WO2023101701A1

WO2023101701A1 - Fluid connection assembly with a retainer holder

Info

Publication number: WO2023101701A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/072648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. KERN
Original assignee: Oetiker Ny, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-12-01
Filing date: 2021-12-01
Publication date: 2023-06-08

Abstract

A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body (40), including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface (54) including at least one aperture (55A) extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and a retainer holder (100) operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer holder including a base (110), a first arm (132) connected to the base, and a second arm (142) connected to the base, and a retainer (20) radially arranged between the base and the first radially outward facing surface.

Description

FLUID CONNECTION ASSEMBLY WITH A RETAINER HOLDER

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid connectors, and, more particularly, to a fluid connection assembly including a retainer that decreases the insertion force required for assembly and allows for quick assembly without the need for tools, and even more particularly, to a fluid connection assembly including a retainer holder that connects a retainer to a connector body in an expanded state.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are integral components for many applications, and especially for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Another example of fluid traveling between components is refrigeration lines, which may carry a refrigerant. A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle, and can be hazardous. As such, it is essential that fluid connectors for refrigeration lines be properly secured so as not to allow the release of any refrigerant.

[0003] Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip, retaining ring clip, or snap ring carried on the connector body which is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of a tube when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, during the assembly process, installation of the retaining clip onto the connector body is difficult and failure to install the retaining clip properly can j eopardize the structural integrity of the retaining clip. Additionally, the force required to engage the tube into the connector body, and overcome the radial force of the retaining clip, is very large with current designs. Also, since the retaining clips are very thin and small, it is easy to lose them if dropped or misplaced. Furthermore, some connection assembly solutions take a long time to secure and require tools for the assembly process. An additional issue with current fluid connectors is that retainers that are engaged with connector bodies after the tube is arranged therein are likely to get lost since it is a completely separate component unconnected and unretained by the connector body.

[0004] Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connection assembly including a retainer holder that connects the retainer, while in the expanded or unlocked state, to the connector body.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and a retainer holder operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer holder including a base, a first arm connected to the base, and a second arm connected to the base, and a retainer radially arranged between the base and the first radially outward facing surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is elastically deformable. In some embodiments, the first arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a first circumferential direction, and the second arm extends from the base in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are operatively arranged to engage the first radially outward facing surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises an axial space aligned with the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a tab operatively arranged to engage the axial space and the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the retainer is biased to an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a first section, a second section hingedly connected to the first section via a hinge, and at least one tab operatively arranged to engage the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the hinge comprises a crimped portion. In some embodiments, the base comprises a groove operatively arranged to engage the crimped portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a first section, a second section hingedly connected to the first section, and a tab extending radially inward from the first section, and in an assembled unlocked state of the fluid connection assembly, the tab extends through the first arm and is at least partially engaged with the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a first section and a second section hingedly connected to the first section, in an unlocked state of the retainer, the second section is pivotable with respect to the first section, and in a locked state of the retainer, the second section is fixedly secured to the first section. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly further comprises a tube including a shoulder, wherein the retainer is arranged to secure the tube to the connector body.

[0008] According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a fluid connection assembly, comprising a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and a retainer holder operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer holder including a base, a first arm connected to the base, and a second arm connected to the base, and a retainer radially arranged between the base and the first radially outward facing surface and biased to an unlocked state, the retainer including a first section, and a second section pivotably connected to the first section via a hinge.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is elastically deformable. In some embodiments, the first arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a first circumferential direction, and the second arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the hinge comprises a crimped portion, and the base comprises a groove operatively arranged to engage the crimped portion. In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a tab operatively arranged to engage the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, in an assembled unlocked state of the fluid connection assembly, the tab extends through the first arm and is at least partially engaged with the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, in the unlocked state, the second section is pivotable with respect to the first section, and in a locked state, the second section is fixedly secured to the first section.

[0010] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid connection assembly in an assembled unlocked state;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in Figure 1, in a fully assembled locked state;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid connection assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the retainer holder shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 5-5 in Figure 1; and,

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connection assembly taken generally along line 6-6 in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0013] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0014] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.

