CN210566833U - Connector with a locking member - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connector, connector includes: a connector body comprising a tubular interface; and a latch adapted to lock a counterpart member to the tubular interface; the lock catch is suitable for being arranged on the tubular interface in a spanning mode and is detachably connected with the tubular interface. According to the utility model discloses a connector has the hasp of C type structure through the setting, can satisfy ordinary male joint's connection needs, when male joint part radial outside and neighbouring part integrated into one piece, or when the clearance is narrow and small between the part lateral wall of male joint and the neighbouring part, also can satisfy the installation needs of male joint under these two kinds of environment.

Description

Connector with a locking member

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a connector that is arranged in fluid conveying system pipeline high-speed joint.

Background

Various forms of quick connectors exist in the prior art and are widely used for connecting pipelines. In the automotive field, in order to increase the compactness of the line module, a part of the radially outer portion of the male connector is integrally formed with the adjacent component, or a part of the outer side wall of the male connector has a narrow gap with the adjacent component, both of which may hinder the connection between the connector and the male connector.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to existing connectors.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the utility model aims to provide a novel connector, this connector can satisfy the connection needs of ordinary male joint through setting up the hasp that has C type structure, can satisfy the installation needs of male joint under the above-mentioned two kinds of environment again.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector, the connector including: a connector body comprising a tubular interface; and a latch adapted to lock a counterpart member to the tubular interface; the lock catch is suitable for being arranged on the tubular interface in a spanning mode and is detachably connected with the tubular interface.

In an alternative embodiment, the latch is of a generally C-shaped configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the latch is adapted to snap-fit connect with the tubular interface card.

In an alternative embodiment, the lock catch includes a locking connection portion, the locking connection portion includes a groove, and the tubular interface includes a limiting ring, the limiting ring is suitable for being embedded in the groove to limit the lock catch from moving relative to the tubular interface along the axial direction of the tubular interface.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking connection further comprises a locking notch, and the stop collar comprises a locking projection adapted to snap into the locking notch.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking connection comprises two opposing locking notches and the stop collar comprises two opposing locking projections.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking connection further comprises a guide slot between the two locking slots, and the stop collar further comprises a guide post between the two locking projections.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking connection comprises a locking bar, the stop collar comprises a locking notch, the locking notch comprises an opening, and the locking bar is adapted to enter the locking notch through the opening, rotate within the locking notch and snap into the locking notch.

In an alternative embodiment, the stop collar comprises at least two locking notches arranged circumferentially.

In an alternative embodiment, the end of the connector body remote from the tubular port is provided with a flange in which an annular groove is provided for seating a seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the connector further comprises a locking spring adapted to straddle the catch, the locking spring being adapted to lock the counter element to the tubular interface when the locking spring is in the locked position.

According to the utility model discloses a connector has the hasp of C type structure through the setting, can satisfy ordinary male joint's connection needs, when male joint part radial outside and neighbouring part integrated into one piece, or when the clearance is narrow and small between the part lateral wall of male joint and the neighbouring part, also can satisfy the installation needs of male joint under these two kinds of environment.

The above advantages and other advantages and features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention, wherein:

fig. 1a is a schematic perspective view of a connector and a counterpart member according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 1b is a schematic side view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector and a counterpart fitting according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 2 is an exploded view of a connector and a counterpart member according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 3a is a schematic perspective view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 3b is a schematic side view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 3c is a schematic cross-sectional structure view of the connector body of the connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 4a is a schematic perspective view of a latch of a connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 4b is a schematic side view of the latch of the connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 4c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the latch of the connector according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

fig. 5a is a schematic perspective view of a connector and a counterpart member according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 5b is a schematic side view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 5c is a schematic side view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 5d is a schematic top view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 5e is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 5f is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector and a counterpart element according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 6 is an exploded view of a connector and a counterpart member according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 7a is a schematic perspective view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 7b is a schematic side view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 7c is a schematic side view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 7d is a schematic side view of a connector body of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 7e is a schematic cross-sectional structure view of the connector body of the connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8a is a schematic perspective view of a latch of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8b is a schematic perspective view of a latch of a connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8c is a schematic side view of the latch of the connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8d is a schematic bottom view of the latch of the connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8e is a schematic top view of the latch of the connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 8f is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lock catch of the connector according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

fig. 9a is a schematic perspective view of a connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two opponent members;

fig. 9b is a schematic side view of a connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two counterpart elements;

fig. 9c is a schematic side view of a connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two counterpart members;

fig. 9d is a schematic top view of a connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two counter-pieces;

fig. 9e is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two opponent members;

fig. 9f is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two opponent members.

