Connector assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: an inner connector member comprising a resilient snap arm extending radially outwardly downstream in a mounting direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from an outer surface of the inner connector member; and an outer connector member. The outer connector member comprises a first stop surface and a second stop surface, both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and aligned in a circumferential direction, the second stop surface being located at a predetermined distance upstream of the first stop surface with respect to the mounting direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector assemblies and connection methods, and more specifically, to connector assemblies for hoses and methods of connecting hoses using connector assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects that may not otherwise be described as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered as prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] Connector assemblies are widely used in many fields, such as automotive and energy storage. They provide fluid connections between two pipes directly or between a pipe and another component. In existing connector assemblies, additional fastening methods are typically required after connecting the pipes, increasing cost and complexity. For example, some hoses (such as polydodecylamide (PA12) bellows) use connector assemblies with multiple barbed elements (also known as pine barbs) arranged along the longitudinal axis to hold the hose in place. However, this requires significant force to press the hose in using specialized equipment. Furthermore, some hoses (such as rubber hoses) use connector assemblies with pagoda-shaped connectors. However, the pagoda-shaped connectors must precisely match the inner diameter of the hose; otherwise, leaks or hose detachment may occur, increasing manufacturing costs. Additionally, pagoda-shaped connector assemblies require clamps or bolts to secure the hose.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a connector assembly and method for connecting hoses quickly, simply, and reliably without the use of special tools. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a connector assembly and method for connecting hoses in a quick, simple, and reliable manner without the use of special tools.

[0006] In one aspect, a connector assembly for a flexible hose is provided, the connector assembly defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: an inner connector member including a resilient snap-fit ​​arm extending radially outward downstream from an outer surface of the inner connector member along an installation direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and an outer connector member. The outer connector member includes a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface, both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and aligned in a circumferential direction, the second limiting surface being located at a predetermined distance upstream of the first limiting surface relative to the installation direction. The outer connector member is configured to be movable relative to the inner connector member along the installation direction from a pre-installation position to an installed position, in the pre-installation position, a free end surface of the resilient snap-fit ​​arm abutting against the first limiting surface; and in the installed position, a free end surface of the resilient snap-fit ​​arm abutting against the second limiting surface.

[0007] The internal connector component may include a first end configured to receive a flexible tube and a second end opposite to the first end, and may include: an internal tubular body extending axially along a longitudinal axis and defining an internal axial through-hole; and a barb element protruding radially outward around the outer surface of the internal tubular body, the barb element having an outer diameter that increases along the mounting direction to define a tapered outer surface.

[0008] The external connector component may include a first end and an opposing second end configured to receive a hose, and may include: a first tubular body adjacent to the first end of the external connector component and extending axially along a longitudinal axis; a second tubular body adjacent to the second end of the external connector component and extending axially along a longitudinal axis, and having an inner diameter larger than the first tubular body; and a transition portion located between the first tubular body and the second tubular body, the transition portion defining a tapered inner surface that cooperates with the tapered outer surface to clamp the hose.

[0009] The internal connector component may further include a stop element disposed downstream of the barb element along the installation direction and protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the internal tubular body. The external connector component may further include an observation window, with a second limiting surface defining the downstream side of the observation window along the installation direction. When the external connector component is in a pre-installed position relative to the internal connector component, the stop element is located within the observation window to allow observation through the observation window of whether the hose is abutting the stop element.

[0010] The stop element and the barb element may be axially spaced along a longitudinal axis, and a circumferential retaining groove is defined between the stop element and the barb element, the circumferential retaining groove being configured to contact the end of the hose when the hose abuts against the stop element.

[0011] When the hose comes into contact with the stop element, the stop element and the barb element respectively contact the outer edge and inner edge of the end surface of the hose to prevent the hose from sliding backward relative to the installation direction.

[0012] The internal connector component may further include a first positioning element, and the external connector component may further include a second positioning element, the first and second positioning elements being aligned in the circumferential direction and configured to cooperate in positioning the external connector component relative to the internal connector component in the circumferential direction.

[0013] The first positioning element can protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the inner connector member and extend axially from the second end of the inner connector member. The second positioning element can be recessed from the inner surface of the second tubular body of the outer connector member. When the connector assembly is in the installed position, the second positioning element has the same axial extension range as the first positioning element.

