Fluid line quick connector with a spacer having an angled surface

Abstract

The connector seal packing spacer and assembly used, for example, in a fluid line quick connector for automotive applications. The spacer is installed in the fluid line quick connector next to the O-ring. The spacer is designed and constructed with an angled surface that operates when the insert is inserted into the fluid line quick connector to maintain the O-ring in its intended position within the fluid line quick connector. Undesired misalignment and displacement of the O-ring are thus minimized and, in some cases, completely eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to quick connectors for joining multiple fluid lines together, and more particularly to connector seal package assemblies and spacers used in quick connectors. Background Art

[0002] Connectors, especially those with quick-connect functionality, are commonly used to join multiple fluid lines in vehicle applications. One example is coolant fluid lines in electric vehicles. However, there are other examples in automotive and non-automotive applications as well. A seal package assembly with a spacer and an O-ring is often placed somewhere inside a quick connector. The seal package assembly is used to prevent fluid leakage at the joint established between the quick connector and a spigot inserted into the quick connector. It is important to keep the O-rings in their intended positions to ensure proper insertion of the spigot and effective sealing during subsequent use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a connector seal package assembly can include one or more O-rings and a spacer. The spacer can be located beside the one or more O-rings during assembly and installation. The spacer has a radially inner surface, a first axially outer surface, a second axially outer surface, and an angled surface. The first axially outer surface spans from the radially inner surface, and the second axially outer surface spans from the radially inner surface. The angled surface spans from the first axially outer surface or from the second axially outer surface. In a cross-sectional profile, the angled surface depends from the first axially outer surface or the second axially outer surface at an acute angle with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer. The acute angle is a non-zero angle with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer, and the acute angle is a non-right angle with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer.

[0004] In one embodiment, a connector seal package spacer can include a radially inner surface, a first axially outer surface, a second axially outer surface, a first angled surface, a second angled surface, and a radially outer surface. The first axially outer surface spans from the radially inner surface. The second axially outer surface spans from the radially inner surface. The first angled surface spans from the first axially outer surface, and the second angled surface spans from the second axially outer surface. Finally, the radially outer surface spans between the first angled surface and the second angled surface.

[0005] In one embodiment, a fluid line quick connector may include a housing, one or more O-rings, and a spacer. The housing has a passage and a wall. The wall has an inner surface that defines the passage. One or more O-rings are located within the passage. The spacer is located within the passage and adjacent to the one or more O-rings. The spacer has a first angled surface that forms a first acute angle. The first acute angle is relative to the axial centerline of the spacer. The spacer has a second angled surface that forms a second acute angle. The second acute angle is relative to the axial centerline of the spacer. The spacer has a radially outer surface that spans between the first angled surface and the second angled surface. The spacer has a first end edge adjacent to the first angled surface and the radially outer surface, and has a second end edge adjacent to the second angled surface and the radially outer surface. The first and second acute angles are non-zero angles relative to the axial centerline of the spacer, and the first and second acute angles are non-right angles relative to the axial centerline of the spacer. When an insert is inserted into the fluid line quick connector and into the passage, the first end edge contacts the inner surface and the second end edge contacts the inner surface. The spacer urges the one or more O-rings toward the inner surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a previously known sealed package;

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an O-ring of a previously known sealed package and showing its contact points and component forces;

[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid line quick connector, showing some of its components;

[0010] Figure 4 is usable for Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spacer and an O-ring for a fluid line quick connector;

[0011] FIG. 5 shows Figure 4 one of a plurality of O-rings in and shows its contact points and component forces;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a spacer for a fluid line quick connector usable for Figure 3 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spacer for a fluid line quick connector usable for

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spacer for a fluid line quick connector usable for Figure 3 and shows a table of test results of tests performed on a spacer similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

[0014] Figure 8 and shows a table of test results of tests performed on a spacer similar to that shown in FIG. 7. Detailed implementation mode

