Fluid connection assembly

Abstract

1. A fluid connection assembly comprising: a connector body including a first end, a second end, a through hole, and a first radially outward surface including a groove, the groove including a second radially outward surface, at least one axial surface, and at least one opening; a retaining clip disposed in the groove and configured to extend into the through hole; and a secondary retainer including: a cylindrical portion including a third end, a fourth end, a radially inward surface, and a third radially outward surface; and at least one arm portion including a first member pivotally connected to the fourth end; and a second member pivotally connected to the first member and configured to engage the groove to connect the secondary retainer to the connector body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and more particularly to fluid connection assemblies that include both a primary retaining clip and a secondary retainer that provide additional securing or backup securing means.

Background Art

[0002] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are essential components for many applications, particularly automotive applications. Since automotive systems are composed of various components such as radiators, transmissions, engines, etc., fluids need to be able to move not only within each component but also between components. Examples of fluids that move between components include transmission fluid that moves from a transmission to a transmission oil cooler to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Another example of a fluid that moves between components is oil that is pumped to and / or from a turbocharger. Fluids mainly move between components via 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 on the connector body that is adapted to snap behind the raised shoulder of the tube when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, such retaining clips can be damaged if improperly installed. Also, in situations where fluid pressure is high, such retaining clips can be damaged.

[0003] Therefore, there has been a long-felt and urgent need for a fluid connection assembly that includes a secondary retainer that can be configured complementary to a retainer clip to provide additional securing and / or backup securing in the event that the retainer clip is damaged.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the aspect shown in this specification, there is provided a fluid connection assembly comprising: a connector body having a first end, a second end, a through hole, and a groove, the groove including a second radially outer surface, at least one axial surface, and at least one opening, and a first radially outer surface; a retaining clip disposed in the groove and configured to be extendable into the through hole; and a secondary retainer including a cylindrical portion having a third end, a fourth end, a radially inner surface, and a third radially outer surface, and at least one arm portion including a first member pivotally connected to the fourth end, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member and configured to engage with the groove to connect the secondary retainer to the connector body.

[0005] In some embodiments, the third end portion is configured to be engageable with the retaining clip within the through hole. In some embodiments, the first member extends radially outward in a first axial direction from the fourth end portion. In some embodiments, the second member extends radially inward in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction from the first member. In some embodiments, the at least one arm portion includes a plurality of arm portions separated by a circumferential space. In some embodiments, the first member and the second member are linear members. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further includes a curved member connecting the first member to the fourth end portion. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further includes at least one third member extending radially outward from the third end portion and configured to be engageable with the retaining clip. In some embodiments, the at least one third member is disposed perpendicular to the third radially outward face. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further includes a tube including a shoulder and a fourth radially outward face, and in the connected state of the fluid connection assembly, the retaining clip fixes the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, at the locking position of the secondary retainer, the radially inward face engages with the fourth radially outward face.

[0006] According to an aspect shown herein, there is provided a retainer for a fluid connection assembly, comprising: a cylindrical portion including a first end portion, a second end portion, a radially inward face, and a radially outward face; and a plurality of arm portions separated by a circumferential space, each of the plurality of arm portions including a proximal end pivotally connected to the second end portion, a first member extending radially outward in a first axial direction from the second end portion, and a second member pivotally connected to a distal end of the first member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second member extends radially inwardly from the distal end in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion has a constant diameter. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion further comprises a circumferential gap that forms a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion is elastically deformable. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion extends in the first axial direction from the second end and further comprises a plurality of notches spaced circumferentially apart. In some embodiments, the retainer further comprises at least one third member extending radially outwardly from the first end. In some embodiments, the at least one third member comprises a plurality of third members spaced circumferentially apart, and each third member is disposed perpendicular to the radially outer surface. In some embodiments, the retainer further comprises a curved member connecting the first member to the second end, and the first member and the second member are linear members.

[0008] According to aspects shown herein, a fluid connection assembly for use, for example, in a fluid connection of a turbocharger is provided. The fluid connection assembly includes a connector body, a retaining clip, a tube retained within the connector body via the retaining clip, and a secondary retainer. The secondary retainer includes a cylindrical portion or an inner ring portion that engages with a through hole of the connector body to further retain the tube therein. The secondary retainer has one or more arm portions or an outer ring portion hinge-connected to the inner ring portion, and the outer ring portion engages with an outer groove of the connector body. In some embodiments, the outer ring portion is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the inner ring portion.

