Quick connector set and plug and socket therefor

Abstract

The present application discloses a quick connector set, a plug and a socket thereof. The quick connector set comprises a socket and a matching plug. The socket has a rotation restraint structure, and the matching plug has a matching rotation restraint structure. During the connection of the plug and the matching socket, the rotation restraint structure of the socket restricts the rotation restraint structure of the matching plug to relatively rotate in a rotation direction, thereby completing the connection of the socket and the matching plug. Other plugs that are not matched with the socket cannot relatively rotate in the rotation direction due to the lack of matching rotation restraint structures, and thus cannot complete the connection with the socket. Therefore, the socket and the matching plug are protected from misconnection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a quick connector, and more particularly to a quick connector with anti-misconnection function. Background Technology

[0002] Quick-connect couplings are generally simpler and faster to use than traditional screw and nut couplings, and are widely used in various fluid piping connections. While quick-connect couplings of the same specifications are often used within the same piping system, the flow direction of the fluid within the pipeline still has design requirements. For example, the coolant in a water-cooled plate needs to flow in a specific direction to achieve the expected heat exchange efficiency. If an incorrect connection occurs—for example, the coolant supply line is connected to the water-cooled plate outlet, and the coolant return line is connected to the water-cooled plate inlet—the heat exchange efficiency of the water-cooled plate will decrease significantly. Generally, to avoid this situation, labels can be affixed to both the quick-connect couplings and the water-cooled plate inlet / outlet for operator identification. However, this method requires active operator identification; if the operator is negligent in identifying the connectors, or if the ambient lighting is insufficient, incorrect connections may still occur. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a quick connector assembly and its socket and plug. The matching rotary restraint structure on the socket and plug prevents misconnection.

[0004] A quick connector assembly according to the present invention includes a plug and a socket. The plug includes a plug body, a drive member disposed on the plug body, and a first rotational restraint structure. The drive member is movably disposed on the plug body. The first rotational restraint structure is disposed on the drive member. The socket includes a socket body and a second rotational restraint structure disposed on the socket body. The socket is structurally mated with the plug. The second rotational restraint structure restricts the first rotational restraint structure from rotating relative to the second rotational restraint structure in a rotational direction. Therefore, the plug and the socket can ensure a correct connection between them through the actuation restriction between the first rotational restraint structure and the second rotational restraint structure. On the other hand, if the rotational restraint structure of another plug is different from the first rotational restraint structure, even if this other plug is inserted into the socket, its rotational restraint structure cannot rotate relative to the second rotational restraint structure in the rotational direction, and therefore a stable and effective connection with the socket cannot be achieved. In other words, the mating of the first rotational restraint structure and the second rotational restraint structure has the effect of preventing misconnection.

[0005] According to the present invention, a plug is used for connection with a mating socket. The plug includes a plug body, a driving member disposed on the plug body, and a first rotational restraint structure. The driving member is movably disposed on the plug body. The first rotational restraint structure is disposed on the driving member. A second rotational restraint structure of the mating socket restricts the first rotational restraint structure from rotating relative to the second rotational restraint structure in a rotational direction. Therefore, the plug can only be inserted into the mating socket for smooth rotation, thereby achieving a secure and effective connection with the mating socket.

[0006] According to the present invention, a socket is used for connection with a mating plug. The socket includes a socket body and a second rotational restraint structure disposed on the socket body. The second rotational restraint structure restricts a first rotational restraint structure of the mating plug from rotating relative to the second rotational restraint structure in a rotational direction. Thus, the socket only allows the mating plug to be inserted for smooth rotation, thereby achieving a secure and effective connection with the mating plug.

[0007] In addition, the matching of the aforementioned rotating restraint structure will play a role in the connection process of plug and socket. It can automatically prevent misconnection without the need for the operator to actively identify it, effectively solving the problem of misconnection caused by operator negligence in the prior art.

