Quick connectors for automotive fluid delivery lines

Abstract

A quick-connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is disclosed, comprising a quick-connector element for use on metal pipes, particularly for automotive fluid delivery pipelines, wherein the quick-connector includes two locking members made of thermoplastic material, and the quick-connector is fitted onto both a male and a female fitting pipe to join the pipes together and provide them with an anti-rotation safety system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a quick-action coupling device, and more specifically to an innovative quick-connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines. The quick-connector presented herein has been developed with specific technical features, including two locking members made of thermoplastic polymer material, so that automotive pipelines can be engaged using such locking members without the use of other means (such as bolts or tools), thereby maintaining the locking member engagement in a secure and safe manner. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known to professionals working in the automotive industry, vehicle piping systems serve multiple functions, such as transporting fluids through air conditioning hoses, hydraulic steering hoses, and equivalent hoses. Such piping systems provide a complex structure for fluid transport, including different types of pipes and hoses constructed to work in conjunction with other components within the motor vehicle; therefore, automotive piping systems require connectors and couplings for connecting pipes, hoses, and similar components. A known example of such a connector consists of two aluminum flanges supporting a male and female fitting joined together by bolts and nuts.

[0003] However, such connectors present several unresolved issues in their manufacture and use. Since these quick-connectors are typically made of metallic materials, such as the connectors described above with flanges made of aluminum, complex and demanding metallurgical processes, such as brazing, are necessary for their production.

[0004] Regarding connector installation, it has been found in the art that several connectors require specific tools and components for assembly, such as torque wrenches, bolts, or locking pins. As a result, assembly is complex and time-consuming, and because these connectors are engaged with bolts and nuts, disassembly is difficult, thus requiring arduous maintenance. Furthermore, to do this, tools are needed to tighten them and to securely and safely connect the pipes and hoses of the automotive piping system.

[0005] To overcome these problems, existing technologies have proposed some solutions, particularly the solution found in document CN204358306, which describes a quick connector for air conditioning ducts in vehicles made of thermoplastic material. The quick connector includes a resilient shank with positioning protrusions and a sleeve, the inner wall of which is provided with positioning protrusions.

[0006] Another solution is proposed in document BR 10 2017 003694-4, which relates to a quick coupler also made of thermoplastic material, comprising a male assembly pipe, at least one adapter, at least one plastic clamp, at least one locking fitting, a female assembly pipe, and multiple O-rings. The technology disclosed in this document, found in the prior art, proposes components manufactured through injection molding, cold stamping, and mechanical deformation and interference fitting, which can reduce the risk of failure, especially those caused by brazing processes. Furthermore, the mentioned technology allows for manual assembly and disassembly without the use of specific tools, bolts, or locking pins. It is noteworthy that such a solution is owned by the same applicant as this invention; therefore, the invention presented herein also aims to improve upon the solutions disclosed in such prior art documents.

[0007] However, the solutions for quick-acting connectors made of thermoplastic materials disclosed in the prior art lack a necessary component present in connectors with aluminum flanges: an anti-rotation safety system for the piping. Without such an anti-rotation system, the pipes constituting an automotive piping system may rotate in opposite directions along the same axis, potentially damaging the system, causing leaks of the transported fluids, and consequently malfunctions in equipment dependent on that fluid, such as air conditioning and hydraulic steering. Furthermore, without such an anti-rotation system, the pipes may twist, altering their original, carefully designed construction, and potentially damaging other vehicle components.

[0008] The aforementioned problems caused by the lack of an anti-rotation safety system will at least cause significant problems for vehicle users, and if such a vehicle is used, especially if the hydraulic steering is damaged due to defects in the vehicle's piping system, it can lead to serious accidents.

[0009] In light of the problems exposed, existing technologies would clearly benefit from quick-connectors for automotive piping systems with two locking members made of thermoplastic material and an anti-rotation safety system, in order to provide a fast and efficient way to connect the pipes of an automotive piping system, as well as a safe way to avoid damage to their structure and construction. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The main objective of this invention is to disclose an innovative, easy-to-use, and efficient quick-connector for use with metal pipes, particularly automotive pipes used for conveying fluids (such as air conditioning hoses, hydraulic steering hoses, and equivalent hoses); it has the primary function of quickly and manually connecting pipe ends without the use of auxiliary equipment such as electric screwdrivers.

[0012] Problem-solving methods

[0013] To achieve this purpose, the quick coupler includes two locking members joined together and can be mounted on automotive piping. Furthermore, the locking members provide an anti-rotation safety system for the quick coupler. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fully assembled quick-connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 An exploded lower perspective view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A side view of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a quick coupler for an automotive fluid delivery pipeline having such a quick coupler is shown in detail.

