Quick connector with pipe on-off diagnosis function

Abstract

This invention discloses a quick-connect coupling with pipeline continuity diagnostic function, relating to the field of quick-connect couplings. Key technical features include a quick-connect male coupling, a quick-connect female coupling, and a power-on diagnostic motion assembly. The power-on diagnostic motion assembly includes a movable post, a spring, and a conductive plate. The movable post comprises an embedded section, a middle section, and a connecting section connected in sequence. The conductive plate is sleeved on the connecting section and contacts the end face of the middle section. The spring is sleeved on the connecting section, with one end contacting the conductive plate and the other end contacting the inner wall of the end cap. This invention offers advantages such as improved conductive contact stability and ease of assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of quick-connect fittings, and more specifically, to a quick-connect fitting with a pipeline continuity diagnostic function. Background Technology

[0002] Quick-connect fittings are frequently used in automotive internal piping connections. However, vibrations during engine operation, changes in high and low temperatures, material durability issues due to prolonged use, and vehicle maintenance can all affect the integrity of automotive internal piping connections, meaning that quick-connect fittings may come loose or break.

[0003] To ensure that online diagnostics can be performed when the quick-connect connector falls off or disconnects, a signal that can be recognized by the engine ECU system is required for diagnostics.

[0004] A Chinese patent with authorization announcement number CN213271515U discloses a quick-connect connector with an electrical diagnostic function, which includes a quick-connect male connector, a quick-connect female connector, an end cap, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrical diagnostic motion component. The electrical diagnostic motion component includes a movable column, an elastic element, and a conductive sheet. The elastic element is a tower-shaped spring, with the small end of the spring embedded in a sealing ring groove on the middle section side wall of the movable column, and the large end in contact with the end cap. The conductive sheet is connected to a limiting groove on the connecting section of the movable column, and the limiting groove is located on the connecting section near the top.

[0005] However, the above patent still has the following problems: 1. The conductive sheet is located on the movable column near the top, which affects the elastic deformation ability of the conductive sheet and makes the contact stability between the conductive sheet and the electrode need to be improved; 2. The small end of the spring is embedded in the sealing ring groove and the conductive sheet is embedded in the limiting slot, which makes assembly inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a quick-connect connector with pipeline continuity diagnosis function, which has the advantages of improved conductive contact stability and convenient assembly.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnostic function includes:

[0009] Quick-connect male connector;

[0010] Quick-connect female connector;

[0011] An end cap connected to the quick-connect female connector, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the end cap; and,

[0012] A power-on diagnostic motion assembly is disposed between the quick-connect female connector and the end cap;

[0013] The power-on diagnostic motion component includes:

[0014] A movable post capable of moving radially relative to the quick-connect female connector;

[0015] A spring, capable of applying an elastic force to the movable post, causing the end of the movable post to protrude beyond the inner wall of the quick-connect female connector; and...

[0016] The conductive sheet connected to the movable column;

[0017] Wherein, after the quick-connect male connector is inserted into the quick-connect female connector, it contacts the protruding end of the movable column and drives the movable column to move radially, so that the conductive sheet contacts the first electrode and the second electrode at the same time; after the quick-connect male connector is disengaged from the quick-connect female connector, the movable column is reset under the elastic force of the elastic element, so that the conductive sheet is separated from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0018] The movable column comprises an embedded section, a middle section, and a connecting section connected in sequence.

[0019] The conductive sheet is sleeved on the connecting section and contacts the middle end face;

[0020] The spring is sleeved on the connecting section, with one end in contact with the conductive sheet and the other end in contact with the inner wall of the end cap.

[0021] Furthermore, a circumferential limiting structure is provided between the connecting segment and the conductive sheet.

[0022] Furthermore, the connecting segment is non-cylindrical, and the conductive sheet has a limiting hole that mates with the connecting segment.

[0023] Furthermore, the connecting section includes two opposing limiting sidewalls, each limiting sidewall comprising a first plane, a transition slope, and a third plane arranged sequentially along the axial direction, the third plane being connected to the end face of the middle section;

[0024] The inner wall of the limiting hole is in close contact with the third plane.

[0025] Furthermore, a guide slope is provided between the first plane and the end face of the connecting segment.

[0026] Furthermore, the connecting section also includes two oppositely arranged guide sidewalls, which are arc surfaces that cooperate with the spring.

[0027] Furthermore, the conductive sheet includes a conductive sheet body sleeved on the connecting section, and two symmetrically arranged conductive springs are provided on the side wall of the conductive sheet body, the two conductive springs being arranged in a V-shape.

[0028] Furthermore, a bent contact is provided at one end of the conductive spring away from the conductive sheet body.

[0029] Furthermore, the contact point includes an arc-shaped contact surface.

[0030] Furthermore, the contact point is U-shaped.

[0031] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] 1. The connection point between the conductive sheet and the connecting section is located at the bottom of the connecting section, that is, near the end of the middle section. This lengthens the conductive spring, improves the elastic deformation capability of the conductive spring, and thus improves the stability of the contact between the conductive spring and the electrode, thereby improving the product's lifespan and reliability.

