Protective device for quick coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a metal protection device (10) for a quick connector (4) having a locking element (2) and intended to be coupled to a male end form, comprising a first protective cover (100) and a second protective cover (200) which are assembled to form a housing (10) adapted to receive the quick connector (4), characterized in that the housing (10) comprises a window (20) adapted to receive the locking element (2), and in that the first protective cover (100) comprises at least one locking wing (40), to be assembled with the second protective cover (200) which is adapted to receive the locking wing (40) Abstract figure: Fig. 6

Description

Title of the invention: Protective device for a quick coupling Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective device for a quick coupling having a locking element. The present invention also relates to an assembly of such a protective device and a quick coupling. Prior art

[0002] Quick coupling assemblies are known for quickly connecting and establishing fluid communication between a male end shape having a bead and a tube, as illustrated in document FR3044070 or US6709026. Circuits must be provided that are capable of withstanding external loads / impacts and protecting the plastic part of the part, such as shocks simulating the accidents to which these circuits are subjected, when these quick couplings are used in a motor vehicle. Patent document EP2079957 proposes a solution for a metal protective housing. The protective housing is long and includes a section intended to protect the tip of the fir teeth (90 degree bend) so that the housing can be fixed to the coupling (axial movement and rotation prevention). The two sections of the housing are fixed by means of rolled edges, which makes disassembly very difficult. Statement of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a metal protection device for a quick connector which makes it possible to protect the quick connector against external loads and / or impacts. The present invention also relates to the assembly of a protection device and a quick connector.

[0004] To this end, the present invention relates to a metal protection device for a quick connector having a locking element and intended to be coupled to a male end form. The metal protection device comprises a first protective cover and a second protective cover which are assembled to form a housing adapted to receive the quick connector.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, the metal protection device has the following characteristics: the first protective cover comprises at least one blocking wing, to be assembled with the second protective cover which is capable of receiving the blocking wing.

[0006] Advantageously, this makes it easier to dismantle the metal protection device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second protective cover comprises a slot which is adapted to receive the locking wing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the metal protection device has the following characteristics: the housing has a window capable of receiving the locking element, and the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the quick connector form vacuum zones when the quick connector is received in the housing.

[0009] Advantageously, this makes it possible to protect the quick connector received by the protection device against external loads and / or impacts.

[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly of the first protective cover and the second protective cover is achieved by positive locking.

[0011] Advantageously, this allows the protective device to remain rigid under the load of an external impact and to prevent the two protective covers from detaching.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first protective cover comprises, at the end, curved flaps towards the external surface.

[0013] Advantageously, this makes it easier to introduce a quick connector into the protection device and to reduce the contact surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one locking tab.

[0015] Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the relative rotational movement between the protection device and the quick connector. When the protection device is mounted on the quick connector, this anti-rotation locking arrangement engages inside the quick connector and limits its rotational movement.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing comprises reinforcements.

[0017] Advantageously, this makes it possible to reinforce the metal casing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one rotational locking foot.

[0019] Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the relative rotational movement between the protection device and the quick connector. When the protection device is mounted on the quick connector, this anti-rotation locking arrangement engages inside the quick connector and limits its rotational movement.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one axial locking tab.

[0021] Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the relative translational movement between the protection device and the quick connector. When the protection device is mounted on the quick connector, this locking arrangement engages inside the quick connector and limits its tilting movement.

[0022] In one embodiment, the window is arranged in one of the protective covers.

[0023] Advantageously, this makes it possible to increase the resistance to external loads and / or impacts.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first protective cover includes at least one protrusion and the second protective cover includes at least one hole, the protrusion engaging the hole when these two protective covers are assembled to form a housing.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second protective cover has an opening that engages the end of the curved flap.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first protective cover comprises, at least at one end, a locking wing.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an assembly of a metal protection device according to the present invention and a quick connector received in the metal protection device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the quick connector is plastic or a hybrid connector. Brief description of the figures