[0015] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the spacer 10 shown is for a fluid line quick connector (hereinafter referred to as the quick connector) 12. Different from the spacer parts known in the past, the spacer 10 is designed and constructed to have one or more angled surfaces in its outer region. The one or more angled surfaces work to change the performance of the spacer 10 when the cannula is inserted into the quick connector 12, particularly to reposition the contact point between the spacer 10 and the adjacent O-ring and change the direction of the component force between them. The O-ring is pushed outward and toward the inner surface of the quick connector 12. Therefore, when the cannula is in the process of being inserted and even when the cannula and the quick connector 12 are misaligned at the insertion time point, the expected position of the O-ring within the quick connector 12 is maintained. The undesired misalignment and displacement of the O-ring are minimized and in some cases completely eliminated. This specification shows the spacer 10 and the quick connector 12 in the context of automotive fluid lines, such as coolant fluid lines in electric vehicles, but the spacer 10 and the quick connector 12 have a wider application and are applicable to aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, agricultural fluid lines, and other fluid lines. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the terms radially, axially, circumferentially, and their grammatical variants refer to the directions related to the generally circular shape of the spacer 10 shown in the figures.

[0016] The quick connector 12 has a quick connection function to facilitate connection and disconnection with the cannula 14 ( Figure 4 ). The quick connector 12 may have different designs and constructions in different embodiments, depending on, among other potential influences, the larger application in which it is installed, the design and construction of the cannula 14, and the expected properties of the established connection and joint. For example, Figure 3 the quick connector 12 shown has a straight-through configuration, but may also have elbow and L-shaped configurations in other embodiments. Referring to Figure 3 , in the present embodiment, the quick connector 12 includes a body or housing 16, a first or primary O-ring 18, a second or secondary O-ring 20, a stopper 22, and a spacer 10. However, other embodiments may also include more, fewer, and / or different components than those presented here. The housing 16 may be made of plastic material. The main channel 24 passes through the housing 16 across the first axially open end 26 and the second axially open end 28. The wall 30 of the housing 16 has an inner surface 32 that defines the main channel 24. The main channel 24 in the shown embodiment has a plurality of steps 34 along its axial extent, so that various sections can be established along these steps. The spacer 10 and the first O-ring 18, the second O-ring 20 are located at the O-ring section 36 in the main channel 24.

[0017] Still referring to Figure 3, the first O-ring 18 establishes a seal at its surface-to-surface interface with the cannula 14 when inserted and abutted against the inner surface 32. The first O-ring 18 is seated and located at the O-ring section 36 within the main channel 24. On one axial side, the first O-ring 18 directly faces and can abut against one of the plurality of steps 34. On its opposite axial side, the first O-ring 18 directly faces the spacer 10. The first O-ring 18 is referred to as the bottom O-ring due to its position relative to the insertion direction of the cannula 14 (the insertion direction is indicated by arrow A in Figure 4 ), and in the present embodiment, the above insertion occurs via the second axially open end 28. In a similar manner, the second O-ring 20 establishes a seal at its surface-to-surface interface with the cannula 14 when inserted and abutted against the inner surface 32. The second O-ring 20 is seated and located at the O-ring section 36 within the main channel 24. On one axial side, the second O-ring 20 directly faces the stopper 22, and on its opposite axial side, the second O-ring 20 directly faces the spacer 10. The first O-ring 18 and the second O-ring 20 are located on each side of the spacer 10 and axially clamp the spacer 10. The spacer 10 is located beside the first O-ring 18 and the second O-ring 20 in the assembly. The first O-ring 18, the second O-ring 20 and the spacer 10 together form a sealed packaging assembly 38 for facilitating the insertion of the cannula 14, cooperating with the cannula 14, and establishing a fluid-leak resistant seal between the quick connector 12 and the cannula 14. In addition, when the cannula 14 is fully inserted into the quick connector 12, the stopper 22 helps to mechanically fix the cannula 14 in place. In this regard, the cannula 14 may have a radially protruding flange around its outer periphery that interacts with the stopper 22.

