Female joint and joint assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of female joint.In one embodiment, female joint includes: shell, lock catch and mistake-proof retaining member.The lock catch is arranged on shell, and is configured to be able to move between lock catch position and unlocking position relative to shell, in lock catch position, lock catch enters axial passage via lock catch window, in unlocking position, lock catch does not enter axial passage.The mistake-proof retaining member is sleeved on the outside of shell, and, it is configured to be able to move between retaining position and release position relative to shell, in retaining position, mistake-proof retaining member is engaged with lock catch, in release position, mistake-proof retaining member is disengaged from the engagement with lock catch;Wherein, mistake-proof retaining member only in the state that lock catch is in lock catch position can be moved from release position to retaining position.The utility model further provides a kind of joint assembly comprising the aforementioned female joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connector assembly technology, and in particular to a female connector and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Quick-connect couplings are tool-free connectors that allow for the connection or disconnection of piping. They typically consist of a male and a female connector, which connect to the two fluid fittings via appropriate mating parts. Users can directly insert the male connector into the female connector to achieve the connection, allowing fluid to flow through the coupling assembly and thus connecting the two fluid fittings. Utility Model Content

[0003] Existing female connectors and corresponding mating parts are locked together using a locking mechanism. The inventors discovered that in existing female connectors, the locking mechanism may not fully engage during the locking process, negatively impacting the connection stability between the female connector and the fluid fitting. Furthermore, even if the locking mechanism is fully engaged, it may still disengage under conditions of vibration, causing the female connector and mating part (and consequently the fluid fitting) to loosen.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and / or defects existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a female connector is provided. The female connector includes: a housing having an axial channel extending along its axial direction and a locking window leading to the axial channel; a locking member movably disposed on the housing, and configured to move relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking member enters the axial channel via the locking window, and in the unlocked position the locking member does not enter the axial channel; and a mis-locking retainer sleeved on the outside of the housing, and configured to move relative to the housing between a holding position and a releasing position, wherein in the holding position the mis-locking retainer engages with the locking member to ensure the locking member is in the locked position and prevents movement of the locking member relative to the housing, and in the releasing position the mis-locking retainer disengages from the locking member to allow the locking member to move freely relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position; wherein the mis-locking retainer can only move from the releasing position to the holding position when the locking member is in the locked position.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member is configured to transition relative to the housing from one of a locking position and an unlocking position via an intermediate position; wherein, when the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocking position, at least a portion of the locking member protrudes radially from the outer surface of the housing; and when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member does not protrude radially from the outer surface of the housing.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the error-proof retaining member is capable of sliding along the outer surface of the housing between the retaining position and the releasing position.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the locking member prevents the error-proof retaining member from sliding from the release position to the retaining position; and when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member does not affect the sliding of the error-proof retaining member between the retaining position and the release position.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the error-proof retaining member is in the retaining position, the error-proof retaining member at least partially covers the outside of the locking member.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first anti-rotation portion is provided on one of the inner surface of the error-proof retainer and the outer surface of the housing, and a second anti-rotation portion is provided on the other of the inner surface of the error-proof retainer and the outer surface of the housing, wherein the first anti-rotation portion and the second anti-rotation portion cooperate with each other to prevent the error-proof retainer from rotating relative to the housing in the circumferential direction of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the first anti-rotation portion includes a protrusion extending along the axial direction of the housing on the inner surface of the anti-rotation retainer, and the second anti-rotation portion includes a receiving groove extending along the axial direction of the housing in the outer surface of the housing; wherein, when the anti-rotation retainer is in the retaining position, the protrusion moves into the receiving groove.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the error-proof retaining member is provided with an interference portion, which is configured to interfere with the locking member or the housing to maintain the position of the error-proof retaining member relative to the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the interference portion includes at least one raised rib formed on the inner surface of the error-proof retainer, wherein the at least one raised rib interferes with the outer surface of the locking member or the outer surface of the housing.

