U.S. patent application number 10/124533 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for fluid quick connector with retention clip for flangeless endforms.
Invention is credited to Stieler, David C..
Application Number | 20030197373 10/124533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28790882 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030197373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stieler, David C. |
October 23, 2003 |
FLUID QUICK CONNECTOR WITH RETENTION CLIP FOR FLANGELESS
ENDFORMS
Abstract
A fluid quick connector includes a connector housing having a
through bore adapted to receive a tubular endform. A retainer is
transversely mountable through the connector housing into
engagement with the endform. A retention clip having at least one
angled end projection is carried on the retainer for movement to a
final latched position with the endform while enabling the endform
to be inserted into the connector housing without substantial
contact with the retention clip. The retention clip is in the form
of a planar body having at least one angled projection extending
therefrom. Preferably, a plurality of angled projections are formed
on the retention clip. The retention clip is fixedly secured to the
retainer or insert molded in the retainer for movement concurrent
with movement of the retainer relative to the connector
housing.
Inventors: |
Stieler, David C.; (Lake
Orion, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Andrew R. Basile
Young & Basile, P.C.
Suite 624
3001 West Big Beaver Road
Troy
MI
48084
US
|
Family ID: |
28790882 |
Appl. No.: |
10/124533 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/308 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/144 20130101;
F16L 2201/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/308 |
International
Class: |
F16L 037/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid quick connector for connection with an endform with a
first outer diameter surface, the fluid quick connector comprising:
a housing having a through bore extending between opposed first and
second ends, the endform adapted to be insertable into the bore
through the first end of the housing, the second end of the
housing; a retention clip having at least one outwardly extending
projection adapted to engage the endform to prevent movement of the
endform opposite to an insertion direction of the endform into the
bore in the housing; and a retainer mountable in the housing, the
retention clip carried by the retainer for movement between a first
position spaced from an insertion path of the endform into the bore
in the housing, and a second position concurrent with movement of a
retainer to a second position engaged with the endform.
2. The fluid quick connector of claim 1 wherein: the retention clip
is unitarily carried with the retainer.
3. The fluid quick connector of claim 2 wherein: the retention clip
has a first portion fixed to the retainer, the at least one
projection cantilevered from the first portion.
4. The fluid quick connector of claim 2 wherein: the retention clip
is fixedly joined to the retainer.
5. The fluid quick connector of claim 4 wherein: the retention clip
is insert molded in the retainer, the at least one projection
extending from the retainer into the bore in the housing when the
retainer is in the second mounting position.
6. The fluid quick connector of claim 1 wherein the retention clip
comprises: a planar body having a first end fixed to the retainer,
the at least one projection extending from the first.
7. The fluid quick connector of claim 6 further comprising: the end
of the retainer extending transverse to the housing bore; and at
least a first leg depending from the end.
8. The fluid quick connector of claim 6 wherein the retention clip
further comprises: a pair of side legs extending from the end; and
the projection formed on at least one of the end portion and the
side legs.
9. The quick connector of claim 8 wherein: the projection is
carried on the end of the retention clip.
10. The fluid quick connector of claim 8 wherein: the at least one
projection is carried on at least one of the side legs.
11. The fluid quick connector of claim 8 wherein: the at least one
projection comprises a plurality of projections, at least one of
the plurality projections carried on each of the end and each of
the side legs of the retention clip.
12. The fluid quick connector of claim 11 further comprising: an
inner end of the plurality of projections disposed at a diameter
less than the outer diameter of the endform.
13. The fluid quick connector of claim 1 further comprising: the at
least one projection on the retention clip having an inner end; and
the retainer mountable in the housing in a temporary mounting
position allowing insertion of the endform into the bore in the
housing without substantial contact between the inner end of the at
least one projection and the endform.
14. The fluid quick connector of claim 1 wherein: the at least one
projection has an inner end disposed at a predetermined,
non-perpendicular angle with respect to the endform.
15. The sole quick connector of claim 14 wherein: the inner end of
the at least one projection is angled toward the second end of the
housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to fluid quick
connectors which couple two fluid operative components
together.
