Connection Assembly

Abstract

Providing connection assemblies. [Solution] The present disclosure provides a connecting assembly having an axis and including a retaining member and an insert. The retaining member includes a base and a plurality of retaining arms, the base defining a receiving passage, and the plurality of retaining arms connected to the base and flexible toward or away from the axis relative to the base. The insert comprises a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The insert is received within the receiving passage of the retaining member and is movable toward the retaining member along the axis in a first direction to switch the connecting assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state. At least one of the plurality of retaining arms is configured to engage with the first locking portion when the connecting assembly is in a pre-assembled state, and at least one of the plurality of retaining arms is configured to engage with the second locking portion when the connecting assembly is in an assembled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This disclosure claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202411853984.8, entitled "FASTENING ASSEMBLY", filed on December 16, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a connection assembly, and particularly to a connection assembly for connecting a pipe to a component.

Background Art

[0003] In one disclosed scenario, a connector is used to connect pipes on both sides of a component (e.g., a plate). To achieve this, the connector needs to pass through a hole in the component, connect to the pipes on both sides of the component, and itself be connected to the component in order to maintain the connection state between the pipe and the connector.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Through intensive research, the inventors of this disclosure have discovered that in the prior art, existing connectors are connected to components through means such as screwing. The installation process of such connectors is cumbersome, requires additional installation tools, and demands sufficient working space for the operator.

[0005] This disclosure provides a connecting assembly having an axis and including a retaining member and an insert. The retaining member includes a base and a plurality of retaining arms, the base defining a receiving passage, and the plurality of retaining arms connected to the base and flexible relative to the base toward or away from the axis. The insert includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The insert is received within the receiving passage of the retaining member and is movable relative to the retaining member along the axis in a first direction to switch the connecting assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state. At least one of the plurality of retaining arms is configured to engage with the first locking portion when the connecting assembly is in a pre-assembled state, and at least one of the plurality of retaining arms is configured to engage with the second locking portion when the connecting assembly is in an assembled state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the retaining arms include at least one first retaining arm and at least one second retaining arm. The at least one first retaining arm is configured to engage with a first locking portion when the connection assembly is in a pre-assembled state and is configured to be driven by the insert to flex away from the axis to disengage from the first locking portion during the transition of the connection assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state. The at least one second retaining arm is configured to engage with a second locking portion when the insert is in an assembled state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first locking portion includes at least one first locking groove, and the first retaining arm includes a first locking head at its distal end. The first locking groove is configured to at least partially receive the first locking head and to restrict the movement of the insert relative to the retaining member in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first locking groove includes a first rear wall, the portion of the first rear wall further from the axis extends obliquely in a second direction away from the axis. The first rear wall is configured to drive the first retaining arm to flex away from the axis during the transition of the connecting assembly from a pre-assembled to an assembled state.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second locking portion includes at least one second locking groove, and the second retaining arm includes a second locking head at its distal end. The second locking portion is configured to cooperate with the second locking head to restrict the movement of the insert relative to the retaining member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the connecting assembly is assembled.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second retaining arm further includes a third locking portion provided on its outer surface facing away from the axis, the third locking portion being a locking projection. The third locking portion is configured to restrict the connection assembly from moving away from its installation position in a second direction when the connection assembly is in the assembled state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second retaining arm includes an arm body and a wedge portion connected to the arm body, the outer surface of the wedge portion projecting outward from the outer surface of the arm body to form a third locking portion, and the distal end of the wedge portion forming a second locking head. In the non-flexed state of the second retaining arm, the arm body extends substantially parallel to the axis, and the inner surface of the wedge portion extends obliquely toward the axis in the first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the retaining member further comprises a first restraining portion connected to the base and configured to restrict the movement of the retaining member in a first direction relative to its installation position. The insert further comprises a second restraining portion configured to restrict the movement of the connection assembly in a first direction relative to its installation position when the connection assembly is in an assembled state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the insert further comprises a sealing portion, which is at least partially located on the side of the second blocking portion facing the first and second locking portions, connected to the second blocking portion, and extending circumferentially.

