Quick connect collet retainer with self-centering structure
AssigneeCooper Technology Services, LLC
InventorsMatthew Lutzke, Brian Graichen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A collet quick connect fluid coupling includes a self-centering structure that is received within a channel (36) in a pilot (32). The channel and self-centering leg (28) ensures the collet (26) is approximately centered within the housing (22) as a tube (38) is moved into the housing. This prevents misalignment of the collet relative to the tube (38). In a preferred embodiment, the collet (26) has a ramp ( 30) on an inwardly facing surface that cams along a surface on the pilot (32), assisting the collet (26) in expanding when a tube (38) is moved into a housing (22).
Claims7
A fluid handling combination assembly comprising:
- a housing for receiving a tube;
- a collet retainer received within said housing, said collet retainer extending generally circumferentially around a central axis, with an expansion gap at one circumferential location, said collet retainer being provided with self-centering structure for ensuring said collet retainer is generally centered about a central axis of said housing;
- and
- a tube held within said housing by having an upset portion positioned inwardly of said collet retainer.
A fluid handling combination assembly comprising:
- a housing for receiving a tube;
- a collet retainer received within said housing, said collet retainer extending generally circumferentially around a central axis, but having an expansion gap at one circumferential location, said collet retainer being provided with self-centering structure for ensuring said collet retainer is generally centered about a central axis of said housing;
- a tube held within said housing by having an upset portion positioned inwardly of said collet retainer;
- and
- said collet has a ramped angled inwardly facing surface, said ramped inwardly facing surface coming into contact with a cam surface when a tube is moved to bring said collet retainer axially into said housing, said cam surface causing said ramped inwardly facing angled surface of said collet retainer to cam radially outwardly and assist radial expansion of said collet retainer as a tube is moved into said housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.