JP2004232828A

JP2004232828A - Half-engagement preventing clip for connector

Info

Publication number: JP2004232828A
Application number: JP2003025327A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuto Kasahara; 一人笠原; Tomoki Inoue; 知己井上
Original assignee: Sumitomo Riko Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sumitomo Riko Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-31
Filing date: 2003-01-31
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-31
Also published as: JP3700851B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a half-engagement preventing clip for a connector that has excellent connection confirming function. <P>SOLUTION: A half-engagement preventing clip 65 for connectors comprises a clip body 67 whose cross section is U-shaped, a one side wall part 71 which is integrally formed at one side end in the axial direction of the clip body 67 and comprises a connector engagement groove 69, the other side wall part 75 which is integrally formed on the other side end in the axial direction of the clip 67 and comprises a pipe engagement groove 73, and a pair of thin-wall regulating pieces 77 and 77 that are integrally formed on both sides in the width direction and extend toward the other side in the axial direction, on the other side in the axial direction at a U-shape open side end of the other side wall part 75. Reinforcing ribs 99 and 99 of relatively thick wall are formed between the regulating pieces 77 and 77 and the other side wall part 75. The interval between the reinforcing ribs 99 is set to be almost identical with the outer diameter of the pipe body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば自動車のガソリン燃料配管の連結に用いられるコネクタと、このコネクタに挿入されたパイプ体とが正常に接続されていることを確認するためのコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
流体配管の連結に用いられるコネクタとパイプ体との接続は、例えば、パイプ体の軸方向一方側又は挿入端部の外周面に環状係合突部を形成しておくとともに、コネクタの軸方向他方側内にリテーナーを嵌め付けておき、環状係合突部がこのリテーナーの軸方向一方側端又は軸方向一方側端部とスナップ係合するようにパイプ体をこのリテーナー内に挿入してパイプ体及びコネクタを抜け止め状態とすることにより行われるが、十分に注意して接続作業を行わないと、いわゆる半嵌合状態、すなわちリテーナー内にパイプ体が十分に挿入されていないで環状係合突部がリテーナーの軸方向一方側端又は軸方向一方側端部と係合していない状態が生じてしまう。コネクタ及びパイプ体の接続個所には内部流体の漏出を防止するためのシール部材が設けられているが、コネクタとパイプ体とが半嵌合状態のまま配管連結構造が使用されれば、コネクタとパイプ体との間の密封が不十分なので、あるいはコネクタとパイプ体との間の密封が不十分となって、内部流体が漏出してしまう。そこで、パイプ体がリテーナーに挿入不十分な状態のままで配管連結構造が使用されることがないように、コネクタとパイプ体との接続状態を確認することができる半嵌合防止手段を採用するのが好ましい。
【０００３】
このような半嵌合防止手段としては、スナップ係合用の環状係合突部（第１環状突起）とは別に、パイプ体の外周面にコネクタの軸方向他方側端よりも軸方向他方側に位置する環状確認突部（第２環状突起）を設けておき、断面Ｕ字状のクリップ本体（中間部）のそれぞれの端部に一方側壁部（第２横壁）及び他方側壁部（第１横壁）を形成するとともに、他方側壁部（第１横壁）に薄肉の規制片部（突出部）を形成したコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に被せて取り付けるといったものが知られている（例えば特許文献１参照）。ここでは、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの一方側壁部に、コネクタの保持部よりも軸方向一方側で、かつ保持部に隣接した部分を嵌め込むためのＵ字状のコネクタ嵌め込み溝（第２切欠溝）が形成され、他方側壁部に、パイプ体の環状確認突部よりも軸方向他方側で、かつ環状確認突部に隣接した部分を嵌め込むための、パイプ体と同一又はほぼ同一の幅を有するＵ字状のパイプ嵌め込み溝（第１切欠溝）が形成される。また、規制片部は、他方側壁部のパイプ嵌め込み溝の両側に一対形成され、この一対の規制片部の間隔はパイプ嵌め込み溝の開放側（第１切欠溝の第１案内面側）の幅と等しいように設定される。そして、それぞれの規制片部と他方側壁部との間には、環状確認突部が押し付けられたときに、規制片部が変形して環状確認突部の通過を許容してしまわないように、補強リブが一体的に形成されている。
【０００４】
このようなコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップは、パイプ体がコネクタに正常に挿入接続され、環状確認突部が所定の軸方向位置に配置されている場合には、コネクタの保持部からパイプ体の環状確認突部までを、一方側壁部及び他方側壁部で軸方向両側から挟むようにしてクリップ本体内に収容し、コネクタ及びパイプ体に簡単に取り付けることができるが、パイプ体がコネクタに対して半嵌合状態で、環状確認突部が所定の軸方向位置よりも軸方向他方側に偏って配置されている場合には、環状確認突部が規制片部に当接し、規制片部の間を通過することができないので、コネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けることができない。また、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの他方側壁部の内面と規制片部の軸方向他方側端との軸方向距離は、パイプ体の環状係合突部と環状確認突部との軸方向間隔よりも若干長く設定されているので、パイプ体がコネクタに対して半嵌合状態で、環状確認突部が所定の軸方向位置よりも軸方向他方側に偏って配置され、しかも、環状確認突部が規制片部から軸方向他方側に外れてしまう位置関係では、環状係合突部が規制片部に当接し、規制片部の間を通過することができないので、やはり、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けることができない。したがって、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップのコネクタ及びパイプ体への取り付けにより、パイプ体の正常な接続を確認でき、逆に、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けることができなかったことにより、パイプ体の半嵌合状態を確認できることとなる。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−６５９１号公報（第５頁、図２）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、特許文献１のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップでは、補強リブが規制片部の幅方向外端部に設けられているので、補強リブの間に環状確認突部よりも幅広の配置スペースが形成されている。したがって、パイプ体とコネクタとが半嵌合状態であるときにも、図１３に示すように、例えばコネクタＡの軸方向他方側端と環状確認突部Ｂとの間のパイプ体部分を、規制片部Ｃの軸方向他方側から一対の規制片部Ｃ間に通し、環状確認突部Ｂ全体をコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップＤの他方側壁部Ｅと規制片部Ｃとの間に位置させることができてしまい、そして、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップＤを規制片部Ｃ側を中心として回転させることにより（図１３の矢印参照）、図１４に示すように、コネクタＡの保持部Ｆをクリップ本体Ｇ内に収めてコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップＤをコネクタＡ及びパイプ体Ｈに取り付けることが可能となる。それゆえ、このような構成のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップは、パイプ体とコネクタとが半嵌合状態のときには取り付けることができないといった接続確認機能を確実に期待できるものではない。
【０００７】