[0014] In some embodiments, the retaining member further includes a plurality of guide arms connected to the base and evenly spaced around the axis. The plurality of guide arms are configured to guide the pre-assembled connecting assembly into its installation position.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the retaining arms is configured to engage with a first locking portion when the connection assembly is in a pre-assembled state, to be driven by an insert to flex away from the axis to disengage from the first locking portion during the transition from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state of the connection assembly, and to engage with a second locking portion when the connection assembly is in the assembled state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the retaining arm includes a locking head at its distal end, and the retaining arm engages with a first locking portion or a second locking portion via the locking head.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first locking portion includes a first locking groove. The first locking groove is configured to at least partially receive a locking head in order to restrict the movement of the insert relative to the retaining member in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first locking groove includes a first rear wall, the first rear wall extending obliquely away from the axis in a second direction. The first rear wall is configured to drive the retaining arm to flex away from the axis during the transition of the connecting assembly from a pre-assembled to an assembled state.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the retaining arm near the lock head forms a driven surface, which extends obliquely toward the axis in a first direction so as to be driven by the first rear side wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second locking portion includes a second locking projection. The second locking portion is configured to cooperate with the locking head to restrict the movement of the insert relative to the retaining member in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the connecting assembly is assembled.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the connecting assembly is assembled, the retaining arm bends away from the axis to restrict the connecting assembly from moving away from its installation position in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the retaining member further comprises a first restraining portion connected to the base and configured to restrict the movement of the retaining member in a first direction relative to its installation position. The insert further comprises a second restraining portion configured to restrict the movement of the connection assembly in a first direction relative to its installation position when the connection assembly is in an assembled state.

[0023] In some embodiments, the retaining member further includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The first sealing portion is at least partially located on the side of the first blocking portion facing the retaining arm, connected to the first blocking portion, and extending circumferentially. The second sealing portion is at least partially located on the side of the first blocking portion facing away from the retaining arm, connected to the first blocking portion, and extending circumferentially.

[0024] In some embodiments, the retaining member further includes an isolation portion positioned on the outer surface of the retaining arm facing away from the axis. The insert and the retaining member are made from a first material, and the isolation portion is made from a second material, wherein the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than that of the second material.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the installation process of the connection assembly of the present disclosure on a component is simple to operate, does not require additional installation tools, and is particularly suitable for working in a narrow space or in a state where the visibility is blocked.

[0026] The features and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1A] It is a perspective view of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] It is an exploded view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] It is a front view of the holding member of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2B] It is a cross-sectional view of the holding member shown in Figure 2A taken along line A-A. [Figure 2C] It is a cross-sectional view of the holding member shown in Figure 2A taken along line B-B. [Figure 3A] It is a perspective view of the insert of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 3B] It is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in Figure 3A taken along line C-C. [Figure 3C] It is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in Figure 3A taken along line D-D. [Figure 4A] It is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A taken along line A-A of Figure 2A when in the pre-assembled state. [Figure 4B] It is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A taken along line B-B of Figure 2A when in the pre-assembled state. [Figure 5A] It is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A taken along line A-A of Figure 2A when in the first state during the installation process. [Figure 5B]This is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A along line BB in Figure 2A, when it is in the first state during the installation process. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A, along line AA in Figure 2A, when it is in the second state during the installation process. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A along line BB in Figure 2A, when it is in the second state during the installation process. [Figure 7A] This is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A along line AA in Figure 2A, when it is in the assembled state. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 1A along line BB in Figure 2A, when it is in the assembled state. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a connecting assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the retaining member of the connecting assembly shown. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a side view of the retaining member. [Figure 10A] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the insert in the connection assembly shown. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is an axial cross-sectional view of the insert shown. [Figure 11A] This is an axial cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 8 when it is in a pre-assembled state. [Figure 11B] This is an axial cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 8 during the installation process. [Figure 11C] This is an axial cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 8 when it is assembled. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, various specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings which constitute part of this specification. In this disclosure, terms indicating orientation, such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “inside,” and “outside,” are used to describe structural parts and elements in various examples of this disclosure. These terms are used in this specification solely for the purpose of facilitating illustration and should be understood to be determined based on exemplary orientations as shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the arrangements in the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure can be in various directions, these terms indicating orientation are merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

[0029] In this disclosure, “first direction” refers to the leftward direction along axis X, as indicated by arrow D1 in Figure 1A, and “second direction” refers to the rightward direction along axis X, as indicated by arrow D2 in Figure 1A. Furthermore, in this disclosure, “multiple” means at least two, for example, two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0030] Figures 1A to 7B show a connection assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connection assembly 10 can be connected to a component 40 (shown in Figure 4A) having a hole 405. In one application, pipes on both sides of component 40 achieve a fluid connection through the connection assembly 10.

[0031] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective and exploded views, respectively, of the connection assembly 10. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the connection assembly 10 includes a retaining member 2 and an insert 3, and has an axis X. The retaining member 2 is fitted onto the insert 3. The connection assembly 10 has a pre-assembled state and an assembled state. In the pre-assembled state, the retaining member 2 and the insert 3 are connected to each other and held together, and the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a first direction D1 along axis X (i.e., the leftward direction in Figure 1A, indicated by arrow D1) and the opposite second direction D2 (i.e., the rightward direction in Figure 1A, indicated by arrow D2) is restricted. Maintaining the retaining member 2 and the insert 2 in the pre-assembled state facilitates the storage and transport of the connection assembly 10, as well as the installation of the connection assembly 10 on the component 40 (shown in Figure 4A). In the assembled state, the connection assembly 10 is installed and held in a predetermined position on the component 40 (shown in Figure 4A). Switching the connection assembly 10 from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state is achieved by moving the insert 3 in a first direction D1 relative to the holding member 2. Figure 1A shows the connection assembly 10 in its pre-assembled state.

