QUICK COUPLING HOSE

Abstract

A quick-connect hose assembly comprises a body with one end connected to a hose, a connector fluidically connected to the hose and located in the body, a valve coupled to the connector, a connecting port located between the valve and the connector, and a housing coupled to the valve and the connector, wherein the valve comprises a flange in contact with a plane of the connector and an elastic part extending from the flange longitudinally along the connector, the elastic part surrounding and sealing a chamber formed between the connecting port and the elastic part, and one end of the elastic part extending from the flange in response to a fluid flow to selectively open and close the chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for preventing fluid backflow and controlling fluid flow in a vehicle fluid system, in particular a system configured such that a check valve is installed in a plastic hose and a quick-connect coupling assembly, thereby preventing fluid backflow and enabling efficient fluid injection. The present method is applicable to various vehicle fluid conveying systems (feed systems) that require fluid flow control and pressure regulation. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle fluid system, such as a washer fluid supply system, can ensure the visibility of a vehicle.

[0003] In some cases, a vehicle fluid supply system can deliver washer fluid through either a rubber or a plastic hose. The rubber hose is flexible but susceptible to high pressure. The plastic hose can be stronger than the rubber hose but requires a separate quick-connect fitting (quick coupling). The quick-connect fitting (quick coupling) allows a hose to be easily connected to a mating part, thereby increasing the efficiency of a vehicle assembly process.

[0004] In some cases, a quick connector can simply be used to connect a hose to a mating fitting. The quick connector may not include functional components such as a check valve that allows washer fluid to flow back from a pump to a nozzle. Especially if the nozzle is located at the top of a vehicle, the washer fluid is more likely to flow back due to gravity, which can cause a delay when a vehicle user sprays washer fluid through the nozzle. Furthermore, the vehicle's washer fluid refill cycle may be shortened if washer fluid flows back, resulting in increased maintenance costs. OVERVIEW

[0005] The present disclosure describes a device that can prevent the backflow of washing liquid and shorten the washing liquid injection time by installing an expandable elastic body check valve in a quick coupling.

[0006] The present disclosure describes a device for reducing the washing fluid loss in a washing fluid supply system of a vehicle and for improving assembly performance.

[0007] The present disclosure describes a method for incorporating a quick-release coupling and a check valve into a hose designed for supplying washer fluid to a vehicle, thereby enabling not only an efficient supply of washer fluid but also preventing backflow. This structural configuration prevents backflow and reduces washer fluid loss, thus improving the vehicle's maintainability.

[0008] The present disclosure describes a method by which backflow of washing liquid can be prevented and the washing liquid injection time reduced by installing an expandable elastic body check valve in a quick coupling.

[0009] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a quick-connect hose assembly comprises a hose, a body with a first end connected to the hose, a connector arranged in the body and fluidically connected to the hose, a valve coupled to the connector, wherein a connecting port is defined between the valve and the connector, and a housing coupled to the valve and the connector. The valve comprises a flange in contact with the connector and an elastic portion extending from the flange in the longitudinal direction of the connector, the elastic portion being configured to surround and cover a chamber defined between the connecting port and the elastic portion.One end of the elastic part is designed to detach from the connector due to a fluid flow through the hose and to lock onto it, thereby selectively opening and closing the connection opening.

[0010] Embodiments according to this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the housing may include a stepped portion that is in contact with at least one part of the flange and an extension portion that is located adjacent to the stepped portion and coupled to the connector. In some embodiments, the connection opening may be defined on an outer surface of the connector and face an inner surface of the elastic portion. In some examples, the end of the elastic portion may be configured to move relative to the flange toward the housing in response to the fluid introduced into the connection opening, thereby opening the connection opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic part is arranged to move relative to the flange in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector, wherein a volume of the chamber is arranged to vary based on the movement of the end of the elastic part in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a first section in contact with the body, a second section arranged at one end of the housing, a seat section arranged between the first and second sections, and a holder coupled to the seat section, the seat section defining a plurality of coupling holes at its lower end, the plurality of coupling holes being configured to receive at least a portion of the holder. In some embodiments, the holder may comprise a first locking part surrounding an upper end of the seat section and multiple second locking parts extending from the first locking part along inner surfaces of the first and second sections, the multiple second locking parts being configured to be inserted into the multiple coupling holes.

