Patent Description:
Connector assemblies, especially those with quick-connect functionality, are commonly used to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications. One example is coolant fluid lines in electric vehicle automobiles. For initial assembly and inspection and subsequent service, visual measures are sometimes employed in the design and construction of a connector assembly in order to verify that a proper and full engagement has been made between members of the connector assembly. Examples include secondary latches that are closable upon full engagement, and windows framed in one the members of the connector assembly for viewing engagement. These measures, as well as others like them, require physical interaction and viewing by the assembler, inspector, or servicer to ensure that a proper and full engagement has been made between the members of the connector assembly.

Connector assemblies are known in the prior art, for example from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

There is provided a fluid line connector according to claim <NUM>. The fluid line connector includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a passage. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The actuator member is situated near the body's passage. The actuator member is acted upon when another connector is inserted into the fluid line connector. The switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The switch is situated near the actuator member. The switch changes its state (i.e., from an open state to a closed state, or vice versa) upon insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector. The fluid line connector further comprises a retainer, a second actuator member, and a second switch. The body has a passage. The RFID tag is carried by the body. The retainer is carried by the body. The retainer can be received in a slot of another connector when the other connector is inserted into the fluid line connector. The first actuator member is situated near the body's passage. Amid insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector, abutment from the other connector with the first actuator member actuates the first actuator member. The first switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The first switch changes its state when the first actuator member is actuated. The second actuator member is situated at a location that is near the retainer. When the retainer moves in a direction that is transverse to a direction of insertion of the other connector into the fluid line connector, abutment from the retainer with the second actuator member actuates the second actuator member. The second switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag. The second switch changes its state when the second actuator member actuates.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the appended drawings, in which:.

Several embodiments of a fluid line connector and assembly are detailed in this description. The connectors and assemblies are designed and constructed to enable detection of proper and full securement between connectors without the necessity of the secondary latches and windows of the past that required some level of physical interaction and viewing by an assembler, inspector, or servicer at the site of securement. Instead, the connectors and assemblies of this description are provided with means in which proper and full securement can be detected via a device that is located remote of an immediate site of securement of the connectors, and the device need not necessarily make physical contact with the site of securement for detection. In this way, the connectors and assemblies are equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous- those found, for instance, in advanced manufacturing facilities in automotive production. The connectors and assemblies hence could prove useful in many applications, such as when an immediate power supply is not readily available and not readily at-hand. This description presents the connectors and assemblies in the context of automotive fluid lines, such as coolant fluid lines in electric vehicle automobiles, but the connectors and assemblies have broader application and are suitable for use in aircraft fluid lines, marine fluid lines, agricultural fluid lines, as well as other fluid lines.

As used herein, the phrase "full securement" and its grammatical variations is used to refer to a state of securement in which a fluid-tight joint is established via the fluid line connector. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms radially, axially, and circumferentially, and their grammatical variations refer to directions with respect to the generally circular shape of the passage of the fluid line connector.