[0008] The advantages and spirit of the present invention can be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first quick connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the first plug from another perspective;

[0011] Figure 3 Figure 3 for Figure 1 Partial exploded view of the first socket in the middle;

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the moment when the first plug just touches the first socket;

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of XX along the central line;

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the first driving member of the first plug pushing the first retaining ring of the first socket to the release position;

[0015] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along line YY;

[0016] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of ZZ along the central line;

[0017] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first driving component of the first plug after rotation;

[0018] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the first plug and the first socket;

[0019] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the WW line along the central line;

[0020] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of a second quick connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the second drive member of the second plug in the second quick connector assembly pushing the second retaining ring of the second socket to the unlocking position, the cross-sectional position being equivalent to... Figure 6 The location of the center line ZZ;

[0022] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of a third quick-connect assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Flowchart of the connection operation between the plug and socket in the third quick connector group.

[0024] Symbol Explanation

[0025] 1: First quick coupling assembly

[0026] 12: First plug

[0027] 120: First plug body

[0028] 120a: First fluid channel

[0029] 120b: Shaft

[0030] 120c, 120d: Markings

[0031] 122: First plug connection structure

[0032] 1222: First locking structure

[0033] 1224: First driving component

[0034] 1226: First rotational restraint structure

[0035] 1228: First limiting structure

[0036] 12282: First limiting post

[0037] 12284: First limiting groove

[0038] 12284a: Axial groove section

[0039] 12284b: Transverse slot section

[0040] 14: First socket

[0041] 140: First socket body

[0042] 140a: Second fluid channel

[0043] 140b: Channel

[0044] 142: First socket connection structure

[0045] 1422: Second locking structure

[0046] 14222: First retaining ring

[0047] 14222a: Relief groove

[0048] 14224: Positioning component

[0049] 14226: Reset component

[0050] 1424: Second Rotational Restraint Structure

[0051] 1424a: Reset component

[0052] 2: Second quick coupling assembly

[0053] 22: Second plug

[0054] 220: Second plug body

[0055] 220a: Third fluid channel

[0056] 222: Second plug connection structure

[0057] 2222: Third locking structure

[0058] 2224: Second drive unit

[0059] 2226: Third Rotational Restraint Structure

[0060] 2228: Second limiting structure

[0061] 22282: Second limiting post

[0062] 22284: Second limiting groove

[0063] 24: Second socket

[0064] 240: Second socket body

[0065] 240a: Fourth fluid channel

[0066] 242: Second socket connection structure

[0067] 2422: Fourth locking structure

[0068] 24222: Second retaining ring

[0069] 24224: Positioning component

[0070] 2424: Fourth Rotational Restraint Structure

[0071] 3: Third quick coupling assembly

[0072] 4,4',4": Structural wall

[0073] D1: First insertion direction

[0074] D2: Second insertion direction

[0075] R1: First rotation direction

[0076] R2: Second rotation direction

[0077] S100, S102, S104, S106, S108: Implementation Steps Detailed Implementation

[0078] In the following embodiments, ordinal numbers, such as first, second, ..., etc., can be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the definition of ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers are used to distinguish elements in the specification. The ordinal numbers of elements in the claims are arranged in the order of the claims and may differ from the ordinal numbers of elements in the specification. Therefore, the first element described below may be the second element in the claims.