[0029] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the following description given, for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0030] [Fig.l] shows a front view of a first protective cover and a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig.2] shows a front view of a protective device comprising a first protective cover and a second protective cover which is mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig.3] represents a partial view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig.5] represents another partial view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.6] represents a perspective view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.7] shows another partial view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig.8] shows another partial view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Fig.9] represents a perspective view of a protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective view of the first protective cover of a protective device to be shown on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] [Fig.l 1] shows a perspective view of a protective device to be shown on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] [Fig.12] shows a front view of a protective device comprising a first protective cover and a second protective cover which is mounted on a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] [Fig. 13] shows a front view of a first protective cover and a quick connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0043] The different figures as well as the elements of the same figure are not necessarily represented on the same scale. In all the figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0044] The terminology used in this description should not be interpreted in any way in a limiting or restrictive manner, simply because it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

[0045] [Fig.l] shows a front view of a first protective cover 100 of a metal protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a quick connector 4. The metal protection device is intended to protect the quick connector 4, which often comprises plastic elements that are less resistant to external loads. For this, the metal protection device performs satisfactorily. The quick connector 4 is provided with a locking element 2 and intended to be coupled to a male end shape (not shown).

[0046] Generally speaking, the device according to the present invention is suitable for protecting a quick connector having a locking element and intended to be coupled to a male end shape, or a quick connector having a plastic head and a hybrid metal body. US6709026 describes an example of such a hybrid connector.

[0047] [Fig.2] represents a front view of a protection device 10 comprising a first protective cover 100 and a second protective cover 200 which is mounted on a quick connector 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Generally, the metal protection device 10 comprises a first protective cover 100 and a second protective cover 200. which are assembled to form a housing 10 capable of receiving the quick connector 4. Advantageously, the housing 10 has good resistance.

[0049] Advantageously, the housing 10 comprises a window 20 capable of receiving the locking element 2. This will be detailed later.

[0050] Preferably, the window 20 is arranged entirely in one of the protective covers 100, 200, for example in the first protective cover 100. Advantageously, the housing 10 has better resistance.

[0051] The inner surface of the housing 10 and the outer surface of the quick connector 4 form vacuum zones 12 when the quick connector 4 is received in the housing 10. In operating mode, the quick connector 4 is covered at least partially by the housing 10. The housing 10 and the quick connector 4 are in contact on a portion of the inner surface of the housing 10 and on a portion of the outer surface of the quick connector 4, thus creating vacuum zones 12 between the housing 10 and the quick connector 4. Advantageously, this allows the housing 10 to absorb more shocks, and thus protect the quick connector 4 received by the protection device 10 against external loads and / or impacts.

[0052] [Fig. 3] represents a partial view of a protection device 10 mounted on a quick connector 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the window 20 is arranged entirely in the first protective cover 100. Advantageously, this allows access to the locking element 2 of the quick connector 4. The locking element 2 serves to lock the male end shape which is received in the quick connector 4. Indeed, the locking element 2 can exit the quick connector 4 through the window 20 and unlock the male end shape.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first protective cover 100 is advantageously formed from a metal sheet constituting the manufacturing base.

[0054] Advantageously, the first protective cover 100 comprises, at each end, fixing means, such as a locking wing 40, to be assembled with the second protective cover 200. For example, the locking wing is in the form of a tab curved towards the inside of the housing 10. The second protective cover 200 comprises means which cooperate with these fixing means, such as openings which receive the curved tabs. Having a curvifoliate makes it easier to assemble the two shells 100, 200, but also to have a positive locking, that is to say the locking remains effective in the event of external loads / impacts. This will be better explained with reference to [Fig.6].

[0055] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of a protection device mounted on a quick connector 4. This window 20, as illustrated by [Fig.2], allows the locking element 2 to pass through without the first protection cover 10 being compromised in terms of mechanical strength, because the first protection cover 100 is provided with reinforcements 80 at the edge of the window 20. In fact, the window 20 is formed by cutting out the first protective cover 100 which is basically a metal sheet. Advantageously, the presence of the reinforcements 80 provides better impact resistance.

[0056] Advantageously, one of the protective covers 100, 200, preferably the first protective cover 100, comprises, at the end, curved folds 50 towards the external surface. Advantageously, this makes it easier to introduce a quick connector 4 into the protection device 10 and to reduce the contact surface between the quick connector 4 and the protection device 10. Still advantageously, the second protective cover 200 comprises windows which receive curved folds 50 when the two protective covers 100, 200 are assembled.

