Quick connect fitting assembly

Abstract

A quick connect fitting assembly. The quick connect fitting assembly comprises a first connector (100), a second connector (200), and a circlip (300). The second connector (200) is provided with an insertion portion (210) inserted into the first connector (100); the circlip (300) is mounted on the first connector (100), and the circlip (300) comprises a limiting section (310) and a connecting section (320) located at one end of the limiting section (310); a notch (110) is provided on the side wall of the first connector (100); a first annular groove (211) directly facing the notch (110) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion (210); the limiting section (310) passes through the notch (110) and is snap-fitted into the first annular groove (211); and the connecting section (320) is provided with a stressed portion (321), and the cross-sectional dimension of the stressed portion (321) is less than that of the remaining portion of the circlip (300). During insertion, the insertion portion of the assembly easily pushes against the limiting section of the circlip such that the stressed portion of the circlip elastically deforms, thereby reducing the resistance of the circlip to the insertion portion, thus reducing the required insertion force for the insertion of the second connector, and facilitating an operator to insert the insertion portion of the second connector into the first connector.

Description

Quick-connect fitting assemblies Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to equipment component technology, and in particular to a quick-connect connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the piping system of equipment, quick-connect fittings are often used to connect the pipes of two different devices. Using quick-connect fittings to connect two pipes can not only ensure the reliability of the connection between the two pipes, but also improve assembly efficiency.

[0003] Currently, a quick-connect connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a retaining spring. The second connector is inserted into the first connector, which has a notch and an annular groove facing the notch. The retaining spring is mounted on the first connector and has a retaining section that passes through the notch and engages in the annular groove. The retaining spring and the annular groove prevent the second connector from being removed from the first connector.

[0004] However, the operator needs to use a large insertion force to insert the second connector into the first connector, which is inconvenient.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a quick-insert connector assembly. In the quick-disconnect plug assembly of the present invention, the operator can insert the second connector into the interior of the first connector by providing a small insertion force, which is convenient for installation.

[0007] The present invention provides a quick-connect connector assembly, comprising a first connector, a second connector, and a retaining spring. The second connector comprises a plug-in portion inserted into the interior of the first connector, the retaining spring is mounted on the first connector, and the retaining spring comprises a limiting section and a connecting section located at one end of the limiting section. A notch is provided on a side wall of the first connector, and a first annular groove is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the plug-in portion that faces the notch. The limiting section passes through the notch and is engaged with the first annular groove.

[0008] The connecting section is provided with a force-bearing portion, and the cross-sectional dimension of the force-bearing portion is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the remaining portion of the clamping spring.

[0009] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, the number of the limiting sections is two, the connecting section is arranged between the two limiting sections, notches are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the first connector, the two limiting sections are respectively provided through the two notches, the number of the force-bearing parts is two, and the two force-bearing parts are respectively located at both ends of the connecting section.

[0010] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the force-bearing portion is elliptical, and the cross-sectional shape of the remaining portion of the retaining spring is circular, the major axis of the ellipse is parallel to the axial direction of the first connector, and the length of the minor axis of the ellipse is less than the diameter of the circle.

[0011] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, a lug is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first connector, the lug is provided with a receiving cavity, and an end of the limiting section away from the connecting section extends into the receiving cavity.

[0012] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, the retaining spring further comprises a bending section, which is located at one end of the limiting section away from the connecting section, and the bending section is located in the accommodating cavity, and the dimension of the bending section in the axial direction of the first connector is greater than the dimension of the notch in the axial direction of the first connector.

[0013] As described above, the quick-connect connector assembly may optionally further include a sealing ring mounted on the inner circumference of the first connector, the sealing ring being interference-fitted with the inner circumference of the first connector and the outer circumference of the second connector respectively.

[0014] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, the first connector has a first end portion for inserting the plug-in portion, and an outer lip ring and an inner lip ring are provided at an end of the sealing ring away from the first end portion. The outer lip ring is configured to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the first connector, and the inner lip ring is configured to abut against the outer circumferential surface of the second connector, and a second annular groove is formed between the outer lip ring and the inner lip ring.