[0079] Please see Figures 1 to 4A first quick connector assembly 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first plug 12 and a first socket 14 mating with the first plug 12. For ease of explanation and simplification of the drawings, the structures of the first plug 12 and the first socket 14 are simplified in the figures. In actual implementation, they can be modified as needed according to the implementation context, such as sealing, the structure for connecting to the pipe body, etc., which will not be described in detail elsewhere. In the first embodiment, the first plug 12 includes a first plug body 120 and a first plug connecting structure 122 disposed on the first plug body 120. The first socket 14 includes a first socket body 140 and a first socket connecting structure 142 disposed on the first socket body 140. The first socket connecting structure 142 is structurally matched with the first plug connecting structure 122, and the first plug 12 and the first socket 14 are connected through the connection of the first socket connecting structure 142 and the first plug connecting structure 122. The first plug connection structure 122 includes a first locking structure 1222, a first driving member 1224, a first rotational restraint structure 1226, and a first limiting structure 1228. The first plug body 120 has a first fluid channel 120a. The first locking structure 1222 is disposed on the first plug body 120. The first driving member 1224 is movably disposed on the first plug body 120. The first rotational restraint structure 1226 is disposed on the first driving member 1224. The first limiting structure 1228 is disposed on the first plug body 120 and the first driving member 1224 to restrict the first driving member 1224 from axial sliding or rotation relative to the first plug body 120. The first socket connection structure 142 includes a second locking structure 1422 and a second rotational restraint structure 1424. The first socket body 140 has a second fluid channel 140a. The second locking structure 1422 is disposed on the first socket body 140 and includes a first retaining ring 14222, which is movably disposed on the first socket body 140. The position of the first retaining ring 14222 relative to the first socket body 140 determines whether the second locking structure 1422 is in a locked or unlocked state. The second rotational restraint structure 1424 is disposed on the first retaining ring 14222. The first plug 12 and the first socket 14 are securely and effectively connected through the connection between the first locking structure 1222 and the second locking structure 1422.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the first socket 14 is mounted on a structural wall 4 (schematically illustrated as a rectangular block). A first retaining ring 14222 is fitted onto the first socket body 140 and is in a locking position on the first socket body 140 (see reference). Figure 4 or Figure 5 At this time, the second locking structure 1422 is in the locked state and in an unlocked position (see reference). Figure 6 or Figure 7The first locking structure 1222 is a groove formed by an annular groove on the outside of the first plug body 120. The second locking structure 1422 also includes at least one positioning member 14224 (implemented as four positioning beads in this embodiment), and the first socket body 140 correspondingly forms at least one channel 140b for the positioning member 14224 to slide. When the positioning member 14224 enters the groove and the first retaining ring 14222 is in the locking position, the first retaining ring 14222 will restrain the positioning member 14224 to remain locked in the groove, so that the first locking structure 1222 and the second locking structure 1422 are securely connected. In practice, the first locking structure 1222 and the second locking structure 1422 can also be implemented with other connecting structures, which will not be described in detail.

[0081] The first limiting structure 1228 includes a first limiting post 12282 and a first limiting groove 12284. The first limiting post 12282 is disposed on the first plug body 120, and the first limiting groove 12284 is disposed on the first driving member 1224. The first limiting post 12282 slides relative to the first limiting groove 12284 to limit the first driving member 1224 from rotating or sliding axially relative to the first plug body 120. That is, through the interaction of the first limiting post 12282 and the first limiting groove 12284, the axial sliding or rotation of the first driving member 1224 relative to the first plug body 120 is limited. The first plug body 120 is generally slightly cylindrical and has a shaft 120b (indicated by a chain line). Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first connector body 120, a first fluid channel 120a extends along the axis 120b. A first limiting groove 12284 includes an axial groove segment 12284a (extending parallel to the axis 120b) and a transverse groove segment 12284b (extending perpendicular to the axis 120b) connected to the axial groove segment 12284a. When the first limiting post 12282 slides relative to the axial groove segment 12284a, the first driving member 1224 moves in a restricted manner parallel to the axis 120b (i.e., slides axially relative to the first plug body 120); when the first limiting post 12282 slides relative to the transverse groove segment 12284b, the first driving member 1224 rotates in a restricted manner about the axis 120b (i.e., rotates relative to the first plug body 120).

[0082] Through the interaction between the first rotational restraint structure 1226 and the second rotational restraint structure 1424, the first rotational restraint structure 1226 and the second rotational restraint structure 1424 can rotate relative to each other in a single direction. In the first embodiment, the first rotational restraint structure 1226 is a ratchet tooth, disposed on the outside of the first driving member 1224; the second rotational restraint structure 1424 is a pawl, pivotally connected to the inside of the first retaining ring 14222. Through the interaction between the pawl and the ratchet tooth, the second rotational restraint structure 1424 restricts the first rotational restraint structure 1226 to rotate in a first direction R1 (indicated by an arrow). Figure 1 The first rotary restraint structure 1226 can only rotate in one direction relative to the second rotary restraint structure 1424. A reset member 1424a (e.g., a spring) can be used to abut against the pawl so that the pawl can remain in the gripping state.

[0083] In the first quick connector assembly 1, the first plug 12 is operable to connect with the first socket 14, such that the first locking structure 1222 engages with the second locking structure 1422, and the first fluid channel 120a connects with the second fluid channel 140a. In practice, when inserting the first plug 12 into the first socket 14, the operator can bring the first plug 12 close to the first socket 14 in a first insertion direction D1 (indicated by an arrow in the figure). Figure 1 As shown), so that the first drive member 1224 contacts the first retaining ring 14222, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. At this time, the first retaining ring 14222 is in the locked position.

