Patent Description:
Fluid connectors, fluid connections, and fluid connection assemblies are integral components for many applications, and especially for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Another example of fluid traveling between components is refrigeration lines, which may carry a refrigerant. A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle, and can be hazardous. As such, it is essential that fluid connectors for refrigeration lines be properly secured so as not to allow the release of any refrigerant.

Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors. Such fluid connectors typically include a retaining clip, retaining ring clip, or snap ring carried on the connector body which is adapted to snap behind a raised shoulder of a tube when the tube is fully inserted into the connector body. However, during the assembly process, installation of the retaining clip onto the connector body is difficult and failure to install the retaining clip properly can jeopardize the structural integrity of the retaining clip. Additionally, the force required to engage the tube into the connector body, and overcome the radial force of the retaining clip, is very large with current designs. Also, since the retaining clips are very thin and small, it is easy to lose them if dropped or misplaced. Furthermore, some connection assembly solutions take a long time to secure and require tools for the assembly process.

Other problems with existing fluid connection assembly designs is they can be easily disconnected, which may allow for dangerous refrigerant or other harmful fluids to be released into the environment. Current fluid connection assembly designs do not include tamper resistant features to prevent disassembly. Additionally, current fluid connection assembly designs do not comprise a feature that indicates an attempt to disconnect the fluid connection assembly has occurred (i.e., tamper detection feature).

Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connection assembly including a retainer that prevents disassembly, includes a visual connection verifier and tamper detection feature, and reduces the insertion force required to assemble.

<CIT> discloses a fluid connection assembly with the features in the preamble of present claim <NUM>. Other conventional fluid connection assemblies are described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a locking tamper resistant fluid quick connect or connection assembly including visual connection verification. The fluid connection assembly provides for quick connection during automotive assembly line conditions for air conditioning lines that carry refrigerant or other fluid. The fluid connection assembly also provides a visual indication that a full engagement of the fluid connection assembly has been achieved.

The fluid connection assembly the present disclosure provides a user a tool and hardware-free fluid connection assembly having a visual connection verification for use in fluid lines (e.g., air conditioning lines carrying refrigerant). The fluid connection assembly removes the need for tools (e.g., power tools) and decreases possible harmful ergonomics caused by awkward assembly positions during tube connection. The fluid connection assembly comprises a positive visual indicator that the tube end form has been fully engaged into the connector body, as well as tamper detection after the connection has been produced. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly comprises a collar including at least one ball that forces the sealing face of the tube end form into the face of the connector body. The at least one ball is arranged on a radially inward facing surface of the collar. The collar is rotated, which forces the ball radially inward and the sealing face of the tube end form into engagement with the sealing surface of the connector body. In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly comprises a tamper detection locking feature that indicates if the locked connection has been tampered with (i.e., an unauthorized attempt to disconnect the fluid connection assembly).

In some embodiments, the fluid connection assembly comprises a collar that is rotated to engage balls that force the tube end form into a sealing area of the connector body. Once the collar is fully turned, a locking feature non-rotatably connects the collar to the connector body to prevent the tube end form from being removed from the connector body. A tamper deterrent detection feature covers the locking feature to prevent it from being released. In some embodiments, the locking feature may comprise a color scheme to indicate full engagement of the locking feature and thus the tube within the connector body. For example, the locking feature may comprise a locking detent arranged in the collar and biased radially inward by an O-ring, a spring, or another elastic biasing element. The locking detent comprises first section that resides in the collar and a second section that, in an unlocked position, extends out of a radially outward facing surface of the collar. In the locked position, the O-ring forces the detent radially inward such that the first section engages a recess in the connector body thereby non-rotatably connecting the collar and connector body, and the second section no longer extends out of the collar. The second section may comprise a color, such as red, that contrasts with the darker color of the collar.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:.

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs.

