Fluid connection assembly

Abstract

A retainer includes a first section including a first male connector and a first female connector, a second section including a second male connector and a second female connector, a first end, a second end, a radially inward facing surface including a radially inward extending rib, and a radially outward facing surface including a radially inward extending rib. Wherein the first male connector is arranged to engage the second female connector, and the second male connector is arranged to engage the first female connector to lock the first section to the second section.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 589,971, filed on October 12, 2023, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and more particularly, to fluid connection assemblies including retainers that reduce the insertion force required for assembly and allow for rapid assembly and serviceability without the need for tools. Background Art

[0004] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are integral components used in many applications, such as in residential and commercial appliance applications. Household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers require not only a supply of water, but also the ability for water to travel between the components therein. An example of water traveling between components is water traveling from an inlet to a heater and then to a brew basket. Fluids are primarily moved between components via flexible or rigid hoses that are connected to each component via a fluid connector. Such fluid connectors typically include a plastic tube that includes a barb and a hose clamp that clamps the hose to the barbed tube.

[0005] However, there are many disadvantages to the current design. The current fluid connection design is difficult to secure due to the small confinement inside the appliance and the need for tools. In addition, the barbed tube is prone to failure due to its size and brittle material and the distribution of radial forces of the current hose clamp design. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to one or more exemplary embodiments of a retainer for a fluid connection assembly.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining member includes a first section, a second section, a first end, a second end, a radially inward facing surface, and a radially outward facing surface, the first section including a first male connector and a first female connector, the second section can be completely removed from the first section, the second section includes a second male connector and a second female connector, the radially inward facing surface includes a rib extending radially inward, wherein the first male connector is arranged to engage the second female connector, and the second male connector is arranged to engage the first female connector to lock the first section to the second section.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector includes a recess extending radially inward from a radially outwardly facing surface, and a protrusion extending radially outward from the recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess is axially arranged between the first end and the second end and spaced apart from the first end and the second end. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess forms a first axial surface and a second axial surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion is axially arranged between the first axial surface and the second axial surface and spaced apart from the first axial surface and the second axial surface.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the recess increases in a first circumferential direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion includes a tapered surface that extends radially outward in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one rib includes a first axial surface extending radially inward from a radially inward-facing surface, a second axial surface extending radially inward from the radially inward-facing surface, and a convex surface connecting the first axial surface to the second axial surface.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector includes a circumferential end and a lug extending from the circumferential end in a circumferential direction, the lug including a through hole. In an exemplary embodiment, an axial distance between the first end and the second end is greater than a width of the lug.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector includes a first circumferential end and a first tab extending from the first circumferential end in a first circumferential direction, wherein the first tab includes a protrusion extending radially outward. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance between the first end and the second end is greater than the width of the first tab. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector also includes a first protrusion extending from the first circumferential end in a first circumferential direction, wherein a radial space is formed between the first tab and the first protrusion. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector includes a second protrusion operably arranged to engage the radial space.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector includes a second circumferential end and a second lug extending radially outward from the second circumferential end, wherein the second lug includes a through hole. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector also includes a radially inwardly extending recess axially aligned with the through hole.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one rib is axially disposed between the first end and the second end and spaced apart from the first end and the second end. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one rib includes a first rib aligned with the first end and a second rib aligned with the second end, the second rib being axially spaced apart from the first rib.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector includes a recess extending partially in an axial direction from the second end toward the first end, the recess forming a first plurality of teeth, a first circumferential end, and a protrusion extending from the first circumferential end in the first circumferential direction. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector includes a second circumferential end, a tab extending from the second circumferential end in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, and a radial space arranged between the tab and the radially inwardly facing surface, the tab forming a second plurality of teeth engageable with the first plurality of teeth, wherein the protrusion is operably arranged to engage the radial space.

[0015] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the disclosure in view of the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of the specification. The drawings described herein illustrate embodiments of the subject matter currently disclosed, and illustrate selected principles and teachings of the present disclosure, wherein corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. However, the drawings do not illustrate all possible implementations of the subject matter currently disclosed, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connection assembly.

