Fluid Connection Assembly

Abstract

The fluid connection assembly includes a check valve body including a first section forming a first port and a second port, a second section connected to the first section forming a third port, and a connector body including a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outward surface including an annular groove, and a first radially inward surface forming a fourth port.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and more particularly, to a fluid connection assembly for a refrigeration system that includes a retainer that reduces the insertion force required for assembly and allows for quick assembly without the need for tools. [Background technology]

[0002] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are essential components for many applications, particularly automotive and industrial applications. Because refrigeration systems are made up of various components, such as compressors, air coolers, condensers, receivers, evaporators or chillers, and / or suction drums, fluid must be able to move within each component as well as between the components. Fluid moves between components primarily through flexible or rigid hoses connected to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip, retaining ring clip, or snap ring mounted to the connector body adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder on the tube when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, for the fluid connector to function properly, a slot or opening must be machined into the connector body to allow the retaining clip to protrude therethrough and engage the tube, which requires additional post-processing manufacturing operations. During the assembly process, attachment of the retaining clip to the connector body is difficult to perform, and improper attachment of the retaining clip may jeopardize the structural integrity of the retaining clip. Additionally, the force required to engage the tube into the connector body and overcome the radial force of the retention clip is very large with current designs. Also, the retention clips are very thin and small, making them easy to lose if dropped or misplaced. Furthermore, some connection assembly solutions are time consuming to fasten and require tools for the assembly process. Additionally, current connection assembly solutions do not provide an indication of the connected state of the assembly.

[0003] Thus, there is a long felt need for a fluid connection assembly for a refrigeration system that includes a retainer that allows for disassembly, eliminates the need for post-processing machining, and reduces the insertion force required to assemble the fluid connector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect described herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly comprising a check valve body including a first section forming a first port and a second port, a second section connected to the first section forming a third port, and a connector body forming a fourth port, the connector body having a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outward surface with an annular groove, and a first radially inward surface.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first port and the second port are concentrically aligned. In some embodiments, the third port and the fourth port are concentrically aligned. In some embodiments, at least one of the second section and the connector body is disposed perpendicular to the first section. In some embodiments, the first radially inwardly facing surface comprises at least one annular groove. In some embodiments, the at least one annular groove comprises a first annular groove and a second annular groove axially spaced from the first annular groove. In some embodiments, a seal is disposed within the at least one annular groove. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a flange secured to the first section proximate the second port. In some embodiments, at least one of the first section and the second section comprises a radially outward thread.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a retainer including a third end configured for removably connection to the connector body, a fourth end, a first section, a second section displaceable relative to the first section, a second radially inward surface, and a second radially outward surface. In some embodiments, the second radially inward surface comprises a first flange extending radially inward proximate the third end and a second flange extending radially inward proximate the fourth end. In some embodiments, the first flange has a first diameter and the second flange has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.

[0007] According to an aspect presented herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly comprising: a check valve body including a first section forming a first port and a second port, a second section connected to the first section forming a third port, and a connector body forming a fourth port, the connector body having a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outward surface with an annular groove, and a first radially inward surface; and a retainer including a third end configured to be removably connectable to the connector body, a fourth end, a first section, a second section displaceable relative to the first section, a second radially inward surface, and a second radially outward surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first radially inwardly facing surface comprises at least one annular groove. In some embodiments, the at least one annular groove comprises a first annular groove and a second annular groove axially spaced from the first annular groove. In some embodiments, a seal is disposed within the at least one annular groove. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a flange secured to the first section proximate the second port. In some embodiments, the second radially inwardly facing surface comprises a first flange extending radially inward proximate the third end and configured to be engageable with the annular groove, and a second flange extending radially inward proximate the fourth end. In some embodiments, the first flange has a first diameter and the second flange has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder, the second flange configured to be engageable with the shoulder to secure the tube within the connector body.

[0009] According to aspects presented herein, an integrated inspection port quick connect is provided that improves ease of connection for industrial refrigeration applications and eliminates the need for brazing or soldering. The present disclosure reduces the chance of operator quality failures and / or leaks and the time it takes to connect a system.

