阅读说明：本技术 带有工具释放的快速连接器 (Quick connector with tool release ) 是由 I·巴塞尔 K·布贝 R·罗德 S-H·秋 D-H·李 A·哈克尔 D·加贝 J-G· 于 2021-06-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于连接到互补的配对件的快速连接器包括联接构件和保持件。联接构件具有流体管线端部和联接端部,联接构件的流体通道将联接端部流体连接到流体管线端部。流体通道的被指定至联接端部的部段具有联接中心轴线,联接中心轴线限定轴向方向AD、径向方向RD和周向方向CD。保持件被分配至联接端部,保持件具有至少一个保持元件和至少一个致动元件。联接构件在联接端部处包括第一凸缘,第一凸缘具有凸缘开口以将工具插入到凸缘开口中,使得工具能够将力分别施用在保持件和致动元件上。凸缘开口具有外边界,外边界在径向方向RD上位于凸缘开口的外侧。(A quick connector for connecting to a complementary counterpart includes a coupling member and a retainer. The coupling member has a fluid line end and a coupling end, the fluid passage of the coupling member fluidly connecting the coupling end to the fluid line end. The section of the fluid channel designated to the coupling end has a coupling central axis defining an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD. A holder is assigned to the coupling end, the holder having at least one holding element and at least one actuating element. The coupling member comprises a first flange at the coupling end, the first flange having a flange opening for inserting a tool into the flange opening such that the tool can exert a force on the holder and the actuating element, respectively. The flange opening has an outer boundary which is located outside the flange opening in the radial direction RD.)

1. Quick connector (1) for connecting to a complementary counterpart (2), wherein the quick connector (1) comprises a coupling member (3) and a holder (4), wherein the coupling member (3) has a fluid line end (5) for connecting to a fluid line and a coupling end (6) for introducing the counterpart (2), wherein a fluid channel (7) of the coupling member (3) fluidly connects the coupling end (6) to the fluid line end (5), wherein a section of the fluid channel (7) assigned to the coupling end (6) has a coupling center axis (8), wherein the coupling center axis (8) defines an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD, wherein the holder (4) is assigned to the coupling end (6), wherein the holder (4) has at least one holding element (9) for holding the counterpart (2), wherein the holder (4) comprises at least one actuating element (10), the at least one actuating element (10) being used to open the holder (4) for pulling the counterpart (2) out of the coupling member (3), wherein the coupling member (3) comprises a first flange (11) at the outside of the coupling end (6), wherein the first flange (11) has a flange opening (12) for inserting a tool (13) into the flange opening (12), such that the tool (13) can exert a force on the holder (4) and the actuating element (10), respectively, characterized in that the flange opening (12) has an outer boundary (14), wherein, the outer boundary (14) is located outside the flange opening (12) in the radial direction RD.

2. Quick connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer boundary (14) is part of a closed circumferential boundary of the flange opening (12).

3. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member (3), the holder (4), the first flange (11), the actuating element (10) and/or the outer boundary (14) are designed such that a force resulting from a movement of the tool (13) can be deflected to exert a force acting inwards in a radial direction RD on the holder (4).

4. Quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holder (4) and/or the coupling member (3) comprise at least one fixing element (17, 29) to fix the holder (4) to the coupling member (3) when the holder (4) is inserted into the coupling member (3) and is ready to receive the counterpart (2).

5. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder (4) and/or the coupling member (3) are designed such that, when a pressure is applied inwards on the actuating element (10) in the radial direction RD, the holder (4) is opened such that the counterpart (2) can be pulled out of the coupling member (3).

6. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling member (3) comprises a second flange (15), wherein the second flange (15) preferably has a flange hole (16).

7. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flange opening (12) and/or the flange hole (16) at least partially overlaps the actuating element (10) in a front view of the quick connector (1).

8. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first flange (11) abuts the holder (4) in the axial direction AD and is preferably arranged axially outside the holder (4).

9. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a part of the first flange (11) extends in a circumferential direction CD, wherein the flange opening (12) belongs to the at least a part of the first flange (11).

10. Quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating element (10) has a smooth outer surface, allowing the tool (13) to slide on said smooth outer surface.

11. Quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the retainer (4) and/or the coupling member (3) comprise a polymer.

12. Quick connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outer boundary (14) of the flange opening (12) and/or an outer edge (33) of the flange hole (16) is designed to act as a counter bearing which takes up the force of the holder (4) on the tool (13) when the tool (13) presses the holder (4).

13. A quick-connect assembly having a quick-connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a complementary-shaped counterpart (2) for insertion into the coupling member (3).

14. Vehicle comprising a quick connector (1) or a quick connection assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flange opening (12) faces upwards.

15. Method for releasing a quick-connect assembly, in particular according to claim 14, wherein the quick-connect assembly comprises a quick-connector (1) and a complementary counterpart (2), wherein the quick-connector (1) is connected to the complementary counterpart (2) in a vehicle, wherein the quick-connector (1) comprises a coupling member (3) and a retainer (4), wherein a tool (13) is used to release the retainer (4) from the coupling member (3), wherein the tool (13) is moved such that the retainer (4) releases the counterpart (2), characterized in that the coupling member (3) and the retainer (4) are each designed such that a force generated by the movement of the tool (13) is deflected in this way by the coupling member (3) and/or the retainer (4), so that the holder (4) is pressed into the coupling member (3), thereby releasing the counterpart (2).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a quick connector for connecting to a complementary counterpart, wherein the quick connector comprises a coupling member and a holder, wherein the coupling member has a fluid line end for connecting to a fluid line and a coupling end for introducing the counterpart, wherein the holder comprises at least one actuating element for opening the holder to pull the counterpart out of the coupling member, wherein the coupling member comprises a first flange at the outside of the coupling end, wherein the first flange has a flange opening for inserting a tool into the flange opening, such that the tool can exert a force on the holder and the actuating element, respectively. The invention also relates to a quick connector assembly comprising a quick connector and a complementary counterpart, a vehicle comprising a quick connector assembly and a method for releasing a quick connector assembly.

Background

Such a quick connector for connecting to a complementary counterpart with a circumferential collar is known from DE 102015003792 a1, wherein the quick connector comprises an angled coupling member and a U-shaped holder. The quick connector includes a fluid line end for connecting to a fluid line and a coupling end for introducing a mating piece. The retainer is located at the coupling end and includes a plurality of retention elements formed as barbs. The retaining elements are arranged at the U-shaped legs and the U-shaped base of the retainer, allowing the circumferential collar of the counterpart to be locked within the coupling member when the circumferential collar of the counterpart is inserted into the coupling member. The holder also has at least one actuating element for opening the holder to pull out the counterpart. The actuating element is a U-shaped base of the holder.

The coupling member in DE 102015003792 a1 has a flange at the coupling end, so that the U-shaped base of the holder can be completely or almost completely immersed into the coupling member. This is used to indicate that the retainer is fully inserted into the coupling member. The flange includes a flange opening such that a tool can be directed through the flange opening to position the tool tip between the U-shaped base of the holder and the coupling member. Thus, the retainer may be pulled or pried out of the coupling member by guiding the lever movement of the tool handle toward and away from the coupling member. However, such lever movements require free space around the coupling member, which is not normally present in modern vehicles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a quick connector in which less free space is required around each of the quick connector and the coupling member to open the retainer.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is solved by a quick connector for connection to a complementary counterpart, wherein the quick connector comprises a coupling member and a retainer, wherein the coupling member has a fluid line end for connection to a fluid line and a coupling end for introduction of the counterpart, wherein a fluid channel of the coupling member fluidly connects the coupling end to the fluid line end, wherein a section of the fluid channel designated to the coupling end has a coupling central axis, wherein the coupling central axis defines an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD, wherein the retainer is assigned to the coupling end, wherein the retainer has at least one retaining element for retaining the counterpart, wherein the retainer comprises at least one actuating element for opening the retainer to pull the counterpart out of the coupling member, wherein the coupling member comprises a first flange at an outer portion of the coupling end, wherein the first flange has a flange opening for inserting a tool into the flange opening such that the tool can exert a force on the holder and the actuating element, respectively, wherein the flange opening of the first flange has an outer boundary, wherein the outer boundary is located outside the flange opening in the radial direction RD.

