Quick connector

Abstract

The quick connector is provided with: a housing; a holder; and a press-fitting member which is fitted to the outer peripheral portion of the housing and can be press-fitted when the pipe is inserted into the restraining position, the two side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion of the housing being respectively provided with a plurality of first fitting portions in the pipe insertion direction and provided with hooking openings, the press-fitting member having: a base portion; a pair of leg parts that sandwich the outer peripheral part from both side surfaces; a plurality of second fitting parts which are respectively provided on the pair of leg parts and which are respectively movably fitted to the plurality of first fitting parts in a direction intersecting the pipe insertion direction; and hook parts which are provided to the pair of leg parts, respectively, enter the housing from the hook openings, and are pushed out of the hook openings by the reel part when the pipe is inserted into the restraining position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a quick connector. Background Art

[0002] A quick connector having a housing, a retainer, and an engagement confirmation member is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4954752. The end of a mating tube having a spool portion is inserted into the housing. The retainer restrains the spool portion using locking claws to couple the mating tube to the housing. The engagement confirmation member has a function of confirming that the tube is sufficiently inserted to a position where it is fully engaged with the retainer. The engagement confirmation member is constituted by a U-shaped member having a pair of legs extending in parallel. In addition, a hook portion that engages with a hook hole opening on the side surface of the housing is formed at the front end of the leg. A recess for engaging with the lower edge of the hook hole is formed on the outer surface of the hook portion. The engagement confirmation member is engaged with the housing at a temporary assembly position in such a manner that it can only move in the direction of being pressed in from the radial direction of the housing. By inserting the tube into the housing to the engagement position and causing the spool portion to reach a position where it is fully engaged with the locking claws of the retainer, the hook portion of the confirmation member is pushed out of the hook hole by the spool portion. Thereafter, the engagement confirmation member is in a state of being pressed in from the temporary assembly position. Summary of the Invention [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] However, in the quick connector disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4954752, a pair of ribs for housing the legs of the engagement confirmation member are formed on the side surface of the housing. The pair of ribs has a function of guiding the detachment of the legs and the movement when the legs are pressed in. However, when an external force is applied to the engagement confirmation member from the tube insertion direction side and its opposite side in a state where it is in the temporary assembly position, the legs may come out from between the pair of ribs, that is, the legs may be released from the restriction of the pair of ribs.

[0004] The subject of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can suppress the detachment of the pressing member from the housing even when an external force, such as an external force from the tube insertion direction side and its opposite side, is applied to the pressing member in a state before the tube is inserted into the housing. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0005] A quick connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a housing into which a tube having a reel portion is inserted; a retainer installed within the housing and having claw portions for restraining the reel portion of the inserted tube; and a pressing member installed on the outer peripheral portion of the housing, which can be pressed from a first position to a second position along a direction crossing the insertion direction of the tube when the tube is inserted into the restraining position where the reel portion is restrained by the claw portions, the pressing member being provided with a plurality of first fitting portions and a hooking opening in the insertion direction, and the pressing member includes: a base portion; a pair of leg portions extending from the base portion and sandwiching the outer peripheral portion from both surface sides; and a plurality of second fitting portions respectively provided on the pair of leg portions and fitting with the plurality of first fitting portions in a manner capable of moving in the crossing direction. Hook portions are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions and enter the housing from the hooking opening, and when the tube is inserted into the restraining position, they are pushed out of the hooking opening by the reel portion. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique in which, in a state before the tube is inserted into the housing, even when an external force, such as an external force from the insertion direction side of the tube and the opposite side thereof, acts on the pressing member, it is possible to suppress the pressing member from coming off the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is viewed from the pipe insertion direction Figure 1 of the quick connector. Figure 3 is Figure 2 a 3X-3X line cross-sectional view of the quick connector. Figure 4 is Figure 2 a 4X-4X line cross-sectional view of the quick connector. Figure 5 is a side view showing a state where a tube is inserted in the Figure 1 quick connector. Figure 6 is Figure 5 an exploded side view of the quick connector. Figure 7 is Figure 5 an exploded perspective view of the quick connector. Figure 8 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a handle used in the quick connector. Figure 9 is Figure 8 a front view of the handle. Figure 10 for Figure 8 Side view of the handle. Figure 11 for Figure 10 11X-11X line cross-sectional view of the handle. Figure 12 for Figure 8 Bottom view of the handle. Figure 13 yes Figure 1 13X-13X line cross-sectional view of the quick connector. Figure 14 yes Figure 5 14X-14X line cross-sectional view of the quick connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the method for implementing the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The constituent elements represented by the same reference numerals in the various drawings refer to the same or identical constituent elements. In addition, in the embodiments described below, repeated descriptions and reference numerals are sometimes omitted. In addition, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the relationship between the sizes of the elements shown in the drawings, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent with reality. In addition, the relationship between the sizes of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent between multiple drawings.