[0002] Snap-fit or quick connectors are employed in a wide range of
applications, particularly, for joining fluid carrying conduits in
automotive and industrial application. Such quick connectors
utilize retainers or locking elements for securing a first
connector component, such as a tubular conduit, within a
complimentary bore of a second connector component or housing. Such
retainers are typically of either the axially-displaceable or
radially-displaceable type. The terms "axially-displaceable" or
"radially-displaceable" are taken relative to the axial bore
through the second component.
[0003] In a typical quick connector with an axially displaceable
retainer, the retainer is mounted within a bore in a housing of the
second connector component of housing. The retainer has a plurality
of radially and angularly extending legs which extend inwardly
toward the axial center line of the bore in the housing. A tube or
male component to be sealingly mounted in the bore in the second
component includes a radially upset portion or flange which abuts
an inner peripheral surface of the retainer legs. Seal and spacer
members as well as a bearing or top hat are typically mounted in
the bore ahead of the retainer to form a seal between the housing
and the first connector component when the first connector
component is lockingly engaged with the retainer legs in the
housing.
[0004] Radially displaceable retainers are also known in which the
retainer is radially displaceable through aligned bores or
apertures formed transversely to the main throughbore in the second
connector component housing. The radially displaceable retainer is
typically provided with a pair of depending legs which are sized
and positioned to slip behind the radially upset portion or flange
on the first component or conduit only when the conduit is fully
seated in the bore in the second component. This ensures a positive
locking engagement of the conduit with the second component as well
as providing an indication that the conduit is fully seated since
the radially displaceable retainer can be fully inserted into the
second component only when the conduit has been fully inserted into
the bore in the second component.
[0005] In other types of quick connectors used with flangeless
endforms, a clip in the form of an annular ring is provided in the
second connector housing and has a plurality of angularly extending
fingers projecting from the inner diameter of the ring. The fingers
are angled to allow easy insertion of an endform and the conduit
into the housing through the fingers. However, a reverse movement
in the direction to separate the endform from the housing causes
the fingers to dig into the exterior wall of the endform to resist
and provide pull-out force resistance to tend to maintain the
endform in the second connector housing.
[0006] In such an endform, the retention clip is held in the
housing by means of a retainer, such as an axially insertable
retainer which is inserted into the open end of the second
connector housing after the retention clip has been inserted into
the second connector bore.
[0007] However, while such retention clips provide a means for
securing a flangeless endform or tube in a connector housing, they
necessarily represent a separate member which increases the
assembly time of the connector assembly. More importantly, the
angled fingers on the retention clip dig into and scrape the
exterior surface of the endform while the endform is being inserted
into the connector housing. This may remove the protective coating
normally found on metal tubes which could lead to corrosion and an
eventual breakdown or leak through the quick connector.
[0008] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a quick connector
retention means which overcomes the problems of previously devised
retention means used in quick connectors for flangeless endforms.
It would also be desirable to provide a quick connector retention
means for flangeless endforms which does not require excessive
modification of existing quick connector designs. It would also be
desirable to provide a quick connector retention means which
minimizes damage to the endform during insertion into the connector
housing. It would also be desirable to provide a quick connector
retention means which reduces the number of separate components
required in the quick connector assembly. It would also be
desirable to provide a quick connector retention means which is
operative only on movement of a quick connector retainer to a last
position in the quick connector housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a fluid quick connector with a
retention clip for securing a flangeless endform to a connector
housing.
[0010] In one aspect, the fluid quick connector includes a housing
having a through bore extending between opposed first and second
ends, the endform insertable into the bore through the first end of
the housing. The second end of the housing is attachable to a fluid
operative element.
[0011] The retention clip has at least one radially extending
projection adapted to engage the endform to prevent movement of the
endform opposite to an insertion direction of the endform into the
housing bore.
[0012] A retainer is mountable in the housing. The retention clip
is carried by the retainer for movement between a first position
spaced from an insertion path of the endform into the bore in the
housing, and a second position concurrent with movement of a
retainer to a second position engaged with the endform.
[0013] In one aspect the retention clip is unitarily carried with
the retainer. The retention clip has a first portion fixed to the
retainer, and at least one projection cantilevered from the first
portion into the bore in the housing.
[0014] In another aspect the retention clip is fixedly joined to
the retainer.
[0015] In this aspect, the retention clip is insert molded in the
retainer, which the at least one projection extending from the
retainer into the bore in the housing when the retainer is in the
second mounting position.