[0020] Figure 7 A front view of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 A rear view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 A perspective view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery piping, without male and female assembly pipes, is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 A rear perspective view of a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipes, without male and female assembly pipes, is shown.

[0024] Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of two locking components included in a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 A rear perspective view of one of the two locking components included in a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery lines is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 A perspective view of one of the two locking components included in a quick coupler for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0027] Figure 14 A longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the female assembly pipe of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0028] Figure 15 A longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the male fitting pipe of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery pipelines is shown.

[0029] Figure 16 A front view of the female assembly pipe of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery piping is shown, revealing details of the recessed anti-rotation safety system.

[0030] Figure 17 A front view of the female assembly pipe of a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery piping is shown, revealing details of the recessed anti-rotation safety system. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Consistent with the objectives set forth in the brief description of this disclosure, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a quick connector for automotive fluid delivery conduits, comprising a quick connector 1 for use on metal conduits, particularly for use on conduits for automotive fluid delivery, such as, for example, air conditioning hoses, hydraulic steering hoses and equivalent hoses, wherein the quick connector 1 includes two locking members, a locking member 21 and a locking member 22, joined together, such that the quick connector 1 can be fitted onto the automotive conduit, and the automotive conduit provides an anti-rotation safety system for the quick connector 1.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the automotive pipe includes a male assembly pipe 3 and a female assembly pipe 4 joined together, wherein the quick coupler 1 is assembled on the pipes 3 and 4 by connecting a locking member 21 to the male assembly pipe 3 and a locking member 22 to the female assembly pipe 4, such that the assembly of the quick coupler 1 provides a simultaneous and irreversible engagement of the pipes 3 and 4.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the locking member 21 includes: an annular base 211 having an outer surface 211a and an inner surface 211b; at least four external teeth 212 spaced apart from each other by a gap defined by the inner surface 211b; and at least four internal teeth 213 spaced apart from each other by a gap defined by at least four self-locking grooves 214 included in the inner surface 211b; such that the teeth 212 and 213 involved do not overlap, are concentrically positioned, and extend perpendicularly from the inner surface 211b of the annular base 211. On the other hand, the locking member 22 includes: an annular base 221 having an outer surface 221a and an inner surface 221b; and at least four internal teeth 223 spaced apart from each other by gaps defined by at least four self-locking grooves 224 included in the inner surface 221b; such that the internal teeth 223 extend perpendicularly from the inner surface 221b of the annular base 221; such that the internal teeth 223 of the locking member 22 overlap with the external teeth 212 of the locking member 21; and the internal teeth 223 of the locking member 22 are correspondingly aligned with the internal teeth 213 of the locking member 21.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, each external tooth 212 of the locking member 21 presents a side profile 2121 having a rectangular portion 2121a and a triangular portion 2121b, wherein the triangular portion 2121b has a recess for engaging the locking member 21 with the locking member 22. More specifically, the recess of the triangular portion 2121b provides the engagement through direct contact with the outer surface 221a of the locking member 22. Additionally, each internal tooth 213 of the locking member 21 presents a side profile 2131 having a rectangular portion 2131a and a triangular portion 2131b, and the triangular portion 2131b has a recess allowing engagement of the locking member 21 with the male assembly conduit 3. Similarly, each of the inner teeth 223 of the locking member 22 presents a side profile 2231, which has both a rectangular portion 2231a and a triangular portion 2231b, the triangular portion 2231b having a recess that allows the locking member 22 to be connected to the female assembly pipe 4.

[0035] In embodiments of the invention, each self-locking slot 214 of the locking member 21 allows for the fitting of the triangular portion 2231b of each internal tooth 223 of the locking member 22. Similarly, each self-locking slot 224 of the locking member 22 allows for the fitting of the triangular portion 2131b of each internal tooth 213 of the locking member 21.