The fluid line connector and assembly can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the application in which the fluid line connector and assembly are employed. <FIG> present an embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> that is not covered by the claims. The fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> here includes a fluid line connector <NUM> and another separate and discrete connector <NUM>. The fluid line connector <NUM> has quick-connect functionality for ready connect and disconnect actions with the connector <NUM> and is used to join automotive fluid lines together. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector <NUM> is a female connector and the connector <NUM> is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector <NUM> receives insertion of the connector <NUM> at a first end <NUM> in installation, and couples to a fluid line at a second end <NUM>. The fluid line connector <NUM> has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but could have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. The connector <NUM> could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities. With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector <NUM> has a first flange <NUM> protruding radially-outboard of its body, and has a second flange <NUM> spaced axially from the first flange <NUM> and likewise protruding radially-outboard of the connector's body. The first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> extend circumferentially around the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the fluid line connector <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, an o-ring <NUM>, an insert <NUM>, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip <NUM>, a switch <NUM>, and an actuator member <NUM>; still, in other embodiments, the fluid line connector <NUM> can have more, less, and/or different components. Referring now to <FIG>, the body <NUM> has a passage <NUM> defined in its structure for allowing fluid-flow through the fluid line connector <NUM>. The body <NUM> also has a compartment <NUM> for receipt and placement of the RFID chip <NUM>. The compartment <NUM> is a space that is separate from the passage <NUM>. A removable cover <NUM> can be provided to close the compartment <NUM> and enclose the RFID chip <NUM> therein. The body <NUM> further has a pass-through <NUM> for situating and seating the actuator member <NUM> within the body <NUM> in assembly. When the actuator member <NUM> is taken from the body <NUM> (for instance, as shown in <FIG>), the passage <NUM> and compartment <NUM> communicate with each other by way of the pass-through <NUM> which is open to both of the passage <NUM> and compartment <NUM>. The o-ring <NUM> is received within the passage <NUM>, as perhaps depicted best by <FIG>, and forms a seal thereat between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is also received within the passage <NUM> and is used to help retain the connector <NUM> when the connector <NUM> and fluid line connector <NUM> are secured together. In the example of the figures, the insert <NUM> has a pair of tangs <NUM> with hook ends <NUM> that capture the first flange <NUM> upon insertion of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM> to an appropriate overlapping depth, as demonstrated in <FIG>. The insert <NUM> includes a first ring structure <NUM> and a second ring structure <NUM> that are bridged together by the tangs <NUM>. Press-downs <NUM> on opposite sides of the second ring structure <NUM> can be squeezed to undo the captured first flange <NUM> for disassembling the connector <NUM> from the fluid line connector <NUM>.

The RFID chip <NUM> assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. The RFID chip <NUM> transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals with an RFID interrogator <NUM>. The RFID interrogator <NUM> sends an interrogating signal <NUM> to the RFID chip <NUM>, which responds with an RF signal <NUM>. In this way, proper and full securement detection is carried out with the use of RFID technologies. In a manufacturing facility, for instance, the RFID interrogator <NUM> can be stationed amid an assembly, inspection, and/or installation production line, and can establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator <NUM> seeks to intercommunicate with the RFID chip <NUM> as the fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> and larger application are transported through the securement zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator <NUM> may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In another setting, the RFID interrogator <NUM> can be a mobile device such as a hand-held device. The RF signal <NUM> can convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In an embodiment, the information conveyed can be an indication of the state of securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. For example, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> exhibit full securement, the RF signal <NUM> can convey the fully secured information in the form of an ON signal to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. The RFID interrogator <NUM> can in turn process the conveyed information. The information conveyed can also include a serial number, location of installation, etc..

With particular reference to <FIG>, the RFID chip <NUM> is carried by the body <NUM>. Support between the RFID chip <NUM> and the body <NUM> can be effected in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID chip <NUM> resides within the compartment <NUM> and is protected by the cover <NUM> in installation. At this location, the RFID chip <NUM> is shielded from exposure to fluid-flow traveling through the passage <NUM>, and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. The RFID chip <NUM> has an antenna <NUM> that exchanges (i.e., transmits and receives) RF signals, and has an integrated circuit (IC) <NUM> that stores data and information, among other possible functions.

The switch <NUM> interacts with the RFID chip <NUM> in order to activate and enable the RFID chip <NUM> to transmit and receive RF signals with the RFID interrogator <NUM>, and in order to deactivate and disable the RFID chip <NUM> from transmitting and receiving RF signals. Still, the interaction can influence the functioning of the RFID chip <NUM> in other ways. In the embodiment presented by the figures, the switch <NUM> is electrically coupled with the RFID chip <NUM> to enable and disable the antenna <NUM> to and from transmitting and receiving RF signals. The switch <NUM> can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the RFID chip that it interacts with and the design and construction of the accompanying connectors. For instance, the switch <NUM> can take mechanical, electrical, and magnetic forms. In one embodiment, and referring to <FIG>, the switch <NUM> is in the form of a button <NUM> mounted to the RFID chip <NUM>. As demonstrated best by <FIG>, the button <NUM> is located between the RFID chip <NUM> and the actuator member <NUM>, and adjacent the pass-through <NUM>. When impinged and physically pressed, the button <NUM>- due to its electrical coupling to the RFID chip <NUM>- activates and enables the antenna <NUM> to transmit and receive RF signals. A single press and release of the button <NUM> can activate the RFID chip <NUM>, or a maintained impingement and pressing can activate the RFID chip <NUM> for the duration over which the impingement and pressing persists, depending on the embodiment. Conversely, a single press and release of the button <NUM> can deactivate the RFID chip <NUM>, or an absence of a maintained impingement and pressing can deactivate the RFID chip <NUM> for the duration over which the impingement and pressing is lacking.