[0016] The retention clip includes a planar body having a first end
fixed to the retainer, the at least one projection extending from
the first end. The end portion of the retainer extends transverse
to the housing bore.
[0017] In another aspect, the retention clip includes at least a
first leg depending from the end portion of the retainer body.
[0018] In one aspect the retention clip includes:
[0019] at least one end fixed to the retainer;
[0020] a pair of legs extending from the end; and
[0021] the projection formed on at least one of the end and the
legs.
[0022] the at least one projection is carried on at least one of
the side legs.
[0023] Preferably at least one projection comprises a plurality of
projections, at least one of the plurality projections carried on
each of the end and each of the legs.
[0024] Alternately the at least one projection includes a plurality
of projections, at least one of the plurality projections carried
on each of the end and each of the legs of the retention clip.
[0025] An inner end of the projection(s) is disposed at a diameter
less than the outer diameter of the endform.
[0026] In one aspect, the projection on the retention clip has an
inner end. The retainer is mountable in the housing in a temporary
mounting position allowing insertion of the endform into the bore
in the housing without substantial contact between the inner end of
the projection and the endform.
[0027] In another aspect the at least one projection has an inner
end disposed at a predetermined, non-perpendicular angle with
respect to the endform. Preferably the inner end of the at least
one projection is angled toward the second end of the housing.
[0028] The fluid quick connector of the present invention provides
an expedient and simplified connection between connector body
having a transversely moveable retainer and a flangeless endform
while at the same time preventing engagement between a retention
clip carried on the retainer and the endform during insertion of
the endform into the housing. This minimizes possible damage to the
protective coating which may be applied to the exterior surface of
the endform by preventing engagement between the sharp edges of the
retention clip and the endform while the endform is being inserted
into the quick connector housing. However, the lock fingers on the
retention clip are moveable into engagement with the endform during
transverse movement of the retainer into a fully locked position in
the connector housing. The angled ends of the lock fingers prevent
axially outward separation of the endform.
[0029] The retention clip and retainer configuration of the present
invention enables a retainer and a quick connector housing suited
for use with endforms having annular beads or flanges to be
uniquely used with a flangeless endform while still providing all
the necessary sealed locking of the endform in the connecting
housing. These advantages are achieved without significant
modification to the retainer and connector housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0030] The various features, advantages and other uses of the
present invention will become more apparent by referring to the
following detailed description and drawing in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a quick connector
carrying a first aspect of a retention clip according to the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the
retainer shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an end view of the quick connector and retainer,
with the retainer shown in a partially inserted, storage
position;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an end view of the quick connector and retainer,
with the retainer depicted in a fully inserted, position in the
female component;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view generally taken along line
5-5 in FIG. 4; and
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 5; but
depicting another aspect of the retainer and retention clip of the
present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] For clarity in understanding the use and operation of the
present invention, reference will first be had to FIGS. 1-5 which
depict a retainer 10 which lockingly couples first and second
components 12 and 14, respectively, of a fluid quick connector
16.
[0038] The following description of the first connector component
or element 12 is by way of example only as the first connector
component 12 may have any suitable shape typically found in quick
connectors.
[0039] Further, the following description of the use of the fluid
quick connector to connect the second component 14; such as a
tubular member to the first component 12 will be understood to
apply to the connection of conduits, hoses, and/or solid metal or
plastic tubes to each other in fluid flow communication. The end of
a conduit or tubular member inserted into the interior of one end
of the quick connect will be defined as an endform. The endform can
be a separate member which receives a separate hose or conduit at
one end or a shape integrally formed on the end of an elongated
metal or plastic tube. Further, the endform can be integrally
formed on or mounted as a separate element to a fluid use device,
such as a pump, filter, etc., rather than as part of an elongated
conduit.