It should be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "nearly," "very nearly," "about," "approximately," "around," "bordering on," "close to," "essentially," "in the neighborhood of," "in the vicinity of," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term "proximate" is synonymous with terms such as "nearby," "close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "immediate," "adjoining," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

It should be understood that use of "or" in the present application is with respect to a "non-exclusive" arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that "item x is A or B," it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (<NUM>) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (<NUM>) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement for the statement "item x is A or B" would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and/or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

Moreover, as used herein, the phrases "comprises at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of:" is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, "and/or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

It should be appreciated that the term "tube" as used herein is synonymous with hose, pipe, channel, conduit, tube end form, or any other suitable pipe flow used in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. It should further be appreciated that the term "tube" can mean a rigid or flexible conduit of any material suitable for containing and allowing the flow of a gas or a liquid.

By "non-rotatably connected" elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all of the elements rotate; and, relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. By "rotatably connected" elements, we mean that: the elements are rotatable with respect to each other; and, whenever one element is displaced radially and/or axially, all the elements are displaced radially and/or axially.

Adverting now to the figures, <FIG> is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>, in a locked state. <FIG> is a perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>, in an unlocked state. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly <NUM> taken generally along line 3A-3A in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of fluid connection assembly <NUM> taken generally along line 3B-3B in <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial elevational view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>, in the locked state. <FIG> is a partial elevational view of fluid connection assembly <NUM>, in the unlocked state. Fluid connection assembly <NUM> generally comprises collar <NUM>, connector body <NUM>, and tube <NUM>. The following description should be read in view of <FIG>.

Tube <NUM> comprises end <NUM>, section <NUM>, shoulder <NUM>, section <NUM>, end <NUM>, and through-bore <NUM>. Through-bore <NUM> extends through tube <NUM> from end <NUM> to end <NUM>. Section <NUM> is arranged between end <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical or curvilinear taper proximate end <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some embodiments, section <NUM> further comprises a raised section arranged between radially outward facing surface <NUM> and shoulder <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> is arranged between section <NUM> and section <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>. As shown, radially outward facing surface <NUM> is a frusto-conical surface extending from radially outward surface <NUM> to surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> increases in diameter is axial direction AD2. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD1. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a constant diameter radially outward facing surface arranged between radially outward facing surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>. Shoulder surface <NUM> is an axial surface facing at least partially in axial direction AD2. Section <NUM> is arranged between shoulder <NUM> and end <NUM> and comprises radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> includes a substantially constant diameter. In some embodiments, section <NUM> further comprises a raised section, namely, radially outward facing surface <NUM>, arranged between shoulder surface <NUM> and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of radially outward facing surface <NUM>.

Tube <NUM> is arranged to be inserted, specifically with end <NUM> first, into connector body <NUM>, specifically through-bore <NUM>. Tube <NUM> is inserted into connector body <NUM> in axial direction AD1 until shoulder <NUM> axially clear balls or engaging elements or detents 64A and 64B (i.e., shoulder <NUM> is arranged on the right side of balls 64A-B as shown in <FIG>). It is the engagement of balls 64A-B with shoulder surface <NUM> that secures tube <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. It should be appreciated that tube <NUM> may be any traditional tube comprising a bead, radially outward extending protrusion or flange, or ramp profile, which extends radially outward and axially on the outer surface of the tube, to displace balls 64A-B of collar <NUM> and secure the tube within the connector body. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a metal. In some embodiments, tube <NUM> comprises a nonmetal (e.g., polymer, rubber, ceramic, etc.).