[0036] In embodiments of the invention, the locking members 21 and 22 are made of thermoplastic materials, such as PA11, PA66, or PA6. In this sense, the thermoplastic material constituting the locking members 21 and 22 provides flexibility for the engagement between the teeth 212 and 213 and the annular base 211, and for the engagement between the teeth 223 and the annular base 221. The locking members 21 and 22 are preferably manufactured by injection molding.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, the male assembly conduit 3 includes a tubular body extending to an end 31 with a larger diameter, the tubular body having at least a groove 31a around its periphery on which an O-ring 5 is placed. Between the tubular body and the end 31 of the male assembly conduit 3, there is a disc 32 with a larger diameter and perpendicular to both the axis of the male assembly conduit 3 and its end 31, the disc 32 being provided with at least three arcuate recesses 32a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male assembly conduit 3 and radially distributed on the surface of the disc 32.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, the female assembly conduit 4 includes a tubular body with a smaller diameter that extends to a section 41 with a larger diameter. In this section 41, there is a recess at the end surrounded by an edge 42 perpendicular to the axis of the female assembly conduit 4. On this edge 42, there are at least three triangular recesses 42a, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the female assembly conduit 4, corresponding to recesses 32a.

[0039] Thus, the male assembly pipe 3 is joined to the female assembly pipe 4 via end 31, and this end 31 is joined to the recess of section 41 until section 41 completely covers the end 31. Similarly, the joint is also present in such a way that edge 42 completely covers disc 32. Both the male assembly pipe 3 and the female assembly pipe 4 are preferably made of a non-flexible material such as metal. Alternatively, pipes 3 and 4 can be made of flexible materials, such as rubber and plastic. In addition, both pipes 3 and 4 are formed by an expansion process, followed by a second expansion, and then a forming rolling process to form the groove 31a.

[0040] To simultaneously and irreversibly engage and securely connect the male assembly pipe 3 and the female assembly pipe 4, a quick-connect coupling 1 is used. In this case, the inner teeth 213 of the locking member 21 are engaged with the disc 32 of the male assembly pipe 3, and the inner teeth 223 of the locking member 22 are engaged with the edge 42 of the female assembly pipe 4. Thus, since the two locking members 21 and 22 of the quick-connect coupling 1 are respectively engaged with both the male assembly pipe 3 and the female assembly pipe 4, and the locking members 21 and 22 are engaged with each other by the outer teeth 212, the pipes 3 and 4 remain irreversibly and securely connected while the quick-connect coupling 1 is being assembled. Due to the flexibility of the inner teeth 213 and 223, especially with respect to the rectangular portions 2131a and 2231a of the corresponding side profiles 2131 and 2231, the quick-connect coupling 1 is quickly assembled onto the pipes 3 and 4 by the locking members 21 and 22 respectively. To achieve this, it is only necessary to force the locking members 21 and 22 onto pipes 3 and 4 respectively, to move the internal teeth 213 and 223, which then return to their initial positions. The quick-connector 1 of the present invention will then securely hold the automotive fluid delivery pipes in a simple and effective manner.

[0041] For the assembly of the quick connector 1 in the preferred embodiment, the locking member 21 is initially connected to the edge 42 perpendicular to the axis of the pipe 4, such that the end 31 is fitted into the recess of the section 41 for the locking member 22 to be connected to the disc 32.

[0042] In particular, because the internal teeth 213 and 223 respectively present triangular portions 2131b and 2231 of contours 2131 and 2231, and the elongated bodies of the triangular portions 2131b and 2231b are respectively connected to the annular bases 211 and 221, the assembly involved in the quick connector 1 is especially present. Furthermore, due to the presence of rectangular portions 2131a and 2231a, the assembly involved in the quick connector 1 is also performed, wherein the rectangular portions 2131a and 2231a are respectively the most flexible portions of the locking members 21 and 22. Thus, the rectangular portions 2131a and 2231a, together with the corresponding triangular portions 2131b and 2231b of their respective teeth 213 and 223, form a fitting that allows the edge 42 and disc 32 to slide and assemble, and also prevents the pipes 3 and 4 from disengaging irreversibly from the quick-connector 1 in the presence of the assembly.

[0043] The presence of both self-locking grooves 214 and 224 cooperates with this simultaneous and irreversible engagement because when forces F1 and F2 are applied to pipes 3 and 4 in opposite directions in any way, horizontally or obliquely, to disengage them, the self-locking grooves 214 and 224 prevent disengagement, thus resulting in irreversible engagement. To better illustrate the role of self-locking grooves 214 and 224 in preventing disengagement in such an irreversible engagement, the applied forces F1 and F2 involved in pipes 3 and 4 are described in more detail below:

[0044] Forces F1 and F2 acting in opposite directions and in any manner promote subsequent attractive motion between locking member 21 and locking member 22 relative to each other;

[0045] During the attraction movement of locking member 21 and locking member 22 relative to each other, edge 42 applies force to each recess of the triangular portion 2231b of each inner tooth 223 of locking member 22; thus, each of the triangular portions 2231b moves toward each of the self-locking groove 214 of locking member 21.