[0014] The number of elastic buckle arms and observation windows can both be two, and both are set relative to the diameter of the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The number of the first positioning element and the second positioning element can both be two, and both are arranged relative to the diameter of the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The elastic buckle arm and the first positioning element can be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The internal connector component may further include a hose guide portion located at a first end of the internal connector component and configured to allow a hose to be fitted over the internal connector component along the outer surface of the hose guide portion.

[0018] The external connector component may also include a control area disposed on the outer surface of the external connector component and configured to facilitate the control of the external connector component.

[0019] The control area may include a friction-increasing structure.

[0020] The control area can be located at the same position as the second positioning element.

[0021] The internal connector component may further include a circumferential sealing groove extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the internal connector component, the circumferential sealing groove being located upstream of the barb element in the mounting direction, and the connector assembly further includes a seal that is received within the circumferential sealing groove and configured to seal between the hose and the internal connector component.

[0022] In another aspect, a method for connecting a hose using the connector assembly described above is provided, comprising: fitting a second end of an outer connector member over a first end of an inner connector member, and moving the outer connector member relative to the inner connector member in an installation direction to a pre-installation position; fitting a hose over the first end of the inner connector member and moving it in the installation direction across a barbed element until the end surface of the hose abuts a stop element; and moving the outer connector member relative to the inner connector member in the installation direction from the pre-installation position to an installation-completed position.

[0023] The connector assembly according to this disclosure has a simple structure and can quickly move the outer connector component relative to the inner connector component in the installation direction to the pre-installation position without the need for additional special tools. Therefore, it saves on the cost and complexity of the connector assembly and also reduces the time and labor required for connecting the hose.

[0024] The connector assembly according to this disclosure may include a stop element and a circumferential retaining groove. When the hose abuts against the stop element, the stop element and the circumferential retaining groove respectively contact the outer edge and inner edge of the end surface of the hose to prevent the hose from sliding backward relative to the installation direction, which can more reliably hold the hose. Furthermore, the stop element is located within an observation window, which allows observation of whether the hose is installed in place to ensure that the hose is reliably connected to the connector assembly.

[0025] The connector assembly according to this disclosure may be provided with two first positioning elements, two second positioning elements, and two resilient locking arms. The two resilient locking arms and the two first / second positioning elements may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. This allows the resilient locking arms and the first positioning elements to be positioned at substantially the same axial position within the internal connector component, thereby reducing the axial length of the internal connector component and further saving the cost of the connector assembly.

[0026] The external connector component of the connector assembly according to this disclosure may be provided with a control area, which may be located at the same position as the second positioning element, thereby reducing the axial length of the external connector component and further saving the cost of the connector assembly.

[0027] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the internal connector component of an exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of an internal connector component of an exemplary connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of an internal connector component of an exemplary connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the external connector component of an exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is another schematic perspective view of the external connector component of an exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view of an exemplary connector assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of an exemplary connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 9 An exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of this disclosure is along Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from the cross-section line AA.

[0038] Figure 10 An exemplary connector assembly according to embodiments of this disclosure is along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by section line BB, in which the external connector component is in the installed position relative to the internal connector component.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion defined by circle C.

[0040] Figure 12 Is with Figure 10 A similar schematic cross-sectional view shows the external connector component in a pre-installed position relative to the internal connector component.

[0041] This disclosure is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, some representative embodiments of which are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms shown in the foregoing drawings. Rather, this disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groupings, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure, for example, as covered by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. This disclosure is readily embodied in many forms. Representative examples of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein; it is to be understood that these embodiments are provided as illustrative of the principles of the disclosure and not as limitations on the broad aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but are merely intended to teach those skilled in the art a representative basis for using this disclosure in various ways. For this purpose, elements and limitations described, for example, in the abstract, background, utility model description, description of drawings, and detailed description sections but not expressly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated, individually or jointly, by implication, inference, or otherwise, into the claims.

[0043] Certain terms may be used for reference only in the following description and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to orientations in the referenced figures. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of parts of a component or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, as will become clear from the text describing the component or element in question and the associated figures.

