QUICK CONNECTOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a quick connector (100) comprising: - a tubular connector body (10) defining an insertion axis and having a sealing zone (20) in the form of an internal annular groove for receiving a male element; - an axial retaining element (50); - the internal annular groove having a bottom (22) and a side wall (24) which are defined by an internal shoulder of the main tubular connector body (10); - the internal shoulder (25) is not contained in a transverse plane perpendicular to the insertion axis; - the connector (100) has, between the axial retaining element (50) and the bottom (22), at least two sealing gaskets (40, 80) and a spacer (60) located between the gaskets (40, 80). Illustration: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: QUICK CONNECTOR Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick connector, for example for fluid transport pipes. State of the art

[0002] In the prior art, patent EPI766282 describes a sealing sleeve for a fluid distribution connector. This sleeve has a particular shape designed to reduce the force required when assembling the connector. However, there are applications where a single sealing sleeve is insufficient and at least two seals are necessary to ensure adequate sealing. The question then arises as to how to efficiently assemble at least two seals while maintaining the advantage of reduced assembly force. Description of the invention

[0003] To overcome the above drawback, the present invention aims to provide a quick connector that allows the assembly of several seals while reducing the force required for this assembly. The invention proposes a connector configuration having a sealing area with a 3D base to receive the seals, which facilitates the insertion of a male element and reduces the force required during assembly. Furthermore, the invention offers the possibility of using seals of different materials or diameters, thus allowing adaptation to the diverse requirements of applications in terms of chemical and thermal resistance.

[0004] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a quick connector comprising:

[0005] - a tubular connector body defining an insertion axis and having an area sealing in the form of an internal annular groove to receive a male element;

[0006] - an axial retaining element;

[0007] - the internal annular groove comprising a bottom and a side wall which are defined by an internal shoulder of the main tubular connector body;

[0008] in which the internal shoulder is not contained in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the axis of insertion;

[0009] - the connector comprises, between the axial retaining element and the base, at least two sealing gaskets and a spacer located between the gaskets.

[0010] Optionally, the joints are, in the assembled state, likely to have the same profile as the internal shoulder.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the spacer is rigid.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the spacer is provided with the means for error correction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the internal annular groove includes an internal stop defining a stage and a second lateral wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the two seals are O-rings of different diameters.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the spacer is flexible.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove is not not axisymmetric along the connector insertion axis.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the axial retaining element has at least one notch.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the quick connector further comprises an element of lockdown.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the at least two seals are O-rings of the same material.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the at least two seals are O-rings of different materials.

[0021] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a quick connector of the present invention having a flexible spacer, comprising,

[0022] - (i) initial insertion of the two sealing gaskets into the groove of the body of quick connector, the said joints being separated by a spacer;

[0023] - (ii) subsequent installation of the axial retaining element;

[0024] in which, the spacer deforms according to the profile of the internal shoulder during step (ii).

[0025] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a quick connector of the present invention having a rigid spacer, comprising,

[0026] - (i) initial insertion of the two sealing gaskets into the groove of the body of quick connector, the said joints being separated by a spacer;

[0027] - (ii) subsequent installation of the axial retaining element;

[0028] in which, during assembly, the spacer retains its original shape.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the spacer is oriented in a predefined direction before its insertion into the groove in step (i).

[0030] The advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] The use of sealing gaskets with a 3D or wave shape This allows the seal to be progressively compressed, requiring less force to assemble it in the connector. The use of two seals provides added security, because if one seal fails, the other can still maintain the seal. The two seals can be made from different materials to withstand different types of fluids, making the invention suitable for a variety of applications where the seals may come into contact with different fluids. The invention allows the use of specific materials for the O-rings, which can withstand extreme temperatures and aggressive chemical environments, which is particularly useful for applications such as fuel or cooling systems.

[0032] The invention allows the use of standard O-rings, which is economical and facilitates mass production.

[0033] The presence of a spacer between the two seals allows pressure, such as compressed air, to be applied during leak testing in production, thus ensuring the quality of the assembly and the integrity of the seals. The use of a rigid spacer prevents the components from rotating during assembly, which improves reliability.