[0013] In some embodiments, the housing may further include a release guide arranged adjacent to the multiple coupling holes, wherein the multiple second locking parts are configured to move along the release guide. In some embodiments, the first locking part may be configured to move towards the seat section due to an external force exerted on the first locking part, and the multiple second locking parts may be configured to move along the release guide due to the movement of the first locking part towards the seat section, thereby unlocking themselves from the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the quick-connect hose assembly may further comprise a nipple inserted into the housing, the nipple having an inclined surface with an outer diameter that increases in a direction away from the housing. The nipple is inserted into the housing and configured to cause the multiple secondary locking parts to move away from each other along the inclined surface toward opposite ends of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector can define the connection opening on its outer circumferential surface, with the chamber extending from an inside of the connector to the connection opening.

[0016] In this application, the terms “vehicle”, “vehicle-related”, and other similar terms, as used herein, encompass motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and other vehicles with alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As used herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of propulsion, for example, vehicles powered by both gasoline and electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0017] The above-mentioned and further features of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary explanations, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which serve only for illustration and therefore do not limit the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a quick-connect hose arrangement. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the quick-connect hose assembly. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the quick-connect hose assembly when a valve closes a connection opening. Fig. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the quick-connect hose assembly when the valve opens the connection opening. Fig. 4A is a view showing an example of a bracket connected to a nipple inserted into a housing. Fig. 4B is a view showing the bracket unlocked from the housing.

[0018] In the figures, the reference numbers refer to identical or equivalent parts of the present disclosure in the various figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following section discusses in detail various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0020] In the following description, a forward direction refers to a direction in which a housing 130 is inserted into a body 100, and a reverse direction refers to a direction in which the housing 130 is separated from the body 100.

[0021] The following sections describe embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing these embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a quick-connect hose arrangement 10.

[0023] In some embodiments, the quick-coupling hose assembly 10 consists of a body 100 connected to a hose 113, a connector 110 inserted into the body 100 and connected to the hose 113, a valve 120 coupled to the connector 110, and a housing 130 configured to contact at least part of the valve 120 and coupled to the connector 110.

[0024] A portion of hose 113 is inserted into one end of body 100. Hose 113 can be used in a vehicle's fluid supply system. Furthermore, the hose can be designed to have a cylindrical shape and a coiled shape extending in its longitudinal direction.

[0025] The coiled shape increases the flexibility of hose 113 to such an extent that the hose can be easily used in a complex piping structure inside the vehicle and allows a constant flow of fluid, even when hose 113 is bent or pressed.

[0026] In some examples, hose 113 may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Hose 113 made of PVC may exhibit higher durability and chemical resistance than hose 113 made of other materials. Furthermore, the wear resistance of hose 113 made of TPU is higher (greater) with regard to both low and high temperatures than that of hose 113 made of other materials.

[0027] The body 100, which is fluidically connected to the hose 113 and configured to allow fluid from the hose 113 to flow into it, can be designed to have a cylindrical shape extending in its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the body 100 has a front end into which the hose 113 is inserted. The inner diameter of the front end of the body 100 can be such that it corresponds to the outer diameter of the hose 113, allowing the hose 113 to be inserted into the body 100, or it can be larger than the outer diameter of the hose 113. That is, the inner diameter of the front end of the body 100 can be determined according to the outer diameter of the hose 113.

[0028] In some embodiments, if the hose 113 has a coiled shape, the section of the body 100 that receives the hose 113 may be ribbed to ensure a secure connection. The ribbed shape allows the hose 113 and the body 100 to be firmly coupled, prevents separation between them that may occur when fluid flows through the hose, and maintains an airtight seal between the hose and the body.

[0029] The connector 110 inserted into the body 100 is equipped to include at least two coupling parts 114, which extend along the outer circumferential surface of the connector 110 in the longitudinal central axis of the body 100 and its vertical direction, and a screw groove 116 formed between the coupling parts 114.

[0030] In some embodiments, the connector 110 can be screwed firmly to the body 100. The connector 110 can be fastened to the body 100 by engaging the screw groove 116 with a screw thread 101 formed in the inner circumferential surface of the body 100. Additionally, a projection 117 is formed in the screw groove 116, which protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the connector 110.