[0032] Still referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the retaining member 2 includes a base 23 and retaining arms, the retaining arms including a first retaining arm 21 and a second retaining arm 22. The base 23 defines a receiving passage 235. The first retaining arm 21 and the second retaining arm 22 are connected to the base 23 and are flexible relative to the base 23 toward or away from the axis X. The first retaining arm 21 and the second retaining arm 22 are connected to the same side of the base 23 and generally extend along the axis X.

[0033] The insert 3 is generally tubular and defines an axial passage 39 for achieving a fluid connection of the pipe. The insert 3 includes a first locking portion 31 and a second locking portion 32, which are located at different axial positions on the insert 3. The insert 3 is received in a receiving passage 235 of the base 23 of the retaining member 2 and is movable in a first direction D1 along axis X relative to the retaining member 2 to switch the connection assembly 10 from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state. In the pre-assembled state, the first retaining arm 21 of the retaining member 2 engages with the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 to connect and hold the retaining member 2 and the insert 3 together. In the assembled state, the second retaining arm 22 of the retaining member 2 engages with the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3 so that the connection assembly 10 can be set in a predetermined position on the installation position on part 40 (shown in Figure 4A).

[0034] The retaining member 2 further includes guide arms 24. The guide arms 24 are connected to the base 23 at their proximal ends and generally extend along axis X to guide the connecting assembly 10 into the hole 405 (shown in Figure 4A) of the part 40 in a pre-assembled state. For this purpose, the outer surfaces of the guide arms 24 near their distal ends are configured as tapered surfaces that converge toward the distal ends.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, there are four first retaining arms 21, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to axis X. There are also four second retaining arms 22, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to axis X. There are also four guide arms 24, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to axis X. Furthermore, the first retaining arms 21, the second retaining arms 22, and the guide arms 24 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the base 23. In other embodiments, the number of first retaining arms 21, second retaining arms 22, and guide arms 24 is not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1B, the retaining member 2 further includes a first blocking portion 25. The first blocking portion 25 is connected to the base portion 23 and is located outside the base portion 23. The first blocking portion 25 is used to restrict the movement of the retaining member 2 relative to the part 40 in a first direction D1 after the connecting assembly 10 is inserted into the hole 405 (shown in Figure 4A) of the part 40. The first blocking portion 25 is generally ring-shaped and extends around the base portion 23.

[0037] Figures 2A to 2C show the specific structure of the retaining member 2. Figure 2A is a front view of the retaining member 2, Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member 2 along line AA in Figure 2A, and Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member 2 along line BB in Figure 2A. As shown in Figure 2A, line AA passes through the first retaining arm 21, and line BB passes through the second retaining arm 22.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2B, the first retaining arm 21 is connected to the base 23 at its proximal end and includes a first locking head 211 at its distal end. The first locking head 211 is used to engage with the first locking portion 31 on the insert 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking head 211 is formed by bending the distal end of the first retaining arm 21 inward. In the non-flexed state of the first retaining arm 21, it extends substantially parallel to the axis X. The length of the first retaining arm 21 along axis X is shorter than the lengths of the second retaining arm 22 and guide arm 24 along the X axis.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2C, the second retaining arm 22 is connected to the base 23 at its proximal end. The second retaining arm 22 includes a second locking head 221 at its distal end and a third locking portion 225 on its outer surface facing away from axis X. The second locking head 221 is used to engage with the second locking portion 32 on the insert 3. The third locking portion 225 is used to restrict the connection assembly 10 from moving away from its installation position in a second direction D2 when the connection assembly 10 is assembled.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the second retaining arm 22 includes an arm body 223 connected to a base 23 and a wedge portion 224 connected to the arm body 223. The distal end of the wedge portion 224 forms a second locking head 221. The outer surface of the wedge portion 224 protrudes outward relative to the outer surface of the arm body 223 to form a third locking portion 225. In the non-flexed state of the second retaining arm 22, the arm body 223 extends substantially parallel to the axis X, and the inner surface 2241 of the wedge portion 224 extends obliquely toward the axis X in a first direction D1. Thus, the second locking head 221 is closer to the axis X than the arm body 223.