Connector body <NUM> comprises through-bore <NUM> extending from end <NUM> to end <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, groove <NUM>, radially outward facing surface <NUM>, groove 52B, head <NUM>, and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Connector body <NUM> is arranged to be connected to a component that is filled with a fluid or through which fluid flows. For example, connector body <NUM> may be connected to a refrigeration compressor or a transmission via radially outward facing surface <NUM>, which may comprise external threading. Connector body <NUM> may be screwed into a threaded hole in the compressor via head <NUM> (e.g., using a wrench), which is then filled with refrigerant fluid. In some embodiments, head <NUM> is hexagonal; however, it should be appreciated that head <NUM> may comprise any geometry suitable for applying torque to connector body <NUM>. Another component in which fluid connector <NUM>, specifically connector body <NUM>, may be installed in is a condenser, evaporator, or pump. It should be appreciated that fluid connector <NUM> may be used in various other components, assemblies, and subassemblies in which fluid connection is desired. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> may further comprise groove <NUM>. A seal or O-ring is arranged in groove <NUM> to create a fluid tight seal between connector body <NUM> and the component it is connected to. Seal <NUM> is arranged in connector body <NUM>. Specifically, seal <NUM> is arranged in groove <NUM> to engage tube <NUM> (i.e., radially outward facing surface <NUM>). Groove <NUM> is arranged in radially inward facing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, seal <NUM> is an O-ring.

In some embodiments, and as shown, radially inward facing surface <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical surface. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface <NUM> comprises a frusto-conical surface or radially outward extending taper proximate end <NUM>. In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical surface. Surface <NUM> connects surface <NUM> and surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is a frusto-conical surface. In some embodiments, surface <NUM> is an axially facing surface. Surface <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage shoulder <NUM>, specifically, to prevent axial displacement of tube <NUM> is axial direction AD1 with respect to connector body <NUM>.

Groove 52A is arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Groove 52A is arranged axially between end <NUM> and head <NUM>. In some embodiments, groove 52A is arranged axially between and spaced apart from end <NUM> and head <NUM>. Retaining ring <NUM> is operatively arranged to engage groove 52A to rotatably connect collar <NUM> and connector body <NUM>. When fully engaged in groove 52A, retaining ring <NUM> is rotatably connected to connector body <NUM> and prevents axial displacement of collar <NUM> in axial direction AD2 with respect to connector body <NUM>.

Connector body <NUM> further comprises one or more apertures (e.g., apertures 55A and 55B) arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Specifically, apertures 55A and 55B are arranged axially between groove 52A and head <NUM> and extend from radially outward facing surface <NUM> to through-bore <NUM>. Apertures 55A and 55B are operatively arranged to allow balls 64A and 64B to extend therethrough and engage shoulder <NUM> to secure tube <NUM> within connector body <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, apertures 55A-B are generally conical or frusto-conical. Such design allows balls 64A-B to extend only partially into through-bore <NUM>, thereby preventing balls 64A-B from falling into through-bore <NUM>. Thus, a radially innermost diameter of apertures 55A-B is less than the diameter of balls 64A-B and prevents displacement of balls 64A-B in radial direction RD1. It should be appreciated that while engaging elements 64A-B are shown illustrated as balls or spheres, engaging elements or detents 64A-B may comprise any geometry suitable for engaging apertures 55A-B and pockets 34A-B to engage shoulder <NUM>.

Connector body <NUM> further comprises one or more axial grooves (e.g., grooves 54A and 54B) arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Grooves 54A-B extend in axial direction AD1 from end <NUM> to or proximate to head <NUM>. Grooves 54A-B are operatively arranged to allow the prongs of a disconnect tool to be inserted therein to unlock collar <NUM> and disconnect tube <NUM> from connector body. In some embodiments, groove 54A is arranged <NUM>° from groove 54B.

Connector body <NUM> further comprises one or more recesses (e.g., recesses 54C and 54D) arranged in radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Recesses 54C-D are at least partially aligned with grooves 54A-B, respectively, and are operatively arranged to engage detents 70A-B to non-rotatably connect collar <NUM> and connector body <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> further comprises spacer <NUM> extending in axial direction AD2 from head <NUM>. Spacer <NUM> may be integrally formed with connector body <NUM> or removably connected thereto (e.g., a washer), and is arranged to maintain an axial distance between collar <NUM> and head <NUM>. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a metal. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, connector body <NUM> comprises a ceramic.