[0031] When the connector 110 is rotatably inserted into the body 100, the screw groove 116 rotates along the screw thread 101. If, due to the continued rotation of the screw groove 116, the screw thread 101 comes into contact with the projection 117, the rotation of the connector 110 is stopped and the connector 110 is fixed to the body 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, the front end of the connector 110 can be fluidically connected to the hose 113, which is located inside the body 100. Furthermore, a connecting opening 111 is arranged at the rear end of the connector 110. In some embodiments, the connecting opening 111 is located in the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the connector 110.

[0033] Fluid introduced through hose 113 can flow into housing 130 via connection opening 111.

[0034] The valve 120, which is arranged opposite the connecting opening 111, is coupled to the connector 110. The valve 120 can be formed from a flange 121, which is in contact with the plane of the connector 110, and an elastic part 122, which extends longitudinally from the flange 121. Additionally, the elastic part 122 can be formed from an elastic body with an elastic restoring force.

[0035] The elastic part 122 is configured to surround the connecting opening 111 and to selectively open and close the connecting opening 111 by expanding and retracting the elastic part 122. Furthermore, the elastic part 122 is configured to selectively seal a chamber 112, which is formed between the connecting opening 111 and the elastic part 122 and is in fluid communication with the connecting opening 111.

[0036] In some embodiments, the elastic part 122 can expand from the flange 121 in response to the pressure of the fluid introduced into the hose 113. If an inner surface of the elastic part 122, facing the chamber 112, is subjected to pressure from the introduced fluid in a direction in which the elastic part 122 is moved away from the connector 110, the rear end of the elastic part 122, which is farther from the flange 121, can expand radially with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the body 100. In this way, the chamber 112 can open with respect to the elastic part 122, and the volume of the chamber 112 can vary depending on the expansion of the rear end of the elastic part 122.

[0037] In particular, as the rear end of the elastic part 122 expands, the distance between the inner surface of the elastic part 122 and the outer circumferential surface of the connector 110, where the connecting opening 111 is located, increases. This distance can refer to a straight line from the longitudinal center axis of the body 100 to the inner circumferential surface of the body 100.

[0038] Since the distance between the elastic part 122 and the outer circumferential surface of the connector 110 including the connecting opening 111 thus increases, the volume of the chamber 112 formed between the elastic part 122 and the connecting opening 111 can increase.

[0039] This structural configuration causes the fluid introduced into the hose 113 to lift the inner surface of the elastic part 122, and the introduced fluid can flow along the outer surface of the rear end of the connector 110 into the housing 130.

[0040] In some embodiments, when no fluid is introduced into the inner surface of the elastic part 122 through the connecting opening 111, the elastic restoring force brings it into contact with the connector 110. Furthermore, when fluid pressure is applied to the inner surface of the elastic part 122 in a direction that moves the elastic part 122 away from the connector 110, and the pressure is less than the elastic restoring force of the elastic part 122, the elastic part 122 comes into contact with the connector 110 due to the elastic restoring force and seals the chamber 112.

[0041] Therefore, if the rear end of the elastic part 122 expands, the distance between the inner surface of the elastic part 122 and the upper end of the connecting opening 111 increases, and when the rear end of the elastic part 122 returns to its original position, the distance between them decreases. If the vertical distance between the inner surface of the elastic part 122 and the upper end of the connecting opening 111 decreases, the volume of the chamber 112 may decrease.

[0042] In some embodiments, the elastic part 122 remains in close contact with the connector 110 even when fluid flows from the rear end of the housing 130 to its front end, such that the fluid does not open the elastic part 122. Since the chamber is closed, no fluid can flow from the rear end of the housing to its front end.

[0043] In some examples, the valve 120 of the elastic body of the present disclosure functions as a check valve 120, which is configured to allow fluid introduced through the hose 113 to flow only in one direction from the front of the inside of the connector 110 and the housing 130 to its rear end, thereby preventing backflow of fluid.

[0044] The housing 130, which is configured to surround the valve 120 including the elastic part 122 and to be connected to the connector 110, is designed such that it has a stepped part 131 which is in contact with at least a portion of the plane of the flange 121. Furthermore, the housing 130 is designed such that it has an extension part 132 which extends from the upper end of the stepped part 131 in a direction in which the stepped part 131 faces the connector 110.

[0045] Additionally, the extension part 132 comes into contact with the coupling parts 114 of the connector 110.

[0046] The rear end of the flange 121 comes into contact with the stepped part 131, and the outer circumferential surface of the flange 121 comes into contact with the extension part 132. Furthermore, a locking claw 115, arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the connector 110 and coupled to the coupling part 114, can come into contact with the plane of the front end of the flange 121.