[0009] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent by considering the following detailed description of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] With reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference numerals refer to corresponding parts, various embodiments are disclosed only by way of example.

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First, it should be recognized that like reference numerals in different drawings identify the same or functionally similar structural elements. It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0012] Furthermore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, materials, and variations described, and thus can naturally vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing only particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that methods, apparatus, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the exemplary embodiments. The assemblies of the present disclosure may be driven by hydraulic, electronic, pneumatic, and / or spring means.

[0014] The term "substantially" is synonymous with words such as "near", "very near", "about", "approximately", "roughly", "approximating", "close", "essentially", "adjacent", "in the vicinity", etc., and it should be recognized that such words may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. The term "proximate" is synonymous with words such as "nearby", "close", "adjacent", "neighboring", "immediate", "next to", etc., and it should be understood that such words may be used interchangeably when they appear in the specification and claims. The term "about" is intended to mean a value within 10 percent of the specified value.

[0015] It should be understood that the use of "or" in this application pertains to a "non-exclusive" combination, unless otherwise specified. For example, in the case of "Item x is A or B", it is understood to mean either (1) or (2) below. (1) Item x is only one 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" combination. For example, for the statement "Item x is A or B", an "exclusive or" combination requires that x be only one of A and B.

[0016] Furthermore, as used herein, the expressions "comprising at least one of" and "comprising at least one" in combination with a system or element are intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after that expression. For example, an apparatus comprising at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural combinations. That is, an apparatus comprising the first element, an apparatus comprising the second element, an apparatus comprising the third element, an apparatus comprising the first and second elements, an apparatus comprising the first and third elements, an apparatus comprising the first, second, and third elements, or an apparatus comprising the second and third elements. A similar interpretation is intended when the expression "used with 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. For example, an apparatus comprising a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural combinations. That is, an apparatus comprising the first element, an apparatus comprising the second element, an apparatus comprising the third element, an apparatus comprising the first and second elements, an apparatus comprising the first and third elements, an apparatus comprising the first, second, and third elements, or an apparatus comprising the second and third elements.

[0017] It should be recognized 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. Furthermore, it should be recognized that the term "tube" can mean a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of gas or liquid.

[0018] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10. FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10. The fluid connection assembly generally includes a connector body 40, a retaining clip 70, a tube 80, and a secondary retainer 100. The following description is to be interpreted in light of FIGS. 1A - 2.

[0019] Tube 80 includes an end 82, a section 83, a shoulder 87, a section 89, an end 94, and a through - hole 96. Through - hole 96 extends through tube 80 from end 82 to end 94. Section 83 is disposed between end 82 and shoulder 87 and includes a radially outer surface 84. Radially outer surface 84 includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outer surface 84 includes a frustoconical or curved taper proximate to end 82 (see FIG. 5). In some embodiments, section 83 further includes a raised section disposed between radially outer surface 84 and shoulder 87. Shoulder 87 is disposed between section 83 and section 89 and includes a radially outer surface 86 and a surface 88. As shown, radially outer surface 86 is a frustoconical surface extending from radially outer surface 84 to surface 88. Radially outer surface 86 increases in diameter as it extends in the axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, radially outer surface 86 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in the axial direction AD1. In some embodiments, tube 80 includes a radially outer surface of constant diameter disposed between radially outer surface 86 and surface 88. Shoulder surface 88 is an axial surface that faces at least partially in the axial direction AD2. Section 89 is disposed between shoulder 87 and end 94 and includes a radially outer surface 92. Radially outer surface 92 includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, section 89 further includes a raised section, namely a radially outer surface 90, disposed between shoulder surface 88 and radially outer surface 92. Radially outer surface 90 has a diameter larger than the diameter of radially outer surface 92.