The term "complementary counterpart" preferably means that the counterpart can be in fluid tight connection with the coupling member and the quick connector, respectively. Advantageously, the counterpart is a male counterpart, wherein the quick connector is a corresponding female element. Preferably, the counterpart comprises a locking element, in particular a collar. It is also possible that the counterpart has a recess as a locking element. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer is a locking element of the quick connector, which is complementary to a locking element of the counterpart. It is highly preferred that the retainer locks the counterpart/collar in such a way that the counterpart is retained in the quick connector/coupling member.

The coupling member may be angled or straight. For embodiments having straight coupling members, the coupling central axis may be identical to the fluid line central axis. If the coupling member is angled, the coupling central axis is not exactly the same as the fluid line central axis. The terms "axial direction AD", "radial direction RD" and "circumferential direction CD" preferably refer only to the coupling centre axis.

The tool is preferably elongated so that no finger near the quick connector is required to actuate the retainer. For example, the tool may be a screwdriver or a special elongated tool. The tool may be a flat blade screwdriver. The tool may include a handle and/or a tool tip. The tool tip preferably has an interaction element to interact with the boundary of the flange opening and/or the edge of the flange hole. For example, the interaction element may be a barb for locking/catching on/in the border of the flange opening and/or the edge of the flange hole. The interacting element preferably prevents the tool from sliding off the quick connector.

It is very preferred that the force causes a movement of the tool, whereupon the force of the tool is deflected such that the holder is moved inwards in the radial direction RD. In an advantageous embodiment, the deflected force is transmitted via a wide or thin side of the tool tip. In particular, forces are not transmitted from the end face of the tool tip to the holder. For example, in a front view, the tool tip of a particular tool has an elongated rectangular end face with two wide (or elongated) sides and two thin sides. The lateral forces of the tool are preferably deflected onto the holder via the outer boundary of the flange opening. It is within the scope of the invention that the outer boundary is part of the first flange.

The present invention is initially based on the following findings: manually actuating the actuating element in many cases requires too much space around the quick connector. Furthermore, it has been found that the outer boundary of the flange opening preferably acts as a counter bearing and allows force to be transmitted from the tool to the holder, thereby pushing the holder into the coupling member in a radial direction. Thus, no additional space is actually required around the coupling member for disengaging the coupling member from the counterpart (e.g. for maintenance work).

The invention is based on the following technique in particular: the outer boundary acts as a counter bearing so that the tool can transmit forces radially inwards. For example, a translational movement of the tool, which is carried out entirely in the axial direction AD, on a ramp on the outside of the actuating element can be converted into a radially inward force/movement of the holder. For example, it is also possible to rotate the tool tip inserted into the flange opening about the length axis of the tool, so that the wider side of the tool tip is no longer oriented in the circumferential direction CD, but rather the edge is oriented outwards in the radial direction RD. This may also exert a radially inward force on the holder with the aid of the outer boundary.

Both movements can be accomplished with an elongated tool, so that no space-consuming hands are required on the coupling member. Also, no lever movement of the tool itself is required. Thus, the coupling member/quick connector can be mounted more compactly, so that the above-mentioned object is achieved.

According to a very preferred embodiment, the outer boundary is part of a closed circumferential boundary of the flange opening. Preferably, the flange opening has two lateral boundaries which extend at least partially in the radial direction RD outwardly in a direction towards the outer boundary. The inner contour of the boundary of the flange opening is preferably rounded to allow the tool to rotate within the flange opening. Preferably, the thickness of the outer boundary in the radial direction RD is at least 0.5/1.0/1.5 mm. The outer boundary/first flange preferably has a thickness in the axial direction AD of at least 0.5/0.8/1.0 mm.