そこで本発明は、優れた接続確認機能を有するコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの提供を目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この目的を達成するための本発明のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ（キャップ）は、軸方向一方側にホース接続部を有し、軸方向他方側にリテーナー手段が設けられたコネクタと、軸方向他方側端開口から前記コネクタ内に挿入されて、外周面に形成された環状係合突部が前記リテーナー手段とスナップ係合し、かつ、前記コネクタの軸方向他方側端又は前記コネクタの軸方向他方側端よりも軸方向他方側に位置する環状確認突部が外周面に形成されているパイプ体と、に被せられて取り付けられるコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ（キャップ）であって、断面Ｕ字状又はコの字状（断面ほぼＵ字状又はほぼコの字状を含む）のクリップ本体（キャップ本体）と、このクリップ本体の軸方向一方側端に一体的に形成された、Ｕ字状（ほぼＵ字状を含む）のコネクタ嵌め込み溝を有する一方側壁部と、前記クリップ本体の軸方向他方側端に一体的に形成された、前記パイプ体の本体外径と等しい又はほぼ等しい幅のＵ字状（ほぼＵ字状を含む）のパイプ嵌め込み溝を有する他方側壁部と、この他方側壁部の開放側端部に、前記パイプ嵌め込み溝を挟んで一体的に形成された軸方向他方側に延びる一対の規制片部と、それぞれの前記規制片部と前記他方側壁部との間に一体的に設けられた一対の補強リブと、を備え、一対の前記規制片部の間隔は、前記パイプ体の前記本体の通過を許容するように、しかし、前記パイプ体の前記環状係合突部及び前記環状確認突部の通過を許容しないように設定され、前記クリップ本体内に、前記コネクタの軸方向他方側に形成されている大径部から前記パイプ体の前記環状確認突部までを、前記一方側壁部及び前記他方側壁部で軸方向両側から挟んだ状態で、実質的に収容するように構成されていて、前記他方側壁部の内面と前記規制片部の軸方向他方側端との軸方向距離は、前記パイプ体の前記環状係合突部と前記環状確認突部との軸方向間隔よりも長く設定され、さらに、一対の前記補強リブの間隔は、前記パイプ体の前記環状確認突部の外径よりも狭く設定されているものである。
ホース接続部は、パイプ体と連結される種々の相手側部材の接続部を広く含む。
【０００９】
コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの取り付け時には、クリップ本体が、コネクタの軸方向他方側に形成されている大径部から、例えば大径部の軸方向一方側端からパイプ体の環状確認突部までを実質的に、すなわち、ほぼ大径部から、例えばほぼ大径部の軸方向一方側端からほぼ環状確認突部までを収容するが、大径部から環状確認突部までは、クリップ本体の一方側壁部及び他方側壁部によって軸方向両側から挟まれた状態で、クリップ本体に収容される。クリップ本体の一方側壁部及び他方側壁部は、軸方向に間隔を設けずに、あるいは軸方向に僅かの間隔を設けて、大径部からパイプ体の環状確認突部までを挟む。すなわち、一方側壁部と他方側壁部との軸方向間隔は、パイプ体がコネクタに正常に挿入接続されたときの、大径部から環状確認突部（環状確認突部の軸方向他方側端）までの軸方向間隔とほぼ等しく設定されている。したがって、パイプ体がコネクタに対して半嵌合状態であり、パイプ体の環状確認突部が軸方向他方側に偏って位置している場合には、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップを取り付けようとすると、環状確認突部はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの規制片部側に位置することとなる。しかしながら、規制片部は、例えばパイプ体の本体（環状係合突部や環状確認突部以外のパイプ体部分）の外径と等しいか又はほぼ等しい幅方向間隔を有し、パイプ体の本体の通過を許容するが、環状確認突部の通過を許容しない。その結果、パイプ体の環状確認突部と規制片部とが当接又は干渉して（環状確認突部が他方側壁部と当接又は干渉する場合を含む）、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けることができない。そこで、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けることができたときは、パイプ体がコネクタに正常に挿入接続されていることとなる。
【００１０】
また、本発明では、コネクタ用半嵌合クリップの他方側壁部の内面と規制片部の軸方向他方側端との軸方向距離は、パイプ体の環状係合突部と環状確認突部との軸方向間隔よりも長いので、パイプ体の環状係合突部と環状確認突部との間の部分は規制片部と平行な状態では一対の規制片部間を通過することができない。
さらに、本発明では、それぞれの規制片部と他方側壁部との間に補強リブが一体的に形成され、一対の補強リブの間隔が、パイプ体の環状確認突部の外径よりも狭く設定されている。したがって、パイプ体とコネクタとが半嵌合状態であり、環状確認突部が規制片部と当接する位置関係のときに、環状確認突部よりも軸方向一方側のパイプ体部分（環状係合突部と環状確認突部との間のパイプ体部分）を、規制片部の軸方向他方側から一対の規制片部間に通しても、あるいは嵌め込んでも、補強リブとの当接干渉により、環状確認突部が規制片部と他方側壁部との間（例えば規制片部の軸方向他方側端部よりも軸方向一方側のスペース）に全体的に入り込むといったことは阻止される。したがって、他方側壁部の開放側端又は規制片部の軸方向一方側端部が環状係合突部と当接してしまい、パイプ体が一対の規制片部間を通過するようにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップを取り付け操作することができない。それゆえ、コネクタとパイプ体とが半嵌合状態のときには、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に確実に取り付けることができないこととなる。
【００１１】
環状確認突部が規制片部と他方側壁部との間に全体的に入り込むことを阻止するためには、補強リブを規制片部の全長にわたって設けることが効果的である。
また、補強リブを、パイプ嵌め込み溝に沿って形成し、一対の補強リブの間隔を、パイプ嵌め込み溝の幅と等しく又はほぼ等しく設定してもよい。
【００１２】
また、クリップ本体に形成された一方側壁部を、コネクタ嵌め込み溝が軸方向一方側に突出するように、軸方向一方側に向って膨出させて形成すれば、一方側壁部の外縁からコネクタ嵌め込み溝までの幅を大きく設定できるので、一方側壁部の変形によりコネクタ嵌め込み溝周縁が開きやすくなる。したがって、環状確認突部がやや厚く形成されていたり、軸方向他方側にやや偏って形成されていたりしても、コネクタの大径部からパイプ体の環状係合突部までを一方側壁部及び他方側壁部間に収めることが可能となる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１４】
図１は本発明に係るコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップを取り付けるためのコネクタの斜視図、図２はコネクタの断面図である。
【００１５】
自動車のガソリン燃料配管の連結に用いられるコネクタ（クイックコネクタ）１は、軸方向一方側に、ゴムホース（図示せず）を嵌め付けるためのホース接続部３が一体的に形成された筒状の金属製コネクタハウジング５を備え、このコネクタハウジング５の軸方向他方側端（後端）からホース接続部３の先端まで貫通する貫通孔７を有している。ホース接続部３は、コネクタハウジング５の軸方向一方側端に一体的に連続して形成された、コネクタハウジング５の軸方向に対して９０度屈曲する屈曲部９と、この屈曲部９に一体的に連続して形成された、コネクタハウジング５の軸方向と直交する方向に延びる直管部１１と、から構成されていて、直管部１１には、径方向外側に突出する環状抜け止め突部１３、１３が軸方向に間隔を設けて２本形成されている。
【００１６】
コネクタハウジング５は、ホース接続部３が一体的に連続して形成されている軸方向一方側の円筒状連絡部１５と、軸方向他方側の大径の環状保持部１７（大径部）と、カラー１９を介して軸方向に並んで内周面に嵌め付けられて配置された一対のＯリング２１、２１（シール部材）を有する軸方向中間の円筒状シール部２３と、から構成され、円筒状シール部２３は環状保持部１７よりも小径で、円筒状連絡部１５よりも大径に構成されている。なお、図２中符号２５は、円筒状シール部２３の内周面に嵌め付けられた、Ｏリング２１のずれを防止するための金属製ブッシュである。
【００１７】
環状保持部１７は、円筒状シール部２３の軸方向他方側端に一体的に連続して形成された、軸方向他方側に向って急に拡径して短く延びる根元部２７と、この根元部２７の軸方向他方側端に一体的に連続して形成された、軸方向他方側に向って緩く拡径して延びる中間部２９と、この中間部２９の軸方向他方側端に一体的に連続して形成された、軸方向に沿って軸方向他方側に延びる開口側部３１と、この開口側部３１の軸方向他方側端に一体的に形成された、内側に僅かに突出する内向きフランジ部３３と、から構成されていて、内向きフランジ部３３の内周は挿入開口３５（軸方向他方側端開口）を形成している。
【００１８】
環状保持部１７内には、金属製のリテーナー３７が嵌め付けられていて、このリテーナー３７は、軸方向一方側端部の環状の基部３９と、この基部３９の軸方向他方側端の周方向４箇所から一体的に、概略的には軸方向他方側に延びる薄肉プレート状の支持部４１と、それぞれの支持部４１の軸方向他方側端に一体的に連続して形成され、内側に折り返して軸方向一方側に延びる薄肉プレート状の係合部４３と、から構成されていて、４つの支持部４１は周方向等間隔に配置されている。それぞれの支持部４１は、基部３９の軸方向他方側端から一体的に径方向外側に延びる外向き部４５と、この外向き部４５の径方向外端から一体的に軸方向他方側に向って径方向外側に緩く傾斜して延び、軸方向他方側端に係合部４３が一体的に連続して形成された本体部４７と、から構成され、本体部４７の軸方向他方側端あるいは係合部４３の折り返し部は、内向きフランジ部３３と当接する状態となっていて、リテーナー３７は環状保持部１７内に抜け止め状態で保持されている。係合部４３は、本体部４７から折り返して径方向内側に緩く傾斜しながら軸方向一方側に延びる係合本体部４９と、この係合本体部４９の軸方向一方側端に一体的に形成された、径方向外側に突出する当接部５１と、から構成されていて、係合本体部４９の軸方向一方側寄りには、径方向内側に突出する解除突部５３が形成されている。
【００１９】
図３はコネクタ１にパイプ体を挿入接続した場合の断面図である。
【００２０】