Furthermore, in other embodiments that are not covered by the claims, the switch <NUM> can be prompted to activate and deactivate the RFID chip <NUM> by other means. With particular reference to <FIG>, another embodiment carries out the prompting by use of a non-contact switch in lieu of a contact-based switch. A reed switch <NUM> is carried by the body <NUM> of the fluid line connector <NUM>, and a magnetic component <NUM> is carried by the connector <NUM>. Here, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> are in full securement, the proximity between the reed switch <NUM> and magnetic component <NUM> prompts activation of the RFID chip <NUM>. Conversely, less than full securement and the attendant remoteness of the reed switch <NUM> and the magnetic component <NUM> relative to each other deactivates the RFID chip <NUM>. In this embodiment, the actuator member <NUM> need not be provided.

The actuator member <NUM> receives abutment amid full securement actions and at full securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>, and thereby prompts impingement of the switch <NUM>. The actuator member <NUM> can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments, depending in some cases upon the design and construction of the switch <NUM> and the accompanying connectors. In the embodiment of the figures, and referring now to <FIG>, the actuator member <NUM> spans between the passage <NUM> and the switch <NUM> to provide an interrelationship between the connector <NUM> and the RFID chip <NUM>. The actuator member <NUM> is carried within the body <NUM> of the fluid line connector <NUM> and is situated and seated in the pass-through <NUM>. At its location, the actuator member <NUM> has one end at the passage <NUM> and another end at the switch <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the actuator member <NUM> is in the form of a cam member <NUM>. The cam member <NUM> is one- piece and has a U-shaped profile with a base portion <NUM> and a pair of prong portions <NUM> depending from the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> has a first working surface <NUM> residing at the switch <NUM> and maintaining contact with the switch <NUM>. And the prong portions <NUM> each have a second working surface <NUM> that reside in the passage <NUM> for abutment with the connector <NUM> upon its insertion into the fluid line connector <NUM>. The second working surfaces <NUM> can be slanted relative to an axis of the connector <NUM> in order to ease abutment with the connector <NUM> and to induce the concomitant displacement of the cam member <NUM>.

When the fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> is employed in use, proper and full securement can be detected via RFID technologies. The fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are brought together as the connector <NUM> is inserted into the body <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> comes into abutment with the cam member <NUM> and displaces the cam member <NUM> upward (relative to the orientation of the figures) and toward the button <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> makes surface-to-surface abutment with the second working surfaces <NUM> of the cam member <NUM>. The cam member <NUM> is urged upward and impinges the button <NUM> via surface-to-surface contact between the first working surface <NUM> and a confronting surface of the button <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first flange <NUM> maintains abutment with the cam member <NUM> and the cam member <NUM> hence maintains impingement with the button <NUM> at full securement.

