JPH11514425A

JPH11514425A - Quick connector with confirmation function

Info

Publication number: JPH11514425A
Application number: JP9513368A
Authority: JP
Inventors: バーソロミュー，ドナルド・ディー
Original assignee: プロプライアタリー・テクノロジー・インコーポレーテッド
Priority date: 1995-09-26
Filing date: 1995-09-26
Publication date: 1999-12-07
Also published as: AU3823295A; EP0852682A4; WO1997012170A1; BR9510643A; KR19990063775A; EP0852682A1

Abstract

(57)【要約】導管継手内で使用される急速接続具−雄型導管組立体（１０）は、内蔵した着座インジケータ（１６）を有する手で解放可能な自己中心決めスナップリング状リテーナ（２０）を備えている。該着座インジケータ（１６）は、雄型導管（１２）の周りを伸長する撥ね出しリング（４８）を備えており、該撥ね出しリングは、接続具に達する管の一部であり、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体（１０）を雌型受け具（１１）内に取り付け、雄型導管（１２）が雌型受け具（１１）に適正に係止されたことを取り付けるものに確実に表示する働きをする。該リテーナ（２０）は、取り外しのため手又は工具で容易に操作可能な一対のタブ（６８）を備えている。該急速接続具組立体（１０）はプラスチック製又は金属製の雄型導管（１２）の何れかに設けられ、また、ねじ式接続具と同様に短くすることができる。該急速接続具組立体（１０）は、ねじが無く、導管（１２）が360°回転するのを許容する。 SUMMARY A quick connect-male conduit assembly (10) for use in a conduit fitting is a manually releasable self-centering snap ring retainer (20) having a built-in seating indicator (16). ). The seating indicator (16) comprises a spring ring (48) extending around the male conduit (12), the spring ring being part of the tubing to the fitting and a quick fitting. Mounting the male conduit assembly (10) in the female receptacle (11), indicating positively on the mounting that the male conduit (12) is properly locked to the female receptacle (11); Work. The retainer (20) includes a pair of tabs (68) that can be easily manipulated by hand or tool for removal. The quick connect assembly (10) is provided on either a plastic or metal male conduit (12) and can be as short as a threaded connect. The quick connect assembly (10) is threadless and allows the conduit (12) to rotate 360 °.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】確認機能を備える急速接続具発明の背景本発明は、全体として、流体が流動する導管継手に関する。より具体的には、本発明は、雄型導管を雌型受け具内に保持する急速接続具と、適正に接続したことを確認するリングを備える型式の接続具とに関する。自動車業界（その他の多くの業界）において、低コストで信頼性が高く、しかも組み立てが容易な構成要素が常に要望されている。この必要性は、燃料、ブレーキ又は冷却管のような流体を運ぶ導管の間の接続部を提供することに関して特に明らかである。従来、かかる接続部は、ねじ式取付け具、拡がり取付け具、又はボルト式フランジを通じて雌型受け具内に保持された雄型導管から成っている。より近年、従来の方法に代えて、種々のスナップ式の急速接続リテーナが使用されている。これらの急速接続具は、典型的に、雄型導管に取り付けられた環状ビードに係合し且つ雌型部材に形成されたくり抜き溝にも係合する複数の可撓性の脚部を備えている。かかる例の２つが、1986年7月22日付けで付与された、「自在型急速接続具組立体（Swivelable Quick Connector Assembly）」という名称の米国特許第4,601,497号、及び1988年の10月18日付けで付与された、「高温接続部用の自在型急速接続具(Swivelable Quick Connector for High Temperatu re Connection)」という名称の米国特許第4,778,203号に開示されている。その双方の特許は、本発明の発明者により発明され、引用して、その内容を本明細書に含めてある。別の急速接続具は、半径方向に可撓性である、対の環状アームがその周りを伸長する平坦なリテーナを有している。本発明の発明者により発明された、他の急速接続具は、米国特許第4,524,995号及び同4,423,892号に開示されている。その双方は、「自在型の急速接続具組立体（Swivelable Quick Connect or Assembly）」という名称であり、それぞれ、1985年6月25日付け、及び1984年 1月23日付けで付与され、本発明に引用して本明細書に含めてある。上述した急速接続具は、当該技術分野にて顕著な進歩ではあるが、公知の技術を更に改良することが望ましい。具体的には、雌型受け具内に容易に嵌まり、また、該雌型受け具から容易に取り外される接続具リテーナを提供することが望ましい。また、最小数の部品を有し、ねじ込み式接続具に代えて使用するのに十分に浅い接続具リテーナを提供することも望ましい。更に、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体が雌型受け具内に適正に着座したことを明確に示す接続具を提供することが望ましい。発明の概要本発明によれば、該接続具の一つの好適な実施の形態は、密封するのに必要な部品に加えて、急速接続具の雄型導管組立体を形成し得るように雄型導管の端部に取り付けられた、３つ、又は、インジケータを有する場合、４つの列状に配置された急速接続具の係合構成要素を備えている。この列は、中間板と、リテーナと、補強板と、第四の構成要素として着座インジケータとを備えている。中間板は、該中間板を隣接するリテーナと整合させる一対の整合ニブを備えている。該一対の整合ニブ自体は、金属管又はプラスチック管及び管ライナーが使用されるときに使用し得るように補強板とを整合するための一対の解放・整合管を備えている。また、該補強板は、補強板を着座インジケータ及びリテーナと整合させるために使用されるタブをも備えている。これらの整合構成要素の列は、雄型導管上にて略自己中心決めする。一連の整合部材のため、また、整合構成要素は、互いの回転動作にも抵抗する。該リテーナは、雄型導管の一部分の周りに嵌まるリングと、一対の外側アームとを備えており、該一対の外側アーム上には、解放を行い（及び中間板及び着座インジケータに対する整合を行う）タブが形成されている。該リング及び外側アームは、共通の面内に略位置している。雌型受け具の軸穴の内周に沿って形成された係止凹状穴と解放可能に係合し得るように、係止突起が各外側アームの外周に沿って形成されている。外側アームは、リングと同軸状である。該リング及び外側アームは、共通の領域にて互いに取り付けられており、このことは、押す等により、内側アームと独立的に、外側アームを互いに動かすことを可能にする。列状の係合構成要素に隣接して、一連のブッシュ及びＯリング（又は２つ以上のＯリング）が設けられて、雌型受け具内に雄型導管を適正に密封し且つこれらの構成要素を互いに対して適正に嵌めることを可能にし、密封部材の各側部（内側及び外側）にて雌型部分に対する雄型部分上の軸受が提供されるようにする。急速接続具−雄型導管組立体の挿入は、取り付ける者が雄型導管の自由端を雌型受け具内に略配置し、（着座インジケータを使用するならば）、リングが着座インジケータの本体から分離する迄、撥ねだしリングを押し付けることで行われる。分離動作は、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体が雌型受け具内に適正に着座したことを表示する。リテーナを雌型受け具に形成された凹状の外面を経てリテーナを押し込むとき、該リテーナの外側アーム及びその協動した係止突起を内側アームに向けて押す。該組立体を雌型受け具から取り外すことは、取り外す者が解放・整合タブを手又は工具を使用して外側アームを内側アームに向けて押し、これにより、雌型受け具の穴の係止凹状穴を形成する半径方向リテーナ係止壁から係止突起が分離するのを許容することで容易に行われる。分離したならば、取り外す者は、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体を雌型受け具から引き出す。急速接続具雄型は、流体を運ぶ導管に直接配置される組立体である。本発明は、公知の接続具の組み立て及び分解に伴う問題点の幾つかを解決するものである。より具体的には、該リテーナは、導管以外の中心決め構成要素に対して組み立てることを必要としない。更に、ばね動作する相互係止部品はスナップリングと同様であり、雌型部分に対する係止面内にあり、これにより、導管に対して平行な多少の長さを望ましくないほどに占め、係止凹状穴の半径方向リテーナ係止壁の面に対して、直角である公知のばねと、ばね式構成要素により導管に保持された係止部分とを不要にする。従って、本発明の一つの目的は、比較的薄いリテーナを内蔵する手で解放可能な急速接続具を提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、雄型及び雌型部分に対して金属及びプスチックの双方を採用することのできる接続具を提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、接続部の雄型及び雌型構成要素の幾つかの改変例を提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、比較的低廉に製造される、上記のリテーナを提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、同一空隙内にて拡がり又はねじ込み接続具に置換し得るように使用することのできる自在型の急速接続具を提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、手で解放することのできる自己中心決めスナップリング型式のリテーナを提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、接続部の間の導管の一部とすることのできる急速接続具を提供することである。本発明の更に別の目的は、適正な接続が為されたことを示す撥ね出しリングを有する急速接続具を提供することである。本発明の更なる有利な点及び特徴は、添付図面と共に、以下の説明及び請求の範囲の記載を参照することにより、明らかになるであろう。図面の簡単な説明本発明の上述した有利な点及びその他の有利な点は、以下の図面を参照しつつ、以下の説明及び請求の範囲を読むことにより、当業者に明らかになるであろう。添付図面において、図１は、本発明の一つの好適な実施の形態による急速接続具の分解図である。図２は、同様に断面図で図示した組み立て且つ雌型受け具から隔たった位置にある急速接続具−雄型導管要素の断面図である。図３は、雌型受け具の一つの代替的な実施の形態内の所定位置に係止された図１及び図２と同様の急速接続具−雄型導管組立体の断面図である。図４は、本発明の一つの好適な実施の形態による急速接続具の中間板の一側部を示す斜視図である。図５は、図４に図示した急速接続具の中間板の端面図である。図６は、図４に図示した急速接続具の中間板の該側部と反対側の側部の斜視図である。図７は、本発明の一つの実施の形態による組立体のリテーナの斜視図である。図８は、図７のリテーナの端面図である。図９は、図８の線９−９に沿った一つの好適な実施の形態によるリテーナの断面図である。図１０は、図８の線１０−１０に沿った断面図である。図１１は、図８の線１１−１１に沿った断面図である。図１２は、図１１の線１２−１２に沿った断面図である。図１３は、本発明の組立体の一つの好適な実施の形態による補強板の斜視図である。図１４は、図１３の補強板の側面図である。図１５は、図１３に図示した側部と反対側の側部から見た、図１３の補強板の端面図である。図１６は、本発明の一つの好適な実施の形態による、中間板及びリテーナリングの斜視図である。図１７は、本発明の一つの好適な実施の形態による、着座インジケータ、補強板、リテーナ及び中間板構成要素の列の斜視図である。図１８は、図１７の着座インジケータの斜視図である。図１９は、図１８の着座インジケータの端面図である。図２０は、図１８の着座インジケータの側面図である。図２１は、着座インジケータの撥ね出しリングがその分離した位置にある状態で、所定位置に係止された急速接続具−雄型導管組立体の詳細な部分断面図である。図２２は、雌型受け具から隔たった関係にあるリング要素を示す、図２１の図と同様の図である。図２３は、図３の雌型受け具から隔たった関係にある本発明の急速接続具−雄型導管組立体の一つの代替的な実施の形態を示す断面図である。図２４は、本発明による雌型受け具の更に一つの代替的な実施の形態にて所定位置に係止された図２４の急速接続具−雄型導管組立体の一つの実施の形態の断面図である。図２５は、本発明の一つの好適な実施の形態に従い、中間板に取付けられたリテーナの一つの代替的な実施の形態の斜視図である。好適な実施の形態の詳細な説明全体として、本発明は、着座インジケータが共に組み立てられた、手で解放可能な自己中心決めリング状リテーナを内蔵する急速接続具−雄型導管組立体に関するものである。該着座インジケータは、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体を雌型受け具内に取り付け、また、雄型導管が雌型受け具に係止されたことを取り付ける者に確実に表示するのに役立つ撥ね出しリングを備えている。本発明は、燃料、水又は油システムの要素の間に配置された管の接続具に利用可能である。また、本発明は、「非ねじ式接続具の結合手段（MEANS OF COUPLING NON-THREADED CON NECTIONS）」という名称の、当該発明者による係属中の米国特許第08／503,454 号に記載されたようなプラスチック製又は金属製導管と共に使用することができる。より具体的には、本発明の接続具は、屋外の油管及びホース並びに液圧ブレーキ装置内でも使用可能である。本発明の接続具は、例えば、燃料タンクと燃料ポンプ、及び気化器又は燃料噴射装置との間にて車両の燃料系統内で使用することができる。自動車にて特に有用ではあるが、本発明の接続具は、雄型及び雌型の流体を運ぶ管を接続しなければならない略あらゆる状況にて使用可能である。図１を参照すると、全体として、参照番号１０で表示した急速接続具−雄型導管組立体と、一例としての雌型受け具１１との分解図が図示されている。図示した雌型受け具１１は、深絞り型であり、絞り成形金属又はその他の材料で形成することができる。該組立体１０は、該雄型導管１２（波線で図示）を備えている。雄型導管１２は、末端部分又はフランジ付き端部１３と、該フランジ付き端部１３から所定の長手方向距離に形成された隆起カラー１４とを有する長い円筒形の部品である。該隆起カラー１４は、半径方向壁１５を備えている。該組立体１０は、自動車等の内部の燃料、ブレーキ又は冷却システムの流体導管として機能する。このため、該雄型導管１２は、雌型受け具１１内に確実に付着させなければならない。また、該組立体１０は、着座インジケータ１６と、補強板１８と、手で解放可能な自己中心決めリテーナ２０と、中間板２２と、一対のブッシュ２４、２６と、Ｏリング２８とも備えている。（Ｏリング２８は密封のために設けられて、例えば、一対のＯリングで形成してもよいことを理解すべきである）。着座リテーナ１６、補強板１８、リテーナ２０及び中間板２２は、全体として、一列の係合構成要素２９を形成する。ブッシュ２４、２６は環状の形状をしており、矩形の断面形状を有する四辺形の壁により画成されることが好ましい。しかしながら、当業者に公知であるように、かかるブッシュはＵ字形とすることもできる。ブッシュ２４、２６は、組立体１０を雌型受け具１１内に「案内」するのに有用である。ブッシュ２４、２６は、作用する半径方向外方に向けた力に耐えるのに十分な曲げ強度を有するプラスチック材料又は金属材料で出来ており、又は、該プラスチック又は金属製の導管に沿ってスリップ嵌めすることもできる。Ｏリング２８は、ゴムのようなエラストマー系材料で出来たものであることが好ましい。ブッシュ２６及びＯリング２８は、共に、密封・支持部材であり、雄型及び雌型構成の適正な流体密の組立体を提供するのに必要な程度に応じてその形態及びその数さえも変更することが可能である。列２９、ブッシュ２４、２６及びＯリング２８の係合構成要素は、隆起カラー１４のフランジ付き端部１３と半径方向壁１５との間で拘束される。ブッシュ２４の外側部は板２２に係合し、これにより、さもなければ雄型導管１２を雌型受け具１１から分離させることになる力を伝達する。板２２は、ブッシュ２４から雄型導管１２に加わるこうした分離力を受け入れ、以下に説明するように、雌型受け具１１に形成された凹状穴の１つの壁を形成する半径方向リテーナ−係止壁と相互に係止することにより、その力を雌型受け具１１に伝達する。壁１５は、係合構成要素の列２９が接続部から並進して離れるのを防止する。図２は、雄型導管１２の端部に組み立てられた急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０の構成要素を示す、図１に図示した分解図の修正図である。雄型導管１２の全体的な形態及び全体的な設計は、「非ねじ式接続具の結合手段」という名称の当該出願人の係属中の米国特許出願第08／503,454号の主題の一部である。当該技術分野にて公知であるように、雌型受け具１１の端部の一部はホース又は管３０の端部内に取り付けられ、該ホース又は管は、ゴムのような半可撓性で且つ膨張可能なエラストマー系材料で出来たものであることが好ましいが、膨張可能な重合系材料及び金属材料を使用することも可能である。また、図２には、本発明の急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０と共に使用される、一例ではあるが、限定的ではない受け具である雌型受け具１１の構造も図示されている。該雌型受け具は、貫通穴３１を有し、該貫通穴３１は、雌型受け具１１の貫通穴３１の開放端部に形成された導入面取り部分３２を有している。該面取り部分３２は、リテーナ２０の取り付けを容易にする。該リテーナ２０は、外側の撓みアーム（図７乃至図１２に関して以下に説明）を有する急速接続ねじであり、該外側撓みアームは、雌型受け具１１の導入面取り部分３２内に挿入することにより雄型導管１２の長手方向軸線に向けて内方に圧縮可能に押し込まれる。雌型受け具１１の貫通穴３１は、導入面取り部分３２に隣接する係止凹状穴３３も有している。該リテーナ２０は、凹状穴３３内に解放可能に係止される。