[0084] Next, the operator can cause the first drive member 1224 to push the first retaining ring 14222 in the first insertion direction D1 until the first retaining ring 14222 reaches the unlocked position, so that the first rotary restraint structure 1226 engages with the second rotary restraint structure 1424 and the first fluid channel 120a connects with the second fluid channel 140a, as shown. Figures 6 to 8 As shown. The first retaining ring 14222 has a recessed groove 14222a (e.g., an annular groove on the inner surface) on its inner side, allowing the positioning member 14224 to retract during the movement of the first retaining ring 14222 in the first insertion direction D1 to avoid structural interference with the first plug body 120. Furthermore, the first rotary restraint structure 1226 is located at the front end of the first driving member 1224. When the first driving member 1224 contacts the first retaining ring 14222, the first rotary restraint structure 1226 has entered the inner side of the first retaining ring 14222 and engages with the second rotary restraint structure 1424 (i.e., a pawl gripping a ratchet tooth), as... Figure 5As shown. In practice, the structure can be designed so that when the first retaining ring 14222 reaches the unlocked position, the first rotary restraint structure 1226 engages with the second rotary restraint structure 1424, which will not be elaborated further. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, under the interaction of the pawl and the ratchet, the first rotation restraint structure 1226 can only rotate counterclockwise relative to the second rotation restraint structure 1424 (i.e., rotate in the first rotation direction R1).

[0085] Next, the operator can rotate the first drive member 1224 to cause the first rotational restraint structure 1226 to rotate relative to the second rotational restraint structure 1424 in the first rotational direction R1 (at this time, the first limiting post 12282 slides relative to the transverse groove 12284b) until the first limiting structure 1228 allows the first drive member 1224 to slide axially relative to the first plug body 120 (i.e., the first limiting post 12282 enters the axial groove 12284a), such as Figure 9 As shown. Next, the first retaining ring 14222 and the first driving member 1224 move together in a direction opposite to the first insertion direction D1 until the first retaining ring 14222 reaches the locking position, as shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. At this time, the first retaining ring 14222 will restrain the positioning member 14224 to be locked into the groove (i.e., the first locking structure 1222), so that the first locking structure 1222 and the second locking structure 1422 are firmly connected, thereby completing the connection between the first plug 12 and the first socket 14, and connecting the first fluid channel 120a and the second fluid channel 140a.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the first embodiment, the second locking structure 1422 further includes a reset member 14226 (e.g., a spring) connected to the first socket body 140 and the first retaining ring 14222, to drive the first retaining ring 14222 to move toward the locking position. Thus, the first driving member 1224... Figure 9 The state shown Figure 10 (or Figure 11 During the movement process shown in the diagram, the first retaining ring 14222, under the reset action of the reset member 14226, can automatically come into close contact with the first driving member 1224 and move together with the first driving member 1224 (to the direction of the first insertion direction D1). Therefore, in the aforementioned operation of connecting the first plug 12 and the first socket 14, the operator can perform the operation with one hand, facilitating the connection operation. For example, when the first driving member 1224... Figure 9In the state shown, the operator can move the first retaining ring 14222 together with the first drive member 1224 in a direction opposite to the first insertion direction D1 by simply moving the first drive member 1224 (as opposed to the first insertion direction D1) or by directly releasing the first drive member 1224, thereby completing the connection between the first plug 12 and the first socket 14.

[0087] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the first embodiment, the first limiting groove 12284 is L-shaped, which facilitates the positioning of the first limiting post 12282 relative to the first limiting groove 12284 during the rotation of the first driving member 1224. For example, the first limiting post 12282 slides from a closed end of the transverse groove segment 12284b to the bottom and enters the axial groove segment 12284a, which helps the operator to operate blindly (i.e., the operator does not need to visually confirm the rotation status when rotating the first driving member 1224). Furthermore, the first limiting groove 12284 is a through groove formed in the first driving member 1224. The first limiting post 12282 is fixed to the first plug body 120 and exposed through the through groove. Therefore, at least one indicator mark can be provided on the first plug body 120 or the first driving member 1224 to indicate the relative position of the first limiting post 12282 and the first driving member 1224. Therefore, the first limiting groove 12284 can selectively expose one of the indicator marks according to the position of the first limiting post 12282 relative to the first limiting groove 12284. In the first embodiment, two marks 120c and 120d of different colors (represented by different grid lines in the figure) are formed on the first plug body 120 as indicator marks. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, before the first plug 12 is connected to the first socket 14, the operator can see the mark 120c through the first limiting groove 12284; as Figure 10 As shown, after the first plug 12 is connected to the first socket 14, the operator can see the mark 120d through the first limiting groove 12284. In practice, marks (such as scratches, markings, or colored scratches or markings) can also be formed next to the first drive member 1224 and the first limiting groove 12284, which can also indicate to the operator the position of the first limiting post 12282 relative to the first limiting groove 12284.