[0020] The tube 80 is specifically configured to be inserted into the connector body 40, specifically the through hole 41, with the end 82 leading. The tube 80 is inserted into the connector body 40 until the section 83, or the radially outer surface 84, engages with the seal 62 (see FIG. 5) and the shoulder 87 passes axially through the retaining clip 70 (i.e., the shoulder 87 is disposed on the right side of the retaining clip 70 as shown in FIG. 5). Fixing the tube 80 within the connector body 40 is by the engagement of the protrusions 72A - C with the shoulder surface 88. The tube 80 may be any conventional tube or tube end formation having beads, radially outwardly extending protrusions or flanges, or ramp profiles, which extend radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube and are recognized for fixing the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, the tube 80 comprises metal. In some embodiments, the tube 80 comprises a non - metal (e.g., polymer, rubber, ceramic, etc.).

[0021] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the secondary retainer 100. FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the secondary retainer 100. FIG. 3C is a rear view of the secondary retainer 100. FIG. 4 is a cross - sectional view of the secondary retainer 100 generally along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 is a cross - sectional view of the fluid connection assembly 10 generally along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 6 is a cross - sectional view of the fluid connection assembly 10 generally along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 1A. The following description should be interpreted in light of FIGS. 1A - 6.

[0022] The connector body 40 includes a through hole 41 extending from an end 42 to an end 44, a radially inner surface 46, a radially inner surface 48, a groove 50, a radially outer surface 52, a groove 54, a head 58, and a radially outer surface 60. The connector body 40 is configured to be filled with fluid or connected to a component through which fluid flows. For example, the connector body 40 may be connected to a turbocharger, a refrigeration compressor, or a transmission through the radially outer surface 60 which may have a male thread. The connector body 40 is screwed into the threaded hole of the component through the head 58 (e.g., using a wrench), and then filled with oil, refrigerant, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. In some embodiments, the head 58 is hexagonal, but it should be recognized that the head 58 may have any geometric shape suitable for applying torque to the connector body 40. Another component to which the fluid connector 10, specifically the connector body 40, is attached is a condenser, an evaporator, or a pump. It should be recognized that the fluid connection assembly 10 may be used in various other components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies where fluid connection is desired. The radially outer surface 60 may further include a groove 56. A seal or O-ring 64 is disposed within the groove 56 to form a liquid-tight seal between the connector body 40 and the component to which it is connected.

[0023] The seal 62 is disposed within the connector body 40. Specifically, the seal 62 is disposed within the groove 50. The groove 50 is disposed on the radially inner surface 48. In some embodiments, the seal 62 is an O-ring. In some embodiments, the radially inner surface 46 is a cylindrical surface extending from the end 44 to a surface 47. The radially inner surface 46 is connected to the radially inner surface 48 through the surface 47. In some embodiments, the surface 47 is a frustoconical surface connecting the generally cylindrical radially inner surface 46 to the generally cylindrical radially inner surface 48. In some embodiments, the surface 47 is an axial surface facing in the axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, the radially inner surface 48 is a cylindrical surface extending from the end 42 to the surface 47.

[0024] The groove 54 is disposed on the radially outer surface 52 and includes an axial surface 54A, a radially outer surface 54B, and an axial surface 54C. The diameter of the radially outer surface 54B is smaller than the diameter of the radially outer surface 52. The surface 54A extends radially outward from the radially outer surface 54B and faces the axial direction AD1. The surface 54C extends radially outward from the radially outer surface 54B and faces the axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, the surfaces 54A and 54C are parallel. The groove 54 is axially disposed between the end 44 and the head 58. In some embodiments, the groove 54 is disposed immediately adjacent to the head 58. The groove 54 further includes openings 55A - C circumferentially disposed therearound. The openings 55A - C extend from the radially outer surface 54B to the through - hole 41. The groove 54 is configured to be engageable with a retaining clip 70 and a secondary retainer 100 as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the connector body 40 comprises metal. In some embodiments, the connector body 40 comprises a non - metal (e.g., polymer, ceramic, rubber).

[0025] A retaining clip or retaining ring or snap clip / ring 70 is disposed within the groove 54 of the body 40. The retaining clip 70 is generally ring - shaped and includes one or more protrusions extending radially inward. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining clip 70 comprises protrusions 72A - C. The protrusions 72A - C extend radially inward through the openings 55A - C of the groove 54. The protrusions 72A - C are configured to engage a shoulder 87, specifically a surface 88, to fix the tube 80 within the connector body 40. The retaining clip 70 can be made of any material (such as metal, polymer, etc.) that can elastically deform and return to its original shape.