[0014] More preferably, the housing includes a first slot formed on the outer surface of the housing, wherein when the anti-mistake retainer is in the released position, the at least one rib is located in the first slot; and / or, the locking member includes a second slot on the outer surface of the locking member, wherein when the anti-mistake retainer is in the retaining position, the at least one rib is located in the second slot.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing is a circular cylindrical shape, the locking element is a C-shaped ring, and the error-proof retaining element is a circular ring; wherein, the inner surface of the error-proof retaining element has a contour shape that matches the shape of the locking element.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a locking member body has a C-shaped ring structure; a locking portion extending radially inward from the locking member body, wherein when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking portion enters the axial channel via the locking window, and when the locking member is in the unlocking position, the locking portion does not enter the axial channel; a deformation fulcrum formed at an end of the locking member body; and an operating portion extending radially outward from the locking member body and configured to move the locking member between the locking position and the unlocking position by manipulating the operating portion.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the housing is provided with a radially inwardly recessed portion; wherein, when the locking member is in the locking position, the body of the locking member is located inside the recessed portion and does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing; and when the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the body of the locking member disengages from the recessed portion radially from the housing and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the error-proof retaining member has an operating portion receiving chamber, wherein when the error-proof retaining member is in the retaining position, the operating portion of the locking member is received in the operating portion receiving chamber.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an identification area is provided on the outer surface of the housing, wherein when the error-proof retainer is in the released position, the identification area is at least partially covered by the error-proof retainer; and when the error-proof retainer is in the retaining position, the identification area is exposed.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, the connector assembly including the female connector according to any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0021] In the female connector and connector assembly provided by this utility model, the female connector is equipped with a mistake-proof retaining member. This member can only move from the release position to the retaining position when the locking member is in the locked position. Therefore, as long as the mistake-proof retaining member can move from the release position to the retaining position, it can be a secondary confirmation that the locking member is fully engaged. In other words, the user only needs to check whether the mistake-proof retaining member can move from the release position to the retaining position to confirm whether the locking member is fully engaged. Furthermore, in the female connector and connector assembly provided by this utility model, when the mistake-proof retaining member enters the retaining position, the mistake-proof retaining member and the locking member are effectively engaged, preventing the locking member from disengaging from the locking position due to vibration or other operating conditions, thereby further ensuring the connection stability between the female connector and the mating parts.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the assembly of the female connector and the mating part according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the assembly of the female connector and the mating part according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram showing the female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram showing the housing in a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram showing the locking element in a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram showing the error-proof retaining member in a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a perspective structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is located in the locking position and the anti-misoperation retaining member is located in the released position;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a perspective structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is in the unlocked position and the anti-misoperation retaining member is in the released position;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a perspective structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is located in the middle position and the anti-misalignment retaining member is located in the released position;

[0033] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure cut by section line AA in the diagram;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a perspective structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is located in the locking position and the anti-misoperation retaining member is located in the released position;

[0035] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure cut by section line BB in the diagram;

[0036] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram showing a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking member is located in the locking position and the anti-misalignment retaining member is located in the retaining position. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that although terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," are used in this utility model to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for ease of explanation and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments described in this utility model can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this utility model refer to the same or similar parts.

[0038] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are, respectively, a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram and an exploded structural schematic diagram showing the female connector 1 and the mating member 2 assembled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting piece 2 is inserted into the female connector 1 from one end to connect the corresponding female fluid fitting. The other end of the female connector 1 is used to connect with the male connector (not shown) with the male fluid fitting, thereby realizing fluid communication between the two fluid fittings.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are, respectively, a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram and an exploded structural schematic diagram of the female connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The diagrams show three-dimensional structural schematics of the housing 10, the locking member 20, and the anti-misoperation retainer 30 in the female connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] See Figures 1 to 7 The female connector 1 provided by this utility model mainly includes a housing 10, a locking member 20, and an anti-misalignment retaining member 30. The housing 10 has an axial channel 11 extending along its axial direction and a locking window 12 leading to the axial channel 11. The locking member 20 is movably disposed on the housing 10, and the locking member 20 is configured to be able to (e.g., ...) relative to the housing 10. Figure 1 , Figure 3 And what will be described below Figure 8 , Figure 12 and Figure 14The latch position shown in the figure and (as will be described below) Figure 9 Move between the unlock positions shown, as indicated Figure 8 (As shown) at the locking position, the locking element 20 enters the axial channel 11 through the locking window 12, in (as shown) Figure 9 In the unlocked position (as shown), the locking element 20 does not enter the axial channel 11. The error-proof retainer 30 is sleeved on the outside of the housing 10, and the error-proof retainer 30 is configured to be in a retaining position relative to the housing 10 (as will be described below). Figure 14 (as shown) and release location (as shown) Figure 1 , Figure 3 And what will be described below Figures 8 to 13 Move between (as shown), in (as shown) Figure 14 (As shown) The retaining position, the error-proof retainer 30 engages with the locking member 20 to ensure that the locking member 20 is in the locked position and to prevent the locking member 20 from moving relative to the housing 10, in (as shown) Figure 9 As shown, in the released position, the error-proof retainer 30 disengages from the locking member 20 to allow the locking member 20 to move freely relative to the housing 10 between the locked and unlocked positions. According to the design concept of the utility model, the error-proof retainer 30 can only move from the released position to the retaining position when the locking member 20 is in the locked position, for example... Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown.