[0009] exist Figures 1 - 14 The quick connector 20 of one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The quick connector 20 of this embodiment is a pipe joint having a pipe 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) function connected to pipeline 110.

[0010] like Figure 1 As shown, the tube 100 is a tube made of metal, resin or rubber, for example. As an example, the tube 100 of this embodiment is a tube made of resin.

[0011] The duct 110 is, for example, a metal or resin duct. As an example, the duct 110 of the present embodiment is a metal tube. The duct 110 has a reel portion 112 at the front end. The reel portion 112 is formed by performing reel processing on the front end of the duct 110 so as to surround the outer periphery at a position away from the front end surface by a predetermined distance.

[0012] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the quick connector 20 includes a housing 30 , a retainer 50 , and a handle 60 as an example of a press-fit member.

[0013] [Housing 30] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the housing 30 is formed in a tubular shape. As an example, the housing 30 of the present embodiment is a tubular shape bent in an L shape, but the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. For example, the housing 30 may be a tubular shape extending linearly, or may be other shapes. One end side in the axial direction of the housing 30 (the lower side in Figure 1 constitutes a pipe connection portion 32 that connects to the pipe 100. By pressing the pipe connection portion 32 into the pipe 100, the pipe 100 is connected to the pipe connection portion 32. In addition, the arrow X in the figure indicates the axial direction of the housing 30.

[0014] The other end side in the axial direction of the housing 30 (the right side in Figure 1 constitutes a pipe insertion portion 34 into which the pipe 110 is inserted. In addition, the arrow I in the figure indicates the insertion direction of the pipe 110 relative to the pipe insertion portion 34. In addition, hereinafter, the insertion direction of the pipe 110 will be appropriately abbreviated as the "pipe insertion direction". In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the pipe insertion portion 34 and the pipe insertion direction are the same direction.

[0015] As Figure 4 shown, the inner diameter of the pipe insertion portion 34 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe connection portion 32. That is, the other end side in the axial direction of the internal flow path (also referred to as the internal space) of the housing 30 is wider than the one end side.

[0016] In addition, the inner side in the pipe insertion direction of the pipe insertion portion 34 is a small-diameter portion 36, and the near-front side in the pipe insertion direction is a large-diameter portion 38 having a diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 36. The front end of the pipe 110 is inserted into the small-diameter portion 36 of the pipe insertion portion 34. On the other hand, a retainer 50 is installed in the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34, and the reel portion 112 of the pipe 110 is inserted. A step 40 is formed between the small-diameter portion 36 and the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0017] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, a plurality of first fitting portions 42 and hook openings 46 are respectively provided on the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34. Specifically, a plurality of first fitting portions 42 are provided along the axial direction X on both side surfaces 34A of the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34, and hook openings 46 are provided. In addition, the both side surfaces 34A of the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34 refer to the wall surfaces formed along the first direction orthogonal to the axial direction X on the outer peripheral portion. In addition, the arrow H in the figure indicates the first direction of the housing 30. That is, the both side surfaces 34A refer to the wall surfaces on the opposite sides in the first direction H of the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34.

[0018] A plurality of first engaging portions 42 are respectively provided on both side surfaces 34A of the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34. The plurality of first engaging portions 42 are respectively engaged with a plurality of second engaging portions 70 of the handle 60. Specifically, the plurality of first engaging portions 42 and the plurality of second engaging portions 70 are engaged with each other.

[0019] As Figures 5 - 7 shown, the plurality of first engaging portions 42 of the present embodiment are a plurality of ribs 44 respectively provided at intervals in the axial direction X on both side surfaces 34A of the pipe insertion portion 34. These ribs 44 respectively protrude from both side surfaces 34A and extend along the circumferential direction of the pipe insertion portion 34. The intervals between the adjacent ribs 44 in the axial direction X are substantially uniform in the circumferential direction of the pipe insertion portion 34. In addition, hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the pipe insertion portion 34 will be appropriately abbreviated as the "pipe circumferential direction". In the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of first engaging portions 42 are a pair of ribs 44 respectively provided at intervals in the axial direction X on both side surfaces 34A of the pipe insertion portion 34. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. The number of ribs 44 respectively formed on both side surfaces 34A may be three or more.