コネクタハウジング５の挿入開口３５から挿入されてコネクタハウジング５と嵌合接続した相手方のパイプ体５５は、挿入端部の外周面に環状係合突部５７を有していて、この環状係合突部５７がリテーナー３７の係合本体部４９を押し広げて進行し、係合部４３の当接部５１とスナップ係合するまでコネクタ１又はコネクタハウジング５内に押し込まれて挿入されている。パイプ体５５は、環状係合突部５７よりも軸方向他方側の外周面に、環状係合突部５７と同一又はほぼ同一の突出高さを有する環状確認突部５９を備えていて、環状係合突部５７がリテーナー３７の当接部５１に係合してパイプ体５５がコネクタ１に正常に挿入嵌合したとき、この環状確認突部５９が環状保持部１７の挿入開口３５よりも軸方向外側あるいは軸方向他方側に位置するように構成されている。パイプ体５５は、環状係合突部５７がリテーナー３７の係合部４３の当接部５１とスナップ係合状態となることによって、コネクタ１に対して抜け止めされ、また、環状係合突部５７がリテーナー３７の支持部４１の外向き部４５に当接してリテーナー３７を軸方向一方側に移動させ、リテーナー３７の軸方向一方側部がブッシュ２５又はブッシュ２５近傍に当接することにより挿入止めされる。パイプ体５５の軸方向一方側端又は挿入側端は、円筒状シール部２３の一対のＯリング２１、２１を越えて円筒状連絡部１５内に達し、パイプ体５５とコネクタハウジング５の内周面との間はこのＯリング２１により密封されている。
【００２１】
パイプ体５５は、解除具６１の一対の半割状筒部６３、６３を環状保持部１７とパイプ体５５との隙間に挿入し、半割状筒部６３の軸方向一方側端で解除突部５３を押して係合本体部４９を押し広げ、係合部４３の当接部５１と環状係合突部５７との係合状態を解除することにより、コネクタハウジング５から引き抜くことができる（解除具６１の一対の半割状筒部６３、６３は広げられた状態で図示されている）。
【００２２】
図４は本発明に係るコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの斜視図、図５はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの別の斜視図である。
【００２３】
コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ（キャップ）６５の材質には、熱可塑性樹脂が広く用いられるが、耐熱性が必要な場合は、ＰＡ１１、ＰＡ１２又はＰＡ６６等のポリアミド系樹脂を用いる。また、ＰＰ等のポリプロピレン系樹脂又はポリエステル系樹脂を用いることによって低コスト化を図ることができる。
【００２４】
コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５は、断面Ｕ字状体として形成され、軸方向（コネクタハウジング５及びパイプ体５５の軸方向）又は長さ方向に延びるＵ字開放部側からコネクタハウジング５及びパイプ体５５に被せられて取り付けられるものであり、断面Ｕ字状のクリップ本体（キャップ本体）６７と、このクリップ本体６７の軸方向一方側端に一体的に形成され、コネクタ嵌め込み溝６９が設けられた一方側壁部７１と、クリップ本体６７の軸方向他方側端に一体的に形成され、パイプ嵌め込み溝７３が設けられた他方側壁部７５と、この他方側壁部７５のＵ字開口側端部の軸方向他方側面に、幅方向両側で一体的に形成されて軸方向他方側に延びる一対の薄肉状規制片部７７、７７と、から構成され、一方側壁部７１（一方側壁部７１のコネクタ嵌め込み溝６９縁部）と他方側壁部７５との軸方向間隔は、コネクタ１の環状保持部１７の軸方向一方側端と、コネクタ１に正常に挿入接続されたパイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９の軸方向他方側端までの軸方向間隔とほぼ等しいように設定されていて、他方側壁部７５の内面と規制片部７７の軸方向他方側端との軸方向距離は、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７と環状確認突部５９との軸方向間隔よりも若干長く設定されている。
【００２５】
クリップ本体６７は、断面半円状の円弧状壁部７９と、この円弧状壁部７９の幅方向両端に一体的に連続して形成された一対のフラットな側壁部８１、８１と、から構成されていて、円弧状壁部７９の内面は、環状保持部１７の開口側部３１の外径と等しい又はほぼ等しい内径を有し、一対の側壁部８１、８１の間隔は、環状保持部１７の開口側部３１の外径と等しく又はほぼ等しく設定されている。
【００２６】
一方側壁部７１のコネクタ嵌め込み溝６９は、クリップ本体６７の円弧状壁部７９の内面と同心的に形成された半円状嵌め込み部８３と、半円状嵌め込み部８３の両端から側壁部８１と平行に延びて開放する導入部８５と、から構成されていて、半円状嵌め込み部８３の内径及び導入部８５の幅は、コネクタハウジング５の円筒状シール部２３の外径と等しく又はほぼ等しく設定されているが、導入部８５と半円状嵌め込み部８３との境界付近には、スナップ突起８７、８７が形成されている。したがって、一方側壁部７１は、内周が半円状嵌め込み部８３を形成する半円状部８９と、幅方向内端が導入部８５を形成する幅方向一対の側部９１、９１と、から構成されているが、コネクタ嵌め込み溝６９が一方側壁部７１の外縁よりも軸方向一方側に突出するように、側部９１、９１はそれぞれ内側に向って軸方向一方側に緩く傾斜し、半円状部８９は軸方向一方側に截頭円錐状に突出している。
【００２７】
また、他方側壁部７５のパイプ嵌め込み溝７３は、クリップ本体６７の円弧状壁部７９の内面と同心的に形成された半円状嵌め込み部９３と、半円状嵌め込み部９３の両端から側壁部８１と平行に延びて開放する導入部９５と、から構成されていて、半円状嵌め込み部９３の内径及び導入部９５の幅は、パイプ体５５の本体の外径と等しく又はほぼ等しく設定されているが、導入部９５と半円状嵌め込み部９３との境界付近には、スナップ突起９７、９７が形成されている。
【００２８】
一対の規制片部７７、７７はそれぞれ、幅方向内端面がパイプ嵌め込み溝７３の導入部９５と一致して同一平面を形成し、かつ、幅方向外端面がクリップ本体６７の側壁部８１の外面（又は他方側壁部７５の外面）と一致して同一平面を形成するように、他方側壁部７５（他方側壁部７５の軸方向他方側面）に一体的に形成されていて、一対の規制片部７７、７７の間隔はパイプ嵌め込み溝７３の幅と同一に設定されている。それぞれの規制片部７７、７７と他方側壁部７５との間には、幅方向内面が規制片部７７の幅方向内端面及びパイプ嵌め込み溝７３の導入部９５と一致して同一平面を形成するように、比較的厚肉の補強リブ９９、９９が、規制片部７７の全長にわたって一体的に形成されていて、この補強リブ９９は、規制片部７７の他方側壁部７５側に位置する面の軸方向他方側端から軸方向一方側に向って漸次高さを増していき、他方側壁部７５との接合位置では、パイプ嵌め込み溝７３の最深部位置に達する高さを有していて、補強リブ９９の端面１０１は、規制片部７７の他方側壁部７５側に位置する面の軸方向他方側端から他方側壁部７５まで延びる傾斜面として形成されている。
【００２９】
なお、図中１０３は、円弧状壁部７９に設けられた排出孔であり、コネクタ１及びパイプ体５５の接続個所から内部流体が漏出した場合に、この内部流体を外部に排出するためのものである。
【００３０】
図６はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付ける場合の説明図、図７はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けた場合の斜視図、図８はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けた場合の別の斜視図、図９はコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けた場合の断面図である。
【００３１】
コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５の取り付けは、円筒状シール部２３の環状保持部２９に隣接する部分を、一方側壁部７１の導入部８５内を通過又は移動させて半円状嵌め込み部８３内にスナップ的に嵌め込み、環状保持部２９からパイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９までを、一方側壁部７１と他方側壁部７５とで軸方向両側から挟んだ状態でクリップ本体６７内に収容し、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９よりも軸方向他方側を、他方側壁部７５の導入部９５内を通過又は移動させて半円状嵌め込み部９３内にスナップ的に嵌め込み、かつ、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９よりもさらに軸方向他方側を一対の規制片部７７、７７間を通過させることにより行われる。環状保持部２９からパイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９までは、一方側壁部７１と他方側壁部７５とで軸方向両側から挟まれているので、パイプ体５５のコネクタ１からの抜けが確実に防止される。
【００３２】
図１０はパイプ体５５がコネクタ１と半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けようとした場合の説明図、図１１はパイプ体５５がコネクタ１と別の半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けようとした場合の説明図、図１２はパイプ体５５がコネクタ１と半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に特殊な態様で取り付けようとした場合の説明図である。
【００３３】
図１０に示すように、コネクタ１内又はリテーナー３７内へのパイプ体５５の挿入が不十分で、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７が、リテーナー３７の係合部４３の当接部５１と係合していないときは、パイプ体５５とコネクタ１とが正常に接続されている場合と比較して、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９は、コネクタハウジング５の軸方向他方側端から軸方向他方側にさらに離れて位置している。したがって、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５を、環状保持部２９がクリップ本体６７内に収容されるように、コネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けようとすると、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９は、クリップ本体６７内に収容されるようには位置せず、規制片部７７側に位置する。しかしながら、規制片部７７の間隔は、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９の外径よりも小さいので、環状確認突部５９が規制片部７７に当接してパイプ体５５は規制片部７７間を通過できない。したがって、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けることができない（図１０では、環状確認突部５９が他方側壁部７５に当接している）。ここでは、一対の規制片部７７は、補強リブ９９、９９の形成により変形しにくくなっているので、環状確認突部５９を一対の規制片部７７に強く押し付けても、環状確認突部５９が一対の規制片部７７間を通過してしまうといったことはない。