[0044] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe individual components. These terms are used to describe the accompanying drawings and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “one or more” of the desired choices. As an example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “both of two choices” if the number of choices is two. As another example, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in this disclosure refers to “only one single choice” or “any combination of two or more choices” if the number of choices is three or more. Moreover, the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure refers to “either one or both”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. In other words, in this disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”.

[0046] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout several views to denote the same features. Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101 and an mounting direction 102 parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. As used herein, the term "axial" refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101, and the term "circumferential" refers to a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis 101. According to one example, the connector assembly 100 includes an inner connector member 10, an outer connector member 20, and a seal 30. It should be understood that the connector assembly 100 may exclude the seal 30 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 100 is used to connect a flexible tube 40. As used herein, the term "flexible tube" refers to a flexible tube with deformable walls.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the internal connector component 10 of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of the internal connector component 10 of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the internal connector member 10 of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] The internal connector component 10 includes a first end 41 configured to receive a hose 40 and a second end 42 opposite to the first end 41. The first end 41 of the internal connector component 10 is located upstream of the second end 42 of the internal connector component 10 with respect to the mounting direction 102 and is closer to the hose 40, and can therefore also be referred to as the proximal end. Correspondingly, the second end 42 of the internal connector component 10 can also be referred to as the distal end.

[0049] According to one example, the internal connector component 10 includes an internal tubular body 11 and a barb element 17. The internal tubular body 11 extends axially along a longitudinal axis 101 and defines an internal axial through-hole 18. The barb element 17 is located near a first end 41 of the internal connector component 10 and projects radially outward around the outer surface of the internal tubular body 11. The outer diameter of the barb element 17 increases along the mounting direction 102 to define a tapered outer surface 19. According to one example, the internal connector component 10 includes one barb element 17. It should be understood that the internal connector component 10 may include any other suitable number of barb elements 17, such as two, three, etc., without departing from the scope of this disclosure. According to one example, the diameter of the tapered outer surface 19 relative to the downstream end of the mounting direction 102 may be 5% to 30% larger than the diameter of the tapered outer surface 19 relative to the upstream end of the mounting direction 102. It should be understood that the diameter of the tapered outer surface 19 relative to the downstream end of the mounting direction 102 may be larger than any other suitable value than the diameter of the tapered outer surface 19 relative to the upstream end of the mounting direction 102 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] According to one example, the internal connector member 10 further includes a resilient snap-fit ​​arm 12 adjacent to a second end 42 of the internal connector member 10 and extending radially outward downstream from the outer surface of the inner tubular body 11 along the mounting direction 102. According to one example, the internal connector member 10 includes two resilient snap-fit ​​arms 12 disposed diametrically opposite to the longitudinal axis 101. It should be understood that the internal connector member 10 may include any other suitable number of resilient snap-fit ​​arms 12, such as one, three, etc., without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] According to one example, the internal connector member 10 may further include a stop element 14 disposed downstream of the barb element 17 along the mounting direction 102 and projecting radially outward from the outer surface of the internal tubular body 11. According to one example, the stop element 14 is a circumferential flange. It should be understood that the stop element 14 may take any other suitable form, such as a plurality of radially distributed circumferentially around the internal connector member 10, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] According to one example, the stop element 14 and the barb element 17 are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis 101, and a circumferential retaining groove 15 is defined between the stop element 14 and the barb element 17. The circumferential retaining groove 15 is configured to contact the end of the hose 40 when the hose 40 abuts against the stop element 14. When the hose 40 is inserted into place, the outer edge of the end surface of the hose 40 contacts the stop element 14, and the inner edge of the end surface of the hose 40 contacts the circumferential retaining groove 15 to prevent the hose 40 from sliding backward relative to the installation direction 102. This facilitates holding the hose 40 as the external connector component 20 moves from the pre-installed position to the installed position.