[0034] The features of the spacer, such as the keying elements, ensure correct assembly and prevent incorrect orientation of the components, which is essential for the proper functioning of the assembly. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The invention can be better understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. Among the drawings:

[0036] Fig. 1 represents a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure [Fig. 2] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Fig.3] shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of [Fig.1] in exploded form;

[0039] [Fig.4] shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of [Fig.1];

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of Fig. 4 with the retained sealing elements;

[0041] [Fig.6] shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of [Fig.5] with a locking element;

[0042] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly from Figure 2.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly from Figure 2.

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of Fig. 8 with the retained sealing elements;

[0045] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector assembly of Fig. 9 with a locking element;

[0046] Fig. 11 A illustrates a perspective view of the spacer;

[0047] Fig. 1 IB shows a perspective view of the spacer;

[0048] Fig. 1 IC presents a perspective view of the flexible spacer;

[0049] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the connector body 10 of a connector 100, showing the internal annular groove and the anti-missing means.

[0050] Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector 100 which receives a male element;

[0051] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector 100 receiving a male element, illustrating the interaction between the male element and the sealing elements. Detailed description of embodiments

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail, including technical aspects, structural features, objectives achieved, and effects, with reference to the accompanying drawings. More specifically, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention serve only to describe the purpose of a particular embodiment, but do not limit disclosure.

[0053] The singular form of the term in this disclosure includes the plural form unless the meaning of the singular is clearly different from that of the plural form in the context. In the following description, the terms "include" or "have" may represent the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and may not exclude the existence or addition of another feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof.

[0054] The terms "first" or "second" are used to explain various components, and the components are not limited to the terms "first" and "second." The terms "first" and "second" are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] The accompanying figures illustrate a quick connector according to the present invention. The illustrated quick connector is suitable for various applications, including, but not limited to, the automotive field. More specifically, the quick connector can be used in any situation where a first fluid line needs to be connected to a second fluid line. These situations include, but are not limited to, aircraft, motor vehicles, and ships. Other examples include factories, commercial areas, and residential areas.

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 show a quick connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to [Fig. 1] and 2, the quick connector 100 comprises a connector body 10 and optionally a locking element 70, 75 mounted on the connector body 10. The connector body 10 has a The first end and a second end. The first end can receive a plug-in element or a male element (not shown) and be connected to the plug-in element. The plug-in element can be in fluidic communication with a first fluid line. The plug-in element can, for example, have a tubular shape and include a peripheral flange on its outer periphery for connection / locking with the quick connector 100. The second end 30 can be in fluidic communication with a second fluid line (such as a flexible tube). Thus, when the quick connector 100 and the plug-in element are connected / locked to each other, the first fluid line is in communication with the second fluid line.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a quick connector 100. The quick connector 100 comprises a tubular connector body 10 defining an insertion axis. Inside this connector body 10, an internal annular groove is formed, serving as a sealing zone 20, intended to receive a male element (not shown). This internal annular groove is characterized by a bottom 22 and a side wall 24, which are delimited by an internal shoulder 25 of the connector body 10. Advantageously, the internal shoulder 25 is arranged so as not to be contained in a transverse plane perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0058] Preferably, the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove is not axisymmetric along the insertion axis of the connector.

[0059] Preferably, the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove has a non-flat 3D profile.

[0060] Preferably, the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove has a wavy shape.

[0061] Between the axial retaining element 50 and the bottom 22 of the groove, the quick connector 100 comprises at least two sealing gaskets, identified as the first gasket 40 and the second gasket 80, with a spacer 60 located between them. The spacer 60 serves to maintain adequate spacing between the two sealing gaskets 40 and 80 and can deform according to the profile of the internal shoulder during assembly.

[0062] In this embodiment, the spacer is flexible.

[0063] Preferably, a locking element 70 is also present to secure the entire quick connector 100.

[0064] In an advantageous embodiment, the two seals 40, 60 are O-rings.

[0065] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a quick connector 100 with a rigid spacer 60. The quick connector 100 comprises a tubular connector body 10. Inside the connector body 10, two seals, the first seal 40 and the second seal 80, are positioned and separated by the rigid spacer 60. This Spacer 60 maintains a spacing between the two joints, which is essential for their efficient operation.

[0066] In an advantageous embodiment, the two seals 40, 80 are O-rings.

[0067] The rigid spacer 60 offers the advantage of stabilizing the O-rings during assembly and pressure testing, thus preventing their movement or rotation, which could otherwise compromise the sealing of the connector.