【００３４】
また、コネクタ１内又はリテーナー３７内へのパイプ体５５の挿入が不十分で、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９が、コネクタハウジング５の軸方向他方側端から軸方向他方側に大きく離れて位置し、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９が、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５の規制片部７７よりも軸方向他方側に位置することとなる状態では、他方側壁部７５の内面と規制片部７７の軸方向他方側端との軸方向距離が、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７と環状確認突部５９との軸方向間隔よりも長く設定されているので、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７が規制片部７７側に位置することとなる。したがって、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５を、コネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けようとすると、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７が、この環状係合突部５７の外径よりも小さい間隔で配置されている一対の規制片部７７、又は環状係合突部５７の外径よりも狭い幅のパイプ嵌め込み溝７３を有する他方側壁部７５のＵ字開口側端に当接するので、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けることができない（図１１参照：図１１は、環状確認突部５９が、規制片部７７の軸方向他方側端部に位置する場合を示し、この場合には、環状確認突部５９が規制片部７７に当接し、環状係合突部５７が他方側壁部７５のＵ字開口側端と当接している）。
【００３５】
さらに、図１２に示すように、コネクタ１内又はリテーナー３７内へのパイプ体５５の挿入が不十分で、パイプ体５５の環状係合突部５７が、リテーナー３７の係合部４３の当接部５１と係合していないときに、パイプ体５５の環状確認突部５９よりも軸方向一方側の部分を、規制片部７７の軸方向他方側から規制片部７７間に通しても、あるいは嵌め込んでも、環状確認突部５９と補強リブ９９の端面１０１との当接により、環状確認突部５９全体が規制片部７７と他方側壁部７５との間に入り込むことが阻止される。したがって、他方側壁部７５のＵ字開口側端が環状係合突部５７と当接するので、パイプ体５５は規制片部７７間を通過することができない。したがって、コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ６５をコネクタ１及びパイプ体５５に取り付けることができない。
【００３６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップは、コネクタとパイプ体とが半嵌合状態のときにもコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けられてしまうといったおそれが少ないものであり、優れた接続確認機能を有するものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップを取り付けるためのコネクタの斜視図である。
【図２】コネクタの断面図である。
【図３】コネクタにパイプ体を挿入接続した場合の断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係るコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの斜視図である。
【図５】コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップの別の斜視図である。
【図６】コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付ける場合の説明図である。
【図７】コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けた場合の斜視図である。
【図８】コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けた場合の別の斜視図である。
【図９】コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けた場合の断面図である。
【図１０】パイプ体がコネクタと半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けようとした場合の説明図である。
【図１１】パイプ体がコネクタと別の半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に取り付けようとした場合の説明図である。
【図１２】パイプ体がコネクタと半嵌合状態のときにコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に特殊な態様で取り付けようとした場合の説明図である。
【図１３】パイプ体がコネクタと半嵌合状態のときに、従来のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に特殊な態様で取り付けようとした場合の説明図である。
【図１４】従来のコネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップをコネクタ及びパイプ体に特殊な態様で取り付けた場合の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１コネクタ
３ホース接続部
３５挿入開口（軸方向他方側端開口）
３７リテーナー（リテーナー手段）
５５パイプ体
５７環状係合突部
５９環状確認突部
６５コネクタ用半嵌合防止クリップ
６７クリップ本体
６９コネクタ嵌め込み溝
７１一方側壁部
７３パイプ嵌め込み溝
７５他方側壁部
７７規制片部
９９補強リブ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector half-fitting prevention clip for confirming that a connector used for connecting a gasoline fuel pipe of an automobile, for example, and a pipe inserted into the connector are properly connected.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The connection between the connector used for connecting the fluid pipe and the pipe body is formed, for example, by forming an annular engaging projection on one side in the axial direction of the pipe body or on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion end, and connecting the other end in the axial direction of the connector. A pipe is inserted into the retainer so that the annular engaging projection snap-engages with one axial end or one axial end of the retainer. However, if the connection work is not performed with sufficient care, a so-called semi-fitted state, i.e., when the pipe body is not sufficiently inserted into the retainer, and the annular engagement protrusion is formed. The state where the part is not engaged with the one axial end or the one axial end of the retainer may occur. Although a seal member for preventing leakage of the internal fluid is provided at the connection point of the connector and the pipe body, if the pipe connection structure is used while the connector and the pipe body are in a half-fitted state, the connector and the pipe body are connected. Insufficient sealing between the pipe and the connector or between the connector and the pipe results in leakage of internal fluid. Therefore, in order to prevent the pipe connection structure from being used while the pipe body is not sufficiently inserted into the retainer, a semi-fitting prevention means capable of confirming a connection state between the connector and the pipe body is adopted. Is preferred.