[0010] The inspection port of the present disclosure has an integrated quick connect. The quick connect includes one or more O-rings and a flange that accepts a plastic retainer. The bead of the tube abuts the flange of the quick connect, and the retainer fits tightly against the bead and the flange of the quick connect to hold the tube and prevent it from dislodging. To service the system in the field, a replacement retainer can be used, provided by the inspection technician. A small pick / tool ​​is used to pry open the latch on the retainer.

[0011] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description of the disclosure, taken in light of the drawings and the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] Various embodiments are disclosed by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a fluid connection assembly. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the retainer shown in FIG. 1A in an unlocked state. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] It should be recognized at the outset that like drawing numbers on different drawings may identify identical or functionally similar structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0014] Further, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methods, materials, and modifications described, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is understood that methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assemblies of the present disclosure may be actuated hydraulically, electronically, pneumatically, and / or spring-driven.

[0016] It is to be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous with words such as "near," "very near," "about," "approximately," "approximately," "essentially," "neighborhood," "vicinity," and the like, and that such terms may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. It is to be understood that the term "proximate" is synonymous with words such as "near," "close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "immediately," "next to," and the like, and that such terms may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean a value within 10 percent of the specified value.

[0017] The use of "or" in this application is to be understood as referring to a "non-exclusive" arrangement unless otherwise stated. For example, when it says "item x is A or B," this is understood to mean either (1) or (2) below: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. In other words, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, the "exclusive or" arrangement for the statement "item x is A or B" requires that x is only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be interpreted as any one of the following structural arrangements: That is, a device comprising a first element, a device comprising a second element, a device comprising a third element, a device comprising a first element and a second element, a device comprising a first element and a third element, a device comprising a first element, a second element, and a third element, or a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0018] Furthermore, as used herein, the phrases "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" in conjunction with a system or element are intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, an apparatus comprising at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element is intended to be interpreted as any one of the following structural arrangements: an apparatus comprising a first element, an apparatus comprising a second element, an apparatus comprising a third element, an apparatus comprising a first element and a second element, an apparatus comprising a first element and a third element, an apparatus comprising a first element, a second element, and a third element, or an apparatus comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is also intended when the phrase "used in at least one of" is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or occur.

[0019] It should be appreciated that the term "tube" as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end formation, or any other suitable pipe flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should be further appreciated that the term "tube" can refer to a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of gas or liquid.

[0020] As used herein, a "fully assembled and locked state" refers to the fluid connection assembly where the tubing is fully connected to the check valve body and the retainer is fully connected to the check valve body to hold the tubing therein. As used herein, a "semi-assembled and locked state" refers to the fluid connection assembly where the retainer is fully connected to the check valve body, but no tubing is disposed within the check valve body or retainer. The retainer may be described as having a "locked state" or an "unlocked state" that refers to the state of the retainer independent of the check valve body and tubing.

[0021] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a fluid connection assembly 10. Figure 1B is a rear perspective view of the fluid connection assembly 10. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid connection assembly 10. The fluid connection assembly 10 generally includes a retainer 20, a tube 80, and a check valve body 100. The following description should be read in conjunction with Figures 1A-2.

[0022] Tube 80 includes end 82, section 83, bead or shoulder 87, section 89, end 82, and through hole 94. Through hole 94 extends through tube 80 from end 82 to end 92. Section 83 is disposed between end 82 and shoulder 87 and includes radially outwardly facing surface 84. Radially outwardly facing surface 84 has a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outwardly facing surface 84 includes a frustoconical tapered or curved surface proximate end 82 (see FIG. 4). Shoulder 87 is disposed between section 83 and section 89 and includes face 86 and face 88. In some embodiments, face 86 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in axial direction AD1, and face 88 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, face 86 is a frustoconical surface that extends radially inwardly in axial direction AD1 from the radially outwardly facing surface of shoulder 87. For example, the surface 86 may be straight conical and may increase in diameter in the axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, the surface 86 may include a straight portion and a conical or frustoconical portion. The section 89 is disposed between the shoulder 87 and the end 92 and includes a radially outwardly facing surface 90. The radially outwardly facing surface 90 has a substantially constant diameter. The tube 80 is configured to be inserted into the connector body 140, specifically end 82 first. The tube 80 is inserted into the connector body 140 until the section 83, or radially outwardly facing surface 84, engages the seal 62A-B (see FIG. 4). The shoulder 87 engages the end 144, and more specifically, the surface 86 abuts and / or engages the end 144, at which point the retainer 20 is assembled to secure the tube 80 to the check valve body 100, as described in more detail below. It should be appreciated that tube 80 may be any conventional tube or tube end formation comprising a bead, a radially outwardly extending protrusion or flange, or a ramp profile that extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube to secure the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a metal, a polymer, and / or a ceramic.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the retainer 20 in an unlocked state. The retainer 20 is shown in Figures 1A-2 in a locked state. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 4-4 in Figure 1A. The following description should be read in light of Figures 1A-4.