In another embodiment that is not covered by the claims, the fluid line connector <NUM> includes more than a single RFID chip. With particular reference to <FIG>, a second RFID chip <NUM> is provided in addition to the first RFID chip <NUM>. And like the first RFID chip <NUM>, the second RFID chip <NUM> assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, both of the first and second RFID chips <NUM>, <NUM> transmit and receive RF signals with the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In an example, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> exhibit full securement, the first RFID chip <NUM> can convey the fully secured information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. Conversely, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> are not fully secured together, the second RFID chip <NUM> can convey this less-than fully secured information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. Further, at full securement, the second RFID chip <NUM> does not convey the less-than fully secured information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>; and, when not fully secured together, the first RFID chip <NUM> does not convey the fully secured information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. As in the previous embodiment, the first and second RFID chips, <NUM>, <NUM> can convey additional information such as a serial number, location of installation, etc. Whether the first RFID chip <NUM> conveys its fully secured information or the second RFID chip <NUM> conveys its less-than fully secured information is managed in part by the switch <NUM>. In this embodiment, the switch <NUM> interacts with both of the first and second RFID chips <NUM>, <NUM> and is electrically coupled to both of the first and second RFID chips <NUM>, <NUM>. The interaction and conveyance of information can be effected in different ways. For example, when impinged, the switch <NUM> can activate and enable the first RFID chip <NUM> to convey the fully secured information and, when not impinged, the switch <NUM> can activate and enable the second RFID chip <NUM> to convey the less-than fully secured information. The impingement and absence of impingement of the switch <NUM> can deactivate and disable the first RFID chip <NUM> or the second RFID chip <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, yet another embodiment of a fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> is presented. This embodiment has some similarities with the embodiment of <FIG> and the similarities might not be repeated in the description of the embodiment of <FIG>. The fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> includes a fluid line connector <NUM> and another separate and discrete connector <NUM>. The fluid line <NUM> has quick-connect functionality for ready connect and disconnect actions with the connector <NUM> and is used to join automotive fluid lines together, as well as other fluid lines in other applications. In this embodiment, the fluid line connector <NUM> is a female connector and the connector <NUM> is a male connector (often referred to as a spigot). The fluid line connector <NUM> receives insertion of the connector <NUM>, as demonstrated best by <FIG>. The fluid line connector <NUM> has an elbow and L-shaped configuration in the figures, but could have a straight and in-line configuration in other embodiments. The connector <NUM> could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a larger component such as a vehicle battery tray or heat exchanger, or could be an integral and somewhat monolithic part of a fluid line, among many possibilities.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the connector <NUM> has an extension <NUM> and a slot <NUM> located at an end of the connector <NUM> that is inserted into the fluid line connector <NUM>. The extension <NUM> interacts with an actuator member of the fluid line connector <NUM>, as set forth below, and can have various designs and constructions. The extension <NUM> spans axially over the inserted end of the connector <NUM>, and protrudes radially-outboard of the connector's surrounding body. The slot <NUM> receives insertion of a retainer of the fluid line connector <NUM>, as set forth below. The slot <NUM> spans circumferentially around the connector <NUM>. Furthermore, the connector <NUM> has a ramp <NUM>. The ramp <NUM> presents an increasing diameter in the connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is inserted into the fluid line connector <NUM> with the ramp <NUM> received in the fluid line connector <NUM> before the extension <NUM> and before the slot <NUM> are received in the fluid line connector <NUM> (i.e., from right to left in the orientation of <FIG>).

In the embodiment presented by <FIG>, the fluid line connector <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, a retainer <NUM>, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag <NUM>, one or two switches <NUM>, <NUM>, and one or two actuator members <NUM>, <NUM>; still, in other embodiments, the fluid line connector <NUM> can have more, less, and/or different components. Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the body <NUM> has a passage <NUM> defined in its structure for allowing fluid-flow through the fluid line connector <NUM>. Further, the body <NUM> has a compartment for receipt and placement of the RFID tag <NUM>. A removable cover <NUM> is provided to close the compartment and enclose the RFID tag <NUM> therein (the compartment and cover are only depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, but the depiction of <FIG> and <FIG> could have a similar construction for housing the RFID tag <NUM>). Moreover, though only partially shown in <FIG>, an insert assembly <NUM> can be provided and carried at the interior of the fluid line connector <NUM> and within the passage <NUM>. Depending on its design and construction, the insert assembly <NUM> can facilitate fit, reception, and/or sealing between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. The insert assembly <NUM>, for instance, could include an o-ring <NUM> and a carrier <NUM>, and could also include a bushing.