[0003]
As such a semi-fitting preventing means, apart from an annular engaging projection (first annular projection) for snap engagement, the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body is provided on the other axial side of the connector in the other axial direction than the other axial end. An annular confirmation projection (second annular projection) is provided, and one side wall (second lateral wall) and the other side wall (first lateral wall) are provided at each end of the clip body (intermediate part) having a U-shaped cross section. ), And a connector half-fitting prevention clip having a thin regulating piece (projection) formed on the other side wall (first lateral wall) is attached to the connector and the pipe body and attached. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, a U-shaped connector fitting groove (second groove) for fitting a portion of the connector half-fitting prevention clip on one side wall in the axial direction one side of the connector holding portion and adjacent to the holding portion. Notch groove) is formed on the other side wall portion, the same or substantially the same as the pipe body for fitting a portion adjacent to the annular confirmation protrusion on the other axial side of the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body. A U-shaped pipe fitting groove (first notch groove) having a width is formed. A pair of regulating pieces are formed on both sides of the pipe fitting groove on the other side wall, and the interval between the pair of regulating pieces is the width of the open side of the pipe fitting groove (the first guide surface side of the first cutout groove). Is set equal to Then, between the respective restricting pieces and the other side wall, when the annular confirming projection is pressed, so that the restricting piece does not deform and allow the annular confirming projection to pass through. Reinforcing ribs are formed integrally.
[0004]
Such a semi-mating prevention clip for a connector, when the pipe body is normally inserted and connected to the connector, and the annular confirmation projection is located at a predetermined axial position, the pipe body is held from the holding portion of the connector. The annular confirmation protrusion can be housed in the clip body so as to be sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the one side wall and the other side wall, and can be easily attached to the connector and the pipe body. When the annular check protrusion is disposed at a position deviated to the other side in the axial direction from the predetermined axial position in the combined state, the annular check protrusion contacts the regulating piece and passes between the regulating pieces. Cannot be attached to the connector and the pipe body. Further, the axial distance between the inner surface of the other side wall of the connector half-fitting prevention clip and the other axial end of the restriction piece is the axial distance between the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body. Is slightly longer than the predetermined length, so that the pipe body is half-fitted to the connector, the annular confirming projection is arranged to be biased to the other side in the axial direction from the predetermined axial position, and In the positional relationship where the portion is disengaged from the restricting piece to the other side in the axial direction, the annular engaging projection abuts the restricting piece and cannot pass between the restricting pieces. Mating clips cannot be attached to connectors and pipe bodies. Therefore, by connecting the connector half-fitting prevention clip to the connector and the pipe body, normal connection of the pipe body can be confirmed, and conversely, the connector half-fitting prevention clip cannot be mounted on the connector and the pipe body. As a result, the half-fitted state of the pipe body can be confirmed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-6551 (page 5, FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the connector half-fitting prevention clip of Patent Literature 1, since the reinforcing rib is provided at the outer end in the width direction of the restricting piece portion, an arrangement space wider than the annular confirmation protrusion is provided between the reinforcing ribs. Is formed. Therefore, even when the pipe body and the connector are in a half-fitted state, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the pipe body portion between the other axial end of the connector A and the annular confirmation projection B is restricted. The entire annular confirmation protrusion B is positioned between the other side wall E of the connector half-fitting prevention clip D and the restriction piece C from the other axial side of the piece C in the axial direction. Then, by rotating the connector half-fitting prevention clip D about the restriction piece C side (see the arrow in FIG. 13), as shown in FIG. In the clip body G, and the connector half-fitting prevention clip D can be attached to the connector A and the pipe body H. Therefore, the connector half-fitting prevention clip having such a configuration cannot reliably expect a connection confirmation function such that it cannot be attached when the pipe body and the connector are half-fitted.
[0007]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector half-fitting prevention clip having an excellent connection confirmation function.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, a connector half-fitting prevention clip (cap) of the present invention has a connector having a hose connection portion on one axial side and a retainer means provided on the other axial side, An annular engagement projection formed on the outer peripheral surface is inserted into the connector from the other end opening and snap-engages with the retainer means, and the other axial end of the connector or the axial direction of the connector A semi-fitting prevention clip (cap) for a connector, which is mounted on and attached to a pipe body having an annular confirmation protrusion located on the other side in the axial direction from the other side end and formed on the outer peripheral surface, and having a cross section U And a U-shaped (including a substantially U-shaped or substantially U-shaped cross section) clip body (cap body), and a U-shape integrally formed at one axial end of the clip body. Shape (almost U-shaped And a U-shape (substantially U) having a width equal to or substantially equal to the outer diameter of the main body of the pipe body integrally formed at the other axial end of the clip main body. And a pair of restricting pieces extending to the other side in the axial direction integrally formed on the open end of the other side wall with the pipe fitting groove interposed therebetween. Part, and a pair of reinforcing ribs provided integrally between each of the restricting pieces and the other side wall, wherein the interval between the pair of restricting pieces is the same as that of the main body of the pipe body. It is set to allow passage, but not to allow passage of the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body, and is formed in the clip body on the other axial side of the connector. From the large diameter part Up to the annular confirmation protrusion of the ip body, the one side wall portion and the other side wall portion are sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction, and are configured to be substantially accommodated, and the inner surface of the other side wall portion and the An axial distance between the restricting piece and the other end in the axial direction is set to be longer than an axial distance between the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body, and furthermore, a pair of the reinforcing ribs. Is set smaller than the outer diameter of the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body.
The hose connection broadly includes a connection of various mating members connected to the pipe body.
[0009]
When the connector half-fitting prevention clip is attached, the clip body extends from the large-diameter portion formed on the other axial side of the connector, for example, from one axial end of the large-diameter portion to the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body. Substantially, that is, from the substantially large-diameter portion, for example, to accommodate substantially the axially one end of the substantially large-diameter portion to the substantially annular confirmation projection, but from the large-diameter portion to the annular confirmation projection, the clip body is The clip is housed in the clip body while being sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the one side wall and the other side wall. The one side wall portion and the other side wall portion of the clip main body sandwich the portion from the large diameter portion to the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body without providing an interval in the axial direction or with a slight interval in the axial direction. That is, the axial distance between the one side wall and the other side wall is from the large-diameter portion to the annular confirmation protrusion (the other axial end of the annular confirmation protrusion) when the pipe body is normally inserted and connected to the connector. It is set almost equal to the axial interval up to. Therefore, when the pipe body is in a half-fitted state with respect to the connector, and the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body is located on the other side in the axial direction, an attempt is made to attach the connector half-fitting prevention clip. Then, the annular confirming projection is located on the restricting piece side of the connector half-fitting prevention clip. However, the restricting piece has a width direction interval equal to or substantially equal to the outer diameter of, for example, the main body of the pipe body (the pipe body portion other than the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection). Allows passage, but does not allow passage of the annular confirmation protrusion. As a result, the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body and the restriction piece abut or interfere with each other (including the case where the annular confirmation protrusion abuts or interferes with the other side wall). Cannot be attached to connectors and pipes. Then, when the connector half-fitting prevention clip can be attached to the connector and the pipe, the pipe is normally inserted and connected to the connector.