[0018] Figure 2 It is roughly along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken along line 2-2 in FIG.

[0019] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a first embodiment of a retainer is shown.

[0020] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A rear perspective view of the holder shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A perspective view of a cross section of the holder shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 5 It is roughly along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the retaining member taken along line 5-5 in FIG.

[0023] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder is shown.

[0024] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A side view of the retainer is shown.

[0025] Fig. 7A yes Fig. 6A Front perspective view of a section of the holder shown in .

[0026] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Rear perspective view of a section of the holder shown in FIG.

[0027] Fig. 8A yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of a third embodiment of a retainer is shown in FIG.

[0028] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A rear perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It should be understood that the present invention can take various alternative orientations and step sequences, unless otherwise explicitly stated. It should also be understood that the specific components and systems shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are only exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Therefore, unless otherwise explicitly stated, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics associated with the disclosed embodiments should not be considered restrictive. In addition, although they may not be, the same elements in the various embodiments described herein can generally be represented by the same reference numerals within this part of the application.

[0030] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular methods, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "first", "second", etc. used in this document do not necessarily indicate any ordinal, sequential or priority relationship, but are merely used to more clearly distinguish one element or a group of elements from another element or a group of elements.

[0033] As used herein, the term "about" when applied to a value is intended to mean within the tolerance of the device used to produce the value, or, in some examples, is intended to mean plus or minus 10%, or plus or minus 5%, or plus or minus 1%, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0034] It should be understood that the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "almost," "very close," "approximately," "around," "adjacent," "close," "substantially," "near," "nearby," and the like, and that these terms can be used interchangeably as they appear in the specification and claims. It should be understood that the term "adjacent" is synonymous with terms such as "near," "close," "adjacent," "adjacent," "immediately adjacent," "adjacent," and the like, and that these terms can be used interchangeably as they appear in the specification and claims. The term "substantially" is intended to mean a value that is within ten percent of a specified value.

[0035] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of,” “serving as an example,” or “illustrative,” and does not imply any preference or requirement with respect to the disclosed aspects or embodiments.

[0036] It should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" in this application is with respect to a "non-exclusive" arrangement. For example, when it is said that "item x is A or B", it should be understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternatively, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement used to state "item x is A or B" would require that x can be only one of A and B. In addition, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to represent a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element, and a third element; or a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0037] In addition, as used herein, the phrases "at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" in combination with a system or element are intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and a third element is intended to be interpreted as any of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising the first element; a device comprising the second element; a device comprising the third element; a device comprising the first element and the second element; a device comprising the first element and the third element; a device comprising the first element, the second element, and the third element; or an apparatus comprising the second element and the third element. When the phrase "at least one of" is used herein, a similar interpretation is intended.

[0038] It should be understood that the term "tube" as used herein is synonymous with hoses, pipes, channels, conduits, tube end forms, or any other suitable conduit flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should also be understood that the term "tube" may refer to a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing a gas or liquid and allowing the gas or liquid to flow.

[0039] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fluid connection assembly 10 . Figure 2 It is roughly along Figure 1 2-2 in FIG. 1. The fluid connection assembly 10 generally includes a tube 20, a tube or connector body 30, and a retainer 50, 150, 250.

[0040] The tube 20 includes an end 22, an end 24, a radially outwardly facing surface 26, and a through hole 21. The through hole 21 extends through the tube 20 from the end 22 to the end 24. The tube 20 is operably arranged to be fluidically connected to the tube 30 through a retainer 50, 150, 250. The radially outwardly facing surface 26 includes a substantially constant diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube 20 is a flexible conduit operably arranged to engage the tube 30. In such an exemplary embodiment, the barbs of the tube 30 create a protrusion 28 when arranged in the through hole 21. Specifically, the tube 20 is arranged to slide onto the tube 30 in the axial direction AD1 so that the end 22 is aligned with the radially outwardly facing surface 36 (see Figure 2 ). The retainers 50, 150, 250 may be arranged about the radially outwardly facing surface 26 to secure the tube 20 to the tube 30, as will be described in more detail below.

