Quick connect tube coupling
US5230539A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/0927
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quick connect coupling for connecting a tube to a body having a stepped bore formed therethrough. The coupling includes a sleeve which is press fit in the bore. The inner surface of the sleeve has a cylindrical portion, a radially outwardly extending frusto-conical portion, and an internal shoulder defined therebetween. A collet is disposed within the sleeve having a boss portion which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion of the sleeve. The boss portion supports and guides the collet for co-axial movement relative to the sleeve. The collet further includes an enlarged end portion having an external shoulder and a frusto-conical surface. The frusto-conical collet surface is disposed within the frusto-conical sleeve surface. The tube is inserted within the coupling within the collet. When it is attempted to move the tube out of the body, the frusto-conical collet surface engages the frusto-conical sleeve surface. Also, the external collet shoulder engages the internal sleeve shoulder. As a result, the collet (and the tube engaged thereby) are positively retained within the coupling and the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.