[0010]
Further, in the present invention, the axial distance between the inner surface of the other side wall of the connector half-fitting clip and the other axial end of the restricting piece is the distance between the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body. Since it is longer than the axial interval, the portion between the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body cannot pass between the pair of regulating pieces in a state parallel to the regulating pieces.
Further, in the present invention, the reinforcing rib is integrally formed between each of the restricting pieces and the other side wall, and the interval between the pair of reinforcing ribs is set smaller than the outer diameter of the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body. Have been. Therefore, when the pipe body and the connector are in a semi-fitted state, and the annular confirming projection is in a positional relationship of abutting on the regulating piece, the pipe body portion (the annular engaging part) on the axially one side of the annular confirming projection is located. Even if the pipe body portion between the projection and the annular confirmation projection is passed between the pair of restricting pieces from the other side in the axial direction of the restricting piece, or is fitted into the restricting piece, contact interference with the reinforcing rib causes This prevents the annular confirmation projection from entirely entering between the regulating piece and the other side wall (for example, a space on one side in the axial direction from the other end in the axial direction of the regulating piece). Therefore, the open side end of the other side wall or the one axial end of the restricting piece comes into contact with the annular engaging projection, and the connector half-fits so that the pipe passes between the pair of restricting pieces. Unable to attach the operation prevention clip. Therefore, when the connector and the pipe body are in the half-fitted state, the connector half-fitting prevention clip cannot be securely attached to the connector and the pipe body.
[0011]
In order to prevent the annular confirmation protrusion from entirely entering between the regulating piece and the other side wall, it is effective to provide the reinforcing ribs over the entire length of the regulating piece.
Further, the reinforcing ribs may be formed along the pipe fitting groove, and the interval between the pair of reinforcing ribs may be set to be equal to or substantially equal to the width of the pipe fitting groove.
[0012]
Also, if the one side wall portion formed on the clip body is formed so as to bulge toward one axial side so that the connector fitting groove projects toward one axial side, the connector fitting is performed from the outer edge of the one side wall portion. Since the width up to the groove can be set large, the peripheral edge of the connector fitting groove can be easily opened by deformation of the side wall. Therefore, even if the annular confirmation projection is formed to be slightly thicker or slightly biased to the other side in the axial direction, the one side wall and the annular engagement projection of the pipe from the large diameter portion of the connector to the annular engagement projection are formed. On the other hand, it is possible to fit between the side wall portions.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector for mounting a connector half-fitting prevention clip according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the connector.
[0015]
A connector (quick connector) 1 used for connecting a gasoline fuel pipe of an automobile is a cylindrical metal having a hose connection portion 3 for integrally fitting a rubber hose (not shown) on one axial side. The connector housing 5 is provided with a through hole 7 penetrating from the other axial end (rear end) of the connector housing 5 to the tip of the hose connection portion 3. The hose connection portion 3 is formed integrally and continuously with one end of the connector housing 5 in the axial direction, and is bent at 90 degrees with respect to the axial direction of the connector housing 5. And a straight pipe portion 11 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector housing 5. The straight pipe portion 11 has an annular retaining protrusion protruding radially outward. Two portions 13, 13 are formed at intervals in the axial direction.
[0016]
The connector housing 5 includes a cylindrical connecting portion 15 on one side in the axial direction in which the hose connection portion 3 is formed integrally and continuously, and a large-diameter annular holding portion 17 (large-diameter portion) on the other side in the axial direction. An axially intermediate cylindrical seal portion 23 having a pair of O-rings 21 and 21 (seal members) arranged and fitted to the inner peripheral surface side by side in the axial direction via the collar 19. The cylindrical seal portion 23 has a smaller diameter than the annular holding portion 17 and a larger diameter than the cylindrical communication portion 15. Reference numeral 25 in FIG. 2 denotes a metal bush fitted on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical seal portion 23 for preventing the O-ring 21 from shifting.
[0017]
The annular holding portion 17 is formed integrally and continuously with the other end in the axial direction of the cylindrical seal portion 23, and has a base portion 27 which is suddenly expanded in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction and extends shortly, An intermediate portion 29 formed integrally and continuously with the other end in the axial direction of the portion 27 and extending slightly toward the other side in the axial direction so as to extend gently, and integrated with the other end in the axial direction of the intermediate portion 29; And an opening side portion 31 formed on the other side in the axial direction along the axial direction and formed integrally with the other end in the axial direction of the opening side portion 31 and slightly projecting inward. An inward flange portion 33 is formed, and an inner periphery of the inward flange portion 33 forms an insertion opening 35 (an opening at the other end in the axial direction).
[0018]
A metal retainer 37 is fitted in the annular holding portion 17, and the retainer 37 has an annular base 39 at one end in the axial direction and a circumferential direction at the other end in the axial direction of the base 39. A thin plate-shaped support portion 41 is integrally formed from four places and extends roughly to the other side in the axial direction, and is formed integrally and continuously with the other end in the axial direction of each support portion 41, and is folded inward. And a thin plate-shaped engaging portion 43 extending to one side in the axial direction, and the four supporting portions 41 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the support portions 41 is an outward portion 45 integrally extending radially outward from the other axial end of the base portion 39, and is integrally directed toward the other axial direction from the radial outer end of the outward portion 45. And a main body 47, which extends gently inclined radially outward and has an engaging portion 43 integrally and continuously formed at the other axial end, and the other axial end of the main body 47 or The folded portion of the engaging portion 43 is in contact with the inward flange portion 33, and the retainer 37 is held in the annular holding portion 17 in a retaining state. The engaging portion 43 is folded back from the main body portion 47 and is gradually inclined inward in the radial direction and extends to one side in the axial direction while being integrally formed at one axial end of the engaging main body portion 49. And an abutting portion 51 protruding radially outward, and a release protruding portion 53 protruding radially inward is formed near one axial side of the engaging body 49. .
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when a pipe body is inserted and connected to the connector 1.
[0020]
The mating pipe body 55 inserted through the insertion opening 35 of the connector housing 5 and fitted and connected to the connector housing 5 has an annular engaging projection 57 on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion end. The portion 57 is pushed and inserted into the connector 1 or the connector housing 5 until the portion 57 pushes and spreads the engagement main body portion 49 of the retainer 37 and snaps into the contact portion 51 of the engagement portion 43. The pipe body 55 includes an annular confirmation projection 59 having the same or substantially the same projection height as the annular engagement projection 57 on the outer peripheral surface on the other axial side than the annular engagement projection 57, When the engagement projection 57 is engaged with the contact portion 51 of the retainer 37 and the pipe body 55 is normally inserted and fitted into the connector 1, the annular confirmation projection 59 is larger than the insertion opening 35 of the annular holder 17. It is configured to be located on the outside in the axial direction or on the other side in the axial direction. The pipe body 55 is prevented from falling out of the connector 1 by the snap engagement state of the annular engaging projection 57 with the contact part 51 of the engaging part 43 of the retainer 37, and the annular engaging projection is formed. 57 contacts the outward portion 45 of the support portion 41 of the retainer 37 to move the retainer 37 to one side in the axial direction. The one side in the axial direction of the retainer 37 contacts the bush 25 or the vicinity of the bush 25 to prevent the insertion. Is done. One axial end or the insertion end of the pipe body 55 reaches the inside of the cylindrical connecting portion 15 beyond the pair of O-rings 21, 21 of the cylindrical seal portion 23, and the inner periphery of the pipe body 55 and the connector housing 5. An O-ring 21 seals between the surfaces.