[0015] As described above, the quick-connect connector assembly may optionally further include a retaining ring, a limiting protrusion protruding inwardly on the inner circumferential surface of the first connector, and a step portion provided on the first connector. One end of the sealing ring abuts against the step portion, the other end of the sealing ring abuts against the retaining ring, and the end of the retaining ring away from the sealing ring abuts against the limiting protrusion.

[0016] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, a plurality of fins arranged at intervals are provided at one end of the retaining ring away from the sealing ring, and the ends of the fins are configured to abut against the limiting protrusions.

[0017] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, a plurality of fins are arranged on the retaining ring at equal intervals.

[0018] As described above, the quick-connect connector assembly can optionally have a groove formed between two adjacent fins, and the groove extends to the outside of the fins.

[0019] As described above, in the quick-connect connector assembly, optionally, the plug-in portion is provided with a protrusion protruding outward, and the first connector is provided with a receiving portion, and the protrusion extends into the receiving portion.

[0020] The technical effect of the present invention is as follows: after the plug-in portion of the second connector is inserted into the interior of the first connector, the limiting section of the retaining spring passes through the notch of the first connector and snaps into the first annular groove on the plug-in portion. The second connector is fixed to the first connector by the cooperation between the limiting section, the notch and the first annular groove, respectively, to prevent the plug-in portion of the second connector from being pulled out of the first connector. During the process of inserting the plug-in portion into the interior of the first plug, the end of the plug-in portion pushes against the limiting section of the retaining spring, causing the retaining spring to elastically deform, and then the limiting section of the retaining spring can snap into the first annular groove. The force-bearing portion is the main deformation position of the retaining spring, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the force-bearing portion are smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the rest of the retaining spring, so that the plug-in portion can easily push against the limiting section of the retaining spring during the insertion process, causing the force-bearing portion of the retaining spring to elastically deform, thereby reducing the resistance of the retaining spring to the plug-in portion, thereby reducing the insertion force required for the second connector during the insertion process, and facilitating the operator to insert the plug-in portion of the second connector into the interior of the first connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a quick-connect connector assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the second joint, the retaining ring, the sealing ring and the retaining ring provided in an embodiment of the present application respectively connected to the first joint;

[0023] FIG3 is an exploded view of a quick-connect connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a second connector provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a retaining spring provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG7 is a front view of a clip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG7 ;

[0029] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG7 ;

[0030] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of a quick-connect connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the first joint, the retaining spring, and the sealing ring after being connected according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing ring provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a retaining ring provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure markings: 100-first joint; 110-notch; 120-ear protector; 121-accommodating chamber; 130-first end portion; 140-limiting protrusion; 150-step portion; 160-accommodating portion; 200-second joint; 210-plug-in portion; 211-first annular groove; 212-protrusion; 300-circuit spring; 310-limiting section; 320-connecting section; 321-force-bearing portion; 330-bending section; 400-sealing ring; 410-outer lip ring; 420-inner lip ring; 430-second annular groove; 500-retaining ring; 510-fin; 520-groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments.

[0036] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The following embodiments and features thereof may be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0037] In the prior art, a quick-connect connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a retaining spring. The second connector is inserted into the first connector, the first connector is provided with a notch, and the second connector is provided with an annular groove arranged opposite the notch. The retaining spring is installed on the first connector, and the retaining spring is provided with a limiting section. The limiting section passes through the notch and is engaged in the annular groove. The cooperation between the retaining spring and the annular groove can prevent the second connector from being dislodged from the first connector. However, during the process of inserting the second connector into the first connector, the end of the second connector needs to push against the retaining spring, causing the retaining spring to elastically deform. The operator needs to use a large insertion force to overcome the resistance provided by the retaining spring in order to insert the second connector into the first connector, which is relatively inconvenient.

[0038] After repeated deliberation and verification, the inventors discovered that by changing the cross-sectional dimensions of the circlip at the deformed location, the circlip would more easily elastically deform during insertion of the second connector into the first connector, thereby reducing the resistance provided by the circlip. This allows the operator to insert the second connector into the first connector with less insertion force, facilitating insertion. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the remaining circlip remains unchanged, making it easier for the operator to insert the second connector into the first connector, and the circlip can reliably secure the second connector, preventing it from falling out of the first connector.

