Quick connect fluid fitting

Abstract

A quick connect fitting for connecting a plastic or metallic tube (42) in a fluid circuit includes a fitting body (20) having an interior cavity (22) opening to the exterior of the body (20) via a generally circular port (36). A peripheral step (48) is located in the port (36) and an O-ring (50) is abutted against the step (48). A washer (52) is located in the port (36) and has a central opening (54) slightly larger than the outer dimension of the plastic or metallic tube (42). A peripheral flange (56) is disposed on the washer is directed away from the O-ring (50). A retaining ring (62) is disposed in the port (36) and nominally abuts the flange (56). The retaining ring (62) has a central opening (64) substantially greater than the outer dimension with a plurality of resilient, radially inwardly directed, angularly spaced fingers (66). The radially inner ends (70) of the fingers define a tube passage area (68) and are provided with cutting surfaces (72) for digging into the outer surface of the plastic or metallic tube (42). A lock member having a central opening (100) for receiving the plastic or metallic tube (42) is provided and is secured in the port (36) against the retaining ring (62) and abuts the fingers (66) so that they can only deflect into and out of the washer and not toward the member to provide positive retention of the tube (42).