Fluid conduit quick connectors with anti-spill valves

Abstract

A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube. The ribs may be conical and extend axially into the tube to guide fluid flow. Further, the valve surface preferably has a cross-sectional shape which roughly corresponds to the shape of the ribs, and the valve seat opening has a similar cross-sectional shape with a cross-sectional area intermediate that of the valve surfaces and the ribs.