[0042] Specifically, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the female connector 1, the housing 10 is approximately circular cylindrical in shape, and the axial channel 11 extends through the entire housing 10 along its axial direction. It should be noted that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the axial direction of the housing 10 is the extending direction of the axial channel 11, and the radial direction of the housing 10 is the extending direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, the axial direction of the locking element 20 (locking element body 21) and the axial direction of the anti-misalignment retainer 30 described below can also be considered as the axial direction of the housing 10, and the radial direction of the locking element 20 (locking element body 21) and the radial direction of the anti-misalignment retainer 30 can also be considered as the radial direction of the housing 10. The mating member 2 can be inserted into the axial channel 11 from one end, such that the axial channel 11 of the female connector 1 and the internal channel 21 of the mating member 2 (e.g., ...) Figure 2(As shown) fluid communication. Simultaneously, a latching window 12 is radially formed on the housing 10 and leads to the axial channel 11, allowing a portion of the latching member 20, which will be described in detail below, to enter and exit the axial channel 11 via the latching window 12. Furthermore, a radially inwardly recessed portion 13 is formed on the outer surface of the housing 10 to receive the latching member 20, and the latching window 12 is further formed within the recessed portion 13 of the housing 10. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the housing 10 has a substantially cylindrical construction with a substantially circular cross-section. In some other embodiments, the housing 10 may also adopt any other suitable construction and / or cross-sectional shape.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in the female connector 1, the locking element 20 is disposed on the periphery of the housing 10, specifically in the recess 13 of the housing 10. The locking element 20 is configured to move relative to the housing 10 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element 20 enters the axial channel 11 through the locking window 12; in the unlocked position, the locking element 20 does not enter the axial channel 11. The locking element 20 is made of plastic. Specifically, the locking element 20 includes a locking element body 21 and a locking portion 22. The locking element body 21 has a substantially C-ring structure, giving it a certain degree of elastic deformation capability. The locking portion 22 extends radially inward from the locking element body 21. Figure 3As shown, in the initial state, the locking body 21 of the locking member 20 is arranged in a wrapping manner around the periphery of the housing 10, specifically within the recess 13 of the housing 10, such that the outer surface of the locking body 21 is substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing 10, or such that the radial height of the outer surface of the locking body 21 is equal to or less than the radial height of the outer surface of the housing 10. At this time, the locking part 22 of the locking member 20 enters the axial channel 11 through the locking window 12. That is to say, in the initial state, the locking member 20 of the female connector 1 provided in this disclosure is in the locking position relative to the housing 10. As the locking element 20 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, due to its elastic deformation capability, the locking element body 21 deforms radially away from the recess 13 of the housing 10 (i.e., arches out from the recess 13 of the housing 10) until the locking portion 22 of the locking element 20 leaves the axial channel 11 through the locking window 12. At this point, the locking element 20 is in the unlocked position relative to the housing 10. Conversely, as the locking element 20 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the locking element body 21, based on its elastic deformation capability, returns to the recess 13 of the housing 10, causing the locking portion 22 of the locking element 20 to re-enter the axial channel 11 through the locking window 12. In practice, during the movement of the locking element 20 from the unlocked position to the locked position, there may be cases where the locking element 20 does not fully enter the locked position (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this situation, the connection between the female connector 1 and the mating part 2 may be unstable. In this document, the situation where the locking member 20 is not fully engaged in the locking position is defined as the locking member 20 being in the intermediate position. That is, according to this invention, the locking member 20 is configured to transition relative to the housing 10 from one position (locked position) to another (unlocked position) via the intermediate position. Specifically, when the locking member 20 is in (e.g.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 (as shown) the middle position or (as shown) Figure 9 When the locking element 20 is in the unlocked position (as shown), at least a portion of the locking element 20 protrudes radially from the outer surface of the housing 10; and when the locking element 20 is in the unlocked position (as shown), at least a portion of the locking element 20 protrudes radially from the outer surface of the housing 10; while when the locking element 20 is in the unlocked position (as shown), at least a portion of the locking element 20 protrudes radially from the outer surface of the housing 10; Figure 12 and Figure 13 When in the locking position (as shown), the locking element 20 does not protrude radially from the outer surface of the housing 10.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 7As shown, in the female connector 1, the locking member 20 further includes a deformable fulcrum 24, which is formed at the end of the locking member body 21. Correspondingly, the recess 13 of the housing 10 forms a fulcrum travel region 131. The deformable fulcrum 24 is configured to be confined within the fulcrum travel region 131 and can move within the fulcrum travel region 131 as the locking member 20 moves between the locking position and the unlocking position. With this arrangement of the deformable fulcrum 24, the locking member 20 can be prevented from detaching entirely from the housing 10 while cooperating with the deformation of the locking member body 21, thereby enabling free movement of the locking member 20 between the locking position and the unlocking position. The locking member 20 further includes an operating part 23, which is disposed near the deformable fulcrum 24 and extends radially outward from the locking member body 21. The operating part 23 is configured to allow the locking member 20 to be moved between the locking position and the unlocking position by manipulating the operating part 23 (e.g., by pushing the operating part by hand).