[0026] The secondary retainer 100 generally includes a cylindrical portion 102 and at least one arm portion 120, and is configured to be engageable with the connector body 40, the tube 80, and the retaining clip 70. The cylindrical portion 102 is at least partially disposed within the connector body 40, and the arm portion 120 is disposed outside the connector body 40. The cylindrical portion 102 includes an end 104, an end 106, a radially inner surface 108, and a radially outer surface 110. In some embodiments, as shown, the cylindrical portion 102, i.e., the radially inner surface 108 and the radially outer surface 110, has a constant diameter. The cylindrical portion 102 is configured to be engageable with the tube 80 and the retainer 70. Specifically, the end 104 is configured to engage the retainer 70, and the radially inner surface 108 is configured to engage the tube 80. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion 102 has a variable diameter. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion 102 includes one or more notches or openings, e.g., four notches 112A - D, extending axially AD1 from the end 106. The notches 112A - D extend through the cylindrical portion 102 in the radial direction from the radially outer surface 110 to the radially inner surface 108. In some embodiments, as shown, the notches 112A - D are circumferentially spaced from each other and separate the arm members 120 in the circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion 102 further includes notches 114A - B disposed proximate to the respective ends 116A - B and extending axially AD1 from the end 106. The notches 114A - B extend through the cylindrical portion 102 in the radial direction from the radially outer surface 110 to the radially inner surface 108.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 102 further includes a circumferential gap 118 that forms a circumferential end 116A and a circumferential end 116B. As best shown in FIG. 3C, the circumferential gap 118 can be measured by an angle γ that indicates the angle between the end 116A and the end 116B. In some embodiments, the angle γ is 75 degrees. The circumferential gap 118 enables the cylindrical portion 102 to be elastic and radially assembled onto the tube 80. For example, when the secondary retainer 100 is radially disposed on the tube 80 (i.e., when the tube 80 moves through the gap 118), the cylindrical portion 102 can expand in the radially outward direction (i.e., the diameter increases), and then contract back to its original diameter when properly disposed on the tube 80. Further, the expandability of the cylindrical portion 102 further enables the cylindrical portion 102 to fit snugly around the tube 80. When the diameter of the tube 80 (e.g., the radially outer surface 92 or the radially outer surface 90) is larger than the diameter of the radially inner surface 108, once assembled, the secondary retainer 100 frictionally engages with the tube 80, thereby preventing rattling between components.

[0028] In some embodiments, the secondary retainer 100 further includes one or more members 130. The member 130 extends radially outward in the radial direction RD1 from the radially outer surface 110. The member 130 includes an axial surface 132 that faces in the axial direction AD1. In some embodiments, the surface 132 is disposed perpendicular to the radially outer surface 110. In some embodiments, the surface 132 is disposed non-perpendicular to the radially outer surface 110. In some embodiments, the secondary retainer 100 includes a plurality of members 130 circumferentially separated by a space 134.

[0029] The arm portion or a plurality of arm portions 120 are pivotally connected to the cylindrical portion 102. In some embodiments, as shown, the secondary retainer 100 includes a plurality of arm portions, such as five arm portions 120, separated by circumferential spaces 128A - D. In some embodiments, the arm portions 120 may be separated by notches 112A - D. Each of the arm portions 120 includes a member 122 and a member 124. Member 122 extends radially outward in the radial direction RD1 and axially in the axial direction AD1 from the end 106 at its proximal end. In some embodiments, as shown, member 122 is a linear member disposed at an angle α with respect to the radially outward face 110. In some embodiments, the angle α is 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the arm portion 120 further includes a curved member 126 that connects member 122 to the end 106. The curved member 126 has a radius R.

[0030] Member 124 extends radially inward in the radial direction RD2 and axially in the axial direction AD2 from the distal end of member 122. In some embodiments, as shown, member 124 is a linear member disposed at an angle β with respect to member 122. In some embodiments, the angle β is 55 degrees. Member 124 and member 122 essentially form hooks arranged to engage the connector body 40. Specifically, member 124 is configured to engage the groove 54 to fix the secondary retainer 100 to the connector body 40. The arm portion 120 is configured to be displaced radially outward when engaging the radially outward face 52 of the connector body and then return to its original position when engaging the groove 54 (i.e., the arm portion 120 is elastic).

