Patent ID: 8267431

Claim:
A connector for connecting a connection member in which a fluid flows to a pipe member, the connector comprising: a body portion having an inner peripheral surface defining a cylindrical insertion hole for inserting therein the connection member; and a cylindrical connector cover located to cover an outer peripheral surface of the body portion in which the insertion hole is provided, wherein the body portion includes a plurality of claw portions adapted to engage an engagement portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the connection member in a connection state where the connection member is inserted into the insertion hole of the body portion, the claw portions are configured to be elastically displaceable in a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the insertion hole, the connector cover is mounted to the body portion to be slidable in a direction parallel with a connection direction between the connection member and the body portion, the connector cover includes a claw limiting portion configured to limit elastic displacement of the claw portions outwardly in the radial direction, and a claw release portion configured to allow the elastic displacement of the claw portions outwardly in the radial direction, such that the claw release portion allows more elastic displacement of the claw portions than the claw limiting portion, the claw limiting portion being located axially closer to the inlet end of the insertion hole than the claw release portion, when the connector cover is located at a release position where the body portion is detachable from the connection member, the claw release portion is radially aligned with the claw portion, and the claw limiting portion is not radially aligned with the claw portion, when the connector cover is located at a lock position, the claw limiting portion is opposite to the claw portions, and the claw portions are engaged with the engagement portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connection member, and wherein the connector cover is moved from the release position to the lock position by sliding the connector cover in a direction axially away from the connection member, wherein the connector cover includes a cylindrical portion that covers a part of the body portion, and the claw release portion comprises a plurality of opening portions, each corresponding to a respective claw portion to receive the respective claw portion.