[0020] As Figure 6 and Figure 13 shown, the hooking openings 46 are respectively provided on both side surfaces 34A of the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34. A pair of hook portions 80 of the handle 60 are respectively hooked on the respective hooking openings 46. Each hooking opening 46 is a through hole penetrating the pipe insertion portion 34. When viewed from the side (in other words, when observed from the first direction H), the hooking opening 46 is formed between the adjacent ribs 44 in the axial direction X on the side surface 34A, and is formed between a pair of ribs 44 in the present embodiment. In addition, the hooking opening 46 is located at the center portion in the second direction orthogonal to the axial direction X and the first direction H when viewed from the side. In addition, the second direction of the housing 30 is indicated by the arrow V in the figure.

[0021] Hooking portions 47 for hooking the hook portions 80 are respectively provided between the pair of ribs 44 on both side surfaces 34A. The hooking portion 47 is a portion for hooking the hook portion 80 pushed out from the hooking opening 46. Specifically, it is a step formed on the side surface 34A, and the hook portion 80 is hooked by further pressing the handle 60 after the hook portion 80 is pushed out from the hooking opening 46. In addition, the handle 60 described later is pressed in along the second direction V of the housing 30.

[0022] Openings 48 are respectively formed at positions closer to the front side in the pipe insertion direction than the pair of ribs 44 on both side surfaces 34A. These openings 48 are through holes penetrating the pipe insertion portion 34, and are formed as a pair of claw portions 52 for respectively hooking a retainer 50 described later. In a state where the retainer 50 is inserted into the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34, the pair of claw portions 52 of the retainer 50 are hooked on the respective openings 48, so that the retainer 50 is mounted on the pipe insertion portion 34.

[0023] As Figure 3 shown, in the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34, an O-ring 90, a spacer 92, an O-ring 94, and a stopper 96 are sequentially arranged from the inner side in the pipe insertion direction. The O-ring 90 and the O-ring 94 have a function of contacting the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 110 inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34 to seal between the pipe insertion portion 34 and the pipe 110. In addition, the O-ring 90 and the O-ring 94 contact the outer peripheral surface of the inserted pipe 110 from the front end to the reel portion 112. The spacer 92 is an annular plate-shaped member and is a member for arranging the O-ring 90 and the O-ring 94 at intervals in the axial direction X. The stopper 96 is an annular member installed on the inner surface of the large-diameter portion 38 and has a function of preventing the axial movement of the O-ring 90, the spacer 92, and the O-ring 94 in the axial direction X. In addition, the retainer 50 contacts or approaches the stopper 96.

[0024] The housing 30 of the present embodiment is an integrally molded resin product, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing 30 may also be formed by joining a plurality of members by welding or the like. In addition, the housing 30 may be formed of a metal material.

[0025] 〔Retainer 50〕 As Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the retainer 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is assembled into the housing 30. Specifically, the retainer 50 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34 and installed. More specifically, the retainer 50 is inserted into the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34 and is installed on the pipe insertion portion 34 by being hooked by the claw portions 59 formed on the respective side surfaces 34A. In addition, the pipe 110 is inserted into the retainer 50 installed on the pipe insertion portion 34. That is, by inserting the pipe 110 into the retainer 50 installed on the pipe insertion portion 34, the pipe 110 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34.

[0026] The retainer 50 has claw portions 52 for restraining the reel portion 112 of the inserted pipe 110. Specifically, by hooking the claw portions 52 on the reel portion 112 of the pipe 110, the detachment of the pipe 110 from the pipe insertion portion 34 is suppressed. That is, in the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, when the pipe 110 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34 in a state where the retainer 50 is installed on the pipe insertion portion 34 of the housing 30, the claw portions 52 are hooked on the reel portion 112, and the pipe 110 is connected to the pipe insertion portion 34 via the retainer 50.

[0027] As Figure 7 shown, the retainer 50 has a ring portion 54, a pair of side frame portions 56, and the above-described claw portions 52.

[0028] The outer diameter of the ring portion 54 is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 36 of the pipe insertion portion 34. In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the retainer 50 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34 with the ring portion 54 at the front. In a state where the retainer 50 is inserted into the large-diameter portion 38 of the pipe insertion portion 34, the ring portion 54 contacts or approaches the stopper 96 disposed inside the pipe insertion portion 34. By the contact between the ring portion 54 and the stopper 96, the excessive insertion of the retainer 50 is suppressed.

[0029] The side frame portion 56 extends along the axial direction X from the ring portion 54. In other words, the side frame portion 56 extends from the ring portion 54 toward the side opposite to the pipe insertion direction. The side frame portions 56 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction on the ring portion 54. In the present embodiment, a pair of side frame portions 56 are provided on the ring portion 54.