[0018] In past sealed packages, it has been found that previously known spacer portions can cause misalignment and displacement of adjacent O-rings when the cannula is in the process of being inserted into the associated quick connector. When this occurs, the correct insertion of the cannula into the quick connector is hindered, and the quick connector may subsequently be scrapped as ineffective in the production or assembly plant. Without being limited to a particular causal phenomenon, it has been determined that the above problems are partly attributed to the shape of the spacer portion in the cross-sectional profile and the component forces exerted by the spacer portion on the O-ring. Provide Figure 1 and Figure 2 to illustrate the problem. The spacer portion 200 has a square cross-section. The spacer portion 200 is clamped between a pair of seals 202, 204 on its axial sides, and there are gaps 206 between the spacer portion 200 and the seals 202, 204 (in Figure 1The intermediate gap 206 is slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes). The gap 206 provides the spacer part 200 with a degree of freedom of movement relative to the seals 202, 204. The spacer part 200 is thus able to slide along the inner surface 208 of the housing of the associated quick connector and is able to pivot slightly about its axis B. When the cannula 14 is inserted into the quick connector, the cannula 14 strikes the spacer part 200 and causes the spacer part 200 to undergo sliding and pivoting movements. The spacer part 200 in turn strikes the seal 202 that is downstream in the cannula insertion direction A and downstream of the spacer part 200. Figure 1 Illustrates such movement and impact. With particular reference to Figure 2 , the lower corner portion 210 of the spacer part 200 strikes the seal 202 near the contact point 212, creating a component force 214 of the resultant force 216. The component force 214 acts to push the seal 202 in the direction C and to push it away from the inner surface 208. As a result, the seal 202 is misaligned and displaced within the main channel 218 of the housing. Figure 1 The dashed cross-section of the seal 202 in

[0019] is a rough representation of the misalignment and displacement. The spacer 10 has been designed and constructed to address these deficiencies. When the cannula 14 is inserted into the quick connector 12, the first O-ring 18 is maintained in its intended position, precluding the problem of undesired misalignment and displacement. The precise design and construction of the spacer 10 can vary in different embodiments, depending (among other possible factors) on the larger application in which it is utilized. Generally speaking, the spacer 10 has a one-piece annular body and is typically made of a nylon material. In the embodiments shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , FIGS. 6 and 7, the spacer 10 has a total of six different outer surfaces that make up the entire outer perimeter of the spacer 10. Among these six outer surfaces, the spacer 10 has a total of six end edges that transition between and abut the adjacent outer surfaces. The numerous outer surfaces and end edges establish an overall shape of the spacer 10 that is different from previously known spacer parts. With particular reference to the cross-sectional profile of FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the spacer 10 has a rectangular base 40 at the radially inner region of the spacer 10 and has a trapezoidal working portion 42 at the radially outer region of the spacer 10. The trapezoidal working portion 42 forms part of the body of the spacer that physically interacts and engages with the inner surface 32 and the first O-ring 18. For illustrative purposes, the following directional arrows are shown in FIG. 7: the radially inner direction D, the radially outer direction E, the first axially outer direction F, and the second axially outer direction G.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the spacer 10 includes a radially inner surface 44, a first axially outer surface 46, a second axially outer surface 48, a first angled surface 50, a second angled surface 52, and a radially outer surface 54. These surfaces are shown in FIG. 7 as cross-sectional profiles. The radially inner surface 44 is generally planar over its entire extent and is disposed generally parallel to the axial centerline H of the spacer 10. The radially inner surface 44 extends in the axial direction. A first end edge 56 constitutes a first terminus of the radially inner surface 44, while a second end edge 58 constitutes a second terminus of the radially inner surface 44. The radially inner surface 44 constitutes the most radially inner surface of the spacer 10 in the radially inner direction D. On the other hand, the first axially outer surface 46 extends from the radially inner surface 44 and orthogonally adheres to the radially inner surface 44 at a right angle established between these two surfaces. The first end edge 56 is located between the radially inner surface 44 and the first axially outer surface 46 and is adjacent to the radially inner surface 44 and the first axially outer surface 46. The first axially outer surface 46 is generally planar over its entire extent and is disposed generally orthogonal to the axial centerline H. The first axially outer surface 46 extends radially. The first end edge 56 constitutes a first terminus of the first axially outer surface 46, while a third end edge 60 constitutes a second terminus of the first axially outer surface 46. As shown in FIG. 6, the third end edge 60 may have a slightly rounded extent, or may be sharper as shown in FIG. 7. The first axially outer surface 46 constitutes the most axially outer surface of the spacer 10 in the first axially outer direction F.