[0046] During the attraction movement of locking member 21 and locking member 22 relative to each other, disk 32 applies force to each recess of the triangular portion 2131b of each inner tooth 213 of locking member 21; thus, each of the triangular portions 2131b moves toward each of the self-locking grooves 224 of locking member 22.

[0047] The force exerted by edge 42 and disk 32 exists simultaneously during the attractive movement of locking member 21 and locking member 22 relative to each other;

[0048] When each of the triangular portions 2231b contacts each of the self-locking grooves 214 of the locking member 21 and each of the triangular portions 2131b contacts each of the self-locking grooves 224 of the locking member 22, the attraction movement of the locking member 21 and the locking member 22 is prevented, such that the self-locking groove 224 accommodates the triangular portion 2131b to prevent movement of the locking member 21 relative to the locking member 22, and the self-locking groove 214 accommodates the triangular portion 2231b to prevent movement of the locking member 22 relative to the locking member 21; and

[0049] Immediately following the attraction movement of the locking member 21 and the locking member 22, a cavity C is formed, the distance d between its construction edge 42 and the disk 32 corresponding to the maximum distance between the pipe 3 and the pipe 4, which maintains the engagement between the pipe 3 and the pipe 4, and the maintenance of the engagement indicates the simultaneous and irreversible engagement.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, forces F1 and F2 coexist horizontally in opposite directions.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, force F1 is applied in the absence of force F2, i.e., force F2 = 0. In such a configuration, the quick-connector 1 behaves similarly to a configuration in which both force F1 and force F2 coexist, as described herein.

[0052] In embodiments of the invention, force F2 is applied in the absence of force F1, i.e., force F1 = 0. In such a configuration, the quick-connector 1 behaves similarly to a configuration in which both force F1 and force F2 coexist, as described herein.

[0053] In embodiments of the present invention, force F1 exhibits a value between 0 and 2400 N, with or without force F2.

[0054] In embodiments of the present invention, force F2 exhibits a value between 0 and 2400 N, with or without force F1.

[0055] In embodiments of the invention, the distance d ranges from 0 to 2.2 mm, such that d = 0 indicates the edge 42 adjacent to the disk 32, i.e., the configuration before the application of force F1 and / or F2. On the other hand, a value of d > 0 indicates the configuration in which the cavity C is formed.

[0056] In another embodiment of the invention, the O-ring 5 of the male assembly pipe 3 achieves a seal against the quick connector 1, preventing unwanted impurities from entering.

[0057] Furthermore, due to the recesses 32a and 42a corresponding to pipes 3 and 4, quick coupler 1 provides an anti-rotation safety system for the pipes connected to it. Once recesses 32a and 42a correspond, when the male fitting pipe 3 engages with the female fitting pipe 4, they mate with each other; then recess 42a covers recess 32a, and therefore the male fitting pipe 3 and / or female fitting pipe 4 cannot rotate independently of each other, i.e., they cannot rotate in different directions. Thus, the integrity of the pipes fitted to the quick coupler 1 is maintained for a long time.

[0058] It should be understood that this disclosure does not limit the application of the invention to the details described herein, and that this disclosure can be applied to other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways within the scope of the claims. Although specific terms have been used, these terms should be interpreted in a general and descriptive sense and not as limiting them.

Claims

1. A quick connector (1) for automotive fluid delivery pipelines, characterized in that, The quick connector (1) includes two locking components, a first locking component (21) and a second locking component (22), which are connected together, allowing the quick connector (1) to be mounted on an automotive pipe, thereby preventing rotation between the automotive pipes. The automotive piping includes a male assembly pipe (3) and a female assembly pipe (4) joined together, wherein the quick coupler (1) is capable of assembling the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4) by connecting the first locking member (21) to the male assembly pipe (3) and by connecting the second locking member (22) to the female assembly pipe (4), such that the assembly of the quick coupler (1) provides a simultaneous and irreversible engagement of the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4). The first locking member (21) includes: A first annular base (211) has a first outer surface (211a) and a first inner surface (211b); At least four external teeth (212) are spaced apart from each other by a gap defined by the first inner surface (211b); and At least four first internal teeth (213) are spaced apart from each other by gaps defined by at least four first self-locking grooves (214) included in the first inner surface (211b), such that the external teeth (212) and the first internal teeth (213) involved do not overlap, are concentrically positioned, and extend perpendicularly from the first inner surface (211b) of the first annular base (211). The second locking member (22) includes: A second annular base (221) having a second outer surface (221a) and a second inner surface (221b); and At least four second internal teeth (223) are spaced apart from each other by gaps defined by at least four second self-locking grooves (224) included in the second inner surface (221b). This causes the second internal tooth (223) to extend perpendicularly from the second inner surface (221b) of the second annular base (221). The second inner tooth (223) of the second locking member (22) overlaps with the outer tooth (212) of the first locking member (21), and the second inner tooth (223) of the second locking member (22) is correspondingly aligned with the first inner tooth (213) of the first locking member (21).