[0031] To assemble the fluid connection assembly 10, the retaining clip 70 is placed on the connector body 40 such that it engages the groove 54 and the protrusions 72A - C engage the openings 55A - C and project into the through - hole 41 (see FIGS. 5 - 6). Next, the tube 80 is inserted axially AD1 into the connector body 40 with the end 82 leading. The radially outward face 84 engages the seal 62 and the section 83 is disposed inside the connector body 40 adjacent to the radially inward face 48. When the shoulder 87 engages the protrusions 72A - C, the retaining clip 70 expands radially outward in the radial direction RD1. When the shoulder 87 clears the protrusions 72A - C (i.e., is axially disposed between the protrusions 72A - C and the face 47), the protrusions 72A - C snap - back radially inward in the radial direction RD2 to form a connected state. In the connected state, the shoulder 87 engages or is disposed adjacent to the face 47 and / or the face 46. The face 47 prevents the shoulder 87, and thus the tube 80, from being displaced axially AD1, and the protrusions 72A - C prevent the shoulder 87, and thus the tube 80, from being displaced axially AD2 relative to the connector body 40. Thus, the engagement of the retainer 70 with the connector body 40 and the tube 80 prevents displacement of the tube 80 relative to the connector body 40 in the axial directions AD1 and AD2, and in the radial directions RD1 and RD2.

[0032] Next, the secondary retainer 100 is disposed on the tube 80 such that the end 104 (i.e., the member 130) faces towards the shoulder 87 and the end 106 faces away from the shoulder 87. It should be appreciated that the secondary retainer 100 can be disposed on the tube 80 prior to inserting the tube 80 into the connector body. As described above, the secondary retainer 100 is radially assembled onto the tube 80, i.e., the radially outer surface 92, via the circumferential gap 118 such that the radially inner surface 108 engages the radially outer surface 92. During such assembly (i.e., when the radially outer surface 92 passes through the circumferential gap 118), the cylindrical portion 102 may elastically expand or increase in diameter. When the tube 80 is properly fixed to the connector body 40 via the retaining clip 70 as described above, the secondary retainer 100 is axially moved along the tube 80 in the axial direction AD1. When the secondary retainer 100 engages the end 44, the arm portion 120 expands radially outward in the radial direction RD1 by the angle of the member 124. The arm portion 120 remains in the expanded state until the member 124 is aligned with the groove 54, at which point the arm portion 120 snaps back to its original position. This is the locked position of the secondary retainer 100.

[0033] In the locked position of the secondary retainer 100, 1) the member 124 engages the groove 54, specifically the radially outer surface 54B and / or the axial surface 54A, 2) the radially inner surface 108 engages the tube 80, specifically the radially outer surface 90 and / or the radially outer surface 92, and / or 3) the end 104, specifically the surface 132 of the member 130, engages the retaining clip 70. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the radially outer surface of the member 130 engages the radially inner surface 46, thereby preventing or inhibiting debris from entering the connector body 40. Thus, the secondary retainer 100 applies an axial force in the axial direction AD1 to the protrusions 70A - C within the through - hole 41 of the connector body 40, thereby providing additional holding force to the retaining clip 70. The clip 70 prevents rattling between components. Also, if the retaining clip 70 is damaged due to improper assembly or excessive force, the secondary retainer 100 will prevent the tube 80 from being discharged from the connector body 40.

[0034] To unlock the fluid connection assembly 10, it is necessary to displace the engaged arm portion 120 radially outward to disengage the member 124 from the groove 54. At that point, the secondary retainer 100 is displaced in the axial direction AD2 and removed from the connector body 40 (and optionally also from the tube 80). Next, the retaining clip 70 is radially expanded until the protrusions 72A - C are radially disengaged from the shoulder 87. At that point, the tube 80 is displaced in the axial direction AD2 and removed from the connector body 40. Optionally, the retaining clip 70 may be completely removed from the connector body 40.

