Quick connect fluid coupling with components positioned to provide continuous insertion resistance
US6347815B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/0987
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quick connect coupling incorporates several improvements including the combination of several functions into a single component. A single stop member provides a structure for holding a check valve spring, and also provides a stop for the check valve. The single component further provides positioning for an o-ring. The coupling also includes a pilot which includes compressible ribs at its outer peripheral surface such that the pilot is self-centering preventing excessive off-centering of the tube. In addition, the position of an o-ring relative to a retainer is tightly controlled such that upon insertion of a tube into the connector, the tube will initially encounter a resistance force by compression of the seal. Once this resistance force is overcome, the tube will immediately begin to encounter a resistance force from the retainer. Thus, an installer does not see two separate resistance forces, but rather sees a continuous single resistance force. In this way, the installer is less likely to believe that a partially-connected tube is fully-connected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.