[0039] In view of this, the inventors have designed a quick-insert connector assembly, in which a retaining spring is provided with a limiting section and a connecting section at one end of the limiting section. The connecting section is provided with a force-bearing portion, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the force-bearing portion are smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the remaining portion of the retaining spring. During the insertion of the plug-in portion of the second connector into the interior of the first connector, the force-bearing portion is prone to elastic deformation, reducing the resistance provided by the retaining spring, thereby reducing the insertion force required for the second connector during the insertion process. After the plug-in portion is inserted into the first connector, the limiting section of the retaining spring passes through the notch of the first connector and snaps into the first annular groove on the plug-in portion. The cross-sectional shape of the limiting section remains unchanged, and the pull-out resistance provided by the retaining spring does not change. As a result, the retaining spring can reliably fix the plug-in portion inside the first connector.

[0040] The technical solution of the quick-connect connector assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the quick-plug connector assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a first connector 100, a second connector 200 and a retaining spring 300. The second connector 200 has a plug-in portion 210 inserted into the interior of the first connector 100. The retaining spring 300 is installed on the first connector 100. The retaining spring 300 includes a limiting section 310 and a connecting section 320 located at one end of the limiting section 310. A notch 110 is provided on the side wall of the first connector 100, and a first annular groove 211 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug-in portion 210, which is opposite to the notch 110. The limiting section 310 passes through the notch 110 and is inserted into the first annular groove 211.

[0042] The connecting section 320 is provided with a force-bearing portion 321 , and the cross-sectional dimension of the force-bearing portion 321 is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the remaining portion of the clamping spring 300 .

[0043] Among them, the retaining spring 300 on the first connector 100 can be elastically deformed relative to the first connector 100. Schematically, the retaining spring 300 can be formed by bending a metal strip structure. Optionally, a coating can be provided on the surface of the retaining spring 300 to improve the corrosion resistance of the retaining spring 300. In a possible implementation, the notch 110 can be a waist-shaped hole opened on the side wall of the first connector 100. After the plug-in portion 210 of the second connector 200 is inserted into place, the middle part of the limiting section 310 passes through the notch 110 of the first connector 100 and extends into the first annular groove 211 of the plug-in portion 210. Exemplarily, the axial dimension of the first annular groove 211 of the first connector 100 matches the axial dimension of the limiting section 310 of the first connector 100, so that after the limiting section 310 is inserted into the first annular groove 211, the second connector 200 will not move relative to the first connector 100.

[0044] It is worth mentioning that the force-bearing portion 321 is the deformed portion of the retaining spring 300 during the insertion process of the second connector 200. During the insertion process of the second connector 200, the end of the plug-in portion 210 pushes against the limiting section 310, and the limiting section 310 drives the force-bearing portion 321 of the connecting section 320 to undergo elastic deformation. The length of the force-bearing portion 321 can be set as needed and is not a sole limitation here. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the rest of the retaining spring 300 can be circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the force-bearing portion 321 can be rectangular, elliptical or other suitable shapes. In one possible implementation, after the retaining spring 300 is formed by bending a strip of metal, the deformed portion of the retaining spring 300, i.e., the force-bearing portion 321, can be polished so that the cross-sectional size of the force-bearing portion 321 is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the rest of the retaining spring 300.

[0045] In the quick-connect connector assembly provided in this embodiment, after the plug-in portion 210 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the interior of the first connector 100, the limiting section 310 of the retaining spring 300 passes through the notch 110 of the first connector 100 and engages with the first annular groove 211 on the plug-in portion 210. The limiting section 310 cooperates with the notch 110 and the first annular groove 211, respectively, to secure the second connector 200 to the first connector 100, preventing the plug-in portion 210 of the second connector 200 from being removed from the first connector 100. When the plug-in part 210 is inserted into the first plug, the end of the plug-in part 210 pushes against the limiting section 310 of the retaining spring 300, causing the retaining spring 300 to elastically deform, and then the limiting section 310 of the retaining spring 300 can be stuck in the first annular groove 211. The force-bearing part 321 is the main deformation position of the retaining spring 300. The cross-sectional size of the force-bearing part 321 is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the rest of the retaining spring 300, so that the plug-in part 210 can easily push against the limiting section 310 of the retaining spring 300 during the insertion process, causing the force-bearing part 321 of the retaining spring 300 to elastically deform, reducing the resistance of the retaining spring 300 to the plug-in part 210, and thereby reducing the insertion force required for the second connector 200 during the insertion process, making it easier for the operator to insert the plug-in part 210 of the second connector 200 into the interior of the first connector 100.

