IP Library Granted Patent US 7,044,505
Granted Patent B2
US 7,044,505 · App. 10/442,513 · Granted May 16, 2006

Quick connector with function of verifying complete connection

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,044,505
App. No.
10/442,513
Granted
May 16, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

A quick connector is configured as such that one axial end of an engagement window is co-planar with an annular end surface inside of a retainer holding portion. A checker jut toward an axial direction is provided integrally on a base portion of an inwardly directed engagement portion of a checker. The checker is mounted on the connector housing so that the checker jut toward one axial direction abuts the one axial end of the engagement window.

Claims (21)

1. A quick connector to be connected with a pipe including an inserting end portion provided with an annular engagement projection, and having a function to verify complete connection with the pipe, comprising:

a tubular connector housing provided with a tube connecting portion on one axial side thereof and a retainer holding portion having at least one engagement window on an opposite axial side of the connector housing,

a generally annular retainer provided with a pipe engagement portion adapted to be snap-engaged with the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and fitted to the retainer holding portion to engage with the engagement window, the retainer being fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the pipe engagement portion is located on one side of one axial end of the engagement window and shown in the engagement window,

a checker having a checker body configured so as to be generally along an outer peripheral surface of the connector housing and provided with a pull-out portion, and at least one window engagement portion formed integrally on the checker body, the checker being fitted or mounted on an outer periphery or outer peripheral surface of the connector housing in locking relation in a pull-out direction by engagement between the window engagement portion and the engagement window,

the window engagement portion of the checker being configured so as to be pushed by the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and thereby deformed and moved to allow the checker to be pulled out when snap-engagement between the annular engagement projection and the pipe engagement portion of the retainer brings about complete connection between the pipe and the quick connector, the window engagement portion seating in the engagement window in an axial position corresponding to the pipe engagement portion of the retainer,

the retainer holding portion including an annular end surface on one axial side of the inside thereof, the annular end surface being positioned axially such that one axial end of the retainer cannot be located on the opposite side of the one axial end of the engagement window, and

inclining preventive means provided between the window engagement portion of the checker and the one axial end of the engagement window to prevent the window engagement portion from inclining in one axial direction, and the inclining preventive means being a circumferentially thin-walled checker jut jutting in an axial direction provided integrally on a mid portion in a circumferential position on the window engagement portion of the checker.

2. A quick connector to be connected with a pipe including an inserting end portion provided with an annular engagement projection, and having a function to verify complete connection with the pipe, comprising:

a tubular connector housing provided with a tube connecting portion on one axial side thereof and a retainer holding portion having at least one engagement window on an opposite axial side of the connector housing,

a generally annular retainer provided with a pipe engagement portion adapted to be snap-engaged with the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and fitted to the retainer holding portion to engage with the engagement window, the retainer being fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the pipe engagement portion is located on one side of one axial end of the engagement window and shown in the engagement window,

a checker having a checker body configured so as to be generally along an outer peripheral surface of the connector housing and provided with a pull-out portion, and at least one window engagement portion formed integrally on the checker body, the checker being fitted or mounted on an outer periphery or outer peripheral surface of the connector housing in locking relation in a pull-out direction by engagement between the window engagement portion and the engagement window,

the window engagement portion of the checker being configured so as to be pushed by the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and thereby deformed and moved to allow the checker to be pulled out when snap-engagement between the annular engagement projection and the pipe engagement portion of the retainer brings about complete connection between the pipe and the quick connector, the window engagement portion seating in the engagement window in an axial position corresponding to the pipe engagement portion of the retainer,

the retainer holding portion including an annular end surface on one axial side of the inside thereof, the annular end surface being positioned axially such that one axial end of the retainer cannot be located on the opposite side of the one axial end of the engagement window, and

inclining preventive means provided between the window engagement portion of the checker and the one axial end of the engagement window to prevent the window engagement portion from inclining in one axial direction, the inclining preventive means being a circumferentially thin-walled checker jut jutting in an axial direction with such axial length so as to contact the window engagement portion of the checker mounted on an outer side of the connector housing, and said checker jut provided integrally on a portion in a circumferential position on the one axial end of the engagement window.

3. A quick connector to be connected with a pipe including an inserting end portion provided with an annular engagement projection, and having a function to verify complete connection with the pipe, comprising:

a tubular connector housing provided with a tube connecting portion on one axial side thereof and a retainer holding portion having at least one engagement window on an opposite axial side of the connector housing,

a generally annular retainer provided with a pipe engagement portion adapted to be snap-engaged with the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and fitted to the retainer holding portion to engage with the engagement window, the retainer being fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the pipe engagement portion is located on one side of one axial end of the engagement window and shown in the engagement window,

a checker having a checker body configured so as to be generally along an outer peripheral surface of the connector housing and provided with a pull-out portion, and at least one window engagement portion formed integrally on the checker body, the checker being fitted or mounted on an outer periphery or outer peripheral surface of the connector housing in locking relation in a pull-out direction by engagement between the window engagement portion and the engagement window,

the window engagement portion of the checker being configured so as to be pushed by the annular engagement projection of the pipe, and thereby deformed and moved to allow the checker to be pulled out when snap-engagement between the annular engagement projection and the pipe engagement portion of the retainer brings about complete connection between the pipe and the quick connector, the window engagement portion seating in the engagement window in an axial position corresponding to the pipe engagement portion of the retainer,

the retainer holding portion including an annular end surface on one axial side of the inside thereof, the annular end surface being positioned axially such that one axial end of the retainer cannot be located on the opposite side of the one axial end of the engagement window, and

inclining preventive means provided between the window engagement portion of the checker and the one axial end of the engagement window to prevent the window engagement portion from inclining in one axial direction, the inclining preventive means being a circumferentially thin-walled checker jut jutting in an axial direction provided integrally on a portion in a circumferential position on the window engagement portion of the checker, and the checker jut including a tip end portion having a generally semicircular cross-section.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 20, 2014
From: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
To: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED
Reel/Frame 034016/0613 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 31, 2003
From: TAKAYANAGI, AKIRA
To: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Reel/Frame 014328/0411 →