[0053] According to one example, the inner connector member 10 may further include a first positioning element 13, which is circumferentially aligned with and configured to cooperate in positioning the outer connector member 20 relative to the inner connector member 10 in the circumferential direction. According to one example, the first positioning element 13 projects radially outward from the outer surface of the inner connector member 10 and extends axially from a second end 42 of the inner connector member 10. It should be understood that the first positioning element 13 is radially recessed from the outer surface of the inner connector member 10, while the second positioning element 28 of the outer connector member 20 projects radially inward from the inner surface of the outer connector member 20, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. According to one example, the inner connector member 10 includes two first positioning elements 13 disposed diametrically opposite to the longitudinal axis 101. It should be understood that the inner connector member 10 may include any other suitable number of first positioning elements 13, such as one, three, etc., without departing from the scope of this disclosure. According to one example, the resilient snap-fit ​​arm 12 and the first positioning element 13 are arranged offset or alternately in the circumferential direction. This allows the resilient snap-fit ​​arm 12 and the first positioning element 13 to be positioned at substantially the same axial position in the internal connector member 10, thereby reducing the axial length of the internal connector member 10 and further saving the cost of the connector assembly 100.

[0054] According to one example, the internal connector member 10 may further include a hose guide portion 43. The hose guide portion 43 is located at a first end 41 of the internal connector member 10 and configured to facilitate the insertion or sleeve of a hose 40 along the outer surface of the hose guide portion 43 outside the internal connector member (10). According to one example, the hose guide portion 43 is chamfered. It should be understood that the hose guide portion 43 may take any other suitable form, such as a tapered portion, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] According to one example, the internal connector component 10 may further include a circumferential sealing groove 16 extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the internal connector component 10, the circumferential sealing groove 16 being located upstream of the barb element 17 along the mounting direction 102. The connector assembly 100 also includes a seal 30 received within the circumferential sealing groove 16 and configured to seal between the hose 40 and the internal connector component 10. It should be understood that the internal connector component 10 may exclude the circumferential sealing groove 16 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of the outer connector component 20 of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is another schematic perspective view of an external connector member 20 of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The external connector member 20 includes a first end 52 configured to receive a hose 40 and an opposing second end 51. According to one example, the external connector member 20 includes: a first tubular body 22 extending axially along a longitudinal axis 101 adjacent to the first end 52 of the external connector member 20; a second tubular body 21 extending axially along a longitudinal axis 101 adjacent to the second end 51 of the external connector member 20 and having a larger inner diameter than the first tubular body 22; and a transition portion 23 located between the first tubular body 22 and the second tubular body 21, the transition portion 23 defining a tapered inner surface 29 that cooperates with the tapered outer surface 19 to clamp the hose 40. The outer diameter of the inner tubular body 11 of the inner connector component 10 should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hose 40, and the radial distance between the inner surface of the first tubular body 22 of the outer connector component 20 and the outer surface of the inner tubular body 11 of the inner connector component 10 should be greater than the wall thickness of the hose 40. According to one example, the tapered outer surface 19 and the tapered inner surface 29 are tapered surfaces having the same slope / taper relative to the longitudinal axis 101 in the longitudinal section of the connector assembly 100. It should be understood that the tapered outer surface 19 and the tapered inner surface 29 may not be smooth surfaces, and may include, for example, serrations or multiple protrusions to increase friction with the hose 40.

[0057] According to one example, the second tubular body 21 includes a first limiting surface 27 and a second limiting surface 25, both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101 and aligned in the circumferential direction. The second limiting surface 25 is located at a predetermined upstream distance from the first limiting surface 27 relative to the mounting direction 102. The external connector component 20 may further include an observation window 24, with the second limiting surface 25 defining the downstream side of the observation window 24 along the mounting direction 102. The external connector component 20 may also include an additional window 26, with the first limiting surface 27 defining the downstream side of the additional window 26 along the mounting direction 102. It should be understood that the external connector component 20 may also not include the additional window 26. When the additional window 26 is included, the number of observation windows 24 in the additional window 26 is the same as the number of resilient latching arms 12, and the circumferential positions of the additional window 26 and the observation window 24 are aligned with the circumferential positions of the resilient latching arms 12.

[0058] The external connector component 20 is configured to move a predetermined distance relative to the internal connector component 10 along the installation direction 102 from a pre-installation position to an installation-complete position. In the pre-installation position, the free end surface 120 of the resilient latching arm 12 abuts against a first limiting surface 27, and the distance between the tapered outer surface 19 and the tapered inner surface 29 is greater than the wall thickness of the hose 40 to allow the hose 40 to move axially from the first end 41 of the internal connector component 10 along the installation direction 102 across the barb element 17. In the installation-complete position, the free end surface 120 of the resilient latching arm 12 abuts against a second limiting surface 25, and the distance between the tapered outer surface 19 and the tapered inner surface 29 is less than the wall thickness of the hose 40 to clamp the hose 40. When the external connector component 20 is in the pre-installation position relative to the internal connector component 10, the stop element 14 is located within the observation window 24 to allow observation through the observation window 24 of whether the hose 40 abuts against the stop element 14.