[0041] The tube 30 includes an end 32, an end 34, at least one radially outwardly facing surface (e.g., a radially outwardly facing surface 36), a through hole 31, and a barb 38. The through hole 31 extends from the end 32 through the tube 30 to the end 34. The radially outwardly facing surface 36 is axially arranged between the end 32 and the barb 38. In an exemplary embodiment, the radially outwardly facing surface 36 includes a constant diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the radially outwardly facing surface 36 includes a variable diameter. The barb 38 is arranged at the end 34 and includes a radially outwardly facing surface 40 and a surface 42. The radially outwardly facing surface 40 extends from the end 36 to the radially outwardly facing surface 36. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown in the figure, the radially outwardly facing surface 40 is a frustoconical surface with a diameter increasing along the axial direction AD1. The radially outwardly facing surface 40 is connected to the radially outwardly facing surface 36 via a surface 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the surface 42 is a substantially axial surface facing the axial direction AD1.

[0042] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of the holder 50 . Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of the holder 50 . Figure 4 5 is a perspective view of the sections 50A, 50B of the holder 50 . Figure 5 It is roughly along Figure 3A 5. The retainer 50 includes an end 52, an end 54, a radially outwardly facing surface 56, a radially inwardly facing surface 58, and a through hole 51. The through hole 51 extends through the retainer 50 from the end 52 to the end 54. The retainer 50 is operably arranged to secure the tube 20 to the tube 30.

[0043] Radially inwardly facing surface 58 includes ribs 60 disposed axially between and spaced apart from end portions 52 and 54. In the exemplary embodiment, and as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , rib 60 includes a first surface 61A extending radially inward from radially inward facing surface 58 and facing in axial direction AD1, a second surface 61B extending radially inward from radially inward facing surface 58 and facing in axial direction AD2, and a third curvilinear convex surface 61C connecting the first and second surfaces. In the exemplary embodiment, rib 60 extends completely from circumferential end 90 to circumferential end 92 in circumferential direction CD2. In the exemplary embodiment, rib 60 partially extends from circumferential end 90 to circumferential end 92 in circumferential direction CD2.

[0044] The retainer 50 includes a section 50A and a section 50B, which are operably arranged to be fixed together to squeeze the tube 20 around the tube 30, thereby forming a sealed connection between them. The section 50A can be completely removed from the section 50B. The section 50A is substantially identical to the section 50B. The sections 50A, 50B include a male connector 62 and a female connector 78. The sections 50A, 50B include a circumferential end 90 and a circumferential end 92. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 90 extends radially between the radially outwardly facing surface 56 and the radially inwardly facing surface 58. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 90 extends axially between the end 52 and the end 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 92 extends radially between the radially outwardly facing surface 56 and the radially inwardly facing surface 58. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 92 extends axially between the end 52 and the end 54.

[0045] The male connector 62 includes a protrusion 66. In an exemplary embodiment, the male connector 62 also includes a recess 64 that extends radially inward from the radially outwardly facing surface 56. The protrusion 66 extends radially outward from the recess 64 and / or the radially outwardly facing surface 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess 64 is axially arranged between the end 52 and the end 54 and is spaced apart from the end 52 and the end 54, and forms the surface 70 and the surface 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the male connector 62 may also include tapered surfaces 74 and 76. The surface 74 extends from the surface 70 along the circumferential direction CD1 in the axial direction AD1, and the surface 76 extends from the surface 72 along the circumferential direction CD1 in the axial direction AD2. The surfaces 74 and 76 thus increase the width of the recess 64 at the circumferential end 90. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 66 is arranged at the circumferential end 90 and / or aligned with the circumferential end 90. The protrusion 66 includes a tapered surface 68 extending radially outward in the circumferential direction CD2 .