半可撓性ホース又は管３０は、雌型受け具１１に取り付けられる。図３を参照すると、剛性な流体管３５の端部に形成された雌型受け具３４内に係止された組立体１０の断面図が図示されている。該受け具３４は、導入面取り部分３７を有する貫通穴３６と、凹状穴３８と、半径方向リテーナ−係止壁３９と、円筒形内面４４と、管状の内側穴４６とを備えている（雌型受け具３４の内部形態は、図２３に関して図示し且つ以下に説明するこの要素の断面図により明確に図示されている）。図２に関して上述した導入面取り部分３２と同様に、導入面取り部分３７は、リテーナ２０の圧縮可能な要素を圧縮可能に押し込み、これにより、該面取り部分が凹状穴３８内に進み、半径方向リテーナ−係止壁３９に対して係止することを可能にする。円錐形の内面４４は、（Ｏリング２８及びブッシュ２４と共に）ブッシュ２６を内側管状穴４６内に案内する。着座インジケータ１６は、撥ね出しリング４８を備えている。図３の図面に従い、着座インジケータ１６の一部分は、操作者が導管１２に対して押し付けることで、雌型受け具３４内に挿入されている。図示した図面によれば、組立体１０は、所定位置に係止されているが、撥ね出しリング４８は、まだ破断していない。導管１２に更に押し付けると、組立体１０を図示した位置に配置するために付与されるよりも大きい圧力が雌型受け具３４の端部により撥ね出しリング４８に加わり、組立体は着座インジケータ１６の他の部分から分離し、取り付ける者に対して、雌型受け具３４（又は、本明細書に記載した雌型導管のその他の任意の実施の形態）内の所定位置に組立体１０が係止されたことを表示する。図４乃至図６には、板２２の幾つかの図が図示されている。該板２２は、金属又は硬質なプラスチックのような剛性な材料で出来ている。該板２２は、雄型導管が通る中心穴５２が形成された平坦なディスク状本体５０を備えている。本体５０の一側部には、本体５０の面から外方に伸長する一対の隔たった整合ニブ５４が形成されている。該ニブ５４は、その間に形成された空隙５６を有し、該空隙の目的は、以下の幾つかの図面に関して以下に説明する。図７乃至図１２には、手で解放可能な本発明の自己中心決めリテーナ２０の幾つかの全体図及び断面図が図示されている。該リテーナ２０は、雄型導管１２の一部分（図示せず）の周りに配置可能に形成されたリング６２を備えている。該リング６２は、雄型導管１２の周りで180°以上、伸長し、リテーナ２０は、該リングに組み付けられたままである。該リング６２は、以下に説明するタブを解放するためより広い空隙を形成し得るように頂部を截頭円錐形に形成することが可能であることが認識される。該リテーナは、一対の外側アーム６４を更に備えており、該一対の外側アームは、リング６２に対して同心状であり且つ共通の接続領域６６によりリング６２に接続されている。該外側アーム６４は、リング６２と独立的に撓み可能である。リング６２及び外側アーム６４は平面状である。更に、リング６２及びアーム６４は、図３に図示した一例としての雌型受け具３４の半径方向リテーナ係止壁３９（及びその他の雌型受け具の同様の半径方向リテーナ係止壁）に対して平面状である。外側アーム６４の各々の片持ち状端部の各々は、図７に斜視図で図示し且つ図９及び図１０の側面図に一部分図示した手解放タブ６８を画成する。また、外側アーム６４の各々は、係止突起７０も備えている。解放タブ６８の長さは、タブ６８の内面の間の距離「ｄ」に依存する一方、該距離「ｄ」は、アーム６４の外径により制御される。該タブ６８は、リテーナ２０を解放するに伴い雄型導管１２（図示せず）の上方で閉じる。該係止突起７０は、アーム６４の外径から0.63 5又は0.762ｍｍ（.025又は.030インチ）だけ伸長して、雌型受け具（図示せず）のえぐり直径部分に係合する。このえぐり直径部分は、スナップリングの溝と同様であるが、一般的なスナップリングの溝よりは長い。該リテーナ２０は、弾性的な鋼で押し抜きして形成し且つ成形されるか、又はプラスチックで形成される。特に図９を参照すると、図８の線９−９に沿った断面図が図示されている。この断面図は、リング６２を外側アーム６４に接続する（図１参照）共通の接続領域６６を貫通するように切欠いてある。該係止突起７０は、解放タブ６８（側面図で図示）のように、図９の外側アーム６４から突き出した状態で示してある。図１０を参照すると、図８の線１０−１０に沿った断面図が図示されている。図示した断面領域は外側アーム６４、接続領域６６及びリング６２を貫通するように切欠いてある。図１１を参照すると、図８の線１１−１１に沿った断面図が図示されている。図１２を参照すると、図１１の線１２−１２に沿った断面図が図示されている。急速接続具を取り付ける間に、係止突起７０が雌型部材（図示せず）の面取り導入部を擦ったり、又は食い込まないようにするため、係止突起７０は、平滑面を提供し得るように形成されている。図１３乃至図１５を参照すると、補強板１８の幾つかの図が図示されている。板２２と同様に、補強板１８は、全体として、金属又はプラスチックのような剛性な材料の平坦なディスク状板で形成されている。該板１８は、本体７６を備えている。雄型導管を通す穴７８は、板１８の本体７６の中央に形成されている。しかしながら、板２２と異なり、板１８のタブ８０は、本体７６の面に対して略垂直に曲げられている。リテーナ２０の解放タブ６８をスロット状に受け入れる一対の切欠き８２がタブ８０に隣接する位置にある。該タブ８０は、着座インジケータ１６及びリテーナ２０に対して板１８を整合させ、また、これらの３つの要素が互いに対して回転するのを略防止する機能を果たす。また、該タブ８０は、アーム６４のばね部分に過度の応力が加わるのを防止する機能も果たす（図７、図８及び図９に図示するように）。また、リテーナ２０の係止突起７０を受け入れるため板１８の本体７６の側部には一対の凹部８４も形成されている。図１６には、中間板がリテーナ２０に対して入り子式に収納された列２９の一部分が図示されている。図１６を参照することで理解し得るように、板２２のニブ５４は、共通の接続領域６６の一側部に配置し、これにより、リテーナ２０を拘束し且つ板２２がリテーナ２０に対して回転するのを防止することができる。（このことは、５２に対して２つの直径［内径］を提供するためであり、その一方の直径は、ライナー１０４をプラスチック製導管の端部内に挿入したとき、ライナー１０４の端部の膨れ部分１０８により膨張すべきプラスチック製管［図２３に図示］の空隙を提供するものである。また、これらの２つの直径は、補強板において内径７８に対しても使用される［図１３乃至図１５に図示］。）板２２、リテーナ２０、板１８及び着座インジケータ１６が入り子式に収納された状態は、図１７の係合構成要素の列２９として明確に図示されており、この図１７は、共に配置されたこれらの部材を示す斜視図である。円筒状の形態の雄型導管１２（図示せず）を受け入れるべく列２９の中心に形成された一連の同様の寸法の穴が明確に図示されている。図１８乃至図２０には、着座インジケータ１６の色々な図が図示されている。該インジケータ１６は、基本的に、互いに破断可能である３つの要素を備えており、従って、インジケータ１６は、剛性なプラスチックのような破断可能な材料で形成されているが、特定の高温の用途に対して必要とされる場合には、弱体な金属を使用することもできる。上述したように、インジケータ１６は、撥ね出しリング４８を備えている。該リング４８は、一連の架橋部分により半円筒形の本体９０に破断可能に取り付けられており、該半円筒形の本体９０は、半円筒形本体９０の他の部分よりも薄い部分９２を有している。該部分９２は、板１８のタブ８０を受け入れ得るように形成されている。該部分９２は、隣接する一対の平坦面９４に当接する。円筒形の雄型導管が通る穴９６が半円筒形の本体９０の中心に形成されている。狭小な穴の面９８が穴９６内に形成されている。該狭小な穴の面９８（図２０に破断線で最も良く図示）は、穴９６と共に肩部１００（同様に、図２０に破断線で最も良く図示）を形成する。該肩部１００は、雄型導管１２（又は図２３に図示した導管１０３）に形成された膨れ部分により雄型導管１２が下流に向けて軸方向に動くのを防止するストッパを提供する。このことは、例えば、図２１及び図２２を参照することで理解することができる。この全体的な着想は、上述した係属中の特許出願により詳細に記載されている。一連の破断可能な架橋部分１０２は、リング４８を半円筒形の本体９０に接続する。急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０の間の適正な接続部を雌型受け具内に取り付けた後、スナップリング型の溝の長さにより許容される行き過ぎた移動により、これらの架橋部分１０２が破断される。理解し得るように、該架橋部分１０２は、比較的薄い材料で形成され、従って、リング４８又は半円筒形の本体９０の何れかよりも先に破断する比較的弱体な接続箇所である。破断したならば、撥ね出しリング４８は、本体９０から自由となり、取り付ける者が把んで、導管１２から除去するか又は導管１２の上に残すことができる。撥ね出しリング４８は、リングの形状をしており且つ導管１２を完全に取り巻くため、リング４８が導管１２の下方に移動する場合であっても、リング４８の存在が車両の運転の邪魔になる可能性はない。図２１、図２２には、雌型受け具３４内のかみ合った急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０の一部分が図示されている。図２１において、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０は、雌型受け具３４内の所定位置に係止した状態で示してある。図２２において、撥ね出しリング４８は、板２２が凹状の穴３８の内側垂直壁に停止する迄、取り付ける者が導管１２を係止位置を越えて押すことにより、撥ね出しリング４８は押し出される。板２２が停止する箇所にて、垂直内壁は面４４の開始部分に係合する。従って、撥ね出しリングは、本体９０から破断し、即ち分離した状態で示してある（図２２に破断線で図示）。上述したように、導入面取り部分３７の端部が半円筒形の本体９０から破断した後、撥ね出しリング４８は、本体９０から離れる方向に移動自在となる。図２２には、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０を雌型受け具内に適正に接続した後、撥ね出しリング４８を本体９０、従って雌型受け具３４から移動させる方法が図示されている。図２３には、上述したように、図３の雌型受け具３４及び列２９の係合構成要素が図示されている。しかしながら、全体として組立体１３０として図示した雄型導管の構造は、上述した雄型導管１２と相違している。当該発明者の上述した係属中の米国特許出願第08／503,454号の発明の一つの形態である導管組立体１３０は、導管１０３と、管状スリーブ１０４とを備えている。該導管１０３は、ゴム又はその他の重合材料のような略弾性的な材料で形成される一方、該管状スリーブ１０４は、剛性な金属又はプラスチックで出来ている。該管状スリーブ１０４は、ブッシュ２６、Ｏリング２８、ブッシュ２４及び係合列２９を導管１０３の上に保持する働きをするフランジ１０６を備えている。膨れ部分１０８は、スリーブ１０４の上に形成されている。該膨れ部分１０８は、急速接続具の構成要素が導管１０３に沿って軸長手方向に並進するのを制限する。図２３において、スリーブ１０４がブッシュ２６を有するフランジ１０６を備えるように形成することで、内側ブッシュ２６に置換することができる。図２４は、幾つかの図面の特定の図に図示し且つブレーキハウジング又は気化器のような装置１１１の機械加工部品である雌型受け具１１０内に上述したように係止された状態で急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０を示す断面図である。該雌型受け具１１０は、流体が通る略垂直な通路１１４が形成された盲穴１１２を有している。該盲穴１１２は、ブッシュ及びＯリングを受け入れる穴１１６と、穴１１８と、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体１０を係止可能に受け入れるべく穴１１８内に形成されたスナップリング状溝１２２と、導入面取り部分１２０とを更に備えている。撥ね出しリング４８は、図面では分離している。この配置は、雌型受け具３４に関して図３及び図２３に図示し且つ上述した配置と同様である。勿論、装置１１１の形態は図示した形態と著しく相違するようにすることができ、従って、該装置１１１は、本発明の色々な形態に関して図示し且つ上述した雌型受け具の各々の形態と同様に、単に一例にしか過ぎず、限定的なものと解釈されるべきではない。図２５には、板２２に取り付けられ、参照番号２０′として図示した、手で解放可能な自己中心決めリテーナの一つの代替的な実施の形態の斜視図が図示されている。図１６に図示し且つ該図１６に関して説明したリテーナ２０の手解放タブ６８に代えて、一対の手解放タブ６８′が設けられている。該手解放タブ６８ ′は、解放タブ６８に対して90°の角度にて形成されることが好ましいが、必ずしもこのように形成することにのみ限定されるものではない。このようにすることで、板１８は、最早、耳状突起８０（図１７に図示）を必要とせず、その代わり平面状となる。手解放タブ６８′間の空隙は、板１８の上における耳状突起８０と同一の目的を果たす。解放タブ６８′は着座インジケータ１６を貫通して突き出す。具体的な実施の形態に関係なく、本発明の接続具は、急速接続具−雄型導管組立体を雌型受け具内に取り付け且つ該雌型受け具から取り外し、また、組立体が適正に且つ固定状態に取り付けられたことを直ちに確認する簡単な方法を含む、従来技術に優る幾つかの有利な点を開示するものである。図面にはインジケータ１６が図示されているが、該インジケータ１６は、流体密の接続部を提供するためには不要であることが理解される。インジケータ１６を使用しないならば、導管の拡張領域を導管の端部に向けて僅かに動かすだけでよい。当業者は、上記の説明から、本発明の広い教示が種々の形態にて具体化可能であることを理解することができる。このため、その特別な実施例に関して本発明を説明したが、図面、本明細書及び次の請求の範囲を検討することによりその他の改変例が当業者に明らかになるため、本発明の真の範囲は、上記の説明にのみ限定されるものではない。Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to conduit fittings through which fluid flows. More specifically, the present invention relates to a quick connector that retains a male conduit within a female receptacle, and a type of connector that includes a ring to confirm proper connection. In the automotive industry (and many other industries), there is always a need for components that are low cost, reliable and easy to assemble. This need is particularly evident with respect to providing connections between conduits that carry fluids such as fuel, brakes or cooling tubes. Conventionally, such connections consist of a male conduit held in a female receptacle through a threaded fitting, a flared fitting, or a bolted flange. More recently, various snap-on quick-connect retainers have been used in place of conventional methods. These quick connect fittings typically include a plurality of flexible legs that engage an annular bead attached to the male conduit and also engage a cutout formed in the female member. I have. Two such examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,497, issued Jul. 22, 1986, entitled "Swivelable Quick Connector Assembly", and Oct. 18, 1988. No. 4,778,203, entitled "Swivelable Quick Connector for High Temperatu re Connection". Both patents were invented by the inventor of the present invention and are incorporated herein by reference. Another quick connect has a flat retainer that is radially flexible and has a pair of annular arms extending therearound. Other quick connect devices invented by the inventor of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,524,995 and 4,423,892. Both are named "Swivelable Quick Connect or Assembly" and are dated June 25, 1985 and January 23, 1984, respectively. And incorporated herein by reference. Although the quick connect described above is a significant advance in the art, it is desirable to further improve upon known techniques. Specifically, it is desirable to provide a connector retainer that easily fits within a female receptacle and is easily removed from the female receptacle. It would also be desirable to provide a connector retainer that has a minimum number of components and is shallow enough to be used in place of a threaded connector. It would further be desirable to provide a connector that clearly indicates that the quick connector-male conduit assembly is properly seated in the female receptacle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, one preferred embodiment of the connector includes a male connector so as to form a