Detailed Description

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, various features of the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce other embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of features shown provides a representative embodiment for a typical application. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

In the present specification, the words "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicating directions are words of convenience only and are not intended to be limiting.

The figures show a connector according to the invention. The connectors shown in the attached figures and discussed in relation thereto are suitable for various fields of application such as the automotive field. In particular, the connector may be used in any environment where a first fluid line is connected to a second fluid line. Such environments include, but are not limited to, aircraft, locomotives, marine vessels, industrial plants, and commercial and residential areas, among others.

The connector of the present invention is shown as having a straight connector body and a connector body having an L-shape. It will be appreciated that the body of the connector of the present invention may be T-shaped, or may be virtually any other shape required to suit a particular purpose. Furthermore, the illustrated connector shows a connector body having a first end in the form of a quick-connect device and a second end in the form of a tube for connection to a hose or any other type of pipe. Alternatively, the connector of the present invention may include quick connection means at both ends. Thus, the illustrated connector is intended to be instructive but not limiting.

Example 1

Fig. 1a to 1c show schematic structural views of the connector 101 and the counterpart member 103 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded schematic view of the connector 101 and the counterpart member 103 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1 a-1 c, the connector 101 mainly comprises a connector body 105, a latch 107 and a bolt 109. Fig. 2 also shows a male connection 111 of the counter element 103. The connector body 105 includes a tubular interface 113. The latch 107 may lock the male fitting 111 to the tubular interface 113. Specifically, the lock catch 107 causes the lock spring 109 to engage the male fitting 111 when in the locked position by spanning the lock spring 109 of the lock catch 107 to lock the male fitting 111 to the tubular interface 113.

Fig. 3a to 3c are schematic structural views of the connector body 105 of the connector 101 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3 a-3 c, the connector body 105 has an L-shape. The first end 115 of the L-shaped connector body 105 is a tubular interface 113, the tubular interface 113 is provided with a catch 107 for locking with the male fitting 111, and the second end 117 of the L-shaped connector body 105 opposite the first end 115 may be connected to another counterpart member, which may be in the form of a hose.

As shown in fig. 3 a-3 c, the tubular port 113 is provided with two annular grooves 119 for seating sealing rings 121 to seal the connection of the tubular port 113 with the male fitting 111. The second end 117 of the connector body 105 is provided with an annular groove 123 for receiving a sealing ring 125 for sealing the connection of the second end 117 to another pair of hand pieces. In addition, the second end 117 of the connector body 105 is also provided with two tapers 127 to facilitate the connection of the second end 117 with another pair of counterpart members.

Fig. 4a to 4c are schematic structural views of the latch 107 of the connector 101 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4 a-4C, the latch 107 is in the form of an open mouth having a C-like configuration, whereby the latch 107 may straddle the tubular port 113. The lock 107 is detachably connected with the tubular interface 113. More specifically, the latch 107 is snap-fit to the tubular interface 113. The following describes a specific snap-in connection of the latch 107 to the tubular interface 113 in this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 4 a-4 c, the latch 107 includes a locking connection 129. The locking connection 129 is also open in form, similar to the shape of a circular arch, to straddle the tubular interface 113. The locking connection 129 is provided with a groove 131. The groove 131 is provided along the contour of the circular arched locking connection 129 and is located inside the locking connection 129. In correspondence with the recess 131 of the locking connection 129, the tubular interface 113 is provided with a stop collar 133, as shown in fig. 3 a-3 c. The retainer ring 133 is generally annular plate-shaped and is disposed around the peripheral wall 135 of the tubular interface 113. When the lock catch 107 is straddled on the tubular interface 113 of the connector body 105, the groove 131 of the locking connecting portion 129 of the lock catch 107 is fitted with the limit ring 133 of the tubular interface 113 of the connector body 105, that is, the limit ring 133 is fitted in the groove 131, so that the lock catch 107 can be limited from moving relative to the tubular interface 113 in the axial direction of the tubular interface 113.