[0021] The second axially outer surface 48 is similar to the first axially outer surface 46. The second axially outer surface 48 extends from the radially inner surface 44 and orthogonally adheres to the radially inner surface 44 at a right angle established between these two surfaces. The first axially outer surface 46 and the second axially outer surface 48 are parallel to each other and equidistant throughout. The second end edge 58 is located between the radially inner surface 44 and the second axially outer surface 48 and is adjacent to the radially inner surface 44 and the second axially outer surface 48. The second axially outer surface 48 is generally planar over its entire extent and is disposed generally orthogonal to the axial centerline H. The second axially outer surface 48 extends radially. The second end edge 58 constitutes a first terminus of the second axially outer surface 48, while a fourth end edge 62 constitutes a second terminus of the second axially outer surface 48. Similar to the third end edge 60, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fourth end edge 62 may have a slightly rounded extent, or may be sharper as shown in FIG. 7. The second axially outer surface 48 constitutes the most axially outer surface of the spacer 10 in the second axially outer direction G.

[0022] The first angled surface 50 extends across the first axially outer surface 46. The first angled surface 50 conforms to the first axially outer surface 46 at an acute angle φ with respect to the axial centerline H. The acute angle φ has a non-zero and non-right angle (i.e., not ninety degrees (90°)) value with respect to the axial centerline H. The exact value of the acute angle φ varies in different embodiments. In a particular embodiment, the acute angle φ can be measured to be approximately forty-five degrees (45°), can be measured to be approximately sixty degrees (60°), or can be a value in the range between approximately 45° and 60°. The third end edge 60 is located between the first axially outer surface 46 and the first angled surface 50 and is adjacent to the first axially outer surface 46 and the first angled surface 50. The first angled surface 50 can be generally and mostly planar over its entire extent, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The first angled surface 50 extends at an angle with respect to both the axial direction and the radial direction. The third end edge 60 forms the first terminus of the first angled surface 50, while the fifth end edge 64 forms the second terminus of the first angled surface 50. The fifth end edge 64 is axially medial with respect to the first axially outer surface 46 and the third end edge 60 and is located in the second axially outer direction G. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the fifth end edge 64 can have a slightly rounded extent, or can be sharper as shown in FIG. 7.

[0023] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, with respect to a previously known spacer portion, the first angled surface 50 creates a clearance 66 in the outer region of the spacer where otherwise a spacer structure in the previously known spacer portion 200 would be located. However, in the embodiment of the spacer 10, the clearance 66 remains unoccupied and there is no spacer structure. And it is due to the removal and absence of the structure at the location of the clearance that it is believed to change the performance of the spacer 10 during the insertion of the cannula 14 in a manner that is desired to maintain the correct positioning of the first O-ring 18, as described below.

[0024] The second angled surface 52 extends across the second axially outer surface 48. The second angled surface 52 is compliant with the second axially outer surface 48 at an acute angle α relative to the axial centerline H. The acute angle α has a non-zero and non-right angle (i.e., non-ninety degrees (90°)) value relative to the axial centerline H. The exact value of the acute angle α varies in different embodiments. In a particular embodiment, the acute angle α can be measured as approximately forty-five degrees (45°), can be measured as approximately sixty degrees (60°), or can be a value in the range between approximately 45° and 60°. And in a particular embodiment, the acute angle α can be approximately equal to the acute angle φ. The fourth end edge 62 is located between the second axially outer surface 48 and the second angled surface 52 and is adjacent to the second axially outer surface 48 and the second angled surface 52. The second angled surface 52 can be generally and mostly planar over its entire extent, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The second angled surface 52 extends at an angle relative to both the axial direction and the radial direction. The fourth end edge 62 constitutes the first terminus of the second angled surface 52, and the sixth end edge 68 constitutes the second terminus of the second angled surface 52. The sixth end edge 68 is located axially medial relative to the second axially outer surface 48 and the fourth end edge 62 and in the first axially outer direction F. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the sixth end edge 68 can have a slightly rounded extent, or can be sharper as shown in FIG. 7.

[0025] Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, relative to a previously known spacer portion, the second angled surface 52 creates a gap 70 in the outer region of the spacer where otherwise there would be a spacer structure in the previously known spacer portion 200. However, in the embodiment of the spacer 10, the gap 70 remains unoccupied and there is no spacer structure. And it is believed that the removal and absence of the structure at the location of the gap changes the performance of the spacer 10 during the insertion of the cannula 14 in a manner that is desired to maintain the correct positioning of the first O-ring 18 (as described below).

