Quick connect tube couplings
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorsSteven R. Hoff, Darwin C. Olson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Quick connect tube couplings are configured for use with unstepped bores in conventional fittings, valves, manifolds and similar devices. The couplings each include a tube support which axially abuts a brass sleeve utilized to retain the coupling in the bore. The tube support further includes a stepped portion which locates a primary O-ring seal for sealing directly with a tube connected by the coupling and a secondary O-ring seal which seals with the wall of the bore. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tube support is molded of plastic and, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tube support is brass in order to accommodate tubes with thicker walls.
Claims14
In a quick-connect coupling, useful to connect a tube or a plug within a bore formed in bodies in alignment with fluid passages, wherein the coupling include a tubular tube support of an outside diameter suitable for frictionally engaging the inner wall of the tube or plug;
- a sleeve having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tube or plug and an outer diameter engaging the diameter of the bore for frictionally retaining the sleeve in the bore;
- a collet having an outer diameter engaging the inner diameter of the sleeve and an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tubular tube support and slightly less than the outer diameter of the tube or plug wherein the tube or plug is frictionally retained between the collet and tubular tube support, and at least one O-ring seal disposed around the coupling;
- the improvement comprising:
- a base support extending radially from the tubular tube support, the base support having an axially extending portion with an end facing the sleeve;
- and
- an inner end face on the sleeve, the inner end face on the sleeve abutting the end face on the axially extending portion of the base support.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.