[0041] Figures 3A to 3C show the specific structure of insert 3. Figure 3A is a front view of insert 3, Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of insert 3 along line CC in Figure 3A, and Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of insert 3 along line DD in Figure 3A. Line CC passes through the first locking portion 31 (not visible in Figure 3A), and line DD passes through the second locking portion 32 (not visible in Figure 3A). Line CC is substantially the same as line AA in Figure 2A, and line DD is substantially the same as line BB in Figure 2A.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3B, the axial passage 39 of the insert 3 extends axially through the insert 3. The first locking section 31 includes a plurality of first locking grooves (see Figure 1B), the number of which is the same as the number of first retaining arms 21, and they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each first locking groove is for receiving a first locking head 211 of the corresponding first retaining arm 21. The first locking groove includes a first front wall 311 and a first rear wall 312. When the first locking head 211 is received in the first locking groove, the first front wall 311 restricts the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a second direction D2, and the first rear wall 312 restricts the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a first direction D1. Furthermore, the first rear wall 312 drives the first retaining arm 21 to flex away from axis X during the process of switching the connection assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state.

[0043] For this purpose, the first front wall 311 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The wall portion 3125 of the first rear wall 312, closer to the axis X, extends substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The wall portion 3126 of the first rear wall 312, further away from the axis X, extends obliquely toward the axis X in the second direction D2. Thus, the first locking portion 31 holds the insert 3 and the retaining member 2 in a pre-assembled state via the first front wall 311 and the wall portion 3125 of the first rear wall 312. When the pre-assembled insert 3 is subjected to a pressing or compressive force in the first direction D1, the inclined configuration of the wall portion 3126 of the first rear wall 312 facilitates the separation of the first retaining arm 21 from the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3, allowing the connecting assembly to switch from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3C, the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3 includes a plurality of second locking grooves (see Figure 1B), the same number as the second retaining arms 22, and they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The second locking grooves include a second front wall 321 and a second rear wall 322. Each second locking groove is for receiving the second locking head 221 of the corresponding second retaining arm 22. The second front wall 321 extends substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and the second rear wall 322 extends obliquely to the axis X. Thus, when the second locking head 221 is received in the second locking groove, the second front wall 321 restricts the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in the second direction D2, and the second rear wall 322 fits into the inner surface 2241 of the wedge portion 224 of the second retaining arm 22.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the insert 3 further includes a second blocking portion 35 on its outer surface. The second blocking portion 35 is used to restrict the connection assembly 10 from moving in a first direction D1 relative to its installation position when the connection assembly 10 is in the assembled state. In some embodiments, the second blocking portion 35 extends around the insert 3 to form an annular plate shape. The insert 3 further includes a sealing portion 38. The sealing portion 38 is located at least partially on the side of the second blocking portion 35 facing the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 32. The sealing portion 38 is connected to the blocking portion 35 and extends circumferentially. In some embodiments, the sealing portion 38 is integrally injection molded onto the blocking portion 35.

[0046] Figures 4A to 7B show the cooperation of the retaining member 2 and the insert 3 when the connection assembly 10 is in a pre-assembled state, in an assembled state, and during the installation process when switching from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state. Figures 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A show axial cross-sectional views passing through the first retaining arm 21 of the retaining member 2 and the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3. Figures 4B, 5B, 6B, and 7B show axial cross-sectional views passing through the second retaining arm 22 of the retaining member 2 and the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, when the connection assembly 10 is in a pre-assembled state, the insert 3 is received by the retaining member 2. The first retaining arms 21 of the retaining member 2 engage with the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 via their first locking heads 211, while the second retaining arms 22 of the retaining member 2 are separated from the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3. The first locking heads 211 of the first retaining arms 21 are received within the first locking portion 31. Thus, the insert 3 is restricted by the retaining member 2 from moving in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. When the connection assembly 10 is in a pre-assembled state, it is not yet inserted into the hole 405 of part 40.

[0048] Figures 5A and 5B show the connection assembly in a first state during the installation process, and Figures 6A and 6B show the connection assembly in a second state during the installation process. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, when a pushing or pressing force in a first direction D1 is applied to the connection assembly 10 in a pre-assembled state to insert it into the hole 405 of the part 40, the wedge portion 224 of the second retaining arm 22 of the retaining member 2 gradually enters the hole 405 and is pressed by the edge of the hole 405, causing the second retaining arm 22 to bend toward axis X until the third locking portion 225 on the second retaining arm 22 passes through the hole 405. After the third locking portion 225 has passed through the hole 405, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the second retaining arm 22 no longer bend toward axis X and therefore return to their initial positions. During the process of inserting the pre-assembled connection assembly 10 into the hole 405 of the part 40, the guide arm 24 of the retaining member 2 guides the connection assembly 10 so that it is inserted into the center of the hole 405, while the first retaining arm 21 of the retaining member 2 remains engaged with the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, after the third locking portion 225 on the second retaining arm 22 passes through the hole 405, the first blocking portion 25 of the retaining member 2 abuts against the rear side of the part 40, thus restricting the retaining member 2 from continuing to move in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the third locking portion 225 abuts against the front side of the part 40, thus restricting the retaining member 2 from moving in the second direction D2. Thus, in the state shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the retaining member 2 is held on the part 40, allowing the insert 3 to move relative to the retaining member 2 in the first direction D1.