[0088] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first limiting groove 12284 is disposed on the first driving member 1224, and the first limiting post 12282 is disposed on the first plug body 120, thereby restricting the first driving member 1224 from axial sliding or rotation relative to the first plug body 120. In practice, the first limiting groove 12284 can also be disposed on the first plug body 120, and the first limiting post 12282 can be disposed on the first driving member 1224, which can also restrict the first driving member 1224 from axial sliding or rotation relative to the first plug body 120, and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ratchet of the first rotary restraint structure 1226 is located on the outside of the first drive member 1224 (structural logic similar to that of an external gear), while the pawl of the second rotary restraint structure 1424 is correspondingly located on the inside of the first retaining ring 14222. In practice, the ratchet of the first rotary restraint structure 1226 can also be located on the inside of the first drive member 1224 (structural logic similar to that of an internal gear), and the pawl of the second rotary restraint structure 1424 can be correspondingly located on the first retaining ring 14222 or the first socket body 140 (for example, the first socket body 140 can be structurally designed such that when the first retaining ring 14222 is in the locking position, a portion of the structure still protrudes from the first retaining ring 14222, allowing the pawl to be located on this portion of the structure and engage with the ratchet). The interaction between the ratchet and the pawl can also achieve the effect of restricting the first rotary restraint structure 1226 and the second rotary restraint structure 1424 to rotate relative to each other in a single direction. Furthermore, in practice, the first rotational restraint structure 1226 can be implemented by a pawl, and the second rotational restraint structure 1424 can be implemented by a ratchet. The interaction between the ratchet and the pawl can also achieve the effect of restricting the first rotational restraint structure 1226 and the second rotational restraint structure 1424 to rotate relative to each other in a single direction.

[0090] As previously explained, in the first quick connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment, the first rotary restraint structure 1226 of the first plug 12 matches the second rotary restraint structure 1424 of the first socket 14. Therefore, in principle, the first plug 12 can only be securely and effectively connected to the first socket 14, and vice versa. Thus, the matching of the first rotary restraint structure 1226 and the second rotary restraint structure 1424 has the effect of preventing misconnection.

[0091] Please see Figure 12 A second quick connector assembly 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a second plug 22 and a second socket 24 mating with the second plug 22. For simplicity, the second plug 22 and the second socket 24 are structurally similar to the first plug 12 and the first socket 14, respectively. For other descriptions of the second plug 22 and the second socket 24, please refer directly to the relevant descriptions and corresponding drawings of the components and their variations in the first plug 12 and the first socket 14, and they will not be repeated here.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the second plug 22 is mounted on a structural wall 4' and includes a second plug body 220 and a second plug connection structure 222 disposed on the second plug body 220. The second plug body 220 has the same structure as the first plug body 120. The second plug connection structure 222 includes a third locking structure 2222, a second driving member 2224, a third rotational restraint structure 2226, and a second limiting structure 2228. The second plug body 220 has a third fluid channel 220a. The third locking structure 2222 is disposed on the second plug body 220. The second driving member 2224 is movably disposed on the second plug body 220. The third rotational restraint structure 2226 is disposed on the second driving member 2224. The second limiting structure 2228 is disposed on the second plug body 220 and the second driving member 2224 to restrict the second driving member 2224 from sliding or rotating axially relative to the second plug body 220; wherein, the second limiting structure 2228 includes a second limiting post 22282 and a second limiting groove 22284, which are respectively disposed on the second plug body 220 and the second driving member 2224.