[0068] Figure 2 also shows the corrugated shape of the O-ring 80, which can allow Progressive compression of the seal during assembly reduces the force required and improves the seal. This will be detailed later.

[0069] This embodiment with the rigid spacer 60 is particularly advantageous because it offers increased safety thanks to the double sealing barrier formed by the two O-rings, while allowing an effective leak test by applying pressure between the seals during production tests.

[0070] The present invention also allows the use of standard components, such as standard O-rings, which is economical and facilitates mass production. Furthermore, the rigid spacer 60 helps ensure correct assembly and prevents misalignment of the components.

[0071] Optionally, two notches (not shown) located on the outer periphery of the retaining element 50 are provided to fit into openings present on the connecting end of the body 10, thus keeping the retaining element 50 clipped into the main body 10. Alternatively, the axial retaining element can be a fitting head assembled onto the fitting body.

[0072] Keying lugs allow the spacer 60 to be inserted into the body 10 with a precise angular orientation, by sliding into grooves located on the body 10. This will be detailed later.

[0073] A flexible spacer is defined as a component designed to adapt to variations in profile within the connector body during assembly. It can deform to conform to the contours of the internal annular groove and the profile of the bottom of this groove, even if this profile is not axisymmetric along the insertion axis of the connector. The flexible spacer can be made from materials with low rigidity achieved by a compromise between the dimensions and the Young's modulus of the material, for example, elastomeric materials or other flexible materials that allow it to adjust to irregularities while maintaining adequate compressive force on the O-rings it separates.

[0074] A rigid spacer is defined as a component that maintains a fixed and precise spacing between the O-rings within the internal annular groove of the connector body. Unlike a flexible spacer, a rigid spacer is made from The spacer is made of materials with greater thicknesses and high Young's modulus, which provides high rigidity. Examples include engineering plastics or metals that do not deform under assembly pressure or during connector use. The rigid spacer is designed to withstand mechanical forces without altering its shape, thus ensuring consistent alignment and separation of the O-rings, even with non-axisymmetric groove profiles.

[0075] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the axial retaining element 50 comprises a first section and a second section, the end of which compresses the second toroid 80. Therefore, the length of the second section varies according to the radial orientation. Advantageously, the first section has a larger outer diameter than the second section. This difference in diameter exposes a peripheral edge of the first section of the retaining element 50, which can bear against a stop shoulder of the main body. This facilitates the positioning of the axial retaining element 50.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector, illustrating an embodiment similar to that described in Figure 1, but presented as an exploded view. In this view, the first O-ring 40 and the second O-ring 80 are separated by the spacer 60. The flexible spacer 60 is designed to maintain adequate spacing between the two O-rings.

[0077] Figure 4 illustrates the process of introducing the sealing components 40, 60, and 80 into the tubular connector body 10. The first O-ring 40, the spacer 60, and the second O-ring 80 are placed in the internal annular groove 20, either sequentially or together as a unit using a dedicated tool. This step prepares the connector for the insertion of the retaining element 50. The spacer 60 is flexible in this embodiment.

[0078] Figure 5 demonstrates the insertion of the retaining element 50 into the connector body 10, where it compresses the second O-ring 80 against the bottom of the internal annular groove 20. The spacer 60, being flexible, adapts to the profile of the internal shoulder during this compression. Figure 5 advantageously illustrates the fit between the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 and the corresponding end of the retaining element 50, thus ensuring reliable retention and effective sealing.

[0079] The sealing components, comprising the first O-ring 40, the spacer 60, and the second O-ring 80, are inserted into the internal annular groove 20 of the connector 100, either one by one or simultaneously as a set, using a specific tool, as shown in [Fig. 4]. Subsequently, the retaining element 50 is positioned, exerting pressure on the second O-ring 80. The spacer 60, of a flexible nature, allows the three elements 40, 60, 80 to compress together between the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 and the retaining element 50. This configuration is advantageous because the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 is designed to match that of the end of the retaining element 50, thus ensuring adequate sealing and fixing, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0080] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector 100, showing the addition of a locking element 70. This locking element is intended to securely fix the retaining element 50 in place and / or to lock the male element (not shown) when inserted into the connector body 10. Figure 6 illustrates the position and function of the locking element 70 within the quick connector assembly 100.

[0081] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector, illustrating an embodiment similar to that described in Figure 2, but presented as an exploded view. The elements are arranged to show their relative position before assembly.