[0047] In some embodiments, the flange 121 can be forcibly attached between the stepped part 131, the extension part 132, and the locking claw 115. That is, the flange 121 can be designed to have a coupling structure that accommodates the longitudinal flow force of the fluid introduced into the hose 113 through the stepped part 131, the extension part 132, and the locking claw 115. Therefore, the flange 121 can be fixed to the connector 110 and the housing 130 by the aforementioned coupling structure, even when a fluid flow force is exerted on the flange.

[0048] The housing 130, which is selectively connected to the chamber 112 by the expansion and retraction of the elastic part 122, can be formed from a first section 134, which is in contact with the plane of the body 100, and a second section 135, which is located at the rear end of the housing 130. Furthermore, the housing 130 is configured to include a seat section 136, which connects the first section 134 to the second section 135. The seat section 136 can have a retainer 140 mounted on it, and the retainer 140 is configured so that a nipple 150 inserted into the housing 130 can be attached to or detached from it. In addition, at least one seat section 136 can be arranged on both sides of the upper end between the first section 134 and the second section 135.

[0049] In some embodiments, coupling holes 139 can be defined at the lower end of the seat section 136, and at least a part of the holder 140 is inserted into the coupling holes 139. That is, the housing 130 can be formed from the first section 134, the second section 135, the seat section 136, and the coupling holes 139.

[0050] The holder 140, arranged between the first section 134 and the second section 135, is formed from a first locking part 141, which is configured to surround the upper end of the seat section 136, and second locking parts 142, which extend from the first locking part 141 along the respective inner surfaces of the first section 134 and the second section 135. Furthermore, the first locking part 141 can be compressed or reset by an external force. When the nipple 150 is inserted into the housing 130, the second locking parts 142 can be spaced apart from each other along an inclined surface 151 of the nipple 150 in a direction away from the inside of the housing 130 or approach each other in a direction towards the inside of the housing 130. For this purpose, each of the first locking parts 141 and the second locking parts 142 can be formed from an elastic body.

[0051] Furthermore, the second locking parts 142 can each be inserted into the coupling holes 139 and arranged opposite the respective lower ends of the seat section 136. In addition, the second locking parts 142 can move integrally with the first locking part 141. For example, if an external force is applied to move the first locking part 141 towards the lower end of the housing 130, the first locking part 141 and the second locking parts 142 can move integrally downwards along the inner surfaces of the first section 134 and the second section 135.

[0052] If the second locking parts 142 between the first section 134 and the second section 135 are moved downwards towards the lower end of the housing 130, the second locking parts 142 can each be moved along the opposite outer surfaces of a release guide 137 which is adjacent to the coupling holes 139 and is located at the lower end of the housing 130.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the quick-coupling hose assembly 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, each component of the quick-connect hose assembly 10 is designed to control the fluid flow and maintain the airtightness of the coupling hose.

[0055] The elastic part 122 is designed to extend from the flange 121 and expands or retracts depending on the fluid flow. The elastic part 122 expands according to the force of the fluid flow to open the chamber 112. If no fluid flows through the quick-connect hose, the elastic part 122 returns to its original position to seal the chamber 112. Furthermore, the elastic part 122 can be made of a material such as silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0056] Additionally, the elastic part 122 expands radially from the longitudinal center axis of the body 100 due to the fluid pressure and controls the fluid flow by changing the volume of the chamber 112. For example, the elastic part 122 can expand from its front end, which is connected to the flange 121, in a direction where its tip, i.e., its rear end, abuts the inner surface of the housing 130. In this case, the elastic part 122 can be shaped conically or trumpet-shaped.

[0057] Furthermore, the elastic part 122, in an expanded state, can maintain a smooth fluid flow and, when returned to its original position, seal the chamber 112 to ensure airtightness within the fluid supply system. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the elastic part 122 can contact the surface of the connector 110, or the rear end of the elastic part 122 can contact the surface of the connector 110, so that the elastic part 122 seals the chamber 112.

[0058] The rear end of the flange 121 touches the plane of the stepped section 131 and is coupled to it. This coupling structure makes it possible to counteract the flow force generated by the fluid. In particular, the fluid introduced into the hose 113 moves longitudinally from the front end of the connector 110 to its rear end and collides with the connector 110. This collision subjects the connector 110 to an external force in a direction away from the body 100 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the reverse direction).