It is very much preferred that the coupling member, the holder, the first flange, the actuating element and/or the outer boundary are designed such that the force generated by the movement of the tool can be deflected to exert a force acting inwards in the radial direction RD on the holder. According to an embodiment, the forces generated by the translational movement, preferably in the axial direction AD, may be deflected to exert forces acting inwards in the radial direction RD on the holder. It is very much preferred that in a side view of the quick connector the tool and/or the holder and/or the actuating element have a tapered surface to deflect the force of the tool onto the holder. Advantageously, in a side view of the quick connector, the actuating element comprises a ramp. Preferably, in a side view of the quick connector, the surface of the ramp of the actuating element increases outwardly in the radial direction RD in a direction towards the first flange. Advantageously, the slope of the actuating element increases radially outwards in the axially outward direction AD. In side view, the tip of the tool may be rounded or tapered or even rectangular. However, it is preferred that the tip of the tool is tapered or rounded in side view.

According to an embodiment, the holder and/or the coupling member are designed such that the force of the rotational movement of the tool about the length axis of the tool can be deflected to exert a force acting inwards in the radial direction RD on the holder. Preferably, the cross-sectional view of the tool at and/or along the vicinity of the end face is not rotationally symmetrical with respect to the length axis of the tool. The tool tip may be rectangular, square or oval. For example, if the tool tip is rectangular in front/cross-sectional view, rotation about the length axis of the tool may apply a force to the holder and the actuating element, respectively, by using the outer boundary as a counter bearing. It is very much preferred that the actuating element has at least partly a smooth surface, so that the tool can slide on the smooth surface.

Preferably, the holder and/or the coupling member comprises at least one fixing element to fix the holder to the coupling member when the holder is inserted into the coupling member and is ready to receive/hold/interact with the counterpart (ready state of the holder). Advantageously, the at least one fixing element of the holder and/or the coupling member is a locking element. Preferably, the at least one locking element of the holder protrudes into the locking element of the coupling member. The locking element of the holder is preferably a projection, which preferably projects in the axial direction AD. The at least one locking element of the holder preferably extends outwardly in the axial direction AD. The holder advantageously comprises two fixing/locking elements, wherein preferably, in front view, one fixing element is assigned to the left side of the holder and one fixing element is assigned to the right side of the holder. In particular, each fixing element can be assigned to a holding element of the holder. In the case of a U-shape of the holder, the fixing elements can each be located on the respective holding element/leg of the U. Preferably, the fixing element is arranged in the upper half/upper third/upper quarter of the respective holding element/U-shaped leg of the holder.

Very preferably, the fixing element of the coupling member is a groove interacting with the fixing element of the holder. In particular, the fixing element of the holder is arranged within the fixing element of the coupling member when the holder is in its ready state. The groove of the coupling member preferably extends in an upward direction in a front view of the quick connector. Advantageously, the coupling member comprises two fixing elements, wherein each fixing element of the coupling member is assigned to a respective fixing element of the holder. Preferably, the retaining members and/or the fixing elements of the coupling member are arranged symmetrically to each other in a front view of the quick connector. The fixing element of the coupling member is preferably elongated in such a way that the fixing element of the holder can travel at least 1mm within the fixing element of the coupling member.

It is very advantageous if the holder and/or the coupling member are designed such that when a pressure force is applied inwards on the actuating element in the radial direction RD, preferably in the ready state of the holder, the holder is opened such that the counterpart can be pulled out of the coupling member. Preferably, the holder comprises two legs connected to the actuating element. Advantageously, each of the legs comprises one of said retaining elements. The holder may comprise a closure element which closes the holder leg in a circumferential manner and which may be opposite the actuating element. According to one embodiment, the retainer is U-shaped in a front view of the quick connector. The holder may be ring-shaped, such that the holder may have a closed or nearly closed oval shape or a circular shape in front view. It is very much preferred that the holder and/or the coupling member are designed such that said pressure applied to the actuating element results in the legs and the holding element, respectively, being spread outwards in the radial direction RD.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises at least one stop element to stop the inward movement of the holder in the radial direction RD.

The stop element may stop the holder after a travel distance of at least 1mm/2 mm. Preferably, the at least one stop element interacts with a stop edge of the coupling member, wherein the stop edge of the coupling member stops the inward travel of the stop element/holder in the radial direction RD. For example, the stop element can be located in the region of the connection of the leg/retaining element at the actuating element. In a front view of the holder, the stop element of the holder can project in the radial direction. The at least one stop element is preferably a radial projection. Preferably, the holder comprises two stop elements/radial projections, more preferably, in a front view of the holder, the two stop elements/radial projections are positioned symmetrically to each other at the holder.