The body <NUM> has a construction that, in cooperation with the retainer <NUM>, furnishes the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector <NUM>. With reference again to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> are defined on opposite sides of the body's wall and span all the way therethrough and lead to the passage <NUM>. At the wall's exterior, a first recess <NUM> and a second recess <NUM> reside for temporarily deploying the retainer <NUM> as the retainer <NUM> is moved for receipt in the slot <NUM>. Flanges <NUM> project radially-outboard of the body's wall and partially enclose sections of the retainer <NUM> to prevent inadvertent dislodging of the retainer <NUM> when it is received in the slot <NUM>. Furthermore, the body <NUM> has a structure intended to accommodate assembly and installation of the actuator member(s) <NUM>, <NUM>. The precise design and construction of that structure can vary, and can depend on the design and construction of the actuator member(s) and switch(es) utilized in the fluid line connector <NUM>. In the embodiment presented by the figures, and turning now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a first socket <NUM> and a second socket <NUM> reside in the body <NUM>. The first socket <NUM> receives and holds the first actuator member <NUM> and is in the form of a slotted construction in this embodiment. The first socket <NUM> is located at an entrance <NUM> of the passage <NUM> for situating the first actuator member <NUM> thereat, and is defined in the body's wall near the entrance <NUM>. To fully receive the first actuator member <NUM>, an axial depth of the first socket <NUM> can be approximately equivalent to the length of the first actuator member <NUM>. And, in a similar way, a radial width of the first socket <NUM> can be approximately equivalent to the width of the first actuator member <NUM>. The axial depth of the first socket <NUM> is in general alignment with an axis of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>. The figures depict an enlarged structure in the body's wall to accommodate the first actuator member <NUM> and for furnishing the first socket <NUM>, but in other embodiments the accommodation can be more coherent and integrated into the body <NUM> such that the enlargement can be minimized.

Referring now particularly to <FIG>, the second socket <NUM> receives and holds the second actuator member <NUM> and is in the form of a slotted construction in this embodiment. The second socket <NUM> is located external of the passage <NUM> and at a side of the body's wall for situating the second actuator member <NUM> thereat. To fully receive the second actuator member <NUM>, a radial depth of the second socket <NUM> can be approximately equivalent to the length of the second actuator member <NUM>. And, in a similar way, an axial width of the second socket <NUM> can be approximately equivalent to the width of the second actuator member <NUM>. The radial depth of the second socket <NUM> is in general alignment with a radius of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>.

The figures depict an enlarged structure projecting from the side of the body's wall to accommodate the second actuator member <NUM> and for furnishing the second socket <NUM>, but in other embodiments the accommodation can be more coherent and integrated into the body <NUM> such that the enlarged structure can be minimized. In <FIG>, a base wall <NUM> and a pair of side walls <NUM> depending from the base wall <NUM> together partially enclose the second actuator member <NUM> and help protect against inadvertent contact from foreign components when the fluid line connector <NUM> is put to use.

The retainer <NUM> interacts with the body <NUM> to furnish the quick-connect functionality of the fluid line connector <NUM> so that the connector <NUM> can be readily inserted into and held in the fluid line connector <NUM> and can be released and removed therefrom as needed or as desired. The retainer <NUM> can vary in design and construction. With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in this embodiment the retainer <NUM> is a one- piece stainless steel wire spring that is inwardly biased. The retainer <NUM> has a first leg <NUM>, a second leg <NUM>, and bridge <NUM> spanning between the legs. The first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> can be substantially similar in shape and size. A first position of use of the retainer <NUM> is presented in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In the first position of use, the retainer <NUM> is carried by the body <NUM> with the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> moved through the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> reside partially within the passage <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is not inserted into the fluid line connector <NUM> in the first position of use. A second position of use of the retainer <NUM> lacks specific depiction in the figures. In the second position of use, the connector <NUM> is inserted into the fluid line connector <NUM> and the ramp <NUM> engages the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM>. The engagement urges the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> to spread apart away from each other (i.e., radially-outboard) and can move the bridge <NUM> radially-outboard. In some instances, a terminal foot <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first leg <NUM> is seated in the first recess <NUM> and, likewise, a terminal foot (not specifically depicted) of the second leg <NUM> is seated in the second recess <NUM>. As insertion of the connector <NUM> continues, the retainer <NUM> is brought to a third position of use in which the retainer <NUM> is received in the slot <NUM>. The first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> ride over the ramp <NUM> and can snap back into their location of the first position of use, but are now received in the slot <NUM>. The first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> are moved respectively through the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>. Receipt of the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> into the slot <NUM> secures the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM> together. Movement of the retainer <NUM> between its first and second and third positions of use moves the retainer <NUM> in a direction that is generally transverse and orthogonal to a direction of insertion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>— in other words, the retainer's movement is radially-outboard and radially-inboard, or up and down.