[0015] It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0016] It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a “non-exclusive” arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that “item x is A or B,” it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word “or” is not used to define an “exclusive or” arrangement. For example, an “exclusive or” arrangement for the statement “item x is A or B” would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0017] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases “comprises at least one of’ and “comprising at least one of’ in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase “used in at least one of:” is used herein. [0018] It should be appreciated that the term “tube” as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end form, or any other suitable pipe flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should further be appreciated that the term “tube” can mean a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of a gas or a liquid.

[0019] “Fully assembled locked state” as used herein refers to the fluid connection assembly and indicates that the tube is fully connected to the connector body and the retainer is fully connected to the connector body to retain the tube therein. “Assembled unlocked state” as used herein refers to the fluid connection assembly and indicates that the retainer is connected to the connector body but not fully connected to the connector body so as to retain a tube therein. In the assembled unlocked state, the tube may be arranged in the connector body or not be present at all. The retainer may also be described as having a “locked state” or an “unlocked state,” which indicates the state of the retainer independent of the connector body and the tube.

[0020] Adverting now to the figures, Figure 1 is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10 in an assembled unlocked state. Figure 2 is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10 in a fully assembled locked state. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly 10. Fluid connection assembly 10 generally comprises retainer 20, connector body 40, and retainer holder 100. In some embodiments, fluid connection assembly 10 further comprises tube 80. The following description should be read in view of Figures 1-3.

[0021] Tube 80 comprises end 82, section 83, bead or shoulder 87, section 89, end 92, and through-bore 94. Through-bore 94 extends through tube 80 from end 82 to end 92. Section 83 is arranged between end 82 and shoulder 87 and comprises radially outward facing surface 84. Radially outward facing surface 84 includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface 84 comprises a frusto-conical taper or curvilinear surface proximate end 82 (see Figure 6). Shoulder 87 is arranged between section 83 and section 89 and comprises surface 86 and surface 88. In some embodiments, surface 86 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction ADI and surface 88 is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, surface 86 is a frusto-conical surface extending from the radially outward facing surface of shoulder 87 radially inward in axial direction ADI. For example, surface 86 may be a linear conical shape and increases in diameter in axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, surface 86 may comprise linear portion and a conical or frusto-conical portion. Section 89 is arranged between shoulder 87 and end 92 and comprises radially outward facing surface 90. Radially outward facing surface 90 includes a substantially constant diameter. Tube 80 (or section 89) further comprises radially inward extending groove 85. In some embodiments, groove 85 is arranged in radially outward facing surface 90 immediately adjacent to shoulder 87. In some embodiments, groove 85 is spaced apart from shoulder 87, for example in axial direction AD2. Groove 85 is operatively arranged to engage tabs 30A-B such that retainer 20 may only lock when properly aligned with tube 80, as will be described in greater detail below. Tube 80 is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end 82 first, into connector body 40. In some embodiments, during insertion, shoulder 87 is operatively arranged to engage tabs 30A- B such that retainer 20 expands slightly. Once shoulder 87 is arranged axially between tabs 30A- B and surface 47 (see Figure 6), retainer 20 returns (i.e., contracts) back to its original unlocked state. In some embodiments, during insertion, retainer 20 is arranged such that shoulder 87 does not engage tabs 30A-B (i.e., retainer 20 is expanded enough such that the distance between tabs 30A-B is greater than the diameter of shoulder 87).

[0022] Tube 80 is inserted into connector body 40 until section 83, or radially outward facing surface 84, engages seal 62 (see Figure 6). Shoulder 87 is engaged with or arranged proximate to or abuts against surface 47 of connector body 40 and groove 85 is axially aligned with apertures 55A-B, at which point retainer 20 is squeezed to the locked state to secure tube 80 to connector body 40. Tube 80, specifically radially outward facing surface 90, comprises a first diameter. Radially inward facing surfaces 32A-B of tabs 30A-B, respectively, when retainer 20 is in the locked state, form a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter. The diameter of groove 85 corresponds to the second diameter such that retainer 20 may only be locked (i.e., male connector 36 engages female connector 38) when tabs 30A-B engage groove 85. The assembly of retainer 20 and retainer holder 100 onto connector body 40 to lock tube 80 therein will be described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated that tube 80 may be any traditional tube or tube end form comprising a bead, radially outward extending protrusion or flange, or ramp profile, which extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube, to secure the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, tube 80 comprises a metal, polymer, and/or ceramic.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of retainer holder 100. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 5-5 in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly 10 taken generally along line 6-6 in Figure 1. The following description should be read in view of Figures 1-6.