[0093] The second socket 24 includes a second socket body 240 and a second socket connecting structure 242 disposed on the second socket body 240. The second socket body 240 has the same structure as the first socket body 140. The second socket connecting structure 242 is structurally matched with the second plug connecting structure 222, and the second socket connecting structure 242 includes a fourth locking structure 2422 and a fourth rotational restraint structure 2424. The second socket body 240 has a fourth fluid channel 240a. The fourth locking structure 2422 is disposed on the second socket body 240 and includes a second retaining ring 24222 and at least one positioning member 24224. The second retaining ring 24222 is movably disposed on the second socket body 240. The position of the second retaining ring 24222 relative to the second socket body 240 determines whether the fourth locking structure 2422 is in a locked or unlocked state. The fourth rotational restraint structure 2424 is disposed on the second retaining ring 24222. Similarly, the second plug 22 is inserted into the second socket 24 in a second insertion direction D2 (indicated by an arrow in the figure), and the second plug 22 and the second socket 24 are securely and effectively connected through the connection of the third locking structure 2222 and the fourth locking structure 2422.

[0094] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the main difference between the second plug 22 and the first plug 12 is that the third rotational restraint structure 2226 (also implemented by ratchet) of the second plug 22 differs from the first rotational restraint structure 1226 (i.e., ratchet) of the first plug 12 in the tooth profile direction. Correspondingly, the main difference between the second socket 24 and the first socket 14 is that the fourth rotational restraint structure 2424 (also implemented by pawl) of the second socket 24 differs from the second rotational restraint structure 1424 (i.e., pawl) of the first socket 14 in the setting direction. Therefore, the fourth rotational restraint structure 2424 restricts the third rotational restraint structure 2226 from rotating relative to the fourth rotational restraint structure 2424 in a second rotational direction R2 (indicated by an arrow in the figure) (i.e., the third rotational restraint structure 226 can only rotate in one direction), thereby connecting the second plug 22 to the second socket 24, and connecting the third fluid channel 220a to the fourth fluid channel 240a. Furthermore, in the second plug 22, the second limiting groove 22284 of the second limiting structure 2228 is also L-shaped, but its direction is opposite to that of the first limiting groove 12284 of the first limiting structure 1228, in order to match the rotation direction of the third rotation restraint structure 2226 relative to the fourth rotation restraint structure 2424. The first rotation direction R1 is different from the second rotation direction R2.

[0095] Please also refer to Figure 8 and Figure 13 Because the pawl of the fourth rotary restraint structure 2424 is oriented differently from the pawl of the second rotary restraint structure 1424, in principle, even if the ratchet of the third rotary restraint structure 2226 is inserted into the first socket 14 and engages with the pawl of the second rotary restraint structure 1424, the third rotary restraint structure 2226 cannot rotate relative to the second rotary restraint structure 1424 in the first rotation direction R1, unlike the first rotary restraint structure 1226. This structural characteristic prevents the second plug 22 from connecting to the first socket 14, thus preventing misconnection. Similarly, the first plug 12 cannot connect to the second socket 24, also preventing misconnection.

[0096] Please see Figure 14A third quick connector assembly 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes the aforementioned second quick connector assembly 1 and second quick connector assembly 2. For example, the third quick connector assembly 3 can be applied to a server cooling system. The first socket 14 and the second socket 24 are mounted on the structural wall 4" of the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU) and serve as the water outlet and water inlet, respectively. The first plug 12 and the second plug 22 are connected to the water inlet and water outlet of the cooling plate via pipelines, respectively. As explained above, through the rotational restraint effect between the rotational restraint structures 1226, 1424, 2226, and 2424, the first plug 12 can only be securely and effectively connected to the first socket 14, and the second plug 22 can only be securely and effectively connected to the second socket 24, thus avoiding the misconnection situation in the prior art.

[0097] In practical applications, the connection operation between the first plug 12 (water inlet) and the second plug 22 (water outlet) of the third quick connector group 3 and the first socket 14 (water outlet) and the second socket 24 (water inlet) can be performed according to... Figure 15 The process is as shown in the flowchart. As shown in step S100, one plug is connected to one of the sockets. As shown in step S102, the operator applies force to the plug with one hand to retract its retaining ring to the unlocked position. Next, as shown in step S104, the plug's drive mechanism is rotated. As shown in step S106, it is determined whether the drive mechanism can rotate. If not, it means the plug and socket are incompatible and cannot be securely and effectively connected. The process returns to step S100, another plug is taken, and steps S102, S104, and S106 are repeated. If yes, the retaining ring of the socket can be returned to the locking position, as shown in step S108. At this point, the plug and socket are connected, and the operator can observe the corresponding indicator mark (e.g., mark 120d) from the limiting groove on the plug. Other plugs are then connected according to the aforementioned flowchart until all plugs are connected.