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, and 10, there are two limiting sections 310, and the connecting section 320 is disposed between the two limiting sections 310. Opposite sides of the first joint 100 are provided with notches 110, and the two limiting sections 310 are disposed through the two notches 110. There are two force-bearing portions 321, one at each end of the connecting section 320.

[0047] It is understood that the connecting section 320 and the two limiting sections 310 form a roughly "U"-shaped structure. The two limiting sections 310 of the retaining spring 300 are located on opposite sides of the plug-in portion 210, and the middle portions of the two limiting sections 310 are both inserted into the first annular groove 211. For example, as shown in FIG7 , the two force-bearing portions 321 are symmetrically arranged, with a gap between the two force-bearing portions 321. When the plug-in portion 210 of the second connector 200 is being inserted, the ends of the plug-in portion 210 can push against the two limiting sections 310, respectively, and the two limiting sections 310 respectively drive the two force-bearing portions 321 to undergo elastic deformation.

[0048] This structure facilitates the installation and removal of the retaining spring 300. Specifically, once the two limiting segments 310 pass through the two notches 110, the retaining spring 300 is secured to the first connector 100. By pulling the two limiting segments 310 outward, the retaining spring 300 can be removed from the first connector 100. Furthermore, force-bearing portions 321 are provided at both ends of the connecting segment 320, allowing the two limiting segments 310 to be easily pushed by the ends of the plug-in portion 210, making it easier for the operator to insert the plug-in portion 210 into the first connector 100.

[0049] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cross-sectional shape of the force-bearing portion 321 is elliptical, and the cross-sectional shape of the remaining portion of the retaining spring 300 is circular, the major axis of the ellipse is parallel to the axial direction of the first joint 100, and the length of the minor axis of the ellipse is less than the diameter of the circle.

[0050] The major axis of the ellipse is parallel to the axial direction of the first connector 100. When the limiting segment 310 is subjected to an external force, the limiting segment 310 can easily cause the force-bearing portion 321 to bend in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connector 100. Optionally, the length of the major axis of the ellipse is not less than the diameter of the circle, so that the limiting segment 310 does not easily cause the force-bearing portion 321 to bend in other directions. This embodiment does not limit the specific lengths of the major and minor axes of the ellipse, and those skilled in the art can adjust them according to actual needs.

[0051] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 10, a protective ear 120 is provided on the outer circumference of the first joint 100, and the protective ear 120 is provided with a receiving cavity 121, and the end of the limiting section 310 away from the connecting section 320 extends into the receiving cavity 121.

[0052] The ear protector 120 is located on the side of the first connector 100 facing away from the connecting section 320. The ear protector 120 can be integrally formed on the first connector 100. It is understood that the number of ear protectors 120 is the same as the number of retaining sections 310, and the end of each retaining section 310 away from the connecting section 320 extends into the accommodating cavity 121.

[0053] When the operator bends the end of the limiting section 310 extending into the accommodating cavity 121 so that the limiting section 310 is disengaged from the first annular groove 211 , the second connector 200 can be removed from the first connector 100 .

[0054] With this structure, the ear protector 120 can protect the end of the retaining spring 300 from being bumped. Furthermore, the ear protector 120 can prevent the end of the retaining spring 300 from getting caught on other devices or components during use or transportation of the quick connector assembly, causing the retaining spring 300 to fall off the first connector 100, thereby causing the second connector 200 to fall off the first connector 100.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 6, and 10, the retaining spring 300 further includes a bent section 330, which is located at an end of the limiting section 310 away from the connecting section 320. The bent section 330 is located within the accommodating cavity 121, and the axial dimension of the bent section 330 in the first connector 100 is greater than the axial dimension of the notch 110 in the first connector 100.