As shown in fig. 3 a-3 c, the stop collar 133 further includes guide posts 137, the guide posts 137 disposed on a side surface 139 of the stop collar 133. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 4 a-4 c, the locking connection 129 further includes a guide notch 141, the guide notch 141 being disposed on an end face 143 of the locking connection 129. The insertion of the guide posts 137 into the guide slots 141 guides the grooves 131 of the locking connection portions 129 of the latches 107 into engagement with the stop collar 133 of the tubular interface 113 of the connector body 105. The engagement of the guide posts 137 with the guide slots 141 may also limit the rotation of the latch 107 relative to the tubular interface 113 in the circumferential direction after the stop collar 133 is inserted into the groove 131 and is seated in place.

As shown in fig. 3 a-3 c, the stop collar 133 further includes two locking projections 145, the two locking projections 145 being provided on the side surface 139 of the stop collar 133 and on either side of the guide posts 137, in other words, the guide posts 137 are provided between the two locking projections 145. The two locking protrusions 145 are oppositely disposed. Correspondingly, as shown in fig. 4 a-4 c, the locking connection 129 further comprises two locking notches 147, the two locking notches 147 being arranged on the end face 143 of the locking connection 129 on both sides of the guide notch 141, in other words, the guide notch 141 is arranged between the two locking notches 147. The two locking notches 147 are oppositely disposed. Further, as shown in fig. 3a to 3c, the locking protrusion 145 is provided with a wedge 149 having a slope. As the stop collar 133 is inserted into the groove 131, the locking notch 147 gradually moves onto the sloped surface of the wedge 149 and as the stop collar 133 is inserted into place in the groove 131, the locking notch 147 makes a snap-fit connection with the wedge 149.

It will be appreciated that the locking connection may comprise one or more than two locking notches and that the stop collar may correspondingly comprise one or more than two locking projections, provided that the locking projections fit into and snap into the locking notches. In addition, in some embodiments, the guide groove and the guide post may not be provided, and only the locking groove and the locking protrusion may be provided. In other embodiments, the locking notch and the locking protrusion may not be provided, and only the guide notch and the guide post may be provided. At this time, the lock catch and the tubular interface may be in snap-fit connection in other manners, or the lock catch and the tubular interface may still be in snap-fit connection by using the locking notches and the locking protrusions as described above, but the locking notches and the locking protrusions may be disposed at other positions on the locking connection portion and the limiting ring, or disposed on other components besides the locking connection portion and the limiting ring.

As shown in fig. 1a to 1c and fig. 2, the lock spring 109 straddles the lock catch 107. The locking spring 109 comprises two retaining legs 151. The latch 107 is provided with two opposing notches 153 into which the two retaining legs 151 are inserted, respectively. The locking counter-element 103 is provided with an annular protrusion 155, the locking spring 109 is in the locking position, the annular protrusion 155 exerts a laterally outward force on the two retaining legs 151 of the locking spring 109 as the male connector 111 of the counter-element 103 is inserted into the tubular interface 113, so that the locking spring 109 expands laterally, and after the locking spring 109 has passed the entire annular protrusion 155, the locking spring 109 returns to the locking position, and the two retaining legs 151 of the locking spring 109 engage with the annular protrusion 155 of the counter-element 103 or at least retain the annular protrusion 155 to lock the male connector 111 of the counter-element 103 to said tubular interface 113.

Example 2

Fig. 5a to 5f are schematic views showing the structure of the connector 201 and the counterpart member 203 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the connector 201 and the counterpart member 203 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5 a-5 f, the connector 201 mainly comprises a connector body 205, a catch 207 and a bolt 209. Fig. 6 also shows the male coupling 211 of the counter element 203. The connector body 205 includes a tubular interface 213. The latch 207 may lock the male fitting 211 to the tubular interface 213. Specifically, the lock catch 207 engages the male fitting 211 when in the locked position with the lock spring 209 straddling the lock catch 207 to lock the male fitting 211 to the tubular interface 213.