male connector assembly for a quick connector, in addition to the components required for sealing. If it has three or indicators attached to the end of the conduit, it has four rows of quick connect engagement components. This row comprises an intermediate plate, a retainer, a reinforcing plate, and a seating indicator as a fourth component. The intermediate plate includes a pair of alignment nibs that align the intermediate plate with an adjacent retainer. The pair of alignment nibs themselves are provided with a pair of release and alignment tubes to align the stiffener plate for use when metal or plastic tubing and tube liners are used. The stiffener also includes tabs used to align the stiffener with the seat indicator and the retainer. The row of these alignment components is substantially self-centering on the male conduit. Because of the series of alignment members, the alignment components also resist each other's rotational movement. The retainer includes a ring that fits around a portion of the male conduit and a pair of outer arms on which release (and alignment with the intermediate plate and seating indicator). ) A tab is formed. The ring and outer arm lie substantially in a common plane. Locking projections are formed along the outer circumference of each outer arm so as to releasably engage with locking recesses formed along the inner circumference of the shaft hole of the female receptacle. The outer arm is coaxial with the ring. The ring and the outer arm are attached to each other in a common area, which allows the outer arm to be moved relative to each other, such as by pushing, independently of the inner arm. A series of bushes and O-rings (or two or more O-rings) are provided adjacent the row of engagement components to properly seal the male conduit within the female receptacle and to provide these features. It allows the elements to fit properly with respect to each other, such that on each side (inside and outside) of the sealing member a bearing is provided on the male part relative to the female part. Insertion of the quick connecter-male conduit assembly requires that the installer substantially position the free end of the male conduit within the female receptacle and (if a sedentary indicator is used) the ring is moved from the body of the sedentary indicator This is done by pressing the splashing ring until it separates. The detach operation indicates that the quick connect-male conduit assembly is properly seated in the female receptacle. When the retainer is pushed through the concave outer surface formed in the female receptacle, the outer arm of the retainer and its cooperating locking projection are pushed toward the inner arm. Removing the assembly from the female receptacle requires that the person pushing the release and alignment tabs by hand or tool with the outer arm toward the inner arm, thereby locking the female receptacle hole. This is facilitated by allowing the locking projection to separate from the radial retainer locking wall forming the concave hole. Once separated, the remover pulls the quick connect-male conduit assembly out of the female receptacle. A quick connect male is an assembly that is placed directly into a fluid carrying conduit. The present invention solves some of the problems associated with the assembly and disassembly of known connectors. More specifically, the retainer does not need to be assembled to a centering component other than a conduit. In addition, the spring-loaded interlocking component is similar to a snap ring and is in the locking surface for the female part, thereby undesirably occupying some length parallel to the conduit and locking. It eliminates the need for known springs that are perpendicular to the face of the radial retainer locking wall of the concave bore and locking portions held in the conduit by spring-loaded components. It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a hand releasable quick connect incorporating a relatively thin retainer. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can employ both metal and plastic for the male and female parts. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide some variations of the male and female components of the connection. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a retainer that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal quick connect that can be used to expand or replace a threaded connector within the same void. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a self-centering snap ring type retainer that can be released by hand. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quick connect that can be part of a conduit between connections. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a quick connect having a spring ring that indicates that a proper connection has been made. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following description and claims, with reference to the following drawings. In the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a quick connector according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the quick connector-male conduit element, also shown in cross-section, and in a position remote from the female receptacle. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a quick connector-male conduit assembly similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 locked in place in one alternative embodiment of the female receptacle. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one side of an intermediate plate of the quick connection device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an end view of the intermediate plate of the quick connection device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side of the intermediate plate of the quick connection device shown in FIG. 4 opposite to the side of the intermediate plate. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a retainer of the assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an end view of the retainer of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer according to one preferred embodiment, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reinforcing plate according to one preferred embodiment of the assembly of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side view of the reinforcing plate of FIG. FIG. 15 is an end view of the reinforcing plate of FIG. 13 viewed from a side opposite to the side illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate and a retainer ring according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a row of seating indicators, stiffeners, retainers and intermediate plate components according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the seating indicator of FIG. FIG. 19 is an end view of the seating indicator of FIG. FIG. 20 is a side view of the seating indicator of FIG. FIG. 21 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the quick connector-male conduit assembly locked in place with the pop-up ring of the seat indicator in its separated position. FIG. 22 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 21 showing the ring elements in a spaced relationship from the female receptacle. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of one alternative embodiment of the quick connector-male conduit assembly of the present invention in a remote relationship from the female receptacle of FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross section of one embodiment of the quick connect-male conduit assembly of FIG. 24 locked in place in yet another alternative embodiment of the female receptacle according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a retainer mounted on an intermediate plate, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In general, the present invention is directed to a quick connect-male conduit assembly incorporating a hand releasable self-centering ring-shaped retainer with a seating indicator assembled together. The seating indicator serves to mount the quick connector-male conduit assembly within the female receptacle and to provide a secure indicator to the installer that the male conduit has been locked to the female receptacle. It has a splash ring. The invention is applicable to pipe fittings located between elements of a fuel, water or oil system. The present invention also relates to such a device as described in pending U.S. Patent No. 08 / 503,454, entitled "MEANS OF COUPLING NON-THREADED CON NECTIONS". It can be used with plastic or metal conduits. More specifically, the connection device of the present invention can be used in outdoor oil pipes and hoses and hydraulic brake devices. The connector of the present invention can be used in a fuel system of a vehicle, for example, between a fuel tank and a fuel pump and a carburetor or a fuel injection device. Although particularly useful in automobiles, the connector of the present invention can be used in almost any situation where male and female fluid carrying tubing must be connected. Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a quick connect fitting-male conduit assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 10, and an exemplary female receptacle 11 is shown. The illustrated female receiver 11 is a deep draw type and can be formed of draw formed metal or other materials. The assembly 10 includes the male conduit 12 (shown in dashed lines). The male conduit 12 is a long cylindrical piece having a distal portion or flanged end 13 and a raised collar 14 formed at a predetermined longitudinal distance from the flanged end 13. The raised collar 14 has a radial wall 15. The assembly 10 serves as a fluid conduit for a fuel, brake or cooling system inside a vehicle or the like. For this reason, the male conduit 12 must be securely attached to the female receptacle 11. The assembly 10 also includes a seating indicator 16, a stiffening plate 18, a manually releasable self-centering retainer 20, an intermediate plate 22, a pair of bushes 24, 26, and an O-ring 28. . (It should be understood that the O-ring 28 is provided for sealing and may be formed, for example, by a pair of O-rings). The seat retainer 16, the stiffener plate 18, the retainer 20, and the intermediate plate 22 together form a row of engagement components 29. The bushes 24, 26 have an annular shape and are preferably defined by quadrilateral walls having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, as is known to those skilled in the art, such bushes can also be U-shaped. The bushes 24, 26 are useful for “guiding” the assembly 10 into the female receptacle 11. The bushes 24, 26 are made of a plastic or metal material having sufficient bending strength to withstand the acting radially outward forces or slip fit along the plastic or metal conduit. You can also. The O-ring 28 is preferably made of an elastomeric material such as rubber. The bush 26 and O-ring 28 are both sealing and supporting members, and can be modified in form and even number as needed to provide a proper fluid tight assembly of the male and female configurations. It is possible to The mating components of the rows 29, bushes 24, 26 and O-ring 28 are restrained between the flanged end 13 of the raised collar 14 and the radial wall 15. The outer portion of the bushing 24 engages the plate 22, thereby transmitting a force that would otherwise cause the male conduit 12 to separate from the female receptacle 11. The plate 22 receives such a separating force from the bushing 24 on the male conduit 12 and, as described below, a radial retainer-lock that forms one wall of a concave hole formed in the female receptacle 11. By interlocking with the wall, the force is transmitted to the female receptacle 11. The wall 15 prevents the row 29 of engaging components from translating away from the connection. FIG. 2 is a modification of the exploded view shown in FIG. 1 showing the components of the quick connect-male conduit assembly 10 assembled at the end of the male conduit 12. The overall configuration and overall design of the male conduit 12 is part of the subject matter of the applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 503,454 entitled "Means for Connecting Non-Threaded Fittings." is there. As is known in the art, a portion of the end of the female receptacle 11 is mounted within the end of a hose or tube 30 that is semi-flexible, such as rubber, and Preferably it is made of an expandable elastomeric material, but it is also possible to use expandable polymeric materials and metallic materials. FIG. 2 also illustrates the structure of a female receptacle 11, which is an exemplary, but not limiting, receptacle used with the quick connect-male conduit assembly 10 of the present invention. . The female receptacle has a through-hole 31, and the through-hole 31 has an introduction chamfered portion 32 formed at the open end of the through-hole 31 of the female receptacle 11. The chamfer 32 facilitates the mounting of the retainer 20. The retainer 20 is a quick connect screw having an outer flexure arm (described below with respect to FIGS. 7-12) which is inserted by inserting it into the introduction chamfer 32 of the female receptacle 11. It is compressively pushed inward toward the longitudinal axis of the male conduit 12. The through hole 31 of the female receptacle 11 also has a locking concave hole 33 adjacent to the introduction chamfered portion 32. The retainer 20 is releasably locked in the concave hole 33. The semi-flexible hose or tube 30 is attached to the female receptacle 11. Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the assembly 10 locked in a female receptacle 34 formed at the end of a rigid fluid tube 35 is shown. The receptacle 34 includes a through hole 36 having a leading chamfer 37, a concave hole 38, a radial retainer-locking wall 39, a cylindrical inner surface 44, and a tubular inner hole 46 (female). The internal configuration of the mold receiver 34 is clearly illustrated by the cross-sectional view of this element shown and described with respect to FIG. 23). Similar to the introduction chamfer 32 described above with respect to FIG. 2, the introduction chamfer 37 compressively pushes the compressible element of the retainer 20 so that the chamfer advances into the recessed hole 38 and the radial retainer It is possible to lock against the locking wall 39. The conical inner surface 44 guides the bush 26 (along with the O-ring 28 and bush 24) into the inner tubular bore 46. The seating indicator 16 includes a spring ring 48. 3, a portion of the seating indicator 16 is inserted into the female receptacle 34 by the operator pressing against the conduit 12. According to the drawing shown, the assembly 10 is locked in place, but the spring ring 48 has not yet been broken. Further pressing against the conduit 12 applies greater pressure to the spring ring 48 by the end of the female receptacle 34 than would be applied to place the assembly 10 in the position shown, and the assembly would The assembly 10 locks into position within the female receptacle 34 (or any other embodiment of the female conduit described herein) for the person separate from and attached to the other parts. Show what was done. 4 to 6 show several views of the plate 22. FIG. The plate 22 is made of a rigid material such as metal or hard plastic. The plate 22 has a flat disc-shaped body 50 having a central hole 52 through which the male conduit passes. One side of the body 50 is formed with a pair of spaced alignment nibs 54 extending outwardly from the surface of the body 50. The nib 54 has a gap 56 formed therebetween, the purpose of which is described below with reference to the several figures below. 7 to 12 show some general and cross-sectional views of the self-centering retainer 20 of the present invention that can be released by hand. The retainer 20 includes a ring 62 formed to be positionable around a portion (not shown) of the male conduit 12. The ring 62 extends around the male conduit 12 by more than 180 ° and the retainer 20 remains assembled to the ring. It will be appreciated that the ring 62 can be formed with a frusto-conical shape at the top so as to create a wider gap to release the tabs described below. The retainer further includes a pair of outer arms 64, which are concentric with ring 62 and connected to ring 62 by a common connection region 66. The outer arm 64 is flexible independently of the ring 62. Ring 62 and outer arm 64 are planar. In addition, ring 62 and arm 64 are attached to radial retainer lock wall 39 of exemplary female receptacle 34 shown in FIG. 3 (and similar radial retainer lock walls of other female receptacles). On the other hand, it is planar. Each cantilevered end of each outer arm 64 defines a hand release tab 68, shown in perspective in FIG. 7 and partially shown in the side views of FIGS. Each of the outer arms 64 also includes a locking projection 70. The length of the release tab 68 depends on the distance "d" between the inner surfaces of the tab 68, while the distance "d" is controlled by the outer diameter of the arm 64. The tab 68 closes above the male conduit 12 (not shown) as the retainer 20 is released. The locking projection 70 extends from the outer diameter of the arm 64 by 0.635 or 0.762 mm (.025 or .030 inches) to engage the gouge diameter portion of a female receptacle (not shown). This bore diameter portion is similar to the groove of the snap ring, but is longer than the groove of the general snap ring. The retainer 20 is formed by stamping and molding with elastic steel, or is formed of plastic. With particular reference to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 