Collar or locking collar <NUM> is operatively arranged to be rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>. In some embodiments, collar <NUM> comprises two sections, for example sections 20A and 20B, that are secured together along their axial surfaces. In some embodiments, one of sections 20A and 20B comprises one or more dowels <NUM> and the other of sections 20A and 20B comprises one or more holes <NUM>, wherein the dowels <NUM> engage holes <NUM> to non-rotatably connect sections 20A and 20B. In some embodiments, dowels <NUM> and holes <NUM> comprise a frusto-conical geometry. It should be appreciated that sections 20A and 20B may be secured together using any suitable means, for example, bolts, rivets, screws, pins, nails, adhesives, etc. Collar <NUM> comprises hole <NUM> extending from end <NUM> to end <NUM>, radially inward facing surface <NUM>, and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Hole <NUM> is arranged to engage connector body <NUM> such that radially inward facing surface <NUM> engages or is arranged proximate to radially outward facing surface <NUM>. When collar <NUM> is connected to connector body <NUM>, end <NUM> is arranged to engage or abut against spacer <NUM> and end <NUM> is arranged to engage or abut against retaining ring <NUM>. In some embodiments, end <NUM> is arranged to engage or abut against head <NUM>.

In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprises knurling, or small ridges or beads thereon to aid in gripping. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprises a constant diameter. In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface <NUM> comprises a variable diameter.

Collar <NUM> further comprises one or more recesses (e.g., recesses 32A-B) and/or one or more through-bores (e.g., through-bores 30A-B). Through-bores 30A-B extend radially from radially outward facing surface <NUM> to radially inward facing surface <NUM>. Through-bores 30A-B are operatively arranged to engage sections 74A-B of detents 70A-B, respectively, to provide the visual connection verification, as will be described in greater detail below. Recesses or counterbores 32A-B extend radially outward in radial direction RD2 from radially inward facing surface <NUM>. Recesses 32A-B are operatively arranged to engage sections 72A-B and elastic elements 76A-B, respectively, such that collar <NUM> can be non-rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below.

<FIG> show partial elevational views of fluid connection assembly <NUM>, in the locked and unlocked states, respectively. Retaining ring <NUM> and section 20B of collar <NUM> have been removed to better view the engagement of detents 70A-B with collar <NUM> and connector body <NUM>.

Collar <NUM> comprises one or more pockets, for example, pockets 34A-B operatively arranged to engage balls 64A-B, respectively. Pockets 34A-B extend radially outward in radial direction RD2 from radially inward facing surface <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, pockets 34A and 34B increase in depth in circumferential direction CD1. At their deepest portion, pockets 34A-B allow balls 64A-B to displace radially outward in radial direction RD2 and disengage shoulder <NUM>, thereby allowing tube <NUM> to be removed from connector body <NUM> (i.e., the unlocked state). At their shallowest portion, pockets 34A-B force balls 64A-B radially inward in radial direction RD1 to engage shoulder <NUM>, thereby preventing tube <NUM> from being removed from connector body <NUM> (i.e., the locked state). Since pockets 34A-B gradually decrease in depth, fluid connection assembly <NUM> can be changed from the unlocked position shown in <FIG> to the locked position shown in <FIG> by displacing or rotating collar <NUM> in circumferential direction CD1. Fluid connection assembly <NUM> can be changed from the locked position shown in <FIG> to the unlocked position shown in <FIG> by displacing or rotating collar <NUM> in circumferential direction CD2.