[0050] In the states shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and Figures 6A and 6B, the second retaining arm 22 of the retaining member 2 is still separated from the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3.

[0051] When a pressing force or compressive force is applied to the insert 3 of the connection assembly 10 in the state shown in Figures 6A and 6B in the first direction D1, the first rear wall 312 of the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 drives the first retaining arm 21 to bend away from axis X, separating the first locking head 211 of the first retaining arm 21 from the first locking portion 31. Thus, the insert 3 is released from the retaining member 2. The insert 3 moves in the first direction D1 relative to the retaining member 2 under the pressing force, allowing the connection assembly 10 to switch to the assembled state shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when the connection assembly 10 is assembled, it is positioned in a predetermined location within the hole 405 of the part 40 and is held in that position. The second lock head 221 of the second retaining arm 22 engages with the second lock portion 32 of the insert 3 to restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a second direction D2. The second blocking portion 35 of the insert 3 abuts against the part 40 via the seal portion 38 to restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the part 40 in a first direction D1. The retaining member 2 is restricted from moving relative to the part 40 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 by the cooperation of the third lock portion 224 and the first blocking portion 25 with respect to the part 40. In the assembled state shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first lock head 211 of the first retaining arm 21 is separated from the first lock portion 31.

[0053] Figures 8 to 11C show a connection assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The connection assembly 100 shown in Figures 8 to 11C is structurally similar to the connection assembly 10 shown in Figures 1A to 7B, and similarly includes a retaining member 2 and an insert 3. The retaining member 2 also has a retaining arm, and the insert 3 also has a first locking portion 31 and a second locking portion 32, and the connection assembly 100 also has a pre-assembled state and an assembled state. In the pre-assembled state, the retaining member 2 and the insert 3 are connected to each other and held together. In the assembled state, the connection assembly 100 is installed in a predetermined position on the component 40 (shown in Figures 11A to 11C) and is held in the installed position. The difference between the connection assembly 100 and the connection assembly 10 is that the retaining member 2 of the connection assembly 100 has only one type of retaining arm. The retaining arm engages with the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 in the pre-assembled state. During the process of switching the connection assembly 100 from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state, the retaining arm separates from the first locking portion 31 and then engages with the second locking portion 32 in the assembled state.

[0054] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the connection assembly 100. As shown in Figure 8, the connection assembly 100 includes a retaining member 2 and an insert 3, and has an axis X. The retaining member 2 is fitted onto the insert 3.

[0055] Figures 9A and 9B are perspective and side views, respectively, of the retaining member 2. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the retaining member 2 includes a base 23 and a plurality of retaining arms 28. The base 23 defines a receiving passage 235. The retaining arms 28 are connected to the base 23 and are flexible relative to the base 23 toward or away from the axis X. The plurality of retaining arms 28 are connected to the same side of the base 23 and generally extend along the axis X in the non-flexible state. The plurality of retaining arms 28 are evenly distributed around the axis X. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are 12 retaining arms 28. In other embodiments, more or fewer retaining arms 28 may be provided.

[0056] The retaining arm 28 is connected to the base 23 at its proximal end and includes a locking head 281 at its distal end. The locking head 281 is used to engage with a first locking portion 31 and a second locking portion 32 on the insert 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking head 281 is formed in a claw shape. In other embodiments, the locking head 281 may have other shapes. The inner surface of the retaining arm 28 near the locking head 281 forms a driven surface 285. The driven surface 285 extends obliquely toward the axis X in a first direction D1.

[0057] The retaining member 2 further includes a first blocking portion 25. The first blocking portion 25 is connected to the base portion 23 and is located outside the base portion 23. The first blocking portion 25 is used to restrict the movement of the retaining member 2 relative to the part 40 in a first direction D1 after the connecting assembly 100 is inserted into the hole 405 of the part 40 (shown in Figures 11A to 11C). The first blocking portion 25 extends around the base portion 23 or extends outward from the base portion 23.

[0058] The retaining member 2 further includes a first sealing portion 26 and a second sealing portion 27. The first sealing portion 26 is located at least partially on the side of the first blocking portion 25 facing the retaining arm 28. The first sealing portion 26 is connected to the first blocking portion 25 and extends circumferentially to form a ring. The second sealing portion 27 is located at least partially on the side of the first blocking portion 25 facing away from the retaining arm 28. The second sealing portion 27 is connected to the first blocking portion 25 and extends circumferentially to form a ring. In some embodiments, the first sealing portion 26 and the second sealing portion 27 are each injection-molded integrally with the first blocking portion 25.