[0045] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, two locking portions 22 are formed on the locking member body 21. The deformation fulcrum 24 takes the form of a rotation axis extending axially along the locking member body 21, and deformation fulcrum 24 is formed at each of the two opposite ends of the locking member body 21. Correspondingly, the recess 13 of the housing 10 forms two fulcrum travel regions 131, and two operating portions 23 are formed on the locking member body 21. By manipulating either operating portion 23 to slide the deformation fulcrum 24 within the corresponding fulcrum travel region 131, the locking portion 22 can be disengaged from the axial channel 11 by the deformation of the locking member body 21 itself, thereby moving the locking member 20 from the locking position to the unlocking position. In an alternative embodiment not shown, a deformable fulcrum 24 at one end of the locking body 21 is disposed within a corresponding fulcrum travel region 131 in the recess 13 of the housing 10 and can slide along the fulcrum travel region 131, while the deformable fulcrum 24 at the other end of the locking body 21 serves as a pivot fulcrum. In this case, the recess 13 of the housing 10 only needs to form one fulcrum travel region 131. It should be noted that in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the number of locking parts 22 and locking windows 12, operating parts 23, and deformable fulcrum 24 and fulcrum travel regions 131 are all shown to be two. However, in other embodiments, the number of these components is not limited. For example, the number of locking parts 22 can be one or more, and correspondingly, the number of locking windows 12 can also be one or more.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 7 (especially) Figure 7As shown in the diagram, in the female connector 1, the error-proof retainer 30 is annular in shape and is fitted onto the outer side of the housing 10. The error-proof retainer 30 is designed to slide along the outer surface of the housing 10 between a holding position and a released position. Furthermore, the inner surface of the error-proof retainer 30 has a contour shape that matches the shape of the locking member 20. For example, the error-proof retainer 30 has an operating portion receiving chamber 33, wherein when the error-proof retainer 30 is in the holding position, the operating portion 23 of the locking member 20 is received within the operating portion receiving chamber 33. Specifically, the error-proof retainer 30 is configured to move between a holding position and a released position. In the holding position, the error-proof retainer 30 engages with the locking member 20 to ensure that the locking member 20 is in the locked position and to prevent movement of the locking member 20 relative to the housing 10. In the released position, the error-proof retainer 30 disengages from the locking member 20 to allow the locking member 20 to move freely between the locked position and the unlocked position relative to the housing 10.

[0047] Figures 8 to 14 The diagrams show a series of structural schematics of the female connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, from its initial state before connection with the mating member 2 to its completed state after connection with the mating member 2. Figure 11 and Figure 13 They show along Figure 10 The cross-sectional structure cut by section line AA and along Figure 12 The cross-sectional structure cut by section line BB in the image. Below, we will combine... Figures 8 to 14 The present invention describes in detail the specific working state of the female connector 1 according to the present invention and the cooperation relationship between the error-proof retaining member 30 and other components in various working states.

