Patent Description:
Quick connectors are commonly used to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications, including for example fuel lines, brake lines, and coolant lines. Tactile and audible confirmations have long been employed to ensure a reliable connection between quick connectors and fluid lines. More recently, quick connectors can provide a visual confirmation of a reliable connection. Examples, as disclosed by documents <CIT> or <CIT>, include color markings and machine readable code that only become visible upon full engagement between the quick connector and a fluid line.

In some applications, a printed verification indicia is viewable through a window or a cutout portion of a quick connector. For example, a first component of a quick connector can include a verification indicia, and a second component of a quick connector can include a window for viewing the verification indicia, either manually or electro-optically. Obstruction-free viewing of the verification indicia requires proper alignment of the first component relative to the second component upon engagement with the fluid line, such that the verification indicia aligns with the window. However, in some applications, the verification indicia can become skewed relative to the window, making the verification indicia difficult or impossible to read.

Accordingly, there remains a continued need for an improved quick connector that overcomes these and other shortcomings, and in particular, a quick connector with a robust and substantially error-free verification indicia for use in automotive and other applications.

An improved quick connector with code verification is provided according to claim <NUM>.

The improved quick connector can ensure proper alignment of a verification indicia through an indicator window to minimize leaks and installation failures. Instead of relying solely on the hoop strength of the connector sleeve to maintain the indicator window in alignment with the verification indicia, the improved quick connector includes a sliding lock latch having wing elements and a locking tab. The improved quick connector is coupled to a quick connect fitting in a three-step process as with earlier constructions, providing an intuitive new construction that can be used for a range of applications, including for example the connection of fuel lines, brake lines, and coolant lines.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Referring to <FIG>, a quick connector in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated and generally designated <NUM>. The quick connector <NUM> includes a connector body <NUM>, a connector sleeve <NUM>, and a sliding lock latch <NUM>. The sliding lock latch <NUM> includes first and second wing elements <NUM> and a locking tab <NUM> to prevent misalignment of a verification indicia <NUM> with an indicator window <NUM>. Each feature is discussed below. Though described in connection with fuel lines, the quick connector <NUM> can be used in other applications as desired, including the connection of brake lines and coolant lines for example.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector body <NUM> defines a fluid passage between a fluid input end <NUM> and a fluid output end <NUM>. The connector body <NUM> further includes a connector collar <NUM> at the fluid input end <NUM> and a barbed stem <NUM> and the fluid output end <NUM>. The connector body <NUM> comprises an elbow fitting in the current embodiment, such that the fluid passage includes an approximately ninety-degree bend between the fluid input end <NUM> and the fluid output end <NUM>. In other embodiments the connector body <NUM> comprises a straight coupling between two fluid lines. The connector body <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material, optionally a durable, chemical-resistant and lightweight polymerized material.

As also shown in <FIG>, the connector collar <NUM> includes a cylindrical sidewall <NUM> that defines a transverse opening <NUM> and that bears a verification indicia <NUM>. The transverse opening <NUM> is shaped to receive the sliding lock latch <NUM> in a manner described below. The verification indicia <NUM> includes a visual cue to indicate the connector sleeve <NUM> is fully seated over the connector collar <NUM>. The verification indicia <NUM> includes a machine readable printed label, optionally a QR code or a bar code, while in other embodiments the verification indicia <NUM> is not machine readable and instead includes a color, a pattern, an icon, or other feature to indicate to a user that the connector sleeve <NUM> is fully seated over the connector collar <NUM>. The verification indicia <NUM> is generally angularly offset from the transverse opening <NUM>, optionally by between <NUM> degrees and <NUM>-degrees, further optionally about <NUM>-degrees.

The connector sleeve <NUM>, like the connector body <NUM>, includes a cylindrical sidewall <NUM>. The cylindrical sidewall <NUM> defines an indicator window <NUM>, a sliding lock latch window <NUM>, and a locking tab window <NUM>. The indicator window <NUM> includes a three-sided rectangular cut-out in in the illustrated embodiment, such that the indicator window <NUM> frames the verification indicia <NUM> on three sides thereof. In other embodiments the indicator window <NUM> is self-enclosed and frames the verification indicia <NUM> on four sides thereof. The sliding lock latch window <NUM> and the locking tab window <NUM> are entirely enclosed within the cylindrical sidewall <NUM>, being separated by a latching arm <NUM>. The latching arm <NUM> is a point of engagement for the locking tab <NUM> when the connector sleeve <NUM> is fully seated. The sliding lock latch window <NUM> and the locking tab window <NUM> are in axial alignment with each other, while the indicator window <NUM> is angularly offset from the sliding lock latch window <NUM> and the locking tab window <NUM> by between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees, further optionally about <NUM>-degrees. The sidewall <NUM> can include additional raised features, for example lateral ribs <NUM>, to provide an additional friction point for manual movement of the connector sleeve <NUM>.