[0024] Retainer 20 generally comprises section 20A, section 20B, end 22, end 24, radially inward facing surface 26, and radially outward facing surface 28. Section 20A is hingedly connected to section 20B, via, for example, living hinge 34. Living hinge 34 maintains retainer 20 in the unlocked state, as will be described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, section 20A is removably connected to section 20B. When sections 20A and 20B are connected or retainer 20 is in the locked state (as shown in Figure 2), a hole is formed therebetween; however, it should be appreciated that even in the unlocked state, it could be said that each of sections 20A and 20B include a respective hole.

[0025] Radially inward facing surface 26 is operatively arranged to engage or abut against a radially outward facing surface of connector body 40, for example, the radially outward facing surface of groove 54 (i.e., radially inward facing surface 26 is arranged to engage and/or abut against groove 54). Retainer 20 further comprises one or more tabs (e.g., tab 32A and tab 32B) extending radially inward in radial direction RD2 from radially inward facing surface 26. In some embodiments, section 20A comprises one or more flanges, for example, flanges 21A and 23A. Flange 21A is aligned with radially outward facing surface 28 and extends from end 24 in axial direction AD2. Flange 23A is aligned with radially outward facing surface 28 and extends from end 24 in axial direction ADI. In some embodiments, section 20B comprises one or more flanges, for example, flanges 21B and 23B. Flange 21B is aligned with radially outward facing surface 28 and extends from end 24 in axial direction AD2. Flange 23B is aligned with radially outward facing surface 28 and extends from end 24 in axial direction ADI.

[0026] In the fully assembled locked state, as shown in Figure 2, radially inward facing surface 26 engages or abuts against or is arranged proximate to groove 54, and flanges 23A-B engage or abut against or are arranged proximate to head 58. Flanges 21A and 23A engage or abut against or are arranged proximate to radially outward facing surface 132, and flanges 21B and 23B engage or abut against or are arranged proximate to radially outward facing surface 142. Also, tab 30A extends through aperture 55A and engages radially outward facing surface 90 and shoulder 87, specifically surface 88, and tab 30B extends through aperture 55B and engages radially outward facing surface 90 and shoulder 87, specifically surface 88, to lock tube 80 within connector body 40. In some embodiments, and as shown, tab 30A and tab 30B engage groove 85 in order to form the fully assembled locked state. In such embodiments, retainer 20 is incapable of locking unless tabs 30A-B engage groove 85. Tab 30A comprises radially inward facing surface 32A, which comprises a curvilinear surface that is substantially equal to the curvilinear surface of groove 85 (i.e., radially inward facing surface 32A and groove 85 have substantially the same diameter). Tab 30B comprises radially inward facing surface 32B which comprises a curvilinear surface that is substantially equal to the curvilinear surface of groove 85 (i.e., radially inward facing surface 32B and groove 85 have substantially the same diameter). When in the fully assembled locked state, radially inward facing surfaces 32A and 32B comprise a diameter, which is less than the diameter of radially outward facing surface 90. Thus, when tabs 30A-B are axially aligned with groove 85, retainer 20 is capable of locking; however, when tabs 30A-B are not axially aligned with groove 85, retainer 20 is not capable of locking. For example, if tabs 30A-B are aligned with radially outward facing surface 90, since the diameter of radially outward facing surface 90 is greater than the diameter of radially inward facing surfaces 32A and 32B in the locked state, male connector 36 will not be capable of engaging with female connector 38. In some embodiments, in the assembled unlocked state, tabs 30A-B are at least partially engaged with apertures 55A-B. In some embodiments, in the assembled unlocked state, tabs 30A-B are engaged with apertures 55A-B and extend radially inward from radially inward facing surface 46 into through-bore 41.