is illustrated. This cross-sectional view is cut away to penetrate a common connection area 66 that connects the ring 62 to the outer arm 64 (see FIG. 1). The locking projection 70 is shown protruding from the outer arm 64 of FIG. 9, like a release tab 68 (shown in side view). Referring to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 is illustrated. The illustrated cross-sectional area is cut through the outer arm 64, the connection area 66 and the ring 62. Referring to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view along line 11-11 of FIG. 8 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 is illustrated. The locking projection 70 may provide a smooth surface to prevent the locking projection 70 from rubbing or digging into the chamfering introduction of the female member (not shown) during installation of the quick connect. Is formed. Referring to FIGS. 13-15, several views of the reinforcing plate 18 are illustrated. Like the plate 22, the reinforcing plate 18 is formed entirely of a flat disk-shaped plate of a rigid material such as metal or plastic. The plate 18 has a main body 76. A hole 78 for passing the male conduit is formed in the center of the body 76 of the plate 18. However, unlike plate 22, tab 80 of plate 18 is bent substantially perpendicular to the plane of body. A pair of notches 82 for receiving the release tab 68 of the retainer 20 in a slot shape are located adjacent to the tab 80. The tab 80 serves to align the plate 18 with the seat indicator 16 and the retainer 20 and substantially prevent the three elements from rotating with respect to one another. The tab 80 also serves to prevent excessive stress on the spring portion of the arm 64 (as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9). A pair of recesses 84 are also formed on the side of the body 76 of the plate 18 for receiving the locking projections 70 of the retainer 20. FIG. 16 shows a part of the row 29 in which the intermediate plate is telescopically stored with respect to the retainer 20. As can be understood with reference to FIG. 16, the nibs 54 of the plate 22 are located on one side of a common connection area 66, thereby restraining the retainer 20 and allowing the plate 22 to move relative to the retainer 20. Rotation can be prevented. (This is to provide two diameters [inner diameter] for 52, one of which is the bulge at the end of the liner 104 when the liner 104 is inserted into the end of the plastic conduit. It provides an air gap in the plastic tube (shown in FIG. 23) to be expanded by 108. These two diameters are also used for the inner diameter 78 in the stiffener plate [FIGS. The state in which the plate 22, the retainer 20, the plate 18 and the seating indicator 16 are telescopically housed is clearly shown as the row 29 of the engagement components in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing these members arranged together. A series of similarly sized holes formed in the center of the row 29 to receive the male conduit 12 (not shown) in a cylindrical configuration is clearly shown. 18 to 20 show various views of the seating indicator 16. The indicator 16 basically comprises three elements that are rupturable from each other, so that the indicator 16 is formed of a rupturable material, such as a rigid plastic, but for certain high temperature applications. If required, weaker metals can be used. As described above, the indicator 16 includes the spring ring 48. The ring 48 is rupturably attached to a semi-cylindrical body 90 by a series of bridges, the semi-cylindrical body 90 having a thinner portion 92 than other portions of the semi-cylindrical body 90. doing. The portion 92 is formed to receive the tab 80 of the plate 18. The portion 92 abuts a pair of adjacent flat surfaces 94. A hole 96 through which the cylindrical male conduit passes is formed in the center of the semi-cylindrical body 90. A narrow hole surface 98 is formed in the hole 96. The narrow hole face 98 (best shown in FIG. 20 with a break line) forms a shoulder 100 (also best shown in FIG. 20 with a break line) with the hole 96. The shoulder 100 provides a stop to prevent the male conduit 12 from moving axially downstream by a bulge formed in the male conduit 12 (or the conduit 103 shown in FIG. 23). This can be understood by referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, for example. This general idea is described in more detail in the above-mentioned pending patent application. A series of breakable bridges 102 connect the ring 48 to the semi-cylindrical body 90. After the proper connection between the quick connect-male conduit assembly 10 has been installed in the female receptacle, these overhangs 102 are allowed by the over-travel allowed by the length of the snap ring-type groove. Is broken. As can be appreciated, the bridging portion 102 is a relatively weak connection that is formed of a relatively thin material and thus breaks before either the ring 48 or the semi-cylindrical body 90. If broken, the spring ring 48 is free from the body 90 and can be grasped by the installer and removed from the conduit 12 or left on the conduit 12. The spring ring 48 is in the shape of a ring and completely surrounds the conduit 12 so that the presence of the ring 48 hinders vehicle operation even when the ring 48 moves below the conduit 12. There is no possibility. 21 and 22, a portion of the mating quick connecter-male conduit assembly 10 in the female receptacle 34 is shown. In FIG. 21, the quick connector-male conduit assembly 10 is shown locked in place in the female receptacle 34. In FIG. 22, the spring ring 48 is pushed out by the installer pushing the conduit 12 beyond the locking position until the plate 22 stops on the inner vertical wall of the concave hole 38. At the point where plate 22 stops, the vertical inner wall engages the beginning of surface 44. Accordingly, the spring ring is shown broken, ie, separated, from the body 90 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 22). As described above, after the end of the introduction chamfered portion 37 is broken from the semi-cylindrical main body 90, the spring ring 48 is movable in a direction away from the main body 90. FIG. 22 illustrates how the sprung ring 48 is moved from the body 90 and thus the female receptacle 34 after the quick connect fitting-male conduit assembly 10 has been properly connected into the female receptacle. I have. FIG. 23 illustrates the engagement components of the female receptacle 34 and row 29 of FIG. 3, as described above. However, the structure of the male conduit shown generally as assembly 130 differs from the male conduit 12 described above. A conduit assembly 130, which is one form of the inventor's aforementioned pending US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 503,454, includes a conduit 103 and a tubular sleeve 104. The conduit 103 is made of a substantially elastic material such as rubber or other polymeric material, while the tubular sleeve 104 is made of a rigid metal or plastic. The tubular sleeve 104 includes a flange 106 that serves to retain the bushing 26, O-ring 28, bushing 24 and engagement row 29 above the conduit 103. The swollen portion 108 is formed on the sleeve 104. The bulge 108 limits axial translation of the quick connect components along the conduit 103. In FIG. 23, by forming the sleeve 104 so as to include the flange 106 having the bush 26, the sleeve 104 can be replaced with the inner bush 26. FIG. 24 shows a quick release locked in a female receptacle 110 as shown in certain figures of some of the drawings and being a machined part of a device 111 such as a brake housing or carburetor, as described above. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector-male conduit assembly 10. The female receptacle 110 has a blind hole 112 formed with a substantially vertical passage 114 through which fluid passes. The blind hole 112 includes a hole 116 for receiving a bush and an O-ring, a hole 118, and a snap ring-shaped groove 122 formed in the hole 118 to lockably receive the quick connector-male conduit assembly 10. And an introduction chamfered portion 120. The spring ring 48 is separated in the drawing. This arrangement is similar to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 23 and described above with respect to the female receptacle 34. Of course, the configuration of the device 111 can be significantly different from that shown, and thus the device 111 can be similar to each of the female receptacles shown and described above with respect to the various aspects of the present invention. In addition, it is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting. FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of a manually releasable self-centering retainer attached to plate 22 and illustrated as reference numeral 20 '. Instead of the hand release tab 68 of the retainer 20 shown in and described with respect to FIG. 16, a pair of hand release tabs 68 'are provided. The hand release tab 68 'is preferably formed at an angle of 90 [deg.] With respect to the release tab 68, but is not necessarily limited to this. In this way, the plate 18 no longer requires the lug 80 (shown in FIG. 17), but instead becomes planar. The gap between the hand release tabs 68 'serves the same purpose as the lug 80 on the plate 18. The release tab 68 'projects through the seat indicator 16. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the connector of the present invention mounts and removes the quick connector-male conduit assembly into and from the female receptacle and ensures that the assembly is properly installed. It discloses several advantages over the prior art, including a simple method of immediately confirming that it has been securely mounted. Although an indicator 16 is shown in the figures, it is understood that the indicator 16 is not required to provide a fluid tight connection. If the indicator 16 is not used, only a slight movement of the expanded area of the conduit towards the end of the conduit is required. Those skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be embodied in various forms. Thus, while the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the drawings, the specification, and the appended claims. The range is not limited only to the above description.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (81)指定国ＥＰ(ＡＴ，ＢＥ，ＣＨ，ＤＥ，ＤＫ，ＥＳ，ＦＲ，ＧＢ，ＧＲ，ＩＥ，ＩＴ，ＬＵ，ＭＣ，ＮＬ，ＰＴ，ＳＥ)，ＯＡ(ＢＦ，ＢＪ，ＣＦ，ＣＧ，ＣＩ，ＣＭ，ＧＡ，ＧＮ，ＭＬ，ＭＲ，ＮＥ，ＳＮ，ＴＤ，ＴＧ)，ＡＰ(ＫＥ，ＭＷ，ＳＤ，ＳＺ，ＵＧ)，ＡＭ，ＡＴ，ＡＵ，ＢＢ，ＢＧ，ＢＲ，ＢＹ，ＣＡ，ＣＨ，ＣＮ，ＣＺ，ＤＥ，ＤＫ，ＥＥ，ＥＳ，ＦＩ，ＧＢ，ＧＥ，ＨＵ，ＩＳ，ＪＰ，ＫＥ，ＫＧ，ＫＰ，ＫＲ，ＫＺ，ＬＫ，ＬＲ，ＬＴ，ＬＵ，ＬＶ，ＭＤ，ＭＧ，ＭＮ，ＭＷ，ＭＸ，ＮＯ，ＮＺ，ＰＬ，ＰＴ，ＲＯ，ＲＵ，ＳＤ，ＳＥ，ＳＧ，ＳＩ，ＳＫ，ＴＪ，ＴＭ，ＴＴ，ＵＡ，ＵＧ，ＵＳ，ＵＺ，ＶＮ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, M C, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG , CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (KE, MW, SD, SZ, UG), AM, AT, AU, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, C H, CN, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB , GE, HU, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, M N, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU , SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, TJ, TM, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN

Claims

[Claims] 1. The male conduit is retained against a female receptacle having an entry chamfer and a concave inner wall. A retainer assembly for a connector for restraining a fluid held therein, A retainer made of an elastic material, the engagement protrusion engaging with a concave inner wall of the female receptacle. Comprising the retainer having an upright, The retainer is mounted on the male part, thereby connecting the male conduit to the female receptacle. Inserted into and locked into the female receptacle, The retainer has a central ring at least 180 ° about the axis of the male conduit. By doing so, it is ensured that the retainer enters the introduction chamfered portion of the female receptacle. And The retainer further comprises an outer arm; The central ring serves to retain the retainer on the male conduit; Said outer arm is deformable towards the male conduit; Connected to the outer arm for the purpose of moving the outer arm toward the male conduit. With at least two tabs The engagement protrusion is connected to the outer arm, and the female type receiving member is operated by operating the tab. It is possible to disengage from the tool, A male wherein the retainer is a point where the inner arm is connected to the outer arm; A retainer assembly that acts substantially perpendicular to the mold conduit. 2. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein The at least two tabs are formed along a first side; Said ring is formed along a second surface; The retainer assembly, wherein the first surface is substantially perpendicular to the second surface. 3. The retainer assembly according to claim 2, The retainer assembly, wherein the first surface is a common surface. 4. The retainer assembly according to claim 2, The retainer assembly, wherein the first surface defines a parallel surface. 5. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein The introduction bevel of the female receptacle causes the outer arm to face the male conduit. A rib that is sufficiently deformed to allow the engagement projection to pass through the port of the female receptacle; Thena assembly. 6. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein A retainer assembly, wherein said retainer is made of strip metal. 7. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein A retainer assembly, wherein said retainer is made of wire. 8. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein A retainer assembly, wherein said retainer is made of plastic. 9. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising a device for connecting the connector and confirming that the connection has been made. Thena assembly. 10. The retainer assembly according to claim 9, The device surrounding the male conduit and gripping the male conduit and along the male conduit Retainer assembly, further comprising means for restricting movement of the retainer. 11. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein A retainer assembly, wherein the retainer further comprises a component that transmits force to the retainer. body. 12. The retainer assembly according to claim 11, wherein Providing a portion of the male conduit that does not allow movement from the end of the male conduit A retainer assembly, wherein the movement is prevented by the method. 13. The male conduit is retained against a female receptacle having an entry chamfer and a concave inner wall. In the retainer assembly to hold, A retainer having a body attached to the male conduit; A central ring having an angle of at least 180 ° about the axis of the male conduit; With an outer arm attached to the body, The center ring is connected to the outer arm and takes the body into the male conduit. Can be attached, The outer arm is driven from the relaxed position toward the central ring. Elastically movable to the deformed position to be moved, The outer arm so that the arm can be selectively driven toward the central ring. Tabs attached to the system, An operable engagement projection that engages the concave inner wall of the female receptacle; Attached to the arm and disengaged from the inner wall by selective movement of the tab The engagement protrusion, which is movable to a certain position, The retainer enters an introduction chamfer formed in the female receptacle in which the retainer is formed. A retainer assembly that provides a fitting in said male conduit that allows for a 14． The retainer assembly according to claim 13, The introduction portion has a small diameter portion, the small diameter portion has a certain width, The retainer is in a position where the outer arm is in its relaxed position relative to the central ring; Has a larger diameter than the smaller diameter portion of the introduction portion, The outer arm is adapted to engage a portion of the male conduit with the female receptacle. A retainer operable toward the deformed position when inserted into the female receptacle; Assembly. 15. The retainer assembly according to claim 13, The male conduit has a long axis; A retainer assembly, wherein the body is disposed substantially perpendicular to a long axis of the male conduit; . 16. The retainer assembly according to claim 13, A retainer assembly, wherein said retainer is made of an elastic material. 17． The retainer assembly according to claim 16, The retainer assembly, wherein the elastic material is strip metal. 18. The retainer assembly according to claim 16, The retainer assembly, wherein the elastic material is a wire. 19. The retainer assembly according to claim 13, The apparatus further comprises a confirmation device for confirming that the male conduit is connected to the female receptacle. , Retainer assembly. 20. 20. The retainer assembly according to claim 19, The recognizing device further comprises means for resisting translation along the male conduit. Thena assembly. 21. The retainer assembly according to claim 13, A retainer set further comprising a side portion for transmitting a force to the retainer. Three-dimensional. 22. The retainer assembly according to claim 21, Providing a portion of the male conduit that does not allow movement away from an end of the male conduit The retainer assembly, wherein the movement is prevented by the method. 