[0059] According to one example, the external connector component 20 may further include a second positioning element 28. The first positioning element 13 and the second positioning element 28 are aligned in the circumferential direction and configured to cooperate in positioning the external connector component 20 relative to the internal connector component 10 in the circumferential direction. According to one example, the second positioning element 28 is recessed from the inner surface of the second tubular body 21 of the external connector component 20.

[0060] According to one example, the external connector member 20 may further include a control region 53. The control region 53 is disposed on the outer surface of the external connector member 20 and configured to facilitate control of the external connector member 20. According to one example, the control region 53 may include a friction-increasing structure, such as an embossed or textured structure. It should be understood that the control region 53 may include any other suitable structure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. According to one example, the control region 53 is located at the same position as the second positioning element 28, thereby reducing the axial length of the external connector member 20 and further saving the cost of the connector assembly 100.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a schematic front view of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 This is a schematic top view of an exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 An exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is along Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from the cross-section line AA. Figure 10 An exemplary connector assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is along Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by the cross-section line BB, wherein the external connector component 20 is in the installed position relative to the internal connector component 10. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion defined by circle C. Figure 12 Is with Figure 10 A similar schematic cross-sectional view shows the external connector component 20 in a pre-installed position relative to the internal connector component 10.

[0062] The following describes a method of connecting a hose 40 using a connector assembly 100, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method includes: fitting a second end 51 of an outer connector member 20 over the first end 41 of an inner connector member 10, and moving the outer connector member 20 relative to the inner connector member 10 in an installation direction 102 to a pre-installation position. In the pre-installation position, the resilient locking arm 12 abuts against a first limiting surface 27, and the distance between the tapered outer surface 19 and the tapered inner surface 29 is greater than the wall thickness of the hose 40 to allow the hose 40 to move axially from the first end 41 of the inner connector member 10 in the installation direction 102 across the barbed element 17. Next, the method further includes: fitting the hose 40 over the first end 41 of the inner connector member 10 and moving it in the installation direction 102 across the barbed element 17 until the end surface of the hose 40 abuts against a stop element 14, as shown. Figure 12As shown in the figure. The method further includes: moving the external connector component 20 relative to the internal connector component 10 along the installation direction 102 from a pre-installation position to an installation-completed position, as shown in the figure. Figure 10 As shown in the diagram. In the installed position, the resilient latching arm 12 abuts against the second limiting surface 25, and the distance between the conical outer surface 19 and the conical inner surface 29 is less than the wall thickness of the hose 40 to clamp the hose 40.

[0063] The connector assembly 100 according to this disclosure has a simple structure and can quickly move the outer connector component 20 relative to the inner connector component 10 in the installation direction to the pre-installation position without the need for additional special tools. Therefore, it saves the cost and complexity of the connector assembly 100 and also reduces the time and labor required to connect the hose 40.

[0064] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be varied as needed and / or desired, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, directly connected or contacting components may have intermediate structures arranged between them, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages are not necessarily present simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature unique compared to the prior art, individually or in combination with other features, should also be considered as the applicant's separate description of further inventions, including structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of other embodiments, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (100) defining a longitudinal axis (101), characterized in that, The connector assembly (100) includes: An internal connector component (10) includes a resilient snap-fit ​​arm (12) extending radially outward downstream from the outer surface of the internal connector component (10) along an installation direction (102) parallel to the longitudinal axis (101); and An external connector component (20) includes a first limiting surface (27) and a second limiting surface (25), both of which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (101) and aligned in the circumferential direction. The second limiting surface (25) is located at a predetermined upstream distance from the first limiting surface (27) relative to the mounting direction (102). The external connector component (20) is configured to move a predetermined distance relative to the internal connector component (10) in the installation direction (102) from the pre-installation position to the installation completion position. In the pre-installation position, the free end surface (120) of the resilient latching arm (12) abuts against the first limiting surface (27); in the installation completion position, the free end surface (120) of the resilient latching arm (12) abuts against the second limiting surface (25).

2. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The internal connector component (10) includes a first end (41) configured to receive a flexible tube (40) and a second end (42) opposite to the first end (41), and includes: an internal tubular body (11) extending axially along a longitudinal axis (101) and defining an internal axial through-hole (18); and a barb element (17) adjacent to the first end (41) of the internal connector component (10) and projecting radially outward around the outer surface of the internal tubular body (11), the outer diameter of the barb element (17) increasing along the mounting direction (102) to define a tapered outer surface (19); and The external connector component (20) includes a first end (52) configured to receive a hose (40) and an opposing second end (51), and includes: a first tubular body (22) adjacent to the first end (52) of the external connector component (20) and extending axially along a longitudinal axis (101); a second tubular body (21) adjacent to the second end (51) of the external connector component (20) and extending axially along a longitudinal axis (101), and having an inner diameter larger than that of the first tubular body (22); and a transition portion (23) located between the first tubular body (22) and the second tubular body (21), the transition portion (23) defining a tapered inner surface (29) that cooperates with the tapered outer surface (19) to clamp the hose (40).

3. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The internal connector component (10) further includes a stop element (14) disposed downstream of the barb element (17) along the installation direction (102) and protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the internal tubular body (11). The external connector component (20) further includes an observation window (24) with a second limiting surface (25) defined downstream of the observation window (24) along the installation direction (102). When the external connector component (20) is in a pre-installed position relative to the internal connector component (10), the stop element (14) is located within the observation window (24) to allow observation through the observation window (24) of whether the hose (40) abuts against the stop element (14).

4. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The stop element (14) and the barb element (17) are axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (101) and a circumferential retaining groove (15) is defined between the stop element (14) and the barb element (17), the circumferential retaining groove (15) being configured to receive the end of the hose (40) when the hose (40) abuts against the stop element (14).

5. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein, When the hose (40) abuts against the stop element (14), the stop element (14) and the barb element (17) respectively contact the outer edge and inner edge of the end surface of the hose (40) to prevent the hose (40) from sliding backward relative to the installation direction (102).

6. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The internal connector component (10) further includes a first positioning element (13), and the external connector component (20) further includes a second positioning element (28). The first positioning element (13) and the second positioning element (28) are aligned in the circumferential direction and configured to cooperate to position the external connector component (20) relative to the internal connector component (10) in the circumferential direction.

7. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The first positioning element (13) protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the inner connector member (10) and extends axially from the second end (42) of the inner connector member (10). The second positioning element (28) is recessed from the inner surface of the second tubular body (21) of the outer connector member (20). When the connector assembly (100) is in the installed position, the second tubular body (21) has the same axial extension range as the first positioning element (13).

8. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The number of elastic buckle arms (12) and observation windows (24) are both two, and they are all set relative to the diameter of the longitudinal axis (101).

9. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The number of the first positioning element (13) and the second positioning element (28) are both two, and they are both arranged relative to the diameter of the longitudinal axis (101).

10. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic buckle arm (12) and the first positioning element (13) are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

11. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The internal connector component (10) further includes a hose guide portion (43) located at a first end (41) of the internal connector component (10) and configured to allow a hose (40) to be fitted over the internal connector component (10) along the outer surface of the hose guide portion (43).

12. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The external connector component (20) further includes a control area (53) disposed on the outer surface of the external connector component (20) and configured to facilitate the control of the external connector component (20).

13. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The control area (53) includes a friction-increasing structure.

14. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The internal connector component (10) further includes a first positioning element (13), and the external connector component (20) further includes a second positioning element (28). The first positioning element (13) and the second positioning element (28) are aligned in the circumferential direction and configured to cooperate to position the external connector component (20) relative to the internal connector component (10) in the circumferential direction. The control area (53) is located at the same position as the second positioning element (28).

15. The connector assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The internal connector component (10) further includes a circumferential sealing groove (16) extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the internal connector component (10), the circumferential sealing groove (16) being located upstream of the barb element (17) in the mounting direction (102), and the connector assembly (100) further includes a seal (30) received within the circumferential sealing groove (16) and configured to seal between the hose (40) and the internal connector component (10).

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