[0027] It should be appreciated that tabs 30A and 30B are solid components including a substantial width that circumscribes tube 80 in the fully assembled locked state. The design of tabs 30A and 30B prevent ingress of foreign material into fluid connection assembly 10 that may jeopardize the seal between tube 80 and connector body 40 (i.e., O-ring 62). As best seen in Figure 6, section 20A and/or section 20B comprise width W1 (i.e., across flanges 21A and 23A and flanges 21B and 23B) and tab 30A and/or tab 30B comprise width W2. Width W2 is less than width Wl. This design is important because it allows flanges 21 A and 23A and flanges 21B and 23B to abut against or engage radially outward facing surfaces 132 and 142 of retainer holder 100, respectively, to prevent over insertion of tabs 30A-B into apertures 55A-B. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface 32A and/or radially inward facing surface 32B comprise at least one chamfer (e.g., on end 22 and/or end 24). Such chamfers are operatively arranged to engage shoulder 87 and allows for radially outward displacement of sections 20A-B when tube 80 is being inserted in or removed from connector body 40. In some embodiments, retainer 20 comprises a polymer, metal, and/or ceramic.

[0028] Section 20A comprises male connector 36 and section 20B comprises female connector 38. As shown, male connector 36 on section 20A is arranged to engage female connector 38 on section 20B such that sections 20A and 20B are fixedly secured. In some embodiments, male connector 36 is hook-shaped (in a radially outward direction) and includes groove 36A and projection 36B. Groove 36A is arranged in radially outward facing surface 28. Projection 36B extends generally radially outward in radial direction RD1 from groove 36A. In some embodiments, projection 36B comprises a tapered section near its top end operatively arranged to allow engagement of projection 36B with female connector 38, specifically, aperture 38A, to occur with greater ease. Projection 36B further comprises channel 36C. Channel 36C comprises a bottom portion, and two tapered side wall portions extending from the bottom portion. Channel 36C is arranged to engage projection 38B of female connector 38 in order to properly align projection 36B with aperture 38A.

[0029] Female connector 38 comprises aperture 38A extending radially inward from radially outward facing surface 28. Aperture 38A is operatively arranged to engage projection 36B to lock section 20B to section 20A. Female connector 38 further comprises projection 38B. In some embodiments, projection 38B is arranged proximate to radially inward facing surface 26 and includes at least two tapered surfaces. The tapered surfaces of projection 38B are arranged to engage channel 36C to accurately align projection 36B with aperture 38A. In some embodiments, female connector 38 further comprises radial gap 38C arranged radially between aperture 38A and projection 38B. Radial gap 38C is operatively arranged to allow radial displacement of female connector 38. For example, as section 20B is displaced toward section 20A, female connector 38 engages projection 36B and displaces radially outward in radial direction RD1. Once aperture 38A is aligned with projection 36B, female connector 38 snaps back radially inward, in radial direction RD2, thereby securing section 20B to section 20A. Gap 38C allows for this increased radial flexion of female connector 38.

[0030] Hinge 34 is specifically designed such that retainer 20 is biased and maintained in an unlocked or open state. As shown in Figure 3, retainer 20 remains in the open state until a user forces sections 20A-B together such that male connector 36 engages female connector 38 to secure sections 20A-B together (i.e., the locked state). As such, it could be said that retainer 20 is biased toward the unlocked state. The arrangement of retainer 20 in the unlocked state allows tube 80 to be inserted into connector body 40 with little or no force to overcome, at which point retainer 20 is can be squeezed into the locked state without the need to remove retainer holder 100. In some embodiments, and as best shown in Figure 5, hinge 34 comprises crimped or “C” portion 35A that extends radially outward in radial direction RD1 from radially inward facing surface 26. Aperture 35B extends radially inward from radially outward facing surface 28 on a first circumferential side of crimped portion 35A. Aperture 35C extends radially inward from radially outward facing surface 28 on a second circumferential side of crimped portion 35A, opposite the first circumferential side. When retainer 20 is moved to the locked state, hinge 34, for example crimped portion 35A, deforms. Such deformation may be elastic or plastic.