The sliding lock latch <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM>, first and second latching arms <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second interference abutments <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second latching arms <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the base portion <NUM> and include a distal end portion having a blocker tab <NUM> and a retention hook <NUM>. The blocker tabs <NUM> engage a lock washer <NUM> when the sliding lock latch <NUM> is in the unlocked position. To arrive at the locked position, the latching arms <NUM>, <NUM> deflect axially rearward, extending past an interference portion <NUM> of the lock washer <NUM>. When in the latched position, the retention hooks <NUM> prevent removal of the sliding lock latch <NUM> from the sliding lock latch window <NUM>. The first and second interference abutments <NUM>, <NUM> function to more securely engage a fluid line when held in position by the sliding lock latch <NUM> and prevent the insertion of the fluid line if the sliding lock latch <NUM> is moved into its locking position before the fluid line has been fully inserted in the fluid input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>.

As additionally shown in <FIG> and in cross-section in <FIG>, the quick connector <NUM> includes a primary O-ring <NUM>, a secondary O-ring <NUM>, and a spacer <NUM> positioned between the primary O-ring <NUM> and the secondary O-ring <NUM>. These sealing members function to prevent leakage of fluid, for example fuel, from the coupling between the quick connector <NUM> and a fluid line. The primary and secondary O-rings <NUM>, <NUM> are generally selected to be chemically resistant. The primary O-ring <NUM> is compressed against spacer <NUM> by the lock washer <NUM>, and the secondary O-ring <NUM> is compressed against a portion of the connector body <NUM> by the spacer <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> of the sliding lock latch <NUM> includes a curved outer surface <NUM> that generally conforms to the cylindrical sidewall <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>. The above-noted locking tab <NUM> is centrally positioned on the base portion <NUM>, having a first ramped surface <NUM> and a second ramped surface <NUM> that intersect along an edge. The first ramped surface <NUM> includes a steeper pitch than the second ramped surface <NUM>, and the second ramped surface <NUM> engages the latching arm <NUM> when the sliding lock latch <NUM> is fully inserted and the connector sleeve <NUM> is fully seated. The first and second wings elements <NUM> protrude outwardly from the curved outer surface <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. Each wing element <NUM> comprises a corner projection extending in a plane that is orthogonal to the central axis of the fluid input end <NUM>, with each corner projection including two converging sides that meet at an approximately <NUM>° angle. Vertical posts <NUM> are adjacent each wing element <NUM>. The vertical posts <NUM> absorb at least a portion of the downward pressure to prevent breakage of the wing elements <NUM>. The sliding lock latch window <NUM> includes a stepwise reduction in side-to-side width (shown in <FIG>). At its widest point, the sliding lock latch window <NUM> includes a width equal to the distance separating the outermost portions of the first and second wings elements <NUM>. This width reduces to the distance separating the outermost portions of the vertical posts <NUM>.

Operation of the quick connector will now be described with reference to <FIG>. Referring first to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector sleeve <NUM> is shown in the raised position and the sliding lock latch <NUM> is shown in the unlatched (retracted) position. When in the raised position, the connector sleeve <NUM> includes an annular rim <NUM> that is spaced apart from an upward facing surface <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>, and the verification indicia <NUM> is only partially in view. When in the unlatched (retracted) position, the sliding lock latch <NUM> physically obstructs the connector sleeve <NUM>, preventing it from being lowered onto the connector body <NUM>. The opposite side of the connector sleeve <NUM>, distal from the sliding lock latch <NUM>, includes an enlarged opening <NUM>, through which the first and second latching arms <NUM>, <NUM> are visible.