[0030] The side frame portion 56 is a portion formed in a frame shape, and elastic feet 58 are provided inside. The elastic feet 58 are plate portions extending from the frame portion 56A located on the side opposite to the ring portion 54 toward the ring portion 54. The elastic feet 58 can be elastically deformed with respect to the frame portion 56A. Specifically, the front end portion of the elastic foot 58 is a free end, and the front end portion can be elastically deformed radially inward and outward of the retainer 50 with the frame portion 56A as a starting point. In addition, in a state where the retainer 50 is mounted on the pipe insertion portion 34, the elastic feet 58 of the two side frame portions 56 are elastically deformed in a direction in which the front end portions approach and separate from each other with the respective frame portions 56A as starting points. In addition, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the front end portions of the respective elastic feet 58 approach and separate from each other is the same direction as the first direction of the housing 30. In addition, the front end portion of the elastic foot 58 constitutes a claw portion 52.

[0031] As Figure 7 shown, a claw portion 59 is provided at a position on the outer surface of the elastic foot 58 closer to the root side than the claw portion 52. The claw portion 59 is formed to be hooked on the opening 48. Specifically, in a state where the retainer 50 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 34, the claw portions 59 of the pair of side frame portions 56 are respectively hooked on the opening 48.

[0032] The retainer 50 of the present embodiment is an integrally molded product of resin, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing 30 may also be formed by joining a plurality of members by welding or the like. In addition, the housing 30 may be formed of a metal material.

[0033] 〔Pull handle 60〕 The pull handle 60 has a function of confirming that the pipe 110 is inserted into a predetermined position with respect to the pipe insertion portion 34. Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the handle 60 is assembled to the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34. Further, when the pipe 110 is inserted into the constrained position where the reel portion 112 is constrained by the claw portion 52 of the retainer 50, the handle 60 can be pressed in a direction intersecting the pipe insertion direction in a side view. More specifically, the handle 60 can be pressed from the first position to the second position along the second direction V. Further, in the pipe 110, the constrained position where the reel portion 112 is constrained by the claw portion 52 of the retainer 50 is, for example, Figure 3 the position shown. As Figure 1 and Figure 13 shown, the first position of the handle 60 along the second direction V refers to the position of the handle 60 when the hook portion 80 of the handle 60 is hooked on the hooking opening 46. Further, as Figure 5 and Figure 14 shown, the second position of the handle 60 along the second direction V refers to the position of the handle 60 when the handle 60 is pressed from the first position and the hook portion 80 is hooked on the hooking portion 47 of the housing 30.

[0034] The handle 60 has a base portion 62, a pair of leg portions 64, a plurality of second fitting portions 70, and a pair of hook portions 80.

[0035] (Base portion 62) As Figure 8 shown, the base portion 62 is formed in a plate shape. The base portion 62 is a portion connecting the pair of leg portions 64. Further, the base portion 62 is a portion where an operator applies a pressing force when pressing the handle 60 relative to the housing 30.

[0036] (Leg portions 64) As Figures 8 - 10 shown, the pair of leg portions 64 are formed in a plate shape and extend respectively from both end portions of the base portion 62. Specifically, the pair of leg portions 64 extend along the thickness direction of the base portion 62 from both end portions thereof. In the present embodiment, the pair of leg portions 64 sandwich the outer peripheral portion of the pipe insertion portion 34 from the side surface 34A side. Further, hereinafter, the side where the pair of leg portions 64 face each other is referred to as the inner side of the leg portion 64, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the outer side of the leg portion 64.

[0037] (Second fitting portions 70) As Figure 8 and Figure 10 shown, the plurality of second fitting portions 70 are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions 64. Each of the plurality of second fitting portions 70 is fitted with each of the plurality of first fitting portions 42. Further, the plurality of second fitting portions 70 are allowed to move relative to the first fitting portions 42 in a direction intersecting the pipe insertion direction. Specifically, the plurality of second fitting portions 70 are allowed to move relative to the plurality of first fitting portions 42 in the second direction V. In other words, the plurality of second fitting portions 70 and the plurality of first fitting portions 42 are respectively fitted movably along the second direction V.

[0038] Each of the plurality of second engaging portions 70 is a plurality of slits 72. The plurality of slits 72 are spaced apart in the axial direction and provided on the leg portion 64. The plurality of slits 72 extend in the extending direction of the leg portion 64. Further, in the present embodiment, the extending direction of the leg portion 64 is the same direction as the thickness direction of the base portion 62, and in the state where the handle 60 is located at the first position and the second position of the housing 30, it is the direction along the second direction V.