[0059] Since the locking claw 115 of the connector 110 is coupled to the flange 121 in a state where the plane of the locking claw 115 and the plane of the flange 121 are in contact, the external force exerted on the connector 110 in the reverse direction is transmitted to the flange 121. The flange 121 transmits this external force in the reverse direction to the stepped part 131, which generates a resistance force as a reaction force to the external force, and this resistance force is transmitted to the flange 121.

[0060] In some examples, the resisting force acting on the flange 121 has the same magnitude as the external force, but acts in the opposite direction to counteract the external force exerted on the flange 121. This counteracting effect allows the flange 121 to be fixed without being displaced or moved by an external force.

[0061] Therefore, the resistance force generated in the stepped part 131 in response to the longitudinal flow force of the fluid introduced into the hose 113 can be transferred to the flange 121, and the resistance force transferred to the flange 121 can be balanced by the external force caused by the flow of the fluid.

[0062] In some examples, the flange 121 may be subjected not only to an external force from the connector 110, but also to an external force caused by the expansion of the elastic part 122. If fluid that has collided with the connector 110 flows through the connecting opening 111 and collides with the elastic part 122, the inner surface of the elastic part 122 is subjected to pressure in a direction that moves the elastic part 122 away from the connector 110.

[0063] Due to this structural configuration, the elastic part 122 expands towards the housing 130. As the elastic part 122 expands, the flange 121 connected to the elastic part 122 is subjected to an external force in the forward direction. Here, the forward direction can refer to the direction in which the housing 130 is inserted into the body 100.

[0064] In this process, the forward-directed external force is transferred to the locking claw 115, the locking claw 115 generates a resistance force due to action and reaction, and the resistance force is exerted on the flange 121.

[0065] In the flange 121, the forward-directed external force and the rearward-directed resistance force can be balanced, and various external forces exerted on the flange 121 can be distributed by the locking claw 115, the extension part 132, and the stepped part 131. Therefore, the flange 121 can be fixed between the stepped part 131, the locking claw 115, and the extension part 132 by a coupling structure, while resisting a fluid flow force.

[0066] Fluid introduced into hose 113 flows through the elastic part 122 and into housing 130. Furthermore, the interior of housing 130 can be fluidically connected to the interior of nipple 150 inserted into housing 130, and fluid can be discharged to the outside. If the fluid flowing through the interior of housing 130 reaches nipple 150, an O-ring 160, positioned between housing 130 and the front end of nipple 150, prevents the fluid from escaping along the outer surface of the front end of nipple 150. In some embodiments, the O-ring 160 is designed to surround the front end of nipple 150 and seal any space formed between housing 130 and nipple 150. Additionally, the O-ring 160 can be inserted into the first section 134.

[0067] Fig. 3A is a view showing a state before the expansion of the elastic part 122, and Fig. 3B is a view showing a state after the expansion of the elastic part 122.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fluid introduced into the hose 113 flows through the connector 110 to the connection opening 111 and moves longitudinally from the front end of the connector 110 to its rear end.

[0069] In some embodiments, a flow control disc is arranged at the inlet of the connecting opening 111 to perform a function of controlling a flow rate of fluid when the fluid flows through the connecting opening 111 into the housing 130.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flow control disc is installed in a path through which fluid passes through the connector 110 and flows into the connecting opening 111. The flow control disc includes a flow opening designed to regulate both the flow velocity and the flow rate of the fluid as it passes through. The size and shape of the flow opening control the inflow rate of the fluid, thereby preventing pressure fluctuations in the fluid supply system that can occur due to an excessive flow rate.

[0071] In particular, the flow control disc can regulate the fluid flow such that the flow rate increases with decreasing cross-sectional area of ​​the flow orifice and decreases with increasing cross-sectional area. Furthermore, a constant flow rate can be maintained as fluid flows through the connecting orifice 111 and to the elastic part 122, thus preventing abrupt fluctuations in the fluid flow and maintaining the stability of the fluid supply system.

[0072] Furthermore, the fluid flowing through the flow control disc faces the inner surface of the elastic part 122.

[0073] If the fluid exerts pressure on the inner surface of the elastic part 122 in a direction that pushes it away from the connector 110, and this pressure exceeds the restoring force of the elastic part 122, the elastic part 122 expands radially towards the inner surface of the housing 130. When the elastic part 122 abuts the inner surface of the housing 130, the chamber 112 opens such that the fluid can flow through the connecting opening 111, which is in fluid communication with the chamber 112. Therefore, the fluid flowing through the connecting opening 111 can flow through the chamber 112 into the inner surface of the housing 130. The fluid flowing into the inner surface of the housing 130 flows into the nipple 150 inserted into the housing 130 and is discharged to the outside.