[0040] The present quick connector finds advantageous use with
tubular members, such as conduits, tubes, or hoses which are
capable of defining a continuous electrically conductive path
through the tubular member itself or through a conductive layer or
portion of the tubular member. For example, conductive layers have
been provided in multi-layer tubes as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,524,673, and 5,743,304. Reference is made to these conductive
layers which provide an electrically conductive path from the quick
connector of the present invention to a remote electrical ground to
dissipate static electric charges which can build up within the
fuel system due to fast flowing fluids, such as vehicle fuels. The
first component 12 includes a housing 20 having an elongated,
axially extending, internal stepped bore 22, shown in detail in
FIG. 5, extending from a large diameter first, open end 24 to a
smaller diameter, second open end 26. The stepped bore 22 includes
a first bore portion 21 extending from an opening at the first end
24 of the housing 20 to a second smaller diameter second stepped
bore portion 23. A third yet smaller diameter stepped bore portion
25 extends axially from one end of the second stepped bore portion
23 and communicates to a still smaller fourth stepped bore portion
27 which extends to the open second end 26 of the housing 20.
[0041] As is conventional, a top hat or bearing 34 is mounted in
the second stepped bore portion 23 immediately adjacent the end of
the first bore portion 21. A seal means 30 is also mounted in the
second stepped bore portion 23 between one end of the top hat 34
and the third stepped bore portion 25.
[0042] The inner diameter of the first stepped bore portion 21 is
sized to slidably receive the outer diameter of the radially
enlarged flange or upset bead 18 formed on the second component or
fitting 14. Further, the inner diameters of the seal means 30 and
the top hat 34 are sized to sealingly engage the outer diameter of
the end portion 11 of the second component 14 extending from the
radially enlarged flange 18 to the tip end 13 of the second
component 14. The third stepped bore portion 25 has an inner
diameter sized to snugly engage the outer diameter of the end
portion 11 of the second component 14 when the second component 14
is fully inserted into the stepped bore 22 as described hereafter.
The seal means 30 is formed, by example, of at least one and
preferably two O-rings 31 which are separated by a rigid, annular
spacer 33.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3,and 4, the first end 24 of the
housing 20 is formed with a pair of opposed, exterior flat surfaces
40 and 42. The flat surfaces 40 and 42 are diametrically opposed on
the first end 24 and may be centrally located on each diametrical
side of the first end 24. The adjacent surfaces of the housing 20
to one side of the flat surfaces 40 and 42 form an opposed pair of
lock surfaces or flats, such as a first flat 43 and a second flat
44. A second pair of flats 45 and 46 are formed on the housing 20
or the other side of the flat surfaces 40 and 42. The flats 43 and
44 extend axially a short distance from the first end 24 of the
housing 20. Opposed surfaces 48 and 50 of the first end 24 of the
housing 20 between the flats 43 and 44 and the flats 45 and 46 have
a generally arcuate shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Apertures 49
and 51 are formed respectively in each surface 48 and 50. The
apertures 49 and 51 are aligned to form a transverse bore extending
through the first end 24 of the housing 20 which is disposed in
communication with the first bore portion 21 in the housing 20.
[0044] The retainer 10, described hereafter, is by way of example
only as other radially-displaceable retainer designs having side
locking projections may also employ the release tool of the present
invention.
[0045] The retainer 10 is formed of a one-piece body of a suitable
plastic, such as a thermoplastic, for example, and has an end wall
62 formed of a generally curved or arcuate shape, by way of example
only, and first and second spaced side legs 64 and 66. The side
legs 64 and 66 extend generally parallel to each other from
opposite ends of the end wall 62. Further, each side leg 64 and 66
has an outer end 72, although it is also possible to connect the
side legs 64 and 66 at a lower portion by an arcuate member.
[0046] A pair of projections 70 extend along the length of the
retainer 10 between opposed side edges of the side legs 64 and 66,
respectively. The projections 70 are located adjacent the outer end
72 of each leg 64 and 66. The projections 70 engage surfaces on the
housing 20 to position the retainer 10 in the shipping position
shown in FIG. 3, or in the fully inserted, latched position shown
in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.