Detents 70A and 70B are operatively arranged in collar <NUM>. Detent 70A comprises section 72A, section 74A connected to section 72A, and biasing element or spring, or O-ring 76A. Section 72A is generally cylindrical and is slidably engaged in recess 32A. Section 74A is generally cylindrical and is slidably engaged in through-bore 30A. In some embodiments, the diameter of section 72A is greater than the diameter of section 74A. O-ring 76A is arranged around section 74A and is engaged with recess 32A. O-ring 76A biases section 72A and section 74A radially inward in radial direction RD1. As such, any biasing element suitable for biasing sections 72A and 74A radially inward may be used, for example, a spring. Section 72A is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In an unlocked state, as best shown in <FIG>, section 72A slides along radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In the unlocked state, section 74A protrudes radially outward from radially outward facing surface <NUM>, thereby creating a visual indication that fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the unlocked state. When detent 70A is aligned with recess 54C, section 72A and 74A displace radially inward in radial direction RD1 to engage recess 54C and non-rotatably connect collar <NUM> with connector body <NUM>. At this point fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked state, as best shown in <FIG>. In the locked state, section 74A is recessed within through-bore 30A (i.e., spaced radially inward from radially outward facing surface <NUM>), thereby creating a visual indication that fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked state. To aid in such visual indications, the radially outward facing surface of section 74A may comprise a color (e.g., red) that contrasts with both the protruding end of section 74A and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Thus, it will be easier to tell if fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked or unlocked state (i.e., unlocked state if red is visible and locked state if red is not visible).

Detent 70B comprises section 72B, section 74B connected to section 72B, and biasing element or spring, or O-ring 76B. Section 72B is generally cylindrical and is slidably engaged in recess 32B. Section 74B is generally cylindrical and is slidably engaged in through-bore 30B. In some embodiments, the diameter of section 72B is greater than the diameter of section 74B. O-ring 76B is arranged around section 74B and is engaged with recess 32B. O-ring 76B biases section 72B and section 74B radially inward in radial direction RD1. As such, any biasing element suitable for biasing sections 72B and 74B radially inward may be used, for example, a spring. Section 72B is operatively arranged to engage radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In an unlocked state, as best shown in <FIG>, section 72B slides along radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In the unlocked state, section 74B protrudes radially outward from radially outward facing surface <NUM>, thereby creating a visual indication that fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the unlocked state. When detent 70B is aligned with recess 54D, section 72B and 74B displace radially inward in radial direction RD1 to engage recess 54D and non-rotatably connect collar <NUM> with connector body <NUM>. At this point fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked state, as best shown in <FIG>. In the locked state, section 74B is recessed within through-bore 30B (i.e., spaced radially inward from radially outward facing surface <NUM>), thereby creating a visual indication that fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked state. To aid in such visual indications, the radially outward facing surface of section 74B may comprise a color (e.g., red) that contrasts with both the protruding end of section 74B and radially outward facing surface <NUM>. Thus, it will be easier to tell if fluid connection assembly <NUM> is in the locked or unlocked state (i.e., unlocked state if red is visible and locked state if red is not visible). It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, fluid connection assembly <NUM> only comprises one detent to non-rotatably connect collar <NUM> and connector body <NUM>. In some embodiments, fluid connection assembly <NUM> only comprises a plurality of detents to non-rotatably connect collar <NUM> and connector body <NUM>.

To assembly fluid connection assembly <NUM>, seal <NUM> is arranged in groove <NUM>. Balls 64A and 64B are arranged in apertures 55A and 55B, respectively. Collar <NUM> is then rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>. This can be accomplished in a number of different ways. For example, section 20A can be arranged circumferentially around radially outward facing surface <NUM> with end <NUM> engaged with spacer <NUM> (or head <NUM>). Detents 70A and 70B are then engaged with section 20A. Specifically sections 72A-B and O-rings 76A are engaged with recesses 32A-B and sections 74A-B are engaged with through-bores 30A-B. Then, section 20B is non-rotatably connected to section 20A and rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>. In another assembly method, section 20B is non-rotatably connected to section 20B. Then detents 70A-B are engaged with collar <NUM>, after which collar <NUM> is arranged circumferentially around radially outward facing surface <NUM> with end <NUM> engaged with spacer <NUM> (or head <NUM>).