Turning now to <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> assists in the detection of proper and full securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> communicates with an RFID interrogator or reader <NUM> (<FIG>). The RFID interrogator <NUM> sends an interrogating signal <NUM> to the RFID tag <NUM>, which communicates in turn with the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In this way, proper and full securement detection is carried out with the use of RFID technologies. In a manufacturing facility, for instance, the RFID interrogator <NUM> can be stationed amid an assembly, inspection, and/or installation production line, and can establish an interrogation zone in which the RFID interrogator <NUM> seeks to intercommunicate with the RFID tag <NUM> as the fluid line connector and assembly <NUM> and larger application are transported through the securement zone. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the RFID interrogator <NUM> may establish an interrogation zone that spans several meters from the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In another setting, the RFID interrogator <NUM> can be a mobile device such as a hand-held device.

The RFID tag <NUM> is of the passive RFID tag type in this embodiment, but could be of another type such as an active RFID tag. The communications received from the RFID tag <NUM> can convey various data and information to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. In an embodiment, the information conveyed can be an indication of the state of securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. For example, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> exhibit full securement, the RFID tag <NUM> can convey the fully secured information in the form of an ON signal to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. And conversely, when the fluid line connector <NUM> and connector <NUM> lack full securement, the RFID tag <NUM> can convey the not-fully-secured information in the form of an OFF signal to the RFID interrogator <NUM>. The RFID interrogator <NUM> can in turn process the conveyed information. The information conveyed can also include a part serial number, location of installation, etc. In an embodiment in which the fluid line connector <NUM> is equipped with both of the switches <NUM>, <NUM> and both of the actuator members <NUM>, <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM> can convey the state of each of the actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> based upon impingement or non-impingement of the switches <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the RFID tag <NUM> can convey one or more of the following: i) both of the actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> lack actuation and hence both of the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open state, ii) the first actuator member <NUM> lacks actuation and hence the first switch <NUM> is in an open state and the second actuator member <NUM> is actuated and hence the second switch <NUM> is in a closed state, iii) the first actuator member <NUM> is actuated and hence the first switch <NUM> is in a closed state and the second actuator member <NUM> lacks actuation and hence the second switch <NUM> is in an open state, and/or iv) both of the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated and hence both of the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed state.

The RFID tag <NUM> is carried by the body <NUM>. Support between the RFID tag <NUM> and the body <NUM> can be effected in various ways. In this embodiment, the RFID tag <NUM> resides within the body's compartment and is protected by the cover <NUM> in installation. At this location, the RFID tag <NUM> is shielded from exposure to fluid-flow traveling through the passage <NUM>, and is shielded from external sources of contamination, depending on the particular application. As shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> has an antenna <NUM> and has an integrated circuit (IC) <NUM> that stores data and information, among other possible functions. The antenna <NUM> and IC <NUM> can be carried on a substrate of the RFID tag <NUM>. When both are provided, the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> can be electrically coupled with the RFID tag <NUM> in a series arrangement. Furthermore, as previously described with reference to <FIG>, in the embodiment of <FIG> the fluid line connector <NUM> can include more than a single RFID tag.

In alternatives to the embodiment of <FIG>, the fluid line connector <NUM> can be equipped with: i) only the first switch <NUM> and first actuator member <NUM>, ii) only the second switch <NUM> and second actuator member <NUM>, or iii) both of the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> and both of the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM>. The third [iii)] alternative is depicted in the figures, but skilled artisans can readily envision the first [i)] and second [ii)] alternatives by removal of the other from the fluid line connector <NUM> in the figures.

Turning now to <FIG>, the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> are electrically coupled with the RFID tag <NUM> in order to convey their state to the RFID tag <NUM> based on impingement or non-impingement of the switches <NUM>, <NUM> by the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM>. The electrical coupling can be in the form of wires <NUM> spanning from the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> and to the RFID tag <NUM>. The wiring can establish a series arrangement. In the example of the wires <NUM>, the wires <NUM> could be routed through one or more grooves residing in the body <NUM> or could be embedded within the body's walls, among other possibilities. The first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> can take various forms in various embodiments depending in some cases upon the RFID tag that it interacts with and the design and construction of the accompanying actuator members. With respect to each other and in the embodiment in which both of the switches <NUM>, <NUM> are present, the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> can take different forms. In <FIG>, the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of a button <NUM>. When impinged and physically pressed by the particular actuator member, the button <NUM> is in a closed state. And when not impinged and not physically pressed by the particular actuator member, the button <NUM> is in an open state.