[0048] According to the design concept of this disclosure, in the female connector 1, the error-proof retainer 30 is configured to move freely between the retaining position and the releasing position only when the locking member 20 is in the locked position relative to the housing 10. When the locking member 20 is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the locking member 20 prevents the error-proof retainer 30 from sliding from the releasing position to the retaining position; and when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member does not affect the sliding of the error-proof retainer between the retaining position and the releasing position.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 8 , Figures 12 to 14 As shown, when the locking element 20 is in the position as Figure 9 The unlock location shown or as Figure 10 and Figure 11In the intermediate position shown, the radial height of at least a portion of the outer surface of the locking member body 21 is greater than the radial height of the outer surface of the housing 10. That is, at least a portion of the locking member body 21 disengages radially from the recess 13 and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 10. At this time, the locking member 20 prevents the anti-misalignment retainer 30 from moving as shown. Figure 8 The release position shown and as Figure 14 The sliding between the holding positions is shown. Conversely, when the locking member 20 is in the locking position, the outer surface of the locking member body 21 is basically flush with the outer surface of the housing 10, or the radial height of the outer surface of the locking member body 21 is equal to or less than the radial height of the outer surface of the housing 10. That is, the locking member body 21 is located inside the recess 13 and does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing 10. In this case, the locking member 20 does not affect the sliding of the error-proof retainer 30 between the holding position and the release position. Therefore, with the female connector 1 provided by this utility model, as long as the error-proof retainer 30 can move from the release position to the holding position, it can be confirmed a second time that the locking member 20 has fully entered the locking position. That is to say, the user only needs to pay attention to whether the error-proof retainer 30 can move from the release position to the holding position to confirm whether the locking member 20 has fully entered the locking position. In addition, when the error-proof retainer 30 is in the holding position, the error-proof retainer 30 at least partially covers the outside of the locking member 20. Therefore, the female connector 1 provided by this utility model, when the anti-misalignment retainer 30 enters the retaining position, the anti-misalignment retainer 30 and the locking member 20 are effectively engaged, which can prevent the locking member 20 from disengaging from the locking position under the use environment such as vibration, thereby further ensuring the connection stability between the female connector 1 and the mating member 2.

[0050] Furthermore, in the female connector 1 according to this utility model, a first anti-rotation portion is provided on one of the inner surface of the error-proof retaining member 30 and the outer surface of the housing 10, and a second anti-rotation portion is provided on the other of the inner surface of the error-proof retaining member 30 and the outer surface of the housing. The first and second anti-rotation portions cooperate to prevent the error-proof retaining member 30 from rotating relative to the housing 10 in the circumferential direction of the housing 10. See also... Figures 5 to 7 as well as Figures 8 to 14 In an exemplary embodiment, the first anti-rotation portion includes a protrusion 34 extending along the axial direction of the housing 10 on the inner surface of the anti-rotation retainer 30, and the second anti-rotation portion includes a receiving groove 14 extending along the axial direction of the housing 10 in the outer surface of the housing 10; wherein, when the anti-rotation retainer 30 is in the holding position, the protrusion 34 moves into the receiving groove 14. In other embodiments, the first and second anti-rotation portions may also employ other suitable mating structures, as long as they can prevent the anti-rotation retainer 30 from rotating relative to the housing 10 in the circumferential direction of the housing 10.

[0051] Furthermore, in the female connector 1 according to this utility model, the error-proof retaining member 30 is provided with an interference portion. This interference portion is configured to interfere with the locking member 20 or the housing 10 to maintain the position of the error-proof retaining member 30 relative to the housing 10 in the axial direction of the housing 10, preventing the error-proof retaining member 30 from accidentally entering the retaining position or the released position. It should be noted that the design of the interference portion only needs to provide a slight interference effect, preferably without affecting the operator's sliding of the error-proof retaining member 30 relative to the housing 10. See also... Figures 5 to 7 as well as Figures 8 to 14 In an exemplary embodiment, the interference portion includes at least one rib 35 formed on the inner surface of the error-proof retainer 30, wherein the at least one rib 35 interferes with the outer surface of the locking member 20 or the outer surface of the housing 10 to maintain the position of the error-proof retainer 30 relative to the housing. Preferably, the housing 10 may include a first slot 15 formed on the outer surface of the housing 10, wherein when the error-proof retainer 30 is in the released position, at least one rib 35 is located within the first slot 15. Preferably, the locking member 20 includes a second slot 25 on the outer surface of the locking member 20, wherein when the error-proof retainer 30 is in the held position, at least one rib 35 is located within the second slot 25. In other embodiments, the interference portion may also employ other suitable mating structures, as long as they can maintain the position of the error-proof retainer 30 relative to the housing 10 in the axial direction of the housing 10.

[0052] Furthermore, in the female connector 1 according to this utility model, a marking area 19 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 10. When the error-proof retaining member 30 is in the released position, the marking area 19 is at least partially covered by the error-proof retaining member 30; while when the error-proof retaining member 30 is in the holding position, the marking area 19 is exposed, such as... Figure 14 As shown. A QR code can be set in the identification area 19.