[0057] [Fig. 5] is shown, which represents another partial view of a protection device 10 mounted on a quick connector 4. The locking element 2 is accessible outside the housing 10 which covers the quick connector 4. Thus, the operator can lock the quick connector 4 when a male end form is inserted, or vice versa. Advantageously, the locking element 2 does not come out of the outer surface of the housing when it is in the locked state.

[0058] The protective covers 100, 200 are assembled by the fixing means provided for this purpose. The quick connector 4 is confined in the housing 10. In the assembled state, the curved locking wing 40, which projects from the outer surface of the second protective cover 200, makes it possible to prevent detachment of the two shells 100, 200, because the curved locking wing 40 is received in a slot provided in the second protective cover 200.

[0059] [Fig.5] also illustrates a second aspect of the invention which relates to an assembly of a metal protection device 10 according to the present invention and a quick connector 4 received in the metal protection device 10.

[0060] In one embodiment, the quick connector is advantageously made of plastic.

[0061] As seen in [Fig.6] which illustrates a perspective view of a protective device 10, the two shell-shaped protective covers 100, 200 are provided with an internal surface which comes into direct contact with the quick connector 4.

[0062] In an embodiment not illustrated, the protection device 10 is provided with an elastic and absorbent lining which comes into contact with the quick connector 4 and acts as a wedge for the housing 10 and as a dampener for the relative movements between the quick connector 4 and the housing 10.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the two shells 100, 200 are respectively made of a metal sheet constituting the manufacturing base.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first protective cover 100 comprises, at least at one end, a locking wing 60. Advantageously, the locking wing 60 has jaws at its free end which can advantageously engage with the second protective cover 200 in the assembled state. The locking wing 60 can be arranged in parallel with a curved fold 50.

[0065] We focus on the second protective cover 200 illustrated in [Fig.7]. We observe that the housing 10 comprises at least one locking foot 120. Preferably, the locking foot 120 is formed by cutting and folding the metal sheet inside the housing 10. Advantageously, the locking foot 120 makes it possible to limit the relative rotational movement between the second protective cover 200, therefore the protection device 10 and the quick connector 4. When the protection device is mounted on the quick connector 4, this anti-rotation locking arrangement engages with the quick connector 4 and limits its rotational movement. Preferably, the housing 10 comprises a plurality of rotational locking feet 120. These locking feet 120 also make it possible to prevent the relative translational movement between the connector 4 and the housing 10.Some locking feet 120 are engaged in a groove provided in the quick connector and other locking feet 120 are in abutment against the wall in the hole which receives the locking element 2, according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 10, preferably the second protective cover 200, comprises at least one axial locking tab 140. Preferably, the axial locking tab 140 is formed by cutting and bending the metal sheet. Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the relative translational movement between the protection device 10 and the quick connector 4 and to prevent the housing 10 from tilting relative to the quick connector 4. This locking arrangement engages with the quick connector and limits its tilting movement, when the protection device is mounted on the quick connector.

[0067] Locking arms 160 having an outwardly curved tongue shape are seen in [Fig.8]. The locking arms 160 of the first protective cover 100 are received in adapted openings of the second protective cover 200, so that this constitutes anti-detachment means between the two shells 100, 200.

[0068] In [Fig.9] it can be seen that the housing 10, preferably the first protective cover 100, comprises at least one locking tab 30. Preferably, the locking tab 30 is formed by cutting and folding the metal sheet inside the housing 10. This will be detailed later.

[0069] We now observe [Fig. 10].

[0070] It is recalled that the first protective cover 100 comprises, at the end, curved folds 50 towards the external surface. Advantageously, this makes it easier to introduce a quick connector 4 into the protection device 10 and to reduce the contact surface between the quick connector 4 and the protection device 10.

[0071] The first protective cover 100 is fixed on the quick connector 4 by pressing it. The connector is provided with housings 5 which are adapted to receive curved folds 50. This makes it possible to avoid unwanted movements. This makes it easier to position the first protective cover 100 on the connector.