[0059] The retaining member 2 further includes an isolation portion 29. The isolation portion 29 is positioned on the outer surface of the retaining arm 28, facing away from the axis X. The insert 3 and the retaining member 2 are made from a first material, and the isolation portion 29 is made from a second material. The elastic modulus of the first material is greater than that of the second material. Therefore, the isolation portion 29 is more elastic than the retaining member 2. In some embodiments, the first material is plastic and the second material is rubber. In other embodiments, the second material may be silicone rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or other elastic material. The isolation portion 29 is used to isolate the retaining arm 28 from the edge of the hole 405 (see Figures 11A-11C) of the part 40 so that the retaining arm 28 is not damaged by the edge of the hole.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, there are 12 retaining arms 28, which are equally divided into four groups. The isolation portions 29 on each group of retaining arms 28 are integrally formed. Since the isolation portions 29 are more elastic than the retaining arms 28, this arrangement increases the retaining force of the retaining arms 28 without affecting the elasticity of the retaining arms 28. In other embodiments, the isolation portions 29 on each retaining arm 28 can be provided independently of each other.

[0061] Figures 10A and 10B are perspective and axial cross-sectional views of the insert 3, respectively. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the axial passage 39 of the insert 3 extends axially through the insert 3. The insert 3 includes a first locking portion 31 and a second locking portion 32, which are located at different axial positions on the insert 3.

[0062] The first locking portion 31 includes a first locking groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking groove extends continuously around axis X. In other embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart first locking grooves may be provided, the number of which is equal to the number of retaining arms 28. The first locking groove is for receiving the locking head 281 of the retaining arm 28. The first locking groove includes a first front wall 311 and a first rear wall 312. The first front wall 311 extends substantially perpendicular to axis X. The first rear wall 312 extends obliquely away from axis X in a second direction D2. Thus, when the locking head 281 is received in the first locking groove, the first front wall 311 restricts the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in the second direction D2, and the first rear wall 312 can also, to some extent, restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first rear wall 312 drives the retaining arm 28 to flex away from axis X during the process of switching the connection assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state.

[0063] The second locking portion 32 includes a second locking projection. In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking projection extends continuously around axis X. In other embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart second locking projections may be provided, the number of which is equal to the number of retaining arms 28. The second locking projections cooperate with the locking head 281 to restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a second direction D2 when the connection assembly is assembled.

[0064] The insert 3 further includes a second blocking portion 35 on its outer surface. The second blocking portion 35 is used to restrict the connection assembly 100 from moving in a first direction D1 relative to its installation position when the connection assembly 100 is in the assembled state. In some embodiments, the second blocking portion 35 extends around the insert 3 to form an annular plate shape.

[0065] Figures 11A to 11C show the cooperation of the retaining member 2 and insert 3 when the connection assembly 100 is in a pre-assembled state, in an assembled state, and during the installation process when switching from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state. In Figure 11A, the connection assembly 100 is in a pre-assembled state, already partially pushed or pressed into the hole 405 of the part 40. In Figure 11C, the connection assembly 100 is in an assembled state. In Figure 11B, the connection assembly 100 is in the state during the installation process when switching from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11A, when the connection assembly 100 is in a pre-assembled state, the insert 3 is received by the retaining member 2. The retaining arms 28 of the retaining member 2 engage with the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 via their locking heads 281. Thus, the insert 3 is restricted by the retaining member 2 from moving in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In the pre-assembled state, the furthest distance from the outer surface of the retaining arms 28 of the retaining member 2 to the axis X is D1. The furthest distance D1 is smaller than the radius of the hole 405 in the part 40, allowing the pre-assembled insert 3 and retaining member 2 to be inserted together into the hole 405 of the part 40. During the process of inserting the connection assembly 100 into the hole 405 of the part 40, the retaining arms 28 of the retaining member 2 can guide the connection assembly 100 so that it is inserted into the center of the hole 405. As shown in Figure 11A, the retaining member 2 is already inserted into a predetermined position within the hole 405 of the part 40, and the first blocking portion 25 of the retaining member 2 abuts against the rear side of the part 40 via the first sealing member 26. Thus, the retaining member 2 is restricted from moving in the first direction D1.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11B, when a pressing force or compressive force in a first direction D1 is applied to the insert 3 of the connection assembly 100 in the pre-assembled state shown in Figure 11A, the first rear wall 312 of the first locking portion 31 of the insert 3 cooperates with the driven surface 285 of the retaining arm 28 to drive the retaining arm 28 to bend away from axis X, thereby separating the locking head 281 of the retaining arm 28 from the first locking portion 31. Thus, the insert 3 is released from the retaining member 2. The insert 3 moves in the first direction D1 relative to the retaining member 2 under the pressing force, allowing the connection assembly 100 to switch to the assembled state shown in Figure 11C.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11C, when the connection assembly 100 is assembled, it is positioned in a predetermined location within the hole 405 of the part 40 and is held in that position. The retaining arm 28 bends away from axis X. The locking head 281 of the retaining arm 28 engages with the second locking portion 32 of the insert 3 to restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the retaining member 2 in a second direction D2. The second blocking portion 35 of the insert 3 abuts against the second sealing portion 27 behind the first blocking portion 25 of the retaining member 2 to restrict the movement of the insert 3 relative to the part 40 in a first direction D1. In the assembled state, the furthest distance from the outer surface of the retaining arm 28 of the retaining member 2 to axis X is D2. Since the furthest distance D2 is greater than the radius of the hole 405 in the part 40, the bent retaining arm 28 prevents the insert 3 and the retaining member 2 from being pulled out of the hole 405 in the second direction D2. The isolation portion 29 is always positioned between the retaining arm 28 and the edge of the hole 405, preventing the retaining arm 28 from being damaged by the edge of the hole 405.