[0053] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides a connector assembly, the connector assembly including the female connector 1 as described in any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described foregoing in conjunction with embodiments, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described in the present invention are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the technical content of the present invention may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention described above are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The solutions described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principled conflicts. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A female connector, characterized in that, The female connector includes: The housing has an axial channel extending along its axial direction and a latching window leading to the axial channel; A locking element is movably disposed on the housing, and the locking element is configured to move relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element enters the axial channel via the locking window; in the unlocked position, the locking element does not enter the axial channel. An error-proof retainer is sleeved on the outside of the housing and is configured to move relative to the housing between a retaining position and a releasing position. In the retaining position, the error-proof retainer engages with the locking member to ensure that the locking member is in the locking position and to prevent movement of the locking member relative to the housing. In the releasing position, the error-proof retainer disengages from the locking member to allow the locking member to move freely relative to the housing between the locking position and the unlocking position. The error-proof retaining member can only move from the release position to the retaining position when the locking member is in the locking position.

2. The female connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element is configured to transition relative to the housing from one of a locking position and an unlocked position via an intermediate position; wherein... When the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the locking member protrudes radially from the outer surface of the housing; and When the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member does not protrude radially from the outer surface of the housing.

3. The female connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The error-proof retainer is capable of sliding along the outer surface of the housing between the retaining position and the releasing position.

4. The female connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the locking member prevents the error-proof retaining member from sliding from the released position to the retaining position; and When the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member does not affect the sliding of the error-proof retaining member between the retaining position and the releasing position.

5. The female connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the error-proof retainer is in the retaining position, the error-proof retainer at least partially covers the outside of the locking member.

6. The female connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The error-proof retainer has a first anti-rotation portion on one of its inner surface and the outer surface of the housing, and a second anti-rotation portion on the other of its inner surface and the outer surface of the housing. The first anti-rotation portion and the second anti-rotation portion cooperate with each other to prevent the error-proof retainer from rotating relative to the housing in the circumferential direction of the housing.

7. The female connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first anti-rotation part includes a protrusion extending along the axial direction of the housing on the inner surface of the anti-rotation retainer, and the second anti-rotation part includes a receiving groove extending along the axial direction of the housing in the outer surface of the housing. When the error-proof retainer is in the retaining position, the protrusion moves into the receiving groove.

8. The female connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The error-proof retainer is provided with an interference portion, which is configured to interfere with the locking member or the housing to maintain the position of the error-proof retainer relative to the housing.

9. The female connector as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The interference portion includes at least one raised rib formed on the inner surface of the error-proof retainer, wherein the at least one raised rib interferes with the outer surface of the locking member or the outer surface of the housing.

10. The female connector as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The housing includes a first slot formed on the outer surface of the housing, wherein when the anti-misoperation retainer is in the released position, the at least one rib is located within the first slot; The locking member includes a second slot on its outer surface, wherein when the anti-misoperation retainer is in the retaining position, the at least one rib is located within the second slot.

11. The female connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The housing is in the shape of a circular straight cylinder, the locking element is in the shape of a C-ring, and the anti-misalignment retainer is in the shape of a circular ring; The inner surface of the anti-misalignment retainer has a contour shape that matches the shape of the locking member.

12. The female connector as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The locking element includes: The locking element body has a C-shaped ring structure; The locking part extends radially inward from the locking member body, wherein when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking part enters the axial channel through the locking window, and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking part does not enter the axial channel; A deformation fulcrum, the deformation fulcrum being formed at the end of the locking body; and An operating part extends radially outward from the locking member body and is configured to move the locking member between the locking position and the unlocking position by manipulating the operating part.

13. The female connector as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The outer surface of the shell has a radially inwardly recessed portion; wherein, When the locking member is in the locking position, the body of the locking member is located inside the recess and does not protrude from the outer surface of the housing; and When the locking member is in the intermediate position or the unlocked position, at least a portion of the locking member body disengages from the recess in the radial direction of the housing and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing.

14. The female connector as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The error-proof retainer has an operating portion receiving chamber, wherein when the error-proof retainer is in the retaining position, the operating portion of the locking member is received in the operating portion receiving chamber.

15. The female connector as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The outer surface of the housing is provided with a marking area, wherein... When the error-proof retainer is in the released position, the marking area is at least partially obscured by the error-proof retainer; and When the error-proof retainer is in the retaining position, the marking area is exposed.

16. A connector assembly, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes a female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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