[0033] 2. If there is relative sliding after the contact point and the electrode make contact, using an arc-shaped contact surface can improve the stability of the contact;

[0034] 3. The connecting section not only fixes the conductive sheet, but also guides the spring. The spring, in turn, improves the stability of the connection between the conductive sheet and the movable column. The simple structural arrangement achieves multiple effects. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnosis function in an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnosis function in an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0038] Figure 4 An explosion diagram for energizing and diagnosing moving components;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting end cap in the embodiment.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. Quick-connect male connector; 2. Quick-connect female connector; 21. Through hole; 22. Positioning boss; 23. Positioning ring plate; 3. End cap; 31. First movable groove; 32. Second movable groove; 4. Sealing membrane; 41. Sealing hole; 5. Movable column; 51. Embedded section; 511. Pushing spherical surface; 52. Middle section; 521. Sealing ring groove; 53. Connecting section; 6. Spring; 7. Conductive sheet; 71. Conductive sheet body; 711. Limiting hole; 72. Conductive spring; 721. Contact point; 73. Pinch piece; 8. First electrode; 9. Second electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0043] Example:

[0044] A quick-connector with pipeline continuity diagnostic function, as described in the following figure. Figures 1 to 5 It includes a quick-connect male connector 1 and a quick-connect female connector 2. The outer wall of the quick-connect female connector 2 is connected to an end cap 3. The end cap 3 is provided with a first electrode 8 and a second electrode 9. An energized diagnostic motion component is provided between the quick-connect female connector 2 and the end cap 3. When the quick-connect male connector 1 is inserted into the quick-connect female connector 2, the energized diagnostic motion component can make the first electrode 8 and the second electrode 9 conduct. When the quick-connect male connector 1 is disengaged from the quick-connect female connector 2, the energized diagnostic motion component resets and disconnects the first electrode 8 and the second electrode 9, thereby realizing the pipeline continuity diagnosis function.

[0045] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The power-on diagnostic motion component includes a movable column 5, a spring 6, and a conductive plate 7. The movable column 5 can move radially relative to the quick-connect female connector 2. The conductive plate 7 is connected to the movable column 5, and the movable column 5 can drive the conductive plate 7 to move radially relative to the quick-connect female connector 2. In this embodiment, the spring 6 is cylindrical and can apply an elastic force to the movable column 5, causing the end of the movable column 5 to protrude from the inner wall of the quick-connect female connector 2. In this embodiment, the movable column 5 includes an embedded section 51, a middle section 52, and a connecting section 53 connected in sequence, and the three are integrally formed to form the movable column 5. The side wall of the quick-connect female connector 2 has a through hole 21 that mates with the embedded section 51, and the outer diameter of the middle section 52 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 21, thereby playing a limiting role. In this embodiment, the end of the embedded section 51 is provided with a push ball surface 511. The push ball surface 511 facilitates the quick-connect male connector 1 to push the movable column 5 to move. At the same time, the movable column 5 can be directly inserted into the through hole 21 during installation without circumferential angle restrictions, which is convenient for installation.

[0046] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In this embodiment, the conductive sheet 7 is sleeved on the connecting section 53 and contacts the end face of the middle section 52; simultaneously, the spring 6 is sleeved on the connecting section 53, with one end contacting the conductive sheet 7 and the other end contacting the inner wall of the end cap 3; specifically, in this embodiment, the conductive sheet 7 includes a conductive sheet body 71 sleeved on the connecting section 53, and two symmetrically arranged conductive springs 72 are provided on the side wall of the conductive sheet body 71, the two conductive springs 72 being arranged in a V-shape; the side wall of the conductive sheet body 71 is also provided with two symmetrically arranged pinch pieces 73, which can be used to pinch the conductive sheet 7 by hand, thereby facilitating installation; in this embodiment, the connection position between the conductive sheet 7 and the connecting section 53 is located at the bottom of the connecting section 53, that is, near the end of the middle section 52, which makes the conductive spring 72 longer and improves the elastic deformation capability of the conductive spring 72. This improves the stability of the contact between the conductive spring 72 and the electrode, thereby increasing the product's lifespan and reliability. Preferably, a bent contact 721 is provided at the end of the conductive spring 72 away from the conductive sheet body 71. The contact 721 includes an arc-shaped contact surface, specifically, the contact 721 is U-shaped. Since there is relative sliding between the contact 721 and the electrode, the arc-shaped contact surface can improve the stability of the contact. In this embodiment, the spring 6 is sleeved on the connecting section 53, and one end of the spring 6 is in contact with the conductive sheet body 71. This facilitates assembly and also improves the stability of the conductive sheet 7 by utilizing the elastic force of the spring 6. In this embodiment, the conductive spring 72 is planar. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the conductive spring 72 can also be curved or other shapes, which are not limited here.