The first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> receive abutment amid full securement actions and at full securement between the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM>, and are thereby actuated and in turn respectively impinge the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> to close the switches. The first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> can have various designs, constructions, and components in different embodiments depending in some cases upon the design and construction of the particular switch and connector. With respect to each other and in the embodiment in which both of the actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> are present, the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> can take different forms.

In the embodiment of the figures and turning now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first actuator member <NUM> is intended to facilitate detection of axial insertion of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>. The first actuator member <NUM> is situated near the entrance <NUM> of the passage <NUM>. In general, the first actuator member <NUM> resembles a V-shape turned on its side. A longitudinal extent <NUM> of the first actuator member <NUM>, in assembly, is arranged generally in-line with the direction of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>. The longitudinal extent <NUM> is in general alignment with the axis of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>. The first actuator member <NUM> has a base <NUM> and an appendage <NUM> depending from the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> carries the first switch <NUM> and is inserted and received in the first socket <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> can move relative to the base <NUM> over an arced path <NUM> when the first actuator member <NUM> receives abutment from the connector <NUM>. The appendage <NUM>, as demonstrated perhaps best by <FIG>, is suspended partly within the passage <NUM> prior to insertion of the connector <NUM> so that the connector's extension <NUM> can make abutment with the appendage <NUM> upon such insertion. The appendage <NUM> remains in this extended and suspended position when it is at rest and when it lacks abutment from the extension <NUM>- this constitutes an unactuated state of the first actuator member <NUM> and a correspondingly open state of the first switch <NUM>. When abutted, the appendage <NUM> then moves toward the base <NUM> and impinges the first switch <NUM> - this constitutes an actuated state of the first actuator member <NUM> and a correspondingly closed state of the first switch <NUM>.

At one side, the appendage <NUM> has an outer working surface <NUM> that maintains general confrontation with the passage <NUM> and with the connector <NUM>. At its opposite side, the appendage <NUM> has an inner working surface <NUM> that maintains general confrontation with the first switch <NUM>. A projection <NUM> can extend from the inner working surface <NUM> for direct impingement with the first switch <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> about which the appendage <NUM> bends relative to the base <NUM>, and has a distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> serves as a hinge, and the distal end <NUM> constitutes a free terminal end of the appendage <NUM>. For the first actuator member <NUM>, an axis <NUM> of the hinge lies in a generally orthogonal arrangement with the direction of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, and likewise is generally orthogonal to the axis of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second actuator member <NUM> has a similar design and construction as the first actuator member <NUM>. Turning now to <FIG>, the second actuator member <NUM> is intended to facilitate detection of proper positioning of the retainer <NUM> and accompanying receipt of the legs <NUM>, <NUM> in the slot <NUM>. The second actuator member <NUM> is situated at a location that is external of the passage <NUM> and at a side of the body's wall; still, in other embodiments lacking depiction the second actuator member could be located internal of the body <NUM> and need not be external. Because of its location, and unlike the first actuator member <NUM>, the longitudinal extent <NUM> of the second actuator member <NUM> is arranged generally transverse to the direction of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>. The longitudinal extent <NUM> is generally orthogonal to the axis of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>. The base <NUM> of the second actuator member <NUM> carries the second switch <NUM> and is inserted and received in the second socket <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> is positioned at the body's exterior with its distal end <NUM> lying in intersection with a path over which the terminal foot <NUM> descends and resides when the retainer <NUM> is in its first and third positions of use. In this way, the terminal foot <NUM> can make abutment with the appendage <NUM> when the legs <NUM>, <NUM> are moved in the slot <NUM> and can hence cause actuation of the second actuator member <NUM>. Actuation of the second actuator member <NUM> via abutment from the terminal foot <NUM> is demonstrated in <FIG>. The appendage <NUM> remains in its extended position when it is at rest and when it lacks abutment from the terminal foot <NUM>- this constitutes an unactuated state of the second actuator member <NUM> and a correspondingly open state of the second switch <NUM>. The appendage <NUM> lacks abutment from the terminal foot <NUM> when the retainer <NUM> is in its second position of use. When abutted by the terminal foot <NUM>, the appendage <NUM> then moves toward the base <NUM> and impinges the second switch <NUM>- this constitutes an actuated state of the second actuator member <NUM> and a correspondingly closed state of the second switch <NUM>. For the second actuator member <NUM>, the axis <NUM> of the hinge is arranged generally in-line with the direction of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, and likewise is in general alignment with the axis of the passage <NUM> at the entrance <NUM>.