According to a very preferred embodiment, the coupling member comprises a second flange, wherein the second flange preferably has a flange hole. Advantageously, in the ready state, in a front or rear view of the quick connector, the second flange is flush with the actuating element in the radial direction RD over at least a section of the circumferential direction CD. The flange holes may be open or closed outwards in the radial direction RD. The second flange may have a thickness in the axial direction AD of at least 0.5/0.8/1.0 mm. The flange hole may have an outer edge which is preferably located outside the flange hole in the radial direction RD. Preferably, the outer edge is part of a closed circumferential edge of the flange aperture.

According to a very preferred embodiment, the flange opening and/or the flange hole at least partially overlaps the actuating element in a front view of the quick connector. Advantageously, the first flange and/or the second flange at least partially overlap the actuating element in a front view of the quick connector. Preferably, the holder has an axis of symmetry in front view through the centre of the actuating element. It is within the scope of the invention that the first flange and/or the second flange have an axis of symmetry in a front view of the holder. Advantageously, the axis of symmetry of the holder in front view is the same as the axis of symmetry of the first flange and/or the second flange. Preferably, the actuating element does not extend outwardly in the radial direction RD to the first flange in front view.

It is within the scope of the invention that the first flange abuts the holder in the axial direction AD and is preferably arranged axially outside the holder. Preferably, the first flange is a part of an end face of the coupling end of the coupling member. The end face of the coupling end may be a front plate. Preferably, the second flange abuts the holder in the axial direction AD and is preferably arranged axially inside the holder. Preferably, the first flange and the second flange form a cavity for receiving the actuating element. It is particularly preferred that the first flange and/or the second flange directly adjoin the actuating element in the axial direction.

Preferably, at least a part of the first flange extends in the circumferential direction CD, wherein the flange opening belongs to at least a part of the first flange. Preferably, at least a part of the second flange extends in the circumferential direction CD, wherein the flange hole belongs to at least a part of the second flange. Very preferably, the first flange and/or the second flange extend completely in the circumferential direction CD. Preferably, the first flange and/or the second flange define one or more planes, wherein normals to the one or more planes extend in the axial direction AD. It is very much preferred that the area of the flange opening and the area of the flange hole overlap in front view. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling member and the holder are designed such that the tool will be inserted into the flange opening in the axial direction AD at +/-45 °, more preferably +/-30 °, even more preferably +/-20 °, to press the holder inwards in the radial direction RD.

Preferably, the actuating element has a smooth outer surface, allowing the tool to slide on the smooth outer surface. In particular, the holder does not comprise a logo, letters or numbers forming a relief on the outer surface of the holder as shown in DE 102015003792 a 1. Preferably, the outer surface of the actuating element is at least partially convex.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the holder and/or the coupling member preferably comprise predominantly a polymer. The term "mainly" preferably means that the holder and/or the coupling member consist of at least 50%/70%/90%/95% by weight of a polymer. Advantageously, the polymer of the holder and/or the coupling member is a polyamide, for example PA 6, PA 6.6, PA 10, PA 11 or PA 12. The coupling member and/or the retainer may be a single member produced by injection molding. The coupling member may also comprise two or more connected parts, which may have each been manufactured by injection moulding and may have been connected via gluing, locking or welding.

Advantageously, the holder and the at least one holding element and the leg respectively comprise an insertion surface. The insertion surface may be tapered on at least a section to facilitate insertion of the counterpart. Preferably, the one or more retaining elements are tapered in the region of the one or more insertion surfaces to make insertion of the counterpart easier.

According to a very preferred embodiment, the outer edge of the flange opening and/or the outer edge of the flange hole is designed to act as a counter bearing which takes up the forces of the holder on the tool when the tool presses against the holder. Preferably, the first flange has a highest point in the radial direction RD, which highest point is at least 3mm, preferably at least 4mm, away from the highest point of the actuating element in the radial direction RD in front view. The height of the flange opening in the radial direction RD is preferably at least 1.0mm and more preferably at least 2.0/3.0 mm.