[0046] The female connector 78 includes a tab 80 and a hole 82 extending radially through the tab 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab 80 extends from the circumferential end 92 in the circumferential direction CD2. The female connector 78 of one of the segments 50A and 50B is arranged to engage the male connector 62 of the other of the segments 50A and 50B to lock the segment 50B to the segment 50A. Specifically, the protrusion 66 of the segment 50A is arranged to engage the hole 82 of the segment 50B, and the protrusion 66 of the segment 50B is arranged to engage the hole 82 of the segment 50A to lock the segment 50A to the segment 50B. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab 80 is axially arranged between the end 52 and the end 54 and is spaced apart from the end 52 and the end 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance between the end 52 and the end 54 is greater than the width of the tab 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the tab 80 is less than the axial distance between the surface 70 and the surface 72. In the exemplary embodiment, tab 80 includes tapered surfaces 84 and 86 that reduce the width of tab 80 near its distal end. In the exemplary embodiment, protrusion 68 extends radially outward at least partially through hole 82. In the exemplary embodiment, protrusion 68 extends radially inward at least partially through hole 82.

[0047] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the tube 20 is slid onto the tube 30 so that the end 22 is axially arranged between the barb 40 and the end 32. The retainer 50 is radially arranged around the tube 20 and the tube 30, wherein the segments 50A and 50B are unlocked and / or separated. The segment 50A is radially displaced toward the segment 50B until the tab 80 engages the protrusion 66 and specifically engages the tapered surface 68. As the tab 80 slides along the tapered surface 68, the tab 80 is radially displaced outward until the protrusion 66 is aligned with the hole 82, at which time the tab 80 snaps back to its initial position so that the protrusion 66 at least partially extends through the hole 82 to lock the segment 50A to the segment 50B. The retainer 50 squeezes the tube 20 around the tube 30. Specifically, the rib 60 provides a sharp radial force on the tube 20 to facilitate a sealed connection between the tube 20 and the tube 30.

[0048] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the holder 150 . Figure 6B is a side view of the holder 150 . Fig. 7A is a front perspective view of the sections 150A, 150B of the holder 150 . Figure 7B 1 is a rear perspective view of sections 150A, 150B of retainer 150. Retainer 150 includes end 152, end 154, radially outwardly facing surface 156, radially inwardly facing surface 158, and through hole 151. Through hole 151 extends through retainer 150 from end 152 to end 154. Retainer 150 is operably arranged to secure tube 20 to tube 30.

[0049] Radially inwardly facing surface 158 includes at least one rib or flange, such as ribs 160A and 160B. In an exemplary embodiment, rib 160A is disposed at and / or aligned with end 154 and extends radially inwardly from radially inwardly facing surface 158. In an exemplary embodiment, rib 160B is disposed at and / or aligned with end 152 and extends radially inwardly from radially inwardly facing surface 158. In an exemplary embodiment, rib 160A and / or rib 160B fully extend from circumferential end 190 to circumferential end 192 in circumferential direction CD1. In an exemplary embodiment, rib 160A and / or rib 160B partially extend from circumferential end 190 to circumferential end 192 in circumferential direction CD1.

[0050] The retainer 150 includes a section 150A and a section 150B, which are operably arranged to be fixed together to squeeze the tube 20 around the tube 30, thereby forming a sealed connection between them. The section 150A can be completely removed from the section 150B. The section 150A is substantially the same as the section 150B. The sections 150A, 150B include a male connector 162 and a female connector 178. The sections 150A, 150B include a circumferential end 190 and a circumferential end 192. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 190 extends radially outward from the radially inwardly facing surface 158. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 190 extends axially between the end 152 and the end 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 192 extends radially between the radially outwardly facing surface 156 and the radially inwardly facing surface 158. In the exemplary embodiment, circumferential end portion 192 extends axially between end portion 152 and end portion 154 .