<FIG> depicts the sliding lock latch <NUM> in the latched (inserted) position and depicts the connector sleeve <NUM> in the lowered position. The verification indicia <NUM> is in complete alignment with the indicator window <NUM>, providing machine readable visual confirmation of a secure connection between a fluid line and the first input end of the connector body <NUM>. To arrive in this position, the user inserts a fluid line in compliance with SAE J2044, or other standard, into the fluid input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM> until the lock washer <NUM> is fully seated against the primary O-ring <NUM>, spacer <NUM>, and secondary O-ring <NUM>. The user then slides the sliding lock latch <NUM> laterally until the curved outer surface <NUM> of the sliding lock latch <NUM> is flush with the cylindrical sidewall <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>, at which point the retention hooks <NUM> prevent removal of the sliding lock latch <NUM> from the sliding lock latch window <NUM>. The user then depresses the connector sleeve <NUM> into the connector body <NUM> until the locking tab <NUM> of the sliding lock latch <NUM> engages the latching arm <NUM> of the connector sleeve <NUM>. In this position, as shown in <FIG>, the verification indicia <NUM> is visible through the indicator window <NUM>. The locking tab <NUM> prevents accidental removal of the connector sleeve <NUM> from the connector body <NUM>. In addition, wing elements <NUM> prevent accidental rotation of the connector sleeve <NUM> relative to the connector body <NUM>. As a result, the sliding lock latch <NUM> ensures proper alignment of the verification indicia <NUM> through the connector sleeve indicator window <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a quick connector in accordance with a second embodiment is illustrated. The quick connector of this embodiment includes a shortened connector sleeve <NUM>, and the quick connector sleeve <NUM> includes a flat upper surface <NUM> that does not protrude inwardly, as in the embodiment of <FIG>. The indicator window <NUM> is likewise shortened, and is defined on three sides thereof as a cutout portion of the connector sleeve <NUM>. As in the embodiment of <FIG>, the sliding lock latch window <NUM> and the locking tab window <NUM> are entirely enclosed within the cylindrical sidewall <NUM>, being separated by a latching arm <NUM>, which serves as a point of engagement for the locking tab <NUM> when the connector sleeve <NUM> is fully seated. The connector sleeve <NUM> includes a resilient locking tab <NUM> opposite of the sliding lock latch window <NUM> and the locking tab window <NUM>, the resilient locking tab <NUM> securing the connector sleeve <NUM> in the raised position during shipment and prior to assembly. The connector body <NUM> and the sliding lock latch <NUM> are substantively identical to the embodiment of <FIG>. In particular, the connector body <NUM> includes a connector collar <NUM> at the fluid input end <NUM> and a barbed stem <NUM> and the fluid output end <NUM>. The sliding lock latch <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM>, first and second latching arms <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second interference abutments <NUM>, <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> further includes the above-noted includes first and second wing elements <NUM> and a locking tab <NUM> to prevent misalignment of a verification indicia <NUM> with an indicator window <NUM>.

To reiterate, the quick connector <NUM> of the above embodiments provide code verification in an intuitive, three-step process. First, the male end of a SAE J2044 quick connect fitting (or other fitting) is inserted into the fluid input end <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>. Second, the sliding lock latch <NUM> is moved from its un-latched position to its latched position, being fully seated within the transverse opening in the connector body <NUM> to prevent accidental withdrawal of the quick connector <NUM>. Third, the connector sleeve <NUM> is lowered onto the connector body <NUM> until the locking tab <NUM> of the sliding lock latch <NUM> engages the latching arm <NUM> of the connector sleeve <NUM> (preventing its withdrawal) and the annular rim <NUM> of the connector sleeve <NUM> rests against the upward facing surface <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>. The verification indicia <NUM> is visible through the indicator window <NUM>, providing visual confirmation of a secure coupling, in addition to tactile and audible confirmation associated with the sliding lock latch <NUM> engaging the quick connect fitting and the connector sleeve <NUM> engaging the sliding lock latch <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A quick connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector body (<NUM>) defining a fluid passage between a fluid input end (<NUM>) and a fluid output end (<NUM>), the connector body (<NUM>) bearing a verification indicia (<NUM>) on an outer surface thereof and defining a transverse opening (<NUM>) proximate the fluid input end (<NUM>) ;
a connector sleeve (<NUM>) that is movable axially over the fluid input end (<NUM>) of the connector body (<NUM>) from a first axial position to a second axial position, the connector sleeve (<NUM>) including a cylindrical sidewall defining an indicator window (<NUM>);
a sliding lock latch (<NUM>) that is moveable from an unlatched position to a latched position through the transverse opening (<NUM>) in the connector body (<NUM>), wherein, in the unlatched position, the connector sleeve (<NUM>) is in the first axial position such that the verification indicia (<NUM>) is at least partially concealed from view, and in the latched position, the connector sleeve (<NUM>) can be moved to the second axial position such that the verification indicia (<NUM>) is viewable through the indicator window (<NUM>),
the sliding lock latch (<NUM>) including first and second wing elements (<NUM>) extending radially outward therefrom, the first and second wing elements (<NUM>) preventing rotation of the connector sleeve (<NUM>) relative to the connector body (<NUM>) when the sliding lock latch (<NUM>) is in the latched position.