The above object is achieved by a quick-connect assembly having a quick-connector according to the invention and having a complementary-shaped counterpart for insertion into a coupling member. The counterpart preferably comprises a collar, which more preferably extends in the circumferential direction CD along 360 °. It is within the scope of the invention for the counterpart to comprise a shaft to interact with the sealing ring of the quick connector. The counterpart may have a rounded tip at the end of the shaft for smooth insertion into the quick connector. The counterpart may have a connection end opposite the rounded tip for connection to a fluid line or aggregate such as a tank or a metering pump. Preferably, the collar is disposed between the connection end and the shaft. Preferably, the shaft is disposed between the circular tip and the collar. Advantageously, the collar is designed to interact with one or more retaining elements of the retainer and in particular for deploying the one or more retaining elements while inserting the counterpart into the quick connector. The collar is preferably designed to rest in the collar chamber of the quick connector.

The quick connector/coupling member preferably comprises a collar chamber for receiving the collar, and/or a sealing unit for tightly sealing the shaft fluid within the coupling member. The collar chamber may be located between the one or more retaining elements of the quick connector and the sealing unit in the axial direction AD. The sealing unit advantageously comprises at least one sealing ring. Preferably, the sealing unit comprises two sealing rings with an optional spacer between the two sealing rings. Preferably, the one or more sealing rings are fixed within the coupling member with the aid of a locking device. The locking means may be a sleeve. The locking means is preferably placed between the collar cavity and the at least one sealing ring in the axial direction AD. The coupling member/quick connector may have a receiving cavity for receiving an end of the counterpart. Preferably, the sealing unit is located between the collar chamber and the receiving chamber in the axial direction. Preferably, the receiving chamber comprises a stop towards the fluid line end in the axial direction AD for stopping the insertion of the counterpart and the tip, respectively.

The above object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a quick connector according to the invention or a quick connection assembly according to the invention, wherein the flange opening faces upwards and preferably vertically upwards. The term "flange opening faces upwards" preferably means that the normal of the area of the flange opening extends upwards. It is highly preferred that the coupling end faces downwards. Preferably, the counterpart is fixed, while the quick connector is movable after being released from the counterpart. According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle comprises an electric vehicle battery for powering the electric drive motor.

The above object is achieved by a method for releasing a quick-connect assembly, in particular a quick-connect assembly according to the invention, wherein the quick-connect assembly comprises a quick-connector and a complementary counterpart, wherein the quick-connector is connected to the complementary counterpart in a vehicle, wherein the quick-connector comprises a coupling member and a holder, wherein a tool is used to release the holder from the coupling member, wherein the tool is moved such that the holder releases the counterpart, wherein the coupling member and the holder are each designed such that a force generated by the movement of the tool is deflected by the coupling member and/or the holder in such a way that the holder is pressed into the coupling member, thereby releasing the counterpart.

It is very much preferred that the movement of the tool extends downwards and more preferably in a vertical direction. It is highly preferred that the quick connector of the method comprises one or more features of the quick connector according to the invention. The counterpart preferably comprises one or more features of the counterpart of the quick connector assembly according to the invention.

Drawings

Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a few schematic drawings. In the drawings, there is shown in the drawings,

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a quick connector,

figure 2 shows a perspective view of the retainer of the quick connector of figure 1,

figure 3 shows a perspective view of a counterpart complementary to the quick connector of figure 1,

figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the quick connector of figure 1 along its length axis,

fig. 5A shows a front view of the quick connector of fig. 1 and 4, with the retainer of fig. 2 in a closed state,

fig. 5B shows a front view of fig. 5A, with the holder in an open state,

fig. 6A shows a side view of the second embodiment with the second quick connector, with the retainer in the closed position,

FIG. 6B shows the quick connector of FIG. 6A with the retainer in an open state, an

Fig. 7 shows a rear view of the quick connector of fig. 6.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a quick connector 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The quick connector 1 comprises a coupling member 3 and a retainer 4. The coupling member 3 has a fluid line end 5, which fluid line end 5 is preferably designed to be inserted into a fluid line. Thus, the fluid line end 5 may comprise a barb and a groove for receiving a sealing ring. According to further embodiments, the fluid line end 5 may comprise a hollow cylindrical seat for insertion of an end of a fluid line. In this case, the fluid line end 5 and the fluid line can be connected by laser beam welding or by spin welding. The coupling member 3 further comprises a coupling end 6, which coupling end 6 receives the holder 4.