[0024] Retainer 20 generally comprises section 20A, section 20B, end 22, end 24, hole 21 extending from end 22 to end 24, radially outward facing surface 26, and radially inward facing surface 28. In some embodiments, section 20A is hingedly connected to section 20B, for example, via hinge 34. In some embodiments, hinge 34 is a living hinge. In some embodiments, section 20A is removably connected to section 20B. When sections 20A and 20B are connected or retainer 20 is in a locked state (FIGS. 1A and 2), hole 21 is formed therebetween. However, it should be appreciated that even in an unlocked state (FIG. 3), each of sections 20A and 20B can be said to include a respective hole 21.

[0025] The radially inwardly facing surface 28 extends from end 22 to end 24 and is configured to be engageable with the radially outwardly facing surface 152. The radially inwardly facing surface 28 includes a flange 30 extending radially inward therefrom. In some embodiments, the flange 30 is disposed adjacent end 22. The flange 30 is configured to be engageable with the groove 154, and the radially inwardly facing surface 28 is configured to be engageable with the radially outwardly facing surface 152 to connect the retainer 20 to the connector body 140. The flange 30 has a diameter D1. The radially inwardly facing surface 28 further includes a flange 32 extending radially inward therefrom. In some embodiments, the flange 32 is disposed adjacent end 24. The flange 32 is configured to be engageable with the shoulder 87 to connect the tube 80 to the connector body 140. The flange 32 has a diameter D2. In some embodiments, the diameter D1 is greater than the diameter D2.

[0026] As best seen in FIG. 4, flange 32 is spaced a first distance from flange 30. Groove 154 is spaced a second distance from end 144. Shoulder 87 has a width equal to a third distance. The first distance is substantially equal to the sum of the second and third distances. With this design, when retainer 20 is connected to connector body 140 and tube 80, flange 32 abuts surface 88 and surface 86 abuts end 144 (i.e., retainer 20 clamps shoulder 87 to end 144). In some embodiments, the first distance is less than the sum of the second and third distances. This causes shoulder 87 and connector body 140 to be pinched or clamped together. In some embodiments, the first distance is greater than the sum of the second and third distances such that shoulder 87 engages or is in close proximity to connector body 140. Further, the flange 30 has a first width and the groove 154 has a second width, the second width being greater than the first width. Thus, when the retainer 20 is connected to the connector body 140 without the tube 80 disposed therein, the retainer 20 can slide or displace in the axial directions AD1 and AD2 relative to the connector body 140. When the tube 80 is properly secured to the connector body 140 by the retainer 20, the retainer 20 cannot displace in the axial directions AD1 and AD2 relative to the connector body 140. This feature provides an indicator regarding the connection status of the fluid connection assembly 10 and will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the first width is substantially equal to the second width.

[0027] As previously mentioned, flange 32 has a diameter D2 that is smaller than the diameter of shoulder 87. This design prevents shoulder 87 from being dislodged from connector body 140 or tube 80 from axially displacing or rotating (i.e., bending moment) in direction AD2 relative to connector body 140. Tube 80 can still rotate circumferentially relative to connector body 140 and retainer 20.