[0069] The connection assembly of the present disclosure provides a retaining member and an insert, which allows the insert to move axially relative to the retaining member to switch the connection assembly from a pre-assembled to an assembled state, thereby enabling the operator to connect the connection assembly to a part by pressing the insert twice. The first press inserts both the pre-assembled retaining member and the insert into a hole in the part, positioning the retaining member in a predetermined position within the hole. The second press moves the pre-assembled insert in the insertion direction (i.e., axial direction) relative to the retaining member positioned within the hole, thereby changing the engagement position between the retaining member and the insert. Thus, the installation process of the connection assembly of the present disclosure to a part is simple to operate, requires no additional installation tools, and is particularly suitable for work in confined spaces or under obstructed visibility.

[0070] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents, whether known, currently foreseeable, or foreseeable, may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The technical effects and problems described herein are illustrative and not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure shown above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to encompass all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 / 100 Connection Assembly 2. Retaining member 21 First retaining arm 211 First Rockhead 22 Second holding arm 221 Second Rockhead 223 Arm body 224 Wedge section 2241 Inner Self 225 Third Lock Section 23 Base 235 Receptive pathway 24 Guide Arm 25 First Blocking Section 3 Inserts 31 First Lock Section 311 First front wall 312 First rear side wall 32 Second Rock Section 321 Second front wall 322 Second rear wall 35 Second Blocking Section 38 Seal part 39 aisle 28 Holding Arm 281 Rockhead 285 Driven surface 26 First sealing section 27 Second sealing section 29 Isolation Department

Claims

1. A connecting assembly having an axis (X), A retaining member (2) comprising a base (23) and a plurality of retaining arms (21, 22; 28), wherein the base (23) defines a receiving passage (235), and the plurality of retaining arms (21, 22; 28) are connected to the base (23) and are flexible relative to the base (23) toward the axis (X) or toward the axis (X), An insert (3) having a first locking portion (31) and a second locking portion (32), Equipped with, The insert (3) is received within the receiving passage (235) of the retaining member (2), and is movable in a first direction (D1) along the axis (X) relative to the retaining member (2) in order to switch the connection assembly from a pre-assembled state to an assembled state. At least one of the plurality of retaining arms (21, 22; 28) is configured to engage with the first locking portion (31) when the connection assembly is in the pre-assembled state, and at least one of the plurality of retaining arms (21, 22; 28) is configured to engage with the second locking portion (32) when the connection assembly is in the assembled state. Connection assembly.

2. The plurality of retaining arms (21, 22) include at least one first retaining arm (21) and at least one second retaining arm (22), The at least one first retaining arm (21) is configured to engage with the first locking portion (31) when the connection assembly is in the pre-assembled state, and is configured to be driven by the insert (3) to flex away from the axis (X) so as to disengage from the first locking portion (31) during the switching of the connection assembly from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state. The at least one second retaining arm (22) is configured to engage with the second locking portion (32) when the insert (3) is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 1.

3. The first locking portion (31) includes at least one first locking groove, and the first retaining arm (21) includes a first locking head (211) at its distal end. The first lock groove is configured to at least partially receive the first lock head (211) and to restrict the movement of the insert (3) relative to the retaining member (2) in the first direction (D1) and in the second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1). The connection assembly according to claim 2.

4. The first lock groove includes a first rear side wall (312), and the portion of the first rear side wall (312) that is further from the axis (X) extends diagonally in the second direction (D2) away from the axis (X). The first rear wall (312) is configured to drive the first retaining arm (21) to bend away from the axis (X) during the switching of the connection assembly from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 3.