[0047] Further, a pair of outward extending lock tabs or edges 74
are formed adjacent the end wall 62 on each side leg 64 and 66.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the retainer 10 includes a tubular
member receiving means 80 which is preferably carried as an
integral, one-piece part of the retainer 10. The receiving means 80
includes first and second depending arms 82 and 84 which extend
from a boss or enlargement 86 integrally formed on the inner
surface of the end wall 62 of the retainer 10. An inverted,
U-shaped slot 88 is formed on the inner surfaces of the arms 82 and
84 and the boss 86 which is sized to snugly conform to the outer
diameter of the tubular portion 11 of the second component 14. The
outer ends 91 of each of the arms 82 and 84 are angled or tapered
to act as a guide surface to assist in sliding movement of the arms
82 and 84 over the tubular end 11 of the second component 14.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,each of the arms 82 and 84 extends
from one side end contiguous with a first side end 90 of the
retainer 10 to an opposed side end contiguous with a second side
end 92 of the retainer 10.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the projections 70 on the
legs 64 and 66 of the retainer 10 are formed with an angled
hook-like shape terminating in a tip 95. The tip 95 is disposed at
an acute, upturned angle with respect to the corresponding legs 64
and 66.
[0051] Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the grooves 40' and
42' are formed in the interior of the flat surfaces 40 and 42,
respectively, and include a recess or notch 96 at one end which is
shaped complimentary to the shape of the tip 95 of the projection
70 on each of the legs 64 and 66 of the retainer 10. In this
manner, pull out of the retainer 10 from the housing 20 is resisted
by the interlocking tips 95 on the legs 64 and 66 of the retainer
10 which are seated within the notches 96 in the grooves 40' and
42' in the housing 20 as shown in the partially inserted, shipping
position of the retainer 10 in FIG. 3. The flats or lock edges 44
and 46 are disposed at an angle complimentary to the acute angle of
the tips 95 on the legs 64 and 66 of the retainer 10. This enables
interlock of the tips 95 with the flats 44 and 46 resists pull out
of the retainer 10 from the housing 20 from the fully latched
position shown in FIG. 4.
[0052] The hook shaped tips 95 on the legs 64 and 66 of the
retainer 10 in conjunction with the grooves 40' and 42' in the
housing 20 also provide, a distinct, "avalanche effect" snap action
of the retainer 10 in the housing 20. The grooves 40' and 42' in
the housing 20 are formed in generally planar flat surfaces. The
inner surfaces force the ends 72 of the legs 64 and 66 laterally
inward toward each other when the retainer 10 is inserted into the
housing 20. When the tips 95 clear one edge of the grooves 40' and
42', the resilient nature of the legs 64 and 66 snaps the ends 72
and the tips 95 laterally outward to create an "avalanche effect"
which provides a distinct tactile feedback to the user indicating
that the retainer has lockingly engaged the housing 20 in either
the partially inserted position shown in FIG. 3 or the fully
inserted position shown in FIG. 4.
[0053] It should be noted that further insertion force on the
retainer 10 moving the retainer 10 from the partially inserted
position shown in FIG. 3 to the fully inserted position shown in
FIG. 4 again causes the end 72 of the legs 64 and 66 to be urged
laterally inward when the tips 95 of the legs 64 and 66 slide along
the lower portion of the inner surfaces. When the tips 95 clear the
outer end of the inner surfaces, the legs 64 and 66 spring
laterally outward in a distinct "avalanche effect" manner. The
lower ends of the grooves 40' and 42' are angled to enable the tips
95 to slide out of the grooves 40' and 42' toward the fully latched
position.
[0054] The retainer 10 can be first be installed on the housing 20
in a shipping or storage position as shown in FIG. 3. In this
position, the projections 70 on the side legs 64 and 66 of the
retainer 10 snap into and engage the longitudinally extending
grooves 40' and 42'.
[0055] Further insertion of the retainer 10 through the aligned
apertures 49 and 51 in the housing 20 causes the ends 72 of the
legs 64 and 66 to pass along the lower portion of the inner
surfaces of the flat surfaces 40 and 42 until the tips 95 clear the
ends of the surfaces and then snap outward exteriorly of the outer
surface of the first end 24 of the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 4.
In this fully inserted position of the second component 14 in the
first component 12, an opening is formed between the arms 82 and 84
of the retainer 10 and the shoulder between the first and second
bore portions 21 and 23. This position represents the fully latched
position in which the second component 14 is fully seated in the
first component 12.
[0056] One aspect of a retention clip 100 is disposed in the
opening between the retainer 10 and the shoulder between the first
and second bore portions 21 and 23 in the housing 20. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 5, the retention clip 100 is in the form of a rigid one
piece body 102 preferably of a strong material, such as metal or
plastic. The body 102 has an end wall or portion 104 from which
opposed side legs 106 and 108 project. At least one lock finger, or
projection tab 110 is formed on the body 102, preferably as an
integral part of the body 102. By example only, the at least one
finger 110 is illustrated as extending from a central portion of
the end 104 intermediate the side legs 106 and 108. Optionally, and
for additional retention force, lock fingers or tabs 112 and 114
formed on the ends of the side legs 106 and 108, respectively.