[0056] Illustratively, the bent section 330 can be formed by bending. Optionally, the bent section 330 can extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the first connector 100 to prevent the end of the retaining spring 300 away from the connecting section 320 from extending too far beyond the first connector 100. In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG6 , when there are two limiting sections 310, the two bent sections 330 extend in opposite directions.

[0057] With the above arrangement, when the retaining spring 300 is installed on the first connector 100, the bent section 330 can limit the retaining spring 300. Specifically, the bent section 330 can abut against the edge of the notch 110, preventing the retaining spring 300 from moving relative to the first connector 100 along the extension direction of the limiting section 310 and thereby dislodging from the first connector 100, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. Furthermore, after the bent section 330 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 121, the ear guard 120 can also prevent the bent section 330 from snagging on other devices or components, which could cause the retaining spring 300 to fall off the first connector 100.

[0058] As shown in FIG2 and FIG3 , the quick-connect connector assembly further includes a sealing ring 400 mounted on the inner circumference of the first connector 100 . The sealing ring 400 is interference fit with the inner circumference of the first connector 100 and the outer circumference of the second connector 200 .

[0059] Illustratively, the sealing ring 400 is made of an elastic material, such as silicone or rubber. When the plug-in portion 210 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the first connector 100, the plug-in portion 210 passes through the sealing ring 400. Once the plug-in portion 210 passes through the sealing ring 400, the outer circumference of the plug-in portion 210 and the inner circumference of the first connector 100 compress the sealing ring 400, causing it to elastically deform.

[0060] In this structure, the sealing ring 400 can be provided to seal the first connector 100 and the plug-in portion 210 , thereby preventing leakage between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 .

[0061] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figures 2, 11 and 12, the first joint 100 has a first end 130 for inserting the plug-in portion 210, and an outer lip ring 410 and an inner lip ring 420 are provided at one end of the sealing ring 400 away from the first end 130. The outer lip ring 410 is configured to abut against the inner circumferential surface of the first joint 100, and the inner lip ring 420 is configured to abut against the outer circumferential surface of the second joint 200. A second annular groove 430 is formed between the outer lip ring 410 and the inner lip ring 420.

[0062] It is understood that the plug portion 210 can be inserted into the interior of the first connector 100 from the first end portion 130. Schematically, the sealing ring 400 is a "Y-shaped sealing ring" with the opening of the "Y" facing away from the first end portion 130, and the outer lip ring 410 and the inner lip ring 420 are the two oblique sides of the "Y" respectively.

[0063] Optionally, the distance between the outer lip ring 410 and the inner lip ring 420 gradually increases in the insertion direction of the plug-in portion 210. When the plug-in portion 210 is inserted into place, the inner circumference of the first connector 100 squeezes the outer lip ring 410, causing the outer lip ring 410 to elastically deform, and the outer circumference of the plug-in portion 210 squeezes the inner lip ring 420, causing the inner lip ring 420 to elastically deform.

[0064] Through the above arrangement, compared to the circular cross-sectional sealing rings of the related art, the second annular groove 430 of the sealing ring 400 provided in this embodiment provides deformation space for the outer lip ring 410 and the inner lip ring 420 when the second connector 200 is inserted. This allows the sealing ring 400 to more easily undergo elastic deformation, thereby providing less resistance and further reducing the insertion force required when inserting the second connector 200. Furthermore, the sealing ring 400 provided in this embodiment can also ensure the reliability of the seal between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0065] In one specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 11, the quick-connect connector assembly further includes a retaining ring 500. A retaining protrusion 140 is provided inwardly on the inner circumference of the first connector 100, and the first connector 100 is provided with a stepped portion 150. One end of the sealing ring 400 abuts against the stepped portion 150, the other end of the sealing ring 400 abuts against the retaining ring 500, and the end of the retaining ring 500 away from the sealing ring 400 abuts against the retaining protrusion 140.