[0039] In addition, the plurality of slits 72 are provided in the middle portion in the extending direction of the leg portion 64. That is, the slits 72 are elongated holes extending in the extending direction of the leg portion 64. In the present embodiment, as an example, a pair of slits 72 are provided on the leg portion 64. A pair of ribs 44 provided on the side surface 34A of the housing 30 are inserted into the pair of slits 72.

[0040] As Figure 10 shown, in the leg portion 64, plate-like portions 66 with a narrow width are formed between adjacent slits 72 through the plurality of slits 72. In the present embodiment, since a pair of slits 72 are formed in the leg portion 64, one plate-like portion 66 is formed between the pair of slits 72. A thin wall portion 68 is provided on the base portion 62 side of the plate-like portion 66. Specifically, a concave portion 69 is provided on the base portion 62 side and the outer surface side (outside the leg portion 64) of the plate-like portion 66. The concave portion 69 is a weight-reducing portion of the plate-like portion 66, and the portion corresponding to the concave portion 69 in the plate-like portion 66 is the thin wall portion 68.

[0041] As Figure 8 and Figure 11 shown, the thickness of the plate-like portion 66 of the leg portion 64 is thicker than the thickness of the plate-like portion 67 forming the end portion in the width direction of the leg portion 64. In other words, the thickness of the plate-like portion 67 is thinner than the thickness of the plate-like portion 66. In the present embodiment, convex portions 74 extending from each front end portion toward the base portion 62 are respectively formed in the inner side and the central portion in the width direction of each leg portion 64. Therefore, the thickness of the plate-like portion 67 is thinner than the thickness of the plate-like portion 66. Further, a raised portion 62A is provided on the leg portion 64 side of the base portion 62. The raised portion 62A is provided between the pair of leg portions 64 in the base portion 62. In addition, on the leg portion 64 side of the base portion 62, convex portions 63 extend from both side surfaces 62B of the raised portion 62A toward the opposite leg portions 64. The raised portion 62A and the convex portions 74 of the respective leg portions 64 are connected by these convex portions 63.

[0042] (Hook portion 80) As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, hook portions 80 are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions 64. Specifically, each of the hook portions 80 is provided at the front end portion and the inner side of the pair of leg portions 64. In addition, the hook portions 80 are provided at the central portion in the width direction of the leg portions 64. In the present embodiment, the hook portions 80 protrude from the convex portions 74.

[0043] As shown Figure 13 in the figure, a pair of hook portions 80 are hooked to the hooking port 46 of the housing 30 when the handle 60 is in the first position relative to the housing 30. At this time, the hook portions 80 penetrate through the hooking port 46, and the front end portions 82 enter the housing 30. And when the pipe 110 is inserted into the restraining position in the pipe insertion portion 34, it is pushed out from the hooking port 46 by the reel portion 112. Here, a slope is formed at the front end portion 82 of each hook portion 80, and the insertion force of the pipe 110 is converted into a force that elastically deforms (foot-opening deformation) a pair of leg portions 64 by contacting the reel portion 112.

[0044] Depressions 84 for hooking the respective hooking ports 46 are provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of hook portions 80. It is formed such that the wall surfaces of the hooking ports 46 are respectively hooked in the respective depressions 84 (see Figure 13 ).

[0045] The handle 60 of the present embodiment is an integrally molded resin product, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The handle 60 may also be formed by joining a plurality of members by welding or the like. Additionally, the handle 60 may be formed of a metal material.

[0046] Next, the functions and effects of the present embodiment will be described. In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, when the pipe 110 having the reel portion 112 is inserted into the housing 30 to the restraining position, the reel portion 112 is restrained by the claw portion 52 of the retainer 50. That is, the inserted pipe 110 is prevented from coming out of the housing 30. Additionally, when the pipe 110 is inserted to the restraining position, the hook portion 80 that has entered the housing 30 from the hooking port 46 is pushed out from the hooking port 46 by the reel portion 112. Here, the plurality of second fitting portions 70 (slits 72 in the present embodiment) of the handle 60 are respectively fitted to the plurality of first fitting portions 42 (ribs 44 in the present embodiment) in a manner movable in the second direction V. Therefore, by pushing out the hook portion 80 from the hooking port 46, the handle 60 can be pressed from the first position to the second position along the second direction V. And by pressing in the handle 60, the base portion 62 approaches the outer peripheral portion. Thus, for example, it can be visually confirmed that the pipe 110 is inserted into the housing 30 to a specified position (restraining position). Furthermore, the handle 60 pressed into the second position is restrained in position by being hooked to the hooking portion 47 by the hook portion 80. In addition, by connecting the pipe 100 to the pipe connection portion 32, the pipe 100 and the pipe 110 are connected via the quick connector 20.