[0098] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick coupling assembly, comprising: A first plug, comprising a first plug body, a first driving member and a first rotational restraint structure disposed on the first plug body, wherein the first driving member is movably disposed on the first plug body, and the first rotational restraint structure is disposed on the first driving member; and A first socket includes a first socket body and a second rotational restraint structure disposed on the first socket body. The first socket is matched with a first plug structure. The second rotational restraint structure restricts the first rotational restraint structure from rotating relative to the second rotational restraint structure in a first rotational direction. The first plug includes a limiting structure, which comprises a limiting post and a limiting groove. One of the limiting post and the limiting groove is disposed on the driving member, and the other of the limiting post and the limiting groove is disposed on the first plug body. The limiting post slides relative to the limiting groove to restrict the first driving member from rotating and sliding axially relative to the first plug body. The limiting groove includes an axial groove segment and a transverse groove segment connected to the axial groove segment. The limiting post slides relative to the axial groove segment to restrict the first driving member from sliding axially relative to the first plug body, and the limiting post slides in the transverse groove segment to restrict the first driving member from rotating relative to the first plug body. The limiting groove is L-shaped.

2. The quick connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limiting groove is a through groove formed in the first driving member, the limiting post is fixed to the first plug body and exposed through the through groove, and two indicator marks are disposed on the first plug body or the first driving member to indicate the relative position of the limiting post and the limiting groove.

3. The quick connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the two indicator marks are two different colored marks formed on the first plug body, and the limiting groove exposes one of the two indicator marks according to the position of the limiting post relative to the limiting groove.

4. The quick connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first socket includes a retaining ring movably disposed on the first socket body, and the second rotational restraint structure is disposed on the retaining ring.

5. The quick coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the first rotary restraint structure and the second rotary restraint structure includes a ratchet, and the other of the first rotary restraint structure and the second rotary restraint structure includes a pawl.

6. The quick coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A second plug, comprising a second plug body, a second driving member disposed on the second plug body, and a third rotational restraint structure, wherein the second driving member is movably disposed on the second plug body, and the third rotational restraint structure is disposed on the second driving member, and the second plug body has the same structure as the first plug body; and The second socket includes a second socket body and a fourth rotation restraint structure disposed on the second socket body. The second socket body has the same structure as the first socket body. The second socket is matched with the structure of the second plug. The fourth rotation restraint structure restricts the third rotation restraint structure from rotating relative to the fourth rotation restraint structure in a second rotation direction. in, The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

7. A plug for connection to a mating socket, the plug comprising: Plug body; A driving element, movably disposed on the plug body; and A first rotary restraint structure is disposed on the drive member; in, The second rotational restraint structure of the mating socket restricts the first rotational restraint structure from rotating relative to the second rotational restraint structure in a rotational direction. The plug includes a limiting structure comprising a limiting post and a limiting groove. One of the limiting post and the limiting groove is disposed on the driving member, and the other of the limiting post and the limiting groove is disposed on the plug body. The limiting post slides relative to the limiting groove to restrict the driving member from rotating and sliding axially relative to the plug body. The limiting groove includes an axial groove segment and a transverse groove segment connected to the axial groove segment. The limiting post slides relative to the axial groove segment to restrict the drive member from sliding axially relative to the plug body, and the limiting post slides in the transverse groove segment to restrict the drive member from rotating relative to the plug body. The limiting groove is L-shaped.

8. The plug as claimed in claim 7, wherein the limiting groove is a through groove formed in the drive member, the limiting post is fixed to the plug body and exposed through the through groove, and two indicator marks are provided on the plug body or the drive member to indicate the relative position of the limiting post and the limiting groove.

9. The plug as claimed in claim 8, wherein the two indicator marks are two different colored marks formed on the plug body, and the limiting groove exposes one of the two indicator marks according to the position of the limiting post relative to the limiting groove.

10. The plug of claim 7, wherein the first rotary restraint structure comprises ratchet teeth or pawls.

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