[0066] For example, the retaining ring 500 can be made of plastic, which has a certain degree of rigidity. The limiting protrusion 140 can be arranged in an arc shape, extending along the circumferential direction of the first joint 100. The limiting protrusion 140 can be provided on the first joint 100 through a one-step molding process. Optionally, the end of the sealing ring 400 facing the first end 130 abuts against the retaining ring 500. In this way, after the sealing ring 400 and the retaining ring 500 abut against each other, the sealing ring 400 will not move beyond the retaining ring 500 and toward the first end 130.

[0067] During the assembly process of the sealing ring 400, the sealing ring 400 can be placed into the interior of the first joint 100 first, and the retaining ring 500 can be placed into the interior of the first joint 100. When the retaining ring 500 passes over the limiting protrusion 140 on the first joint 100, the two ends of the retaining ring 500 respectively abut against the limiting protrusion 140 and the sealing ring 400.

[0068] Through the above arrangement, the sealing ring 400 can be fixed on the first joint 100 to prevent the sealing ring 400 from moving relative to the first joint 100 along the axial direction of the first joint 100, thereby ensuring that the sealing ring 400 can reliably seal between the first joint 100 and the second joint 200.

[0069] In other embodiments, a third annular groove may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first joint 100 , and the sealing ring 400 may be embedded in the third annular groove.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 , a plurality of fins 510 are provided at one end of the retaining ring 500 away from the sealing ring 400 , and the ends of the fins 510 are configured to abut against the limiting protrusions 140 .

[0071] For example, each fin 510 can be approximately L-shaped, with one end of the L-shaped structure connected to the main portion of the retaining ring 500 and the other end of the L-shaped structure extending away from the sealing ring 400. Each fin 510 can be integrally formed on the main portion of the retaining ring 500. This embodiment does not limit the specific number of fins 510, and those skilled in the art can arrange the number based on actual needs.

[0072] In one possible implementation, a plurality of fins 510 define an abutment portion, an end of the abutment portion facing the first end portion 130 abuts against the limiting protrusion 140, a diameter of the abutment portion is greater than a diameter of the main portion of the retaining ring 500, and an end of the main portion of the retaining ring 500 away from the abutment portion abuts against the sealing ring 400.

[0073] When the retaining ring 500 is placed inside the first connector 100, the gap between two adjacent fins 510 provides space for the fins 510 to deform. The elastic deformation of the fins 510 allows the retaining ring 500 to pass over the limiting protrusions 140. After the retaining ring 500 passes over the limiting protrusions 140, the fins 510 return to their original position due to their own elastic force. The ends of the fins 510 directly opposite the limiting protrusions 140 abut against the limiting protrusions 140. This arrangement facilitates the assembly of the fins 510.

[0074] Optionally, a plurality of fins 510 are arranged on the retaining ring 500 at equal intervals.

[0075] Specifically, the plurality of fins 510 are arranged at equal intervals on the main body of the retaining ring 500. It can be understood that the retaining ring 500 is symmetrical around the axis of the retaining ring 500.

[0076] During the assembly of the quick-connect connector assembly, the sealing ring 400 is first installed into the interior of the first connector 100, and then the retaining ring 500 is installed with the first connector 100. During the installation of the retaining ring 500, it is not necessary to rotate the retaining ring 500 to a specific angle, which is conducive to improving the assembly efficiency of the retaining ring 500.

[0077] Schematically, a groove 520 is formed between two adjacent fins 510 , and the groove 520 extends to the outside of the fin 510 .

[0078] Specifically, in the radial direction of the retaining ring 500, the groove 520 extends to the outside of the fin 510. In the axial direction of the retaining ring 500, one end of the groove 520 extends to the end of the fin 510 away from the main part of the retaining ring 500, and the other end of the groove 520 extends to the main part of the retaining ring 500.

[0079] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, each fin 510 has sufficient deformation ability. When the retaining ring 500 is assembled into the interior of the first joint 100, the root of the fin 510 can smoothly pass over the limiting protrusion 140, ensuring that the limiting protrusion 140 will not damage the fin 510 when it abuts against the root of the fin 510, resulting in no impurities and debris appearing inside the first joint 100, thereby ensuring the reliability of the quick-connect joint assembly.