23. In a fitting assembly used to communicate a fluid medium, A through-hole and a male conduit-receiving end adjacent to the through-hole, wherein the through-hole is concave; A female receptacle having an inner wall, Male conduit having one end inserted into the male conduit-receiving end of the female conduit When, A retainer disposed at said end of said male conduit, said retainer including a central ring; Engaging the retainer within the concave inner wall of the female conduit. Equipped with A pair of tabs for selectively releasing the retainer from the concave inner wall; Equipped with A verification device having a main body and a ring, wherein the male conduit is connected to the female receptacle. The ring is moved from the body into a flange to confirm that the connection has been made within. A connector assembly comprising: the verification device operable to: 24. The connector assembly of claim 23, The central ring defines at least 180 ° about the central axis of the male conduit , Fitting assembly. 25. The connector assembly of claim 24, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tube is connected to the female receptacle. A fitting assembly extending beyond the male conduit receiving end. 26. The connector assembly of claim 24, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tab is A fitting assembly that does not extend beyond the male conduit receiving end of the fitting. 27. The connector assembly of claim 24, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tab is A fitting assembly that is flat with the end of the fitting that receives the male conduit. 28. The connector assembly of claim 24, The engagement means includes a pair of arms elastically connected to the central ring, A position where the arm is engaged with the concave inner wall, and a position where the arm is disengaged from the concave inner wall. A connector assembly that is deformable between. 29. The connector assembly of claim 24, An alignment ring that can be arranged at a position between the retainer and the verification device; Connector assembly. 30. 30. The fitting assembly of claim 29, A wall engaging projection formed on each of the pair of arms; A connector wherein the alignment ring has a concave area for receiving each protrusion of each arm. Assembly. 31. 31. The fitting assembly of claim 30, The alignment ring includes an alignment tab; The connector assembly, wherein the verification device includes a thinned portion for receiving the alignment tab. 32. The connector assembly of claim 24, The retainer is operatively associated with the retainer to transmit force to the retainer. Connector assembly further comprising a closed region. 33. The connector assembly of claim 24, Providing a portion of the male conduit that does not allow movement away from an end of the male conduit A connector assembly, wherein said movement is prevented by the method. 34. 2. The retainer assembly according to claim 1, wherein said introduction portion of said female receiving member. The minute has a small diameter portion having a certain width, The retainer is in a position where the outer arm is relaxed relative to the inner arm; Has a diameter greater than the small diameter width of the introduction portion, The outer arm engages a portion of the male conduit with the female receptacle. When inserted into the female receptacle, operable to move toward the deformed position; Thena assembly. 35. In a fitting assembly used to communicate a fluid medium, A through-hole and a male conduit-receiving end adjacent to the through-hole, wherein the through-hole is concave; A female receptacle having an inner wall, A type conduit having one end, wherein at least a portion of said one end is in front of said female type conduit. Male conduit-said male conduit inserted into the receiving end; Means for retaining the end of the male conduit within the female receptacle; A verification device having a main body and a ring, wherein the male conduit is connected to the female receptacle. The ring is flanged from the body to make sure it is connected within A connector assembly comprising: the verification device operable to: 36. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. At least two breaks formed between the body and the ring of the verification device; A connector assembly further comprising a severable bridging portion. 37. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. The body is positionable over and along the end of the male conduit. A connector assembly having a through hole that is axially movable. 38. The connector assembly of claim 36, The non-confirmation position where the confirming device is not broken at the breakable bridge portion, and A connector assembly, wherein the breakable bridging portion is movable between the broken position and the confirmed position; . 39. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. The connector assembly, wherein the main body is a long drum-shaped member. 40. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. A connector assembly wherein the body is not drum-shaped. 41. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. The main body has a pressing surface, and the holding means includes the male mold within the female mold receptacle. Push the male conduit into the female receptacle until it reaches the point of engagement that engages the conduit. Connector assembly wherein the installer applies pressure to the pressing surface. 42. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. The checking device has at least two breakable connections between the ring and the body; With a functional cross-linking part, The breakable bridging portion breaks at the engagement point, and is inserted into the female receptacle. Connection to confirm to the installer that the male-style conduit has been correctly engaged Fixture assembly. 43. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. The through hole has a concave inner wall, Wherein the retaining means comprises a retainer located at the end of the male conduit. Follower assembly. 44. The connector assembly of claim 43, The retainer includes a central ring and the retainer within the concave inner wall of the female conduit. Means for engaging with the connector. 45. The connector assembly of claim 44, A pair of tabs wherein the retainer selectively releases the retainer from the concave inner wall A connector assembly comprising: 46. The connector assembly of claim 45, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tabs are engaged with the female receptacle. A fitting assembly extending beyond the male conduit receiving end of the fitting. 47. The connector assembly of claim 45, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tabs are engaged with the female receptacle. A fitting assembly that does not extend beyond the male conduit receiving end of the fitting. 48. The connector assembly of claim 45, When the male conduit is locked in the female receptacle, the tabs are engaged with the female receptacle. A fitting assembly that is flat with the end of the fitting that receives the male conduit. 49. The connector assembly of claim 45, The engagement means includes a pair of arms elastically connected to the central ring, The pair of arms are engaged with the concave inner wall and disengaged from the concave inner wall. It is deformable between the position and A connector assembly wherein the tab is formed on the arm. 50. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. An alignment ring that can be arranged at a position between the retainer and the verification device; Connector assembly. 51. 36. The connector assembly of claim 35. A ring for the retainer to transmit force to the retainer, Preventing said ring from translating away from an end of said male conduit; A fitting provided on the conduit. 52. The connector assembly of claim 51, A wall engaging projection formed on each of the pair of arms; A connector wherein the alignment ring has a concave area for receiving each protrusion of each arm. Assembly. 53. 53. The fitting assembly of claim 52. The confirmation device includes a slot, An alignment wherein the alignment ring is positionable through the slot of the verification device A connector assembly comprising a tab. 54. The male conduit is retained against a female receptacle having an entry chamfer and a concave inner wall. In the retainer to hold, The male mold to ensure that the retainer enters the introduction chamfer of the female receptacle At least a 180 ° central ring operatively disposed about the conduit, Said central ring operable to retain the retainer over the male conduit; A pair of arms that are concentric with the center ring and extend from a first position to a second position. The pair of arms being selectively elastically movable toward the center ring, The pair is adapted to selectively resiliently move the pair of arms toward the central ring. A pair of tabs that can cooperate with the arm, and the pair of tabs that are substantially coplanar. , An operable locking projection for engaging the female receptacle, said engagement projection being engaged with said female receptacle. Arm of the pair to move toward and away from the engaging portion. The locking projection having a portion formed on at least one side thereof. . 55. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, The pair of tabs are formed in a first plane and A retaining ring formed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane; Na. 56. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, The retainer, wherein the retainer is made of an elastic material. 57. The retainer according to claim 56, The retainer, wherein the elastic material is strip metal. 58. The retainer according to claim 56, The retainer, wherein the elastic material is a wire. 59. The retainer according to claim 56, The retainer, wherein the elastic material is plastic. 60. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, The first position is a relaxation position, and the second position is a deformation position. Na. 61. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, A retainer, wherein the central ring and the pair of arms are connected at a common connection area; Na. 62. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, A retainer, wherein the top portion of the central ring is frusto-conical. 63. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, A retainer, wherein the tabs of the pair prevent excessive stress on the arms of the pair; . 64. 55. The retainer according to claim 54, A retainer, wherein the pair of arms is flexible independently of the central ring. 65. The male conduit is retained against a female receptacle having an entry chamfer and a concave inner wall. A retainer assembly for a fluid constraining fitting having A central hole formed to receive the male conduit and a pair of spaced alignment nibs An intermediate plate having A retainer having a pair of tabs, the retainer being located adjacent to the intermediate plate, The alignment nib of the intermediate plate is engageable with the alignment nib, and the alignment nib secures the intermediate plate to the retainer. Said retainer to be aligned with the Has a central hole formed to receive a male conduit and a frusto-conical end A stiffening plate, wherein said pair of tabs are in operable alignment with said frusto-conical end. With a reinforcing plate, A seating indicator disposed adjacent to said stiffener plate, comprising: a male conduit; The seating indicator having a central hole formed to receive the seating indicator. Retainer assembly. 66. The retainer assembly according to claim 65, Holding the retainer over the male conduit and introducing the retainer into the female chamfer of the female receptacle At least 18 operably disposed about the male conduit to be able to align with the portion 0 ° central ring, A pair of arms that are concentric with the center ring and extend from a first position to a second position. And the pair of arms selectively elastically movable toward the central ring. , The pair of tabs selectively resiliently directs the pair of arms toward the central ring. Cooperable with said pair of arms to drive; The tabs of the pair are substantially coplanar, An operable locking projection that engages the concave inner wall of the female receiving portion, Moving toward and away from the engagement portion with the female receptacle; Comprising the locking projection having a portion formed on at least one of the pair of arms , Retainer assembly. 67. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, The pair of tabs are formed in a first plane; A center ring formed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane; Thena assembly. 68. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, The male conduit has a longitudinal axis; The central ring is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male conduit , Retainer assembly. 69. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, A retainer assembly, wherein said retainer is made of an elastic material. 70. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, The introduction chamfered portion of the female receptacle allows the pair of arms to face the male conduit. And the locking projection can penetrate a port formed in the female receptacle. So that the retainer assembly. 71. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, A retaining tab for preventing the pair of tabs from overstressing the pair of arms. Assembly. 72. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, A retainer, wherein the central ring and the pair of arms are connected at a common connection area; Assembly. 73. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, A retainer assembly, wherein the top portion of the central ring is frusto-conical. 74. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, A retainer assembly, wherein the pair of arms is flexible independently of the central ring body. 75. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, The pair of tabs, when the male conduit is positioned in the female receptacle, the female tab A retainer assembly extending beyond the end of the mold receiver that receives the male conduit. 76. 67. The retainer assembly according to claim 66, The pair of tabs align the retainer, the stiffener, and the seating indicator. To prevent rotation of the retainer, the reinforcing plate, and the seating indicator. Assembly. 77. In a fitting assembly used to communicate a fluid medium, A through-hole and a male conduit-receiving end adjacent to the through-hole, wherein the through-hole is concave; A female receptacle having an inner wall, A mold conduit having one end, wherein at least a portion of said one end of said female receptacle is Said male conduit-said male conduit inserted into a receiving end; A retainer having a pair of generally flush tabs, said retainer attached to said male conduit. Whereby the male conduit is inserted and locked into the female receptacle. And a retainer configured as described above. 78. The connector assembly of claim 77, The retainer is The retainer is held on the male conduit and the retainer is fitted with a through hole in the female receptacle. At least 180 ° operatively positioned around the male conduit to allow alignment A central ring, A pair of arms that are concentric with the center ring and extend from a first position to a second position. And the pair of arms selectively elastically movable toward the central ring. , The pair of tabs selectively resiliently directs the pair of arms toward the central ring. Cooperable with said pair of arms to drive; An operable locking projection that engages the concave inner wall of the female receiving portion, Moving toward and away from the engagement portion with the female receptacle; Comprising the locking projection having a portion formed on at least one of the pair of arms , Fitting assembly. 79. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, The pair of tabs are formed in a first plane; A contact ring formed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane; Follower assembly. 80. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, The male conduit has a longitudinal axis; The central ring is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male conduit , Fitting assembly. 81. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, A connector assembly wherein the retainer is made of a resilient material. 82. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, The introduction chamfered portion of the female receptacle allows the pair of arms to be connected to the male conduit And the locking projections pass through the ports formed in the female receptacle. A connector assembly to be obtained. 83. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, A connector, wherein the tabs of the pair prevent excessive stress on the arms of the pair; Assembly. 84. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, A connector wherein the central ring and the pair of arms are connected at a common connection area Assembly. 85. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, A fitting assembly wherein the top portion of the central ring is frusto-conical. 86. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, A connector assembly, wherein the pair of arms are independently flexible with the central ring. . 87. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, When the male conduit is positioned within the female receptacle, the tabs of the pair A fitting assembly that extends beyond the end of the mold receiver that receives the male conduit. 88. 79. The fitting assembly of claim 78, The pair of tabs aligns the retainer and prevents rotation of the retainer; Retainer assembly.