[0051] The male connector 162 includes a tab or arm 164 and a protrusion 166. The tab 164 extends from a circumferential end 190 in the circumferential direction CD2. The protrusion 166 protrudes radially outward from the tab 164. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance between the end 152 and the end 154 is greater than the width of the tab 164. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 166 includes a tapered surface 168, which extends radially inward in the circumferential direction CD2. The male connector 162 may also include a protrusion 172 extending from the circumferential end 190 in the circumferential direction CD2. A groove or radial space 170 is formed between the tab 164 and the protrusion 170 and is arranged to engage the protrusion 186, as will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The female connector 178 includes a tab 180 and a hole 182 extending circumferentially through the tab 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab 180 extends from the circumferential end 192 in the circumferential direction CD1 and / or the radial direction RD1. The female connector 178 of one of the segments 150A and 150B is arranged to engage the male connector 162 of the other of the segments 150A and 150B to lock the segment 150B to the segment 150A. Specifically, the tab 164 and / or the protrusion 166 of the segment 150A are arranged to engage the hole 182 of the segment 150B, and the tab 164 and / or the protrusion 166 of the segment 150B are arranged to engage the hole 182 of the segment 150A to lock the segment 150A to the segment 150B. In an exemplary embodiment, the female connector 178 also includes a recess 184 extending radially inward. The recess 184 is axially aligned with the hole 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial width of the recess 184 is equal to the axial width of the hole 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial width of the hole 182 is greater than the axial width of the tab 164.

[0053] The female connector 178 may also include a protrusion 186. The protrusion 186 extends from the circumferential end 192 in the circumferential direction CD1 and is operably arranged to engage the radial space 170 to help align the segment 150A with the segment 150B during the connection process. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 186 is axially aligned with the hole 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 186 is axially arranged between the end 152 and the end 154 and is spaced apart from the end 152 and the end 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the protrusion 186 decreases in the circumferential direction CD1. The lug 164 is arranged to extend circumferentially through the hole 182. The protrusion 166 engages the lug 180 to lock the segment 150A to the segment 150B. The recess 184 provides a spacing for the lug 164 to shift or pivot radially inward during engagement with the lug 180 and / or the hole 182, for example due to the tapered surface 168. Once the protrusion 166 passes through the hole 182 , the tab 164 springs back radially outward.

[0054] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the tube 20 is slid onto the tube 30 so that the end 22 is axially arranged between the barb 40 and the end 32. The retainer 150 is radially arranged around the tube 20 and the tube 30, wherein the segments 150A and 150B are unlocked and / or separated. The segment 150A is radially displaced toward the segment 150B until the lug 164 engages the lug 180. When the tapered surface 168 slides along the lug 180 and / or the hole 182, the lug 164 is radially displaced inward. Once the protrusion 166 passes through the hole 182, the lug 164 snaps back to its original position so that the protrusion 166 engages the lug 180, thereby locking the segment 150A to the segment 150B. The retainer 150 squeezes the tube 20 around the tube 30. Specifically, the ribs 160A-16B provide a sharp radial force on the tube 20 to facilitate the sealed connection between the tube 20 and the tube 30.

[0055] Fig. 8A is a front perspective view of the holder 250 . Figure 8B 2 is a rear perspective view of retainer 250. Retainer 250 includes end 252, end 254, radially outwardly facing surface 256, radially inwardly facing surface 258, and through hole 251. Through hole 251 extends through retainer 250 from end 252 to end 254. Retainer 250 is operably arranged to secure tube 20 to tube 30. In the exemplary embodiment, radially inwardly facing surface 258 includes at least one rib or flange (not shown) extending radially inwardly therefrom.

[0056] The retainer 250 includes a section 250A and a section 250B, which are operably arranged to be fixed together to squeeze the tube 20 around the tube 30, thereby forming a sealed connection between them. The section 250A can be completely removed from the section 250B. The section 250A is substantially the same as the section 250B. The sections 250A, 250B include a male connector 262 and a female connector 278. The sections 250A, 2150B include a circumferential end 290 and a circumferential end 292. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 290 extends radially outward from the radially inwardly facing surface 258. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 290 extends axially between the end 252 and the end 254. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 292 extends radially outward from the radially inwardly facing surface 258. In an exemplary embodiment, the circumferential end 292 extends axially between the end 252 and the end 254.

[0057] The male connector 262 includes a lug or arm 264. The lug 264 extends from the circumferential end 290 in the circumferential direction CD1. The lug 264 is arranged to engage the groove 284, as will be described in more detail below. The male connector 262 also includes a recess 260 arranged near the circumferential end 290. The recess 260 extends from the end 254 in the axial direction AD1 and forms a plurality of teeth 266. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 266 extend in a radially outward direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 266 extend in a radially inward direction. The teeth 266 are operably arranged to engage the teeth 282 to lock the segment 250A with the segment 250B, as will be described in more detail below. The recess 260 further extends radially inward from the radially outwardly facing surface 256. The recess 260 extends only partially from the end 254 to the end 252, which allows the end 252 to protect the engagement of the teeth 266 and the teeth 282. For example, the disk-shaped end 252 helps prevent debris from entering the retainer 250 and / or undesired disengagement of the teeth 282 from the teeth 266 .