[0035] It will be recognized that the various aspects of the disclosure above, as well as other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, can desirably be combined in many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unexpected alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereof may be made by those skilled in the art in the future, and these are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] 10 Fluid connection assembly 40 Connector body 41 Through hole 42 End 44 End 46 Radially inward face 47 Radially inward face 48 Radially inward face 50 Groove 52 Radially outward face 54 Groove 54A Surface 54B Surface 54C Surface 55A Opening 55B Opening 55C Opening 56 Groove 58 Head 60 Radially outward face 62 Seal 64 Seal 70 Retaining clip 72A Projection 72B Projection 72C Projection 80 Tube 82 End 83 Section 84 Radially outward face 86 Radially outward face 87 Shoulder 88 Surface 89 Section 90 Radially outward face 92 Radially outward face 94 End 96 Through hole 100 Secondary retainer 102 Cylindrical part 104 End 106 End 108 Radially inward face 110 Radially outward face 112A Notch 112B Notch 112C Notch 112D Notch 114A Notch 114B Notch 116A End 116B End 118 Gap 120 Arm Portion 122 Member 124 Member 126 Member 128A Space 128B Space 128C Space 128D Space 130 Member 132 Surface 134 Space or Multiple Spaces AD1 Axial Direction AD2 Axial Direction CD1 Circumferential Direction CD2 Circumferential Direction R Radius RD1 Radial Direction RD2 Radial Direction α Angle β Angle γ Angle

Claims

1. A connector body, a first end, a second end, a through hole, and a groove, the groove including a second radially outer surface, at least one axial surface, and at least one opening, and a first radially outer surface; a connector body including; a retaining clip disposed in the groove and configured to be extendable into the through hole; a secondary retainer, a cylindrical portion having a third end, a fourth end, a radially inner surface, and a third radially outer surface, at least one arm portion, a first member pivotally connected to the fourth end, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member and configured to engage the groove to connect the secondary retainer to the connector body; at least one arm portion including; a secondary retainer including; a fluid connection assembly comprising.

2. The third end is configured to be engageable with the retaining clip within the through hole, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1.

3. The first member extends radially outward in a first axial direction from the fourth end, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1.

4. The second member extends radially inward in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction from the first member, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 3.

5. The at least one arm portion includes a plurality of arm portions separated by a circumferential space, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1.

6. The first member and the second member are linear members, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1.

7. The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a curved member connecting the first member to the fourth end.

8. The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one third member extending radially outward from the third end.

9. The at least one third member is disposed perpendicular to the third radially outer surface, The fluid connection assembly according to claim 8.

10. The fluid connection assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a tube including a shoulder and a fourth radially outer surface, and in the connected state of the fluid connection assembly, the retaining clip fixes the tube within the connector body.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15. At the locking position of the secondary retainer, the radially inward surface engages with the fourth radially outward surface. The fluid connection assembly according to claim 10. **Claim 12** A cylindrical portion, A first end, A second end, A radially inward surface, A radially outward surface, A plurality of notches extending in a first axial direction from the second end and spaced circumferentially, A cylindrical portion including A plurality of arm portions separated by a circumferential space, and each arm portion of the plurality of arm portions Includes a proximal end pivotally connected to the second end, and a first member extending radially outward in the first axial direction from the second end, A second member pivotally connected to the distal end of the first member, Comprising A retainer for a fluid connection assembly. **Claim 13** The second member extends radially inward from the distal end in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. The retainer according to claim 12. **Claim 14** The cylindrical portion has a constant diameter. The retainer according to claim 12. **Claim 15** The cylindrical portion further includes a circumferential gap forming a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end. The retainer according to claim 12. **Claim 16** The cylindrical portion is elastically deformable. The retainer according to claim 15. **Claim 17** Further includes at least one third member extending radially outward from the first end. The retainer according to claim 12. **Claim 18** The at least one third member includes a plurality of third members spaced circumferentially, Each third member is arranged perpendicular to the radially outward surface. The retainer according to claim 17. **Claim 19** Further includes a curved member connecting the first member to the second end, and the first member and the second member are linear members. The retainer according to claim 12. **Claim 20** A cylindrical portion, A first end, A second end, A radially inward surface, A radially outward surface, A cylindrical portion including A plurality of arm portions separated by a circumferential space, and each arm portion of the plurality of arm portions Includes a proximal end pivotally connected to the second end, and a first member extending radially outward in the first axial direction from the second end, A second member pivotally connected to the distal end of the first member, At least one third member extending radially outward from the first end, Comprising Retainer for a fluid connection assembly.

Images