[0031] Connector body 40 comprises through-bore 41 extending from end 42 to end 44, radially inward facing surface 46, radially inward facing surface 48, groove 50, radially outward facing surface 52, groove 54, head 58, and radially outward facing surface 60. Connector body 40 is arranged to be connected to a component that is filled with a fluid or through which fluid flows. For example, connector body 40 may be connected to a refrigeration compressor or a transmission via radially outward facing surface 60, which may comprise external threading. Connector body 40 may be screwed into a threaded hole in the compressor via head 58 (e.g., using a wrench), which is then filled with refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments, head 58 is hexagonal; however, it should be appreciated that head 58 may comprise any geometry suitable for applying torque to connector body 40. Another component in which fluid connection assembly 10, specifically connector body 40, may be installed in is a condenser, evaporator, or pump. It should be appreciated that fluid connector 10 may be used in various other components, assemblies, and subassemblies in which fluid connection is desired. Radially outward facing surface 60 may further comprise groove 56. Seal or O-ring 64 is arranged in groove 56 to create a fluid tight seal between connector body 40 and the component it is connected to.

[0032] Seal 62 is arranged in connector body 40. Specifically, seal 62 is arranged in groove 50 to engage tube 80 (i.e., radially outward facing surface 84). Groove 50 is arranged in radially inward facing surface 48. In some embodiments, seal 62 is an O-ring. In some embodiments, and as shown, radially inward facing surface 46 is a substantially cylindrical surface. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface 46 comprises a frusto-conical surface or radially outward extending taper proximate end 44. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface 48 is a substantially cylindrical surface. Surface 47 connects surface 46 and surface 48. In some embodiments, surface 47 is an axially facing surface. In some embodiments, surface 47 is a frusto- conical surface. Surface 47 is operatively arranged to engage shoulder 87, specifically, to prevent axial displacement of tube 80 is axial direction ADI. Groove 54 is arranged in radially outward facing surface 52. Groove 54 is arranged axially between end 44 and head 58. In some embodiments, groove 54 is arranged axially between and spaced apart from end 44 and head 58. Connector body 40 further comprises one or more apertures (e.g., apertures 55A and 55B) arranged in radially outward facing surface 52. Specifically, apertures 55A and 55B are arranged in groove 54 and extend from radially outward facing surface 52 to through-bore 41. Apertures 55A and 55B are operatively arranged to allow tabs 30A and 30B to extend therethrough and engage shoulder 87 to secure tube 80 within connector body 40. In some embodiments, connector body 40 comprises a metal, polymer, and/or ceramic.

[0033] Retainer holder 100 generally comprises base or handle 110, arm 130, and arm 140. Base 110 provides a means for a user to connect and disconnect retainer holder 100 to and from connector body 40 and provides the pivot point for arms 130 and 140. Base 110 comprises channel 116 which forms section 112 and section 114. Between sections 112 and 114, and generally facing radially inward in radial direction RD2, base 110 comprises groove 118. Groove 118 is operatively arranged to engage crimped portion 35A. Base 110 further comprises one or more radially inward extending protrusions, for example, protrusion 120 and protrusion 122. Protrusions 120 and 122 are operatively arranged to engage apertures 35B-C, respectively. The engagement of groove 118 with crimped portion 35A, protrusions 120 and 122 with apertures 35B-C, respectively, and the at least partial engagement of tabs 30A-B with apertures 55A-B holds retainer 20 on connector body 40 in the unlocked state.

[0034] Arm 130 is elastically deformable and comprises a first end connected to base 110 and a second end. Arm 130 comprises radially outward facing surface 132 and radially inward facing surface 134. Radially inward facing surface 134 is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface 52. The diameter of radially inward facing surface 134 corresponds to the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52. In some embodiments, the diameter of radially inward facing surface 134 is less than or equal to the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52. In some embodiments, arm 130 comprises axial space 138 therein which forms arm 130A and arm 130B. In such embodiments, axial space 138 is aligned with aperture 55A such that tab 30A can pass therethrough when locking retainer 20. In some embodiments, arm 130 comprises a lobe on its second end. For example, and as shown, arm 130A comprises lobe 136A and arm 130B comprises lobe 136B. Lobes 136A-B generally extend radially outward and facilitate the easy assembly of retainer holder 100 onto connector body 40.