[0080] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and FIG. 10 , the plug-in portion 210 is provided with a protrusion 212 protruding outward, the first connector 100 is provided with an accommodating portion 160 , and the protrusion 212 extends into the accommodating portion 160 .

[0081] Schematically, the protrusion 212 is located on the side wall of the plug-in portion 210, and the end of the protrusion 212 extends to the end of the plug-in portion 210. The protrusion 212 can be a rectangular block structure and can be provided on the plug-in portion 210 through a one-step molding process. The number of protrusions 212 can be one or more. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the plug-in portion 210 is provided with two protrusions 212, which are located on opposite sides of the plug-in portion 210.

[0082] The sidewall of the first connector 100 is provided with an outwardly projecting protrusion, the inner wall of which defines a receiving cavity 121. One end of the protrusion extends to the first end portion 130. The number of protrusions matches the number of projections 212 on the plug portion 210, and each projection 212 extends into the receiving cavity 121 defined by the corresponding protrusion.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the protrusion 212 extends into the accommodating portion 160 , the plug-in portion 210 cannot rotate relative to the first connector 100 , thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 .

[0084] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0085] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; they may refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they may refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0086] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely to facilitate description of different components and should not be construed as indicating or implying a sequential relationship, relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-connect fitting assembly, characterized in that, It includes a first joint, a second joint and a circlip. The second joint has a plugging portion inserted into the interior of the first joint. The circlip is installed on the first joint. The circlip includes a limiting section and a connecting section located at one end of the limiting section. A notch is provided on the side wall of the first joint. A first annular groove facing the notch is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plugging portion. The limiting section passes through the notch and is clamped into the first annular groove. The connecting section is provided with a stress portion, and the cross-sectional dimension of the stress portion is smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the other parts of the circlip.

2. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The number of the limiting sections is two. The connecting section is arranged between the two limiting sections. Notches are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the first joint. The two limiting sections respectively pass through the two notches. The number of the stress portions is two, and the two stress portions are respectively located at both ends of the connecting section.

3. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cross-sectional shape of the stress portion is oval, and the cross-sectional shape of the other parts of the circlip is circular. The major axis of the oval is parallel to the axial direction of the first joint, and the length of the minor axis of the oval is smaller than the diameter of the circle.

4. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, An ear guard is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first joint. The ear guard is provided with a receiving cavity, and one end of the limiting section away from the connecting section extends into the receiving cavity.

5. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 4, wherein The circlip further includes a bending section. The bending section is located at one end of the limiting section away from the connecting section. The bending section is located in the receiving cavity, and the dimension of the bending section in the axial direction of the first joint is larger than the dimension of the notch in the axial direction of the first joint.

6. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The quick-connect joint assembly further includes a sealing ring installed on the inner peripheral surface of the first joint. The sealing ring is in interference fit with the inner peripheral surface of the first joint and the outer peripheral surface of the second joint respectively.

7. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first joint has a first end for the plugging portion to be inserted. One end of the sealing ring away from the first end is provided with an outer lip ring and an inner lip ring. The outer lip ring is configured to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the first joint, and the inner lip ring is configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the second joint. A second annular groove is formed between the outer lip ring and the inner lip ring.

8. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The quick-connect joint assembly further includes a retaining ring. A limiting protrusion is inwardly protruded on the inner peripheral surface of the first joint. The first joint is provided with a stepped portion. One end of the sealing ring abuts against the stepped portion, and the other end of the sealing ring abuts against the retaining ring. One end of the retaining ring away from the sealing ring abuts against the limiting protrusion.

9. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 8, wherein, A plurality of spaced fins are provided at one end of the retaining ring away from the sealing ring. The end of the fin is configured to abut against the limiting protrusion.

10. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of fins are arranged at equal intervals on the retaining ring.

11. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to claim 9, wherein, A groove is formed between two adjacent fins, and the groove extends to the outside of the fins.

12. The quick-connect fitting assembly according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, A protruding portion is outwardly protruded on the plugging portion. A receiving portion is provided on the first joint, and the protruding portion extends into the receiving portion.

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