[0026] The radially outer surface 54 extends between the first angled surface 50 and the second angled surface 52. The radially outer surface 54 is parallel to the radially inner surface 44. The fifth end edge 64 is located between the radially outer surface 54 and the first angled surface 50 and is adjacent to the radially outer surface 54 and the first angled surface 50. Similarly, the sixth end edge 68 is located between the radially outer surface 54 and the second angled surface 52 and is adjacent to the radially outer surface 54 and the second angled surface 52. The radially outer surface 54 may be generally planar over its entire extent, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, or may be slightly and gently arcuate over a part or more of its entire extent, as shown in FIG. 6. The radially outer surface 54 is provided to be generally parallel to the axial centerline H. The radially outer surface 54 extends in the axial direction. The fifth end edge 64 forms the first terminus of the radially outer surface 54, while the sixth end edge 68 forms the second terminus of the radially outer surface 54. Finally, the radially outer surface 54 forms the outermost radially outer surface of the spacer 10 in the radially outer direction E.

[0027] When applied in the sealed packaging assembly 38, the spacer 10 helps to maintain the intended and correct position of the first O-ring 18 when the cannula 14 is inserted into the quick connector 12. Figure 4 And FIG. 5 is provided to illustrate its use. A small clearance 72 exists between the spacer 10 and the first O-ring 18 and the second O-ring 20 such that the spacer 10 is able to move to a certain extent relative to the O-rings 18, 20. When the cannula 14 is inserted into the quick connector 12, the cannula 14 strikes the spacer 10 and causes the spacer 10 to slide slightly along the inner surface 32 and causes the spacer 10 to rotate slightly about its axis. The spacer 10 in turn strikes the first O-ring 18. Figure 4Illustrates the components of the sealed packaging assembly 38 after the cannula 14 is inserted. The fifth end edge 64 can form an edge-to-surface fit with the inner surface 32 over a portion of the extent of the fifth end edge. Thereby establishing a first contact point 74 therebetween. In a similar manner, the sixth end edge 68 can form an edge-to-surface fit with the inner surface 32 over a portion of the extent of the sixth end edge. Thereby establishing a second contact point 76 therebetween. At the interface and interaction of the spacer 10 and the first O-ring 18 (and with particular reference to FIG. 5), the spacer 10 can directly and immediately impact the first O-ring 18. The third end edge 60 can form an edge-to-surface fit with the first O-ring 18. Thereby establishing a third contact point 78 therebetween. Compared to the contact point 212 of the past spacer portion 200, the third contact point 78 is located at a position more radially inward on the first O-ring 18 itself (where "radially" is used with respect to the annular shape of the first O-ring). In other words, the spacer 10 abuts the first O-ring 18 at a point closer to the inner periphery I of the first O-ring 18 than the outer periphery J of the first O-ring 18. The third contact point 78 is repositioned relative to the past spacer portion 200. It is believed that at least in part due to this repositioning, the component force 80 of the resultant force 82 applied to the first O-ring 18 has changed direction. The component force 80 generated by the use of the spacer 10 is now in the general direction K. The direction K is outside the main channel 24 and toward the inner surface 32. Thus, the spacer 10 and the component force 80 act to push and urge the first O-ring 18 against the inner surface 32.

[0028] In addition, tests have been conducted to evaluate the characteristics and effectiveness of the spacer 10 with respect to its effect on the positioning of the first O-ring 18. The test procedure was performed on a quick connector that has a similar Figure 3a sealed packaging component of the sealed packaging component 38 in and having a spacer, the spacer having the angled surfaces described above. The relevant acute angles at the angled surfaces are approximately 45° and 60°. The relevant quick connector has a main channel with a diameter of three-eighths of an inch (3 / 8 inch) and an in-line configuration. The test procedure is designed to replicate the assembly and installation of the quick connector and the cannula, which occur at the production and assembly plant and are performed manually by assemblers. Here, the axes of the quick connector and the cannula may not be aligned. In other words, the quick connector and the cannula can be combined together at an off-axis angle relative to each other, and the central axis of the cannula and the main channel of the connector are not aligned. The cannula is fixed in place on the test bench, and the quick connector is brought to the cannula for manual insertion. The axes of the quick connector and the cannula are misaligned relative to each other by up to 30° and 10°. The misalignment is set in four directions: to the right (east, E), to the left (west, W), up (north, N), and down (south, S). After each insertion, the quick connector is removed from the cannula, and the position of the O-ring is visually observed by the tester. If an improper position is observed and the main channel of the connector is blocked, this situation constitutes a failure. On the other hand, if the O-ring remains in its intended position during the test, the quick connector successfully passes the test.