[0058] The female connector 278 includes a lug or arm 280. The lug 280 extends from the circumferential end 292 in the circumferential direction CD2. The lug 280 includes a plurality of teeth 282. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 282 extend radially inward to engage the teeth 266. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 282 extend radially outward to engage the teeth 266. The lug 282 is arranged to engage the recess 266. In an exemplary embodiment, the lug 282 is arranged radially inward and spaced apart from the radially outwardly facing surface 256. In an exemplary embodiment, the female connector 278 also includes a groove or radial space 284 radially arranged between the radially inwardly facing surface 258 and the lug 280. The lug 264 is arranged to engage the radial space 284 to help align the segment 250A with the segment 250B during the connection process.

[0059] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the tube 20 is slid onto the tube 30 so that the end 22 is axially arranged between the barb 40 and the end 32. The retainer 250 is radially arranged around the tubes 20 and 30, wherein the segments 250A and 250B are unlocked and / or separated. The segment 250A is radially displaced toward the segment 250B until the lug 280 engages the recess 260, and specifically, until the teeth 282 engage the teeth 266. When the teeth 282 slide along the teeth 266, the lug 280 can be radially displaced and / or pivoted outward. Due to the presence of multiple teeth 282 and 266, the retainer 250 can be adjusted to any desired diameter of the radially inwardly facing surface 258. Therefore, the ratchet connection of the teeth 282 to the teeth 266 allows the retainer 250 to be used with multiple diameter tubes 20 and 30. Segment 250A is radially displaced toward segment 250B until the desired diameter of radially inwardly facing surface 258 is reached, at which time teeth 282 and teeth 266 engage, thereby locking segment 250A to segment 250B. Retainer 250 squeezes tube 20 around tube 30 and facilitates a sealed connection between tubes 20 and 30.

[0060] It should be understood that the above-mentioned various aspects of the present disclosure and other features and functions or their alternatives may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art may subsequently make various currently unforeseen or unanticipated substitutions, modifications, changes or improvements, which are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 10 Fluid connection components