[0047] In addition, in the quick connector 20, a plurality of second fitting portions 70 of the handle 60 are respectively fitted with a plurality of first fitting portions 42 of the housing 30. Therefore, in a state where the handle 60 is in the second position before the pipe 110 is inserted into the housing 30, even if an external force acts on the handle 60 from the pipe insertion direction side and its opposite side, it is possible to prevent the second fitting portion 70 from being disengaged (releasing the fitting) from the first fitting portion 42. That is, according to the quick connector 20, in a state before the pipe is inserted into the housing 30, even if an external force acts on the handle 60 from the pipe insertion direction side and its opposite side, it is possible to prevent the handle 60 from falling off the housing 30.

[0048] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, a plurality of slits 72 are provided in each leg portion 64, so that each leg portion 64 is easily elastically deformed (the legs are opened and deformed). That is, when the pipe 110 is inserted into the restraining position, it is easy to push the hook portion 80 out of the hook port 46 by the reel portion 112. Moreover, the pressing load required for pressing the handle 60 can be reduced. Further, since a plurality of slits 72 are provided in each leg portion 64, the amount of material (resin in the present embodiment) for forming each leg portion 64 can be reduced. Thereby, the quick connector 20 can be made lighter.

[0049] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, the plurality of slits 72 are provided in the middle portion in the extending direction of each leg portion 64. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which the plurality of slits 72 are provided at the front end portion of each leg portion 64, the front end portion of each leg portion 64 is not divided, so that a decrease in the rigidity of the front end portion of each leg portion 64 can be suppressed. Thereby, in a state before the pipe is inserted into the housing 30, even if an external force acts on the handle 60 from the pipe insertion direction side and its opposite side, it is possible to further prevent the handle 60 from falling off the housing 30.

[0050] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, a thin wall portion 68 is provided on the root side in the extending direction of the plate-like portion 66 of the leg portion 64. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which the thin wall portion 68 is provided on the front end side in the extending direction of the plate-like portion 66, the leg portion 64 is easily bent (the legs are opened). Further, since the thin wall portion 68 is provided on the plate-like portion 66, the amount of material (resin in the present embodiment) for forming the leg portion 64 can be reduced. Thereby, the quick connector 20 can be made lighter.

[0051] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, since the thin wall portion 68 is provided on the outer surface side of the plate-like portion 66, for example, compared with a structure in which the thin wall portion 68 is provided on the inner surface side of the plate-like portion 66, the leg portion 64 is easily bent (the legs are opened) starting from the thin wall portion 68.

[0052] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, a hook portion 80 is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion 64 and at the central portion in the pipe insertion direction. Therefore, when the hook portion 80 is pushed out from the hook opening 46 by the reel portion 112, the leg portion 64 is difficult to twist and opens stably. That is, according to the quick connector 20, for example, compared with a structure in which a hook portion 80 is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion 64 and at the end portion in the pipe insertion direction, the leg portion 64 is not easily twisted when the leg is opened, and it is easy to press the handle 60 into the housing 30.

[0053] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, a recessed portion 84 for hooking the hook opening 46 is provided on the inner surface of the hook portion 80. Therefore, when an external force acts on the handle 60 on the side opposite to the pressing direction, the hook opening 46 is hooked on the recessed portion 84 of the hook portion 80, and the detachment of the hook portion 80 from the hook opening 46 is suppressed. Thereby, the detachment of the handle 60 from the housing 30 can be suppressed in a state where the reel portion 112 has not reached the restraining position.

[0054] In addition, in the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, a pair of ribs 44 are respectively provided on both side surfaces 34A of the housing 30, and a pair of slits 72 are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions 64. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which three or more ribs and three or more slits are provided, the detachment of the handle 60 from the housing 30 can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0055] In the quick connector 20 of the present embodiment, by making the thickness of the plate-like portion 67 thinner than the thickness of the plate-like portion 66, the effect of suppressing the detachment of the handle 60 from the housing 30 and the effect of making the leg portion 64 easily bend (easy to open the leg) can be achieved at the same time.

[0056] In the quick connector 20 of the embodiment, the first fitting portion 42 is a rib 44, and the second fitting portion 70 is a slit 72, but the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. For example, the first fitting portion 42 may be a groove extending in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion of the housing 30, and the second fitting portion 70 may be a protrusion (for example, a rib) that protrudes inward from the leg portion 64 and is movably inserted into the groove.