[0029] Figure 8 A pair of test result tables showing such a test procedure. The shaded boxes indicate that the quick connector successfully passed the test. Figure 8 The upper table in involves quick connectors with spacers that have angled surfaces and a 60° acute angle ("60° angled spacer"). A total of ten quick connector samples were subjected to the test procedure ("Pc1, Pc2, Pc3... Pc10"). The quick connectors under test were inserted at misalignment angles of 30° and 10° with a fixed cannula and in four misalignment directions ("E, W, N, S"). Each insertion was performed five times in a specific misalignment direction ("E: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... W: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10"). Similarly, Figure 8 The lower table in involves quick connectors with spacers that have angled surfaces and a 45° acute angle ("45° angled spacer"). All the quick connectors and spacers under test successfully passed these test procedures.

[0030] However, the spacer 10 may have other designs and structures not specifically illustrated in the drawings. By way of example only, the spacer 10 may have a single angled surface and / or a radially inner surface 44, and the single angled surface and / or the radially inner surface 44 itself may comprise multiple surfaces.

[0031] It should be understood that the foregoing description is not a definition of the invention, but rather a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the one or more specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined only by the following claims. Additionally, statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or definitions of terms used in the claims, unless a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the one or more embodiments disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] As used in this specification and the claims, the terms "for example," "for instance," and "such as," and the verbs "comprising," "having," "including," and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more elements or other terms, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the list should not be considered as excluding other, additional elements or terms. Other terms should be construed in their broadest reasonable sense unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A connector seal package assembly for establishing a fluid - leak - resistant seal between a fluid line quick connector and an intubation tube, comprising: at least one O - ring, including a first O - ring; and a spacer that can be located beside the at least one O - ring, the spacer having a radially inner surface, a first axially outer surface spanning from the radially inner surface, a second axially outer surface spanning from the radially inner surface, and an angled surface spanning from the first axially outer surface or from the second axially outer surface, wherein, in a cross - sectional profile, the angled surface is acutely compliant with the first axially outer surface or the second axially outer surface relative to the axial centerline of the spacer, the acute angle being a non - zero angle relative to the axial centerline and a non - right angle relative to the axial centerline, wherein when the intubation tube is inserted into the fluid line quick connector, the intubation tube strikes the spacer and causes the spacer to slide slightly along the inner surface of the housing of the fluid line quick connector and causes the spacer to rotate slightly about its axis, and the spacer abuts the first O - ring at a point closer to the inner periphery of the first O - ring than the outer periphery of the first O - ring.

2. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 1, wherein the angled surface spans and terminates at the radially outer surface of the spacer.

3. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 2, wherein, in a cross - sectional profile, the radially outer surface extends between a first axially end edge and a second axially end edge and has a generally parallel relationship with the axial centerline between the first axially end edge and the second axially end edge.

4. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the angled surface is compliant with the first axially outer surface, and wherein the spacer has a second angled surface that is acutely compliant with the second axially outer surface relative to the axial centerline of the spacer, the second acute angle being a non - zero angle relative to the axial centerline and a non - right angle relative to the axial centerline.

5. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the acute angle of the angled surface compliant with the first axially outer surface and the second acute angle have substantially equal values to each other.

6. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the acute angle has a value in the range of forty - five degrees (45°) to sixty degrees (60°) relative to the axial centerline of the spacer.

7. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in a cross - sectional profile, the spacer has a total of six different surfaces, including the radially inner surface, the first axially outer surface, the second axially outer surface, and the angled surface.

8. The connector seal package assembly according to claim 7, wherein the total six different surfaces further include a radially outer surface and a second angled surface.

9. The connector sealing package assembly according to claim 8, wherein, in a cross-sectional profile, the spacer has a total of four different end edges of a rounded range, and each of the four different end edges of the rounded range is located between a pair of adjacent different surfaces of the spacer.