[0082] In this view, the first O-ring 40 and the second O-ring 80 are separated by the spacer 60. The spacer 60 is intended to maintain adequate spacing between the two O-rings, and ensures correct alignment and stability of the O-rings inside the connector body 10.

[0083] The exploded view makes it possible to understand the spatial relationship between the different components of the quick connector 100 and how they assemble to form the whole.

[0084] The connector body houses an internal annular groove, at the bottom of which is the bottom 22. The side wall 24 of the groove, together with the bottom 22, forming the internal shoulder 25, delimits the space in which the first sealing gasket will be placed.

[0085] The internal annular groove has a stage 26, which, in cooperation with the second side wall 28, provides precise and stable positioning for the spacer 60 and the second sealing gasket 80. The first end of the spacer 62 is designed to fit against the base 22, thus ensuring adequate compression of the first sealing gasket during assembly.

[0086] Figure 8 illustrates the process of introducing the sealing components into the tubular connector body 10. The first O-ring 40, the spacer 60, and the second O-ring 80 are placed in the internal annular groove 20, either sequentially or together as a unit using, for example, a dedicated tool. This step prepares the connector for the insertion of the retaining element 50. The spacer 60 is rigid in this embodiment.

[0087] Figure 9 demonstrates the insertion of the retaining element 50 into the connector body. 10, where it compresses the second O-ring 80 against the bottom of the internal annular groove 20. The spacer 60, being rigid, compresses the first O-ring 40 against the bottom, and the first O-ring adapts to the profile of the internal shoulder during this compression. Figure 9 highlights the correspondence of the profiles between the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 and one end of the retaining element 50, thus ensuring good retention and effective sealing.

[0088] The rigid spacer 60 allows the two elements 40, 80 to be compressed together between the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 and the retaining element 50. This configuration is advantageous because the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove 20 is designed to match that of the end of the retaining element 50, thus ensuring adequate sealing and fixing, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0089] In [Fig.9], the internal annular groove 20 of the connector body 10 is characterized by a stage defined by a stop 26 and a second side wall 28. Advantageously, the stage 26, 28 cooperates with the rigid spacer for its positioning in the annular groove 20. The rigid spacer 60, when inserted into the annular groove 20, aligns with the stage 26 and the side wall 28, which contributes to the structural stability of the assembly and to the accuracy of the alignment of the sealing components.

[0090] In this embodiment, it is advantageous for the two O-rings 40, 80 to have different diameters. More precisely, the diameter of the second O-ring 80 is larger than that of the first O-ring 40.

[0091] The spacer 60, rigid or flexible, includes orientation means 64 on the inner surface, which may be a specific shape or a known structure for cooperating with an assembly tool. This tool allows the spacer 60 to be positioned in the desired orientation inside the connector.

[0092] To verify the seal during assembly, controlled pressure can be applied to ensure the integrity of the joints separated by the spacer. Advantageously, the spacer 60 plays a crucial role in the process of verifying the seal of the quick connector 100 during assembly, thus ensuring that the finished product meets the required quality and performance standards.

[0093] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector 100, showing the addition of a locking element such as a rider clip 75, which may be metallic, which can be inserted into the grooves provided in order to firmly hold the retaining element 50.

[0094] This locking element 75 is intended to securely fix the retaining element 50 in place and / or to lock the male element (not shown) when inserted into the connector body 10.

[0095] Figure 11A represents a perspective view of the spacer 60, illustrating a mode of the spacer used in the quick connector. The spacer 60 is provided with alignment guides 61, 63, which facilitate the correct orientation of the spacer when it is inserted into the connector body 10. The first end of the spacer 62 is designed to compress the first O-ring 40 during assembly, thus ensuring an adequate seal between the connector components.

[0096] Figure 1 IB also shows a perspective view of the spacer 60, illustrating another embodiment. As in Figure 11 A, this spacer 60 is equipped with alignment guides 61, which aid in the precise alignment of the spacer during insertion. The first end 62 of the spacer 60 exerts pressure on the first O-ring 40 during assembly, contributing to the creation of an effective sealing barrier. In addition, the spacer 60 has retaining means 65, which could be notches, hooks, or any other suitable mechanism for firmly holding the spacer in position within the internal annular groove 20.

[0097] Fig. 1 IC shows a perspective view of the rigid spacer 60. The rigid spacer 60 is without a stop. The orientation means 64, located on the inner surface of the spacer 60, allow the spacer to be positioned in the desired orientation using a tool during assembly.