[0057] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described by way of examples, but these embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist. In addition, the scope of rights of the present disclosure is of course not limited to these embodiments.

[0058] Regarding the above embodiments, the following remarks are further disclosed.

[0059] (Remark 1) A quick connector, comprising: a housing into which a pipe having a reel portion is inserted; a retainer mounted within the housing and having claw portions for restraining the reel portion of the inserted pipe; and a press-in member mounted on an outer peripheral portion of the housing and capable of being pressed from a first position to a second position in a direction crossing the insertion direction of the pipe when the pipe is inserted to a restraining position where the reel portion is restrained by the claw portions. A plurality of first engaging portions are provided on both side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion in the insertion direction, and a hooking opening is provided. The press-in member includes: a base portion; a pair of legs extending from the base portion and sandwiching the outer peripheral portion from both side surface sides; a plurality of second engaging portions respectively provided on the pair of legs and movably engaged with the plurality of first engaging portions in the crossing direction; and hook portions respectively provided on the pair of legs and entering the housing from the hooking opening. When the pipe is inserted to the restraining position, the hook portions are pushed out of the hooking opening by the reel portion.

[0060] In the quick connector of Note 1, when a pipe having a reel portion is inserted into the housing until the restraining position, the reel portion is restrained by the claw portions of the retainer. That is, the inserted pipe portion is prevented from coming out of the housing. Further, when the pipe is inserted to the restraining position, the hook portions entering the housing from the hooking opening are pushed out of the hooking opening by the reel portion. Here, the plurality of second engaging portions of the press-in member are respectively engaged with the plurality of first engaging portions in a manner capable of moving in a direction crossing the insertion direction of the pipe. Therefore, by the hook portions being pushed out of the hooking opening, the press-in member can be pressed from the first position to the second position in a direction crossing the insertion direction of the pipe. And by pressing the press-in member, the base portion approaches the outer peripheral portion. Thus, for example, it can be visually confirmed that the pipe is inserted into the housing to a specified position (restraining position).

[0061] Further, in the quick connector of Note 1, the plurality of first engaging portions of the housing are respectively engaged with the plurality of second engaging portions of the press-in member. Therefore, in a state where the press-in member is in the second position before inserting the pipe into the housing, even if an external force acts on the press-in member from the insertion direction side of the pipe and the opposite side thereof, it is possible to suppress the second engaging portion from disengaging from the first engaging portion (engagement release). That is, according to the quick connector, in a state before inserting the pipe into the housing, even if an external force acts on the press-in member from, for example, the insertion direction side of the pipe and the opposite side thereof, it is possible to suppress the press-in member from coming off the housing.

[0062] (Note 2) According to the quick connector of Note 1, the plurality of first engaging portions are a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the insertion direction on a side surface of the outer peripheral portion, protruding from the side surface and extending in the circumferential direction. The plurality of the second fitting portions are a plurality of slits that are spaced apart in the insertion direction and extend along the extending direction of the leg portion for the plurality of ribs to be respectively inserted therein.

[0063] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 2, since a plurality of slits are provided in the leg portion, the leg portion is easily elastically deformed (the legs open). That is, when inserting the pipe into the restraining position, it becomes easier to push out the hook portion from the hook opening by the reel portion. Moreover, the insertion load required for inserting the insertion member can be reduced. Further, since a plurality of slits are provided in the leg portion, the amount of material (resin) for forming the leg portion can be reduced. As a result, the weight of the quick connector is also reduced.

[0064] (Supplementary Note 3) The plurality of slits are respectively provided in the middle portion in the extending direction of the leg portion.

[0065] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 3, since the plurality of slits are provided in the middle portion in the extending direction of the leg portion, for example, compared with a structure in which the plurality of slits are provided at the front end portion of the leg portion, the front end portion of the leg portion is not divided, and thus a reduction in the rigidity of the front end portion of the leg portion can be suppressed. Accordingly, in a state before inserting the pipe into the housing, even if an external force acts on the insertion member from the pipe insertion direction side and the opposite side thereof, detachment of the insertion member from the housing can be further suppressed.

[0066] (Supplementary Note 4) In the quick connector according to Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3, a thin wall portion is provided on the root side in the extending direction of a plate-like portion formed between adjacent slits in the leg portion.

[0067] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 4, since the thin wall portion is provided on the root side in the extending direction of the plate-like portion of the leg portion, for example, compared with a structure in which the thin wall portion is provided on the front end side in the extending direction of the plate-like portion, the leg portion is more easily bent (the legs open). Moreover, since the thin wall portion is provided in the plate-like portion, the amount of material (resin) for forming the leg portion can be reduced. As a result, the weight of the quick connector is also reduced.