Referring now to fig. 2, the holder 4 is preferably U-shaped and comprises an actuating element 10 as a base of the U-shape and two U-shaped legs. Each of the U-shaped legs serves as a holding element 9. Both holding elements 9 have an insertion surface 31, which insertion surface 31 is substantially conical and enables easy insertion of the counterpart 2 (see fig. 3). Preferably, each retaining element 9 and the U-shaped leg respectively comprise an axial projection 17 in the upper quarter of the respective U-shaped leg. In a side view of the holder 4, the axial projection 17 projects in the axial direction AD and may comprise a lower tapered surface. The holder 4 preferably comprises a shoulder 21 at each holding element 9, so that the actuating element 10 is wider than the holding elements 9 in the axial direction AD.

Referring back now to fig. 1, the actuating element 10 of the holder 4 is preferably located between the first flange 11 and the second flange 15. The second flange 15 is advantageously flush with the actuating element 10 in the radial direction RD over at least a section of the circumferential direction CD. This may be used as an indication that the retainer 4 has been fully inserted into the coupling member 3.

Fig. 1 also highlights that the first flange 11 comprises a flange opening 12, wherein there is preferably a closed border of about 360 ° in the flange opening 12. The outer boundary 14 is located outside the flange opening 12 in the radial direction RD and is advantageously part of the closed boundary of the flange opening 12. The second flange 15 preferably includes a flange aperture 16. Preferably, the flange aperture 16 of this embodiment does not have an outer boundary. An imaginary line of the flange hole 16 in the circumferential direction CD continues the second flange 15 in the region of the flange hole 16 and defines the region of the flange hole 16 in the front view. It is very much preferred that the area of the flange hole 16 at least partially overlaps the area of the flange opening 12 in front view.

It has to be noted that the holder 4/actuating element 10 preferably comprises a stop element to stop the inward movement of the holder in the radial direction RD. The stop element may be a radial projection 34 projecting in the radial direction RD with respect to the respective retaining element 9. As can be seen in fig. 1, the coupling member 3 and the holder 4 are advantageously designed in such a way that a space is left between the radial projection 34 and the stop edge of the coupling member 3 when the holder 4 is in the fully inserted state. Furthermore, the holder 4 shown in fig. 1 is in a closed or relaxed state with respect to the holding element 9.

Fig. 3 depicts a complementary designed counterpart 2 with respect to the quick connector 1. The complementary counterpart 2 preferably comprises a collar 22, a shaft 23, a connecting end 24 and/or a tip 25. The connection end 24 may be designed to connect with a fluid line or aggregate (e.g., a tank, a metering pump, etc.). It is highly preferred that the counterpart 2 complies with the SAE standard.

Referring now to the cross-sectional view of fig. 4, fluid passage 7 fluidly connects fluid line end 5 with coupling end 6. A portion of the fluid channel 7 is assigned to the coupling end 6 and has a coupling center axis 8. Preferably, the coupling center axis 8 defines an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD. The quick connector 1 preferably comprises sealing units 18, 19, 20. The sealing unit 18, 19, 20 may comprise two sealing rings 19 and optionally a spacer 20 between the two sealing rings 19. The sealing ring 19 and the spacer 20 are advantageously held in place by inserting a sleeve 18, which sleeve 18 snaps into the coupling member 3. The preferred receiving chamber 26 is positioned between the sealing unit 18, 19, 20 and the preferred stop 28 of the coupling member 3. The coupling member 3 preferably comprises a collar chamber 27, which collar chamber 27 may be located between the holding element 9 and the sealing units 18, 19, 20.

During the insertion process, the collar 22 first contacts the insertion surface 31 of the holding element 9 and then spreads the holding elements 9 away from each other. When the collar 22 reaches the collar receiving chamber 26, the retaining element 9 suddenly relaxes, so that the counterpart is snapped into the quick connector 1. The circular tip 25 is now located in the receiving chamber 26, while the sealing ring 19 tightly seals the shaft 23, while the collar 22 rests within the collar chamber 27.