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 4Preferably, a circumferential limiting structure is provided between the connecting segment 53 and the conductive sheet 7. The circumferential limiting structure can prevent the conductive sheet 7 from deflecting, ensuring accurate contact between the conductive sheet 7 and the electrode. It also facilitates the installation of the conductive sheet 7, eliminating the need to adjust the relative position of the conductive sheet 7 and the movable column 5 during installation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connecting segment 53 is non-cylindrical, and the conductive sheet body 71 has a limiting hole 711 that mates with the connecting segment 53. That is, the limiting hole 711 is a non-circular hole. Such a circumferential limiting structure has the advantages of simple structure and convenient processing. Preferably, the connecting segment 53 includes two opposing limiting sidewalls, each including a first plane, a transition slope, and a third plane arranged sequentially along the axial direction. The third plane connects to the end face of the middle section 52, and the inner wall of the limiting hole 711 is in close contact with the third plane. A guide slope is provided between the first plane and the end face of the connecting section 53. That is, the conductive sheet 7 is securely fitted onto the connecting section 53, and the guide slope, the first plane and the transition slope can facilitate the fitting of the conductive sheet 7 onto the connecting section 53. Preferably, the connecting section 53 also includes two oppositely arranged guide sidewalls, which are arc surfaces that cooperate with the spring 6. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting section 53 is not only used to fix the conductive sheet 7, but also to guide the spring 6. The spring 6 can improve the stability of the connection between the conductive sheet 7 and the movable column 5. The simple structural arrangement achieves multiple effects.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The quick-connect female connector 2 has a positioning boss 22 on its outer side wall that connects to the end cap 3. A sealing membrane 4 is provided between the positioning boss 22 and the end cap 3. A sealing hole 41 is provided on the sealing membrane 4. A sealing ring groove 521 that mates with the sealing hole 41 is provided on the side wall of the middle section 52. The inner circumferential side wall of the sealing ring groove 521 is interference-fitted with the sealing hole 41, thereby improving the sealing effect. A positioning ring plate 23 that can contact the sealing membrane 4 is provided on the outer side wall of the quick-connect female connector 2. The positioning ring plate 23 provides positioning support for the sealing membrane 4. In this embodiment, the end cap 3 has a first movable groove 31 and a second movable groove 32 that mate with the movable column 5 and the conductive sheet 7. The first electrode 8 and the second electrode 9 are located at the two ends of the bottom wall of the second movable groove 32, respectively. The end of the spring 6 contacts the inner wall of the first movable groove 31.

Claims

1. A quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnostic function, comprising: Quick-connect male connector; Quick-connect female connector; An end cap connected to the quick-connect female connector, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed inside the end cap; as well as, A power-on diagnostic motion assembly is disposed between the quick-connect female connector and the end cap; The power-on diagnostic motion component includes: A movable post capable of moving radially relative to the quick-connect female connector; A spring, capable of applying an elastic force to the movable post, causing the end of the movable post to protrude beyond the inner wall of the quick-connect female connector; and... The conductive sheet connected to the movable column; Wherein, after the quick-connect male connector is inserted into the quick-connect female connector, it contacts the protruding end of the movable column and drives the movable column to move radially, so that the conductive sheet contacts the first electrode and the second electrode at the same time; after the quick-connect male connector is disengaged from the quick-connect female connector, the movable column is reset under the elastic force of the spring, so that the conductive sheet is separated from the first electrode and the second electrode. The movable column comprises an embedded section, a middle section, and a connecting section connected in sequence; Its features are: The conductive sheet is sleeved on the connecting section and contacts the middle end face; The spring is sleeved on the connecting section, with one end in contact with the conductive sheet and the other end in contact with the inner wall of the end cap; The quick-connector also includes a sealing membrane, on which a sealing hole is formed, and a sealing ring groove that mates with the sealing hole is formed on the middle section sidewall; A circumferential limiting structure is provided between the connecting segment and the conductive sheet; The connecting segment is non-cylindrical, and the conductive sheet has a limiting hole that mates with the connecting segment; The connecting section includes two opposing limiting sidewalls, each of which includes a first plane, a transition slope, and a third plane arranged sequentially along the axial direction, the third plane being connected to the end face of the middle section. The inner wall of the limiting hole is in close contact with the third plane; A guide slope is provided between the first plane and the end face of the connecting section; The connecting section also includes two oppositely arranged guide sidewalls, which are arc surfaces that cooperate with the spring.

2. The quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnosis function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes a conductive sheet body sleeved on the connecting section, and two symmetrically arranged conductive springs are provided on the side wall of the conductive sheet body, with the two conductive springs arranged in a V-shape.

3. The quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnosis function according to claim 2, characterized in that: A bent contact is provided at one end of the conductive spring away from the main body of the conductive sheet.

4. The quick-connect fitting with pipeline continuity diagnosis function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The contact point includes an arc-shaped contact surface.

5. The quick-connect coupling with pipeline continuity diagnosis function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The contact point is U-shaped.

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