[0021]
The pipe 55 is inserted into the gap between the annular holding portion 17 and the pipe 55 by inserting the pair of half-shaped tubular portions 63 of the release tool 61 into a clearance between the annular holding portion 17 and the pipe 55, and the release projection is formed at one axial end of the half-shaped tubular portion 63. By pressing the portion 53 to spread the engagement main body portion 49 to release the engagement between the contact portion 51 of the engagement portion 43 and the annular engagement protrusion 57, the connector body 5 can be pulled out (release). The pair of half-cylindrical tubular portions 63, 63 of the tool 61 are shown in an expanded state).
[0022]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector half-fitting prevention clip according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the connector half-fitting preventing clip.
[0023]
A thermoplastic resin is widely used as the material of the connector half-fitting prevention clip (cap) 65, but when heat resistance is required, a polyamide resin such as PA11, PA12, or PA66 is used. In addition, cost reduction can be achieved by using a polypropylene-based resin such as PP or a polyester-based resin.
[0024]
The connector half-fit prevention clip 65 is formed as a U-shaped cross section, and extends from the U-shaped open side extending in the axial direction (the axial direction of the connector housing 5 and the pipe body 55) or the length direction. A clip body (cap body) 67 having a U-shaped cross section is formed integrally with one end of the clip body 67 in the axial direction, and a connector fitting groove 69 is provided. One side wall portion 71, the other side wall portion 75 integrally formed at the other axial end of the clip body 67 and provided with the pipe fitting groove 73, and the U-shaped opening side end portion of the other side wall portion 75. On the other side in the axial direction, a pair of thin restricting pieces 77, 77 integrally formed on both sides in the width direction and extending to the other side in the axial direction, and are formed on one side wall 71 (one side wall 7). The axial distance between the connector fitting groove 69 (the edge of the connector fitting groove 69) and the other side wall 75 is determined by checking the one end of the annular holding portion 17 of the connector 1 in the axial direction and the annular shape of the pipe body 55 normally inserted and connected to the connector 1. The axial distance between the protrusion 59 and the other axial end is set to be substantially equal to the axial distance between the inner surface of the other side wall 75 and the other axial end of the regulating piece 77. 55 is set slightly longer than the axial interval between the annular engagement projection 57 and the annular confirmation projection 59.
[0025]
The clip body 67 includes an arc-shaped wall 79 having a semicircular cross section, and a pair of flat side walls 81 formed integrally and continuously at both ends in the width direction of the arc-shaped wall 79. The inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 79 has an inner diameter that is equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the opening side portion 31 of the annular holding portion 17, and the interval between the pair of side wall portions 81 is equal to that of the annular holding portion 17. Is set to be equal to or substantially equal to the outer diameter of the opening side portion 31 of FIG.
[0026]
On the other hand, the connector fitting groove 69 of the side wall portion 71 has a semicircular fitting portion 83 formed concentrically with the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 79 of the clip body 67, and a side wall portion 81 from both ends of the semicircular fitting portion 83. An inner diameter of the semicircular fitting portion 83 and a width of the introducing portion 85 are equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical seal portion 23 of the connector housing 5. Although set, snap projections 87 are formed near the boundary between the introduction portion 85 and the semicircular fitting portion 83. Therefore, the one side wall portion 71 includes a semicircular portion 89 having an inner periphery forming a semicircular fitting portion 83 and a pair of side portions 91 and 91 having a widthwise inner end forming an introduction portion 85. The side portions 91 and 91 are gradually inclined inward toward one side in the axial direction, respectively, so that the connector fitting groove 69 protrudes from the outer edge of the one side wall portion 71 to one side in the axial direction. The circular portion 89 projects in a frustoconical shape on one side in the axial direction.
[0027]
Further, the pipe fitting groove 73 of the other side wall portion 75 has a semicircular fitting portion 93 formed concentrically with the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 79 of the clip body 67, and side wall portions from both ends of the semicircular fitting portion 93. 81 and an introduction portion 95 which extends in parallel and opens, and the inner diameter of the semicircular fitting portion 93 and the width of the introduction portion 95 are set to be equal to or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the main body of the pipe body 55. However, snap projections 97, 97 are formed near the boundary between the introduction part 95 and the semicircular fitting part 93.
[0028]
Each of the pair of restricting pieces 77, 77 has an inner end face in the width direction coinciding with the introduction part 95 of the pipe fitting groove 73 to form the same plane, and an outer end face in the width direction has an outer surface of the side wall part 81 of the clip body 67. (Or the outer surface of the other side wall portion 75) and are integrally formed on the other side wall portion 75 (the other axial side surface of the other side wall portion 75) so as to form the same plane. The interval between 77 and 77 is set to be the same as the width of the pipe fitting groove 73. Between each of the restricting pieces 77, 77 and the other side wall 75, the inner surface in the width direction coincides with the inner end face in the width direction of the restricting piece 77 and the introduction portion 95 of the pipe fitting groove 73 to form the same plane. As described above, the relatively thick reinforcing ribs 99, 99 are integrally formed over the entire length of the regulating piece 77, and the reinforcing rib 99 is located on the other side wall 75 side of the regulating piece 77. The height gradually increases from the other end in the axial direction toward one side in the axial direction, and at the joint position with the other side wall portion 75, the height reaches the deepest position of the pipe fitting groove 73, The end surface 101 of the reinforcing rib 99 is formed as an inclined surface extending from the other end in the axial direction of the surface located on the other side wall 75 side of the regulating piece 77 to the other side wall 75.
[0029]
In the drawing, reference numeral 103 denotes a discharge hole provided in the arc-shaped wall portion 79, which is used to discharge the internal fluid to the outside when the internal fluid leaks from the connection point of the connector 1 and the pipe body 55. It is.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55. FIG. 8 is another perspective view in which the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55, and FIG. 9 is the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55. It is sectional drawing in a case.
[0031]
The connector semi-fitting prevention clip 65 is attached by passing or moving the portion of the cylindrical seal portion 23 adjacent to the annular holding portion 29 through the introduction portion 85 of the one side wall portion 71 so that the inside of the semicircular fitting portion 83 is moved. And snap-fitted into the clip main body 67 with the annular holding portion 29 and the annular confirmation protrusion 59 of the pipe body 55 sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the one side wall 71 and the other side wall 75, The other side in the axial direction than the annular confirmation projection 59 of the pipe body 55 is passed or moved through the introduction part 95 of the other side wall part 75 to snap-fit into the semicircular fitting part 93, and the pipe body 55 This is performed by passing the other side in the axial direction further than the annular confirmation protruding portion 59 between the pair of regulating pieces 77, 77. Since the portion from the annular holding portion 29 to the annular confirmation protrusion 59 of the pipe body 55 is sandwiched by the one side wall portion 71 and the other side wall portion 75 from both sides in the axial direction, the pipe body 55 can be securely removed from the connector 1. Is prevented.