[0028] Section 20A includes a male connector 36 and section 20B includes a female connector 38. As shown, male connector 36 of section 20A is configured to engage with female connector 38 of section 20B such that sections 20A and 20B are securely fastened. In some embodiments, male connector 36 is hook-shaped (radially outwardly) and includes a groove 36A and one or more radially outwardly extending protrusions 36B. Groove 36A is disposed on radially outward surface 26. Protrusion 36B extends generally radially outwardly from groove 36A in radial direction RD1. In some embodiments, protrusion 36B includes a tapered portion near its radially outermost end configured to permit easier engagement of protrusion 36B with female connector 38, specifically opening 38A.

[0029] The female connector 38 includes one or more openings 38A extending radially inward from the radially outward surface 26. The openings 38A are configured to engage with the protrusions 36B to lock the section 20B to the section 20A. The female connector 38 further includes recesses 38B. In some embodiments, the recesses 38B are disposed on the radially inward surface 28 (i.e., extend radially outward from the radially inward surface 28). When the section 20B is displaced toward the section 20A, the female connector 38 engages with the protrusions 36B and displaces radially outward in the radial direction RD1. When the openings 38A are aligned with the protrusions 36B, the female connector 38 snaps back radially inward in the radial direction RD2, thereby securing the section 20B to the section 20A.

[0030] The check valve body 100 generally comprises a section or tube 102, a section or tube 118, and a connector body 140 that form a number of ports, e.g., port 108, port 110, port 124, and port 141. The section 102, the section 118, and the connector body 140 are connected such that all of the ports 108, 110, 124, and 141 are in fluid communication. The section 102 comprises an end 104 that forms the port 108, and an end 110 that forms the port 110. In some embodiments, the ports 108 and 110 are concentrically aligned as shown. In some embodiments, the port 108 is an check port and may include a valve stem or a stop collar (retainer) disposed therein. In some embodiments, the section 102 comprises threads 112 on a radially outwardly facing surface proximate the end 104. In some embodiments, a cap 160 threadably engages the threads 112 to seal the port 108. In some embodiments, the port 110 is an intermediate port configured to be connectable to a compressor or heat pump of a refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the check valve body 100 includes a flange 114 connected to the end 106. The flange 114 may include one or more through holes 116 configured to allow the check valve body 100 to be secured to another component (e.g., a compressor). In some embodiments, the port 108 has a first diameter and the port 110 has a second diameter, the second diameter being equal to the first diameter. In some embodiments, the port 108 has a first diameter and the port 110 has a second diameter, the second diameter not equal to the first diameter.

[0031] Section 118 includes an end 122 connected to section 102 and an end 120 forming a port 124. In some embodiments, port 124 may be a valve port and thus include a valve therein (e.g., a Schroeder valve). The valve of port 124 may control the flow of fluid within check valve body 100, for example, between ports 108, 110, and 141. In some embodiments, section 118 includes threads 126 on a radially outwardly facing surface proximate end 120. In some embodiments, cap 162 threadably engages threads 126 to seal port 124. In some embodiments, port 124 is concentrically aligned with port 141, as shown. In some embodiments, section 118 is perpendicular to section 102. In some embodiments, section 118 is not perpendicular to section 102. In some embodiments, port 124 has a first diameter and port 141 has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. In some embodiments, port 124 has a first diameter and port 141 has a second diameter, the second diameter being less than or equal to the first diameter.

[0032] The connector body 140 includes a through hole or port 141 extending from end 142 to end 144, a radially inwardly facing surface 146, a groove 150, a radially outwardly facing surface 152, and a groove 154. End 142 is connected to section 102. The connector body 140 is configured to be connected to a fluid filled or fluid flowing component. For example, the connector body 140 may be connected to a refrigerant conduit (i.e., tube 80). It should be appreciated that the fluid connection assembly 10 may be used in a variety of other components, assemblies, and subassemblies where a fluid connection is desired. Seals 162A-B are disposed within the connector body 140. Specifically, the seals 162A-B are disposed within grooves 150A-B to engage tube 80 (i.e., radially outwardly facing surface 84). The grooves 150A-B are axially spaced apart at the radially inwardly facing surface 146. In some embodiments, the seals 162A-B are O-rings. In some embodiments, the radially inwardly facing surface 146 is a substantially cylindrical surface. The end 144 is configured to engage the shoulder 87 and specifically prevent axial displacement of the tube 80 in the axial direction AD1. In some embodiments, as shown, the connector body 140 includes a radially inwardly facing surface 148 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the radially inwardly facing surface 146. The radially inwardly facing surface 148 is connected to the radially inwardly facing surface 146 via a surface 147. In some embodiments, the surface 147 is a substantially axially facing surface, facing in the axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, the surface 147 serves as a stop or seat for the tube 80, thereby preventing the tube 80 from being displaced in the axial direction AD1 relative to the connector body 140.