[0057] All of the lock fingers 110, 112 and 114 project radially
inward into the opening 116 formed between the side legs 106 and
108 and the end 104. The inner diameter of the opening 116 between
the radially inner surfaces of the lock fingers 110, 112 and 114 is
slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the endform 14.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, each lock finger, such as lock finger
114, is formed at an angle to the plane of the end 104 and the side
legs 106 and 108 of the body 102. This angle extends the lock
fingers 110, 112 and 114 in a direction of the insertion direction
of the endform 14 into the housing 20 or from the right to the left
in the orientation of the quick connector 16 shown in FIG. 5. The
angle of each lock finger 110, 112 and 116 with respect to the
plane of the body 102 determines to some extent the amount of
pull-out force exerted by the retention clip 100 on the endform 14
resisting pull-out of the endform 14 from the housing 20. Greater
angles provide less pull-out force resistance than do shallower
angles.
[0059] To simplify the assembly of the retention clip 100 and the
retainer 10 to the quick connector 16, the retention clip 100 is
preferably mounted on and carried with the retainer 10. For
example, the end 104 and adjoining portions of the side legs 106
and 108 may be adhesively joined to the one end face of the arms 82
and 84 and the boss 86 of the retainer 10.
[0060] An alternate mounting configuration of the retention clip
100 on the retainer 10 is shown in FIG. 6. In this aspect of the
invention, at least the end 104 and possibly the adjoining end
portions of the side legs 106 and 108 are insert molded in the
retainer 10 during the formation of the retainer 10, such as in an
end portion of the boss 86. This positions the side legs 106 and
108 along the end surface of the arms 82 and 84 with the lock
fingers 110, 112 and 114 projecting angularly therefrom as shown in
FIG. 6.
[0061] Both aspects of the mounting of the retention clip 100 to
the retainer 10 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 operate in the same manner.
Initially, the retainer 10 is deployed in the temporary storage
position shown in FIG. 3. In this position, the ends of the side
legs 106 and 108 will be spaced from an insertion opening in the
housing 20 for the endform 14 thereby allowing the endform 14 to be
easily inserted past the retention clip 100 without any significant
contact of the lock fingers 110, 112 and 114 with the retention
clip 100 thereby preventing any scraping of the protective coating
which may be from the exterior surface of the endform 14.
[0062] When the endform 14 is fully inserted into the bore 22 in
the housing 20, the retainer 10 can be urged to the fully latched
position shown in FIGS. 4-6. In this position, the lock fingers
110, 112 and 114 engage the exterior surface of the endform 14. The
angular disposition of the lock fingers 110, 112 and 114 resist
axial pull-out or separation of the endform 14 from the housing 20
in a direction to the right in the orientation shown in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0063] To separate the endform 14 from the housing 20, the retainer
10 is moved to the temporary storage position shown in FIG. 3 or
completely separated from the hosing 20. The enables the endform 14
to be separated without damage from engagement with the edges of
the lock fingers 110, 112 and 114.
[0064] In summary, there has been disclosed a unique fluid quick
connector with a retainer carrying a retention clip releasably
engageable with a flangeless endform which operates to secure the
endform in the quick connector housing with sufficient pull-out
force resistance to prevent undesired separation of the endform
from the housing. The retainer is moveable between a temporary,
storage position in the quick connector housing to a fully
inserted, locking position in the housing. In the temporary storage
position of the retainer, the retention clip is spaced from an
insertion path of the endform into the quick connector housing.
This minimizes damage to the exterior protective coating on the
endform caused by engagement with the sharp edges of the lock
fingers on the retention clip.
[0065] The present retention clip uniquely enables transversely
moveable retainers in fluid quick connectors to be used to
lockingly engage flangeless endforms in a quick connector housing.
At the same time, the retention clip does not require modification
to existing transversely mounted retainer and quick connector
designs to accommodate the mounting of the retention clip on the
retainer.
* * * * *