[0074] In some embodiments, a protective ring of the elastic part 122 may be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rear end of the elastic part 122. If the elastic part 122 expands towards the inner surface of the housing 130, the protective ring of the elastic part 122 may serve to prevent direct contact with the inner surface of the housing 130 and to ensure the durability of the elastic part 122.

[0075] In some embodiments, the elastic part 122 returns to its original position when the fluid flow force becomes smaller than the elastic restoring force.

[0076] This means that the elastic part 122 is moved in a direction that seals the chamber 112. In this case, the chamber 112 is closed in such a way that the flow of fluid into the housing 130 is blocked.

[0077] In some examples, the quick-coupling hose arrangement 10 of the present disclosure has a technical feature to control the fluid in such a way that the fluid flows in only one direction through radial expansion and return of the elastic part 122.

[0078] Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic view of a state in which the holder 140 is connected to the nipple 150 inserted into the housing 130, and Fig. 4B is a schematic view of a state in which the holder 140 is detached from the housing 130.

[0079] In some embodiments, the housing 130 may be configured to include a mounting guide 138 which is arranged on the inner surface of each first section 134 and each second section 135 and is configured to extend downwards along the inner surface of each first section 134 and each second section 135.

[0080] The holder 140, located between the first section 134 and the second section 135, can be arranged to surround the upper end of the seat section 136. Furthermore, the second locking parts 142 of the holder 140 are each inserted into the coupling holes 139 and positioned opposite the lower end of the seat section 136. In some embodiments, the second locking parts 142 can be arranged between the respective mounting guides 138. Therefore, the second locking parts 142 can move along the inner surfaces of the mounting guides 138 between the mounting guides 138.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second locking parts 142 can be moved along the inclined surface 151 of the nipple 150 inserted into the housing 130. The nipple 150 encompasses the inclined surface 151, the outer diameter of which increases in the direction in which the nipple 150 is separated from the housing 130. When the nipple 150 is inserted into the housing 130, the second locking parts 142 point towards the inclined surface 151.

[0082] When the nipple 150 is inserted into the housing, the second locking parts 142 are spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the second locking parts 142 are moved away from both ends of the housing 130 along the inclined surface 151. When the nipple 150 is inserted into the housing such that the second locking parts 142 are separated from the inclined surface 151, the second locking parts 142 point towards a cylindrical part 152 that has a step opposite the inclined surface 151. In some embodiments, the step is a vertical distance from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 152 to the rear end of the inclined surface 151 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the rear end of the inclined surface 151 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical part 152.

[0083] When the second locking parts 142 are moved along the inclined surface 151 and pass the rear end of the inclined surface 151 to be opposite the cylindrical part 152, the second locking parts 142 are moved towards the interior of the housing 130. As the second locking parts 142 are moved towards the interior of the housing 130 and come into contact with the cylindrical part 152 of the nipple 150, the nipple 150 can be fastened to the housing 130.

[0084] This means that when the nipple 150 is first inserted into the housing, the second locking parts 142 are moved along the inclined surface 151 in a direction away from both ends of the housing 130. Once the nipple 150 is fully inserted into the housing 130, the second locking parts 142 are moved towards the interior of the housing 130, and the housing 130 and the nipple 150 are coupled together.

[0085] When the nipple 150 is disconnected from the quick-connect hose assembly 10, a user can exert force on the first locking part 141 from the upper end of the housing 130 to the lower end of the same. This exerts an inward force on the first locking part 141, and the first locking part 141 is moved downwards in the vertical direction along the inner surfaces of the first section 134 and the second section 135.

[0086] The second locking parts 142, connected to the first locking part 141, move integrally with the first locking part 141. Furthermore, the second locking parts 142 move vertically downwards between the mounting guides 138 towards the lower end of the housing 130. Simultaneously, the second locking parts 142 move laterally along the outer surface of the release guide 137 away from both ends of the housing 130.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the second locking parts 142 are moved away from both ends of the housing 130 such that cross-sections of the second locking parts 142 that come into contact with the cylindrical part 152 of the nipple 150 are separated from the cylindrical part 152 of the nipple 150, the coupling between the nipple 150 and the housing 130 is released. Therefore, the nipple 150 can be easily separated from the housing 130.