[0033] A groove 154 is disposed on the radially outwardly facing surface 152. The groove 154 is axially disposed between the ends 144 and 142. The groove 154 includes a radially outwardly facing surface and two axially facing surfaces. The radially outwardly facing surface of the groove 154 has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the radially outwardly facing surface 152. The groove 154 is configured to engage the flange 30 to connect the retainer 20 to the connector body 140.

[0034] The groove 154 has a width greater than the width of the flange 30. In a semi-assembled locked state, when the retainer 20 is connected to the connector body 140 without the tube 80 being properly connected or not present at all, the flange 30, and therefore the retainer 20, is displaceable in the axial direction AD1 and the axial direction AD2 relative to the groove 154 and thus the connector body 140 (i.e., the flange 30 can slide back and forth within the groove 154). This indicates that the fluid connection assembly 10 is not properly assembled. When the retainer 20 is connected to the connector body 140 with the tube 80 being properly connected, the flange 30, and therefore the retainer 20, is not displaceable (or not displaceable much) in the axial direction AD1 and the axial direction AD2 relative to the groove 154 and thus the connector body 140 (i.e., the flange 30 abuts against the left side of the groove 154 as shown in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the connector body 140 is disposed perpendicular to the section 102. In some embodiments, the connector body 140 is disposed non-perpendicular to the section 102. In some embodiments, the connector body 140 comprises a metal, a polymer, and / or a ceramic.

[0035] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the tube 80 is inserted axially in a direction AD1 into the connector body 140, end 82 first. The radially outwardly facing surface 84 engages the seals 62A-B, and the section 83 is disposed proximate the radially inwardly facing surface 146 on the inside of the connector body 140. The shoulder 87 engages the end 144 of the connector body 140, specifically, the surface 86 abuts the end 144. In some embodiments, as shown, the shoulder 87 is completely outside the connector body 140. The retainer 20 is then secured over both the connector body 140 and the tube 80. Specifically, the sections 20A and 20B are disposed on the connector body 140 such that the flange 30 is at least partially aligned with the groove 154 and the flange 32 is at least partially aligned with the surface 88. Sections 20A and 20B are displaced radially inward (i.e., in radial direction RD2) relative to one another until female connector 38 fully engages male connector 36 and retainer 20 is locked. Additionally, flange 32 engages tube 80, specifically radially outward surface 90, thereby preventing the ingress of foreign matter into fluid connection assembly 10.

[0036] In the fully assembled and locked state, flange 30 engages groove 154, radially inward surface 28 engages radially outward surface 152, and flange 32 engages shoulder 87 of tube 80. In some embodiments, in the fully assembled and locked state, flange 30 abuts the left face of groove 154, flange 32 abuts face 88, and face 86 abuts end 144. In some embodiments, in the fully assembled and locked state, flange 30 abuts the radially outward surface of groove 154, thus preventing radial or circumferential displacement of retainer 20 relative to connector body 140. In some embodiments, flange 32 engages radially outward surface 90. The engagement between the tube 80 and the connector body 140 prevents axial displacement of the tube 80 in the axial direction AD1, and the engagement between the retainer 20 and the connector body 140 and the tube 80 prevents axial displacement of the tube 80 in the axial direction AD2 and the radial directions RD1 and RD2 relative to the connector body 140.