10. The connector sealing package assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in a cross-sectional profile, the spacer has a trapezoidal working portion at an outer region of the spacer, and the trapezoidal working portion is partially defined by the angled surface.

11. A fluid line connector comprising the connector sealing package assembly according to claim 1.

12. A connector sealing package spacer for a connector sealing package assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: a radially inner surface; a first axially outer surface spanning from the radially inner surface; a second axially outer surface spanning from the radially inner surface; a first angled surface spanning from the first axially outer surface; a second angled surface spanning from the second axially outer surface; a radially outer surface spanning between the first angled surface and the second angled surface.

13. The connector sealing package spacer according to claim 12, wherein, in a cross-sectional profile, the first angled surface conforms to the first axially outer surface at a first acute angle relative to an axial centerline of the connector sealing package spacer, and the second angled surface conforms to the second axially outer surface at a second acute angle relative to the axial centerline of the connector sealing package spacer, the first acute angle and the second acute angle being non-zero angles relative to the axial centerline and non-right angles relative to the axial centerline.

14. The connector sealing package spacer according to claim 13, wherein, in a cross-sectional profile, the first angled surface has a value ranging from forty-five degrees (45°) to sixty degrees (60°) relative to the axial centerline of the connector sealing package spacer, and the second angled surface has a value ranging from forty-five degrees (45°) to sixty degrees (60°) relative to the axial centerline of the connector sealing package spacer.

15. The connector sealing package spacer according to claim 14, further comprising: a first end edge of a rounded range adjacent to the first angled surface and the first axially outer surface; a second end edge of the rounded range adjacent to the second angled surface and the second axially outer surface; a third end edge of the rounded range adjacent to the first angled surface and the radially outer surface; and a fourth end edge of the rounded range adjacent to the second angled surface and the radially outer surface.

16. The connector sealing package spacer according to claim 12, further comprising: A first end edge of the chamfered region, adjacent to the first angled surface and the radially outer surface; and a second end edge of the chamfered region, adjacent to the second angled surface and the radially outer surface, the first end edge being axially inward of the first axially outer surface and the second end edge being axially inward of the second axially outer surface.

17. The connector seal-packaging spacer according to claim 16, wherein, the first end edge constitutes a first contact point of the connector seal-packaging spacer when installed in a fluid line connector and when an intubation tube is inserted into the fluid line connector, and the second end edge constitutes a second contact point of the connector seal-packaging spacer when installed in the fluid line connector and when the intubation tube is inserted into the fluid line connector.

18. A fluid line quick connector, comprising: a housing having a passage and a wall, the wall having an inner surface defining the passage; at least one O-ring located within the passage and including a first O-ring; and a spacer located within the passage adjacent to the at least one O-ring, the spacer having a first angled surface forming a first acute angle with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer, a second angled surface forming a second acute angle with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer, a radially outer surface spanning between the first angled surface and the second angled surface, a first end edge adjacent to the first angled surface and the radially outer surface, and a second end edge adjacent to the second angled surface and the radially outer surface, the first acute angle and the second acute angle being non-zero and non-right angles with respect to the axial centerline of the spacer; wherein, when the intubation tube is inserted into the fluid line quick connector and into the passage, the intubation tube impacts the spacer and causes the spacer to slide slightly along the inner surface and causes the spacer to rotate slightly about its axis, and the first end edge contacts the inner surface and the second end edge contacts the inner surface, and the spacer abuts the first O-ring at a point closer to the inner circumference of the first O-ring than the outer circumference of the first O-ring and pushes the first O-ring toward the inner surface.

19. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 18, wherein, when the intubation tube is inserted into the fluid line quick connector and into the passage in a relationship where the central axis of the intubation tube and the passage are not aligned, the spacer pushes the at least one O-ring toward the inner surface.

20. The fluid line quick connector according to claim 18, wherein, The spacer has a first axially outer surface spanning from the first angled surface, a second axially outer surface spanning from the second angled surface, a third end edge adjacent to the first angled surface and the first axially outer surface, and a fourth end edge adjacent to the second angled surface and the second axially outer surface, and wherein when the cannula is inserted into the fluid line quick connector and into the channel, the third end edge or the fourth end edge forms a fit with the at least one O-ring and pushes the at least one O-ring toward the inner surface.

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