[0032]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is to be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 when the pipe body 55 is in a half-fitted state with the connector 1, and FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is to be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 in a half-fitting state different from that of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is to be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 in a special mode at the time of the embodiment.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 10, the insertion of the pipe body 55 into the connector 1 or the retainer 37 is insufficient, and the annular engaging projection 57 of the pipe body 55 is brought into contact with the contact part 51 of the engaging part 43 of the retainer 37. When the connector housing 5 is not engaged, the annular confirming projection 59 of the pipe body 55 is moved from the other axial end of the connector housing 5 as compared with the case where the pipe body 55 and the connector 1 are normally connected. It is located further away on the other axial side. Therefore, when the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is to be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 such that the annular holding portion 29 is accommodated in the clip body 67, the annular confirmation projection 59 of the pipe body 55 becomes However, it is not positioned so as to be accommodated in the clip body 67, and is positioned on the regulation piece 77 side. However, since the interval between the restriction pieces 77 is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular confirmation projection 59 of the pipe 55, the annular confirmation projection 59 abuts on the restriction piece 77, and the pipe 55 is moved between the restriction pieces 77. Can not pass. Therefore, the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 cannot be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 (in FIG. 10, the annular confirmation projection 59 is in contact with the other side wall 75). Here, since the pair of restriction pieces 77 are hardly deformed by the formation of the reinforcing ribs 99, 99, even if the annular confirmation protrusion 59 is strongly pressed against the pair of restriction pieces 77, the annular confirmation protrusion 59 is not formed. Does not pass between the pair of restriction pieces 77.
[0034]
Further, the insertion of the pipe body 55 into the connector 1 or the retainer 37 is insufficient, and the annular confirmation projection 59 of the pipe body 55 is largely separated from the other axial end of the connector housing 5 to the other axial side. When the annular confirmation protrusion 59 of the pipe body 55 is positioned on the other side in the axial direction from the restriction piece 77 of the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65, the inner surface of the other side wall 75 is restricted. Since the axial distance between the one end 77 and the other end in the axial direction is set to be longer than the axial distance between the annular engagement projection 57 and the annular confirmation projection 59 of the pipe body 55, the pipe body 55 The annular engagement protrusion 57 is located on the restriction piece 77 side. Therefore, when the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 is to be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55, the annular engagement projection 57 of the pipe body 55 has an interval smaller than the outer diameter of the annular engagement projection 57. Abuts on the U-shaped opening side end of the other side wall portion 75 having the pair of regulating piece portions 77 or the pipe fitting groove 73 having a width smaller than the outer diameter of the annular engaging projection 57. The half-fitting prevention clip 65 cannot be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe body 55 (see FIG. 11: FIG. 11 shows a case where the annular confirmation protrusion 59 is located at the other axial end of the regulating piece 77. In this case, the annular confirmation protrusion 59 abuts on the regulating piece 77, and the annular engagement protrusion 57 abuts on the U-shaped opening side end of the other side wall 75).
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the insertion of the pipe body 55 into the connector 1 or the retainer 37 is insufficient, and the annular engaging projection 57 of the pipe body 55 comes into contact with the engaging portion 43 of the retainer 37. When it is not engaged with the portion 51, even if a portion of the pipe body 55 on the one side in the axial direction from the annular confirmation protrusion 59 is passed between the regulating piece 77 from the other side in the axial direction of the regulating piece 77, Alternatively, even if it is fitted, the entire annular confirmation protrusion 59 is prevented from entering between the regulating piece 77 and the other side wall 75 by the contact between the annular confirmation protrusion 59 and the end face 101 of the reinforcing rib 99. Therefore, the end of the U-shaped opening of the other side wall 75 abuts against the annular engaging projection 57, so that the pipe 55 cannot pass between the restriction pieces 77. Therefore, the connector half-fitting prevention clip 65 cannot be attached to the connector 1 and the pipe 55.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the connector half-fitting prevention clip of the present invention has a low possibility of being attached to the connector and the pipe even when the connector and the pipe are in the half-fitted state. It has a connection confirmation function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector for mounting a connector half-fitting prevention clip according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a connector.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when a pipe body is inserted and connected to a connector.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector half-fitting prevention clip according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the connector half-fitting prevention clip.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view in a case where a connector half-fitting prevention clip is attached to a connector and a pipe body.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view when a connector half-fitting prevention clip is attached to a connector and a pipe body.
FIG. 8 is another perspective view when the connector half-fitting prevention clip is attached to the connector and the pipe body.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view when the connector half-fitting prevention clip is attached to the connector and the pipe body.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view in a case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip is to be attached to the connector and the pipe when the pipe is half-fitted with the connector.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a case where a connector half-fitting prevention clip is to be attached to the connector and the pipe body when the pipe body is in another half-fitted state with the connector.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a case where the connector half-fitting prevention clip is to be attached to the connector and the pipe in a special mode when the pipe is half-fitted with the connector.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a case where a conventional connector half-fitting prevention clip is to be attached to the connector and the pipe in a special manner when the pipe is in a half-fitted state with the connector.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional connector half-fitting prevention clip attached to a connector and a pipe body in a special manner.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Connector
3 Hose connection
35 insertion opening (the other axial end opening)
37 Retainer (Retainer means)
55 pipe body
57 annular engagement projection
59 Annular confirmation protrusion
65 Semi-Mating Prevention Clip for Connector
67 Clip body
69 Connector fitting groove
71 One side wall
73 Pipe fitting groove
75 Other side wall
77 Regulation piece
99 Reinforcement rib

Claims

A connector having a hose connecting portion on one axial side and a retainer means provided on the other axial side, and an annular engagement formed on the outer peripheral surface by being inserted into the connector from the other axial end opening; An annular confirmation projection is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector, wherein the projection is snap-engaged with the retainer means, and the other axial end of the connector is located on the other axial side of the connector or the other axial end of the connector. A semi-fitting prevention clip for a connector, which is attached to and attached to a pipe body,
A clip body having a U-shaped or U-shaped cross section, one side wall having a U-shaped connector fitting groove integrally formed at one axial end of the clip body, and a shaft of the clip body The other side wall portion having a U-shaped pipe fitting groove having a width equal to or substantially equal to the outer diameter of the main body of the pipe body integrally formed at the other side end in the direction, and an open side end portion of the other side wall portion. A pair of restriction pieces integrally formed with the pipe fitting groove interposed therebetween and extending to the other side in the axial direction, and a pair of restriction pieces integrally provided between the respective restriction pieces and the other side wall. And a reinforcing rib,
The interval between the pair of restricting pieces is set so as to allow passage of the pipe body through the main body, but not to allow passage of the pipe body through the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection. And
In the clip body, a portion from the large-diameter portion formed on the other side in the axial direction of the connector to the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body is sandwiched between the one side wall portion and the other side wall portion from both axial sides. In a state, configured to substantially accommodate,
The axial distance between the inner surface of the other side wall and the other end in the axial direction of the regulating piece is set to be longer than the axial distance between the annular engagement projection and the annular confirmation projection of the pipe body. ,further,
The semi-fitting prevention clip for a connector, wherein a distance between the pair of reinforcing ribs is set to be smaller than an outer diameter of the annular confirmation protrusion of the pipe body.

The clip according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing rib is provided over the entire length of the restriction piece.

Each of the reinforcing ribs is formed along the pipe fitting groove,
The connector half-fitting prevention clip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a distance between the pair of reinforcing ribs is set to be equal to or substantially equal to a width of the pipe fitting groove.

The said one side wall part of the said clip main body is formed so that it may protrude toward one axial direction so that the said connector fitting groove may protrude in one axial direction, The 1st, 2nd characterized by the above-mentioned. Or the semi-mating prevention clip for a connector according to 3.