[0035] Arm 140 is elastically deformable and comprises a first end connected to base 110 and a second end. A circumferential space separates the second end of arm 140 from the second end of arm 130, which enables retainer holder 100 to be assembled to connector body 40 radially. Arm 140 comprises radially outward facing surface 142 and radially inward facing surface 144. Radially inward facing surface 144 is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface 52. The diameter of radially inward facing surface 144 corresponds to the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52. In some embodiments, the diameter of radially inward facing surface 144 is less than or equal to the diameter of radially outward facing surface 52. In some embodiments, arm 140 comprises axial space 148 therein which forms arm 140A and arm 140B. In such embodiments, axial space 148 is aligned with aperture 55B such that tab 30B can pass therethrough when locking retainer 20. In some embodiments, arm 140 comprises a lobe on its second end. For example, and as shown, arm 140A comprises lobe 146A and arm 140B comprises lobe 146B. Lobes 146A-B generally extend radially outward and facilitate the easy assembly of retainer holder 100 onto connector body 40.

[0036] To assemble fluid connection assembly 10, retainer 20 is first positioned on retainer holder 100. Specifically, hinge 34 is inserted into channel 116 of base 110 until crimped portion 35A engages groove 118. In some embodiments, tab 30A is engaged with space 138 and tab 30B is engaged with space 148. Then retainer holder 100, with retainer 20 engaged therein, is connected to connector body. Lobes 136A-B and 146A-B are engaged with radially outward facing surface 52 such that spaces 138 and 148 are axially aligned with groove 54 (and apertures 55A-B). Using base 110, retainer holder is forced radially inward in radial direction RD2 with respect to connector body 40, which elastically deforms arms 130 and 140 radially outward. When retainer holder 100 is fully engaged with connector body 40, arms 130 and 140 return back to their original position (i.e., displace back radially inward) thereby securing retainer holder 100, and retainer 20 to connector body 40. In the assembled unlocked state, as shown in Figure 1, arms 130 and 140 are engaged with radially outward facing surface 52, retainer 20 is in the unlocked state, and tabs 30A- B are at least partially engaged with apertures 55A-B. In some embodiments, tabs 30A-B are not engaged with apertures 55A-B.

[0037] Next, tube 80 is inserted in axial direction ADI, with end 82 first, into connector body 40. Radially outward facing surface 84 engages seal 62, section 83 is arranged inside of connector body 40 proximate radially inward facing surface 48, shoulder 87 is arranged inside of connector body 40 proximate surface 47 and/or radially inward facing surface 46, section 89 is arranged at least partially inside of connector body 40 proximate radially inward facing surface 46, and groove 85 is axially aligned with apertures 55A-B. As previously described, in some embodiments shoulder 87 may engage tabs 30A-B during the insertion of tube 80 into connector body 40. Such engagement may force sections 20A-B radially outward with respect to connector body 40. Once shoulder 87 is arranged axially between tabs 30A-B and surface 47, sections 20A- B will return to their original position, or the unlocked state.

