surfaces of projection 38B are arranged to engage channel 36C to accurately align projection 36B with aperture 38A. In some embodiments, female connector <NUM> further comprises radial gap 38C arranged radially between aperture 38A and projection 38B. Radial gap 38C is operatively arranged to allow radial displacement of female connector <NUM>. For example, as section 20B is displaced toward section 20A, female connector <NUM> engages projection 36B and displaces radially outward in radial direction RD1. Once aperture 38A is aligned with projection 36B, female connector <NUM> snaps back radially inward, in radial direction RD2, thereby securing section 20B to section 20A. Gap 38C allows for this increased radial flexion of female connector <NUM>.

Connector body <NUM> comprises through-bore <NUM> extending from end <NUM> to end <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, groove <NUM>, radially outward facing surface <NUM>, groove <NUM>, head <NUM>, and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Connector body <NUM> is arranged to be connected to a component that is filled with a fluid or through which fluid flows. For example, connector body <NUM> may be connected to a refrigeration compressor or a transmission via radially outward facing surface <NUM>, which may comprise external threading. Connector body <NUM> may be screwed into a threaded hole in the compressor via head <NUM> (e.g., using a wrench), which is then filled with refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments, head <NUM> is hexagonal; however, it should be appreciated that head <NUM> may comprise any geometry suitable for applying torque to connector body <NUM>. Another component in which fluid connector <NUM>, specifically connector body <NUM>, may be installed in is a condenser, evaporator, or pump. It should be appreciated that fluid connector <NUM> may be used in various other components, assemblies, and subassemblies in which fluid connection is desired. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> may further comprise groove <NUM>. Seal or O-ring <NUM> is arranged in groove <NUM> to create a fluid tight seal between connector body <NUM> and the component it is connected to. Seal <NUM> is arranged in connector body <NUM>. Specifically, seal <NUM> is arranged in groove <NUM> to engage tube <NUM> (i.e., radially outward facing surface <NUM>). Groove <NUM> is arranged in radially inward facing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, seal <NUM> is an O-ring. In some embodiments, and as shown, radially inward facing surface <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical surface. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical surface or radially outward extending taper proximate end <NUM>. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical surface. Surface <NUM> connects surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is an axially facing surface. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is a frusto-conical surface. Surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage shoulder <NUM>, specifically, to prevent axial displacement of tube <NUM> is axial direction AD1. Groove <NUM> is arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Groove <NUM> is arranged axially between end <NUM> and head <NUM>. In some embodiments, groove <NUM> is arranged axially between and spaced apart from end <NUM> and head <NUM>. Connector body <NUM> further comprises one or more apertures (e.g., apertures 55A and 55B) arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Specifically, apertures 55A and 55B are arranged in groove <NUM> and extend from radially outward facing surface <NUM> to through-bore <NUM>. Apertures 55A and 55B are operatively arranged to allow tabs 30A and 30B to extend therethrough and engage shoulder <NUM> to secure tube <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a metal. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a ceramic.

Claim 1:
A fluid connection assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>), including:
a first end (<NUM>);
a second end (<NUM>);
a first through-bore (<NUM>); and
a first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>) including at least one aperture (55A, 55B) extending from the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>) to the first through-bore (<NUM>); and
a retainer (<NUM>) operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body (<NUM>), the retainer (<NUM>) including:
a first section (20A);
a second section (20B) connected to the first section (20A);
a first radially inward facing surface (<NUM>); and
at least one tab (30A, 30B) extending from the first radially inward facing surface (<NUM>), the at least one tab (30A, 30B) including a second radially inward facing surface (32A, 32B);
wherein, in a locked state the at least one tab (30A, 30B) extends through the at least one aperture (55A, 55B) and the first radially inward facing surface (<NUM>) is arranged proximate the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>),
wherein in the locked state, the second section (20B) is fixedly secured to the first section (20A), characterized in that the second section (20B) is hingedly connected to the first section (20A).