The embodiment of the fluid line connector <NUM> that employs the use of both of the switches <NUM>, <NUM> and both of the actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> provides an enhanced resolution of full securement and precludes a false-negative detection reading. Turning now to <FIG>, a first bar schematic <NUM> is representative of the state of the first switch <NUM> at certain axial insertion depths of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, and a second bar schematic <NUM> is representative of the state of the second switch <NUM> at the same axial insertion depths of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first and second bar schematics <NUM>, <NUM> are placed next to the connector <NUM> and parallel with the axis of the connector <NUM> to serve as a representation of the corresponding axial section of the connector <NUM> as it is inserted into the fluid line connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, along a first axial depth of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, the first switch <NUM> should be in its open state. Along a first axial depth of insertion <NUM> of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, the second switch <NUM> may be in its closed state. Further, along a second axial depth of insertion <NUM>, the first switch <NUM> may be in its closed state. At the second axial depth of insertion <NUM>, as illustrated, the retainer <NUM> has now come into engagement with the ramp <NUM>. Along a second axial depth of insertion <NUM>, the second switch <NUM> should be in its open state. Again here, the ramp <NUM> is engaging the retainer <NUM> in the second axial depth of insertion <NUM>. Lastly, along a third axial depth of insertion <NUM>, the first switch <NUM> should be in its closed state. And along a third axial depth of insertion <NUM>, the second switch <NUM> should also be in its closed state. At the third axial depth of insertions <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> are received in the slot <NUM> and the fluid line connector <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are fully secured together. Also, the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated and impinge the first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM> at the third axial depth of insertions <NUM>, <NUM>. Over insertion movement of the connector <NUM> into the fluid line connector <NUM>, in this embodiment the first switch <NUM> goes from its open state to its closed state, and the second switch <NUM> goes from its closed state to its open state and then back to its closed state. The second switch <NUM>, in a sense, acts like a momentary switch. Moreover, because at the time when the first switch <NUM> initially enters its closed state (or at least may be in its closed state) at the second axial depth of insertion <NUM> the second switch <NUM> is concurrently in its open state at the second axial depth of insertion <NUM>, a false negative detection reading is precluded. Put another way, at least one of the first or second switches <NUM>, <NUM> remains in its open state until the third axial depth of insertions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Still, additional alternatives are possible for the embodiment of <FIG>. In one alternative, impingement from the first and second actuator members <NUM>, <NUM> changes the state of the respective first and second switches <NUM>, <NUM>- for example, brings the switches from an initially open state to a subsequently closed state via impingement, or conversely brings the switches from an initially closed state to a subsequently open state via impingement. In another alternative, the first switch <NUM> can itself receive abutment from the connector <NUM>, with the first actuator member <NUM> being indirectly acted on and indirectly moved by the abutment via the first switch <NUM>.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below.

Claim 1:
A fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a passage (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (<NUM>, <NUM>) carried by said body (<NUM>);
an actuator member (<NUM>, <NUM>) situated adjacent said passage (<NUM>) of said body (<NUM>), said actuator member (<NUM>, <NUM>) acted on upon insertion of another connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) into the fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) electrically coupled with said RFID tag (<NUM>, <NUM>) and situated adjacent said actuator member (<NUM>, <NUM>), said switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) changing its state upon insertion of the other connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) into the fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises a retainer (<NUM>) carried by said body (<NUM>, (<NUM>);
characterized in that the fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises:
a second actuator member (<NUM>) situated adjacent said retainer (<NUM>), said second actuator member (<NUM>) actuating upon movement of said retainer (<NUM>) in a direction that is transverse to a direction of insertion (<NUM>) of the other connector (<NUM>, <NUM>) into the fluid line connector (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a second switch (<NUM>) electrically coupled with said RFID tag (<NUM>, <NUM>) and situated adjacent said second actuator member (<NUM>), said second switch (<NUM>) impinged by said second actuator member (<NUM>) when said second actuator member (<NUM>) is actuated.