2. The quick connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each outer tooth (212) of the first locking member (21) presents a first outer contour (2121) having an outer rectangular portion (2121a) and an outer triangular portion (2121b), wherein the outer triangular portion (2121b) has a recess for connecting the first locking member (21) to the second locking member (22). Each of the first inner teeth (213) of the first locking member (21) presents a first inner profile (2131) having a first inner rectangular portion (2131a) and a first inner triangular portion (2131b), and the first inner triangular portion (2131b) has a recess that allows the first locking member (21) to engage with the male fitting pipe (3), and Each of the second inner teeth (223) of the second locking member (22) presents a second inner profile (2231) having a second inner rectangular portion (2231a) and a second inner triangular portion (2231b), the second inner triangular portion (2231b) having a recess that allows the second locking member (22) to be connected to the female assembly pipe (4).

3. The quick connector (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first self-locking slots (214) of the first locking member (21) allows for the assembly of the second inner triangular portion (2231b) of each of the second inner teeth (223) of the second locking member (22), and Each of the second self-locking slots (224) of the second locking member (22) allows the first inner triangular portion (2131b) of each of the first inner teeth (213) of the first locking member (21) to be fitted.

4. The quick connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The male assembly pipe (3) includes a first tubular body extending to an end (31) with a diameter larger than that of the first tubular body. The first tubular body has at least a groove (31a) around its periphery, and an O-ring (5) is placed on the groove (31a). Furthermore, between the first tubular body and the end (31) of the male assembly pipe (3), there is a disc (32) with a diameter larger than that of the end (31) and perpendicular to the axis of the male assembly pipe (3) and the end (31) of the male assembly pipe (3). The disc (32) is provided with at least three arcuate recesses (32a) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male assembly pipe (3) and radially distributed on the surface of the disc (32).

5. The quick connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The female assembly conduit (4) includes a second tubular body extending into a section (41) with a diameter larger than that of the second tubular body. The section (41) includes a recess at its end surrounded by an edge (42) perpendicular to the axis of the female assembly conduit (4), wherein at least three triangular recesses (42a) are present on the edge (42) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the female assembly conduit (4) and corresponding to the arcuate recess (32a).

6. The quick connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The male assembly pipe (3) is joined to the female assembly pipe (4) through the end (31), the recess of the section (41) is fitted into the male assembly pipe (3) until the recess of the section (41) completely covers the end (31), wherein the disc (32) is fitted into the edge (42) until the disc (32) is completely covered.

7. The quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The anti-rotation safety system of the quick connector (1) is generated by the arcuate recess (32a) and triangular recess (42a) of their respective male assembly pipe (3) and female assembly pipe (4), wherein the arcuate recess (32a) and triangular recess (42a) are connected together when the male assembly pipe (3) is engaged with the female assembly pipe (4).

8. The quick connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4) are made of non-flexible or flexible materials.

9. The quick connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4) are formed by an expansion process, followed by a second expansion, and then a forming rolling process to form a groove (31a).

10. The quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The simultaneous and irreversible engagement is maintained by applying a first force (F1) to the male assembly pipe (3) and a second force (F2) to the female assembly pipe (4), the first force (F1) and the second force (F2) being applied in opposite directions, such that the simultaneous and irreversible engagement allows for a maximum distance (d) between the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4), wherein, The first force (F1) represents a value between 0 and 2400 N; The second force (F2) represents a value between 0 and 2400 N; and The maximum distance (d) is in the range of 0 to 2.2 mm.

11. The quick connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The simultaneous and irreversible engagement is maintained by applying a first force (F1) to the male assembly pipe (3) or a second force (F2) to the female assembly pipe (4), such that the simultaneous and irreversible engagement allows a maximum distance (d) between the male assembly pipe (3) and the female assembly pipe (4), and this maximum distance (d) is in the range of 0 to 2.2 mm, wherein, The first force (F1) represents a value between 0 and 2400 N; or The second force (F2) represents a value between 0 and 2400 N.

Images