[0063] 20 tubes

[0064] 21 through holes

[0065] 22 end

[0066] 24 end

[0067] 26 radially outwardly facing surface

[0068] 28 bulge

[0069] 30 Tube or connector body

[0070] 31 through holes

[0071] 32 end

[0072] 34 end

[0073] 36 radially outward facing surface

[0074] 38 Barb

[0075] 40 radially outwardly facing surface

[0076] 42 Surface

[0077] 50 retaining parts

[0078] 50A Section

[0079] 50B segment

[0080] 51 through holes

[0081] 52 end

[0082] 54 end

[0083] 56 radially outwardly facing surface

[0084] 58 radially inwardly facing surface

[0085] 60 ribs

[0086] 61A Surface

[0087] 61B Surface

[0088] 61C Surface

[0089] 62 male connector

[0090] 64 recesses

[0091] 66 protrusion

[0092] 68 Conical surface

[0093] 70 Surface

[0094] 72 Surface

[0095] 74 Conical surface

[0096] 76 Conical surface

[0097] 78 Female Connector

[0098] 80 Tabs

[0099] 82 holes

[0100] 84 Conical surface

[0101] 86 Conical surface

[0102] 90 Circumferential end

[0103] 92 Circumferential end

[0104] 150 Retaining parts

[0105] 150A Section

[0106] 150B segment

[0107] 151 Through Hole

[0108] 152 end

[0109] 154 end

[0110] 156 Radially outward facing surface

[0111] 158 radially inward facing surface

[0112] 160A Rib or flange

[0113] 160B Rib or flange

[0114] 162 Male Connector

[0115] 164 Tabs

[0116] 166 Protrusion

[0117] 168 Conical surface

[0118] 170 Grooves or radial spaces

[0119] 172 Protrusion

[0120] 178 Female connector

[0121] 180 Tabs

[0122] 182 holes

[0123] 184 recess

[0124] 186 Protrusion

[0125] 190 Circumferential end

[0126] 192 Circumferential end

[0127] 250 Retaining Parts

[0128] 250A Section

[0129] 250B Segment

[0130] 251 Through Hole

[0131] 252 end

[0132] 254 end

[0133] 256 Radially outward facing surface

[0134] 258 radially inward facing surface

[0135] 260 recess

[0136] 262 Male Connector

[0137] 264 Arm

[0138] 266 teeth

[0139] 278 Female Connector

[0140] 280 Arm

[0141] 282 teeth

[0142] 284 Radial Space

[0143] 290 Circumferential end

[0144] 292 Circumferential end

[0145] AD1 Axial direction

[0146] AD2 Axial direction

[0147] CD1 Circumferential direction

[0148] CD2 Circumferential direction

[0149] RD1 Radial direction

[0150] RD2 Radial direction

Claims

1. A retainer for a fluid connection assembly, comprising: a first section including a first male connector and a first female connector; a second section, completely removable from the first section, the second section comprising a second male connector and a second female connector; a first end portion; a second end portion; a radially inwardly facing surface including radially inwardly extending ribs; and a radially outwardly facing surface; wherein the first male connector is arranged to engage the second female connector and the second male connector is arranged to engage the first female connector to lock the first section to the second section.

2. The holder according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector comprises: a recess extending radially inwardly from the radially outwardly facing surface; and The protrusion extends radially outward from the recess. 3 . The retainer of claim 2 , wherein the recess is disposed axially between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end. The retainer of claim 3 , wherein the recess forms a first axial surface and a second axial surface. 5 . The retainer of claim 4 , wherein the protrusion is disposed axially between and spaced apart from the first axial surface and the second axial surface. The retainer of claim 2 , wherein a width of the recess increases along a first circumferential direction. 7 . The retainer of claim 6 , wherein the projection includes a tapered surface extending radially outward in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction.

8. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib comprises: a first axial surface extending radially inwardly from the radially inwardly facing surface; a second axial surface extending radially inwardly from the radially inwardly facing surface; and A convex surface connects the first axial surface and the second axial surface.

9. The holder according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector comprises: Circumferential end; and The protrusion extends from the circumferential end in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion includes a through hole.

10. The retainer of claim 9, wherein an axial distance between the first end and the second end is greater than a width of the tab.

11. The holder of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector comprises: a first circumferential end portion; and A first tab extends from the first circumferential end along a first circumferential direction, wherein the first tab includes a protrusion extending radially outward. 12 . The retainer of claim 11 , wherein an axial distance between the first end and the second end is greater than a width of the first tab.

13. The holder according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector further comprises a first protrusion extending from the first circumferential end in the first circumferential direction, wherein a radial space is formed between the first tab and the first protrusion.

14. The retainer of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector comprises a second protrusion operably arranged to engage the radial space.

15. The holder according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector comprises: a second circumferential end portion; and A second tab extends radially outward from the second circumferential end, wherein the second tab includes a through hole.

16. The holder of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector further comprises a radially inwardly extending recess axially aligned with the through hole.

17. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib is disposed axially between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end.

18. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib comprises: a first rib aligned with the first end; and A second rib is aligned with the second end, and the second rib is axially spaced from the first rib.

19. The holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first male connector and the second male connector comprises: a recess extending partially from the second end portion toward the first end portion in an axial direction, the recess forming a plurality of first teeth; a first circumferential end portion; and A protrusion extends from the first circumferential end in a first circumferential direction.

20. The holder of claim 19, wherein at least one of the first female connector and the second female connector comprises: a second circumferential end portion; a tab extending from the second circumferential end in a second circumferential direction opposite the first circumferential direction, the tab forming a plurality of second teeth engageable with the plurality of first teeth; and A radial space is disposed between the tab and the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the protrusion is operably arranged to engage the radial space.

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