5. The second locking portion (32) includes at least one second locking groove, and the second retaining arm (22) includes a second locking head (221) at its distal end. The second locking portion (32) is configured to cooperate with the second locking head (221) to restrict the movement of the insert (3) relative to the retaining member (2) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) when the connecting assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 2.

6. The second retaining arm (22) further includes a third locking portion (225) provided on its outer surface facing away from the axis (X), the third locking portion (225) being a locking projection, The third locking portion (225) is configured to restrict the connection assembly from moving away from its installation position in the second direction (D2) when the connection assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 5.

7. The second retaining arm (22) includes an arm body (223) and a wedge portion (224) connected to the arm body (223), the outer surface of the wedge portion (224) protruding outward from the outer surface of the arm body (223) to form the third lock portion (225), and the distal end of the wedge portion (224) forms the second lock head (221). In the non-flexible state of the second retaining arm (22), the arm body (223) extends substantially parallel to the axis (X), and the inner surface (2241) of the wedge portion (224) extends obliquely toward the axis (X) in the first direction (D1). The connection assembly according to claim 6.

8. The retaining member (2) further comprises a first blocking portion (25) connected to the base portion (23), which is configured to restrict the movement of the retaining member (2) in the first direction (D1) relative to its installation position. The insert (3) further comprises a second blocking portion (35) configured to restrict the connection assembly from moving in the first direction (D1) relative to its installation position when the connection assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 5.

9. The insert (3) further comprises a sealing portion (38), the sealing portion (38) being at least partially located on the side of the second blocking portion (35) facing the first locking portion (31) and the second locking portion (32), and connected to the second blocking portion (35), and extending in the circumferential direction. The connection assembly according to claim 8.

10. The holding member (2) is a plurality of guide arms (24) connected to the base (23), further including a plurality of guide arms (24) evenly arranged around the axis (X), The plurality of guide arms (24) are configured to guide the pre-assembled connection assembly so that it is inserted into its installation position. The connection assembly according to claim 2.

11. Each of the retaining arms (28) is configured to engage with the first locking portion (31) when the connection assembly is in the pre-assembled state, to be driven by the insert (3) to flex away from the axis (X) so as to disengage from the first locking portion (31) during the switching of the connection assembly from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state, and to engage with the second locking portion (32) when the connection assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 1.

12. The retaining arm (28) includes a locking head (281) at its distal end, and the retaining arm (28) engages with the first locking portion (31) or the second locking portion (32) via the locking head (281). The connection assembly according to claim 11.

13. The first locking portion (31) includes a first locking groove, The first lock groove is configured to at least partially receive the lock head (281) in order to restrict the movement of the insert (3) relative to the retaining member (2) in the first direction (D1) and in the second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1). The connection assembly according to claim 12.

14. The first lock groove includes a first rear side wall (312), the first rear side wall (312) extends diagonally away from the axis in the second direction, The first rear wall (312) is configured to drive the retaining arm (28) and bend away from the axis (X) during the switching of the connection assembly from the pre-assembled state to the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 13.

15. The inner surface of the retaining arm (28) near the locking head (281) forms a driven surface (285), which extends obliquely toward the axis (X) in the first direction (D1) so as to be driven by the first rear side wall (312). The connection assembly according to claim 14.

16. The second locking portion (32) includes a second locking projection. The second locking portion (32) is configured to cooperate with the locking head (281) to restrict the movement of the insert (3) relative to the retaining member (2) in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1), when the connecting assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 12.

17. When the connection assembly is in the assembled state, the retaining arm (28) is bent away from the axis (X), thereby restricting the connection assembly from moving away from its installation position in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1). The connection assembly according to claim 11.

18. The retaining member (2) further comprises a first blocking portion (25) connected to the base portion (23), which is configured to restrict the movement of the retaining member (2) in the first direction (D1) relative to its installation position. The insert (3) further comprises a second blocking portion (35) configured to restrict the connection assembly from moving in the first direction (D1) relative to its installation position when the connection assembly is in the assembled state. The connection assembly according to claim 11.

19. The retaining member (2) is A first sealing portion (26) is located at least partially on the side of the first blocking portion (25) facing the retaining arm, and is connected to the first blocking portion (25) and extends in the circumferential direction. A second sealing portion (27) is located at least partially on the side of the first blocking portion (25) that faces away from the retaining arm (28), and is connected to the first blocking portion (25) and extends in the circumferential direction. The connection assembly according to claim 18, further comprising:

20. The holding member further includes an isolation portion (29) positioned on the outer surface of the holding arm (28) facing away from the axis (X), The insert (3) and the retaining member (2) are made from a first material, the isolation portion is made from a second material, and the elastic modulus of the first material is greater than that of the second material. The connection assembly according to claim 11.

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