[0068] (Supplementary Note 5) In the quick connector according to Supplementary Note 4, a recess is provided on the outer surface side of the plate-like portion. A portion of the plate-like portion corresponding to the recess is the thin wall portion.

[0069] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 5, since the thin wall portion is provided on the outer surface side of the plate-like portion, for example, compared with a structure in which the thin wall portion is provided on the inner surface side of the plate-like portion, the leg portion is more easily bent (the legs open) starting from the thin wall portion.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 6) The quick connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the hook portion is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion and at the central portion in the insertion direction.

[0071] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 6, a hook portion is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion and at the central portion in the pipe insertion direction. Therefore, when the hook portion is pushed out from the hook opening by the reel portion, it is difficult for the leg portion to twist and it opens stably. That is, according to the above quick connector, for example, compared with a structure in which a hook portion is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion and at the end portion in the pipe insertion direction, the leg portion is less likely to twist when opening, and it is easy to press the press-fitting member into the housing.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 7) The quick connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein a recessed portion for hooking the hook opening is provided on the inner surface of the hook portion.

[0073] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 7, a recessed portion for hooking the hook opening is provided on the inner surface of the hook portion. Therefore, when an external force acts on the press-fitting member on the side opposite to the press-in direction, the hook opening is hooked on the recessed portion of the hook portion, suppressing the detachment of the hook portion from the hook opening. As a result, the detachment of the press-fitting member from the housing is suppressed in a state where the reel portion has not reached the restraint position.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 8) The quick connector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 7, wherein a pair of the ribs are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion, and a pair of the slits are respectively provided in the pair of leg portions.

[0075] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 8, a pair of ribs are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion, and a pair of slits are respectively provided in the pair of leg portions. Therefore, for example, compared with a structure in which three or more ribs and three or more slits are provided, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the press-fitting member from the housing with a simple structure.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 9) The quick connector according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the thickness of the second plate-like portion forming the end portion in the width direction of the leg portion is thinner than the thickness of the first plate-like portion formed between the adjacent slits in the leg portion.

[0077] In the quick connector of Supplementary Note 9, by making the thickness of the second plate-like portion thinner than the thickness of the first plate-like portion, it is possible to achieve both the effect of suppressing the detachment of the press-fitting member from the housing and the effect of making the leg portion easily bend (the leg portion easily opens).

[0078] It should be noted that the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-194435 filed on December 5, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0079] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and separately indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A quick connector, comprising: a housing into which a pipe having a reel portion is inserted; a retainer mounted within the housing and having claw portions that restrain the reel portion of the inserted pipe; and a press-in member mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the housing and capable of being pressed from a first position to a second position in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the pipe when the pipe is inserted into a restraint position where the reel portion is restrained by the claw portions, wherein a plurality of first fitting portions are provided on both side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion in the insertion direction and a hooking opening is provided, the press-in member includes: a base portion; a pair of leg portions that extend from the base portion and sandwich the outer peripheral portion from both side surface sides; a plurality of second fitting portions that are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions and are respectively movably fitted with the plurality of first fitting portions in the intersecting direction; and hook portions that are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions, enter the housing from the hooking opening, and are pushed out of the hooking opening by the reel portion when the pipe is inserted into the restraint position.

2. The quick connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first fitting portions are a plurality of ribs that are spaced apart in the insertion direction on the side surface of the outer peripheral portion, protrude from the side surface, and extend in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of second fitting portions are a plurality of slits that are spaced apart in the insertion direction on the leg portions, extend in the extending direction of the leg portions, and into which the plurality of ribs are respectively inserted.

3. The quick connector according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of slits are respectively provided at intermediate portions in the extending direction of the leg portions.

4. The quick connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a plate-like portion formed between adjacent slits in the leg portion is provided with a thin-wall portion on the root side in the extending direction.

5. The quick connector according to claim 4, wherein a recess is provided on the outer surface side of the plate-like portion, and the portion of the plate-like portion corresponding to the recess is the thin-wall portion.

6. The quick connector according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the hook portions are provided at the front end portions of the leg portions and the central portion in the insertion direction.

7. The quick connector according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a recessed portion for hooking the hooking opening is provided on the inner surface of the hook portions.

8. The quick connector according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein a pair of the ribs are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion, and a pair of the slits are respectively provided on the pair of leg portions.

9. The quick connector according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of a second plate-like portion forming the end portion in the width direction of the leg portion is thinner than the thickness of a first plate-like portion formed between adjacent slits in the leg portion.

Images