[0038] Then, retainer 20 is secured over connector body 40, or moved to the locked state. Specifically, with retainer holder 100 still assembled, sections 20A and 20B are displaced radially inward toward each other (i.e., in radial direction RD2) until female connector 38 fully engages male connector 36 and retainer 20 is in the locked state. As previously described, engagement of female connector 38 with male connector 36 can only occur if tabs 30A-B engage groove 85. Engagement of female connector 38 with male connector 36 cannot occur if tabs 30A-B engage radially outward facing surface 90. In the locked state, radially inward facing surface 26 engages groove 54, flanges 21A and 23A and flanges 21B and 23B engage and/or are arranged proximate to radially outward facing surfaces 132 and 142, respectively, tab 30A extends through aperture 55A and radially inward facing surface 32A engages groove 85 and surface 88, and tab 30B extends through aperture 55B and radially inward facing surface 32B engages groove 85 and surface 88. In some embodiments, flanges 23A and 23B engage head 58. The engagement of retainer 20 with connector body 40 and tube 80 prevents axial displacement of tube 80 in axial directions ADI and AD2, as well as radial directions RD1 and RD2, relative to connector body 40. To disassemble, female connector 38 is displaced radially outward in radial direction RD1 with respect to male connector 36 until aperture 38A disengages projection 36B. Sections 20A and 20B are then separated to disengage tabs 30A and 30B from shoulder 87, at which point tube 80 can be removed from connector body 40. [0039] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS 0 Fluid connection assembly 41 Through-bore 0 Retainer 42 End 0A Section 44 End 0B Section 35 46 Radially inward facing surface1A Flange 47 Surface IB Flange 48 Radially inward facing surface2 End 50 Groove 3 A Flange 52 Radially outward facing surface3B Flange 40 54 Groove 4 End 55A Aperture 6 Radially inward facing surface 55B Aperture 8 Radially outward facing surface 56 Groove 0 A Tab 58 Head 0B Tab 45 60 Radially outward facing surface2A Radially inward facing surface 62 Seal 2B Radially inward facing surface 64 Seal 4 Hinge 80 Tube 5A Crimped or C portion 82 End 5B Aperture 50 83 Section 5C Aperture 84 Radially outward facing surface6 Male connector 85 Groove 6A Groove 86 Surface 6B Projection 87 Shoulder or bead 6C Channel 55 88 Surface 8 Female connector 89 Section 8A Aperture 90 Radially outward facing surface8B Projection 92 End 8C Gap 94 Through-bore 0 Connector body 60 100 Retainer holder Base or handle 140 Arm Section 140 A Arm Section 140B Arm Channel 142 Radially outward facing surface Groove 20 144 Radially inward facing surface Protrusion 146A Lobe Protrusion 146B Lobe Arm 148 Space A Arm ADI Axial direction B Arm 25 AD2 Axial direction Radially outward facing surface RD1 Radial direction Radially inward facing surface RD2 Radial direction A Lobe W1 Width B Lobe W2 Width Space

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. A fluid connection assembly, comprising: a connector body, including: a first end; a second end; a first through-bore; and, a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore; and, a retainer holder operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer holder including: a base; a first arm connected to the base; and, a second arm connected to the base; and, a retainer radially arranged between the base and the first radially outward facing surface.

2. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm is elastically deformable.

3. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein: the first arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a first circumferential direction; and, the second arm extends from the base in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.

4. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are operatively arranged to engage the first radially outward facing surface.

5. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 4, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises an axial space aligned with the at least one aperture.

6. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 5, wherein the retainer comprises a tab operatively arranged to engage the axial space and the at least one aperture.

7. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein the retainer is biased to an unlocked state.

8. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises: a first section; a second section hingedly connected to the first section via a hinge; and, at least one tab operatively arranged to engage the at least one aperture.

9. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 8, wherein the hinge comprises a crimped portion.

10. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 9, wherein the base comprises a groove operatively arranged to engage the crimped portion.

11. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein: the retainer comprises a first section, a second section hingedly connected to the first section, and a tab extending radially inward from the first section; and, in an assembled unlocked state of the fluid connection assembly, the tab extends through the first arm and is at least partially engaged with the at least one aperture.

12. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein: the retainer comprises a first section and a second section hingedly connected to the first section; in an unlocked state of the retainer, the second section is pivotable with respect to the first section; and, in a locked state of the retainer, the second section is fixedly secured to the first section.

13. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a tube including a shoulder, wherein the retainer is arranged to secure the tube to the connector body.

14. A fluid connection assembly, comprising: a connector body, including: a first end; a second end; a first through-bore; and, a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore; and, a retainer holder operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer holder including: a base; a first arm connected to the base; and, a second arm connected to the base; and, a retainer radially arranged between the base and the first radially outward facing surface and biased to an unlocked state, the retainer including: a first section; and, a second section pivotably connected to the first section via a hinge.

15. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 14, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm is elastically deformable.

16. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 14, wherein: the first arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a first circumferential direction; and, the second arm is curvilinear and extends from the base in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction.

17. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 14, wherein: the hinge comprises a crimped portion; and, the base comprises a groove operatively arranged to engage the crimped portion.

18. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 14, wherein the retainer comprises a tab operatively arranged to engage the at least one aperture.

19. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 18, wherein in an assembled unlocked state of the fluid connection assembly, the tab extends through the first arm and is at least partially engaged with the at least one aperture.

20. The fluid connection assembly as recited in Claim 14, wherein: in the unlocked state, the second section is pivotable with respect to the first section; and, in a locked state, the second section is fixedly secured to the first section.

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