[0037] To disassemble, female connector 38 is displaced radially outward in radial direction RD1 relative to male connector 36 until opening 38A clears projection 36B. Sections 20A and 20B are then separated, disengaging flange 32 from shoulder 87, at which point tube 80 can be removed from connector body 140.

[0038] It will be recognized that various aspects of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications, and various presently unforeseen or unanticipated substitutions, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be within the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 Fluid Connection Assembly 20 Retainer 20A Section Section 20B 21 holes 22 End 24 End 26 Radial outward facing surface 28 Radial inward facing surface 30 Flange 32 Flange 34 Hinge 36 Male Connector 36A Groove 36B Protrusion 38 female connector 38A opening 38B Recess 62A Seal 62B Seal 80 Tubes 82 End Section 83 84 Radial outward facing surface 86 sides 87 Shoulder or Bead 88 sides Section 89 90 Radial outward facing surface 92 End 94 Through hole 100 Check valve body 102 Sections or Tubes 104 End 106 End 108 port or inspection port 110 port or intermediate port 112 Thread 114 Flange 116 holes 118 Sections or Tubes 120 End 122 End 124 Port or Valve Port 126 thread 140 Connector body 141 Port or Conduit Port 142 End 144 End 146 Radial inward facing surface 147 Axial surface or seat 148 Radial inward facing surface 150A groove 150B Groove 152 Radial outward facing surface 154 Groove 160 Cap 162 Cap AD1 Axial direction AD2 axial direction RD1 Radial direction RD2 Radial direction D1 diameter D2 diameter

Claims

1. A check valve body, comprising: a first section defining a first port and a second port; a second section connected to the first section to form a third port; a connector body including a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outwardly facing surface having an annular groove, and a first radially inwardly facing surface, the connector body defining a fourth port; Includes check valve body A fluid connection assembly comprising:

2. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first port and the second port are concentrically aligned.

3. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third port and the fourth port are concentrically aligned.

4. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the second section and the connector body is disposed perpendicular to the first section.

5. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first radially inward surface comprises at least one annular groove.

6. The at least one annular groove comprises: A first annular groove; 6. The fluid connection assembly of claim 5, further comprising a second annular groove axially spaced from the first annular groove.

7. The fluid connection assembly of claim 5 , wherein a seal is disposed within the at least one annular groove.

8. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a flange fixedly secured to the first section proximate the second port.

9. The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first section and the second section includes a radial outward thread.

10. a third end configured to be removably connectable to the connector body; A fourth end. The first section, a second section displaceable relative to the first section; A second radially inward surface; and The fluid connection assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a retainer including a second radially outward surface.

11. The second radially inward surface is a first flange proximate the third end and extending radially inward; and a second flange extending radially inwardly proximate the fourth end.

12. the first flange has a first diameter; the second flange has a second diameter; The fluid connection assembly of claim 11 , wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

13. A check valve body, comprising: a first section defining a first port and a second port; a second section connected to the first section to form a third port; a connector body including a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outwardly facing surface having an annular groove, and a first radially inwardly facing surface, the connector body defining a fourth port; A check valve body including: A retainer, a third end configured to be removably connectable to the connector body; A fourth end. The first section, a second section displaceable relative to the first section; A second radially inward surface; and A second radially outward surface; and and a retainer including Fluid connection assembly.

14. The fluid connection assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first radially inward surface comprises at least one annular groove.

15. The at least one annular groove comprises: A first annular groove; 15. The fluid connection assembly of claim 14, comprising a second annular groove axially spaced from the first annular groove.

16. The fluid connection assembly of claim 14 , wherein a seal is disposed within the at least one annular groove.

17. The fluid connection assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a flange fixedly secured to the first section proximate the second port.

18. The second radially inward surface is a first flange extending radially inwardly adjacent the third end and adapted to be engageable with the annular groove; and a second flange extending radially inwardly proximate the fourth end.

19. the first flange has a first diameter; the second flange has a second diameter; The fluid connection assembly of claim 18 , wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

20. 20. The fluid connection assembly of claim 18, further comprising a tube including a shoulder, the second flange configured to engage the shoulder to secure the tube within the connector body.

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