After collar <NUM> is rotatably connected to connector body <NUM>, with radially inward facing surface <NUM> engaged with radially outward facing surface <NUM>, retaining ring <NUM> is connected to connector body <NUM>, specifically in groove 52A. Thus, collar <NUM> is prevented from axially displacing in axial direction AD1 by spacer <NUM> (or head <NUM>) and axial direction AD2 by retaining ring <NUM>. It should be appreciated that collar <NUM> can be connected to connector body <NUM> in the unlocked state (i.e., with sections 72A-B engaged with radially outward facing surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), or in the locked state (with sections 72A-B engaged with recesses 54C-D as shown in <FIG>) and subsequently unlocked using a tool. However, in either scenario, collar <NUM> must be arranged in the unlocked state, with detents 70A and 70B disengaged from recesses 54C-D, prior to insertion of tube <NUM> into connector body <NUM>. At this point, sections 74A-B protrude from radially outward facing surface <NUM> visually indicating an unlocked state.

Once collar <NUM> is rotatably connected, in the unlocked state, to connector body <NUM>, tube <NUM> may then be inserted therein. As best shown in <FIG>, in the unlocked state balls 64A and 64B are capable of displacing radially outward in radial direction RD2 into the deep portions of pockets 34A and 34B, respectively. Tube <NUM> is inserted into through-bore <NUM>, with end <NUM> first, in axial direction AD1. Radially outward facing surface <NUM> of shoulder <NUM> engages balls 64A-B displacing them in radial direction RD2 until shoulder <NUM> axially clears balls 64A-B. When tube <NUM> is fully inserted in connector body <NUM> in the unlocked position, as best shown in <FIG>, radially outward facing surface <NUM> is engaged with or arranged proximate to radially inward facing surface <NUM> and balls 64A-B are then again capable of displacing radially inward in radial direction RD1 to engage surface <NUM> and radially outward facing surface <NUM> or radially outward facing surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, fluid connection assembly <NUM> further comprises a frusto-conical seal (e.g., rubber gasket) arranged between radially outward facing surface <NUM> and radially inward facing surface <NUM>.

Once tube <NUM> is fully inserted into connector body <NUM>, to lock fluid connection assembly <NUM>, collar <NUM> is rotated, for example in circumferential direction CD1, with respect to connector body <NUM>. The decreasing depth of pockets 34A-B force balls 64A-B radially inward in radial direction RD1 and into engagement with surface <NUM> and radially outward facing surface <NUM> or radially outward facing surface <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, balls 64A-B are no longer capable of displacing radially outward in radial direction RD2 and thus tube <NUM> is prevented from being removed from connector body <NUM>. Also in the locked state, and as previously described, detents 70A-B snap radially inward in radial direction RD1 and into engagement with recesses 54C-D (due to biasing effect of O-rings 76A-B), thereby non-rotatably connecting collar <NUM> with connector body <NUM>. At this point, sections 74A-B are completely recessed within through-bores 30A-B, respectively, visually indicating a locked state.

Claim 1:
A fluid connection assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>), including:
a first end (<NUM>);
a second end (<NUM>);
a first through-bore (<NUM>);
a first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>) comprising
at least one aperture (55A, 55B) extending from the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>) to the first through-bore (<NUM>),
a recess (54C, 54D) extending radially inward from the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>), and
a groove (54A, 54B) arranged in the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>); and,
at least one engaging element (64A, 64B) arranged in the at least one aperture (55A, 55B);
a collar (<NUM>) connected to the connector body (<NUM>), the collar (<NUM>) including:
a radially inward facing surface (<NUM>) engaged with the first radially outward facing surface (<NUM>) and including at least one pocket (34A, 34B) extending radially outward therefrom;
a second radially outward facing surface (<NUM>); and,
a second through-bore (30A, 30B) extending from the radially inward facing surface (<NUM>) to the second radially outward facing surface (<NUM>); and,
a detent (70A, 70B) slidably arranged in the second through-bore (30A, 30B) and operatively arranged to engage the recess (54C, 54D) to non-rotatably connect the collar (<NUM>) and the connector body (<NUM>),
characterized in that said groove (54A, 54B) extends in an axial direction (AD1) from the second end (<NUM>) and is at least partially aligned with the recess (54C, 54D).