Fig. 5A highlights that the first flange 11 is advantageously part of the end face of the quick connector 1. The end face of the quick connector 1 in the region of the coupling end 6 is realized by a front plate 30. The holder 4 is in a fully inserted state, which is preferably defined by the fixing elements of the holder 4 and the coupling member 3, respectively. In this embodiment, the holder 4 comprises two fixing elements designed as axial projections 17. The coupling member 3 and the front plate 30 may each have complementary fixing elements formed as grooves 29. Preferably, said axial projections 17 rest in the grooves 29 of the front plate 30. The axial projections 17 may each have a tapered surface at their lower end to easily insert the retainer 4 into the coupling member 3. The holder 4 and the holding element 9 are in the insertion position and the closed or relaxed position (ready state), respectively, in fig. 5A. In this closed position, the inner edge 32 of the retaining element 9 extends substantially in the vertical direction. This applies if the counterpart 2 is located outside the quick connector 1 and the counterpart 2 is fully inserted.

To release the inserted counterpart 2 from the quick connector 1, a special tool 13 can be inserted into the flange opening 12. The flat blade of the tool 13 can be oriented in the horizontal direction in fig. 5A and thus substantially in the circumferential direction CD. The flat blade is thus arranged between the outer boundary 14 of the first flange 11 and the actuating element 10 of the holder 4. In a second step, the tool 13 is rotated by approximately 90 °, which can be seen in fig. 5B. This rotation results in a pressing force being exerted on the actuation element 10 and the holder 4, respectively, inwards in the radial direction RD. The pressing force pushes the actuating element 10 radially inwards by a few millimetres. Due to the preferred design of the holder 4 and the coupling member 3, this in turn leads to spreading apart the holding elements 9 from each other, which can be seen in particular with respect to the inner edge 32 (fig. 5B) of the holding elements 9. The retaining element 9 is now in the open state or open position, allowing the counterpart 2 to be released from the quick connector 1.

A second embodiment of the present invention is emphasized in fig. 6A. The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, but has the following differences compared to the first embodiment. The coupling member 3 of the second embodiment is preferably angled such that the coupling central axis 8 and the fluid line axis 35 comprise an angle of about 90 °. The holder 4 of the second embodiment has the same holding elements 9 as the holder of the first embodiment.

However, the actuating element 10 and the U-shaped base are respectively different from the holding element 10 of the first embodiment. As can be seen in fig. 6A, the actuation element 10 in side view may comprise a ramp rising from the second flange 15 to the first flange 11. In the second embodiment, the first flange 11 and the second flange 15 have substantially the same radial height, so that the second flange 15 of the second embodiment may be slightly higher in the radial direction RD than the second flange 15 of the first embodiment. This is due to the preferred outer edge 33 of the second flange 15 closing the flange aperture 16 of the second flange 15. As shown in fig. 7, the flange opening 12 and the flange hole 16 may have a circular shape.

The flange opening 12 and the flange hole 16 of the second embodiment are used as a guide for the tool 13, which is shown in fig. 6B. The tool 13 of the second embodiment is also a special tool that is inserted into the flange hole 16 and the flange opening 12 in the axial direction AD. When the tip of the tool 13 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the actuating element 10, a pressing force is generated on the holder 4 in the radial direction RD inwards. Also, the holding elements 9 are spread apart from each other, as explained with respect to fig. 5B.

List of reference numerals

1 quick connector

2 mating parts

3 connecting component

4 holding member

5 fluid line end

6 connecting end

7 fluid channel

8 central axis of connection

9 holding element

10 actuating element

11 first flange

12 flanged opening

13 tool

14 outer boundary

15 second flange

16 flange aperture

17 axial projection

18 casing tube

19 sealing ring

20 spacer

21 shoulder part

22 Collar

23 shaft

24 connecting end

25 terminal end

26 receiving chamber

27 Collar cavity

28 stop part

29 groove

30 front panel

31 insertion surface

32 inner edge

33 outer edge

34 radial projection

35 fluid line axis