[0098] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the connector body 10 of a connector 100. The connector body 10 has, within the internal annular groove, keying means 21, 23 such as grooves for cooperating with the keying features of the spacer 61, 63, not shown in this figure, when the spacer is inserted into the connector body 10. This cooperation ensures precise alignment and prevents incorrect insertion of the spacer, thus contributing to the reliability and performance of the connector assembly. The overall configuration ensures proper alignment and stability of the components within the connector assembly.

[0099] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a quick connector 100. The connector body 10 houses the retaining element 50, which secures the assembly. The first O-ring 40 and the second O-ring 80 are positioned inside the connector body 10, separated by the spacer 60. Optionally, a locking mechanism 70 ensures that the components remain securely in place inside the quick connector assembly 100.

[0100] A male element 200 is introduced into the annular groove 20.

[0101] Next, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], the penetrating end of the male element 200 makes initial contact with the second O-ring 80 over part of its periphery. As the male element 200 is inserted further into the connector body 10, the contact area with the second O-ring 80 increases, causing progressive compression of the seal. This gradual compression reduces

[0102]

[0103]

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] The effort required to fully insert the male element 200, compared to a situation where the seal would be compressed uniformly around its entire periphery from the start of insertion. The bottom of the annular groove, which can be associated with the corrugated shape of the seal 80, has a wave-like shape that varies sinusoidally, allowing for this progressive compression. Advantageously, the use of two sealing gaskets offers additional security, because if one of the gaskets were to fail, the other could still ensure the seal. Advantageously, the O-rings are made of the same material. This provides a reliable and redundant connection to ensure a tight seal. Advantageously, the O-rings are made of different materials. This ensures thermal and chemical compatibility. Indeed, the invention allows the use of specific materials for O-rings that can withstand extreme temperatures and aggressive chemical environments, which is particularly useful for applications such as fuel or cooling systems.

[0107] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS Reference symbol Designation 100 Connector 10 Tubular connector body 20 Internal annular groove / Sealing zone 21 Groove / Alignment guide 22 Bottom Groove / Alignment guide 24 Side wall 26 Stage 25 Internal shoulder 28 Second side wall 30 Connector end 40 First seal 50 Axial retaining element 60 Spacer 61 Alignment guide 62 First end of the spacer 63 Keying device 64 Orientation shape 65 Retaining device 66 Reduced section of the spacer 70 Locking element 75 Locking element 80 Second seal

Claims

Demands

1. Quick connector (100) comprising: - a tubular connector body (10) defining an insertion axis and having a sealing zone (20) in the form of an internal annular groove for receiving a male element; - an axial retaining element (50); - the internal annular groove having a bottom (22) and a side wall (24) which are defined by an internal shoulder of the main tubular connector body (10); characterized in that - the internal shoulder (25) is not contained in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the insertion axis; - the connector (100) comprises, between the axial retaining element (50) and the bottom (22), at least two sealing gaskets (40, 80) and a flexible or rigid spacer (60) located between the gaskets (40, 80) which are likely to have the same profile as the internal shoulder (25).

2. Quick connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rigid spacer is provided with the keying means (61, 63).

3. Quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the internal annular groove has an internal stop defining a stage (26) and a second side wall (28).

4. Quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two seals are O-rings of different diameters.

5. Quick connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile of the bottom of the internal annular groove is not axisymmetric along the insertion axis of the connector.

6. Quick connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial retaining element has at least one notch.

7. Quick connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking element (70, 75).

8. Quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two seals (40, 80) are O-rings of the same material.

9. Quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least two seals (40, 80) are O-rings of different materials.

10. Method of assembling a quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 5 to 9, comprising, - (i) initial insertion of the two sealing gaskets into the groove of the quick connector body, said gaskets being separated by a spacer; - (ii) subsequent placement of the axial retaining element; wherein, the spacer deforms according to the profile of the internal shoulder during step (ii).

11. A method for assembling a quick connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - (i) initial insertion of the two sealing gaskets into the groove of the quick connector body, said gaskets being separated by a spacer; - (ii) subsequent placement of the axial retaining element; wherein, during assembly, the spacer retains its original shape.

12. Method of assembling a quick connector (100) according to claim 11, wherein the spacer is oriented in a predefined direction before its insertion into the groove in step (i).

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