[0072] The first protective cover 100 is first mounted on a quick connector 4, the locking tab 30 being positioned in a location provided on the quick connector 4. Advantageously, this makes it possible to limit the relative rotational movement between the protection device and the quick connector. When the protection device is mounted on the quick connector, this anti-rotation locking arrangement engages inside the quick connector and limits its rotational movement.

[0073] Then, the second protective cover 200 is mounted on the quick connector 4, the two protective covers 100, 200 forming a housing 10 around the quick connector 4. This is illustrated with [Fig. 11]. Under the action of an external force, the locking wing 40 enters the slot and slides along it until it abuts against the end of the slot and thus arrives in the assembly position.

[0074] Advantageously, the first protective cover 100 comprises protrusions 70, which engage in the corresponding holes 170 of the second protective cover 200 when these two protective covers 100, 200 are assembled to form a housing 10, thus creating a snap-fit connection.

[0075] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the disassembly of the housing 10 is described below.

[0076] First, the housing 10 is pushed outwards. Concretely, the two ends of the second protective cover 200 outwards, following the directions indicated by S1 and S2 respectively. The biogage wing 40 is disengaged from the second protective cover 200. Subsequently, the intermediate part of the second protective cover 200 is pushed / pulled outwards, following the direction indicated S3, until the second protective cover 200 detaches from the quick connector 4 and the first protective cover 100.

[0077] Then, the two ends of the first protective cover 100 are pushed / pulled outwards, following the directions indicated by S4 and S5 respectively, until the curved flaps come out of the housings 5 of the quick connector 4. And then, the intermediate part of the first protective cover 100 is pushed / pulled outwards, following the direction indicated S6, until the first protective cover 100 detaches from the quick connector 4. In one embodiment, directly pushes / pulls the intermediate part of the first protective cover 100 outwards, following the direction indicated S6, until the first protective cover 100 detaches from the quick connector 4.

[0078] Advantageously, it should be noted that the process of disassembling and / or mounting the metal housing 10 according to the present invention is simplified. List of reference signs

[0079] [Tables 1] References Designations 2 Locking element 4 Connector 5 Housing 10 Protective metal casing 12 Vacuum zone 100 First protective cover 20 Window 30 Locking tab 40 Locking wing 50 Curved flap 60 Locking wing 70 Protrusion 80 Reinforced part 200 Second protective cover 120 Rotational locking foot 140 Axial locking tab 160 Locking arm 170 Hole

Claims

Claims

1. A metal protective device (10) for a quick connector (4) having a locking element (2) and intended to be coupled to a male end shape, comprising a first protective cover (100) and a second protective cover (200) which are assembled to form a housing (10) adapted to receive the quick connector (4), characterized in that: - the housing (10) comprises a window (20) adapted to receive the locking element (2), - the first protective cover (100) comprises at least one locking wing (40), to be assembled with the second protective cover (200) which is adapted to receive the locking wing (40), - and in that the locking wing (40) is in the form of a tab curved towards the inside of the housing (10).

2. A metal protection device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second protective cover (200) comprises a slot which is adapted to receive the locking wing (40).

3. Metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner surface of the housing (10) and the outer surface of the quick connector (4) form vacuum zones (12) when the quick connector (4) is received in the housing (10).

4. Metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first protective cover (100) comprises, at the end, curved folds (50) towards the external surface.

5. Metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) comprises at least one locking tab (30).

6. A metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) comprises reinforcements (80).

7. A metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) comprises at least one rotational locking foot (120).

8. Metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housing (10) comprises at least one axial locking tab (140).

9. A metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the window (20) is arranged in one of the protective covers (100, 200).

10. A metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first protective cover (100) comprises at least one protrusion (70) and the second protective cover (200) comprises at least one hole (170), the protrusion (70) engaging in the hole (170) when these two protective covers (100, 200) are assembled to form a housing (10).

11. A metal protection device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the second protective cover (200) has an opening which engages with the end of the curved flap (50).

12. A metal protection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first protective cover (100) comprises, at least at one end, a locking wing (60).

13. An assembly of a metal protection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a quick connector (4) received in the metal protection device (10).

14. Assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the quick connector (4) is made of plastic or hybrid.

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