Fig. 7a to 7e show schematic structural diagrams of the connector body 205 of the connector 201 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 7 a-7 e, the connector body 205 has an L-shape. The first end 215 of the L-shaped connector body 205 is a tubular interface 213, the tubular interface 213 is provided with a catch 207 for locking with the male fitting 211, and the second end 217 of the L-shaped connector body 205 opposite the first end 215 may be connected to another counterpart member, which may be in the form of a hose.

As shown in fig. 7 a-7 e, the tubular interface 213 is provided with two annular grooves 219 for seating sealing rings 221 for sealing the connection of the tubular interface 213 with the male fitting 211. The second end 217 of the connector body 205 is provided with an annular groove 223 for receiving a sealing ring 225 for sealing the connection of the second end 217 to another counterpart member. In addition, the second end 217 of the connector body 205 is also provided with two tapers 227 to facilitate the connection of the second end 217 to another pair of opposing members.

Fig. 8a to 8f show schematic structural diagrams of the latch 207 of the connector 201 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in fig. 8a-8f, the catch 207 is open in form, having a C-like configuration, whereby the catch 207 may straddle the tubular interface 213. The lock catch 207 is detachably connected to the tubular interface 213. More specifically, the latch 207 is snap-fit connected to the tubular interface 213. The specific snap-fit connection of the latch 207 to the tubular interface 213 in this embodiment is described below.

As shown in fig. 8a-8f, the catch 207 includes a locking connection 229. The locking connection 229 is also in the form of an opening, similar to the shape of a circular arch, to straddle the tubular interface 213. The locking connection 229 is provided with a groove 231. The groove 231 is provided along the contour of the circular arch-shaped lock connection portion 229 and is located inside the lock connection portion 229. In correspondence with the recesses 231 of the locking connection 229, the tubular interface 213 is provided with a stop collar 233, as shown in fig. 7 a-7 e. The retainer ring 233 is substantially annular plate-shaped and is disposed around a peripheral wall 235 of the tubular interface 213. When the lock catch 207 is straddled over the tubular interface 213 of the connector body 205, the groove 231 of the lock connection portion 229 of the lock catch 207 is fitted with the limit ring 233 of the tubular interface 213 of the connector body 205, i.e., the limit ring 233 is fitted in the groove 231, so that the lock catch 207 can be limited from moving relative to the tubular interface 213 in the axial direction of the tubular interface 213.

As shown in Figs. 7 a-7 e, the stop collar 233 further includes a locking notch 237, the locking notch 237 being formed through the stop collar 233, the locking notch 237 including an opening 239. In other words, the retaining ring 233 is provided with snap arms 241, the snap arms 241 defining the locking notches 237. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 8a-8f, the locking connection 229 further includes a locking bar 243. The locking bar 243 is disposed radially inward of the locking connection portion 229, compared to the groove 231. Locking bar 243 may enter locking notch 237 through opening 239 and rotate within and snap into locking notch 237. Specifically, the locking notch 237 includes a locking region 245, and when the locking bar 243 rotates within the locking notch 237 and eventually reaches the locking region 245, the locking bar 243 makes a snap-fit connection with the locking notch 237.

As shown in fig. 7 a-7 e, the stop collar 233 includes three locking notches 237, the three locking notches 237 being circumferentially disposed and, more preferably, being circumferentially uniformly disposed. A plurality of locking notches 237 are provided so that the catch 207 can be mated to the connector body 205 from a plurality of angles. It should be appreciated that the stop collar 233 may include two or more than three locking notches 237.