[0088] The quick-connect hose assembly 10 of the present disclosure is an integral quick-connect hose assembly 10 comprising the valve 120, which can control the fluid flow in only one direction. In the quick-connect hose assembly 10, the longitudinally arranged elastic part 122 expands radially due to the flow force of the fluid from the flange 121, and fluid introduced through the hose 113 can flow into the housing 130. Furthermore, the quick-connect hose assembly 10 has a technical feature that securely fixes the nipple 150 to the housing 130 by means of a locking and unlocking mechanism of the holder 140.

[0089] As can be seen from the above description, the present disclosure can achieve the following effects through the configuration, combination and use described in the embodiments.

[0090] In some embodiments, an expandable elastic check valve is installed in a quick-connect hose to prevent washing fluid from flowing back, and the washing fluid is conveyed stably from a pump to a nozzle, thereby achieving a reduction in the injection time of the washing fluid.

[0091] In some embodiments, no additional parts are included in the hose assembly because the check valve is designed to be integrated into the quick-connect hose assembly, thus simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time.

[0092] In some embodiments, in the case of a nozzle located at the top of a vehicle, it is possible to prevent backflow of the washer fluid due to gravity and to reduce washer fluid loss, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of a fluid supply system.

[0093] The present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, and the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. That is to say, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and the idea of ​​the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments describe examples of implementing the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and various modifications in specific application areas and uses of the present disclosure are also possible. Accordingly, the detailed description of the present disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed embodiments.Furthermore, the scope of protection of the attached claims should be interpreted in such a way as to also include other embodiments.

Claims

[1] Quick-connect hose assembly comprising: a hose; a body with a first end that is connected to the hose; a connector that is located in the body and fluidly connected to the hose; a valve connected to the connector, wherein a connecting opening is defined between the valve and the connector; and a housing connected to the valve and the connector, the valve includes: a flange that is in contact with the connector, and an elastic part extending from the flange in the longitudinal direction of the connector, wherein the elastic part is configured to surround and cover a chamber defined between the connection opening and the elastic part, and wherein one end of the elastic part is designed to detach from the connector due to a fluid flow through the hose and to lock onto it in order to selectively open and close the connection opening. [2] Quick-connect hose assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a stepped part that is in contact with at least part of the flange; and an extension part that is arranged adjacent to the stepped part and connected to the connector. [3] Quick coupling hose arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connection opening is defined on an outer surface of the connector and faces an inner surface of the elastic part. [4] Quick coupling hose arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the end of the elastic part is arranged to move relative to the flange towards the housing depending on the fluid introduced into the connection opening, in order to open the connection opening. [5] Quick-connect hose assembly according to claim 4, wherein the elastic part is arranged to move relative to the flange in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and wherein a volume of the chamber is arranged to vary depending on the movement of the end of the elastic part in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector. [6] Quick-connect hose assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a first section that is in contact with the body; a second section located at one end of the housing; a seating section located between the first section and the second section; and a holder that is connected to the seat section, and wherein the seat section defines several coupling holes at its lower end, wherein the several coupling holes are designed to accommodate at least part of the holder. [7] Quick-connect hose assembly according to claim 6, wherein the holder comprises: a first locking part that surrounds an upper end of the seat section; and several second locking parts extending from the first locking part along the inner surfaces of the first section and the second section, the several second locking parts being arranged to be inserted into the several coupling holes. [8] Quick-coupling hose arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the housing further comprises a release guide arranged adjacent to the plurality of coupling holes, and wherein the multiple second locking parts are arranged to move along the release guide. [9] Quick-release hose assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first locking part is configured to move towards the seat section due to an external force applied to the first locking part, and wherein the multiple second locking parts are configured to move along the release guide due to the movement of the first locking part towards the seat section in order to be released from the housing. [10] Quick-connect hose assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a nipple inserted into the housing, wherein the nipple comprises an inclined surface with an outer diameter increasing in one direction away from the housing, wherein the nipple is inserted into the housing and is arranged such that the multiple second locking parts are moved away from each other along the inclined surface in the direction of opposite ends of the housing. [11] Quick-connect hose arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connector defines the connection opening on its outer circumferential surface, and wherein the chamber extends from an inside of the connector to the connection opening.

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