As shown in fig. 5 a-5 f and 6, the lock spring 209 spans the lock catch 207. The locking spring 209 includes two retaining legs 247. The catch 207 is provided with two opposing notches 249 into which the two retaining legs 247 are inserted, respectively. The counter element 203 is provided with a ring-shaped protrusion 251, the locking spring 209 is in the locking position, as the male connector 211 of the counter element 203 is inserted into the tubular interface 213, the ring-shaped protrusion 251 exerts a laterally outward force on the two limiting legs 247 of the locking spring 209, so that the locking spring 209 expands laterally, and after the locking spring 209 passes over the entire ring-shaped protrusion 251, the locking spring 209 returns to the locking position, and the two limiting legs 247 of the locking spring 209 engage with the ring-shaped protrusion 251 of the counter element 203 or at least limit the ring-shaped protrusion 251, so as to lock the counter element 203 to the tubular interface 213. As shown in fig. 5e, in the present embodiment, the annular protrusion 251 is further provided with a groove 253. The two restraining legs 247 of the locking spring 209, after passing over a portion of the annular projection 251, engage in a groove 253 on the annular projection 251 to lock the male fitting 211 of the counterpart 203 to the tubular interface 213.

Example 3

Fig. 9a to 9f show schematic structural views of the connector 301 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention mated with two counterpart elements 303, 304. As shown in fig. 9 a-9 f, the connector 301 mainly comprises a connector 301 body, a catch 307 and a bolt 309. Fig. 9 a-9 f also show the male connector 311 of the counter element 303. Connector body 305 includes a tubular interface 313. The latch 307 may lock the male connector 311 to the tubular interface 313. Specifically, the lock 307 engages the male fitting 311 when in the locked position by a lock spring 309 straddling the lock 307 and locking the male fitting 311 to the tubular interface 313. In this embodiment, the lock 307 and the tubular interface 313 adopt the snap-fit connection manner adopted in the above embodiment 2, and the detailed structure and connection manner thereof are not described again. It should be understood that the latch 307 and the tubular interface 313 may also be snap-fit or other snap-fit connection as described above in embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 9 a-9 f, the connector body 305 has a straight shape. The first end 315 of the linear connector body 305 is a tubular interface 313, the tubular interface 313 is provided with a catch 307 to lock with the male connector 311, the second end 317 of the linear connector body 305 opposite the first end 315 can be connected to a further counter-element 304, the further counter-element 304 can be in the form of a hose.

As shown in fig. 9 a-9 f, a second end 317 of the connector body 305 distal to the tubular interface 313 is provided with a flange 319, the flange 319 having an annular groove 323 therein for seating a seal 321. Thereby, a radial seal between the connector body 305 and the other counter piece 304 may be achieved. Due to the radial seal, the radial dimension of the second end 317 of the connector body 305 can be enlarged by a suitable amount relative to the dimension of the other pair of counterpart members 304 to facilitate the male fitting of the other pair of counterpart members 304 to enter the connector body 305.

According to the inventive concept of the present invention, by providing the lock catch with the C-shaped structure, the connection requirement of the common male joint can be satisfied, and the installation requirement of the male joint under these two environments can be satisfied when the male joint is integrally formed with the adjacent component in a radial direction, or when the gap between the outer side wall of the male joint and the adjacent component is narrow.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the true spirit and fair scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (11)

1. A connector, characterized in that the connector comprises:

a connector body comprising a tubular interface; and

a latch adapted to lock a counterpart member to the tubular interface;

the lock catch is suitable for being arranged on the tubular interface in a spanning mode and is detachably connected with the tubular interface.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch is generally C-shaped in configuration.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein said latch is adapted to snap-fit with said tubular interface card.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a locking connection portion including a groove, and the tubular interface includes a stop ring adapted to fit into the groove to limit movement of the latch relative to the tubular interface in an axial direction of the tubular interface.

5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the locking connection further comprises a locking notch, and the stop collar comprises a locking projection adapted to snap into the locking notch.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the locking connection includes two opposing locking notches and the stop collar includes two opposing locking projections.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the locking connection further comprises a guide notch located between the two locking notches, and the stop collar further comprises a guide post located between the two locking projections.

8. The connector of claim 4, wherein the locking connection includes a locking bar, the stop collar includes a locking notch, the locking notch includes an opening, and the locking bar is adapted to enter the locking notch through the opening, rotate within the locking notch, and snap into the locking notch.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the stop collar includes at least two circumferentially disposed locking notches.

10. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the end of the connector body remote from the tubular fitting is provided with a flange in which is provided an annular groove for seating a seal.

11. The connector of claim 10, further comprising a locking spring adapted to straddle the latch, the locking spring adapted to lock a counterpart member to the tubular interface when the locking spring is in a locked position.

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